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The Best Deals At Dollar Tree

June 9, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

The best things to buy at the Dollar Tree.

I love shopping at my local Dollar Tree.  Not only are the items all affordable ($1.25???  yes please!), but they also have quality products!  However, the truth is that not all items sold at your local dollar store is a good deal.  We are often led to believe that because something is sold at the Dollar Tree, it MUST be the best price in town, right???  Well, this is not always the case!  Today I am going to share the best deals at Dollar Tree.  These are the items that you can always count on to be a better price than you can buy anywhere else.

Best Deals At Dollar Tree

The next time you are shopping at Dollar Tree, make sure to look for these amazing deals!

1.  Pregnancy Test

There is no need to spend a lot of money on pregnancy tests!  Just hop on over to your local Dollar Tree and pick up one of these tests for just $1.25.  They are just as accurate as the tests you can buy at the grocery store, but for only half the price!  Yay!

 

2.  Ovulation Predictor

Another great buy in the pregnancy sectioin is an Ovulation Predictor.  You can buy a big pack of these at Walmart for a good price, but the ones at Dollar Tree are still cheaper!

 

3.  Hair Scrunchies/Hair Ties

The Dollar Tree is a great place to buy hair scrunchies and hair ties!  They are not only affordable, but also super cute!  I love the huge selection available!

 

4.  Bleach

One of the best deals at Dollar Tree is their bleach.  For only $1.25 you can get a 96 oz. container of bleach!  That is a great price and I haven’t been able to find it cheaper anywhere else.

 

5.  Bandaids

If your kids are anything like my kids you probably go through a lot of bandaids.  Fortunately, you can buy them for a great price at Dollar Tree!

 

6.  Flip Flops

I love grabbing a few pairs of flip flops at the Dollar Tree every summer.  They are super cute and comfortable, plus it doesn’t matter if they break or get lost….because I spent less than $1.50 on them!

 

7.  Candles/Wax Melts

You really can’t beat paying less than $2 for a candle and a carton of candle wax melts.  Whenever you need to buy a candle, make sure to buy it at the Dollar Tree.

 

8.  Coloring/Activity Books

Dollar Tree has a huge selection of coloring and activity books perfect for kids.  I love to buy a few at the beginning of each summer to keep my kids entertained for the next few months.  The books are constantly changing and I love looking through the new selection regularly.

  • Related:  50 Fun Summer Activities For Kids

 

9.  Seasonal Items

Another great buy at Dollar Tree are the seasonal items.  Dollar Tree is wonderful at rotating through a large supply of seasonal toys, decorations, food and more.  It’s a great place to stock up on summer fun activities or stocking stuffers….and everything in between!

 

10.  Greeting Cards

The cheapest place to buy greeting cards is always at the Dollar Tree!  For only $1 you can get TWO greeting cards to give to your loved ones.  This is a great buy!

I also love to buy a package of blank note cards.  For $1 you get 6 blank cards, and can use them for any occasion!

 

11.  Gift Bags

The next time you are at Dollar Tree make sure to stock up on gift bags.  They are a fantastic deal and come in so many designs and sizes.

Want to know the best part of buying a gift bag???  It’s reusable, so the one time purchase can be used again and again!

12.  Sticky Notes

Another great buy at the Dollar Tree is the sticky notes.  I love using sticky notes for weekly planning and list making, so I always buy a package or two!

 

13.  LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are expensive, buy can save you a lot of money in the long run!  Buy your LED lights at Dollar Tree so that you can still get the long term rewards, without the high price tag.

  • Related:  12 Products Worth Buying To Save Money In The Long Run

 

14.  Nail Polish

I have two girls in my home who LOVE doing their nails.  They buy a lot of their nail polish at Dollar Tree because the prices are MUCH lower than at other stores.

 

15.  Picture Frames

Did you know that you can even buy picture frames at Dollar Tree?  Because you totally can!  I love buying picture frames at Dollar Tree because they are so cheap, and have a lot of different styles and sizes to choose from!  Yay!

 

In Conclusion

The Dollar Tree has so many great deals, especially the ones listed above!  I have been able to save my family a lot of money by buying each of these things at Dollar Tree, and I hope this article will help your family save money too!  That’s what I’m here for after all!

 

Related Articles:

Dollar Tree Pantry Organization Tips

Dollar Tree Easter Basket Ideas

How To Save Money On Diapers

 

Pin For Future Reference:

best deals at dollar tree - what to buy at dollar tree

dollar tree deals - must buys at dollar tree

 

I hope you enjoy the best deals at Dollar Tree!

 

Seasonal Sales Cycles: What To Buy Each Month For The Best Deal

January 13, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

The Best Time To Buy Everything Month By Month

Ok. I want to let you in on a little secret…..are you ready for it????  Here goes!  

Shopping seasonal sales will change your finances.

There, I said it!

Will this one little hack change your finances drastically????  No!

But, will it help you to have more money?  Absolutely!

 

What is a sales cycle?

A sales cycle, also called seasonal sales, is when certain products are put on sale at specific times during the year.  These are usually the times when the products will be priced at their lowest, so if it’s an item you like to buy frequently, you should buy it during that time.

Learning the cycle of seasonal sales is one of the best ways to cut down your regular spending.  I like to wait to buy some of my fave products until I know the sale is likely coming, and then I can confidently buy it at the low price.

What stores have seasonal sales?

Are you wondering what stores have seasonal sales cycles?  Well, you’re in luck because all of them do!  Seriously!  Or at least at MOST stores.   You should be able to find a rotation of sales at clothing, grocery, furniture, hardware stores and more!

Items go on sale in cycles, typically the same products will be on sale the same time of year each year.  Keep reading to find out exactly what goes on sale and when.

 

What’s on Sale in January?

Bedding and Towels:  Many department stores will have sales on their bedding, towels and sheets during January as part of their “white sales.”

Holiday Decorations:  As Christmas ends, you will find huge discounts on all things holiday.  These usually begin right at the end of December/beginning of January.  But make sure to be quick shopping for all things Christmas, as these items will go fast!

Gym Memberships and Equipment:  With the turn of the New Years comes New Years Resolutions, and many goals revolve around fitness.  Because of these goals retailers commonly mark down their gym memberships and fitness equipment.

Calendars and Planners:  If you wait until after January 1 you will be able to get a cheaper price on calendars and planners for the upcoming year.

Toys:  Another great seasonal sales cycle that comes in January is toys!  You should be able to find markdowns on many toys as retailers are trying to decrease their stock of Christmas toys.  This is a good time to stock up for next year or for birthdays!

Grocery Sales in January

Oatmeal Products:  January is National Oatmeal Month, which means grocery stores will put their oatmeal products on sale.  The sales will include granola bars, instant oatmeal, and oat cereal.

Diet Foods:  As mentioned above, January is a popular month for dieting.  A lot of stores take advantage of these new years goals by putting their diet foods on sale.

Party Foods:  Towards the end of January, as the Super Bowl gets closer, you will be able to find markdowns on party foods.  Look for deals on crackers, pizza, wings, chips, dips, soda etc.

In Season Produce:  This month the cheapest produce to buy will be:  apples, grapefruits, kiwi, lemons, clementine’s, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels spouts, celery, and leeks.

 

  • Related:  How to Save Money When Eating Out

 

What’s on Sale in February?

Winter Clothing:  February is a great time to stock up on cold weather clothing, such as clothes, gloves, hats, etc.  Many stores are trying to get rid of their supply to make room for summer/spring clothing.

TVs:  The beginning of February is one of the best times (excluding Black Friday) to buy a new TV.  The prices are heavily discounted right before Super Bowl week.

Furniture:  If you are in the market for new furniture/mattresses, Presidents Day is usually a great time to buy these items!

Video Games:  New video games are commonly released in November, right before the holidays.  If you wait until February to buy these new games you will most likely get them on a discount!

Grocery Sales in February

Chocolate:  Chocolate is heavily discounted after Valentines Day.  Stock up for birthday gifts or yummy snacking!

Canned Food:  February is National Canned Food month making it the perfect time of year to stock up on all the canned goods.  Most grocery stores will be having sales on canned foods including beans, tomatoes, soup, fruit, etc.

