Search Results for: blog what not to buy now

Things to Know About CHIP

The Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is abbreviated as CHIP, is something that is talked about in the news from time to time. Your child might qualify for the program, or could currently be benefiting from it. The CHIP program receives funding for a certain amount of years, and then depends on Congress to allow that funding to continue. Facts About CHIP The Children’s Health Insurance Program was passed in 1997. CHIP provides health insurance for 9 million children. CHIP helps families who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but who don’t make enough to be able to … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Snow Cone Syrup

Cut down on the cost and eliminate the high fructose corn syrup when you make your own snow cone syrup. It is easy and inexpensive. What are summer days without a snow cone? This classic summer treat can bring smiles to practically any child. I remember my childhood summers. One of my favorite “toys” was my snoopy snow cone machine. It took a lot of work to get enough shaved ice to make one small snow cone, but it was worth every moment. Because my parents weren’t interested in buying any of the snow cone syrups that were available, I … Continue reading →

Why I No Longer Buy Books

I no longer buy books. There I said it. People who know me may think I have been taken over by aliens, but it is true. I haven’t bought a book in a ver long time, and in fact, I have gotten rid of boxes and boxes of them. Despite this fact, I read several books a week. The only difference, is that I don’t pay a dime for the privilege. In fact, I actually save money, since I can utilize living space that was once taken up by bookshelves. My biggest source of free books is the library. I … Continue reading →

A List of Places to Buy Groceries

Your regular chain supermarket may not be the best place to buy your groceries. Often, there are other stores that will yield better quality for a lower price overall or on particular items. Being able to shop around can be a good thing, and you might want to shop for your groceries at more than one store. Visiting different stores and noting the selection and the prices can help you develop a plan for your grocery shopping. Then you know that you’ll always get the best prices on your groceries, even if you don’t happen to have coupons. There are … Continue reading →

What’s the Best Value: Buying Big vs Buying Small?

Sometimes you have to buy big and sometimes you have to buy small if you want to get the best value for your money. It all depends on the circumstance. At the grocery store, you want to buy big when buying in bulk will save you the most money. Of course, it doesn’t always work that way. Always check unit price and do a comparison of your various options. Usually this works well on items that aren’t otherwise on sale, don’t have coupons, can be used up before they expire or are purchased at a bulk warehouse store where normal … Continue reading →

8 Things Kids Need to Know about Money

It is never too early to start teaching your children about money. While many parents shy away from discussing financial issues with their kids, this can be one of the biggest mistakes that they make. Instilling good habits and a basic understanding about how finances work can give your child an edge that will stay with him or her for a lifetime. 1. There is a difference between the things that you want and the things that you need. Wants versus needs can be a tough concept for kids to understand, but teaching them that real necessities must be met … Continue reading →

Love Your Pet but Not the Cost? How to Reduce the Cost of Raising Your Best Friend

Have you ever taken the time to calculate how much your furry or feathered friends are costing you each month? There is food, vet care, that regular application of flea and tick protection, grooming fees, litter or bedding, and of course toys, treats and equipment such as carriers, cages and the like. Depending on where you live and how eco-friendly or upscale you want to go with food and supplies, expect to pay up to $1,500 for a cat and $2,000 for a dog during the first year. Rabbits, hamsters, birds and fish are somewhat less expensive. Let us take … Continue reading →

The Right Way to Buy in Bulk

Buying your groceries in bulk can save you some serious money, not to mention extra trips to the store. If you aren’t careful, however, bulk purchases can actually wind up costing you more money that you will save. Know the right way to buy in bulk, so you get the best of both worlds: great pricing and convenience. 1. Watch out for the hidden perishables. You probably know enough not to buy 20 pounds of bananas, unless you own a bakery that produces banana bread, but are you still buying items that will go bad before you can use them? … Continue reading →

Seven Things You Should Never Buy at the Grocery Store

There are certain items in the grocery store that will tend to cost you to spend more money than you should. Cut these ten thing out of your grocery store shopping on a regular basis in order to get the most for your money. 1. Cut up fruit and vegetables. You’ll pay much more for fruit and vegetables that have been pre-cut. While these items can certainly be convenient, it usually isn’t worth the premium price plus the shorter shelf life. If you really want your produce already processed, see if there is a version in the frozen food aisle. … Continue reading →

Save Now for Summer

It may be hard to think about summer when there is snow in the forecast and we haven’t even hit January. Even so, I suggest that you do think of summer, because if you plan ahead now, you will save later. Swimwear Believe it or not, some stores will start putting their swimwear out on the floor as soon as the Christmas season is over. In fact, we haven’t even hit Christmas, and I’ve already seen bikinis in department stores. Take advantage of this to get some advanced sales on brand new swimwear. After Christmas, use those gift cards you … Continue reading →