After Holiday Sales

The day after a holiday run, don't walk, to your favorite store and buy items for next year at half price or less. The earlier you get there the better the selection will be. I would even be there when the store opens. Prepare for next year's holiday by shopping this year. Don't pay full price for an item that will only be marked down in a week or two. Planning ahead can save you a lot of money. Buy your items after a holiday, come home and put them away and you'll have brand new stuff for next year. This way you won't have to fight the crowds. You can relax knowing that your shopping is already done.

Fun and Free - Walking

Are you bored? Is it nice outside? Then go for a walk! Walking is fun and free. Walk around your neighborhood, walk around a park, or walk along a river or lake. Don't forget to take the family. Put the kids in a stroller or a wagon, put the dog on a leash and you're ready to go. Walking is good for you and it's something everyone can do. It's better than sitting inside on a nice day and it's a great family activity.

Craigslist

If you're looking to buy or sell something locally, check out Craigslist. Selling something on Craigslist is easy and posting an ad is free. I would highly recommend adding a picture of the item you're selling for a quicker sale. Craigslist is also a great place to buy something used without going from store to store. To use Craigslist, find your state and closest major city near you and search away. I've sold baby stuff on Craigslist that my daughter has outgrown. It's a great way to get rid of stuff and make money without having a garage sale.

For more information, go to craigslist.org

Baby Formula Coupons

If you have a baby and use formula you know how expensive it can be. Coupons for formula are rare. The one way you can save money is by signing up online at your favorite formula's website. I use Similac for my baby and by signing up for their membership program I receive coupons for formula in the mail and emails tracking my baby's growth. It's free and well worth it. When you have a baby every little bit helps.

Menu Monday 3/25/2013

Here are a few ideas for dinner this week-

fish tacos
stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
chicken teriyaki
chicken and dumplings
bbq chicken
lasagna
pork marsala
salsa chicken
spaghetti
chicken wings
orange chicken
Mexican chicken and rice bake
Fish and veggies in foil
salsa verde
tacos
chili
chicken tenders
taco pasta casserole
pot pies
sloppy joes
Cajun fish
honey chicken
sweet and sour pork or chicken

Double Coupons

If a grocery store near you offers double coupon days, take advantage of it. Double coupons is when a store takes a coupon and doubles the value. The store I use usually has double coupons in the Sunday paper and they are only good for three days. To use them, match a coupon with a sale and a double coupon and you can get many items for free or near free. Keep an eye out for double coupons days at your store and use them while you can. Just another way coupons can save you money.

Generic Brands

Don't be afraid to try generics. From food to medicine to soap, some generic products are equal or better than their brand name counterparts. Just try it once and if you don't like it you can go back to your favorite brand. If you do like the generic item then you will save money and still get the same result. Some items you can easily buy generic and not notice, other items maybe not, but give it a try and you might be pleasantly surprised at how easy you can switch from brand name to generic.