ThredUp Online Consignment Store For Kids & How To Save Money On Groceries With Coupons?

"Beware of the little expenses.  A small leak will sink a great ship."  -- Benjamin Franklin

      

Welcome Frugal Lovers & Wanna Bees

Even if the economy is good there is really in my opinion no need to waste.  No matter how knowledgeable you already are, there is always going to be more to learn.  My motto is to always be learning.  

So, whether you are a top notch dollar stretcher who can make a computer flip, or a novice looking for ideas to save and have only recently managed being able to do simple Internet searches, this site if for you.  Get yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy.

Thank you for accepting my invitation to visit, and please tele-a-friend.  Please note a tel-a-friend button provided at the end of this blog.

Basic Couponing eBook

You can learn to grocery coupon. You can save a lot using only the fundamentals.  See my eBook @

http://www.lulu.com/shop/j-mcknight/so-you-want-to-coupon-fundamentals-101-what-every-grocery-couponer-should-know/ebook/product-20947109.html

Cooking Saves

Who Knew?

Among Savings Tip - From Leftovers to Croutons.

Recipe:Cut leftover bread into small cube.  Place cubes on the appropriate size cookie sheet or ovenproof baking dish.  Sprinkle on some good quality garlic powder, olive oil, or whatever to taste.

 

Pop in a 350 degree pre-heated oven and brown for 2 to 3 minutes or to whatever brownness you prefer.  Be sure to watch carefully. Can use in a soup or salad garnish.

"Thrift is essential to well-ordered living."  --  John Rockefeller

INTRODUCTION

Shoppe Swap Today!

Buy or Resale Kids and Women's Clothing. Check It Out Below:

Save Big Using thredUP

I love quality.  So does a lot of people.  In the long run you save big.  Another advantage is that you may be able to pass on garments your children have outgrown.  If you are not into garage selling thredUP could purchase your quality clothing your kids may have outgrown.  If interested check it out.  Click on the above link.

My Frugal Buffet Blog

View this blog as a buffet of frugal ideas that could stretch your household budget.

Choose whatever ideas are a good fit for you.  Enjoy!  One of my favorite sites is http://www.supercook.com, where you list the ingredients you have on hand and they locate a recipe you can make with those ingredients.   

I also want you to know that e-coupons can be printed directly off this blog.  Just scroll down to the coupon section, and print away.  Enjoy!

Believe you can and you are halfway there.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Does Half Price Interest You?

Visit Half Off Depot To Save On Your Next Restaurant Visit Or Vacation.

It really doesn't matter, in my opinion, if you have a need to be frugal or not, because learning to stretch a dollar is a great skill set to acquire and keep sharp, especially in a down economy, or any economy for that matters. 

This blog is about money savings ideas that you may have heard of before with a new twist.  However you may also discover something totally new.

I have also implemented offerings that have saved me money over the years.  Perhaps a tool or two will be a good fit for you as well.  So take your time, browse, and visit often.

Have a Disney World  Vacation 4 Less and Still Have a Fantastic Time On a Budget Click Here!
 
Travel Secion

 

 

Many Save Big On The Flight You Need With This Inside Information 

When was the last time you bought a ticket?  The prices have escalated tremendously.  In today's world it's probably a good idea to have some tools in your tool box on how to save.

Just one or two tips could pay off big.  Why pay more when you really don't have to?  Being frugal does however require some effort.

Is Frugal Home 

Economics For You?

I want to welcome you to my user friendly frugal site and hope you visit often.  Just like any tool box, put in whatever tools that make sense to you. 

I'm in love with stretching a dollar.  I don't mind spending, I just like to spent smart.  My name is Joyce, a home economist and a big frugal fan.  

Please don't try to cover this entire blog all at once.  This is a lot of information. It took years to put together.  The bookmark is provided on my home page so you can come back and refer from time to time.  

Nobody's tool box will be exactly the same.  Being frugal is an individualized experience.  I grew up in a frugal household and being frugal is my way of life.  I highly recommend the concept of frugality. 

