One of my goals for the next month is to post each day of July about a List of 10 dealing with a personal finance or money saving idea topic.
This is the 2nd year that I have been a member of a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture), for a monthly fee you receive a weekly box of vegetables throughout the summer. In addition to the weekly boxes, we also have the opportunity to pick extra produce. Yesterday I picked peas and will blanch and freeze them. With the extras I picked and froze last year, I didn't need to buy frozen or canned vegetables during the winter.
Following is a list of things I freeze:
1) Fruit and berries. If you find fruit on sale, freeze on a cookie sheet until hard and then store in freezer bags. When I find fresh pineapple on sale, I cube and freeze. The fruit can be used in smoothies and baking.
2) Peppers and onions. When I find the colored peppers on sale I dice and freeze. The same with onions, many times I don't need a whole onion and can freeze the rest to use some other time.
3) Bacon- Sometimes I cook up a whole package of bacon and then freeze. Then it is easy to use in dishes instead of having to cook various times or spending more for the pre cooked bacon at the grocery store.
4) Bread and buns. Some people don't like freezing bread. But I buy most of my bread and buns at the outlet bread store and buy enough for a month or so.
5) Vegetables - as I stated above I freeze extra vegetables for the winter. Also, if you find vegetables on sale or in season they can be frozen to used later.
6) Nuts - Sometimes it is less expensive to buy nuts in larger packages. They will last longer if they are kept in the freezer.
7) Spices - like with nuts, many spices will keep longer if they are frozen.
8) Baking chips - chocolate chips and others are another thing I try to stock up on when they are on sale. Around the holidays are some of the best times to stock up on baking items. They will keep better in the freezer if you are not planning on using them for awhile.
9) Butter - Butter is another baking item that I try to stock up on when it is on sale.
10) Flavored butters - if you have extra berries or spices you can make flavored butter. Here is a recipe for berry butter. Last year I also made a similar recipe with basil from my CSA.
Even if you only have a small freezer, I have heard of people being able to fit quite a bit into smaller freezers.
With the prices of groceries continuing to increase it is important to find ways to make the most of your grocery budget.
Click here for previous posts.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Free and Low cost Activities
One of my goals for the next month is to post each day of July about a List of 10 dealing with a personal finance or money saving idea topic.
Entertainment doesn’t always need to cost a lot of money. Following are some ideas of free and low cost activities. Many are related to the Fargo/Moorhead area, but it will give you ideas to explore in your area also.
1) Public libraries offer more than just books. Many have CDs, DVDs, ebooks and many other things to offer. Many also host movie nights, children’s programs, teen programs and other events.
2) S.S. Ruby Riverboat on the Red River between Fargo and Moorhead. There is currently a SaveCoin deal to get half price tickets.
3) The MSUM Planetarium in Moorhead provides a fun learning experience.
4) Sporting activities such as Red Hawk games, hockey games, etc. Sometimes they run specials on pricing.
5) Area Park Districts offer a variety of events including free activities and also youth and adult programs you can sign up for.
6) Local attractions such as museums, zoos and The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm.
7) Visit your area swimming pools.
8) Area fairs and festivals. Many areas have a variety of community events especially during the summer. With today being the 4th of July there are mnay activities planned for today and over the weekend.
9) Explore different parks and playgrounds in your area.
10) Go to the movies, some theaters offer special rates at certain times.
Click here for previous posts.
Entertainment doesn’t always need to cost a lot of money. Following are some ideas of free and low cost activities. Many are related to the Fargo/Moorhead area, but it will give you ideas to explore in your area also.
1) Public libraries offer more than just books. Many have CDs, DVDs, ebooks and many other things to offer. Many also host movie nights, children’s programs, teen programs and other events.
2) S.S. Ruby Riverboat on the Red River between Fargo and Moorhead. There is currently a SaveCoin deal to get half price tickets.
3) The MSUM Planetarium in Moorhead provides a fun learning experience.
4) Sporting activities such as Red Hawk games, hockey games, etc. Sometimes they run specials on pricing.
