January 13, 2010

Going To College On A Grant

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I’m not only a stay at home mom but I’m also a full time college student. My husband works, but with three children college would not be an option for me without financial assistance. Luckily, I qualify for grants and attend school free of charge. I tell moms all the time, if this frugal (broke) mom can do it so can you!

How To Apply For Financial Aid

The first step for anyone wishing to go to school is to fill out a Free Application For Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Pick one up from a local school or apply online at www.fafsfa.ed.gov.

After your FAFSA has been reviewed you will receive a magic number back called an EFC. This EFC is your “expected family contribution”, it’s what the computer thinks your family should be able to afford to spend on your education. This number will be forwarded to the colleges you selected on your FAFSA, who will in return contact you before the semester starts letting you know what financial aid you qualified for.

Also, visit your school’s financial aid office for additional grant and scholarship opportunities. Some schools even give grants to women who have been out of the work force for x numbers of years. You never know until you ask.

Make Your Financial Aid Stretch

By being smart with your financial aid, you can make your money go farther. Choose a cheaper two year junior college over a $30,000+ per year four year college. Opt for used or rented textbooks over new to save 50-70%. Also, skip all the un-needed extras like the overpriced bags and t-shirts with the school logo on the front. Every dime you save now can get you ahead in your future educational quest.

What To Do With Leftover Financial Aid Money

I attend an unbelievable cheap local two year school, and get a check back each semester for my un-used portion of my financial aid. While it is tempting to go and blow this money on whatever the latest “got to have” item is at the moment, the more frugal thing to do is to save it for a rainy day.

Since I attend classes online I rely on my computer. If it breaks I am in big trouble. Saving this money for a new computer when I need it seems like the best option for me. For you, it might be saving your leftover grant money for your future educational needs or starting a college fund for your child.

If you’ve always wanted to go to college but never had the money a grant could make all your college dreams come true. Apply by filling out a FAFSA and contacting your financial aid office. If you get approve for aid, make your money stretch and save what’s left over for a rainy day.

If you have any questions about grants, applying, or college life as a mom feel free to ask! I love answering questions and helping other parents out. If you have any tips or just want to say hello feel free to leave a comment!

 

January 1, 2010

Save Money By Ordering Free Stuff Online

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One of my favorite perks of the internet is the mass amount of freebies I can order. When I’m in the mood and have a few minutes, I type “free samples”, “freebies”, or “free ___” into my search bar. Each time I am able to find get free stuff that I haven’t ordered before.

What do I do with my freebies? I let them save me money and try new products for free. I don’t waste money on buying a bottle of shampoo I might not like, instead I request a sample first from the manufacturer and make sure I will be satisfied.

At the end of the month when your budget is empty free samples come in handy. I save my free cereal samples and snack samples for when we run out of the regular stuff. I order samples of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and toiletries that come in handy when I need to wait until payday to make a purchase. This may sound nuts to you, but samples allow me to stay within budget for the month, put off purchases until needed items go on sale, and get lots of mail!

What kind of freebies are available? All kinds!

  • -Cosmetics
  • -Toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, diapers, and other toiletries
  • -Cereal, dried boxed foods, candies, and non perishable items
  • -Office supplies, calendars, pens, stickers, postcards, stationary
  • -Pet foods and supplies
  • -Things you don’t really need (but are still fun) like key chains, magazines, books, ebooks, cookbooks, posters, kids stuff, and other goodies.

One of my favorite freebies was from Betty Crocker and House Party. I signed up through the House Party website to host a Betty Crocker party and received 10 Betty Crocker spoons, 10 fridge grocery pads, a cookie recipe book, 2 packages of cookie mix, a $10 gift card for baking supplies, a Betty Crocker apron, and more. That was all in one box, and on the same day I received a HUGE freebie package from Aveeno Baby and Bzzz.

