Just got my new solar oven a week ago and I am loving it! I’ve cooked in it once or twice a day since receiving it. It’s very easy to use and is powered completely by the sun. I save money I would have spent on electricity to run my kitchen oven and again by not having to run the AC to cool the house back down afterward. This means a lot in Texas in August! I’m also saving by not eating out as much or using expensive convenience foods as much since the solar oven is so easy and fun to use. From electricity savings reports from other solar oven users I should recoup my cost for the oven in less than six months. The oven is built to last 15 years or more.

The oven I chose is a Global Sun Oven. It is a little more costly than some other solar ovens but is built to last many years and is very well insulated and seals tightly to reach higher temperatures and keep food warm longer. The oven is very portable and light weight. It weighs 21 pounds and quickly folds down to the size of a small suitcase with a built-in carrying handle.

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Imagine coming home from a vacation or at the end of a workday to find your house ransacked and your family heirlooms and other valuables missing.  You feel violated and wonder if the criminals will come back.  Now you must spend hours making insurance claims, filing police reports and trying to replace your belongings.  This doesn’t have to be you.  Knowing how thieves operate can help you outsmart them.

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Here is a list of stores offering free items for students with good grades:

• Chick-fil-a – free 8pk. of nuggets for all A’s and B’s.
• SBarro – free slice of pizza and soda to elementary students with A’s and B’s  and a free slice for one parent.

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Mothers Day is almost here.  Mother’s Day has been celebrated in the US since May 10, 1908.  You don’t have to go broke to show your mom how much she means to you.    Here are a few inexpensive ways to make her feel appreciated on her special day: Read more »

With the price of groceries steadily rising, vegetable gardening is becoming more popular. Growing your own food can help you keep your food costs down and have more control over the amount of chemicals your family is consuming. Here are a few frugal tips to keep gardening costs low: Read more »

A reason to be happy on April 15 Tax Day — businesses are giving away free stuff! Even if you have to pay taxes today the day doesn’t have to be all bad. Here are a few eateries giving away free food:

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Here are a few Christmas or Hanukkah gift ideas for the senior citizen on your list. These would also work for birthday or anytime presents.

1. stationery
2. stamps
3. beauty salon gift certificate
4. bedsocks
5. hand lotions and creams
6. scarf
7. special soaps
8. birdfeeder
9. reach extender
10. music CD
11. book on CD or tape
12. word search puzzle books
13. help with difficult household tasks
14. non-skid socks
15. jumbo-faced playing cards
16. sweet breads such as pumpkin or banana-nut
17. plants
18. large print books
19. a personal visit
20. scrapbook of family member photos
21. warm blanket
22. slippers
23. sweatshirt and/or pants
24. large-face electric clock
25. large-button TV remote

The average family of 4 spends $2500 per year on clothing.   Use the following tips on making your clothes last longer and you could save $1000/year or more — Read more »

Salvage or Discount Grocery Stores can save you a lot of money on your food bill. Hundreds of these stores are scattered across the U.S. Now there is an online directory available listing these stores state by state. These stores sell groceries that may be slightly dented, discontinued or overstocked. Find the directory here – Salvage Grocery Directory Scroll down to find your state and area.