Welcome, New Readers & MOPS Moms!

I had the pleasure of speaking to another wonderful MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in Macomb today. Thanks for inviting me - I hope I've put you on the path to saving money! Leave a comment if you can! If you are the mom of at least one child in the stages of pregnancy through Kindergarten, you'll want to learn more about MOPS here -- it's a support group like no other! Take a look at these 2 great money-saving MOPS articles from Tricia Goyer:

• Supermarket Savvy
• 7 Tips for Smart Shoppers

FAVORITE INTERNET RESOURCES
Here you'll find links for some of the websites mentioned in my presentation (for your convenience!). For those of you who weren't there, you might like to visit and/or bookmark these great places on the web as well. ALL of them are FREE of charge:

• Subscribe to Macomb Money Savers Email Updates
• Other Metro Detroit Area Money-Saving Blogs:The Sharp Scissors Lady
  Centsable Momma
  This Side of Eternity
  Coupon Crazy Chrys
  1-2-3 Save
• Coupon Mom - National matchups; coupon database by region
• Money Saving Mom - National blog
• Be Centsable's Grocery Gathering – National & local store matchup compilation
• A Full Cup - Forums and Coupon Database
• Hot Coupon World - Forums and Coupon Database
• Upromise - Shop and Earn Towards College Education
• Retail Me Not - Online Coupon Codes
• Slickdeals - Online Deals
• Freezer Cooking - 30 Day Gourmet, Once a Month Mom

SAVING MONEY ON EVERYTHING ELSE

CLOTHING and HOUSEHOLD

• Garage Sales - Search for area sales (in warmer months) at Detroit Craigslist, Macomb Daily Classifieds, and Marketplace Detroit
• Thrift Stores - Search by zip code at The Thrift Shopper
• Southeast Michigan Clothing Swaps
• Mom to Mom Sales in Southeast Michigan
• Craigslist, ReUseIt Network in MI
• Yahoo Groups: Macomb County FreeCycle, Macomb County CheapCycle, Online Mom2Mom

BOOKS, MOVIES, ENTERTAINMENT

• Suburban Library Cooperative and MI eLibrary Catalog
  Place books, movies, CDs on hold for pickup; Free Museum Adventure Passes
• Paperback Swap
• Redbox Movie Rentals - Visit Inside Redbox for current coupon codes
• Motor City Steals & Deals - Half price Detroit area gift cards

FAMILY TIME and VACATION

• MISD: 2009 Guide to Fun for Families
  An amazing FREE resource of great things to do in the Macomb area!

A LITTLE SPENDING MONEY

• SwagBucks
  Awards “SwagBucks” for regular internet searches. Redeem bucks for e-gift certificates, cash or prizes.
• Ebates and Cashbaq
  Each gives a percentage of cash back for purchases made online. Rebates are paid by check. Visit each to find the best return!

Worth Watching: 31 of the Savviest Spending Tips!

Laura of Sharpen Your Scissors has been working all month long, adding a video tip each day that features one of many savvy spending tips. Today was the Grand Finale to her series, and you'll want to check it out - and learn from her shopping wisdom! Here you'll find links to ALL 31 TIPS. Watch a few or watch them all, but I know you'll like these smart little snippets.

Which one of Laura's tips is YOUR favorite?

New Resource: Macomb Fresh Food Price Chart!

Photo credit: katiescrapbooklady

I'm often asked for the best way to save money on produce and meat each week. One way to save consistently is pretty simple - STICK TO THE SALES. Not just any sales, of course, but the best "loss leader" prices on fresh foods (loss leaders are those front-page items advertised to lead you into the store).

Some Examples
When I find boneless, skinless chicken breast for $1.49 per pound, I buy 10 or 20 pounds, portion and prepare it for meals, and freeze for future use. When lean ground beef is $1.59 per pound, we buy 10 pounds, mix burgers and meatballs and freeze. If you're not excited about buying larger amounts and freezing them, don't worry. Simply sit down at the beginning of the week and take a look at the best prices around town - then plan your weekly menu around those items.

The Benefits

1. Spend less.
   By purchasing when prices are lowest, you're saving the most you possibly can on these items. If you can plan your meals around the best sales at your store(s), you'll avoid a last-minute trip to the store for dinner ingredients (as well as that extra expense).
   
