Umm any tips on being really, really cheap?

[hereisnewyork]

...as to how to live on $150 a month? ...this must include all food, entertainment, toiletries, etc.

It's impossible, but just curious...this is what my budget leaves me with as actual cash leftover after all credit card debt/monthly bills/rent.

sigh.

[winneythepooh7]

Here's an article a regular posted about a year or so ago. You should take a look at it:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/LearnToBudget/LivingPoorAndLovingIt.aspx?page=1

Maybe also consider getting some kind of P/T gig. Also bring all of your meals to work and do not eat out.

Challenge yourself to find as much free entertainment as possible, even if that just means hanging out in the park with friends eating PB&J. I know there is plenty in NYC! I think there's a site called "Free NYC" or something like that you can try.

Can you consilidate any of your debt into lower payments? Have student loans? If you owe them, maybe request a smaller monthly payment.

Can you consider a roommate for cheaper rent if you don't have one already?

Anything you can get rid of that is not truly a necessity (ie. cell phone, cable, internet, gym membership, etc.).

[hereisnewyork]

Here's an article a regular posted about a year or so ago. You should take a look at it:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/LearnToBudget/LivingPoorAndLovingIt.aspx?page=1

Maybe also consider getting some kind of P/T gig. Also bring all of your meals to work and do not eat out.

Challenge yourself to find as much free entertainment as possible, even if that just means hanging out in the park with friends eating PB&J. I know there is plenty in NYC! I think there's a site called "Free NYC" or something like that you can try.

Can you consilidate any of your debt into lower payments? Have student loans? If you owe them, maybe request a smaller monthly payment.

Can you consider a roommate for cheaper rent if you don't have one already?

Anything you can get rid of that is not truly a necessity (ie. cell phone, cable, internet, gym membership, etc.).

To answer all of your ?'s I already have a roommate, don't belong to a gym, don't pay for my cell phone, can't make lower payments on credit cards (I've looked into debt consolidation) and can't pay less than what i do on my school loans (it's already only $80).

i can't work on friday nights or saturdays and the stress level at my full-time job is so high that another job would send me over the edge (i know i need a new full-time job but no one wants to give me one at the moment :cry: ).

i do agree about trying to do as many free things in NYC and spending as little on food as possible although that is extremely hard and i'd have to force myself to take that challenge.

i have to admit though i can't be without internet (with good reason) and i can't be without cable (not as good of a reason, but there's just no way).

:0

[erika36]

Do you have dollar stores in your area? If so, I would advise you to do what I've done at times; buy what you can buy at the dollar store, and buy whatever you can't get there, at the grocery store. It might actually cut your grocery bill down a bit. There are things at the grocery store that are cheaper at the dollar store. I hope this helps.:)

[gemma-dahl]

I second the dollar store idea. We purchase the following items from the dollar store in our neighborhood:

-Cookies, crackers, oatmeal
-Spices
-Some drinks
-Mac 'n' cheese, canned goods
-Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, whatever other hair and grooming products we need.
-Laundry and cleaning products
-Throwaway furniture, like end tables, bookcases, etc.
-Dishes, cups, silverware

There are a ton of dollar stores in NY. Brooklyn is full of them. Go go go!

Also, I've been drawing a lot and downloading old cartoons and reading fan fiction to pass the time. I've pretty much quit drinking, and try to limit eating out to once or twice a month, at most. Finally, I only buy clothes if they're deeply discounted or secondhand. I'll tailor them and fix them up myself. (Don't skimp on shoes, though, especially sneakers or work shoes. It's just not worth it.)

[gemma-dahl]

More ideas to make money:

-Babysitting. You can fit this around your work schedule.
-Freelancing. Works well if you write or design or do Web programming. I make a decent side income this way.
-Temporarily halt your contributions to a retirement fund. You're young enough that it won't matter. I think anyone in their early or mid 20s could do this for a year with no problem.
-Chores for your neighbors. There are usually lots of older people and families posting "help wanted" ads on CL and in the college newspapers. Some of them pay quite well, and a lot of people don't care when you come to help out, so long as the work is done for the week.
-Landscaping, heavy chores, and other manual labor.
-Negotiating for a raise. :evil:

[chapstiquette]

This site has a guide to feeding a family of 4 on a $45/week food budget: http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm I probably wouldn't make all the things on the menu, but it is a great place to get inspiration for seriously low-budget cooking without eating ramen for every meal.

