Who Says a Cheap Dinner Can’t be Yummy?

March 11th, 2010

Since I didn’t get around to posting any easy, cheap recipes last week (sorry!), I want to make it up to you by offering two cheap dinner ideas this week.  Since this is the season of temperamental weather, it’s hard to predict in advance if I’ll want a cold meal or a hot meal at night.  This of course, can throw a wrench in your menu planning.  But have no fear – I’m going to offer you both types of inexpensive recipes so that you can wing it while still adhering to your menu plan.

Tuna Burgers with Salad

Total cost: Under $10 for 4 people

Tuna Burgers:

2 cans of tuna

¼ – ½ cup of mayonnaise

1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs

1 small minced onion

Salt, pepper garlic powder to taste

2 eggs

Mash up the tuna and add the rest of the ingredients.

Shape into patties.

Fry in 1 Tbsp. of oil until golden brown, flipping as needed.

Serve with buns or pita as desired.

Classic Salad:

½ – 1head iceberg lettuce

1 tomato

1 cucumber

Salad Dressing:

¼ cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp white vinegar

2 cloves garlic minced, or 1 tsp. garlic powder

Mix together and pour over salad.

Save $1 on a StarKist Tuna Pouch – (print multiple copies and stock up now – good until 4/30/10)

And now, for a cold cheap dinner that is perfect on a hot spring or summer day:

cheap-dinnerVegetables and Cheese Sandwich:

Total Cost: Under $5 for 2 people

4 slices of your favorite bread or bagel

2 slices of Swiss or Gouda cheese

½ cucumber, sliced

½ tomato, sliced

2 leaves lettuce

2 tsp. chopped basil

Butter (optional)

Toast bread if desired.  Add butter if desired.  Layer cheese with vegetables, placing the tomato slices closest to the bread.

This sandwich may sound simple, but you’ll be surprised how the basil adds a nice flavor that complements the sharp taste of the cheese.  If you’re looking for inexpensive recipes that taste like expensive gourmet sandwiches, this one is a true winner!

Finish off your meal with Baskin Robbins ice cream – get a coupon by completing this quick survey for an extra-sweet deal.

Bon Appetite,

Billy

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Your Money-Saving March Shopping Guide

March 9th, 2010

There’s no question that March Madness is around the corner, but if you ask me, the madness will result from a fantastic March shopping spree, not some sweaty college guys running around the basketball court.  You may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of March deals, even though they aren’t as obvious as Christmas sales or end-of-season blowouts.  I’ve taken some time to compile a list of the best deals in March so that you will know what to buy in March while the savings are in peak season.

Did you know that March is frozen food month?  It may seem odd, since it’s still cold in many places, but you can get great deals in March on tons of frozen goods, and you can sock these away for busy weeknights or lazy summer evenings.  Here are some of my favorite finds:

- Save $1 on two Pillsbury Savorings products and BirdsEye Steamfresh varieties

- Save $1 on 3 Boston Market frozen entrees

- Save $1 on Bagel Bites

You can also expect to get great deals on fresh produce in March on products that are coming into season, including:

Artichokes

Asparagus

Grapefruit

Horseradish (interestingly, just in time for Passover)

Leeks

Lettuce

Oranges

Parsnips

Peas

Shallots

march-savingsOf course, if you’re in the market for bigger ticket items, there are some other great March deals that you should be aware of.  March is a good time to buy a house, for example, because it’s before the summer rush, and sellers may be desperate to unload their property sooner rather than later.  And, of course, because fewer people are looking to buy real estate at this time of year, you’ll have less competition on the homes that interest you.

If you’re looking for clothing, you can likely find great March deals on winter clothing, and you can hide your purchases for next year.  This arrangement works particularly well for buying children’s clothing and children’s gifts which are always good to have on hand.  Just last week, my mother bought OshKosh winter coats on sale at Syms for $5!  (Now you know who honed my aptitude for finding deals).  In March you can also find great prices on ski equipment that you can enjoy in future ski outings.

March is also a great time to purchase luggage,as falls squarely between winter break and the summer rush, and many luggage and travel stores are eager to drum up some business.  Luggage can also make a great wedding or graduation gift, so if you are already planning your summer calendar, you may want to take advantage of some of these great March deals.

Finally, March is a great time to buy a boat since merchants are often looking to unload last year’s stock and make room for this year’s models.  Much like you can find great prices on cars in August and September, March is the best time to find a great price on the boat of your dreams.

Have you found any great March deals that made your day?  Leave a comment and spread the savings!

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And, We Have Another Winner!

