31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #17 - Freeze Your Leftovers

We've discussed cooking at home to save money, but what do you do when you make too much?  Well, you could pack it for your lunch the next day.  But, what if you've already ate it for 2 days and you need a break?  Well, freeze it for later.  I LOVE to take leftovers and make little homemade TV dinners with them.  You can get some really nice containers (like these or these) from the Dollar Tree just for this purpose.  You could also invest in some nicer Pyrex ones if you like.  It's totally up to you.  So, basically I take my leftovers and divide them out into these little containers, let them cool, label them, and then into the freezer they go.  When I need to pack lunch for work, I just grab one and stick it in the fridge when I get there.  When lunchtime comes I pop it in the microwave, and in about 2 or 3 minutes I have a nice hot, home-cooked meal to enjoy! 
What if you don't have enough leftovers for a meal?  You should freeze them anyway.  I have made different soups and chili's almost completely using bits and bobs from the freezer.  Vegetable soup is an easy one.  I take a freezer bag and whenever we have just a few tablespoons of a vegetable left, I add it to the bag.  Once it's full, I dump the bag into the slow-cooker, add some vegetable or chicken stock, a diced onion, and maybe some pasta or rice (which can be frozen too), and you've got dinner.  It's really that easy.  You can really re-purpose almost any leftover, but that's a post for another day. 
So, how does this save you money?  Well, first of all the food you made is not going to be wasted.  You are finding a new purpose for food that some might throw in the trash.  Secondly, you are getting a night/day off from cooking by just reheating the leftovers.  That's saving you money spent on the electric used to cook another meal, and it's saving you time from having to do it. 
So, freeze your leftovers to not only save yourself some money, but to save time too!

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Menu Plan Monday: 10/17/2016

This past weekend was the Fall Harvest event here at the museum, so things were very busy and a little crazy around these parts.  It was a lot of fun though, and Howard loved seeing the tractors!  Crunch time has officially begun for me - I have tea next week, followed by 2 weeks of Christmas decorating, another tea, baking pies for sale, cleaning and prepping for our family holiday dinner, Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping, and then two more weeks of tea and Christmas tours, followed by a week of cookie baking and Christmas - I get tired just thinking about the next couple months.  My menu plans will of course reflect the level of craziness going on, and will be super simple, and probably involve a crock-pot - surprise, surprise.

Here's what's on the menu this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, Eggs, Cream of Wheat, Bagels, and/or Oatmeal for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Tomato and Bacon or PBJ Sandwiches, Leftovers, Chips, Veggie Dippers with Ranch, Soup, and/or Fruit for Joe and I.  Howard will have Turkey Sausage links, Cheese Slices, Mac and Cheese cups, Blueberry Pancakes, French Toast, and/or PB Waffles, and Fruit.
• Dinners:
• Sunday - KFC Chicken Tenders/Popcorn Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
• Monday - Crock-pot Meatballs and Marinara, Pasta, Broccoli
• Tuesday - Baked Leftover Pasta and Sauce topped with Cheese, Salad
• Wednesday - Day away in Hanover, so probably Take-out
• Thursday - Crock-pot Pork, Sauerkraut, and Mashed Potatoes
• Friday - Leftovers
  
• Saturday - Pizza, and Salad
  

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #16 - Use Coupons to Eat Out

Yesterday we talked about bringing food from home when on the go to save money.  But what about those times when you really, really  want to eat out.  You know the times when you forgot to thaw dinner, and you really don't want to do dishes, and basically you're just done for the day?
Well, use a coupon!
All that junk you get in your mail and in boxes sometimes include coupons for restaurants.  We most frequently get mailers for Bob Evans, Friendly's, Arby's, and KFC.  These often include special 'meal deals,' as well as dollars off a certain purchase amount, and buy one get one free offers.  Another place to find restaurant coupons is in magazines.  Almost every month I receive Ruby Tuesday's coupons along with several magazines that I have free subscriptions to.  Make sure to check your newspapers as well.  Since you are already clipping coupons to save money, make sure to check for restaurant coupons too.  I have seen coupons for Long Horn, Red Lobster, and Olive Garden recently.  Clip them and hang them on your fridge - if you use them great, if they expire toss 'em.  But at least you have them if you want/need them.  Lastly, sign up to receive emails from your favorite restaurants.  Many places send out monthly 'sales,' several send out coupons as well, and almost all of them send out birthday offers.  So, make sure to include all your family member's birthdays when you sign up.  Just last month I got an email coupon for a free burger at Ruby Tuesday's, and all I did was turn 31.
So, when you want to eat out, make sure you use a coupon to save what you can. 

