Barbequing on a Budget – Good For You and Your Wallet!

   
Amy Hannold,
247Moms Frugal Living Editor

May is National Barbeque Month, and along with the warmer weather, this theme for may will get you into the outdoor-cooking mood.  How can we barbeque to suit our budgets and our health?  The secret to memorable, tasty barbeque meals is to utilize cheaper, healthy ingredients (eggs, potatoes, rice) in new, creative ways. 

Food Preparation Tips:  A healthy meal begins with being aware of safe food preparation.  The National Barbeque Association has a page which details cooking temperatures for a variety of foods. There are also recipes and meal side ideas here:

http://www.nbbqa.org/tips_and_recipes.asp

Once you’re aware of safety precautions, it’s time to plan the meal.  Begin scouring the weekly grocery ads for sales on your favorite meats.  Buy a few more condiments, meats, and sides ingredients when they are on sale during upcoming holiday weekends.  Once the holiday is over, be on the lookout for clearance sales.

When meat/seafood is on sale, buy an extra or two to keep on hand for last minute barbeque cravings.  This will save on last-minute “full price” buys and extra, costly trips to the store.  Save on time by tossing meat you’ve bought in bulk into a freezer bag with your favorite sauce or marinade.  When you’re ready to barbeque, take the meat out the night before.  It will marinate as it thaws.

Consider vegetables as a healthy barbequing choice.  Eggplant, peppers, asparagus, pineapple, tomatoes, Portobello mushrooms, zucchini, onions, squash, and corn are delicious marinated, barbequed meal “salads”.   Experiment with homemade marinades – yum!

Slow-cooker beans and potato dishes are frugal, tasty barbeque meal components.  During hot weather days, with a slow-cooker, you can cook your sides without adding heat to the house.  Start with the dry legumes, soak the night before, simmer all day – and a delicious meal will be ready to enjoy alongside your barbeque entrée. Make Buffalo wings, on the cheap with bulk chicken wings, a slow cooker and your favorite sauce.  The same goes for chicken pieces, which can be easily breaded and baked.

Rice is also another barbeque favorite – and meal meat stretcher.  Choose a theme for your meal, whether it be Mexican or southern – and make a creative rice dish.  Pasta dishes are frugal delights when made with some fresh vegetables and oils.  Fruit salads, or simply sliced fruit, can be a meal side or a healthy dessert.  Top with vanilla ice cream o r fresh whipping cream.

Barbeque isn’t just for lunch.  Summer-themed sandwiches can be made with barbequed ingredients.  When you’re cooking for dinner, remember tomorrow’s lunch!  Chips, soup, and potato salad go great with a barbequed sandwich.

For vegetables, cheeses, or meat, a variety of tools can be used.  Bamboo sticks (soaked first), foil bags (or packets made from rolled foil), grilling baskets, and metal skewers help cook the food just right.  Grilling and barbequing vegetables doesn’t take long – so keep an eye on them. 

Add fun to your barbeque:  Split the cooking, and the good time with another family or two – and each bring your part of the meal.  Add some outdoor games, a fun project, and some good conversation – you’ll be looking forward to more “eating-out” occasions!

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

My two youngest have become bowling fanatics. They continually ask " Mom, can we go bowling?" So, I am one excited mom that once again the Kids Bowl Free program has launched for Summer bowling fun for my family.

The last two years we have participated and choose our favorite Bowling alley The Chalet Bowl. So, if you live in our area and are wanting a family environment bowling alley join us over at Chalet bowl this summer and let's bowl our days away.

Across the country you too can join in the fun at Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the second annual “Kids Bowl Free” program.

Easy Sign-up!

Signing your children up for the free bowling is easy! Just complete the registration form and your kids are on their way to bowling fun this summer. Click here to register now.

Mom, Dads, Teens get a deal as well: In order to accommodate parents and older children in your family that may like to bowl with the child, the participating bowling centers are offering a Family Pass. The Family Pass provides the same great "2 games a day" package for up to 4 adult family members for a one-time payment from $24.95. Click here to register now.

Show Your Love for Mom

 By: Amy Hannold

247Moms Frugal Living Editor

Mothers Day is May 8th this year.  It’s time to begin preparing some homemade, unique ways to show our love for Mom.  I encourage you to share the joy of Moms and gift creation with your kids.  These ideas are affordable and will express thoughtful, lasting sentiments to Mom.

