I had read an article about how some of the worlds richest people continue to live frugally. Becoming wealthy and staying that way takes a certain level of discipline. Sure, an occasional splurge won't put you in the poor house, but frequent frivolous spending on things that aren't necessities can quickly put a serious dent in your wallet.

The frugal habits necessary to achieve financial success and maintain it are often lessons learned early on.

Who said being wealthy means you can't look for a good deal? Kiplinger shares how the super rich try to watch their wallet just like you. Here's a few of my favorites:

Warren Buffett
Estimated net worth: $50 billion
How he struck it rich: Founded Berkshire Hathaway, the noted investment holding company
Frugal habit: Has lived in the same modest home for 57 years.

Buffett could easily afford to live in a mansion much bigger than his 6,000-square-foot, five-bedroom stucco house in Omaha, which he purchased for $31,500 back in 1958. Yet the multibillionaire prefers the simple life in small-town America. In his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders last year, Buffett discussed the housing recovery and said, "The third best investment I ever made was the purchase of my home." (The first two: wedding rings he bought for his first and second wives.) Buffett added, "For the $31,500 I paid for our house, my family and I gained 52 years of terrific memories, with more to come." Today, the average price of a five-bedroom home for sale in Omaha is $391,983, according to Trulia.com. That's more than 12 times the amount Buffett paid.


Michelle Obama
Estimated net worth: The Obamas' assets are valued between $2.6 and $8.3 million.
How she struck it rich: Combined wealth with her husband and author, President Barack Obama
Frugal habit: Shops at Target

The First Lady is thrifty, too. She was spotted shopping at a Target store in the Washington DC area la few summers ago. What did she buy? It's reported that Mrs. Obama picked up dog food and toys for the first family's pet, Bo. In addition to finding ways to save on everyday household items, the First Lady is also known to cut costs when it comes to fashion. Despite having access to practically any high-end designer line she wants, Mrs. Obama sometimes chooses to wear clothing from discount stores, such as H&M. She has appeared on the Today show wearing a $35 dress from the retailer.


T. Boone Pickens
Estimated net worth: $1.4 billion
How he struck it rich: Oil!
Frugal habit: Buys new business clothes once every five years

Pickens has 55+ years’ worth of professional achievements, including growing his first company, Mesa Petroleum, into a $2 billion business and an infamous 1985 Time magazine cover. But these days, Pickens is almost as well known for his low-budget lifestyle as he is for his high-profile financial success. "People are always surprised that I don't have a closet full of suits," Pickens told Kiplinger. "I buy three suits every five or so years and only own 10 total. That's all I need." Pickens credits his grandmother with having taught him money lessons that still resonate: "She'd always tell me, 'Don't ever go any place with money in your pocket, looking for something to buy.'" Even today, Pickens says that whenever he visits a store he first makes a list of what he needs, and he carries only the exact amount of money he plans to spend.


Bethenny Frankel
Estimated net worth: $100 million
How she struck it rich: Created the Skinnygirl cocktail brand
Frugal habit: Never pays retail prices for clothing or shoes and bargain hunts on eBay

Frankel doesn't take her newfound wealth (she sold Skinnygirl to Beam Global for a reported $100 million last year) for granted. Just a few years ago, the reality TV star and entrepreneur couldn't even pay her rent, as she revealed in a 2011 interview with ABC's Nightline. Her guilty pleasure is fashion, so when it comes to spending money on clothes, Frankel is adamant about not buying anything that isn’t on sale. To help avoid making impulse purchases, she shops mostly online at retailers like net-a-porter.com and discount sites such as eBay.com.


"This Book Will Make You Rich" will equip you with a working knowledge of the inner power that enables each of us to achieve any worthy goal and to enjoy all the pleasures that has to offer. Find out the real "secret" on how to live a rich and fulfilling life. For details, go to ThisBookWillMakeYouRich.com.
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​With graduation season upon us, it is essential to start your financial journey off on the right track after graduating from college. The money decisions you make on campus are much different than the choices you’ll make once you enter the real world. How and when you spend your money can alter certain career plans and goals if you’re not careful.

Setting aside time to plan your financial progress can help you stay on track with certain short and long term ambitions. This is especially important during these unprecedented times, now is a good time to evaluate your finances and look for budget friendly ways to improve your financial well being. Consider these helpful tips to get a stronger handle on your money for a prosperous life after college.

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Build your budgeting strategy

Graduating from college comes along with a variety of mandatory monthly payments. These could include a car payment, student loans, rent or travel costs. With so many payments coming out of your checking at once, it can be difficult to budget if you don’t have an organized system in place. To successfully manage a budget, add up your monthly paychecks, track your spending and always look for items you can eliminate from your expenses.


Take care of your student debt

It is crucial to take care of your student loans on time to avoid unnecessary fees. The longer you wait to set up your student loan payments, the more late fees you’ll receive. Depending on your current income, research all of your payment options to determine which one is right for you and your budget. Along with this, look into ​refinancing your student loans to reduce the total amount you end up paying. By refinancing, you can also secure a lower interest rate and be given a financial progress report depending on your current salary.


Open up an emergency fund

Throughout your adult life, you’re bound to have some bumps in the road, such as a car repair or a medical cost. Opening and contributing to a savings account every month will make it easier for you to pay off those unexpected expenses. Even if it’s as little as $20 a month, you’re contributing to an account that will act as a cushion, rather than accumulating more debt when a financial disaster happens.


Open a credit card

As soon as you graduate from college, the credit card letters will begin to appear in your mailbox. You may think of this as an annoying occurrence, but opening a credit card account after graduation is not a bad idea at all. Establishing credit after graduation benefits your financial health in a variety of ways. Building up your credit can give you a better rate for your car loan or mortgage. You’ll quickly learn how to spend within your means, and by hiring a credit advisor, you can receive additional guidance and information about your credit options.

