14 Grocery List Staples That Are Getting More Expensive

High prices at the gas pump have been grabbing headlines, but it’s rising costs at the supermarket that are really starting to take a bite out of household budgets. The component of the consumer price index that tracks grocery prices, known as the food at home index, jumped 0.5% in May from where it stood in April, calculated on a seasonally adjusted basis. Meanwhile, the gasoline-index component of the CPI fell 2.0% in May, the first decline since June 2010.

Food prices have been creeping up all year. According to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey, 14 of the 16 supermarket staples it tracks have increased in price between the first and second quarters of 2011. Boneless chicken breasts (down 7%) and shredded cheese (down 1.5%) are the only two grocery items that cost less than they did three months ago.

Here are the 14 common grocery-list items from the Marketbasket Survey that have climbed in price since the first quarter, as well as the USDA’s latest projections for food-cost increases in 2011. As a bonus, we’ve thrown in a few tips on how to save on these grocery items.

Russett Potatoes

Current average price: $3.07 for a 5-pound bag
Price change (from Q1): up 43 cents
Percent change: 16.3%
Projected change for 2011: 4.5%-5.5%

Savings tip: Make the most of a bargain 20-pound sack of spuds. Mashed, fried, baked or roasted, potatoes are filling and can stretch a meal budget. Store in a dark, cool place to keep fresh longer.

Sirloin Tip Roast
Current average price: $4.48 per pound
Price change (from Q1): up 52 cents
Percent change: 13.1%
Projected change for 2011: 7%-8%

Savings tip: Minimize your mealtime costs and make your cardiologist happy by going meatless twice a week. A family of four can save $624 annually by becoming part-time vegetarians.

Bacon
Current average price: $4.18 per pound
Price change (from Q1): up 32 cents
Percent change: 8.3%
Projected change for 2011: 6.5%-7.5%

Savings tip: Get a better deal by buying your bacon in bulk from a warehouse club. Put your extra slabs of pork in re-sealable plastic bags and stash them in the freezer. Bacon defrosts rapidly.

Apples
Price change (from Q1): up 11 cents
Percent change: 7.6%
Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%

Savings tip: Buy apples by the bagful rather than individually to reap a lower unit cost. Stow your Granny Smiths and Red Deliciouses in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and juicy.

Sliced Deli Ham
Current average price: $5.26 per pound
Price change (from Q1): Up 35 cents
Percent change: 7.1%
Projected change for 2011: 6.5%-7.5%

Savings tip: Ask your local butcher for the lunchmeat ends that may otherwise go to waste. They’re cheaper than a pound of deli meat and just as tasty in your brownbag lunch.

Ground Chuck

Current average price: $3.29 per pound
Price change (from Q1): up 19 cents
Percent change: 6.1%
Projected change for 2011: 7%-8%

Savings tip: Instead of buying ground beef, purchase a chuck roast on sale and grind it yourself. It’ll taste the same -- or perhaps better, considering the money you’ll save -- and allay your mystery-meat fears.
  
Whole Milk
Current average price: $3.62 per gallon
Price change (from Q1): up 16 cents
Percent change: 4.6%
Projected change for 2011: 5%-6%

Savings tip: Reserve your regular milk for your morning bowl of cereal. For recipes that call for it, use the less expensive powdered version instead. Just add water. You won’t taste the difference.

Vegetable Oil
Current average price: $3.01 for a 32-ounce bottle
Price change (from Q1): up 13 cents
Percent change: 4.5%
Projected change for 2011: 6%-7%

Savings tip: If you normally use expensive extra virgin olive oil for cooking, opt for a lower grade instead. Scan your supermarket shelves for bottles labeled simply “olive oil.”

Toasted Oat Cereal

Current average price: $3.17 for a 9-ounce box
Price change (from Q1): up 12 cents
Percent change: 3.9%
Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%

Savings tip: Try your grocer’s store-label equivalent or buy a generic version of your favorite morning munchies. If you can’t live without name brands, look for coupons in the Sunday newspaper.

Eggs

Current average price: $1.65 per dozen
Price change (from Q1): up 3 cents
Percent change: 1.9%
Projected change for 2011: 4.5%-5.5%

Savings tip: Visit your farmers market near closing time for a better deal on fresh, locally produced eggs. At day’s end, vendors are more likely to slip something extra into your bag.

