There seems to be a prevailing idea that pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms are far less expensive than the grocery store. After all, you're doing all the work, cutting out the middle man, it should be less, right? But, is it really?Before you start thinking I'm going to pooh-pooh U-Pick … [Read more...] about Pick your own produce: Deal or no deal?
Food
Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Backyard barbecues are a great way to entertain, but even when you host a potluck, they can be a pricey way to party. Whether you are entertaining a small or large crowd at your backyard barbecue, you can still stay on budget. Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd at your next … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Got barbecue leftovers? Use them in these delicious recipes
You invite friends or family over for a cookout, and as usual, you made way too much food. What do you do with the barbecue leftovers? You could eat plain burgers and sausages for days, or you could transform your leftovers into delicious new meals by combining them with new ingredients.If … [Read more...] about Got barbecue leftovers? Use them in these delicious recipes
Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
If your child regularly brings their lunch to school, you've faced the "what to pack" dilemma. You want to pack something nutritious, but you also need to be sure your kids will eat it. A thrown-out lunch does nothing for your child's health or your wallet; it's basically cash in the … [Read more...] about Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
Eating gluten-free on a budget
As anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance will tell you, the label “gluten-free” will automatically increase the price of your groceries.But with a little bit of nutritional know-how and shopping savvy, you can stay gluten-free and keep your expenses within your grocery budget. Here are some … [Read more...] about Eating gluten-free on a budget
Simplify back to school with freezer meal planning
The new school year is upon us! Kids are back in school, or about to be, and parents and kids alike are having to fall back into the often hectic hustle and bustle of school-day routines. Back to school activities can mean cramming more and more stuff into less and less time. … [Read more...] about Simplify back to school with freezer meal planning
10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
You're meal planning for your road trip and discovering how difficult it can be to stay frugal while on the road. Eating out during your trip is an easy way to watch your travel budget disappear. Even fast-food meals can add up.However, setting aside some time to prepare make-ahead road trip … [Read more...] about 10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
Make the most of your garden’s harvest
In midsummer it's exciting to see that first bright red, ripe tomato dangling off of its vine or pick and eat the first zucchini. At first, you relish in your harvest and your neighbors love your homegrown gifts. However, by late summer it's a different story — you're up to your ears in tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Make the most of your garden’s harvest
Best and worst deals when shopping at ALDI
Shopping regularly at ALDI can save you money, but if you’re not careful, you can end up spending as much or more than you would at a regular grocery store.Here are some tips to help you sort out the best — and worst — deals at ALDI. Editor's note: Prices were accurate as of the … [Read more...] about Best and worst deals when shopping at ALDI
Easy recipes with cheap summer corn
There’s something about fresh, sweet, juicy corn on the cob that just screams summer. You bite into those pearl-like kernels and taste a burst of sweet juice. It doesn’t get better than this.Except it does: Sweet corn, in season, is really cheap. It starts out at two for $1, then four, then … [Read more...] about Easy recipes with cheap summer corn
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
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
Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
It's summer, it's hot and you want the kids to get outdoors and be active. When all that running around builds up a thirst, ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. With some popsicle brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, store-bought treats can be a pricey option. Luckily, … [Read more...] about Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
You’ve planned your road trip, mapping out a route, identifying campgrounds or affordable lodging and picking key attractions to visit. What will happen as soon as you pile into the car? Tummies will start rumbling, kids will beg for food and bathroom breaks will lead to the buying of snacks, lunch … [Read more...] about 9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
A $50-a-week meal plan for 1 by shopping at ALDI
Sticker shock used to be synonymous with new cars. Now it's in the grocery store (and everywhere else). Along with gasoline prices, the cost of food has increased across the United States. And although the rate of inflation has slowed since this story was first published, cutting your … [Read more...] about A $50-a-week meal plan for 1 by shopping at ALDI