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
Home & Garden
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
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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
Build a salad table to grow your greens
Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? A salad table might be the ideal solution for you. What is a salad table? A salad table is a portable, waist-high table just deep enough to grow salad greens, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants and vegetables. The … [Read more...] about Build a salad table to grow your greens
12 tips to avoid DIY repair disasters
The idea of saving hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars when making home repairs is enticing. Surely you can repair those cracks in the wall, caulk around the bathtub, install a new toilet or change a light fixture. Maybe you can handle all these do-it-yourself projects – but, then … [Read more...] about 12 tips to avoid DIY repair disasters
10 uses for shredded paper
With Tax Day right around the corner, you’re probably sifting through a lot of financial paperwork — or will soon. As you make room for the current tax year’s paperwork, you’re probably shredding a lot of papers from years past that are no longer relevant. And, of course, you’ll be putting any … [Read more...] about 10 uses for shredded paper
4 must-have cleaning products that really work
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I don’t blindly squeeze into a narrow parking spot scraping adjacent vehicles or throw wild cocktail parties. Nevertheless, in the past year I’ve had red wine splashed across my beige carpet (twice), had someone “kiss” my car's bumper with their vehicle (twice) and discovered the bottom of my nice … [Read more...] about 4 must-have cleaning products that really work
9 cheap house cleaning tips that actually work
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your home sparkling clean. Learn how to save money on cleaning supplies and other frugal housekeeping tricks with these nine house cleaning tips that really work. 1. Clean often It seems counterintuitive, but cleaning your home more often will save you … [Read more...] about 9 cheap house cleaning tips that actually work
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
17 home renovations that add value to your house
Even if you’re not planning to sell your home any time soon, when you consider remodeling, you face this inevitable question: How much will this improvement add to the value of my home? Surprisingly, much of the time the answer is not as much as it costs to make the improvement. But some … [Read more...] about 17 home renovations that add value to your house
Grow your own live Easter basket
Delight family and friends with a "live" Easter basket this year. Eye-catching plant baskets containing tasty, “bunny-worthy” ingredients like lettuce, parsley, edible flowers and carrots make great decorator pieces and save you money. Living Easter baskets provide you with good-for-you goodies long … [Read more...] about Grow your own live Easter basket
How to organize your life with pegboard
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I recently decided to organize my garage using pegboard. Before I began, I looked at pegboard organization ideas and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive pegboard. No matter what room you want to get into shape, pegboard can help, and it’s cheap. We’ve found … [Read more...] about How to organize your life with pegboard
Upcycled home decor: How to decorate with things you already have
If you’re trying to redecorate your bedroom, study or other living space, don't buy anything new until you've assessed what you already own. With a little bit of imagination and some effort, you can repurpose things you already have to create new upcycled home décor for a fraction of the price. … [Read more...] about Upcycled home decor: How to decorate with things you already have
5 easy home repairs that save money
In addition to protecting your home, many simple maintenance tasks are also good for your wallet. Taking care of seemingly insignificant problems like drippy faucets can save you big money over the long run. The following cost-saving home repairs are quick and easy to complete. 1. Replace … [Read more...] about 5 easy home repairs that save money
12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, there are some lesser-known words that match the importance of the famous real estate phrase "location, location, location." Those all-important words? Curb appeal. As the saying goes, "You don’t get a second chance to make a … [Read more...] about 12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
18 cheap and easy DIY home improvement projects
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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 DIY home improvement projects