Orange Juice
Current average price: $3.18 for a half-gallon
Price change (from Q1): up 4 cents
Percent change: 1.3%
Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%

Savings tip: Head to the frozen foods aisle for cheaper-per-ounce and just-as-refreshing orange juice concentrate. Add water, stir and enjoy the very same vitamin-C rush.

Bread
Current average price: $1.86 for a 20-ounce loaf
Price change (from Q1): up 2 cents
Percent change: 1.1%
Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%

Savings tip: Pounce whenever your grocery store or bakery has a two-for-one sale. Eat one loaf immediately -- French toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and grilled cheese for dinner -- and freeze the other for later.

Bagged Salad

Current average price: $2.67 per pound
Price change (from Q1): up 1 cent
Percent change: 0.4%
Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%

Savings tip: Go online to find discounts for popular brands of bagged salad. Check Facebook and Twitter pages for printable coupons, and subscribe to e-mail alerts for special deals.

Flour

Current average price: $2.52 for a 5-pound bag
Price change (from Q1): up 1 cent
Percent change: 0.4%
Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%

Savings tip: Unless you’re an avid baker, you probably don’t use much flour. If that’s the case, only buy what you need when you need it from a bulk bin. Don’t let your money sit idle in the pantry.

Information obtained from Kiplinger June 2011

These are the items that you should be stockpiling if possible.

Stop Paying for a Gym - Exercise for Free!

7 Ways to Exercise for Free

Submitted by: Tip Hero 06/02/2011 10:45 AM

There are thousands of excuses for not exercising. One of the most common is that gym memberships are too expensive. Another is that there isn't enough time during the day to head to the gym. Well, Tip Junkie has some great suggestions for avoiding both of these excuses. Take a look at some free ways that you can get a killer workout (from trained professionals in most cases) in your own home: YouTube: there are many professional trainers and instructors who feature free videos online. Usually, they'll be advertising for you to buy something, but you can find free full-length workouts from kettlebell queen Lauren Brooks to P90X guru Tony Horton to Pop Pilates. Here's another trick: [...] take some of the sample workouts (tip: just keep following the recommended video links that YouTube will give you at the end of each video) and just do one after the other until you get a good 30 minutes in. Exercise Websites: a lot of sites put entire workout programs up online for free. For beginners, try Monkey Bar Gymnasium while sites like CrossFit and Zuzana from bodyrock.tv will work you hard and give you great, fast results. The Library: don't forget to check out the free exercise DVDs, magazines and books at your local library. Check out many more ways to exercise for free over at Tip Junkie's 7 Workouts for People With No Money {Free Sweat}.

Save50% or More With These Deals

Information obtained from Coupon Mom

S -Smart Source Newspaper Coupon Insert
RP- Red Plum Newspaper Coupon Insert
PG - Proctor & Gamble Newspaper Coupon Insert
WG - Walgreens Store Coupon
AY - All You Magazine



Your selected Family Dollar deals

Cpn. Out	Description	Sale Price	Final Price
Family Dollar
03-13 S	Werthers Candy 3 oz (price valid through 6/27)	$1.00	$0.25
04-17 S1	Reach Fresh Clean Toothbrush (price valid through 6/27)	$2.00	$1.00
05-08 S	Purina Beggin Strips 6 oz (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - final price $1.50 - price valid through 6/27)	$1.50	$1.50
05-15 S	Hidden Valley Salad Kit, Summer Fun Book Buy 1 Get $.50 Off Dressing Coupon (price valid through 6/27)	$2.50	$1.50
05-22 RP	Suave Lotion 18 oz (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE expiring 6/19 - final price $1.50 - price valid through 6/27)	$1.50	$1.50
05-22 RP	Suave Deodorant 1.4 oz (cpn expires 6/19 - some regions got a $.75 cpn making this only $.25 - price valid through 6/27) - charity!	$1.00	$0.50
05-22 RP	Axe Spray 4 oz (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - final price $2.38 - price valid through 6/27)	$2.38	$2.38
05-22 RP	Suave Deodorant 2.6 oz (cpn expires 6/19 - some regions got a $.75 cpn making this only $1.00 - price valid through 6/27)	$1.75	$1.25
05-22 RP	Axe Deodorant 2.7 oz (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - final price $1.93 - price valid through 6/27)	$1.93	$1.93
06-05 RP	Nivea Mens Shave Foam 7 oz (price valid through 6/27)	$2.00	$1.00
06-08 AY	NYC Cosmetics (cpn is for July All You magazine - prices range from $2-4 - price valid through 6/27)	$2.00	$1.00