Frugality is very difficult not to love.  I really hate waste.  So being frugal is a lifestyle that's been my world for quite some time now.  It is so much fun.  Looking for the next thrill is difficult to put into words.  The thrill of the hunt is the ultimate experience. 

I don't mind spending money.  Again I just like to spend smart.  It is my goal to introduce frugal ideas on this blog that will be presented in an easy format for the computer challenged. 

In today's world having at least the basic computer skills in my opinion is a must.  I recently took a computer class myself and learned a great deal.  In my opinion, taking a class is a good thing. 

Trying to pick up the basics from other people can be more frustrating than it needs to be.  If at least one idea from this blog can enhance your life then it has been worthwhile.  

It is of my opinion that I share with many others that we all need to be good stewards of whatever resources we have available to us.   Being frugal is not so much about sacrifice, but in my opinion about spending smart.

SECTION 1
Frugal Beauty 

3 things we can do to extend the life of our beauty products:

• Use the product as directed unless otherwise advised by your physician.  Too many of us  use too much product by not following the directions which translates into waste.
• If the product has a lid use it.  
• Store the product as directed by the manufacturer.

Movie Star Lips

Do You Have Acne?

This anti-aging cream rocks

I Love BH Cosmetics

Please accept my invitation to shop BH Cosmetics.

Have you heard of BH Cosmetics?  You get good value and high quality makeup for your dollar. Discover the BH Cosmetics world renowned eye shadow palettes and makeup products.

Purchase BH Cosmetics and get:

• High quality pigmentation of colors
• Original design and packaging
• Exclusive formulation and ingredients
• Orders processed and shipped in USA.
• No animal testing

Got a Sunlesss Tan?

Do You Have Cellulite?

My Frugal Foot Rub

Take care of your hard working feet

I am sharing a secret foot massage recipe that has been in my family for many generations, and has worked for me for many years. You might like it too. 

My grandmother use to garden, and grow exhibition roses which took many hours of work on her feet.  She would do the massage whenever she needed a little pampering.

Twice a week, I rub my feet down with castor oil.  I then put on cotton socks, and the oil is left on overnight.  Check with your physician if this is something you would like to try.  

In the morning my skin is like silk.  The tired sore feeling usually has disappeared.  I give my feet the special attention that is well deserved.  Also a good fitting shoe is a must.

SECTION 2 
Gadgets Can Save

A Gadget Cheaper & Easier Than Calling Cards

I think calling cards have the potential of saving a lot of money.  I especially like to use them when I travel or when I need to make a long distance call from a hotel room.

They are especially helpful for individuals who don't have cell phones or don't carry them everywhere.  I think a calling card can also come in handy if by chance you need to make a call and you cell phone battery is down just for a little backup.  

In any case I love them and have been using them for years.  I love calling cards, however I love this product even more.

Get Your Magazines For Less

Magazines have become expensive over the years.  Some of my friends cut down their cost by sharing their magazine subscriptions. 

Another option is magazines.com which offers tremendous value for your dollar.  If you like reading magazines, but hate the cost, magazines.com could be for you.

I Love Movies

I am an avid movie goer.  To me, there's nothing like that big movie screen.  However, the tickets can get a little pricey, especially for families.  So I like www.WildAboutMovies.com, where you can receive free passes to movie screenings that are available in your area.  I also enjoy the smell of tons of popcorn, popping away being prepared to serve nice and hot in huge tub containers.  In my opinion everyone needs some type of entertainment, and with movies you can get a lot of bang for your buck.  In my opinion movies are great entertainment.

Free Education Online

You may or may not be aware that there are a lot of courses that you can take online.  Some are provided by top universities.  These free online courses can be a great way to learn a new skill.  For more information click on link below. 

http://www.language.org/

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Is Thrift Shopping For You?

There is no sale like a resale!

If you are lucky enough to catch the resale fever it is my firm belief that you will be able to save thousands, and perhaps even upgrading your wardrobe.  I love to thrift shop.

