10 $1 off Coke Prouct & lots more

You can get freeHappy Baby or Seventh Generation product coupons, or many other high-value coupons just for signing up for a free account with RecycleBank. Here's how:

::Go here and click on the "Sign In or Get Started" button at the top of the RecycleBank page.

::Click on the "Register" option and fill out your information.

::Once you've signed up, go back to the homepage here and sign in. Your account should be credited with 100 points for signing up.

::Click on "Get Rewards" and scroll down to the "Grocery and Food" category in the left column and choose which coupons you would like to request via mail.

I just signed up and ordered 10 $1 off any size coke product. What a deal!

If your area is participating in the RecycleBank program, you can earn points towards more rewards by recycling. Check out more details here.

Thanks Surving the stores

Free personalized Santa video

Disney has put together a cool FREE site to make personalized videos of Santa’s Nice list to show your kids. Simply upload a photo of your child and create the video. Show your kids what Santa has to say to them. Click here to make yours, Its Free

Thanks FreeStuff4Free

*DEAD*140 free personalized holiday address labels for $3

You can get 140 free personalized holiday address labels! All you pay is shipping & handling of $2.99. To get your free 140 address labels, go to VistaPrint. Then click on “Holiday” on the left side, and then “labels”.

Shipping is around $2.99. Also, when you are checking out, VistaPrint may try to offer you other “upgrades”. I recommend going with just the basics and not including any upgrades (upgrades just add to your total cost). When you’re done, you will have 140 customized holiday labels! These will go great with your 50 FREE customized photo cards!

We have ordered several things from VistaPrint before and have been quite pleased with the quality! I love VistaPrint for freebies!

Update: Readers Jen & Toni also shared the following – You can also do 140 free to-from labels, and add a personalized photo AND Got 140 “From Santa” labels for presents and 140 return address labels and only paid shipping of $4.25.

Free $5 Target gift card when you write 10 reviews for LilaGuide.com

LilaGuide.com is a community which features real parent reviews of attractions, services, shops, and events in areas all across the country. They are looking for more reviews from parents and are currently offering a $5 Target gift card when you write 10 reviews. It is simple to do and should only take 15-20 minutes of your time. Here's how:

::Go to LilaGuide.com and click on the Reviews Tab.

::Enter the name of what you want to review and click "look it up" and then write your review.

::Write at least 10 reviews and you'll receive an email confirmation that your gift card will be sent. (make sure to put your address in the profile so they can ship you the gift card)

::Your gift card should arrive within 4-6 weeks of completing your reviews.

Thanks, Spectacular Savings!

Free Christmas Music!

I love Christmas Music & Love Andrea Bocelli. Now you can get free music. Download Andrea Boccelli and Mary J Blige’s duet of What Child is This and Sugarland’s Silent Night!

Today only (until 11PM CT) you can get two FREE Mp3 music downloads on Oprah.com!
Thanks DealSeekingMom!

Free Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Movie (well kinda)

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure will be on The Disney Channel at 8 PM EST on Sunday, November 29th, and Monday, November 30th, at 10:30 AM EST.

Yay! I have the first Tinker Bell on the DVR already!

Thanks Couponing to Disney

Swag Bucks

Well I decided it's about time to jump on the swagbucks bandwagon. I'm hoping that in time for Christmas I might be able to get a present for the kids. It is sooo easy. Basically just get a little money for searching the web. Everytime you go to a website (like thebudgeteer.blogspot.com) just go to the website through the swagbucks tool bar. Easy money! (Plus if you just sign-up by clicking on the above link ~ even if you don't ever do anything ~ it will give me extra points. So I would love it if checked it out)

What is Swag Bucks?

Basically it’s a site that allows you to earn great prizes such as iPhones, iPods, concert tickets, gift cards, and more just for using them to search the Internet. For example, an Amazon.com eGift card is only 45 Swag Bucks!

Why not get paid for something you’re already doing anyhow? And don’t worry about the quality of the searches – Swag Bucks is powered by Google. Plus, they often offer special Swag Codes for additional points as well, so it’s not hard to rack up enough points to redeem often!

How do I sign up?

It’s super easy! Just go to Swagbucks and fill out your information. You’ll receive 3 points just for registering to get you started.

Tips for maximizing your Swag Bucks earnings:

• Download one of the Swag Bucks browser plugins to earn for the searches you normally do.
• Follow @SwagBucks on Twitter for updates on new Swag Codes. (enter these in the left-hand column on your Swag Bucks account page)
• Read the Swag Bucks blog for updates on new features as well as info on Swag Codes.
• Shop through Swag Bucks to earn SB on purchases.

