The eLearners News Blog : Money-Saving Tips

New GI Bill Benefits Vary State by State

AndriaL — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:49:00 GMT

New GI Bill Benefits Will Vary...a Lot

Some time ago, we wrote about the new education benefits coming to members of the military in August by way of a revamped GI Bill. According to this article on MSNBC, this GI Bill upgrade will allocate more money for military members going back to school, but benefits will vary widely state-to-state such that you might get a full-ride in New Hampshire, but only $2,200 per year for a Massachusetts school.

The article states, "...depending on where service members and veterans decide to attend college, they could receive a full ride, or very little." Sounds like the great news here is your benefit doesn't seem to depend where you live or where you're from — it's where you choose to go to school. Luckily, distance learning gives you the freedom to attend a school across the country if you're so inclined.

Thanks to eLearning, you should be set even if you're in California, which is offering zero dollars to veterans.

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"Pack" Away the Savings

JenniferA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Most people have heard that it's cheaper to pack a lunch than dining out or eating in a cafeteria. Below are a few suggestions to make sure your efforts result in big savings:

Use a washable beverage bottle instead of using bottled water in disposable containers. Using an insulated kind can help keep your drinks cold and more money in your pocket.

Skip the plastic baggies. You're practically throwing money away by buying plastic baggies to use once and throw away. Instead spend a little more initially to buy containers of various sizes and you'll save money in the long run.

When it comes to wash and reuse items don't forget about napkins and silverware. There is no need to buy many packages of disposable plastic ware and paper napkins throughout the year. Use cloth napkins and silverware from home. Yes you'll have to wash them up but it's a small sacrifice for bigger savings.

Forget about individual-sized servings of applesauce, crackers, pudding, etc. All of these items can be made or purchased in larger quantities and simply put in your own smaller container to pack.

Assemble a bunch of grab and go items ahead of time. You'll be more likely to stick with packing your lunch if as much as possible is made up ready to go ahead of time.

Don't forget about last night's leftovers. If you're getting sick of peanut butter and jelly there may be tastier options ready to go in your frig. Leftovers are great for lunches. They break up the boredom of the same old lunch menu and you're more likely to use up leftovers this way.

In case you didn't notice many of the above suggestions also create less waste, which is good for the environment. So pack away...you'll save money and help save the earth!

Jennifer Applin is a freelance writer, wife and mother of four. She spends her days cooking, cleaning and caring for little ones, and her nights writing about parenting, pregnancy, and the quest for peace (as in peace and quiet—there is such a thing, right?).

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"Milking" Your Grocery Budget

JenniferA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Due to rising fuel costs, grocery budgets aren't stretching as far as they used to. It seems that EVERYTHING is more expensive and milk is no exception. So here is a little secret to help you save money on milk: use powdered milk when possible.

To older generations this is not a secret, it is just something they routinely used, but somehow this practice got lost over the years. Those who grew up drinking powered (or dry milk) often complained of the taste, but this has improved. Powered milk is easy to store and use (simply add water according to the directions). There are many benefits including:

* saving money since prepared ounce for ounce it is cheaper than fresh milk
* easy to keep on hand because it's considered nonperishable (no more dumping spoiled milk)
* being able to avoid those quick trips to the grocery store just to get milk.

You can save on time, fuel costs and the expense of those extra items that always make their way into your shopping cart.

If you find the taste of prepared powdered milk questionable here are some suggestions:

* The colder the milk is the better. Make up a pitcher the night before so it'll have plenty of time to chill before you need it in the morning.
* Add a few drops of vanilla to improve the taste.
* If you still object to the taste try mixing it with fresh milk. Even saving a little bit of money is a help.
* If you've tried all of the above and still don't care for the taste well at least use prepared powdered milk to cook and bake with. You'll still reap the money-saving rewards. You won't notice a difference in the taste of your baked goods, but you'll notice the difference in your wallet.

If consuming organic products is important to you, you're in luck. You can find organic powdered milk at many specialty stores, grocers, and online.

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Fundraiser Alternative-Just Write A Check Instead!

JenniferA — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:30:00 GMT

It's back to school time and that means getting bombarded every month or so with fundraisers. I understand the fundraising needs of schools and clubs. With the constant school budget constraints it seems funding for "extras" isn't available and it's up to the parents to make up the difference. Participating in fundraisers may sound like a great solution to help out your child's soccer team or the parent's club, but there may be a better way.

Do a little digging and find out what percentage of your child's fundraising efforts really goes to the club or program. Then do the math. If they are selling pizza kits at $15 a piece and only make $3.00 off of each one, you can spend $45 for three kits and the school is only getting $9. Financially you'd be better off just giving the school the $9 and the other $36 you'd have left can go a lot further than just paying for three pizzas.

There are other benefits to this approach as well. You won't have to hassle with keeping track of all of the fundraising dates (when the orders are due, when you pick the items up, when the money is due, etc.). Of course your child won't receive their token "prize" for participating, but this may be a blessing as well. You won't have to deal with their hurt feeling when their prize breaks five minutes after being opened (which always happens).

So this year instead of ordering overpriced cookie dough you don't need or an entertainment book you stick in a cupboard and forget about, just simply write a check instead. Look at your budget and figure out how much you'd like to give to each organization and make a direct donation. You'll be glad you did.

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