Frugal-Living-Skills Blog

Family Meals Under $5 - Poor Mans Meal

2010-02-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Gayle over at The Grocery Cart Challenge posted about a cookbook from a 91 year old woman named Clara who grew up in the depression. I have seen some of her recipes on Youtube and this is now one of my family's favorites. If you get a chance, check out her book. It's full of great frugal recipes as well as some frugal living skills of her own. Poor Mans Casserole - $1.56 Tossed Green Salad -

Family Meals for Under $5 - Spaghetti from the Good Ship Lollipop

2010-02-15T14:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend was my birthday and I didn't feel like cooking so I didn't make a $5 dinner. I have found something even better though. The Good Ship Lollipop: On a Budget Bethany is my second cousin (who I didn't send a valentine to. Now I think I should) who put a great post on her site about a spaghetti dinner being only $4.70. I guess CBS thought that you could do it for a measly $35. Hello

Update on Walgreens Collage Print

2010-02-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

Today only Feb 12th, get a free 8x10 collage print when you order online! Just enter code VDAY at checkout. You gotta love free! Live less, live more Renee "Please notify me of any new posts" Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner

Walgreens Collage Card

2010-02-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

I think these photo collages are so cute that I just had to do one up so I could show you. It's super easy to do and doesn't take a lot of time, depending on how easily you can decide on your pictures. You can have a few pictures or a lot. I think they'll let you go up to 20. You can add a caption, which I did when using it as a card, or just leave it blank. One cute idea is to have the people

Frugal Valentines Day

2010-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Of all the holidays we celebrate there is one that I'm starting to not like. Valentines Day. It's not that I don't like this holiday, I just don't like the fact that it seems to be less about love and more about commercialism. For starters why do things like flowers suddenly have to double in price just because people want to express their feelings for one another? And why do I have to send a

Family Meals Under $5 - Taco Bake

2010-02-06T00:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry to give you a mexican dish 2 weeks in a row but there were a lot of things on sale this week for the Super Bowl so it just worked out that way. I know you'll enjoy it anyway. This recipe comes from my tried and true church cookbook. Thanks Melanie for a great recipe. Taco Bake - $4.21 Lettuce - .25c (.49c a head for leafy green @ Super 1 Foods) Sour Cream - .24c (.48c 16 oz tub @ Super 1

Family Meals for Under $5 - Fiesta Macaroni Supper

2010-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

My Under $5 dinner is a one pot dish that I whipped up before we had to be at a Boy Scout Court of Honor this week. When we have weeknight meetings, dinner can sometimes get pushed back until it's too late and we end up eating really late. That's why I love one pot dinners that can be prepared quickly with ingredients that you're likley to have on hand. This one can be ready in about 30 min.

A Quick tip

2010-01-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a quick idea that I had. When I see a really great deal on something I try to stock up and get as much as I can. This means that I can have 2 of the same item in my cupboards that I paid very different amounts for. When I'm trying to figure out the cost of a meal I have to remember what I paid for a particular item. This can be daunting. Solution. When I come home from

Swap -n- Share

2010-01-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

Today I had a great time getting rid of stuff that's been cluttering my house and picking up a few things that I can use and visiting with friends while doing it! The ladies organization at my church organized a Swap -n- Share. The idea is that you bring things that you no longer need and take things that you do need or want. At the end the leftovers were donated to a local womens shelter and

Simple ways to save money

2010-01-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

I just read a great post from Gayle over at The Grocery Cart Challenge. She talks about how spending a little extra time can really save you money. Saving money doesn't have to be difficult. Many people are amazed at the fact that I can make an entire meal for only $5. What usually makes this possible is making things from scratch or not buying the pre-packaged, already done for you foods. The

Buying a Used Car - Part 5

2009-12-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

Finally, 4 "Must Do's" Before Buying Any Used CarIf you are interested in a particular car, ask the dealer or owner if you can take it on a test drive. Try to drive the car under many different conditions, such as on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.You also may want to ask the dealer or owner whether the car has ever been in an accident. Find out as much as you can about the car's

Buying a Used Car - Part 4

2009-12-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaIf You Have ProblemsIf something goes wrong with your car and you think that it is covered by a warranty (either express or implied) or a service contract, refer to the terms of the warranty or contract for instructions on how to get service. If a dispute arises concerning the problem, there are several steps you can take.Try To Work It Out With The DealerFirst, try to resolve

