Frugal Living

November 19, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

Elf On The Shelf Ideas

Elf On The Shelf

Elf on the shelf has become this amazing tradition in our house full of excitement and anticipation. If you have never heard about Elf On The Shelf you can find more information here.

It has almost become a count down to Christmas that the whole family enjoys. Some mornings you may find the elf stuck in the fridge after sneaking a late night snack.

Or one morning we interrupted a Star Wars battle involving AT-AT’s and storm troopers against the elf and some other toys. The possibilities of trouble your elf can get into are endless.

The idea behind Elf On The Shelf

Every night while you are fast a sleep your Elf On The Shelf comes alive and sends a message back to Santa whether your family has been nice or naughty.

And all of this will determine whether you will get a present or coal in your stocking.

But it seems….while your Elf On The Shelf is awake and sending messages back to Santa he is getting into a bunch of trouble.

He may get himself caught in the wrapping paper box while trying to help with the presents. Or maybe he fell a sleep with his hand in the cookie jar.

The adventure and antics the elf gets into helps to keep the magic alive.

As the big day approaches you want a nice check mark on Santa’s list to ensure your stocking is full of wonderful gifts and treats.

21 Elf On The Shelf Ideas:

Maybe your elf decided to hang out in a stocking for a bit of a nap
Your elf could be found sneaking candy from the advent calendar
Or maybe you woke up to find your elf hiding in the Christmas tree
One year we found our elf wrapped in holiday paper and tape
Maybe your elf took a ride on an electric train set
Or maybe it found the toilet paper roll and got mummified
Elf’s like cookies, maybe it got caught in the cookie jar
One year our elf tried to bake and there was flour and sugar everywhere
Elf’s and candy canes go hand in hand, they use them for everything
Now who can resist playing with the other toys while the rest of the house sleeps
Board games are a great way to pass the time
As the big day approaches there are lots of sweets and treats in the fridge the elf could be found eating
Your elf might just unpack your cupboards while you sleep
Our elf climbed to the top of our cupboards one year and spied on us all day till we found him
Maybe your elf decides to take your child’s planes or cars for a ride
I will warn you elf’s like gingerbread so do not be surprised if a few bites are missing from your gingerbread house
Elf’s are great for making messes of any kind, not that they mean to it just happens
Maybe your elf got frozen by Elsa or locked in the freezer while trying to have a late night treat
In a house full of art supplies our elf loves to draw and paint
Your elf maybe sleepy and you may find him tucked into the pet bed or under a towel in the morning
The Elf On The Shelf is great at writing letters and leaving you notes

No matter what kind of trouble your elf gets into get the whole family involved.

Have an amazing holiday season,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

November 9, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

Top 7 Small Appliances

Let’s face it appliances make our life easier and they save us money.

They also save us tons of time and help us get dinner on the table sooner. In a day and age where life is super busy and our budgets are stressed to the maximum.

We need kitchen appliances that work double duty. They need to save us money and make life easier by preforming a necessary job.

No kitchen should be without these 7 small appliances.

Top 7 Small Appliances:

1. Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is the most sought after kitchen appliance. You can cook a meal in minutes. Make perfect rice in under 5 minutes. It can also make yogurt, hard boil the perfect egg and so much more.

2. Slow Cooker

Set it and forget it. Low and slow, the slow cooker is the busy households best friend. Toss all your ingredients in and dinner is ready when you get home from work or school. You can also make breakfast and dessert in your slow cooker.

3. Coffee Maker

Mama needs her coffee. A coffee maker is a necessity in most homes. Currently, you can purchase coffee makers that brew both coffee, tea and froth milk for lattes. Some even come with an alarm and preset start so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

4. Mixer

Who wants to stir everything by hand when the Kitchenaid Mixer can do it for you in minutes. There are also some handy attachments for the Kitchenaid Mixer that can help save you time in the kitchen. Like the pasta maker attachment, or vegetable peeler. Save yourself time and money grab the must have Kitchenaid Mixer.

5. Blender

Blenders are used to make smoothies, mixes and purees. Some blenders will even heat up to make soups. We use our blender almost as much as our coffee maker.

6. Toaster Oven

Toasters are a basic appliance in a kitchen. A toaster oven however can bake a pizza or grill a cheese sandwich or make frozen waffles for breakfast. Toaster ovens are a step above a toaster and a quick solution to cooking when you don’t want to use the oven.

7. Food Processor

Food processors will grate, chop and combine ingredients in a short amount of speed. If you follow a Paleo or Keto diet a food processor is a must have kitchen appliance.

Save yourself the time and the money.

Invest in appliances that will save you time and money. And get dinner on the table faster.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

November 7, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

15 Frugal Meal Ideas

Are you struggling to make ends meet?

Have you ever noticed how much people spend on groceries? The extra items that get added to the buggy simply because there are too many choices.

Think about what your grandparents ate or eat, the meals are usually simple. Involving meat, potatoes, vegetables, maybe a grain and most of the time the meals are homemade.

I remember it being a big thing to go out to a restaurant with my grandparents as it wasn’t the norm. However, today it is common for people to go out to eat on a regular basis.

Maybe this is why money is tighter. If we could go back to home cooked meals we would be saving money so much money on food.

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Saving money on groceries.

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to use coupons and shop store sales. If you have a smart phone you can download the Ibotta app and start saving money on groceries.

No coupon clipping involved. Simply click, shop and save.

Another great way to save money on groceries is to shop your store sales. You may have noticed that store sales go in a cycle by season and month to month.

As you approach a holiday, related items will go on sale. Also month to month the same type of items will go on sale every so many weeks.

For example toilet paper may be on sale this week and again in three weeks. Pasta maybe on sale this week and then in two weeks.

As you watch the flyer sales you will recognize your stores sale cycle so you can stockpile the items you regularly use and save money.

Another great way to save money is cooking simple frugal meals.

15 Frugal Meal Ideas:

Breakfast:

1. Oatmeal with dried fruit and brown sugar

2. Toast with cream cheese and cinnamon

3. English Muffin with egg and cheese

4. French toast with maple syrup

5. Yogurt and fruit

Lunch:

1. Soup and crusty bread

2. Leftovers

3. Pasta Salad

4. Sandwich and salad

5. Cheese and crackers/ finger foods

Dinner:

1. Pasta with tomato sauce

2. Chili and corn bread

3. Quesadilla

4. Beans and rice

5. Hamburger soup with toast

Snacks:

1. Apple slices and nut butter

2. Vegetables and dip

3. Crackers and cheese

4. Granola

5. Homemade cookies or muffins

Simple easy meal ideas when money is tight are great.

Think about what your grandparents would have cooked or maybe something your parents made when you were a kid.

What frugal meals do you cook to save money? In our house breakfast can be anytime of day. Also homemade soups and chili with crusty bread are great.

Comfort foods and casseroles are great ways to save money.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

November 5, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

Girls Night 10 Frugal & Fun Ideas

When was your last girls night?

If you are like most moms it has been a while. With family responsibilities, work and finding a few moments to yourself.

Finding a whole night to hang with your friends doesn’t happen that often.

Making girl time important.

Finding time to hang with your friends, your sisters or your group is important. It lets you relax, mellow and have a bit of fun. It also gives you people to talk to who understand.

For example, I could talk mom stuff to my non-mom friends, but it just isn’t the same as talking to my mom friends who just get that mama needs to blow of some steam.

Let’s talk making time.

The guys can make time to go camping or fishing, so the girls should be able to take the time. It doesn’t have to be a night or a weekend.

Get the girls together while the kids are at school and plan an afternoon. Or let the husbands know they are on duty, you are taking the whole day to relax and refresh.

Honestly, the whole family will benefit from mommy having some down time. Relax, unwind, let the stress go and face life renewed.

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Girl time doesn’t have to break the bank.

I am sure we have all heard stories about a group of friends heading off for an expensive weekend away and someone opted out because they couldn’t afford it.

Below you will find some great frugal and fun girls night activities that won’t break the bank.

Who said a spa day, appetizers and wine can’t be done on a budget?

Girls night 10 frugal & fun ideas:

1. At Home Spa Day

Spa time doesn’t have to be in the hundreds or even in the fifties. You can have a great spa night with friends.

