An Apple a Day

Fall is the perfect time to harvest some apples and make a few treats to put away for September. I am lucky enough to have parents with an apple tree that is ripe for the picking (or picking up off the ground before Arnie the woodchuck eats them all). If you have a tree, or know someone who does, it's a perfect way to get some fresh produce at a very low cost. I borrowed a food strainer that made it EASY to make homemade applesauce. Just wash, cut in quarters, cook in pot, run through strainer. (No peeling or coring). The seeds, peel and stem just come out the tumbler. I added a little sugar and cinnamon and love the homemade taste (and LOW cost).

Investment: Almost nothing for me since I got free apples. Ask around if anyone has a tree that they'd be willing to trade some produce for. May not be cost effective if you have to buy from the grocery store, but "pick your own" from the local orchard could be worth it.

Instead of: Buying applesauce in single-serve cups or jars

Savings: Buying in the jar cost about $0.30 per cup, and I made about 25 cups, so $7.50.

Bonus: Tastes great, freezes well, and can be used in recipes (freeze without sugar or cinnamon) or eaten plain. If you have access to a "free tree" you can also chop apples to use in recipes or wrap in newspaper and store in a cool place to save for eating whole. Be sure to check out my favorite Apple Scotch Crisp recipe.

Baby-sitting Exchange

Although I haven't been blessed with kids yet, I know that baby-sitting can be a huge expense.  If you aren't lucky enough to have grandparents or family close by that will watch your kids for free, consider exchanging baby-sitting with another family. Make the expectations clear (you take the kids one Saturday for a certain time period, they get the kids the next Saturday) and of course it's nice if your kids are about the same age and will play well together. Use the time away to do something fun with your spouse, such as playing a round of golf (if you already have a membership), hiking or biking at a nearby state park, or having a private dinner and DVD at home while your kids play at someone else's house.  

If you really want to make this a way of life, consider starting a group on babysitterexchange.com, a free site where you and families you already know and trust can create a group and trade babysitting on a credit system. This would help keep everything fair and very organized!

Investment: Watching someone else's kids for an evening. Depending on their ages, having a friend over could help keep your own kid busy, or you can plan something fun that is better with more kids such as outdoor games and sports.

Instead of: Paying someone to watch your kids.

Savings:  $5+ per hour? I may be out of touch with the going rate, so whatever you pay for your number/age of child(ren) and time of day. You can either put the money you would have paid a sitter into the September Savings Challenge, or you can just donate the money you would have spent on a more expensive date.

Bonus: A planned date night with your spouse that won't ruin your budget, plus an opportunity for your kids to play with others. 

Tip: Since we don't have kids, we translate this to exchanging dog-sitting! When we go away for the weekend or on vacation, my sister and her husband keep our dog and we take care of theirs when they go away--both dogs have fun playing and no money has to exchange hands.

Sweatin' it Out(side)

If you have been paying a monthly membership at a gym (and don't use it enough to make it worth the while!), consider taking September off to workout at home or outside instead. The weather's good for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, and playing games with your family or friends. You can workout at home using videos or DVDs.  If you don't have any, borrow from a friend, or check out garage sales or second hand stores--I once got 6 videos for $1.50. Tip: See if your TV has Picture-in Picture that allows you to watch regular TV with a small screen of the workout video in the corner--makes familiar routines go so much faster!

There are also plenty of workouts you can download and follow at home. Check out Spark People for free videos that are easy to follow for a quick workout. If you really like the gym equipment, make sure you figure out if you're making your monthly membership worth it. If you only make it there once a week, you may be better off paying a daily fee instead of a month. Or, if you're gym membership is prepaid, your savings contribution can be bringing your own water bottle from home instead of buying bottled.

Investment: If you like the outdoors or have videos or a computer connection already, there's no need to spend money! Home equipment or videos can cost a bit, but find the cheapest way to get those (garage sales, friends,  thrift store, or check Amazon or Ebay for info-mercial type exercise programs--never order directly off TV!)

Instead of: $30 gym membership (or whatever you're currently paying) 

Savings: Membership and bottled water minus whatever you spend to set up your home workout.

