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.
Also, check these out!
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.....
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
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