   
2. Enjoy variety.
   When you focus on sale fruits and vegetables, you can dig your family back out of the produce routine you may have unknowningly fell into. Heather commented, "After a few weeks I noticed that I was coming home with a much bigger variety of fresh fruits & vegetables. By checking the sale list, I realized we could have fresh kiwis or kale for the same price as the boring apples & baby carrots I previously kept bringing home."

How do you know a "best price" when you see one? Based on an excellent suggestion by Amy on the MMS Facebook Fan Page, Stacey and I have been working on a list of best prices for meats and produce in the Macomb area. For now, it's titled the "Macomb Fresh Food Price Chart" (though I'm open to your creative name ideas!). I've included basic items that are usually advertised on sale and listed 3 prices for each - an average regular price, an average sale price and a BEST PRICE (which I've tracked with the store name and date of the most recent lowest price - you'll notice that produce is always priced lowest when it's in-season). While this list is nothing fancy, it should help you to recognize a good price when you see one!

I hope that the Fresh Food Price Chart is a helpful tool for you - and I'm eager to hear what you think!

Collecting Coupons: Swapping Coupons

Part of being a savvy coupon shopper is having a great coupon stash to work from. If you're just starting out, building an adequate stash can take some time. Even if you have a few coupons to work with, you might have trouble collecting coupons for the products your family purchases regularly. A fun way to accumulate the coupons you need is to start a coupon swap group with other shoppers in your area!

What's a COUPON SWAP?
A coupon swap is an organized way for a group of money savers to meet on a regular basis to share or swap coupons. Simply bring the coupons that you know you won't be using and take home the coupons others have offered that you can use.

I'm proud to be part of a fun coupon swap group in my area! Not only do we benefit from adding a few extra coupons to our stash once a month, but the ladies have become frugal friends. Along with coupons, we share the latest deal sightings, trade store experiences, encourage and empathize with each other. It's a true couponer's support group!

You can set up your group and agree on guidelines that work for you! We've added a few guidelines for our group to make things more interesting:

• WISHLIST REQUESTS
  One week before the swap, we each submit a few "wishlist" coupons to the organizer. A group email is then sent; if you can spare coupons on the list that others really need, simply bring them to the swap and gift them accordingly!
  
• SHARE TEARPADS
  When we find a great tearpad or non-insert coupon in the store, we try to collect enough (while still leaving plenty for other shoppers!) to bring and share with everyone in the group. Some of our members have found amazing coupons!
  
• BRING DONATIONS
  The church where we meet also collects items for area food banks and homeless shelters. It's a great chance to share from the surplus of our stockpiled items!

Looking for other great ideas for sharing your coupons?

• HELP the MILITARY
  Some groups also bring their expired coupons to the swap, package them and send them to military groups overseas (where they can be used at military bases up to 6 months past the expiration date).
  
• START a SWAPBOX
  If meeting in person isn't ideal, you can always organize a coupon swapbox at your daycare, church, library, school, or work. You can learn more about how to organize a swapbox (including rules and sample interest letter) here.
  
• FIND a FRIEND
  Maybe you can't organize a group, but have you met a fellow couponer that might be interested in swapping? It's even better if you can find a friend with opposite shopping needs. For example, if you have a baby and no pets, you could really benefit from finding a friend who has pets but no babies in the house!
  
• RIDE a COUPON TRAIN
  While there are a few different varieties of coupon trains, the most useful type is one that "leaves the station" every week. Train riders share their coupon wishlists and addresses with each other, then get matched up with a partner each week. As a rider, you send one envelope according to the train rules (25-40 coupons per envelope is common, with mailings usually early in the week). If you have coupons to share and can commit to participating each week, this may be a good fit for you!
  
  Interested in being part of a coupon train? Join A Full Cup here (it's FREE) and set up an account, post a wishlist, then visit the Coupon Train forum for more information. If there's enough interest, we could always start a Macomb Money Savers Train! :)

Recommended Resources: Tracking your Savings in 2010

Many of you have asked for a spreadsheet that allows you to track your savings throughout the year. I've been hunting for some great FREE resources that will allow you to input grocery receipts - it can be very motivating to see what you've been saving and spending!

