What is Geocaching

Geocaching is a scavenger hunt filled with technology.  Carefully placed caches are hidden all over the world in areas ranging from cities to forest trails.  These caches are hidden very well, but you should not need a shovel to retrieve it.  Each cache has a “log” where the finder can sign or initial that the cache has been found.  The size of the hidden caches range from micro to much larger.  For beginner geocachers it is not recommended that you find one of those first.  There is a give and take system in some geocaches as people leave treasures in the box for the next person to take (if desired).  You take a treasure and leave another in its place.

Geocaches are rated on two different criteria…difficulty to find and terrain.  Easy to find geocaches are registered as a 1. These are good for beginners and small children.  A rating of 5 is for pure crazy people who like a big challenge.  You will find the rating on the Geocaching website.

Geocaching with Kids

Time and time again I have mentioned just how awesome being part of a running group is.  A few weeks ago the friend I was running with told me that her family started geocaching right before they went on vacation and she said that it made their road trip much less stressful.  Say what?!?!?  She also said that it was a great way to get the kids out of the house and having fun.  I was instantly intrigued.  Despite the fact that during the hot hours we may melt when we go outside I want to have summer fun outside with my girls.  Could geocaching add that much excitement to our summer?  Please note: this post contains affiliate links.

My First Geocaching Attempt

Being frugal (this site is called Coupons Are Great after all) I decided that I would just download the free version of the Geocaching app.  We were at a park and I checked the app.  Low and behold there was a geocache near us!!!  Knowing nothing about geocaching we went on our way.  The free geocaching app does an alright job explaining things for newbies, but it is far from perfect.  We ended up not finding our first geocache.  I thought my girls were going to be devastated and never want to go on this treasure hunt again.  I was wrong!  The next morning Little Sister (age 5) said “Mommy, all I dreamed about last night was geoMAPPING.  Can we go again?  I want to find a prize!”  Just remember, you may not always be successful, but there is always the next geocache to find!

Tips for Geocaching with Kids

• Sign up for an account at Geocaching.com
• Spend time browsing on the computer for Geocaches in your area.  There are 2,108,878 active geocaches and over 5 million geocachers worldwide.
• Note the “Last found” date.  Don’t waste your time searching for a geocache that hasn’t been found in months (especially if you are new to this).
• Scroll down to see if there are photos.  Those are a big help!  When you and your kids know exactly what you are looking for there are approximately 500,000 questions less coming from them.  Be forewarned, there will still be approximately 1.5 million questions asked during your first few hunts.
• Pack a small bag with quarter machine type toys (silly bands, plastic animals, baseball cards) and take it with you.  Some geocaches have a give/take system where you can exchange treasures.
• If you are going to a park or anywhere suburban wear pants and tennis shoes.  
• Once you are ready to actually find your first geocache download the app for your phone.  I downloaded the free version (I am frugal, what can I say).  My husband was frustrated with the free version so he ponied up the $9.99 for the paid version.  I have no affiliation with this company.  The free app definitely lacks compared to the paid app.  The upgrade is definitely worth it if you will be geocaching in the future.  
• Have fun!  Remember if you don’t find your first geocache that there is always next time.

Geocaches come in different sizes.  There are micro ones….and I am terrified to hunt for one of those.  The ones we have found were “medium” sized and they were difficult to find!  I can’t imagine looking for something really small.  I have confidence that as we get better at this we will work our way up to a micro cache.  I would never, ever think to pick up a rock geocache (like the photo above).  Those are some super advanced skills!

My girls are hooked on geocaching.  They are constantly asking me to use the app on my phone to see if there are any nearby.  I am so excited that we have a fun, frugal family activity.  I am looking forward to a few summer road trips where we can geocache at rest stops along the way to our destination.

Once you get the hang of geocaching you may want to make your own.  This Geocache kit is a great place to start!

Check out more Activities for Kids and Craft posts for more inspiration this summer!

Frugal Summer Fun: Geocaching with Kids is a post by Coupons Are Great

Big Sister, who is in third grade, just got a sneak peek of these jokes.  We went to a friend’s house this afternoon and I heard her say “You know those jokes my mom tucks into my lunch??  She had MINECRAFT ones!!!”  Her friend was almost as excited as she was.  I guess that means I should print them now to put into tomorrow’s lunches, which are already made.   I tuck the girls’ lunch box notes into their lunch boxes with their EasyLunchboxes 3-compartment Bento Lunch Box Containers.  It’s always fun when they come home saying their friends…or even their teachers….loved their jokes.

Printable Minecraft Jokes

To get your very own printable Minecraft inspired lunch box notes to print and  use yourself all you need to do is click here for the pdf.  You will be able to save this PDF to your computer and can print it when you need it!  If you have any problems, please Email Me

If your family is really into funny jokes you may want to consider:

• MINECRAFT: 100+ Funny clean Minecraft jokes and memes for Children. ( memes for kids, minecraft jokes and memes, minecraft funny comics, minecraft kids short stories, minecraft jokes for kids.)
• Diary of a Wimpy Steve series: Minecraft Jokes for Kids! – Currently $2.99
• And these Minecraft Papercraft Animal Mobs Set (Over 30 Pieces) look incredibly cool!

We have created many printable lunch box jokes over the years.  You are likely to find another free set that you love as much as this one!  While you are here, be sure to subscribe to Coupons Are Great so you don’t miss out on great deals, fun freebies, crafts, and more. 

Printable Minecraft Lunchbox Jokes is a post by Coupons Are Great

When shopping online retailers often offer a small percentage of money to the site that referred you.  When you go through a cash back site you get money back in your pocket.  It takes a few strokes of the keyboard to line your pocket with a little extra money.  Ebates is my favorite cash back site. I have cashed in hundreds of dollars using Ebates since 2009.  I have saved my friends quite a bit of money by telling them to use a cash back site like Ebates too.

Using Ebates is Easy!

1. Sign Up  and you will get $10 in your account just for signing up.  * To qualify for a Welcome Bonus, you must be a new member and make minimum qualifying purchases totaling at least twenty-five dollars ($25) within ninety (90) days of becoming a Member.
2. Head to Ebates before you shop online.
3. Search Ebates for the store you are shopping at online.
4. Wait a few seconds.  A tracking tickets is issued.
5. Shop, shop, shop at the store you were directed to from Ebates.  You can still use coupon codes and other discounts at checkout to save even more money.
6. You will receive a percentage of your purchase price in to your Ebates account.  Generally you can see this credit a few days after you place your order. Sometimes the money is credited in a few hours, which is always exciting.
7. At the end of each quarter a check will be mailed to you if your account balance is $5.01 or higher!

You can shop at over 1000 stores including eBay, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Overstock.com, Walmart, Kohl’s and Home Depot.  Cash back typically ranges from 3 to 5 percent.  It is always neat to see high rates (up to 26%), and that does happen!  Be on the lookout for some great Black Friday stores that will offer Double Cash Back!

Ebates has a great referral program. You will earn $5 for every friend who signs up.

Get your cash back from Ebates.  Start today!

Check out these Ways I Save for more money saving tips and tricks.

 If you love saving money, and who doesn’t, check out these deals and freebies that will save you even more!  Be sure to subscribe to Coupons Are Great so you don’t miss out on great deals, fun freebies, crafts, and more. 

Save Even More Shopping Online: Ebates is a post by Coupons Are Great

Cookies for Kids: ABC Sugar Cookies

This recipe will make one dozen ABC sugar cookies:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 t of baking soda
• 1/2 t of baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 t vanilla extract
• Wilton candy melts – white
• Wilton black decorating gel
• Wilton red decorating gel
• Wilton blue decorating gel

DIRECTIONS

1.   Preheat oven to 375° degrees.

2.   In a small mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder.

3.   In a medium mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4.   Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed butter and mix for one minute.

5.   Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until well-incorporated.

6.   Using a cookie scoop (for uniform-sized cookies), form 12 balls out of the dough and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

7.   Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 hours on a wire rack.

8.   Melt 1/2 cup of the white Wilton candy melts in the microwave for 60 seconds. Stir until completely melted.

9.    Spread the melted candy on each sugar cookie and let cool for 20 minutes.

10.  Take the blue gel tube and draw 5 lines across each cookie and let set for 20 minutes.

11.   Take the red gel tube and draw a line down on the left side of each cookie. Let set for 20 minutes.

12.   Take the black gel tube and write individual letters (uppercase and lower case) on each cookie.  Let set for 20 minutes.

13.   ENJOY!

Did you see the secret to getting the cookies to not smear?  Using the white Wilton candy melts will save you so much frustration.  Frosting may seem easier…but it is NOT!

Do you have another great alphabet sugar cookie or back to school recipe/idea to make for/with kids?  Please share it in the comments below!

We love crafting!  Be sure to check out our Craft Posts for more ways to create fun, frugal crafts and projects at your house!

