And the winner is...Albertsons! This week, Albertsons was doubling, tripling, quadrupling coupons up to $1.00 which made for some pretty great deals. Basically, all of your coupons under $1.00 were worth $1.00/off.

Here is what I found:

2 bottles of Frenchs Mustard- on sale for $1.00, used 2 coupons=FREE
1 bottle Frenchs Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce- on sale for $1.00, used a coupon=FREE
1 box Wheat Thins-on sale for $1.47, used $1.00/1 coupon from Facebook= $0.47
2 pkgs. Cool Whip- on sale for $1.00 each, used coupon that was $0.20/2=$1.00 for both
Ball Park Hot Dogs-on sale for $2.99, store coupon for buy 1, get 2 free, used 2 coupons=$1.00 for all 3
4 pkgs. Dentyne Pure Gum- on sale for $1.00, used 2 coupons that were $1.00/1, found another coupon in the store that was buy 1 get 1 free=$0.25/pkg.
2 pkgs. Rayovac batteries-on sale for $1.00/pkg, used 2 coupons that were $1.00/1=FREE
2 cans of Van de Camps pork and beans-on sale for $0.50/can, no coupons, but I needed them

Total Spent: $5.69
Total Saved: $33.16!!!!

Back around Easter, I bought 7 cartons of eggs because they were marked down 50%. I knew that I couldn't use all of the eggs right away, so I cracked them into an ice cube tray and froze them. How did it work? Well, next time I will poke the yolk of the egg before freezing. If you don't, I have found that the yolk stays frozen long after the egg white thaws. Also, the egg tastes the same once you scramble it, but the egg doesn't stay together as well. There are lots of little scrambled egg bits instead of the pretty mound of scrambled eggs when you use the fresh ones. Overall, I would try freezing the eggs again. I have not tried baking with them yet, but when I try it, I will let you know.

For those of you who do not know, I am a Creative Memories consultant. I became a consultant at the beginning of February because I fell in love with digital scrapbooking. You know me-I am always trying to get the biggest bang for my buck, so I thought "why not fund my hobby by sharing my love for preserving memories?"

Here is why I LOVE digital scrapbooking with Storybook Creator Plus 3.0:
1) You do NOT have to be crafty/creative to make beautiful albums
2) You do NOT have to cut straight, measure, or worry about mistakes. The UNDO button is my best friend!
3) There is no mess to clean up. This is especially important when you have a limited work space and little children who love to "help"
4) You do not have to be connected to the internet to work on your scrapbook
5) Digital paper and stickers are reusable-BIG money savings right here
6) If you have ugly handwriting-no problem. The software will recognize any fonts that you have downloaded on your computer. (BTW, I know a great site for free fonts- http://www.dafont.com/)
7) FREE digital goodies on the Creative Memories website EVERY DAY!
8) Freedom to customize your scrapbook in anyway you like. All page elements can be edited.
9) It saves time. I can make a page in 5-10 minutes.
10) You can order multiple copies of your albums. This is especially great when you make family albums and want each of your children to have a copy.
11)  The software allows you to edit your photos and add special effects, such as black and white or sepia tones, lighting, softening the edges, etc.
12) I use the software to make cards, invitations, posters, VT handouts, candy bar wrappers, etc. It is SO much easier to work with than Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher.

If you have wanted to get your pictures off of your hard drive and into your life, there isn't a better time to start than right now. For 2 weeks only, Creative Memories is offering their Storybook Creator Plus 3.0 software for 40% off. You can view the products offered on my website http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/awinterton. Hurry-you don't want to miss out on this great deal!

Hi,

I want you to take a look at : Vocalpoint - Are Coupons Worth It?

On Saturday, we attended one of my little girls' friend's birthday party. It was a pool party, and one of the moms there told me about reusable swim diapers. I am definitely not into  reusable diapers for every day use because I am just not that interested in touching more poop than I have too! However, the idea of a reusable swim diaper is pretty cool. I think I could handle washing a swim diaper every now and then.

You will spend about as much on one reusable swim diaper as you would on a package of Little Swimmers, but if you go swimming a lot, this could save you money in the long run, especially if you are planning on having more children. Have any of you tried reusable swim diapers? Which brands do you like/dislike?

I decided to start keeping track of all of the free things I get each month. It was astounding to me! These items were not part of a buy 1 get 1 free sale. In other words, they were totally and 100% free!!!! Here is what I got during the month of May. The items total retail value is $77.81. The total does not include the free samples I got in the mail of Pantene shampoo and conditioner and Wheat Thins.

5/1/2010	Mission Tortillas	1.79
5/1/2010	Mission Tortillas	1.79
5/7/2010	BC Pasta Salad	3.19
5/7/2010	BC Pasta Salad	3.19
5/7/2010	BC Pasta Salad	3.19
5/7/2010	Puffs Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Puffs Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Puffs Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Puffs Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Puffs Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Puffs Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Marcal Bath Tissue	1.69
5/7/2010	Yoplait Greek Yogurt	1.19
5/7/2010	Yoplait Greek Yogurt	1.19
5/7/2010	Yoplait Greek Yogurt	1.19
5/7/2010	Yoplait Greek Yogurt	1.19
5/7/2010	Green Giant Steamer Veggies	2.39
5/7/2010	Green Giant Steamer Veggies	2.39
5/7/2010	Hershey Bliss Bar	0.8
5/7/2010	Einstein Bros. Bagel	0.99
5/10/2010	Tabasco Sauce	2.49
5/11/2010	Oikos Greek Yogurt	1.99
5/11/2010	Nabisco 100 calorie snack packs	3.59
5/11/2010	Nabisco 100 calorie snack packs	3.59
5/11/2010	Nabisco 100 calorie snack packs	3.59
5/11/2010	Nabisco 100 calorie snack packs	3.59
5/11/2010	Reese Dark Chocolate	0.99
5/11/2010	Hershey's choc bar	0.99
5/11/2010	Hershey's choc bar	0.99
5/11/2010	Caramello	1.98
5/15/2010	Kraft Olive Oil Mayo	2.29
5/19/2010		0.5
5/21/2010	Einstein Bros. Bagel	0.99
5/25/2010	Kraft Dressing	2.59
5/25/2010	Kraft Dressing	2.59
5/25/2010	Kraft Dressing	2.59
5/27/2010	Marcal Bath Tissue	1.69
5/27/2010	Corn Nuts Chips	1.49
5/27/2010	Corn Nuts Chips	1.49
5/27/2010	Corn Nuts Chips	1.49

Tis the season for graduations, weddings, and family reunions. If you don't shop around, costs can easily get out of control. If you have any tips for saving money on big get togethers, I would love to hear them. Yesterday, I had to buy some balloons for a friend's graduation party. I learned that there is a big price discrepancy between various stores. If you only need mylar balloons, dollar stores are your best bet, but they do not carry latex balloons. I found that for latex balloons, supermarkets were more expensive than party stores. I was not expecting that! A friend also suggested that you might be able to save money if you buy a package of balloons, and then fill them with helium. As with everything else, it pays to make a few phone calls to find the best price on balloons.

