Frugal Friday! Tips on Cooking Frugal

For a lot of people, getting the hang of shopping frugally comes easily.  It can even be a bit exciting!  Find a good deal, combined with the right coupon and you can get items for pennies on the dollar!  This way of shopping takes a bit of practice, but many frugal veterans will tell you that once they get the hang of thrifty shopping strategies, they never go back.

The next part, which can be a bit of an unspoken problem, is trying to COOK a frugal lifestyle.

When starting out, most people tend to have a similar experience.  We shop and bring home all these deals on specific items.  Then, when it comes down to making dinner, we have one or two things to fit our Rolodex of recipes, but are missing a handful of key ingredients because they were not on sale.  Here, we have two choices: 1) suck it up and buy ingredients at full price or 2) get creative!

Researching new recipes using what you have in your pantry is the only way to make your frugal shopping worth it! If you’re not a creative cook (Angela is, Micki is NOT) try using supercook.com.  It’s a great website that will allow you to enter ingredients you have in your pantry to create recipes. 

Some tips on frugal cooking:

1.       Keep key ingredients on hand.  If you find yourself using more of certain ingredients, make sure you stock up the next time they go on sale.  For example: I’m in love with slow cooker recipes.  A lot of great recipes require condensed soup to add thickness to the sauce, so I stocked up on Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom soup when they went on sale.

2.       Keep a good selection of spices and/or marinades.  There have been a few weeks where we were either short on money or the sales weren't spectacular, and all we had in the freezer was chicken breast or pork chops.  Keeping meat with a size of canned veggies interesting can be challenging, but keeping a stock of flavorful spices can help change it up until payday.

3.       Keep extra stock on the non-perishables…. For emergencies.  We will be the first ones to tell you that fresh veggies are the healthiest, but frozen keeps longer… and cans are the cheapest (generally).   I buy fresh when they are in season, frozen when they’re not in season, and cans when they’re dirt cheap (for emergencies!).  Spaghetti sauce and chili are other items that should always be in your pantry.  Spaghetti sauce can be used for spaghetti, pizza, dips, casseroles, etc. When you have chili on hand, you can make enchiladas, dips, chili dogs, and Frito pie. Pasta and rice are another shelf stable food item that NEEDS to be a staple in everyone’s frugal household.  A box of pasta should ALWAYS be purchased under $1 and can last for around a year.  When you’re getting creative with your cooking, adding pasta always seems to make it look more put together!

What frugal cooking tips can you recommend?

June 2nd Coupon Preview!

Red Plum

Alka-Seltzer $2/1 product excludes Plus (9/30)

all $.75/1 laundry detergent (7/14) ETS

Allegra $2/1 anti-itch cream 1oz (8/3) ETS

Allegra $3/1 Children’s Allergy, Allergy 24hr 5ct or 15ct or Allergy 12hr 12ct (8/3)

Allegra $5/1 allergy 30ct+ or D Allergy & Congestion (8/3)

AllWhites $1/2 packages (7/3)

Balmex $1/1 adult care rash cream (8/7)

Balmex $2/1 12oz adult care rash cream (8/7)

C&H $.40/1 24oz Organic or 32oz Washed Raw sugar (8/17)

C&H $.50/1 sugar 2lb+ (8/17)

C&H $1/1 Light product (8/17)

C&H $1/1 Organic Light or Amber Blue Agave Nectar (8/17)

Cadbury $1/1 ice cream bars (8/31)

Centrum $2/1 Specialist multivitamin (7/13)

Centrum $3/1 Flavor Burst multivitamin including drink mix (7/13)

Centrum $3/1 ProNutrients Omega-3 (7/13)

Centrum $3/1 regular or Silver multivitamin (7/13)

Daisy $.45/1 cottage cheese (8/31)

Degree $.50/1 Women motionSENSE product (6/30) ETS

Dove $2/1 Clinical Protection anti-perspirant/deodorant excludes trial, multipacks and M+C (6/30)

Dove Men+Care $1/1 antiperspirant 2.7oz or deodorant 3oz (6/30) ETS

Dove Men+Care $1/1 body and face bar 6-bar pk+ (6/30) ETS

Dove Men+Care $1/1 body wash or active clean shower tool 13.5oz+ (6/30) ETS

Dove Men+Care $1/1 face care (6/30) ETS

Fiora $.50/1 bath tissue or paper towels (7/31) DND

Florida’s Natural $1/2 1 liter citrus smoothies (8/31)

Frigo $.50/1 cheese excludes Cheese Heads items (9/30)

Garnier $1/1 moisturizer (7/27)

Garnier Fructis $1/1 shampoo, conditioner or treatment (7/13) ETS

Garnier Fructis $1/1 style product (7/27) ETS

Gold Bond $1/1 anti-itch cream or lotion (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 foot cream (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 foot cream (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 Friction Defense (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 lotion (8/3) ETS

Gold Bond $1/1 powder or powder spray (8/3) ETS

L’Oreal $2/1 Preference shade (7/27)