The next time you have a few minutes (or an hour as freebies are addictive), search for freebies that would allow you to save a little money. Find websites for your favorite products and request a sample by email or phone. You may be surprised at the goodies that will come your way. As always leave a comment if you have a spare moment!

 

December 25, 2009

Things To Consider When Returning Christmas Gifts

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Christmas is about family and traditions. Chances are even though the gifts you received were thoughtfully purchased with love, there are still a few you want to return. Either the sweater from your aunt was too big or you just don’t need another universal remote. Whatever the gift in question may be, you plan to take it back.

If you’re taking back a $3 item standing in the return line for 45 minutes might not be such a great idea. If you decide your item is worth the wait in line keep in mind that each store has their own return policy. To make your return as easy as possible take the gift receipt if you have it or the original store receipt if you have the guts to ask the giver for it. If you don’t have either a gift receipt or the store receipt, the store doesn’t have to take back or exchange your item.

Things to keep in mind when returning items:

Is it in the original condition? If the tag is missing from clothing most stores will not take the item back. Often if electronics are opened stores will only give you the exact same item, and only if the original item was damaged.

Is it a valuable gift? Stores might not have a problem taking back a $15 gift without a receipt, but they might be very hesitant about taking back a $500 TV. If you don’t have the receipt for your pricey item be prepared to be turned away.

Was the item ever on sale or clearance? If so don’t expect to get the full value back. Stores often will only credit you the lowest sale price.

Was it re-gifted? If the item wasn’t sold by the store in the last 30, 60, or 90 days you may be stuck with it. If the gift giver had your new holiday candles in her closet since last Christmas you might be embarrassed when you try to return them to the store.

Before heading to return items ask yourself the questions above. Will you be embarrassed at the store if they return to take your items? Is your item worth standing in the return line for? Being frugal doesn’t just apply to your money, but also your time! Have any gift return tips? Leave a comment!

 

December 21, 2009

Free Magazine Subscriptions For The Frugal

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Magazine subscriptions are some of the greatest freebies out there. Most people don’t even know they are available. Free magazine subscriptions are very common, but they come and go so fast that you have to be quick to sign up. Take advantage of these free subscriptions that allow you to enjoy magazines without spending a dime.

Magazines For Moms

  • Babytalk Magazine: This is a magazine about all things baby. Pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, and toddlers are all covered.
  • American Baby Magazine: A lot like Babytalk. You can never have enough parenting magazines!
  • Kiwi Magazine: I just received my first issue and haven’t had a chance to look at this one yet.  I know it has lots of baby articles and kids activities in it.  Get Kiwi magazine free when you join Mom’s Meet for free.

Magazines For Anyone

I take full advantage of free magazine offers. Currently I have a free bridal magazine waiting to be read on my bed even though I‘m married, and several subscriptions to hunting magazines even though I don’t hunt. I also get free Woman’s Day, American Baby, Kiwi, Babytalk, Parenting, and more. I read them and then I use them in craft projects. 

Do you know of a free magazine offer I missed? If so, or even if you just want to say hello, please leave a comment. Enjoy your free magazines!

 

December 13, 2009

Frugal Snack Ideas That Save Money

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As a stay at home mom of three we go through a lot of snacks. Snacks can be one of the main budget busters on your grocery list, as some snack foods are more expensive than regular meal foods. What’s a mom on a tight budget to do? Plan ahead and buy only lost cost snack foods.

Inexpensive snack foods include:

Popcorn-Comes in butter, light, seasoned, and more flavors then I could possibly list here!

Saltine Crackers-Available in salt, no salt, whole wheat, light, and more. Smear on a little peanut butter or add a little cheese for some variety.

Toast-It’s not just for breakfast! Eat it alone, with butter, jam, peanut butter, or anything else your kiddos might like.

Dry Cereal- It’s a great safe finger food for toddlers.

Bananas-They’re always less than .50 lb in my area, but I usually get them on sale for .35 lb. Serve them whole, slice them up, or dip them in chocolate and freeze them. Yum!

