More Money Saving Tips

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Hello Swankers! Last time I was here I talked about saving money and today I wanted to give you some more ideas. 

Most people say there is no way to save money on fruits and vegetables. It's true that most times there are no coupons for those items. On the rare occasion there are, but that IS indeed VERY rare. There ARE ways to save money on those items though. 

Last time I mentioned buying fruits and vegetables when they are in season. Not only are you saving money, but you are getting some great produce when you buy locally grown. 

Also, you may want to check out some pretty cool apps like Savingstar and Ibotta. They both offer cash back when you buy selected produce. Granted, it may only be 20 cents for some peaches or limes, but they add the cash to your account and you can cash out when you get up to $20 or so. At that point you can use that money for whatever your heart desires at the grocery store. You can use that money for MORE produce.  With Savingstar you just click on the item you want to purchase and when you check out (after linking your store card) it adds the cash to your account. With Ibotta you need to scan your receipt. A little more "work", but it IS kind of fun... especially when you  hear the "Ka-Ching" sound on your phone. ;)

These apps also have plenty of other offers AND you can also COMBINE them WITH manufacturer coupons AND sales. 

Let's also think out of the box here. Even if you don't find any coupons or offers on these apps, maybe there are other products your usually buy. Think shampoo, lotion, vitamins... the list goes on and on. If you save money on THOSE items by using coupons when the items are on sale and maybe even get cash back with one of those apps, you just freed up some extra cash that you can spend on produce. 

 

 

Saving Money and Swanking

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I hear a a lot of people say it's difficult to save money and eat healthy. 

We eat healthy (and very well I might add) and I probably spend about $50 per week. That is for my husband and I as well as my Mother-in-law (who has been staying with us for the last two years). 

First of all, when the store circulars are delivered I see what's on sale that week and build a menu around it.  I also try to find a coupon to match it to. You can find coupons in your Sunday inserts as well as online. 

We eat a lot of chicken breast so when I see it's on sale, I see if there is a coupon online or in the Sunday papers to go with it. If there is, I will combine that coupon with the sale. So if Perdue chicken breast is on sale for $2.99/lb and there is a $1/1 coupon, I just got my chicken for $1.99/lb. 

If you get the Sunday paper that have coupons in them... SAVE THEM. Thecoupons in there may not be on sale that week, but they will probably be on sale within a month or two (sales go in cycles). There are online sites that can make it very easy to match up sale items with available coupons.  The one I use is www.LivingRichWithCoupons.com   

Even if you don't have time nor the inclination for couponing, at least look for the sales. When it comes to fruits and veggies the ones that are on sale are what is in season. So you are getting fresh produce that is in season at a good price. Plan your dinners around it. 

One day last spring, asparagus was on sale for $1.99/lb so I bought a pound. I wanted to do something different with it. I ended up pulling out my chicken breast (which I got for $1.99/lb) and created a recipe around that and the asparagus.                    

I added some garlic, spices and pasta (cheap CHEAP CHEEEAAP!) and it was AWESOME! So for probably about $2.00 per person we had an amazing healthy dinner!

I will post the recipe for the Chicken and Asparagus Pasta next... AND I have A LOT more money saving tips for you even if you just eat organic or are a vegetarian.  Think you can't save money if you buy organic or if you just buy veggies?

You CAN! So stop back soon!

Introduction

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Hello to my fellow Swankers old and new! I want to start by introducing myself to those who don't know me yet. 

My name is Kerry AKA KerrBear. I live in New Jersey with my husband and three cats. I am an avid cook, couponer and self proclaimed modern day hippie who loves to organize. I am all about peace, love, food and saving a few bucks!

So let us go back a bit...

Back in February of 2005 I was waiting on my MS diagnosis. I was scared. No... I was TERRIFIED. In the meantime I found a few websites. Most scared the poo out of me even MORE, but there was one.. just ONE... that gave me hope. That website was this one, the Swank MS site. 

I saw that not only were people doing well, they were laughing, joking and enjoying life. I knew I had to become a part of it. 

My diagnosis was confirmed and I was already a step ahead. I was already a part of this amazing group. I started sharing my stories and  my recipes with the great people on this site. 

I remember back in the beginning I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to get around or do things that I wanted to do. Not only am I able to do that, I am doing more NOW than ever. About two years ago I started working as an Elderly Companion and for the last year I have also been helping my husband renovate a house for his mom. I also work at home doing Accounts Receivable/Payable... while telling the cats to get off the counters., 

In the upcoming months I would like to share more with you. I would like to share how to create delicious Swank friendly meals, stay organized and save money while doing it!

So stay tuned!