All you need is a few pedicure kits, some facial masks, chocolate and maybe some martinis or cucumber and mint spa inspired water.

2. Movies, Popcorn and Potluck

Get your friends together. Everyone brings their favorite dinner dish and host a potluck and movie night.

Pop the popcorn and order a great movie or maybe binge watch the last three episodes of your favorite DIY show.

Enjoy the chance to sit down and eat with adults and actually watch a show from beginning to end.

3. Game Night, Appetizers & Wine

Prepare your favorite appetizer platter, maybe it is meat and cheese or a selection of small bites. Grab a cheap bottle of wine or your favorite non alcoholic go to.

Set up a few different games depending on your party guests. Maybe Pictionary, Scrabble or a card game. Relax, unwind and have fun.

4. Book Club, Coffee & Chocolate

There is something about a good book, coffee, chocolate and great friends that just makes an amazing night. Brew up your favorite coffee, pull out a box of chocolates or bake something yummy.

Gather up a few friends and read one of these best selling books.

5. Crafting Fun

There is something about crafting and being a mom. But we aren’t talking popsicle sticks and white school glue.

Get your girls together and plan a scrap booking night or maybe someone has an event coming up and some DIY centerpieces are needed.

6. Foodie Fun

It’s a foodie fun night. Whether it is appetizers, main course or just dessert and coffee amp it up a bit.

Who says you can’t cook maple infused carrots to have with your peppercorn roast that you have been cooking in the slow cooker.

Or if you and the girls only have time for triple chocolate cheesecake and lattes, grab your milk frother and make it memorable.

7. Out & About

Get out and enjoy nature. Grab your friends and your favorite running shoes, go for a hike or a walk through the park. Maybe an afternoon game of tennis is what you need.

8. Coffee, Conversation and Yummy Desserts

This combination of fun is great for an afternoon or evening with friends and won’t break the bank. Pick your favorite local coffee shop, grab a coffee and catch up with friends.

Or host coffee and dessert at your place. There is something about good coffee and great friends.

9. Who Says The Girls Can’t Go Camping

Grab the girls and the camping gear and head out for the night or the weekend. There is just something relaxing about being in the woods away from it all.

10. Cooking & Planning

Have you ever hosted a cooking night? The idea is to get a bunch of people together and make a bunch of freezer meals or casseroles for the weeks to come.

The idea kind of follows a cookie exchange. A bunch of meals are made and everyone involved takes home several meals for their family.

Planning your next girls night.

Send out an email, note the nights or days you are available and get the ideas and suggestions rolling.

Maybe you want to host the next girls evening and it’s a wine and appetizer night for your book club.

Or an afternoon out with your girls, window shopping antiques with a coffee and chocolate stop. Set the date, plan the activity, keep it on budget and have fun.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

November 1, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

7 Things You Need To Stop Buying To Save Money

Are you struggling to save money?

Are you drowning in “stuff”? Do you find your kitchen counters and closets full of clutter and the bank account is close to zero?

You are not alone!

Over half of the country is living paycheck to paycheck.

But there is a solution! And it is relatively easy. No I’m not going to tell you to sell the house, downsize and start living off your garden. Which could work for some.

I am going to ask you to….

Assess where your money is being spent. How much did you spend on groceries last month and what did you buy? The answer is in the what you bought part.

We live in a convenience generation which is made more popular by our busy family schedules. We are more inclined to go buy or order a pizza than make one from scratch.

Or a better example might be coffee. At 5 am it is way easier to drive thru your favorite coffee shop pick up window than make your own. But it is costing you!

You can save hundreds of dollars by cutting out the convenience and making more items at home and I am not talking complicated stuff.

7 things you need to stop buying to save money:

1. Coffee

Sure having a latte out with friends is great but a latte a day can get expensive. Get yourself a great brew at home coffee maker and skip the costly Keurig pods and get the refillable kind.

With the refillable k cups you are saving a ton and you can brew which ever flavor of coffee you wish. It is a win-win.

If you are still craving that latte invest in a milk frother they are great and will froth both warm and cool milk.

2. Premade Pastries

You know the ones I am talking about muffins, donuts, cookies and granola bars. All the bakery bought items you use for breakfast and snacks.

