This day and age do we really need land lines?
There are some that would say yes. What if you need one at home for the kids?
In reality, instead of paying an additional $30-$40 for a land line, consider getting a second cell phone (usually for around $10 for the extra line) and have this as a "home" cell phone.
You don't have to change phone numbers if you move. I've kept the same phone number for years, even though I live in a different state.
911 call centers are actually getting better at handling cell phone calls. It should be important for your children to know there phone and address.
The only reason this day and age to keep a land line may be for business purposes.
This is one way of cutting expenses out of your budget.
Showing posts with label budgeting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budgeting. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Always To Carry Cash
12 reason to carry cash!
1) Splitting bills - if you go to a restaurant for lunch and they will not do separate checks. You have cash you can pay your part.
2) Tipping - most servers prefer cash tips. This is they're income and it is easier for them to handle.
3) In case your can't use a card - Not everyone takes debit cards. There is a store near where I work nestled in between the high rises. The other day I ran in for a box of tissues. Good thing I had cash.
4) In case of emergency - You never know what is going to happen, best to have some cash with you.
5) Suspended card - The bank makes an error and your card cannot be used. But you've already had breakfast. Good thing to have cash.
6) Tolls - Friday, a couple of weeks ago there was an accident on I75 with all lanes closed, so I had to take 400 (a toll road) to get back to my temporary quarters. I had cash to pay for the toll.
7) Mug money - now this I would have laughed at before my temporary assignment in Atlanta. This was not something that I would normally worry about in San Antonio, but working in midtown this past few months have been quite the experience. The theory is to carry $20 and as few cards as possible in order to pacify a mugger. Since the mugger will usually take the money and leave you alone.
8) Cash discounts - Can't take advantage of these with a debit or credit card.
9) Showers & raffles - Anyone who works in an office knows that these come up. It's always best to have cash in order to donate.
10) Parking - If you don't pay by the month, you end up paying by the day and it's usually cash only.
11) Minimum or small purchases - Some business only allow debit or credit cards to be used with a minimum amount of $5 or $10. Do you really want to use your debit card for a $1.29 soda?
12) Yard or Garage sales - always require cash.
In addition, after any disaster may require cash simply due to the fact that the business will not have access to the phone lines required for the transmission of the data for the debit or credit cards.
1) Splitting bills - if you go to a restaurant for lunch and they will not do separate checks. You have cash you can pay your part.
2) Tipping - most servers prefer cash tips. This is they're income and it is easier for them to handle.
3) In case your can't use a card - Not everyone takes debit cards. There is a store near where I work nestled in between the high rises. The other day I ran in for a box of tissues. Good thing I had cash.
4) In case of emergency - You never know what is going to happen, best to have some cash with you.
5) Suspended card - The bank makes an error and your card cannot be used. But you've already had breakfast. Good thing to have cash.
6) Tolls - Friday, a couple of weeks ago there was an accident on I75 with all lanes closed, so I had to take 400 (a toll road) to get back to my temporary quarters. I had cash to pay for the toll.
7) Mug money - now this I would have laughed at before my temporary assignment in Atlanta. This was not something that I would normally worry about in San Antonio, but working in midtown this past few months have been quite the experience. The theory is to carry $20 and as few cards as possible in order to pacify a mugger. Since the mugger will usually take the money and leave you alone.
8) Cash discounts - Can't take advantage of these with a debit or credit card.
9) Showers & raffles - Anyone who works in an office knows that these come up. It's always best to have cash in order to donate.
10) Parking - If you don't pay by the month, you end up paying by the day and it's usually cash only.
11) Minimum or small purchases - Some business only allow debit or credit cards to be used with a minimum amount of $5 or $10. Do you really want to use your debit card for a $1.29 soda?
12) Yard or Garage sales - always require cash.
In addition, after any disaster may require cash simply due to the fact that the business will not have access to the phone lines required for the transmission of the data for the debit or credit cards.
What to Do IF Your Debit Card is Compromised
So you go to use your debit card and it isn't accepted. You know there's enough money in your bank so you can't figure out why. You go on line - $7.34 in your account - but your paycheck just went in---now what? You know you didn't do that - well congratulations, you've been hacked. That was me last year, fortunately from working in the banking industry for years, I knew what to do. Here are some simple steps to follow:
1) Call your bank! Have the debit card canceled immediately.
2) Ask for the Fraud unit at your bank and let them know which charges were fraudulent.