Cookies for Kids: Decorated Alphabet Sugar Cookies is a post by Coupons Are Great

Let’s take a look at bank account tips and options for your elementary school-aged child.

1. Open a Savings only  account – When you go to the bank there are a few bank account options including a joint checking account where you and your child share the same checking account.  This account allows your child to get a debit card.  A debit card is a big step up in responsibility and is not the first step. This comes after a savings account has been opened and established.  Remember, the goal of having a savings account is to SAVE, not spend.

2. No Fees – Make sure the  account you open does not have a minimum requirement (such as a monthly direct deposit) or monthly fees (for things like monthly paper statements).  Credit Unions are generally excellent places to open savings accounts because they often have low or no fees.

3. Easy accessibility – Having a bank that is close to your house or on your general everyday route will make it easy for everyone when deposits need to be made.  Ensure there is a way to log in to your account online so you can check the balance.  This will help your child stay focused on his/her savings goals.

4. Regular deposits – Work with your child to make regular deposits into the account. This might be a portion of their allowance each month. It can also include a portion of any cash gifts that they receive.

5. Keep track – Consider keeping a ledger or a goals savings sheet.  We have a super cute printable savings chart that you can print and use at your house!

There are many ways to teach your child to save money. A bank account is a necessity in adult life.  Teaching your child all about the bank, starting with  a savings account, at a young age will help them succeed financially as an adult.  Goal setting and patience, learned through saving, are important skills for adult life as well.  By learning how to save money early, your child will only purchase what is truly important to him/her because getting to that goal took a lot of work.

Both of my girls have savings accounts. They enjoy going to the bank and depositing money in to their accounts.  Signing their names on the electronic pad makes them feel so grown up and they always smile when they are done signing.  I love that we are teaching them financial responsibility at such a young age!

See also:

Kids and Finance – Teaching Kids About Money: Setting Goals

Responsibility and Chore Chart for Kids with Printable Chore Chart

What is the biggest goal your child has saved for?

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Kids and Finances – Teaching Kids About Money: Opening a Child’s Savings Account is a post by Coupons Are Great

Why Amazon Prime Rocks

Get unlimited FREE two-day shipping with no minimum order size.  Sometimes you need an item…and you need it now!  With free two day shipping it’s almost like instant gratification.  We have ordered parts for our washing machine, car, and birthday presents that we needed ASAP and it was perfect to have free 2 day shipping.

Ship gifts to others for free. Buying gifts for others can be so much fun, especially when you have a good idea.  There is a major buzz kill when you have to pay to ship that item though.  With Amazon Prime you get 2 day shipping to your house…..and your friends and family.  This is PERFECT during birthdays and the holidays.

Save money on gas.  With Amazon Prime you don’t need to drive from store to store looking for your desired item. Nor do you have to drive to go to the post office.  All that money saved is awesome.

Amazon Instant Video.  Instantly watch over 40,000 movies and TV episodes with titles for everyone.  With that many titles there has to be something you haven’t seen or television series that you want to start.

Kindle Library. Choose one kindle book to read for FREE every month from the Kindle Lending Library! There are many popular titles.

Sign up for a FREE 30 Day Trial of Amazon Prime.  You will receive all the benefits listed above.  Start shopping for back to school and the holidays.  If you want to use this as a trial period be sure you uncheck the auto-renewal box so you are not charged the $99 per year membership price.  If you find yourself loving Prime after your trial remember that the $8.25 a month price is quite reasonable for all that you get.

It gets better!

Get a FREE 6 Month Trial for Students with Amazon Student.  This requires a .edu email address which is issued at the college or university level.

 Do you use Amazon Prime?  Or have you never thought about getting a membership?

Check out more Amazon Deals I’ve posted for even more savings!

Disclosure: Amazon prices fluctuate quickly so it is best to order as soon as you see products listed at rock bottom prices   Please make sure you check the current price on Amazon before purchasing. This post contains affiliate links. Coupons Are Great is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows associates to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to their website.  Read my disclosure policy here.

Why You Need an Amazon Prime Account: Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial is a post by Coupons Are Great

In frugal dating you can be creative.  By setting a low (to no) budget you will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime without spending a fortune.

Frugal Date Night Ideas

Picnic at the Park – Get your picnic basket, prepare a sandwich, grab a bottle of water and head to your local park for a picnic dinner.