Take a look at these files and find the one that makes the most sense to you. Remember - if you're spending even a little bit less each month or getting more for your money, you're taking a step in the right direction!

I like to track all of my store purchases for the year - including groceries, cleaning products, health and beauty aids and clothing. Others limit it their records to only grocery spending. It's really up to you!

Mommy Snacks has a nice Grocery Savings Chart with instructions. I like her tracker because I like seeing my percentage saved across the board (and it's nice and simple!). I used it for 6-8 months last year until I fell off the wagon (it was on my old computer, which I didn't use often) - but I was thrilled to see an average savings of 75%!


The Coupon Project has an Excel-based Savings Tracker available with great commentary on how to calculate the percentage saved and how to set goals.


Taking Stock has a few different available resources for download:
A Simple Spreadsheet in Excel or Google Doc format
A Detailed Spreadsheet (Excel format)

Live Online Chat with Ellie Kay on January 8

Ellie Kay has authored numerous books about saving money, the most recent of which is The Little Book of Big Savings: 351 Practical Ways to Save Money Now. When we needed to pinch pennies, Ellie was one of the first authors I've turned to - her advice is practical, real, and easy to put into practice!

This Friday, January 8, 2010 at 4:00 pm EST, Ellie will share tips and suggestions for saving money, starting a budget, and getting control of your debt. Ellie will also take your budget and financial questions LIVE through the inline chat room. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a live discussion online!

You might want to take a look at some of Ellie's books
(and put them on your wish list or search them out at your library!)

Living Rich for Less: Create the Lifestyle You Want by Giving, Saving, and Spending Smart

Half-Price Living: Secrets to Living Well on One Income

A Tip a Day with Ellie Kay: 12 Months' Worth of Money-Saving Ideas

A Mom's Guide to Family Finances

Shop, Save, Share (This was the first one I read!)

The Debt Diet: An Easy-to-follow Plan To Shed Debt And Trim Spending

How to Save Money Every Day

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees: Teaching Your Kids The Value Of A Buck

What do you think!? Is it worth a free chat if you can carve out some computer time this Friday? There's no need to sign up - just visit here on Friday at 4 pm EST to watch and participate!

Collecting Coupons: Manufacturer Coupons by Mail

As you're cleaning out the remainder of those coupons that expire at the end of the year, it's a great time to think about building up your coupon stash! In the coming days, I hope to share a series of posts with you on some of the best ways to create an abundance of coupons. It's always easier to save and stock up when you have a variety of savings to choose from! Today's focus is on collecting coupons directly from the manufacturer of your favorite products!


Start by thinking about your favorite items - the products you use every day. Rummage through your pantry or refrigerator if necessary! Every product has a website or phone number listed somewhere on the packaging. Call or email, letting them know how much you like the product and request coupons. They'll usually send great coupons that can't be found anywhere else! This is a great trick if you like specialty items that aren't usually featured on coupons.

All the same, don't hesitate to contact the company if you find the quality of an item to be less than what you expected; they like to keep customers happy and will often send a coupon for a free item to replace what you purchased. For example, I recently opened a package of long grain and wild rice that had puffed beyond recognition (though it was well within the expiration date). Since I was in the middle of making dinner, I called the contact line and asked if this was normal. They assured me it was not, and sent a coupon or two for a free product to replace what I'd lost.

You can find a great listing of email contacts here, thanks to A Full Cup:

Manufacturer's Internet Contact Information

Some people like to work through the list alphabetically and contact every company they're interested in - if you have the time, it can be worth the effort. Or simply pick and choose from the companies that catch your interest. As a habit, Couponing to Disney contacts 5 companies daily as part of her 5 A Day Mail Campaign (she also has some great tips for getting results!). Aim to write a quick note to a few companies each day and you'll soon have a mailbox filled with savings as well!

Collecting Coupons: Newspaper Inserts

As you're cleaning out the remainder of those coupons that expire at the end of the year, it's a great time to think about building up your coupon stash! In the coming days, I hope to share a series of posts with you on some of the best ways to create an abundance of coupons. It's always easier to save and stock up when you have a variety of savings to choose from!

Most of the coupons in existence arrive each week in the Sunday newspaper. While it can be more convenient to have a subscription, it's not necessary. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• BIGGER PAPER = BETTER COUPONS
  Newspapers in large cities (like the Detroit News/Free Press, Chicago Tribune, etc) generally offer more coupons with better values than smaller papers. In the Macomb area, the Detroit News/Free Press is your best bet.
  
