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The Coupon Crate
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid shopping at the peak times such as right after work (5-7 PM) and weekends. Shopping during slow times will allow for you to look for the best deals and getting the best prices without becoming the object of basket-rage. This will also relieve the pressure of hearing everyone grunt and sigh when you pull out those coupons. You absolutely should use your couponing expertise, but why make it harder on yourself?
- If you are only running in for a couple items, forget the cart. I was always so guilty of this one. For some reason, empty carts beg to be filled. But usually this causes your filled wallet to empty.
- Eat before you go grocery shopping. When you're shopping hungry... do I really need to go on? I'm certain everyone at some point has come home with bags and bags of snacks and ingredients for things you can make NOW. And don't think that the store offering hot to-go items is unintentional. Being hungry and smelling food increase impulse shopping!
read more... on The Coupon Crate
Cutting Grocery Costs without Cutting Nutrition
Simple, healthy, and affordable ways to weather the rising price of food
by Karen Collins, R.D., American Institute of Cancer Research
Grocery prices are projected to increase again in 2008 – that’s following 2007’s highest annual increase in 17 years. But surviving these tough economic times doesn’t have to mean sacrificing good nutrition. Some simple strategies can help you cut food costs and eat more healthfully, too.
To get started, look over several weeks worth of grocery receipts and see where you spend the most money. Changes here will likely offer the most savings. Meat is often one of the largest grocery expenses. Save money by adding a couple of bean-based, meatless meals each week. It’s easy:
read more...
The Top 10 Pet-Owner Mistakes
Avoid common errors, and keep your four-legged pal healthy and well-behaved.
By Ashley Tate
Mistake 1: Buying a Pet Spontaneously. Why this is a mistake: That doggie in the window may be darling, but he might not be the right fit for your family or lifestyle.
How to avoid it: Fully inform yourself before you bring home a pet. Every dog or cat has its own needs, some of which are specific to the breed. Terriers tend to dig; Abyssinians explore and climb. If there's a breed that interests you, read up on it (try the website of the American Kennel Club, at akc.org, or the Cat Fanciers Association, at cfainc.org), talk to owners, and get to know someone else's Border collie or Persian.
read more...
10 Tips for Improving Your Family's Eating Habits
With today’s busy lifestyles, families don’t always eat as healthfully as we would like. But by practicing healthy eating habits at home, you can make it easier for your family to eat right. Try these 10 tips designed to encourage healthy eating habits:
1. Be a good food role model. Telling children to eat nutritious foods is one thing — showing them is better. If you offer nutritious foods regularly — and if they see you eating them — your children likely will learn to like them.
2. Serve a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. In addition to bananas and apples, try something new like kiwi or papaya. Add vegetables to stir fries or casseroles.
3. Schedule a snack time and stick to it. Space snacks at least two to three hours before a meal.
4. Involve kids in meal planning and preparation. Children often will eat foods they help plan and prepare.
read more...
Basic Legal Recommendations for Women
by Michele Howe
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According to Toledo attorney, Stephen Pennington, there are some fundamental legal concerns that every woman should understand, plan, and prepare for in order to best protect her financial assets in lieu of a possible divorce, death of a spouse, or for simple common sense financial survival. It is noteworthy that each of the potentially troubling monetary difficulties cited below arrives at a time when a woman is simultaneously coping with personal loss and pain, thus underscoring the need to take preparatory measures well in advance such major life events (upsets). For every woman who does prepare, there are countless more who do not and who pay the price both financially and emotionally.
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read more...
Listing of Top Online Schools
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Resources for basic needs, food programs, childcare; support for women facing crisis of an unplanned pregnancy.
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School Meals
National School Lunch Program
Provides nutritious lunches and the opportunity to practice skills learned in
classroom nutrition education.
• Afterschool Snacks
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
• Seamless Summer
School Breakfast Program
Provides nutritious breakfasts to promote learning readiness and healthy eating
behaviors.
Special Milk Program
Offers milk to children who do not have access to other meal programs.
read more...
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$1000 Best Buy Gift Card, Click Here For Details
Food Stamp Program
The Food Stamp Program helps low-income people and families buy the food they
need for good health. You apply for benefits by completing a State application
form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card
and accepted at most grocery stores.
10 Steps to help you fill your grocery bag through the food stamp program.
Learn if you or someone else might be eligible for food stamps. Call: 1-800-221-5689
read more...
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Valuable
Help for Mothers and Children in Need
USDA sponsored Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care
referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and
non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five
who are found to be at nutritional risk.
read more...
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Government Benefits
USDA sponsored Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with
information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs. Search government
programs for Child Care/Child Support, Counseling, Disability Assistance,
Education/Training, Energy Assistance, Food/Nutrition, Insurance, Living
Assistance, Loan/Loan Repayment, Medicaid/Medicare, Social Security, Tax
Assistance, Veterans-Active Duty, Volunteer Opportunities.
read
more...
America’s Second Harvest
The Nation’s Food Bank Network, Provided by Tyson Foods Inc.
