Sunday, July 30, 2006

Cheap dinner planning wk of July 30th

The end of July is here and we are going to have some hot temps on in the middle of the week so leftovers will be planned so we don't need to turn on the oven as much.


Sun Steak, potatos, green beans

Mon Chicken Enchiladas



Tues Nacho Stuffed Chicken

Wed Leftover chicken enchiladas

Thurs Leftover nacho stuffed chicken

Fri Kielbasa

Sat Pizza

Friday, July 28, 2006

Friday shopping deals

It is end of the week and that means some great shopping deals at Amazon.

Check out Amazon Friday Sale

Today some of the deals include The Devil wears Prada handbag , Golf clubs and dishes from china to every day ware

Keeping the car cool!

Living in New England, it gets hot but livable. Unfortunately a few days last week we had temps close to 100 degrees and when I was in the car driving back and forth to camps, I baked every time I hop in the car before the A/C kicked in.

Having the Auto Cool Solar Car Fan would have helped keep me cooler for the short trips about town. I saw the ad a few times on tv and it looks like a great invention to help keep your car cool when it is parked. Using the power of the sun, it blows hot air out of a parked car to keep it up to 30 degrees cooler than it would normally be.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Thrifty Tips Thursday

Welcome to this week's Thrifty Tips Thursday!! If you would like to submit a frugal, money saving or thrifty tips, check out the main page for submission instructions.

Vicki shares that she uses a meal plan to her her grocery bill cheap.
Single Ma's Fabulous Financials mulls over is it ok to flirt if it saves you money
Super mom shares some leftover ground beef recipes
Mom's Advice shares on to eat free on your birthday
Salt shared by Frugal Baby tips is a great frugal resource around the house
Proctor and Gamble coupon weekend shared by the coupon expert Flash

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

How much will you spend on back to school shopping?

It is not even the end of July yet, but many schools around the country go back in within the first two weeks in August. We don't go back until the very last week.

I haven't done any shopping for school yet. It is usually warm through mid-September here so buying all the winter and fall stuff when I can find it for a bargan a few weeks later is worth it. I am also a very big fan of back to school shopping in their closet

With 3 boys, my total is between $100-$150 including new sneakers.

How much will you spend on back to school shopping?
None
Under $50
$51-100
$101-$150
$151-$200
Over $200
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Monday, July 24, 2006

A/C poll results

Here are the results forAt what temp do you turn your A/C on? I thought more people would wait until it was a little higher than 80 degrees.


Votes
under 80 degrees 41%
81-85 degrees 27%
86-90 degrees 14%
91-95 degrees 9%
Over 95 5%
Who needs A/C 5%

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Get a free ipod for real?

There are many ads on the Internet that say You can win an Ipod but usually there is some sort of catch.

Here is one site
http://www.iPodSweepstakes.com/default.aspx?offer=blogspot2 that doesn't have any gimmicks to get a free Ipod.

Check it out. You may have an early Christmas gift

The importance of an emergency fund!

Two years ago I was very happy that we had an emergency fund in place. We had
two cars die on the same day

Luckily we had an emergency fund in place and didn't have the touch our credit cards that we just finished paying off.


We have since gotten rid of my husband's car and replaced that with a 2001 Chryler Town and Country mini-van. We are still driving the 1996 Dodge Caravan which is about to hit 100,000 miles any day now. Once we ge the newer mini-van paid off, we will buy a newer car, probably a sedan.

Marriage quotes

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

I love this quote because it is so true. Marriage can be hard, sometimes it is easy. There can be outside problems but if you have good communication your marriage can last.

Money can often be the source of marriage problems. Make sure before you take the leap that you have a good solid understanding of your money philosophy.

“A simple I love you means more than money.”

You can find out more inspiration quotes at http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/quotable-quotes.html

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Decorating on a budget

In this week's issue Living on a Budget in a Non Budget World
Newsletter.

