Moms without Money

Weeknight dinner ideas

2008-09-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to gather tips and information on saving money and getting the best for your money. If the cost of gas and consequently, groceries etc., is taking a bigger bite out of your budget, let's share ways of increasing the amount of our paycheck that we get to keep. Any tips you have on household spending are welcome - or even time-saving tips. As they say, time is money!
I found a great site for inexpensive meal ideas. Also print coupons directly from the site.
Weeknight dinner ideas
Here's the link:

http://www.pillsbury.com/search/searchresults.aspx?terms=Budget+Meals&DCSext.SearchSource=SearchPagePopularSearch

The recipes are very kid friendly!

CONTEST

2008-09-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION: ALL MOMS WITHOUT MONEY
POST YOUR FAVORITE TIPS HERE....WILL
YOURS MAKE THE TOP
TEN?

About Ebay

2008-09-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

After months of researching Ebay as a buyer, here are a few tips for you. The seller's feedback ratings are very important. Read through them before placing a bid - I really only like to buy from sellers who have 100%. I paid for an item from one seller that I never received. However, because I paid through Paypal - the issue was resolved and my money was returned. So, tip number 2 would be to only pay through Paypal. It's secure - and my sellers only accept Paypal for payment anyway. Also, check to see what kind of environment the items come from. If you're buying clothes and hate the smell of smoke - or are allergic to animals, you would only need to order from a smoke-free or pet-free home. The other major tip I would suggest is to watch the item first....do not bid. The earlier buyers start bidding, the higher the price seems to go. You can have messages sent to your e-mail account when the item you watching is ending soon. I like to go online during the last few minutes, and if the price is at a good point - bid then. You may not always get the item as there may be higher outstanding bids that aren't showing, but you can avoid "bidding wars" where you end up paying more than you really wanted. Also, be sure to take into account the shipping and handling fees which can add more to the price than you want to pay.

Videos

2008-09-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

Check out the videos on the web page, they may give some great hints...and don't forget to post your favorite family budget tip!! Speaking of videos, many of the libraries in bigger cities have movies and video games that you can check out. You can get on a waiting list for the newer, more popular ones. Most libraries are accessible online, so you can submit requests for the newest books, movies, games, etc. and have them notify you by e-mail or phone when it's available for checkout. This is a great moneysaver if you've been renting from a movie store. Many libraries also offer children's hours with puppet shows and other fun stuff (no charge) for children not old enough for school - so check it out! Have you got any fun, cheap kids and family fun ideas? Post them here - your tip could make the top 10!

Bundling

2008-09-22T20:50:00.001-07:00

Check out the prices for bundling services such as internet, cable, and telephone. You can usually get a great deal from such companies as Mediacom and others that offer an all-service package. Add the costs up of what you're paying, and call for a quote. Usually installation is free and there are no start-up costs. You could save $$$$ over a year or so.

Insurance quotes

2008-09-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Have you checked your home and auto insurance lately? Today's market is very competitive, and you could save money by shopping around. Be sure to compare your declarations page (usually the first page of your policy) with any new quotes so that you can shop the same coverage. While you're at it, make sure all of your coverages and deductibles are where you need them to be. A higher deductible can result in a lower payment; however, don't make it so high that you can't cover it if needed.

Generic or Brand Name?

2008-09-20T20:09:00.001-07:00

There are many grocery items that are just as good for the generic item as for the brand name. Be careful when buying, try a smaller container first. Some things such as coffee, detergent, and other items with strong brand loyalty may be worth the extra to you. However, I have found the big bags of cereal are just as good as the name-brand boxes, haven't been able to tell the difference between Winn-Dixie sugar and Dixie Crystals, and the Wal-Mart brands of many things are identical to the name-brand ones. However, I prefer to use coupons and be able to use Gain, Downy, a good shampoo for my hair type, etc. I also rely on Dial soap, Pledge polish, and Dow Scrubbing Bubbles. Sometimes the generics seem "watered down", so you end up using more and not really saving any money. Who has any generic brand likes and dislikes?

Collection of Tips for Busy Moms

2008-09-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Helpful Hint #1 - Plan ahead. Take drinks and snacks to ball practice - stopping at a convenience store on the way is very expensive.

Helpful Hint #2 - Buy big bags of chips and divide into individual portions for bag lunches or as needed. Buying snack items in bulk will save you money.

Helpful Hint #3 - A mixture of 2 parts vinegar/ 1 part water will clean your stainless steel appliances just as well as that pricey storebought cleaner.

Helpful Hint #4 - Eat out for lunch at a great restaurant instead of dinner. The food will be less expensive but just as great. Also, check out the online discounts for restaurant gift cards beforehand. You can easily get a $25 gift card for only $10.

Meal Tips

2008-09-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

Having some good, easy, inexpensive recipes on hand always comes in handy. I like to buy the leg quarters in the bag when they go on sale and divide up. The first half I put in a crockpot and sprinkle liberally with Season-All Salt, or if it's just grown-ups, I use a jamaican jerk spice. Cook all day on low, serve with your favorite sides.....delicious!!! The other half bag of the chicken I boil, debone, divide in half. I use one half for chicken and dumplings,, and the other for a favorite casserole. My family's favorite is Poppyseed Chicken (recipe to be posted) . Very budget-friendly!

Grocery saving tips

2008-09-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

The best way to save on groceries is to
a) plan a 1-2 week menu using your stores weekly ad specials along with the items you have on hand
b) make a shopping list from the menu keeping in mind what you have on hand
c) stick to the list while buying - unless there is a great sale on a staple or something you definitely use - avoid "impulse buying"
d) stick to the menu plan during the week as much as possible

This will cut down on food waste, cost, and save you $$$$

With a weekly menu planner, you can use your fresh produce, fruits, and other perishables first, take into account any "getting home late" nights to avoid pricy fast-food, and utilize leftovers into the next night's meal.

A planned menu can include crockpot dinners for those nights after practice or meetings. Start another dinner recipe with the leftover crockpot meat (such as a casserole, soup, or stew) while cleaning up after dinner, refrigerate, and you will have a great head start on the next night.

We have a great thrift type store nearby, called Feed America, that sells new merchandise that might have dents or packaging tears. The costs are extremely low and anyone can shop there. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, school and office supplies, cat/dog supplies, various other items are available at drastically reduced prices. It may be worth checking out your area for any type of store like this, especially if you don't like clipping coupons.

Consignment Stores

2008-09-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

How about this....so far have made $267 selling my children's outgrown clothes from last fall at local consignment store. Usually give them away, decided to try this. Wash clothes in cold water, hang to dry, and they will stay looking new. I buy Limited Too clothes from Ebay, take good care of them, and now have made money selling them! Honestly, if you pick a consignor who is careful and choosy about the clothes they sell, you can pick up great bargains on children's clothes.