Walking in Walmart

Even with jobs becoming more available, prices are still ridiculous no matter where you shop. And if it's not the prices that get you, it's the taxes. It's also why walking in walmart here is a rare event for me anymore. I simply can't afford to spend a fortune on any items and would rather buy from our own homeland verses somewhere else.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't have anything against the good people from other countries, but we also need to look out for our own, and that's something we just haven't been doing at all lately. So when I can, I shop our local shops where products are made here and I visit our farmer's market  in Independence Kansas for the very same reason. I've been trying to avoid processed foods as much as possible and cooking from scratch instead.

I've also been taking advantage of Mother Nature's resources like the sun to save money. I've been using it to make tea, dry fruits and veggies and dry clothing. Now, if only I can grow a garden!!!


Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter.



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Camping Without Electricity

We spent the weekend away from home. Why? Because funds are running low and we needed a break away from the stress of life. The trip didn't cost us anything and it was just camping, but still it was nice.

It's funny because I didn't miss the things around my home while I was gone. We had food, I had a few books and we had clothing and tents and blankets to stay warm. Even with freezing temperatures, it was still an enjoyable weekend. Plus the added bonus was, I caught 4 fish. I caught a buffalo, a drum, a channel cat and a flathead. The only fish we kept was the flathead which I've already filleted and I'm making for lunch or dinner this week.

The only thing I really missed was having my laptop. It would have been nice to get a little work done or watch a movie, but where we camped there was no electricity, just the entertainment of a campfire and the sounds of the river and coyotes. I'm sure my husband missed the idea of electricity as well.

He loves his movies and a portable DVD player or television from wholesale electronics might have been just the ticket to keep him a truly happy camper! I know I hate paying full price for anything and I've heard buying wholesale can sometimes save quite a bit.

I know this summer if we can afford to do so, my husband wants to head to Kansas City and shop wholesale there for some items he's been wanting. Now is definitely the time to be saving.

Economy Blogging

I've actually been busy with another blog, that I'll be posting at on a weekly if not more, basis. I started the blog due to the economy crisis. I'll be posting money saving tips, freebies and more. The blog is actually on wordpress and it's called The Anti-Depressionist's Blog. The blog can be found at: http://antidepressionist.wordpress.com/ or you can find it on my official website at: http://www.theinsanewriter.com/ under blog.

Cutting Costs Everywhere

I honestly don't know if it will come down to it, but with all of the lay offs and lack of jobs in this area, we may be forced to move. It's something that we've talked about recently.

I guess we'll know more in the next month or so. I just wonder if we'll need to hire someone to move our stuff. I doubt we will need to hire any moving companies, but it's a thought because we have a lot of stuff even though it doesn't seem like it.

Actually when we bought this house, it really only took the husband's truck to move everything, so maybe we won't. That's probably a good thing because of the rising costs of almost everything around us. It's a sad shame because I know that everyone needs the money, but then it all boils down to who can afford to spend the money?

Money, Money, Money, Money.... Moooneyyy....

I love trying new recipes and by chance I ran across a recipe that is suppose to be helpful on the wallet as well. The author of the post broke down each ingredient and it's cost. By the time she totaled it all up to what she considers a great deal, was almost shocking to me. Her meal cost nearly $9 for 4 servings! That's pretty hefty, especially since it equals out to over $1 per a person. heck, might as well splurge at McDonalds for that price!

When I make a list for the week for dinners, I can manage $5 for 4 people, just fine. And there's no skimping either. I do understand that cost of prices is a bit higher in some areas, but trust me.. Small towns are a lot worse. They gouge prices because they know you won't drive an hour out of your way to the city and buy groceries.

I remember when I lived in an even smaller town, Sedan, Kansas. The first time I visited their grocery store, I bought what I couldn't live without and left. Back then, buying a loaf of bread through them was around $2.80 a loaf. I can't imagine how much worse it is, now that the economy has reared its ugly head.

Speaking of things rearing their ugly heads.. It's a good thing I only have a dollar on me. The neighbors are having a yard sale and I see a framed picture of coffee art that would be great on the bare walls of my kitchen. I thought they were just setting up for tomorrow at first, and when the kids mentioned wanting to go, the hubby said maybe tomorrow.

Well, when I stepped out my front door I saw the sign for the sale and balloons, flags, etc, so I'm pretty sure they're starting it this evening. Sigh Ohh well.

Saving Money and Hormone Issues Thanks to the Kansas Cows

Since we still have the rental car until this evening, yesterday I made a trip to the grocery store. Normally we go to the store at least once a week, but because gas prices have gone insane, I decided to stock up for a few weeks worth of groceries.

Usually I spend on an average about $100 a week for groceries, but this time I only spent a little under $40 a week. That's really good, especially since our cabinets were completely bare! I managed to save quite a bit because I ended up cutting out beef and dairy entirely. Instead, I stocked up on soy milk and cheese, fish, turkey and veggie meatless crumbles. I didn't do this to save money either. I did it because my husband and I think he may have a hormonal imbalance (which could explain his mood swings, lack of energy and foggy memory lately). I was doing some research about hormonal imbalance in both men and women and learned that one of the major culprits could be due to the chemicals and hormones that manufacturers add to beef and milk.

I honestly don't know if it will really make a difference, but it's a healthier choice in the long run anyhow.

Saving Even More During These hard Times

Lately I've been expressing how much of an increase we've experienced in just about everything. Food, Gas, Homes, etc. With the very possible fear of the economy facing another depression, nothing beats a great deal when it comes to saving money, and lately I've been finding a lot of great deals, both on and offline. While some might not be as useful as other deals, every little bit helps.

One of the most common uses in households today is the telephone. Whether it's calling from a landline or calling from a cell phone, we're always on the phone for business and for pleasure. Either way, we're spending money. Long distance calls can especially be expensive. Just think about it. Making a long distance call to a loved one who lives in another state or even worse, in another country can rack up $100's of dollars on your phone bill each month. And it’s even more hard during these difficult times if you have a loved one who is military and serving somewhere overseas.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on long distance bills, there are other alternatives that can save you money. Long Distance phone cards are a great way to save more when it comes to your phone bill. And places like Phone Cards Avenue can allow you to save 80% or more on your long distance phone bill, more than what At&t and Sprint can save you. They can provide you with great savings and you never have to worry about how much your long distance bill will be a month. I love that idea. I wish I could say the same for my Cell Phone Provider, which ironically happens to be through At&t. If you need a cheaper way for keeping your long distance bill at bay, try Phone Cards Avenue and let me know what you think.

Please Note: This is a paid post and is sponsored by Phone Cards Avenue and Payperpost.

Saving Due to the Economy

Rebates are always great, especially now that there is a serious possibility that we are facing another depression due to the economy. Gas and food prices are on the rise and even renting and buying homes have gotten downright insane.

So, when a company has a great deal to offer like, DealKing.com's $20 cash back when you purchase an AT&T prepaid no contract phone through them, it's worth it in my opinion! I mean, who couldn't use some cash back! Deal King is also great for finding coupons on your favorite stores and brands. Saving is what it's all about and we could all use the extra savings right about now. Don't you agree?
Please Note: This is a paid post and is sponsored by dealking and payperpost.