Despite the chilly weather and even a few snowflakes, Jay and I have already used our grill a few times. Officially, Memorial Day kicks off the grilling season. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your summer barbecues!

1. Watch for sales on meat, hot dogs, buns, chips, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce. Stock up on the condiments now. In December, when there are no good deals on ketchup, you will be glad you did! Also you can freeze meat, hotdogs, and even buns. Buns do not last more than a couple of months, though, so don't go crazy.

2. Make your own hamburger patties. I was going to include a how-to with this post, but it was getting too lengthy. Check back in a few days for a detailed post, complete with pictures!

3. If you are looking to purchase a grill, now is the time to do it.Grills are typically on sale now and at the end of grilling season, but who wants to miss out on this season?

4. Need more propane? Take a few minutes to call harware/home improvement stores, and rental truck places and compare prices. It could save you as much as $15! Always consider refilling your tank instead of exchanging it. We got ours filled for just $15 at a rental truck place.

5. Clean your grill after each use. It will last you a lot longer!

Toilet Paper is one of those necessities, that I do not intend to live without. However, it can be pricey, especially if you want more cush for your tush! I had a very frustrating experience buying toilet paper a few weeks ago. I saw that Walgreens had the 12-roll Cottonelle packages on sale for $5. An in-store coupon brought the price down to $4, and I added a $0.50/1 manufacturer's coupon to bring the price down to $3.50/pkg. Normally, this brand of toilet paper does not go on sale for lower than $4.99. I was excited at the killer deal I found....UNTIL I discovered that at Walgreens, the 12-roll Cottonelle packages only have 200 sq. ft. whereas at other grocery stores, the packages contain over 360 sq. ft. That is a huge difference! The subtle difference in wording on the two packages is very misleading!

Here's the bottom line for  your bottom: when buying toilet paper, look at the cost per sq. ft., not just the cost per roll! Some people argue that they buy more expensive toilet paper because they will use less of it. Maybe that is true for you, but I have found that I use about the same weight per wipe with any kind of toilet paper, so you might be using more of the cheap stuff to make up for the lack of softness and plush in a more expensive TP. So, if you are going to use a cheaper toilet paper, make sure that the cost per sq. ft. is significantly lower than the cost per sq. ft. of a higher quality brand. If you are brand loyal, watch for that brand to go on sale, save  your coupons, and stock up. If you are not brand loyal, and don't care about softness, a good everyday bargain on toilet paper can be found at the warehouse clubs like Sams or Costco.

Hello faithful readers,

I am sorry for the long hiatus. I have decided that posting to the blog everyday is not realistic, but I can manage posting a couple of times a week. For those of you who have left comments on the blog, sent me emails, or told me in person how much reading my blog has helped you, thank you for sharing. My mission in writing this blog was to inspire you to save money so that you can live happier, healthier lives. Please continue to share your thoughts and successes!

Have a bad case of the Mondays? Why not rent a DVD to get your mind off of work? Use the code RBXLUV4U at checkout for a free rental tonight only!

March is National Frozen Food month, so watch for great deals all month long. What are your favorite frozen food items? We love frozen pizza, Hot Pockets, burritos, waffles, and vegetables. While already prepared meals may be convenient, remember that they are not as healthy as food you would make from scratch. As long as you don't eat them every day, don't feel guilty about using them for a quick meal when you are on the go. Let me know what deals you find this month.

1. If you haven't filled up your freezer with all of those amazing sale items you find, you might want to find a way to fill up that empty space. Freezers are most efficient when they are full. One way to do this is to fill up plastic jugs with water. This way, you save money on your electricity bill and have a storage of fresh water in case of an emergency.
2. Zip-top bags  make the best freezer containers because they waste less space than plastic storage containers. Be sure to buy bags that are specifically for freezer storage. You might be tempted to save money and buy regular zip-top bags, but you will regret it when your food quickly gets freezer burned.
3. If you buy meat in bulk packages, divide it into meal sized portions before freezing. This way you don't have to use the whole package when you defrost the meat. I also like to flatten and or slice the meat before I freeze it. If you like the convenience of individually frozen chicken breasts, wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag.
4. Properly wrap foods! I can't stress this enough. All of your freezing success will depend on how well you remove excess moisture and air.

From The Complete Cheapskate by Mary Hunt, pg. 116

Mr. Free Stuff is an awesome website that I just found out about. It lists lots of free stuff samples and offers that you can sign up to receive. I especially like to sign up for free diaper and food samples. Often, samples will come with a coupon as well. Be careful about entering your personal information for any offer. Never give out your credit card/bank information. Also, use a different phone number or birthday if possible.

By now you know that you can use your freezer to store produce, bread, and some dairy items, but did you know that you can preserve the freshness of much more? Check this list out!

Brown and powdered sugar-Prevents lumps
Coffee-Maintains freshness
Nuts-Prevents them from turning rancid longer than if you keep them in your pantry
Popcorn kernels-Freezing keeps kernels fresh and encourages every kernel to pop
Marshmallows, potato chips, pretzels, and crackers-Store in original, unopened containers

You may be thinking, "I don't have that much freezer space to begin with-how am I supposed to fit my brown sugar in there too?" If you do not have enough room in your freezer and you have enough room in your budget, you might want to consider purchasing an extra freezer. My parents bought a small one for me when I was in college. It wasn't too expensive, and it has more than doubled my freezer space. You really do save money when you can stock up on sale items, but only if you can keep those items without spoiling.

