Friday, May 30, 2008

Saving on Food

Suddenly it is fashionable to save! Soaring gas prices mean food prices increasing. As a result, websites with saving tips on meals have seen a marked increase in traffic.

www.thriftyfun.com, www.hillbillyhousewife.com (don't be put off by the name!), http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalrecipelist.htm, http://www.cookcheap.com/ and www.hopefulhousewife.com are all sites where you can find recipes and/or good tips for saving on foods.

www.allrecipes.com, has a Quick and Easy link which has low-budget meals amongst others.

Remember though, that eating cheap should still be healthy! http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/ is a site I enjoy.

Happy saving!
Thrifty

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Sites with savings

If you have not already logged onto redplum.com, this site is worth looking at. This site has information, coupons (always welcome!) and competitions.

To find out how to save up to $451 per month, go to http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/105062/Turn-451-A-Month-Into-A-Million-Bucks This page also suggests saving this money to make a million dollars in 35 years. Oh well, just saving that amount to use on vacations or saving for your kids college would be a big help!

Happy saving!
Thrifty

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Free summer movies

For the Free Family Film Festival showtimes and information, go to:

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=NC

For schedules outside of NC, go to http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx and select your state.

Last year they had popcorn and soda for $1 each! Parents were free and kids paid $1 for admission. You can't beat that!

Happy watching!
Thrifty

Monday, May 19, 2008

Energy saving tips

Good Morning!

Here are a few tips I found in the "Comforts of Home" newsletter of PSNC energy.

1. Choose a professional car wash - 45 gallons of water per car as opposed to 80 - 140 gallons when washing at home.

2. Turn your thermostat up in the summertime to 78 degrees. Every degree higher saves up to 8%! A setting of 78 degrees uses 35% less energy than a 70 degree setting.

3. Use your outdoor natural gas grill to keep your kitchen cooler and reduce energy bills. Natural gas grills are environmentally friendly; using natural gas instead of charcoal reduces CO2 emissions by 26%! Visit psncenergy.com/grills for grill specials.

4. Reduce long distance carbon emissions by vacationing locally and enjoying all NC has to offer! Learn more at nc.org

Happy saving!
Thrifty

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Cheap flights

If you intend travelling some time this year, take a look at this page for deals on Southwest airlines. Other airlines with competitive prices are mentioned as well. http://www.smartertravel.com/airfare/sale-fares-on-southwest.html?id=2565001&source=dealalert&value=2008-05-15+00%3A00%3A00&u=D67962EE02

Happy flying!
Thrifty

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Gas

Isn't it something to see a $3.74 sign at the gas stations? We have already covered how to save gas by driving conservatively. Here are a few more tips for saving at the pump.

1. Discounted gas: There are 3 Krogers in this area where you can save 10c per gallon if you have shopped for at least $100 in a month at any Kroger store. Raleigh, Durham and Fuquay Varina have the Krogers with the gas station. So if you live in or will be in one of those 3 places close to the Kroger gas station, you could fill up there and a dollar or two.

2. Cash back: Some credit cards give you 3% to 5% discount on gas. Also, if you are enrolled in a reward program with your credit card, you could ask for a gas card. I just received a $50.00 gas card for Exxon from my card. Considering I don't pay any interest on the card (I pay the balance due every month), this is quite a bonus! :)

3. Don't drive: Of course, the only real saving is driving less. Plan your trips to run several errands at a time.

4. Share costs: Only 12% of working people car pool here in the US! Yes, it is not as convenient if you have to wait 10 minutes while your colleague delays. However, that could amount to a considerable saving at the gas pump! Car pooling with neighbours and friends for kid's social activities is another great way to save and you get to socialise more!

Happy driving
Thrifty

Monday, May 12, 2008

Saving

Good morning from a chilly Apex.

With the state of the economy, we need to go to extra lengths to save. Here are a few tips:

1. Use a piggy bank: This may sound too simple, but saving your change every day in a piggy bank can give you $20 to $50 at the end of the month without too much effort. Deposit this into your savings account.

2. Automatic deduction: Have your employer deduct money from your paycheck and deposit it directly into a savings account.

3. Plan your purchases: If the offer is 'valid only for today', then it's not worth buying. If you can't have the time to plan and budget for a purchase, don't buy it.

4. Use the tax rebate, any tax refund or money left over at the end of the month and deposit in a high-yield savings account or an IRA.

5. Saving here and there: Cut down on restaurant trips and all those small expenses, like coffee or ice-cream while out. Saving $4.00 here and $10.oo there adds up! These savings can be used for upcoming summer outings.

Happy saving!
Thrifty

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Mother's Day gifts

Ideas for gifts for all ages of children to give Mom on Sunday is the topic today. So, if you have not bought or thought or that special gift yet, here are some ideas:

1. Amcor GPS $99.99 - Linens N Things (L n T)
2. Digital photo frames: 5.6" Tru Photo Digital Frame with remote control, $69.99 - L n T
3. Digital frames $68.99 - $109 - Target
4. Grandma, Nana or Mom heart shaped pendants, $39.99 -K-Mart
5. Sharper Image digital frame with key chain $17.99 - Belk's
6. Buy any fragrance for more than $30.00 and receive a free watch pendeant with necklace and bracelet - Ulta. Also has a $3.50 coupon in the Sunday paper.
7. Jewelry and spa certificates are always welcomed by Mom's.
8. Flowers and candy.
9. Home made gifts are popular as well.
10. Lots and lots of love, hugs and kisses!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's for Sunday!
Thrifty