[winneythepooh7]

This site has a guide to feeding a family of 4 on a $45/week food budget: http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm I probably wouldn't make all the things on the menu, but it is a great place to get inspiration for seriously low-budget cooking without eating ramen for every meal.

I've seen that site before. I think this is something good to bookmark for leaner times.

[winneythepooh7]

More ideas to make money:

-Babysitting. You can fit this around your work schedule.
-Freelancing. Works well if you write or design or do Web programming. I make a decent side income this way.
-Temporarily halt your contributions to a retirement fund. You're young enough that it won't matter. I think anyone in their early or mid 20s could do this for a year with no problem.
-Chores for your neighbors. There are usually lots of older people and families posting "help wanted" ads on CL and in the college newspapers. Some of them pay quite well, and a lot of people don't care when you come to help out, so long as the work is done for the week.
-Landscaping, heavy chores, and other manual labor.
-Negotiating for a raise. :evil:

Good ideas. I also think it would be beneficial to look for gigs that you can choose whether or not you want to work, so you aren't committed to a set schedule.

The one's like Gemma lists are a way to start.

Maybe look into being a per diem/on-call staff somewhere like a group home or residential setting. I know NYC has a ton of agencies like this and you really don't need a whole heck of a lot of experience. It's also up to you on whether or not you want to take the shift ;).

[wordsmith]

I've done it, but the key for me was having multiple housemates. Like, more than two. Which, for where I was at that point in life, was fine. Now, not so much.

[AsianGeek]

Well you have to live on a tight budget and stick with it. To live on such a tight one you probably have to.

-stop eating out
-stop buying any non essentials
-plan out your week so that you have enough food for 20-30 dollars.

Your other option is to find a better job or to find cheaper housing.

[arrow]

I know you probably don't want to do this, but if it comes down to it, make sure you know where the local soup kitchens/food pantries are. Free food always helps.

Look for volunteer stuff where you can get free food.

And I would highly, highly recommend getting rid of cable even if it hurts (but not internet - that's pretty essential). You can watch all your shows online these days anyway, and you can get one of those DTV boxes to watch broadcast channels. PBS offers coupons that cover nearly the entire cost of one of those boxes. Check out their website.

[wordsmith]

And I would highly, highly recommend getting rid of cable even if it hurts (but not internet - that's pretty essential).

Yeah, when deciding which to forego, it was TV hands down over internet. There are so many utilitarian purposes for having online access, it was an easy choice.

[spiritedaway]

Cut down on all non-essentials.

Don't eat out.
Don't spend money on events, no movies, etc
Cut down unnecessary items - netflix, cables, go for a cheaper phone plan?

I generally don't spend on unnecessary stuff (though I'm guilty of splurging from time to time as a reward for working hard), but I'd say the poorest I've been was right after my college graduation. It was during a recession, I sent out hundreds of resumes without much success, and I was living at home. I paid for college tuition, books, dorm/apartment (I had no car), and by the time I paid off most of my debt by the time I graduated (which virtually wiped out all my savings since high school), I was broke with a few hundred dollars to my name. I even skipped out on getting the senior portraits because I was that broke (and I didn't think it was that important). I figured I'll get plenty of pictures at graduation. When my mom found out, she was evidently upset and made me go to a retail store to get my pictures as a way to remember my accomplishment (since neither of my parents went to college). I didn't really care and I don't even know where the rest of the graduation pics are (it really was a waste!)

Life has taken many a strange turns since that time, but I'm now in a job that pays sufficiently well and allows me to afford the things I wanted to do but never gotten to do back then (i.e. travel). I still don't spend unnecessarily except for this one sport that I love and invest in (lessons, sports apparel, etc), and even so, I tried not to over-spend.

Having said that, I still don't have cable. Never had. I don't watch a lot of TV (maybe once or twice a week, if even?), so cable is pretty useless to me. I think we're the only one in our immediate and extended family, and in my circle of friends who don't have cable. People always seemed surprised to hear it. :p But really, it's not a big deal. In my mind, I thought a lot of people don't have cable, but I guess I'm in the minority now. I can't miss what I never had, or what I don't really need, so that's another expense down. :) Internet over cable anyday, though.