Money Saving Tips
Featured Article 15 ways to decorate on a budget
Money Blog Spotlight
Top Conversations on the Money Saving Forums
Freebie and Contest Alerts
The Frugal Five
Frugal Food Kitchen Organizing Tips

Read the current issue at
http://www.budgetdial.com/news-Jul1506.htm

If you are new subscriber we keep all of our newsletters online at http://www.budgetdial.com/news.htm

Six ways to save on your food bill

The Today show had a segment on saving money on your food bill. No earth shattering secrets revealed to a frugal momma like me, but for the average American who needs to cut down their grocery bill. Here are their tips and what I do to keep my food budget lean and mean.

Stockpile

I call using a pricebook which is simply tracking when stores have sales on certain items.

The sales cycle through the categories. So a smart cherry picker loads up on the item on sale, double and triple couponing if possible, and creates a stash at home — a pantry that resembles a store.

A full cup website matches up the sales with the latest coupons for all the major grocery stores and drug stores

Steer clear of processed foods

Cooking from stratch is what I do! My crockpot and recipes are my best friends here. However alot of the coupons she mentioned to use above are on the processed food.

Don’t shop, and say you did

A pantry challenge! We do this sometimes all week if money is tight that is why stockpiling is very important.

Shop online
I haven't done it. I may try it one day.

Amazon has a subscribe and save feature 



When you order through our Subscribe & Save program, you'll:
• Automatically receive a new shipment of the item in the monthly intervals you select
• Receive a discount off our every day price
• Receive FREE shipping on every Subscribe & Save shipment that arrives on your monthly Subscribe & Save delivery day
• Pay for each order only when the item is shipped
• Have the option to cancel at any time 



Make lists
I love my grocery  lists and my  frugal weekly menu


Check the


Today show segment

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Thrifty Tips Thursday

Welcome to this week's Thrifty Tips Thursday!! If you would like to submit a frugal, money saving or thrifty tips, check out the main page for submission instructions.

5 tips going out to eat cheap tips

1. Coupons
Check out your local newspapers for Coupons or those mailers that get sent. They often have a buy one get one free night. Check out the Entertainment coupon book which has great deals. If your local resturant has a a website check them out for coupons and they have mailing list specials.


2. Plan on a doggie bag.
Bring home the leftovers and have them for lunch the next day. It is a great way to turn a $20 restaurant bill into two $10 meals.

3. Appetizers
Make the appetizers and a salad/soup as your main meal. You can often get that for less than $8 with water for a drink.

4. Watch the drinks
Get water with some lemon

5. Check out their discount times.
Do they have early bird specials or senior citizen discount. Also they may have special theme nights where you can get a good deal.

Popcorn and Twizzlers shares some tips to cut your kitchen cleaning and cleaning supplies in half.


Vicki shares a tip for saving on lemons for drinks.



Mimi who loves listening to audiobooks has found a cheaper way to listen to them.

Frugal Underground shares how to find an affordable vacation rental.

Windfall

I have gotten hooked this summer on a new NBC series which is about lottery winners starting my old crush Luke Perry.

http://www.nbc.com/Windfall/money_tracker/an hour drama that follows 20 lottery winners after their unexpected good fortune. Each winner's reaction is different and the overwhelming cash windfall presents unexpected marital, ethical, legal – and even criminal problems.

I very rarely play the lottery but you can't happen to think about how your life would change coming into that much money. Will your relationship with your spouse change, would you move, continue working.

Of course there is going to be drama and conflict on this show or it would be boring. I am enjoying watching the winners mess up (I mean enjoy) their newly found winnings.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Can I afford this?

were wise words heard during Oprah Debt Diet show yesterday. And asking that question will keep you living within your means.

Can I afford to play golf every weekend during the summer?
Can I afford to go shopping every week for a new outfit?
Can I afford to go away with the family for a luxury vacation?
Can I afford to go out to eat several nights a week?
Can I afford a new plasma TV?

Do you ask Can I afford this before spending money?