M&M’s $1/1 chocolate candies 9.9oz (7/14) DND

MET-Rx $1/6 mini singles or 1 value pack (7/15)

MET-Rx $2/2 bars (7/15)

Ocean Spray $1/1 100% Juice Citrus 64oz (8/31)

Organic Valley $1/1 regular or flavored half & half (10/31)

Purina $3/1 ONE beyond dog food (7/14)

Skittles/Starburst/Life Savers Gummies $.1/2 packs 13-14oz (9/2) DND

Skittles/Starburst/Life Savers Gummies $.50/2 packs 2-4.2oz (9/2) DND

Snuggle $.50/1 fabric softener (7/14) ETS

Surf $1/1 laundry detergent (7/14)

Smart Source

Aveeno $1.50/1 men’s product (7/15)

BIC $2/1 Flex4, Flex3, Comfort 3 Advance, Hybrid Advance 3 or Hybrid Advance 4 (6/30)

Blue Diamond $1/1 10oz thin-shell almonds (8/31)

Claritin $4/1 15ct+ (6/30)

Colgate $1/1 360 manual toothbrush (6/22)

Colgate $1/1 toothpaste 4oz+ (6/15)

Colgate $2/1 mouthwash 8oz+ (6/29)

Ensure $1/1 Clear multi-pack (7/28)

Ensure $3/2 multi-packs (7/28)

Farmer John $1/1 bacon (8/2)

Farmer John $1/2 breakfast sausage (8/2)

First Defense $2/1 (6/30)

Frigo $.75/1 Cheese Heads string cheese 6ct+ (8/31)

General Mills $1/2 Chex, Fiber One, Total, Wheaties, Oatmeal Crisp, Honey Nut Clusters, Raisin Nut Bran or Basic 4 (7/13)

Glucerna $1/1 multi-pack bars (7/28)

Glucerna $3/2 multi-pack shakes (7/28)

Hamburger Helper $.75/3 (7/27)

Kerasal Nail $3/1 10ml tube Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment (7/31)

Marzetti $1/1 Simply Dressed salad dressings (7/28)

MiraLAX $1/1 10ct or 14 dose+ (6/30)

MiraLAX $3/1 30 dose (6/30)

Mitchum $1/1 men or women product excludes multipacks and trial (7/7)

Nature Made $2/1 VitaMelts product (7/2)

Neutrogena Men $1/1 product (8/31)

Nexcare $.55/1 bandages (7/31)

Nexcare $.55/1 first aid tape (7/31)

Phazyme $2/1 product (7/13) DND

Revlon $3/$6+ beauty tools purchase (7/1) TARGET coupon

Ritz $1/2 Crackerfuls filled crackers 6oz+ (7/12)

Rogaine $10/1 hair regrowth treatment product (8/31)

Smart Balance $1/1 spreadable butter or blended butter sticks (7/17)

Softsoap $.35/1 liquid hand soap antibacterial including 8oz premium pump (6/22)

Softsoap $.50/1 liquid hand soap refill 28oz+ (6/22)

Tyson $.75/1 Grilled & Ready product (9/2)

V8 $1/2 64oz Splash (7/14)

Zantac $2/1 product 24ct+ (7/28)

Zantac $5/1 product 50ct+ (7/28)

Thanks Sunday Coupon Preview!

Frugal Friday! Frugal Family Water Fun

It’s getting hot. The kids will be out of school soon. And although it would be great to go to the water parks all summer, that isn't an option for most of our budgets. But there are other options. I know there are more options that what I found. Check with your local recreation center or with your city and find out if they offer a water park or if they have a partnership that would allow for free or low cost entrance fee. I have tried to find options in different parts of the Fort Worth area.

Arlington offers several options for aquatic recreation for all ages. This link has all of the locations, hours, and fees. It appears that the fee is $6 per adult.  http://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks/simple/aquatics_rm.html

Annual pool passes are available as well.

http://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks/PDF/Aquatics/PoolInfo.pdf

Fort Worth does have public pools. Even some of the YMCA’s offer public swimming. Here is a link to the City of Fort Worth website with maps, locations, fees, etc.

http://fortworthtexas.gov/athletics/aquatics/

Burger’s Lake

Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Burger's Lake offers summer fun for everyone. Burger's Lake is a 30-acre park featuring a one-acre spring-fed lake for swimming. Our facility includes:
- Two sandy beaches for sunning; wonderful big trees for shade
- A complete staff of certified lifeguards
- Over 300 picnic tables
- Six diving boards, a 20-foot slide and 25-foot trapeze
- Charcoal grills for cooking
Open from Mother's Day
through Labor Day
Hours: 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Seven days a week
Admission
$12.00 Per person age 7 and up
$5.00 For each child age 1yr - 6yr
Children younger than 1 yr admitted free

http://www.burgerslake.com/

The Chisholm Aquatic Center is a city-owned water park located in Hurst. This park is open to the public and offers an activity pool with zero depth entry, tumble buckets, slides, diving well with two diving boards, and a children's pool. An additional pool includes six lanes for lap swimming. For kids who get hungry, a concession stand is available with lots of sugary, ice-cold refreshments. Or pack your own lunch and head for the picnic plaza with three spacious pavilions. Food, drinks, and coolers are allowed into the Aquatic Center. Season passes may be purchased for $25 for residents and $75 for non-residents. The Aquatic Center is open from late May to Labor Day.