Your selected Dollar General deals

Cpn. Out	Description	Sale Price	Final Price
Dollar General
N/A	Kraft Barbecue Sauce 18 oz (price valid through 6/13)	$1.00	$1.00
05-01 PG	Febreze Air Effects Twin Pack 9.7 oz each (price valid through 6/13)	$5.00	$4.00
05-15 RP	Kraft Dressing 16 oz (price valid through 6/13; cpn expires 6/12)	$1.66	$1.16
05-22 S	Glad Storage Bags, assorted sizes and counts (price valid through 6/13)	$3.00	$2.50

Your selected Walgreens deals

Cpn. Out	Description	Sale Price	Final Price
Walgreens
N/A	Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream 1 pt, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (limit 4 - mix with Starbucks)	$2.50	$2.50
N/A	Got2B Stylers 2-12 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price - June All You Magazine has $2 cpn)	$3.00	$3.00
N/A	Bayer Advanced Aspirin 80-100 ct, In Ad $3 Off Coupon (estimated price - limit 3 - mix with Low Dose - final price reflects $1.50 printable cpn) Printable Coupon	$4.49	$4.49
N/A	Vidal Sassoon Hair Accessories, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price of one variety)	$1.75	$1.75
N/A	Toffifay Candy 2.75-5.5 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE	$1.15	$1.15
N/A	Kodak FunSaver Camera, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE	$4.00	$4.00
N/A	Dial Soap 3 ct or 9.375 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price)	$1.40	$1.40
N/A	Goody Hair Accessories, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price of one variety)	$1.50	$1.50
N/A	Healthy Woman Soy Supplements 45 ct, FREE after $8 Register Rewards - charity!	$0.00	FREE
N/A	Right Guard or Dry Idea Deodorant 2-4 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price)	$1.50	$1.50
N/A	Applied Nutrition Triple Calcium 90 ct, FREE after $10 Register Rewards (June Coupon Book has a $5 cpn that your store might accept - in-store deal - good through 6/25) - charity!	$0.00	FREE
N/A	Bugles 7.5 oz, June Coupon Book $.99/3 Coupon	$1.00	$1.00
N/A	Starburst , LifeSavers or Skittles 6-7.2 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE	$1.15	$1.15
N/A	Tone Body Wash 18 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price)	$2.25	$2.25
N/A	Revlon Hair Accessories, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price of one variety)	$2.00	$2.00
N/A	SoBe Lifewater 20 oz, FREE after $.99 Register Rewards - charity!	$0.00	FREE
N/A	Riesen Candy 2.75-5.5 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE	$1.15	$1.15
N/A	O Cedar Mop or Broom, 50% Off (estimated price of one variety)	$6.00	$6.00
N/A	Right Guard Body Wash 13.5 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price)	$2.25	$2.25
N/A	Merlot Skin Care, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (estimated price of one variety)	$4.50	$4.50
03-13 S	Werthers Candy 2.75-5.5 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE	$1.15	$0.40
03-20 S	Planters Nuts 6-16 oz, Buy 2 Get $2 Register Rewards (cpn is for Flavor Grove - final price reflects Rewards)	$2.00	$1.50
04-03 S	Blue Diamond Almonds 6 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE	$1.80	$1.50
04-10 RP	Sally Hansen Products, Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off (estimated price of one variety - cpn is for Beauty Tool) Printable Coupon	$3.00	$1.00
04-17 S1	Reach Total Care or Ultraclean 1 ct or Advanced Design 2 ct Toothbrush, Buy 2 Get $3 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards - or use Reward on Floss) - charity!	$1.00	FREE
04-17 R2	Rimmel Lip or Eye Cosmetics, 50% Off (estimated price of one variety) Printable Coupon	$2.00	$1.00
04-17 S1	Reach Floss 30 yd, Buy 2 Get $3 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards - or use Reward on Toothbrush) - charity!	$1.00	FREE
04-17 S2	Finish Jet Dry Rinse Agent 8.45 oz (in-store deal - final price reflects Buy 1 Get $1.50 Register Rewards, newspaper cpn and $1.50 Walgreens cpn found in some 5/22 S)	$0.99	$0.44
