In today’s crazy-busy world, family dinner is especially important. Even though Susie has karate, Joey has swim lessons and Mom and Dad commute to work, you need time to connect as a family and eat a nutritious meal. Even better if that meal's a home-cooked one.The idea of cooking dinner every … [Read more...] about The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now
It’s time to look at real ways to save money during trying times. During the Great Depression, people employed 1930s frugality and simple-living tricks to save money and survive the lean years. We can take a page from their book and do it again.Here are 10 Depression Era hacks and frugal living … [Read more...] about 10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now
Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Kids go through clothes like boxes of Cheerios. We say: don’t spend a lot of money on play wear and school clothes. By the time kids wear them or use them once or twice, who can tell if they’re new or used anyway?You can find some kids’ clothes in excellent condition at thrift stores like … [Read more...] about Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Easy, healthy soup recipes for cold days
Chilly weather just cries out for a hot bowl of soup. Soup for supper can be an inexpensive, healthful, hearty meal for a family, with leftovers for lunch another day.Soups can get by with a small amount of protein; you have savings right there! They can be totally vegetarian (and possibly … [Read more...] about Easy, healthy soup recipes for cold days
Scrumptious and homemade Valentine’s Day desserts
If you want your sweetheart to have something sweet for Valentine's Day, those fancy boxes of candy can be pretty expensive. A dessert from the corner bakery or in a restaurant is pricey, too — and your valentine may not want to share.So why not tell your loved ones how you feel with … [Read more...] about Scrumptious and homemade Valentine’s Day desserts
17 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
Your calendar has been hanging on your wall for a whole year now, and it's almost time to take it down. Maybe it was just a throw-away calendar from your insurance guy. But maybe it was a nice gift calendar you got from your sister. If it was, it’s a shame to throw away all those pretty … [Read more...] about 17 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
Teaching children to cook will save them (and you) money
Finding activities to keep children busy over school holidays can be a challenge. Some kids are happy to spend hours a day in front of a screen, but there's another option that's creative and educational, not to mention fun and, well ... yummy.This is as good a time as any to teach your children … [Read more...] about Teaching children to cook will save them (and you) money
10+ cool, inexpensive gifts for kids
Retailers want you to believe that the toys under the Christmas tree should be large and expensive. But if you've ever seen a kid more excited about the box a gift came in than the toy itself, you know that sometimes the cheaper, smaller gifts are the favorites. Plus, a few less expensive gifts can … [Read more...] about 10+ cool, inexpensive gifts for kids
10 great gifts for under $10
Does your Christmas gift list stretch from here to the mailbox? Do you need to buy for aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as your immediate family? That can add up to a hefty credit card bill come January. We have some ideas for great gifts you can get for under $10 – where … [Read more...] about 10 great gifts for under $10
Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
You’d love to give a holiday party, but those events can be real budget-busters. Well, ho-ho-hold on there. There are ways to do it up right and not break the bank. Here are some tips.Invitations Most people today are OK with an e-mail invitation. If you know someone who isn’t, get … [Read more...] about Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
18 tips to save big on winter utility bills
Heating season is back in most of the country, and heating costs are expected to rise. Here's what energy experts say you can do to save on utilities this winter. Most of these ideas won’t cost you anything, but they will save you money.Bottom line: Know that there are ways to mitigate some of … [Read more...] about 18 tips to save big on winter utility bills
What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
After spending all that money on a homemade Thanksgiving feast, you're not going to waste a scrap of it. You’re going to get creative with the leftovers, right? Ideas for using the extra turkey are abundant, but how do you use the rest of the Thanksgiving leftovers?We’ve rounded up some ideas … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern cake for Halloween
When my sons were teenagers, they wanted to have a Halloween party at home. I made this cake that looks like a jack-o’-lantern but is pretty delicious to cut up and eat. The best part: You don't have to contend with seeds or pumpkin pulp!Start with the cake. You can do a pumpkin cake from … [Read more...] about Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern cake for Halloween
How to cook with fresh pumpkin
Fall is here, and it's time for hot cider, hearty stews and, naturally, pumpkins. They’re everywhere – piled in front of grocery stores and farmers markets, decorating the classroom and even gracing the front desk at the gym. And why not? They’re colorful, festive, have a long shelf life and … yes, … [Read more...] about How to cook with fresh pumpkin
6 ways to save by shopping for Christmas gifts super early
Real frugalistas know that you should start next year’s holiday shopping the day after Christmas. But let’s face it: Not everyone is in the mood. For me, starting after Labor Day is early enough, unless I spot some perfect and irresistible item in May.The thing about early holiday shopping … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save by shopping for Christmas gifts super early