  
• HOW MANY PAPERS DO I NEED?
  A good rule of thumb is to purchase 1 copy for each person in your household. I purchase additional copies if the coupons are especially good that week (i.e. savings on items I know we'll use) and less if there aren't many inserts. If you're just starting out, 1 or 2 newspaper copies will still help your budget. Many deal matchups may require you to use 2 or 4 coupons in one transaction in order to save - and you'll want a few to be able to stock up on items when prices are at their lowest.
  
  
• WHAT CAN I DO WITH ALL THAT PAPER?
  First of all, you'll want to be sure you've grabbed every coupon in the paper. Some coupons will hide in the Parade or USA Weekend inserts and others have been found in the newspaper itself. Then you can find a creative way to recycle it! You can wash your windows, line your bird cage, wrap a gift or donate copies to a classroom if you'd rather not take it to the recycling center!
  
  
• ISN'T IT EXPENSIVE TO PURCHASE EXTRA PAPERS?
  Since the cost of a newspaper copy has risen recently (in our area to $1.50), you will want to make sure you're serious about using your coupons if you're thinking about purchasing extras. You can quickly earn back the money you spent on a paper in one well-planned shopping trip. Many dollar stores (including Dollar Tree and Dollar Castle) offer the Sunday paper for $1.00 - and often you can still find remaining copies available on Monday and Tuesday.
  
  Ask your friends, coworkers and neighbors for extra coupon inserts - those who don't use coupons have no use for them! If you're able to pick up items for cheap or free with those coupons, you might consider bringing them a little treat every once in a while to show your appreciation or letting them know what you were able to donate with their help.
  
  If you're a CVS or Walgreens shopper, buying papers is an easy way to use up your Extra Care Bucks and Register Rewards before they expire.
  
  
• DO I REALLY NEED TO CUT ALL THOSE COUPONS?
  NO. And if you're short on time (like me), I don't recommend it. I like the method Coupon Mom endorses. Group your coupon inserts each week (use a paperclip, binder clip, staple, rubberband, file folder, etc.) and write the date on the front. Then use the free Grocery Coupon Database she provides to search for existing coupons and clip only those you'll use as you prepare your shopping list each week. (You'll be asked to register, but there's no cost).
  
  If you like having your coupons with you in the store, you'll want to cut a couple copies worth. You can stack each identical page from each insert together and cut at once to save a little time. Organize them in a way that works for you (coupon box, file, binder, etc.) and you're ready to shop!
  

Do you buy extra papers each week? Do you have any questions about collecting coupons from newspapers? I'll be back with more on swapping coupons to beef up your coupon stash even further!

Guest Post: Making Gift Baskets for the Holidays

Kathy created this Spa Gift Basket for only $8.64!

Making Gift Baskets for the Holidays
Guest post from Kathleen, author of the blog Makin' It in Michigan

I was so excited when Jolyn asked me to write a guest post about making baskets for the holidays. I'm definitely not an expert, but I do think these baskets make great gifts! In addition to being really thoughtful and personalized, it's highly affordable when you can combine Dollar Store shopping with your savvy couponing skills!

Here are some things I've learned along the way - some good tips to keep in mind when you're planning a gift basket design:

• Choose a container that can be used again later.
  Consider using shower caddies for spa gifts, popcorn containers for movie lover's baskets, strainers for pasta lover's baskets, laundry baskets for housewarming baskets, etc. Don't forget to look at your local thrift stores for good prices on baskets and more!
  
  

Movie Lover's Basket ($11.11)

• Include products your recipient will enjoy.
  Putting "filler" gifts in a gift basket is pointless if these items won't be used later. Remember that sometimes less is more.
  
  

Pasta Lover's Basket
Add some dollar store pasta utensils and a checkered kitchen towel
and you've got a beautiful gift!


• Try to pick colors and products that coordinate well.
  l like to use two or three colors whenever possible. This makes the basket look more planned and not something you threw together at the last minute.
  
  



• Fill the bottom of the container with newspaper.
  This will give your products more height and allow items to be more easily seen. Cover the newspaper with something attractive. You can use crinkle paper, tissue paper or even a washcloth or bandanna for a BBQ lover's basket. Remember to tuck it around the edges if the basket is transparent!
  