3) Look at each of the charges, they should have a phone number attached. Call each phone number and let them know what happened. In my case, it was all porn sites (I didn't know anyone could watch that much porn) and they very quickly (within 7 days) refunded the money into my account. Make sure you write down who you spoke to and if they give your the name of the person that used the card.
4) File a police report. Make sure you get the case # to give to the fraud unit at your bank as well as keep for your records.
This was an experience I don't wish upon anyone, but if it does be prepared.
1) Call your bank! Have the debit card canceled immediately.
2) Ask for the Fraud unit at your bank and let them know which charges were fraudulent.
3) Look at each of the charges, they should have a phone number attached. Call each phone number and let them know what happened. In my case, it was all porn sites (I didn't know anyone could watch that much porn) and they very quickly (within 7 days) refunded the money into my account. Make sure you write down who you spoke to and if they give your the name of the person that used the card.
4) File a police report. Make sure you get the case # to give to the fraud unit at your bank as well as keep for your records.
This was an experience I don't wish upon anyone, but if it does be prepared.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Back Yard Gardening
Have you thought about your garden this year?
Do you have a space? If not, what about containers?
There are several options:
Square foot gardening:
Vertical Gardens:
Raised Bed Gardens:
Aquaponics:
Container Gardens:
Go to your state extension service website and see what grows in your area.
Save money on groceries and eat healthier:
Do you have a space? If not, what about containers?
There are several options:
Square foot gardening:
Vertical Gardens:
Raised Bed Gardens:
Aquaponics:
Container Gardens:
Go to your state extension service website and see what grows in your area.
Save money on groceries and eat healthier:
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Conserve
One of the best ways to save money is to conserve - Here are some ways how:
- Turn off the lights when you are not in the room - remind your family to also!
- Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use!
- Have your cooling and/or heating system tuned up once a year!
- Plan your errands ahead of leaving the house so you save on gas!
- Hold clothing swaps!
- If needed, insulate with blankets by hanging over the windows to protect against the cold. A wool blanket or sleeping bag will work wonders for keeping the cold out of the room.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Keep Your Mortgage at 28% of Your Income!
Whenever financing a home or refinancing a home, your mortgage should not account for more than 28% of your income. The ration is called HTI (Home to Income). It looks like this:
The housing portion is Principle, Interest, Taxes (county, school, local or state), Insurance (property, flood, wind, earthquake riders), and Association (HOA or Property if a condo).
The ideal number at the end is 28% or lower.
- Total Income/PITIA (Principle, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, Association dues) = %
The housing portion is Principle, Interest, Taxes (county, school, local or state), Insurance (property, flood, wind, earthquake riders), and Association (HOA or Property if a condo).
The ideal number at the end is 28% or lower.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Reduce Temptation to Spend More!
Here are some tips for reducing spending at any time!
- Don't go to the store unless you have a specific reason and then only buy what is on your list.
- Don't visit Internet sites that sell items.
- Remove yourself from company email/sale list.
- Don't browse the ads in the paper.
- Don't meet up at the mall with friends.
- Don't stop at the outlet malls on a trip.
- Get rid of the catalog and sales papers in your possession.
- Use cash! Leave your credit cards at home. Ladies, you know where we hide it!
Reduce Temptation to Spend Too Much for Christmas!
First, look at your budget.
Make a list of people you will be buying for -
This includes:
Shop for the best deals and stick to your budget!
- How much do you have to spend?
Make a list of people you will be buying for -
This includes:
- Family members
- Friends
- Significant Others (not necessarily yours - relatives, children's, etc)
- Charity (Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, etc)
- Office (Secret Santa, etc)
Shop for the best deals and stick to your budget!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Develop Useful Hobbies
Instead of spending so many hours watching the TV - why not work on a hobby?
There are so many things that can be done such as crafts, repairs, building things that can actually be resold in order to bring extra money into your home.
My grandmother was 61 when I was born. There is not a day that I don't remember her crocheting. She was very good and often sold some of the items that she made.
Knitting has made a come back in the last couple of years, not only is it good to know, but also can bring additional income into your home.
Jewelry makers, candle makers, bakers, are usually always at craft shows selling their creations.
There are the people that make wreaths and floral designers.
One of the more interesting ideas that I saw at the home show last year, was a local honey bee farmer selling his honey.
Farmers markets are a way to sell your fresh produce if you can garden.