 

TeacherVision.com

Free registration to their email updates will open 7 free, printable resources for Mothers Day.  Suggested age for these activities ranges from Pre-Kindergarten through the 8^th grade.  Activities range from the history of Mothers Day, poem writing, tissue paper flowers, “pop-up” portraits and my favorite – “Roses for Mom”.  This page of drawn roses invites the child to write “promises” of how they will show love for mom.  They can color the roses, cut them out and then give them to Mom (perhaps as part of a handmade card). 

BusyBeeKidsCrafts.com

Free, printable Mothers Day stationery, word searches, Mad Libs, color-me cards and coloring pages will suit your household for creating a fun, special Mothers Day.

DLTK-Holidays.com

One of my favorite sites for finding creative activities – even for the un-creative mom.  (I love the process of creating, once we’ve found the activity.)  Bingo cards, anagrams, craft ideas, and more await you. 

Fisher-Price.com

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=10&e=printcardlanding

Fisher-Price offers a free collection of printable greeting cards your kids can color for Mothers Day – or any day!

Other Ideas:

Memories for Mom:

Search back into your own childhood years, find a picture (or a memory) and create a card for your Mom.  You’ll both enjoy the time you spend remembering your childhood, and perhaps she’ll have some more advice for the stage of motherhood you’re currently in.

Photo Gifts:

Now is the time to find that perfect photo of the kids and use it to create a photo gift.  Online or in-store you can find some great deals on just the perfect gift.  Give Mom something she can show off, bragging about her special little ones.

Gift Baskets:

Use your frugal skills to create an especially collected assortment of Mom’s favorites.  Whether it be food, books, or small luxuries, show mom you’ve thought of what she likes.

Share these ideas – even with “Dad”, so that he can help the kids create something special.  Enjoy Mothers Day.  Celebrate the “Moms” in your life!  Also, remember Moms with spouses deployed, single moms, and others who also may benefit from some special attention on Mothers Day. 

Image from http://happy-mothers-day-ideas.blogspot.com/

What We Can Learn From Extreme Couponing

Amy Hannold,
247Moms Frugal Living Editor

As a long-time couponer and “Money-Saving Mentor, I have to take some exception with what is aired on the “Extreme Couponing” programs on TLC.  Let’s begin with the programming schedule that sandwiches the couponers between “Hoarding” and “My Strange Addiction”.

There is a whole lot of “staging” that goes into the creation of each segment.  Pertinent details are left out.  What is included however, are lots eye-popping hauls of groceries for small amounts of money.  In order to score these astounding receipts requires coupon policies not available to many regions in the country.  In addition, these “Extreme Couponers” are usually not shopping for their weekly meals. For their television cameo, these couponers prepare to take home the most, for the least amount of cash.

“Extreme Couponing” can be inspiring and entertaining.  The show has chosen an assortment of skilled coupon users.  Each is a bit unique in their philosophies.  I applaud those who give their loot to charities, including care packages to soldiers.  However, when it comes to couponing, I have to express that TLC, being The Learning Channel, is missing a great opportunity to really help families in a time of rampant need in our country.  Everyday, I am asked about the program- often from new couponers who want to know how they can get started.  Here is what we can learn from “Extreme Couponing”:

1.        Preparation Pays:  Before you hit the store, know what you’re buying, the savings you expect to receive and have a few “Plan-B’s” ready.  Expect a challenge in getting the deal and be prepared for it.  If you plan to buy a whole lot of a particular product, ask to make a special order so that you know it’s available.  Ordering also shows consideration; your haul does not eliminate others from getting their share of a great deal.

2.       Organized – The Only Way to Coupon:  Whether you use a series of envelopes, a coupon file or a binder – be organized.  Couponing won’t be much fun or valuable if you’re always playing “lost and found” with your coupons.  Be efficient and clutter-free – you’ll save time too!

3.       A List Makes Things Go Smoothly:  As you prepare, make a comprehensive list.  The list should include the product, variety/size, sale price, promotions to be deducted, coupons you have and the “net” price you expect to pay.  Especially for new couponers or couponers traveling with distractions, a list can help you stay on track.  A good list reduces “after-receipt” surprises when you realize you’ve paid full price for something.

