Do you:
- feel like your grocery bill is out of control and don’t want to use coupons to cut it?
- need help getting out of debt, paying off your credit cards and lowering your bills?
The goal of LivingOnADime.com is to give you fresh inspiration to get out of debt and cut your grocery bill!
Whether you are new to frugal living or are a money saving pro, you will find lots of great recipes to help you cut your grocery budget and start getting out of debt! Tawra shares her secrets of how she spends an average of $450 per month feeding her family of six without using coupons and Jill shares lots of tips for getting out of debt.
Tawra, her husband Mike and 4 children live in Colorado. In five years, they paid off $20,000 personal debt on an average income of $22,000 per year. Now that the debt is out of the way and their income is higher they’re rapidly paying off their house and you can too!
As a single mother of two, Jill started her own business without any capital and paid off $35,000 debt in 5 years on $1,000 a month income. She then raised two teenagers alone on $500 a month income after becoming disabled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Are you new here? You’ll find lots of great articles to help you get out of debt and money saving recipes here at LivingOnADime.com , but if you need a place to start, first sign up for our free newsletter and check out some of these popular articles:
Learn how dirty dishes cause debt.
Fast snack ideas for picky eaters
How to get out of debt and live debt free
Quick and easy dinner ideas your family will love!
Tips to save money on groceries and eat healthy at the same time!
I always get the newsletter I’ve subscribed to but have never honestly taken the time to really browse
your website – being from Sydney Australia, I thought it probably wasn’t that relevent to me because our currency is different and there are small differences generally in country. We are truly striving to pay off a mortgage and we have 2 beautiful daughters, both in private schools – which costs us a small fortune indeed – not to mention after school care fees etc…My dream is to pay off my home and be DEBT FREE and be at home with my daughters when they get home from school each day! I chose to finally dig in and browse your website today and I LOVE IT!! I am so inspired being a woman of Faith myself and know all about tithing and being a wise steward of our money – I dont think it is coincidence all that I’ve chosen to browse a website today, motivated by a woman of Faith herself! and Jill’s story is amazing! I love this site – and I am now brainstorming ways to see how i can get out of debt quicker and be home with my daughers….THANK YOU SO MUCH for your site – you are truly a blessing to so many all over the world!
Izzi thank you for those kind words. We have several Australians for readers and we love it. I have mentioned before I have read hundreds of books set in Australia, New Zealand and England so I do love talking to you all.
It sounds like you are really serious on getting out of debt which I always say is half the battle. Read the web site and if you have any questions let us know and we will help if we can.
Hey, I wanted to tell you that your site is as good as Dave Ramsey’s. I have 0 debts. I am one lucky American. I had to learn the hard way years ago, and in a nutshell, if you don’t have the cash Don’t buy it. I have a handy notebook of the “items” I want. I list them there. If I get extra money I will go back and if the item is there, I usually buy it. Although, I am a huge fan of Salvation Army!
Thank you Jackie. We do love hearing about other’s success stories. Some of our readers really wonder if the things we suggest are really doable but we have great readers like you all the time who are the perfect example that you can do it.
My husband was organizing things in the garage and said “Hey, I just found this book!” It was my copy of “Not Just Beans,” printed in 1999 – it was my 2cnd one; purchased after the first fell apart. What a nice surprise:)
Sounds like you have been with us for a longggggg time Chris and you are still coming back for more HA!HA! I was cleaning around my desk last week and found a couple of old copies of Not Just Beans of mine. Boy have we come along way. I remember by the 2nd edition we were seriously thinking about quitting guess it pays to persevere. I think.
:)
I read Jackie’s comment about the notebook with the list of items wanted and had to chime in that my husband and I use that method also. I read that tip years ago from some Christian Financial workbook series I had. Anyway, the suggestion was to stick to a budget and keep a list of wants and needs. As extra funds became available, save some of the money of course and then go back to the list and see what you can take care of. What I find about keeping the list is that a lot of times, by the time I have the extra money I go back and read the list and start crossing things off. It seems like after living without certain things for so long, they become so much less important!
Hi Jill and Tara,
Do you have a information on how to plan the menu for the week and then the grocery list for that menu. I don’t have hours to do that; figure out all the ingredients, etc.
Thank you.
susan
Susan we have a really good Grocery Saving on a budget ebook which tells you everything you would need to know. It is easy reading with simple steps of how to make menus, grocery lists and we even have a cool simple chart you can print and on which you can fill out your menu and list all on the same sheet.