04-18 Ay	Finesse Clean & Simple Hair Care 10 oz, FREE after Buy 2 Get $5 Rewards and cpns (cpn is from May All You - additional cpn in some 5/8 S - in-store deal - good through 6/25 - $2 Rebate at http://www.finessehaircare.com - look for Special Offer)	$1.00	FREE
05-01 S2	General Mills Chex Mix 5.5-8.75 oz, June Coupon Book $.99/3 Coupon (newspaper cpn is for 2 - price of 3rd item $1.00)	$1.00	$0.50
05-08 S	Revlon Cosmetics, Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off (estimated price of one variety)	$3.75	$1.75
05-15 S	Stride Shift Gum single pk, In Ad Coupon (limit 4 - mix with Trident)	$0.99	$0.66
05-15 RP	Gillette Deodorant (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - qualifies for Gillette Register Rewards Offer - estimated price of one variety)	$2.50	$2.50
05-22 RP	M&Ms 9.9-14 oz, June Coupon Book $1/2 Coupon	$2.00	$1.25
05-22 RP	Starbucks Ice Cream 1 pt, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (limit 4 - mix with Ben & Jerrys)	$2.50	$1.50
05-22 RP	Coppertone Sun Care excludes Sport, Buy 1 Get $4 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards)	$5.99	$4.99
06-05 S	Ban Deodorant 1.5-2.6 oz, In Ad Coupon (limit 4 - newspaper cpn is for Solid)	$1.49	$0.74
06-05 S	Nature Made Vitamins, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE AND Get 1 Skin Beauty & Wellness 7 ct FREE (estimated price of one variety - insert has multiple cpns for select varieties - see June Coupon Book for Triple Probiotic cpn if included in sale)	$2.50	$1.50
06-05 PG	Oral B CrossAction Toothbrush (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - final price $2.00)	$2.00	$2.00
06-05 S	Colgate 360 Clean Toothbrush, Buy 2 Get $2 Register Rewards (May All You magazine has $1 cpn - final price reflects Rewards - or use Reward on Toothpaste)	$1.50	$0.75
06-05 PG	Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor, Buy 1 Get $5 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards - in-store deal - good through 6/25) - charity!	$4.89	$0.89
06-05 RP	Garnier Fructis Hair Care 2-13 oz, Buy 4 Get $4 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards - in-store deal - good through 6/26) Printable Coupon	$2.50	$1.50
06-05 WG	Colgate Total Toothpaste 4.6-6 oz, Buy 2 Get $2 Register Rewards (cpn from Walgreens Diabetes & You magazine - final price reflects Rewards - or use Reward on Toothbrush)	$1.50	$0.50
06-05 S	Bic Disposable Razors 3-6 ct or Hybrid Advance System, Buy 1 Get $2 Register Rewards (cpn is for select varieties - final price reflects Rewards)	$3.99	$0.99
06-05 PG	Cover Girl Cosmetics, Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off (estimated price of one variety)	$2.62	$1.62
06-05 PG	Oral B Pulsar Toothbrush	$4.99	$2.99
06-05 PG	Gillette Body Wash (in-store deal - final price reflects Buy 7 Get $10 Register Rewards - use 3 BOGO cpns from 6/5 PG and 1 $2 cpn from 5/15 RP)	$0.85	$0.85
06-05 S	John Frieda Hair Care, Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off (estimated price of one variety)	$4.87	$2.87
06-05 PG	Gillette Venus Disposables 2-3 ct, Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off (estimated price)	$5.62	$3.62
06-05 RP	Nivea For Men Skin Care or Body Wash excludes Eye Relief and Q10 Lotion, Buy 2 Get $2 Register Rewards (inserts has cpns for both - final price reflects Rewards) - charity!	$2.50	$0.50
06-05 PG	Gillette Body Wash (cpn is for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - qualifies for Gillette Register Rewards Offer - estimated price of one variety)	$2.25	$2.25
06-05 S	Colgate 2 in 1 or Total Toothpaste 4.6-6 oz, Buy 2 Get $2 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards - or use Reward on Toothbrush)	$1.50	$0.75
06-05 PG	Crest Pro Health Mouthwash 1 ltr	$3.99	$1.99
06-05 PG	Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups jumbp pk, Infant Care Coupon Book $2 cpn AND Buy 1 Get $1 Register Rewards (final price reflects Rewards)	$5.99	$4.49