2200 Norwood Drive; Hurst, TX 76054.  Cost:$1 for residents; $5 for non-residents; (under 12 months) free

White Settlement has a park with spray stations. Raymond Park is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Raymond Avenue and Lockwood Street just off of Las Vegas Trail.  Recently, Raymond Park underwent major improvements and upgrades, it currently has the following amenities: -Three Station Automated Spray Pad
-Assorted Climbing Playground Equipment
-Swing Set
-Shaded Picnic Area

Located minutes south of Dallas, the Bahama Beach Waterpark is a family friendly venue that offers thrills for kiddos and a chance for the adults to either join in the fray or float down a lazy river. Coconut Grove is a great spot for the younger ones to experience their own watery adventure with 40-foot slides and a 1,000-gallon dump bucket. The Tortugas Express will probably be the destination spot for your older kids, so get ready with camera in hand to capture their descent from the top of this 300-foot racing slide. For a little relaxation away from the crowds Bahama Beach Waterpark offers private cabana rentals, creating a true mini vacation experience for the whole family.

http://www.bahamabeachdallas.com/new/
There is currently a groupon for Bahama Beach. $23 for a Water-Park Visit for Two (Up to $47.50 Total Value)

Two park admissions (up to a $15 value each)

Two combo meals (up to an $8.75 value each)

Combo meals include entrees such as burgers, sandwiches, or chicken fingers with a 24-ounce drink and fries.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/bahama-beach-waterpark

No Coupons This week

DON'T FORGET! Because of the Memorial Day Holiday, there will be no coupon inserts this week.  Enjoy the tiny clipping break, and have a great weekend!

Frugal Friday! How To Save Money On Your Electric Bill

I think the one thing expense that everyone has, and everyone complains about, is the electric bill. There are some things that you can do to reduce the bill.

This is a website that is designed to help you understand how to choose a provider and how to compare the rates. And how to switch to another provider.

http://www.powertochoose.org/_content/_about/index.asp

Here are some steps you can take around the house to reduce usage.

• ·         Install darker curtains on the west side of the house. That is the hottest time of the day and hottest temps.
• 
  
• ·         Have your HVAC checked to be sure it’s working efficiently.
• 
  
• ·         Change air filters once a month. This also helps them work more efficiently. My uncle owned an AC company and that was always his recommendation.
• 
  
• ·         Only use dishwashers or dryers in the morning or later evening. They generate heat and cause your AC to work harder.
• 
  
• ·         Keep your freezer full. Less cool air lost, and the fullness helps insulate the items and the freezer doesn't have to work as hard to keep cool.
• 
  
• ·         If you keep appliances or phone chargers plugged in at all times, they use energy even when they are not in use. Either unplug them or use a power strip. Then turn off the power strip when items are not being used.
• 
  
• ·         Ask your electricity provider (not necessarily the same as the electric company) about energy audits.    This link should help you arrange for this audit. It’s free of charge. http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/
• 
  
• ·         I think most of us in Texas have ceiling fans, but if you don’t… install one! Keep the air moving and it will reduce the need for air conditioning.
• 
  
• ·         Line dry clothing. I know this seems like something from housewives of the 50s, but try air drying some items. You’ll save from not running the dryer and from the air conditioner not working as hard. If you don’t have a back yard or space, use a shower rod. 
• 
  
• ·         Switch to fluorescent bulbs. They are more expensive to purchase but save money long term. And they do not have to be replaced as often.
• 
  
• ·         Use your microwave to cook when possible. It can use as much as 90% less electricity than the stove. Plus there is the added bonus of not heating up the kitchen. I also use a toaster oven instead of the oven when possible.

According to Department of Energy (energy.gov), ideal thermostat settings for winter is 68°F when you are awake. For summer months it’s 78°F when you are at home. During the hours you are not at home, you can adjust the temperature as much as 10-15 degrees and it can save you up to 15% on your electric bill.