This book is so good when it comes to explaining and dealing with not only questions like this but many other things to help make grocery shopping quick and easy. I hate to grocery shop and I am too sick to spend much time doing it so I came up with these fast and easy things to make that chore I don’t love quicker and more controlled.
I am not very good on the computer and I don’t know where to ask a questsion? I would like to know if you have any ideas on how to keep up with family. I have family that wants to have a family reunion in another state but we can’t afford to go and I haven’t seen most of the family for 30-40 years. We were all close when we were young and lived by each other but through the years all of the family and their family live in all different states. I see some of them on facebook and make little remarks and I see about some of their family but unless they have who they are (which most of the time they don’t) it is very confusing. Anyway the questions is that I was thinking about this family reunion and how I could keep in touch and know all their family with a letter and send pictures. Would you know of a questionaire to ask them to fill out instead of us rambling on about our families and sending pictures? I was thinking if I could start with one person and fill in all my family information and send pictures and they could make copies and forward it on to another family member and along with theirs and a copy for me kinda like a chain letter do you think that would work? Thought you might have some good ideas for me to get started. I would love to find out about their family, kids and grandkids and great grandkids along with picture so I could keep them all straight and if some of them are on line and I see something about that family I connect the pieces together. I hope that you understand what I am trying to ask and hope it is not too confusing. Any kind of input would be appreciated. Thank you so much. Sue
http://www.facebook.com/livingonadime Sue, I asked our readers on Facebook and you can find their ideas on there. Just follow the link. Tawra
I have Tawra’s cookbook “Not just beans” My husband and I love it and still use it constantly… the spatters on the pages are proof. Now my eldest is about to move out on her own and I wanted to get a copy for her but alas… I cant find one. Any clue on where I can get another copy?
Debra, Dining on a Dime is Not Just Beans with a few extra things added at the end. It has all the exact same recipes as NJB but quite a few extras besides like how to make your own beauty supplies and things like that.
A few years ago we let the publisher take over and they wanted us to change the title but we wouldn’t let them change the stuff inside.
Thanks for being such a faithful reader for all these years although I think I am feeling older if our book is now being passed down to the next generation – HA!HA!
Anyway go here -Dining on a Dime and you can order one. If you have any problems be sure to holler.
I recently started blogging for my friends and family about my couponing experiences and found your website today. Let me say, I fell in LOVE with your site. I have spent the entire day going over different thing. And just when I think I couldn’t be any happier, I find something that totally blows my mind. THANK YOU!!!!! I plan to start today using your site to reorganize my budget and priorties to save money.
You are welcome Tonya. We’re glad you enjoyed it. We always are encouraged by our readers “enthusiasm” and are so glad we can help a little. : ) Keep reading we always try to put all money saving tips and budget ideas but really hit it hard the first of the year. Hope you keep enjoying it.
Tonya, you should check http://www.mylitter.com, it’s an excellent couponing site.
A great way to save is if your store has a call in number where you give your list and then they either deliver it to your house or you go and pick it up. Pay for it when you get there and you are gone. No impulse buying no wishing for something or changing your mind for the more expensive option.
My mother did this when I was a kid and I am now 56 she said it saved her hundreds of dollars during the years even when she only used it on weeks that money was tight. my parents were self employed so finances changed week to week.
I know safeway in the states offers this or at least they did a few years ago. My husband and I were supporting a cancer victim in California and I would order her a few groceries each week and safeway would deliver them and said they wouldn’t even accept a tip for the delivery person.
M&M meats here in Canada a small store chain of frozen foods has recently set up a web page where you go and order then type in your town or city and the time you will pick them up. You go in pick up what you ordered all boxed up for you pay for it and you are on your way. I did this last week and got out of the store with exactly what I needed and nothing of what I wanted but didn’t need. Kept my bill to under $80. usually it is around the $100 plus.
If this isn’t an option maybe get together with a good friend. You take her list she takes yours and you get groceries. No extras for her or for you simply what is on the list.
just an idea that in one week saved me $30.
Hi, I don’t know if this is where I need to put this but, my case of “Dining on a Dime” is almost gone. What do I need to do to get another case (preferably with a good deal, of course!)?
Thanks!
