Frugal Friday: Homework Help, When Parents CAN'T Help

So, it’s the end of September. School has been in full swing for over a month. By now, you've seen those progress reports. You've started getting the questions from your kids. Those questions that make you feel like you are the dumbest adult on the face of the earth. I mean seriously, how do I not understand my kid’s math? Never fear. There are free online options to help you.

Khan Academy is my favorite. The founder of Khan Academy started this as a helpful uncle trying to help his nieces in another state. He recorded tutorials to help the girls. Others began to find them and use them, and the rest is history. I've used it for my family. It has really helped to make sense of high school math and science. I searched for other free tutorial sites. I have to say, they are not easy to find. I found Learn To Be, which allows you to request an online tutor. This could be good if you just need explanation and might need to ask follow up questions.

I was disappointed to see so many only offer “free trials.” I wanted to be able to give you a list of free homework helper sites. Once you have a subject you are struggling to find the correct answer, you will have better luck getting a site that can help you.

You will love Khan Academy. It’s free, no strings, no gimmicks. My kids school has issued iPads and several of the teachers are using Khan Academy in the classroom. Khan offers special sections for teachers to use. It’s all about being frugal. You shouldn’t have to pay for tutorials when there is at least one exceptional tutorial site available. Check it out, let me know what you think!

Frugal Friday: Rock Bottom Prices Part 2

Last week, we talked about rock bottom prices on our most common food products. This week, we’re going to talk about some non-food items! The great thing about some of these products is one item could last your family for weeks, so it’s not as much of a necessity to stock up before another sale comes along. This makes getting bottom dollar for every day products that much easier!

Here are some examples of good sales on personal items:

• Shampoo/Conditioner: Under $1 for lower quality brands (VO5 or Suave) and $2-$2.50 for higher quality brands (Herbal Essence or Aussie)
• Body Wash: $3
• Bar Soap: $1 for 3 pack
• Deodorant: $2
• Toothpaste: $1
• Toothbrush: $1 for single pack, $2 for multipacks
• Floss: $1
• Mouthwash: $1.50-$2
• Toilet Paper: $.20 per roll
• Paper Towels: $.25 per roll
• Razors $5 for handles
• Shaving Cream: $1
• Shaving Gel: $1.50 

Most of your makeup is going to vary by brand, so I try to make sure it’s at least 50% off and I have a coupon before I buy something. This strategy also goes for specially soaps and beauty serums (think face cleanser, hair masks or moose). It needs to be at least 50% off of its regular price.

Prices are always subject to change, but this list is a good starting point. Of course, coupons always make that price a little better!

Frugal Friday: What's Our Rock Bottom Price

In a recent post (read here), I explained how you need to start pricing the items you would be on a regular basis. I always say that a sale isn't always the best price. Cereal is always on sale, but that doesn't make it worth the price. So I've compiled a list of what I consider the maximum price I would pay for items.

GROCERY ITEMS

• Beef: Hamburger meat - $3 or less, other beef or steak $5 or less (I don’t buy a lot)
• Beverage: soda $1 – 2 ltr, case $5, fruit juice $2, coffee $6 (but that’s because I am brand specific) tea 24 count tea bags $1
• Breakfast: hot cereal $1, cold cereal $2, breakfast bars $2
• Butter 1 lb. $3
• Canned foods $1
• Chicken: Never pay more than $2 a pound. And often, you can find it under a $1. 
• Dairy: Eggs $1, milk $2 (both can be purchased at Aldi at this price or less) cheese $3
• Deli: lunch meat $3, bacon $4, sausage $3, hot dogs $1
• Dry pasta $1
• Frozen dinners (single serve) $2 for larger size $1 for smaller size
• Frozen pizza $4
• Frozen veggies $1
• Jarred pasta sauce $1.50
• Produce: In general I prefer to stay under $1.50 per pound. By buying the fresh produce that is on sale, you can generally keep it under this price. 
• Rice $1 per pound

• Seafood: Shrimp - $6 or less, Tilapia (frozen) $3 or less. I don’t buy a lot of other seafood products. But I've seen lobster tails for $6. 

This list isn't perfect. And you will find prices change all the time. But hopefully as you start your frugal living journey, this list will help guide to towards saving.