Ways to Save Money on Gas Bill

Thanks to Utah Deal Diva for this great reminder on how to lower your gas bill. Here are a couple of my favorite for all the tips see her post.

Also I also have heard about venting your clothes dryer inside to capture the heat. From what I have read it isn't a good idea because: 1. A home is not made to have a gallon of water added to the humitity in the home. It can cause mold, mildew & other nasty stuff. 2. Even with the best lint trap you will still have particles in the air. Not a good thing to breath plus you would have a layer of lint everywhere. Here are some great ideas.

• Change the air filters in your home for adequate air flow when the heater is on.


• After you use the oven, leave the door open. Make use of that heat that would otherwise be wasted. Obviously make sure the oven is turned off and kids are safely kept away if you do this!


• Don't heat areas of your house you don't use regularly. Close heating vents or turn back thermostats in those areas and close the doors for a painless reduction in heating costs. Also, if you're like us and have only 1 thermostat in a 2-story home, close some of the upstairs vents to direct the heated air to the downstairs, making the temperature of your home more uniform.


• Use a programmable thermostat and be mindful of what you're setting it at. 68 to 70 degrees while you're home and awake, and 60 to 65 degrees while you're asleep or not at home are reasonable temperatures. Setting it too low at night isn't a good idea because it will make your furnace work overtime to compensate when it kicks on. Also, if 68-70 degrees sounds too low for you, I encourage you to try it for a week or two. There's nothing wrong with wearing a sweater at home and it's amazing how quickly you acclimate to the lower temps.

Getting an extra $.05 for each reusable bag

It has come to my attention that different stores are giving a $0.05 credit for each reusable bag you use when checking out! They also don't care where the bag came from or what type of logo is on it. I'm excited about this. It's just another great way we'll be able to save. In a sense it's like FREE money! Yay!

I have done it at Smith's Marketplace. Let us know what other stores are doing this as well.

A great way to save some trash & save a little money. =)

Stores that participate:
Albertson's
Smith's
Target

2 FREE Movies for Dish Network Customers!

Here's yet another way to score a FREE movie or two! If you're a Dish Network customer, you can score up to 2 FREE movies-$4.99 value per movie! All you need to do is order a movie before September 30, and then just go here and enter your info. You will receive a credit of $4.99 for the movie ordered within 30 days of the movie charge(s) appearing on your bill statement.

Have a Thomas Fan at your House??

Grab your little ones and head to Toys R Us this coming Saturday9/12 to join in a
Thomas & Friends Hero of the Rails Playdate!

It starts at 11 am and runs through 1 pm.

The children will enjoy storytime, coloring fun, Thomas Trivia and a free Thomas Trading Card Holder (while supplies last).

Find a location near you HERE.

Back to School: Reusable Style!

Even using coupons, the back to school supply lists can take a toll on your weekly grocery budget. I found a couple neat ideas on reusing items around the house for school lunch supplies and can't wait to try them out! These look like items even a non-crafty person like myself could successfully create!

This first idea is from Family Fun magazine. Don't throw out those used milk jugs!

With just a few snips, you can create a set of cool, eco-friendly, reusable snack and sandwich containers from juice cartons and milk jugs. They're food-safe, easy to rinse clean, and absolutely free, so it's no biggie if they get tossed accidentally. Let your kids decorate the boxes with stickers and permanent markers for an even more personalized look.

1. SANDWICH BOX: Mark a clean 1-gallon milk jug as shown.

2. Cut along the lines with scissors. To make the crease lines, use a thumbtack to pierce a row of dots at 1/4-inch intervals across each side of the jug, 1 3/4 inches up from the bottom.

3. Fold the flaps at these dotted lines, then open them and fold them in the opposite direction along the lines (this will make the flaps easier for your kids to open and close). Fold up the box and add an adhesive-backed Velcro dot closure.

SNACK BOX: Use a clean juice or milk carton. Cut off the top, then cut the sides into flaps as shown. Carefully crease the flaps, then fold them down and add an adhesive-backed Velcro dot closure.

These cute bags made out of Capri Sun juice pouches are popping up everywhere. Why not make a lunch totes for your kids?! Save $$ and learn how to make them here.

I think these would also make a fantastic reusable grocery bag!

Thanks Utah Deal Diva!!

