Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 1, 2017

I’m not advocating anyone to over-spend or buy things that we wouldn’t normally spend money on this month and holiday season, especially if we don’t have the funds. However, December is a great time to find deals on basics, food, and things that you might need and/or use throughout the year. January Prep.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money December Money Friends And Family Sale 100

Couponing 101

JANUARY 17, 2012

For the past year or so, I’ve been doing a lot of research and have been picking my friends’ brains about health, wellness, and real food. One of the biggest myths about couponing is that there are no coupons for healthy foods. How to Save on Whole Foods. We eat less, feel better, and have rarely been sick.

Whole Foods 94

Whole Foods Saving Money Money Food 94

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 27, 2013

You also know that picking a location to store something isn’t always logical and that things can get out of place over time, even after you have spent time and effort to optimally organize them! Although I’m probably not the very best organizer in the world, we get along. Store things where you use them.

Organic 177

Organic Organization Home Painting 177

Couponing 101

JANUARY 6, 2012

Did you know that meal planning is one of the keys to saving money on your grocery bill? Using coupons will save you money at the register, but using your food wisely is going to save you money as well! We wasted more food (produce, leftovers, etc. Leftovers – Ugh.

Saving Money 98

Saving Money Meals Money Menu Planning 98

Saving Everyday

AUGUST 1, 2022

Like housing, utilities, and insurance, food is a major expense you can’t go without. Here are real ways to save on groceries each and every month! Reducing your food expenses is one of the best ways to reduce your overall spending and find extra money in your budget ! Throwing food away is throwing money away !

Groceries 52

Groceries Grocery Food and Drink Saving 52

Saving Everyday

AUGUST 1, 2022

Like housing, utilities, and insurance, food is a major expense you can’t go without. Here are real ways to save on groceries each and every month! Reducing your food expenses is one of the best ways to reduce your overall spending and find extra money in your budget ! Throwing food away is throwing money away !

Groceries 52

Groceries Grocery Food and Drink Saving 52

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

This list of thoughtful, but FREE Christmas gift ideas is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the people you gift to if you use your time, resources, and creativity. Browse the entire list and let us know in the comments which ideas you’re going to give and what free gift ideas you have.

Christmas 130

Christmas Gifts Home and Garden Flowers and Gifts 130

Couponing 101

JANUARY 21, 2019

We’ve all been there: staring at the baby food aisle trying to figure out which of these jars and pouches our baby will eat. And then, when we finally pick a few, they get thrown in our faces since Mr.-Picky-Pants won’t eat the store bought, organic, $1.68 And if you buy in bulk, you can save a ton!

Homemade 83

Homemade Money Recipes Baby 83

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 31, 2016

Or maybe you’re trying to build your emergency savings account, or save for a vehicle? There is one place to look for extra money that maybe you haven’t considered–your groceries. It is totally possible to eat your favorite foods within a grocery budget. Day 2: Organize Your Kitchen Pantry.

Grocery Spending 100

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Budgeting 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Have you heard the old saying: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”? We were poor, Mom and Dad lived every day showing us what it meant to ‘make it do’ and we often ‘did without’ Here are my thoughts on frugal ways to make things do. Buy good clothing, used. Use up your food.

Making Do 219

Making Do Making Green And Frugal Friends And Family Sale 219

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JUNE 17, 2012

Since the 2008 recession, many people have rediscovered the savings, joys and health benefits of locally grown food – whether you have a backyard garden, participate in a community garden or shop at the local farmer’s market. Others have re-learned canning skills our grandmother’s used. What is a root cellar?

Advantage 210

Advantage Home and Garden Canning Gardening 210

Couponing 101

JANUARY 21, 2019

We’ve all been there: staring at the baby food aisle trying to figure out which of these jars and pouches our baby will eat. And then, when we finally pick a few, they get thrown in our faces since Mr.-Picky-Pants won’t eat the store bought, organic, $1.68 And if you buy in bulk, you can save a ton!

Homemade 56

Homemade Money Recipes Baby 56

Couponing 101

AUGUST 11, 2019

The new school year is upon us. If you’re packing lunches for your child or children, you may have already figured out budget-friendly items to include. While this may seem like a nominal price, when you’re using them five days a week for several years, the cost seems more significant.