4.       Networking is a Necessity:  Make and maintain relationships with the store manager and all of the other store employees.  There is valuable information to be gained when you take the time to get to know the store.  Networking also includes other couponers, the websites of manufacturers, and resources in the community where you can give/gain assistance.

5.       Enlist the Help of a Friend:  Shopping as a team gives you the advantage of another set of eyes and ears on your side.  Working together makes the “chore” parts more fun and the “saving” parts of couponing more of a celebration.

6.       Cashier Friendly, Cash Out Consciously:  Couponing can be more of an effort than shopping without coupons – however, don’t fall asleep or be irritable at the checkout counter.  Watch the register for possible errors – theirs or yours.  Maintain an attitude of “polite persistence”.  (That includes those behind you in line – which you may want to let in front of you).

7.       Sharing Pays Many Dividends:  Just as those profiled on “Extreme Couponing” are inspiring you, pass along the love to others.  Give graciously to those in need; give gifts from your stockpile to new babies and neighbors.  Teach others to shop for the best deals.   As you shop, practice “RAOCK’s” (Random Acts of Coupon Kindnesses”); give diaper coupons to moms and Polident coupons to the Grandmas!  The store will be more fun to shop when those around you cheer you on and share in the money saving opportunities.

8.       Love the Loved Ones:  The couponing process takes time, energy and money.  Be sure couponing is not eclipsing you from your family.  Store away a few surprise goodies and give out lots of compliments when you’re supported.  If you’re not, consider what motivates/concerns your family and find ways to address those through couponing.

Couponing, Deals and Money Saving Blogs for MOMS

 Looking for ways to Stretch the family dollar?  Carolyne Hays of Saving 4 A Purpose shared her favorites this week on 24/7 MOMS Live Webcast. ( see list below)

The Coupon Project  - Very beginner couponer friendly. She also gives organic deals and has great posts in her archives for the sale cycles Click here to visit the The Coupon Project now.

Money Saving Mom  - Lots of good topics including coupons and deals.  Subscribe to her daily updates to be in the money saving know. Click here to visit Money Saving Mom now.

The Krazy Coupon Lady - She lets you know super fast about the latest deals and bargains with lots of stores and  lots of deals! Click here to visit The Krazy Coupon Lady now.

Queen Bee Coupons -  Provides a spreadsheet that lists Costco vs. coupons in addition to posting local (Seattle area) deals.  Click here to visit Queen Bee Coupons now.

Gift Card Rescue - Savings beyond the coupon with discounted gift cards to buy as well as sell your
unwanted gift cards.  Click here to visit Gift Card Rescue now.

Plastic Jungle - Buy, Sell, Exchange gift cards and save money when shopping.  Click here to go to Plastic Jungle now.

Be sure to follow Carolyne Hays on Facebook by clicking here

Gift Card Granny - A place to buy and sell discount gift cards.  Click here to visit Gift Card Granny now.

Breakfast and Lunch – Made Better, For Less!

Amy Hannold
247Moms Frugal Living Editor

Cut “convenience” from your grocery bill. Individually-packed foods eat up your grocery budget and they rob you of the opportunity to discover a family-fun approach to daily nutrition.  When you assemble your own packaged lunch, you can choose the best nutritional ingredients. Experiment with healthier breads, crackers, and snack alternatives.

Homemade meals will be an ongoing success when you invest some planning, creativity and time – the payoff is healthier meals made more affordably.  To avoid boredom, discover new recipes, adding a variety of ingredients into your menu options.

Make it a family activity to find new recipes and include the kids so that they’re learning important home-economics skills.

Breakfast:

Biscuit/pancake mixes are a great convenience, but if you learn to make the mixes yourself – you’ll experience better flavor and save money.

The following “five-star” recipe has inspired us to create better breakfast pancakes.  Reviews of the recipe rave of the fluffiness and give several ideas for modifying the pancakes with whole wheat flour, etc:

http://www.food.com/recipe/petes-scratch-pancakes-5170

Tip: Follow Pete’s directions to the “T” (mixing slowly and being patient enough to let the mix alone for 10 minutes) – it’s a recipe for a perfect weekend meal.  Be sure to double the recipe, making extra pancakes.  Stack pancakes between parchment paper and freeze for weekday-quick breakfasts. 