They are great time savers and great for tossing in to the lunch last minute.

But if you price them out dollar for dollar you can save so much money by whipping up a batch of muffins at home in under an hour.

Cookies, granola bars, squares and more get the kids involved and make them from scratch. You save money and you know exactly what is in your sweet treat.

3. Paper Products

Have you seen the cost of a package of paper towels? Add in napkins, paper plates, facial tissues and all other single use items you have in the house. Do you see the cost tally rising?

Swap out the paper products for reusable cloth napkins. I know the savings looks minimal but think about it.

You will be saving the cost of the paper product, the space it takes up in your cupboard and the waste. We swapped out paper for cloth napkins years ago and we have never looked back.

4. Prepackaged Mixes

Cake mixes, taco seasoning, soup mixes and etc. These items are available in mass supply in your local grocery store and they make life more convenient.

The homemade version is real easy to make and tastes better. Toss out the mixes and start from scratch. Stock your pantry with spices, dry goods, beans and soup stock.

5. Subscriptions

Do you have a magazine subscription or a monthly wine box or a continual service you pay for? Do you use the item every month? If you do, great.

If you aren’t reading the magazine or the box service is piling up in the corner, hit pause and cancel the service. Save yourself the monthly fee and put it toward something you will really enjoy.

6. Services

This falls in the convenience and too busy category. I am all for employing someone to help mow the lawn and clean the house. This provides someone a job and gives you a few extra minutes to rest or spend time with your family.

It is when the services you pay for run your life and you begin to rely on them too much.

For example maybe you pay for the following on a monthly basis:

house cleaning
landscaping
nail salon
hair salon
laser/waxing
babysitting
grocery deliver
fitness coach
dog walker
car maintenance
handyman

The list can go on and on. We pay for services that make our life easier. And I am not knocking them I am say if you can limit them you will be saving money.

7. Glitter & Glass

Stop buying stuff to impress people. As the saying goes “stop buying stuff to impress people, you don’t even like.” You don’t need the glitter and the glass to show your worth.

You are unique and well gifted and you should be proud of what you have. People, quality people, people you want to be around will be there no matter the name brand of your jeans.

Saving money

This list of seven things above is just the tip of the ice berg. Once you truly look at where you are spending your money you will formulate a list of your own.

Things you can stop buying to save $10, $100 or $1000. You can learn what we stopped buying to save over $1000.

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Vacation time

Holidays are another place you can spend a lot of money. Money that can be saved simply by making smarter money choices.

Hotel expenses is at the top of my list when it comes ways to save money. My preferred way to travel is to stay in short term rental homes.

I have family that travel all around the world using Airbnb. Apartments, cottages, homes, seaside villas, you name the location and Airbnb has a rental for you.

Airbnb vacation rentals are usually comparable or cheaper than a hotel, plus a you get more room and usually a kitchen (which means more savings on meals).

Flights and actual travel it all depends on your departure location and your destination. Travel points are a great way to save money.

Searching for sales and talking to a travel professional are great as well.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

October 31, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

From Bump To Baby Ten Gifts For Mom

Congratulations on your pregnancy or new addition.

I understand that you may be reading this post during your pregnancy or after your new baby has arrived. Or you may be reading this article in search of a great gift for a new mom.

Either way you will find some great resources to help mom stress less, save money, sleep a bit more and feel great.

Pregnancy is an amazing journey.

For some it may be real easy and for others it can be filled with ups and downs. No matter your journey, cherish it as your own.

Don’t rush to buy every new gadget, toy, bib, stroller and crib accessory you have your entire pregnancy to figure it all out.

Also you don’t need everything they say you need and you don’t need it all right now. If you want to shop and explore most baby stores have an online registry you can search through.

Amazon has an amazing collection of baby items and you can start a baby wish list or baby registry for the items you like. Then when you are ready click, buy and have it all delivered right to your door.

Free stuff for you and baby.

Who doesn’t like free stuff? Let’s face it babies can get expensive so take advantage of the free samples and trials. Figure out what you like and don’t like.

We found some great free items for you to try. Please note that these free trials can change at anytime and are offered by the companies listed not by Saving & Simplicity.