Your selected Wal-Mart--New Coupons deals

Cpn. Out	Description	Sale Price	Final Price
Wal-Mart--New Coupons
N/A	Scotch Tape, single roll (visit manufacturer website and sign up, new signups get $1/1, final price $.22)	$0.22	$0.22
N/A	Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste (travel size) .8 oz (printable coupon from Manuf. website, the $1 coupon has no size restriction)	$0.00	FREE
N/A	Wilkinson Sword Disposable Razor 4 ct (printable coupon avail here, $1/1, final price FREE)--Charity!	$0.00	FREE
N/A	Finesse Shampoo or Conditioner 13 oz (May issue of All You Magazine has $1/1. Visit the maunfacturer website for a $2 rebate, final price $0.57 or money maker)	$0.57	$0.57
04-17 S1	Reach Floss 55 yds--Charity!	$0.88	FREE
05-01 PG	Ivory Bar 3 ct--Charity!	$0.97	FREE
05-08 S	Carefree Pantiliners 20 ct--Charity!	$0.94	FREE
05-15 RP	Black Flag Fly Paper 4 ct	$0.98	FREE
05-15 RP	Sensodyne ProNamel (travel size) .8 oz--Charity!	$0.97	FREE
05-22 S	Wonka Exceptionals 3.5 oz Bar (coupon is for BOGO, final price $0.98 each)	$0.98	$0.98
05-22 RP	Suave Deodorant 1.4 oz	$0.97	$0.47
05-22 RP	Bengay Cream 2.66 oz	$4.23	$1.23
05-22 RP	Degree Men or Women Premium Deodorant 2.7-2.8 oz or Body Mist 3 oz (coupon for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE, final price $1.81 each)	$1.81	$1.81
05-22 RP	Suave Lotion 10 oz (coupon for BOGO, final price $.88 each	$0.88	$0.88
05-22 RP	Axe Body Spray 4 oz (coupon for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE, final price $1.99)	$1.99	$1.99
05-22 S	Zest Soap Bar 3 ct	$1.98	$0.98
05-22 RP	Wish Bone Dressing 8 oz	$1.38	$0.38
05-22 RP	Degree Mens/Womens Deodorant (travel size) .5 oz	$0.97	$0.22
05-22 RP	Suave Body Wash 12 oz (coupon for BOGO, final price $.97 each)	$0.97	$0.97
05-22 RP	Axe Deodorant 3 oz (coupon for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE, final price $1.72)	$1.72	$1.72
05-22 S	Advil 24 ct (additional coupons in May issue of All You Magazine)	$3.48	$1.48
05-22 RP	Bar S Franks Jumbo 16 oz	$1.00	$0.50
06-05 S	Bic Comfort3 Advance Razor 4 pack	$4.87	$1.87
06-05 PG	Oral B Adult Battery Cross Action Toothbrush	$5.97	$2.97
06-05 PG	Olay Regenerist Facial Cleanser 5 oz	$5.97	$2.97
06-05 RP	Nestle Nesquik Chocolate Flavor 3.9 oz pouch	$1.00	$0.50
06-05 S	NexCare Bandages 35 ct	$1.00	$0.45
06-05 PG	Gillette BodyWash 16 oz, (coupon for buy 1 get 1 free, final price $1.74 each)	$1.74	$1.74
06-05 RP	Nivea Body Wash for Men 16.9 oz	$3.00	$1.00
06-05 S	Bic Hybrid Advance Razor 3 pack	$5.97	$2.97
06-05 S	John Frieda Full Repair Styler 6.77 oz	$5.97	$0.97
06-05 PG	Oral B Kids Battery Toothbrush	$5.97	$2.97
06-05 RP	Sally Hansen Toe Spacers	$1.24	$0.24
06-05 PG	Crest Rinse 1 Liter	$4.00	$2.00
06-05 PG	Oral B CrossAction Manual Toothbrush (coupon buy 1 get 1 free, final price $1.74)	$1.74	$1.74
06-05 RP	Nivea Face Care Arctic Balm 4.4 oz Printable Coupon	$3.97	$1.97
06-05 S	Seattles Best Coffee FREE Single Can (9.5 oz any flavor, up to $1.79)	$0.00	FREE
06-05 PG	Fixodent Cleanser 36 ct	$3.47	$1.47
06-05 PG	Gillette ProSeries Skin Care Face Scrub 3.3 oz	$3.97	$1.97

