Money Saving Tips- Household Items

Well here it is, the next installment of Money Saving Tips. This time I will be sharing on how to spend less and save more on common household items. I am so so sorry it took me so long to get this post up! I have been a busy bee working at my new/old job (those of you who know me personally know what I mean) so on with...

 

Tip #1- Make your own detergents and cleaners: There are a plethora of household cleaner and laundry detergent recipes out there on the world wide web all you have to do is utilize our good friend Google and they will be at your fingertips on no time. Most homemade cleaning products use the same basic ingredients and said ingredients are available at most big box stores. I personally get my basic ingredients for detergents and cleansers at Wal-Mart. They are very inexpensive and you will get multiple recipes from one container. Here is a list of what I have on hand to make cleaner and laundry soap: Borax, washing soda, fels naptha (all 3 are in the laundry soap aisle at the store), white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, castile soap and essential oils. You will need to determine what you need for the recipes you want to make. The list may seem long but you can replace almost all of your household cleaners with these items. They are also more natural and safer for you, your family and your pets. I'll be perfectly honest and tell you I have not found replacements for dish soap or dishwasher detergent that I have been satisfied with. But I do use my own counter cleaner, laundry detergent, shower/tub cleaner and fabric softener. If anyone would like any of my household cleaner "recipes" let me know in the comments :)

 

Tip #2: Shop On-line- Amazon is such a great resource for getting household items either cheaper or easier... as they say time is money. Most items on Amazon are priced comparable to Wal-Mart and Target. Plus you can get the added bonus of free shipping (with restrictions) with out ever getting out of your pjs. Half.com, eBay, and Craig's List are also great resources for books and other household goods. My dad recently found us cell phone chargers 2 for $5 with free shipping on eBay (for newer phones). They would have been four or five times more expensive at the T-Mobile store. Always do a Google search for on-line coupon codes for whichever site you are using you may find one for free shipping or a percentage off your order. Target.com offers free shipping if you pay with your red card (debit or credit). I have a debit red card it links to your checking acct. and is free to sign up, you get 5% off your total purchase and you can sign up a school to get 5% of your purchase (Mount Vernon Christian School is on there FYI).

 

Tip #3 Shop Thrift stores and Discount stores- I can honestly said that about 75% of what I own has come from one of the following stores: Goodwill, local thrift stores, Ross, Grocery Outlet, Marshall’s, Big Lots, Wal-Mart and yard sales. Always check the mark down or clearence rscks, you never know what you might find. Consignment stores are a great resource for baby items and gently used clothing, some even have housewares. I always have my eye out for a good deal and if I can't find a good deal on something I want, I wait until it is on sale or discounted. You know how our mothers always said patience is a virtue. Well they were right! We need to break ourselves of this instant gratification sickness that has taken us over as a society. Most of the time great bargains take patience... there is nothing worse than buying something impulsively and then finding it somewhere else for less. Some things just don't really ever go on sale so it's important to know what a good price is on these particular items so you can avoid over spending.

 

Tip #4:  Do your research!- When buying big ticket items (or smal ones) compare prices from as many stores as you can. Some store will price match other stores items and some stores will even beat competitors prices by 10%. Don't forget about Craig's List, consignment stores, and used appliance stores. Gently used furniture and appliances can be huge money saver. Plus you never know when they're might be some awesome free item listed!

 

Tip #5 Use Store Discount Cards- They are usually free and now some stores are letting you load manufacturer coupons on to your store card. I know Fred Meyer does this for sure. This is also the time to be using your manufacturer coupons, stack them with a store coupon or discount to save even more! Don't be afraid to ask the cashier if their store has some kind of discount card. A lot of stores that you wouldn't think have discount cards actually do. Big Lots has a discount card as well as some clothing stores. I also like my local coffee stand (Morgan's) that has a daily special and a punch card, not to mention awesome coffee and a ton of sugar free flavors!

 

Tip #6 Follow a coupon/deal website or blog- I am a big fan of QueenBee Coupons, I follow her on Facebook and I go to her blog site.  There are many to choose from so find one you like and check it often. I have gotten quite a few good deals by checking out her site.

I am sure there are many more ways to save money on common household goods, so if you have a great way that works for you please share it with us! I am always striving to save more... a penny earned is a penny saved, right :) Have great day and have fun shopping! As always blessings to you and yours. <3 Annette

DIY Cell Phone Holder

It drives me crazy that my phone never fits into the phone pocket in my purse.  Before I leave the house, I have plenty of time to shove it in, but when I'm out it winds up at the bottom every time.  Also, its extremely hard to find it when I'm standing in the grocery line and my phone is ringing like crazy.  I had an idea to make a little pocket for my phone.  I'm sure this has already been done, but I actually thought it up without looking at a pattern. 

