Today only -- Tuesday -- 2 free tacos at Jack in the Box! Print off the coupon, and they're yours. Too bad we don't have a location close by...
If you miss that, though, you can console yourself with a free regular roast beef sandwich -- all you need do is buy a drink at Arby's. Good only on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Arby's is having regular freebies on Wednesdays all through August.
Domino's has a special, too -- if you order a pasta bowl, get a chocolate lava crunch cake sample...free! Find out more here. Special goes through mid-September.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
10 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer
*Don't open the windows until it really starts to heat up. (I don't get this either -- seems like you should open when everything is cool...but it really does help keep cooler air IN and warmer air out.)
*Open the windows in time to catch the evening breeze! (Which comes through about 5 or 6 p.m. at our house...)
*Spray down any concrete by your door. Evaporating moisture will help cool things down. Water and mist your flowers, while you're at it, and wash down the back glass door.
*Add insulation to your attic. Keeps the hot air from working its way down to living areas.
*Hang damp towels or sheets on a door. Preferably by an open window with a breeze. You'll have clean dry sheets and towels...and cooler air.
*Let clothes dry on your body, instead of in the dryer. Sleeveless shifts are particularly good for this.
*Put out a bowl of ice cubes out when you think of it. Keep the bowl out until everything's melted, then water a plant with it. Evaporation is our friend.
*Certain smells just make us 'feel' cooler! Mint and cucumber, for example...lavender does it for me, too.
*Take at least 5 minutes a day to sit and sip something cool.
*Instead of letting portable fans spray air on your face, aim them closer to your feet. Cools your whole body down this way, instead of getting a sore throat or chills from the air hitting your face.
Have a cooling summer!
*Open the windows in time to catch the evening breeze! (Which comes through about 5 or 6 p.m. at our house...)
*Spray down any concrete by your door. Evaporating moisture will help cool things down. Water and mist your flowers, while you're at it, and wash down the back glass door.
*Add insulation to your attic. Keeps the hot air from working its way down to living areas.
*Hang damp towels or sheets on a door. Preferably by an open window with a breeze. You'll have clean dry sheets and towels...and cooler air.
*Let clothes dry on your body, instead of in the dryer. Sleeveless shifts are particularly good for this.
*Put out a bowl of ice cubes out when you think of it. Keep the bowl out until everything's melted, then water a plant with it. Evaporation is our friend.
*Certain smells just make us 'feel' cooler! Mint and cucumber, for example...lavender does it for me, too.
*Take at least 5 minutes a day to sit and sip something cool.
*Instead of letting portable fans spray air on your face, aim them closer to your feet. Cools your whole body down this way, instead of getting a sore throat or chills from the air hitting your face.
Have a cooling summer!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Win a $50 Flower Gift Card!
Flowers are such a wonderful mainstay of life...we're lucky now, to have so many blooming. Every type makes me happy, from roses to those big bossy yellow yarrow (that are trying to push said trembling roses around...)
Win a $50 gift card to 1-800-FLOWERS from Frugal in Virginia; it's easy, just post a comment! (Thanks, Frug, for your generous offer.)
Win a $50 gift card to 1-800-FLOWERS from Frugal in Virginia; it's easy, just post a comment! (Thanks, Frug, for your generous offer.)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Saving on Toilet Paper
As Diane Hopkins points out, don't look at the size of the package or the number of rolls...
it's the square footage that counts!
She uses a penny per square foot as her 'bargain gauge.'
I'm thinking we spend slightly more per square foot out here in the Denver, CO area, but it's a good start, at least.
it's the square footage that counts!
She uses a penny per square foot as her 'bargain gauge.'
I'm thinking we spend slightly more per square foot out here in the Denver, CO area, but it's a good start, at least.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Family Meals...for $5!
Try Frugal Living Skills' Cheap Meals category for a bunch of great -- and cheap -- meals, ranging from pork roast to pizza.
Not to mention a host of goodies from 5DollarDinners.com.
Yum.
