Saving Money on Five Dollar Gas and Other Concerns
With gas prices on the rise once again, it’s hard to predict how much the added expense will affect the average family. Experts seem to think that consumer confidence is up despite the fluctuation which leaves me feeling a bit skeptical. If the average person is ready to accept $4 a gallon gas, what happens when the price at the pump gets to be $5 a gallon or higher? Will it really be easy to smile then? I seriously doubt it.
Here are a few things to consider:
When the price of fuel increases, it causes other items to jump in price as well. For example, have you ever noticed that milk seems to be the most subjective to these changes? My local Walmart has gradually increased the prices of its dairy products. The last time I checked, a gallon of 2% cost me almost $4.00. That’s a hard number to swallow especially since my household goes through at least two gallons a week. That’s over $300 a year spent on one grocery item!
The more a person pays to commute, the less money they take home on pay day. Even if you’re paid a decent wage, every work-related expense, no matter how large or how small, cuts into your earnings. If it costs more to fill up your tank each week, it will require you to put in more hours at work to make up the difference. (To find out how to get around this problem, read the tips located below.)
The money has to come from somewhere. People living on a fixed income can not afford new expenses without cutting back on something else. Many rely on credit cards when they’ve run out of cash. The biggest problem with that are the interest rates. Daily house hold items purchased with credit cost twice as much once interest is applied to the balance each month.
So, what’s a person to do? Stop driving altogether and wait around for things to get better? I wouldn’t suggest that. I would, however, like to give you a few tips that can help you save money on the rising costs of gas.
Here are some things worth trying out:
If possible, change your schedule. If you’re used to working five days a week, strike up a deal with your employer to work later four days a week or to telecommute one day a week. This will not be an option for people in retail or the service industry. Working from home is easier for people that already have office jobs.
Switch to public transportation for long commutes. If you have to travel a long distance day in and day out, consider purchasing a bus pass or taking the commuter train. This will allow you to keep traveling costs at bay and will also give you time to better pre pare for your day. You can review notes from last week’s meeting, catch up with an old friend via phone or text message, and even read a chapter or two of that new book you’ve been dying to read.
Car pool. Not only is it environmentally responsible, carpooling is also cost efficient. Four to five people can travel for the same price as one. Consider carpooling to work or school rather than driving solo. Pitch in a few bucks each week for gas if you’re riding in the car with a family member, colleague or friend.
Use a Walmart gift card to receive 3 cents off per gallon at select filling stations. This is still one of the best ways to fuel up cheaply. Simply walk into your local Walmart and purchase a gift card in a designated amount. Go to an affiliated gas station and use your card to pay at the pump. The amount that you save over the course of a year doing this one simple thing is astonishing.
Use Gas Buddy to find the best prices on fuel in your area. If you’re not familiar with Gas Buddy, you may want to take a moment to get acquainted with it. (You can even down load the app on your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad.) By typing in your zip code, you can see all of the filling stations in your area and the prices that each one is charging for a gallon of gas.
Keep your car maintained so it can run more efficiently. Do not go over the speed limit. Do not idle too much. Fill the tank fully. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You can improve gas mileage by around 3.3 per cent by routinely monitoring your tire pressure. A tire gauge is therefore a wise investment.
Consolidate trips. Plan your errands accordingly. If you know that you’re out of certain house hold items, plan to pick them up on the way home from the doctor’s office. Also, stop and pay your bills and drop off your dry cleaning. Make it so you drive less but accomplish more.
Buy an electric bike. Electric bikes are much more economical than driving. They retail for about $350 to $400 and go up to 15 miles an hour. One charge can get a rider up to 20 miles in distance. The best thing about these bikes is that they don’t require a single drop of gas to run!
Eliminate the need to drive. Use online banking and bill pay. Make purchases through the net and have them delivered to your home. Walk or bike to your destination if time permits. The point is to not give up driving entirely but to lessen your dependency on your vehicle. You do not have to fall victim to intermittent gas prices. Take charge of the situation instead of letting it get the best of you. You have control over your finances and how much you spend at the pump. Unleash the saver in yourself by finding alternatives to paying full price for fuel.