Online retailers that will provide you with free samples for setting up a registry. Some may require a small purchase.

Target

Amazon Baby

Ten gifts for Mom:

Let’s face it pregnancy can be a bit of work. With the hormones, the body changes, the doctor appointments and the need for sleep.

During these nine months Mom needs some special loving care. Even if it is an extra thirty minutes of sleep or someone else making dinner. A good foot rub would be nice too.

So how do you spoil a Mom to be in all the right ways. Checkout the list below for 10 great bump to baby gifts for Mom.

1. Leachco Snoogle Pregnancy Pillow

2. Burt’s Bees Mama Bees Relaxation Kit & Belly Butter

3. Preggatinis – Mixology For The Mom To Be

4. Aveeno Baby & Mommy Essential Care Kit

5. Traditional Medicine’s Mother’s Milk Tea

6. Maternity Socks

7. Belly & Baby Massage Oil

8. Bump Boxes

9. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lotion

10. The Whole Nine Months

I wish you an amazing bump to baby journey. Check out our selection 21 of the must have money saving baby items.

Have a great day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

October 29, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

21 Must Have Baby Items

Are you pregnant or is someone you know expecting?

Congratulations! Life is about to change in a truly amazing way. And I am pretty sure by now you have heard “you need to buy this and you need to buy that.”

You know what they may be right. Everyone has their list of their favorite baby items.

Ones that helped Mom get more sleep and stress a bit less about the pregnancy and the expecting thing.

Your friends and fellow moms may have some great suggestions for their favorite bibs, blankets and soothers.

Baby must haves.

We are going to provide you with our favorite money saving baby must haves. Because let’s face it babies and kids in general can get expensive.

So what if you can have the perfect stroller, bottle set and designer diaper bag at a fraction of the cost?

What if there was something that could make your life so much easier but no one has told you yet? Is their help for loosing the baby weight and getting your milk supply to come in?

The answers to all of these are yes and you will find them below.

Sources for baby shopping savings.

You put it on the baby registry, asked for it for your shower and hinted it to the in-laws but you never got it.

The baby is due in _________ months and the budget is tight where do you find your baby items wants and must haves?

Amazon is an amazing source for baby items, you can even start a baby registry and share it with your friends. You can also price compare and find the lowest price for the items your require.

Used, thrift and second hand baby items are a great source of savings. But go first hand and straight to a trusted retailer for your baby car seat.

Hand me downs or baby item shares from friends are a great way to cut the cost of baby expenses.

21 Must Have Baby Items:

1. Nuby Ice Gel Teethers

2. Simple Joys By Carter’s

3. Infant Change Table

4. Regalo Baby Gate

5. Sensitive Baby Wipes

6. Infant Optics Baby Monitor

7. Avent Soothies

8. Baby Einstein Take Along Toy

9. Bottle Brush & Nipple Cleaner

10. Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Carrier

11. Metene Digital Baby Thermometer

12. Waterproof Mattress Cover

13. Sposie Booster Pads

14. Fridababy Nose Aspirator

15. Sassy Bump Ball

16. Comotomo Baby Bottle

17. Puracy Natural Baby Wash

18. Graco 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Seat

19. Pregnancy Pillow

20. Lactation Cookies

21. Trim Healthy Mama

Why buy more than you need?

Believe me when it comes to babies and kids you will purchase more than you need. It’s a given. The list above contains 21 recommended baby must haves.

100% of this list has received over 1000 positive reviews per item with moms saying the item saved them time and money.

Investigate, figure out what you need. Your needs and your baby’s needs are important .

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

October 24, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

Save Money When Eating Out

On average the country spends over a billion dollars on eating out every month.

So it is no secret that we like to dine out. Whether is be Sunday Brunch, lunch with friends or Friday night family dinner. Eating out has its perks.

No dishes to clean up, no meal preparation and cooking. And you get to try something new. Our favorite place to dine out is our local ethnic restaurant.

There is something about traditional Indian cooking. Even if I have all the right spices and ingredients I can’t make it the same.

So once a month you will find us dining on butter chicken, curry, mango chutney, and other yummy dishes.

