Sam’s Club Membership Deal – Just $20 for a Limited Time! and more...

If you’ve been thinking about joining Sam’s Club, now’s the perfect time to do it—because there’s a limited-time membership deal happening that’s too good not to share!

Get a Sam’s Club Membership for Only $20!

Sam’s Club has a limited time offer that makes it possible. You get an annual membership for $20! This offer is the best one I’ve seen and will end January 19th, so don’t wait!

Prefer Costco? No worries, I have a great deal on Costco memberships too!

Right now, new members can score a Sam’s Club membership for just $20 (regularly $50). That’s a savings of 60%—but this offer won’t last long!

What’s Included:

• Full access to all Sam’s Club locations
• Instant Savings on top of already low prices
• Access to Sam’s Club gas stations
• Use of the Tire & Battery Center
• One free household membership to share with a family member
• Option to add more members for $40/year each

This deal is only available for a few more days, so grab yours today!

Click here to grab your $20 membership before it’s gone!

Additional Notes:

• This offer is valid for new members only, or for those whose membership has been inactive for six months or more.
• Auto-renewal is included but can be canceled at any time through your Sam’s Club account.
• Be sure to activate your membership before the listed expiration date on the offer page.

    

With more people shopping for groceries online, many SNAP recipients are turning to Amazon for everyday food needs.

Being able to use an EBT card online has made grocery shopping easier than ever, especially when you’re short on time or trying to stretch your budget.

Amazon has helped make this possible by expanding access to online grocery shopping for families who rely on SNAP benefits.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use and maximize your SNAP benefits on Amazon so you can save time, save money, and have more choices at your fingertips.

Understanding SNAP and EBT

SNAP, which stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps eligible individuals and families pay for groceries.

These benefits are based on income and household needs and are designed to help reduce food insecurity while making sure families can put food on the table.

What Is EBT?

EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is how SNAP benefits are given out and used. Your EBT card works a lot like a debit card and can be used at approved grocery stores and even online. This makes shopping faster and more convenient, especially now that retailers like Amazon accept EBT for eligible food items.

Amazon’s SNAP and EBT Program

Amazon now accepts SNAP EBT as part of an effort to make grocery shopping easier and more accessible. This allows eligible shoppers in participating states to use their benefits online through a familiar and trusted platform.

Eligibility for Using EBT on Amazon

To see if you’re eligible, you can visit Amazon’s SNAP page and follow the steps to check availability in your state. Once you’re approved, adding your EBT card to your Amazon account is simple, and you can start shopping right away.

What You Can Buy With EBT on Amazon

EBT can be used on Amazon to purchase approved food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples. Items that aren’t considered food, such as household supplies or personal care products, are not eligible, so it’s important to double-check before checking out.

How to Use EBT on Amazon Step by Step

Create or Log Into Your Amazon Account

If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you’ll need to create one first. Once logged in, add your EBT card as a payment method so it’s ready to use for future grocery orders.

Shop for EBT-Eligible Items

Amazon makes it easy to shop by allowing you to filter results to show only EBT-eligible items. Take time to compare prices and look for deals so you can stretch your benefits as far as possible.

Checkout and Place Your Order

At checkout, your EBT balance will be applied to eligible items in your cart. Be sure to review delivery options, since some may have additional fees. If you want to save time, you can also use eligible items with Subscribe and Save when available.

Extra Benefits of Using SNAP on Amazon

Discounts and Savings

Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership for people who receive SNAP or Medicaid. This can unlock additional savings, digital coupons, and faster delivery options.

Convenience and Accessibility

Shopping online with SNAP can be a huge help if you have limited transportation, live in a food desert, or simply want to save time. Having groceries delivered right to your door makes meal planning much easier.

Easy Integration With Other Amazon Services

Amazon’s SNAP program works alongside services like Amazon Fresh and grocery delivery options in some areas, giving you even more flexibility and access to food.

Troubleshooting Problems

If you run into issues setting up your EBT card or using it at checkout, Amazon provides customer support and helpful resources to guide you through the process.

Using SNAP EBT on Amazon is an easy and convenient way to save time, access more food options, and take advantage of special discounts.

If you haven’t tried it yet, it may be worth using your EBT card for your next grocery order.

Have questions or tips of your own? Feel free to share them in the comments so others can benefit too.

    

If you’re looking for a fun and motivating way to boost your savings, a savings challenge might be just what you need.

It’s like a little game that helps you stash away some extra cash without feeling the pinch too much

Here are a few popular savings challenges to consider:

1. The 52-Week Challenge
2. The $5 Bill Challenge
3. No Spend Challenge
4. Round Up Challenge
5. The Coffee Jar Challenge
6. The 30 Day Challenge
7. Bi-Weekly Money Challenge

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of savings challenges and popular savings challenges that can transform your spare change and daily habits into a growing nest egg.

But we’re not going to stop at just sharing these challenges. I’ll also walk you through simple, practical ways to actually stick with them.

Why Start a Savings Challenge?

Starting a savings challenge can be a game changer for your financial wellbeing.

It’s like giving yourself a financial fitness goal to work towards, and the benefits are pretty sweet.

Here’s why diving into a savings challenge is a smart move:

1. Builds Financial Discipline: Savings challenges instill a sense of discipline in your financial habits. They provide a structured way to set aside money regularly, fostering responsible money management.
2. Makes Saving Enjoyable: Traditional saving methods can sometimes feel like a chore. Savings challenges turn the process into a game, introducing an element of fun and motivation into the routine.
3. Sets Achievable Goals: Breaking down your savings into smaller, achievable goals, as seen in challenges, makes the process less overwhelming. It keeps you motivated and provides tangible evidence of your progress.
4. Creates a Financial Buffer: Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Having a savings buffer built through challenges provides a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, reducing stress during emergencies.
5. Develops Consistent Saving Habits: Consistency is key to successful saving. Challenges, with their structured approach, help establish a regular saving routine, turning it into a long term habit.
6. Boosts Financial Confidence: Watching your savings grow through a challenge can significantly boost your confidence in handling your finances. It’s empowering to see the positive impact of your efforts.
7. Encourages Mindful Spending: Many challenges, like the No Spend Challenge, encourage you to be more mindful of your spending habits. This heightened awareness often leads to smarter financial choices.
8. Adaptable to Personal Goals: Savings challenges are versatile and can be tailored to your specific financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, an emergency fund, or a big purchase, there’s a challenge that suits your needs.

At the end of the day, starting a savings challenge is a simple and fun way to build a healthier financial future.

It turns saving from something that feels like a chore into an encouraging step toward financial freedom and peace of mind.

7 Popular Savings Challenges You Can Start

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the popular savings challenges and how they work:

1. The 52 Week Challenge:

• How it works: It’s a year long challenge where you save money each week. You start with $1 in the first week and then add an additional dollar each subsequent week.
• Example: Week 1 = $1, Week 2 = $2, Week 3 = $3, and so on.
• End result: By the end of the year, you’ll have saved $1,378. This challenge is great for those who prefer a gradual increase in savings.

2. The $5 Bill Challenge:

• How it works: Every time you receive a $5 bill, you save it.
• Example: If you receive a $5 bill as change, instead of spending it, you put it aside for savings.
• End result: You’ll be surprised at how these seemingly small bills can accumulate into a significant sum over time. It’s an effortless way to save without feeling the impact on your daily spending.

3. No Spend Challenge:

• How it works: Designate specific days, weekends, or even whole weeks where you refrain from spending money on non-essential items.
• Example: You might choose to have a “no spend” weekend where you only use what you already have at home.
• End result: The money you would have spent can be directed straight into your savings account. It’s a fantastic way to cultivate mindful spending habits.

4. Round Up Challenge:

• How it works: Connect your debit or credit card to a savings app that rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar.
• Example: If you spend $3.50 on a coffee, the app rounds it up to $4, saving the extra $0.50.
• End result: Those spare change amounts accumulate over time, steadily building up your savings without requiring a conscious effort to set money aside.

5. The Coffee Jar Challenge:

• How it works: Instead of buying your daily coffee, make it at home and put the money you would have spent into a jar.
• Example: If your daily coffee costs $3.50, you save $3.50 each day.
• End result: You not only save money but might also discover a new appreciation for homemade coffee. The saved money can be a pleasant surprise when you check your jar.

6. The 30 Day Challenge:

• How it works: Choose a specific expense to cut out for 30 days and redirect the money you save into your savings account.
• Example: If you decide to cut out dining out for a month, the money you would have spent on restaurants goes into savings.
• End result: It’s a short term challenge that can lead to long term savings habits and a boost in your savings account.

7. Bi-Weekly Money Challenge:

• How it works: Decide on a fixed amount to save every two weeks.
• Example: If you choose to save $50 every two weeks, it becomes a consistent and manageable commitment.
• End result: This approach suits those who prefer a regular and predictable savings routine. Over time, these contributions add up to a significant sum.

Tips to Commit to Your Savings Challenge

Committing to a savings challenge might sound easy at the start, but we all know life can throw curveballs. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define why you’re saving. Whether it’s an emergency fund, a vacation, or a new gadget, having a clear goal gives your savings purpose.
2. Start Small: Don’t sprint out of the gate. Begin with a manageable amount that won’t leave you strapped for cash. You can always increase it as you get more comfortable.
3. Choose Realistic Challenges: Pick challenges that align with your lifestyle and financial capacity. It’s crucial that the challenge is challenging but not so much that it becomes a burden.
4. Track Your Progress: Keep an eye on how much you’ve saved. It’s like checking your steps on a fitness tracker – seeing progress is motivating.
5. Get an Accountability Buddy: Share your savings challenge with a friend or family member. Having someone to encourage you and keep you accountable can make the journey more enjoyable.
6. Reward Yourself (Sensibly): When you hit milestones, give yourself a little reward. Just make sure it aligns with your overall financial goals – no splurging!
7. Learn from Setbacks: Celebrate every step forward, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you hit a setback. Learn from it and adjust your strategy if needed.
8. Review and Adjust Regularly: Periodically assess your savings challenge. If your financial situation or goals change, adjust the challenge accordingly. Flexibility is key to long term commitment.