Weekday Breakfasts:  Thaw frozen pancakes and serve with fruit.  Add peanut butter or other spread for taste and protein. 

Lunch:

Cheese: While “string” cheese is a favorite, cheese “sticks” are cheaper.  Buy cheese in 2-lb blocks and slice the cheese into sticks.  Seal in reusable boxes, with crackers, making enough portions for the week. You’ve saved yourself some time as well!

Fruits/Veggies:  Compare the price of bagged fruit to fruit bought by the pound.  Weigh the bagged produce to be sure you’re getting your 5-pounds – or more.  Prepare fruit/vegetables in bulk, dividing into separate packages – including for yourself as you’re on the go too!  Carrots, celery and zucchini, and other vegetables can be fun to eat when dipped into a healthy dip. 

Salad:  When making a salad for dinner, package an extra salad or two for upcoming lunches.  Be creative with ingredients, trying a new topping or vegetable.  Add nuts and/or canned tuna, beans, salmon or chicken for healthy protein. 

Beverages:  Choose a reusable juice box or water bottle.  Buy frozen concentrate, increasing the amount of water to the juice you serve. 

Dessert:  Bake several dozen cookies/brownies and freeze them individually.  Stack the dessert squares in a large freezer box, in an undisclosed location. 

Breakfast and Lunch are made!  Share your ideas for homemade breakfasts and box lunches!

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lakeshore Learning Coupon 40% Off One Item

DEAL: Have you been to a Lakeshore learning store?  so many fun games, art supplies, learning tools and more.  Huge selection to choose from.   We found a great deal a FREE printable 40% off one item coupon to use at Lakeshore Learning store.  Click here to print your coupon now.

$1 Spring Coupons At Mc Donalds

DEAL: Participating McDonald’s locations are offering a Spring Coupon Booklet with 12 FREE item coupons for ONLY $1.


Coupons included:

• 3 Free Apple Dippers
• 3 Free Small Cones
• 3 Free Apple Juice OR White Milk Jug
• 3 Free Hamburgers

Limit one certificate per person per visit. Redeemable by children ages 12 and under.

How Can I Make Some Legitmate Money Online?

Amy Hannold, 

247Moms.com Frugal Living Editor

If you’re willing to do a little work and are persistent with some of the opportunities available, there is money to be made online.

20/20 Panel:  Be Paid to Share Your Opinion!

https://www.2020panel.com/

Register with them and you will receive invitations to take “screener” surveys.  When you match the demographics that they want to survey, you will be invited to participate in a study.  You’ll be giving your opinion, experience and insight to companies – and be paid for your time.

Pinecone Research:

https://www.pineconeresearch.com/Signup/Signup_Form.aspx

Register and become a member of the Pinecone Research Panel.  When you’re sent “screener” surveys and match the surveyor demographics, you’ll earn $3 to complete a study. Not everyone who applies is chosen and surveys can be infrequent.

Toluna Research:

http://us.toluna.com/Registerland.aspx?tolreg=2&rsid=CD13263&rcid=4076&rgid=

Accepts all applicants, surveys vary in compensation and frequency.

MySurvey.com

https://www.mysurvey.com/index.cfm?action=Main.join

Get paid for your opinions and participation in surveys and/or product testing. 

Synovate Global Opinion Panels

https://www.globalopinionpanels.com/home

Screener surveys will be sent to you which can lead to paid surveys and product testing.  Sweepstakes and other rewards are earned through your participation.

Cash for Your Books! 

Check Out Cash4Books.net:

www.cash4books.net

Type in the ISBN of the books you have.  If they are worth cash from Cash4books.net, box ‘em up, print a free shipping label – and then, you’ll get cash!

Got a Great Idea – ThriftyFun.com wants to hear from you:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/share.ldml

Your photos, “Frugal Life Essays” and/or entries in their  Pet Contests, Recipe Contests, and Tip Contests could win you $25! 

Write and Earn:

Ehow.com (http://www.demandmedia.com/studios/writers/), AssociatedContent.com, helium.com, and Examiner.com

These sites vary in their requirements as far as writing guidelines and payment.  Most have tutorials and communities ready to help get you started.  Again, social media contacts help with this – as you’re paid more when you’re read by more viewers.