From The Complete Cheapskate by Mary Hunt, pgs. 116-17

Now through Thursday, you can get a free 8x10 print from Walgreens Photo Center. Click here to access the coupon. Walgreens has a different digital photo deal every day this week. Check it out here.

Yesterday, I made a delicious Sunday dinner for some of my extended family. Before I get to the menu, I have to share that it required no extra trips to the grocery store. I opened up my freezer and pantry and put together a fantastic spread.

The menu:
Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Red Potatoes
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Cantaloupe
Apple/Cherry pie

A meal like this could have cost a pretty penny, but because I stocked up when things were on sale, I didn't feel the pinch. I bought the pork when Albertsons had their buy 1 get 2 free deal. The red potatoes and carrots came from a Sunflower Market sale. Normally, I would have made the rolls, but I got the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls a couple of weeks ago for less than what it would cost to make them myself. The cantaloupe was on sale this week, and the pie was from the Safeway bakery and reduced to $0.99 (again, no way I could have made a pie for this)!

This just goes to show you that by shopping the sales and stockpiling food in your pantry and freezer, you can quickly put together a great meal for company without breaking your budget. Check out my recipe for the pork below.


Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 TBSP dried thyme
1/2 TBSP onion powder
1 TSP black pepper
1/2 TBSP coarse salt
4-5 lb. pork tenderloin
olive oil

1. Sprinkle the bottom of your roasting pan with olive oil before adding the pork to the pan.
2. Mix bread crumbs, garlic, and seasonings together in a small bowl.
3. Spread bread crumb mixture over the pork and pat into the meat.
4. Cover pan with foil and bake at 300 degrees Farenheit for 4 hours (or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees).
5. Let meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.
6. Enjoy! If you want to, use the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.

This article is fascinating. When you wonder if it is really worth your time to cut and sort coupons, check this math out. http://customsites.yahoo.com/financiallyfit/finance/article-108816-4123-3-how-to-save-100-in-an-hour?ywaad=ad0035. Thanks Renee!

As spring draws near, stores are gearing up for warmer weather by putting winter merchandise on sale. Winter clothing, snow shovels, ice melt, ice scrapers, boots, and even toys can be had for a steal. Did you know that February is the best time of year to buy big screen TVs (before the Super Bowl), cameras motorcycles, boats, air conditioners, tools, and recliners? If you think you might need an air conditioner this year, buy one before the warm weather drives the demand and prices up.

Have leftover baked potatoes and ham? This is a great English recipe that is traditionally eaten on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) to use up leftovers from Christmas dinner. Its name comes from the sound it makes while it cooks. My husband-who is not a big fan of ham or potatoes-loved it! It has lots of fiber and is very filling. Even if you don't care for cabbage much, give it a try. The seasonings and ham give this dish wonderful flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium head cabbage, sliced
• 3 slices bacon, diced (optional-I leave it out because I use honey glazed ham and I don't want the bacon to overpower the yummy flavor of the ham)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cubed cooked ham
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups potatoes - baked, cooled and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, cook cabbage in a small amount of water for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and set aside.
2. In a well-seasoned cast iron skillet (I actually used a big wok), cook bacon until crisp. Add onion until onion is soft (If you are omitting the bacon, add the olive oil now to the bottom of the pan to brown the onions). Add ham, and cook until heated through. Add the olive oil (if you haven't already), then mix in the cooked cabbage and potatoes. Season with paprika, garlic powder, seasoning salt, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on bottom, turn, and brown again.

These five steps are taken from the LDS visiting teaching message for February 2010. They are inspired and will lead to financial security and happiness.

1. Pay your tithing
2. Spend less than you earn
3. Learn to save
4. Honor your financial obligations
5. Teach your children to follow your example


“When we go into debt, we give away some of our precious, priceless agency and place ourselves in self-imposed servitude. We obligate our time, energy, and means to repay what we have borrowed—resources that could have been used to help ourselves, our families, and others. …To pay our debts now and to avoid future debt require us to exercise faith in the Savior—not just to do better but to be better. It takes great faith to utter those simple words, ‘We can’t afford it.’ It takes faith to trust that life will be better as we sacrifice our wants in order to meet our own and others’ needs.”

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Now is the time to stock up on Valentines Day candy. While chocolate will probably not last until next year, there are several things that you can do with it: chop it into chunks and use it in baking, melt it and drizzle over your favorite dessert, or use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate shavings and use as a garnish.

You might also find Valentines Day baking supplies on sale. Frosting, sprinkles, and non-chocolate candy will last until next year.

Dear Readers,

I apologize for the lack of posts this weekend. We drove out to Utah to visit family for the holiday. Things got crazy, but I am back now and ready to give you some great tips on saving money. The first one is: pack your own lunches when you travel. It will be a lot more healthy and save you money. We had gourmet sandwiches and wraps both going out and coming back. If we had stopped at Subway, we would have paid double or triple what it cost us to make our own.

Uddercovers.com is having a special through March 1st where you get a "gift pack" that contains one nursing cover, pair of milk bands, nursing bracelet and a set of breast pads for $5 + S&H. The set is usually $46 so a 90% discount!

Use promo "Valentine" at checkout.

Uddercovers.com LINK

This year, save money by cooking dinner for your Valentine at home. You could make heart-shaped mini meatloaves (use my recipe here), pink mashed potatoes (add a few drops of red food coloring to your favorite recipe), a tossed salad, and heart-shaped garlic bread (use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from slices of bread, spread with butter, sprinkle with garlic salt and parmesan cheese, and bake). For dessert serve heart-shaped cookies or brownies or a chocolate fondue.

Tomorrow (February 13) only, use a 15% off coupon at Walgreens to buy a pack of Huggies diapers. Huggies are on sale for $8.99/package. Use a $2.00 off printable coupon found here and a $1.00 off coupon found in the Walgreens Coloring Book. This will bring the cost down to $5.59 a package (which isn't a bad deal by itself), and then you will get $3 in Register Rewards! Total cost: $2.59!!!!!

Valentines Day is all about showing your love, but you don't have to break the bank to do it. Here are a few gift ideas that you can make for your significant other that will really show how much you care.

