Think Smart to Save and Earn Money

Use Your Credit Card To Purchase Additional Gift Cards
Only if you have no credit card debt will this work. If you continue to pay off your credit card each month, be sure you have a card that gives you points. Use them as you choose. I pay most everything with a Discover credit card, getting points for each purchase. Upon acquiring enough points, I purchase gift cards. Often I get a $25 card for $20 or a $50 card for $45. Not only do I have free points, but can stretch my points even farther.

These gift cards make great gifts. If you plan ahead, you'll have gift cards for birthday presents or whatever you choose. Your gift receiver will be pleased and your budget remains in tact.

If You're Able To Spend Some Time, Sign Up For A High Interest Checking Account
Only if you are willing and able to purchase 12 or more small items per month will this work. Check on-line and at your local banks for high interest checking accounts. Different accounts have a variety of rules. Most will require a monthly electronic bill payment or an incoming payment. They also offer different interest amounts and amount of purchases during a specific time frame. You must also use this account on-line. Currently the account I have offers nearly 4 percent per month if you satisfy their requirements. I am not receiving nearly this amount of interest from CDs or other safe cash investments.

Be watchful however, as rules may change. Also the rate of interest paid may change. I try not to put more than $3.00 on these individual charges. I top off my gas or sort some of my groceries or other purchases into two or three different purchases on the card. Quite likely they won't let us do this for long, but for now, it works great for me.

Use A Slow-Cooker
This can work well if you live alone or if you have a big family to feed and purchase foods accordingly.

If you want several meat-less meals, use the recipe of your choice. Place veggies, spices and juices into your crock pot in the morning. For dinner you may want to eat this as a stew with fruit and some cheese. Or maybe you want a special bread or muffins or you'll want to finish off with a small dessert. You may wish to add rice, barley or potatoes. Left overs can be eaten later in the week, taken for your lunch or frozen.

Purchase a small roast or divide as you wish. Add meat, carrots, potatoes, onions and whatever else you choose for a delicious smelling dinner awaiting you when you arrive home.

Add barbecue sauce to your pulled roast meat and let simmer on low. [You may add some water so it doesn't get too dry.] Serve on special rolls if you choose.

Pork chops with onion, mushrooms and mushroom soup make a great family dinner. You may wish to add potatoes or you may wish to simply cook some rice in addition to the pork chops.

You will eat healthy and your meals will be very inexpensive. Also, little time will be spent in prep work.

Eat Breakfast At Night
Even the kids can help with this or if you're tired, just do it. You can simply have cereal and toast or make eggs and toast. Maybe you'd rather have pancakes and some fruit. So simple and tasty on a cool fall night - especially Sunday evening. Some of those breakfast casseroles can be made in a slow cooker. Add a few veggies for a healthy and tasty supper.

Yes, it is true. You can go to McDonald's or you can have a healthy meal waiting for you when you walk in your door. Encourage everyone to pitch in and you'll have great mealtimes for very little cost.