Bonus: Mixing up your workout can help you get off a "plateau" and a fun workout is one you'll stick to! You can also workout when you want (in the grubby clothes you want) instead running on the gym's schedule. Plus, if you plan fun family outdoor activities, these can take the place of expensive movie/restaurant/shopping outings.

Coupons

There are thousands of articles teaching you how to save money on groceries, but using coupons is an easy way to know exactly how much money you're saving. You probably receive the local grocery circulars in the mail so you can check what's on sale, but also check out the coupons that come with the Sunday paper. If you don't receive the paper, ask someone who does if you can use their coupons. A little time and effort spend on the internet can also yield coupons on your favorite products.  If you want to make this a way of life, consider signing up here for a free resource for all kinds of coupon deals. Make sure you check if there are double or triple coupon days at your store! And remember, coupons can be found for all kinds of products, services, entertainment, online stores...just use that search engine!

Investment: Time for clipping coupons or searching and printing from the internet

Instead of: Paying full price for name-brand groceries and household items

Savings: Your grocery receipt will tell you exactly how much you saved, so you can put that money towards your September Savings Challenge.

Homemade Pizza

Going out for pizza is frequent treat for many families (especially when it's one of the only restaurant option in small towns). Americans spend more that $22 billion on pizza last year and 93% of us eat it at least once a month! Consider starting a new tradition this September by trying out a new homemade pizza recipe every week instead of a trip to the local pizza joint. You may find something you like even better than the restaurants and the process can be fun and memorable!

Investment: This Frugal Mom recipe works out to about $2 per 12" pepperoni pizza, but you can make it faster using a pouch of "just add water" pizza crust or using leftovers from other meals to create unique topping options. If you're short on time, pick up a take-and-bake pizza from the grocery store-still cheaper than going out. Add $.23/person for a can of soda at home (or make a big pitcher of lemonade).

Instead of: Pizza Ranch (local chain) charges $11 for a medium 1-topping, and Pizza Hut is $10 with coupon. Add delivery charges or tips and you're set back at least $12-$14. Add a $2 drink per person if you usually eat at the restaurant.

Savings: $8-$12 per pizza plus $1.72 per drink

Bonus: Fun Family time and everyone can "order" what they want by putting their own toppings on their portion of the pie.

Meet Me at the Car Wash, Yeah

It wouldn't be hard for me to go the whole month without washing my car, but I know that it's better to keep it clean than pay for it later, so here's how to save on keeping your car clean.  If you're car is only in need of a good suds and rinse, try doing it in your driveway on a nice day. If you need some higher-power help, wash it yourself at the carwash instead of using the drive-through automatic. Also, most home vacuums have attachments that allow you to use the hose for the interior instead of feeding the meter on the vacuum at the car wash.

Investment: minimal when you wash at home with a soap and bucket (don't let the hose run), about $2.50 if you feed the quarters at the self-wash

Instead of: Around here, automatic drive-thrus cost $5 for basic and $8 for deluxe.

Savings: $2.50 for me (I usually opt for the $2.50 self-wash pressure washer to get the bugs off and wouldn't normally spring for the deluxe $8 drive-through on unsalted road months, plus I vacuum using the shop vac at home) 

Bonus: The self-wash usually has a shorter line at the car wash plus you can get rid of the change in your purse and dresser drawers.

Conceding Concessions

If you attend sporting events, do you figure in the cost of concessions in addition to the ticket price?  The big hit in the wallet is obviously at professional sporting events-a hot dog and beer at a Minnesota Twins game is $8, but you can also bring it down to the local High School level. If you forego the popcorn, candy, nachos, slice of pizza, and 20 oz. bottle of pop for some or all of the sporting events you attend in a month, the savings can all go to the September Savings Challenge. Discuss with your kids before you leave that concessions aren't an option this time (or pick one thing instead of 3) and then stick to it!

Investment: plan to eat before you leave or pack some sandwiches and drinks for the drive to "away" games. Pack some mints or small snacks for the game if you're allowed to bring in your own food

Instead of: $2 per slice of pizza, $1.50 bottle of pop, $1 popcorn at local sporting events, much more at professional games

Savings: about $3 per game per person for me, but decide what you normally spend and the amount you're willing to cut back

Bonus: Eating a meal before you leave gives you healthier options and a more well-rounded diet. Deciding to follow this option as a family gives you a reason to say "no" to your kids when they're whining for candy even before kick-off.