Here's one of my favorites, especially right now, when the veggies are ripe and the livin' is easy:
Oriental Stir-Fry
2 cups of chunked chicken breast OR pork roast OR thin-sliced beef OR shelled shrimp
(or substitute your favorite protein or tofu)
2-4 cups vegetables, sliced thin and/or chunked. Possibilities include:
snow peas, onion (or green onion), cabbage, spinach, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms broccoli, green beans, celery, your choice --
the fresher, the better (use what's on sale)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 small piece fresh ginger
hot rice
Start the rice while you cut up your veggies and protein. (Hint: protein slices easier when it's still half-frozen.) Separate out the fast-cooking veggies for adding last. Start the oil sizzling in a fry pan, dump in the slower-cooking protein and veggies plus the ginger and stir for a minute or two. Sprinkle in the wine, stir a minute or so more. Add the soy sauce, then the slower-cooking veggies. Turn the heat off and stir one more time to mix everything nicely. Discard the ginger.
Pile on top of the rice, grab your chopsticks, and enjoy. This serves 4...or 2 very hungry people.
Not to mention a host of goodies from 5DollarDinners.com.
Yum.
Here's one of my favorites, especially right now, when the veggies are ripe and the livin' is easy:
Oriental Stir-Fry
2 cups of chunked chicken breast OR pork roast OR thin-sliced beef OR shelled shrimp
(or substitute your favorite protein or tofu)
2-4 cups vegetables, sliced thin and/or chunked. Possibilities include:
snow peas, onion (or green onion), cabbage, spinach, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms broccoli, green beans, celery, your choice --
the fresher, the better (use what's on sale)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 small piece fresh ginger
hot rice
Start the rice while you cut up your veggies and protein. (Hint: protein slices easier when it's still half-frozen.) Separate out the fast-cooking veggies for adding last. Start the oil sizzling in a fry pan, dump in the slower-cooking protein and veggies plus the ginger and stir for a minute or two. Sprinkle in the wine, stir a minute or so more. Add the soy sauce, then the slower-cooking veggies. Turn the heat off and stir one more time to mix everything nicely. Discard the ginger.
Pile on top of the rice, grab your chopsticks, and enjoy. This serves 4...or 2 very hungry people.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Free Quart of Paint from Glidden - Today Only!
Want to try Glidden Paint...for free?
You can order a quart in your favorite color here. No shipping costs, either.
Warning, though: you only have today to take advantage of this generous promotion.
Helpful note: if you're getting nowhere trying to load the website, call 1-800-GLIDDEN, instead. The helpful folks will get you accommodated. Before you give up on the website, though, try again -- I got nowhere on the first try, but the site loaded nicely on the second.
I'm looking forward to trying out Regal Purple....thanks so much, Glidden!
You can order a quart in your favorite color here. No shipping costs, either.
Warning, though: you only have today to take advantage of this generous promotion.
Helpful note: if you're getting nowhere trying to load the website, call 1-800-GLIDDEN, instead. The helpful folks will get you accommodated. Before you give up on the website, though, try again -- I got nowhere on the first try, but the site loaded nicely on the second.
I'm looking forward to trying out Regal Purple....thanks so much, Glidden!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Helpful coupon and freebie Blogs
Your first-and-foremost stop every day or so should be MoneySavingMom...this girl knows how to find the bargains. Bigtime. She's been quieter than usual lately -- she just had a baby -- but she'll be back in force soon. Visit her here.
Then there's my other standby: Coupon Cravings. Very quick to find things, especially restaurant specials and freebies. Another great stop! Find her here.
And finally, don't miss my newest find: Free Coupon Freak. Some great stuff.
And hopefully...you're finding Good Stuff here, too.
Then there's my other standby: Coupon Cravings. Very quick to find things, especially restaurant specials and freebies. Another great stop! Find her here.
And finally, don't miss my newest find: Free Coupon Freak. Some great stuff.
And hopefully...you're finding Good Stuff here, too.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Free Birthday Goodies!
I'm back! Have been trying to finish up a book...it's being edited as we speak.
