On a recent trip my family and I took to Disneyland, we discovered a way to save on our hotel stay. For a room at Best Western that was going to cost us about $129 each night, we were able to get the room at a rate of $99 — just by signing up for their rewards program. Of course, only the first stay is discounted but after 10 visits to that hotel, we will get the next stay free. Next time you go on a vacation, make sure to ask if the hotel you are staying at has this type of card. There are other hotels that offer such programs, like the Marriott Hotels.
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Last week, I wrote about using the ten second rule when trying to decide whether or not to purchase unnecessary items. There are actually a couple Web sites that will help you avoid impulse buys. By visiting ziplist.com or grocerywiz.com, you can skim through the items, enter what you need and print it out or send send it to your Blackberry. For more information about these sites, visit http://cbs13.com/savewithdave/save.with.dave.2.1114907.html.
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Need lunch item ideas for your school-aged children? Don’t spend money on those costly pre-packaged items. Buy a box of 100-count sandwich bags and fill each will individual-sized portions of pretzels or popcorn. You can also fill re-useable containers with applesauce or pudding. For more information, visit http://mommysavers.com/frugal-food-recipes/saving-school-lunches.shtml.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
Today, I thought I’d start out by mentioning a couple of money-saving ideas that I have tried. On my last post, I talked about a Web site that features recipes from popular restaurants. I found recipes for Taco Bell’s Enchirito and for the Cajun chicken pasta at Chili’s. I tried both, and each night my husband and I felt like we were eating the real thing. Now when I crave that chicken pasta I can make it at home for less. Next, I plan on trying to use a cereal bag for a freezer bag, which I mentioned in the same post. I’ll let you know how that turns out.
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If you constantly grab that unnecessary item in the grocery store, then stop! Master the ten second rule. When you pick up an item, stop for ten seconds and ask yourself why you’re buying it. If you can’t find a good answer, the purchase isn’t necessary. For more tips, visit http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/06/little-steps-100-great-tips-for-saving-money-for-those-just-getting-started/.
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Are you out of stock of the basic necessity items? Rite Aid is offering a $5 coupon for a $25 purchase that is good until Aug. 31. To print the couple or to find other printable coupons, visit http://www.frugalsimplicity.com/ www.allthingsfrugal.com/frugal.htm.
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How is the best way to find out about the latest coupons or best deals? Set up a Google Alert. For instructions on how to set it up, visit http://moneyning.com/frugality/google-alerts-to-get-coupons-and-deals/.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
If you are craving your favorite restaurant food but you’re tired of paying the restaurant prices, make your own. There is a website that features recipes for selected menu items for several restaurants. To find recipes, visit www.all-restaurantrecipes.com.
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Are you looking for ways to save money in your kitchen? Here are three ways you can.
• When you boil potatoes, always save the water. Use it in soups and stews, or cool it and use it to fertilize your house plants.
• Empty plastic liners from cereal boxes and make freezer bags, wax paper or lunch bags.
• Save the packaging from convenience food and make your own. Fill TV dinner trays with leftovers. Fill jello and pudding cups with your own homemade version.
For more ways to save in the kitchen, visit www.allthingsfrugal.com/frugal.htm.
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Does your family constantly compain about eating leftovers? Now you can make them fun. Put bits of food creatively on a dinner plae and add a fresh salad or a new veggie. Tell your family it’s party tray night. For more information, visit www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jul13t.cfm.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
You can have a home-cooked meal every night without cooking every night. How is this possible, you ask? Start a meal-sharing plan, where you cook for your family as well as two others. They, in turn, will do the cooking for you. For more information, visit http://cbs13.com/savewithdave/dave.money.meal.2.1070824.html.
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Rather than spending all that money on laundry detergent, make your own. You can find recipes for them at http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/detergent.shtml. There are three liquid recipes, a powdered recipe, tips and instructions on where to find ingredients.
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Don’t throw out used wrapping paper. Run it through the shredder. The shredded pieces can be used as stuffing when wrapping up gift bags. For more information, visit http://www.pennypinching-grandma.com/house.html.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
The next time you visit a CVS pharmacy or Longs Drug store, you may want to look at the product expiration dates. No, not because the product is bad but to save money. For products such as baby food, medications or dairy, you can get a coupon worth $2. The coupon can be used with any future purchase at a CVS or Longs Drugs store in California. For more information, visit http://cbs13.com/savewithdave/coupon.california.pharmacy.2.1045953.html.
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If you frequently use body scrub, you may want to try to make your own. Just mix some sugar, olive oil and some instant coffee grains. For more information, visit http://frugaldad.com/category/money-saving-tips/.
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Are you out of ideas for a less-expensive but fun child’s birthday? Stay away from pricey party venues, keep your home, parks and fast-food playgrounds in mind. You can save on a birthday cake and create a children’s activity buy baking cupcakes and have each child decorate one. Party favors? You can find plenty of them for less money at the dollar store. For more birthday party tips, visit http://billeater.com/tips/top-11-tips-inexpensive-kids-birthday-party.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
Did you know a lot of companies make cheaper versions of the same product? For example, a Whirlpool washer may sell for $550 but Whirlpool also manufactures Roper Appliances, which makes a similar product for $200 less. A pair of Banana Republic skinny jeans sell for $90, but since Banana Republic, the GAP and Old Navy are all the same company, you can fine a similar pair at Old Navy for only $25. For more examples of good deals, visit http://cbs13.com/savewithdave/save.with.dave.2.1008104.html.