How to Spend Like a Frugal Millionaire

I found this article & let's be honest someday I would love to be a Millionaire. So why not take advice on how to get there. Some of the things I am already doing, but it is always a great reminder on additional things I can do. My favorite are these 2 paragraphs... I of course would add coupons, but shhh... not everyone can save the way we do.

Spending philosophy.

Frugal millionaires are unique thinkers when it comes to spending money: 1) they can easily delay their need for gratification when purchasing; 2) they are resourceful in getting what they want by carefully timing their consumer purchases; 3) they make living below their means painless; 4) they don't like wasting anything (especially money); 5) their sense of "self-entitlement" is highly minimized: and 6) spending is OK with them...depending on what they are buying (think: appreciating vs. depreciating assets).

Eating In: Eat better and less expensively by cooking at home. Make it a friends and family event. Get your kids involved. Bonus: You can have that extra drink without worrying about getting busted for driving under the influence. Also: buy day-old bread at the best bakery in town and freeze it. Eat oatmeal, because it's the most cost-effective breakfast food. Get a supermarket "club card" and buy food on special. Play the game of trying to see how much of a discount can be saved off the total food bill.

Guest post comes from Jeff Lehman, author of The Frugal Millionaires. For the entire article (which I totally think is worth reading Click here)

Military Family Website

My brother is in the Marine Corps so I have a huge amount of respect & love for our military personnel. I just came across this website just for military families. They have some awesome deals. I love to be able to pass this on for our military families!! Check it out!!

Is Price the Bottom Line?

As I teach Grocery Smarts classes I inevitably get asked "how many stores do you shop at each week?". As the number of active sale lists grows on the Grocery Smarts website, the number of opportunities to score some amazing deals also grows. But in answer to the above question I usually pick one store, judging on what sale items I am most interested in and then pick up a few necessities while I am there, like bread and milk.

I stumbled across a great article over at The Simple Dollar entitled The Variables of Purchase: Is Price the Bottom Line? I loved the concept that saving dollars is only one aspect of saving in general. As the author says "why would I regularly abandon the lowest possible price? For me, there are a number of factors at work."

I agree with several of the author's points, such as product convenience and customer service. That is why sometimes my shopping habits do not have ultimate rock-bottom pricing, but in my opinion sometimes there are other things more important than money. Make sure to read the article and decide for yourself.

Huge Consignment Sale in Henderson

Here is some information about a consignment sale in Henderson (6705 S. Eastern Ave - Sunset and Eastern) May 5th-9th. This is a great time to do your spring cleaning & make some money on the side getting rid of the things your family no longer needs.

You will find a huge assortment of items at this event, including infant equipment and furniture, toys, strollers, cribs, and more. You’ll also find children’s clothing, furniture, toys (both indoor and outdoor), bikes, books, and more.

For all of the information regarding the event including event times, how to sell your stuff, and how to volunteer visit the Pickled Peppers website.

Write Your Budget Today

One of the best way to save money is to know what you are spending each month. If you don't know what you are spending then you usually don't know that you are exceeding your income until you are in over your head with excessive debt. Today I gave a talk at my church on how we can be financially independent and not enslaved to our debt. With the down turn in this economy my husband & I have lost 70% of our income compared to last year. Needless to say things have been really tight & life has gotten a bit more complicated.

My husband and I finally sat down & revised our budget (we had done a budget but with the new baby I really hadn't been on top of keeping it up. Also it was depressing to realize that we didn't have enough money for bills. I realize that by not doing a budget we were spending more money & making things even worse). A budget really put our finances into perceptive & we couldn't hide from the reality that we needed to make some significant changes. I am a bargain shopper so we didn't spend tons of money but we did realize that anything outside necessities (true necessities ~ food, utilities, gas for work, etc...) would be the only thing we can afford now.

We have decided to sell our house since we can no longer afford it. We put a substantial amount of money into our house since we paid for our backyard & pool in cash and paid off our 2nd mortgage, but because of the market we are still $150+ upside down. (Sidenote ~ If you know of someone that wants a beautiful home in Las Vegas for an awesome price e-mail me.) I have learned that money can't make you happy. My house & backyard is amazing but it is just a thing. The true things that matter are my family. I am so grateful that we are healthy and we all love each other. As long as I have my family I will be just fine.

Here are a couple of tools to help us all become debt free & not enslaved by money.
Click here for the Family Finances Pamphlet
Click here for debt-elimination calendar and a family budget worksheet
Click here for Family Home Storage: A New Message

So join my family in setting your budget today!! Together we can make a better future.

