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What to Stock Up On In March

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What to stock up on in March – the ULTIMATE list you can’t shop without! Let’s talk about what what to shop for in March. I’ve included food items, seasonal items, winter clearance, non-food items and even garden items to stock up on in March! Happy shopping!

what to stock up on in march

Keeping a list of the sales for March will make your shopping faster and easier on your budget. I have stock up lists for November, December, January and February too; so make sure to save those links to your favorites!

What to Stock Up On In March

This and all my “stock up on” posts are based on the sale cycle for that month.

What is a sale cycle?

A sale cycle is a rotation of certain items being on sale store-wide. For example, March is National Frozen Food Month. So based on this and other seasonal factors, stores will have the best deals on those items.

Sales cycles typically cycle back about every 6 weeks. So you’ll want to buy enough of those items to last you and your family until the items come back around on sale. This is the lowest price you’ll find for those items.

Coupons are great but combined with sale cycles you can get items at the cheapest price for the year and often for FREE. If you’re building a stockpile than this is the way you want to shop for sure!

My stock up in March list is based on those sale cycles as are my other lists.

Also when you’re planning your stock up in March sales you have to consider the season. Special occasions in the month of March, like St. Patrick’s Day (see my corned beef in your crock pot recipe) will also effect sale items and prices.

Stock Up on in March Food Items

Did you know that March is National Frozen Foods Month? There is actually a National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) that promotes this. See March Frozen Food Month! But March also has St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness, and later you’ll see items for spring cleaning.

  • Frozen Foods – This is the best time to buy frozen vegetables, frozen fruit, pizzas, fish sticks, ice cream and just about any other item you find in the frozen food section.
  • Corned Beef – the traditional meat of St. Patty’s Day is in abundance and on sale during March. Put a few in your freezer for other times of the year.
  • Cereals – March 7th in National Cereal Day so all your boxes of cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc will be on sale. Check your coupons so you can stack them with the sale prices for the best deals!
  • Seasonal Produce – asparagus, bananas (see how to preserve bananas), beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery,
    grapefruit, grapes, leeks, lemons, limes, lettuce, onions, oranges, mangoes, peas, pineapples, potatoes, radishes, strawberries, spinach and walnuts.
  • Snack Foods and Soda – stock up on in March on snacks and sodas that will be on sale in preparation for the March Madness basketball tournaments. Look at chips, dips, soda, etc for the best deals.

Stock Up on in March – Holiday Items

The best time to stock up on holiday items is after the holiday as passed. Get to the stores fast the next day because they’ll be at great clearance sales prices!

  • St. Patrick’s Day – after March 17th you can find great deals on all things green and Irish! Don’t forget to look at craft stores too if you’re looking holiday items.
  • Easter Items – When Easter is in March you can find great deals on baskets, candy, cards and decor to stock up on in March.

Stock Up on in March – Cleaning Supplies

Because many people are preparing for “spring cleaning” those products and supplies will be at rock bottom prices. Check your stores and stack with coupons for amazing deals (sometimes free). The first day of spring is March 20th for 2019!

  • All purpose cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Candles and other home fragrances
  • Cleaning gear may also be on sale – mops, brooms, dusters, vacuums, etc.

Stock Up on in March – Winter Clearance

Old man winter is leaving and so are all the amazing winter items that will be cheap in March. If you have the space to store them away this is the time to buy!

  • Winter coats, jackets, vests, etc (considering getting larger sizes your kids will need next year)
  • Gloves, mittens, scarves, fuzzy socks
  • Snow and ski wear

Stock Up on in March – Other Non-Food Items

These are the other items you may find the best deals on in March, not just at grocery stores!

  • Boats (hey if you’re in the market for one, this may be your month!)
  • Jewelry – stores are still trying to get rid of those extra Valentine’s Day gifts.
  • Luggage – in preparation for the Spring break travels many stores of the best deals on luggage.
  • Wedding Gifts – it is the start of the busy wedding season so look for deals on items typically given to couples as a gift. Items to consider: small appliances, flatware, dishes, etc.
  • Laptops – If you missed the back-to-school and Christmas sales you may still find a great deal on laptops as stores prepare for the graduation season.