  
• Arrange items with the tallest in the back, smallest in the front.
  

Coffee Lover's Basket ($7.28)



• Last but not least, enjoy the process!

____________________________________________________

I'm so thankful that Kathy was willing to share her knowledge with us! In the Macomb area, you can find great deals on baskets and other items at Flower Factory, Christmas Tree Shops, and Big Lots along with thrift stores. Keep your eyes open at garage sales in the summer for potential baskets/containers - you can find them for pennies!

You'll want to check out her blog, Makin It in Michigan, for some great Homemade Gift Ideas Under $5 as well. I LOVE the simple yet beautiful chalkboards she created from new cabinet doors!

Have you made gift baskets? Do you have any additional tips to share?

Guest Post: A 7-Week Menu Plan

Do you sometimes wonder what you are going to make for dinner several hours before it’s to be served? Do you despise trying to figure out “what’s for dinner” every week or every day? If so, here is an example of my 7-week Dinner Planning Chart. I created it to keep our food bill down, to eliminate last minute meal planning and avoid ordering out. We're able to purchase ingredients at the best price all while maintaining a variety of meals on the table for our family.

Some benefits of my 7 week plan:

1. I can look ahead to make sure I get all the ingredients for upcoming meals at a good price (preferably on sale and with coupons).
   


2. Each week, I can just look at my chart, check my fridge and then go to the grocery store for the perishable items needed.
   


3. I can "prep" for meals in advance when I know I won't have time. For instance, I can mix a marinade one day in advance, cut up veggies the night before, etc. - all in the name of saving time on the days when I don't have any.
   
   
4. As the seasons change, so will my cooking, but my chart stays the same. During the summer when "Lasagna" comes up on the menu I will substitute Ravioli in its place. Many of the chicken dishes I make in the winter will be substituted for barbecued chicken in the summer with corn on the cob. The chart is a guide and it helps, but I don't follow it strictly all the time.
   


5. I don't always make the meals in the exact order they are listed on the menu for that week. For instance, the meal that requires the most time will be done on the day of the week where I have the most time.
   


6. I try to fill my menu with as many quick and easy meals as possible. Anything that can be prepared during naptime and then baked in the oven goes on my list. :)
   
   
7. When I try a new recipe, go out for a holiday, attend a neighborhood BBQ, etc. then I put my menu aside and return to it on the next day that I need to prepare a meal for our family.
   

Note: Our family LOVES leftovers so you'll notice that the majority of meals are prepared to last for 2 nights. If your family doesn't care for leftovers then aim for a 3 or 4 week rotating menu plan with 6 or 7 meals each week.

Would you like to try creating a rotating chart of your family's favorite meals to make meal planning easier? You'll find a blank planning chart here (you can edit it as you wish!). I hope this gives your family an idea of how to eliminate meal time stress.

Many thanks to Tracy for taking the time to put this article together! Tracy Jarosz is a stay-at-home mom of 2 busy little boys (ages 3 & 10 months) and a wife to a loving work-at-home husband. She is a frugal mom who strives to keep life simple with long walks, good books, lots of fresh air and a bit of chocolate.

Recipes: Homemade International Coffee Mixes

Thanks go to Michelle, who passed along these great recipes for making flavored coffee mixes at home. Begin searching for ingredients on sale now, then make large batches and bag them up individually for useful gifts - just in time for Christmas!

COFFEE MIXING DIRECTIONS

• Place all ingredients in blender, then blend thoroughly until powdered.
• Use 1 - 2 teaspoons coffee mix and 1 cup hot water for an individual serving.
• SPECIAL NOTE: For sugar substitute, use 16 tsp. for 1 c. sugar. You may also substitute decaffeinated instant coffee in place of regular instant coffee.

