Have you always wanted to try tapping maple trees on your property so you could make your own maple syrup? Then you’re in luck because maple syrup season is almost here. You may have noticed buckets on your neighbors' trees — I have seen them here in Kennebunk. Shifting maple syrup … [Read more...] about Tapping Maple Trees to Make Your Own Maple Syrup
Frugal Living
What Not To Donate To Goodwill: A Complete Guide
Goodwill is a great place to unload your clutter. And if you're in the mood to downsize your stuff or it is just that time of the year when you want to get organized, it's important to know that you cannot bring anything and everything to a thrift store like Goodwill. That's why I've put … [Read more...] about What Not To Donate To Goodwill: A Complete Guide
Target Lowering Prices on Everyday Items
Despite reports from the federal government that inflation is improving, everyday shoppers like you and me probably aren't seeing that on an everyday level. For example, while shopping at Hannaford recently, I spied a can of whipped cream costing close to $7. Seven dollars. While the cost of … [Read more...] about Target Lowering Prices on Everyday Items
Tips for Thrift Shopping
In my book Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, I talked about how I grew up going thrift shopping without even realizing it. That's because my Mainer mother learned to stretch a buck by reusing things and also shopping in thrift environments. These secondhand shops often … [Read more...] about Tips for Thrift Shopping
Gas Prices in Maine
If you're like me, then you're always on the prowl for the best gas prices in Maine. Recently, I needed to fill up and I had an appointment in Scarborough. So, as I drove up Route 1, I took note of gas prices. Once I was near my appointment and I wasn't seeing any sharp decreases in prices, I … [Read more...] about Gas Prices in Maine
Home Composting for Beginners
When I wrote my book Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, I included a section on composting for beginners. How does composting jibe with frugality? Well, it can be a money saver for you. How composting saves money For example, at the time I wrote the book, we lived … [Read more...] about Home Composting for Beginners
Southern Maine Good Causes: Donations
Maybe it's time to clean out. Or, perhaps you are struck with a sense of generosity. No matter what your motivations are, it sometimes can be challenging to find places that will take your good, but unneeded items. Here, we list some good causes in Southern Maine that will take donations of new … [Read more...] about Southern Maine Good Causes: Donations
USPS Stamp Prices Increasing Again
How much does a stamp cost? Well, you're going to pay more for one next year. That's because, once again, the United States Postal Service (USPS) aka the post office is raising the price of postage. How much are stamp prices increasing? The price of a Forever Stamp increases on January 21, … [Read more...] about USPS Stamp Prices Increasing Again
How to Find the Lowest Gas Prices in Maine
Recently, while driving to the Target in Biddeford, I discovered the lowest gas prices I'd seen in my area of Maine. Just about 10 minutes outside of Kennebunk was a lone gas station. It first caught my eye because of the line. Of course, that reminds me of the gas lines I remember my parents … [Read more...] about How to Find the Lowest Gas Prices in Maine
Savings Tips for Rising Egg Prices
Have you noticed how high egg prices have become lately? Recently, I saw a dozen eggs in the store for almost $10. That’s crazy. So, why are egg prices so high? Well, there are a couple of factors. One, there is inflation. This is not new. We know that with the way the economy is trending, … [Read more...] about Savings Tips for Rising Egg Prices
What is CLYNK Bottle Return
Until we moved to Maine, I had no idea what Clynk bottle return was. I mean, I knew there was a bottle deposit law in Maine. However, I wasn’t sure how or where I could return or recycle my bottles and cans to get my money back. Then I figured out that Hannaford supermarkets had Clynk bottle … [Read more...] about What is CLYNK Bottle Return