In Season Produce:  Seasonal produce in February includes asparagus, broccoli, carrots, celery, kiwi, avocados, lemons and grapefruit.

 

 

What’s On Sale in March?

Luggage:  Luggage typically goes on sale during March, so if you are in need of a new suitcase, this is your month!

Craft Supplies:  March is National Craft Month!  Look for deals on all things craft supplies this month.

Winter Sports Gear:  Now that spring is coming it is a perfect time to buy winter sports gear.  Items like skis and snowshoes will be discounted at many sporting good stores.

Cleaning Supplies:  Spring cleaning is just around the corner and many retailers will start discounting their cleaning supplies in March.

  • Related:  5 Easy Homemade Cleaner Recipes

Grocery Sales in March

Frozen Foods:  National Frozen Food Month is in March, meaning many grocers offer deals on all things frozen foods.  It’s the perfect time to stock up on ice cream, frozen veggies, pizza and more.

Breakfast Cereals:  March 7th is National Cereal Day and with that comes discounts on both cold and hot cereals.

In Season Produce:  This month is also a great time to buy broccoli, carrots, celery, mushrooms, cauliflower, oranges, pineapples, and strawberries.

 

What’s On Sale in April?

Easter:  Stock up on all things Easter after the holiday is over.  You will be able to find deals on Easter baskets, eggs, candy, stuffed animals, and decorations.

Vacuums:  New vacuum models are typically released in April, and the older models will go on sale, just in time for spring cleaning.

Snow Blowers:  April is not the month when most people have snow blowers on their mind, but it is the perfect time to buy one for a discounted price!

Cookware Sets:  With graduation and wedding season approaching many department stores start discounting their cookware sets (which make perfect gifts)!

Grocery Sales in April

Ham:  Many foods will be marked down immediately after Easter, including ham!  It’s a great time to get a deal on this expensive meat.

Baking Items:  You can usually find some good deals on baking items throughout the month of April.

Easter Candy:  Make sure to stock up on Easter candy after the holiday is over.

In Season Produce:  The produce in season during the month of April is:  artichokes, beets, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, onion, avocado, and mangos.

 

What’s On Sale in May?

Furniture:  Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to buy furniture.  If you are needing any indoor furniture or mattresses, this is the month to do so!

Small Kitchen Appliances:  May is the perfect time to get deals on small kitchen appliances as retailers mark them down for graduation and wedding season.  

Paper Products:  A lot of grilling/picnic items go on sale right before Memorial Day weekend, including paper products like plates, napkins, etc.

Grocery Sales in May

Cinco De Mayo:  Cinco De Mayo is on May 5th which brings a lot of celebrations, and a few deals!  At the beginning of the month look for sales on salsa, tortillas, and other Mexican foods.

Grilling Items:  Condiments, hamburger buns, hot dogs and other grilling foods are commonly put on sale during May in preparation for Memorial Day BBQs.

In Season Produce:  Make sure to look for these seasonal produce items:  apricots, artichokes, beets, blackberries, carrots, cantaloupe, peas, radish, strawberries and watermelon.

  • Related:  How to Freeze Strawberries (the easy way)

 

 

What’s On Sale in June?

Bath and Body Products:  Bath and Body Works always has their semi annual sale in June with fantastic markdowns!  This is a great time to stock up on your favorite bath and body products, I also like to buy a few to gift as Christmas presents!  This is one of my favorite seasonal sales cycles!

Tools:  With Fathers Day in the middle of June, you will find prices on tools dropping.  These make great gifts for Fathers Day, but you can also plan ahead for Christmas!

Workout Clothing:  Many retailers put their workout clothing on sale in June as people tend to get more active during the summer months.  This is a good time to get a deal on clothes for exercising or outdoor adventures.

Spring Clothing:  June is a great month for shopping clothing clearance racks.  Most of the spring clothes are put on sale to make room for all of the summer items.

Pain Killers:  Did you know that June is National Headache Month (yes, this is a real thing!)?  You can usually find a few deals on pain killers, sinus medications, aspirin, etc.  

Grocery Sales in June

Dairy Foods:  June is National Dairy Month and with it brings grocery deals on all things dairy, including milk, yogurt, eggs, ice cream and cheese.

Grilling Items:  Like May you can find a lot of deals on foods for grilling, such as meats, condiments, buns, etc.

In Season Produce:  Here are a few of the produce items that are in season this month:  corn, cucumbers, squash, apricots, blueberries, peaches, strawberries and watermelon.

 

What’s On Sale in July?

Patriotic Items:  Immediately after the 4th of July is the best time of year to stock up on supplies, decorations and clothing for next years celebrations.  These sales will begin right before the holiday, but if you wait and buy after the 4th, the discount will be even greater.

Paint:  Lowes and Home Depot typically have paint sales in July.  If you’ve been wanting to paint a room in your house, this is a great month to do it!

Swimsuits:  Near the end of the month you will start seeing discounts on swimsuits, stock up now before they get picked over!

Grocery Sales in July

Ice Cream:  July is National Ice Cream Month (AKA:  the best holiday ever!).  Grocery stores will be having sales on ice cream, so be on the lookout for those throughout the month!

Hot Dogs:  In addition to ice cream, July is also National Hot Dog Month!  You will be able to find deals on hot dogs, buns and condiments.

In Season Produce:  Seasonal produce this month include blueberries, watermelon, green beans, squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, corn and cucumbers.

 

What’s On Sale in August?

School/Office Supplies:  August is a popular time for retailers to mark down their school and office supplies in preparation for back to school time.  Stock up now and be prepared all year.

Patio Furniture:  As summer comes to an end, you will be able to find good deals on outdoor patio furniture.  It’s a great time to buy ahead to use for next year!

Yard Care Supplies:  This is the perfect month for buying garden supplies, lawn mowers and other yard care items.  Retailers are marking down yard care supplies to clear them out before winter comes.

Grocery Sales In August

Breakfast Foods:  The first day of school will be starting soon, and typically the seasonal sales cycles include deals on easy foods for parents and kids.  Breakfasts items is one of those foods.  You should see sales on cereal, juice, and frozen waffles.

Cold Lunch Foods:  In addition to breakfast, food items for cold lunch will also be going on sale.  Make sure to stock up on fruit cups, lunch meat, lunchables, crackers and peanut butter.

In Season Produce:  Stock up on these produce items in August:  peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, raspberries and watermelon.

 

What’s On Sale in September?

Summer Clothing:  September is the perfect month to stock up on warm weather clothing to use for next year.  You will find big discounts at most clothing stores.

Luggage:  Labor Day weekend typically brings great sales on luggage.  Make sure to buy any suitcases you will need during the first weekend of September.

Grills:  This is the perfect month to buy that new grill you’ve been eyeing.  They will be marked down as part of the end of summer clearance sales.

Mattresses:  Another popular Labor Day weekend sale is on mattresses.  Check your local furniture store for this great seasonal sale cycle deal!

Grocery Sales in September

Canned Soup:  Fall is just around the corner and you’ll begin seeing markdowns on fall comfort foods, such as canned soups.

In Season Produce:  Make sure to watch out for good deals on these September produce items:  apples, green beans, cantaloupe, beets, cauliflower, onion, tomatoes and pears.

 

  • Related:  How To Stop Overspending

 

What’s On Sale in October?

Jeans:  October is one of the best times of the year to buy jeans.  They are commonly marked down as back to school season ends.

Camping Gear:  If you like to camp, or want to start camping, October is the perfect month to stock up on new supplies.  The discounts are heavy now that summer is officially over!

Grocery Sales in October

Seafood:  October is National Seafood Month and grocers will offer sales on seafood throughout the month to celebrate.

Baking Sales:  The fall baking sales are prevalent during October.  You should be able to find many baking items on sale including canned pumpkin, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, flour, sugar, etc.

In Season Produce:  You’ll find the best deals on these produce items during October:  apples, potatoes, cranberries, grapes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cabbage.

 

What’s On Sale in November?

Halloween Costumes:  Head into the store the first couple of days after Halloween to stock up on Halloween costumes.  These are great to keep around for next years Halloween or for your kids to use when playing dress up.

