As the summer temperatures climb into the 80s, 90s or higher, not much is more refreshing than a cool, creamy, fruity drink. But shelling out $5 a pop or more for a small smoothie can put a damper on your relaxed mood. The good news is you can achieve that same level of summer nirvana without the … [Read more...] about Easy DIY smoothies cool you off for less cash
Food
How to eat gluten-free on the cheap
Learn how to eat gluten-free without breaking the bank. Here are cheap, gluten-free options for anyone who needs to cut costs while staying true to their diet and nutritional needs. Many people are making the switch to a gluten-free diet due to food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary … [Read more...] about How to eat gluten-free on the cheap
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
How to save money on food without using coupons
Groceries for a family of four with young children cost an average of about $1,000 a month in the summer of 2023, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change.But there are ways to spend less on food and still eat a … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
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 … [Read more...] about Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
Grow lettuce and save money on salad
Don’t let the rising cost of produce keep you from eating salad. Grow your own lettuce and save money. Lettuce is easy to grow, takes up little space and is quick to mature. Get your children involved, and they might eat more salad, too.I’ve had the best luck with leafy lettuce … [Read more...] about Grow lettuce and save money on salad
Cheap, simple and elegant charcuterie board ideas
Those elaborate charcuterie boards on social media might have you convinced that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on cheese and crackers to have a barely presentable spread. But as the author of three books on cheese and one on sausage, I’m here to tell you that that is false advertising. With … [Read more...] about Cheap, simple and elegant charcuterie board ideas
The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
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
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
What to do with leftover Easter eggs
Are you wondering what to do with what with leftover Easter eggs? Once the holiday has come and gone, everyone is likely on the hunt for leftover Easter egg recipes. The good news is we've got you covered with easy egg recipes and ideas! The Easter eggs have been dyed, hidden, and found … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Easter eggs
12 hacks to slash your grocery bill
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 $1,068 and $1,455 a month for groceries. But you don’t have to go to the … [Read more...] about 12 hacks to slash your grocery bill
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 timeOver the past couple of … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to celebrate a meaningful Easter
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
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
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