March 3rd, 2010

blog_giftEach week I give away a great prize to one of my lucky Facebook fans.  So far I’ve given away iPod Nanos, Canon digital cameras, and $100 Amazon gift certificates?  Next week I’ll be giving away a new prize – spread the word, all of my fans are entered automatically!

Congratulations to this week’s winner, Alexandru Vasilcenco!

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Is There A Cheap Health Insurance Plan for Your Needs?

March 1st, 2010

Paying a (relatively) low monthly fee on your health insurance may sound appealing, until you’re faced with emergency fees because your coverage didn’t include certain parts of service that you needed.  If you’re in the market for a new (and affordable) health insurance plan, it’s worthwhile to evaluate your options and do serious research based on what specific needs you have.  The last thing you’d want to do is unknowingly pay for add-ons that you don’t need or want or to find out afterwards that your plan doesn’t cover services you need.  Here are some things to consider when shopping for affordable health insurance for yourself and your family.

  1. Health-InsuranceShop around for the best plans.  The internet can provide you with a list of health insurance options in your specific state.  If you live in New York, for example, you can find a comparison here:  http://www.ins.state.ny.us/health/chlthinf.htm.  And, of course, residents of any state can look for affordable health insurance on sites such as eHealthInsurance which offers health insurance quotes and comparisons similar to the way that Travelocity offers flight quotes.
  2. Get insurance through a group to lower your costs.  It’s no secret that companies, organizations and clubs get better deals on health insurance than individuals.  Some universities, for example, offer group discounts to alumni.  Even though the school won’t pay your premiums as an employer might, you can still benefit from a cheap health insurance plan through a group.
  3. Consider short term options. If you’re planning on (or hoping to) find a job soon, you may be best served by a short term health insurance policy.  You can also consider using a COBRA from your old plan until you find a job that offers health insurance or taking out a plan with no long-term commitment.  You may need to pay more per month for a short term option, but if you think it’s only temporary you’ll still see significant savings.
  4. Know your rights. In most cases, health related expenses aren’t tax deductible unless they exceed 7.5% of your salary.  What many people don’t know, however, is that self-employed individuals can get tax breaks even when their health insurance costs don’t cross this threshold.  Ask an accountant what the rules are in your area so that you can take advantage of these opportunities.
  5. Consider your specific needs. If you see doctors regularly you may want to consider a plan with a higher monthly fee instead of one with a higher co-pay.  This way, you won’t feel stressed every time you think about going to the doctor.  Likewise, if you need special services such as mental health services, you must make sure to inquire whether an affordable health insurance plan covers these expenses (and if so, how much they cover). 
  6. Research the doctors that accept different insurance plans. You should never sign on for a health insurance plan without knowing which doctors accept it.  Not only does this behavior increase the risk that you’ll have to go out of network to get good coverage, but it may prevent you from getting quality care on a regular basis.  If you’re generally healthy get a list of primary care physicians in your area and don’t be afraid to call them for references.  If you need special services check with those doctors as well.

In truth, there may not really be such a thing as ‘affordable’ health insurance for most people anymore.  Even if you don’t see doctors regularly, you’ll likely pay a serious sum of money each month just in case you need medical care.  Still, there are ways to limit the risks and expenses associated with health insurance so that you can enjoy a relatively cheap healthcare plan without compromising on too many services.  The right research for your needs and geographic location can help make this decision painless.

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Bye-Bye Takeout, Hello Menu Planning

February 18th, 2010

Eating out is always fun, whether you’re enjoying a juicy entrecote steak or a burger at the drive-thru.  And, even though a hamburger may cost as little as $1.99, the price of eating out can really add up.  Tack on a drink, an extra side dish or even a meal for your partner or child, and you’re already talking about a not-so-small investment.  One way to avoid wasting money (and adding on the pounds) in this way is to start menu planning.

I know you’re thinking that menu planning is a big hassle, that it’s time consuming, and that you’ll never stick to the plan anyway.  But I’ve been experimenting with menu planning for the past 3 months, and I’ve found that it’s been amazingly helpful.  Believe it or not, I’ve even found it extremely doable.  I find myself scouring weekly circulars and coupon books to find food on sale so that I can stock up and weave them into my menu plans throughout the month.  Knowing what I’m going to eat each day has also prevented me from snacking mindlessly in front of the fridge when I can’t figure out what to have for dinner, and, much to my chagrin, has encouraged me to plan healthier meals (and most importantly, to actually make them).

I’m so excited about how menu planning has changed my life, and I really want to share this experience with you.  So, for the next weeks I’ll be guiding you through weekly menu planning and providing recipe advice and encouragement.  Every Thursday through March I’ll be introducing a new and original recipe idea and ideas that can make it easy to create your menu plans either on weekly or monthly basis.

Here’s an easy menu idea to help you get started – I look forward to welcoming you back next week!

Appetizer:

Soup from a can, prepared according to directions (Yes, canned soup is delicious! Try it out with a coupon for Progresso soup )*

Main course:

menu-planning“Mock” Spanish omelet

2 eggs

Splash of milk

3-5 Tbs salsa (to taste)

2 Tbs onion, diced

Grated mozzarella cheese to taste

Red or green peppers, cubed (optional)

Prepare frying pan with oil, butter or cooking spray. Wisk eggs with milk.  Add to frying pan.  Add onion, salsa and peppers.  When the egg begins to separate from the pan, add cheese.  Fold the omelet in half for 1 minute.  Flip.  Omelet is ready when the cheese is melted.

Serve with bread or a tortilla as desired.

I used to eat this quick and inexpensive meal at least once a week.  But now that I’ve started menu planning, I’ve got tons of ideas, so I don’t need to repeat as frequently.  Send me your favorite inexpensive menu ideas today, to billy@billy.com.  I look forward to hearing from you and sharing ideas together!

*As you get more proficient in the kitchen you can personalize canned soups as you desire

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5 Ways to Avoid Overspending on Almost Anything

February 14th, 2010

As I mentioned last week, it’s pretty easy to waste money (with or without realizing it) by purchasing things that you don’t really need.  But as I was thinking about it, I realized that overspending is a habit that is just as dangerous as wasting money.  The difference between overspending and wasting money is that overspending means paying more for something that you’d be purchasing anyway, while wasting money also includes spending money on things that are generally unnecessary (even though they are often very nice).  And so, I thought for a while about how we can avoid overspending and I’ve come up with the following suggestions for how we can end this destructive habit.

  1. Always look for stores that will beat the price of their competitors or at the very least, offer a price-match guarantee.  I’ve recently discovered that many stores actually do honor price match requests, even though they may not advertise this service.  Here are some stores that will beat out their competitors (or, at the very least, match the price):

    2. save-on-brandsBed Bath & Beyond

    Best Buy

    Diapers.com

    Home Depot

    Kitchen Cabinet
    Hardware

    OfficeMax

    Sears

    Stop & Shop

    Staples

    Walmart

    Some stores also offer price adjustments if the item you bought goes on sale within 7-14 days.  Keep an eye on prices to see if you’re eligible for a refund at these great stores:

    Banana Republic

    GAP

    Gymboree (within 7 days)

    Hollister

    J Crew (within 7 days)

    Kohls

    Old Navy

    Target (within 7 days)

  2. Look for coupons, discounts or deals.  I know I say this often, but the best way to get a bargain is to actively look for it.  One easy way to find a deal on almost any item is to Google it.  Chances are you’ll find deals on nearly everything you’re looking to purchase.
  3. Wait for sales.  Unless your desired item is price-fixed, chances are good that it will go on sale at some time in the next few weeks or months.  Enjoy extra discounts if you can double up coupons on the sale price.
  4. Buy a knockoff.  I hate to say it, but having a name-brand doesn’t mean much these days.  Purchasing an expensive designer or branded item will lead to overspending, when you can get a great look and decent quality with a good knockoff.  The best part about buying a knockoff is that you can afford to replace it when the trends change.  The same theory holds true for electronics, by the way – you may not want to buy the cheapest MP3 player, but there are several options that can provide years of reliable service, even if they don’t have a little apple on the back.
  5. Reduce membership fees.  Do you have a gold membership to the gym or a gold credit card that is costing you money each month?  Why not stop overspending by giving up expenses that aren’t really critical.  If you’re not taking advantage of that extra spa time or aren’t hitting your credit limit, you don’t really need these expensive upgrades, and changing to standard memberships can prevent you from overspending on a regular basis.
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Where Can You Find Cheap (or Free) Wedding Invitations

February 11th, 2010

wedding-invitationYou’ve picked out your dress, the flowers and the food…but no wedding can be complete without the guests.  (Unless, of course, you’re eloping, but that’s a different story entirely).  As someone who studied advertising strategies (how do you think I’m able to find great deals advertised both in print and online?), I can tell you that the best way to ‘advertise’ your event is to find a way to use a minimal advertising budget to get the highest return on investment.  In this case, you should use cheap wedding invitations to get as many guests as possible to your wedding.  You’re probably thinking that cheap wedding invitations won’t inspire people to attend your event, but if so, you’d be wrong.  There are plenty of ways to create inexpensive or even FREE wedding invitations that will make a great impression on your friends and family.  Here are some ways to help you get started:

  1. Explore unconventional options. Did you know that Costco sells wedding invitations?  If you didn’t, you probably haven’t done your homework.  Don’t be afraid to ask around for local stationery options which may provide affordable alternatives to traditional printers.
  2. Buy cheap wedding invitations online. Yes, it is possible to create gorgeous (and cheap) invitations all by yourself.  One of my favorite places to make wedding invitations (and other stationery) is Vistaprint whose do it yourself wedding invitations start under $1 a piece.  Many online services print the invitations for you so you needn’t worry about feeding your paper piece by piece into a printer.
  3. Print your own invites. With kits from office supply stores like Staples and OfficeMax you can enjoy embossed paper (which normally costs a fortune) at a surprisingly reasonable price.  Just a warning though – if you’re going to use do it yourself invitations you may want to practice on regular paper of the same size so that any errors won’t be on your fancy paper.
  4. Use postcards instead of letters.  Reading this suggestion in print may make you gasp, but if you’ve ever received a postcard wedding invitation you’d know that this is actually a fun and funky option, especially for those having a unique wedding ceremony.  Postcard wedding invitations will save you money on postage and envelopes, so they’re a double-winner in my book.
  5. Use postcard RSVP cards.  Even if you choose not to use postcards for the actual invitation, you can opt for postcard invitations which will create a cheap wedding invitation package without compromising the style of the actual invitation.
  6. Use one envelope.  Believe me, nobody will accuse you of choosing cheap wedding invitations if you only use one envelope.  Not only will you be protecting your budget, you’ll be protecting the environment.
  7. Skip embellishments.   You may be drawn to over-embellished wedding invitations, but these extras will add to the price of the invitations and to the shipping costs.  If you’re looking to make wedding invitations within a reasonable budget, skip the extras.  Oh, and did I mention that even the fanciest get tossed in the garbage?  Why waste money on this additional expense?
  8. Choose a standard shape.  Yup, it’s true…envelopes with unique shapes cost more to ship.  The often cost more to print as well.  I’m sure you can find beautiful wedding invitations that are a standard shape and size.

If you’re truly looking to scale back (or are even more ecological than I am), you may want to consider an Evite.  Still, while Evites are popular for reunions, holiday dinner and birthdays, they aren’t entirely acceptable for wedding invitations.  It would, however, be cool if you could contribute to the trend and see if it catches on.  Still, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this cheap wedding invitation suggestion as the ultimate way to save money.  If you do use an electronic wedding invitation, please share – I’m sure my friends will be as inspired as I will be!

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How to Stop Wasting Money

February 10th, 2010

save-moneySaving money takes effort, thought and sacrifice – but wasting money seems to be something that just happens, whether or not we want it to.  And, wouldn’t you know it?  Since we all tend to waste money without thinking about it, we can also train ourselves to subconsciously avoid wasting money, a process which can save a considerable amount of money throughout the year.  Using these tricks will prevent you from wasting your money and will allow you to save it for the future.  Or, at the very least, a deliberate splurge.

  1. Avoid convenience stores. They may be convenient, but boy are they overpriced!
  2. Research big-ticket items. You’ve known for months that you want that Wii – surely you can wait another day or two before purchasing it, so that you can find the best price, right?
  3. Use coupons. If you ask me, paying full price is akin to wasting money.
  4. Take water with you. You may be surprised to learn that spending money on beverages is one of the most common ways to waste money.  A soft-drink on the run or at a restaurant can cost 5 times (or more) as much as it would at a grocery store.  And, of course, water is FREE!
  5. Stop paying credit card fees. With so many free credit cards available, why pay money to spend it?
  6. Avoid ATM fees. With a bit of advance planning you can wander near a bank-owned ATM which will eliminate ATM fees (for most banks).
  7. Use fabric napkins and rags. Even if you’re not concerned about the environment (which perhaps you should be), you can enjoy being ecological by skipping the paper napkins and paper towels, which cost (um, waste) up to $3/month.
  8. Wash your own car. The waste of money in this case is obvious.
  9. Skip the extended warranty. It sounds like a great way to save money, but chances are you won’t need it.  And even if you do, servicing most products is similar in price to the warranty, so you’re not really losing money.
  10. Create your own greeting cards. Everyone loves a funny Hallmark card, but you can create an equally heartfelt card for free.  Why waste money on a piece of paper that will get thrown away?

