Make this the year you make changes to your bad spending habits and have a positive impact on your household budget. It’s easier than you think. Check this list of tips for smart spending and pick a few money-saving strategies to try.Definitely do not adopt them all at once, as you’re bound to … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
Free guide and recipes for delicious, cheap, healthy meals
More than 41 million people today depend on food stamps (formally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP). In April 2023, the national average monthly benefit was $181.72 per person and $343.00 per household.Many of the rest of us struggle with food prices, too. So who doesn’t … [Read more...] about Free guide and recipes for delicious, cheap, healthy meals
Free days at U.S. national parks in 2024
America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, FREE entrance is available to 108 national parks across the country that normally charge a fee.During the fee-free … [Read more...] about Free days at U.S. national parks in 2024
How to grow herbs and save money all year
Are you tired of paying big bucks for cooking herbs? Grow your own. For less than the price of a jar of dried herbs, you can plant fresh herbs (plants or seeds). Use your fresh herbs during the growing season and dry herbs throughout winter. Most herbs are easy to grow. These tips tell you how to do … [Read more...] about How to grow herbs and save money all year
12 spring cleaning tasks that will save you money
Spring cleaning isn’t just a feel-good task that declutters your home and leaves it sparkling. It’s also a source of found money. Intrigued? Make your spring ritual pay off by learning how best to tackle typical spring cleaning chores and how your pursuit of cleanliness can save you a few … [Read more...] about 12 spring cleaning tasks that will save you money
18 strategies for $10-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
The trend for extreme budget meal planning was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book Good and Cheap, developed primarily for those using SNAP (food stamp) benefits.At the time the book was written, the budget was $4 a day. When I heard about the project, I decided to try that … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $10-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Food waste in the U.S. is estimated at 30% to 40% of the food supply. Fresh vegetables top the list. If you have a better use for one-third of your grocery budget, please read on for simple … [Read more...] about How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
Want to get rich? The secret is living below your means
Many experts will tell you that to get rich, you should live below your means. That is, spend less money than you earn. This advice holds true whether your income is $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $1 million a year. Sounds simple, right? Of course, it is easier to live below your means if … [Read more...] about Want to get rich? The secret is living below your means
How to throw a cheap and easy holiday party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money on a party for Christmas or the New Year. Decorate with items from around the house and yard If you (or an agreeable neighbor) have … [Read more...] about How to throw a cheap and easy holiday party
6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
If you're looking for unique holiday gifts that won't break the bank, look no further than your kitchen pantry. We’ve pulled together several cheap and easy recipes for homemade food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts. Honestly, anyone on your Christmas list who … [Read more...] about 6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
Looking for DIY and handmade Christmas gift ideas? We found tons of handmade gifts that are easy to make and special to give. From food gifts to handmade bath products, all of these holiday gift ideas provide an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and to give gifts that are unique and … [Read more...] about 15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
Great gifts for organic gardeners
Home gardening is a popular pastime across the country. Here are our gift ideas, especially for those who practice vegetable gardening and organic home gardening. We’ve selected the best gardening gift ideas costing $25 or less (prices accurate at the time of publication). Our gift ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for organic gardeners
20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Do you love Thanksgiving dinner, but want fresh ideas for Thanksgiving leftover recipes that go beyond pot pie and tetrazzini? We found a rafter of turkey ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner that make frugal and delicious use of all the food in your fridge.Breakfast dishesThanksgiving … [Read more...] about 20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
How to keep fall fruits and vegetables fresh longer
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Food waste is estimated at 31% of the average American family's grocery shopping dollars — about $1,800 a year. Fresh fruits and vegetables top the list, because many are wasted in the trash … [Read more...] about How to keep fall fruits and vegetables fresh longer
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning