50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2011

Make a list and shop once a week for groceries or even every 2.

carl of CA 3:35PM September 26, 2011

We just had our EV Charger installed in our garage on a Federal Grant Program. It is like owning your own gas pump with a digital display window that compares electricity to gas prices at the pump. We will be keeping data on the new Leaf all electric car for the next two years. It runs a 100 miles per charge at the cost of around 35 cents. This should save us $360 a month. The "Leaf" is an ideal commuter car to and from work and around town. Nissan is installing all Solor Powered recharging stations in Tennessee. Solar charging stations and parking lots are really going to pop up everywhere. The difference in your pocket is about $1.00 to $60.00 depending on where you live. An electric car makes a brilliant second car. And don't forget the incentives that each state is offering.

Peggy Fearing Hankin of TN 1:06PM August 13, 2011

Getting healthy is my main focus and priority. I purchased a few new Active Wear Items for each day. My day is not consumed with driving around, shopping or eating out. I eat fresh-unpackaged food to reduce the trash and calories. I recycle most of the garbage. (buying in bulk-like rice, nuts and beans eliminates garbage) I make sure the house is clean and organized the night before which makes it easier to get up, have breakfast and get in some excercise. I probably spent less than $100 in gas over 6 months because I buy groceries local and I take advantage of local parks for getting in those 10,000 steps a day. I've cut back over the past 5 years. But I have used my free time to go natural for as long as it takes me to reach my weightloss goal. I plan on taking three 5 star trips this year, 2 of which are Company Paid for. Making weightloss and healthy living my priority has saved me lots of money and a future of reward.

Peggy Fearing Hankin of TN 6:22PM April 23, 2011

Great advice, even though I don't always follow it.

When I do take the time to plan and prepare meals, I save quite a bit of money. One thing that works really for me is to make one of my favorite low-cost meals in bulk , and freeze the extras. Examples:

Quiche (I make four, slice the cooked quiches, wrap the whole extra quiches, and freeze)

Burritos: Bean/rice/veggie burritos are easy and inexpensive. To prep: cook rice, cut the vegetables (or use pre-cut veggies).

I assemble 20 burritos at a time, wrap in waxed paper, then wrap in foil, and put in gallon ziploc bags.

Crockpot chicken: Put 3 lbs of frozen chicken in the crockpot in the a.m along with a sliced onion. Cook on low 6-8 hours. After work, start a pot of noodles. Shred chicken, mix with noodles, add in a few spoons of leftover veggies, put in freezer-safe containers, freeze.

If I cook a jumbo recipe once a week, and freeze most of it, I always have a choice of an inexpensive and nutritious meal for lunch or dinner.

Maggie of WI 12:14PM March 06, 2011