Share A Good Deal with Friends – Earn Shopping Credit!

Sites such as Mamapedia.com, ebates.com, the survey sites above and service/retail companies may offer you the opportunity to earn “referral” credits when those you refer sign up (and usually make a purchase).  Using social media and your social circles, (with etiquette) share good deals you’re finding with your friends!

Reduce Financial and Personal Disaster – Be Prepared!

 Amy Hannold
247Moms Frugal Living Editor

Emergency and disaster events going on in Japan has Americans thinking about their emergency preparedness.  March is Red Cross Month; a visit to the Red Cross website http://www.redcross.org/

can get your family ready for an emergency.  The Red Cross encourages everyone to “Make a Plan, Get a Kit, Be Informed”.  Their website features a guide on each of those three steps, which you can print and share.  “Be Red Cross Ready” – here are a few more resources:

Free Emergency Contact Card (Free Download at RedCross.org):

Print this valuable document (onto cardstock paper for best longevity), fill it out and communicate with those close to you – today!

Be sure to visit the Emergency “Preparedness Fast Facts” page, located on the Red Cross website, which gives you immediate, printable access to a number of Red Cross tip sheets.  Read about the emergency circumstances that pertain to you:  pets, older relatives, earthquakes, fire, special needs, etc.

Disasters and Financial Planning; A Guide For Preparedness:

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has prepared this guide so that families may incur as little financial disaster a possible a result of emergencies. 

Download this valuable guide.  Comprehensively and in plain language, it informs you of what you can do to be prepared for several types of emergencies. 

http://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/PersonalFinancialPlanning/Resources/LifeEvents/DisasterFinancialIssues/DisasterFinancialPreparedness/DownloadableDocuments/Preparedness.pdf

“What’s in it?” Comprehensive information on creating a disaster plan, emergency kit, proper storage of vital documents, estate planning, property protection/insurance, and more.  There is also a “Disaster Recovery; a Guide to Financial Issues” which can assist you through the steps towards stability following a disaster.  Finding help, locating important documents, employment and cash flow issues are addressed:

http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/FinRecovery/index.html

 

Ready.gov – For the Kids

Talking with your kids about emergencies is made easier with the Ready.gov’s “Ready Kids” webpage.  Puzzles, games, a printable “Just in Case” plan, and more await you.  Your kids can graduate from “Readiness U” – and the family is provided communication ideas on the “Communicate” page – so, get talking!:

http://www.ready.gov/kids/parents/communicate.html

Ready.gov is also essential reading for adults – the most important form on this website is the Family Emergency Plan.  Print and complete this form, then exchange it with those who will be vital to you following an emergency:

http://www.ready.gov/kids/_downloads/familyplan.pdf

“Luck” is Making the Good Deals Happen

Amy Hannold, 

247Moms Frugal Living Editor

It is said that luck is “preparation meeting opportunity”.   While you may hit just the “right” garage sale this spring or happen upon an unbelievable clearance sale, your success in frugality will be longer lived if you approach it with a “prepared” perspective.

Want to find the “pots of gold” deals?  Let’s at what makes luck “happen”: 

Your Satisfaction Comes from Saving Money:  When your decisions are motivated by the cash you can keep in your pocket – you’ve arrived.  Researching, comparing, waiting (yes, it’s tough sometimes), recycling, Freecycling, and other methods create good deals – not debt.  These options also build community, leave healthy legacies, and score us great deals.

See “Printed Paper with Barcodes” as Cash!  Gone are the days when we couponers had to hover sheepishly over our coupon files.  We’re leading the way, as others are waking to the new “chic” (read: necessity) of affordable living.  Even if you can afford to pay more, why would you?  With discipline and a list, coupons can save you money everyday.  Collect coupons and carry them with you!

Virtual Friends Make Luck Happen:   Internet friends can quadruple your chances of scoring a great deal.  To begin, make three new “friends” – making more than three at first can feel overwhelming.  Connect with one local “money-saving” blogger in your area, as deals can be regional.  (247Moms Idea: Begin one for your state/area on our “Forums” page) 

Next, find the most frugal friend you know, and “follow” her (or who she follows).  Create a local community which grows to benefit many of your friends.  Third, is a “filter” service which searches the internet for great deals:  “Yowza” (getyowza.com) or “Nextag” (nextag.com) alert you to sales on your preferred brands/products – or go with you on Twitter and phone apps.

