We all do it. We didn’t stop doing it when we became senior citizens. In fact, some of us do it up to three times a day, every day, in the privacy of our own homes, with the lights on. It’s a basic human need, after all. I’m talking about eating at home, of course.The cost of groceries can take … [Read more...] about Save on groceries with special ‘senior discount day’ offers
Food
Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
Green onions aren’t expensive to purchase in the grocery store, but they are one of those ingredients that I either forget to buy, or they go bad in the fridge before I remember to use them, which is definitely a waste of money. Green onions, also known as scallions, are great for flavor and garnish … [Read more...] about Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
Free produce for low-income seniors, moms and children
Summer brings an abundance of vegetables, fruits, and herbs for fresh, healthy meals. But many have trouble making ends meet, and farmers market produce usually gets tossed from tight budgets in favor of cheaper alternatives. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is designed to help low-income … [Read more...] about Free produce for low-income seniors, moms and children
Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
The most delicious part of Hanukkah is latkes -- potato pancakes fried in sizzling oil. They are easy to make and are most typically served with sour cream and apple sauce. But there are other variations as well. We'll start with a basic recipe and then learn about some tasty twists on the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
How to make breakfast pizza
Eating out can be expensive, but so many restaurant quality meals can be made at home. Not only will you spend less money, but you'll also be using fresh ingredients from your own kitchen.Often, the recipe will be as close to an exact match. Sometimes, you may have to take a few liberties to … [Read more...] about How to make breakfast pizza
Save money with healthy summer salads
They don’t call them “salad days” for nothing. Summertime is the best time to turn the bounty from your garden, farmer’s market or supermarket into a salad supper that will be light on your budget as well as your diet.Think about fresh baby lettuce, young green zucchini or yellow summer squash, … [Read more...] about Save money with healthy summer salads
Make your own flavored oils
Lots of recipes these days call for flavored oils. They add a punch of flavor for not a lot of extra ingredients. But the commercial ones can be expensive, and you may only use a little bit, so the rest might go to waste. We at “On the Cheap” are all about not wasting things -- especially … [Read more...] about Make your own flavored oils
9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy giving gifts during the holidays. Kids like being givers, too. That’s why, when thinking about gifts for their teachers, kids often expand the gift list to include what seems like every adult in the school – the computer teacher, librarian, gym teacher, art … [Read more...] about 9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Here’s a sweet deal: Make your own cocoa mix
On a cold winter’s eve, what tastes better than a cup of hot cocoa? Hot cocoa mix (especially the gourmet brands, like Ghirardelli) might be a luxury item on your grocery list, and it can be really pricey if you buy a cup at Starbucks or other coffee hut. So why not make your own at home? It's easy, … [Read more...] about Here’s a sweet deal: Make your own cocoa mix
Make your own quick and easy convenience foods
No one can argue that convenience foods are a huge time-saver. When you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table, it’s tough to beat a pouch of flavored rice that cooks in 90 seconds to pair with some chicken nuggets or hamburger patties. A packet of flavored oatmeal makes a fast breakfast on a … [Read more...] about Make your own quick and easy convenience foods
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
Make Starbucks-like drinks and smoothies for less
An icy Frappuccino or smoothie is a delicious way to cool down on a steamy summer afternoon. But if you hope to enjoy one on a daily basis, you may need to take a small loan out to cover the cost. With a price tag of approximately $4 to 6 each, you’re looking at an average of $35 a week, or $420 … [Read more...] about Make Starbucks-like drinks and smoothies for less
Extreme couponing for healthy food
If you're new to couponing, you may think that it's possible to use coupons for processed food only. That's what I used to think. Not anymore. Since last year I've been able to do some extreme couponing to save as much money as possible on healthy food. While I still haven't mastered an extreme … [Read more...] about Extreme couponing for healthy food
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
Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat
School days are here again, which means it's time for the annual conundrum: hot lunch or sack lunch? The problem with hot lunches is that a lot of kids don’t like them. School lunches often don’t cater to special needs, for example, if a child is a vegetarian or can’t tolerate gluten or … [Read more...] about Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat
