Delicious on a Dime

CREATE A $1 LIST Keep a second list of products you can pick up at the local dollar store (like brand-name plastic wrap and window cleaner), then swing by on your way home for serious savings! MAKE A SHARED NOTE “To make sure I get everything my family needs, I created an ‘on-the-go’ list they can add to anytime,” shares Ellen Brown, a mother of three in Alabama. To do: Just open a new note in your smartphone’s Notes app, tap the icon that says “Add People” and share via text message. “This creates a collaborative list that anyone in the family can add to in real time so you never miss a thing.” SNAP A PICTURE Too busy to take inventory of the fridge, pantry or freezer before you…

OFFER FEEDBACK Many companies will reward you with coupons when you share your opinion because the input helps them make their products better. Be sure to include details since this shows you’re a real customer, says Jim Wang of WalletHacks.com. “Tell them something specific that you like and why you like it.” And if your feedback involved a visit to a store, mention the location and any employees you interacted with. Then end with a request like, “If you have any coupons you can send my way, I’d appreciate it so I can try more of your products.” Wang sent feedback like this to 42 companies, and one in three sent him coupons and other offers in response! PAY NO ATTENTION TO EXPIRATION DATES Forgot to use a coupon before…

BRING HEADPHONES Supermarkets play slow music because it’s proven to make shoppers linger—and lingering means spending more. In fact, research shows that we spend an extra 55 cents to $1 for every minute we stay in the store over 30 minutes. That’s why University of Cincinnati professor James J. Kellaris, PhD, who studies the influence of music on consumers, advises putting on headphones and listening to fastpaced tunes you don’t know well while you shop. “A fast tempo propels your pace, and unfamiliarity of the music shrinks time perception,” he explains. The result? You’ll be in and out faster—and the trip will feel even shorter! SAVE 70% WITH A LIST “Always plan a shopping list and menu. It can cut 30% to 50% off your bill,” says Annette Economides of…

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Veggies and stew meat cook up to tender perfection in this comforting meal that preps in just 20 minutes 1 (14.5 oz.) can lower-sodium beef broth1⁄4 cup red wine2 Tbs. all-purpose flour2 Tbs. tomato paste1 Tbs. chopped thyme + additional sprigs2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into 1½" cubes1⁄4 tsp. salt1⁄4 tsp. pepper1 Tbs. olive oil8 oz. sliced baby bella mushrooms4 carrots, halved lengthwise, cut into1⁄2"-thick slices1 onion, chopped • Coat 6-qt. slow cooker with cooking spray. In medium bowl, stir together beef broth, red wine, flour, tomato paste and 1 Tbs. chopped thyme; reserve. • Season beef all over with salt and pepper. In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. In batches, cook beef, flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5…

Sausage Lasagna No-fuss, no-boil noodles help speed this hearty classic to your table fast 1 lb. Italian sausage links, casings removed, crumbled1 (15 oz.) cont. ricotta cheese1 egg1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley1 (26 oz.) jar marinara sauce1 (8 oz.) pkg. oven-ready lasagna noodles2 cups shredded mozzarella • In 12" nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, stirring and breaking up meat, until no longer pink, 10–12 min; remove. In bowl, mix next 4 ingredients; reserve. • Mix marinara sauce and 1½ cups water. Spread 1 cup sauce mixture over bottom of same skillet; top with layer of 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly. Dollop half of reserved ricotta mixture over noodles; top with half of sausage, 1 cup sauce mixture and 2⁄3 cup mozzarella. Repeat layering once. •…

Chicken and Pita Salad Customize our take on panzanella with the veggies and dressing you like 2 (8 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves2 pita breads1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas1⁄2 cup bottled Italian vinaigrette salad dressing1⁄2 tsp. grated lemon zest1 tsp. fresh lemon juice2 red and/or yellow peppers, seeded, cut into strips3 scallions, slicedParsley + crumbled feta cheese (optional) • Place chicken in large pot; add enough cold water to cover by 1". Over medium-high heat, bing to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; cook until no longer pink in thickest part, about 5 min. Drain. • Meanwhile, coat grill pan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add pita bread; cook, flipping once, until lightly toasted, about 2 min. per side. Break into pieces. Rinse and drain chickpeas.…