Printable Grocery Deals Calendar

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January

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February

National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April

Easter:  Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May

 

Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

 

National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August

Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant:  Clorox, Purell
Clearance:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato

September

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October

Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November

Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December

Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

How to Barter In The New Economy

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Get the stuff you need, bartering with the stuff you already have!

Goods and services are at a premium. Grocery prices are through the roof. Bartering offers a way to get what you need without using cash.

What is bartering and how do you get started?

A barter system is an old method of exchange. Th is system has been used for centuries and long before money was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and goods in return. Today, bartering has made a comeback using techniques that are more sophisticated to aid in trading; for instance, the Internet. In ancient times, this system involved people in the same area, however today bartering is global. The value of bartering items can be negotiated with the other party. Bartering doesn’t involve money which is one of the advantages. You can buy items by exchanging an item you have but no longer want or need. Generally, trading in this manner is done through Online auctions and swap markets. Source

What are the Pros of Bartering?

  • No cash needed- Items or services are traded, no money needed. For example, a hairdresser might trade haircuts for an accountant doing her taxes for free.

  • Flexibility in bartering. For example, trade a lawnmower for a laptop

  • Support your local economy. In much of the country, people are out of work. This is a great way to help people get the items they need, without going into debt.

  • Keep items out of landfills. This is obviously a big, big problem. Our planet is becoming a huge junkyard. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

  • Cut down on clutter in your home. Think of passing on items to other people as a way of clearing out your home too.

  • Strengthen community ties. Many times people don’t even know their neighbors. This is a great way to get to know people in your community.

What are the Cons of Bartering?

According to The Nest:

While bartering has immediate benefits, it can also cause serious complications. This is especially true if you can’t guarantee the trustworthiness of your fellow trader. The other party may not have certification or any proof of legitimacy, and you don’t have a warranty or consumer protection advocate when you barter. You may end up trading a good item or service in exchange for a defective or poor one. If this concerns you, limit your exchanges to friends and family.

Bartering also requires skill. You may overestimate the value of your desired item and underestimate yours. As a result, the other party could exploit you. To prevent this, focus on related items with similar value, such as one large appliance for another.

  • Trustworthiness of the other traders

  • It takes a lot of time to set up barters

  • Collecting items to trade

If you want to go more online, here are 7 websites to barter online:

- http://www.goozex.com/

- http://www.craigslist.org/

- http://www.bizx.com/

- http://www.babysitterexchange.com/

- http://www.u-exchange.com/

- http://www.freecycle.org/

- http://www.zwaggle.com/

Here are some examples of bartering:

  • A writer creates a resume in exchange for an oil change

  • A makeup artist trades a makeover for new tires for their car

  • A gardener trades a dozen tomatoes and zucchini for a bunch of gently used clothing

  • Someone has a collection of new holiday decorations. They trade them for a few cases of pet food.

  • A baker makes 2 dozen cupcakes in exchange for their grass mowed.

The sky is the limit! There are so many options when it comes to bartering.

Frugal Baby Shower Ideas

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Here are some fun and frugal ways to host a baby shower! 

The Invitations

There are so many fun baby shower invites to buy online. My favorite here is the woodland creatures invite. While some people like an online invitation, I think a paper one, sent in the mail is nicer and more traditional.

The Venue

Baby showers are often held in the hostess’ own home, which is, of course, free. If you’re not so lucky or if you prefer to think outside the home for a baby shower venue, consider having the shower in an outdoor location like a park — just remember to keep the comfort of the guest of honor in mind before planning an outdoor shower in August! Other frugal venue choices include churches, where rental fees are generally less than banquet space at a hotel or restaurant.

The Food

You can recruit friends and family to bring a dish or check Costco for great party trays. 

Here are recipes we like:

For dessert, consider making your own cake or recruit a friend to make the cake. Cupcakes are also fun- baby shower-themed cupcakes at MarthaStewart.com.

The Decorations, Games, Etc.

Here are some fun and cute decorating ideas:

34 awesome baby shower themes

Wishes for Baby

Free Printable baby shower games

50 Diaper Cake Tutorials

Ready to Pop popcorn

Decorate a Block

How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers

Baby Sprinkle Centerpiece

10+ Must Have Survival Skills

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It’s not just about stocking up on stuff. Skills are important too. Self-reliance becomes more important during pandemic times when help might not be easy to get.

