Ways to Save...that aren't so obvious

We have went over gathering information to save and coupon beginners. Now, I want to discuss a little thing called investment. I know, I know, we're supposed to be talking about SAVING money...not spending it. Well, you know the saying: you gotta spend money to make money! Plus, these tips will help you save in the long run. 

Crock pot: if you don't have one get one!

How will this save your money? Oh, let me count the ways......

• Gas: with "strategic" planning, one can avoid "emergency" trips to the store for tonight's dinner.
• Electricity: OK, I'm not pulling out wattage calculations, but trust me a crock pot uses way less electricity than your stove. 
• Less costly meats: tougher meats cost less for more product. That's just the way it is. If you didn't learn this from observation or the words of an elder, then again, trust me because I learned it in NTR 213. These tougher meats become oh so tender and tasty in the c-pot that your family will give you undue credit on culinary mastery! Another trust me....
• Tasty leftovers: usually a c-pot makes more than the family eats---especially if you use hardy ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and beans in your dish. Eat them in a night or two or pop them in the freezer for another time. 
• Dish detergent: with a one-pot deal you can't complain about doing pots and pans as well as dishes. Plus, these babies are pretty easy to clean----even if you burn stuff like me!
• Less convenient food: with dinner making itself, you won't need to get convenience (fast food or freezer) to have dinner in a jiffy. There are even lasagna recipes for the c-pot!

Check out these cool deals:

Ok, I personally like this one. Ehem, and I need a new one...mom...ehem. Me likey lots. At only $60 bucks it's not bad. But if that is hitting your pocket too hard then you can look further. There are different styles, different cooking levels, timers, warm settings, lid clamps, oven durable liners, the options keep going. 

Target

Walmart

Sears

Kmart

Slow Cooker Reviews

Also, check these out!

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Simple Veggie Soup---but I say cook on low for 6-8 hours instead if you'll be at work.

Pressure Cooker: What? A pressure cooker, you know one of those things your grandma used! It cooks dinner in half the time! You wanna attempt to make homemade turnip greens---sure, its a snap! You wanna cook a whole chicken with out the fuss of the oven----sure, go ahead. Add your potatoes, carrots, celery, and broth! "Roast" Chicken a la you in half the time, less electricity, and 1/10th of the heat!

What's the money saving here? Same as a crock pot.....only less strategic planning. You can even "can" with these suckers! Which is why your grandma used them--and they're great for dried beans. 

To get you started.....

Target

How to use a Pressure Cooker

Those zippy bags I can't call by name due to copy right laws: Why, you ask? Because, you can store homemade (or leftover jar) spaghetti sauce or leftovers in them. Just lay flat in the freezer (put something under them so they don't freeze into grooves). Then when they are frozen, you can leave them flat or store vertically. Or you can toss in snacks to go. Better yet, you can make your own snacks, such as granola or a certain cereal mix, and store it for whenever hunger strikes. AND Walmart has a brand called Saran...or something like that (red box)....for only 97 cents per box of each size. In other words, you save money by being organized and thrifty. Also, from that Dacyzyn lady, you can wash them and reuse them unless you store raw meat in them. I find for snacks and other dry goods this works, but some frozen items just use the bag's life.

Warranties: Yep, warranties. Christmas is just around the corner. I have saved my ass pocket a few times with warranties. I have a 4 year one on my Roku--luckily because it just went kaput. I have a 7 year one for my PC---and that has already come in handy twice. My last computer didn't have one and when she was killed by lightening I vowed to never again go without one in honor of her memory. The one on my lap top ran out, but it saved me when something was spilled on the keys. Usually, you can get a decent warranty for a low fee. Trust me, it's worth it. 

Comprehensive Car Insurance: Because someone might have your van towed and crushed at a junk yard for a gain of $300 even though they knew it was your van and not sitting there for 6 fucking years because you haven't even owned the fucker for 6 years or lived here for 6 years for that matter and how would they know a time frame when they've only been around here for weeks---and it was a loss of over $3000 for you, including 99% of your husband's tools which some were your grandfather's that he gave to your husband. Yep, comprehensive would have covered blue book value. Lesson learned. OK, that was a side rant, but seriously comprehensive covers tree damage, windshield damage, and the-odd-shit-you wouldn't-think-of-like-above damage. Trust me, it's worth it. 