And, Spend Some Time – Luck Will Follow:  Here are a few “five-minute” ideas which will create money-saving opportunities for you:

1.      Call the manufacturer of your favorite product with a comment or question.  Ask for their email club, coupons, samples, and promotions.  Contact your favorite places to shop too!

2.     Sign up at Vocalpoint.com, pssst.generalmills.com, kraftfirsttaste.com, houseparty.com, bzzagent.com, or allyou.com –Some are by “surprise” in your mailbox, others you have to be chosen from applications – following the announcement of a new event.

3.     Spend a few minutes with your home inventories.  You’ll find forgotten gems in there!  Organize, inventory and utilize some creativity with what you find. 

It’s not always easy, being frugal – but the “green” will stay with you longer when you shop smarter!  Instead of a “pinch” today, enlist your friends into making  “green-goals”!  They’ll be glad you did!

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How to Beat Rising Grocery Prices

Amy Hannold

247Moms Frugal Living Editor

It’s all over the news, the warning that prices of everything are going to go up.  How can we keep our goals of spending less?  Intentional, educated spending is essential.  Being aware of what you’re spending, making good choices and having a plan will help you maintain your budget.

Time Can Be On Your Side: 

Any shopper, with or without coupons, can spend less everyday by realizing the sales cycle in their area.  In most areas, sales cycles range from 6-8 weeks to 12 weeks.  Buy “staple” items when they’re on sale.  Buy enough to see you through until the items are on sale again.  Coupons can increase your savings, especially when you “stack” the coupon discount with a sale price.  Track the sale prices of your most-used items so that you know your “buying” price is.  You’ll then be able to quickly spot a good deal.

Use Your Resources Wisely:

What you have at home, can make, or “make-do” is money you’ve already spent which will save you money today.  When money is tight, shop from home first – then add inexpensive ingredients from the store.  Note expiration dates, utilize pantry inventory sheets and be creative.  Always have a “Friday Night Falldown” meal on hand – when you’re tired and tempted to order-in.  Don’t let food go to waste; research fun “leftover meals”. 

Plan to Save:

It begins with making a grocery list (statistically, you will spend less!) and could grow into a habit of menu planning.  Don’t walk into a store unarmed.  Know what’s on sale, where the discount aisles are, and what you need.  Save time and money with your list – you won’t buy what you don’t need – and you’ll save on extra, costly trips later on.

Go to “Frugal School”

In your circle of friends/family, find people who are more frugal than you are.  If you look around and don’t find anyone, become that person!  Get a group together and make some “Frugal Learning Goals”.  On the internet, follow a local blogger who writes about good deals in your area.  Grocery store deals, coupons and policies are regional; be sure to connect to local people “in the know”. 

Once You’re In the Store:

Have your list, coupons, and perhaps your menu plan in hand.  Educate yourself on the store’s promotions and any policy which will save you money.  Shop the outside areas of a store and you’ll buy healthier meals. Buying fresher ingredients will encourage you to find new, less-expensive recipes.  Try the store brand, many are good – some are better!

And Onto Next Month:  When you see you’ve spent less this month, note what made the difference.  Learn an additional resource or tactic for spending less.  Keep the competition on with yourself and a shopping partner or frugal friend.  Share this adventure with your kids as they’re able – and you’ll be leaving a legacy of smart shoppers!

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Frugal is Not Just “Saving”, It’s Being “Smarter”

Amy Hannold,

247Moms Frugal Living Editor

“Frugal Living” means using your resources thoughtfully. How do we do this?

Evaluate, Then Focus and Prioritize: Discover where your money goes. Lots of “small” expenses add up, creating a gap between goal and success. Begin by trading a daily coffee for a more significant step forward (or savings deposit) at the end of the week.

When you have established long term, “big purchase” buying goals (appliances, vacation, retirement, or debt-reduction) paste a picture of your goal(s) inside your checkbook. Before you spend, weigh the worth of smaller, “habit” purchases against what you’re saving for.