• Prepare a scrapbook with all the pictures of both of you right from when you first met. Decorate it with heart stickers and bind it with a red ribbon and a red rose.
• Make an 'I Love You' box to show your love to your partner. Take a shoe box; decorate it with hearts, bows and pictures of your both. Fill the box with small pink notes containing your love messages.
• If you know the fine art of embroidery, you can embroidery your names on a blanket with small hearts and stars around it symbolizing your glowing love for each other.
• List down all the reasons why you love your partner and post them on the walls of your home. You can use pink or red heart-shaped paper to make it even more romantic and appealing.
• Make a CD full of both of yours' favorite romantic songs.
• Prepare a personalized photo calendar by selecting and pasting 12 of your best and favorite photos on the calendar.
• Collect some old newspapers and magazines. Cut out words and phrases to combine into a romantic, sexy and humorous Valentine's message. Now cut out a large red heart-shaped thick paper and paste your message onto it.
• Bake Valentine's Day treats for your lover and spend the evening in those cozy arms. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, squares, muffins, candies, the list is endless.
• Get some saplings from the local nursery. Plant them in your garden in a way that it shows both your initials. With time, they will grow into lovely plants that signify your growing love for each other.
• Make love rocks and carve special messages in them. Make around 8-10 such love rocks, put them in a crystal bowl and keep it in your bedroom.
• Make a gift certificate for your honey. Gifts could include a massage, breakfast in bed, or slave for the day.

Thanks http://festivals.iloveindia.com/valentines-day/valenines-day-gifts/homemade-gifts.html

Coupons are only useful if you can find them when you need them, right? The method you use to organize them should be a help and not a nuisance. I bought a little plastic coupon organizer at Target for $1.00. I arranged my coupons in the following categories:

Spices/condiments
Baking goods
Cereal/Breakfast items
Dairy
Frozen foods
Canned goods/helpers
Household cleaners/products
Beauty Products
Snacks/Treats
Baby items
Miscellaneous

My method works fairly well, but there are times when I am at the store and see an unadvertised special and want to find a coupon quickly. While I know which category to look in, it does take a minute to thumb through every coupon in that pocket.

A dear friend of mine said that she puts her coupons into a small photo album with pockets. That way she can quickly flip through the book and find the coupons she wants. This method will be most effective if you do not have a large volume of coupons. It can be time consuming to put them in the sleeves, and you may not be able to quickly organize them into categories (unless you attached divider tabs on the sides of a few pages).

If you don't have a coupon organizer or a small photo album, you can use envelopes that are categorized; however, you run the risk of misplacing an envelop or having coupons fall out.

If you have found a great way to organize your coupons, I would love to hear about it.

I have Jay to thank for this post. He found this cool website called RepairPal. You enter the year, make and model of your car as well as your zipcode, and the website will give you a range of repair estimates from several shops in your area. That way, when you get a car repair quote, you will have an idea of how much it should cost and avoid getting ripped off. Thanks honey!

Jay and I have been having a streak of car problems over the past few months. We would love to buy a new (or at least NEWER car), but we are hesitant to lock ourselves into a monthly payment until we are absolutely sure that we can afford it. A wise friend of mine told me a trick. Each month, put the amount of money you would spend on a car payment into a separate bank account. Then, in a few years, you will have enough money to pay for the car in cash and avoid paying interest. This also decreases your risk in case you get laid off or have a large unexpected expense. Even if you don't quite save enough money to pay for the car entirely in cash (which will likely be our situation), at least you can put a substantial amount of money down which would lower your monthly payment. Thanks Becky!

If you haven't taken advantage of the Megaevent at Kroger stores, then you still have time. Tomorrow is the last day. I went on Friday and got some amazing deals. Some of the deals are better than others. When you pair the sales with coupons, you can get several free items. The prices reflect the added $0.50 off each item because I purchased 20 products. Here is what I bought:

7 cans of Hunts diced tomatoes for $0.49 each, used 2 coupons totaling $1.90=$0.22 each
4 cans of Rotel tomatoes for $0.49 each, used 2 coupons=$0.18 each
4 bottles Sobe Life Water for $0.49 each, used 2 BOGO coupons= money maker of $1.00 (the register took off $1.49 for the free bottles)
1 package of Goldfish crackers for $0.88-$1.00/off 1 coupon= money maker of $0.12
Quilted Northern Bath tissue for $5.49-$1.00 coupon=$4.49
3 bags of Green Giant Fresh Steamer frozen vegetables at $1.49 each-3 coupons for $1.00/off 1=$0.49 each
2 Colgate toothpastes for $1.67-2 coupons for $1.00/off=$0.67 each

I rounded out my shopping trip with cool whip (not really on sale, but I needed it), 4 bricks of melting chocolate which was on clearance for $0.80 each (75% off) and 2, 8 oz. cartons of sour cream which were reduced to $0.59 each.

Total Spent: $15.19
Total Saved: $46.32 (75%)

 

Beans are one of nature’s healthiest foods – they are naturally low in total fat, contain no
saturated fat or cholesterol, and provide important nutrients such as fiber, protein, calcium, iron,
folic acid and potassium. National and international expert bodies, including the National Research Council, the World Health Organization, the World Cancer Relief Fund, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have reviewed scientific evidence and concluded that
eating beans can be an important ally in maintaining health and may reduce the risk of heart
disease and certain cancers. Other studies suggest beans are useful in managing diabetes, may cut
risk for high blood pressure and may help in losing weight. The USDA recommends that adults eat more than three cups of beans each week for maximum health benefits – three times more than the current average American consumption. From http://americanbean.org/bean-facts/ 

Beans are a great and inexpensive source of protein. Our family has been eating them a lot more frequently. If you purchase dry beans, they are much cheaper than canned. I used to be intimidated at the thought of soaking beans overnight and then boiling them for hours on the stove. Then one of my friends, said, "Why don't you put them in the crock pot?" Hello! That suggestion has made all of the difference. In the morning, I put beans in the crock pot, cover them with an inch of water, and turn it on high. You can add salt or other seasonings like chili powder if you want. It is soooo easy and we get more fiber and protein in our diet for less money.

What can you do with beans? My husband and I add black beans to hamburger meat, add taco seasoning and use the mixture in tacos, burritos, or taco salads. We even like to make burritos using whole black beans, cheese, salsa verde, and avocado slices. Yum!

If you have a favorite bean recipe, please post it.