Now more than ever, since thousands of American's finances have been impacted by COVID-19, we can all use this helpful guide that breaks down what different credit card issuers are currently doing to assist customers and how to sign up for relief programs.


Cut out additional costs
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In college, you may have been paying for a Netflix account, a Birchbox subscription or Amazon Prime. They all require a monthly payment, but it might not be a payment that’s necessary for your post-grad lifestyle. If not, make sure to eliminate anything that is unnecessarily taking money out of your bank account. You’ll be surprised at how much money it will save you.
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​Stuck in quarantine or afraid to go out? We are living in some weird times right now, but never fear, here are several amazing ideas on how to keep yourself busy at home when you can’t leave the house, especially if you love to travel and have had to put your plans on hold indefinitely.
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Watch A (Foreign) Movie
If you are trying to keep yourself busy (and not bored) watching a movie is a great way to pass the time. I personally have been watching foreign films on TubiTV online for free. I love being transported to another destination. I've virtually travelled back to Paris, Rome, Florence and Tuscany. I look forward to where my next "trip" will take me.

Have A Staycation
Financial guru Dave Ramsey loves the idea of a staycation to save money but still enjoy the little things. A great way avoid boredom and keep your mind busy is to plan a staycation. If you can’t travel, you can still make some time and do something fun.

Organize And Declutter
Another productive thing you can do when you are stuck at home (and need to stay busy) is organize that closet or pantry you’ve been ignoring for the last 4 years. A great way to keep yourself busy at home is to declutter pretty much every nook and cranny of your house.

Read A Book 
A tried and true method, but why not read a good pick? If you are like me, you probably have a stack of unread or half read books on your nightstand. Dust off the covers crack ’em back open. Reading is the OG way to keep busy at home. Need some inspiration? Here’s something to get you started: 47 Amazing Travel Books. Here's a great tip from reader Rose Petal... Her library (and most libraries) have eBooks and eMagazines that she was able to download and read on her smartphone. This has been a lifesaver, especially during lockdown. 

Walk, Hike, Bike With Your Family
We all may be social distancing right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend some time outside of your home. If you walk your dog(s), you're already ahead of the game! Jump on your bike, or grab your hiking boots and explore the neighborhood around you. Getting fresh air and not being cooped up inside is good for your physical and mental health.

Learn A New Language
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new language now is the time! Sign up for Babbel or Rosetta Stone and start learning Spanish or Italian or Russian.

Take A Virtual Tour
Many famous museums, zoos and parks offer virtual tours. If you are struggling to find ways to stay busy try killing some time with some of these great tours:

• British Museum of the World
• Musee d’ Orsay in Paris
• Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
• San Diego Zoo
• Yosemite National Park

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For more great ideas, read the original article here.

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​This updated post is in memory our our beloved rescue senior bulldog, Mr. Momo.

Sadly, we had to say our tearful goodbye on March 26, 2020. We are immensely heartbroken and sad, but also grateful that we were able to extend his life and provide him a safe, happy, loving home during his twilight years. We will most likely foster again when we are ready. Please consider fostering and/or adopting. Thank you.

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​I've always wanted to work with animals, specifically dogs. I love all dogs, especially bulldogs! So, when I was looking for a way to work with dogs and make a little extra money, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue in Los Angeles pays people to foster their dogs. Plus, they mostly rescue the bully breed - it's as if I manifested my dream "job"!

​We have been fostering our senior English Bulldog mix now for over 2 years. He was found roaming the streets of L.A., thank god Ace of Hearts got him out of the shelter in time. Everyone at Ace of Hearts works super hard to find good homes for all their dogs. Since I work from home, it's ideal that he's not home by himself for a long time, plus he keeps me company.

Fostering a rescue dog has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences I've ever done. I literally saved our foster dog's life! Fostering does take a lot of patience and dedication, but it's all worth it -- in return for the unconditional love from your rescue pup.
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​Get Paid to Save a Dog's Life

Ace of Hearts is a non-profit dog rescue that saves dogs from the shelters, giving them a new chance at life. They need your help by providing them a loving home until they're adopted, they'll provide everything else - the dog's bed, food, treats, toys, a leash, and a collar. 

​If you live in the Los Angeles area and are interested in providing a temporary home for a rescue dog and get paid for it, please contact Ace of Hearts at dogsfromheaven@aol.com or here. Tell them you found about their foster program from me, Marissa Winfrey. 

For fostering a dog that loves other dogs, they will pay you $50 per week. For dogs that need to be the only dog in the house, they will pay you $70 per week. Being accepted into their foster program is an extremely rewarding experience - you get to help rehabilitate dogs that were left to die at the shelter, giving them a second chance to be adopted! For complete details on what it takes to be a foster parent, click here.
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​Get Paid When Your Friends Foster

Ace of Hearts recently started a foster referral program. When you tell your friends and family about their paid (and volunteer) foster program, and they foster a rescue dog for 30 days, you get paid a referral fee. Contact Ace of Hearts for more details and tell them you heard it from Marissa Winfrey. Please consider fostering a dog in need, you're not only saving their life, you might just end up adopting them. Please contact them to verify this program is still in place.

Opening your heart and home to a dog in need can bring you joy and the satisfaction that comes from knowing you've made a difference in an animal's life. Check out all their adoptable dogs on Petfinder and Adopt a Pet.

Follow Ace of Hearts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Updated 3/21/2020

Now more than ever with the current events we are faced with, we can and should save money and make money by simply adjusting the way we either shop or manage our money. Below are a few methods I have used in the past and will continue to do so especially during these challenging times. We not only need to stay physically, mentality and emotionally healthy but we must also make sure our financial health is in a good state as well.
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1. Open A New Bank Account
Several banks offer promotional bonus incentives to open a new account, offering up to $350 in bonus money! I take advantage of this every year, I simply deposit their required amount and keep that account open for at least 6 months. I have made at least $150+ with Chase. The main point here is to make sure you have the amount they require to earn the bonus. If you need to close the account, make sure it's not before the required term so that you actually receive the bonus and don't incur any fees. I have opened several new bank accounts, each with a generous bonus from $100 to $350. Another good option is the Capital One money market account, which has a pretty good rate.
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​2. Sell Your Stuff
Despite "social distancing", you can easily sell stuff via apps such as Letgo, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, etc.. without having direct contact with the buyer. They can pay via Venmo or other similar apps so you don't have to handle cash. After you receive payment, they can pick up the item from your porch, driveway, etc..