BAVARIAN MINT
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
1 Rounded tsp. loose, dried mint leaves
2/3 c. non-dairy creamer

SWISS MOCHA
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
2 c. nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder

CAFÉ L’ORANGE
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
Dried crushed orange peel
¼ tsp. Cinnamon

CAFÉ VIENNA MIX
1 c. Sugar
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 ½ c. Non-dairy Creamer
1 ½ c. Nonfat dry milk
4 Tbsp. Cocoa
1 c. Instant coffee

CAFÉ MOCHA
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
3 Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 c. Non-dairy Creamer
¼ c. Nonfat dry milk

CAFÉ AU LAIT MIX
One 11-oz jar Non-Dairy Creamer
½ c. Packed Brown Sugar
½ c. Instant Coffee crystals
Dash of Salt
(Use ¼ c. mix to 2/3 c. hot water)

CINNAMON ‘N SPICE
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
½ tsp. Allspice

CAFÉ VIENNA
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 1/3 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Cinnamon

TOFFEE COFFEE
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Non-Dairy Creamer
1 c. Brown Sugar

ITALIAN MOCHA ESPRESSO
½ c. Instant Coffee
½ c. Sugar
2 ¼ c. Cocoa Powder

CAFÉ ORANGE CAPPUCCINO
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 ½ c. Sugar
2 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Dry Orange Peel

RUSSIAN TEA
1 c. Instant Tea
1 9 oz. Jar Tang
1 3-oz pkg. pre-sweetened Lemonade
½ tsp. Ground Cloves
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Mixing Directions for Russian Tea: Mix ingredients together. Makes a little over one pint dry mix. To serve, use 2 tsp. in 1 cup of boiling water.

Thrifty Holiday Idea: Gift Baskets

photo by Makin' It in MI

Kathy from Makin' It in MI has some great ideas for making the most out of your frugal purchases - create a themed gift basket just in time for the holidays!

She begins collecting items (available free or cheap) week-by-week that fit into a certain idea or theme: Coffee Lover's Basket, Movie Lover's Basket, Pasta Lover's Basket or BBQ Lover's Basket. Then she finds a great deal on a nice basket at the Salvation Army and arranges the items together (garage sales and the Flower Factory are also great places to find good prices on baskets!)

Of course, the possibilities are without end! You could put together some CVS/Walgreens purchases to make a Spa Basket or great gift for a teen (makeup, nail polish, and more!). A laundry basket filled with pantry items could become a nice Housewarming Basket (Thanks, Laura!). Small toys and coloring items might make a nice Travel Kit. Have you created baskets with your frugal finds before? What great ideas can you share with the rest of us?

Worth Reading: How to Stop Buying Clothes You Never Wear

If you have a closet full of clothes but "nothing to wear"...or if you're looking for ways to streamline both your closet and your clothing budget, read on! You'll find 7 great guidelines to keep in mind the next time you're out shopping

"These tips are applicable to women and men, whether you’re a high-power attorney or a stay-at-home parent."

How to Stop Buying Clothes You Never Wear by April Dykman

How do YOU pursue fashion on a budget?

Price Books: Know the Best Prices around Town

Do you pay attention to what items cost at regular price? Do you know a good sale price when you see one? It ALWAYS helps to do your research when spending money.

Many bargain shoppers keep a PRICE BOOK for the items they buy frequently. Don't worry, this doesn't have to be elaborate - if you have a great memory, you might even be able to keep one in your head!

When does this come in handy? While I don't keep up with a price book like I should, there have been some times when we needed to compare prices across the board:

• Warehouse Clubs like Sam's and Costco
  You need to know whether you're really getting the best deal at any warehouse store. For example, I can buy 5 lbs of bread flour for around $3.50 at Meijer, or I can get 25 lbs of bread flour for $7.50 at Sam's (yes, I do a considerable amount of baking!). However, in many instances sale prices with coupons will beat out warehouse pricing. And unless you use the large amounts you're purchasing, it's not always worth it.
  


• Diapers
  When buying disposable diapers (a product you'll use in bulk!), you'll want to know who has the best price per diaper. If you're brand-loyal, this is still important. We used Target diapers because they beat out the prices on other store brands and they work just as well - a decision we came to after creating a price book page comparison!
  


• Your Favorite Products
  You'll want to know the prices for your family's favorite items, especially if you buy them OFTEN and they aren't usually featured on sale. Example? I buy Galaxy's Veggie Slices, a specialty food item which has never gone on sale. Meijer carries them for $2.99. Kroger prices them at $2.39, so I make sure I buy them at Kroger when I need them!
  


