Living a Better Life®
(featured column, from the editor's desk)
15 Ways to Create More Cash: Including Ideas for Starting a Home Business
Whether you need more money just to make ends meet, are working towards getting out of debt, paying for college or buying a home, or looking for ways to increase your giving – here's a look back at my helpful list of cash generating ideas.  And a word of encouragement for those who need more cash to make ends meet.  As the saying goes... "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." No matter what your situation is, there are many ways to create some extra cash.  You just have to pick yourself up and get to it!.. read more


Financial Journey
(featured column)
My New Journey Continues
I would be remiss if I didn’t begin this article by thanking all of our readers who have reached out and sent me messages of consolation and support since my last article, Life Takes a Dramatic Change, was printed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Your messages were so comforting and helped ease the pain of going through the holidays without my sweet husband, Bob. I’ll share more about the holidays in this article, but first wanted to address the resounding thoughts that... read more

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Credit Wise
(featured column)
Got the Debt Repayment Blues?

When you’re in debt, it is like an invisible ball and chain. Even though others may not know you’re living with debt, it’s something you can’t escape. It can affect every area of your life. You may find yourself afraid to answer the phone because it could be another nasty collector asking for money that you can’t pay. You may not want to open your mail... read more


Frugal Parenting
(featured column)
Price-Comparison Book
For several years, I had wanted to make a price-comparison book, but I never got around to it. Not until our family moved overseas for nine months as furlough replacement missionaries in the Philippines did I finally make a price comparison book in an effort to lower our food costs. While food costs and the price of living are lower in this Asian country, I found myself spending more on groceries due to no sales ads, coupons, rebates, and loss leader items... read more

"We are struggling to pay our bills and your site is a Godsend... Thank you for helping so many people in this crazy economy..." More Reader Feedback...

  Frugal Family Recipes!!!

Join us on our recipe blog at frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com - each month we will select one recipe to be featured here at BetterBudgeting.com and the member who submitted it will receive a gift card for $25 of FREE GROCERIES!  (Visit the blog for more details.)  To be considered for the gift card, please send your recipes each month to Michelle at editor@betterbudgeting.com or via the contact link on our blog. 

(New recipe will be announced next week!)

This Month's Featured Recipe Is...

Pasta La Vista

Submitted by Tiana Bodine

I learned the original recipe for this from a vegetarian cookbook I had in my vegetarian days; I've since edited it a lot to suit my needs. The great thing about this recipe is that you can change out almost every ingredient for something you already have on hand, and it's super easy because you only need one pan. 

You'll need:

1 large can diced tomatoes (I like the kind with green chilies)
1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (just about anything works great--I use whatever mix is on sale that week)
1 bag of pasta (macaroni, penne or ziti type noodles work best)
Approximately 1 cup shredded cheese
A dash of hot sauce and spices (see directions)

Directions: 

In a tall-sided skillet, mix the tomatoes, vegetables, and pasta with just enough water to cover the pasta. While the pasta and veggies are cooking, add spices--oregano, salt, pepper, garlic or garlic powder, whatever you have handy. Once the pasta is almost done, lower the heat to a simmer and stir in a dash of hot sauce or your favorite salsa, then sprinkle enough grated cheese over the top to cover it. Turn off the heat, let the cheese melt down on it, and you're done!

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 *  *  *  *  *  *  * Thrifty Money-Saving Tips *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Coupon Organizing
by Rebecca Sinnen

I recently decided to get in the coupon clipping "family."  After clipping stacks of coupons and stuffing them in an envelope, I wanted to find a way to keep them organized in my planner... read more

Homemade Gifts and Frugal Crafts
(featured column by BetterBudgeting's crafty readers)

 

Floral Gift Box of Chocolates

by Benetta Strydom

Turn an ordinary gift box or cardboard box into a sweet gift for any special occasion.  Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Teacher's Appreciation Week, etc...  Create pizzazz with artificial flowers and add a few fancy chocolates, or other gift items if preferred... read more

 

 

Craft Submissions...
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/craftsubmissions.htm 

Now Accepting Submissions for our 3rd Annual
2009 Homemade Christmas Ornament Contest!!!

1st Place $100 - 2nd Place $50 - 3rd Place $25

Submit Your 2009 Ornament Here... Last Day for Submissions Jan. 31st!

Order Our Frugal Cookbook



Frugal Family Recipes... From
Our Home to
Yours!

FEATURED FRUGAL RECIPES

FRUGAL FAMILY RECIPES:
Frugal Recipe Index & Dinner Blog...

Order Our Family Cookbook...

EDITOR'S BOOK PICK OF THE MONTH

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