This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.If you are watching your grocery dollars (and who isn’t), here are our ideas for food preservation methods that don't require expensive equipment. Use any of these tips to preserve … [Read more...] about 5 cheap ways to preserve food
Make your own shampoo and other cheap natural personal hygiene products
Here are the simplest natural products we could find for personal hygiene, including shampoo, hair conditioner, face and body soap, skin moisturizer, deodorant and toothpaste. There are lots of natural products you can buy and home recipes you can try to create a complete cleansing routine. But we … [Read more...] about Make your own shampoo and other cheap natural personal hygiene products
12 cheap ways to kill time without using technology
In today’s technology-driven world, many people kill time by playing games on their smartphone or computer, or by watching television or movies. While there’s nothing wrong with these technological time-wasters, they can cost a fair amount of money to own and update. In addition, these passive … [Read more...] about 12 cheap ways to kill time without using technology
Simple homemade salad dressings anyone can make (18+ recipes!)
It's time to save a bit of money with these easy homemade salad dressing recipes. Not only are they delicious, but they're cheap to make - and are simple, too! Bottled salad dressing is common on the dinner table in households across America. While convenient, these prepared salad … [Read more...] about Simple homemade salad dressings anyone can make (18+ recipes!)
How to get started with drying and dehydrating foods
Drying is one of the simplest ways to preserve fresh foods for longer storage. This beginner's guide to dehydrating food will cover what kinds of foods you can dry, temperatures and techniques you can use to dehydrate at home, how to prepare food for drying, and some tips for success, along with … [Read more...] about How to get started with drying and dehydrating foods
How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Americans waste about one fourth of their weekly food purchases. According to a study by OnePoll, fruit is at the top of food waste. Bananas, strawberries and apples were found to be the most … [Read more...] about How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit
6 ways to stop wasting food
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.The average American family throws away an estimated 25 percent of its grocery shopping dollars -- as much as $2,000 a year. Fresh produce tops the list. Other food waste occurs by … [Read more...] about 6 ways to stop wasting food
Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Do you want to can food at home, but are put off by the cost? For around $15, you pull together most of the essential equipment by using equipment you probably already own. Below we list … [Read more...] about Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
7 strategies for frugal urban living (no cheapskates allowed)
The cost of living in a major metropolitan area runs higher than average. Frugal urban living is the ultimate oxymoron because there are just so many fun ways to spend money.Consumer temptations abound in the city. From parking and lattes to fashion and entertainment, the cosmopolitan … [Read more...] about 7 strategies for frugal urban living (no cheapskates allowed)
The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
I often think of my grandfather around the holidays. Even though I didn't know him well, I find myself reflecting on his life when I look at a photo that shows him working on his farm. It’s a reverie that has become one of the best Christmas gifts he gave to me, without even knowing he had done … [Read more...] about The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
3 cheap, eco-friendly cleaning products for everything
You don’t need to buy a cupboard full of expensive cleaning products. Just three ingredients clean almost everything in your house. Using vinegar, baking soda and Borax, you can make your own all-purpose spray cleaner, cleanser, drain cleaner and disinfectant.Here’s our handy list … [Read more...] about 3 cheap, eco-friendly cleaning products for everything
Five simple life lessons for my younger self
Recently, I spoke to a group of much younger women to let them in on my secret life lessons. You could certainly describe my life as a normal, middle-class American upbringing. Through the years, I've had perhaps an average number of ups and downs. But things have not turn out as planned.My … [Read more...] about Five simple life lessons for my younger self
7 free education resources to help students get ahead
One secret to getting ahead is knowing that getting ahead takes work. We found several free and cheap education resources to make your journey easier. It might be easier for you if learning comes naturally to you or your family emphasizes education. But even if you are just "average," you can make … [Read more...] about 7 free education resources to help students get ahead
Eat like Mad Men: 10 ways to save from the ’60s
These money-saving techniques were common for a housewife managing the household food budget in the 1950s and 1960s. There were far fewer convenience foods back then. For some items commonly used today, such as boxed croutons and canned chicken stock, you can be easily make them yourself and save … [Read more...] about Eat like Mad Men: 10 ways to save from the ’60s
Customizable grocery shopping list for $4-a-day food budget
Earlier this year, I decided to try the $4 a day food budget. Considering my grocery bill averaged close to $12 per day, this was a drastic reduction. Eating on $4 a day is a concept popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap (PDF). The print version of Good and Cheap is … [Read more...] about Customizable grocery shopping list for $4-a-day food budget