However let me say right off that thrift shopping isn't for everyone.  You have to be wiling to put in the work to become a good thrift shopper.

Thrift shopping is a skill that takes time to learn.  There are, in my opinion, several basic skills that must be learned to increase your chances of success.  My definition of success is to look fabulous in your thrift store finds.

If you are really interested in thrift store shopping, stay with it.  Nobody was born knowing.  We all had to learn.  Those of us who are good had only an interest, and a love for living frugal.  It's therapy in a way.

There is no shopping like thrift shopping.  If you think thrift shopping is for you, take that first step and give it a try.  You might discover a new love.  

One of the major skills you have to master is to learn how to hunt.  It takes a lot of patience, but can prove to be well worth it.  Also it's a good idea to know about labels.

Some thrift shopping pros can tell you what stores, especially your high end stores that carry a certain brand.  When you know your labels you are in a better position to know when you are getting a good deal or not.  

Don't make the assumption that everything in a thrift store is a bargain.  I've actually seen thrift store items priced higher than regular retail.  It's also nice to know something about garment construction.  

The way a garment is finished will speak volumes about the quality.  For example, the hem of a higher end garment will have more of a finished look than a garment that is not. 

You have to look over every inch of a garment.  For example, I recently spotted a suit that looked absolutely gorgeous.  However, after careful inspection, I discovered that the top was my size, but the bottom was 2 sizes too small.  

A lot of thrift stores in my area have a no return policy so you really have to be careful.  These types of observations done repeatedly will become habit.  The thrill of the hunt, in and of itself is a lot of fun.  

The icing on the cake is that a whole lot of money can be saved by shopping frugal.  This is one of my most valuable tools in my toolbox for stretching a dollar.  There is no sale like a resale.

Some People Like Swapping

It use to be a time not too long ago where good money was saved by swapping within the family, and with friends and neighbors.  Now with a service called thredUp you can access a larger online audience.

The average family saves $569.00 per year swapping kids clothes on thredUP.  Pick up a great box of clothes for your child - just $5.00 plus shipping.

ThredUp is where frugal families swap kids clothing and toys online.  Every week thousands of new parents join thredUP's free online community to conveniently swap "stuff" their kids no longer use for clothing that fit, and toys their kids will love.  

ThredUp help busy parents save time, money, and the planet!  And by the way, tell a friend.  A tell-a-friend button is provided at the front and back of this blog.

This service could be welcomed by someone by someone you know.  This is a great  dollar stretcher.  Kid outgrow their things so fast.  To sign up for free CLICK HERE.  

SECTION 4

The Frugal Baby 

Thrift Shopping Hoopla?

Have you ever wondered what all the hoopla is about concerning thrift shopping?  In three words-it makes cents.

A case in point is when my child was little, and I was in the market for another coat, I thought about checking out a thrift store to browse.  

To my surprise I came upon a very dirty cute little coat for $1.00.  You heard me right $1.00.  This coat if new would probably retail for about $200.00.  I know my labels.  A lot of high end merchandise pass through thrift stores.  

You had to have vision to see this diamond in the rough.  After careful inspection and I do mean careful, because most sales are final, I saw that the coat was in excellent condition having next to no wear.  I also noted that it had a good label and would probably take a good washing well.

So I decided to take a chance and purchase the coat.  After only one wash the coat came out great.  I always use a colorfast detergent to preserve the color.

Let me say that it’s been my experience that thrift stores do not sell dirty items from wear.  However, this coat appeared to have gotten dirty after falling from the rack and walked on.  

It’s been my experience that a lot of thrift stores will mark these items down for a quick sale versus throwing them in the trash.  Thrift stores appear to hate waste almost as much as I do.  I guess they figure some amount is better than nothing.  And I agree 100%. 

I am not above purchasing dirty floor walked on items.  I’m sorry, I’m just not.  I am however above trying on any dirty items and will eyeball whether the garment will fit or not.  I figure that if it doesn’t fit the material could be added to my quilt pile if nothing else.  