And, since I truly hate when people waste money, here are 3 more ways to stop wasting money:

  1. Cancel unused memberships. Why pay for the gym that you’re not using?
  2. Buy knockoffs. There’s no need for a real Gucci when you can have a purse (or necklace) that looks nearly the same for a fraction of the price.  Do you really care if it has the Gucci logo, or are you buying it for the style?
  3. Switch to a VOIP phone. This internet-based telephone can stop you from wasting money on a monthly basis and is especially great for international phone calls.
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How to Find a Deliciously Affordable Wedding Cake

February 3rd, 2010

You can probably tell by the way I’ve put on a bit of weight recently that I really like dessert.  And by really like, I mean LOVE.  And wedding cake is especially delicious since it’s filled with all of that love.  So what’s a bride (or groom) to do if they love cake but don’t want to spend a fortune on a wedding cake to feed hundreds?  First thing, she needn’t despair- there are plenty of ways to enjoy a delectable wedding cake without spending a fortune or having to bake it yourself.

  1. Go faux. Don’t ask me why, but most of the wedding guests will prefer the dessert buffet (or the hot chocolate cake brought to their table).  Why spend money on a wedding tier cake when you can create the look with a fake wedding cake?  Many bakeries or cake rental outfits offer the option of purchasing or renting a fake wedding cake that looks just like the real thing – except that only the top tier is made of real cake.  The rest of the fake wedding cake layers are made from styrofoam or another synthetic material and covered with fondant and decorations to match the real wedding cake.
  2. Use a wedding sheet cake. If you plan on serving the wedding cake to your guests you can purchase a wedding sheet cake that matches your faux wedding cake and have it cut up in the back room.  Your guests will never know that it didn’t come from the tiered wedding cake.
  3. wedding-cakeTake the road less travelled. There is no reason that you must purchase your wedding cake from a wedding cake bakery.  Take time to ask your local bakery or restaurant if they can create a cake for you.  You may also be able to ask the bakery section of your local grocery.  Both of these options are likely to provide a truly delicious cake at a fraction of the price of a boutique wedding cake bakery.
  4. Use a cupcake wedding cake. One of the hottest trends this year was to create a wedding cake out of individually frosted cupcakes which create the illusion of a full cake but don’t require the effort to cut or decorate as elaborately as a standard wedding cake.  If you’re interested in making a bold statement, a cupcake wedding cake may be just right for you.
  5. Ditch the details. I hate to say it, but there’s really no need to have a wedding cake bedecked with edible crystals or live orchids.  Simpler designs are likely to be easier on the eyes as well as on the wallet.
  6. Stay solid. It may sound exciting to have a wedding tier cake that has different flavors of cake and icing so that you don’t have to choose your favorite one.  But in reality, mixing different types of cakes is not only expensive, it’s useless.  Your guests will likely only taste one tier, and they may not even know that you paid a fortune to have different types of cake.  Chances are good that you won’t have time at your own wedding to sample each flavor either.
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Why I Buy Medicine Online (and You Should Too)

February 1st, 2010

Ever wait on a really long line at your local pharmacy, wondering why you bothered calling in your order, just to waste time getting it in your hand?  I know I have.  And while I’m on the subject, have you ever gone to a pharmacy to get a prescription, only to end up buying an entire shopping cart filled with hair gels and chocolates?  Again, I’m sad to say that I have.  The good news is that none of these things have happened to me recently, since I started using an online pharmacy and buying all of my regular medicine online.

online-pharmacyIt might sound a bit unconventional to purchase medicine online, especially because it means that you don’t get to chat with your local pharmacist on a regular basis.  And, while I miss that alliance, I’m so happy that I’ve made this shift.  For starters, I get to save lots of money by using an online pharmacy.  There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that using an online pharmacy lets me get the same medicine for a cheaper price.  In addition, I can also prevent the impulsive buys near the pharmacy checkout.  Of course, it is possible to make impulsive internet purchases, but it’s much easier to resist this urge than the call of shiny bottles in a store.

The convenience of buying medicine online is also worth mentioning.  After all, why trudge out in the heat or snow to get a refill when it can be delivered right to your door?

In case you’re not yet convinced, here are a couple of my favorite places to shop online cheap- for pharmaceuticals and other healthcare items.  PharmacyChecker.com – a great comparison shopping engine that compares online pharmacy prices for a range of medications.

Drugstore.com – there are tons (and I mean TONS) of coupons that you can find online that will give you discounts on your Drugstore.com purchase.  Use these coupons with their already cheap pricing and free shipping on selected orders, and you’ve got a deal that often can’t be beat.

CosmeticBag.com (aka Makeup-Mall.com)- I may not wear lipstick on a regular basis, but my sister swears that if you want to buy cosmetics online, this is the place to be.  While the selection for men is limited mostly to cologne, I must say that the inexpensive prices on name-brand cosmetics almost makes me want to try them out.

Is there another great online pharmacy that I’ve left off my list?  Please let me know!

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