Cook Together – Dating does not have to be done away from the house. The important thing is you are together and spending time with each other. It seems like dating always consists of eating out so mix things up and cook dinner together?  If you are lucky, you may even find the needed ingredients at home. Or, even if you still need some of the missing ones, it would surely not cost you that much. Do not forget to make desserts as well! Add a few candles to your dinner to make it a little more romantic.

Plan for an Active Date – Strap on those roller blades, grab a baseball glove, put on your bathing suit, grab a golf club, or just tie your shoes and take a walk or jog.  Being active is EASY and very overlooked.

Movie Night At Home – Order a movie from Amazon or grab the latest new release from Redbox.  Snuggle on the couch while you watch a romantic comedy, thriller, or sci-fi movie.

Go Geocaching – This is not just an activity for kids – I promise.  Geocaching is a great way to explore the area that you live in.

Listen to Live Music – Whether it is at a coffee shop or an ice cream parlor call around to see if free music is available near you.  There are always budding musicians who like to play in public and you could make their day by being in the audience.

Explore the area – Drive to a nearby town or attraction and spend the afternoon taking in the sights of sounds of somewhere new.

Play Board Games – Invite friends over for a double date and play board games….or find a few board games that only require two people.  My favorite is Scrabble, but Cribbage is a close second.

Volunteer – Find a local charity that needs a few volunteers and spend time helping others together.  You could also find an elderly person who could use some company and plan frequent visits.

Dating should be simple and fun.  You do not need to spend a ton of money to impress someone or to have fun.

What are your favorite frugal dates?

If you love saving money, and who doesn’t, check out these deals and freebies that will save you even more!  Be sure to subscribe to Coupons Are Great so you don’t miss out on great deals, fun freebies, crafts, and more.

Frugal Date Night Ideas is a post by Coupons Are Great

Places to Sell Your Stuff for Extra Money

Amazon Trade In –  This is one of our favorite ways to get money for old video games, dvd’s, and books.  With Amazon’s Trade In Program you scan the items barcode and Amazon tells you how much those items are worth.  You decide if the money is enough or not.  Then you package all your items and add a prepaid label to the box.  Amazon takes care of the shipping charges.

Ebay – If you have old or collectible items at your house then Ebay may be the best tool for you to fetch the best prices.  You will lose part of your sales in both PayPal and Ebay Fees.

Consignment Sales or Consignment Stores – If you live in an area where consignment sales are a big deal then you should take advantage of those.  Generally there is a fee to join the sale (often between $7 and $10) and a portion of your sales are deducted (around 30%).  You can get rid of a lot of children’s toys, books, and clothing in one quick event with consignment sales.  Likewise, if there are consignment stores in your area you should see what they have to offer as well.

Craigslist –  You can use Craigslist to sell items you don’t want or need.  It is always advisable to meet at a public location when selling your items on Craigslist.   You can meet in the parking lot of your local sheriff’s department or police station (many welcome this and several even post on Facebook inviting people to use their parking lots).  This will often deter anyone with ill intentions.

Facebook Groups – Facebook groups are one of my favorite ways to see what is for sale in my local community.  When you join Facebook yard sale groups you will often need to be approved by an administrator.  There are rules to follow (things that are prohibited to post) and common courtesy to be used (sellers go in order of replies and do not cherry pick or offer items to sellers who private message them).

Newspaper Ads – Despite living in a world full of technology, the good ole newspaper is still a great place to list ads for items you are selling.  Some newspapers run select ads for free.  You can always ask for a discounted price on your ad before you place it.

Yard Sale – If you have a lot of stuff that you no longer need, organize a yard sale to get rid of it all at once.  If your neighbors/neighborhood is friendly, team up to hold a family/neighborhood yard sale.  Those attract more people!  These Yard Sale Tips will help your yard sale be an even bigger success (seriously, it’s all about those big balloons).

It’s always fun deciding how to spend the money you make from selling stuff.  If your budget looks sad that month, fill up some of your budget categories.  We tend to save our “sold item” cash to use as splurge money.

If you love saving money, and who doesn’t, check out these deals and freebies that will save you even more!

Save money with printable coupons from

Coupons.com | Redplum | SmartSource 

How to Sell Your Stuff for Extra Cash is a post by Coupons Are Great

Swap with friends.  Set up a Girls Night Out where everyone brings their old clothes and you can swap away.  Determine if it is adult clothing, children’s clothing, or both ahead of time.

