How to Save on School Lunches
By Annaliese Griffin | MainStreet.com

Remember when tuna or PB&J were your basic lunch options? Now kids have more choices, and with rising food costs as well as health concerns like childhood obesity, parents have more worries about what their children eat in the school cafeteria. But with a little planning and MainStreet’s help, you can keep your grocery bill in check while sending your students to school with tasty and healthy lunches.

Get a Cool Container

Sometimes you have to spend a little to save a lot. Talk to your kids about what kind of a container they’d like to carry to school each day. Laptop Lunches ($34.99) are easily transportable and come with a complete set of small containers to pack various items like fruit, nuts, dipping sauces, salads or yogurt. (They’re also great for adults trying to practice portion control.) Built NY’s insulated bags ($10 - $22) come in animal shapes, as well as an array of colors and patterns that appeal to the more sophisticated set.

Designate a drawer in your kitchen to store lunch boxes and bags, Ziploc baggies, packaged lunch snacks and small containers. Invest in several packages of inexpensive, but re-usable plastic containers and write your child’s name on the outside.

Shop Around and Stock Up

Stock the same drawer where you store the lunch boxes, bags and containers with quick snacks like granola bars or bags of crackers and pretzels. Buy cases at a discounter like Costco (COST), BJ’s (BJ), or from Amazon.com (AMZN), which offers free shipping on orders over $25 and great deals on bulk buys. Prepackaged snacks have a long shelf life, so look online as well as in the store, and stock up when you spot a great price.

Make sure and read the ingredients carefully on these products, especially granola bars. Many brands, even those that advertise themselves as natural, are packed with sugar (even if it’s organic cane syrup). LaraBars ($17.95 for a box of 12) are a little more expensive, but are made entirely from fruit and nuts with no added sugar.

Cut Down on Packaging

Buying pre-packaged items in bulk will save you cash, but an even more effective strategy is to forgo the packaging and make your own. Instead of granola bars, buy nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips and create an original trail mix. You can even add a favorite breakfast cereal for added crunch and vitamin fortification. Make a large batch, seal into individual plastic baggies and stash them in the lunch drawer for easy packing.

You can also save by dividing larger packages into smaller plastic containers. Instead of purchasing individual yogurts, opt for the 32 oz. container. Place frozen berries at the bottom of a small plastic container and then spoon yogurt on top. The whole thing will stay cool until lunchtime and offer a cheaper, lower in sugar, calcium-rich lunch. You can do the same with large jars of applesauce, which is great with frozen raspberries or with walnuts, raisins and cinnamon sprinkled on top. Also, cut fruit yourself rather than buying pre-made fruit salads. Melons, apples and bananas are budget-friendly choices. Just remember to add the bananas in the morning; they have a tendency to get slimy in the fridge.

Pasta Power

Pasta is quick, cheap, and a great vehicle for veggies. Even kids who are tired of soggy tuna sandwiches can be persuaded to gobble up a pasta salad with tuna, peas and cilantro. Cook the pasta at the same time you make dinner and then assemble lunch for the following day as part of clean-up. Use whole wheat pasta and you’ll up the nutritional value of the whole package.

Befriend Beans

A bean and cheese burrito with rice and salsa is an inexpensive lunch that offers complete protein. Add carrots and celery on the side and you’ve covered all the major food groups for mere pennies. Spread the beans, rice, cheese and salsa onto a flour tortilla and then roll it up. You can also cut it into rounds for easy snacking for small fingers. Experiment with hummus, which is quick and easy to make from garbanzo beans in a food processor or blender. You can use hummus as a sandwich filling or pack it in a small container for dipping with carrots, celery or green peppers.

It might take some time to get the routine down, but these tips will help keep one eye on wallet, without having to take the other eye off your kids’ nutrition. And, like many frugal endeavors, you’ll reduce the amount of packaging you use and even your carbon footprint – everyone wins.

Related:

Will Gas Prices Cheat Students?
Survival Tips for Incoming College Freshmen
How To Save on Back To School Clothes

Part of setting your budget is determining how much money you have and where it should go. And with this comes the important task of figuring out what you need verses what you want. Too many times people will set their bars really high to allow for those “extra” things that they think they need. The may put a little bit more in their food budget for those convenient snacks, or maybe a little more in the entertainment budget for those extra few drinks. But for those serious about getting out of debt, there is a lesson to be learned here. The more money you save on your wants, the more money you have to pay off your debts, and the sooner you will be debt-free.