SURVIVAL:

1. Know Your Surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings, know who your neighbors are and where the local police station is. Keep your car running and in good condition so you don’t break down somewhere. Consider buying mace or a personal alarm.

2. Basic First Aid

Always have a first aid kit in your car and home. Consider taking a Red Cross class to learn how to save someone from choking, do CPR and more.

3. Outdoor Skills

Here are 7 basic skills to learn and master so you are ready to tackle any survival situation.

3. Car Repair 101, including How to Fix a Flat Tire

Learn how to fix it yourself or join AAA Roadside. Learn more at DMV.org.

4. How to Read a Map

GPS is not always available and phones can lose their charge. Go here to find out how to read a map.

HOME:

1. Fix a leaky faucet

Check out this video or hire a pro. Youtube is a treasure trove of how-to videos on every type of plumbing problem.

2. Open a Stuck Lock

WD-40 will usually do the trick when getting a lock to open. If that doesn’t do it, you may need to call a locksmith.

3. Stop an overflowing toilet

First, turn the water off. Know where in your home the water shut-off valve is located. Check out this video. If the problem is still persisting, call a plumber.

3. Remove a broken light bulb

Cut a raw potato in half, turn off the electricity and put the potato in the broken glass. The light bulb base should remove easily.

4. Unclog a sink

Drano is not always the answer when it comes to clogs. It’s good to keep on hand anyway. Here are some tips on unclogging a sink.

5. Keep a Corded Phone In Case of Blackout

Set up a cheap corded phone, like this one, will work, unlike your cordless, which runs on electricity, or your cell phone, which relies on a tower that runs on electricity.

6. Smell Gas? Here’s What To Do

If you smell gas, do not turn on the lights or use a telephone, cell phone, flashlight, or computer, all of which could create a spark, blowing the place sky high. Evacuate the area and call the fire department.

7. Deal With Mice and Pests

Once mice have moved in, all the cleaning and. removing clutter might not make the problem go away entirely. Before you call a pest company, order some of these bait blocks which are safe around pets and children. And consider getting a cat!

8. Record Your Home For Insurance

Photography or video your home, go room to room and be sure to capture all the furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, etc. Check out knowyourstuff.org for free software that lets you create a virtual replica of your home online and then tally the value of what’s in it.

And check out This Old House for every type of home improvement question.

Disaster Prep On a Dime

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The headlines can be scary but with a little prep ahead of time, you and your family will not have to deal with food and household shortages.

20+ ITEMS IN HIGH DEMAND:

Bottled water and brand-name seltzers

Canned goods

Pasta

Baked goods

Yeast

Flour

Butter

Cream

Cheese

Bread

Premade/ready-made fresh foods and cold cuts

Meats, poultry and fish — even less popular fish, like halibut

Toilet paper and paper towels

Cleaning supplies

Frozen foods, particularly frozen meals and pizzas.

Turmeric, Vitamin D, Vitamin C

Citrus fruits (also known to be immunity building)

Jarred salsa

Pasta sauces, especially marinara.

Liquor, beer and wine — even the top-shelf stuff

EMERGENCY TIPS:

1. Emergency basics- have flashlights and/or a lantern in case of power outage. At the min, matches and candles, which can be bought on clearance after the holidays.

2. If your heat is electric, think ahead to how you’ll keep warm in a cold climate. Portable heater? Fireplace? Blankets work, until it’s 40 degrees in your home.

3. Stock up on water and food. Food should be ready to eat in a can, that doesn’t require heating. This assortment of camping foods is a good idea too.

4. Speaking of food, food in the fridge lasts 6 hours, the freezer a little longer. Keep the fridge closed during the outage and your food may last a little longer.

5. Cell phone. Our cordless phone went completely dead in the outage and I couldn’t find the corded phone. Luckily, we had a battery-powered cell phone charger like this one, which was a lifesaver.

6. Cash. It’s good to have cash on hand for emergencies, in cash you need to go to the store and their credit card machines aren’t working. This actually happened a few times to me.

7. Full gas tank. This is one thing I try and have all winter long but the last few days I didn’t have even a 1/4 tank of gasoline. In an emergency, everyone heads to the gas stations and as you may have seen on the news in the past, it can be total chaos.