Sources:

·         Woman’s Day 17 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill; Downsize your bills when the mercury rises. by Sally Wiener Grotta

·         Lower Your Electric Bill by Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

·         Department of Energy website

·         Takealoadofftexas.com Oncor Energy

Sunday Coupon Preview

Red Plum

Advil $1/1 20ct+ (7/18)
Advil Children’s $1/1 product (7/18)
Advil PM $1/1 16ct+ (7/18)
Banana Boat $1/1 sun care product 3oz+ excludes lip balm (6/29)
Banana Boat $3/2 sun care products 3oz+ excludes lip balm (6/29)
Ben & Jerry’s $1/1 pint frozen yogurt or ice creams (6/16)
Best Foods $1/1 product 22oz+ (6/16)
Caress $.75/1 body wash 12oz+ or 6 bar pk+ (6/16)
Clear Buy 1 Men Scalp Therapy, get 1 Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy free (6/2) ETS
Clear Buy 1 Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy shampoo, get 1 conditioner or mask free up to $5.99 (6/2) ETS
DermaSilk $5/1 full size product (6/1)
Dove $.50/1 beauty bar 6 bar pk+ excludes trial and M+C (6/16) ETS 
Dove $.75/1 body wash 12oz+ excludes trial and M+C (6/16) ETS
Dove $1.50/2 go sleeveless, go fresh, ClearTone or any Clinical Protection excludes trial and M+C (6/16) ETS
Dove $1/1 hair care product excludes trial and M+C (6/2) ETS
Febreze $1.50/1 Air Effects (6/30) ETS
Folgers $.25/1 coffee product (6/23)
Hand Perfection $5/1 anti-aging hand care (6/30)
Hawaiian Tropic $1/1 sun care product 4oz+ excludes lip balm (6/29)
Hawaiian Tropic $3/2 sun care products 4oz+ excludes lip balm (6/29)
Hot Shot $1/1 product (8/31)
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter/Country Crock $.30/1 product excludes Country Crock pumpkin spice, cinnamon and honey flavored spreads (6/16)
Jack’s $.75/1 pizza 15-30.5oz (6/30)
Land O’Frost $.55/1 Bistro Favorites, Premium, DeliShaved or Canadian Bacon (6/19)
Land O’Frost $1/1 sub sandwich kit or wrap kit (6/19)
Lever 2000 $.50/1 2 bar pk+ (6/16) ETS
Lever 2000 $1.50/1 body wash (6/16) ETS
Lipton $.40/1 tea bags, tea & honey to-go or pitcher size or any iced tea mix (6/16) ETS
L’Oreal $1/1 Paris skincare product (7/13)
L’Oreal $2/1 Excellence shade or Excellence Richesse (7/13)
L’Oreal $2/1 Paris cosmetic face product excludes Magic Perfecting Base .17floz mini size (7/13)
L’Oreal $2/1 Youth Code product (7/13) ETS
Nalley $.75/1 pickles 16oz+ (6/23)
Nature’s Bounty $1/1 vitamin or supplement (6/18)
Nature’s Bounty $2/1 fish oil or Co Q-10 (6/18)
Nature’s Bounty $2/1 Optimal Solutions supplement (6/18)
Nature’s Bounty $3/1 Optimal Solutions protein & vitamin shake mix (6/18)
NeilMed $2/1 Sinus Rinse refill packets or SinuFLO Ready Rinse (6/10)
Pringles $.50/1 snack stacks ets or Stix 70ct or 8pk (6/30)
Pringles $1/4 full size cans 160g+ (6/30)
Purina $5/2 items; 40oz+ dog treats, 11lb+ dry dog food, 13lb+ dry cat food or 35lb+ cat litter (6/30) TARGET COUPON
Q-tips $.25/1 cotton swabs product 170ct+ (6/16) ETS
Sarna $2/1 anti-itch lotion (7/31)
Slim-Fast $1/1 bar or snack bites (6/16)
Slim-Fast $1/1 shake multi-pack or shake mix (6/16)
Snuggle $.50/1 fabric softener liquid or dryer sheets (6/30)
Suave $.50/1 deodorant product excludes men’s and trial (6/16) ETS
Suave Buy 2 Naturals body wash products, get 1 body lotion free up to $3 (6/2) ETS
Suave Professionals $.50/2 Men products (6/2) ETS
Suave Professionals $.50/2 Moroccan Infusion shampoos or conditioners (6/2) ETS
Suave Professionals $1/1 Moroccan Infusion styling oil (6/2) ETS
Sunlight $1/1 dish detergent (6/30)
ThermaCare $1/1 cold wrap 1ct or heat wrap 2ct+ (8/25)
ThermaCare $3/1 cold wrap 1ct (5/26)
Venus $5/1 razor and 1 refill excludes disposables and trial (6/30)
Welch’s $.75/1 100% juice bottle or multi-pack (8/31)
Wet n Wild/Fergie $1/1 eye, lip & nail product (6/1)
Wish-Bone/Western $.50/1 dressing product (6/16)
Wisk $1/1 laundry detergent 45oz or 24 loads+ (6/30)
Wonderful $.50/1 pistachios 5oz+ (7/19)
Xenadrine $5/1 product (8/31)
Zyrtec $10/1 70ct+ (6/26)
Zyrtec $4/1 regular or D 24ct+ (7/31)
Zyrtec $7/1 regular or D 24ct+ (5/26)

