The Sweet Life On A Budget

With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series in which we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.    1- Tips and Tricks on Eating Out  Our department went to dinner this past Friday, so I always look for ways to enjoy social events without breaking my budget.     Since we went to a restaurant with a bar, I inquired about happy hour deals.      I was pleased to discover that select appetizers were reduced to $5.00.    My friend and I both ordered an appetizer instead of a full meal.     In addition, I got a glass of water with lemon, which adds zero to the bill.    Since I typic...

  NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      March 2025  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.80 per week. Since April has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $759.20.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.   This month will be a little trickier because Easter is during this month.    Grocery Shopping Tip:        If there are few to no good deals for your needs, eat pantry meals and ONLY purchase what is needed.    Save your money and wait for deals that make sense for your family....

  With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series in which we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.    1- Baking Bread Baking bread doesn’t seem like it would save a lot of money, but when you have specialized diets that do not permit you to purchase the cheaper products, it does save money.   A clean loaf of bread costs between $3.00 and $5.00.   2- Free-Bee Alert Make sure you don't fail to pick up your free items.  Last month, I received a coupon for a free Silk milk from Kroger, but I had just picked up several almond milks, which would last through the month.  Since this is a product with a use-by date...

  This year has provided our family with 43 free items !   This year, I am focusing on seeking fewer freebies, but looking for higher quality items I pick up.    However, I will pick up all the free bees my family will use within the year.  As a result, I may need to pay a little for items previously picked up for free, but I am comfortable with this.    Since I have changed my focus, I will not be making a goal this year.    Instead, my energy will be used to research how to elevate the items I purchase or get for free in our current economy.         Traditional ways of picking up freebies include: digital coupons, store coupons, reward programs, samples, and rebate apps such as IBOTTA.     I will seek additional ways to buy items at a significant discount or for free.        January (13 Items)  February  (14 items) Here is my March  202...

  NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      March 2025  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.80 per week. Since April has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $759.20.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.   This month will be a little trickier because Easter is during this month.    Grocery Shopping Tip:     Cook from your pantry and freezers when the sales are not of value to you.    In addition, I chose to shop mainly at Aldi this week because of the limited sales.    ...