Still trying to determine the difference? Check out what Sarah Winfrey had to say over at Wise Bread:

“But Mo-om, I want it!” How many times have you heard that in the grocery store, or the toy store, or anywhere else, for that matter? Probably more than you can count. And what do you think when you hear it? That poor parent? Or, thank God that’s not me anymore! Or, What is wrong with that child? Most of us go on our way, relieved for some reason. It’s not our kid, it’s not us, and we don’t have to deal with it.

I must admit that I am plagued with scenario every time I pass the toy section in the store with my kids. They wine and complain that they want a toy and will try to give me a valid reason for it. The answer remains the same - No. But then again, maybe I should sit back and think about my purchases, and wonder if I do the same thing. Do I try to give myself a valid reason for purchasing something just because I see it on the shelf? Keep reading:

The truth is that, as adults, there are times when we keep ourselves from throwing these sorts of tantrums by buying something we don’t need. We see an item, feel the same desperate need that child felt, and assuage our own feelings by buying the item. We have the power to do that for ourselves as adults. But these are the purchase we often feel guilty about, and one of the main ways to get rid of the guilt is to find a way to classify that purchase as something we do need. Actually, we can do this any time we regret a purchase.

So it’s time for all of us (and I include myself in this) to grow up, time to stop looking like adults on the outside but acting like children on the inside. To do this, we must learn to distinguish between what we need, what we need in certain conditions, and what we want.

Find out how to group your needs and your wants accordingly - read more of her blog here.

Also, you can share your ups and downs, ins and outs of budgeting with other users in the group It’s Time To Budget by joining in on our conversation here.

I have been putting off getting a gym membership because they all seem expensive. At school it was great, the gym was only 5 minutes away and “free” with the cost of my tuition. But now that I have graduated, I’m not sure where to start looking or what to do!

I live in a tiny town in Massachusetts that doesn’t even have street lights, so obviously the nearest gym is about 20 minutes away. This puts another cost onto my trip to the gym…GAS! I’m so reluctant to put money into a gym membership when the gas to go to and from the gym is just as expensive.

So I started looking into other things I am able to do that can fit into my budget.

Crunches, Jumping Jacks, and Push-Ups – Okay, so this doesn’t seem like much, but they really do work out your body. Although they seem like a minimal workout, doing these each day doesn’t cost you a thing and also helps you to stay fit. TJMaxx and Marshalls sell many workout products on the cheap that can supplement your workout. I am often tempted to buy them, but have told myself that I need to get myself into a routine first and then add the products. These products include things like ankle weights, those blow up balls that help with your crunches, and small hand weights. Also, if you are into yoga, sometimes you can find those products (yoga mats, videos, etc.) at these locations as well.

Running/Walking Outside – Again, this costs you nothing! However, I can see when this isn’t always the easiest thing to do. On those hot summer days/nights it is hard to motivate yourself to run outside (and obviously, this becomes a bit more difficult in the winter if you live somewhere where it snows). Walking is one of the best exercises for your body and so easy to do! If you like to hike you could even do this on the weekends for some great outdoor activity/exercise for your body.

Eat Out Less – Making your own food helps! Not only are you not spending that extra money (plus a tip) on food, you are making sure that you are cooking the things the way you like it. There has been so many times this summer where I have gone out to eat and not been satisfied by what I ordered. At home my meals usually consist of all vegetables and some meat. This is much better for me and I try to make a sandwich for lunch instead of stopping somewhere for fast food.

Use Work Benefits – According to an article on MainStreet.com by Lyneka Little, 46% of employers offer or plan to offer financial incentives to promote health. Many companies are also including a gym at the workplace that you can use for free (or at a discounted price). Take advantage of these benefits! Even joining a softball team that your company may have going is great exercise and gets you out of the office with your peers to do something fun!

Gym Membership – If you still feel like you need to get a gym membership to motivate you to actually work out (which many people do), do your research before signing up! Some gyms are overly expensive for what they offer you. Figure out what each of the gyms near you offers and find which one is the best for you. Don’t skip the research just to find out you could have saved over $100!

I know it seems easy to let go of your fitness when the economy is tough, but you will regret it in the long-run. Just make sure to do something each day (even if it is going for a quick walk outside on your lunch break). Too often people are caught behind their desks all day at work…break the habit and take advantage of any free time you may find to stay healthy and fit (hopefully for free)!

Photo: jzlomek

Related Articles:
7 Tips for Starting a Fitness Center
Migraine Money?: No Health Insurance
Is Paying for a Massage Money Well Spent?

In China, 8 is an extremely lucky number and is said to bring with it wealth and good fortune. This is probably one reason why the Olympics also start today where 8 repeats itself 3 times!

So, with number 8 being lucky, you can also see why so many couples are excited to get married today.

According to an article on MainStreet.com, weddings are up 545% today, compared to the average number of Friday August weddings. The funny part is, usually weddings are slightly discounted if you have them on a Friday vs. a Saturday because it is harder for people to attend due to work and other priorities.

The average wedding costs $27,852 for an average day. But on a day like 8/8/08 you can see why the supply and demand make the costs rise. Not only do you have to plan to spend more for such a premium date, you also have to plan well in advance otherwise the venue, photographer, and time that you want may not be available.

From an article on MSNBC.com, couples are just stopping with the 8/8/08 date. They are continuing the number 8 throughout their entire wedding including 8 course dinners, 8 bridesmaids, an 8:08pm first dance time, the list goes on!

Will we see this trend continue throughout the next few years? My prediction is yes. With 9/9/09 only 13 months away, people really need to start planning this wedding now. Although it doesn’t hold the same luck as 8/8/08, people are still looking forward to it.

My friend from England is getting married on Oct. 9th next year. Our first question is why she didn’t choose 9/9/09 instead…her reply? So many of the venues she was looking at are already sold out. Although she may have enjoyed it, it seems as though people were ahead of the ball and thought about this date much before her, maybe after they couldn’t get their 8/8/08 date…?

The downfall also with the 9/9/09 wedding?…It is on a Wednesday. If you thought it was hard for people to attend your Friday wedding, it will be much harder to allow people to take a few days off for a Wednesday wedding.

I understand the fascination about an 8/8/08 wedding…and believe me if I was getting married I’m sure that the thought of this specific date would cross my mind as well. However, just be sure that you take into consideration your budget when planning your wedding. You don’t want to get so caught up that you over-spend and afterwards have to find a way to pay off the bills.

Congratulations to anyone who may be getting married today! And hope the lucky 8 works for you!

Photo: Charmaine Swart

Related Links:
Prenup Agreement…Is It For You?
How To Do Throw A Great Do-It-Yourself Wedding
Tips on How To Throw a Green Wedding

Who would think getting out of the house would actually save you money? This article explains. Added environmental benefit: use existing air conditioning rather than pumping out your own.
—
Save on Air Conditioning — Get Out of the House
By Jeffrey Strain | MainStreet.com

Escaping the heat of the midafternoon by going out can end up paying for itself in the energy you save on air conditioning.

While there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the cost of staying cool at home, the best method is to not run your air conditioner at all.

If the economy has bitten into your budget so that you can’t afford to give yourself a little splurge every once in awhile, you can even indulge in some of them and save money at the same time.

It costs approximately $6 to $10 a day (12 hours) to run your air conditioner, depending on the model and the cost of energy in your area. That can add up to $180 to $300 a month for the air conditioner alone and means if you can escape your house during the hot daylight hours, you can spend a little and still come out ahead.

There are also plenty of places you can go where you don’t have to spend any money, but can remain cool during the summer heat without increasing your own energy bill.

Here are a few suggestions:

Coffee Shop

If one of the things you gave up to help your finances was that premium cup of coffee, you can have a cup while still saving money. Take your newspaper, laptop or a good book and head down to your local coffee shop.

For the price of a cup of joe, you can spend the afternoon reading the latest news, working or catching up on your reading, and it will still be less than if you cranked the air conditioning all day at home.

Movies

Movie tickets can be expensive so you might think it would be less expensive to stay at home watching a DVD even with the air conditioning on, but discounted matinee pricing is often available at the hottest time of the day.

This allows you to watch a movie at a fraction of the price of an evening showing, all while staying nice and cool.

If you need to entertain the kids, there are a number of summer movie programs that offer cheap (and even free) tickets:

AMC Summer MovieCamp offers $1 movies from June 25 to Aug. 6 on Wednesdays starting at 10 a.m. Groups can reserve tickets one week in advance at the box office at participating theatres.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse offers 10 weeks of movies, with a different movie each week on weekday mornings. A punch-card ticket for all 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5, or tickets can be purchased individually at the box office for $1 each.