Or perhaps some other child in need of a coat could benefit after it’s been washed of course.  So far as I’m concerned this was a good buy.  If you made three good buys per year you could realize $300.00 or more in savings.  Now that in my opinion is worth some hoopla.

Expecting Delivery?

Newborns can be expensive without doing careful planning.  There is a lot of good quality gear for newborns at thrift stores, garage sales, and resale shops. 

An idea one of my friends had was to purchase a container to be used to stockpile her baby thrift store finds.  Once the due date gets close the items are taken out and washed. 

This saves time, energy, and yes money.  It's so much stuff out there you have to be careful not to over buy.  If you are having a baby shower you are in a better position to tell friends what you want. 

Some things you might want to purchase new.  Shopping frugal is the way to go in my opinion.  Babies outgrow their clothing extremely fast.  

Don't Forget Recalls

Keeping up with consumer recalls is especially important to the frugal shopper. 

A lot of times you find good deals on toys and furniture, but do not get the opportunity to fill out a product registration card.  Keeping up with recalls is close to 100% for the thrift shopper.

It's a good idea to be proactive and stay up to date on all recalls by signing up for alerts, and doing whatever else out there that can keep you abreast.  One agency you can sign up with is recalls.gov. 

There has been a lot of media attention about infant cribs.  Be sure and do your homework prior to purchasing your crib.  Do not just buy looks, buy safety too.

SECTION 5

Put a little Insurance in your frugal tool box.

Med Medical Identity Theft Is On The Rise.

Have you heard about medical ID theft?  Medical ID theft is a relatively new kid on the block that is on the rise.  Identity thieves can use your identity to get medical treatment for themselves or their dependents.  

They can even get prescription drugs.  They pretend to be you in order to receive medical care using your identity.  It is important to be careful with any medical information that can be misused in the wrong hands.  It is also a good idea to be selective where you discard important information.  

I was reading in the paper a while back about someone who had a medical emergency and went in to receive care.  After he presented his insurance card, he was informed that he was without coverage.  He was told that his insurance benefit had been exhausted. 

To read more click on

http://www.idtheftsolutionblog.blogspot.com

Got Insurance?

Get A Health Insurance Quote Today.

Having health insurance in today's world is becoming a luxury.  More and more companies are no longer able to offer this benefit that is greatly needed.  



A lot of people are self employed or do temp work, and simply cannot afford the steep premiums of a private policy.  Even so, it's a good idea to have it.  

Sometimes however we have to move forward without health insurance.  There are still options available where you can obtain good quality care.

Be sure to print out a free discount medications discount card that can be used for both the insured, and the uninsured alike.  It's simple to use.  You can also ask your doctor for samples. 

What exactly is a Discount Medical Card?

Many people are familiar with vision or prescription drug discount cards, but are not sure about discount medical cards.  These cards are similar but can be used for doctor visits, hospitalization, and healthcare services.

First and foremost, discount medical cards are not insurance.  Instead they negotiate with healthcare providers to offer discounted rates like a coupon.

With insurance you pay an agreed upon deductible, and the policy pays as stipulated in the provisions.  This post is being presented to alert you to the fact that a discount medical card is not major medical. 

When you are buying insurance, it's a good idea to pay attention to what you are buying.  Because discount medical plans are often marketed like insurance, you have to be especially careful when you are looking for an insurance product.

If it doesn't use the word insurance, in most cases it is not major medical.  No matter how it is presented be mindful whether or not this product is actually a major medical policy.  Some individuals have bought a discount medical plan and was unaware.

Let me say that having health insurance is the ultimate.  With a discount plan you are a lot more exposed than if you had major medical.  I feel a need to stress here that these two programs are completely different animals.  

However, with a discount plan you are not 100% exposed, and do have something to help with medical expenditures.  So having a discount medical plan can make sense when you are able to pay less out-of-pocket.  A quality discount medical plan can be a great budget stretcher.

Searching For Health Insurance?