School Lunch 58

School Lunch Lunch Lunches Package 58

Saving Everyday

DECEMBER 1, 2023

They’re a fantastic source of protein and nutrients that can be enjoyed any time of the day. White rice and eggs is one of my go-to dishes when I don’t feel like cooking but still want something that feels like comfort food. It’s an excellent use for leftover rice and a great opportunity to use up leftovers.

Simple 52

Simple Leftovers Cooking Recipes 52

Couponing 101

FEBRUARY 26, 2019

After my “tidying up” adventures , I was inspired to find other ways of using everyday items to organize my life, otherwise known as my upcycled storage solutions! I like the idea of transforming items that I usually throw away into something useful. Cord Organizer. Glass Jars for Bathroom Organization.

Storage 75

Storage Reuse Phones Recycle 75

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 28, 2014

We don’t want to make our families miserable with bland meals, boring snacks, and not enough food in the house, but we must stay on budget. February’s homework was to clean out and organize the refrigerator, freezer, and kitchen pantry. I did something different this month and used cash instead of my debit card.

Budget 124

Budget Budgeting February Groceries 124

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 21, 2013

One of the keys to healthier eating — and saving money while you do it — is preparing meals at home. There are a number of benefits to cooking at home beyond just improving your health and saving money. Sticking to a list ensures that we get what need to keep with our meal plan, and it can save money.

Crock Pots and Slow Cookers 202

Crock Pots and Slow Cookers At Home Home Making 202

Nicoles Nickels

JANUARY 26, 2012

Food on the Table is an easy meal planning service that is based on sales at local grocery stores. With Food On The Table, users will be able to: find thousands of easy, healthy recipes, save money by knowing the items that are on sale, and simplify your shopping experience with a well organized grocery list.

Meals 45

Meals Food Re-use 2010 45

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

Whether you’re an avid Aldi shopper or new to the store, I’ve pulled together 7 Aldi Dinner Ideas for $70 to make your next meal plan easier. In a few meals, I used the cook once, eat multiple times method. You can easily use white or brown rice in these dinners, whichever you prefer. Nice work, Aldi! Instructions:

Dinner 100

Dinner Baking Cooking Microwaveable 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 2, 2012

In a similar way, buying organic local produce from farmers’ markets will cut down on the food miles and CO 2 emissions. Buying from farmers’ markets also means fresher food that’s pretty much straight from the field onto your plate! Where possible, try to avoid gifts that use batteries. Done tactfully and with care, re?gifting

Green 203

Green Christmas Recycle Recycled 203

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 6, 2013

When you’re stressed-out, a little sunshine and fresh air will do wonders. From an initial small investment on seeds or small plants and to the occasional purchase of organic fertilizers, you can cultivate a mature garden without investing too much money. You can check out the used book stores or the flea market.

Hobby 213

Hobby Cheap Gardening Garden 213

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 14, 2013

On Sundays, we’ll meet here to catch our breath, and let everyone know how we’re finding our $1000. Yes, there are coupons, but you don’t have to use them to reduce your grocery bill. I do not use a lot of coupons–mostly because I find so few for products that we use. 20 Ways to Use Ripe Bananas.

Grocery Spending 113

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Finds 113

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

At the same time I discovered Ina Garten roasting a chicken on the Food Network. What You Need to Know about Marked Down Meat: The meat is typically marked down because it is near the use by date or the store has too much of a product and it needs to be cleared out, as was probably the case with the Perdue chickens. Use your judgement.

Freezers 100

Freezers Cooking Re-use Package 100

Couponing 101

JANUARY 31, 2014

These meals are sold near the deli and are a quick and healthy “fast food” option. The butcher shop offers a wide variety of meats, including several natural and organic options. The produce section is absolutely gorgeous and there are more than 150 USDA certified organic fruits and vegetables.

Kroger 91

Kroger Texas Jewelry and Watches Car Seats 91

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 4, 2011

Everyone wants a short cut to wealth, and everyone seems convinced that there’s a great mystery surrounding financial stability and that only the most dedicated among us can escape college with our bank accounts intact. It’s not for food, bills, movies, dates, anything. Happily, that’s not the case.

