I am  working on learning how to manage my household while stretching dollars and here are a few ways I’m doing that, that you can do too!

Get  out of Food:

Every woman I know is trying to get more out of dinner these days, whether it’s more groceries for the dollar or more food in those groceries, or more meals out of that food.  It’s tough when we’re so tight on time–and money.  But if you can take a few minutes to plan out a solid menu you’ll actually save yourself time in the end.

Think about it.  How many times have you gone in the grocery store for a bag of shredded cheese and walked out with everything but that one ingredient you needed most?  Or, maybe you remembered the cheese but ended up with $100 worth of junk food that you really didn’t need because you were mindlessly throwing things in the cart without trying to put together a meal.  It happens to me all the time.

But it doesn’t have to happen if I simply make out a list and stick to it.  Seriously.  That’s not so complicated, is it?  You can even get the kids involved.  Make it a Sunday evening ritual if it helps.  Write down the meals you want for the week, what it takes to make them, and then stick to that list when you’re in the store shopping.  Having a list also could help you look for coupons you can use instead of aimlessly clipping and buying items simply because they’re on sale.

You can even come up with a couple meals made from the leftovers–possibly lunches the next day.  There are grocery shopping list templates all over the web if that makes it easier for you.  No matter how you choose to go about it, I highly suggest you get that list going soon.  It could make all the difference.

Getaround the House:

I am always thinking of ways to reuse things we might normally discard.  I really don’t need to hold on to the container the strawberries come in or the little plastic paper clip containers, but I do. I do a pretty good job at finding some way to reuse containers.  For example, Strawberry containers make really good marker and crayon holders and paper clip containers make good boxes for nails and other small items.  How do you reuse every day household items?

Get from your money:

Saving money can be hard.. but even doing small things like shutting doors quickly when it’s cold outside and not letting the water run, can save a considerable amount of money on your water, electric, and gas bills.  Also, consider turning the TV off a couple of days a week. Make two days a week “No TV Day”.  You’ll be amazed at the things your kid’s find to do.  Maybe they’ll play outside, make up a few games, or clean their rooms! That last one was a joke. 😉  Turning off the TV just two days a week will save money on your electric bill.  You’ll see a difference.

Do you need  out of every day life?

One lucky winner will receive a $500 Visa gift every day – to put towards anything they want – you could put this towards your grocery bill every week for a month!  This giveaway is not hosted by TheMommyInsider.com.
Visit Tony’s Pizza 99 Days of More website to enter for a chance to win every day!

GIVEAWAY – Win a full value Tony’s Pizza Coupon!

Tell us what your most savvy household tips are in the comments below and we will choose the two most creative comments to receive a full value coupon for any Tony’s Pizza product.  Yum!  Give yourself a break and let Tony’s Pizza foot the bill for a night.

Entries accepted through March 16th.  Open to U.S. residents, 18+.

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