ClearView Cinema’s Kid’s Club offers an eight-week series of great family films with free admission every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. beginning June 26.

Regal Free Family Film Festival offers a nine-week series of select G and PG movies for free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. There is limited seating and it is first come, first served. United Artists and Edwards theaters also participate in the Regal Free Family Film Festival.

Classic Cinemas offer a nine-week series of G and PG movies from June 11 to Aug. 6 on Wednesdays with doors opening at 9 a.m. and the movie starting at 10 a.m. for $1.

Volunteer

If you are looking to save money and make a difference at the same time, consider volunteering at a local charity. Your volunteer work will be greatly appreciated, you can give some good back to the community and you save on your energy costs at the same time.

Especially now with the economy struggling, charities are looking for all the help that they can get.

Mall

If you enjoy window-shopping and you can keep your wallet in your pocket, the mall can be a great place to stay cool on those hot summer days. In addition to staying cool, you can get a bit of light exercise as you walk around.

Even if you don’t enjoy walking, you can grab a bench and people-watch. Some malls even provide various types of entertainment for you to enjoy.

Library

If you have work that needs to get done or just need a quiet place to relax to do some reading, the library is a great place to hang out on a hot afternoon.

Not only will it be nice and cool, it will be relatively quiet, so you can concentrate. If you have kids, you can bring them along.

Museums

If you’re looking for something different to do, quite a few museums offer midweek discounts and some even offer free days. Take an afternoon to enjoy the latest exhibits while escaping the summer heat.

Local Activities

Check your local newspaper or library to find out the local events that are taking place in your area. Many of these will be free or low cost and can be a fun way to spend the afternoon. These may include such events as art and craft shows, fairs, exhibitions, plays and local conventions.

Your local community center should also have a long list of summertime activities that they sponsor. Check to see if any of these are of interest to you and your family and sign up for activities that will take you out of the house during the hot afternoon hours.

You don’t have to stay at home to beat the summer heat and by getting out, you not only save yourself some money, you can do it while enjoying activities you thought your budget might not be able to support.

Related
* Ultra-Safe Places to Stash Your Cash
* What to Do When A Heat Wave Strikes

The common desire among Geezeo users is the wish to master our financial lives. Thankfully Geezeo has the tools and community to help on every step of your financial journey.

How do we take inventory of our financial lives? Are you 100% satisfied with your money situation? If not, what’s keeping you from having that satisfaction?

Suppose you are happy. Could you be languishing in a safe zone missing opportunities to earn, save, or give more?

I think we’ve got three basic stages in our financial lives. Managing, growing, and giving. Which stage are you living and how do you plan to move forward?

Stage 1- Managing Your Money.

Ideally we should learn the basics of managing money as children or young adults. The sad reality: Most of us learn ‘on the job’. And we screw up, sometimes hugely. In the management stage we need to develop the habits and knowledge that will allow us to create a basic level of financial security. Unfotunately, past mistakes can keep us on a financial hamster wheel if we aren’t careful. Using credit, understanding taxes, budgeting, paying debt, and having an emergency fund are milestones we need to reach before we can hope to effectively move on to growing our money.

Stage 2- Growing Your Money.

You’re a master at managing your money. Now what? Time to tackle investing and taking some risks so your money can grow. This can be intimidating. Remember you want to grow your money, not lose it. If you’re clueless don’t be afraid to admit it. It’s easier than ever to broaden your financial horizons. Check out TheStreet.com to beef up your knowledge of what’s happening in the stock market. Get over your fear of talking to a financial planner and clearly define your long tem goals.

Stage 3- Giving Your Money

Americans have a hard time with the concept of enough. We want more. I like that about us. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to amass a huge fortune. But aren’t we all here to make the world better in some way? When you have more than enough it’s thrilling to consider how surplus can be used to enrich the lives of others. Be an angel investor for a company that will create jobs. Give your grandchildren a secure financial future. Create your own organization to focus on the causes you care about. The opportunities to give are limitless and the rewards are priceless.

No matter which stage you’re living remember the point is to learn, grow, and move on. If you’re feeling stuck, hire these guys to follow you around. Apparently they’re very passionate about other people’s money.

Okay, so I have my top financial goals in mind. How do I take action? How do I find the money to fund my goals?

(Can’t name your top three financial goals? Maybe you should review our “back to basics” series.)