Buying a Used Car - Part 3

2009-12-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

Image by rutlo via FlickrWarranty and Service Contracts"As Is--No Warranty"About one-half of all used cars sold by dealers come "as is," which means there is no express or implied warranty. If you buy a car "as is" and have problems with it, you must pay for any repairs yourself. When the dealer offers a vehicle for sale "as is," the box next to the "As Is--No Warranty" disclosure on the Buyers

Buying a Used Car - Part 2

2009-12-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

Image by corydalus via FlickrBuyers GuidesWhenever you purchase a used car from a dealer, you should receive the original or an identical copy of the Buyers Guide that appeared in the window of the vehicle you bought. The Buyers Guide must reflect any changes in warranty coverage that you may have negotiated with the dealer. It also becomes a part of your sales contract and overrides any contrary

Buying a Used Car - Part 1

2009-12-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaBuying a Used Car This year, millions Americans will buy a used car. Why buy used? Because a frugal person knows that the minute you drive a new car off the lot, you lose thousands of dollars in value, not a frugal choice. Also, the depreciation in value over the first couple of years is astronomical. So if you’re frugal and used is what you are planning,

Frugal Holiday Tips

2009-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

Before you go to the Christmas tree lot and spend $20-$50(or more)for your tree this year, consider cutting one down from the National Forest. Permits are $5 each in my area and there is a limit of 3. This may not be the case where you live but it's worth a call to the National Forest Ranger District closest to you. Many offices are open on Saturdays during the holidays. Call ahead to make

Thanksgiving Dinner For Under $5!

2009-11-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

The cover of Walmarts circular says "Thanksgiving Dinner for a family of 8 for under $20". I think I can do better.I think you'll be surprised at how little you actually have to spend without giving up too much. What's nice is that if you're having friends and family over it's certainly ok to ask them to help contribute to the meal.I tried to match the Walmart circular as closely as possible.

Family Meals Under $5 - Macaroni & Cheese

2009-10-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

This weeks dinner is one of those classic, comfort foods. I have found that there are lots of different ways to prepare it. Many people have recipes that have been in their family for generations.I grew up on boxed macaroni and cheese with hot dogs in it. When I had a family of my own I wanted to try the "homemade" kind. When I did it didn't get rave reviews. I was determined not to give up

Family Meals Under $5 - Barley, Bacon, Lentils & Tomatoes

2009-10-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

Since the hubby is out hunting this week I thought it would be a great time to eat some of the foods he doesn't like. It's not that he doesn't like beans, it's more that beans don't like him. OK, I know TMI.I was a little worried about the rest of my family liking this as well but thought "oh well, I'll give it a try." Much to my surprise and delight my middle son had 5 helpings!This recipe came

Family Meals Under $5 - Potato Soup

2009-10-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

Fall has finally arrived and the temperatures are dropping. There's nothing like a bowl of warm soup on a crisp fall evening. Soups make a great budget friendly meal. When I saw potatoes on sale I knew this would be a good one to make. Thanks to my friend Kristin for this recipe.Creamy Potato Soup - $2.26Frozen Mixed Veggies - $1.36French Bread - $.88Total - $4.50Creamy Potato SoupSauce3/4 c

Free Samples To Cut Grocery Bill

2009-09-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaFree Samples To Cut Grocery BillThe price that you pay for groceries has skyrocketed lately. The cost of bread and milk has steadily been climbing over the last couple of years. If you are like most people, then you may have been considering ways to help cut back on the amount that you pay. Have you considered getting a free food sample of some of your favorite grocery items?

13 Ways To Save On Gasoline

2009-09-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia13 Ways To Save On GasolineYou can save hundreds of dollars a year by using the lowest-octane called for in your owner's manual.Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your

10 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

2009-09-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia10 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance CostsYou may not realize it, but the insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the coverage you request and the kind of car you drive. Listed below are a number of things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs.1. COMPARISON SHOP.Prices for the same

7 Ways to Save Money on Transportation

2009-09-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia7 Ways to Save Money on Transportation1. Airline FaresYou can lower the price of a roundtrip air fare by as much as two-thirds by making certain your trip includes a Saturday evening stayover, and by purchasing the ticket in advance.To make certain you have a cheap fare, even if you use a travel agent, call all the airlines that fly where you want to go and ask what the lowest

Family Meals Under $5 - Tuna Casserole

2009-09-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting last week. A headache and football games got in the way. Anyway, this weeks dinner has some "stock up" items that were really great. It's also a classic, easy recipe that can be made in one pot. You can tweak it by adding different veggies or different cream soups to suit your family's tastes.Some sliced tomatoes from the garden make a great accompaniment, and their free.One