Smart Source

Insert #1

Activia $1/1 4pk (7/13/13)
Alouette $.55/1 crumbled cheese (7/31) DND
Alouette $1/1 cheese portions (7/31) DND
Alouette $1/1 spreadable cheese (7/21) DND
Bisquick $.50/1 40oz+ Original or Heart Smart baking mix (7/13)
Chavrie $1/1 goat cheese (7/31) DND
Chock full o’Nuts $1/1 package (6/30)
Colgate $1/1 mouthwash 8oz+ (6/16)
Coppertone/Coca-Cola $3 off 1 Coppertone 4oz+ product and 2 Coca-Cola 12pks or 1 Coca Cola 20/24pk (6/30)
Crystal Light $1/1 liquid drink mix (6/23)
Dole $.75/2 canned mandarins (7/31)
Dr. Scholl’s $3/1 Active Series insoles (7/13) 
Dr. Scholl’s $3/1 For Her insoles (7/13)
Dr. Scholl’s $3/1 Freeze Away wart products (7/13)
Dr. Scholl’s $3/1 Massaging Gel insoles or pain relief orthotic inserts (7/13)
Dromedary $.35/1 Pimiento product (9/2)
Edge $.55/1 shave gel or cream 7oz+ (6/30)
Energizer $.50/1 batteries, flashlight or USB wall or car charger (6/29)
Foster Farms $1/1 oven ready chicken breasts (8/28) DND
Foster Farms $1/1 panko crusted chicken breasts (8/28) DND
Goodnites $2/1 bed mats jumbo pk+ (6/15)
Hidden Valley $1/1 Farmhouse Originals dressing (8/19)
Hormel $.50/1 Natural Choice deli sandwich meat or chicken strips (7/15)
Hormel $.55/2 chili (7/15)
Hormel $1/1 Always Tender (7/15)
Hormel $1/2 pepperoni (7/15)
Hormel $1/2 premium chicken breast (7/15)
Huggies $1.50/1 diapers (6/15)
Huggies $2/1 Little Movers Slip-On diapers (6/15)
Irish Spring $.50/1 multi-bar pack 6pk+ (6/8)
Irish Spring $1/1 body wash excludes 2.5oz (6/8)
Johnsonville $2/1 Grillers (6/30)
Kleenex $.50/1 hand towels (6/29)
La Victoria $1/1 tortillas (7/28)
La Victoria $1/2 products 12oz+ (7/28)
L’Oreal $1/1 Advanced Haircare shampoo or conditioner (7/13)
L’Oreal $2/1 Advanced Haircare treatment (7/13)
Lunchables $1/1 Uploaded lunch combinations (7/14)
Nabisco $.75/2 cookie or cracker products 6.5oz+ (7/14) DND
Nescafe $.55/1 Taster’s Choice single serve stick pack carton (7/14)
Nescafe $1/1 Taster’s Choice coffee canister 7oz+ (7/14)
OxiClean $.50/1 pre-treater (7/31)
OxiClean $.50/1 versatile stain remover or power paks (7/31)
OxiClean $.75/1 dishwashing booster (7/31)
OxiClean $1.50/1 in-wash liquid (7/31)
Palmolive $.50/1 dish liquid 14oz+ (6/8)
Pillsbury $1/2 refrigerated baked goods products (7/13)
Planters $1/1 NUT-rition sustaining energy mix multi-pack (7/31) DND
Playtex $4/1 Fresh+Sexy wipes (6/30) (2 coupons)
Refresh $3/2 products (7/31)
Refresh $4/1 Optive Advanced product (6/30)
Sargento $.50/2 natural slices (6/30)
Schick $2/1 Quattro disposables pack (6/30)
Schick $2/1 Quattro titanium razor or trimmer (6/30)
Schick $2/1 Quattro titanium refill (6/30)
Schick $3/1 3 or 4ct Quattro for Women disposable razors (7/14) TARGET COUPON
Schick $3/1 8ct Xtreme3 disposable razors (7/14) TARGET COUPON
Scotch-Brite $.75/2 scouring products (7/31)
Scotch-Brite $.75/2 scrub sponge or dishwands (6/30)
Scotch-Brite $1/2 bathroom solutions cleaning tools (6/30)
Scotch-Brite $1/2 botanical disinfecting wipes (6/30)
Scotch-Brite $1/2 dishwands or dishwand refills (6/30)
Seagram’s $.55/1 ginger ale 12pk 12oz cans or 8pk 7.5oz cans (8/24)
Silk $.60/1 iced latte (6/20)
Simple Buy 1 cleanser or moisturizer, get one cleansing wipes free up to $6.99 (6/2) ETS
Skintimate $.55/1 shave gel or shave creme excludes 2.75oz cans (6/30)
Stride/Dentyne/Trident/ID $1/3 single packs (7/14) DND
Sweet Baby Ray’s $1/2 barbecue sauce (6/30)
Swiss Premium $.50/1 tea or lemonade gallon (6/30)