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Weekly Spending Report: 10/09-15/2016

I have had the worst cold this week, with some flu-like symptoms.  With that being said, other than working, I've been lying low and taking my cold medicine religiously.  I was finally starting to feel better on Thursday, so I ventured out to run some errands.  I had a rather long list for ALDI, so I just stuck to the deals at CVS and Giant.  Overall, I feel like I got a LOT of bargains, and I'm happy with the amount I spent for the week.  Here's how the shopping breaks down money-wise...

• Thursday's CVS Trip: $14.08 oop, Earned $10 ECB's ($5 Dove, $5 Huggies), and $2 Saving Star Rebate (Dove)

• Thursday's Giant Trip: $15.60 oop, Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Bread), and $0.25 Ibotta* Rebate (Bread)

• Thursday's ALDI Trip: $59.77 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave (Chips)

Total OOP: $89.45
Total Earned: $12.45
Total Remaining for October: $186.37
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

  Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more!

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #15 - When on the Go, Pack Food

So, we talked about eating at home and how it can save you money.  I know what your thinking - that's all well and good when you are at home, but what about when you have to go out in the world, like to work, or school, or on a day trip some where?  Well, take food with you.  Pack your lunch and take it with you to work or school.  And if you are going away for the day make sure to pack a cooler full of drinks - drinks out are expensive.  Even if you are planning to stop somewhere along the way for lunch, just packing drinks and snacks can save you a bundle!  You can buy bottled water by the case for a few dollars; gas stations want at least a dollar a bottle, and that can really add up.  The same goes for snacks, and the ones you pack will not only be cheaper, but probably healthier too.  I like to take a variety of salty and sweet snacks - think fruit (fresh or dried), nuts/seeds, crackers, veggies and hummus, popcorn - as well as a few 'treats' like some cookies.  Because a car trip with a two-year old would not be complete without cookies; can I get an amen?
So basically to save money on the go, pack food from home and bring it along, no matter where you are headed to.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #14 - Do a Pantry Challenge

Going along with cooking at home to save money, several times throughout the year, do a pantry challenge.  What is a pantry challenge?  Well, it's basically when you cook using primarily things you already have.  This varies for everyone - some make it a no spend challenge, others allow the purchase of perishables - it's really whatever works for you and your family.  Either way it's a good way to use up items from your stockpile and keep it rotated, as well as save a little money.  I do two month-long challenges a year, one in January, and one in July.  I continue to purchase things like milk, eggs, and produce; but our meals consist of things primarily from our pantry and freezers.  It's also a great time to defrost your chest freezer if you have one.  Now, I know what your thinking, I couldn't possible have that much food.  Well, you'd be surprised what you might find lurking in the back of a freezer or cabinet - I know that I have been many times over the years.  A pantry challenge also makes you think outside the box, and new recipes are created, some of which just might become your family's favorites.
So, how does this save you money?  First of all, it keeps you out of the store where you can spend money.  Secondly, it makes you use up what you have so you don't waste food and the money you spent on it.
So a pantry challenge saves you money twice - you don't spend, and you don't waste what you've already bought.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #13 - Cook from Scratch

Another great way to save money is to cook from scratch.  Now, don't be afraid, you've got this.  I am not necessarily talking about making homemade bread, or assembling your own seasonings, unless that's what you want to do, and then by all means, go right ahead.  What I am referring to is eating at home.  Cooking homemade meals doesn't have to be hard or super involved, especially if you have a slow cooker.  We all know about my infatuation and down-right deep love for my slow cooker.  What's a super easy meal to make in a slow cooker you ask -- well, just add 1 turkey breast or pork roast to your slow cooker, season as desired, add washed, pricked potatoes on top (white or sweet), cook on low 6-8 hours, and serve.  This is delicious, cheap, and you can heat up a can or bag of frozen vegetables to go with it.  Super simple, and tasty.
Don't have a slow cooker?  Well, first of all you need to get yourself to a store and buy one.  They go on deep discount during Black Friday (which will be here soon), and often frequent the shelves of thrift stores.  But even if you are just making canned soup and grilled cheese at home, it is still cheaper than ordering that same thing at a diner.  There are so many convenience foods out there, that eating at home shouldn't be hard.  And even though they are not the best foods for you, they are still healthier than the indulgent and deep fried items you can order from a restaurant.  Pick 4 or 5 easy meals, and just rotate through them for dinners.  Spaghetti and meatballs is another super simple one that really only involves boiling, simmering, and 2 stove-top burners.
What about breakfasts and lunches?  Well, if you are a coffee drinker, making your cup of Joe at home will save you a crazy amount of money, even if you use more expensive coffee.  Easy breakfast foods we like are cereal, instant oatmeal, and frozen waffles with fruit.  There's three options for you, one of which doesn't even have to be cooked.  Lunches are just as simple.  Prep them the night before for a smooth morning.  Think PB and J sandwiches, frozen TV dinners, leftovers - I never said the meals had to be exciting, but making your own instead of eating out or picking up fast food will save you a ton of money in the end.
So, in summary, eat at home, because it's cheaper than eating out.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #12 - Keep a Stockpile