Book Signings for "I Dare You To Eat It"

Liesa Card, Utah author of I Dare You To Eat It: Designing Food Storage You Would Actually Eat, will be in town the next few days to sign copies of her book. I recently discovered her blog and even though I am not a traditional food storage devotee, using the Grocery Smarts system I am quickly building up a supply. And what good frugalista doesn't want to learn some creative ways to use up that supply?

Liesa will be signing books at:

*Saturday, April 25th, 11-6, Henderson Costco
*Monday, April 27th, 11-6, Summerlin Costco
*Tuesday, April 28th, 11-6, St. George Costco

In case you're curious what her book is all about, Amazon.com describes it like this:

I Dare You to Eat It presents a manageable method for food storage that can be used during a time of need but that can also help to simplify everyday life. Instead of buying, storing, and then tossing it, you can create a storage of food that makes your life easier by integrating it into regular meals. In an approachable way, the bood discusses food storage within the context of the gospel plan and provides information as well as resources - including easy recipes - that will help save you time in planning and preparing meals. I Dare You to Eat It will help you to consider your family's unique routines, tastes, and budget as it walks you through the process of designing and using your food storage in a way that fits your life.

Grab Our Button for Your Blog!

We have a new addition on the right sidebar of the blog -

OUR VERY OWN BUTTON!

I know alot of you are faithful followers and many of you even have your own blogs where you list us as among your favorites. Now, you can make it even easier to share your love of saving money and finding deals with all of your family and friends (and help them start saving too!)

In order to "grab our button" all you have to do is copy the HTML code and you are all set!! You'll have a great lookin' image (if I do say so myself) and if your readers click on it it will take them straight to The Budgeteer.

Just copy & paste this html code into your blog layout:

<a href="http://thebudgeteer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv269/boston_ks/blogbutton-2.jpg" /></a>
Thanks for helping us spread our love of saving money!

And MANY MANY thanks to our awesome friend Michelle for helping us design the button. We couldn't have done it without you Michelle www.truerecessionista.com

Where Frugality and Simplicity Intersect

I love Simple Mom. Her slogan is "Live simply, Stay sane." Boy, do I need that! She recently had a guest post entitled Where Frugality and Simplicty Intersect by Meredith at Like Merchant Ships (another excellent blog) that I just had to share with you in its entirety; all credit goes to Meredith:

If you read Real Simple magazine, you’ve probably noted: simple doesn’t come cheap. And frugal techniques are often not simple at all. How do we make budget meet balance? Here are 3 tricks for finding the place where frugality and simplicity intersect.

1. Embrace “good enough.”
Living within a budget forces me to admit that makeshift solutions are often just right—not only in expense, but in energy, too. Good enough helps me just let go.

So I mix up a custom color by combining recycled paints? Good enough. I didn’t lose my wallet (or a week) obsessing over paint chips.

If you’re lucky, good enough can become even better. When I simplified birthday party plans - no time for a frosted cake masterpiece - I asked the six-year-old to design a Lego decoration instead. He beamed with pride, I saved money, and we both enjoyed a stress-free morning.

2. Pare down.
When your budget is cut, so is your schedule. My inner alpha-mom frets about violin lessons and Irish dance class; meanwhile, the kids are building robots out of scrap wood and loving every minute of it.

Our schedule reflects family time as top priority, and our budget gives us a built-in excuse for saying, “No thanks, not tonight.”

Likewise, paring down your schedule creates space for all those money-saving activities you always thought you’d do. That Saturday afternoon with nowhere to go but the mall? Cook a restaurant-quality meal in your kitchen—and double the recipe for the freezer while you’re at it.

3. Go without.
An unpopular notion in popular culture, going without is the quickest way to save money and live simply. What would you eliminate first if you suddenly lost an income? Is that something you could go without right now, in order to spend time with family or build a nest egg?

Going without is not a poverty mindset. Perhaps, like me, you forgot to pick up paper towels at the grocery…for the third time in a row. Out of necessity you noticed that dishcloths soak better than Bounty, anyway. You begin to question that big basket of essentials beneath the kitchen sink. Your grocery list just became a whole lot simpler.

Experiment with your spending patterns. Veer from the expected commitments. And when you see simplicity crossing frugality’s path, draw a big red X on that spot.

You’ll want to return there again and again.

Thanks Meredith! We needed that!