 

 

My husband and I have been watching a lot of movies on the weekends since our baby was born. It has become our in home date. We like renting from Redbox because it is so inexpensive. I have used a few codes to get free rentals, but I just learned about how to get even more free rentals. Sign up here for the weekly email from Redbox, and they will send you a free code each Monday.

You can also visit code sharing websites, such as insideredbox.com to get more codes. Each code can be used once on a credit card. So, if you have 2 credit cards, you can rent 2 movies using the same code.

Enjoy your movie night!

Last month, I was shocked to open up our electricity bill and find that it had gone up $50!!!! After I recovered from my surprise, I vowed to make some small changes to cut costs on energy.

What I did:
Unplugged my cell phone charger, toaster, and other gadgets when they weren't being used
Turned off my computer, printer, scanner, etc. over night.
Put my computer in "sleep" mode if I was done using it for the moment, but would be back within the hour
Kept the thermostat below 70 degrees
Turned off lights when not in the room
Washed most loads of laundry in cold water (I don't think it is sanitary to wash towels and underwear in cold water, but that is just me)
Opened the blinds during the day to let in natural light

The results:
My bill went down by $7.00. So, I did save money, but not as much as I had hoped. I called the power company to find out what was the biggest drain on energy: the dryer, the oven and cooktop, space heaters, electric hot water heater, basically anything that produces a substantial amount of heat. Although I didn't save as much money as I had hoped, a little is better than nothing, right?

For more energy saving ideas go here

Timing your purchases correctly can help you save cash. Here are examples of the best time to buy when your goal is saving money:

Electronics: TVs, computers and cell-phones are generally deals when new models come out. Laptop computers, in particular, tend to be cheaper in back-to-school sales, says DealNews.com. Cameras tend to be cheapest in February. TV sales are often best in December and January.

Grocery shopping Sunday through Tuesday. Store sales often start on Wednesday, but coupons to match some sales don't come out unti llthe Sunday newspaper. Stacking coupons with sales leads to the best deals.

Vehicles: Buy cars in the fall, after new models come out. You can save 10-20% on the previous year's model. But the longer you wait, the few choices you will have in colors and options. Visit the dealership at the end of the month when salespeople musst make quotas. Buy boats and RVs off-season, in winterton

Wedding: You might dream of a June wedding, but a winter one might mean more cash for the honeymoon.

From Gregory Karp, The Morning Call (Allentown, PA)

 

Have you ever heard of Family Fun Magazine? It is full of cute crafts, recipes, and activities for young families. My mom subscribed to it and has been sending them to me when she is done reading them. Right now, you can get a full year's subscription (10 issues) for only $3.99! Lucy and I are going to be making some of the Valentines Day crafts from the February issue. If you are interested in subscribing, go to BestDealMagazines.com You can also purchase other magazines from this site at a discount. At checkout, type in the code PINCHPENNIES15 to save an additional 15% off of the consumer price.


Cover Price: $29.90
Publisher's Price: $9.95
Consumer Pays: $4.69
After code: $3.99/year
60% Savings Off Publisher's Price

Do you have items that you don't want to hang onto, but you don't want to throw away? Do you need something, but don't have the money to purchase it, try Freecycle. Freecycle's mission "is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community." Basically, the website allows people to post items that they are giving away or that they are looking for. No money is exchanged.

I have used freecycle myself a few times. Recently, a lady was giving away a really nice wrapping paper container, and she gave it to me. You need a Yahoo account to use Freecycle, but they are free and easy to sign up for. Go here to learn more about the Freecycle group nearest you.

This week, Kroger stores are having a megaevent.If you buy 10 participating items, you get $5 off your order. This is like taking $0.50 off of each item. Some of the deals are better than others. When you pair the sales with coupons, you can get several free items. I went to King Soopers yesterday, and here are the 10 items I purchased (the prices reflect the added $0.50 off each item because I purchased 10 products):

2 Oscar Meyer Deli Shaved lunch meats-$2.49-$1.00/2 insert coupon=$1.99 each
2 cans Hormel chili-$0.79-$0.55/2 insert coupon-doubled to $1.00=$0.29 each
1 jar Hormel white chicken chili=$0.79-$1.00/1 coupon= money maker of $0.21
2 bags Green Giant Vegetable Steamers=$1.49 each-2 coupons for $0.50/1, doubled=$0.49 each
1 Digiorno Ultimate Toppings pizza=$4.49-$1.50/1 insert coupon=$3.49
1 can Rotel tomatoes=$0.49-$0.25/Blinkie coupon=$0.24
1 bag Snyder pretzel pieces=$1.99-$1.00/1 coupon=$0.99

I rounded out my shopping purchase with 4 packages of Mentos gum (I had 4 coupons for $0.55/1, doubled=$0.29 each), Activia yogurt-$1.88-$1.00/1 coupon, 2 packages of Dole salad blends, which were reduced to $0.99 each (I had a $1.00/2 coupon, bringing the price down to $0.49 each), 1 package of Kroger Fresh Selection salad $1.99-$1.00/1 coupon, and some day old bread.

Total Spent: $18.12
Total Saved $31.14 (63%)

The Kroger MegaSavings Event will also be going on this week, so there is still time to get in on the deals. If you would like links to printable coupons that apply to the sale, visit the SpringsBargains website.

Pampers is giving away a free sample of their Cruisers diapers. You may not like to sign up for free samples, but there is added incentive to get this one-the chance to win FREE DIAPERS FOR A YEAR! If your sample is printed with the Team USA logo, you win.

If you weren't able to take advantage of the Target diaper deal this week, there is another bargain on diapers from Diapers.com. Here is how it works:

1. Set up an account at Ebates.com. Ebates.com lets you earn cash back on your online purchases from select retailers, including Diapers.com (I have already emailed a few of you an invitation for Ebates. When you sign up, you will get an additional $5 back because I referred you. If you didn't get an email and would like an invite, please leave a comment).

2. Once you have created an Ebates account, access the Diapers.com website through Ebates (click on the Baby & Kids tab on the left sidebar and select Diapers.com)

3. Create a Diapers.com account. Purchase any combination of Luvs diapers to total at least $49. I purchased an Extra large case of size 4 diapers ($35.99) and a Big pack of size 4 diapers ($19.99). Use the coupon code DEALMOM for a $10 credit. At checkout, you will also receive FREE shipping because your order was over $49.