Pretzels-They come in HUGE bags and are super cheap when compared to chips.

Popsicles- They came in huge boxes and bags for just a few dollars. They’re a life saver in the Summer!

We spend the most money on snacks when we’re running errands I have forgotten to bring a snack along. I usually end up pulling through a drive through for a drink and something for each of my kids from the dollar menu. That’s $5 bucks out the drive through window! I realized I need to keep store brand granola or fruit bars in my purse at all times. They’re small, light, and the kids love them.

Buying plastic baggies for snacks on the go is convenient, but if you spent $3 a month or baggies, that’s $36 a year. $36 is a lot to throw away. A more frugal option is to buy cheap snack size storage containers from the dollar store. They last forever if you take care of them. Online you can buy fabric snack and sandwich bags for a few dollars that are super cute and also last a long time.

While snacks can take a chunk out of your grocery budget you don’t have to skip them altogether. If you choose low cost options you, your budget, and your kiddos can all be full happy snackers. Do you know of a great low cost snack or have a tip to share? If so leave a comment!

 

December 10, 2009

Ways To Cut Your Heating Costs & Save Money

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Do you dread Winter due to the skyrocketing electric bills? I dread the bills. I really do enjoy Winter, but finding my electric bill in my mailbox December and January can ruin my day. The amount can be as much as a new TV, and that’s not cool. Luckily this year I’ve taken steps to reduce my electric usage and hopefully end sticker shock. Follow along and see what steps you can take to lower your bill too.

Clean your filters and vents. We have central heat and air, and if the vent is clogged the system has to work harder. Cleaning the vents and filters once a month can make a difference.

Get your furnace inspected. They say that an inefficiently working furnace can cost you an additional $30-$40 a month! That’s a lot of money to throw away this Winter.

Use a humidifier. Wet air feels warmer than cold air. You can easily bump your thermostat down a few degrees just by having a humidifier plugged in.

If you aren’t using a room don’t heat it! Have an extra bedroom? Close off the vents and keep the door closed. Keep your closet doors closed too as there’s no point in heating closets.

Wear layers. Wear sweatpants, warm socks, and long sleeves at home. The more you have on the cooler you can let the room get before you start to feel chilly. Would you rather put on a sweat shirt at home or add an extra $15 on your electric bill? I’ll take the sweatshirt.

Seal up drafts! Spend a few dollars on caulk and put a rolled towel at the bottom of drafty doorways to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Don’t let that warm air you paid for sleep outside! Get your moneys worth.

Every time you go to turn the thermostat up remember that a single degree can mean a 3% to 8% increase on your electric bill. Do what you can to keep your temperature set low and your money in your wallet. Have any tips or comments? We love to read them!

 

December 2, 2009

Save Money With OAMC Once A Month Cooking

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OAMC or Once A Month Cooking is becoming very popular with today’s busy moms, dads, and caregivers. After working all day many parents just don’t have the time or energy to cook a traditional family meal and are turning to OAMC. Even stay at home moms are turning to this cooking method as in between cleaning, driving the kids around, and running errands they stay just as busy as working moms. 

If you are rushed this holiday season, spend a day making several freezer meals so that you can relax at dinner time for the remainder of the week. Those that are really strapped for time are spending one to two days cooking up meals for an entire month! While you don’t have to go to that extreme, you can give it a whirl. Cooking once a week or once a month can add up to big savings in several ways. 

If you choose to make meals that share common ingredients you won’t be spending as much at the grocery store. When choosing freezer recipes look make sure you go with something your family will like. There are a lot of choices out there, from casseroles to sloppy joes to soups to mini meat loaves. Skip over recipes with expensive ingredients and choose recipes that you already have some of the ingredients for. If chicken goes on sale at your grocery store, pick up ten pounds. Pick a day to cook up all ten pounds and turn it into several frozen dinners. You’ll save money by buying ingredients on sale. 