Electronics:  November is the best month of the year to buy electronics, especially during Black Friday sales.  This is a great time of year to buy TVs, laptops, and other electronics.

Beauty Products:  Black Friday is also a great time to buy beauty products like makeup and hair tools.  Most beauty stores will have big sales all weekend.

Appliances:  Appliances are traditionally included in the November Black Friday deals.  You should find some of the lowest prices on refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, etc. this month.

Grocery Sales in November

Canned Food:  Thanksgiving pantry staples will be on sale this month, so look for deals on canned pumpkin, canned cranberry sauce, sweetened condensed milk and canned vegetables.

Halloween Candy:  All Halloween candy will go on sale the first week of November.  You can stock up on candy to use for Christmas or other events throughout the year (or just to eat yourself….).

In Season Produce:  Be sure to shop this months in season produce:  beets, broccoli, pears, brussels sprouts, carrots, kiwis, oranges, potatoes and pomegranates.

 

What’s On Sale in December?

Gift Cards:  Gift cards will be on sale throughout the month of December.  This is the perfect time to buy gift cards to give as presents or to use throughout the next year.  Look for gift card sales from retailers and restaurants.  Last year I bought a few Target gift cards for 10% off!

Vehicles:  December is a great time to buy a new vehicle.  Many dealerships are more willing to negotiate at the end of the year to clear the lot for newer models.

Christmas Decorations/Wrapping Paper:  Wait until after Christmas to shop for new holiday decorations and wrapping paper.  They will be heavily discounted at the end of the month.  I always like to stock up to save for the next year.

Grocery Sales in December

Baking Goods:  Baking items continue to be on sale throughout the holidays.  Watch for deals on items like flour, sugar, pie crusts, and whipped cream.

Party Foods:  As the end of the month nears take advantage of grocery sales on party foods such as veggie trays, crackers and dips.

In Season Produce:  Winter produce will be priced right this month, stock up on items like:  pears, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, oranges, and spinach.

 

Shop Smart

If you regularly shop the seasonal sales cycles you will begin to see a decrease in your spending (which in turn increases the amount of money in your pocket!).  It requires some patience and effort, but it’s worth the wait to score good deals on items you need and want!

 

Here are a few other articles to help you save more money:

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

12 Products Worth Buying To Save Money In The Long Run

15 Best Generic Products To Buy

 

Pin For Future Reference:

month to month sales cycles - when do things go on sale

how to buy everything on sale - grocery sales cycles tips

Enjoy shopping the seasonal sales cycles now that you know what to buy each month for the best deal. 

 

What To Do When Grocery Prices Rise

December 1, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to handle the rising price of food.

I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone that grocery prices are increasing.  All it takes is one quick trip to the grocery store to see that food costs are much higher then they were a year ago.  According the the USDA, grocery prices in September 2021 were 4.6 percent higher then the previous September.  Which is a huge increase!  Unfortunately, the experts are warning that grocery prices are only going to continue to grow.  But, not to worry!  There are a few tricks you can do when grocery prices rise.

This article contains affiliate links.  I will be compensated from purchases made from links in this post.

 

grocery prices increasing - how to save money on groceries

1.  Adjust Your Budget

If you are currently budgeting (which I recommend) now is probably a good time to adjust your grocery budget a little.  Your budget is fluid for a reason, to be adjusted when needed.  And grocery prices rising is definitely a time when your budget needs an update.  I know that this sounds contradictory, but inflation is real, and you still have to eat.  I would rather your grocery budget be higher and you stick to the budget then have it be lower and you constantly over spend.

If you are new to budgeting make sure to grab my free budgeting cheatsheets below to help you get started!

 
 

Two years ago my family had a very consistent $100/week grocery budget.  We were eating well, feeling content and happy with our budgeted amount.

Now?  We are spending $150/week on groceries.  Do I love that we are spending so much more?  Not at all!  But, I know that my budget needs to be realistic for my needs, otherwise I will constantly be overspending, and that is not good for my budget or wallet!

Take a minute one day to sit down and really look at exactly how much money you’ve been spending on groceries over the past few months.  Use those numbers as a guideline to help you set your new grocery budget.  Be realistic, but also frugal when making your budget!

2.  Change Your Eating Habits

This might be a good time to change some of your eating habits, which I KNOW is not easy (trust me, I tooootally get it!).  Take a look at what you eat regularly and really ask yourself some hard questions.  Such as, is everything on your grocery receipt absolutely necessary?  What food could you quit buying to save a little bit of money? (I finally decided to quit buying my chocolate fudge pops to cut down my grocery bill!)  Is there some cheaper alternatives you could buy to replace the expensive items in your cart?

For Example:

  • If you consistently buy pre cut fruits and vegetables, start buying them whole instead and cutting them yourself (it really only takes a few minutes to do!).
  • Instead of buying disposable water bottles, buy one reusable water bottle you can use again and again.
  • Quit buying premade granola and make your own instead!  I love this homemade granola recipe.
  • Another tip is to avoid buying prepackaged snacks.  Buy the snack in bulk and use a tupperware container to portion out smaller sizes.

These are just a few suggestions, but there are many other easy alternatives to replacing items you eat regularly, with more affordable alternatives.  Get creative and be honest with yourself about your needs.

3.  Shop Sales

One of the quickest ways to see your grocery bill drop is to start shopping sales.  Every week grocery stores come out with a new ad highlighting the grocery deals for that current week.  

Look through these weekly ads using the free Flipp app, and then plan your grocery list and weekly menu around what’s on sale.  This might mean that you will have to go to multiple grocery stores for your weekly shopping trip, I get this is time consuming, but shopping sales is a huge savings and usually worth the hassle!

When you find those great deals, make sure to stock up to have them on hand until the next sale comes around!  Not sure what a good price is?  Grab my Stock Up Price Guide here!

4.  Use Coupons and Rebate Offers

I’ll be the first to admit that couponing isn’t as amazing as it once was ten years ago, but coupons are still a valuable way to save some extra cash when grocery prices rise.

One of the hardest parts of using coupons, is finding them!  Here are a few places I like to get my coupons from:

  • Coupons.com
  • Sunday Newspaper
  • Manufacturer Websites
  • Weekly Grocery Store Ad
  • Kellogg’s Family Rewards

Another easy way to alleviate grocery costs is to use rebate offers.  Rebates are similar to coupons, but instead of getting money of the purchase price, you are giving cash back after making your purchase.  This is a great way to earn a little extra money while buying items you would be buying anyways.  My favorite rebate apps are:

  • Ibotta
  • Fetch Rewards
  • Checkout 51

My favorite way to coupon is to match a coupon with a sale and/or rebate offer.  That is when the BIG savings happens!

5.  Try Substituting Expensive Foods For Cheaper Options

Another trick to saving money on groceries is to use substitutions in recipes.  You don’t have to follow each recipe exactly!  Some recipes have a lot of expensive ingredients, which you can easily substitute for something cheaper!

For example:  if a recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, don’t buy the buttermilk and mix 1 cup of milk with 1 Tablespoon of vinegar instead!  It’s cheaper and so easy!  There are many other budget friendly substitutions you can try, check them out here: Easy Food Substitutions To Save Money here.

6.  Buy Cheaper Cuts of Meat

When it comes to grocery prices increasing, meat is at the top of the list!  Currently it is hard to find some of our favorite meats for a low price.

If you can relate, I recommend you start trying a few cheaper cuts of meat.  They still taste just as good, but are much better for your wallet.  Here are some of our favorite frugal meats:

  • Chicken Thighs
  • Pork Shoulder
  • Ground Turkey
  • Bone In Pork Chops

7.  Buy Generic

Honestly, I love buying name brand when it’s on sale.  Sale prices on name brand groceries are usually much lower then generic.  But!  When you can’t find a good sale on name brand groceries (it happens!), buy generic instead (trust me!).

I use to turn my nose up to generic brand groceries, but I was so wrong!!  Many generic grocery items are even better then the store bought, but they are so much cheaper!

If you are feeling unsure of trying generic groceries, check out my list of some of my favorite generic groceries.  These all taste just as good as name brand and are a great place to start.