​One of my ongoing goal is to purge and get rid of anything that I don't need or use anymore. I try to keep only the items that spark "joy". I either donate, throw away or sell them. And in some cases, I've gotten perfectly good items from friends who didn't want their stuff anymore - so when it sells, it's pure profit. It's pretty easy - just take photos of each item, add good descriptions then post them. I've sold many things on Craigslist, LetGo, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and NextDoor.  I've also sold some vintage collectible items on Etsy. Not only did I make some money, but my life is a little less cluttered and more simplified.
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3. Have A Garage Sale
Once it becomes safe to conduct sales in person, you can resume the method above of "selling stuff", however, the items I typically sell at our yard sales are mostly things that I deem not worth to sell online. These items include assorted clothing, shoes, and misc knick knack stuff.  Not only did we make a some cash, but we've cleared out more space in the house, which is always a goal of mine. We plan to have our annual garage sale in the fall this year.  In addition, we have made some cash recycling glass bottles, cans, cardboard, newspaper, etc. at out local recycling center.

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​4. Use Credit Cards With Rewards
​There are plenty of cash-back reward credit cards out there. I make sure I am maximizing the money I get back by choosing the proper credit card that pays back the most on any given category. For example I rotate between my Chase and Discover cards to get 5% cash-back on groceries, restaurants or gas stations.

You can earn up to $150 bonus when you open a new Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card. This card gives me 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, so I use this card for other items. I monitor my credit card expenses daily and I always pay the balance off every month. 

My American Express card gives me 2% back on groceries all the time. I use this card when groceries is not one of the 5% cash back rotating categories on the other cards. Grocery shopping is my biggest monthly expense, so the points add up quickly! 
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​5. Get Cash Back When You Shop
Another easy way to get cash back when you shop online are with shopping apps. One of my favorite is Ibotta, which earns me cash for shopping at local grocery stores. My other favorite cash-back shopping portals are Mr.Rebates and BeFrugal - both offer cash-back rewards for shopping online. Each of these programs offer cash bonuses when you sign up.

6. Install An App That Pays
This method is one of the easiest way to make money. Simply install the app on your smartphone (my favorite is Smart Panel), the company will pay you for every month you keep the app installed. It won't interfere with your data package and you don't have to answer a bunch of survey questions. It truly is "set it and forget it". The IQ app alerts you to answer a simple question, then automatically deposits cash in your PayPal account. 

​7. Take Photos Of Your Receipts
​I found an app that pays me for taking photos of my receipts from (mostly) grocery shopping trips! It's easy money, plus I have copies of my receipts in case I lose them. Just download the Receipt Hog app on your smartphone, snap your receipts and watch those points accumulate which you can redeem for cash or prizes. They also have fun games, like jackpots and slots to earn more bonus points.
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8. Answer Polls And Surveys
I've been earning money with Swagbucks for over a year now. My favorite ways to earn are... answering interesting surveys or polls, and watching movie trailers - before they hit the theaters. But there are countless more ways to make money, which can be redeemed for gift cards. You even earn a bonus just for signing up! Click here for more details.
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​9. Start A Home-Based Business
If you want to be your own boss, where you can work as much or as little each day - there are many work-from-home opportunities for entrepreneurs. I am currently loving the product from this company called A Great Life - it's a tea blend that promotes healthy weight loss and it's super delicious. Click here for all the details on how you can make money working from home plus lose weight the healthy way!
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10. Lower Your House Payment
I wasn't in the market to refinance my primary residence, and I receive several junk mail from various mortgage companies enticing home owners to refinance with them. However, I got a letter in the mail that convinced me to at least call this company to find out how much I can actually save. Long story short, I did refinance and saved almost $150 a month!  You can read all the details on how I did it here. ​
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11. Invest In Real Estate
One of my goals this year is to invest in another property. About 8 years ago I invested in a mobile home by the ocean, which I paid for in cash.  My boyfriend and I "flipped it" it in 4 years time and enjoyed the beach lifestyle while working on the house. We sold it 4 years after I bought it to a nice family and their bulldog who couldn't get a mortgage from a traditional bank. The solution was to finance the loan myself, along with interest- it was a win win solution! We did the renovation work upfront, which didn't feel like work because it was enjoyable, then reap the rewards for years to come. Read all about this savvy investment here.
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12. Micro-Invest In Real Estate
This method is basically crowdfunding for real estate investors. It's a great way for me to invest money in real estate without shelling out a lot of money and without doing the labor of renovation. I discovered a company called Groundfloor that I can invest a little (or a lot) of money on properties across the U.S. I like that I can choose which property I want to invest in. The best part is that the returns are 6% up to 14% - you can't get those interest rates from a bank. ​
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13. Foster A Rescue Dog
I love all dogs, especially bulldogs! I was looking for a way to help out rescue organizations, in addition to my regular monetary donations. I happen to be looking on Craigslist one day, and saw an ad that said "Make Extra Money Fostering A Dog". I had assumed being a foster parent was strictly on a volunteer basis. I was happy to learn I could help by providing a dog a loving home until they are adopted, and supplement my income as at the same time.  I've been fostering a lovable senior dog, an Olde English Bulldoge through a local non-profit dog rescue. They save dogs from shelters, giving them a new chance at life. Find out how you can make money fostering a rescue dog.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 
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I am super excited to share that TheFrugalLifestyle blog has been chosen as one of the Top Frugal Living Blogs of 2020 by RankedBlogs.com. TheFrugalLifestyle is also highlighted in their Featured Frugal Living Blogs below the list of the top blogs.

