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
Features
How to start a vegetable garden on the cheap
Many people want to start a vegetable garden to save money. It's no wonder, buying produce at the market can cost eight times more than growing your own. There are many other good reasons why you may want to grow some of your own produce in a vegetable garden. First, you can enjoy better … [Read more...] about How to start a vegetable garden on the cheap
How to make simple, cheap bike repairs
So you have decided to reduce your carbon footprint, or get healthy by riding a bicycle. You found a used bike with potential, or you pulled out that 10-year-old bicycle that has been gathering dust in the garage. Pavel Cherkasov, coowner of Magic Wheel Bike Shop in Websterville, Vt., says you … [Read more...] about How to make simple, cheap bike repairs
18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift. Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
How to find free WiFi
You may find yourself needing WiFi services now that you are working from home or your child is attending school from home. If you don't have a regular internet service already in place, you may be waiting for a while before you are able to get one installed. But you do have options. You can find … [Read more...] about How to find free WiFi
How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)
When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of Henry David Thoreau’s famous directive to “Simplify, Simplify!” Thoreau carried his belief in simplifying to what most of us would consider an extreme in today’s world. He chose to live alone in a cabin in the woods, off the grid (not that there … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)
Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
I remembered learning how to make a rubber-band powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Here's a project that will help you save on electricity from your dryer and eliminate the need for fabric softener, which has harmful chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softener can be expensive, isn’t recommended for certain articles (towels, cloth diapers) because it reduces absorbency, and it can … [Read more...] about Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Mental Health Resources to Help You Cope
Just because you’re at home right now doesn’t mean that you won’t have to talk to your doctor or refill medication. And when it comes to our mental health, many are struggling with anxiety and depression. Illnesses such as alcoholism, eating disorders and gambling struggles may also come to the … [Read more...] about Mental Health Resources to Help You Cope
5 free or cheap, fun indoor activities for kids
In many parts of the country, families are staying in and reorganizing their days. Add in kids, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for stir-craziness. Keep your young ones occupied (and NOT frostbitten) with these fun, low-cost indoor activities. Dance it out. Your kids are too young to … [Read more...] about 5 free or cheap, fun indoor activities for kids
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
Podcasts offer education, entertainment for the whole family
Podcasts are the best of breed: They blend the spontaneity of the radio with the ease of on-demand entertainment. Moreover, they often are educational in a way that makes the listener feel like they have gained something from the interaction. Interested in personal finance? There are podcasts … [Read more...] about Podcasts offer education, entertainment for the whole family