Make the Calls: Look over your monthly bills – closely. Consider if you can do without extra features or conveniences. Of the services you’re going to keep, call and ask for their promotional or “new subscriber” rate. If you don’t get what you want on the first call, call back and perhaps get a better answer. Politely ask for someone who can make charge deductions.

If you’re eligible for Auto Association, Military, Entertainment Book, AARP, government, student or other discounts, ask for those too. Note on your family calendar two weeks before your new discount will expire and call back to ask for the same rate. If no discounts are available, ask them to match competitor promotions. Consider a credit union for your banking – and enjoy their benefits: consumer education opportunities, lower rates and other services.

Comparison Shop Instead of Impulse Buy: There is always a way to spend less. Taking the time to find the best price can sometimes also change your mind on the purchase. When dealing with salespeople, ask them, “Is this the best you can do, price wise?” Familiarize yourself with price matching policies. Don’t be pressured into buying, instead ask questions and get a second opinion. Pursue consumer ratings, so you know how the product has fared in use. Bizrate.com and ShopLocal.com are good places to start.

Valuable Reading – Be Aware and Share!:

Connect yourself to what I consider to be, the “Go-To Yellow Pages” of buying, selling and being a wiser consumer. The Consumer Action Handbook (http://www.consumeraction.gov/) is available on line or you can order a print version. If you have a consumer question, a need in your life for signing contracts, filing a complaint or recovering from identity theft, etc., you must have a copy of this FREE and valuable resource. It is enlightening reading.

What sort of information can be found in the Consumer Action Handbook?

*A step-by-step process for filing a consumer complaint

*Identity theft prevention and recovery

*Contact information to major corporations, including retail and manufacturer

*Buying a car, home or looking to invest? - You can find tips and references here

*Your local consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau

*Military Specific Better Business Bureaus (for military-related consumer news) and Military Support Agencies

*Subject information for Internet, Travel, Television, Health Care, Insurance and More

*Tips for shopping from home, junk mail and telemarketers – how to be aware of your rights.

How Can Consumeraction.gov be of help to me?

*It acts as a guide when you encounter a consumer crisis. It begins with “be calm”, and continues as it provides a sample letter for you to use as you resolve your circumstances.

*If you want to learn about the importance of your credit score and how to improve it, or you want to know how to correct negative information on your credit report. (Links to all major credit-related organization and governing agencies are listed.)

*When you have issue to report a fraud, product defect or safety hazard, or you want to be informed of current product recalls and safety guidelines.

“Look Out for You!” To protect and achieve our best, financial life, we must be smarter than the average slogan or sales promise. We must have the tools, (and use them), so that we can be an effective and efficient consumers. Instead of impulse buying and buying in “blind faith”, it is important to have a working knowledge of our options and rights.

Wiser consumers have tools available to help them in nearly every situation – it just takes knowing where to look. Being aware of these tools before you need them is arming yourself (and those close to you), with priceless information.

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Pier 1 - $10 off your $50 purchase through Monday, February 21st. Click here to print a coupon

The Limited - $10 off a purchase of $10 or more! Click here

Borders and Books - 33% off one item. Click here to print coupon.

What To Buy During The Valentines Day Clearance Sales

I love deals and buying things to use in the future. So, After the kids were off to school on Tuesday I headed out to see what I could find in the Valentines day clearance sales - there are so many great buys and ways to use these deals beyond Valentines day.

I went to Target, Walgreen's , Fred Meyers and Big Lots – try your local Big Box stores, Drug Stores and grocery stores even department stores for more great clearance deals.

Here is what I found and what to look for:

1. Gift Wrap – perfect for to wrapping any upcoming birthday party gifts. You can pick up wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags , party bags etc

2. Groceries- I found Valentine funfetti Pillsbury Brownie Mix – it can be used with out the Valentine sprinkles in the future. Look for other groceries that are now being cleared out because they had a Valentine them to them that you can use still cake mixes, snack foods etc.

3. Paper goods – Valentine theme ones for next year, or non heart ones and solid colors for upcoming birthdays, mothers day, for 4^th of July and Christmas.

4. Baking items - from Pans to cupcake holders. I found: Cake Sprinkles for decorating cakes, cookies and cupcakes year round and a Heart shaped pan that I can use next Valentines day or for my teen daughters to use when making their friends Brownie pizzas or BIG cookies.