Another way to get a nice stockpile of foods in the freezer is to make a double batch at dinner and freeze half of it. Do this every night for a week and you won’t have to cook dinner next week. Leftovers can also be stored in the freezer and eaten a week or two (or three) later.  See the photo?  That’s 1/2 of the double batch of Mexican Casserole I made and froze.  It tasted just as good two weeks later as it did the first time. 

Tips 

Don’t store a big batch of food together if you aren’t going to eat it in one meal. If you make five pounds of mashed potatoes split it up before freezing in manageable sizes. This may mean single servings or family size servings. 

Focus on making one kind on meal at a time. Pick one day and make breakfast burritos, muffins, etc. Spend a different day cooking up that ten pounds of chicken. Don’t wear yourself out in one day, stretch your cooking sessions out if needed. 

Pasta will soften when froze. Freeze pasta slightly undercooked so it will come out perfect! 

Try to pick recipes that cook at the same oven temp. You’ll be able to cook several items at once and save money. It costs a lot less to cook three or four meals in the oven at once than to cook those same meals separately. 

Some foods don’t freeze well. Examples include egg whites, frosting, and fried foods. 

Now that you’re feeling motivated find some yummy recipes your family will enjoy and get to planning. Invite a friend to try OAMC with you for added fun! If you have a tip, suggestion, or just want to say “hi” please leave a comment!

 

November 25, 2009

Frugal Living: Use Up Those Thanksgiving Leftovers

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While many people are still in the process of planning for their Thanksgiving dinner, I am already gathering recipes to make the most of my Thanksgiving leftovers. Food isn’t free, you spent money on that turkey and throwing away the leftovers is the same thing as tossing out money. While you may have eaten more turkey than you want to think about, there are yummy recipes out there that will make you forget your main ingredient was once Thanksgiving dinner.

What about turning your tired leftover turkey into spunky turkey tortilla soup? There’s a recipe for that! Cut 3 (6 inch) corn tortillas into strips, fry them in some oil until crisp, and let them cool on a paper towel. Meanwhile, boil some chicken broth and salsa, throw in some turkey, leftover corn or other veggies if you have some, and whatever Mexican seasonings you have on hand. When it’s warmed put the soup in bowls and add the tortilla strips on top. I’m adding a little sour cream to mine and sprinkling cheese on top. Doesn’t sound like a traditional turkey dish at all does it!

Get creative with the leftovers you have on hand. You can use turkey in a casserole and mix in any leftover veggies, pasta, or rice you have on hand. If you aren’t feeling like a creative cook, Google leftover turkey casserole recipes and see what pops up.

Ways to use leftover turkey include:

  • -Soups
  • -Casseroles
  • -Simple sandwiches
  • -Rolls ups
  • -Stir Fry

My husbands very favorite thing about Thanksgiving is being able to make a “moist maker”. It’s a sandwich from an episode of Friends. Smear some mashed potatoes on a slice of bread, place a little turkey on top, and pour on a little gravy. For days after Thanksgiving my husband will say “I’m going to get a snack, do you want a moist maker?”

When you just can’t stand to eat one more bite of turkey it’s time to freeze it! Store your turkey in an airtight container and bring it out one week when you’re running low on groceries. By then you’ll be over your Thanksgiving turkey issues and it’ll be a treat.

No matter if you have just a pound of turkey left or ten pounds it’s better to use your leftovers than throw them away. Do you have a great way to use up leftover turkey? If so we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment with tips or even if you just want to say hi. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

November 22, 2009

How To Get Shopping Deals on Black Friday

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Black Friday is the shopping day that you either love or hate. You may dread the traffic, the crowds, or the extra work involved if you work in retail. People that love Black Friday really love the experience. They love the rush of the hunt, getting a good deal, and being involved in this national day of spending frenzy. My point is, some people like myself crave Black Friday all year long like chocolate.