4. Finally, print and submit this mail-in rebate and submit within four weeks to receive $14.97 back.

After the coupon code, free shipping, and rebate, the diapers are $0.11 each. Once you factor in the Ebates cash back, the price drops to $0.09 each!!!!

Thanks DealSeekingMom!

As the Superbowl approaches, watch for snack and frozen food items to go on sale. Here are a few things that you can probably find a great deal on. I listed the prices that you should aim for on each item.

soda ($2.50 or less for a 12 pk- $0.79 for a 2-liter)
cheese ($2.00 lb or less for cheddar)
crackers ($1.50 or less per box)
potato chips ($2.00 or less per bag)
tortilla chips ($1.50 or less per bag
canned beans ($0.79 or less per can)
frozen pizza (depends on brand, but don't pay over $4.50)
ice cream ($1.99)
chili ($0.79)
hotdogs ($1.00/pkg-depending on brand)

Are you a scrapper? If so, you might want to check out the selection at Big Lots. A good friend of mine went to Big Lots and found some good deals on basic scrapbooking supplies. Selection will probably vary by location.

This week, Target is having a special on Pampers and Huggies diapers. Buy 3 jumbo packs for $8.99 each and get a $5 gift card. Use a combination of Target diaper coupons and manufacturers coupons, and this is one sweet deal. You can mix and match Huggies and Pampers to total 3 packages.

Here is how I worked the deal:

Trip #1
Bought 1 Pampers Cruisers-used 1 Target insert coupon for $2.00 off 1 pkg. of Pampers Cruisers and 1 $2.00 manufacturer's coupon
Bought 2 Huggies Little Movies-used 2 manufacturer's coupons for $2.00 off each

Total with tax came to $20.45, but I got the $5 gift card.

Trip #2
Bought 1 Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive-used 1 Target insert coupon for $2.00 off 1 pkg. of Pampers Swaddlers and 1 $2.00 manufacturer's coupon
Bought 2 Huggies Little Movies-used 2 manufacturer's coupons for $2.00 off each
Total $20.45-$5 gift card from Trip #1-paid just $15.45, and I got another $5 gift card!!! I paid around $0.15/diaper.

You can print Huggies coupons out from Coupons.com. I like buying Huggies because I can submit codes from the packages on the Huggies Enjoy the Ride website and earn free stuff (if anyone doesn't plan on using their codes, please send them my way-thanks!).

Also, I will submit my receipts to the Caregivers Marketplace for an additional $0.75/off each package of Huggies diapers!!!!! What a steal!

We recently celebrated my daughter's first birthday. Like almost all children, she loves Elmo. To make it special but still affordable, I did most of my shopping at the dollar store. I found Sesame Street plates, cups, and napkins, and a red table cloth, and a musical candle. For favors, I stuffed treat bags (you can get 25 for $1 at the dollar store) with Sesame Street board books (2/$1), stickers (100/$1-I just threw a handful of stickers from the package in), bubbles (3/$1), a mini box of raisins (18 boxes for $1.38 at Target), and a jello cup (4/$1 at Walmart), and a Sesame Street activity pad ($0.49 each at Party City). Could I have done better-sure, but I started shopping just a week before her birthday. For 6 children, the favors cost me under $12.

For my daughter’s cake, I used the cake mixes and frosting that I got on sale at Albertsons at the end of November for about $0.47 each. I used a cake pan that belongs to my sister-in-law and decorated the cake myself. You can't get a cake like this from a store without paying an arm and a leg. I served the cake with ice cream that I also got on sale at Albertsons.

As for decorations, I blew up balloons (25/$1 at the dollar store) and drew the faces of Sesame Street characters on them with a permanent marker.

The party was a smashing success, which goes to show that you don't have to spend a lot of money to create a great party.

For all of you Veggie Tale fans out there, take advantage of a free DVD when you sign up for their newsletter. You only pay $2.99 for shipping. This would make a great gift.  Go here to get your DVD.

I just had to share this passage from Peggy Layton's book, "Food Storage 101."

"There are many reasons for stockpiling a one-year supply of food. the value of food commodities generally increases at the same rate as inflation. Money in the bank doesn't do that. Investing in five hundred cans of tuna fish in your basement is a better bet than putting $350.00 in the bank.


The most important reason to store food is that it comes in handy in a crisis of any kind. Whether it be a large emergency such as an earthquake, flood, volcano eruption, war, strike, economic crash, or as personal as being laid off work, moving, helping other family members that are down and out or when cash is short. It is comforting to know that you can use your home grocery store to help buffer lean money times. If you had to live on what you had in your basement for an extended period of time, you would wish you had a well-rounded supply of food."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long counseled its members to store at least a year's worth of food. Recently, with the natural disasters in the news and the economic crisis here in the United States, the wisdom of that counsel is more readily understood. Skeptics of food storage think that it is silly to stockpile food and supplies for the "apocalypse," but I bet that they would change their tune if their stomachs were empty.

Few people in America have not been affected by the recent economic downturn. I have heard several people share their experiences of how living off of their food storage has helped them get through hard financial times. This year, as you see good sales, buy a couple of extra items. I don't recommend buying 500 cans of tuna, but if you stay within your monthly grocery budget and manage to stock a few extra items in your pantry, you will enjoy greater peace of mind.

When you see dairy items marked down at a store, do you turn them down because you are afraid of not using them by their expiration date? I'll let you in on a little secret: dairy items don't automatically expire on the date printed on their labels. Frozen butter can last up to a year (which is why I stock up during the holidays). Yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream can be good for up to a couple of weeks after their expiration date! Milk will not last as long, but you can get by with at least a few days.

If you see a deal on dairy, remember that if you freeze it right away, you can keep it for a few months. Frozen yogurt cups make a yummy treat. Milk can even be frozen. It does take up quite a bit of room in your freezer, though. Also, be cautious when freezing milk because it will expand as it freezes, which may cause the container to break. If you do freeze dairy, it can be thawed in the refrigerator or in a sink of cold water. Never leave it out on the counter to thaw as it can spoil or grow bacteria.

Warning: I often find pints, quarts, and half gallons of milk marked down, but compare their unit price to the unit price of a gallon of milk. Often, the gallons will be cheaper even if they are not marked down.