Eating out can get expensive.

On average a dinner meal for an adult costs $20 plus drinks and an appetizer or dessert. So for a family of 4 you are looking at a tab of $100 or more.

You could save the $100 and dine at home and get the family involved in the cooking. Plan a taco night or make your own pizza evening.

On the other hand eating out is convenient and fun. You get to sit down and visit, no rushing around the kitchen making sure the pots aren’t boiling over and you don’t have to do the clean up.

So, how do you save on the restaurant tab and still enjoy a great meal out with family and friends?

7 Ways To Save Money On Eating Out.

Below you are going to find seven simple and easy ways to save money while eating out. These are all simple ways to cut $5 or more off your restaurant bill.

1. Go early and skip the rush.

Most restaurants offer an early dinner menu that runs till 5:30 pm. It is usually a selection of three to four main dishes to choose from and includes an appetizer or dessert at a reduced price.

Honestly, these early dinner meals are great they usually run at $3 to $4 off and you get to skip the rush and enjoy a great meal.

2. Order several choices.

Variety is the spice of life. An average a dinner meal costs $20 where an appetizer could cost $6 to $8 each. Order a bunch of appetizers to share and skip the main dish.

Everyone ends up with some great meal choices and who knows there may even be leftovers.

3. Go family style.

Choose to dine at a restaurant that serves family style dishes, large portions of single items. You will find these at Chinese, Indian and other ethnic restaurants and pizza parlors.

You usually order a meat dish, a vegetable dish, rice and maybe a bread portion. Everyone dishes up what they want and there is usually leftovers for lunch the next day.

You save money this way by sharing the portions and keeping the meal simple.

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4. Skip the dishes and do take out.

You want to eat out and it’s a great day for a picnic. Order your favorite meal to go grab the picnic basket and head to the park. Generally to go meals are slightly cheaper than dine in meals.

If you have a local food truck this may be a great place to get your picnic food.

5. Skip the cocktails and pop.

Yes, that drink with the umbrella is great and having a pop every once in a while is okay, but not at $5 to $10 a glass. Stick to water and ask for a slice of lemon.

6. Order the special.

Most restaurants offer a meal special at a discounted price. Some restaurants will also offer a small side salad with the dinner special.

7. Sign up for the perks.

Most popular restaurants have a loyalty card or in house program, sign up and get your birthday or regular customer perks. Your local restaurant may have cheap meal nights as well.

Or maybe your local family restaurant offers Sunday Brunch Buffet till 1 pm take advantage of the choices and enjoy a Sunday out with the family.

You don’t have to cut eating out, out of your budget.

You just need to tweak your dining experience a little bit. Share a meal, skip the appetizer and order water. Or order it all to go and have a family picnic in the park.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

October 22, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

25 Awesome Frugal Living Tips

Are you struggling to save money?

Wondering how you are going to pay for holiday presents or better yet next weeks groceries? I have 25 awesome frugal living tips that will help you cut your expenses, save money and put more bills back into your wallet.

But first, and this is important!

Do you know where your spending all your money? Most people think the budget is wound as tight as it can go and they are watching all their ins and outs of the bank account and still wonder how they are going to save more money?

And honestly I have fallen into this trap. You grab a coffee here and a coffee there and oh you need a birthday gift for so and so. And eek the price of produce went up. Two days ago you bought premade muffins because you didn’t have time to bake.

It all adds up, every single bit of it.

When you are looking to cut your expenses the most important thing to do is to look at what you are spending your hard earned money on. You could be blowing $100 on take out and not realize it because you are too busy with family and life stuff running between work and activities.

And you know what, everyone does it!

Learn what we cut from our day to day to save over $1000.

Frugal living and saving money.

Frugal living is about working with what you have and changing a few things to help you save more money. The changes can be simple and easy but the benefit is huge.

Below you will find 25 awesome frugal living tips. Tips that may help you save $100, some may help you save $1000 but this is all variant on how frugal you are and how many tips you incorporate to your daily activity.

For example if you bring lunch from home today you may save $10 but if you bring lunch from home all week you could save $50.

Or say you spend on average $150 a week on meals out and this week you vow to get in the kitchen and do some home cooking. That is $150 staying in your wallet and some yummy meals in your tummy.