Whew.
Free birthday stuff -- a huge list! Everything for your family, your kids...and you. All it needs is signing up here and there.
Whew.
Free birthday stuff -- a huge list! Everything for your family, your kids...and you. All it needs is signing up here and there.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Feeling A Tad Tipsy
'Cause there are so many helpful posts out there right now!
Frugal Dad has some great ideas on making extra money:
http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/27/seven-unique-side-hustles-to-keep-your-family-finances-afloat/
But be sure to go to FD's home site, too...he argues for taking a part-time job when you can't find a full-time position, especially when that job is on the weekends. (So you can keep on looking for work during the week.) He's got a point.
Don't miss http://www.moneysavingmom.com She's consistently a good spot for freebies and coupons. One of this week's posts is downright terrific...a free year's subscription to Organic Gardening! Go to my other site, http://www.cindybrick.blogspot.com for specifics.
And finally, another blog I've found consistently helpful: The 99 Cent Chef.
http://wwww.99centchef.blogspot.com
His food sounds (and tastes) great -- for a minimum price.
Enjoy!
Frugal Dad has some great ideas on making extra money:
http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/27/seven-unique-side-hustles-to-keep-your-family-finances-afloat/
But be sure to go to FD's home site, too...he argues for taking a part-time job when you can't find a full-time position, especially when that job is on the weekends. (So you can keep on looking for work during the week.) He's got a point.
Don't miss http://www.moneysavingmom.com She's consistently a good spot for freebies and coupons. One of this week's posts is downright terrific...a free year's subscription to Organic Gardening! Go to my other site, http://www.cindybrick.blogspot.com for specifics.
And finally, another blog I've found consistently helpful: The 99 Cent Chef.
http://wwww.99centchef.blogspot.com
His food sounds (and tastes) great -- for a minimum price.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Free Roll of Recycled Aluminimum Foil
...on April 22nd, Earth Day!
Go here to register, and get a reminder e-mail: http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/rebate.aspx
It's a breath of fresh air on today, the most hated, the TAX DAY.
(Not that we're sweating it...we've filed for an extension. Putting off the inevitable.)
Go here to register, and get a reminder e-mail: http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/rebate.aspx
It's a breath of fresh air on today, the most hated, the TAX DAY.
(Not that we're sweating it...we've filed for an extension. Putting off the inevitable.)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Ten Steps to Get Out of Debt
http://gradmoneymatters.com/2009/03/10-steps-i-used-to-get-out-of-debt.html
...or in other words, Stop Spending So Much Money and Pay For What You Already Spent!
I'd also add:
Find a way to get paid for what you normally spend on.
I've tried Mystery Shopping -- that pays for food out. For years, I was one of the mystery critics for the Traildust Restaurant chain. A steak dinner for me AND Husband, paid for after I filled out a critique form on our visit? What a burden that was! :)
Also, for normally a year now, I've been a member in an investment club. Once or twice a week, I go online, check their subjects, post my own comments and take a survey or two...and I get a $20 Amazon gift card every month I do it, plus some extras. Has this paid for books I needed for research? Presents? Specialty groceries that were already on sale?
You bet.
...or in other words, Stop Spending So Much Money and Pay For What You Already Spent!
I'd also add:
Find a way to get paid for what you normally spend on.
I've tried Mystery Shopping -- that pays for food out. For years, I was one of the mystery critics for the Traildust Restaurant chain. A steak dinner for me AND Husband, paid for after I filled out a critique form on our visit? What a burden that was! :)
Also, for normally a year now, I've been a member in an investment club. Once or twice a week, I go online, check their subjects, post my own comments and take a survey or two...and I get a $20 Amazon gift card every month I do it, plus some extras. Has this paid for books I needed for research? Presents? Specialty groceries that were already on sale?