Hunting and Fishing can provide food for your family. Just make sure you have the necessary licenses.
Repairs are another option - my mother was a seamstress. Every month or more often if needed I was sent down the block to a man who sharpened knives and scissors. He would sharpen her scissors for a couple of bucks and had a steady stream of business.
These are only some of the options, be sure not to violate any of your local zoning laws. These are suggestions to help increase the money coming into your home, not to cost you more in fines.
There are so many things that can be done such as crafts, repairs, building things that can actually be resold in order to bring extra money into your home.
My grandmother was 61 when I was born. There is not a day that I don't remember her crocheting. She was very good and often sold some of the items that she made.
Knitting has made a come back in the last couple of years, not only is it good to know, but also can bring additional income into your home.
Jewelry makers, candle makers, bakers, are usually always at craft shows selling their creations.
There are the people that make wreaths and floral designers.
One of the more interesting ideas that I saw at the home show last year, was a local honey bee farmer selling his honey.
Farmers markets are a way to sell your fresh produce if you can garden.
Hunting and Fishing can provide food for your family. Just make sure you have the necessary licenses.
Repairs are another option - my mother was a seamstress. Every month or more often if needed I was sent down the block to a man who sharpened knives and scissors. He would sharpen her scissors for a couple of bucks and had a steady stream of business.
These are only some of the options, be sure not to violate any of your local zoning laws. These are suggestions to help increase the money coming into your home, not to cost you more in fines.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Reducing Temptation to Eat Out
One of the easiest ways to avoid temptation and save money is to stop eating out. In addition to menu planning and fixing lunch the night before from your left overs is to use copy cat recipe's.
The best sites that I found for resteraunt copy cat recipes are:
cdkitchen.com
copycat-recipes.net
copykat.com
Another one is top secret recipes, however they sometimes charge for the recipes.
The best sites that I found for resteraunt copy cat recipes are:
cdkitchen.com
copycat-recipes.net
copykat.com
Another one is top secret recipes, however they sometimes charge for the recipes.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Different Options for Buying
If you're on a budget or short on cash and NEED something, consider some different buying options.
Craig's List - Everything from Real Estate to clothing. Make sure your seller is legitimate, there have been some security concerns.
Garage Sales - I have bought numerous items from garage sales ranging from books to my first laser printer. Sometimes you can find a bargain and sometimes not so much.
Pawn Shops - Usually tools, guns, jewelry, and electronics are the best finds. Electronics are usually checked before the pawn broker will accept them.
Ebay - Just about anything you could possibly want (except guns and alcohol) are on E-bay. I even sell there myself.
Amazon - Like E-bay but with a set price.
Goodwill/Salvation Army stores - Great finds on clothing, books, furniture, and electronics. Items are not checked to see if they work.
Thrift Stores - They are similar to Goodwill and Salvation Army stores, except the pricing is different.
Retail Consignment Stores - Usually clothing (designer) and furniture. Remember, sometimes you can find a bargain, sometimes not.
Craig's List - Everything from Real Estate to clothing. Make sure your seller is legitimate, there have been some security concerns.
Garage Sales - I have bought numerous items from garage sales ranging from books to my first laser printer. Sometimes you can find a bargain and sometimes not so much.
Pawn Shops - Usually tools, guns, jewelry, and electronics are the best finds. Electronics are usually checked before the pawn broker will accept them.
Ebay - Just about anything you could possibly want (except guns and alcohol) are on E-bay. I even sell there myself.
Amazon - Like E-bay but with a set price.
Goodwill/Salvation Army stores - Great finds on clothing, books, furniture, and electronics. Items are not checked to see if they work.
Thrift Stores - They are similar to Goodwill and Salvation Army stores, except the pricing is different.
Retail Consignment Stores - Usually clothing (designer) and furniture. Remember, sometimes you can find a bargain, sometimes not.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Buying Seeds
If you are planning a garden for next year, you may want to look for seeds now. This is the time of year in which many stores put the seeds on sale. The best seeds to buy are heirloom seeds, since they can reproduce year after year.
Since I rent, I have container gardens. Which means I can move my garden inside for the winter.
Seeds that I have I store in a cool dry place. As long as they are not frozen or get wet, they will keep for a period of years.
When buying seeds, make sure that what you are buying will grow in your area.
Short term plants need to be eaten within a few days of harvest. These include leafy greens, radishes, cucumbers, broccoli, and spinach.