What I am trying to say is the more frugal activities you do and the smarter choices you make with your money on a consistent basis the more money you will save.

25 Awesome Frugal Living Tips:

Brown bag your lunch. If you like warm soups, stews or leftovers for lunch invest in this oven lunch box. My husband loves his.
Pack your coffee to go and skip the $5 latte.
Shop your discount grocery store and store sales.
Plan home cooked meals this week.
Use those coupons, loyalty bonuses and point cards. Free perks are money saved.
Plan a no spend weekend.
Entertain your guests. Have everyone over. plan a potluck or BBQ, share the expense instead of an expensive dinner and evening out.
Swap babysitting with your family members or friends.
Downsize your home, car or travel time to save on expenses.
Have a clothing or book swap with friends.
Set it and forget it. Invest in an Instant Pot or slow cooker they make meal preparation so much easier.
Get out and go for a walk, enjoy all the local free activities your city has to offer.
Unplug it, turn it off, cancel apps and programs you don’t need.
Buy generic and thrift items when you can.
Education is priceless.
Learn how to cook and bake.
Invest in a budget and banking system that works for you.
Turn down the temperature, find a happy balance.
Wash your clothes in cold water and hang to dry.
Stop trying to keep up.
Learn what foods you can freeze to save money.
Opt for the cheaper version.
Use it, mend it, wear it out, recycle it.
Do it yourself. Learn how to do minor repairs. Make your own gifts.
Stop buying paper and single use items. Invest in cloth napkins and reusable items

If you are looking for other great ways to save money checkout these posts:

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

October 15, 2018 by Saving and Simplicity

Frugal Five

What are your frugal five this week?

What are five things you plan to do this week to help save money on your household expenses? Are you going to make all your meals from scratch?

Will you shop the store sales, bulk department and generic goods? Or will you brown bag it and bring your own coffee and lunch to work?

Or will you DIY your own soup mixes, gifts or cleaning solutions?

The frugal five.

Five simple, easy changes you can make to your week that will help you save money. We are not talking big and complicated changes like downsizing or changing jobs.

We are talking about simple changes you can make today that will affect your budget and your savings.

For example, skipping that latte you love every morning and opting for home brew in a travel mug can save you over $30 this week.

My frugal five this week.

1. Every meal breakfast, lunch and dinner will be homemade and planned.

For example dinner this week will be:

Monday – Roast chicken, carrots and rice

Tuesday – Spaghetti & meatballs

Wednesday – Chicken sandwiches & soup

Thursday – Cobb salad and garlic bread

Friday – Burgers, vegetables and dip

Saturday – Butter chicken, rice and cucumber slices

Sunday – Pulled pork, sweet potatoes and green beans

2. I will do the baking.

This week we have a big family birthday party so instead of buying a cake I will opt to make homemade cupcakes with fresh icing and fruit.

Yes, this will take some time but I will save some money in the long run and I am sure there will be a few leftover cupcakes too.

3. I am shopping local this week and scoring some cheap produce.

Locally, it is harvest season so apples are on sale super cheap at the farmers market. They make great additions to every meal and healthy snacks.

I can also preserve the season and make apple chips and apple sauce for snacking during the winter.

4. I brought along my own bags.

Simple and easy and I saved $0.05 a bag. All our local stores charge for the bags you use when you shop so I brought along my reusable bags and saved $0.05 for every one I use.

Yes, it is a small amount but would you rather save the five cents or spend it on a plastic bag you will never use again. I would rather save it.

5. I am packing my extra travel mug for tea.

I already bring my morning coffee to work in a travel mug so I skip the drive through. But I do get caught in the 3 pm need for a pick me up.

Simple solution bring an extra travel mug for tea or rinse out the morning one and brew some Chai tea in the afternoon. Have tea bags will travel.

What will be your frugal five this week?

How will you save money? Will you bring your lunch to work? Pack a few extra snacks in the car for the just in case? Will you opt to shop the discount store to save money?

Or maybe you will simply turn down the heat or wash your clothes in cold water? If you are looking for inspiration you may find your frugal five on this top money saving tips list.

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Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity