Article continues below ↓ advertisement | your ad here photo by nmack28 Financial worries and fears cause many people stress, and you don’t need to be dirt-poor or drowning in debt to lose sleep worrying about it. Let’s face it: Counting sheep doesn’t work for everyone, so I’m sharing reader tips for those nights when [...]
photo by sarcozona When is the last time you visited your local library and asked about the many services and events they offer? If it’s been a while, you’ll discover your library offers much more than books. Perhaps you already know they offered DVDs, microtext, rare manuscripts, instructional videos and interlibrary loans, but you’ll be [...]
photo by honan Have you noticed the cost of simple ready-made wreaths? If you’re crafty, you’ve probably made one yourself. If you haven’t, it’s easier and costs less than you’d think to create a festive wreath for the interior or exterior of your home for any time of the year. DISCOUNTS: The average person doesn’t [...]
photo by freewine What type of coffee drinker are you? Do you go through an entire pot of cheap home-brewed coffee? Or do you buy gourmet coffee and drink it by the $5 cupful? I’m a java convert. I used to overpay for custom blends, but now I brew my own cheap pot of coffee [...]
photo by bonvoyagetohappy When my favorite frozen potpies were recalled, I decided it was time to let go of this guilty pleasure. Granted, they are inexpensive, but they’re not the healthiest choice or very hearty. It was one of the few foods that I hadn’t converted from convenience to homemade. I considered that a frozen [...]
photo by zero-g DEAR SARA: I need ideas for items to fill a gift bag for a pregnant friend. What do you think would be appropriate and not too expensive? — Heather, California
photo by benbengraves Holiday gatherings are often highlighted by signature dishes — favorites that appear year after year. Without that single recipe, the celebration just wouldn’t be the same. Maybe it’s a recipe that has been handed down through the generations and evokes fond memories or a story. Eating it feels like home.
photo by didbygraham One challenge for moms of young children is finding the time to exercise. Nap times can be unpredictable, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the discipline to wake up for a 4 a.m. jog. I applaud women who can. If you wait for the perfect workout situation, you’ll [...]
photo by net_efekt Personal-finance experts often say to pay yourself first, and to not spend money you don’t have. Some people use small reminders, such as Post-it notes or stickers in their purses or wallets, to make them think before making an impulse purchase, while others simply ask themselves whether they can afford it. Ask [...]
photo by adrienneserra “I want a change, and a radical change. I want a change from an acquisitive society to a functional society, from a society of go-getters to a society of go-givers.” — Peter Maurin As a mom with young children, I often wonder which of our family belongings will make the long haul. [...]
photo by rogerjones I miss carnival season. I can’t resist the fat-laden, sugar-coated treats. I blame it on the music and flashing lights. The food often helps me divert my children away from the “win a goldfish” game, too. “Hey kids. How about some cotton candy?” Each year brings new treats that I have to [...]
photo by Lin Pernille DEAR SARA: What books on frugality do you recommend? — Danielle, New Jersey DEAR DANIELLE: I’ve enjoyed “More with Less Cookbook” by Doris Janzen Longacre (Herald Press, 2003) because it contains practical recipes with ingredients the average person has on hand. The recipes are tried-and-true and aren’t complicated. I’m certain you’ll [...]
One common weight-loss tool is making choices from a food exchange list. Frugality works in a similar way. You can make decisions based on available alternatives. Instead of losing weight, you save money, use what you have on hand, repair and/or waste less. What type of cheaper options have you discovered? Here are a few [...]
Many people eat out because they’re too busy to cook. But some people simply don’t know how. It’s frustrating to waste food, so you might not want to try anything new. These are situations that start the downward spiral of buying prepared foods at the grocery store and restaurants. Check your grocery aisles. It can [...]
Birthday parties for kids can bust your budget. Planning the party can be stressful, too. You tend to forget basic games and activities can be the most fun. Supplies don’t have to be costly and many can be made with items you already have in your home. Many traditional party games such as musical chairs, [...]
photo by boo licious DEAR SARA: Just wondering if you have any tried-and-true home remedies for sore throats. I’ve had a mild sore throat for the past two to three days off and on, and I’m getting tired of it. My throat looks red and irritated. Any help would be much appreciated. — Q.M., forums [...]
photo by bcmom I’ll admit, I haven’t tried reusing dryer lint, so the first tip is on my must-try list. I hope there’s a new frugal tip for you, too. DRYER-LINT FIRE STARTER: I stuff my dryer lint into an empty toilet-paper cardboard tube. I melt my leftover candle wax and pour it into both [...]