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Walgreens Diaper Deal

Walgreens

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers – $8.99
*Get $1 in Register Rewards
-$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers 6/5/2011 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
-$2/1 Pampers Cruisers or Swaddlers Walgreens Infant Care Booklet (exp 12/31/2011)
Final Price: $4.49 after both coupons & RR

When to Stock Up

Information obtained from Lubbock Coupon Gal

As you start couponing one thing you learn is that the sales and coupons always come back around.  They usually are in cycles of 6-8 weeks. So, if a coupon expires because the item didn’t go on sale, don’t worry you’ll get another chance.
Here is a list of when items are likely to go on sale.  But, this isn’t the only time just mainly when they will be at their best prices.

• January

Low-fat or low-carb items; soups; Super Bowl foods like chips, dips, sodas and beer. Christmas decorations; holiday wrapping and ornaments, white sales.  Big ticket items: Appliances, Exercise Equipment, Computers, HD TVs, fitness gear, Cruises for Spring travel.

• February

Canned foods like soups, fruits and vegetables; medicines, cold remedies and vitamins.  Big ticket items:  Indoor Furniture, electronics, fragrances, humidifiers.  During post-Valentine’s Day promotions and Spring sales (President’s Day) find even better bargains on fragrances, bath products electronics, outdoor living.

• March

Peanut butter and other peanut products; frozen meals vegetables and fruits.  Big ticket items:  TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, MP3 players and Digital Cameras, skis, winter coats and boots

• April

Soy products, Hams.  Big ticket items: Computers, digital camera, warm-weather clothes

• May

Memorial Day items such as barbecue foods, soda, chips, condiments, buns, grilling spices and salad dressings, as well as paper goods like plates, napkins and cups. After Mother’s day look for kitchen appliances like toaster, microwaves, food processors and mixers, athletic shoes and apparel, picnic supplies, outdoor furniture

• June

Cheese, milk, cream, yogurt, and other dairy products.  Seafood.  Ice cream.  Big ticket items:  Computers, electronics, tools, swim suits, summer wear, lingerie, tools

• July

Hot dogs, frozen hamburger patties and ground meat for the 4th of July as well as condiments and BBQ staples. School supplies.  Big ticket items:  Outdoor furniture and end-of-season close-out sales like pool supplies and toys; gym memberships

• August

Back-to-school lunch items like juice boxes, granola bars, canned fruit and other snacks. sunscreen and lotions. Tissues. Children’s cold medicine. Big ticket items: Cars, lawn mowers, yard equipment, ac units, fall clothes, school supplies,

• September

Breakfast foods including hot and cold cereals, oatmeal, frozen breakfast pastries, frozen breakfast sandwiches and pancake mix. Labor day staples like BBQ and party foods.  Big ticket items: Cars, Gas Grills, plants (perennials, shrubs and trees) bikes

• October

Wine, pasta, frozen pizzas, pet food, grooming supplies and toys, gluten-free items.  Big ticket items: Gas Grills, Lawn Mowers, Winter Coats, Computers, Grills, auto supplies, appliances, vacuums, winter clothes, Jeans

• November

Thanksgiving foods like turkey, stuffing mix, soups, cranberries, canned veggies and yams.  Baking goods including flour, baking soda, sugar, cake mixes, frosting, pie crusts and frozen pies.  Big ticket items: Gas Grills, Camcorders, GPS devices, Bicycles, stereo, TVs, clothing, wedding dresses

• December

Champagne, disposable containers, foil, wax paper and plastic wrap.  Big ticket items: Gas Grills, Appliances after holidays, toys, electronics , new model cars

Saving Without Coupons

Many people turn to clipping coupons to save money but saving money doesn't just consist of clipping coupons.

There are other things you can do as well that will net you some savings.

Some don't like the word "frugal" but I personally LOVE IT! WUC has a forum for Tightwad Tips as well.