8. Games and books for everyone. Uncharged iPads and computers are useless in an outage. But if you know bad weather is heading your way, charge up your electronics ahead of time. And have a stash of games and books just in case.

9. Camping stove or bbq grill to cook food.

10. One gallon of water per person, per day of an emergency. Gallon jugs are good for this, or even a few cases of bottled water.

11. Generators run on gasoline are a good option if your area has frequent power outages. Amazon sells them, along with Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. Base the kind you get on the size of your house and/or the appliances you need to keep running.

12. An extra freezer for storing food such a meat, veggies and more.

13. Extra medication. We always have extra over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol, Pepcid, Excedrin, etc. Also, a good idea to have extra prescription medication on hand, especially emergency medications like asthma inhalers and blood pressure medication.

14. A bucket toilet. This can be DIY or Amazon sells several different versions.

15. Costco or Sam’s Club membership. Both seem to be able to keep food and supplies in stock a lot easier than the local grocery store.

Ideas If You Are Staying Home/ Social Distance/ Quarantine:

FREE $15 BOXED GROCERIES- SHIPPED TO YOU

INSTACART DELIVERS GROCERIES TO YOU- SAME DAY

WALMART $10 OFF GROCERY PICK UP

FREE TWITCH PRIME

2 FREE MONTHS OF KINDLE BOOKS

TRY AUDIBLE FOR FREE

FREE STARZ, SHOWTIME, MORE

Here are more supplies to have on hand:

  • 2 week supply of non-perishable food

  • 1–2 week supply of water — one gallon of water per person, per day.

  • Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries

  • Flashlight and extra batteries.

  • First aid kit and manual.

  • Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).

  • Applesauce and other fruit purees

  • Canned fruit in water

  • Frozen fruit

  • Dried fruit

  • Canned vegetables (i.e., green beans, carrots, peas, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree), low-sodium if possible

  • Canned vegetable-based soups and chilis, low-sodium if possible

  • Frozen vegetables (i.e, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)

  • Jarred tomato sauce

  • Tuna or salmon, canned or in a pouch

  • Chicken or turkey, canned or in a pouch

  • Frozen fish, such as shrimp or individually portioned pieces of salmon

  • Shelf-stable silken tofu

  • Lentils, canned or vacuum-sealed

  • Eggs and egg beaters

  • Nut/seed butter

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Trail mix

  • Dry or canned beans

  • Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta

  • Brown rice

  • Ancient grains (i.e., quinoa, farro)

  • Oats

  • Instant oatmeal packets/cups

  • Whole wheat or seed crackers

  • Whole wheat or sprouted bread (can keep in freezer and toast when ready to eat)

  • Shelf-stable boxes of milk (shelf-stable varieties are available for regular and non-dairy milks)

  • Powdered milk

  • Olive oil

  • Avocado oil

  • Flax seeds

  • Chia seeds

  • Low-sugar electrolyte drinks

  • Pre-made protein-shakes or meal-replacement shakes (in case you get sick and lose your appetite)

  • Canned or boxed low-sodium broth

  • Coffee

  • Cooking Oil

  • Coffee filters

  • Pepper

  • Sugar

  • Salt

  • Cocoa

  • water

  • Kraft mac and cheese

  • canned veggies

  • cup of noodles

  • canned chicken noodle soup

  • baked beans

  • bags of rice

  • spam

  • canned chili

  • peanut butter

  • flour

  • sugar

  • salt

  • baking soda

  • cooking oil

  • noodles

  • dry beans

  • frozen foods

  • pasta

  • pasta sauce

  • Baking Soda

  • Hand crank or manual can openers

  • Canned food — any type

  • Wooden, strike anywhere matches

  • Old newspapers

  • Wax for fire-starting

  • Large cotton balls with soaked in petroleum jelly (also for starting fires)

  • Bleach (or freshly made pool shock)

  • Baby wipes

  • Diapers

  • Coloring books & crayons

  • Tooth paste

  • Toothbrushes

  • Dental floss

  • Combs

  • Hard candy

  • Hair brushes

  • Disposable razors

  • Nail clippers and files

  • Feminine products

  • Bars of soap

  • Hair pins

  • Cigarette lighters

  • Aluminum foil

  • toilet paper

  • Plastic sheeting

  • Socks — all sizes & colors

  • Shoe laces

  • Reading glasses

  • Garbage bags

  • Brooms

  • Dustpans

  • Clothespins

  • Clotheslines

  • Garbage cans

  • Dryer Lint (to use as firestarter)

  • Rope of any type

  • Honey

  • Popcorn

  • Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and aspirin

  • pet food

  • Essential oils

  • Cough syrup

  • Eye drops

  • Whistle.

