I know Halloween is just around the corner, but we’re going to talk Christmas today. After all, there’s only two more months left until the big day. Begin planning now for a frugal and stress-free Christmas. Make a Plan Every year my goal is to have all my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. I really … Read moreStart Your Christmas Shopping Early
Extreme couponing has become a popular topic in recent years. With the boom of coupon and deals blogs and the production of TV shows like TLC’s Extreme Couponing, coupon clipping is more popular than ever. But is it realistic to expect to buy $300 worth of groceries for $1.89? Is it ethical? Is it practical? … Read moreExtreme Couponing: Is it Worth it?
Yard sale season is upon us, and I can’t wait for a free Saturday to hit the streets and find some bargains! As with any kind of shopping, a bargain isn’t a bargain unless you’re actually going to use the item. Believe it or not, it took me a while to learn that. I don’t … Read moreThe Best and Worst Things to Buy at Yard Sales
Truth: There are lots of great books on cooking for one, but not a single one on how to grocery-shop effectively for a household of one! It can’t be denied — cooking for one is a tricky thing. It seems like a lot of work for only a single meal. Dishes made, serving sizes to … Read moreShopping and Cooking Frugally for One
This weekend I went shopping at the thrift stores with a friend. You can find great bargains at thrift stores, but you can also waste money easily. What are the secrets to rockin’ the thrift stores? Read on! Shop With an Open Mind Though there have been a few times I’ve walked into a thrift … Read moreThrift Stores Shopping Tips
With school just around the corner (and already beginning in some parts of the country), sales on school supplies are in full swing. As a homeschooling mom, I buy a ton of school supplies to tie us over until the sales hit again next August. I always strive to get things at a good price, … Read morePrice Wars: School Supplies
Is it more frugal to buy quality items or to shop for the lowest price? That question frequently comes up in discussions about living frugally. There’s no doubt that quality is important. After all, it’s not very frugal to have to replace broken items frequently. However, many people who are trying to live frugally are … Read moreShould You Pay More Money for Quality?
Last month I jumped back on the couponing bandwagon, in an attempt to cut our grocery budget. My efforts were successful, as we only spent $300 on groceries for the month. Granted, I didn’t have to buy a lot of household and personal care items, which helped. But I discovered a new shopping tool: the … Read moreSaving Money at Safeway with eCoupons!
Perhaps this question is an easy one for the average reader of BeingFrugal.net. Perhaps not. Let me explain my current situation and pose a few questions. Living out in the country my family has to use propane for the furnace, hot water heater, dryer, and stovetop. Every time I see the Amerigas propane truck pull … Read moreIs There a Moral Obligation to Pay More?
Yesterday I cleaned out our spare bedroom. I had been storing things that needed to be donated in there, and it was time to get rid of everything. I had a ton of toys and clothes that needed to go. Since I had toys, I couldn’t drop everything off at the Goodwill, where I normally … Read moreThe Joy of Thrift Store Shopping