Here are a few ideas to help you get started on a saving journey that can last you throughout your lifetime.

Food Saving Ideas:

1. Cook more from scratch or at least cook at home more. Keep a journal of how much you spend on eating out for a month or just even a week. That is a real eye opener as to where some if not a lot of your funds are going.
2. Instead of stopping off of the mornings on your commute to work to buy that expensive cup of coffee, buy a bag of your favorite coffee then invest in a coffee pot with a timer setting where you can set it the night before and be ready when you get up. Invest in a thermal travel cup that way you can take that coffee you just brewed to work with you. Thus saving you money and time!
3. Take leftovers to work with you for lunch if feasible or eat them the next night. Use a little leftover magic to create a new dish with meat and veggies, etc.
4. Strapped for time? Make some meals ahead and freeze them. This is referred to as Once A Month Cooking (that is a link to a forum here on WUC dedicated to that). Buy a crockpot and utlize it so you'll have a meal to come home too.
5. Live where you can garden? Doesn't have to be a full scale garden. You can raise vegetable in planters, raised beds, etc. Buy seeds and grow your own... watch those after season sales for deals on seed packets. The closer to the end of time it's good to put seedling out, you'll often find markdowns at Lowe's and such.
6. Barter with friends for surplus home grown food. Zucchini seems to be a big one on that.
7. Trade plants for plants with friends and neighbors too. Maybe they have too much mint growing and you have too much basil growing... swap out some plants with each other.
8. Shop local farm stands. I am hesitant to say local farmers markets as some farmers markets are not true farmers markets. Look for little road side stands for deals. If the vegetables have wax on them or they are selling fruits as well as vegetables not grown in your area or are not in season at the time... it's probably safe to say they didn't grow them themselves. Don't be afraid to ask questions about how they grew them, if they have a small farm nearby, etc.
9. Buy in season. Buying fruit and vegetables out of season will cost your more than buying a tomato in the summer vs. buying a tomato in your area in the winter.
10. Buy in bulk. You'll pay less over all and make less trips to the store. Learn to store your bulk spices, etc. so that bugs don't get in them. I highly recommend food grade diatomaceous earth for this. I use it in my buckets of wheat berries, rolled oats, beans, rice, etc.

Household Ideas:

1. Looking for a new appliance? Don't be afraid to check out the scratch and dents. Wait for income tax returns and purchase then if possible as you'll find deals on appliances around Feb., March, and April. Take advantage of rebates on the items too. If you are daring, purchase refurbished ones. We've done that in the past with great success until we literally wore the item out.
2. Learn to some repairs yourself whether it's household repairs, remodeling projects or redecorating projects of painting things yourself, etc. or even some appliance repairs yourself.
3. Lower the thermostat and put on a sweater to cut back on your heating bill or electric bill.
4. Do your own lawn-care. You'll not only save money but you'll get some exercise too.
5. Learn to sew. Make your own curtains, pillow cases, cloth napkins, etc. OR shop a thrift store or yard sale. You'd be surprised at New in package items you can find for not much money.
6. Watch thrift stores for small appliances as they often will test them to make sure they work and note them as such.
7. Shop Thrift Stores during any discount days they may offer. Local Goodwill stores have a 50% the entire store stock the first Saturday of every month.
8. Don't hire someone to clean your carpets for you. Rent a rug doctor and do it yourself unless you aren't physically able to OR find someone to do it for you and barter with them. I love to barter my stockpile for services, etc. Or offer something I can do in exchange.
9. Shop salvage stores for floor remnants, building supplies, etc. Great bargains are to be found here.
10. Shop thrift stores and yard sales for furniture. Watch for quality items that are a good investment. You can get solid built furniture at antique stores that will hold up longer and last longer than the store bought stuff these days.
11. Reuse items... whether it's repurposing a plastic gallon ice cream bucket into a storage container for flour or using it as a compost bucket. Rethink a use for something before tossing it. Empty butter bowls make good containers for leftovers in place of tupperware... if you must have tupperware check thrift stores and yard sales for them.