Stock Up on In March – Seeds and Plants

Getting ready for your spring garden? March is a great time to stock up on seeds and plants! See What to Plant in March.

Tips for Stocking Up on March Items

  • Don’t blow your budget for ANY sale item. The point of shopping these sales is to save money but if that makes it hard for you to pay a bill then it isn’t worth it.
  • Don’t use credit, that defeats the sale price (see above).
  • Make sure your have room to store the extra items and food!
  • Don’t buy things you don’t already use. This isn’t the time to get 10 boxes of cereal that you’ve never tried!
  • Shop stores that price match to save yourself time.
  • Make a plan, write a list and don’t be distracted.
  • Take a buddy that will keep you from over doing it!
  • Make sure to check freshness dates on food items. Store pantry and refrigerator items with closer expiration dates to the front.
  • Start a price list – this will help you track the best sales prices in the cycles.

Happy shopping and savings as you stock up in March!

Garage Sale Have The Best One Ever

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Garage Sale tips are on the agenda today. It will soon be spring and that, to me, is the best garage sale season of all. But now is the time to get ready for your garage sale (yard or tag sale)! I have some tips and tricks to have a successful garage sale…the best one ever!

garage sale tips and tricks

Garage Sale Tips and Tricks

Garage sale, yard sale, tag sale – I know we all call them something different depending on where we live; but it is all basically the same thing. A garage sale is a wonderful way to purge your home of items you no longer need or use and make some money to boot. Win!

There are a few things you can do to go from a good yard sale to an amazing one! I am going to share what’s worked for us in the past so you can implement them in your next sale!

We are getting read for our annual spring garage sale. I love to shop thrifty and yard sales are great for that too. BUT I have never found an easier way to make a little side cash than a good old fashioned garage sale. So what can you do to have a bigger, better and more profitable garage sale? I’m so glad you asked!

10 Tips for The Best Garage Sale Ever!

Garage Sale Tip #1 – Plan Ahead

If you want to have a spring yard sale then you should start planning it in the winter. Sure you can throw together of last minute sale, I’ve done that too. But for the BEST garage sale you want time to plan.

  • Pick a date, put it on the calendar and plan around it. Depending on how much clutter you have to clean out, it could take several weeks or even months to get yourself ready. That’s ok!
  • See if your area or neighborhood does annual or semi-annual garage sale. These group tag sales will bring bigger crowds which is a better opportunity for you to make money.
  • Find out if your city or town requires a permit to hold a tag sale.

Garage Sale Tip #2 – Make a Collection Area

  • Use 1/2 of your garage or a spare room in your house (if you can) to collect and organize what you’ll be selling at your garage sale.
  • Organize items into groups like kitchen items, books, clothing, etc. This will make set-up on the day of your yard sale much faster.

Garage Sale Tip #3 – Get Volunteers

  • It is so much easier to have a great yard sale when you have a helper or 2.
  • Normally this will be your spouse and maybe your kids but if you’re single ask a few friends to help. Make sure to offer friends some food / treats / drinks for their time. You could consider offering your garage sale volunteers a set percentage of the profits as well.
  • Can you yard sale volunteers help you with the pre-sale organization? Even better!

Garage Sale Tip #4 – Make Sure Everything Is Priced

  • There are 2 schools of thought here. One says price high so people can haggle. The other says ask what you want because some people just want to buy without negotiating. I tend to fall a little in the middle. Most shoppers want to walk away feeling like that got a deal so give yourself some wiggle room in the prices.
  • Price as you go. As your organizing and going through your rooms to find items to sell, price them right away.
  • Make sure price tags are visible and shoppers don’t have to search for them.
  • If you’re unsure what to price something check for similar items on Craigslist and Ebay.
  • Yard Sale Kit with Pricing Labels

Garage Sale Tip #5 – Advertise Your Yard Sale

  • You really don’t need a newspaper ad anymore.
  • Find local groups on Facebook to post your yard sale. If you don’t feel comfortable putting your exact address you can ask people to message you for it but that does make more work for you.
  • Announce it on your personal social media.
  • Add it to your local Craigslist with a few pictures of choice items.
  • Post flyers at your local library.
  • The day of, put out clean, easy to read signs with LARGE print.