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Thinking you’ll skip breakfast to save on cash? Think again. There are five breakfasts you can make at home for only $1. A package of Quaker Take Heart blueberry flavor oatmeal, cooked with low-fat milk and 1/3 cup of strawberries is 93 cents. A whole wheat English muffin with three eggs mixed with two tablespoons of egg substitute and a slice of reduced fat cheddar cheese is only $1.01. For more breakfast ideas, visit www.tiphero.com/tips_1473_healthy-breakfasts-for-1.html.
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If you need to buy a gift but can’t afford much, here are some ideas. You can make some home-baked bread and include the recipe, craft supplies, expensive socks that are still under $10, favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief or a basket filled with kitchen gadgets. For more inexpensive gift ideas, visit http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/money/63giftsunder10dollars.htm.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
Looking for free stuff? Check out freepeats.org. They have items such as formula, high chairs and maternity clothes — all for free. Similar to Craigslist, the Web site offers everything for free. Parents also have the option to post items they don’t need anymore. For more information, visit cbs13.com/savewithdave/save.with.dave.2.992987.html or visit www.freepeats.org.
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If it seems you are constantly running to the store to buy soap, there may be a way to cut those trips in half. When your bar of soap gets down to a sliver, save it in a zip lock bag. Do this until the bag is full. Then, put the pieces into a double broiler and slowly melt them. Pour mixture into a baking dish and let it sit. Once hardened, cut into squares. For more information, visit www.pennypinching-grandma.com/house.html.
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If you’re planning a summer vacation but don’t want to pay the hefty airline fees, there is a way to fly cheaper. Try booking two one-way flights on separate airlines. For more information, visit www.tiphero.com/tips_504_are-one-way-flights-cheaper-than-round-trips.html.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
In need of coupons? No worries. There are printable coupons available at http://microsite.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=11695&zid=qh33&nid=10. You can even enter your zip code for available coupons in your area.
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If you live in an apartment complex and don’t have your own washer and dryer, you can save at least some of those quarters. Try purchasing an inexpensive drying rack and a powerful box fan. After hanging clothes on the rack, point the box fan at it for a few hours. Clothes will dry quickly without having to use up your quarters. For more information, visit livingthecheaplife.net.
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Even though gas prices are down, monitoring they way you drive can possibly save you 200 to 300 gallons of gas a year. The Fuel Efficiency Adviser provides real time information about what’s happening in your engine. It tells information such as how much each trip costs and the difference idling at one red light can make. For more information, visit abcnews.go.com.
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Are you at a spot in life where you can afford medical or dental care for your children? There are state-funded insurance programs such as Healthy Families or Healthy Kids that offer complete coverage. For dental, there may be free dental screenings for children entering kindergarten in the fall. For more information, visit sjckids.org or call First 5 of San Joaquin at 953-5437.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
We all know that household cleaners can be expensive. Try making your own. Purchase a 64-oz size ammonia and combine 1/4 cup of it with a drop or two of dish soap and 20 drops of essential or aroma oil for a nice scent and pour into a cleaned out spray bottle. For more information, visit frugaltimes.com/moneysavingtips.
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When the grocery store advertises a discount for buying multiples, do you buy all of them just to save money? You can save by just buying one. It is a ploy supermarkets will use to get you to spend more. For more tips on saving at the grocery store, visit www.the-leader.com/lifestyle/food.
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If you’re not a member of facebook or if you don’t twitter, you may want to start. There are many top online retailers who have accounts on those sites. They are able to take advantage of free advertising, while individuals on facebook can take advantage of the deals. For more information, visit cbs13.com/savewithdave.twitter.facebook.water.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
There is no need for expensive dog toys when you can make them at home. Recently, a co-worker said he was having problems with his dog chewing up expensive dog toys. A $15 toy would be shredded to bits within 10 minutes. To save money, he stopped buying toys. This, however, cause the dog to start grabbing items such as shoes, socks and pillows to chew. To remedy the problem, his wife took an old heavy sock and stuffed it with other socks he had already ripped. He now has an inexpensive toy that he hasn’t chewed up.
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So it’s Monday night and there is nothing on the tube. What to do? You can get a free movie from redbox.com. If you go to redbox.com and sign up for text message alerts, a code will be sent to your phone on Monday nights. You can then have a pick of any movie you wish — for free. For more information, visit cbs13.com/savewithdave.
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Shopping for Easter couldn’t be better with these deals at local stores. Save Mart has a Cook’s smoked shanked ham for 88 cents a pound. The spiral sliced or boneless is $1.99 per pound. For produce, Save Mart has fresh green beans for 88 cents a pound, asparagus for $1.97 a pound and fresh broccoli for 99 cents a pound. Looking for a veggie tray? Try Raleys, where they are $3.99 and $7.99. For quenching your thirst, Martinelli’s sparkling cider is $2 a bottle at Save Mart and most varieties of two-liter sodas are 99 cents each. For more good deals, visit www.sacbee.com/statis.weblogs/shop_cheap.
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If the weekend is coming and you’d like to treat your family to a dinner out, here is how you can save for a relaxing meal away from home. Take home leftovers for a second meal. Do this by eating the veggies and fries or bread first. Then, eat the meat item. You might end up too full to eat all the meat. Take it home for dinner the next night. You can just order side items such as a salad and appetizer. Call ahead for the special days such as family days or when kids are allowed to eat for free. For more ways to save while dining out, visit www.bargainist.com/deals.
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Do you know of a way to save money or know of a great resource that explains how to save money? Contact Pam Bauserman at 369-7035 or send an e-mail to pamelab@lodinews.com.