Coffee Break

I think every "save money" article I've ever read talks about giving up the "$3-a cup" coffee and brewing your own at home. There isn't a Starbucks within 50 miles of where I live, but I know there are plenty of people who stop by a gas station or drive-through on their way to work to pick up a cup. Try making "brew your own coffee" a daily, weekly, or even monthly goal for the September Savings Challenge. It only takes a few seconds to set it up (try the delay timer so it's ready when you wake up) and the extra change can go into your savings fund.  Already make it at home? Go a step further and invest in a reusable coffee filter, find a creative use for leftover coffee and grounds, grind your own beans, or drink the free coffee at the office! Find something that fits your habits and check out more ways to save money while savoring your coffee. 

Investment: Cost per cup at home: just over 3 cents. (Folgers-$6.49 for 34.5oz cannister that makes 240-279 cups, plus a coffee filter for every 2 servings ($1.25 for 100).

Instead of: $1 at local gas stations or fast food

Savings: $0.97 per cup

Bonus: Use a stainless steel travel mug and you won't be throwing away endless styrofoam cups. Plus, you always get the roast you prefer and can wake up to the smell of coffee brewing!

Observe the Speed Limit

Your car uses fuel more efficiently when you drive the speed limit.  The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that every 5mph you drive over 60mph is like paying a $0.30 surcharge on every gallon of gasoline.

Investment: a little extra time: driving 60 instead of 65 will make a 60-mile trip less than 5 minutes longer

Instead of: driving over the speed limit does not allow your vehicle optimal fuel efficiency

Savings:  $0.30/gallon, times the number of miles you drove at 60 instead of 65, divided by your vehicle's mpg

Bonus:  It is safer to drive the speed limit, plus you are helping the environment by emitting less CO2.

Movie Night

Instead of spending money on movie tickets, popcorn, and soda at the local theater, watch a DVD at home with your own snacks. Each time you make a conscious choice to go the cheaper route, contribute the savings to your September Savings Challenge Fund.

Investment: $0 for DVD from the library (or exchange with friends) or $3 for DVD rental, $0.83 for microwave popcorn bag and $.23 per can of soda.

Instead of: $5-$9 movie ticket and $3-$10 on popcorn and soda

Savings: Cost of a night out vs. a night in (for DH & me, $13.50-$1.29=$12.21)

Bonus: Besides being able to watch the movie of your choice on your own schedule (and in your pajamas) you're avoiding the unhealthy movie snacks.  A large popcorn with butter at the theater can deliver as much as 1238 calories and 74g of fat. A 32oz. soda packs 256 calories. In contrast, splitting a bag of light butter microwave popcorn and drinking a diet soda or water delivers only 150 calories and 6.25 g fat. Your body and your wallet will thank you!

Freezer Inventory

I'll admit, I'm a hoarder and a waster. I have things in my freezer I've forgotten existed or forgotten what magazine-inspired recipe I bought it for, but then couldn't find the recipe back. In an attempt to get ready to save a lot of grocery money in September (my goal is to spend 1/3 my normal budget), I thought a freezer inventory was in order.

BEFORE

A haphazard, precariously stacked collection of meat, fruit, onions, ice cream, and freezer-burned leftovers. Be careful when you open the door!

WHAT TO DO

Empty everything out, wipe out the freezer with hot water and soap, inventory and categorize the contents, throw away the unusables, then put back in an organized manner

AFTER

Top shelf: ice, meat, ice cream

Bottom shelf: desserts, cheese, potatoes, bread, chopped ingredients

Top of Door: Fruits

Bottom of Door: Vegetables

Now I know what I have so I don't buy duplicates and can start thinking about menus that will use the food that is already in my freezer.

Curious about what I found? Here's a complete inventory...