Dollar Store and Walmart are good places for cheap stuff, or you can always look for discounted sale items (you may be able to find some bargains!)

Good luck.

[ugarachel82]

I've done it, but the key for me was having multiple housemates. Like, more than two. Which, for where I was at that point in life, was fine. Now, not so much.

Ditto. I live with FIVE other women in my current situation, and rent is so much more affordable. I can do it now. I can't see doing it if I had an SO, or children to speak of. I enjoy the company, and I can spend what I don't spend on rent on other fun stuff.

[wordsmith]

Yup, I lived with five others, four other women and one guy. It was actually a lot of fun, but we were all just out of school, so it was like The Real World, or something. Too old for that now.

[CoolAZN]

You can always do what these people do:
What is a Freegan? (http://freegan.info/)

Although, this practice is not for everyone.
I know some people in the city that does this.
We as a society do toss a lot of good things out for newer things.
I can relate to some things that gets toss out into the trash and I feel ashamed to do so. This is one reason I do not like where I work anymore.

Here is a nYc group link:
nYc Dumpster Diving Meetup (http://dumpsterdiving.meetup.com/4/)

Here is a recent news report about them:
For frugalists, bargain hunting is a lifestyle (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24879628/)

Here is an article that I read couple of months ago about getting things at secondhand stores or pass down from family and friends:
http://www.parade.com/hot-topics/0807/cheap-but-dear

I too second on not having cable (been cable free for 3 yrs) and yes, people are surprise when you say this.
Internet is the way to go.
You can basically get the shows you like on the net without commercials for free.
Although, I do receive netflix movies...

Here is another link...maybe it might be useful...maybe not:
Thrillist: The Deal (http://www.thrillist.com/the-deal.html?)

Other links...maybe useful to check out:
NPR reporting: Perfecting the Art of Frugal living in nYc (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91556654)
Midlife Beginnings: Living Frugally in nYc (http://www.midlifebeginnings.com/2008/01/02/living-frugally-in-new-york-city/)
NFT reporting: Living on a budget in nYc (http://notfortourists.com/Features.aspx?city=&id=214)

Hope these somewhat happened....:rolleyes:

[AsianGeek]

Is there an income limit for soup kitchens? I like the thought of free food as long as it's clean and nutritious.

I wonder how freegans get clean food.

[CoolAZN]

I think most of the food freegans get are still in the packages.
Therefore, they are still sealed from the manufacturing companies.

I don't think they will get anything that are perishable items since they tend to spoil.

For the soup kitchens, can't you just show up looking like a hobo or something...

[AsianGeek]

well yeah, but I don't really want to spend the money to buy hobo clothes from the thrift store and I can't stand smelly clothes either. Maybe I'll go in with a really old jacket and worn out jeans and hope that they don't notice that I'm pulling in with a lexus.

[winneythepooh7]

well yeah, but I don't really want to spend the money to buy hobo clothes from the thrift store and I can't stand smelly clothes either. Maybe I'll go in with a really old jacket and worn out jeans and hope that they don't notice that I'm pulling in with a lexus.

Interesting :rolleyes: . Plenty of NORMAL EVERYDAY people use soup kitchens and food pantries because they are unable to make ends meet due to life circumstances that leave them on a seriously low income.

If you can't "make ends meet" because your money is going to Lexus payments though, perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your priorities.

[winneythepooh7]

To the OP, back to being serious now, go to www.cityharvest.org. The hunger hotline # for NYC is also listed on that site where you can find out a list of pantries and days/times they are open. If things are that rough for you right now, maybe you can get your "basic staples" this way. Good luck!!

[AsianGeek]

Interesting :rolleyes: . Plenty of NORMAL EVERYDAY people use soup kitchens and food pantries because they are unable to make ends meet due to life circumstances that leave them on a seriously low income.

If you can't "make ends meet" because your money is going to Lexus payments though, perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your priorities.

I'm actually fine financially, but I try to cut costs since I'm trying to save up for a house. I'm always interested in finding more ways to live a little bit cheaper.

[wordsmith]

It's pretty callous/opportunistic to scum in on programs intended for people in serious need if you don't seriously need them. Expecting charities that are set up for the homeless and those below the poverty line to subsidize your home purchase plans is really kind of beyond the pale.