Garage Sale Tip #6 – Organizing The Sales Area

Keep your yard sale area neat and easy for shoppers to see what is available. Group like items together.

how to organize a garage sale
  • Clothes with clothes – clothes are best seen and sold if they are hung up. Try hanging a heavy rope between trees or in your garage door area to hang the clothes. You can also invest in a garment rack. If not make sure everything is neatly folded on a table.
  • Books with books – consider offering discounts when multiple books are purchased.
  • Household goods
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Etc

Garage Sale Tip #6 – Cash and Cashier & Help

  • Have a designated cashier for your garage sale so you can be in with the shoppers.
  • Make sure you have plenty of small bills for change. You may want a way to check large bill for counterfeits (it happens). You can buy a Money Marker for this.
  • Do not work your garage sale alone. In addition to a cashier you want 2 – 4 people “working” the crowd and sadly watching for thieves.

Garage Sale Tip #7 – Free Stuff

I like to have a box of freebies available at my garage sale. This is the stuff I don’t feel like haggling over, may be missing pieces or need repair. I rarely have any of it left.

Garage Sale Tip #8 – Refreshments

You might want to consider offering some drinks and snacks at a reasonable price; it will keep people shopping your yard sale longer! This is a great job for the kids to man. Here are a few ideas that have worked for us:

  • Donuts
  • Water bottles
  • Coffee
  • Hot Chocolate
  • If you’re really ambitious you could do grilled hot dogs (I saw this once but never have tried it personally).

Garage Sale Tip #9 – Don’t Bring It Back In

Have a plan for leftovers when the yard sale is over. Many companies will come and pick up your yard sale leftover items at a specified time. So make that plan in advance and do not bring the clutter back into your home.

The only caveat to that is if you are planning to have a 2nd day or 2nd weekend to your tag sale.

Garage Sale Tip #10 – Where is the Money Going?

I always like to have a goal in mind for the money we make at our tag sales. Maybe savings for a vacation, a new couch, home repairs, etc. But a goal and a plan makes all the prep work and sales worth it!

I hope these tips give you the confidence to have a yard sale, no matter what you goals for the money. I love to have the once or twice a year to keep the clutter down around the house.

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Stock Up In February For Savings

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Stock up in February for savings! Stocking up in February can save you money now and in the future. I keep a list of the best sales for each month and today I’m sharing the February deals that you want to stock up on now! I’ve sectioned out the different type of stock up in February sale items so you can go through and easily see what you and your house needs (remember we want to stick to a budget here!).

So whether you’re pumping up your pantry items, prepping or just want a few just-in-case items; shop the February sales for the best deals and huge savings. Be sure to check out my lists for November, December and January too; keep them on your bookmarks for later!

stock up in february

Stock Up In February

Holiday & Seasonal Deals for February 

Tax Software for 40% off or more!

I know you don’t want to think about it but it is time to do your taxes! Tax software is on sale in February.

Valentines Day – The best Valentines Day deals will be AFTER the big day. You can find stock up in February deals:

  • Chocolates
  • Red and Pink Candy
  • Cards
  • Valentines Themed Decor

Remember that red candies from Valentines Day can be bought and stored for Christmas gifts! Any of the clearance treats, if the date works, can be stored and used as gifts, party favors, baking, etc.

Jewelry will also be at premium sale prices after Valentines Day!