Grocery stores are purposefully set up like a maze. Merchants know that the longer you are in their store, the more likely you are to buy something you didn't intend to in the first place. When you shop, follow these simple tips and you will save time and money.

1. Don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry. This is common sense. When you are hungry, you might be less likely to resist temptation.

2. Grocery stores are usually less busy on Wednesdays than on any other night of the week. This can save you time in the checkout line.

3. Spend most of your time shopping the perimeter of the store. The essentials: bread, milk, and produce are along the walls of the store. Aisles are reserved for pricey boxed/canned goods. By avoiding the packaged things, you avoid excess fat, sugar, and salt as well as spending more money.

4. Make a list before you go and stick to it.

5. Keep your eyes open for items that are marked down for quick sale. Day old bread, dairy, frozen items, deli items, and produce can be had for a steal. Make sure you will be able to use it before it spoils or you will have wasted your money.

6. Check the expiration dates on items you purchase. If the items are nearing their expiration date, ask a manager if they will reduce the price.

7. Bring your own bags. Not only are you doing Mother Nature a favor, but some stores will give you a credit on your bill for using your own cloth bags.

I love birthdays. We have had our fair share of them recently. My mom found this website called Free Birthday Treats.com. It lists all of the free birthday goodies that businesses in your area offer. My husband's birthday is this month. Already we have enjoyed a free sandwich from the Spicy Pickle and free ice cream from Baskin Robbins and ColdStone. This weekend we plan on getting a free smoothie from Keva juice and a burger from Red Robin-Yum!

I am so excited about this new blog! The Frugal Map is a blog that was created to help you find blogs about good deals in your area. As many of you know, I am a huge fan of SpringsBargains. Without it, I would have to work so much harder at saving money. However, those of you who don't live near Colorado Springs like I do, do not have this valuable resource. Check out the Frugal Map to find a frugal blog near you. There are only 35 blogs listed on the map right now, but I am sure that that number will grow. Happy Shopping!

Besides being the healthiest food for your baby, breast milk is also the most economical. It can be difficult to maintain your privacy when you are in public and trying to nurse your baby. Udder Covers is a cute, practical solution for moms on the go. These nursing covers tie around your neck (so the baby can't pull the cover off) and completely surround you to leave you modest while you nurse. For all of you moms and moms to be, there is a great sale going on right now at Udder Covers. Type in the code thanks at checkout, and the price drops from $32.00 to $0-that's right FREE! You only have to pay shipping ($9.95). If you have ever shopped for one of these covers, you know that they can be pricey. These also make excellent baby shower gifts.

Note: I have no affiliation with Udder Covers.

For those of us who do not live in a climate where fresh fruits and vegetables grow year round, we often pay out the nose for fresh produce. I have found that by freezing produce when it goes on sale, I save on fruits and vegetables and my family can still eat healthy food all year long.

My favorite things to freeze include bell peppers, onions, celery, and fresh fruit.

Tips on freezing. For fresh fruit, I simply wash it and cut it. I think the key is to dry off the fruit to remove as much excess moisture from the washing as possible. Then, I like to put a piece of waxed paper down on a cookie sheet and freeze the pieces of fruit individually. Once the fruit is frozen, I take it off of the cookie sheet and store it in a ziplock bag. This way your fruit isn't one big ball of mush when you want to use it. Pineapple, berries, mangoes, bananas, and grapes freeze well.

I am not as picky about my vegetables, so I don't freeze them individually first. Onions, green peppers, and celery freeze beautifully. I stock up on those when they go on sale, wash them, chop them, and freeze them. Then, when I need a quick meal, I can toss in a few. I suppose carrots, green beans, broccoli and corn would freeze well since those are sold in the frozen vegetable section.


Remember to date and label everything that you freeze. Rotate through the oldest produce first to avoid freezer burn. Let me know what fruits and vegetables you like to freeze.

Part of my mission to save money is to enable me to help others in need. Certainly, the people of Haiti are in desperate need of our generosity. If you have saved any money this month by reading my blog, please donate to the relief efforts. I donated through LDS Philanthropies because 100% of the donations go to Emergency Relief. To donate go here. Thank you!

Here is my grocery deal of the week! Today I shopped at King Soopers and got some amazing deals!

Halls cough drops on sale for $1/bag. I had two $0.50 coupons, which doubled (King Soopers always doubles coupons) final price-FREE!

Starkist tuna $1 each. Two $0.50 coupons, doubled=FREE!

Old El Paso Heat and Eat sides $1.25 each. Two $0.50 coupons, doubled=$0.25 each

Mission tortillas $1.25 each. $1.00 off coupon=$0.25

Bar-S hot dogs $1.00 each. Coupon for $1.00 off 2=$0.50 each

Pillsbury crescent rolls $1.00 each. Coupon for $0.50 off 2, doubled. Cellfire ecoupon for $1.00/2=FREE!

Activia yogurt $1.88 each. Coupon for $1.00 off 1. (I thought I had two of those coupons, but I realized that I didn't after I checked out. This ended up not being a very good deal, but Activia yogurt is usually $2.49 each. I paid $1.38, so this isn't a horrible deal.

Kangaroo Pockets $0.99 each (I bought 2)

Panko bread crumbs and baking cups (neither of which was on sale, but I needed them) rounded out my shopping trip.

Total=$9.14

Savings=22.36

I saved 71% off my order!!!!

Even on a budget, I believe you should treat yourself to a meal out once in a while. Restaurants.com is the perfect way to eat out and save money. Here is how it works, Restaurants.com offers discounted gift certificates. For example, in my area, I can get a $25 gift certificate to Fusion World Cuisine, a restaurant that features Asian dishes for only $10. However, I always wait for a sale on these gift certificates because often, you can find a code that will take off 50-80% of the purchase price.

If you are dying to go out to dinner, there is a code for 80% off right now! Just enter INDULGE at checkout and hit "Apply." If I purchased the $25 gift card that I mentioned above with this promotion, I would pay $2 (80% of $10) and get a $25 gift certificate! What is the catch? Each gift certificate comes with certain restrictions, which usually include a minimum purchase. This particular gift certificate's restrictions are "Minimum purchase of $35. 18% Gratuity added prior to discount. Valid for Dinner, Dine In ONLY. Excludes: Alcohol, Holidays/Special Events, Other Offers/Promotions. Present prior to ordering."

