budget talk
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Money Saving Tip-Don’t Throw Them Away
Do you use coupons? If the answer is no then you’re literally throwing money away. Years ago you had to search through newspapers, magazines, and flyers to find coupons but now you can find them online and through doing a Google search. Type in what you want to buy and add the word ‘coupon’ and sometimes you’ll find some great deals on everything from clothing to furniture. And, of course, don’t overlook printed press because supermarkets and drugstores still provide plenty of print coupons too.
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Money Saving Tip-Why Buy It When…
Do you have a DIY project, even making something for a special meal and don’t have say, a ladder, a drill or a mixer? Many times we rush out to buy something and after the project is done, it sits on a shelf never to be used again. Before you head to the store or hit the buy button, ask family or friends if they have one they could lend you. If they don’t, then look for rental stores near you. Many have just what you need and you can have use of an item for a whole day for less than you’d pay for it at a store.
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Money Saving Tip-Spice It Up
Sometimes cheaper cuts of meat, even budget stretchers like beans can be bland. One thing that can make everything taste like gourmet fare is herbs and spices. Things like garlic and ginger can make a bland soup or stew taste like a professional chef made it. Grow your own or buy one herb or spice each time you go grocery shopping.
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Money Saving Tip-Bulk Bins
I don’t know about you, but I love a grocery store that has a great selection of bulk bins. For a little bit of work, (and yes, sometimes it’s fun too), to measure and weigh your own food items, like beans, flour, oats, granola etc. For this little bit of extra work you can save a bundle. It’s also good for the environment too especially if you reuse the bag or container. Talk about a win win situation. This week, check out the bulk bins.
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Money Saving Tip-Learn to Sew
Did you know it’s National Sewing Month? I have to admit I have limited sewing skills. I’ve always handed over shortening hemlines and mending zippers to other people. Maybe you have better skills or maybe you make your own clothes. Either way learning basic sewing skills is a money saver. You save money doing your own alterations and then you save money when you learn to repair torn clothing or yes, fixing the broken zipper rather than throwing away things and buying new.
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Money Saving Tip-Research Now, Buy Later
Don’t wait until something major happens like a stove that stops working or a leaking water heater to go shopping for a replacement. Think ahead, have some emergency money set aside and do research on what’s a good buy and what’s not. When we’re forced to buy something that’s when we make a panic buy and end up not only paying more but purchasing something we don’t really like or want.
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Money Saving Tip-A Win-Win Situation
If you haven’t shopped at a consignment store then you’re missing out on some of the biggest bargains. Everything from clothes to furniture. I’ve found designer jackets and dresses for less than $10. Household appliances that look like they’ve never been used…in fact, a few have still been in sealed boxes which I’m guessing indicates it was an impulse buy for someone or an unwanted gift. They also offer you the opportunity to make money too. Have a dress you bought for a wedding and now it’s just hanging in the closet? Have a bread maker that you purchased with the intent of making fresh bread every day but it…
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Money Saving Tip-Meal Plans
Don’t have a plan? Sometimes that can cost you money. Begin each week or grocery tip with planning what you’ll eat for the next 7 days. You’ll prevent overbuying and throwing random things into your cart and you can even plan future meals by using leftovers and similar ingredients. For example, use half a chicken for one meal, and the other half for another. Use leftover lemons to make homemade lemonade.
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Money Saving Tip-Use the Internet to Compare Prices on Groceries…on everything
One of the things I love most about the Internet is it gives me a chance to dos some comparison shopping. Make a list of items you want to buy…even if you’re going to a store to buy them, and choose two or three stores that you know carry those products and make a note of the prices. I’ve been doing that for grocery shopping and you’d be surprised at what you find. A store that I thought would have the lowest prices actually didn’t.
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Money Saving Tip-Don’t Have it, Don’t Panic
How many times have you been making a dish, cooking dinner and thought, I don’t have such and such ingredient, I need to go buy it? Sometimes, it’s an ingredient you don’t use often or will never use again. Oftentimes, it’s something with a cheaper alternative. Things that come to mind are spices. and dairy products. Here’s a link to a site that offers a list of replacements for many of the things we rush out to buy. https://www.thespruceeats.com/ingredient-substitution-chart-3054056