[wordsmith]

To the OP, back to being serious now, go to www.cityharvest.org. The hunger hotline # for NYC is also listed on that site where you can find out a list of pantries and days/times they are open. If things are that rough for you right now, maybe you can get your "basic staples" this way. Good luck!!

Food co-ops are really a good way to go; you can generally get a bulk rate on quality food, and often in exchange for a small amount of cash and community service.

[winneythepooh7]

Food co-ops are really a good way to go; you can generally get a bulk rate on quality food, and often in exchange for a small amount of cash and community service.


It may depend where though.........I have recommended the few in NYC to some of my clients who are low-income and health concious. The main two that exist are located in "trendy" "expensive" neighborhoods (ie. Manhattan's LES and Park Slope in Bklyn) and they have complained they weren't worth the price which was pretty high for someone on SSI. I haven't checked them out personally though, so maybe that really is not the case.

[wordsmith]

I'm thinking they're likely a bit more reasonably priced in less urban areas. We did one when I was a kid, and it was like $100 worth of fresh meat and produce for like $30 and a few hours of monthly community service (which my dad's public servant school board duties more than covered).

[winneythepooh7]

Another suggestion that should be relatively common sense, but is really not too easy:

Planning your meals for the week and making a grocery list of exactly what you need and sticking to that, and no more.

I tend to find that a lot of my wasted $$$$ tends to go to groceries.

On a related note, it's not going to be economical at all if you buy stuff that is going to go bad because you don't eat it.

[wordsmith]

Ditto. We HAVE to do this, and we still have stuff that goes to waste, sometimes, at that rate, because we'll get home and be wiped and too tired to put together a dinner from scratch even though we bought the stuff to do it, or we'll have meetings that run late and grab something on the way home or whatev. But planning and, more importantly, sticking to the plan, is the best way to foresee that food, which is expensive, doesn't get wasted. We've been really strict about this lately, and it's going well.

[winneythepooh7]

I also feel a lot better if I bring food from home to eat at work, or eat at home in general vs. getting a quick take-out meal which tends to make me feel blah because of the guilt of spending the $$$$ on it and just the food doesn't tend to be as healthy!!

[wordsmith]

One of the best things that happened to me was to work somewhere where I have no choice but to bring in my lunch. The school gives us a half-hour lunch, and it's situated in a location where you can't get to any (even fast food) restaurants and back in sufficient time to eat. So, I pack. I've become known for my fancy, creative lunches in the lounge. This week, it's mini pitas stuffed with shredded lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, and spicy hummus. It also works out well to eat lighter, because I can't go back to working with the students all sluggish and food coma-ey, like I would if I were wolfing down a Chipotle burrito for lunch, etc. Gotta be on my game.

[koolkat1980]

Thanks for this link Winney! I've just moved out of home and worried about the finances! I am SO frightened about moving out and being away from the parents.

It makes me stay up at night worrying about finances and stuff! On top of that - I've accepted to work in another company which I hope pays the same as what I'm on now. Stress.

Hopefully this situation I'm in will just consolidate that I'm just overly anxious and that I need a chill-pill. :rolleyes: I'm known to 'worry' unnecessarily.

[wordsmith]

It's intimidating at first, but you'll get used to it. My general advice is to cut back more than you ever think you'll need to, at first, at least. You can always start adding "extras" back into the equation when you find you have the money for them, but it's easier to start out being very thrifty than to start out overspending, get in a pinch, and have to start cutting back. If you do it that way, you'll also find out what of the "extras" you don't really miss when they're gone.

[hereisnewyork]

thanks for all of your great tips..although, i do agree that i shouldnt go to a soup kitchen or something like that, that food should go to those who are really needy...although i have made the joke in the past that homeless people have more money than me because i have negative money.

anyway, what do you think is a reasonable amount for a single person on a tight tight budget to spend on food per week? $25? More? Less?

[AsianGeek]

25-30 is good for a normal person. It's possible to keep it around 15 if you really want to reach. Sometimes your parents might be willing to help out by giving you their leftovers and you can go down to 5.

