Uncomplicated Ways To Save A Few Bucks

Okay I know that these ideas are basic. But these are things that I personally utilize every day and put into practice. These are things that I personally do at least once a week.

1. I use the local library A LOT. First of all, I just love going there. I love the smell of books and I love to people watch. Sometimes I just pop in to grab books that I have put on hold. Other times I go in and spend some time on my laptop or just catching up on some paperwork or reading I need to do.

This is what I currently have checked out from the library. I know that everyone does not have this kind of time on their hands to check out books and do a bunch of leisurely reading, but I do enjoy this and it makes me quite happy. I also utilize the entire state of Missouri Libraries by going online and ordering books from other libraries. My local library is small and does not offer a large selection. This usually takes a couple of weeks, but usually worth the wait because it's a book I really wanted to read.

2. I use these a lot. These are free plastic and or Tupperware that food already comes in.

This is an example. I believe that soup came in this from Sam's. I will use these several times and even write on them with magic marker what is in them. I do eventually throw them away when they are no longer cleanable to my standards. I know a lot of you do not use plastic because of the chemicals in them. I admit I don't use plastic as much as I used to. But until I invest in more glass ware for the house.....

Third, I use my crockpot A LOT. I know the use of this is a little old fashioned and I know everyone has seen a ton of recipes and lots of folks that love to give advice on how they use theirs. I will try not to do that, especially since I don't use many recipes at all. I will tell you how I do use mine. For example, today I will be traveling 2 hours away to go to a couple of doctor appointments. When I come back home tomorrow, I will use the crockpot. I have it ready to go in the refrigerator and all my daughter or husband has to do is set it in the stand and to turn it on. You might not have this same scenario, but everyone is always busy and could use less time in the kitchen. I use whatever meat I have on hand that needs to cook low and slow and then add some veggies that need a longer cook as well such as carrots, onions, potatoes, celery, etc. Fasting cooking items could be added much later like rice, noodles, creams.

This is beef ribs that I will cook tomorrow. There are carrots underneath and I will add a little water. These will cook on slow for about 8 hours.

4. I use a few apps on my phone. There are a lot of media savvy folks out there. I am not one of them. Now that is not saying I do not know how to use techy things. It's just not my cup of tea and it makes me nuts. I have really been using one called Receipt Hog lately. This one is super easy and does not involve any personal information. It does take a lot of work to earn a measly 40 bucks. But hay, I have the time. I do use some coupon ones like Ibotta. However, this one used to be more lucrative than it is now. This one can be time consuming just looking for coupons and making sure you are buying the "correct" item and the right amount. They also use a lot of weird items that you would really have to look for in the store or maybe your store doesn't even carry. I will say for them they are one of the few places you can save some cha ching on liquor. These deals always seem to be updated and they are fairly decent. I know that they change regionally and what I can save money on you may not get where you live. Checkout 51 also used to be pretty good, however, these days they seem to be limited as well and I often do not have the need for whatever few coupons they do have.

I would love to know how others save money and what their "go to" is to be cheap. I will try to share with you each week what my go to's are and how they are helping me save and live my best life!