RankedBlogs ranks the top blogs based on the votes by the community and website metrics. I would greatly appreciate it if you could please support this blog with your vote. Click here or on the image above or the banner below, then scroll through the list to find TheFrugalLifestyle, then click on the  "thumbs up" emoji to vote for The Frugal Lifestyle blog. Every vote will help this website rank higher. Thank you so much!

If you were to add up every penny you spent on food (groceries, takeout, and restaurants) in 2019, would you end up with a number that would make you cringe? No shame. We need to eat! And food can really add up! To help you cringe a little less this time next year, we’ve rounded up some of our very best money-saving tips. Read original article here.

Here are 75 little ways to spend less money on food in 2020.

1. Shop your pantry. By “pantry” we also mean your fridge and freezer here. Always look to see what you already have before you go shopping. This way, you won’t buy something you don’t need, and you can also use this info to inform what you’ll make for the week (more on that later).
2. Take pictures of your fridge/freezer/pantry. If you’re one of those people who can never remember if you have, say, milk, chicken breasts, or canned chickpeas, it may be worth snapping a few photos of your fridge or pantry before you head to the store. You can use the pics as reference while you’re in the store.
3. Or, at the very least, keep a freezer inventory. Does a mini photo shoot seem like overkill? (It’s not, but we get it!) At the very least, just keep a running inventory of what’s in your freezer. Here’s how to do it.
4. Meal plan. Use your freezer inventory and the info you got from taking stock of what you have to plan your menu for the week. Put what you have to good use instead of running out to buy new stuff.
5. Meal prep. Chop and roast your veggies, cook your chicken, and hard-boil your eggs in advance — like on a Sunday — and then things will be ready when you want them. If everything is prepped, you’ll be less likely to panic and order takeout on a hectic night and then nothing will go to waste.
6. Take a day or two off. When you meal plan, though, make sure you plan for a night off here and there. If last-minute plans pop up, you can join in without wasting food.
7. See what’s on sale. This is pretty obvious but needs to be said.
8. Buy (selectively) in bulk. Whether or not you’re shopping at Costco, you can probably find bulk packages of lots of the things on your list. If you can reasonably use up (or freeze) everything in a pack, it usually makes sense to go with the bulk option.
9. Cook in bulk. Make a giant casserole! Or double the recipe for a batch of chili! If you have food ready to go, you’ll be less tempted to overspend on takeout.
10. Stop wasting leftovers. Don’t put food in the fridge/freezer and leave it for dead. Label and date everything and then actually go back to look to see what you have. If your family isn’t interested in eating leftovers, you may need to get creative with how you reuse them. For example, leftover chicken can get chopped up and put into tacos!
11. Get better food storage containers. If freezer burn is an issue, you may need better containers. We like these cheap-o plastic ones and these glass containers.
12. Check the clearance sections. It’s true: Lots of grocery stores have clearance sections and they’re almost always worth checking out.
13. Never shop while hungry. You’ve heard this one before. Everything looks/sounds good when you’re hungry. Eat up and THEN go shopping.
14. Use a basket if you’re not there for a lot. Just running in for a few things? Use a basket so that you’re not tempted to get more items.
15. Or use a basket AND a cart. If you have a big list and need a cart, consider also grabbing a basket. “I put a hand basket under the cart for items that I’d like but aren’t on the list,” says one of our readers. “After the essentials are scanned, it’s easy to add items (or not) based on how much cash I have left.”
16. Try an all-cash system. Yes, cash! If you only have a set amount of cash to spend, it’ll be impossible to go over budget. Learn how to pull it off.
17. Or use a credit card with good rewards. Cash isn’t for everyone, we get that. The good news is that lots of credit card companies offer decent rewards (like 5 percent cash back) when you use their cards on groceries.
18. Sign up for the store loyalty card. Even if you shop at multiple stores, you probably have one or two main ones. Make sure you sign up for the (FREE!) loyalty cards, which will unlock special deals for you.
19. And download your store’s app if they have one. Not all stores have apps, but many do. Look to see if your store does and download it. It’ll help you learn about sales and special deals.
20. Clip coupons for the items you always buy.
21. But not things you don’t. If you buy something you don’t usually buy, just because you found a $2 off coupon, you’re not ACTUALLY saving $2! You’re spending more money on something you weren’t going to buy.
22. Download the Ibotta app. This free app turns grocery shopping into a game. And it’ll give you cash back for buying things. Learn more here.
23. Read the fine print on the sales. Just because something is on sale, 10 for $10, that doesn’t mean you have buy 10. Read the fine print on the shelf tag; you may be able to get as many as you want at $1 each.
24. Don’t be afraid to go with the generic option. People have been saying this forever, but it’s ESPECIALLY true now that stores’ private-label brands are getting better and better. (Looking at you, Kirkland Signature and Good & Gather!)
25. Make your own baked goods. “Baked goods have the highest markup of nearly any other item in the grocery store, sometimes as high as 300 percent,” says financial expert Andrea Woroch. You’re better off baking something from scratch yourself or even from a boxed mix if time is tight.
26. And have dessert at home. Similarly, if you’re going out to eat, plan on inviting everyone back to your house to have dessert at home.
27. BYOB. Even if you’re headed to a restaurant that has a corkage fee, it’ll still be cheaper than if you ordered two $9 glasses of wine. Try to pick BYO restaurants if you can.
28. Make your own coffee. You’ve heard this one before. But you’ll spend pennies on the dollar if you make your own coffee and kick your expensive barista visits.
29. Buy produce from the freezer section. Fact: Frozen fruits and veggies cost 20 to 30 percent less than their fresh versions. Beyond produce, freezer sections have all sorts of great meal starters, sides, and mains these days!
30. Try the canned stuff. Additionally, don’t be so quick to pass by the canned veggies. They’re just as nutritious as the fresh options.
31. Ask to try things. Employees are usually happy to open packages to give you a sample of something. (Within reason.) Before you waste money on something new that you might not end up liking, ask if you can try it.
32. Buy some of the shortcuts. Some grocery store shortcuts really can save you money. Learn what they are.
33. But skip the rest. Anything that’s NOT on the list above is probably going to be a rip-off.
34. And skip the prepared foods. Why buy ready-to-eat chicken cutlets when you can make them yourself — for half the price?
35. Get ingredients from the salad bars. If you only need a handful of spinach or a quarter cup of feta, see if you can source them at the salad bar. This way, you can get exactly what you need and nothing will go to waste.
36. Go for the chicken thighs. Chicken thighs do not get nearly the amount of attention they deserve. They’re cheap, flavorful, and versatile!
37. And the eggs. Eggs are one of the must budget-friendly proteins you’ll find in the refrigerated and freezer sections. And they’re even more versatile than chicken thighs (think: hard-boiled eggs, fried eggs, quiche, and more!).
38. Swap meat for beans or mushrooms. Part of the appeal of Meatless Mondays is that they can help you save money. Try swapping out expensive meat for beans or mushrooms — any day of the week.