Insert #2

Apple & Eve $.55/1 Sesame Street juice beverage (6/29)
Barilla $.55/2 blue box pasta (7/13)
EasyLiner $2/2+ rolls (6/30)
Gillette $1/1 body wash or anti-perspirant/deodorant (6/30) ETS
Heinz $.25/1 ketchup (6/16)
Heinz $.30/1 homestyle beans (6/16)
Heinz $1/1 57 Sauce 10oz+ (7/28)
Infusium 23 $2/1 shampoo, conditioner or leave in treatment 6oz+ excludes 1.7oz and trial (6/19)
Lamisil $2/1 product (9/30)
Lea & Perrins $1/1 10oz+ (7/28)
Lea & Perrins $1/1 marinade in-a-bag product (7/28)
Maruchan $.50/1 bowl or Yakisoba (7/15)
Morton $.55 off 1 26oz plain or iodized salt and 1 salt & pepper shakers (7/14)
Morton $.55/1 kosher salt or coarse or fine sea salt excludes 4.4oz fine sea salt (7/14)
Old Spice $3/2 deodorant twin packs (6/30) ETS
Ore-Ida $1/1 Grillers (6/16)
Pert Plus $1/1 2-in-1 product 13.5oz+ excludes 1.7oz and trial (6/19)
Post $.75/1 Sesame Street cereal (6/29)
Reynolds Wrap $.75/1 foil 35sqft+ excludes Wrappers (7/31)
Rubbermaid/Kool-Aid/Country Time/Crystal Light $1.50 off 1 Rubbermaid beverage container and 1 Kool-Aid, Country Time or Crystal Light drink mix product excluding envelopes (6/29)
Secret $3/1 Clinical excludes .5oz and trial (6/30)
Secret $3/1 Outlast or Scent Expressions twin pack excludes .5oz and trial (6/30)
Snyder’s $1/1 flavored pieces or pretzel sandwiches 8oz+ (7/31)
Star $1/1 olive oil 16oz+ (8/31)
Sunsweet $.75/1 dried fruit (8/30) DND
Jolly Time $.50/1 microwave popcorn (6/30)
Tyson $1/1 Any-tizers snacks (8/19)
Ultimate Flora $3/1 probiotic (9/30)
Vlasic $.75/1 regular or Farmer’s Garden pickle variety (7/31)
Wonderful $.50/1 Almonds 6.3oz+ (7/19)

Thanks SundayCouponPreview

Possible FREE Bic Flame Disks!

Remember last summer, when that GREAT Free FlameDisk coupon came out?  Remember when we went to the store and there was never a single FlameDisk on the shelf... for three straight months?!

Well, the free disk coupon isn't out again, but this new printable might be just as good!

$2/1 Bic FlameDisk

Some shoppers are reporting the single packs are on sale at Walmart for $1.98.  Print this coupon and snap them up while you still can!

Thanks My DFW Mommy!

FREE Redbox movie rental!

You can get a FREE night with a redbox movie by using the code DVDNIGHT

This code can only be used once per credit card, so if you want a second movie, you'll have to put it on a different card.  Charges start after second day.

Just a few FREE items this week!

CVS:

Gillette Venus Razor, 1 ct $6.79
Buy 1, Recieve $3 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $4/1 Gillette Venus Razor
OR $3/1 Gillette Venus Refillable Razor (RP 4/7)
OR $3/1 Venus REfillable Razor (PG 5/12)
Final Price FREE

Two Sally Hensen Insta-Dri Nail Color $5.29 each
Spend $10, Get $5 ECBs
Use (2) $4/1 Sally Hensen Nail Color
Pay $2.58, get $5 ECBs
Final Price FREE with overage!


Walgreens

Brut Deoderant $1.50 sale
Use $1/1 Sure Product (SS 5/12)
Buy 1, Get 500 ($.50)
Final Price: $.50, but get 500 Rewards Points

Walmart

Beech-Nut Fruities $.98
$1/1 Beech Nut Product
Final Price FREE + .02 Money Maker!

Free Bloomin' Onion at Outback!

Looks like Ryan Newman finished in the top 10 last night! So, all day today we get a FREE Bloomin' Onion with any purchase. 

(Pssssst, just a drink counts as a purchase!)

Sunday Coupon Preview 5/12/13 (3 Inserts This Week!)

Remember, coupons may very by region. 