You bet.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Random Stuff
Frugal Mom has some simple, yet tasty house seasoning mixes to offer...perhaps a nice present for Mother's or Father's Day?
http://thefrugalmomblog.com/2009/02/two-tasty-house-seasoning-recipes/
I also found Being Frugal' s rants on customer service very enlightening -- and you have a chance to add your own here, too:
http://beingfrugal.net/2009/04/10/companies-with-good-customer-service/
Not to mention using the Good Guys, and avoiding the Bad Ones!
And a tax-time bargain: Come into TGI Fridays on April 15, and get a $5 gift card when you spend $15 - 25.... $10 gift card when you spend $25 or more! Don't you love specials like this?
http://thefrugalmomblog.com/2009/02/two-tasty-house-seasoning-recipes/
I also found Being Frugal' s rants on customer service very enlightening -- and you have a chance to add your own here, too:
http://beingfrugal.net/2009/04/10/companies-with-good-customer-service/
Not to mention using the Good Guys, and avoiding the Bad Ones!
And a tax-time bargain: Come into TGI Fridays on April 15, and get a $5 gift card when you spend $15 - 25.... $10 gift card when you spend $25 or more! Don't you love specials like this?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Do You Really Want to Save Money on Groceries?
It all started at Safeway's meat counter. Ooh, boneless chicken breasts -- $1.77 a pound. I was picking over packages and chortling to myself when a woman next to me looked at the sign. Looked at the chicken. (Which was quite fresh and plump.) Looked at the sign.
Then reached up on the next level and picked up a package of chicken breasts from a competing brand.
For $5.99 a pound.
After I'd picked myself up from that one, I headed over to the produce section. Wow -- Granny Smith apples, 3 pounds for $1.99! Our fruit bowl was full. (Wallymart had a stunning 29-cent-pound sale on Gala apples a few weeks back.) But I couldn't help admiring how fresh and crisp those apples looked. Headed toward the cash register -- and there was a lady pawing through a bin of the same Granny Smiths. Only these were $1.99 a pound.
"Excuse me, there's a whole bin of Grannys in bags -- 3 pounds for the price of those. Thought you'd want to know."
She looked at me, then at the three apples in her hand. "Oh, I only want a few." I blinked. "These keep for weeks in your refrigerator, and..." Voice trailed off as I realized she wasn't listening.
If this was a rare occurence, then I could just smack myself for fussing. But nearly every time I buy groceries, there is yet another person who cheerfully pays double, triple or even quadruple the amount for the same produce, meats or milk I get for less! (Last time, it was a girl at Wal-Mart who thought nothing of buying 18 eggs for $1.88...when she could get a dozen for $1. I got a polite 'who cares' response when I mentioned it to her. )
None of these people seem particularly wealthy. (In fact, the girl in Wal-Mart looked a little hard-up.) They're not stupid, either. No doubt they wouldn't mind saving some money. Wouldn't anyone, right now?
So what gives?
Wish I knew. But from on, in grocery stores, I think I am going to just keep my money-saving opinions to myself.
MoneySavingMom has a nice post or two on grocery shopping right now. At least she isn't wasting any money:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/04/super-savings-saturday-my-76-shopping-trip.html
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/04/guest-post-three-rules-to-remember-when-grocery-shopping.html
You won't, either...if you don't want to.
P.S. During the same Safeway's trip, I would have paid for the same package of BOGO smoked sausage I was supposed to get free. If I hadn't caught it, that is. Did the customer service clerk apologize? Mention she was going to note it, so no one else got to pay double? Naahhh...
Then reached up on the next level and picked up a package of chicken breasts from a competing brand.
For $5.99 a pound.
After I'd picked myself up from that one, I headed over to the produce section. Wow -- Granny Smith apples, 3 pounds for $1.99! Our fruit bowl was full. (Wallymart had a stunning 29-cent-pound sale on Gala apples a few weeks back.) But I couldn't help admiring how fresh and crisp those apples looked. Headed toward the cash register -- and there was a lady pawing through a bin of the same Granny Smiths. Only these were $1.99 a pound.
"Excuse me, there's a whole bin of Grannys in bags -- 3 pounds for the price of those. Thought you'd want to know."