Even More Ways To Save Money On Groceries

If you are looking for even more tricks to save money on rising grocery prices be sure to check out Crystal Paines Slash Your Grocery Bill eBook where she shares 25 tried and true ways to spend less at the grocery store.

It’s so hard to know what to do when grocery prices rise, but these strategies should help you save more money this year.  They have all helped my family, and I know they can help yours too!

 

 

 

 

Related Articles:

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Pantry Challenge Tips to Save Money on Groceries

10 Incredibly Easy Ways to Stretch Meals

 

Pin For Future Reference:

rising food costs - how to handle grocery prices increasing

 

I hope these tip will help you know what to do when grocery prices rise.

How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck In 6 Steps

November 14, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

How to not live paycheck to paycheck anymore.

Are you tired of feeling like there is never enough money?  Are you ready to learn how to stop living paycheck to paycheck?  It IS possible and I’m here to tell you how!

Why Do I Need To Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck?

I had someone ask me this question a few months ago.  It all started when I was encouraging my readers to save more money each paycheck, and someone asked me, “Why?  What’s wrong with living paycheck to paycheck?”  I understand this reasoning and think it’s a very valid question!  So, today I’m going to explain exactly why it’s important.

Here are a few benefits of having some extra cash every pay period:

  • Less Stress.  If you have extra money each pay period you will no longer be having to worry during those last few days before you get paid.  You won’t have to wonder whether you will have enough money to get you through to the next payday.
  • Prevent Debt.  Emergencies come up.  Unexpected expenses arise.  This is just a simple fact of life.  If you are able to save a little bit each pay period you will have the cash needed to pay for these emergencies, rather than putting it on a credit card.
  • Save For Your Future.  More money means more opportunities to save for the future.  This might mean being able to save for retirement or grow a sinking fund for a fun purchase.

Follow the easy steps below and you will have more money in your budget, and more importantly, more money in your bank account.

Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Step #1:  Make A Zero Based Budget

The very first thing you need to do to stretch your paycheck is to make a budget.  I highly recommend using a Zero Based Budget.

A zero based budget is when you budget every penny of your paycheck so that your income and expenses are the same amount.  This does NOT mean you spend all of your income.  It simply means that every dollar has a place and a purpose within your budget.

To make a zero based budget you will need to first write down the amount of money you expect to earn this pay period.

Next, write down all of your expected expenses, don’t forget contributions to sinking funds, retirement, etc.

Your goal will be to get your expenses to equal your income.  For a full tutorial on making a zero based budget check out this article.

There are many different ways to budget!  We prefer the You Need a Budget software.  You can also use just plain ol paper and pen. feel free to download my budget worksheet below.  This is a great place to get you started!

Step #2:  Track Your Spending

Now that you have made your budget it’s time to track your spending.  And, when I say track your spending I literally mean to track every.single.penny. you earn.

It’s easy to track your spending, but it does take time.  You will need to write down everything that you buy and what budget category that item falls under.  If you buy a 50 cent candy bar, write it down under the “Food” category.

This exercise gives you a huge amount of insight into how you are spending and exactly where your money is going.  Sometimes, we don’t realize how much a few bucks here or there add up, but they do!

While you are writing down your expenses, look for trends in your spending and evaluate how you could change some of these habits. 

Maybe you tend to always buy items on a stressful day, could you find a new way to deal with stress?

Or perhaps you are constantly picking up a Starbucks on your way to work, could you limit yourself to just one Starbucks a week?

Remember, it’s OK to spend money!  But, if you are wanting to save a little more, you will need to find some ways to cut back.  Tracking expenses is a great way for you to figure out just how to do that.

  • Related:  Common Overspending Triggers and Solutions

Step #3:  Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

The third step when learning how to stop living paycheck to paycheck is to cut out all unnecessary expenses.  Look through your spending tracker and pick out a few items that you could cut out of your budget.  This might be eating out, going to movies, cable TV, daily coffees, etc.

Need some inspiration about what to cut?  Be sure to check out these articles:

How to Cut Your Budget; When There is Nothing Left to Cut

What we cut from our budget to save over $2500 a year

11 Things to do Today to Lower your Monthly Expenses

Don’t forget to look at the expenses that you can minimize on, rather than cutting out completely.  Perhaps you spend $150 a week on groceries, could you reduce that to $130 a week?  That would be an extra $80 a month or $960 a month.

  • Related:  10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Step #4:  Save Your Bonus

Whenever you are offered a bonus or raise at work, save it!  I know the temptation when getting these raises is to “treat yo self”, but you are already use to living on less.  Use that raise to bump up your savings account, or other finance goals.  I promise it’s worth it!

For example, if you are offered a 5% raise, put that extra 5% into your savings each paycheck.  This is one of the easiest ways to save more without having to sacrifice the life you are use to.

If you truly do not want to save all of your raise, maybe just save part of it.  Put 90% of your raise into a savings account, and use the other 10% for spending.

more money

Step #5:  Automate Your Savings

Set your checking account to automatically take a certain amount of money each month and deposit this into your savings account.  This is an easy way to save for retirement, emergency fund, or anything else you need, without having to actually do it yourself!

When your savings is automatic you don’t ever have to make the choice whether to save or spend on something else, that decision has already been made for you!  You’re saving it.

My husband and I made all of our savings automatic years ago and it has made a world of difference in the amount of money we are able to save each month.  This money doesn’t even feel like it belongs to me, because it goes straight to savings.  It feels amazing to be able to watch that saving account grow regularly and consistently.

Step #6:  Make More Money Through Side Hustles

Last, but certainly not least is to find a way to make more money.  If you would really like to save more each month, you might need to find a way to increase your income.  This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get a second full time job.

All you need is a few extra hours each week to devote to a side hustle.  If you are struggling finding that extra time, try to give up one thing in your life and use that extra time for side hustling.  This might be your nightly 30 minute TV time, or maybe those few hours you sleep in on Saturdays.

When choosing your side hustle, be creative!  There are so many possibilities!  Look at your talents and interests first to find the perfect fit for you.

Are you crafty?  Perhaps you could make crafts to sell on Etsy.  Do you like to write?  Consider starting a blog!  Maybe you enjoy teaching?  Look into teaching kids in China (all from home)!

  • Related:  Legit Ways To Earn Money From Home

If there’s a will, there’s a way!

If you are really wanting to stop living paycheck to paycheck, it is going to require some sacrifice and effort.

I truly believe if you follow the six steps I shared today you will be able to find more room in your budget and you will be able to save more money each month.

Here is your friendly reminder that these steps aren’t easy!  Nothing good in life is easy!  Cutting expenses and finding extra money will take some time and sacrifice on your part.

But, I can also promise you that if you are willing to put in the work and the dedication you will find extra money in your budget each paycheck, and this can change your life!

 

Related Articles:

7 Apps That Will Help You Save Money

The Best Frugal Living Tips You Need to Know

How to Save Money When Eating Out

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Have more money this month by following this simple 6 step plan so you can stop living paycheck to paycheck today.

12 Products Worth Buying To Save Money In The Long Run

November 3, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

Items Worth Purchasing To Save More Money In The Long Run

If you are a long time reader, you know I am ALL about looking for ways to cut expenses, spend less and save a few bucks.  However, there are times when SPENDING money is actually the best way to be frugal.  Today I am going to share some of my favorite products worth buying to save money.

How Can Spending Money On A Product Save Money?

I know it doesn’t really make sense!  Spend money to save money!  But with some products it actually really really works!  I like investing in quality products that will:

  • Reduce the cost of a bill or budget category I already spend money on.
  • Last a long time without needing to be replaced.
  • Reduce the amount of reusable products I already regularly buy.

If the one time expense will continually reduce my regular expenses for years to come, it is worth the money for me.  Below are some of the products I recommend buying to help save money in the long run.

products to buy to save money - items that will save you money in the long run

Products Worth Buying To Save More Money

1.  Tempered Glass Screen Protector

One of my very favorite purchases ever has been my tempered glass screen protector for my cell phone.  It is worth every penny and then some!

Our cell phones go almost everywhere with us!  Which is great, but also a little risky that they will break.!  Cell phones are expensive and cost a lot of money to be fixed.