P&G Insert Coupons

Bounty $.25/1 towels or napkins
Cascade $.50/1 ActionPacs
Charmin $.25/1 product
Clairol/Herbal Essences $2/1 color product
Covergirl $1/1 product excludes accessories
Covergirl $2/1 Outlast lipcolor, Outlast smoothwear or Outlast double lipshine
Covergirl $3/2 products excludes accessories
Duracell $.50/1 CopperTop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo Lithium or specialty batteries
Duracell $1/1 rechargeable batteries, charge or 6pk+ hearing aid batteries
Febreze $.75/1 car vent clip
Febreze $.75/1 Set & Refresh or Stick & Refresh
Febreze with Gain $1/1 product
Gain $.25/1 dishwashing liquid
Gain/Era $.1/2 Gain detergent or fabric enhancer or Era detergent 25oz+
Gain/Era $.40/1 Gain detergent or fabric enhancer or Era detergent 25oz+
Gillette $2/1 disposable
Gillette $2/1 Fusion shave prep ProSeries skin care
Gillette $3/1 Fusion ProGlide razor or styler
Gillette Buy Mach3 cartridge, get $5 off razor
Head & Shoulders $1/2 products excludes 1.7oz
Herbal Essences/Aussie $1/2 products
Honeywell with Febreze freshness $5/1 Cool & Refresh fan (6/23)
Iams $1/1 dog biscuit or treat
Iams $1/1 dry dog or cat food
Iams $1/3 canned dog or cat food
Mr. Clean with Gain $.50/1 liquid or spray
Olay $1.50/1 Fresh Effects facial moisturizer or facial cleanser
Olay $2/2 bars or body washes excludes Simply and 1 bar
Olay Buy Regenerist facial moisturizer, get $2 off bath bar, body wash or in shower body lotion
Pantene $1/2 products
Prilosec OTC $2/1 Wildberry
Puffs $.25/3 singles or 1 3pk+
Secret $1/1 Clinical or Scent Expression or Outlast twin pack excludes .5oz
Swiffer $75/1 refill or Dust & Shine
Venus $3/1 refillable razor
Vidal Sassoon $4 off 1 color and 1 shampoo, conditioner or styler
ZzzQuil $1/1 product

5-12 RedPlum Coupon Preview

Alka-Seltzer $2/1 Plus product (7/31)
Balance Bar $1.50/1 multi-pack (6/22)
Balance Bar $1/2 singles (6/22)
Canine Carry Outs $1/4 dog snack bags (7/15)
Dial $1/2 kids body wash 12oz+ (6/8)
Dial/Tone $2/2 Dial, Dial for men or Tone body wash 6oz+ (6/8)
DiGiorno $1/1 small pizza 9.5-10.1oz (6/30)
Downy $1/1 liquid fabric softener (6/30) ETS TARGET Coupon
Downy $1/1 Unstoppables in-wash scent booster (6/30) ETS TARGET Coupon
Downy/Bounce $1/1 70ct+ Bounce or 90ct+ Downy (6/30) TARGET Coupon
Garnier $2/1 Olia Oil powered haircolor (7/6)
Garnier $2/1 skincare product (7/6)
Garnier Nutrisse $2/1 haircolor (7/6)
Hillshire Farm $.75/2 smoked sausage products (6/23) DND
Hillshire Farm $1/1 smoked sausage links (6/23) DND
Land O’Frost $1/1 Premium Minis package (6/12)
L’Oreal $1/1 EverCurl, EverCreme, EverSleek, EverPure or EverStrong shampoo or conditioner(7/6)
L’Oreal $1/1 EverCurl, EverCreme, EverSleek, EverPure or EverStrong treatment (7/6)
L’Oreal $1/1 EverStyle product (7/6)
L’Oreal $1/1 Studio Line styling product (7/6)
Luigi’s $.50/1 real Italian ice product (6/14)
Maybelline New York $1/1 Color Show Nail Lacquer (7/12)
Meow Mix $.75/1 dry cat food 3lbs+ (7/7)
Meow Mix $1/6 single cat food cups or 1 cat food variety pack (7/7)
Milk-Bone $1/2 dog snacks (7/15)
Pampers $1 off 13ct+ diapers and 60ct+ wipes (6/11) TARGET Coupon
Prosacea $1/1 gel (7/31)
Psoriasin/Eczemin $1/1 (7/31)
Snausages $1/2 dog snacks (7/15)
Splenda $2/1 Nectresse natural no calorie sweetener (8/12) DND
Superpretzel $.50/1 soft pretzel product (6/14)
Tide $1/1 21oz boost (6/30) TARGET Coupon
Tide $1/1 boost duo pacs (6/30) TARGET Coupon
Tide $1/1 laundry detergent excludes pods and trial (6/30) TARGET Coupon
Tide $1/1 to go stain eraser pad or instant stain-remover pen (6/30) TARGET Coupon
Tide $1/1 washing machine cleaner (6/30) TARGET Coupon
Tradewinds $1/1 slow-brewed tea 1 gallon bottle (6/23)

