Store Brands (Generic Brands) vs. Pricey Name Brands

Did you know...that many of the 'cheap' store or generic brand products in your local supermarket are actually made with the same ingredients at the same factory? So, if you don't have a fantastic coupon to use on the pricier name brand items, definitely purchase the store brand instead. There's a good likelihood that it's the same stuff anyway!

I do find that sometimes there is a real difference between certain products - so try out some store (generic) brands and see which products are different, and which ones are practically identical.

Frugality Tips - Write down everything you spend

You'll be shocked by how much money you're actually spending. Know how it feels when you look into your (empty) wallet, and wonder where that 20 went? The only cure is to invest in a cheapo notebook and start writing down EVERYTHING - and I do mean every single cent - that you spend.

After a week or so, look back and chart out where your hard earned money is really going. Make one goal a week to cut back. For instance - those super pricey Starbucks creations on the way to work everyday could be costing you $5.00 a day. Instead, try splurging on a latte once a week, as a real treat. Save the rest of the money and after only a couple of months you'll have a few extra hundred dollars! Not bad for a few coffee drinks...

Frugal Cooking - a Slow Cooker (Crockpot) is an Essential in a Frugal Kitchen

If you don't already have a crockpot, then you'll definitely want to invest in one. :) Why do I think a slow cooker is so worth it? With a slow cooker, you'll have delicious home cooked (and healthy) meals ready for you and your family to eat as soon as you get home in the evening! And, thankfully, with such little effort...

There are loads of free recipes on the Internet for Crockpot meals, but here is my favorite, easy recipe for you to try:

• BBQ Beef, Pork or Chicken - Just put your meat of your choice, a chopped onion, a few sliced peppers, a few tablespoons of brown sugar and a half bottle or so of good quality barbecue sauce. If you like spicy foods, add some cayenne pepper. Always add some salt and pepper too, of course. Cook on low for about 8 hours for scrumptious BBQ'd meat. You can also pull the meat apart and serve on rolls with the delicious, tangy sauce.