College 169

College Graduation Credit Cards Re-use 169

Saving Everyday

MARCH 10, 2019

One of my favorite tips is to have a “date jar” Put any extra change and small bills in it through the week, and then use the next time you want to have some fun. For example, when you cook together, challenge yourself to only use what you have and save a trip to the store.

Food and Wine 64

Food and Wine Snuggle Video Games Music 64

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 14, 2015

When you can reuse or re-purpose an item, you are not only saving it from the landfills, but you are also saving the expense and energy which would have been expended when you recycle. To keep our kitchen trash can clean, we use either a heavy paper bag or a small plastic bag. Years ago, I learned to reuse freezer bags.

Reuse 100

Reuse Recycle Recycled Recycling 100

Couponing 101

DECEMBER 6, 2018

Never used a coupon in your life? This beginner’s guide to couponing will teach you the basics so you can start saving money with coupons. Organize Your Coupons. With this method you just file your inserts by date in a box and use an online coupon database to find the coupon you need. Get Some Coupons.

Friends And Family Sale 85

Friends And Family Sale Newspaper Coupons At&T 85

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 20, 2011

I spent a lot of time scouring the newspapers and seldom yielded any coupons that I could use. I’m a vegetarian and I eat quite a bit of organic foods, so my diet doesn’t match up with many manufacturer’s coupons. I was spending two hours a week to save maybe $10. But you need to know when to say when.

Frugal 174

Frugal Personal Finance Frugal Life Money 174

Saving Everyday

DECEMBER 13, 2016

Most new parents are shocked by how much diapers, wipes, food, and baby necessities add up to be. I often find myself saying “I wish I had that when my kids were little” OR “you’d use that once and never use it again” I understand you want the best for your baby and shopping for them is very exciting.

Baby 40

Baby Kroger 2016 Saving 40

Couponing 101

MARCH 16, 2019

Do you ever come up one ingredient short on a meal that you’re making and have to make that extra trip to the grocery store that wastes time and gas? I used to be an extremely organized person…and I don’t use the term EXTREME lightly. Create a budget and actually use it. Let’s face it.

Frugal Successes 81

Frugal Successes Frugal Organic Organization 81

Couponing 101

SEPTEMBER 18, 2013

If you’re new, please read Couponing Terms & Abbreviations and Kroger 101: How to Shop and Save Money at Kroger Stores before continuing. These are the Kroger Deals for the Texas/Louisiana area. Prices may vary by region. Texas Kroger stores No Longer Double or Triple Coupons. lb Pork Spare Ribs $1.49/lb

Kroger 69

Kroger Edge Shaving Gel Jimmy Dean Coffee Mate 69

The Frugal Girl

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Today we’re meeting a reader who only found my blog a few months ago; I love that she already volunteered to do a Meet a Reader post. Tell us a little about yourself I’m Andrea, I’m in my 20s. How did you get interested in saving money? Hey everyone! Here’s Andrea: 1. My college education.

Friends And Family Sale 194

Friends And Family Sale Library College Cars 194

Couponing 101

JANUARY 20, 2019

Kroger is one of my favorite grocery stores because they have great sales and they have a very nice selection of organic foods. If you simply walk into a Kroger and buy whatever you want, you aren’t going to save very much money. If you shop wisely, pay attention to sales, and use coupons, then you can save a ton!

Saving Money 85

Saving Money Kroger Money Shopping 85

The Frugal Girl

FEBRUARY 26, 2024

Today we’re meeting a reader who’s been here since 2009 (!!) Tell us a little about yourself. I don’t use it much, but I have run background checks for divorced friends who are dating again through online apps. The focus was on saving money and resources and living in an eco-conscious way.

Daughter 130

Daughter Green And Frugal Money Grandmother 130

Saving Everyday

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

I’m guilty of cooking too much food, so when my husband is overseas, I completely change how I plan and prepare my meals. Eating in rather than ordering out saves money. It helps reduce food waste and saves money by making the most of your ingredients. You are in total control of the ingredients.

Budget 52

Budget Budgeting Cooking Leftovers 52

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

FEBRUARY 23, 2014

To the overworked housewife in the 1950s, convenience foods were a fun novelty that gave her more time to do other things besides cook. To the working women of the 1980s, convenience foods offered them a way to juggle their responsibilities of career women and wives and mothers. I’ll never use store bought broth again.

At Home 199

At Home Making Home Food 199