39. Skip ingredients you won’t use again. We call this The Pomegranate Molasses Problem — when you buy some specialized ingredient for one recipe and have no use for the rest of the bottle/jar/can/etc. If it’s just a little bit of something that’s called for a dish, ask yourself if you can just leave it out and still get good results.
40. Skip as many aisles as possible. The more aisles you go down, the more likely you are to throw something you don’t need into your cart. If you don’t need something in, say, the chip aisle, skip it.
41. Do some math. Although we’re fans of buying in bulk, the bigger package isn’t always the better deal. Do some math to compare unit price. You may find that the smaller yogurt is cheaper.
42. Hit up your local farmers market. Yes, they have reputations for being on the pricier side, but your farmers market probably has better deals than you think.
43. And show up late. Many vendors will offer discounts or deals as closing time approaches to avoid wasting any excess produce that hasn’t sold yet.
44. Try the $1-per-pound rule. Jeff Yeager, a personal finance expert and author, says that most of the food you buy should be $1 a pound or less. That goes for produce but also, say, yogurt and meat. If it sounds impossible to you, know this: Jeff lives in the very-expensive Washington, DC, area and he makes his rule work there.
45. Organize your pantry by expiration date. Put the stuff that has to be eaten in the front and the stuff with a longer shelf life in the back. This way, nothing will waste away without you realizing it.
46. And keep refrigerated foods that need to be eaten first on the door. One of our writers started keeping her soon-to-expire leftovers on the door, so that she’d be sure to see them. She says it was a total game-changer.
47. Switch up your grocery store. Maybe your store doesn’t have the best deals? Look around and consider switching. Where should you go? It’s no secret how much we love Aldi and Costco around here.
48. Shop for snacks in surprising places. Believe it or not, stores like T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshall’s have an amazing selection of candy, chips, crackers, popcorn, and more. And usually, the prices are way better than grocery store prices.
49. Buy family-sized packs of meat.This is just an example of that whole “buy in bulk” thing. Just make sure you repackage it when you get home from the store before you freeze it. Then, you can pull out what you need, as you need it.
50. Shop for hearty greens that will stay fresher longer. Noticing that certain lettuces wilt before you can get to them? Opt for heartier greens like curly kale or shaved Brussels sprouts, which will spoil a lot slower.
51. Get smarter about how you store produce. We don’t want to point fingers here, but if stuff is rotting/wilting before you can eat it, you may be storing it incorrectly. Now’s the time to learn the best ways to use your crisper drawers.
52. Start your own herb garden. Grow your own basil, mint, and even scallions!
53. Hold a Pantry Challenge. Challenge yourself to make as many meals as possible using only ingredients you have in your pantry. You’ll be surprised at what you can come up with — and how much fun it can be!
54. Pack a lunch you’re actually excited to eat. It helps no one if you pack a lunch just because “you’re supposed to” but then you end up buying something because your coworkers are getting something you want more. Pack something you REALLY want to eat and then you’ll, um, eat it.
55. Consider grocery delivery services or curbside pickup. Grocery delivery and curbside pickup isn’t for everyone, but if you’re the kind of person who gets way too tempted while you’re in the store (or you like to be able to look in your pantry while you shop), this might be the way to go.
56. Bring reusable bags. Not only is it better for the environment, but lots of stores these days also either charge for bags or give you a few cents back for every bag you bring.
57. And make one a must-fill produce bag. In a guest post from The Financial Diet, we learned of this fun tip: “I bring a large bag that is specifically for fruits and veggies, and I cannot get anything else until that bag is full.” This way, you’re not filling a cart with a ton of stuff you don’t need — and you’ll be sure to eat better and save money.
58. Embrace breakfast for dinner. French toast! Eggs! Even cereal! These are all fun (and totally acceptable!) dinner options! Here are a few other great ideas.
59. And the grain or salad bowl. What to do with the random veggies you have leftover here and there? Make a grain bowl or a salad and don’t let any of it go to waste.
60. If you’re getting takeout, pick up lunch specials and reheat them later.While homemade is almost always going to be less expensive than takeout, we do have a trick: Pick up lunch specials, which are usually a bargain, and just reheat the food later.
61. Leave the kids at home. If you can shop without them, try to. No little hands reaching for things that aren’t on your list!
62. Make your own pizza. We love a meal plan week with pizza night! It’s easy! It’s cheap! And it can be even cheaper if you make your own. Or, pick up a take and bake/frozen option from a grocery store.
63. Skip the end caps. Fact: Supermarkets sell these end-of-the-aisle areas to companies so they can promote a specific product. The products featured on these end caps are not always going to be a deal.
64. Freeze everything. The race to eat everything before it goes bad is not a fun one! Freeze as much as you can (just not anything on this list).
65. Buy cheese from the dairy case instead of the deli counter. Stores often sell their deli cheeses in plainer packaging in the dairy case, for a lower price.
66. Before you go to check out, put two or three things back. Here’s a great tip from a Kitchn reader: “Before I go check out, I take a look at what is in my shopping cart. I can usually pull out two to three items that I don’t really need. Saves me about $10+ every trip.”
67. Track your spending. Meghan Splawn, one of our associate food editors, tracked her grocery spending for three months and learned so much. See how she did it and you could learn a few fun facts, too.
68. Start in the MIDDLE of the store. We know: You usually hear that you’re supposed to AVOID the middle of the store and shop the perimeter. But we know that is unrealistic. So here’s an idea: Start in the middle. Why? The bright colors in the produce section “put you in a good mood and inspire you to buy more.” Stay on your game and stick to your budget by starting more in the middle, surrounded by the less vibrant boxed and canned food.
69. Learn your store’s tricks. Stores are usually pretty predictable. Track your go-to store’s sales for a few weeks to see if you can notice any patterns emerge. Also, get familiar with their coupon policy, their loyalty program, their app, etc.
70. Shop at the best time for you. Try hitting your go-to store at different times to see when the crowds are small and what works for you (when you can be prepared and not rushed). Go when YOU can and take your time so you can compare prices and make sure you remember everything you need (if you have to go back, you risk spending more).
71. Do a big shop instead of lots of little ones. Again, the more you visit the grocery store, the more likely you are to throw extra stuff into your cart.
72. Ask for discounts, freebies, and rain checks. Your store might offer a discount if you order a lot of something in advance. Stores also usually offer rain checks if they’re sold out of something on sale. And there are usually a ton of free services (like meat cutting and knife sharpening) that add value to what you’re getting. You just have to ask!
73. Save money on seafood by thawing it yourself. Seafood that’s “previously frozen” at the seafood counter is often the same product you can find in the freezer aisle, but thawed and marked up about 40 percent. If you have time to thaw it yourself, hit up the freezer section.
74. Listen to your own tunes while you shop. Many grocery stores play music that subliminally inspires us to spend more. Take control of your own destiny and put in some headphones piping out your own music.
75. Be sure to read your receipt. Mistakes happen!

