15 Ways to Save Money Grocery Shopping on Labor Day

                                                

Labor Day is a reminder that Summer it about to end. For some, it is a last ditch effort to go on vacation and enjoy the weather and outdoor activities. According to the Department of Labor’s website, “Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country”. 

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the national holiday. It became a federal holiday in 1894. On Labor Day all government offices, schools and organizations and many businesses are closed. 

Although Labor Day is a time to celebrate the labor of American workers over 53 percent of American workers are overworked, underpaid and stressed according to a survey by Staples Advantage. According to the Center for American Progress, the U.S. is the most overworked country in the world and is the only country without: national paid parental leave, maximum length of workweek, federal law requiring mandatory paid sick leave, and no legally mandated annual leave. Based on these statistics, you deserve to have fun Labor Day weekend, you’ve earned it! 

During any holiday it is easy to spend money with all the advertisers, family and friends asking you to buy this or buy that. Resist the temptation to spend money that you don’t have, buy more than you need, or buy something you probably will not use simply because it is on sale. 

You can enjoy a holiday meal without going into debt but it requires effective planning. Many people love getting together for a holiday. You can still enjoy a holiday meal with family and friends, save money and eat healthy. 

Comparison shop to see if you can find items for a cheaper price at another store. Don’t stress out over preparations. Focus on giving a festive event that is memorable and everyone is happy. Here are 15 ways to plan a Labor Day celebration on a budget:

1.  Plan ahead. Don't wait until the day before to go shopping. Lines at the register are longer and the selection of items is limited. Try shopping at least a week in advance or early in the morning.
2. Make lists. Make a list of what you need and can afford to buy and stick to it.
3. Menu. Create a menu ahead of time and stick to it. Consider low cost items for the menu such as potato salad, salads, sweet potatoes, casseroles, etc.
4. Local shopping. Visit local vendors, farms or farmers markets to purchase meats, fruits and vegetables, which will be less expensive than the grocery store. Buy items in season, fresh is always better.
5. Budget. Create a food budget and don’t go over that amount. Only buy what you need.
6. Coupons. Know your prices and when items go on sale. Use coupons on sale items. Shop at stores that offer double coupons and discounts for loyalty card members.
7. Smaller meal. Consider having brunch instead of dinner to save money.
8. Side items. Buy ingredients for side dishes at least one week before you buy the meats.
9. Drinks. Make your own non-alcoholic beverages such as tea or punch.
10. Condiments. Buy spices and condiments at the dollar store.
11. Salad Dressing. Use olive oil instead of salad dressing for pasta dishes and salads.
12. Make from scratch. Make you own bread, yogurt, pasta, soda, jelly, ice cream and desserts from scratch.
13. Use cash. Pay for all items with cash to help keep track of spending.
14. Potluck. Ask friends and family to bring a dish to help cut downs on costs.
15. Leftovers. Freeze leftovers or take to work for lunch.

9 Ways to Save on End of Summer Energy Costs

                                                            

Labor Day usually signals that summer is coming to an end.  You hear sayings like, vacation is over, time to get back to work; you can’t wear white anyway and other colloquialisms.  Temperatures start to drop and children are back in school getting homework assignments and writing reports.  This summer however is a little different. 

In some parts of the country this summer was not as hot as last summer which is good for homeowners who saved money on cooling costs.  However, temperatures are still in the 80-90's in some areas across the country and which is not good news for homeowners and their electricity and cooling costs.  Here are 8 quick tips to save money in the last few weeks of summer which can help offset some of the high energy bills we paid during this hot summer. 

1. Appliances.  Limit the use of the microwave.  Use or purchase a portable grill such as the George Foreman grill or similar devices which reduces the amount of time it takes to cook food.  Try drying clothes using full loads or air drying clothes to save money.  Buy energy efficient appliances and light bulbs to save on energy costs.  Wash clothes in warm or cold water and rinse in cold water.

2. Electronics.  Turn off all electronics and appliances when not in use.  If you have multiple televisions in your home this adds up in electricity costs when running them at the same time.  If you are out of the room for more than 20 minutes turn off all electronics.  Avoid going to sleep with the tv on, if you do set a timer so it is not on all night long.

3. Computers.  Turn off your computer when not in use or leave it in standby mode.  Energy Star has free energy efficient programs for computers that will help reduce energy usage.

4. Oven cooking.  Using the oven when it's hot outside will make it harder to keep your home cool.  Try cooking on top of the oven to save money on electricity. 

5. Thermostat. Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees F and keep it there.  If you need additional cooling use a portable fan or ceiling fans.  Don't place lamps, televisions or computers near your thermostat.  The thermostat can sense the heating coming from the appliances and will run longer than necessary.

6. Lights.  Don't turn lights on if your home gets natural sunlight.  Open the blinds or curtains to get natural sunlight light.  Keeping lights off also keeps your home cool.  Turn lights on only when necessary.

7. Insulate.  Seal any cracks or leaks around and inside your home and insulate your attic floor.  Install storm windows to save on energy costs.

8. Refrigerator.  Keep your refrigerator at 38 - 40 degrees F.  Keep your freezer at 5 degrees F.

9. Open the windows at night to keep your home cool instead of turning on the a/c.