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
Food
Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
For families and those who have space in their homes to buy in large quantity, a warehouse store membership often makes sense — dollars and cents. But for many frugal people, the idea of paying to shop at a store gives them pause. How can you decide if Sam's Club is worth the membership price? To … [Read more...] about Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
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 hacks to cut your grocery bill in half
Of course, everyone would like to cut the supermarket bill by 50% or more. For a moderate budget for a family of four, the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate you would spend between $1,166 and $1,358 a month for groceries. But you don’t have to go to the … [Read more...] about 12 hacks to cut your grocery bill in half
Get buy-one-get-one free coupon for Tillamook Cream Cheese Spreads
Bagels and cream cheese are the perfect pairing. However, cream cheese can be spread on just about anything to make it better. And Tillamook is spreading the savings with the nationwide introduction of its Tillamook Cream Cheese Spreads. Thick, rich and cream cheesy, Tillamook Cream Cheese … [Read more...] about Get buy-one-get-one free coupon for Tillamook Cream Cheese Spreads
How to shop and save at ALDI
You may have wondered what the big draw is to ALDI grocery store chain. Some say it’s a strange cult, a mecca for frugal shoppers. The store even has fan clubs with impressive numbers of followers. And I think it might be the only store that has a secret language. Stay with me and I’ll … [Read more...] about How to shop and save at ALDI
Best shopping apps to save money
Everyday purchases are the ones that add up and bust your budget. Items like food, cleaning supplies and even gasoline can end up costing you the most. Many frugal shoppers have turned to shopping apps to save them money and help them stick to their monthly budgets. There are so many phone apps … [Read more...] about Best shopping apps to save money
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 by the average American family is estimated at 25% to 30% of your grocery shopping dollars. Fresh vegetables top the list. If you have a better use for one-fourth of your grocery … [Read more...] about How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet
As a registered dietitian, I believe a 100- to 200-calorie snack between meals is great way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Clearly, others agree as grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores sell countless numbers of 100-calorie packs of crackers, cookies, candy and … [Read more...] about Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet
Restaurant deals by day
Looking for food deals near you? On the hunt for a cheap lunch deal today? Or are you searching for the best restaurant deals in the coming week? Look no further. Here we've rounded up the current food specials at Living on the Cheap, including free food, Monday night specials (and other weekday … [Read more...] about Restaurant deals by day
6 ways to use leftover Easter ham
You paid a lot for that Easter ham. Don’t waste those tasty leftovers — or worse yet, ruin them by constant reheating. Ham is a versatile ingredient, and you can find lots of uses for leftover ham besides cheese sandwiches. We found six thrifty ways to turn those Easter leftovers into yummy new … [Read more...] about 6 ways to use leftover Easter ham
Inexpensive ways to celebrate a meaningful Easter
A meaningful family Easter celebration doesn't have to entail a springtime spending spree, especially if you've just finished paying off the bills from Christmas. Here are ways to enjoy the holiday while keeping to a budget. Prioritize meaningful family time Over the past couple of … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to celebrate a meaningful Easter
Cheap and healthy food to eat on a budget
It's a common misconception that eating healthy is expensive. That's not true. Sure, you can spend a lot on fancy health foods, but it's not necessary. Many low-cost foods are also good for you. A healthy diet is made up of a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy … [Read more...] about Cheap and healthy food to eat on a budget
What to do with leftover Easter eggs
The Easter eggs have been dyed, hidden, and found again. Easter dinner has been cooked, eaten, and enjoyed. And now you're staying at a fridge full of leftover hard-boiled eggs and extra cartons of eggs you bought on sale, and you're thinking, "What do I do with all the eggs after Easter?" Don't … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Easter eggs