If you cover your screen with a tempered glass screen protector all you will have to place is the protector instead of the entire phone, saving you huge bucks if your screen ever cracks (which let’s be honest…..happens).

2.  Rechargeable Battery Charger

Investing in a rechargeable battery charger is a great way to save money on batteries. 

When we bought a Wii years and years ago for our kids, we bought a rechargeable battery charger and batteries to go with it.  We have used those batteries so many times for Wii remotes, the cost was well worth it!

3.  Makeup Eraser

My friend gifted me a makeup eraser a couple of years ago, and I have never looked back since!  These microfiber cloths easily clean off your daily makeup with only the help of some warm water.  I no longer have to buy disposable makeup remover cloths or products.  Yay!

The best part?  It’s reusable!  So, wash your cloth and reuse again and again.  Great for the environment, and your pocket book!

4.  Drying Rack

A drying rack is another smart purchase to save money in the long run.  Air drying clothes will extend the life of your clothing and it saves you money on electricity bills by not having to run your dryer as often. 

Consider purchase an indoor drying rack that can be easily tucked away, or an outdoor retractable clothesline (I’ve had my eye on this one for a while now!).

5.  Reusable Sandwich Bags

Rather than buying disposable ziplock bags over and over again, consider buying resusable sandwich bags instead!  You can use them to pack lunch boxes, or to freeze leftovers for another meal.  That’s right, they are even freezer safe!  These are a great product to help you save more and spend less!

6.  Produce Storage Containers

One of the most important ways to save money on groceries is to prevent food waste.  Spending a little bit of money on high quality produce storage containers will help produce to last longer so that you won’t be throwing away food that you spent your hard earned dollars on. 

  • Related:  Best Ways To Store Produce To Keep It Fresh Longer

7.  Dryer Balls

I recently switched from dryer sheets to dryer balls and I keep wondering why I didn’t make the switch sooner!  They have been so efficient in keeping my clothing soft and static free.

Dryer balls can be used over and over again, cutting out the need to buy dryer sheets!  Plus, dryer balls helps dry your clothes faster and more efficiently which will save you in high energy costs.  Try them and let me know what you think!

8.  Hair Clippers

When my husband and I first got married many many many years ago I bought a $15 set of hair clippers.  Over the next ten years those $15 hair clippers have saved us roughly $750 on hair cuts!

I am NOT a professional hair cutter.  As a matter of fact, I’m really not that good at cutting hair.  But, I kept practicing, trying and watching YouTube videos until I became more confident in my abilities.  

This small investment has been a huge money saver to our family.  Here is a similar pair of clippers with great reviews.

9.  LED Light Bulbs

As your old incandescent light bulbs burn out, replace them with LED light bulbs.  The cost upfront is more expensive, but so worth it in the long run.  LED light bulbs last longer and uses less electricity than a traditional light bulb.  Check out this Light Bulb Showdown article to see the huge life time savings in this one simple change.

  • Related:  How To Save Money On Electric Bill In Winter

10.  Reusable Water Bottle

We all know that drinking water is great for our health.  But, buying disposable water bottles again and again costs a lot of money.  Fortunately, we can drink water without having to buy disposable water bottles!

Instead of wasting plastic and money, invest in a reusable water bottle and fill it up with water from home!  I love buying items that I know I can use over and over again, for, well, forever!  Here is a great priced insulated water bottle with fabulous reviews!

11.  Menstrual Cup

Alright ladies, this ones for you!  Quit wasting your money on disposable feminine care and invest in a menstrual cup! 

This DivaCup is reusable and has FANTASTIC reviews.  I know it might feel a little different at first, but I recommend you try it!  You might like it more than you think!  And it will save you money in the long run!

12.  Digital Antennae

One of the best things we did for our budget was to cancel our cable TV and buy a digital antennae.  A digital antennae is a one time cost for free monthly TV. 

True, it doesn’t have as many channels as cable TV does, but it gives you access to your local television channels for free!  Which means you won’t miss the news, big sporting events or the popular current TV shows.

 

Spending Money To Save Money

Sometimes you have to spend a little bit of money to save money!  These are all products worth buying to save money, but I might have missed a few!  What else would you add to this list?

 

Related Articles:

Easy Food Substitutions To Save Money

10 Ways To Save Money On Electricity This Summer

Extreme Ways to Cut Your Budget

 

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Products Worth Buying To Save Money

Easy Food Substitutions To Save Money

August 20, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

Here are a few easy food substitutions to help you save money on groceries and prevent extra grocery trips.

Have you ever been in this situation:  start cooking dinner, get half way through the recipe, and then realize you are missing ONE important ingredient???  Now you are stuck with the dilemma of trying to decide if you should take the time to go to the grocery store for that one item or switch dinner plans last minute.  This situation has happened to me more times than I can count, and I feel like either decision I make ends up costing me money.  If I go to the store I always buy more than that one item, but if I switch dinner plans last minute there is a lot of food that goes to waste.  This is where easy food substitutions can be a huge game saver!  Here are some easy food substitutions to save money.

 

Easy Food Substitutions To Save Money

Here are a few of my favorite food substitutions to help you save money, time and headaches!  😉  Let me know what (if any) you would add to this list!

1.  Buttermilk

A few of my very favorite recipes call for buttermilk, like my fluffy pancakes recipe here.  But, do you want to know a little secret?  I have never once bought buttermilk from the store to make them!

Instead, I just make my own buttermilk substitute.  It is so quick, easy and I always have the ingredients on hand!

To make your own buttermilk just add 1 Tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and stir.  Let it sit for a few minutes, and then it’s ready to use!  So easy!

*I have also heard you can use lemon juice instead of vinegar, but vinegar is cheaper, so that’s what I use!

2.  Lemon Zest

Honestly, I really don’t like zesting lemons.  It’s a bit of a hassle, and I never have lemons around anyways.

So, I started substituting lemon juice for lemon zest and it works wonderfully!

You can use 2 Tbsp of lemon juice to replace 1 tsp of lemon zest in recipes.

3.  Fresh Lemon Juice

Speaking of lemons, another great lemon substitute is to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice.  I always have bottled lemon juice stocked, but I rarely buy lemons.  This substitute is perfect to save me a trip to the grocery store.

Use 2-3 Tbsps of lemon juice in place of the juice of one lemon.

4.  Ground Beef

Meat is one of the most expensive items at the grocery store.  If you’re wanting to save money on groceries I recommend planning a few meatless meals each week.

However, if you’re wanting to cook with meat, specifically ground beef, you can substitute some of the meat for black beans, which will also save you money!

Just mash the beans up and add them to your ground beef while it’s browning.  This is also a great trick for stretching dinners a little further, without having to spend a lot of extra money.

  • Related:  10 Incredibly Easy Ways to Stretch Meals

5.  Greek Yogurt

If you have any baking recipes that call for Greek yogurt, there is a very easy substitute!  All you have to do is replace the yogurt with sour cream!

You can use a 1:1 ratio, meaning use the exact same amount of sour cream that the recipe needed of Greek Yogurt.

6.  Self Rising Flour

When baking you might come across a few recipes that call for Self Rising Flour.  Rather than going out and buying flour for that specific recipe, just make your own using items you probably already have in your pantry!

To make 1 cup of self rising flour mix together:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

That’s it!  You’ve just made your own self rising flour for pennies!

7.  Half and Half

A cheap and easy substitute for half and half is milk.  True, milk won’t be as rich as using half and half, but I make this easy substitute all of the time and hardly notice a difference. 

If you are really wanting a flavor more similar to half and half, just add 1 Tbsp of melted butter to a cup of milk and use to replace 1 cup of half and half.

8.  Vanilla

Vanilla extract can be a very expensive ingredient to keep stocked up in your pantry.  But, fortunately there is a cheaper substitute you can try!  Yay!

My favorite substitution for vanilla is maple syrup.  Just use a 1:1 ratio when replacing vanilla extract with maple syrup, making it quick and easy to remember, just the way we like it!

  • Related:  Cheap Foods to Buy For a Well Stocked Pantry

9.  Allspice

Do you have a recipe that calls for allspice, but you don’t want to buy an ingredient to only use 1/4 tsp?!?  I get it, I’ve been there too!  Just make your own allspice instead!

