Receipt Perks

I've noticed a trend lately. Check the back of your receipt when you go to a fast food restaurant. A lot of times, if you'll do a short survey, you'll be able to get a free sandwich or other item. I'm all about finding a deal anywhere I can!  Other receipt perks include coupons on the back of grocery receipts and surveys where you could win cash or store credit. This particular survey took my about 3 minutes to do and I was able to not only get the code to redeem the free sandwich, but sign up to be part of the rewards program where I'll be sent other coupons. It's not that we necessarily go to Arby's a lot, but it'd be nice to have a coupon on hand when we do go!

Coupons!

For a long while I declined to participate in the coupon way of life. After all, I am a store-brand buyer and coupons are always for name brands!  That was until I tried it (thanks to my friend Laura)!  When coupons match up with store sales (and if you go to Publix where they not only double, but accept competitor's coupons AND allow you to stack store and competitor's coupons), you can get some good stuff for very cheap or even free!  For example, I got a huge bottle of Nivea body wash (regular price $6.99) for $0.78! I've gotten two tubes of toothpaste for free and several other items for dirt cheap (and significantly less than even the store brand that I would normally have bought). 

My suggestion: subscribe to a few sites that will do the coupon matching up for you. They do the work and you just run to the store and reap the benefits (that's especially helpful for those of us who do not like to shop)!   

**Notes of caution: don't think that you can or should be like those that are on the Extreme Couponing show. It annoys me to see them take every item off the shelf, thereby not allowing the rest of us to benefit from the same deal they did. I mean, who needs 60+ bottles of mustard, anyway?!    Also, don't buy an item just because you have a coupon. I have thrown away some $3.00 off coupons because I'm not going to just buy an item that I don't need or want. Sure, if I could get it on a very good deal and share it with someone who did need/want it, I'd be MORE than happy to give!  But if it's an $8.00 item and I get $3.00 off...I'm still spending $5.00 I don't really need to spend. Just be your own judge and you'll be in good shape!

Not just for your pearly whites

This is totally new to me. I had never in all of my 28 years heard about putting TOOTHPASTE on your pimple!  But, this is a frugal plan for zapping zits, so I had to share! Here's to clear, minty-fresh skin!

A little cold never hurt anyone!

It was cold this morning!  Spring had shown itself for a few days, but winter was back this morning. As you can see, though, the heat was off. Hats, gloves, and coats can help keep those fuel costs down. This is essential, as gas is at $3.45 right now!  Do I really know how much gas I'm saving by not using the heater?  Nope, but I know how much faster the gauge gets to "E" when I use it frequently. 
**You'll note that the temp gauge is at the hottest setting...that's just to try to fool my brain into thinking it's all warm and toasty ;-) 

Meatless or Less Meat!

Last night, we had a DELICIOUS meal on a budget. We had bought about a 1.25 pound package of ground beef. We'd used 1/3 of the package for something else. So, we took the remainder of the package out of the freezer (admittedly, not much meat). To look at it browning, it was a little sad. However, once we added the beans and seasonings, it was perfect!  Sure, we used to have a VERY meaty chili, but this chili was delicious and the beans were very filling. Finding meatless meals or using less meat or cheese than you normally would is a way to not only be frugal, but healthy!  Substituting beans and eggs for protein even just occasionally can save a bundle in the long run!  **This meal was even more frugal for us because Sam bought the ingredients! That's a good point: sharing the grocery expenses with friends is helpful when possible. Certainly you don't want to invite someone over and ask them to bring stuff, but if they offer: let them!

The Creativity of Others

I bought this book several years ago and found it in the garage yesterday. It's a really great book full of easy, less painful frugal tips! I will not suggest that you go out and buy a book to help you save money...because that's spending money! But, there are TONS of websites that give creative tips on saving money. Everyday I get an e-mail from Stockpiling Moms (okay, so I'm not a mom, but I can still benefit from the deals and couponing strategies)!  There is no reason to re-invent the wheel: use the creativity of others to help you figure out how to stay in (or below) budget!

**An important note is to take each suggestion for what it's worth. Some things work for some people that might not work for you. For example, the ladies above boast about how they look "stylish" in shoes that they've had for fifteen years. If you know me, you'll know that it simply wouldn't work for me not to get new shoes for FIFTEEN years!!**

Discount Grocery

Discount groceries are fantastic!  Whole grain nutty, yummy wheat bread for $0.50?  Yes, please! Amazing brand name cereal (with a slightly dented-in box) for $1.00?  I'm all about that! Find the discount and scratch-and-dent stores in your area. Make sure you stay safe: get things that are sealed and such, but don't be afraid to get the bagels that expire in three days: put them in the freezer and thaw as needed!