​

​Today's post is from guest blogger, Rick Pendykoski - on why choosing a frugal lifestyle has many benefits.

You have always been the person who has saved up for retirement. And now that you are retiring it feels like you are the only person in the whole world who feels hapless about money matters right?

Studies have shown that a fair majority of seniors have the same fear. Senior citizens worry that their money will run out, and they will have no means to supplement income during their retirement.

So how can you ensure that your lifetime of savings last you throughout your retirement and also take care of your medical bills?

The answer is simple: frugal living.

It all comes down to that old adage of “Simple living, high thinking.”

The first thing that you should do to ensure that your savings stay in place during your retirement is invest in your 401k and IRA long before you decide to quit your job and move to Florida. Here is a handy tip, if you are regularly saving up your income for both the accounts, contribute to the 401k first.

Here are a few tips on living frugally. Remember none of these options are cheap living; they are just living cheaply... Start with cost-cutting as you make these little changes to your lifestyle:

Home maintenance:
Since more than half of a person’s income is spent on house maintenance, it might make sense to downsize to a smaller house. This will also give you an opportunity to earn money by selling household items that you might not need anymore. But plan carefully if you are moving, because moving can prove to be just as costly as house maintenance. Also, it is important to make sure that your chosen area has the infrastructure and facilities that you might need. It would be preferable to move to an area with a grocery store, hospital, park, and public transport in close proximity.

Try and eat better:
Buy your food in wholesale, and try and cook at home. This will not only cut down your budget by half, but also help you lead a healthy life, because eating home cooked food is much healthier than grabbing a slice of pizza or a burger.

Transport:
Walk or use the public transport. Buying a new ride? Don’t be shy to try the second hand market as there are many good deals available. With the right deal and seller, you can use a second-hand car for more than a decade.

Budgeting:
Make a detailed monthly budget with strict allocations for each area of your life. Try and write down your daily expenses to see if you can stick to your budget.

Holiday Spending:
Make your holiday traditions more meaningful, by spending money on little thoughtful gifts or making them at home instead of buying from the store.

Other than these usual conventional ways of cost cutting, here are a few completely out of the box ideas that you can try to shake off the boredom from your retirement and completely change your life. You and your spouse can try these frugal lifestyles and finally live out your dream of adventures by trying these options:

• Have you considered living on a sailboat? Trade in your apartment for a sea-friendly floating house. 
  How many times have you wanted to sail away into the horizon? Now that you are retired and so is your spouse, you can actually do it and take your house with you!
• Live in an RV: Pick up and pack up as soon as the new neighbor starts to annoy you!
• Fulfill your holiday dream: move abroad to a cheaper country: Many countries with cheaper currency are becoming a hotbed for foreign retired folks. Welcome to the land of great weather and cheaper rent. There’s India, Thailand, and Malaysia to consider.

​
With the proper approach to your finances, a happy retirement should not be a problem. If you don’t wish to be among those who can’t afford to retire, you should be investigating all the lifestyles that cost less. Retirement can be fun too, if planned properly. 

_______________________________________

About the author:

Rick Pendykoski is the owner of Self Directed Retirement Plans LLC, a retirement planning firm based in Goodyear, AZ. He regularly writes for blogs at MoneyForLunch, Biggerpocket, SocialMediaToday, NuWireInvestor & his own blog for Self Directed Retirement Plans. If you need help and guidance with traditional or alternative investments, email him at rick@sdretirementplans.com or visit www.sdretirementplans.com.

