Search Results for: cheap meals

8 Free and Cheap Things to Do with Kids This Summer

June 29, 2018 By MelissaB 1 Comment

Summertime is here, and if your kids aren’t already out of school, they will be soon. Summer is the perfect time to make memories with your kids, but if your plans include the local theme park, shopping at the mall, and meals out, plan to spend a lot of money entertaining the kids. While you can enjoy summer that way, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer without spending a lot of money.

Here are some of our family’s favorite low-cost or free summer activities:

Have a Picnic

Pack some sandwiches, chips and some fruit, and take a drive out of town. Find a nice, rustic place to have a picnic and spend the afternoon. Kids will appreciate the adventure and change of scenery.

Go to Summer Movies

Several movie theaters, including Harkins and Regal, offer discounted movies for kids during the summer. For 10 weeks, my kids and I go to Harkins theaters once a week to see a movie. The best part? We buy a pass for each of us for $5 apiece. Yep, if you see all ten movies throughout the summer, you pay just .50 a movie. The four of us can see a movie for $2 total every week. Can’t beat that.

Attend Free Concerts

Many cities offer free evening concerts and movie showings. Just check out the happenings in your town every weekend. You may be surprised how many free events you can find.

Enjoy Summer Bowling

There is also a summer bowling program, Kids Bowl Free, that you can sign up for. While the bowling is free, you do have to pay for shoe rental.

Attend Library Programs

Every week, our local library has at least one free program for kids. This week, my son will be taking a one hour art class. Next week, my daughters will be taking a free science class where they will be erupting mini-volcanoes. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out a few books, DVDs, and CDs.

Camp in the Backyard

If your kids want the adventure of camping but you don’t want to pay the camp site fee, why not camp in the backyard? Kids get the adventure, and if they get scared during the night, the house is only a few steps away.

Go to the Beach

Is there anything better than visiting the beach on a hot summer day? Bring your sun screen and a lunch and spend the whole day playing in the water, reading a book, and getting a tan.

Have a Movie Marathon

Feeling nostalgic? Why not watch the Star Wars movies with your kids or the Back to the Future trilogy? Watch a movie a night until you finish. Enjoy popcorn and reminiscing about watching these movies in your own childhood.

Summer can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to if you know where to look to find free and cheap activities to keep the kids entertained.

What are your favorite free or cheap activities to do with the kids during the summer?

The Ultimate Frugal Shopping List for People Who Always Forget The Essentials

April 22, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

frugal shopping list ideas — Image Source: Pexels

Today, it’s even harder to be frugal when grocery shopping, especially with inflation. According to the Economic Research Service, grocery prices have risen by more than 23% from 2020 to 2024. If you want to save on groceries, you have to be strategic. You’ll also need to go to the grocery store armed with a shopping list. Here we’ll discuss how to save on all the essentials, even if you always forget them.

Pantry Staples

The best way to save money on groceries is to start stocking up your pantry stash. Wait until essentials like rice, beans, and pasta go on sale. Then, you’ll save even more money by buying these items in bulk. You’ll continue to save money if you utilize your pantry when cooking meals. Many pantry staples add affordable bulk to meals that help you keep the overall cost per serving down.

Vegetables

For frugal shopping list ideas, pick up vegetables that don’t spoil quickly. You’ll definitely want to grab a bag of potatoes, onions, and carrots. Each of these has multiple uses and doesn’t cost a lot. You may want to consider canned or frozen vegetables as opposed to fresh.

Fruits

Buying fruit, especially cut fruit, can drive up the cost of your groceries. Instead, you’ll want to buy staples like bananas and apples. Usually, there is at least one variety of apples on sale per week. Additionally, canned fruits are usually the cheapest option.

Bread

Some breads go bad more quickly than others. Sometimes, cheap white bread like Wonder Bread is the best choice. If you prefer other varieties like sourdough, you may want to consider making your own to save the most money.

Dairy

With the average price of eggs high right now, substitutes may save you the most money. You can substitute applesauce or mashed bananas for eggs if you’re baking or silken tofu for savory dishes. Cheese can also be expensive if you purchase it from the deli counter. Instead, look for store brands or sale items.

Meats

To save the most money, you don’t need the best cuts of meat. Look for manager’s specials or things like country-style ribs, ground turkey, thin-cut steaks, or sausages. You usually can get a good deal on any of these items. With the right recipe, you won’t have to sacrifice taste either.

Paper Products

Toilet paper and paper towels can cost you a pretty penny if you buy an expensive brand. Instead, you may want to buy items on Amazon and utilize a subscribe & save deal or apply a coupon. You can find the best Amazon deals on Jungle Deals.