Like any other type of adjustment that you make in your life, the aforementioned list of suggestions is yours for the taking. Do what you feel is right for you and your family. If the price of fuel is the least of your concerns, then more power to you. If you’ve tried everything listed here and have suggestions of your own, I welcome you to share them with me. After all, we’re in this together. We might as well pool together our resources. Isn’t that what blogging is for?
Tips on saving money on groceries
If you’ve been to a grocery store lately, you know that meat, dairy products, cereal, coffee and soda have all seen double-digit price increases in the past 12 to 18 months. Even worse, there are more hikes predicted.
This year’s wild weather and roller-coaster oil prices are partly to blame. And unless things stabilize, shoppers are looking at food prices being 3 to 4 percent higher next year, said Michael Swanson, an agricultural economist at Wells Fargo.
When prices climb too high, thrifty consumers can always find alternatives, said Bea Krinke, a registered dietitian in St. Paul, Minn. But quitting a favorite food is rarely easy, even if you treat yourself once a month as Krinke suggests.
If deprivation isn’t on your menu, Twin Cities supermarket gurus — Carrie Rocha of Pocketyourdollars.com, Karen Gunter of Creativecouponing.com and super shopper Kim Crumb of Bloomington, Minn. — suggest how to save on five budget-busting foods. Their best tip? Keep track of prices on 10 to 15 of the staples you regularly buy so you can recognize a good deal when you see one.
If you’d rather beat the price hikes instead of waiting for a sale, now is the time to buy peanut butter and popcorn. Both are expected to rise by 25 to 30 percent in the near future. Luckily, both have a long shelf life.
Bacon
Why so high?
With the price of feed rising, the hog industry has cut back on production to prevent losses. Not as many pigs, not as much bacon.
How to save:
— Choose other pork products that are on sale, such as pork loin, or skip it all together.
— Buy on sale at stores with double coupons.
— Stock up when it’s on sale, typically before Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, and then freeze excess.
Substitutes:
— Buy sausage or breakfast links, which are cheaper than bacon, a premium pork product.
— Try turkey bacon, Bacon Bits or soy-based bacon pieces.
Beef
Why so high?
“The export market is on fire in China, Korea and Mexico,” said Swanson.
Less inventory here means higher prices.
How to save:
— Look for items with a “reduced for quick sale” sticker. Ask the meat department when reduced items are put out. Freeze or cook immediately.
— Embrace smaller portions. It’s an easy way to reduce beef consumption and eat more healthfully, said Krinke.
— Buy better cuts of meat for less at Costco or sign up for your grocer’s weekly e-mail for savings and a coupon.
Substitutes:
— Chicken, pork and turkey are often cheaper. Stock up on turkey at Thanksgiving and freeze.
— Tenderize cheaper cuts of meat with acidic marinades, such as Italian dressing, or chop meat into small pieces and put in a slow cooker.
— Get protein from whole grains such as quinoa or soy and dairy products.
Cereal
Why so high?
A large portion of corn supplies is now being diverted to ethanol. Oats and wheat prices are higher.
How to save:
— Clip cereal coupons that are featured in the circulars, or print coupons from Smartsource.com, Coupons.com, Bettycrocker.com, Pillsbury.com or other company websites.
— Buy in bulk at warehouse clubs or co-ops.
Substitutes:
— Experiment with store brands, especially corn flakes or other standard fare.
— Mix cheaper store brands with brand-name cereal.
Mllk
Why so high?
Exports are at an all-time high, said Swanson, due to an expanding middle class in countries such as Mexico, Philippines and Egypt.
How to save:
— Try neighborhood gas stations, convenience stores and pharmacies that use milk as a loss leader.
— Freeze milk for use in cooking. (Most people don’t like drinking milk after it’s been frozen.)
Substitutes:
— Check the price on powdered milk. It’s cheaper, and it’s fine for use in recipes.
— Gradually train yourself and your kids to drink a mixture of powdered and regular milk.