She looked at me, then at the three apples in her hand. "Oh, I only want a few." I blinked. "These keep for weeks in your refrigerator, and..." Voice trailed off as I realized she wasn't listening.
If this was a rare occurence, then I could just smack myself for fussing. But nearly every time I buy groceries, there is yet another person who cheerfully pays double, triple or even quadruple the amount for the same produce, meats or milk I get for less! (Last time, it was a girl at Wal-Mart who thought nothing of buying 18 eggs for $1.88...when she could get a dozen for $1. I got a polite 'who cares' response when I mentioned it to her. )
None of these people seem particularly wealthy. (In fact, the girl in Wal-Mart looked a little hard-up.) They're not stupid, either. No doubt they wouldn't mind saving some money. Wouldn't anyone, right now?
So what gives?
Wish I knew. But from on, in grocery stores, I think I am going to just keep my money-saving opinions to myself.
MoneySavingMom has a nice post or two on grocery shopping right now. At least she isn't wasting any money:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/04/super-savings-saturday-my-76-shopping-trip.html
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/04/guest-post-three-rules-to-remember-when-grocery-shopping.html
You won't, either...if you don't want to.
P.S. During the same Safeway's trip, I would have paid for the same package of BOGO smoked sausage I was supposed to get free. If I hadn't caught it, that is. Did the customer service clerk apologize? Mention she was going to note it, so no one else got to pay double? Naahhh...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Free Food at Denny's!
Order a Grand Slam tomorrow at Denny's from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m....and you get a Slamwich FREE! The Grand Slams taste great and are priced competitively to start, so an extra deal is just gravy (er, sandwich). Yum.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Working from Home
Do you work from home?
I do...sort of. The basement floor of our house is dedicated to Brickworks -- not only my office, but a sewing/storage room, a library area (which I hope to clean up and use for classes this summer), and a HUGE open area with a fireplace at one end, and stacks of drawers, shelves, etc. all the way down the walls. A cutting table, put on sort-of stilts/bricks by my dad, who realized his 5' 7" daughter was leaning over too much, and hurting her back. Bolts of fabrics lining the wall, and a huge schrunk (wardrobe with mirrored doors) that houses most of my teaching quilt collection. (That's somewhere between 150-200 quilts and tops. whew.)
My problem -- stuff is scattered EVERYWHERE. Particularly now that I'm trying to finish up this book. So when the book's submitted -- guess who's dedicating at least 3 DAYS to picking up and putting stuff away! Even one day will make all the difference.
Gather Little by Little has some excellent tips for working from home:
http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/11/tips-for-working-from-home/
I can add:
*Double dishes -- if you're doing a casserole, make double -- put one in the freezer. (Those have really saved my life this past few weeks.)
*Spend at least 15 min. a day putting things away or cleaning...the upstairs looks better, even with this bit of care!
*Don't answer the phone. Return your calls at the end of the day.
*Don't check e-mail more than once -- and if you can, don't check on the weekends. Gives you a nice break.
*Take a day off, even if you're self-employed. I try hard to reserve Sundays just for life -- taking an afternoon nap, maybe doing some cooking, reading a book I want to read. This lasts, for me, from daybreak through nightfall. (I broke the rule today and did work -- and will work tonight. But that's unusual.)
The most important thing to remember: no matter how important your biz is, it's NOT as important as your family and friends. And your faith. They count. The most.
I do...sort of. The basement floor of our house is dedicated to Brickworks -- not only my office, but a sewing/storage room, a library area (which I hope to clean up and use for classes this summer), and a HUGE open area with a fireplace at one end, and stacks of drawers, shelves, etc. all the way down the walls. A cutting table, put on sort-of stilts/bricks by my dad, who realized his 5' 7" daughter was leaning over too much, and hurting her back. Bolts of fabrics lining the wall, and a huge schrunk (wardrobe with mirrored doors) that houses most of my teaching quilt collection. (That's somewhere between 150-200 quilts and tops. whew.)