     

Want to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner while skipping all the prep and cleanup? I understand—cooking can be a lot of work and takes so much time. There’s no shame in opting to eat out on Christmas Day. True, many restaurants close down to celebrate the holiday and give employees a day off. But not all of them. To help ensure you have a great meal this Christmas, check out the list below of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in 2019.  Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Boston Market
Holidays are Boston Market’s speciality, and this year they’re making it even easier for you to get a great meal. While you can dine at select participating locations, Boston Market also has order pickups and meal deliveries available. Choose from their massive à la carte menu, or opt for your choice of prime rib, turkey or ham. Plus, if you place your order early enough, they’ll even deliver to your house. Talk about a Christmas miracle.
​
Buca di Beppo
Buca opens at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day with Italian dishes galore for you and your guests. Make reservations now.
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Buffalo Wild Wings
Start a new holiday tradition of devouring plates of flavor-packed buffalo wings! The wild restaurant will be open on Christmas Day this year, but hours may vary by location. So be sure to check with your local restaurant first. Enjoy!

Cracker Barrel
Celebrate Christmas with Cracker Barrel’s heat-and-serve meals. You can order online and pick up a day or two before Christmas Day. NOTE: Cracker Barrel isn’t open on Christmas Day; the restaurant recommends ordering at least 24 hours in advance of planned pickup. And meal pickup is available 12/21–12/24 (until 1 p.m.). Plus, holiday meals come complete with ham, delicious sides and your choice of pie. Yummy!

Denny’s
Want breakfast for Christmas dinner this year? Go crazy with some pumpkin spice pancakes! Denny’s want you to enjoy a stress-free meal with family and friends this holiday season. Choose from multiple special options, such as their turkey and dressing dinner pack, cinnamon roll pancake breakfast and pumpkin or pecan pies.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Celebrate the season at Fleming’s Steakhouse! Their 3-course Holiday Menu starts at $85 and features their famous hand-cut Filet and your choice of colossal lobster tail or colossal crab-stuffed shrimp. Hours vary by location, so call ahead and make a reservation.

Fogo de Chão
The popular Brazilian restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. Enjoy their signature Dry Aged Long Bone Ribeye special for groups of four or more, or opt for the full Churrasco Experience. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy an extravagant Christmas feast at Fogo de Chão!

IHOP
Let early morning pancakes give you the energy to get through the day! Luckily, it’s easy to grab your fix before heading over to Grandma’s house because IHOP restaurants are open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But hours may vary by restaurant location, so check with your local store first.

Legal Sea Foods
If you’re in the mood for some great seafood, you’ll enjoy a Christmas dinner at Legal Sea Foods. They’re open normal hours, with holiday classics in addition to their regular menu. Plus, they’re serving up yuletide cheer on Christmas Eve as well!

Macaroni Grill
Enjoy a three-course meal featuring selections of salad, soup, pasta and desserts for $25. Macaroni Grill is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but make reservations!

Marie Callender’s
Enjoy a special three-course menu this Christmas at your local Marie Callender’s restaurant. All locations will be open Christmas Eve and most on Christmas Day, though hours may vary.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
Savor the holidays at Morton’s The Steakhouse! They are open and serving up some delicious food this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Make sure you make a reservation, because this upscale steakhouse can get busy fast. We suggest ordering one of their famous sparkling cocktails!

Old Country Buffet
Old Country Buffet will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day, but will only be serving for limited hours (contact your local restaurant for more information.) They’re serving their all-you-can-eat menu, so come hungry!

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
All Perkins locations will be open on Christmas Eve and most will be open on Christmas Day varying by location, so call ahead to your local restaurant. Perkins offers a special Christmas menu with a delicious Turkey Dinner deal that’s sure to delight!

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Celebrate Christmas with a steak dinner! Restaurant hours vary by location, but most Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Choose from a three-course seasonal special or the “Holiday Surf & Turf,” both starting at $49.95. Celebrating at home? Make your dinner preparation easy and elegant with Ruth’s Sides To Go menu.

Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky promises to “make your holiday memorable” with their signature winter menu that features hearty seasonal flavors, like prime dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and exceptional bar fare. But don’t miss out on their special “Holiday Wine by the Glass” list of wines that are usually only available by the bottle. Cheers to that!

Starbucks
Stay caffeinated on Christmas Day with a latte or Americano from your favorite coffee chain: Starbucks! The popular restaurant will be open all day long. To make it even better, Starbucks will likely have some sort of sale during the holidays, whether it’s BOGO drinks or limited-edition Frappuccinos. Java good time!

Waffle House
Not surprising from a restaurant that’s known for never closing, Waffle House will be open 24/7 on Christmas Day. So stop by anytime you like for your breakfast-food fix. Don’t forget to pour on lots of syrup!


Read original article here.

   

​'Tis the season for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the fixins'. Regardless of how it gets to your table — homemade or store-bought — there's no denying that the Thanksgiving feast is the best meal of the year. If you're away from home or simply want to step away from the kitchen, these restaurants have decided to keep their doors open just for you (and, well, the rest of the country). Read original article here.

1. Denny's
You can always expect Denny's to be open all day, every day, year round. You can eat breakfast before the holiday festivities begin or indulge in the classic turkey dinner. Select regions even offer online ordering and delivery — yes, you might not even have to leave your house.

2. Marie Callender's
Marie Callender's has your back this holiday season. In the past, meals have been available for pre-order in Nevada and California locations — just make sure to allow a few hours for reheating.

3. Fogo de Chao
All locations are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, allowing guests to enjoy complimentary menu options as part of the Full Churrasco Experience. Thanksgiving additions include roasted turkey breast with au jus, homemade cranberry relish, Brazilian sausage and apple dressing, and sweet potato casserole.

4. STK Steakhouse
STK will be serving Thanksgiving specials, including the 'Roasted Turkey Special' that includes chestnut cornbread stuffing, green beans, old school gravy, and cranberry orange chutney —yum!