President’s Day – There are great deals to be found during President’s Days Sales:

  • Mattresses and bedding
  • Furniture
  • Appliances
  • TVs (especially right before the Super Bowl!)
  • Small Kitchen Appliances

Chinese New Year – The Chinese New Year is February 5th in 2019 so many of the food items in your Asian Food Aisle will be on sale:

  • Soy Sauce
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Stir Fry Vegetables
  • Noodles
  • Water Chestnuts
  • Asian Seasonings

Stock Up In February – Snack Foods

Right before the Super Bowl snack foods will be at some of the lowest deals of the year.

  • Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Dips
  • Salsas
  • Chicken wings ( check both fresh and frozen for the best deals )
  • Soda
  • Hot Dogs

February is National Canned Food Month

Did you know that February is National Canned Food Month? Now I want you to learn to can your own foods but I would still recommend stocking up in February on canned goods. This is a great time to stock up on:

  • Tuna
  • Soups
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruits
  • Canned Beans
  • Chili
  • Stew
  • Pie Filling

February is National Hot Breakfast Month

Stock up in February on hot breakfast food items. Yes, February is also National Hot Breakfast Month so lots of great items will be on sale.

  • Oatmeal
  • Cream of Wheat
  • Malt O Meal
  • Frozen Waffles
  • Syrup
  • Pancake Mixes
  • Biscuit Mixes and pre-made canned biscuits

Seasonal Produce to Stock Up on In February

Stock in February on Seasonal Produce. Be sure to check both fresh and frozen options!

Seasonal produce is a great thing to stock up on in February but I really encourage you to start gardening, if you haven’t already! Check out my article on Having an Amazing Backyard Garden!

Stock Up in February – Clothing & Personal Items

Winter clothing will be sale during February as the stores make room for warmer weather clothes.

  • Sweatshirts
  • Jackets
  • Mittens and gloves
  • Winter Boots
  • Fleece
  • Perfume and Perfume Sets (especially after Valentines Day!)

Winter Themed Products on Sale in February

  • Winter scents in candles like pine will be on sale!
  • Also look for winter scents in lotions.

Tips for Stocking Up in February 

  1. Inventory your cupboards, refrigerator / freezer, pantry, bathroom closets, gift closet, etc. Take note of what you really need to stock up on this month.
  2. Make space for your new items!
  3. Only buy what you and your family use. This is not the time to buy a dozen items you’ve never tried and waste your money!
  4. Make a list of what you see is needed and compare that to the stock up in February sales. Only shop from your list!
  5. If you are buying items that expire make sure you have enough time to use them! Always put older items at the front of your pantry or cupboards and freezer (to avoid the dreaded freezer burn) so those get used first.
  6. On non-food items, try to buy things that have more than one purpose or will go further than one use.
  7. Be prepared to shop multiple stores for the best deals.
  8. Invest in a Food Saver . This will help section foods and other items out, water proof items and keep food longer in the freezer. Great for big bulk purchases!
  9. Make a budget and stick to it without exceptions. Don’t hurt your finances to buy sale items!
  10. Check your coupons, if you use them. Also compare each store’s sales and see if you can get them to price-match the items you want; this will cut down on the running from store to store.

Whatever you decide to stock up on in February stick to your budget and use the above tips for the best month of savings! Shop responsibly my friends.

Stock Up In January List

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Stock up in January – the list you need for big savings! Sales after Christmas are fantastic and it is a great time to fill your pantry and save on household items you use during the year. January is a great time to evaluate our food storage, toiletries and stored items; and get them all organized. Then we’ll know exactly what we need to stock up in January during the sales.

Stock Up In January List of Sales

Stock Up In January List

Remember if you find free or deeply discounted items that you don’t use, consider donating them! 

But never bring home and store something just because it is free or cheap.