Get A Health Insurance Quote Today
 

Have You Heard of eHealth?  When you are ready for health insurance this is a great site where consumers can view quotes, and compare plans side-by-side. 

Let me say here that having a discount medical plan and having a discount medication card, along with a major medical plan can be very beneficial in saving out-of-pocket expenses.  It depends on each individual situation but can save big when it is the right fit.

For instances, where major medical may not cover certain costs, and the individual does not want to come out-of-pocket 100% for whatever test, or medication that they are not covered for, using a discount medical plan and/or a discount prescription card could provide that support to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. 

The only problem is that it is difficult in my opinion to locate a quality discount medical plan.  Obtaining a discount prescription card could also save you hundreds of dollars per year on prescription drug cost.  Both of these products can be used with or without a major medical policy.

Prescription drugs can be covered under a major medical plan or not.  Either way having a discount prescription card could provide you that extra support.  You might be surprised that in some cases you can save more using a discount medications card than going through your major medical.  

The savings can be significant.  This strategy can save a lot of money.  Also keep in mind that a lot of major medical policies today do not include a drug benefit.  

So it is a good idea to consider obtaining a discount prescription card.  The cost of medications are skyrocketing.  Why pay more than you have to?



For Free Prescription Discount Card Go To
http://www.payless4prescriptionscard.com/ to print out a discount prescription card.  Discount prescription cards can be used, also, by individuals who have insurance. 

A lot of medical insurance policies do no have a drug benefit, or in some cases the policy will exclude covering certain medications.  This is where a discount prescription card may come in handy. 

See Prescription eBook

Explore some ways you can save on your prescription meds.  See my eBook @ 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/j-mcknight/secrets-to-saving-a-bundle-on-doctor-visits-and-prescription-cost/ebook/product-20947182.html

Preparing For Doctor Visits Can Save

How many out there in cyberspace know that it’s a new day when you visit your doctor in today’s world?  Doctors just don’t have the time for a lot of idol chit chat, and blank stares.  

Many doctors in today’s world are under time pressures to see so many patients per day.  In my opinion it helps to adopt the mindset that a doctor’s office first and foremost is a business. 

They have to see so many patients to make a profit, and meet their expenditures to keep their doors open just like any other business.

With this concept in mind you are at a doctor’s office to purchase a service like you would from any other service provider.  On top of your limited time to see the doctor you might have had a long wait to get this opportunity to come in. 

It is my opinion that not only is it a good idea but a necessity to prepare.  Something simple like a note you write to yourself to remind you of the things you want to bring to his or her attention during your appointment will probably suffice.  

If you don’t write yourself a written note as a reminder you might forget to tell your physician of a pertinent detail that could result in you having to come in and pay for another visit.

When you go in to visit your physician you often have a lot of things on your mind, and not feeling well, it’s not difficult to forget.  Taking in a brief note as a reminder makes sense to me.  

It’s been my experience that whether you have insurance or not a frugal note saves.  If you take into consideration the price of an office visit these days it saves to come prepared. 

Does Generic Always Mean Low Price?

If you have a prescription for a generic drug, it's probably not a good idea to automatically assume a low price because the range of prices for even generic drugs can be astounding.  I recommend calling various pharmacies to check current prices.

What Does Rx Mean?

Rx is a prescription medication, excluding non-prescription over-the-counter meds.
Once I print out my card, what is my next step?  

Once your discount prescription card is created, basically all you need to do is to take it with you to the pharmacy.  Give your discount card to them along with your prescription.  

Your card has all of the information your pharmacist needs to process your prescription.  Once your information has been entered, it is now stored in the pharmacist computer system, and you probably will not need to present your card again.

Each time you return to the pharmacy to fill another prescription the discount when applicable should be applied.  If ever in doubt, just ask to make sure.  

If you change pharmacies you probably will have to present your card again so that it can be entered into their computer system.  If you lose your card, just print out a new one.