First, I took a scrap of fabric and I measured it to my phone.  I folded the material and cut it to fit,  leaving allowances for seams.  I sewed it inside out so the seams would be on the inside.  I know it seems obvious, but for someone who needs it all spelled out, that is the first thing I always forget. Once my pocket was made, I took a long scrap of fabric (I used part of what I had trimmed) and I folded it in half to make a strap. I wish I had one of those fancy long metal rods for pulling strips right side out, because then I would have made it seamless.  (on my Christmas wish list)  Once that was made I hand sewed a snap on and voila, I was done.  The entire project took me less than an hour, start to finish.  All I have to do is wrap the strap around my purse strap and drop it into my purse and it will be easy to find and has been.  I've only used it for a day and love it already!



Money Saving Tips- Food

 


Hello Everyone! Annette here :) I'm starting a new series of posts on ways to save money. Let's face it times are hard for a lot of people and we should always be good stewards of what God has given us.
 Tip #1- Keep a well stocked Pantry having simple pantry items on hand at all times will ensure you always have something to throw together for dinner and will help you avoid those last minute grocery store runs... you know the ones where you go in for 1 or 2 items and come out with 20! Stock up on pantry items when they are on sale so you won't have to pay more later. Also with a full pantry you don't have to worry about going out in that freak snow storm or flood... those things don't happen often around here but, you should be safe rather than sorry:)

Tip #2- Make it yourself! It's no secret that pre-package items cost more and often times include unhealthy ingredients. There are a ton of recipes online and on pinterest for homemade mixes and other pre-packaged items. Have you seen the inflation on prices of things like a ranch dressing packets? I recently made a ranch seasoning mix from Budget Savvy Diva (if you don't follow her on pinterest you should) and it was fantastic! No more expensive ranch packets for me. I never buy pancake mix or bisquick because pancakes, waffles, biscuits and dumplings are very easy to make homemade. I know what fat/oil I am using and I can make them whole wheat. You can also freeze homemade pancakes and waffles to make your own eggos. I will admit I do buy brownie and cake mix pre-packaged when they are on sale (nothing else ever seems as moist). I am planning on making up some different mixes in the near future. I will do an update with recipes once I see how they turn out.

Tip #3- Can it (or freeze, or dehydrate)! Home canning is a great way to save money. It definitely has some up front costs but, the equipment should last you a long time (if not a lifetime). A lot of times you can find mason jars at thrift stores and you my be able to find canning equipment on Craig's list or at estate sales or garage sales. Soon the only extra cost you have will be the disposable lids (which are cheapest at Wal-Mart). I also suggest getting a canning book, my favorite is "The Ball complete book of home preserving" it contains information on canning and freezing. Canning can provide your family with quick and easy meals so you won't end up wasting your money on unhealthy fast food. When you pressure can you are able to jar up whole meals. So far I've done: Beef stew. Chili con carne, ham and bean soup and chicken soup. I've also canned chicken breast, beef chunks, pork chunks and diced ham that can be thrown into an easy soup or casserole. Freezing and dehydrating are also good ways to preserve food and save money. I got an older dehydrator from my dad and plan to use it on this year's fruit and veggie harvest.

Tip #4- Grow a Garden. Every little bit helps whether all you have room for is a couple of potted tomatoes or multiple raised beds. Lettuce and kale are very easy to grow and do well in containers as do most herbs. I have strawberries on my back patio in pots and a little 3ft X 5ft garden in the front. I have lavender, lemon thyme, sage, Echinacea and lemon verbena in one half and Kale that will come back in the spring in the other half. I usually plant lettuce and zucchini in the spring. My parents have raised beds at their house and we grow tomatoes, green beans , corn, zucchini, and yellow squash. This year we are going to try potatoes in a trash can (this could be done even if you only have a patio). I am also lucky that my parents have 2 plum trees, 2 apple trees, a peach tree and 2 new pear trees. Last fall I asked my friends (via facebook) if they had any pear or apple trees that needed to be picked and if they had fruit to spare or even wanted at all. I was able to get both fruits and canned up some delicious pear butter and applesauce. Every fall I see fruit just rotting on the ground. Be brave! Knock on your neighbors door and ask if you can pick their tree. The worst they can say is no. You can also offer to pick the fruit and split it with them providing them with free labor and you with free fruit, it's a win/win. If you find yourself unable to plant some of your own veggies, you can join a CSA (which I plan on doing this year) and shop at your local farmers market. Also if you have a freezer try buying 1/4 cow or pig from a local grower. It is often less money per pound and raised much more naturally. Furthermore see if your land zoning allows you to keep your own chickens... I would if I could. Fresh eggs daily :)

Tip #5- Shop Sale Ads and Discount Stores I almost never buy anything unless its on sale or at a discounted price. Plan your meals around the weekly sale ads (I personally don't meal plan very well instead I buy what's on sale and then get creative) and buy extras of items that are a great price now to save for later. Meats, peppers, avocado, berries and breads can all be frozen for later use. Do your research and know your prices- it's the only way to know if you're getting a good deal or not. Don't forget to shop discount/overstock stores. I get some of my best deals at Grocery Outlet, Deal's Only and Big Lots (yes big lots has a great dry and canned food section). The Dollar Tree sometimes has good deals too but you have to be careful, just because it's a dollar doesn't make it a great deal. The same goes for Costco/Sam's Club/Cash n Carry just because it's wholesale doesn't make it cheaper, divide the product out by volume or weight compared to a normal size item. Some items I have noticed that are always less expensive in wholesale are: nuts, oils (olive and coconut), quinoa, splenda (but not sugar) and many spices, yeast, and baking powder. Don't give into impulse buys, sometimes... ok a lot of the time I find myself putting things in the cart I don't need. Right before I check out I always re evaluate what is in my cart and most of the time I end up putting something back.

