Sandwich Cost Calculator →

For those that eat out everyday and wonder why they have no savings- check this sandwich cost calculator out!

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So the financial state of the U.S. is supposedly getting better, but your own finances are still in a state of disaster- what do you do? Try a few of these things to pinch that penny:

1: Cook and eat at home- I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times, but cooking and eating at home can save you a bundle! If you get sick of the decor at home, pack a picnic and hit the beach or the local park. The weather’s still nice out. Miss your friends? Arrange a pot luck and give it a theme!

2: Eat seasonally, eat whole, buy bulk- Your best bet is to find your produce at a local farmers market; the produce is better and cheaper than even the higher end gourmet markets. I understand it’s hard to shop for an entire family for a whole week all in one day. Eating whole is the best tip ever- avoid prepackaged foods! They are SO expensive and much fattier than if you made it yourself. Compare the price of a potato with a spritz of olive oil versus the cost of a bag of potato chips. Then think of how much crap is in a bag of chips versus the potato. There are recipes to make everything quick, cheap and easy, even mock meats.

3: Shop thrift & DIY- If you’re crafty enough, you can salvage old clothing and make it new. I really like Instructables because they have video or image tutorials on how to make just about anything you need, and a lot of stuff you might want. Thrift stores have a lot of great finds, and vintage clothing tends to be better made than a lot of the clothing out today. Also, you can get older, distressed leathers to make handbags or vests for cheap!

6: Clean green- All you really need in your cleaning cabinet is a good vacuum, some spray bottles, sponges/rags/scrubbies, a big bottle of vinegar, some tea tree oil, and a few boxes of baking soda. You can jazz it up with essential oils, but it’s not necessary. With these ingredients, you can clean just about anything, and you can clean it all very well.

5: Stay healthy- The most important thing of all, is to keep yourself healthy- mentally and physically. Medical bills are expensive, and stress can take a toll on your body, so think of everything you do for your body (good food, exercise, and meditation) as a future investment. You only have one body, so use it wisely!

To Good Health,
Joyce