Please bookmark this blog site for easy access.  If you are not familiar with bookmarking, here a re a few tips.  In Internet Explorer bookmarks are call "Favorites", and in Mozilla bookmarks are called "Bookmarks."  

If you use Internet Explorer look toward the top of your screen where you see "File, Edit, View. Favorite" etc., and click on "Favorites".  Then scroll down to "Add to Favorites" and click on "Add."  

If you want the bookmarked site to go into a particular folders, click on the pull down arrow in "Create in:" and scroll down to the folder you want the bookmarked site to be saved to and click on "Add."  

In order to retrieve the bookmarked site that was saved, click on "Favorites" and scroll down to where you saved the site and click on it, and the bookmark site will come up.

If you use Mozilla look toward the top of your screen where you see "File, Edit, View. History, Bookmarks" etc., and click on "Bookmarks".  Then scroll down to "Bookmark This Page" and click on "Done."  

If you want the bookmarked site to go into a particular folders, click on the pull down arrow in "Folder:" and scroll down to the folder you want the bookmarked site to be saved to and click on "Done."  

In order to retrieve the bookmarked site that was saved, click on "Bookmarks" and scroll down to where you saved the site and click on it and the bookmark site will come up.

You Don't Get A $4.00 Price Tag For All Prescription Medications.  A prescription card is normally free.  Everyone qualifies!  Print out a discount drug card today.  

Tell-A-Friend on this blog gives you the options to share easily with interested friends and family.  Also remember that not everyone is computer savvy.  

Just print out a discount card and give it to them, regardless of existing health conditions, or current insurance plans. 

Split The Pills

A good money savings tip that my pharmacy friend shared with me many years ago is to have my doctor prescribe a double strength dose of my pills, and cut them in half.  

How great is that?  That's one co-pay for twice the medicine.  Of course you will have to OK this with your physician to see if this is an  option for you.  

Another thing is that samples are sometimes given out by your physician if you just ask.

Never Pay Full Price When A Discount Is Available

Glasses and contact lens are not getting any cheaper.  

You want the best care and quality for your precious asset.  

You want to be able to go in for checkups when your doctor recommends you to come in.  It helps a great deal not to have to come out of pocket full price. 

SECTION 6

Frugal Pets

There Is Something In The Tool Box For Pets Too

Taking care of a pet, like taking care of ourselves and the rest of our family is a huge responsibility.  We hear on the news, and read in various publications about the advancements that are taking place in medical science.  

However, most of us know that the cost of medicine has also increased dramatically.  So it makes good sense to a lot of folks to have a buffer against the rising cost of pet medications too.  Help is available.  Why pay more than you have to? 

Pet Medications Can Be Expensive Too

Medications for people and pets are skyrocketing.  Check out Pet Meds to see if you might be able to save money on your pet's medications.  If interested click on Pet Meds image.

Has pet insurance become a part of pet ownership?

A pet  not only needs love, but care and sometimes that includes medical care.  

I have heard over the years countless stories about how pet medical bills can put a major hardship on household finances of the unprepared.  You never know when a pet illness can occur.  


A friend of mine says that she always make it a habit to request a written cost estimate for veterinarian services before they are provided to eliminate surprises.  

Medical cost, no matter who is the recipient, is not cheap.  The cost of major surgery for your pet can be quite expensive.  Pet insurance is an idea who's time has come. 

Joint Relief For Pets

Our pets can't speak for themselves, but you can tell when your family friend is hurting.  Perhaps they're having a bit of a difficult time getting up after resting, or more reluctant to jump up into your lap or go outside for a walk.  

Once boisterous and full of energy, your pet may  now seem to slow down, have some difficulty walking, tire easily or seem less exuberant or even restless-and seeing them in pain makes you feel helpless, doesn't it? 

Nutrition Matters For Pets Too

This complete, chewable multi-vitamin is:

• An advanced multi-vitamin formulated specifically for dogs and cats. 
• A chewable wafer in flavors you pet will love!
• Fortified with resveratrol and manufactured in USA. 

ATTENTION: To continue click below.