Tip #6- Don't use Coupons on Items you don't Normally Buy!!! I am not saying using your coupons is a bad thing, but why would you get a product you don't normally use and or like just because they are cheap? You will end up spending more in the long run. Coupons are very hyped up right now, but using them on products you would be buying anyway can save you money. I get a free paper on Tuesdays that come with the smart source coupon book. I go through it and clip the ones I (or my mom) might use and I keep them in my purse. If you think you're going to be getting $800 worth of groceries for free think again. It takes multiple transactions and tons of coupon inserts and 8 hours in the grocery store to do that. It's a full time job! Plus when ladies on TV accomplish this amazing feat they shop at stores that match coupons to take more money off and they end up with 100 boxes of hamburger helper. Personally I don't think it's worth it. I am happy if I save 5-10 bucks on things I'd buy anyway. Some people do have great success with the Walgreen's and Rite Aid rewards programs. I just never shop at those stores.

Tip #7- Don't Throw your Food Away. Research and learn the truth about "sell by" and "best by" dates on your food. The USDA requires food manufactures To date all food items even if they are safe to eat past that date. All canned food is safe to eat after the "date" on the can as long as the can is not damaged or bulging. However the nutrition quality may decrease a bit and the food may start loose some texture, flavor should be fine. If any type of food tastes "off" it should not be eaten. For dinner the other night I had a can of solid tuna steak dated from 2011, it was perfect! I used to freak out about dates until I did my own researched and discovered most dates on food products are false. Truth be told this morning I had eggs that were dated Jan 14th, they tasted delish! You can test egg freshness by submerging them in a glass of cold water, if it sinks it's fresh if it tilts up somewhat it's borderline and needs be used and if it floats it's old. I personally never test mine and I've never had a rotten egg. Any dairy products should last seven days after the sell by date and I keep anything cultured (yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk) up to 14 days after the date, it's already full of good bacteria. Do you have a bunch of milk that you can't drink up before it will go bad? Make buttermilk by adding a little cultured butter milk to it and let it sit on the kitchen counter for 12ish hours. I encourage you to look up a tutorial on-line. Now that its cultured it will last for weeks! Just keep re culturing and you'll never need to buy buttermilk again. If you have veggies going south freeze them until you have enough to make a soup, veggie, or meat stock. You can also freeze the ends of your onions, celery, and carrot ends and peels to make stock because your gonna toss them out after the stock is done anyway. When I make stock I just rinse, chop and throw everything in the pot skins and all. Save all your meat bones (steak, whole chicken carcass, pork chops, bone in roasts, ham) in a freezer bag and when you've collected enough, make your family some super healthy bone broth. Is your garlic or fresh herbs going to go bad? Chop them up and mix them with olive oil. Then freeze it in ice cube trays. Just pop one in the pan while your cooking and you've got fresh herbs and garlic! I have a specific ice cube tray set aside for this purpose, garlic scented ice cubes do not sound very good to me :). Save your bacon grease, it has amazing flavor! I keep mine in a small glass dish in the fridge. It's great for frying up potatoes or eggs, put a little in your refried beans, use it to sauté veggies like green beans or collards, swiss chard or kale, or use it to make country gravy. Even I have my limits and I am very careful with raw meat and I also only allow cooked meat seven days in the fridge after cooking or opening of package (lunchmeat, hot dogs). If after a few days no one wants to eat the leftovers, toss 'em in the freezer for a homemade TV dinner or save all the odds and ends of roasts to make a kitchen sink soup (that's what I call my throw in anything I've got soup). Re-purpose leftovers, just go into google and type in "what to do with leftover ____" and an abundance of ideas will pop right up. In the USA we throw away 96 billion pounds of food, that is half of the food we produce. I really could go on and on about the environmental impact and the fact that people are still going hungry in the US. Instead I strongly urge you to rent the documentary DIVE! living off America's trash, it is an incredible movie. Don't over load your (or your kiddos) plate. You can always serve seconds but no one wants to eat food someone else has picked through, so it ends up in the trash. Finally if the veggies are too far gone (mushy and/or moldy) compost it! Egg shells can be composted too :)

I really hope these tips can help you lower your food bill and encourages you to try some things you maybe have not considered before. If you have any tips I haven't thought of please feel free to leave a comment. May God bless you and your families! <3 Annette