5. Medieval Times
Grab your crown, Medieval Times is having a Feast Like Royalty special for Thanksgiving. What's more appropriate for Thanksgiving than chowing down on a Turkey drumstick?

6. McCormick and Schmick's
The restaurant is open every year, and you can get a turkey dinner complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, butternut squash bisque, and more.

7. Cracker Barrel
Every year, the restaurant famous for its delicious comfort food offers Heat N' Serve family meals to-go that can serve up to 10 people. The meal kit comes chilled and ready to heat and includes two oven-roasted turkey breasts, turkey gravy, cranberry relish, three country sides, and pie for dessert.

8. Bob Evans
The to-go meals from Bob Evans ensure that your Thanksgiving will be hassle-free (at least in terms of food). Choose from three to-go options: Ham Farmhouse Feast, Turkey Farmhouse Feast, or Premium Farmhouse Feast (the best of both worlds). Meals serve either four or eight guests and start at $50.

9. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
All restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m so you can enjoy the perfect steak on Thanksgiving Day.

10. Ted's Montana Grill
Ted's offers a three-course Traditional Roast Turkey Feast that is served with roasted turkey and garlic mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, buttered carrots, Aunt Fannie’s squash casserole, and cranberry sauce. It also includes an individual-sized apple pecan crisps.

11. Applebee's
If you want to have your Thanksgiving dinner in the form of a burger, head to Applebee's. Certain locations will be operating on regular hours, so make sure you call ahead.

12. Bahama Breeze
If you're in the mood for a Caribbean-style Thanksgiving dinner, Bahama Breeze Island Grille is not only open but serving a Island Style Turkey Dinner which consists of sliced turkey, callaloo, green beans, cornbread stuffing, cranberry-pineapple chutney and your choice of mashed potatoes or cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes. And of course, pumpkin pie for dessert.

13. Boston Market
This year you can enjoy comfort food from Boston Market without ever living your house. The restaurant is delivering pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinners (yes, with a whole turkey) to your doorstep as long as you order beforehand. 

14. Buffalo Wild Wings
It varies by location so check with your local store, but many Buffalo Wild Wings locations will be open for you to get your wings fix on Thanksgiving.

15. Chili's
Certain Chili's locations will be open if instead of turkey you would rather have baaaby baaack riiibs.

16. Del Frisco's Grille
This bar and grill will be serving a three course traditional turkey meal on the big day. Its holiday special includes Slow Roasted Turkey Breast and Pumpkin Cheesecake.

17. Golden Corral
Golden Corral's famous buffet will be open in select locations during Thanksgiving, so you can stock up on all the stuffing that you can eat.

18. Hooters
t's safe to bet that you can catch the football game on here.

19. IHOP
What, you're going to make breakfast and dinner? If you need to step away from the stove in the morning, head over to IHOP for some pancakes.

20. Legal Seafood
On Turkey Day, the seafood chain will be serving turkey breast with sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, gravy and cranberry sauce. Plus, of course, plenty of options for the pescatarians among us.

22. Ruby Tuesday's
This American dinner favorite will also be open on the big day. Who says you can't celebrate Thanksgiving with burgers and fries?

23. Sizzler
Not every location of this steak joint will be open, but the ones that are will be serving a Thanksgiving feast.

24. TGI Friday's
Yes, TGI Friday's will also be open on Thanksgiving. TG for TGI Friday's!

25. Waffle House
The Waffle House is open 365 days a year, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Now, to decide whether to go here or IHOP ...

26. Buca Di Beppo
Chicken Alfredo on Thanksgiving? Yes, please. Do your holiday the Italian way at this pasta place.

27. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille's menu isn't cheap, but it's Thanksgiving — treat yo' self.

28. Popeye's
Make sure you call ahead because not all Popeye's locations will be open, but the ones that are will be serving 13 – 16 pound pre-cooked Cajun Style Turkeys ... is your mouth watering yet?

29. Subway
If you're just craving a turkey sandwich, some Subway franchises will be open on Thanksgiving, but make sure you call your local store before you leave.

30. Chart House
Chart House is big on holidays, so make sure that you book a reservation in advance.

31. Ruth's Chris Steak House
Not only is Ruth's Chris open, the restaurant will serving a traditional three-course meal with oven-roasted turkey and homemade gravy. 

32. Tony Roma's Steakhouse
If you're not in the mood for the standard turkey and mashed potato fair, head over to Tony Roma's for baby back ribs and tasty seafood dishes.

33. Romano's Macaroni Grill
If you want to eat at home but you don't like cooking, you can pre-order your Thanksgiving Dinner from Romano's Macaroni Grill. You'll also be able to grab a table to dine-in on Thanksgiving as well.

34. Morton's Steakhouse
In addition to the regular menu, Morton's will be serving a steak and lobster special that makes a compelling argument to skip the turkey this year.

35. Sullivan's Steakhouse
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., you can stop by Sullivan's and try the prix-fixe holiday feast.

36. Sonic
Certain locations of the drive-in restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving, hurray for Chili Cheese Bite lovers everywhere!

37. Carrabba's Italian Grill
Though there's no in-resturant dining on Thanksgiving, Carrabba's will be selling 'Take & Bake dishes" which are pasta meals like Lasagne Bolognese, Penne Carrabba with Chicken, Pumpkin Mascarpone Ravioli or Rigatoni al Forno with Sausage that you can take home and heat up for the big meal.

38. Black Angus Steakhouse
You can reserve a table at the legendary steak joint for Thanksgiving dinner.

39. Maggiano's Little Italy
If you're look for catering, carryout or dine-in options, you've come to the right place. Maggiano's offers all three services on Thanksgiving.

40. Luby's
With a whole plate for just $11.49, Luby's Thanksgiving special may be the cheapest meal that you can get.