Netflix: if you have internet access at home, then you want Netflix. How does this save you money. OK  to me this is a no-brainer, but I will go through process just for you!

• Gas: no more trips to the f****ng video store, waiting in line, buying that expensive candy in line because your kids want it..or you want it....
• Late fees: this one got me every time . You avoid late fees because of 2 reasons. 1) you're video streaming. 2) you can receive videos and return them at your convenience. 
• Buying videos: you can view before you buy, literally. If you love it like I love Nacho Libre, then by golly, go buy it! Instead of impulse buying those old favorites just to discover they sucked (like License to Drive), you can just watch or "rent." 

Board Games: This one investment will save you from costly entertainment fees tacked on by bored children. Some popcorn and 2 liters + a few bored games and card games = 1 easy night and 1 spared wallet. Hey, throw in some frozen pizza and you got it going on! Wanna kill 2 birds with one stone? Buy some board and card games when they go on sale this holiday season for Christmas Presents! Geez, I'm on a roll: Game night followed by some movies from Netflix to cap it off! baddabing baddaboom baby!

A Y-membership: If it has a pool. This is an easy rainy day outing. Plus, you get discounts on birthday parties! And these parties last 3 hours, no head count, no food limitations, free chairs and tables, and its easy to keep everyone together. Pool parties are a bit more complicated, but they are inside and can be done anytime of the year. Y's have gyms too. Plus there are always some type of class or activity going on at them. They have family packages and grandparent packages. Heck, some insurance cover for the elderly.  

This is just a few ideas. If you have any, please share. Ways to save come in many forms. 

Love, Cassie                                                                                                  

Its Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I changed the theme to pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I do not personally know anyone who has been through this ordeal. Just think about it: If you survive, you will lose one or both breasts. Of course, we have lived without them before....at least 15 years for some of us, right Jenna. Imagine living without them now. They are part of your identity as a woman. They are part of your sexuality. They are part of mine and Jenna's motherhood.

So, take a moment of silence for those who haven't survived and for those who have and are still dealing with the aftermath. 

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A Book to read: The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet by Dr. Rob Arnot

Easy Pink Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Old Fashioned Pink Lemonade Recipe and The Pink Lemonade Project (must see)

Love, Cassie

A Funny and Scary Story---depending on who's perspective.....

Even though this story took place many summer nights ago, I felt it is befitting this time of year because its about tricks, supernatural objects, and scary......

One summer night over a decade ago...Elise was spending the night at my house. Her and Ryan R. (always a cutie) had a thing going on, so he rode over to my street on his bike. For some reason, back in the day it was the thing for boys to chill outside of Cassie's window...whether I came outside or not. 

I had a Ouija board given to me by Lizzy Lincoln (a good friend at the time) because she was scared of it---claimed her closet door started opening and closing (a sliding one at that) on its own after she got it. So, I took it. It wasn't long before I believed in its "charm" from experience with Jenna. My life at the time was filled with spooks (real haunted houses in my back yard, ghosts out of dreams, giant shadow cat-thing in the field...), so it never occurred to me that I might want to burn it---or better yet not even touch the thing! Elise and I had decided to play a trick on someone using the Ouija board, a hair scrunchie, and some of my Papa's fishing line. We tied the line to the scrunchie, put the other end through the screen of my bedroom window, and let the scrunchie hang behind the couch in front of my window. Along came Ryan.....

Well, Elise went outside to get some sugar (mean bitch...just setting him up), while I got the Ouija board out. Yadda, yadda, we brought it up in conversation, he didn't believe in it, we invited him to join! Him and Elise stood on the trailer hitch at my window. We asked it for a sign...Ryan with disbelief in his eye. About that time Elise pulls the line. She was supposed to pull it easy, make it creep up. But, in her excitement she yanked the damn thing, the scrunchie slaps the screen (scaring me even), Ryan leaps backwards off of the hitch like a spastic cat, and scrambles over to his bike. I'm telling you, the fear of God was in his eyes! He looked at us like..idk...wondering why we weren't running too. He paused just long enough for us to notice that he had pissed his pants, hopped on his bike, at took off like a bat outta hell! Needless to say that was one less boy hanging outside my window....although I would have preferred him over some others that came by.