Sell what you don’t wear.  Take an honest look in your closet and sell the clothes that you do not wear.  A great tip is to turn your hangers backwards in the closet.  Once you wear a clothing item you get to turn the hanger the right way.  Any clothes that you do not wear will be easy to spot since they will be on backwards hangers. You do not need to hang on to the clothing you do not wear.  Have a great yard sale and then go shopping for new duds.

Shop at discount stores.  TJ Maxx and Marshalls have fantastic prices on name brand items.  Many of these items are sold at higher end department sales.  Every year around my birthday I get a new purse.  I thought I found a great deal at Macy’s (using a coupon) and then found the exact same purse at TJ Maxx for $10 less a few days later.  Lesson learned!

Shop at consignment sales and consignment stores.  These Consignment Sales Tips will help you prepare before a local consignment sale.

If consignment sales are not big in your area you can use ThredUp.  Sign up for ThredUp and you will receive a free $10 credit!  I have been very happy with my ThredUp purchases in the past.  I have purchased really cute Christmas dresses for my girls for a fraction of the price of a department store.  There is a whole Women’s section on ThredUp that will help keep your wardrobe new and fresh too!  Another great online resource is Fabletics for athletic clothing.

I also really like Schoola.  Sign up today and save $20 off your first order.  I have used Schoola to purchase some really adorable and affordable essentials to wear when substitute teaching.

Get Cash Back Online.  If you shop online for clothing (or anything) you should use a cash back site like Ebates, Mr. Rebates, or TopCashback.  We just purchased a treadmill online from Sears and I have $25 in my Ebates account.  Free money for a purchase that you were already making is the best.  To use a cash back site you need to log in, search for the merchant you are shopping at, click the link, shop, and place your order.  Your account will be credited with whatever percent that was offered.  Once you reach payout you will receive a check or Paypal (depending on the site).

Join your local “Yard Sale” Facebook groups and check Craigslist for lots of clothing.  You can score some amazing deals when people are moving, changing clothing sizes, or need a little extra spending money.

Head to Thrift Stores and Garage Sales.  I am a thrift store junkie.  These Thrift Store Shopping Tricks will help you save money at your local second hand stores.  The power of bartering at a garage sale certainly gives you a shopper’s high when you get a great deal!

Check for coupons. Always, always, always do a quick search of the internet using your store name and the word coupon (“store name” + “coupon” OR “store name” + “printable coupon”).  Check the store’s Facebook page as well for coupon related information.  You may be able to find printable coupons or coupons you can use online.  Some stores have phone apps and text coupons that you can sign up for.

Buy out of season.  One of the best ways to get a great deal on your wardrobe pieces is to buy when items are on seasonal clearance.  Stock up on classic pieces that will not go out of style when you can purchase them at rock bottom prices.

Keep it Simple.  Establish a wardrobe of basics that you can accessorize.  Cute scarves, owl necklaces, and blingy watches are a few of the items you can find on Amazon that are under $6 and have free shipping.

Don’t buy it just because it’s on sale.  This contradicts buying out of season, I know.  Saving 30% on an item is not a good deal if you don’t wear it.  Sales will come around again.  Buying something solely because it is on sale does not make financial sense.

Treat clothing shopping like grocery shopping.  Make a list and stick to it.  Your wallet will thank you!

See this list of 15 Ways to Save for more budgeting goodness.

Do you have ways that you save money on clothes?  Please leave a comment with your money saving technique.

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How to Save Money on Clothes is a post by Coupons Are Great

If you are looking for a fun way to add some pizzazz to snacks, lunches, and even dinners for your little ones I have the perfect tool for you!  My girls love their hardboiled bunny eggs.  Head over to Amazon where you will find the Rabbit and Bear Egg Mold and the Fish and Car Egg Mold to use on hardboiled eggs.  Turning the egg from its original smooth hardboiled egg into a shape is easy and only adds a few minutes to your day.  After the egg has boiled and set simply rinse the egg under cold water and peel.  Don’t let the egg cool off too much though.  Then put the egg in the mold, click shut, and submerge it into ice cold water.  Wait a few minutes before taking out and opening.  You will have a super cute egg!

You don’t have to be a Super Bento Maker to still add fun to meals!  I am anything but a Super Bento Maker and my girls still really like these special little additions to their lunches.

If you love saving money, and who doesn’t, check out these deals and freebies that will save you even more!  Be sure to subscribe to Coupons Are Great so you don’t miss out on great deals, fun freebies, crafts, and more.  

Hardboiled Bunny Eggs is a post by Coupons Are Great