5. Table ware - Table cloths, runners, decorations, cups, glasses, serving bowls etc. I found Place mats that I will use next year during the month of February. Look for solid colors for year round use.

6. Decorations - Wreaths, signs, candles, holders etc. These can be put away for next Valentines day or possibly used for 4th of July of Christmas if appropriate.

7. Frames - Buy them in Solid colors red and pink for use around the house or other holidays 4^th of July , Easter, Christmas or next Valentines day.

8. Easter – Purchase Clarence candy and toys to use i your child's Easter basket and as plastic egg fillers.

9. Operation Christmas Child – A perfect time to find deals on items you can use next fall when filling your Operations Christmas Child show boxes . Stuffed bears, toys etc.

10. Don't Forget - t Craft items and Next years valentines Gifts, and class mate exchanges.

Planning a Staycation Full of Love and Memories

by: Amy Hannold,

247Moms Frugal Living Editor

"Love and time, those are the only two things in all the world and all of life that cannot be bought, but only spent." -Gary Jennings

Staycations can be a special time where you can “soak” in your family love and togetherness. Plan to reserve that time for your family, with minimal interruptions from phones and computers. An enjoyable staycation means that you plan ahead, just as you would for a vacation.

What will we do? Don’t try to fit in too much into your “free time”, but do have a few alternative activities in mind for inclement weather, etc. Make the best use of your family time by planning to have most chores done ahead of time. Staycations should be fun for Mom and Dad too, so block the time out from projects and schedules as best you can.

What will we eat? Have a meals planned so that you don’t have to leave home at the last minute. Perhaps this is a good time to experiment with freezer meals, crockpot meals, or some new recipes! Collect coupons for area restaurants or find the places that serve “all day breakfast” or “early bird specials”. Restaurant.com or group buying sites like Groupon.com or LivingSocial.com can help with this.

1. Themes can be a great planning tool. If you don’t know where to begin with “what to do”, think of some fun themes. “Wild West”, “Pajama Day”, “Treasure Island”, “Outer Space”, or “Tea Parties” can be a start. Choose settings from your favorite movies/books or history. Once you have a theme, you have something to research, and from there create fun activities and menus.

2. “Map-Quest”: Choose an area near you that you’ve wanted to visit. Contact them now for upcoming events and attractions. Read their local paper online together and each person contribute some fun ideas. Depending on your time and budget, an overnight stay or all-day drive may be included. Discover a new, fun destination!

3. “Days, Designated”: Look around your home and you’ll easily come up with activities. You can divide your staycation into “Family Projects”, “Fix-Its”, “Board Games and Family Movies”, “Creative Time”, etc. Get the whole family involved in the planning and everyone will have something to look forward to. Focus on the positive of doing “work” during vacation --- think of how much nicer/easier life will be once you return to work and school. Consider an organization project, de-cluttering (for an upcoming yard sale?), or doing some mending. Sharing homemaking skills with your kids is valuable.

4. “Just Me and Mom (or Dad)” Set aside some of your staycation to spend one-on-one time with each of your children. Work together on planning some special activities.

5. “Helping Others”: Your family can find some one or an organization in your community to serve during your staycation. Helping a neighbor with yard work or donating a few hours to a local community center will be time well spent.

6. “The Element of Surprise”: Parents, do leave a little of the fun a secret – up until it’s time to go. Once you’ve completed the checkers championship, load the family up for a trip to ice cream! You could decide to keep the destination of your day-trip a secret as well. Create clues and or a scavenger hunt for older children to learn something about where they are about to visit.

7. “Our Visit to______” Visit a country on another continent – without leaving home. Costumes, storytelling, foods, music, movies, and books can bring a foreign country closer. Make postcards, newspapers, menus, and other parts of where you are for a day. Learn a bit of the language or some fun traditions of that country. Share your “visit” with others when you invite them to dine with you or share in a fun activity.

8. “Carpool, Plus!” Get a group together from school or elsewhere and caravan to local destinations. The benefit is a fun shared experience, and perhaps a group discount on admission prices.

Wherever your staycation takes you, be sure to create lasting memories. Take photographs, write stories, save souvenirs, record your adventures onto audio/video, etc. Spending creative time in the company of your children will mean priceless memories for years to come.