  • Extra clothing.

  • Photocopies of credit and identification cards.

  • Cash and coins.

  • Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.

  • Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.

  • Needles

  • Straight pins

  • Safety pins

  • Buttons

  • Thread

  • Elastic-material

  • Dry beans

  • Rice

  • Noodles

  • Flour

  • Band-aids

  • Laxatives

  • Lip balm or chapstick

  • Nails, nuts, bolts, & screws

  • Heirloom garden seeds

  • Fresh garden produce and herbs

  • Herb plants

  • Duct tape

  • Hand garden tools

  • Two-cycle oil

  • Automotive oil and air filters

  • Paperback books

  • Plastic tarps

  • Fels naphtha bar soap

  • Borax

  • Oxyclean

  • Homemade laundry detergent

  • Plastic tubs & containers

  • Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

  • Laundry detergent

BLEACH

Clorox Bleach Tablets

Bleach tablets are an excellent choice for those that have limited space and do not want to deal with storing a lot of liquid bleach. The tablets also have a much longer shelf life than liquid bleach.

Here are some of the registered disinfectants on the EPA’s list. Find the full here.

  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

  • Clorox Commercial Solutions

  • Clorox Disinfecting Spray

  • Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner + Bleach

  • Klercide 70/30

  • Lonza Formulation

  • Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

  • Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist

  • Lysol Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate

MEDICATIONS FOR FEVER AND FLU

Mucinex Extended-Release Maximum Strength– Helps expel mucus for 12 hours with a single tablet dose. I looked it up and even with high blood pressure, my Dad can take this too.

Advil Liqui-Gels. If you have a family and they are all feverish, you can go through a lot of fever reducers. I ordered a 200 count bottle of Liqui-Gels the other day. They take effect a bit faster than tablets.

Also stock up on your prescription medications.

DONATE YOUR STOCKPILE:

- Consider buying a few extra, especially on 10/$10 sales and donating to your local food bank. Here in Cleveland, we donate to:

- City Mission

- Feeding America

- Cleveland Food Bank

- Donate pet food and supplies to local animal shelters

- Pregnancy crisis center

DIY Jewelry Organizer

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Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann, Michael’s, Walmart and Amazon are all good sources for the following needed items:

  • screw gun or drill

  • screws

DIRECTIONS

1

Use a screw gun or drill to secure a couple screws through the front of the organizer’s arms (on each side) directly into the wall to hang up the organizer.

2

Paint the thread rack if you like

3

Hang and organize jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Christmas Gift Baskets

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These baskets are so easy and fun to make! Here’s how!

Jo Ann sells a bunch of pretty holiday ribbon for only $3.99-$5.99.

Target also sells Wondershop Ribbon for only $5.00 each.

Loop the ribbon through the holes of the basket.

This is not only good for organizing gifts, it would also make a nice gift basket, fill with presents!

How I Celebrated The Holidays For Under $500

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  1. Use gift cards received throughout the year. Save gift cards you receive throughout the year and then use them on gifts. I also cashed out points and got gift cards for gifts too. Some of my fave points programs or ways to earn cash:

2. Inventory wrapping paper, decorations, etc. My go-to's for wrapping paper and supplies are buying on clearance the year before. Last year the holiday clearance was sparse, so here are more tips for saving.

Costco and Sam’s Club sell big rolls of wrapping paper that are only $10 each. A really great deal, especially if you wrap a lot of presents.

Hallmark.com also has a Crown Club, sign up for free here. It is easy to earn points and they regularly email $2 coupons and sometimes mail them. Recently I was able to get BOGO wrapping paper plus could use a $5 off coupon, with free shipping.