The word 'stockpile' can have some bad connotations associated with it.  That's not what I am talking about here - no shelf clearing, or hoarding allowed.  What I am talking about is having a designated space to hold enough items to get you through until the next sale.  Remember how we discussed items being on sale about every 6 weeks.  Buy enough to last 6 weeks, not 6 years.  Having a stockpile gives you the ability to be more patient and wait for those sales and coupons to match up, because you know you have enough to get you through.  And, having a space which limits how many shampoo bottles you can store will let you know when you have enough.  For some people this is a bin under their bed, or a spare closet, or just a bookshelf in their garage - it looks different for everyone.  I, personally, have two bookcases in our storage room for health and household items, and a chest freezer and a couple spare cupboards in our kitchen for food.  I can fit a LOT in that allotted space, enough to get through until the next sale.  But it's also neat, organized, and each type of item, whether it's soup or dish soap, can only take up a limited amount of space. 
You will definitely want to start small with this concept.  The point of a stockpile is to save money, not build the stockpile, if that makes sense.  So, don't go out and buy extras of everything just to have it, that defeats the purpose.  When you see something at a great price, or better yet, free, buy enough to get you through until the next sale, or however many your budget will allow.  Even if you can only afford to buy enough sale-priced chicken for the next three weeks, you have still saved money for those three weeks.  Over time your stockpile will grow with items you paid little for.  You might only want to apply this concept to one or two things, and that's okay, make it work for you.  If you eat mostly fresh produce, then maybe just stockpile things like toothbrushes and shampoo.  Every little bit helps the budget. 

So, the bottom line is that not all stockpiles are bad, and it's a concept that you can conform to fit your needs, and your budget, all while saving money.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #11 - Be Careful at Big Box Stores

Big box stores are the black-hole of shopping, am I right?  You go in for milk and 5 hours later you walk out in a dazed state with 15 bags of stuff and you are not really sure what happened.  Sound familiar?  I try to avoid the big box store vortex as much as possible, so I only stop into Wal-mart once a month or every other month if I can make it work.  I also only go in for a few select items.  I have my list, I shop with blinders on as to not get distracted by all of the shiny things, and then I check out as quickly as possible.  Not only do you have to be careful to not get sucked into the seasonal or shoe or whatever section is your weakness, you also need to be wary of prices.  Big box stores are cheaper on average, which means not on everything.  If you are a sale shopper and coupon clipper, chances are that soup you were about to buy is on sale at your grocery store, this week, where they double coupons, and you could get it for free.  Now, this does not mean you should avoid these stores all together, they have their place and usefulness.  I personally buy things like hand soap refills, and toilet paper there because they have the best price that I can find.  Also things like shoes and overnight diapers for my two-year-old.  They have the sizes I need, and prices that fit my budget.  Do I buy everything there, definitely not, but some things are just cheaper at the Wally World.

So, bottom line, make big box stores work for you - price match, use your coupons, check those prices, and make sure to stick to your list, or you might just emerge with more stuff than your trunk can hold and a blown budget.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #10 - Be Patient

Couponing and saving money requires a lot of patience.  It takes time to clip the coupons and organize them, and you also have to learn to wait for the sale you want to pair that coupon with.  Most items go on sale at the drug and grocery stores every 6 weeks, some items are a little longer, others a little shorter.  Some items are seasonally on sale - so only once or twice a year, like baking supplies.  Household and clothing items, or appliances vary depending on the month.  There are tons of websites out there that will tell you what month is the best time to purchase different items, like sheets or decorations.  Just google it, and then wait.  It takes a little while to get into a rhythm with this method of purchasing, and of course not everything in your house is going to cooperate with the sales cycle.  Your dishwasher is not going to wait for a sale before it konks out on you - so when it does, you google it and find out that in two weeks they'll probably be on sale, then you hand wash your dishes for two weeks and save that cash when you do buy a new one.  It doesn't always work out, but being patient and waiting for a sale when you can will definitely save you some money in the end. 
So, you clip your coupons, make your list, but be patient and wait for sales when you can to maximize your savings!

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/