To make allspice mix together 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp ground cloves.  This will make the equivalent of 1 tsp Allspice.

10.  Breadcrumbs

Save yourself some money and make your own breadcrumbs at home rather than purchasing them at the store!  Breadcrumbs are so easy to make and a great way to use up a loaf of bread before it goes bad.

To make homemade breadcrumbs:

  • Place 4-6 bread slices on a cookie sheet.
  • Put cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until bread is hard and dry.
  • Let bread cool.
  • Once cool, put bread into a food processor and pulse until the bread has turned into fine bread crumbs.

That’s it!  You will now have breadcrumbs to use however your recipe calls for them!  Enjoy!

11.  Eggs

If you run out of eggs right in the middle of baking, no worries!  You can easily substitute mayo (yes, mayo!) for eggs.

Just use 3 Tbsp of mayo to replace each egg called for in the recipe.

12.  Corn Syrup

Every time I buy corn syrup for a recipe, it ends up sitting in my cupboard untouched for months and months.  I just don’t cook with it enough to make the cost worth it!

So, I’ve started making my own and haven’t looked back since.  It is MUCH cheaper than buying the real thing!

To make your own corn syrup mix together:

  • 1 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/3 cup water

This will make one cup of corn syrup substitute!  Enjoy!

13.  Cream Of Chicken Soup

Another easy ingredient to make yourself is Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup mix.  You can whip up a big jar of this every few months, leave it sitting on your shelf and then use when needed.  It’s so cheap and quick to make!

Check out my recipe here:  Cream of Chicken Soup Mix recipe.  Let me know if you have any questions about it!

14.  Garlic

Honestly, I never ever buy garlic.  I told my friend this once and she thought I was crazy!  It’s just not a priority in my kitchen.

But, when I do have a recipe that calls for one garlic clove I will substitute 1/8 tsp garlic powder instead.  It works like a charm!

15.  Evaporated Milk

If you are in a pinch needing a can of evaporated milk, just grab a jug of regular cows milk from your refrigerator.

Simmer 2 1/4 cups milk on the stove in a sauce pan.  Stir and simmer until the milk goes down to one cup.  This should make 1 cup of evaporated milk.

16.  Sour Cream

Sour cream (for baking) is another ingredient that has an easy swap!  You can substitute 1 cup of plain yogurt for 1 cup of sour cream.  And, if you remember from earlier in the article, this substitute works both ways!

If you are using a recipe that calls for 1 cup of plain yogurt and you don’t have any, just use 1 cup of sour cream instead!  Easy peasy!

17.  Tomato Sauce

If you are needing a can of tomato sauce, but don’t have any on hand, use tomato paste instead! 

All you have to do is mix 3/4 cup tomato paste with 1 cup water and you will have the perfect substitute for 2 cups tomato sauce.  I love using this substitution when making soups or stews.

 

In Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to get creative when cooking in the kitchen.  My first instinct when I am missing an ingredient is to run to the store and buy it.  However, if I stop and take a minute to find an easy alternative I have found that I can save a lot of time and money.  I promise, if I can do it, so can you!

What easy food substitution would you add to this list?  I would love more suggestions!

 

Related Articles:

Cheap Foods to Buy For a Well Stocked Pantry

Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

How To Make A Recipe Binder

 

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I hope this article gave you some good suggestions of easy food substitutions to save money.

 

How To Save Money On Electric Bill In Winter

August 15, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Tips to reduce electricity bill.

It’s time to prepare for the cold winter months (I’m seriously not excited about this!).  The winter months is a time when many households see a rise in electricity costs.  Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help lower these expenses.  Today I am going to share a few ways to help you learn how to save money on electric bill in winter.  I hope they help you as much as they have helped me.

 

Do These Tips Really Work?

I get asked a lot if using the tips shared below will actually make a difference in electricity costs.

The short answer:  Yes!

Every change that you make with your electricity usage can make a big difference in the amount of money you are paying in your utility bills each week.

According to Energy.gov if you turn your thermostat back (tip #2) by just 7 degrees you can save up to 10% a year on electricity costs!  And this is just one of the eight changes you can make.

How To Save Money On Electric Bill In Winter

Here are a few tips to help you save a few bucks this winter.  Remember, every little change makes a big difference.  So choose one, or eight tips to start implementing into your routine.  Let me know if you see any changes in your bills, I would love to hear what helped you!

1.  Wear Layers

As the temperatures start cooling it’s time to pull out your long sleeve shirts and warm sweaters.  These warmer layers will help you stay warm inside without having to increase the thermostat.

If you find yourself tempted to increase the thermostat, add another layer or blanket instead!  I mean, snuggling under a blanket is one of my favorite parts of winter!

  • Related:  25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

2.  Lower Your Thermostat

Like mentioned earlier, you can find big savings in your utility bills simply by changing your thermostat setting.  Every degree you lower your settings will make a difference, but if you set your thermostat 7 degrees lower than you normally have it and you will see up to 10% extra savings a year! 

Another important tip to try is to turn your thermostat even lower when you are sleeping or out of the house.  We like to adjust ours to 55 degrees during these times.

3.    Use your Blinds/Curtains

Curtains and blinds are more than just a pretty decoration.  They are a great way to save money on electric bill in winter. 

When the sun is shining open your blinds and curtains to allow the house to heat naturally from the sun.  But, be sure to close them once the sun goes down; this gives your home extra insulation from the cooler weather.

4.  Change Filters Regularly

Truthfully, when I first became a homeowner I had no idea that my furnace even had a filter in it.  It was a mind blowing moment when someone told me my energy bill would decrease if I would change the filter regularly.

We have been consistent with changing it every 3-4 months since then and have noticed a difference in our bills!  

  • Related:  25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

5.  Caulk Window and Door Cracks

Another important step to saving money on electric bill in winter is to caulk around your windows and doors. 

The first thing you will want to do is check around doors and windows for small air leaks.  This is easily done by moving your hand around the edges of the window and door to feel for cold air seeping through.  Try to check for leaks when your house is warm and the outdoors are extra cold.

When you do find a leak, caulk it well with a sealant, we like this one from Amazon.

6.  Keep Vents Uncovered

It’s really important to keep all air vents uncovered to allow the air to circulate freely throughout your home.  Check all of the vents in your home to make sure they don’t have any furniture or rugs covering them.

7.  Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

Most people assume that ceiling fans shouldn’t be used during the winter months, but they are actually a great way to save money on the electric bill during winter!

The trick is to set your ceiling fan to spin in reverse by turning it to the clockwise setting.  This will push the warm air from the ceiling downward to the ground keeping you feeling much warmer.

8.  Avoid Heating Unused Rooms

If a room doesn’t get used regularly, there is no reason to pay money to keep it heated.  The best way to accomplish this is to close the vents in rooms that aren’t used often.  A guest room, laundry room, and basement storage rooms are all example of places that don’t need to be heated.

 

In Conclusion

You don’t have to pay what you have been paying for your electricity bill anymore!  Try implementing a few of these tricks and you just might be surprised about how much money you start to save!

Do you have another suggestion about how to save money on electric bill in Winter?  Drop it in the comments below!

 

 

Related Articles:

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How To Save Money On Gas

How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

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How To Save Money On Gas

July 29, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Best Tips To Learn How To Save Money On Gasoline.

Anyone else notice the cost of gasoline rising?  I basically want to cry gigantic tears every time I go to the pump to fill up.  After I finally wiped away my tears I decided I needed to learn how to save money on gas to help prevent any more grumpiness.

I’m still trying to implement these new learned lessons, but so far I have been so excited to see my gas bill come down slightly, and I hope to decrease it even more over time!

How To Save Money On Gas

Here are a few things I have been doing to help decrease my fuel expenses.  I hope they help you save some money too!  Remember, every little penny can add up to big savings over time, especially at the pump!

1.  Shop Around

Never fill up at the first gas station you see.  It might be the closest, but that doesn’t mean it is the cheapest option, and we definitely want the cheapest!

The best way to find which gas station will be the best deal is to download and start using the free Gas Buddy app to help you find the cheapest gas in your area.

