01.19.08

It seems like everyone I run into these days is looking for ways to save on groceries and food - whether it's at the store, simplifying their cooking routine, or finding ways to eat out for less.  We'll be brining more of those tips to you in the weeks ahead, along with a way to submit your own tips to win a free book.  Stay tuned!  In the meantime, check out our Money Saving Tips: Food forum for some great ideas!

Have a great week!

Kim
 

In this Issue:
1. Welcome

2. Coupons, Freebies and Offers

3. Valentine's Day Gifts and Entertainment

4. Forget the Joneses

5. What's New

6. Forum News

$1.00 off Bertolli Oven Bake Meals Great to have on hand to avoid takeout temptation

$10 in Savings When you sign up with General Mills for the Dinner Made Easy newsletter, FREE coupon booklets, and Box Tops for Education programs

Baby Samples and Coupons from Huggies Savings, samples when you join HUGGIES Baby Network(R)

Valentine's Day Trio - Two for $9.99!  Valentine's portraits for are great gifts for grandparents!  Printable coupon

$5.00 off Kodak Valid on Kodak Picture Maker Movie DVD - Great gift idea!

$10 off Game Play at Dave and Busters  Fun for the whole family

Watch a Romantic Movie  Get $2 off these great movies:  When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, The Devil Wears Prada, Say Anything, Lars and the Real Girl, Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, An Affair to Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Ever After

Keep a Price Book  Be a proactive rather than a reactive grocery shopper. Track grocery prices on the top 100 or so things you purchase most often so you can recognize a great deal when you see it and stock up, instead of having to buy it when it's full price.

Plan Ahead  Sometimes the key to saving money and enjoying yourself on a budget is to plan ahead. With frugal fatigue beginning to set in for some of you and the weekend coming up, this is a great time to get some frugal events on the calendar for the next six weeks. With things planned out, you’re less likely to stray from your budget or spend money needlessly.

Really take a look at your list of goals, values and priorities to see if there are ways you can incorporate the things and activities that mean the most to you in how you’re using your time. Here are some suggestions:

• Check out your interlibrary loan and holds system online so that you have a steady stream of DVDs and books available to you at no cost.

• Investigate free entertainment in your area. Check websites of local museums, libraries, universities, etc.

• Instead of waiting for friends to ask you to do something expensive, head them off by inviting them to do something frugal. Invite another family over for a potluck dinner. No babysitters required, just fun for everyone without spending much cash.

• Institute a family “game night.” Devote a couple hours to your children exclusively with no outside interruptions.

• Is there a hobby or skill on your dreams list that you want to learn more about? Investigate free or low-cost classes. Or, is there someone who can teach you? Invite him/her over for some pointers! Or, find a way to get the family involved. If you'd like to be a better photographer, why not take your kids on a "photo safari" or "photo scavenger hunt" this weekend?

• Create a getaway without going anywhere. Is there somewhere on your dream list you’d like to visit? Check out a book from the library (or read online) about their food customs and recipes. Plan a meal based on what looks good to you and what you have on hand already.

To read other tips on what moms are planning ahead for in order to save money click here

Forget the Joneses Boot Camp 2009  Our six-week financial boot camp is in full swing!  Join us and get your finances in shape in the New Year.