We currently have three national programs BackPack Program, Community Kitchens
and Kids Cafe, these programs have been replicated at many of our network member
food banks and food-rescue organizations.
Find programs available in your area.
read more...
Angel
Food Ministries
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated
to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in
communities throughout the United States.
By buying food from first rate suppliers at substantial volume discounts, Angel
Food Ministries is able to provide families with approximately $65 worth of
quality nutritious food for $30. Angel Food Ministries does not use out-of-date
food or inferior products.
About the Food: Each month's menu is different and consists of
fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top
food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a
regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult
times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30. There is no purchase limit for
boxes of Angle Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to
purchase.
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View the Menu
About the Value: Comparison shopping nationwide in various
grocery stores has revealed that the average retail value for the same food
items would be approximately $65. Generally, one box of Angel Food assists in
feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for
almost a month.
About Specialty Boxes: Each month, Angel Food Ministries also
offers “specialty boxes” of steak, chicken, pork or other foods. This bonus
program affords participants additional food choices at a great value. There is
no purchase limit for specialty boxes or bonus foods. There are no applications
or qualifications necessary to purchase.
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View the Menu
Food Stamp Program:
To better help families in need, Angel Food
Ministries participates in the Food Stamp Program. This program is designed to
help low-income families buy the food they need for good nutrition. Each month,
by processing the most offline Food Stamp vouchers in the country, Angel Food is
helping feed approximately 100,000 people in the United States.
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More Information on Food Stamps
Purchasing Angel Food: There are no restrictions, conditions or
forms to fill out to purchase Angel Food. The food relief program is open to one
and all. Anyone may purchase an unlimited number of boxes of Angel Food by
placing an order with a local Angel Food host site.
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Find a Local Host Site
read more...
Get Matched to an Online School
Modest Needs
Modest Needs exists:
• To prevent otherwise financially self-sufficient individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty, when this might be avoided with a small amount of well-timed financial assistance;
• To restore the financial self-sufficiency of individuals who are willing to work but are temporarily unable to do so because they do not have the means to remit payment for a work-related expense;
• To empower permanently disadvantaged individuals who otherwise live within their limited means to continue to live independently, despite a temporary, unexpected financial set-back; and
• To strengthen small non-profit organizations by providing a forum whereby such organizations can apply directly to the general public for the help they need to complete the relatively inexpensive projects that will allow them to better serve their clients and the communities they exist to serve.
read more...
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities agencies serve people of all faiths. They provide a wide range of services, including services for single moms and children: housing, emergency services, health care, child care, adoption, counseling, financial assistance, food pantries, and other critical services.
Select your state from the drop down box, and find the services you need.
Some Charities have their own websites:
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice - FL
Catholic Charities Oklahoma
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles - CA
Catholic Charities Health and Human Services - OH
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver - CO, from the left side drop down menu select services.
read more...
HHS Child Care
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) has made available $5 billion to
States, Territories, and Tribes in fiscal year 2008. This program, authorized by
the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act, and Section 418 of the Social
Security Act, assists low-income families, families receiving temporary public
assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance in obtaining child
care so they can work or attend training/education.
read more...
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low
income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, and, if the state
chooses, to weatherize homes.
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General Program Requirements:
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance
for home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not
exceed $15,315 if one person lives in the household; $20,535 if two people live
in the household; $25,755 if three people live in the household; $30,975 if four
people live in the household, etc.
Each state is responsible for administering and designing its own program, which
includes determining eligibility requirements and providing assistance within
Federal guidelines.
•
Read the guidelines.
read more...
Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons
DOE's Weatherization Assistance (Wx) Program is the nation's largest residential
energy efficiency program. Its mission is to insulate the dwellings of
low-income persons, particularly the elderly, persons with disabilities,
families with children, high residential energy users, and households with a
high energy burden, in order to conserve needed energy and to aid those persons
least able to afford higher utility costs.
General Program Requirements:
One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. Depending on what
state you live in, you are eligible for weatherization if your income falls
below the "125% or 150% poverty level". Note, however, that some states use a
third alternative to set eligibility if your income is less than 60% of the
median income in your state; and minimum incomes for Hawaii and Alaska,
respectively, are slightly higher. For more information about this program and a
complete list of state agencies that can put you in contact with the nearest
local
weatherization agency.
This grant program is federally funded, but administered at the state and local
level. Interested individuals can apply for assistance through more than 970
local community action agencies that provide weatherization services.
read more...
Cheap is good - but FREE is better! Join FreeFly's and get FREE samples of name-brand products!
• Join the SingleMom.com forums. Share your tips, resources and experience with other single moms
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9 Cash-Saving Tips That Pay Big Bucks
complaintsboard.com
The expression "a penny saved is a penny earned" doesn't cut it these days. But saving a few dollars here and there can add up...
read
more...