Cheese
Why so high?
Prices have doubled in the past year and coupons are scarce.
How to save:
— Buy in larger quantities at warehouse clubs.
— Shred and freeze cheese when on sale. Shredded cheese tends to freeze better than blocks.
— Shop for cheese in the dairy case, not the deli or the specialty cheese case, where prices are higher.
Substitutes:
— Experiment with reducing the amount of cheese on a pizza, for example, to what’s palatable for you, said Krinke.
Soda pop
Why so high?
It’s the higher cost of corn syrup, aluminum, plastic and transportation.
How to save:
— Watch for Pepsi coupons. Now that Coke is winning the soda wars, Pepsi is fighting back with discounts.
— Stock up around holidays, when discounters and supermarkets sell 12-packs for less than $3 and 24-packs are about $6.
— Mix cheaper generic colas in 2-liter bottles with brand-name stuff.
Substitutes:
— Make your own at home with the do-it-yourself kits from SodaStream at Amazon or Bed, Bath & Beyond.
— Mix sparkling water with flavorings or apple, lime, orange or grape juice.
Top Ten Ways to Spend Less and Get More
Today, families are looking for more ways to save and live the “value lifestyle.” This new behavior is evidenced by the record high coupon redemption rates (9.7 percent in the first quarter of 2010 and sixth consecutive quarter of increased usage, according to NCH Marketing Services, Inc. 1Q 2010 Coupon Market Quarterly Update) and savings trends noted across multiple industry studies and surveys. There is a new norm which includes a permanent shift in how we shop and how we save. Today’s shopper has a keen eye on value that is here to stay.
The average family can save at least $1,000 per year by spending just twenty minutes a week seeking coupons, savings, and deals from a variety of sources. As I meet shoppers and savers across the country, I am impressed by their great savings and ingenuity. How much you save depends on you. Consider these practical tips to spend less and get more:
1. Share savings with a friend: People are passionate about scoring great deals and word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find deals. What better source than a trusted friend?
2. Seek savings in print and online: Those achieving the greatest savings are clipping print coupons and clicking and printing online coupons. While grocery is the number one category for coupons, they are available across categories from dining to home improvement and everything in between. And be sure to search for coupon codes or free shipping offers for all of your online purchases.
3. Organize your coupons: Organize coupons the way in which you walk through the store—putting those expiring soonest in the front. The average expiration of a coupon in 2009 was 10.6 weeks, according to NCH Marketing Services, Inc. 2009 Coupon Marketplace Facts
4. Stock up on sale items: When you see an item on special that you use regularly, or a savings is featured with your loyalty card and you have a coupon, stock up— 66 percent of coupon shoppers say they are often able to combine coupons with other in-store specials, sales or frequent shopper discounts.
5. Easy access: Create a coupon envelope that lives in—and is always returned to—the car of the family’s main shopper allowing even the unexpected shopping trip be one in which you save.
6. Plan meals around savings: If you find a fantastic coupon, don’t dismiss it simply because the item is not usually on your list. Planning your meals at the same time as reviewing coupon offers and store circulars lets you take advantage of really great deals—and try new recipes. Many savvy cooks create meal plans based on what the stores advertise that week.
7. Double your savings: If your favorite retailer offers double or triple coupon values, shop on the days when you can get even more savings. Also, look out for daily deals at your favorite local grocer or restaurant.
8. Do your savings homework: Consumer research indicates big-ticket purchases require research. The Internet can help. Electronics, appliances, furniture, autos, and trips top the list of more expensive items that require planning.
9. Call manufacturer 800 numbers: Up to 35 percent of manufacturers only send coupons upon request.
10. Eating for free: Kids eat free (our three favorite words)! Many chain establishments have proven the old adage of no free lunch (or dinner) wrong, especially if you have kids. Full service chain restaurants continue to offer some pretty sweet deals in the form of kids-eat-free promotions.
Live the value lifestyle and you’ll rarely need to buy anything that’s not on sale. For more tips to stretch your budget, visit redplum.com.