Mid term plants can be stored for several months. These include pecans, some types of squash, potatoes, and onions.
Lont term plants can be dried or dehydrated and include pecans, wheat, barley, peas, beans, and corn.
Most items can be canned.
Since I rent, I have container gardens. Which means I can move my garden inside for the winter.
Seeds that I have I store in a cool dry place. As long as they are not frozen or get wet, they will keep for a period of years.
When buying seeds, make sure that what you are buying will grow in your area.
Short term plants need to be eaten within a few days of harvest. These include leafy greens, radishes, cucumbers, broccoli, and spinach.
Mid term plants can be stored for several months. These include pecans, some types of squash, potatoes, and onions.
Lont term plants can be dried or dehydrated and include pecans, wheat, barley, peas, beans, and corn.
Most items can be canned.
Paying Off Debt
For those of us in the real world, you've probably had a few bumps in the road. I know I have. There are some things that I have done, that I should have known better. After all, I've worked in Financial Services for over 30 years, and I am a Chartered Life Underwriter. All I can say is we live and we learn.
Some writers and so-called experts will tell you pay off the ones with the lowest balance and then put that money towards the next one and so on until it's paid off. I took a different approach.
First, sit down and on a piece of paper list every bill you have. Make four columns (Name of creditor, balance, interest rate, and minimum payment). Now that you've done that, have a drink! You've just completed the hardest part!
Look at the bill that you have that has the highest interest rate.
For Example: ABC Mastercard - $2814 bal. - 22.47% APR - $45 min pmt.
Think about this, they are charging you more money than any other piece of credit that you have. Can you work it into your budge to pay $114? I paid off credit cards using this approach. I would pay $50 or $100 payments + the interest being charged every month. Within 2 years I was out of debt.
Think about it, try a new approach!
Some writers and so-called experts will tell you pay off the ones with the lowest balance and then put that money towards the next one and so on until it's paid off. I took a different approach.
First, sit down and on a piece of paper list every bill you have. Make four columns (Name of creditor, balance, interest rate, and minimum payment). Now that you've done that, have a drink! You've just completed the hardest part!
Look at the bill that you have that has the highest interest rate.
For Example: ABC Mastercard - $2814 bal. - 22.47% APR - $45 min pmt.
Think about this, they are charging you more money than any other piece of credit that you have. Can you work it into your budge to pay $114? I paid off credit cards using this approach. I would pay $50 or $100 payments + the interest being charged every month. Within 2 years I was out of debt.
Think about it, try a new approach!
Christmas Decorations - Spend Some Time with Your Kids!
One of the things that I always found fun was making decorations with my children when they were young. Especially if it was bad weather outside. I found a site with a ton of ideas.
All Free Crafts
Remember this?
The Angel Book Tree
Project Instructions:
Choose a paperback book with a strong spine and remove the covers.
Slice the spine with a sharp knife to separate the first 30 pages. This will make the first half of the tree.
Begin folding the pages, as shown in the Photo 1, at right. First, fold the top right corner toward the spine to form a right angled triangle.
Fold the triangle toward the spine again, as shown in Photo 2.
The bottom edge of the page will overhang the bottom of the book.
Fold the overhanging triangle at the bottom of the book back up to form a straight line along the the bottom of page, as shown in Photo 3.
Repeat with all thirty pages and set aside.
Use the knife to slice another 30 pages from the book. Turn this section so the spine is on the right, rather than left. Repeat the steps above to create a mirror image.
Glue the two halves of the Christmas tree together and add a wooden star at the top.
Spray paint the tree all over. You may need two or three coats for complete coverage.
All Free Crafts
Remember this?
The Angel Book Tree
Project Instructions:
Choose a paperback book with a strong spine and remove the covers.
Slice the spine with a sharp knife to separate the first 30 pages. This will make the first half of the tree.
Begin folding the pages, as shown in the Photo 1, at right. First, fold the top right corner toward the spine to form a right angled triangle.
Fold the triangle toward the spine again, as shown in Photo 2.
The bottom edge of the page will overhang the bottom of the book.
Fold the overhanging triangle at the bottom of the book back up to form a straight line along the the bottom of page, as shown in Photo 3.
Repeat with all thirty pages and set aside.
Use the knife to slice another 30 pages from the book. Turn this section so the spine is on the right, rather than left. Repeat the steps above to create a mirror image.
Glue the two halves of the Christmas tree together and add a wooden star at the top.