Oh, and Elise ripped my screen because she yanked the line so hard. And for years I would giggle every time I seen the rip.

P.S. the first photo is what my "backyard" looked like at night! 

Love Cassie

Item #2 on Money Saving List

Ok, so now on to coupons (koopons, quoopons, tomato, tomahto...). I work with a lady who is like the queen of coupons. She even knows which coupons to use to get a huge discount on detergent by using a non-detergent coupon (self-checkout). It amazes me. But do I know how to do this, Elise? No. Something about a scan code...But I can give tips on how to successfully use them the non-dirty way. 

1. Know the grocery stores in your area: what stores are around you or close by, which ones accept coupons, which ones double, which ones accept internet coupons....you get my drift. For example, Elise:

• Bottom Dollar 1327 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 : There used to be one by my house, but Food Lion changed it back (it's a discount store of FL). I loved it and wish we still had it. Their prices on quality produce and meat can't be beat. They do accept coupons. They also do an online e-coupon that goes directly to your membership card. Sweet. You can go to their website (click Bottom Dollar above) to look at budget meals, sign up for money mail, and view the weekly flyer!
• Lowes Foods 737 W Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27205 : This chain can be pricey, but their sales can be great. They double coupons up to 99 cents everyday. Their rewards card even gives gas rewards (see details on site). The rewards card will take off a certain amount from your bill (see details on site). Lowes also accept certain internet coupons---they even tell you which one. There is a 5 cents reward for reusing bags at their store! I know the one near me has an awesome water station. You bring in your own jugs and fill it up with filtered water for cheap! They call their e-coupons "digital coupons." 
• Aldi's 1318 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 : Interestingly, they have MyPlate on their site--I didn't easily see that on the others. This is the off-brand store and I mean so off I have never heard of them. If you're ok with that, then this is a pretty thrifty place to go. I have bought snack/candy/convenience item there. I was pleased. I didn't see any information about coupons, but one could always call the store. 

Now that was just to start you off, Elise. Don't forget to check out rainchecks, accepting other chain's coupons, and beating competitors pricing. Plus, look at each stores reward clubs and weekly specials. This is all good to know because it can help you decide where to shop for what sales or for coupon use.

Jenna: Giant Eagle, Save-a-Lot (those 10 for 10 deals come in handy), Food Lion (I know you 're familiar with this one!)

Angie: I know you are very familiar with Albertson and HEB policies on coupons and reward cards. What is The Royal Blue Grocery? Randall's offers doubling at some locations (call to check), accept internet coupons, and do rainchecks.

2. Name Game:
There is some debate on the usefulness of coupons because they all are for name-brand items. I personally find that most coupons aren't for me because I don't buy the brand or use the quantity required. My kids don't even know name brands. Do you know how many times I've had to explain to Evie why Jello is on a pudding snack and not a gelatin one! Well, they do know Pepsi---but they call ALL soda Pepsi. 

I hear others talking about how much they paid (or how little, rather) for a name brand item. A girl I work with was telling me how she got Ziploc brand bags for like 50 cents a box. She happens to shop at Harris Teeter. They have special double coupon weeks, honoring up to $1.99 (last time it was $2.00!). Also, I have found that it is still cheaper to buy store brand even if you have coupons. It's a personal preference. Can you get the name brand just as cheap with a coupon? If not, go with the store brand. For example, Macaroni and cheese: 

My family prefers homemade, but the girls like to eat the box kind mixed with tuna. Since Eric has been away from home, I have been cheating and doing box. SO, I guess I should say that he is spoiled to homemade (unless with tuna too). Back to the point....so Harris Teeter has a Hospitality off brand for 47 cents everyday. They had their brand marked down to 67 cents. Kraft was on sale. I didn't have a coupon anyway, but its pointless unless I can get Kraft for 47 cents or less. AND I think the Hospitality is fine. By the way, at 47 cents, Harris Teeter (HT) is cheaper than Walmart.

So, I know, I know, how are these people getting $200 worth of groceries for $25? I wonder myself. Do they regularly use these products that would actually cause their bill to be so high that coupons make a huge difference (in my world this is called study error)? Are they doing it dirty like some people I know? Are they double couponing? Are they catching sales or beating competitors prices? Is it a combination of all the above? Well, lets go over this....