It’s really easy to use!  Just download the app and enter in your location.  The app will then search to find the gas prices near you.  Scroll through your options until you find the best deal and use that station to fill up!

The prices will change and vary day to day, so check the app each time you need gas.

2.  Carpool

Another great way to save money on gas is through carpooling.  Bonus, it will also save your car on wear and tear!

You might want to consider asking a few co-workers who live near you if they would like to carpool to work together.  Just meet at one central location and then take turns driving.

Or!  If you are a parent you could ask other parents to carpool to your kids activities together.  There is no need for 5 parents to all drive to the same place, right?  Right!

If you feel nervous about asking others to carpool with you just remember that we are all looking for ways to make gas cheaper, so they will most likely be thrilled to join your carpool!

3.  Join a Warehouse Club

Most warehouse clubs sell gasoline for much cheaper than the typical gas station.  Sam’s Club and Costco both consistently have much cheaper gas than the local gas station.

Just make sure you will use your club membership wisely.  Sometimes these memberships can tempt us to spend more money than we normally would, but if used correctly this is a great way to save money and shop smartly!  Check out the best deals at Costco here!

  • Pro Tip:  If you are new to Sam’s Club you can sign up now for $45 and get a $45 gift card to spend!  This is a great deal!!!!

 4.  Brake and Accelerate Gradually

Slightly changing the way you drive can make a big difference on your fuel consumption.  Slamming on your breaks or speeding up to quickly will hurt your gas mileage.  Instead, try to get into the habit of accelerating and braking slowly and gradually.  It really does make a difference!

5.  Drive Less

You can save on gas by spending less time driving.  I know this might be a difficult one for many people, we have places to go and things to do!  But, if you are able this will be a great way to cut monthly costs.

Here are a few alternatives you might consider to help minimize your driving time:

  • Bike or walk instead of driving.
  • Work from home if possible.
  • Combine errands into one outing.
  • Park further away from your destination and walk.

6.  Earn Cashback

If you are going to be filling up with gas anyways, you might as well earn some cashback while doing so.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to get some money back at the pump:

  • GetUpside:  I’ve recently started using the free GetUpside app and loving it!  All you have to do is download the app and you will be able to see the gas offers in your area.  Choose the offer you want, the offers I’ve received have been anywhere from 15 cents/gallon – 1 cent/gallon cashback. After you select the offer you want to redeem, just go fill up with gas and scan your receipt into the GetUpside app.  It’s all really easy!  I’ve been using it for about a month and have earned $10 already!  Yay!
  • Fetch Rewards:  Fetch Rewards is one of my favorite ways to earn some extra gift cards.  All you have to do is scan your receipts, including gas AND grocery receipts!  So, after you get gas, just scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app and you will be rewarded with points!  These points can be redeemed later for gift cards to your favorite places, such as Amazon, Target, etc.
  • Discover Card:  I love using my Discover Card when making gasoline purchases.  I get 1% spent cashback every time I fill up with gas, but Discover will offer 5% bonus cashback every few months on gas purchases.  I love these bonus months!

7.  Keep Tires Inflated

Remember that the maintenance of your vehicle will effect its fuel efficiency.  One thing that could hurt the fuel efficiency is letting your tires become deflated.  Make sure to keep your cars tires inflated at the proper levels to get the most bang for your buck.  According to the U.S. Department of energy this one trick can save you up to $.02/gallon.

Bonus!  Keeping your tires properly inflated will also help your tires to last longer, which will save you even more money!  This is what I like to hear!

8.  No Idling

An important way to save money on gas is to not keep your engine on when your car is idling for a long time.  Keep in mind that when your engine is on, you are using fuel, even if you aren’t moving. 

Never let your car sit and idle for a long period of time.  If you know you will be waiting in your car for a few minutes, maybe when picking up kids, checking the map on your phone, or getting groceries, turn off the cars engine to prevent using any unnecessary fuel.

9.  Roll Up Windows

Driving with the windows down can be fun and refreshing, but it also hurts your gas mileage.  To start saving more money on your gas bill, leave your windows up when driving.  It will make a difference!

10.  Regular Maintenance

As mentioned before, it is so important to keep your car up to date on regular maintenance and serviced.  This regular maintenance will help ensure your vehicle is getting the best gas mileage possible.

11.  Join A Fuel Rewards Program

Make sure to join a few fuel rewards programs to earn rewards, such as free gas and discounts!  This is a great way to knock a few pennies off the price of your gasoline.  

Here are a few suggestions of stores with fuel rewards programs:

  • Safeway
  • Kroger
  • Exxon Mobile
  • Fred Meyer
  • Maverik
  • Pilot Flying J

In Conclusion

These are my best tips for helping you learn how to save money on gas!  I encourage you to try a few, or all of these tips out and let me know if you start to see some savings or not!

 

Related Articles:

  • 10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries
  • 10 Ways To Save Money On Electricity This Summer
  • How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

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I hope this helped you learn how to save money on gas.

How To Listen To Audiobooks For Free

May 13, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check out the best free audiobook apps.

Any other book worms out there??  I love to spend my free time reading a good book.  This year I set a goal to read 50 books as part of a reading program my library runs.  So far I am sticking to my goal, but only because of free audiobook apps!  They have helped me so much in finding time for a book.  I’m busy (aren’t we all) and some days I just do not have the time to sit down on the couch and read.  With an audiobook I am able to listen to the book while I’m washing dishes, folding laundry, driving in the car, etc.  They are the best!  A lot of people ask me how I can afford all of the audiobooks I listen to, but here’s the secret:  I have never bought an audiobook in my life.  All of the books that I listen to are done using free apps (I love free!).  Today I am sharing my tips all about how to listen to audiobooks for free.best free audiobooks apps

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ”

Libby

Libby is seriously my favorite free audiobook app and I use it every single day.  This app is very user friendly and easy to use.  All you need is the free app and a library card!

How It Works:

  • Download the free Libby app to your digital device.
  • Sign up using your library card.  If you do not have a library card contact your local library.  They are free to get and sign ups are really quick and easy.
  • Once you are signed in you can browse thousands of audiobooks and eBooks.
  • When you find the book you want, simply click “Borrow”.  If the book is available it will instantly be made available for you to listen to.
  • Because Libby is connected to the library there are a limited number of copies for each book.  When the copies are all in use you will need to click, “Place Hold.”  You will now be in line for the book.  When it’s available it will be checked out to you.
  • You get to have your audiobook for two weeks before it needs to be returned.  If you need more time to listen, you can renew the book for another week (just as long as nobody else has a hold on it).
  • Lastly, listen and enjoy your audiobook.  After two weeks your book will automatically be returned, no need to worry about a late fee (yay!).

I love using Libby for so many reasons (it’s user friendly, it’s free, and all of my favorite books are on the app).  It does have a few drawbacks though.  The biggest is there is usually a long wait for the most popular books.

Check the app regularly for your favorite books (I usually browse weekly).  I have found if I reserve a few books each month, I will always have one or two available to listen to.

If you are wanting to listen to a book immediately, select “Available Now” in the Preferences section when you are browsing for books.  This helps narrow down the search to books you can listen to in the moment.

Overdrive

Overdrive is a very similar app to Libby.  It connects to your library card and offers thousands of free audiobooks.  In my experience though Overdrive was not very user friendly and I didn’t enjoy using it at all.

There is a plus side to Overdrive!  It is compatible with more devices than Libby is, including Kindle Fire, PC, MACs, etc.  This makes it easier for everyone to listen using their favorite method.  I know a lot of other people who love and recommend Overdrive, so maybe it was just me!  If your library doesn’t connect to Libby, try Overdrive!

LibriVox

LibriVox is an awesome app and website devoted to providing the public with free audiobooks.  The selection is a little limited, but you will find many classics and popular books including Little Women, Pride and Prejudice and Gulliver’s Travels.

The books are all read by volunteers, which is fantastic!  But, it also means that some readers are a little more boring to listen to than others.  Try out a sample or two before deciding on a book, I have heard some great readers!

Audible

Fair warning, Audible does cost a monthly fee for unlimited audiobooks.  It’s not a place I would recommend to most people.  However, I have used their free one month trial before and loved it!