Spray paint the tree all over. You may need two or three coats for complete coverage.
Planning Christmas Dinner without it Breaking the Budget!
I know Christmas is 60 days away. That's no reason not to plan. I usually have about 20 people over. Between my children, their friends and usually some troops from local bases, I end up with a house full.
Here are some suggestions depending on how many you are cooking for. I usually have 3 entrees, 5 side dishes, 2 drinks, 5 desserts, and a stuffing.
Look at your entree, here are some possibilities:
Don't wear yourself out, a meal is meant to be enjoyed - by the cook too!
Here are some suggestions depending on how many you are cooking for. I usually have 3 entrees, 5 side dishes, 2 drinks, 5 desserts, and a stuffing.
Look at your entree, here are some possibilities:
- Turkey
- Ham
- Goose
- Duck
- Standing Rib Roast (Pork or Beef)
- Brisket
- Cornish Hens
- Quail
- Salad
- Fruit dish (fruit salad or fruit compote)
- Root vegetables
- Yams
- Potatoes
- Broccoli and Cheese
- Egg Nog
- Punch
- Non-alcoholic punch for kids!
- I usually have at least one Christmas Cake (red velvet, carrot, spice, etc)
- Pies - this is the South after all! (I usually have 3-4) (Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Pecan, Chocolate Cream, Lemon, Mincemeat, Coconut Cream or Banana Cream)
- Desserts (such as my Brownie Trifle, English Trifle, Tiramisu, Baklava, etc)
Don't wear yourself out, a meal is meant to be enjoyed - by the cook too!
Eating Fresh Food In Season: Fall
One of the best ways to save money is to eat fresh food while it is in season. Of course having a raised or container garden is one of the best ways to start.
If you are planting:
Early fall vegetables (usually 2-4 weeks) include: broccoli, lettuce, mustard, spinach, chives bunching onions and radishes.
Mid fall vegetables (usually about 60 days) include: carrots, leeks, turnips, kohlrabi, cabbages, cauliflower, collards, and Swiss chard.
Late fall vegetables (usually about 90 days) include: root vegetables, beets, parsnip, rutabaga, globe onions.
If you're looking to buy vegetables: Look for these:
If you are planting:
Early fall vegetables (usually 2-4 weeks) include: broccoli, lettuce, mustard, spinach, chives bunching onions and radishes.
Mid fall vegetables (usually about 60 days) include: carrots, leeks, turnips, kohlrabi, cabbages, cauliflower, collards, and Swiss chard.
Late fall vegetables (usually about 90 days) include: root vegetables, beets, parsnip, rutabaga, globe onions.
If you're looking to buy vegetables: Look for these:
- Belgian endive
- broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- celery
- onions
- pumpkin
- spinach
- zucchini squash
Monday, October 24, 2011
Reducing Your Housing Cost
It's amazing how the little things can add up to big savings in your home. Here is a list of a few that can cut down on cost and save you money.
Caulk - Around every window, door and seem of your house. Yes it takes a little effort, but it saves an amazing amount of money.
Insulate - Even if it means buying 1 roll of insulation per pay day and rolling it out in the attic. This helps keep the warm air in in winter and cold air in during the summer months.
Attic Fans - Helps the hot air to escape during the summer. The are usually cheaper to buy and install or have installed during the winter.
Weather Stripping- Make sure your doors do not have gaps around the sills. Put weather stripping to seal them. I've done this so you can't tell me it's too hard.
Lights - Turn them off when they are not being used. Replace them as needed.
Ceiling Fans - I have fans in every room. The reverse for Winter/Summer months.
Water - Make sure there is not any water escaping anywhere in your home. Also buy the outside jackets now. This way if it does freeze, you have them ready to put on. If it does not freeze, you have them for next year, when they will undoubtedly cost more.
Phone / Cable / Internet - Do you really need all of those channels? Is there a cheaper package? Is is cheaper to get them bundled? Compare. Also, do you really need cable in each and every room? You know each additional box cost $10 per month.
Children's Rooms - Does your child really need a TV in their bedroom? Do you know what they are watching? This not only destroys family time. It also lead to social isolation.
Cell Phone - Have you compared your plan lately? I get unlimited talk time, internet, and texting all for $54 per month. If I want an extra line it would be $10 more. No contract.