3. Here are some points to ponder:

• Use coupons for things you use or need at the moment---otherwise you're not really saving money. It doesn't make since (and I've done similar to this) to buy Fiber One bars on a 2 for $5 sale with a double coupon for 50 cents ($1.00 off total). I just bought snacks we don't normally eat that come 6 in a box (12 total) and will be eaten in 1 week or less (and I don't get any) for $4 (33 cents per bar). Would I have normally bought them? No. Did I want to try them? Yes. Which brings me to the next point.
• Use coupons for new things you want to try. You're going to buy it eventually. So, do it on sale, with a coupon, and try to double it. 
• Use coupons when items go on sale. Most stores follow coupon release. And all stores have sales patterns. For example, HT has the double coupon every 4 weeks. Write dates of sales and discover the pattern of your stores. 
• Don't let your coupons expire---or you're wasting time cutting them out. Coupons come out in every Sunday paper. The most packets come out at the beginning/end of a month (depends on how weekend falls). But, don't use them just to do so before they expire if you don't need the items! 
• Keep your coupons on you at all times. Get an organizer, sort them out, and take with you every time you go to the store---even for quick visits! Hell, keep it in your car.
• Make lists: shopping list, weekly meal plans---and try to plan coupon use around them As a matter of fact, plan your shopping around needs, sales, coupons, and weekly menu plans!

A blog that might interest new couponers

A good site that sums up what I said and then some!

This one had some good points---especially about taking baby steps. I think that is what discourages most of us who try it. We want to dive right in!

A word from the experienced---and real, like us

Love Cassie

P.S. go to linked site for "doing it dirty" Halloweeny and cool beat! What a treat!

Hello Ladies!

Why is it that I always want to blog again around the holidays? Is it the holiday cheer? Wanting to connect with those I care about? IDK....all I know is that my creative juices get flowing and I get ideas. Plus, it never fails that I am asked for advice about something  this time of year. Elise has asked for advice on saving money (why me? like I have any!) because she wants to buy a house. Which I don't blame her because according to different things I have read renting is just a waste of money in the long run. So, I have compiled a list of things to do to get her started

1. Read: This is probably the reason she asked me. As a matter of fact her words were, "So I remember you had read a book or ten..." in a text she sent. Did we forget about Jenna, the librarian? 

There are many good authors and gurus out there to learn from. My first suggestion is Anthony Robbins  (Shallow Hal) simply because, as he puts it, he is the guru on what makes you tick or not tick. He can help you figure out what your weaknesses are, strengths, whatever. My cousin read his book Awaken the Giant Within and he said it changed his life. If you want to view his success just go to my facebook ladies. You'll see him and his girl in my posts. Yeah, the cute one (I meant him). He gave me the book on the condition that I read it. I haven't yet, but looking at his life I should have years ago. He also owns houses and he flips houses. I guess my point is, you can't change habits or make new ones until you figure out what yours are and aren't. Learn more about Tony by clicking his name to go to his website. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. You can watch him on Youtube. Plus, I have done a little footwork for each:

Elise

Jenna, I do not need to do this for you. 

Angie 

My second suggestion is another good author and radio show host (830 AM Christian Radio) is Dave Ramsey. I do not recall him being a big preacher. Actually, I remember him saying to tithe after you get your act together, whereas most in his genre say do it first---but don't quote me. He's real big on getting rid of debt, which is why I looked him up. Also, he makes good points about leasing cars (a.k.a rent-to-own) and paying off mortgages. He is also really adamant about living within your means---which he makes sound pretty doable! He has tools to help you budget. Like this Quick-Start Budget pdf. tool. I really liked his Total Money Makeover. 

Elise

Angie

Jenna, again....




My third suggestion is Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced decision), who is a savings legend of the nineties. Some of her methods may be dated, but her advice and insights are still of value. And she even has a website! I still use some of her tips since I confiscated her book from an ex's mom in the early 2000's. Her books are interesting, easy to read, and applicable. I really like her! She's practical: no tricks, special formulas or doo-dads. I pull her book out every once in a while just to relax. She is also about living in one's means and paying off her mortgage. She makes it seems pretty doable also.

Elise

Angie

Suggestion number 4 is to browse through your library catalog (you can do that online or on PC at library now!) and google stuff. The knowledge is out there. And remember.....

I will post #2 Coupons in the next post!

Love Cassie