By: Lisa Reynolds, “Mom Saver-in-Chief” for RedPlum
Same Price for Less Food?: The Secrets the Food Companies are Keeping from You
The current state of the economy is difficult enough, but paying more and getting less doesn’t help, especially when it comes to putting food on the table. Lately, the amount of food consumers are getting for the price they are paying just isn’t adding up.
Chip companies are sending out bags with about 20 percent less product than what was packaged in 2009. (The spokesperson for the company said that the extra 20 percent was just a “limited time offer.”) This trend can also be seen walking down the pasta aisle. This quick and easy dinner option used to be sold at 16 ounces per box and is now weighing in at 13.25 ounces per box. The same can be said for canned vegetables which also used to weigh in at 16 ounces a can and can now be found weighing as low as 13 ounces. This list goes on and on and ranges from canned tuna to sugar.
But how are companies getting away with charging the same prices for less food?
According to The New York Times and John T. Gourville, a marketing professor at the Harvard Business School, it’s all about the packaging.
“Consumers are generally more sensitive to changes in prices than to changes in quantity. Companies try to do it in such a way that you don’t notice, maybe keeping the height and width the same, but changing the depth so the silhouette of the package on the shelf looks the same. Or sometimes they add more air to the chips bag or a scoop in the bottom of the peanut butter jar so it looks the same size,” said Gourville.
One example of this would be the new “fresh packs” of crackers. Though the box shows stacks of crackers that are broken down and packaged into several groups so they stay fresh for longer, the packs are actually a marketing ploy to give you less food…a whopping 15 percent less!
Another excuse companies use is that they are trying to make their products “greener.” Procter and Gamble is using this method stating that it’s “using at least 15 percent less energy, water or packaging than the standard [size].” What they fail to mention is that if there’s less packaging, there is less product.
No matter what the companies say to try and excuse their products, now is the time to be more observant than ever. Make sure to closely examine the labels on items before sticking them in your cart. Also try to avoid grabbing the newer packages. Though the packaging may state all the qualities that make it better, the standard container is likely to have more product.
Thrifty Mom 4
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Stamps are like cash! Watch all your mail for uncancelled stamps. Soak them off the envelopes in water and then glue on your next letter!
Deal of the Week
Catfish Fillets $4.99 a lb.
Recipe of the Week
This recipe came from one of Oprah’s personal chef’s cookbooks! It is a healthy and delicious way to make catfish without frying!
http://www.recipesource.com/main-dishes/meat/seafood/catfish/00/rec0035.html
Motivational Quote of the Week
“Be kind to unkind people – they need it the most.”
Anonymous
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
http://www.debthelper.com
Saving Food Dollars
Before you go food shopping, here are some things to think about.
* Did you make out a list? Many times, if you are organized you can save money by not throwing items into the cart that you don’t need. Going with a well thought out list will keep you organized and disciplined on your shopping visits.
*Cut and use coupons: Every week in the newspaper there are several sources of valuable coupons. They generally offer discounts, 2-1 items and other types of savings. If you use them on a regular basis the money you save will add up.
*Check the savings in store brands: The “name” brands may look pretty, but the label might be what you’re paying extra for. Check out the store brands. Most of the time you are getting literally the same quality product but you get it for less, because you are not paying more for the packaging. The savings can sometimes be up to 50% of your cost. Some people save considerable money by utilizing store brands.
*If you have young children, make sure they understand that they have to behave in the grocery store and cannot get whatever they want. If they are not ready to go to the store, keep them home! As they get older, you can allow them to be part of the experience. (for example) get them involved in planning the list and then have them look for some items in the store) You can also involve them in the planning of meals and adding the ingredients to your list. At some point, you can also let them get some of the items and pay for them at the register.
*Try to go to the grocery store when you are not going to feel rushed. That way you can compare prices and relax while you are in the store.
*If you have a spouse and/or significant other, you can alternate who goes shopping, you can go together or you can decide who might like to do it more than the other.
Whatever money you save from the store should be added to a savings account. The more you follow the steps above, the more you will be able to plan on saving.
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