There is no reason why we can’t have yummy things. Make it yourself is my motto. Recipes and how to’s from the simple things in life to the ones a bit more complicated
By The Real Frugalist Sometimes you don’t need a whole new career. You need a little extra money for groceries, a bill, Christmas gifts, or whatever expense has decided to show up uninvited. We talk a lot about spending less around here, but earning a bit more belongs in the conversation too. Especially when you…
Because something being on sale does not automatically make it a bargain. First — NEEDS before WANTS. I keep a running list of things we need or things I know I’ll need to replace. A sale is a good time to check that list and see if any of those items have actually dropped in…
With so many pressures on our finances right now, maybe it’s time for a lot of us to buckle down a little. Not panic. Not stop living. Not sit in the dark eating beans straight from the can because electricity costs money. Just pay more attention to where the money is going. When people hear…
Sometimes, when you’re trying to stick to a budget, you have to put on your imaginary crown and become the Queen of No. No, we aren’t turning up the heat. Put on a sweater. No, we aren’t getting takeout. There is food in this house. No, we don’t need another box of snacks just because…
I added up every grocery trip we’ve made since August 1 because even I thought the number had to be wrong. Including the infamous $40 chicken nugget, smiley-fry and Cheez-It extravaganza, we’ve spent $493.88 in six weeks. That’s $82.31 a week to feed five people. No, there aren’t any secret Sam’s Club orders lurking in the shadows. My…
We all mean to save money. We’re going to transfer money to savings. Shop around for insurance. Turn the thermostat down. Remember when that free trial ends. Pay the credit card before interest hits. And then life happens. Here’s something I’ve learned after years of managing a household budget: willpower is a lousy financial plan….
You know that sweet, tangy duck sauce you get with Chinese takeout? You can make a quick version at home with apricot preserves—and it takes about five minutes. This is one of those ridiculously easy sauces that can take plain chicken or pork from well, that’s dinner to oh, this is GOOD. Quick Apricot Duck…
There are absolutely times when you need to call a professional. I’m not messing around with electricity I don’t understand, climbing onto a roof, or taking apart something that could turn a small problem into a very expensive one. I know my limits. But I’m also not paying someone to come to my house before…
Serves 4–6 Ingredients For the sheet pan: For the honey garlic sauce: Let’s Make Dinner Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil if you want to make cleanup even easier. Toss the potatoes with about a tablespoon of oil, salt and pepper. Spread them over the pan and…
“Waste not, want not.” We’ve heard it a hundred times if we’ve heard it once, right? Seriously, though, this stuff matters to your budget. That $6 bargain on the great big container of strawberries is not a savings if they rot in the crisper. You might as well have thrown the $6 in the trash and cut…