Here are the top approaches you should use to find the “extra” money necessary:

Budget

No one likes the word, and fewer like the action. Luckily, you don’t have to be a perfectionist. Even a broad budget will help keep your spending in line. However, the more detailed your budget the more control you’ll have over your money and the more likely you’ll uncover more available cash. Geezeo’s budget tools include setting category-specific “spending targets”. Some set spending targets named “Savings” or “Investing” to stay on mission.

Tax Savings

Adjust your withholding to accurately reflect your tax obligation. Dump your fat yearly tax refund. Instead, take an increase in weekly pay. Put this money to work for you directly. It takes discipline but it can pay off because this money is earning interest for you year-round instead of returning to you interest free from Uncle Sam.

Cutting Expenses

Oh, no! No one likes this suggestion. But, cutting expenses can be the most effective strategy since many of us are prone to overspending. The trick with cutting expenses is to really cut them — and not use reduced spending in one area as an excuse to spend more in another category.

Look at your budget carefully and itemize all expenses. Evaluate each one as a necessity or indulgence and trim accordingly. One way to stay motivated is to take the money you “saved” and actually put it in a separate savings account or directly toward your goals. This habit makes the money “saved” more concrete.

Earn more

Obvious advice, no? Look for ways to increase your inflow with a second job or other income producing activity. Earmark this additional cash flow to put toward your financial goals. Separating it from your “regular” income or budget will help you from inadvertently spending it. Here are five ways to make an extra $1,500.

Everything from the price of gasoline to the midwestern floods will affect your grocery bill in coming months.

Here is a report showing the cost increases of common food items, 2007 to 2008. The cost of celery is up 106%. Not surprisingly: the cost of meat is kept artificially low thanks to massive lobbyist subsidies. Here’s the cattleman’s report. Lesson: Eat fewer lentils and more tangerines.

Some solutions to food cost increases?

Get a grip on your budget. Know how much you can spend so you do not endanger your ability to pay for other necessities like housing. A good budget will stretch and maximize your available dollars. At Geezeo you can set up personalized spending targets.

Buy in bulk/buy items with less packaging. Bulk purchases are consistently cheaper. So are purchases of items with less packaging.

Buy seasonal items and freeze or can them for later. Summer is a great time to load up on fresh fruits and veggies. Freeze them for use later on when seasonal changes force prices up further. If you know how to can veggies you’re ahead of the game (teach me!).

Consider planting a WWII-style “Victory Garden”. Whether you live in urban or rural environments a few food-bearing, or herb-bearing plants are possible. It’s not too late for items like lettuce you can grow in a sunny window.

Related:
* Three Food Stocks with Upside Surprise
* Whole Food Stock Prices Has Me Dancing in the Aisles
* How to Invest in Food Stocks
* How to Invest in Food Stocks: The Middleman Plays
* How to Invest in Restaurant Stocks

Mom was right! It’s a lot cheaper to pack your lunch.

Even if you don’t work in Manhattan the cost of lunch can really add up.

Earlier today we talked about finding an extra $50/month to start investing. Here’s one better. Find $1,500 a year. While the article is aimed at young adults moving to urban areas, the advice is good for others as well.

From our friends at MainStreet.com.

—

Five Ways To Make An Extra $1,500 A Year Without Even Trying
by Ben Joseph

We get it. Moderation is for the folks back home. You graduated from university, migrated to an urban center, and landed an entry-level job with a corporation. Hell, you deserve to spend $800 on a couch. Still, as you live the dream—complete with its price tag of 45% of your paycheck going to rent—here are five ways that some minor forethought can scare up extra scratch while keeping your devil-may-care lifestyle intact.

5.) STOP USING PRIVATELY OPERATED ATMS

Thanks to debit cards, the money clip is quickly going the way of the rotary telephone, especially for people age 25-34. Why carry cash when there’s a money-spitting robot on every corner? Still, the ultimate convenience is also the ultimate rip-off. A $1.50 fee on a $60 withdrawal? That’s a 2.5% loss! For accessing your own money!

Solution:
Don’t use them. The end. Stick to your bank’s no-fee ATMs, and always have cash on hand when needed. In what will be a recurring theme, planning ahead is always much cheaper than the alternative.

Savings:
The average ATM fee is currently $1.75, and the average young urbanite uses an ATM 8 times a month. Cut your usage down to zero, and you can score an extra $170.

Continuing reading to locate your extra $1,500.