Learn to Cook

Knowing how to cook a decent meal can save you money. Cooking at home is healthier than going out and cheaper too. Plus, you might have leftovers you can use for another meal. The more you cook the better you will get. If you need help or inspiration try watching a cooking show, or get a cookbook, or find recipes online. My favorite cooking shows are on the food network, the cooking channel and PBS. My favorite place to find recipes online is allrecipes.com Start with basic recipes and work your way up. Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't look at cooking as a chore, look at it as a skill you can use for the rest of your life. In the end, your wallet and body will thank you.

Menu Monday 4/8/2013

Here are a few ideas for dinner this week-

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
chicken teriyaki
lasagna
pork marsala
salsa chicken
spaghetti
orange chicken
chicken and rice
fish and veggies
tacos
Cajun fish
honey chicken
jambalaya
ginger orange pork
shrimp fried rice
coconut chicken
bbq peach pulled pork
bratwurst
taco pasta
kielbasa, potato and sauerkraut

Google for Deals

If you need an item and want a deal just Google it. I googled paper towel deals and found a deal on Amazon through a blog. Then I went to Amazon, signed into my account, and placed my order. I also was able to clip an e-coupon for a dollar off. Next time you're looking for a deal or a coupon do a web search before you leave the house. You may find that you don't need to go to the store after all and you can have the item shipped right to your door. That's what I call stress free shopping.

Online Banking

If your bank has online banking sign up for it. Just today I got an email from my bank telling me that one of our accounts had been overdrawn. I caught it just in time and saved myself a $35.00 fee. My husband had made the mistake of thinking a bill had cleared when it was really still being processed. It was our mistake but the email notification saved us money. Online banking is free. I check my account almost everyday online. I like to actually see it than hearing my balance over the phone. You can also do transactions like balance transfers and pay bills. Online banking is free, easy and convenient. It may also save you from expensive fees when you make a money mistake.

Free Samples

I love free samples, don't you? I get most of my samples from the Internet. Just google free samples and start from there. There are actually websites devoted to free samples. Not only do I send samples to myself but sometimes I send them to my parents also. If you know someone who is interested in a certain product and you know their address, send them a sample. Also, sometimes free samples will come with a coupon. Free sample and a coupon-sounds like a deal to me!

Online Coupons

If you need a coupon for something and didn't get it from your local Sunday paper, don't worry! Just go online and print coupons. Of course, you will need access to a computer and a printer. My favorite site for online coupons is coupons.com. It's free and you don't have to sign up for anything. Just go to the site, find a coupon you want, "clip" it, and print. So easy! 

Menu Monday 4/1/2013

Here are some dinner ideas for this week-

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
chicken teriyaki
lasagna
pork marsala
salsa chicken
spaghetti
orange chicken
chicken and rice
fish and veggies
salsa verde
tacos
chili
chicken tenders
Cajun fish
sweet and sour chicken or pork
honey chicken
lemon butter fish
jambalaya
pizza
ginger orange pork
shrimp fried rice