5) Area Park Districts offer a variety of events including free activities and also youth and adult programs you can sign up for.
6) Local attractions such as museums, zoos and The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm.
7) Visit your area swimming pools.
8) Area fairs and festivals. Many areas have a variety of community events especially during the summer. With today being the 4th of July there are mnay activities planned for today and over the weekend.
9) Explore different parks and playgrounds in your area.
10) Go to the movies, some theaters offer special rates at certain times.
Click here for previous posts.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Products to Teach Kids about Money
One of my goals for the next month is to post each day of July about a List of 10 dealing with a personal finance or money saving idea topic.
There are many resources to use to teach kids about money and saving. Following are ten that I would recommend.
1) Money Savvy Bank is a bank with 4 separate chambers for Save, Spend, Donate and Invest. The pigs come in a variety of colors or also shaped as a football.
2) Financial Peace Junior is a program to teach the importance of saving. It is recommended for ages 3-12.
3) Moonjar is another system consisting of three boxes that fit together. (Save, Spend and Share)
4) Here is a Pinterest board I put together with various resources.
5) It’s a Habit has resources such as books, workbooks, music CDs and a saving bank
6) The Money Mammals has books, CDs, DVDs and a savings bank.
7) Practical Money Skills has games such as Financial Football, Financial Soccer and others.
8) Kids and Money Calendar is a page-a-day calendar I made with resources and websites to teach kids about money.
9) The Practical Money Skills website also has an Avengers Comic Book that teaching about finances.
10) Prosperity 4 Kids has books, allowance charts and more to teach kids about saving.
Click here for previous posts.
There are many resources to use to teach kids about money and saving. Following are ten that I would recommend.
1) Money Savvy Bank is a bank with 4 separate chambers for Save, Spend, Donate and Invest. The pigs come in a variety of colors or also shaped as a football.
2) Financial Peace Junior is a program to teach the importance of saving. It is recommended for ages 3-12.
3) Moonjar is another system consisting of three boxes that fit together. (Save, Spend and Share)
4) Here is a Pinterest board I put together with various resources.
5) It’s a Habit has resources such as books, workbooks, music CDs and a saving bank
6) The Money Mammals has books, CDs, DVDs and a savings bank.
7) Practical Money Skills has games such as Financial Football, Financial Soccer and others.
8) Kids and Money Calendar is a page-a-day calendar I made with resources and websites to teach kids about money.
9) The Practical Money Skills website also has an Avengers Comic Book that teaching about finances.
10) Prosperity 4 Kids has books, allowance charts and more to teach kids about saving.
Click here for previous posts.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Found money
It is not necessarily free money, but in a few minutes today I got an extra $100.
I cashed in some loose change I had been saving and it ended up being $25. It may not seem like a lot but I can use it to buy something instead of sitting on my fridge.
I stopped at CVS to see what my Spring quarter balance of Extra Care Bucks was and I got a coupon for $23.50 to use on a future purchase. When you sign up for a free Extra Care card you get special prices on certain items and each quarter get 2% back on the purchases you make. Many times I use coupons and sales to get the items for almost nothing.
Then when I got home, my credit card bill was in the mail. Instead of earning airline miles, I get dividend dollars of a percentage of what I charge on it. You can redeem the dividend dollars once your balance exceeds $50. My balance was just over $50 so I called to redeem them. I pay off the balance each month, so I don't incur interest and finance charges.
So with just a little time this afternoon, I have $100 to spend on other things.
Where can you find extra money?
I cashed in some loose change I had been saving and it ended up being $25. It may not seem like a lot but I can use it to buy something instead of sitting on my fridge.
I stopped at CVS to see what my Spring quarter balance of Extra Care Bucks was and I got a coupon for $23.50 to use on a future purchase. When you sign up for a free Extra Care card you get special prices on certain items and each quarter get 2% back on the purchases you make. Many times I use coupons and sales to get the items for almost nothing.