Auto Saving Ideas

1. Do car repairs yourself if possible. If not feasible, check out the local vo-tech school (some high schools have auto shops) as you can get quality repairs done there for a fraction of the cost.
2. Keep the maintenance up on your car whether you do it yourself or use local companies that offer discounts on oil changes, etc. Keeping your car in working order will keep the car working for you.
3. Don't disregard those check engine lights. Places like AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc. will use a diagnostic meter on your engine at no cost to check what may be the problem.
4. Do your own car care. Clean the car yourself instead of hiring detailers. Look for the inexpensive car washes that offer free vacs now with a wash for as low as $3. Keep that road salt off your cars as much as possible. It will make rust and eat away at your car.
5. Keep your tires to the correct pressure as this will help with mileage.
6. Fill up your vehicle when you can find gas a the lowest price. If you have a Kroger, utilize their fuel rewards to earn up to $1 off per gallon. They are offering double points until January 31, 2011 with participating Shell station receipts you bring in and present with your shopping orders (before you hand over your coupons).
7. Carpool when possible to save on gas. Switch off with a co-worker weekly.
8. Looking for a different vehicle. Consider craigslist or ask around if anyone knows of a car for sale. You'll save some money but like anything used, check it out thoroughly before buying it. If you know of a mechanic you can take it to have it inspected, do so.

Personal care items

1. Need a hair cut? Consider learning how to cut and style your and/or your family's hair. Invest in a good pair of scissors and/or clippers.
2. Afraid to cut your own hair or your family's hair? Look up the cosmetology schools for discounted services.
3. Some high school have a cosmetology department and offer great discounts on not on hair care services but also manicures too.
4. Adventurous? Why not try making some of your own personal care items. Things such as lip balms, feminine products, etc.

Family Fun Ideas:

1. Take advantage of free or discounted museum days. Different museums across the U.S. participate in The Smithsonian Free Musuem Day once a year in the fall. You can go either free or at a discount rate that day. Local museums sometimes offer a free day once a month. Call ahead and ask about those or other discount days. If you can go with another family or two, ask about group rates.
2. Buy family package to get a discount that entitles you to admission to the zoo, museum, aquarium etc. for a year. Many times buy buying the family package, you can get free or discounted admission to other zoos, museums, etc. as well. We bought a family package to a local zoo that entitles us to free as well as discounted admission to other zoos across the U.S.
3. Watch for coupons online that you can use at yor destination of choice whether it's bowling, etc.
4. Don't forget to utilize your state parks. Many do not charge a fee. Enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a nice nature walk, go for a picnic, etc.
5. Use those local parks with the slides and sings. Children enjoy these simple things just as much as the museums with all the children's discovery gadgets.
6. Plan a play date with a friend.
7. Have movie night or game night at your house and invite friends or family over for a fun night.
8. When was the last time you went to the library? You can check out books as well as books for FREE!
9. Save money on movies by either using the library for free rentals, using coupon codes for kiosks such as Redbox or Blockbuster Express. You can still save on a movie rental there for $1 a night even without the codes so that's not bad. Check into getting the basic subscription to www.Netflix.com for $10 a month (I think) gives you one DVD out at a time and unlimited online viewing.
10. Lay out on a blanket at night in the warmer seasons of course and marvel at the stars.
11. Lay out on the blanket in the day and watch the clouds go by and try to see animals in them.
12. Love to read? The library isn't the only place for books. Swap books with friends, use paperbackswap.com, shop used bookstores in your area (I personally love this one and use it for dvds, used homeschool books, and more.).
13. Go for a walk along a lake, river, or at the beach and look for shells, interesting rocks and more.
14. Go on a nature walk and gather flowers to make your own beautiful boquets for your kitchen or dining room table. Bring the beauty of the outdoors in.

other ideas:

1. Make gifts for others instead of buying them. Whether it's making an apron for them, sewing a set of napkins to match their kitchen, making cute fire-starters for them, or other edible gifts in a jar, a candle in a coffee cup, or handmade candles or soaps. They'll appreciate the gift knowing that you made it especially for them. (ok, some don't but they have the "I wants" too much anyway. lol).
2. Watch after holiday sales and pick up some great deals on the sale items to use as gifts for other occasions, as well as wrapping for those occasions.

I hope this list gave you some ideas on thinking beyond just clipping coupons to save money.

Good luck with your goals of putting more cash back into your wallet this year and for many years to come!!

Tips obtained from "We Use Coupons"  Copied for your education.

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