Remember My Stocking Up Tips for January

  1. Stores run sales in cycles and often they will post lost-leaders (losing money on an item) to get you into the store in hopes that you’ll buy more.
  2. Make sure you need it! See above about donating vs storing an item you never really use or need.
  3. Do you have space for more stock-ups? Organize, evaluate and list before shopping.
  4. Don’t be tempted by a good sale – know what you need!
  5. Check expiration dates first! Are you going to use these food items by or before the expiration date? Organize your pantry by earliest to latest expiration dates.
  6. When it comes to non-food items, the best ones have multiple purposes!
  7. Don’t spend it all in one place – plan to shop several stores and sales for the best deals.
  8. Don’t forget online shopping – free shipping is often available and saves you gas and time.
  9. Don’t blow your monthly budget! No sale is worth not being able to pay your regular bills!
  10. Consider purchasing an inexpensive Food Saver to increase your storage time and put things is smaller increments; great for big bulk buying and work for pantry, refrigerator and freezer.
  11. Check store coupons – many stores will accept competitor prices and coupons!
  12. DO NOT ACQUIRE DEBT! No using credit cards to get these items; you really aren’t saving yourself any money in the long run.

Stock Up in January Food Items

Retailers know that new year resolutions are in full swing so anything “diet” and “health” will be on sale.

  • Seasonal produce like oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, chard, carrots, kale and more.
  • Frozen meals for diets.
  • Frozen pizzas (I guess they think you’re burnt out on cooking)
  • Cereals, Oatmeal, Grains
  • Most processed breakfast foods (bars, frozen, etc)
  • Snack foods (again especially “healthy” labels)
  • Chips, Dips and Soda

Stock Up in January Health Items

It is that time of the year and stores know we’ll be fighting colds as well as looking to get healthier. It is always good to have these items on hand.

  • Vitamins (my Sprouts store is having a HUGE sales on supplements)
  • Cold & Flu Medications
  • Nose / Facial Tissue
  • Cough Drops

Stock Up in January Clothing & Household

  • Winter clothing – sweaters, gloves, jackets, scarves and more will be deeply discounted.
  • Electronics – if you’re shopping for a new tv, tablet or computer, this could be the month to splurge.
  • Seasonal Items leftover from Thanksgiving and Christmas will be at rock bottom prices if you can find them (cards, decor, wrapping paper, etc)

Stock Up in January Gifts

If you keep a gift closet then you may want to look for a few items to stock up in January and replenish your gifts. Remember Valentines Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be here soon!

  • Small toys
  • Stocking stuffer items
  • Perfume and cologne sets
  • Gift sets of all kinds!

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I truly hope this list helps you to stock up in January for amazing savings!

How to Improve Your Finances This Year

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Improve your finances with 10 quick changes! You don’t have to eat beans and rice everyday to changes to your finances, start saving money and being more frugal. You can improve your finances with a few small changes that add up over time and I have 10 to get you started. Most of these crazy ways to save money are way out of most people’s comfort zones or feel downright weird; but being thrifty doesn’t have to be nuts. I promise with a few changes you’ll start seeing BIG changes.

How to Improve Your Finances


How to Improve Your Finances – 10 Quick Changes

Signs You Need to Improve Your Finances

Most of us know that we need to fix our money issues but maybe you’re not sure. Here are few signs that your finances are controlling you and not the other way around:

  1. You’re in debt.
  2. You worry about money.
  3. You have no savings.
  4. You have no retirement.
  5. You’re neglecting some bills to pay others.
  6. You feel hopeless.
  7. You’re borrowing money from family and friends.
  8. You have no finances to contribute to causes that are important to you.

Do any of those statements ring true…do all of them? Don’t worry, I’ve been there and it isn’t hopeless! 

“True economy consists in always making the income exceed the outgo.” – PT Barnum

Before we move on to the tips on how you can improve your finances, let me say this; don’t be afraid to get radical! Sometimes we need to really stir things up to make changes to our finances. No fear! No guilt! We are going to get a handle on this!

Improve Your Finances Tip #1

First thing you must do to improve your finances is to stop using credit! Credit cards, personal loans, car loans – cash is king! Nothing will cause you more grief, stress and hurt your long term financial goals than debt. I recommend using the snowball method to pay off debt.

