Getting a Bargain: Buy Propane Now

Part of being a frugal shopper is buying when costs are low. We all know how low gas prices are right now and it's too bad most of us can't buy a lot of it! However, if you have a propane tank, you might consider buying propane now. I just ordered a fill for my propane tank. Leased tank prices at my location are .99 and for an owned tank it's .94. 

A quick chart shows some propane prices for other seasons.

2015	2.367	2.360	2.337							1.919	1.939	1.983
2016	2.014	2.028	2.016							2.037	2.062	2.169
2017	2.329	2.442	2.406							2.313	2.399	2.479
2018	2.572	2.572	2.499							2.400	2.422	2.436
2019	2.429	2.431	2.410							1.843	1.952	2.021
2020	2.003	1.983	1.926

Of course, there is no way to know for certain whether prices will go up or down but prices on gas are at historic lows so it makes sense to buy propane right now. 

Some of you may not have a large propane tank but you may have one or two of these around that you use for deck fires or for cooking turkeys or for campers. Now is a good time to get these filled also. 

~Happy savings! 

Change Your Think into a Thunk! Cheap Protein Sources

I have recently read in the news that some beef and pork plants have temporarily shut down because of Covid-19 cases in their workers. This is supposed to be temporary but what that may mean to us is a temporary lack of the abundance we are used to and a potential for a bit of inflation. For some, who aren't able to handle any hike in price or you are simply needing to cut back because you have no income you may be looking for some cheap protein sources. Fortunately, there are a number of them! You don't have to spend $5.00 a pound for hamburger or more for roasts and steaks! Here are some cheaper protein sources: 

Eggs are a great protein source and are quite inexpensive and they are so versatile! You can have them scrambled, poached, boiled or made into an omelet. You can make an egg-salad sandwich. You can make deviled eggs. You can put them in baked goods. If you carry your lunch, which is much more inexpensive than eating out, you can put a boiled egg or two in your lunch with whatever sides you want. At $1.20 per dozen, eggs are only .80 a pound. 

Another great source of protein is beans and rice. You can make beans and rice in a number of different ways. You can make them for dinner and they are also easy to put in a container for a packed lunch, as long as you have a refrigerator and microwave to keep them in. Rice is very inexpensive and quantity buying can make a  difference, but expect about .75 a pound and beans around .80 a pound. 

Dried beans are an amazingly cheap source of protein. You can make Boston baked beans, split pea soup, lentils and a number of other bean dishes and soups. One trick I like to do is save bacon grease from when I make bacon. I freeze it and then put the bacon grease in the beans. This has the tendency to make one feel extra thrifty and makes the dish more tasty. A pound of dried pinto beans is about $1.04 a pound.

Canned fish is a good source of protein and keeps very well. You can buy tuna, canned salmon, sardines and a number of other canned meats like oysters, octopus etc.  A can of tuna like the one below is about .80. 

Refried beans can be used as a substitute for hamburger in burritos or eaten with tortilla chips. A one pound can is about $1.00.

One meat that is very low priced is chicken gizzards. I really like them but not everyone does. I love them fried. They run about $1.39 a pound.

Chicken Leg quarters are also inexpensive at about $1.07 a pound. They are very versatile and there are so many way to cook them. Add some rice and a side of canned green beans and you can create a very inexpensive, filling and tasty dish for very little. 

During this time, it's time to put our creative hats on. When we change our think into a thunk, meaning we change our thinking to fit the challenge, we can learn new skills and make a difference for ourselves, our family and the world at large. Happy Savings and be safe!

Pennies, Pennies Everywhere! Make Your Own Yogurt!

Did you know you can easily make your own yogurt for pennies compared to grocery store prices? I have a yogurt maker and I will show you my process but you don't need a yogurt maker to make yogurt! 

First, you will need starter. This is from my last batch but if you don't have any starter, you can just buy the smallest container of plain yogurt from the store. 

Here is my yogurt maker. The above glass jar is like the ones that fill this maker and I can use them over and over (no trash!)

First, I take about a quart of milk and pour into a bowl. I heat the milk briefly after pouring it into the bowl. 

I add some real cream to mine because I like the thick, rich flavor. 

Then, I add my starter and stir. 

After that, I fill the jars and add it to the yogurt maker. 

I turn it on and leave it for 24 hours. You don't need a yogurt maker but, living in a cooler climate, I like the even heat that gets applied to the yogurt with the maker. 

Once the yogurt is done, I either use it in smoothies or add some jam like this for flavor. 

Here is a link to making yogurt without a yogurt maker. Easy peasy! https://frenchwomendontgetfat.com/recipe/homemade-yogurt-without-a-yogurt-maker/

Happy Savings! 

Springtime Dandelion Greens! Food From Your Yard

Here's a springtime money and health hack for you! Eat dandelion greens! Dandelion greens in early spring are good and good for you. Here is an article on how to find and use dandelion greens:

http://www.moneycrashers.com/eating-dandelions-health-benefits-leaves-greens-roots-flowers/

 Dandelions have calcium, iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin A and Vitamin K.  Here are some dandelion green nutrition facts: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/dandelion-greens.html Dandelions are great for your eyes, containing both zeaxanthin and lutein.

A couple of rules:

• Make sure you know what you are picking! Use online resources so you can compare and know for sure. If you are not certain of what you are picking, take them to your local extension office for verification before consuming.
• Make sure they are not covered with pesticides or other pollutants. 
• Remember you are responsible for what you eat. Safety first! Never put anything into your mouth when foraging unless you are sure you know what you have. This goes for all foods you pick. 

You can cook dandelion greens in a few ways. You can saute them in a pan like in this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/222744/dandelion-greens-with-a-kick/

I like to take a few like this, and just throw them into a smoothie!

Food right from your yard! Now that is frugality!

Happy Savings!