Groceries - Do you plan your meals? see here. Do you use a list? Do you use coupons? Do you look online to see what is on sale? If not - shame on you! This is one of the easiest ways to save money. It takes a little effort - but once you're in the habit you should never go back to wasteful spending.
Transportation - Do you have your car regularly maintained? Oil changes every 3.000-5.000 miles? Coolant checked? Injectors checked? Check your air filter? Keep your tires properly inflated and change them when needed? Do you run your car with premium gas at least once a month or add in an octane booster to help clean your engine? If not, you should start. Also, check your transmission fluid and brake fluid. Have your brakes checked at least once a year.
Caulk - Around every window, door and seem of your house. Yes it takes a little effort, but it saves an amazing amount of money.
Insulate - Even if it means buying 1 roll of insulation per pay day and rolling it out in the attic. This helps keep the warm air in in winter and cold air in during the summer months.
Attic Fans - Helps the hot air to escape during the summer. The are usually cheaper to buy and install or have installed during the winter.
Weather Stripping- Make sure your doors do not have gaps around the sills. Put weather stripping to seal them. I've done this so you can't tell me it's too hard.
Lights - Turn them off when they are not being used. Replace them as needed.
Ceiling Fans - I have fans in every room. The reverse for Winter/Summer months.
Water - Make sure there is not any water escaping anywhere in your home. Also buy the outside jackets now. This way if it does freeze, you have them ready to put on. If it does not freeze, you have them for next year, when they will undoubtedly cost more.
Phone / Cable / Internet - Do you really need all of those channels? Is there a cheaper package? Is is cheaper to get them bundled? Compare. Also, do you really need cable in each and every room? You know each additional box cost $10 per month.
Children's Rooms - Does your child really need a TV in their bedroom? Do you know what they are watching? This not only destroys family time. It also lead to social isolation.
Cell Phone - Have you compared your plan lately? I get unlimited talk time, internet, and texting all for $54 per month. If I want an extra line it would be $10 more. No contract.
Groceries - Do you plan your meals? see here. Do you use a list? Do you use coupons? Do you look online to see what is on sale? If not - shame on you! This is one of the easiest ways to save money. It takes a little effort - but once you're in the habit you should never go back to wasteful spending.
Transportation - Do you have your car regularly maintained? Oil changes every 3.000-5.000 miles? Coolant checked? Injectors checked? Check your air filter? Keep your tires properly inflated and change them when needed? Do you run your car with premium gas at least once a month or add in an octane booster to help clean your engine? If not, you should start. Also, check your transmission fluid and brake fluid. Have your brakes checked at least once a year.
Buying and Storing Non-Perishable Foods
Buying non-perishable foods on sale is a great way to stock up. There are several options:
Cans - Usually good for 2 years. Will have an expiration date printed on them. I usually take a black permanent market and write month/year on front.
Bags - For flour, brown and powdered sugars and baking goods, I usually store in the freezer for at least a week. Then seal in a ziploc gallon size bag to make sure there are no uninvited guest. The same with Pasta.
Jars - Are like cans. You will have a printed expiration date. Mark it on the front in permanent marker. Also, make sure the jars are in a secure location so they will not fall. Second thing to look for is a reusable jar. When I buy Spaghetti Sauce, I only buy the sauces that come in the canning jars. They can be re-used, traded, or sold.
Boxes - Boxes can be treated differently depending on what and how it is packaged. For instance - Hamburger Helper is in sealed envelopes within the box. So it can be easily stored on the shelf. Pasta, however is usually loose inside the box. If you plan on keeping it for any period of time, it is best to take it out of the box and put it into either a plastic container or a sealed bag.
Just a note - the expiration dates on foods are not really expiration dates. Some links with more information are here, here, here, and here.
Another option, if you are looking at storing food is the freeze dried and dehydrated food.
While there are many sources for this, two of the best I have found is:
Honeyville Farms
Emergency Essentials
Remember, shop well, shop smart!
Cans - Usually good for 2 years. Will have an expiration date printed on them. I usually take a black permanent market and write month/year on front.
Bags - For flour, brown and powdered sugars and baking goods, I usually store in the freezer for at least a week. Then seal in a ziploc gallon size bag to make sure there are no uninvited guest. The same with Pasta.
Jars - Are like cans. You will have a printed expiration date. Mark it on the front in permanent marker. Also, make sure the jars are in a secure location so they will not fall. Second thing to look for is a reusable jar. When I buy Spaghetti Sauce, I only buy the sauces that come in the canning jars. They can be re-used, traded, or sold.