So before making any big purchases or little purchases that add up, ask yourself if you can afford it and pay cash, not credit.

Oprah's debt diet is all on week, catch it if you haven't already.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Shopping for a mortgage


Most people in this country need a mortgage to buy a house. One should consider
http://www.expfunds.comExpress Capital Funding Group is a group of mortgage proffesionals that posess knowledge and experience of the who loan process. They also a guarantee on their 30 year mortgage.


We guarantee our 30 year fixed rate loans to have the lowest rate and payments. If you are shopping for a home loan, we will beat anyone's rate on any given day, or we will send you a check for $1,000. Please, click here to read more about our guarantee on 30 year fixed rate loans. You can click here to request a free consultation, or call us at 800-403-3848. Not available in all states. Restrictions apply.



The guarantee sounds good. I would research it and find out what restrictions apply.

Express Capital Funding Group also offers a 40 year mortgage, debt consolidation, home equity loans. They offer high customer service as you go through the mortgage process.


This is paid advertisement from payperpost.com

Monday, July 10, 2006

What temp do you turn your A/C on?

When do you turn on your air conditioner? If my husband was answering, any day in the 70s the A/C goes on. I tend to be a little more frugal minded (and more cold blooded) so I am usually fine up to 85 degrees. With some windows oppened and our ceiling fans on, I don't feel the need.

At what temp do you turn your A/C on?
under 80 degrees
81-85 degrees
86-90 degrees
91-95 degrees
Over 95
Who needs A/C
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Frugal Meal Planning

This is what I love about summer grill and writing my blog all at the same time.

Sun Burgers on the grill

Mon Hamburger helper with extra tomatos, onions and using ground turkey

Tues Crockpot chicken salsa

Wed Spinach and hamburger casserole

Thurs Leftover crockpot chicken salsa

Fri Clean out the fridge night

Sat Wedding Kids at grandmas

Have I sold my soul to the devil?



Getting paid to post at http://www.payperpost.com

Yes I am doing it and have I sold my soul to the devil? Well, according to some bloggers I have.


While the concept isn't exactly new there are a few companies that have been offering bloggers a few bucks, the latest one is causing quite a stir in the blogging word. Some are saying that Ted Murphy who started www.payperpost.com is the devil and paying per post is going to be the end of blogging as we know it. Let the drama begin. I think it is good idea for companies to get exposure.

I'm trying to earn a few dollars here and there since I am a frugal work at home momma. Earning the $5 or $10 here or there isn't going to make me rich but will help pad my Disney fund or pay a little extra on my car.



Online Money Market Account Rates

With Money Market Account Rates changing all the time, you can go crazy with trying to keep track and where to open your account. I haven'ted veered away from ING
even though they may a little less than other accounts. I haven't had a problem with them, openning an account is easy and maintaining isn't hard either.

One of the posters on the money saving boards posted a complimation of Online Market Money Rates

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Looking for a loan

Are you looking for a loan?

http://www.fastloanoffers.com is a website offering Auto Loans, Bad Credit Personal Loans, and Mortgage Loans from many different companies so you can compare rates .

For auto loans they offer three companies that they business with: Autoloan Soup, Capital One and E-Loans.

For debt consolidation they recommend Incharge Debt Relief, Debt Advocate and Debt Consolidation.

If you are looking for a mortgage company, they offer Ameriquest, Get Smart.

They also have home equity, payday loan companies as well.


Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Fast Loan Offers

Wedding insurance Do Brides need it?

The average wedding these days cost $26,000. Many brides are doing the big wedding include my recently engaged sister She wanted a small wedding but when you add in family and friends the guest list is over 240 people.

So what happens if you put out all of these deposits and something happens...

Wedding Insurance!

It is another added expense for the bride and groom, but when you are spending that much money, insuring it might be worth it. Policies from www.wedsafe.com range from $185 for coverage up $7500 to $405 for 50,000


What is covered?