5-12 Smartsource Coupon Preview

Alive! $2/1 multivitamin product (8/31)
Aveeno $2/1 sun care product (7/12) ETS

Bausch+Lomb $3/1 Ocuvite product (7/31)
Brut $1/1 fragrance 3.5oz+ or antiperspirant 2oz+ excludes razors, shave foam, trial size and Brut Revolution products (6/12)
Classico $1/3 pasta sauce (6/30)
Colgate $.50/1 toothpaste 4oz+ (5/25)
Colgate $2/1 powered toothbrush (6/1)
Enzymatic Therapy $2/1 Probiotic Pearls product (8/31)
Frank’s $.75/1 Redhot sauce (8/15)
Frank’s $.75/1 Redhot sweet chili or ketchup style hot sauce (8/15)
French’s $.40/1 spicy brown mustard or horseradish mustard (7/15)
French’s $.50/1 cheddar French fried onions (8/15)
French’s $.50/1 classic yellow mustard (7/15)
French’s $.50/1 French fried onions (8/15)
Garland Jack’s $1/2 secret six barbecue sauce (7/7)
Golden Grain $.55/1 100% whole grain product (6/29)
Golden Grain $.55/1 Hidden Veggie product (6/29)
Golden Grain $1/2 pasta products (6/8)
Hartz $2/1 dog pads (6/30)
Hartz $2/1 Triple Action Flea & Tick Drops for dogs and puppies or Topical Flea & Tick Prevention for dogs and puppies (6/30)
Hershey’s $1/2 syrups 17oz+ or Hershey’s, York, Reese’s or Heath toppings 4oz+ (6/29)
Huggies $.50/1 baby wipes 40ct+ (6/8)
Jergens $1/1 Natural Glow moisturizer excluding 2floz body moisturizer (6/9)
Jergens $3/both 1 Natural Glow body moisturizer and 1 Natural Glow face daily moisturizer sunscreen excluding 2floz body moisturizer (6/9)
Johnsonville $1/1 chicken sausage (6/30)
Kikkoman $.55/1 product (10/1) DND
Kikkoman $2/3 products (5/31) DND
Kraft/Hershey’s $1 off 1 Honey Maid Grahams 14oz+, 1 Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows 8oz+ and 1 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate 6pk (6/23)
LA Looks $.75/1 20 or 26oz product (6/30)
New York $.50/1 frozen product (7/12)
Purina $1/1 Busy chew treat (8/12)
Purina Buy 1 Beggin’, get 1 6oz package free up to $3.75 (6/19)
Revlon $1/1 colorsilk or luminista (6/16)
Revlon $2/1 foundaton, bb cream, powder, concealer, primer, blushes or bronzers (6/23)
Revlon $2/1 luxurious colorsilk buttercream (6/16)
Rhodes $1/2 bread or rolls (6/30)
Ritz $1/2 toasted chips 8.1oz+ (6/21)
Schick $2/1 Hydro Silk razor or refill (6/23)
Schick $2/1 Intuition razor or refill (6/22)
Schick $2/1 Quattro for Women razor, bikini trimmer or refill (6/22)
Schick $4/1 Hydro Silk disposable pack (6/23)
Schick $4/1 Hydro Silk refill (6/23)
Scotch $1/1 regular or Brite lint roller (6/30) ETS
Scotch-Brite $1/1 printed lint roller (6/30) ETS
Scott $.75/6+ towel rolls (6/23)
Scott $.75/8+ bath tissue rolls (6/23)
Smart Balance $.50/1 spreadable butters or blended butter sticks (6/26)
Smart Balance $1/2 buttery spreads (6/26)
Starbucks $1/1 VIA Ready Brew 5ct+ (6/30)
Starbucks $2/2 coffee bags 11oz+ (7/12)
Starbucks $3/2 VIA Ready Brew 5ct+ (6/30)
Sunsweet $1/1 juice (7/31) DND
Sure $1/1 2.6oz+, not valid on 1.4/1.6/1.7oz or trial size (6/12) ETS
Twizzlers $1/3 bags 11oz+ (7/7)
Yardley $1/4 bar soaps, 4 single packs, 2 double packs or 1 4pk or 1 shower gel or body wash 16oz (7/7)
Yopa! $1.50/1 yogurt multipack (7/31)
Yopa! B1G1 free 5.3oz cup (7/31)
Zevia $1.50/1 6pk (7/15)
ZonePerfect $1/1 multipack (6/16)

Thanks SundayCouponPreview

Frugal Friday! Budgeting for Beginners

I’m not a financial planner. I don’t have a finance or accounting background. But I do have some basic bookkeeping knowledge. I know that before you can create a budget, you have to know where your money is going. I've created a very basic balance sheet. What money is coming in, and what money is going out.

Take a sheet of paper. Or open a spread sheet.

Have a column for item name, a column for income, and a column for your expenses.

List all of your incomes first, then total

Next list your expenses, then total.

Here is an example of how a simple finance sheet should look.

INCOME
Take home pay
child support
SSI or other income
EXPENSES
House payment or rent
renters insurance
utilities - electric
utilities - water
utilities - gas
telephone
internet
TV
Rent to own payments
car payment
car insurance
car - gas expense
car - maintenance
credit cards
student loans
groceries
savings
prescriptions
entertainment
eating out

Income should be larger than expenses. But how often do we look at our expenses and realize that we are spending more than our income?  This is why it is so important to keep track of the money coming in and out of our homes.  

Once you have determined where your money is going, it’s easier to see where changes can be made. Am I eating out too much? Can I reduce electric bill?  Should I look into less expensive entertainment options? One you have all of your expenses laid out in front of you, it's easier to figure out where you need to cut back.

Next time, we’ll look at some ideas on how to make some simple changes in your electric bill.