Boxes - Boxes can be treated differently depending on what and how it is packaged. For instance - Hamburger Helper is in sealed envelopes within the box. So it can be easily stored on the shelf. Pasta, however is usually loose inside the box. If you plan on keeping it for any period of time, it is best to take it out of the box and put it into either a plastic container or a sealed bag.
Just a note - the expiration dates on foods are not really expiration dates. Some links with more information are here, here, here, and here.
Another option, if you are looking at storing food is the freeze dried and dehydrated food.
While there are many sources for this, two of the best I have found is:
Honeyville Farms
Emergency Essentials
Remember, shop well, shop smart!
Stop Acquiring Debt
Many people say they get out of debt, all the while buying new things on credit. Reality is - you will never be out of debt if you keep charging!
Here are some things to consider:
Pay cash. If you can't afford to pay cash for it - do you really need it? Or better yet, can you really afford it?
Use same as cash plans. In other words, your refrigerator goes out. Is there a store in your area that has 6 months no payments / no interest. If so, use it. Make 6 equal payments before the interest comes due. This way it will be paid off and you will not owe any additional monies. This is the way I bought my refrigerator, stove, and microwave from Best Buy. Other stores have the same types of options.
EZ Pay Options. When my computer crashed earlier this year, I had to get one to replace it quickly. I couldn't afford to go spend $700+ all at one time. I went to QVC and used their EZ pay plan. They deducted it from my account over a 3 month period. so instead of one big outlay, I only had $233 per month for 3 months.
Rent to Own. Some rent to own stores will have a 90 day same as cash option. If you pay off the purchase within 90 days, you pay the price you would normally pay. If not, you pay the hyper-inflated cost these stores are known for. I paid for my dryer this way. Quick and easy - 3 months was plenty of time to pay it off.
Lay-A-Way. If you know that an appliance is going out - lay-a-way may be an option. Sears has an 8 week program. It will give you an option for payments and a way to replace an appliance that you know will need replacing soon.
Buy Used. If you have an item or need an item such as furniture, you may want to take a look at second chance stores or Craig's List. This will cut down the cost of an item.
Borrow. Is there a chance of borrowing an item instead of buying it? Items such as saws, other tools, small appliances, etc... can sometimes be borrowed. Be sure to return them!
Trade. Do you have something that someone may want to trade for? It's an option!
Here are some things to consider:
Pay cash. If you can't afford to pay cash for it - do you really need it? Or better yet, can you really afford it?
Use same as cash plans. In other words, your refrigerator goes out. Is there a store in your area that has 6 months no payments / no interest. If so, use it. Make 6 equal payments before the interest comes due. This way it will be paid off and you will not owe any additional monies. This is the way I bought my refrigerator, stove, and microwave from Best Buy. Other stores have the same types of options.
EZ Pay Options. When my computer crashed earlier this year, I had to get one to replace it quickly. I couldn't afford to go spend $700+ all at one time. I went to QVC and used their EZ pay plan. They deducted it from my account over a 3 month period. so instead of one big outlay, I only had $233 per month for 3 months.
Rent to Own. Some rent to own stores will have a 90 day same as cash option. If you pay off the purchase within 90 days, you pay the price you would normally pay. If not, you pay the hyper-inflated cost these stores are known for. I paid for my dryer this way. Quick and easy - 3 months was plenty of time to pay it off.
Lay-A-Way. If you know that an appliance is going out - lay-a-way may be an option. Sears has an 8 week program. It will give you an option for payments and a way to replace an appliance that you know will need replacing soon.
Buy Used. If you have an item or need an item such as furniture, you may want to take a look at second chance stores or Craig's List. This will cut down the cost of an item.
Borrow. Is there a chance of borrowing an item instead of buying it? Items such as saws, other tools, small appliances, etc... can sometimes be borrowed. Be sure to return them!
Trade. Do you have something that someone may want to trade for? It's an option!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Brownie Trifle
Brownie Trifle
1 box brownie prepared as directed, divided in half
2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding
Heath or Skor pieces
2 small containers of cool whip, thawed.
Bake the brownies according to directions. Half. Crumble in trifle or glass bowl.
Make the first batch of chocolate pudding, pour over brownies.
Pour 1/2 the bag of English Toffee pieces over the pudding.
Scoop the first container of cool-whip over it.
Repeat process.
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