Try out these Thanksgiving recipes from tasteofhome
You May Have Too Much Debt But You Also Have Options
How Life Works
If you feel like you're in over your head with personal debt, you're not alone. Millions of Americans have become overextended, many as a result of easy credit and the recessions. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and raising interest rates do not make a good financial mix.
read more...
Suze Orman's Recession Rescue Plan - helps you survive in times of financial crisis
OPRAH.com
Do you know what your family would do if you lost your job - or worse, your home? Financial expert Suze Orman is ready to help you
devise a recession rescue plan to survive - and possibly thrive - during this deepening financial crisis...
read more...
Could fat babies mean fat toddlers?
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that babies who gained weight quickly had a sharply higher risk of obesity. The study
followed close to 600 babies and found those in the top quarter of weight for their length at 6 months had a 40 percent higher risk of
obesity by age 3 than smaller babies.
read
more...
The 10-Ingredient Shopping Trip
By Tara Parker-Pope and Mark Bittman
... In his latest “How to Cook Everything” segment on the Today Show, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman makes it
surprisingly easy to cook a week’s worth of dinners with just a 10-ingredient shopping trip.
read
more...
Finding last-minute tuition money
There's still time to find funds for this semester's college tuition. But you'll have to move quickly.
By Gerri Willis
It's only a couple of weeks or even days until school begins. And if you don't think you'll be able to get a handle on your college
tuition bill, here with your guide to last minute money.
read more...
Short-term Payday Loans
econ4u.org
...Which are more expensive, late fees or short-term loans?...
A short-term payday loan can be a better option than overdraft fees, reconnect fees, late payment fees or a damaged credit rating when
the loan is repaid promptly. However, these loans are not suited for longer repayment periods...
Being realistic about budgeting can help avoid the need for short-term borrowing.
read more...
Your Just-in-Case Emergency Plan
by RealSimple
Who do you call if you can't make it home in time to meet the kids' bus? Who do
you trust to take in your mail when you're on vacation? Who do you trust with
the extra set of keys to your house?
read
more...
How to save $10,000 in 2009
By Liz Pulliam Weston
If you were hoping for a list of small tweaks you could make in your spending to save $10,000 a year, sorry. The reality is that
$10,000 is a lot of money. And saving big money usually means making big changes in the areas where we spend the most, such as:
Housing, Transportation, Food.
read
more...
The Super, Sexy, Single Mom on a Budget
by Renee Rayles
A quick reference guide designed for the busy, single mom who has
little time to read while running the mom taxi, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and trying to fit in a date night every now and
then.
32 and Counting? Finding Your Happily Ever After Today
by Gi Gi
The author talks about the struggles a single mom goes through and the discovery that you can have HEAT (Happily Ever After Today) just
as you are, being single, taking care of your kids...
read more...
Single Mothers &
Male Role-Models / Mentors
Single mothers carry an enormous load of responsibility, especially those having sole and/or primary custody of minor children. They
nourish, they nurture, they teach, they discipline, they shelter, they protect, and they provide… all without the assistance of another
equally-invested adult.
read more...
Your 5-minute guide to protecting your identity
20 steps to protect yourself from identity theft, and seven ways to clean up things if you become a victim.
read more...
TheOnlineMom.com offers parents and consumers a guide to the top-rated, age-appropriate, kid-tested and parent-approved tech toys and gifts.
read more...
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
by Jeff Kinney
For those wondering why tween boys don’t read very much, the answer is that more books aren’t like this...
read more...
Stressed mothers may raise fat children
Youngsters seek escape from family problems in unhealthy food
Millions of poor children in the United States may be getting fat before
age 10 because their mothers are stressed out and the youngsters seek
escape in unhealthy comfort food...
read more...
Make extra cash from Google!!!
Miss Manners
Minimalism is the cutting edge now. My decorator calls it Dorm Chic. Wait, you'll see, everyone will have this look in a year or two. And then maybe I'll go out and get myself some overstuffed chairs." ...
read more
10 Bad Habits That Lead to Debt Disaster
Little things add up fast. Learn from these mistakes and try these tips to start paying off your debt.
Sometimes the only way to stop a snowballing problem is to go back to the top of the hill and find out what started it. If you're up to your eyeballs in credit card debt, take a step back and recount your money missteps. Knowing your weaknesses could help prevent you from falling back into the bad-credit pit and show you a way out.
read more...
7 Secrets to Raising a Happy Child
What Makes a Child Happy?
We all want the same things for our kids. We want them to grow up to love and be loved, to follow their dreams, to find success. Mostly, though, we want them to be happy. But just how much control do we have over our children's happiness? My son, Jake, now 7, has been a rather somber child since birth, while my 5-year-old, Sophie, is perennially sunny. Jake wakes up grumpy. Always has. Sophie, on the other hand, greets every day with a smile. Evident from infancy, their temperaments come, at least in part, from their genes. But that doesn't mean their ultimate happiness is predetermined, assures Bob Murray, PhD, author of Raising an Optimistic Child: A Proven Plan for Depression-Proofing Young Children -- for Life (McGraw-Hill).
read more...
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