My problem -- stuff is scattered EVERYWHERE. Particularly now that I'm trying to finish up this book. So when the book's submitted -- guess who's dedicating at least 3 DAYS to picking up and putting stuff away! Even one day will make all the difference.
Gather Little by Little has some excellent tips for working from home:
http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/11/tips-for-working-from-home/
I can add:
*Double dishes -- if you're doing a casserole, make double -- put one in the freezer. (Those have really saved my life this past few weeks.)
*Spend at least 15 min. a day putting things away or cleaning...the upstairs looks better, even with this bit of care!
*Don't answer the phone. Return your calls at the end of the day.
*Don't check e-mail more than once -- and if you can, don't check on the weekends. Gives you a nice break.
*Take a day off, even if you're self-employed. I try hard to reserve Sundays just for life -- taking an afternoon nap, maybe doing some cooking, reading a book I want to read. This lasts, for me, from daybreak through nightfall. (I broke the rule today and did work -- and will work tonight. But that's unusual.)
The most important thing to remember: no matter how important your biz is, it's NOT as important as your family and friends. And your faith. They count. The most.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
One Yummie Freebie
Want to try out Quaker Oats' Mini Delight Rice Cakes?
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100545/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100545&source
These are not just good. They're wonderful. As is downright, freakin' "I could eat the whole bag right HERE" wonderful.
A great source of freebies and other info is Money Saving Mom:
http://www.moneysavingmom.blogspot.com
I try to visit her every day, if possible.
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100545/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100545&source
These are not just good. They're wonderful. As is downright, freakin' "I could eat the whole bag right HERE" wonderful.
A great source of freebies and other info is Money Saving Mom:
http://www.moneysavingmom.blogspot.com
I try to visit her every day, if possible.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Travel and Vacations Made Easier
Wouldn't it be nice to get away for a while? Some really, REALLY great ideas on saving money during travel:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/03/31/how-to-find-great-deals-on-vacation-and-travel/
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/03/31/how-to-find-great-deals-on-vacation-and-travel/
Recession-Proofing Advice
CoffeeTeaBooksandMe has gone through some hard times, and is willing to share her struggles in order to help us out:
http://coffeeteabooksandme.blogspot.com/2009/03/recession-proofing-preparing-for-and_27.html
and her earlier post:
http://coffeeteabooksandme.blogspot.com/2009/03/recession-proofing-preparing-for-and.html
Her advice is based on long periods of unemployment endured by her own family. She learned the hard way during...
"...our first year when we ran out of unemployment and had no income. We assumed my husband would find another job quickly so we used our savings to keep up present lifestyle. We should have cut back on everything extra in the budget the very day he was laid off. It would have helped a great deal in the long run."
She keeps talking about advice given by David Wilkerson, a well-known writer and preacher. Apparently Wilkerson is strongly advising that we keep at least 30 days of food available in pantry and freezer...I have not heard this before, but now I'm curious. Will check and report back to you what I find out.
http://coffeeteabooksandme.blogspot.com/2009/03/recession-proofing-preparing-for-and_27.html
and her earlier post:
http://coffeeteabooksandme.blogspot.com/2009/03/recession-proofing-preparing-for-and.html
Her advice is based on long periods of unemployment endured by her own family. She learned the hard way during...
"...our first year when we ran out of unemployment and had no income. We assumed my husband would find another job quickly so we used our savings to keep up present lifestyle. We should have cut back on everything extra in the budget the very day he was laid off. It would have helped a great deal in the long run."
She keeps talking about advice given by David Wilkerson, a well-known writer and preacher. Apparently Wilkerson is strongly advising that we keep at least 30 days of food available in pantry and freezer...I have not heard this before, but now I'm curious. Will check and report back to you what I find out.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Beginnings...Getting Out of Debt
Well.
Getting out of debt assumes you're in debt...as so many of us are.
Where to start?
*First, incur as little new debt as possible. No matter what.
*Second, learn to live on your current income. Stick to the basics of place to live, utilities, food, gas/repairs for your vehicle.
*Third, cut down on those 'basics' wherever possible.