• Store Locations
  Keep in mind that prices vary by store location. Example? Meijer locations offer different regular prices. Jello costs $0.64 in Sterling Heights (16 & Van Dyke) but $0.89 in Utica (M-59 & Schoenherr). Make sure to note both store name AND location on your price list!

Some shoppers like to list regular, sale and best sale prices (including the date of the last best sale) for items in their price book. You'll want to know, for example, how much boneless, skinless chicken breast costs at regular price (usually more than $3/lb, though I don't advise buying it then!), at sale price ($1.99) and at a best sale price ($1.49/lb, when you'll want to stock up and fill your freezer!).

I do my best to highlight best area prices each week in red. You'll want to check out these prices this week.

Learn more about price books and how to create your own here:

• Make A Price Book: Power Tool For Supermarket Savings! by Cynthia Townley Ewer


• Creating Price Book Pages by Shelley Emblad


• Your Price Book by Cheapcooking.com


• Printable Price Book Page from A Full Cup, courtesy of Wishful Thinking

Do you keep a price book? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Guest Post: A Cost-Conscious Foodie's Guide to the Farmers Market

Local farmers markets can be a great place to pick up a good deal on fresh produce. Shop with care, however, or you may end up paying more than the local grocery price. The key to shopping the farmers market is to have a good idea of what the average in-season produce costs are at your local grocery store. Knowing the sale prices are even better. So why visit the farmer’s market when it’s a great unknown - especially if you’re new to it and you have no idea how to compare farmers market prices to the per pound costs of the grocery? For me (a self-declared Food Network addict and bargain shopper) it’s a matter of quality AND value.

I’ve found that many items at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market are at least comparable in price to the regular in-season grocery store costs. In general, the produce at the Farmers Market is fresher - it looks and tastes better. If I am looking for a certain type of produce that is in-season, it makes more sense for me to go to the Farmers Market (where there will probably be several vendors with bins full of whatever I’m looking for) than to head from store to store looking for something that won’t turn to compost before I get a chance to use it. The market often has items or varieties that you might not see at the regular grocery stores. I discovered Shiro plums at the farmers market a full year before I saw them at the high-end grocery stores.

Some general tips on how to make the most of your produce budget at the Farmers Market:

• Know the general in-season prices (and even the weekly sale prices) of produce. You can always get a cheap notepad and keep it handy so you know when you've truly found a good deal.
  


• Shop early in the day for best selection (in the fall, you can snag the biggest pie pumpkin in the $1 bin, and if you’re at the Royal Oak market you can catch a free parking spot without having to wait for one to open up).
  


• Shop at the end of the market day to get et the best prices from farmers that don’t want to take their produce back home with them.
  
  
• Though the farmers market is a great place to pick up fresh herbs, make sure to check out the high-end grocery stores for produce and herbs as well. While big chain groceries usually have the herbs in those pitifully small packs at a ridiculous price, I’ve found that Westborn Market on Woodward in Berkley usually has nice, fresh bunches at a very respectable price. Westborn also sometimes has the best prices or freshest-looking produce. Remember not to rule out a place just because most of the items may be more pricey than your usual haunts.
  


• Unless you’re going to an absolutely huge market, visit ALL the vendors before you buy. While pricing is usually pretty uniform, often someone will have the best deal on whatever you’re looking for. After taking a walk-through, you can make an educated purchase.
  


• If vendors offer samples, try one! While one vendor might sell the cheapest pint of blueberries, the one across the building may have ones that taste a lot better for just a little more.
  


• Know how to select the best produce - check for blemishes, soft spots, etc. In general, asparagus is most tender when it is long and thin. Small strawberries usually taste better than the Godzilla-sized ones. Firm cherries keep longer and taste a lot better than ones that are soft. I avoid vendors that don’t let me gently feel the peaches. Peel the husks down off the corn ears a little - you just need to peek far enough to check for bugs and to make sure the tip of the corn has well-developed kernels that are in fairly straight rows and haven’t started to dry out.
  


• Look for seconds. The key is knowing why it’s considered a second, and if it really is a much better deal than the full-priced version there or at another vendor. Earlier this year I got a quart of peach seconds - they were small, and though the pit was a little larger in proportion to the fruit than the full-sized peaches, they were just as good as the regular ones. Recently one vendor had half pecks of tomato seconds for $2, not bad if you don’t mind cutting out some soft spots and canning them or turning them into salsa the same day you pick them up.
  