Here are some tips to survive Black Friday if you’ve never experienced it before:

  • -See if the deals are available online first.
  • -Consider Cyber Monday, it’s safer and you don’t have to leave the house.
  • -Comp all your items at one store.
  • -Team up with a friend or co-worker.

What if you hate the crowds and traffic? Most shoppers aren’t aware that you can get some of the same deals in store online on Black Friday. Two years ago I went to Walmart at 1am to stand in line for a red Jeep Powerwheels for my son. Little did I know I could buy the same Jeep online at Walmart for the same price, without the line, lack of sleep, and crazy person standing beside me. Walmart sold them online the entire weekend and I felt silly.

If you aren’t able to find any deals online on Black Friday it could be because your favorite store is holding out for Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is just like Black Friday, only all the sales are online. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Many people think they need to drive all over town and buy their DVDs on sale at one store and their toys on sale at another. Try to shop at a store that comps other stores sale ads. Collect your Black Friday ads and just visit one store. You can live through one store. Make sure you ask your store ahead of time if they will be comping sale items on Black Friday so you don’t waste time and gas.

To make Black Friday more fun and safer, invite a friend along. You two can fight the crows together and get great deals. Another option is your friend goes to one store while you hit another. She can buy what you want at the toy store while she picks up items on her own list while you get both of your items from the electronics store.

Buying items that are on sale on Black Friday can save you a bundle. Try your very best to buy all your gifts that day and you won’t have to paddle through the holiday shopping crowds again. If you have any tips for surviving Black Friday or any Black Friday stories leave a comment! We love to read comments!

 

November 20, 2009

Thanksgiving Dinner On A Budget

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No matter if you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner for two or twenty, Thanksgiving food costs add up quickly. A delicious Thanksgiving dinner is possible on a shoestring budget if you shop around and plan ahead.

A beautifully cooked turkey is the main event in most families. The only problem is turkey can cost upwards of a dollar a pound. Before you fork over $15-20 for your Thanksgiving bird gather your local grocery store ads. Ads come out on Wednesdays, if you missed this weeks Wednesday newspaper pull the grocery store ads up online. In my area I have several great deals to choose from.

Kroger in my area had turkey for .33 a pound when you spend $20 on additional products. I was about to get a 12 pound turkey for just under $4, compared to the regular price of $12. You may need a smaller or larger turkey depending on the number of guests you are expecting. Estimate a pound of turkey per guest.

Sack N Save in my area offers a free turkey if you purchase a ham. Keep in mind that hams can be expensive. Another local store offers a free turkey if you spend $100 on groceries. Stores in your area may even have better sales on turkey than this, but you won’t know until you look at the ads and make comparisons.

Green beans are a staple at any meal in our house, especially Thanksgiving. Target has canned veggies on sale for .45 each with a limit of 12 per type. I bought 60 cans as this is a great deal. Target in my area also has cranberries and cranberry sauce on sale for around .50 a can, stuffing on sale for .79 a box, and cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth on sale for .49 a can. That right there covers the majority of our Thanksgiving dinner. I still either have to buy rolls to bake if I can find them on sale or my husband will whip up a batch.

Dessert is also a must have at our Thanksgiving. Almost every store ad I looked at had pies on sale. Some had a free pie when you bought ice cream and others had pies on sale for $1.99-2.99. If you can find pie filling and pie crust on sale feel free to bake one yourself, but for us it’s cheaper to spend $2.99 on a store bought pie. To make the sale even better I also have a pie coupon. It’s the little savings in life that get me excited.

No matter if you are cooking for just the two of you or your extended family, Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to blow your budget. Plan ahead, buy foods that are on sale, get a deal on your turkey, and even consider asking guests to bring a side dish or dessert. As with any family get together, it’s not how much you spend, but the quality time you spend together and the memories that are made that are important.

If you enjoyed these money saving tips be sure to leave a comment and say hello!

 

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