Desserts: 1 tub vanilla ice cream; 1 box Hi-Lite vanilla ice cream; 5 Mr. Freeze pops; 1 Bomb Pop (age 3+ yrs); 1 tup Cool whip; 1/2 mini Hershey bar; 1 fun-size 3 Musketeers (disappeared quickly!); 1 Butter Braid from the Band Boosters; 1 bag Rhodes cinnamon rolls, 2 store-bought double pie crust; 1 home-made pie crust; 1 can frozen lemonade

Bread: 1 mini french loaf, 1/2 pkg. Pita bread 

Potatoes: 2 open bags diced hashbrowns; 1 open bag french fries

Fruits: 2 containers chopped rhubarb from garden; 1 container strawberries from MIL; 1 fruit cup; 1.25 bags raspberries; open bag strawberries, open bag blueberries (we were into smoothies for a while)

Vegetables: open bag peas, stir fry vegetables with Lo Mein; 5 various sized containers chopped onions; 1 container chopped olives, 1 container chopped green chiles (TIP: when I chop things like onions, I always do more than I need, then freeze in different portions for use in later recipes)

Cheese: 1 bag mozarella, 1 bag sharp cheddar

Meat: 1 dried beef sandwich, 5 pepper steaks (age 4+yrs-straight to trash); 4 bags panfish caught by DH; open box turkey sausage links, 1 pkg bacon, 1 lb. ground turkey, 2 open boxed breaded chicken patties (one from Aug. 2006); 1 pkg country-style rips, 1 lb. ground pork; 2 pkgs deli ham; open bag smokies; 1 pkg chicken breasts; 1 pkg hot dogs; 1 pkg brats from Dad; 1 pkg burgers from Dad; 8 burger patties I made, 1 container leftover taco meat

Non-food: 4 ice packs, 1 ice box, metal cappuccino mug; frozen mug

I think I'll wait to tackle the chest freezer in the basement another day!

Freezing Corn

If you have a green thumb or have neighbors/ friends/ family with an abundant garden, learn how to freeze sweet corn so you can enjoy it in September and year-round.

Investment: Free if you get it from friends with an abundant crop, minimal cost if you grow it yourself, $3/dozen purchased from local farmers.

Instead of: Bags of frozen corn cost at least $1.39/lb. in stores. (A dozen ears of fresh sweet corn makes about 5 cups or 2.85lbs.)

Savings: $3.97 per dozen if you got it for free.  If you bought it from a farmer's market, subtract the cost of the ears.

Bonus: Energy is saved by buying locally instead of buying frozen corn out-of-season that is likely trucked in from California, Florida, or Mexico, plus it tastes better and doesn't contain anything artificial!

September Savings Challenge

My first post-a good time to explain what this is all about!  Many of us hear about people in need of assistance and wonder "What can I do?" This Challenge is an attempt to help myself and others DO something by making small (or big) sacrifices to save money for a good cause. Our cause is a local family who has been struggling with finances while the mom is undergoing cancer treatments. I hope that others in NW Iowa will join us in raising money for this local family, but it is also designed to help ANYONE save up for a cause close to their own heart. It was designed after "30 Days of Nothing", an experiment in which people "fast" from spending for 30 days in September in order to become more aware of the great wealth-poverty gap in the world (and contribute the money saved to help the cause.) Although not as extreme, the September Savings Challenge also strives to reach beyond the tangible benefits. The Challenge should help us all become aware of the difference between "needs" and "wants", become more conscious about how/why/on what we spend our money, and develop some long-term habits that will help our budgets year-round!

The goal for this blog is to post many money-saving tips to help us all think about ways we can save in September, then support each other during the Challenge.  I will post many tips and try to put a dollar amount on how much money it can save you.  You can choose which ways you will participate in September. The challenge is to have every day of September covered by either a daily, weekly, or monthly challenge and then physically place the money saved into a special container. At the end of the month, donate the money in the container to our local cause (or the cause of your choice).

AUGUST GOALS - 3 P's:

1) Pray -Prayerfully consider if and how much you and/or your family are willing to participate.

2) People -Tell other people about the cause, and encourage them to join the Challenge or support your efforts in the Challenge. Saving is easier with the help of your family and friends!

3) Plan -Decide which money-saving tips you will do, then mark them on a calendar of September. Participate in many of our planning exercises (food inventory, menu-planning, garage sale preparation, etc.) and get psychologically ready to save!

The blog is a forum for sharing ideas, tips, comments, and encouragement, so get involved!