Frugal Shopping List Ideas

Don’t wait to purchase the essentials if you want to save money. If you truly want to be frugal and save on your groceries, you’ll have to look for the best deals and buy essentials during sales. Then, you can start to build recipes around these items.

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Outsmart Inflation: 8 Frugal Living Tips Seniors Wish They Knew Sooner

March 6, 2025 By Stephen Kanaval Leave a Comment

Inflation is hitting everyone hard, and for seniors on a fixed income, it can feel especially overwhelming. The good news? There are plenty of frugal living tips for seniors to stretch your dollars without giving up the things you enjoy. Many retirees have learned these lessons the hard way—here’s how you can benefit from their wisdom and keep more money in your pocket.

1. Downsize Sooner to Save on Housing Costs

Housing is often the biggest expense, and many seniors realize too late that they could have saved thousands by moving to a smaller place earlier. A smaller home means lower mortgage or rent payments, cheaper utilities, and fewer maintenance costs. If your current home has more space than you need, selling it could free up extra cash for travel, hobbies, or everyday expenses. Plus, moving before it becomes necessary gives you more control over where you live and how much you spend.

2. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts Everywhere

You might be surprised by how many places offer senior discounts—grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and even some utility companies. The trick is to ask! Many businesses don’t advertise their discounts, but they’ll gladly apply them if you inquire. Signing up for programs like AARP or checking with local senior centers can help you find deals you never knew existed. Some stores even have designated senior discount days, which can add up to big savings over time.

3. Cut the Cord on Expensive Cable Plans

You shall not watch too much Law and Order. You shall not watch too much CSI. We are joking, but, seriously, traditional cable can cost well over $100 a month, but there are cheaper ways to enjoy your favorite shows. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime offer tons of content for a fraction of the cost. If you still love live TV, a digital antenna can pick up local channels for free. Some seniors share streaming subscriptions with family members to save even more. A quick review of your monthly entertainment costs can reveal where you might be overpaying—and cutting back doesn’t mean giving up quality entertainment.

4. Plan Meals and Shop Smart to Lower Grocery Bills

Food prices have skyrocketed recently, but smart shopping can help you spend less without sacrificing quality. Planning meals in advance prevents last-minute splurges and food waste. Buying in bulk (especially for staples like rice, beans, and canned goods) often leads to major savings. Discount grocery stores and farmers’ markets can offer better prices than big-name supermarkets. Also, using coupons and cashback apps can bring down costs even further. Cooking at home instead of dining out can save thousands over a year—and it’s usually healthier, too!

5. Rethink Car Ownership and Transportation Costs

Owning a car is expensive, between gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. Not to mention, many major urban areas are overly congested with traffic. So, if you don’t drive often, switching to public transportation, ride-sharing, or a senior transit service might save you thousands per year. Many cities offer seniors discounted bus and train passes, making it a budget-friendly alternative. Walking or biking for short trips isn’t just free—it’s also great for your health. If you have a second car sitting in the driveway, selling it could put extra cash in your pocket while cutting unnecessary expenses.

6. Save Big by Choosing Generic Brands

Brand-name products aren’t always better, but they’re almost always more expensive. Many seniors wish they had switched to store-brand or generic products sooner. From prescription medications to pantry staples, generic versions often have the same ingredients and quality but cost significantly less. Shopping at discount stores, comparing unit prices, and avoiding brand loyalty can result in serious savings over time. Even buying secondhand clothes and furniture can lead to great finds at a fraction of the cost.

7. Cut Utility Bills with Energy-Saving Habits

Energy costs keep rising, but simple changes can lower your monthly bills. Switching to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, and using a programmable thermostat can lead to big savings. Many energy companies offer discounts or efficiency programs for seniors—check with your provider to see what’s available. Weatherproofing your home can help keep heating and cooling costs down, and washing clothes in cold water or air-drying can also help reduce electricity use. Small changes can add up to major savings over time.

8. Take Advantage of Free Community Resources

There are more free and low-cost resources available than many seniors realize. Libraries offer free books, movies, internet access, and classes. Senior centers provide exercise programs, social events, and educational workshops at little to no cost. Some nonprofits and community groups offer free meals, transportation, and even home maintenance assistance for seniors. Checking out local resources can help you save money while staying active and connected. Many government programs also offer financial relief, so it’s worth exploring what’s available in your area.

Small Changes Lead to Big Savings

You don’t have to make drastic lifestyle changes to see real savings. By implementing even a few of these strategies, you can make your money go further without sacrificing the things you enjoy. If you found these tips helpful, share them with a friend or family member who might benefit from them.