[redav]

anyway, what do you think is a reasonable amount for a single person on a tight tight budget to spend on food per week? $25? More? Less?
I've done it before, but probably depends more on your dietary requirements. Don't eat out, ever. Buy in bulk; it costs more at first, but over the long run is cheaper. Vegetables are pretty cheap (in comparison to what most people eat), and they're good for you. Rice, pasta, & potatoes can be added to just about any meal to bulk it up. There's no need for soda, juice, & the like; cutting out alcohol can save a bundle. Simply changing seasonings/sauces can add variety. Unfortunately, it is a lot like dieting--it can be hard not to splurge if you deny yourself too much or get stuck in the drudgery of it.

The biggest thing I learned when I was in college & destitute was that you don't have to spend any money to have a good time. Hang out with friends, go to the library, go outside and play, etc.

[wordsmith]

Eggs are cheap meals, as well, and can be made a variety of ways with a variety of add-ins.

Other low-cost subsistence eats from the starving student and/or artist and/or nonprofit worker's manual, The Lost Soul Companion:

Veggie Reuben Sandwich
two slices of bread
Muenster or Mozzarella Cheese, once can of sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing.

Place part of the sauerkraut on bread, top with a slice of cheese, springle with dressing, toast in toaster oven

Fake-it pizzas
English muffins or pitas
spaghetti sauce
grated mozzarella cheese
pepperoni

spread sauce over "crust", aprinkle with cheese and other toppings, toast in toaster oven.

The obvious toasted cheese sandwich
two slices of bread
cheese of your choice
any add-ins like spinace, a slice of tomato, ham, etc.

throw together and pop in toaster oven.

Non-toaster oven ideas:

Breakfast for dinner (the aforementioned eggs, or a bowl of oatmeal (add in fruit for variety).

homemade granola (need brown sugar, vegetable oil, honey, oatmeal, dry milk, cinnamon, salt)

Food for when boiling water isn't too much to ask:

Mac and cheese (add some cooked ground beef for texture and protein)

Ramen noodles are dirt cheap, and don't have to be made with the MSG-laden seasoning pack that comes with them. Dress them up by throwin gin curry powder instead, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and drizzle a little bit of scrambled eggs in to cook up, like in friend rice recipes.

[AsianGeek]

I've found chicken breast, spinach, and rice to be fairly inexpensive and pretty nutritious, however, it does taste really plain and gets boring after a while

[PenforPrez]

I've found chicken breast, spinach, and rice to be fairly inexpensive and pretty nutritious, however, it does taste really plain and gets boring after a while

It's easy to be creative with stuff like that, though. I like Words' suggestions. Sometimes, you just need to work with what you have sitting around the kitchen. I came up with an amazing chicken recipe that way. It's really cheap to use what you already have--you've already paid for it.

Paul

[AsianGeek]

Well I think my diet is part of the reason why I make boring foods. I've been doing egg whites and spinach for breakfast/lunch and chicken,spinach, and rice for dinner. I don't add anything extra because that's all that my body needs. Multivitamins are my bestest best friend.

[sondra_finchley]

Lately ive been hanging out on Frugal Village:

http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/

for additional tips and inspiration. We arent dead broke, but i like to keep things minimal and stretch the food dollar (healthily) and eliminate waste.

Also, we arent strict vegetarian, but Ive been replacing meat in our diet with alternative sources of protein because 1) its easier and 2) cheaper for me to store bulk legumes or tofu than a big slab of red meat - or even chicken- in the fridge/freezer. Book that has REALLY helped with this has been Mark Bittmans How To Cook Everything Vegetarian. Simple but delicious recipes and information on how to cook all sorts of pastas and rice and legumes and eggs and breads etc in your own kitchen, in a simple manner with simple ingredients (i.e. nothing funky or too special that i have to go to the ends of the earth to find it). Each recipe also has alternatives so say if you dont have one vegetable or cheese you can almost ALWAYS find a substitute or combination listed that does include what you happen to have on hand.

Make lots of soups or a huge batch of chili with lots of vegetables and freeze some for later.

