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18 strategies for $6-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping

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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 budget … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $6-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping

The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night

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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

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

How to watch pro sports live without cable TV 2023

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Have you cut the cord on cable TV, but still want to watch pro sports live? Rest assured, you have plenty of options for streaming your favorite sports online. Games are available to watch on nearly any device you own. The trick to figuring out how to watch live sports for free is subscribing to the … [Read more...] about How to watch pro sports live without cable TV 2023

Snag the best thrift store finds with these insider tips

Thrift store shopping has long been a necessity for those with limited resources, but these days it’s embraced by people of all economic levels who love the thrill of the hunt. Not only is thrifting a dependable way to save money, but it’s fun. Where else can you find a Liz Claiborne skirt (new, … [Read more...] about Snag the best thrift store finds with these insider tips

26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning

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

How to save money on food without using coupons

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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

Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money

Frugal living means you buy and use less, saving money and time. Happily, these are also basic tenets of minimalism, which is quite trendy right now so if you like living with less, you're in style! On the other hand, if you are a spendthrift used to buying out of want rather than need, … [Read more...] about Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money

How to cut the cost of pet care

I hadn’t planned to get a new dog after my beloved Daphne died just short of her 15th birthday. However, I developed a bad habit of scrolling through the adorable faces of dogs up for adoption at my local Humane Society. As soon as I spotted Matilda and her huge ears, I had to jump in the car and … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of pet care

Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save

If your spending has gotten out of control or you want to cut down on unnecessary expenses, it might be time to embark on a no-spend challenge. Going an entire month without spending beyond necessities can be an eye-opening experience. We think any budget-minded individual should try a no-spend … [Read more...] about Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save

10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now

It’s time to look at real ways to save money during trying times. During the Great Depression, people employed 1930s frugality and simple-living tricks to save money and survive the lean years. We can take a page from their book and do it again. Here are 10 Depression Era hacks and frugal living … [Read more...] about 10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now

4 phone calls that can lower your bills

Putting money back into your pocket every month by lowering your bills would be great, right? By making a few key phone calls and being a smart consumer, you can do just that. All you need to get the job done is some dedicated time to get the right person on the phone. Easier said than done, right? … [Read more...] about 4 phone calls that can lower your bills

Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques

Experienced drivers have all kinds of tricks for saving gas while they drive, so they can save money by not refueling as often. These run the gamut from keeping the trunk empty to turning off the engine instead of idling. If you have mastered those and want to try something more extreme to keep you … [Read more...] about Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques

Smart habits of millionaires you should adopt

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The best way to become a self-made millionaire is to learn from people who are already there. And as you can see from the list below, these habits of self-made millionaires are pretty easy to follow in your daily life. Because becoming a millionaire isn’t about spending like you are rich; it's … [Read more...] about Smart habits of millionaires you should adopt

11 ways to save on prescription drugs

When my friend Mark developed whooping cough for the second time, he knew what to expect. A quick phone call to his doctor got Mark the antibiotics and cough syrup he needed. His only mistake? This go-round, Mark had the prescriptions called in to his nearest drugstore rather than heading to Costco … [Read more...] about 11 ways to save on prescription drugs

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