Millstone is a popular coffee. I like that you can buy it by the pound. I don’t brew a lot of coffee, so I like that I can purchase 1/4 lb if I choose.  It also allows me to try different flavors and bean types without feeling stuck with a whole pound of something (if I don’t like it).  The problem I have with Millstone is that I find it to be incredibly bitter.  I have yet to find a Millstone flavor that I really like.  Any suggestions?

The Juan Valdez coffee is a more affordable option.  The price is pretty good and we’ve heard the Juan Valdez name for years, but I have never tried their coffee.  If anyone has tried it, please let me know what you think of it.

A few months ago, Wal-Mart began carrying a less expensive by-the-pound coffee.  At $6.54/lb, Veneto’s is an affordable alternative to Millstone.  I found that Veneto’s has a similar taste to Millstone.

A few other coffees I have tried are Folgers, Maxwell House, and Starbucks.  Folgers is ok, Maxwell House seems to taste good for a few days and then loose its intensity, and I have yet to find a Starbucks flavor that I enjoy.  They’re too strong, too bitter, or something just isn’t right.  I don’t mean to be so picky, but if I’m going to have coffee I want it to taste right.  Know what I mean?

I was getting very frustrated at my coffee experiences and so I asked my friend Marye at Kettle & Cup which coffee she recommended.  Her top recommendation was Ugly Joe’s.  I was giving thought to trying Ugly Joe’s (and still am), but then I came across Caribou Coffee while I was shopping at Target. 

I probably wouldn’t have bought the Caribou Coffee, but it was 50% off.  The $4 price tag made it hard to pass up, plus I had tried the Caribou Coffee granola bars before and they were quite tasty.  I decided to give it a try and got the Sumatra blend.  Let me just say, I am pretty happy with this purchase.  It is creamy and not bitter and the earthy taste is delicious.  I don’t know that I have found the “perfect coffee” for my personal taste, but this is pretty close. 

Some of you may have no problem drinking inexpensive coffee such as Maxwell House, Folgers, or S&D.  Unfortunately, I have developed a preference for a certain taste.  In areas such as this, it is difficult to use coupons and buy whichever brand is the cheapest.  It is, however, thrifty to find something that you like and not waste hard earned money searching for something that meets your preferences.

If you enjoyed this article you may also enjoy 20 Ways to Save on Coffee. 

Which coffees are your favorite?

Disclaimer:  These thoughts are only opinions and should be treated as such.Images 1-3 by Karen Weideman.  Image 4 from Caribou Coffee. 

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1)  U.S. Cellular is an inferior service to Suncom.

2)  U.S. Cellular costs A LOT more than Suncom.

3)  U.S. Cellular nickel and dimes you for every little thing. (nights starting at 7 pm, texting, etc)

4)  U.S. Cellular has done me wrong. 

5)  U.S. Cellular charges an activiation fee for EACH phone.

6)  The roaming areas for U.S. Cellular are just ridiculous!!!!

This is really burning me up!  But, what can I do?  I guess I have to bite the bullet and pay the dough.  This really stinks!!!!  Anyone else having similar problems?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Many people have asked me how our family manages to “make it” on my husband’s salary. It’s not that his salary is low, but more that we have a somewhat large family and survive on only one income.

Here are a few of my tips, for anyone who thinks they might be helpful.

Shop Around

Don’t just comparison shop for groceries. Comparison shop for telephone service, cable or satellite TV, all your insurance, or any major purchase. My husband calls around for car parts and tires. I search online for the best deals for things such as beauty products, clothing, books, and even lighting fixtures. You would be amazed at how much money you can save simply by shopping on eBay.

Shop Around For Insurance

Perhaps one of the biggest areas of cost savings is in insurance. I am of the opinion that everyone needs to have some life insurance. Those who have children need to be insured for an amount equal to eight to ten times their annual income, until the children are out of the home. Term insurance is the very best way to go. Shop around online, but do your homework first. A good place to start would be with Dave Ramsey’s information, The Truth About Life Insurance.

Do the same process for all your insurance needs, including health, auto, and home insurance. It is worth the time and hassle. Keep your information in a notebook for easy reference, with the insurance company name, phone number, and other pertinent policy information. Look for insurance brokers in your area.

Loyalty is for real-life friends, not insurance companies. Be wise with your family’s money, and shop around.

Shop Around for Cell Phone Service

Take a close look at what you’re paying monthly for your cell phone, if you have one. Do you use it a lot for important things, or is it more of a convenience thing? Consider getting pre-paid cell service. I’ve been using a Tracfone for about 6 years, and have been very happy with the value. I will say, though, that the only time my cell phone is even on is when I am not at home. Thirty minutes will last me two months… I am not a cell phone yakky person at all.

If you feel you must have a cell phone, then the next time your current plan is up for expiration, check around at what other cell plans are available to you. You will be surprised at how much money you can shave off your monthly cell bill by shopping around.

Shop Around For Beauty Products Online

Are you a Mary Kay girl? Do you like Estee Lauder or Clinique? Have you shopped on QVC or HSN for Bare Escentuals or other makeup and skincare lines? Next time you run out of product, check eBay for what you need. You will most likely be able to purchase your favorite products for about half of what you had been paying.

Shop Around For TV Service

We had Dishnetwork for many years and were very pleased with the service. Once we moved to our current location, we found that we could get local digital cable for less than Dish, and our monthly payments were put into the cooperative for future capital credits, which will be reimbursed in future years.

Compare Dishnetwork to DirecTV and your local cable. Consider how much you really watch TV, and if it is something very important to your family. Also, consider getting TiVo service. We have loved this, because we can record things then fast forward past commercials, which are often times the worst part of any given show. Don’t buy a TiVo box – go directly to the TiVo website and see what they offer. Most likely you will receive the box with no up-front costs, and pay the monthly service fee.

Certain Bargains At Certain Times Of The Year

Most of you know that after Christmas many places offer their Christmas decorations, etc., for half to 75% off regular price. Now is the time to shop for next year’s Christmas gifts for some of the people on your gift list. Check out this website for Christmas clearance shopping tips.

January is typically “white sale” time. Now is the time to buy your sheets, towels, and soforth. Before you buy local, check eBay for what you want.

The end of February is the time when our local department stores such as Kohl’s and JC Penney have amazing clearance prices. This is the time to buy jeans and coats for next year for the kids.

The end of July is the time to pick up summer clearance clothing and goods. I wait until Kohl’s and JC Penney start running their “75% off clearance prices” sales. I love to buy jewelry at this time, to save for Christmas gifts of girlfriends.

Mx5 writes at Mx5’s Tumbling Monkey Cafe, which is named after her kids.  She shares random ramblings as she chases after her 5 kids and loves on her husband. 

Thanks so much for today’s guest post!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I was shocked when I saw that most of the ice cream containers were 1.5 quart containers, rather than the usual 1.75 quarts.  There were still a few 1.75 quart sizes left, but not many.  I managed to get 1 larger size in the cookies ‘n cream, but they only had the smaller size in the espresso chip.

If I’m not mistaken, it was just a few years ago that ice cream was sold in 2 quart containers.  Those were decreased in size as well.

I’ve also heard that some food manufacturers are changing their ingredients to less expensive ones.  With the rising price of food, it’s possible that our normal favorites won’t be the same.  We’ll have to watch our labels to make sure we’re getting the same product.

Have you noticed changes in any products that you normally buy?

image by Karen

Post from: Thrifty Mommy