3 Helpful Budget Tips

Hello everyone, many of you know how I like to start the new month off with a budget review. We're only day two into the new month of August, but no time to waste. Here are 3 budget tips that will be helpful to your household and wallet. You get a thumbs up already from 'Garfield the Cat' for your efforts.

1. Grocery Shopping ->As the food prices started to creep up fast in July, the grocery receipts saw a big increase. There is no way around putting food on the table. Make sure to keep clipping coupons when heading out to grocery shop and keep your eye out for bargain buys.
2. Credit Cards ->It's good to keep at least one or two credit cards in good standing by paying the bill each month on time. Did you have a car or home repair that extra cash could not cover? This is the time to pull out the credit cards in an emergency. Use cash or debit card where you know the expenses are immediate most of the time. If you can, always double the minimum amount when sending in a credit card payment. Better yet, pay the balance in full if you can swing it.
3. Part-time Work ->After working a full-time job weekdays, thinking about adding a part-time job after work and on the weekdays probably doesn't send anyone jumping for joy. With a tight budget each month and little to no money left over, a part-time job sounds like a good bet. The job market is still tough for those seeking part-time work so it might not be easy. If you land one, focus on how the extra money will be spent especially paying down debt.

 I hope these budget tips are helpful as we continue to watch our dollars and save money.

Happy TGIF

Hi everybody, let me start with the Atlanta forecast which is gorgeous. I hope the same can be said in your city. The garden container on my patio is colorful with the petunias and green ivy spilling over the side.

I was looking at the latest weekly ad for Publix that came out yesterday. I make a point to view it online to see what's on sale. The store is having a "Breakfast Sale" with lots of cereals on sale. With the kids out of school for the summer vacation, you might need to load up more on their favorites.

A good staple to have in the pantry are cans of tuna and Starkist is on sale. It's an easy fix for sandwiches or topping on a lunchtime salad. Plus, take them along to the cabin at the lake in case the fish aren't biting. While at Publix, head over to the produce section for a variety of fruits on sale. Load the cart with strawberries, mango, raspberries, canteloupe and watermelon. They all are go-to snacks that pack a healthy punch! It's National Dairy Month with good buys on cheese and Greek yogurt varieties.

Well, this is turning into a money-saving post. Oops, just can't help my frugal self, better quit while I'm ahead;-) Have a happy TGIF!

New book debunks myths of green living

VERY INTERESTING ->New book debunks myths of green living – USATODAY.com

Even so, I'm living a greener lifestyle and doing my best to protect the environment . I read recently that Hawaii has totally banned using plastic bags. Some say that move was a bit extreme, but getting shoppers to use those canvas bags that stores promote with their logo is slowly catching on. Let's all do our part to save the planet with green living.

Household Tip of the Day

Fruit flies love fruit, hence their name. They sure can be pesky and not very pleasant flying around in the kitchen or trash can. To keep them away, make sure to throw out any fruits that have ripened too much and probably won't be eaten. After peeling a banana, wrap the peel in a paper towel before throwing in the trash can. Better yet, put the peel inside a plastic grocery bag and place in the freezer until trash day.

The garbage disposal is another fruit fly attraction. Don't forget to run the disposal after putting food scraps down inside. Remember to sanitize the garbage disposal occasionally by pouring a box of baking soda down the disposal.

Clipping Coupons

 

The popular TLC program "Extreme Couponing" shows how savvy shoppers plan and plot their way to savings. I like using coupons, but don't feel like the whole concept has to be so extreme. Simply checking the weekly ads from your favorite grocery stores is an easy plan. Pick up the circular when you get to the store to check the deals as you shop with your coupons.

The weekly ad for Publix came out today and it has lots of coupons with a $1 or more off for an item. The BOGO, buy-one-get-one-free deals are throughout the store. I plug Publix a lot and while their prices are a bit high, the deals and savings are worth shopping there. The store doubles $.50 cent coupons. Just this past week romaine or green leaf lettuce were on special for $1.29 per head. I snoozed on telling y'all about this deal. My Five Minute Salad included fresh greens in every bite.

Keep clipping those coupons that add up for savings at the register, but don't feel like you have to go to the extreme. When you see the total savings ring up, you're going to say...Frugal Rocks!