I had to laugh Karen you are what I call a true fan if you are going through cases of our book. Ha1 Ha! I will let Tawra know about your question and she will get in touch with you. Thanks and of course we try to do our cases with a good deal.
Tawra/Jill,
I have decided to start my own blog. I have followed yours for about 6 months or so and I would like to add a link to your blog onto mine. I’m new to this and didn’t want to add a link to your site without your permission.
Sure, that’s fine.
Hi Tawra,
I read your post about homeschooling beginning January 3. While I don’t know you personally, I have visited your website for many months now and based on what I have seen….YOU WILL SUCCEED! We have been homeschooling for 10 years and have received so many blessings as a result of our journey. Look for the blessings every day! In Christ, Yvonne
Another tip to throw in the archive….. rub walnuts on scratches in wood furniture to make them disappear. I recently tried this on a dining room table that got scratched by a pot in the middle of a meal. furniture polish would not help it at all. I had heard about the walnut trick a few months back, but never thought it would work. I was amazed! It is fantastic!
Hi everyone
I wasn’t sure where to post this but here goes anyway.
I have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke and never did however I am three stone over weight. I was advised to use a sleep apnoea mask at night to help me breath. I am extremely exhausted all day I struggle to get the basics done and it is like a vicious circle. I find it extremely difficult to exercise yet a few years ago this was never a problem I am so sad and depressed over this.
I am writing this to you all as I know some of you are going through the same symptoms and worse which means it is a struggle for you to get the basics done and you could understand the frustration I feel.
Our health system is so bad I will be waiting a year to get officially diagnosed and perhaps treatment. For me and the good of my family this is too long to wait so I am asking if any of you would know where I could obtain the sleeping mask for a reasonable price. Here in Ireland they cost one thousand euro and that is so far out of my budget it is a joke. I parent alone (divorced and basically abandoned by ex)six children five of whom have adhd I need my energy and life back for the benefit of us all. Do any of you have any idea where I could purchase this equipment?All help is greatfully appreciated x
amirah, a friend of mine goes to yard sales and she found a machine that she paid $25. for. She figured she would know someone who could use it. Her husband found out he needed one a couple months later and when she showed her bargain to the salesman he said it cost new over $2000.
So check yard sales or try ebay.
A lot of people find they can’t use them due to the noise or the feeling of claustrophobia so they sell them cheap.
Also here in Canada you can rent them from hospitals for really cheap prices. So maybe rent one before you commit to buying one. You may be one of the people who can’t use them.
I have been getting your email for some time and today is the first I noticed there is an actual Web Site too! WOW – even more wonderful information. Your weekly emails have really reinforced I was on the right path all those years raising my children on my own. Plus, all the extra ways to save money and live a full life at the same time now that I am an “empty nester”.
I have a “hint” sort of for repairing those pesky wires that pop out of bra’s. I take the old fashioned iron on knee patches that I pick up at the local Dollar type store and after pushing the wire back into the fabric I just iron on the cut down patch on one side, then folding it over the edge I do the same on the other, encasing it. No more poking through the fabric and hurting my skin.
Thank you so much again for such a wonderful site that is family friendly.
Just a shot out to you ladies I have been enjoying your site for a few months. Ime normally a frugal liver and my husband and I just found out his union had voted to strike this coming thursday I shared your site with some of the ladies who are worried and it was such as relief to them.with no debt outside of our mortgage this strike well be uncomfortable for us but for others it will be impossible hopefully they can learn from you both
keep up the good work.
Hi Tawra,
Thank you for writing “Living on a Dime”.
In the last issue you wrote a little bit about yourself. “I’ve been incredibly sick with my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia so it hasn’t been as much fun as I had hoped but it has been great at least being sick in a clean quiet house! (No, the massive amounts of antibiotics the doctor had me on on a couple of months ago didn’t improve my illness so we are back to square one.)”
You may have aready heard/read this before but have you looked into Celiac Disease (CD)? There are many ‘symptoms’ such as diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases that a number of Celiacs have and chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are some. Just a thought.
Hope you feel better soon! and thanks again for the newsletters,
Tina
HI Love your website! We paid off $65,000 in 3.5 years and then paid cash for our first home 1 year after that! All on one income with 4 small children! My hubby was an Air Force Captain who deployed 3 times in 4 years! So much of that was tax free income and special pay. God is faithful!
Love,
Kelly