January Food Bargains

I may be a little late with this one, since it is already the middle of the month, but it is better late than never! I wanted to make sure that I had the right bargains with my own real life experience to go with it. It used to be that monthly food bargains could be predicted pretty easily, but with the extremes of the economy and extreme couponing, I just can’t take anything for granted. So here are the food bargains that you should look in January, this month. Fast Food Yup, that is right, you read it here. … Continue reading

December Food Bargains

Stock up on the following food items, or at least incorporate them into your normal menu plan this month in order to save money. You can even turn some of these bargain food items into great gifts. Nuts Because of the holiday season, and because of the way the crops are produced, nuts are on sale or have a regular low price this month. This is true for both shelled nuts and unshelled nuts. While unshelled will last longer, you can have a pretty long shelf life for all nuts when you freeze them or store them in the refrigerator … Continue reading

Fantastic Fall Travel Bargains

When it comes to sales, retailers tend to bypass fall and head from Halloween straight to Christmas. Fortunately, the travel industry does not conduct itself in the same manner. If you are looking to view fabulous fall foliage or you want soak up the sun on a tropical island without having to go bankrupt in the process, there are several super deals to be had: CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Fall into fall with this spectacular travel package offered by the Greenleafe Inn. The popular property is offering special midweek rates through December, starting at just $59 per room, including a continental … Continue reading

Best Buys for December

With December, the deals are all about the holidays. There are no surprises there. And, as soon as those doors open on december 26th, there is holiday merchandise on sale. You’ll find the usual Christmas cards and ornaments, but there are some surprises, too. One bit of advice: if you find something in an after-holiday sale, snap it up. Retailers have not stocked an excess of goods this year, so the pickings may be slim. We went out and practically had our hand on some Christmas lights. We turned to listen to a request from one of our children. When … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review: November 26th Through December 2nd

It is finally December. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by. It has been a year now, since I first started blogging here at Families.com in the Frugal Living Blog. A lot has happened in the world and in my own life. I continue to be in awe of anyone who practices a frugal lifestyle, and I have learned many different ways to save money. I can’t wait to learn even more. I hope that we can help each other in our efforts to save money and provide for our family. And now, here is the Frugal … Continue reading

Fill Your Pantry Now for the Leaner Months

Right now, stores are overflowing with food stock and great food bargains. If you fill your freezer and pantry now, you’ll be able to get through the leaner months that are coming soon. Why Should You Fill Your Pantry Now? There are a couple of reasons why filling your pantry and freezer now will help you to be prepared for later. The first is availability. Stores anticipate selling more food in December and less in January when the perceived demand is not there. This means that some of your favorite foods, especially holiday-related foods may not be available later. If … Continue reading

What is the Best Time to Buy…

Each month in the calendar offers different bargains. You’ll save big on bikes in September, for example. By anticipating or holding off on the things that you need or want, you just may get a real steal. Print out this handy guide or bookmark it, so you’ll always know when items go on sale or get discounted through out the year. Here is when to buy what. This list is based on personal experience and a recent report by Consumer Reports Magazine. Of course, you should still check the clearance racks and corners of your local store. Sometimes individual stores … Continue reading

How Things Change

How things have changed. When Mick and I were children, Christmas morning meant being up early and the neighborhood abuzz with children playing in the streets with their new bike or scooter or toys. It meant children dashing into each other’s houses to compare Christmas presents and share the excitement. On Christmas morning here, as it has been for many Christmases now, there is not child to be seen in the streets, not a sound of laughter and excitement outside. All Mick and I saw and heard was a disgustingly healthy jogger as he passed. In Christmases past, Christmas morning … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Hotels Helping You Save This Summer: Go West

In my previous blog I listed some of the many creative deals being offered by lodgings across the country that are designed to help offset the skyrocketing price of gas. You might be surprised at how generous some of the nation’s hotels (both big and small) are being this summer. Take a look at the following gas saving discounts and rebates and consider how they might help fuel your family’s summer road trip: CALIFORNIA Things are heating up this season in San Diego. Right now you can cash in on the “Summer Sizzle” package being offered at the San Diego … Continue reading

More Ways to Save on a Girls-Only Weekend in the Big Apple

Who says you have to mortgage your home to afford a girls-only weekend in New York City? You can save a bundle by taking advantage of the creative deals some Big Apple lodgings are offering female guests. The following bargains allow you to live large with your gal pals in the city that never sleeps. Take a look: SEX AND THE CITY PACKAGE The Muse in New York’s Time Square is joining dozens of other Big Apple lodgings to offer a deal inspired by this summer’s massive “Sex and the City” movie launch. In honor of the film’s fabulous four, … Continue reading