Advice + Tips

We can all use helpful tips along the way as we make our way in the world.

Be Smart!

When dealing with contracts, whether it be to lease an apartment or purchase a car, be sure to read the fine print!  Often times, there is hidden information that might keep you from agreeing to the purchase.  Keep in mind that there are many various forms of "contracts" such as sales receipts, guarantees, warranty slips and so forth.  When in doubt - always get a second set of eyes to look it over with you. 

Grocery Shopping Tips

• Don't shop when you are hungry
• Make a list and stick with it
• Compare prices
• Check dates on perishable items (dairy, meat)

• Take a calculator to add prices so you don't go over budget

cooking 101

Looking for the most basic cooking tips?  Search no more...

How to Boil Water

1. Grab a pot that's big enough to hold the amount of water you want to boil, and has a lid that fits. Make sure the pot is big enough if you're going to add food like rice or pasta to the water. Otherwise, it will boil over.
2. Place the pot on your stove burner and add cold water into the pot.
3. Cover the pot and turn the burner on high. Depending on your stove, it will usually take about 5-10 minutes to boil.
4. Check the pot. If you see large bubbles, the water is boiling.

Shopping on a Shoestring Budget

• Coupon cutting is great if you can use them for items you really want/need. Don't get lured into buying things you don't need just because you have a coupon.  Print coupons online here > 
• Look high and low on the shelves at the market.  Typically, grocery stores will place higher priced items so they are easy to see and more tempting.

recipe of the month

Pasta with meat sauce

This is easy, healthy and inexpensive. Cost is about $6-7 andt will also last you for several days. 
You will need:

1 box of pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, penne)
1 jar of red pasta sauce (any brand, any flavor)
1 package of lean ground beef or ground turkey

*For the above items, purchase whatever brand/type is on sale at the time.

Instructions:

1. Boil water - see above
2. Drop in package of noodles - boil on medium heat with a pinch of salt - about 8 minutes
3. While boiling pasta, brown meat in a shallow pan over medium heat - about 10 minutes. It will crumble and turn from pink to brown.
4. Add jar of sauce once the meat is browned.  Drain pasta and add to the pan of meat sauce. Simmer (this means burner on low heat) for about 5-10 minutes. 

Serve and enjoy!