3. Do Less Baking. Back in the day, our grandmothers made 10 kinds of old-fashioned cookies. Many people no longer have the time to do this. Consider picking one or two holiday favorites. Another way to keep the cookie tradition alive is to host a cookie exchange with friends.

4. Use Payment Plans. If you are short on cash this holiday season, try one of several payment plans that offer options with no interest charged. I have used Klarna, Sezzle and Affirm and have had positive experiences with all of them.

5. Stock up on pantry necessities. For example, Target has had Betty Crocker cookie mixes, Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, and more at really good prices lately. Match up with coupons for more savings.

My go-to for holiday staples are Sam’s Club, Costco, Meijer and Target. My friends also like Aldi’s too for rock bottom prices on basics like flour, sugar and more.

Plus don’t forget online shopping to make life easier! Get started below with free cash to spend on groceries:

6. Shop Early Holiday Sales. Many big-box retailers have started their holiday sales now. Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Sam’s Club and more are offering deals now. Take advantage and avoid supply chain shortages.

7. Taking advantage of $10 off $10 coupons. I received coupons from Kohl’s and JCPenney a few weeks ago which were $10 off $10 any item. I found (2) really nice gifts at both stores and used the coupons.

8. Spend less on stocking stuffers. I had stocked up “end of Christmas sale” last year and am always on the lookout for small gifts. I love the Target Bullseye section for more deals, usually $5 and under.

9. Order holiday cards early. This year I ordered my cards in October. Though it felt weird to order holiday cards before Halloween, I received an awesome Shutterfly deal in my e-mail that I had to use. I received free cards and only paid shipping.

10.Regift…creatively. That’s all I’m going to say. My family might be reading this!

11. Consider only buying gifts for kids. Perhaps for the adults, make handmade gifts- homemade fudge is always a winner!

MORE RESOURCES:

Tips for a Budget Friendly Party

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

50 Best Christmas Cookies

Pandemic Shortage Items List

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If you can, stock up on stuff you need. The economy might be bumpy going into 2022/3.

  • New Automobiles, Used Vehicles and Parts
  • Arabica Coffee Beans
  • Lumber, Paper Pulp, Toilet Paper, Cardboard, Books.
  • Wheat, barley, beans, peas
  • Gaming consoles and graphics cards
  • HVAC equipment, parts, refrigerant
  • Silicone rubber
  • Appliances
  • Chicken Wings
  • Pool Liners, Chemicals, Chlorine Tabs
  • Drywall
  • Printers and Ink
  • Holiday gifts. If you are shopping for toys especially, I would start looking at the Amazon and Target sales.

Free Movie Tickets, Popcorn and More

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Take the family to “kids camp” every Wednesday at AMC Theatres.

Every Wednesday of the summer, AMC Theatres hosts a kids camp where you can pay just $4 per child’s ticket to watch Kid-Friendly Films like Trolls, The LEGO Movie 2, Wonderpark, and more!

Even sweeter, that $4 ticket includes a KidsPack of AMC snacks, complete with a kid’s popcorn, fountain drink, and FrootiTooti fruit snacks! Head on over here for more details and to find a participating AMC Theater near you.

Stop by the Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Theaters.

From June 16 – August 4, participating Cinemark Theaters will be hosting an 8-Week Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse event every Wednesday. See kid-friendly movies for just $1.50 per ticket, and save on snacks too with $1 off kids’ snack packs, large popcorns, and large drinks during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Head on over here for more details, showtimes, or to find a participating theater near you.

 

Climb aboard the Summer Movie Express at Regal Cinemas.

This summer, participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, and Edwards Theaters will be hosting their Summer Movie Express every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 AM. Moviegoers of all ages are invited to enjoy a selection of family-friendly films for just $1. Visit their site for more details and to find a participating theater near you.

Choose your own price for Kids Camp at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

All summer long, kids ages 3 and up can enjoy classic and family favorite films at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas for just $1, $3, or $5. Choose your own ticket price and buy your tickets online to reserve your seats in advance. All proceeds benefit three local non-profits. Movie selection and dates may vary by location, so visit this page for more information!

Catch a $2 movie at Classic Cinemas every Wednesday.

From June 9 through August 11, Classic Cinemas will be showing family-friendly movies for just $2 per ticket. Showtimes will be staggered starting between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, and one stadium at each theater will be reserved for a sensory-friendly screening. Visit their site for the 2021 lineup and more details.