Loyal Books

Another great public resource for audio books is Loyal Books.  It offers a huge selection of free audiobooks and ebooks.  The site is very similar to LibriVox with volunteer readers.  Loyal Books will offer you a few different titles though, so it’s great to check both places.

Hoopla

Another app that uses your library card for audiobooks is Hoopla.  Hoopla is a very user friendly app which gives you access to ebooks, audiobooks, music and more.  You do need a library card, but everything offered is free!

  • Related:  10 Free Things At The Library

Amazon Prime

Did you know an Amazon Prime membership not only offers you free shipping, music and movies, but also free audiobooks?  That’s right!  Prime membership gives you access to thousands of audiobooks to listen to for free (for paying members).

If you are already paying for a prime membership, be sure to take advantage of their free books.  I personally don’t think it’s worth paying for a membership JUST for the books.  However, I did use their free 30 day trial membership and loved listening to free books during that time.  If you want to try it out, sign up for the free 30 days.

YouTube

You can find thousands of audiobooks for free right on the YouTube app!  Check out these YouTube channels for a huge selection of audiobooks:  Free Audiobooks, Greatest Audiobooks, and Priceless Audiobooks.

Audiobooks.com

Audiobooks.com has a huge selection of audiobooks, but it does require a monthly subscription.  Fortunately, they offer 3 free books with your 30 day trial!  You can sign up here!

In Conclusion

There really is no reason to pay for audiobooks with all of these free audiobook apps available.  Remember that not all audiobooks are created equal.  Some reads have been really boring and hard to get interested in….others I haven’t been able to turn off.

For me, it comes down to who is reading the book and what the genre book is.  A non fiction book is really not enjoyable for me to listen to, but I love fiction.  And, there have been many books I have turned off because I didn’t connect to the readers style.

Don’t give up if you don’t enjoy your first few audiobooks.  Try a few genres until you find what works best for you.

 

Related Articles:

  • 21 Free and Frugal Kids Educational Websites
  • 9 Money Books That Will Change Your Life
  • 7 Apps That Will Help You Save Money

 

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I hope this helped you learn how to listen to audiobooks for free!

What To Do With A Costco Rotisserie Chicken

April 21, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to get the most out of one Costco rotisserie chicken.

Have you been wondering what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken???  You are not alone!  This is a common question, one I use to have, but I have since learned a few ways to get the most out of each chicken.  I am so excited to share how I use one of their delicious chickens in three different ways!

I started shopping at Costco almost a year ago.  I was a little hesitant at first….worried that I would spend to much money, but I am now obsessed with this glorious store!  It has saved our family money on groceries and we love so many of their products.  Basically a win-win!  One of my very favorite things to buy at Costco is their rotisserie chicken.  It only costs $5, but is HUGE and delicious!  A seriously good deal!

I am a member of online affiliate programs.  I will be compensated for purchases made from links in this post.

There are many different meals you can make with your Costco chicken, but we have a few favorites that I make every single month.  I am so excited to share those two dinner recipes with you!  (Plus a bonus broth recipe!)

  • Need a Costco membership?  No worries you can grab one here:  Costco Membership

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #1:  Buffalo Taquitos

My husband and I are both huge buffalo chicken fans (my kids….not so much...).  But, we love to try ANYTHING that includes buffalo chicken, and these taquitos are so easy (especially when made using a rotisserie chicken) and delicious.  Two huge wins in my book!

Gather Ingredients For Buffalo Taquitos Recipe

To make these buffalo taquitos you will need:

  • Shredded Chicken (I use half of one Costco Rotisserie Chicken)
  • Buffalo Sauce (I love Franks buffalo wing sauce)
  • Shredded Cheese (I use cheddar, because I always have it at home)
  • Cream Cheese (softened)
  • Flour Tortillas

First thing you need to do is use a hand mixer to mix the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce together.  This only takes a minute and is so easy.

Next, gently stir in the chicken and cheese.

Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a flour tortilla.  Roll it up gently and tightly and then place on a greased baking sheet.

Bake taquitos in a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until tortillas are golden and slightly crispy.

  • Related:  The Best Deals At Costco

 

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

A quick dinner using a rotisserie chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 rotisserie chicken shredded
  • flour tortillas

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • With hand mixer, beat together cream cheese and buffalo sauce until well mixed.
  • Stir in cheddar cheese and chicken.
  • Place 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture on bottom of tortilla.
  • Starting at bottom, slowly roll tortilla into a tight roll.
  • Place on a greased baking sheet.
  • Repeat until chicken mixture is gone.
  • Bake in oven for 15 minutes, or until tortillas are slightly crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

 

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #2:  White Chicken Chili

My second recipe when deciding what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken is to make our favorite white chicken chili.  This is another really easy recipe that can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes, but tastes delicious!

Ingredients Needed For White Chicken Chili:

  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken Broth
  • Shredded Chicken (I use half of one Costco rotisserie chicken)
  • Cumin
  • Diced green chilis (canned)
  • Lime juice
  • White Beans (canned)

The first step to making this delicious white chicken chili is to sauté the onions and garlic in a small amount of oil in a large pot.  Let it cook until they are soft and translucent.

I like to use my frozen onions because it saves me from having to dice them!

Then add the rest of the ingredients into the pot.  Stir and let it simmer on stove for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve chili with tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.

White Chicken Chili

Easy chili recipe using rotisserie chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 12 oz. cans chicken broth
  • 1/2 rotisserie chicken shredded
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 4 oz. can diced green chilis
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice
  • 2 15 oz. cans white beans

Instructions
 

  • Sauté onions and garlic in a small amount of oil in pot until soft and translucent.
  • Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.
  • Related:  Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

 

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #3:  Chicken Broth

And, here is your bonus rotisserie chicken recipe!  I am calling it a bonus recipe because it’s not a recipe for a meal…and it’s not technically a recipe (I just kindof randomly throw ingredients in), but it is a GREAT way to stretch your Costco rotisserie chicken even further….which is what we all want, right?  Right! 

I started making my own chicken broth a few months ago and am currently obsessed!  Someone suggested it to me as a way to get more use from my rotisserie chicken, rather than throwing it away, and it’s perfect!  So, once you are done using the meat from your chicken, turn the leftovers into broth.  It’s really so simple to make and tastes much better than store bought.  Plus, if you make it using kitchen scraps it’s basically FREE!  And, we all like free!

I freeze my homemade chicken broth using these freezer containers.  And then when I make a recipe calling for chicken broth, I just pull one out of the freezer and I’m ready to go!

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Chicken Broth:

  • Rotisserie Chicken Carcass
  • Veggie Scraps, Celery, Carrots, Onions, Garlic, etc.
  • Water

Like I mentioned earlier, I really don’t use a recipe to make this broth.  I just throw it all together! 

First, place your rotisserie chicken carcass in a large stock pot.  Make sure to include any leftover skin, meat, bones, etc.  And scrap out any of the goop on the bottom.  The more flavor you can get, the better.

Next, quickly cut up your veggies.  You can even just use your hand to rip them into smaller pieces.  They don’t need to be nice and even.  I know some people save the ends of their carrots and celery for their broth, you can use those too if you want!

Add your veggies to the pot with the chicken carcass.

Fill your stock pot up with water until chicken and vegetables are covered.  You can also add a bay leaf or two if you have some. Bring water to a boil over high heat.  Once boiling, turn heat down and allow to simmer for 3-4 hours.  Stir occasionally.

After a few hours of simmering, use a fine mesh strainer to strain broth into a bowl.

Ladle the broth into freezer containers to freeze.  Frozen broth will stay good for 3 months.

Or, you can store it in a container in your fridge.  Broth will stay good in your fridge for 1 week.

 

There Are So Many Ways To Use a Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Well, there are my three ways I use one Rotisserie Chicken from Costco.  I love the feeling of getting the most out of everything that I buy.  Remember to be creative with your foods and try to not let anything go to waste!  Your budget will thank you for it!

 

Related Articles:

  • Three Easy Beef Roast Recipes
  • Best Ways To Store Produce To Keep It Fresh Longer
  • 10 Incredibly Easy Ways to Stretch Meals

 

Pin For Later:

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I hope this article helped you decide what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken.

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