FRIEND0318

2.  Plan your meals around the sale ad.  i.e.  whenever possible eat what’s on sale.

3.  If something is a great deal then it’s time to stock up.  Remember that most items like meat, bread, even vegetables can be frozen and used later.

4.  Use store and manufacture coupons together.  (Remember the store gets reimbursed for the manufacture coupons.)

5.  Don’t buy things you don’t need.  (It’s not a good deal unless you actually need the item.)

6.  Read the coupon.  Many times the coupon is good for items and sizes that are not shown in the picture.  Sometimes coupons are good for trial sizes too.

7.  It always pays to talk.  Talk to your friends.  Talk to the store clerks.  See what others are doing.  Store clerks can be the best because they see what others do.  Their information can be very valuable.

8.  Bookmark all your favorite stores websites for easy navigation to check for sales and coupons.

9.  Ask your store if they have a frequent shopper card or other special perks.  For example CVS is a local store that does.  Sign up for the card and when you see e-coupons online you simply click and attach them to your store card.  Then when you shop they scan your card and all the coupons are credited to your purchase.

10.  Help pay for college with your purchase by setting up a U Promise account at www.UPromise.com.  Lot’s of opportunities here.  Take some time to scan through the options.

11.  Work with your friends to share information and websites.  One we recommend is www.MoneySavingMom.com.

Scott Drzycimski Team Lead - Strategic Communications Interstate Power and Light Co., an Alliant Energy Company

Did you know you may have a thief in your home…a thief you probably brought into your home?  Scott Drzycimski from Alliant Energy joins us today to help us identify this thief and what we can do to save our family money each month.

Alliant0311

For more information on phantom power visit Alliant Energy’s page dedicated to this dilemma at www.alliantenergy.com/plugload

Chicken Noodle Soup…great for when you need a great meal on short notice.

DinnerChSoup

Simple Chicken Parmesan…simple…easy…and you may already have all the ingredients in the pantry.

DinnerChicken

Lasagna.  Here’s how you can make it very very simple.

DinnerLasagna

Roast with a 20 oz pepsi…Brent’s Favorite.  ‘nuf said.

DinnerRoast

Noodles and Pizza Sause.  Very very simple.

DinnerNoodle

Personal Fitness and Diet Consultant Heidi Crile

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day…but also can be the most difficult.  So Brent and Julia asked Health and Fitness Consultant Heidi Crile what some of her favorite cereals were and which ones seem to be the healthiest.

HEIDI0304

FRIEND0304

and submit your own Mom Olympic Event Video online at our Facebook page here.

Friend0225

Scott Drzycimski Team Lead - Strategic Communications Interstate Power and Light Co., an Alliant Energy Company

How do you avoid the BIG gas or electric bill in the dead of winter?  Scott Drzycimski has the answer.

Alliant0225

Alliant Energy’s Budget Billing Program

MidAmerican Energy’s Budget Billing Program

Personal Fitness Expert Heidi Crile

Heidi’s Healthy Wrap for Dinner

–Rinse, Drain, and heat 1 can of Black Beans and 1 can of Chili Beans.  Rinse to reduce the sodium.

–If desire, sautee green peppers and onions.

–Fold beans (with peppers and onions) into a tortilla.

–For a low calorie tortilla (there aren’t very many) look for Smart and Delicious in the refrigerator section.  Whole Grain and only 80 Calories.  Top with your favorite veggies and you’re all set!

Heidi0222