• Develop a Plan B if something starts to ripen you sooner than expected. Freshness is a blessing but can also be a curse. In general you'll need to keep a closer eye on farmers market produce because it’s already ripe. On a Saturday I bought a pint of peaches to eat at work for the week, and by Monday most had some small soft spots. I ended up cutting out the soft spots and turning it into a nice peach salsa to have with lunch. Fresh strawberries are an item to watch closely as they can fade quickly - and generally they’re best to use within a few days of purchase.

Looking for a Farmer's Market around Metro Detroit? You'll find a list here.

Many thanks to Becky Stacy for sharing this information! Becky is a working mother of an 8-month-old son trying to cut costs so she can become a stay at home mom within the next year or two. She is a Food Network addict and enjoys playing around with new ideas in the kitchen. Stay tuned to read more from Becky including the lowdown on squash and another great recipe!

FREE Coupon Lessons via Email

If you're new to couponing (or a veteran couponer who would like to learn some new tricks), you might want to sign up for the FREE Couponing Class here. You’ll get the Monday Couponing Class and the daily tips and deals delivered to your email inbox. In ten short "classes", you’ll be bringing home hundreds of dollars in free toiletries, makeup, medicines, household items, non-perishables and other essentials every month. (Yes, I do my best to help you save like this already - but it never hurts to learn more about how couponing works!)

Freezer Cooking: Shop the Sales and Bag It!

photo from the 30 Day Gourmet newsletter

As I've learned more about freezer cooking in the past few years, I regret only that I didn't learn about it sooner! It truly makes life (and that dinnertime crazy hour) so much easier! Not only does freezer cooking simplify life for our family, but it makes it easier for us to share meals with others (think expectant moms, grieving families or friends in need)!

The Freezer Cooking Manual from 30 Day Gourmet has become my favorite resource, and it's easy to see why. Written by moms with recipes approved by their combined families, the cookbook is practical. You won't see recipes that include unusual ingredients. And their website features a list of FREE recipes that keeps growing each month!

Their latest "Chewing the News" newsletter describes a simple cooking day, step by step - shopping the sales, marinating, bagging and freezing meat. I'd encourage anyone interested in freezer cooking to read (and see pictures) of what a cooking day looks like in action!

Keep in mind that you don't need to purchase and prepare 35 meals; even doubling and freezing one night's dinner will save you time. You may want to start buy preparing just a few meals at a time.

Worth Reading: Be your own vending machine

Monroe on a Budget (Michigan Blogger/journalist Paula Wethington) recently wrote an interesting post on how to Be Your Own Vending Machine. There's plenty of money to be saved when purchasing convenience foods and taking your own items to work or school! Read on...

Worth Reading: Smart Spending Strategies

Paddy Laske and Brenda Szalka, guest bloggers on personal finance at Freep.com, recently shared these tips on smart spending (you can click on each title for the full article):

• Smart Spending Habits - First, get your head out of the sand
  


• Smart Spending 2 - Learn, save, dig deep
  


• Smart Spending 3 - Pay off charge cards
  


• Smart Spending 4 - Make a spending plan
  


• Smart Spending 5 - Save for the future
  In this post, they conclude the series by listing additional resources, some you may recognize!
  
  

  More resources: www.MacombMoneySavers.blogspot.com (helps you find the best deals on groceries and more every week), www.Afullcup.com (huge database, store sale lists, and deal forums), www.powerpay.org (helps to manage and pay down debt), Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover book, Money magazine.

Sounds like they really know what they're talking about, doesn't it!? :) I was completely caught off-guard by the honorable mention!

Smart Shopping: The Buy Ahead Principle

I just returned from this week's shopping trip to Meijer with bags that include:

2 bags Chex Mix
4 large jars of Applesauce
6 boxes of Graham Crackers

Hopefully, you're not left wondering what "creative" meals we'll be eating with those 3 ingredients this week! Part of saving a large percentage off our grocery bill means that we stock up on the items we use when the prices are lowest. We'll fill in the gaps and buy fresh dairy and produce items as needed.

Interested in learning more? Learn one of the biggest money-saving secrets through Money Saving Mom's post on The Buy Ahead Principle.