Finally- Ive been dumpster diving- back when i lived in a house in college with 4 others. It was fun and exciting and we did carry back a lot of stuff ( we typically did Trader Joes) that was useful and clean ( and having worked at TJs in the past i knew their discarding policy so felt ok with it). But- you have to be careful of local laws, and do it safely. Apparently the NY freegan DD group has 503 members- check here: http://dumpsterdiving.meetup.com/4/ for meetings where you can learn more about how to do it (helps to have a guide) and join others diving. Looks like they also have meals cooked from DD finds. Besides, hang out at their gatherings and trash walks and dive some evenings and you wont even MISS your cable :)

[wordsmith]

I've found chicken breast, spinach, and rice to be fairly inexpensive and pretty nutritious, however, it does taste really plain and gets boring after a while

This is where spices and seasoning come in. Chicken and rice with curry is a completely different meal than the same stuff with cayenne, cumin, chili, and garlic.

[wordsmith]

I never miss cable (I never had it, so hard to miss). Anything I want to watch can be gotten on DVD or watched online.

[AsianGeek]

This is where spices and seasoning come in. Chicken and rice with curry is a completely different meal than the same stuff with cayenne, cumin, chili, and garlic.

How much does the seasonings cost? Also I'm afraid of the salt content that goes with a lot of the seasonings but I can always find out when I shop for them. Actually I've never bought curry before, what aisle do you usually find them in the grocery store? Ever since I started dieting, my cooking has tasted horrible due to all the unhealthy ingredients that I leave out.

[redav]

How much does the seasonings cost? Also I'm afraid of the salt content that goes with a lot of the seasonings but I can always find out when I shop for them. Actually I've never bought curry before, what aisle do you usually find them in the grocery store? Ever since I started dieting, my cooking has tasted horrible due to all the unhealthy ingredients that I leave out.
Typically around $4/spice container, but that can last a few years depending on how often you use it. If you are concerned about sodium/salt, check the ingredients--there are many that cater to a no-salt diet. Lemon-pepper goes well with chicken (I will also cook chicken in lemon juice). I found a chicken/pork rub seasoning that is pretty good. I don't care for curry. Garlic & onion powder are pretty universal, and I use a lot of chili powder. There's nothing wrong with experimenting with something new just to see what it does with your food, especially when you are starting with something bland.

[wordsmith]

How much does the seasonings cost? Also I'm afraid of the salt content that goes with a lot of the seasonings but I can always find out when I shop for them. Actually I've never bought curry before, what aisle do you usually find them in the grocery store? Ever since I started dieting, my cooking has tasted horrible due to all the unhealthy ingredients that I leave out.

Seriously inexpensive. You can spend a ton on spices by going all frou frou if you wanna (and specialty, exotic spices can run a ton - pure vanilla (not imitation extract) really soars sky high at times, and saffron is the most expensive spice by weight in the world by far due to its scarcity and the delicate nature of harvesting it. But the stuff you're gonna be using you can totally get on the cheap. There's no real reason to buy saffron if you're not a highly paid chef. Penzeys has a catalog for more speciality spices, but you can get cheap, good spices in the grocery store (McCormick is the big supermarket brand), and a line called Tones has small canisters of most commonly used spices, which are good for a person cooking for one or two, for ridiculously cheap. My local groceries have house brands that are a good deal, as well. Ethnic markets often have packets of commonly used spices for not too much money. Mexican markets in my area have the best prices on cumin and garlic and dried chilis. World Market is a decent place to get some stuff cheaply, too.

Straight up herbs won't have added salt. They're just the ground up/powdered leaves, roots, etc. of whatever herb. Many straight up spices won't have added salt, either. Things labeled "seasoning blend" typically do have salt as a base, though. Check the ingredients on anything that has "salt" in the title or is billed as a "seasoning blend." Some blends are made specifically for salt-free or reduced salt diets, though, like Mrs. Dash, which is a blend of herbs and dried vegetables and spices, and has no salt.

My most frequently used seasonings, spices and herbs -

Herbs - Basil (fresh, grown on windowsill, preferably), garlic, sage, oregano, chives, cilantro, peppermint or spearmint, combined herb blends like Italian seasnoning, which is usually dried basil, oregano, garlic, rosemary, thyme, etc. all mixed together.

Spices - Curry, cumin, chili powder,

Seasoning Blends - garlic salt, onion salt, Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt, lemon pepper salt, garlic pepper, parmesan cheese and pepper

[NotPersephone]

This thread is exactly what I needed, thank you! My husband and I are constantly looking for more ways to cut our budget, and there are some great suggestions here!

[wordsmith]

Real Simple magazine has a website that has a lot of good stuff in it.