Improve Your Finances Tip #2

Start an emergency fund! The only way you’ll stop racking up debt is to have a fund for emergencies. Emergencies are not finding a great deal on something you want! I’m talking car or house repairs, medical needs, animal care, etc. True emergency needs that are not in your household budget. Dave Ramsey has great tips for getting your emergency fund built up quick. These first 2 steps are so key to improve your finances!

Improve Your Finances Tip #3

Stop shopping. Let’s be honest, shopping in the modern age has never been easier. I can shop from my computer, my phone, a tablet…I never have to leave the house. I’ve never been a mall window shopper but Amazon is very tempting. Don’t browse brick and mortar or online shops. Do not shop for fun – only if there is a true need and the budget for it!

“We make ourselves rich by making our wants few.” – Henry David Thoreau

Improve Your Finances Tip #4

Learn to entertain yourself at home for awhile. Both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are great ways to watch a fantastic movie. Pop your own popcorn at home (skip microwave popcorn and learn to make it the old fashioned way on the stove for MUCH better flavor) and put some REAL butter on it!

Invite your friends over for a potluck dinner and games night! It is a fun way to gather without costing anyone an arm and a leg. Some of our family favorites are: Dutch Blitz, Apples to Apples and Scattergories.

Improve Your Finances Tip #5

Have a yard sale or start selling things online. A simple yard sale can bring in hundreds of dollars by simply purging things you don’t need or use anymore. One man’s trash… Use this extra fund to build up your emergency savings or apply to debt. Bonus: Your home will be cleaner and more organized! See my Yard Sale Tips!

Improve Your Finances Tip #6

Get a side hustle. Another way to improve your finances is to bring in an extra income through a side hustle. This is typically something part time and flexible that you can do around your full time job and family. Again this “extra” income should be something you first use to build your emergency fund and then debt payment. After that you can use it to save for big purchases, start an IRA, get your mortgage paid off early, etc. If you’re not sure where to start, check out the book Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days.

“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship” -Benjamin Franklin

Improve Your Finances Tip #7

Get more self-sufficient in 2019! Learn to grow and produce your own food; even growing your own herbs can help the budget. Cook more from scratch – this will help your health too which will save you long term. Not to mention a garden can be a great stress reliever. Start with my article on having The Best Backyard Garden!

Improve Your Finances Tip #8

Be careful with coupons! We ditched them, almost altogether, because I found them to be more of a hindrance than a help, See 5 Reasons I Quit Using Coupons. There are other ways you can save on food and groceries I wrote about this in 20 Frugal Food & Grocery Tips (also see tip 7 again).

Improve Your Finances Tip #9

You really need to create a budget. I have a written budget for our 2 pay periods per month. Then I have a list of set bills for each of those pay periods like mortgage, electric, Netflix, etc. At the start of the pay period I look at our bank balance, subtract bills due, living expenses (like food & gas) and then I know exactly what I have to spend for the 2 week period. I go over this daily with our bank account to make sure we are on track and that I haven’t overspent or missed something. If you find you have a hard time sticking to a budget you should consider trying the envelope method.

Improve Your Finances Tip #10

Get comfortable with being thrifty. Learn to shop used, that can be online like Craigslist, or yard sales or your local thrift store. I have found not only great deals on clothes but canning jars, books, furniture, games, puzzles and so much more. People get rid of stuff that is still in great shape, because they aren’t using it. Remember no shopping for fun – needs only.

Here’s my gift-giving rule: Respect your current financial situation. Suze Orman

It is ok to re-gift! Now I’m not advocating giving crap to your friends and family. But if you get a gift card or item (new) that you know you won’t use, hold on to it and give it as a gift later in the year. TIP: Just make sure you don’t give it to the person who gave it to you!

Improving your finances doesn’t have to be a miserable venture. Start with little steps that you are comfortable with. It is amazing how fast things can improve with just a few minor changes. I found that I loved seeing the results and wanted to try BIGGER things to get us in a better financial place.

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