 

Check out the Children’s Summer Series at Studio Movie Grill.

From May 31 through September 3, participating Studio Movie Grill locations will be hosting their Children’s Summer Series. These titles are scheduled for the first showtime of the day every Monday through Friday. Tickets are $6 and include a small popcorn and a small drink.

Take the kids to the Family Fun Series at Harkins Theaters.

From June 11 through July 22, My Harkins Awards Members can see a family favorite movie for only $3 ($5 for non-members). Plus, Awards Members can get 50% off a Kids Combo each weekday before 6 PM. You can find more information about the Harkins Theaters Family Fun Series here.

 

Take the kids to a movie for just $2 at Metropolitan Theatres.

From June 8 through August 12, Metropolitan Theatres is having a Summer Kids Film Series every week for just $2 per ticket. For $10, you can upgrade your child’s ticket to a Kid’s Package, which includes a movie and lunch at MetroLux Dine-In Theatres. Dates and times vary by location – head on over here to see program availability near you!

See 10 movies for $10 at Megaplex Theatres.

Starting May 26, Megaplex Theatres are showing one kids’ movie a week for 10 weeks and offering up passes to see all 10 of the movies for just $10. Passes may be purchased online or at any participating Megaplex Theatres Box Office. Head on over to their website to see the summer movie schedule based on your location.

 

Take the whole family to Phoenix Theatres for FREE movies all summer long!

At 10 AM every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning this summer, Phoenix Theatres will be showing family-friendly movies for FREE! Doors open at 9 AM and all age groups are welcome. Plus, they’ll have a special Kiddie Meal available! Find a location near you.

Movie fans of all ages can see FREE family-friendly movies at Marquee Cinemas.

All summer long, Marquee Cinemas will be showing FREE kids’ movies for the whole family. Participation will vary by location, so head on over here and select your local cinema for titles and showtimes near you.

 

 

10+ Freebies For Good Grades

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APPLEBEE'S

The A is for Apple Program gives kids a certificate for a free kids' meals. This program is only open to schools, though. If you're a parent, contact your child's teacher to let her know about this program that offers rewards for students.

   

BASKIN-ROBBINS

Earn a free scoop of ice cream. Bring in your report card showing good grades to get your freebie.

   

CHICK-FIL-A

A report card with A's and B's earns either a free 8-pack of chicken nuggets or a free ice cream cone. Chick-fil-A also offers a program for schools. Students can earn a free kids' meal for good grades, perfect attendance or other student achievements. For access to these freebies, your child's school will need to contact the restaurant.

   

CHUCK E. CHEESE

Kids earn game tokens for their grades. There's a limit of 15 tokens allowed per child and a food purchase is required.

COLDSTONE CREAMERY

Kids can earn free ice cream for good grades. Students must earn a straight-A report card. Kindergarten students up to fifth graders can participate.

   

JUSTICE STORES

Tween girl retail store Justice will give you $5 off your purchase. Bring in a good report card that's been issued within the past 30 days.

   

KRISPY KREME

Get a free doughnut for an A when you visit a Krispy Kreme shop (not a convenience or grocery store that sells Krispy Kreme doughnuts). The limit of doughnuts handed out for A's depends on the store, but it can be as high as 6 per report card.

   

LONG JOHN SILVER'S

While this program is only open to schools, it rewards students with meals for a number of achievements on top of academic excellence. School administrators need to contact the local restaurant to participate.

   

MCDONALD'S

Straight-A kindergarten through 5th-grade students can earn a free Happy Meal when they bring in their report cards along with a voucher from the school. 

   

PIZZA HUT

If you have 3 A's on your report card, you get a free Personal Pan Pizza and a small soda or milk. The offer is only good for elementary and middle school students. Dine-in only.

   

WENDY'S

A report card with A's and B's earns a delicious treat. Show the cashier your report card before ordering.

 

Tip: Before you visit any of the businesses listed, be sure to call the store first and ask for the manager. You want to verify that particular location is participating before you promise your star student a reward. If the store isn't participating, call other locations in your city. Since many are franchises, one store may not be participating but the location down the street is giving out rewards for students.