Weather - If the policy is purchased more than 14 days before the wedding and adverse weather prevents the celebration from taking place or a majority of your guests from attending, the costs of rescheduling the event are covered. Be aware that dark skies and light rainfall alone won't qualify as reason enough to cancel your wedding.


Key People - If people crucial to the wedding are unable to attend due to illness or injury, the cost of postponing the event is covered. This also holds true if the officiant fails to appear on your wedding day.


Military - If the wedding must be postponed due to the bride or groom in the military having their leave withdrawn.


Photographs & Video - If your photographer fails to show, if the film used for your photos is defective, or if the negatives are lost, destroyed, or improperly developed, this coverage allows you to reunite the wedding party for a re-shoot to capture your wedding memories.


Special Event Gifts - This coverage is designed to protect you against the theft, damage or loss of your special event gifts.


Special Attire - If your special event attire or one of your attendants is lost or damaged, this coverage will provide for repair or replacement.


Special jewelry - This coverage is designed to replace special event jewelry that is lost or stolen prior to your wedding day.


Loss of Deposits - If one of your vendors goes bankrupt or ceases doing business, this coverage will respond to reimburse you for any deposits you may lose as a result.

What about cold feet? No it isn't covered. Look at the details and the fine print when making a decision.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Thrifty Thursday Tips

Hello
Welcome to our first edition of Thrifty Thursday Tips. If you would like to submit a frugal, money saving or thrifty tips, check out the main page for submission instructions.

My husband shared this helpful Peroxide tips with me via an email that he received. Some interesting ideas.

Most of us have used this product for years for certain things. Here
are some more things: The health benefits of peroxide, written by Becky
Ransey of Indiana "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store.


1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle)
and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free
of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and
leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture
of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let
dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes
several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.


8. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and
keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

9. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture
whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to
kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into tissue.

10. If you have a terrible toothache and can not get to a dentist
right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

11. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the
50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through.
You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.


In addition check out MrsB's Challenge: Thrifty Tip Thursday where she gives some tips on how to save on bottled water.


Frugal Baby tips shares how to make homemade baby wipes.

Tina shares her cheap thrills at the poor man zoo!

Frugal Duchess shares frugal text book options

2006 financial goal half way report

Since we are now half way through the year. I thought I would review my 2006 Financial Goals

Up DH 401k contribution to 15%. He is currently at 11%
We bumped it up to 12% in May.

Continue to deposit $350 a month into a Roth IRA for me. This is done through automatic deducation
Done

$50 each, each month into kids 529 plans-automatic deduction
Done
Home improvement-use tax returns for new windows
We got our new windows in May. We used about 1/2 for the windows. The rest went into savings.

Pay extra on the car
I haven't had a chance to pay a cent extra this year.

Open an extra saving account to deposit $250-$400 each month for Disney World trip in 2007.
We have $1800 in our Disney vacation fund. We are about 1/3 there right now as I am budgeting $6000 for our trip including airfare and staying on Disney property. Since we are a family of 5, we can't get only 1 value room. We plan on still staying at a value but either getting two connecting rooms or one of new suites at the All Star Resorts.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Dishwasher broken

Our Sears Kenmore dishwasher is not starting. It won't turn on, we checked all the plugs and fuses and it is a no go. The dishwasher is only 3 years old and is out of warranty. We didn't buy an eztended warranty. My mother has a former Sears repairman contact that I will be contacting when she gets home from vacation. In the meantime, hubby and I are washing dishes by hand.

Bye Bye Credit Card Bills

Hello and Welcome!

In this week's issue Living on a Budget in a Non Budget World
Newsletter.

Money Saving Tips
Featured Article Bye, Bye Credit Card Bills
Money Blog Spotlight
Top Conversations on the Money Saving Forums
Freebie and Contest Alerts
The Frugal Five
Frugal Food Easy Breakfast Ideas

Read the current issue at
http://www.budgetdial.com/news-Jul0106.htm

If you are new subscriber we keep all of our newsletters online at http://www.budgetdial.com/news.htm