--Can you live without cable for a few months, until things steady out? (Free installation is rife nowadays; you can sign back on with little difficulty -- and probably get a better price, anyway.)
--Can you turn the heat down...or off altogether? (Spring is almost here, after all.) Turn off nonessential appliances/computers, etc. when they're not in use?
--Can you eat less? Buy only foods on sale? Live mostly on groceries you already have in the pantry or freezer?
--Can you drive your car less? Get a higher deductible on insurance, or switch to liability only? Carpool with friends or a co-worker for trips to work or errands?
*Fourth, cut back on 'luxuries.'
--The world will not end if you don't get a slice of cheesecake this week. (Or skip the meal, and have the cheesecake, instead!)
--Buy presents/shower & baby gifts on sale. Set yourself a figure -- say, $10 -- and stick to it. if you can't find the gift at that price, send a gift card or cash, instead.
--Start looking now for plane tickets to events you know you must go to. (Family weddings, for example.) Can you go cheaper by taking the train? Must you go at all?
More on this in coming posts...but just thinking and starting to plan is -- well, -- a START. And that's important.
Being Frugal has a great post on this subject:
http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/30/how-to-get-out-of-debt/
Back soon...
Getting out of debt assumes you're in debt...as so many of us are.
Where to start?
*First, incur as little new debt as possible. No matter what.
*Second, learn to live on your current income. Stick to the basics of place to live, utilities, food, gas/repairs for your vehicle.
*Third, cut down on those 'basics' wherever possible.
--Can you live without cable for a few months, until things steady out? (Free installation is rife nowadays; you can sign back on with little difficulty -- and probably get a better price, anyway.)
--Can you turn the heat down...or off altogether? (Spring is almost here, after all.) Turn off nonessential appliances/computers, etc. when they're not in use?
--Can you eat less? Buy only foods on sale? Live mostly on groceries you already have in the pantry or freezer?
--Can you drive your car less? Get a higher deductible on insurance, or switch to liability only? Carpool with friends or a co-worker for trips to work or errands?
*Fourth, cut back on 'luxuries.'
--The world will not end if you don't get a slice of cheesecake this week. (Or skip the meal, and have the cheesecake, instead!)
--Buy presents/shower & baby gifts on sale. Set yourself a figure -- say, $10 -- and stick to it. if you can't find the gift at that price, send a gift card or cash, instead.
--Start looking now for plane tickets to events you know you must go to. (Family weddings, for example.) Can you go cheaper by taking the train? Must you go at all?
More on this in coming posts...but just thinking and starting to plan is -- well, -- a START. And that's important.
Being Frugal has a great post on this subject:
http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/30/how-to-get-out-of-debt/
Back soon...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Brand-New Start on a New Blog!
Welcome! If you read my other blog, Cindy Brick looks at Life, you know a little bit about me...
In short, I teach and write about quilting, knitting, embroidery and other forms of needlework. I also am a judge, quilt restorer and certified textiles appraiser.
But I was raised by a Hollander farmer (Dutchman, for you non-Hollanders out there) and his wife (Scotch to the core) who rarely had much money...and loved to save!
That's what this site will be: a connection --and a collection -- of every kind of savings tip, coupon and help I can get my hands on.
Saving money and time has become extra-important nowadays; let me help you do it!
Welcome. Glad you're here.
P.S. You'll find me making the same posts on http://www.savingssite.blogspot.com -- but this will be this blog's main address.
In short, I teach and write about quilting, knitting, embroidery and other forms of needlework. I also am a judge, quilt restorer and certified textiles appraiser.
But I was raised by a Hollander farmer (Dutchman, for you non-Hollanders out there) and his wife (Scotch to the core) who rarely had much money...and loved to save!
That's what this site will be: a connection --and a collection -- of every kind of savings tip, coupon and help I can get my hands on.
Saving money and time has become extra-important nowadays; let me help you do it!
Welcome. Glad you're here.
P.S. You'll find me making the same posts on http://www.savingssite.blogspot.com -- but this will be this blog's main address.
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