Then when I got home, my credit card bill was in the mail. Instead of earning airline miles, I get dividend dollars of a percentage of what I charge on it. You can redeem the dividend dollars once your balance exceeds $50. My balance was just over $50 so I called to redeem them. I pay off the balance each month, so I don't incur interest and finance charges.
So with just a little time this afternoon, I have $100 to spend on other things.
Where can you find extra money?
Kid's Money Books
One of my goals for the next month is to post each day of July about a List of 10 dealing with a personal finance or money saving idea topic.
Today’s topic is Books to teach kids about money and finances.
There are several books about teaching kids about money. Below are ten that I have read.
1) Money Doesn't Grow on Trees by Neale S. Godfrey.
2) A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams. She has also written a couple other books to start a conversation about money with your children.
3) Financial Peace Junior by Dave Ramsey.
4) Money Still Doesn't Grow on Trees by Neale S. Godfrey for teens.
5) Everything Kids Money Book
6) Kids Super Pack by Dave Ramsey is a 6 book storybook set.
7) Not Your Parent's Money Book by Jean Chatzky.
8) Generation Change by Dave Ramsey.
9) Debt Free U by Zac Bissonnette.
10) How to be Richer Smarter and Better Looking Than your Parents by Zac Bissonnette.
Check back tomorrow to see what the topic will be.
Click here for previous posts.
Today’s topic is Books to teach kids about money and finances.
There are several books about teaching kids about money. Below are ten that I have read.
1) Money Doesn't Grow on Trees by Neale S. Godfrey.
2) A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams. She has also written a couple other books to start a conversation about money with your children.
3) Financial Peace Junior by Dave Ramsey.
4) Money Still Doesn't Grow on Trees by Neale S. Godfrey for teens.
5) Everything Kids Money Book
6) Kids Super Pack by Dave Ramsey is a 6 book storybook set.
7) Not Your Parent's Money Book by Jean Chatzky.
8) Generation Change by Dave Ramsey.
9) Debt Free U by Zac Bissonnette.
10) How to be Richer Smarter and Better Looking Than your Parents by Zac Bissonnette.
Check back tomorrow to see what the topic will be.
Click here for previous posts.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Personal Finance Lists
One of my goals for the next month is to post each day of July about a List of 10 dealing with a personal finance or money saving idea topic.
Today’s topic is Personal Finance Authors and books.
1) Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover and others.
2) David Bach, The Automatic Millionaire, Smart Women Finish Rich, Smart Couples Finish Rich and others.
3) Suze Orman, The Money Class and others.
4) Jean Chatzky, Money Rules and others.
5) David Chilton, The Wealthy Barber.
6) Thomas Stanley, The Millionaire Next Door and others.
7) Vicki Robin, Your Money or Your Life.
8) George Clason, The Richest Man in Babylon.
9) Zac Bissonnette, Debt Free U and How to be Richer Smarter and Better Looking Than your Parents.
10) Mary Hunt, Debt Proof Living.
Check back tomorrow to see what the topic will be.
Following is a recap of previous posts
Day 1 Personal finance authors
Day 2 - Kids Money Books
Day 3 Products to Teach kids about money
Day 4 - Free and Low cost Activities
Day 5 - Freezing to Save
Day 6 - Saving on Books
Day 7 - Saving on Groceries
Day 8 - Saving on Clothing Expenses
Day 9 - New Uses for Household Items
Day 10 - Budgeting Tools and Tips
Day 11 - Where to Find Coupons
Day 12 - Grocery Deals at Drugstores
Day 13 - Weekend Activities
Day 14 - Dollar Store Finds
Day 15 - Thrift Store Finds
Day 16 - Money Lessons in Everyday Life
Day 17 - Student Loan Websites
Day 18 - Other Uses for Crockpots
Day 19 - Homeowner Costs
Day 20 - Photo Gifts
Day 21 - Car Costs
Day 22 - Back To School shopping tips
Day 23 - Money Quotes
Day 24 - Gluten-free and Allergy Free Recipes
Day 25 - DIY Doormat Ideas
Day 26 - DIY Wall Art
Day 27 - Olympic Activities
Day 28 - DIY Gift Ideas
Today’s topic is Personal Finance Authors and books.
1) Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover and others.
2) David Bach, The Automatic Millionaire, Smart Women Finish Rich, Smart Couples Finish Rich and others.
3) Suze Orman, The Money Class and others.
4) Jean Chatzky, Money Rules and others.
5) David Chilton, The Wealthy Barber.
6) Thomas Stanley, The Millionaire Next Door and others.
7) Vicki Robin, Your Money or Your Life.
8) George Clason, The Richest Man in Babylon.
9) Zac Bissonnette, Debt Free U and How to be Richer Smarter and Better Looking Than your Parents.
10) Mary Hunt, Debt Proof Living.
Check back tomorrow to see what the topic will be.
Following is a recap of previous posts
Day 1 Personal finance authors
Day 2 - Kids Money Books
Day 3 Products to Teach kids about money
Day 4 - Free and Low cost Activities
Day 5 - Freezing to Save
Day 6 - Saving on Books
Day 7 - Saving on Groceries
Day 8 - Saving on Clothing Expenses
Day 9 - New Uses for Household Items
Day 10 - Budgeting Tools and Tips
Day 11 - Where to Find Coupons
Day 12 - Grocery Deals at Drugstores
Day 13 - Weekend Activities
Day 14 - Dollar Store Finds
Day 15 - Thrift Store Finds
Day 16 - Money Lessons in Everyday Life
Day 17 - Student Loan Websites
Day 18 - Other Uses for Crockpots
Day 19 - Homeowner Costs
Day 20 - Photo Gifts
Day 21 - Car Costs
Day 22 - Back To School shopping tips
Day 23 - Money Quotes
Day 24 - Gluten-free and Allergy Free Recipes
Day 25 - DIY Doormat Ideas
Day 26 - DIY Wall Art
Day 27 - Olympic Activities
Day 28 - DIY Gift Ideas
Once a Month Cooking
One way some people save time and money on their meal cooking is Once a Month Cooking (OAMC). The premise is to spend a day cooking your meals for most of the month. Then each day you only need to take the itmes from the freezer and finish cooking. With OAMC you save the time of cleaning up from meal preparation each night. Also, you may also save money by buying ingredients in bulk.
Even if you don't want to spend an entire day cooking there are other ways to implement freezer cooking. When you are making items such as lasagna, meatloaf, etc make one or two extra and put them into the freezer so they are ready to use some other time.
Since I usually only cook for myself, when I make lasagna, a hotdish or something like that I freeze the extras in individual serving portions to use in the future.
Once a Month Mom puts together a freezer menu each month. For July they have put together a variety of menus for different diets. Menus for July includes meals for Traditional meals, Whole Foods diet, Gluten free Dairy free, Diet menu, Vegetarian, Baby food (6-9 month) and a Grilling Mini menu.
Each menu includes printable recipe cards, a grocery list, instructions and printable labels with the name of the dish and serving instructions for preparing the dish.
Even if you don't want to follow the plan for the entire month, it may be beneficial to look at the menus and try a few of the meals.
Even if you don't want to spend an entire day cooking there are other ways to implement freezer cooking. When you are making items such as lasagna, meatloaf, etc make one or two extra and put them into the freezer so they are ready to use some other time.
Since I usually only cook for myself, when I make lasagna, a hotdish or something like that I freeze the extras in individual serving portions to use in the future.
Once a Month Mom puts together a freezer menu each month. For July they have put together a variety of menus for different diets. Menus for July includes meals for Traditional meals, Whole Foods diet, Gluten free Dairy free, Diet menu, Vegetarian, Baby food (6-9 month) and a Grilling Mini menu.
Each menu includes printable recipe cards, a grocery list, instructions and printable labels with the name of the dish and serving instructions for preparing the dish.
Even if you don't want to follow the plan for the entire month, it may be beneficial to look at the menus and try a few of the meals.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