Here is an example of how I would use the promotion.


Order 2 entrees:
Fusion Seafood and Vegetable Medley $18
Beef and Mushroom Stir-Fry $15
Order a softdrink, and you have hit $35.


Tips should be calculated before the gift certificate. If I spend exactly $35, give a 20% tip ($7.50), your bill, not including tax would be $42.50-$25 gift certificate-you pay only $17.50 (plus tax and the $2 for the gift certificate). This is about the cost of only one entree!

Last night I went to Staples and got some killer deals! Now until Saturday, January 16, Staples has several items that you can get for FREE! Let me explain. First of all, you have to be a member of Staples Rewards. This is not a credit card, only a savings card. It took me about a minute to sign up-name, address, email, phone number. There are several perks of being a member, including getting money back for some of your purchases.

This week, you can buy 1 of the following items, and Staples will reimburse you 100% of the cost (not including sales tax).

6/pk letter-size writing tablets-$7.99

6/pk Bankers Box letter/legal-size boxes-$9.99

Staples heavyweight file folder, manila, 50/box-$8.00

Staples #10 envelopes, pull and seal, 100pk-$7.99

Zebra Sarasa retractable gel pens, 5/pk-$3.99

Staples small binder clips, 40/box-$3.39

Here are the caveats:

1. Checks are mailed out monthly, and the clerk told me it might not come until the 3rd or 4th week of the month.

2. While the free items might be tempting, remember that the Staples Reward checks can only be used at Staples. If you frequently shop at Staples, this is not a problem. If you do not, then remember that whatever you spend up front on these items, is money that you will not be able to spend somewhere else.

3. You do have to pay sales tax, which is not refunded.

4. No cash/credit will be given if you bring these items back.

Last night I bought the writing tablets, gel pens, banker boxes, and envelopes. I decided to purchase these items because I had a gift card, so the money didn't really come out of my pocket and I would have had to use that money at Staples anyway. If you are interested, you can check out the Staples flyer here.

This year, resolve to never pay more than $1.99/lb for ground beef! When ground beef goes on sale, I buy several large family packs, divide them into meal sized portions, and then freeze them. It saves time and money. There are several things that I like to do with ground beef.

1. Brown several pounds. Then, I divide up the meat into 1 pound servings and freeze them in quart-size freezer bags. When I am short on time, I pull one of these packages out, throw it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, season it, and add it to Hamburger Helper or use it in a casserole or for tacos.

2. Shape ground beef into patties. Wrap individually and freeze. Your next hamburger is never more than a few minutes away!

3. Make meatballs. These are so delicious and much better for you than the store-bought ones. I make a double batch and freeze them. When I need a quick meal, I microwave a few and add it to spaghetti or use it in beef stroganoff.

Best Ever Meatball/Meatloaf Recipe
1.5 lbs. ground beef
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. salt
1 med. onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. pepper (or less)
1/2 can tomato sauce (or 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce)

Lightly mix all ingredients and roll into balls. Place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20-25 min. in a 350 degree oven.

If you are making meatloaf, place in a bread pan and top with sauce. Bake for 1 hour in a 350 degree oven.

Sauce:
1/2 can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar

You can even mix up a meatloaf, freeze it, and cook later.

Be sure to label and date anything you freeze. That way, you can rotate through older packages first.

According to the poll results so far, 17/21 of you use coupons. Hurray! To the 4 of you who don't, it is not too late to start. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your coupons.

1. Shop at stores that double or triple your coupons. Albertsons does it sometimes, but Safeway and King Soopers do it everyday (up to $0.50). Find out the policy at stores near you. This way, if you have a coupon that is $0.50 off, it can double, and you will get $1.00 off.

2. Combine manufacturers coupons with store coupons.

3.Load coupons onto your shoppers cards from P&GeSaver and Cellfire. These coupons come off automatically in addition to any manufacturers coupons you scan at check out.

Combine all 3 types of coupons for a triple play of savings! To get the best deal possible, use the coupons when the items are on sale.

Happy Savings!!!

Seasoning packets cost anywhere from $0.40 to over a dollar each. For convenience sake, they are nice to have on hand, but if you can't find them on sale, you can make your own and save money and a trip to the grocery store. Recipe Source has several recipes for seasoning mixes as well as cake, pudding, and drink mixes.

 

Love smoothies? I do. However, I don't love the $5 price tag for a store bought one. I have found a way to get my smoothie fix without the high price. Even better, I control how much sugar, fat, etc. goes into them. Here is my secret: freeze fresh fruit when it goes on sale. I recently bought 5 pineapples for $1 each. I cut them into chunks and stuck them in a freezer bag. I unpeel overripe bananas and freeze them as well. When you are in the mood for a smoothie, toss whatever combination of fruit you want in the blender. Add a little milk (I use skim) and voila-healthy and yummy smoothies ready in a few minutes. My favorite smoothies have pineapple and bananas in them. If you want an added kick, spoon a couple of teaspoons of frozen orange juice concentrate or a carton of non-fat yogurt.

Have a favorite smoothie recipe-I would love to hear about it!

Grocery sales are cyclical. Obviously fresh produce will go on sale during the peak of its particular growing season, but did you realize that other items go on sale about the same time each year? Here is a brief list of grocery sales by month. Save money by planning meals around what's on sale. Also, if the items are nonperishable, stock up when they are on sale to save money throughout the year. I recently stocked up on flour, cake mixes, and yeast. I bought cake mixes for $0.19 a piece! 

January Turkey, apples, grapefruit, pears

February Chocolate

March Frozen vegetables, meats, breakfast items, TV dinners

April Eggs, broccoli, and cauliflower

May Soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, asparagus, and pineapple

June Dairy products and tomatoes

July Strawberries, rapsberries, blueberries, corn, cherries, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, plums, peaches, and nectarines

August Squash, green peppers, salad fixings, berries, apples, melons, peaches, apricots, fresh fish, and cold cereal (if you live in a college town)

September Apples, broccoli, cauliflower, and canned goods

October Pumpkins, cranberries, grapes, oranges, sweet potatoes, and yams

November Turkey, sweet potatoes, yams, and baking goods

December Ham, oranges, apples, and grapefruit

Most of the information listed above comes from Living Well in a Down Economy For Dummies by Tracy Barr.