Think of a savings challenge as a little financial adventure. It’s fun, rewarding, and a great way to build a more secure future.

So, are you ready to jump in and give a savings challenge a try?

The key to making any savings challenge work is commitment and consistency.

Pick one that fits your goals and your lifestyle, then stick with it and watch your savings grow over time. You’ve got this and happy saving.

    

These DIY Birdseed Ornaments are so fun and easy to make!

I just love feeding the birds in my yard all year long. These hanging birdseed ornaments are such an easy way to do so, especially if you do not have a lot of room for a bird feeder.

Make up a bunch for yourself or to give away to family and friends. These would make wonderful gifts for any bird lovers.

Bird Seed Ornaments

I’ve seen those Birdseed wreath ornaments in the store during the holidays and have been tempted to grab some, but they’re so expensive to buy.

Thankfully they’re really pretty easy to make yourself.

The recipe below is enough to make 3-7 ornaments, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.

Of course, if you’re using smaller cookie cutters, you’ll be able to make more.

This is a great project to do with your kids too!

Just make sure to do the boiling part yourself, of course.

Supplies Needed to Make Birdseed Feeders

• 2 cups birdseed
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin
• ½ cup water
• Assorted cookie cutters
• Straws, cut to 1.5 inch lengths
• Twine

How to Make Birdseed Ornaments

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your cookie cutters on the parchment paper.

Step 2: Add the water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3: Remove from heat and pour in the gelatin. Stir until dissolved.

Step 4: Add the birdseed and stir until it is all coated in the liquid gelatin mixture.

Step 5: Spoon the mixture into the cookie cutters, using the back of a spoon to pack it in tightly.

Step 6: Push a straw through the birdseed ornament near the top. Make sure it is at least ½ inches from the top.

Step 9: Using the back of the spoon, pack the bird seed down into the cookie cutter again.

Step 10: Allow to set overnight.

Step 11: Carefully remove the straws and the cookie cutters.

Loop twine through the hole made from the straw, and tie in a double knot, then make another double knot near the ends of the twine to create a hanger.

Step 12: Hang your DIY ornaments from tree branches, and enjoy watching the birds peck away!

You’ll probably get a chance to feed some squirrels and chipmunks with these too!

More DIY Projects

If you like this DIY Project, you’ll love these ones too:

• Easy Hummingbird Food Recipe – This super simple DIY Hummingbird Food Recipe uses TWO ingredients to make a homemade nectar that will have the hummingbirds stopping by your hummingbird feeder all day long.
• Frugal Bird Feeder Plans – These frugal Bird Feeder Plans are so easy to make yourself, using an old empty coffee container and a couple other things you likely have sitting around the house.
• How to Plant a Bee & Bird Friendly Garden – Learn How to Make a Pollinator Garden by following these simple steps and adding a few bird and bee friendly plants and flowers to your garden.

    

I have a great recipe for the best Homemade Dishwasher Detergent that is so easy to make yourself.

This DIY detergent recipe is inexpensive, uses only simple ingredients, and avoids harsh chemicals found in many store brands. It’s perfect for frugal, eco friendly, and natural living households.

This recipe not only makes dishes spotless, but it also helps me to save money too!

If you enjoy making natural cleaners, check out our guide to making a homemade soft scrub cleanser or natural garbage disposal cleaner.

I love doing things myself, so I was excited to try making my own powdered dishsoap for the dishwasher.

I wanted to come up with a way to clean that would not only get the job done but also keep my home chemical-free and save money too.

The simplicity of this DIY recipe and the high quality natural ingredients it calls for make it truly the best.

Dishwasher Detergent Ingredients

Washing soda: This is an important part of many homemade cleaning recipes because it is known for being great at getting rid of grease and stains.

Baking soda: Baking soda helps to get rid of bad smells and scrub things gently.

Citric acid: Citric acid can help you clean your dishes better and make them sparkle. Not only does it clean things, but it also keeps things fresh naturally.

Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a great natural abrasive for getting rid of tough food leftovers because it has a coarse texture.

Essential Oils: Most of the time, I add about 30 drops of essential oils to my mixture.

Lemongrass is my favorite. The nice smell of lemongrass essential oil is added to the mixture, and it also helps to kill bad bacteria.

Bergamot and tea tree oil are two other choices that can help you because they are known to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial.

How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent without Borax

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, mix the kosher salt, baking soda, citric acid, and washing soda.

Step 2: Add in Essential Oils

Add 30 drops of lemongrass essential oil to the mixture to make it smell better and work better.

Stir it well until there are no more lumps and it’s all mixed together.

How to Use and Store Detergent

Put your work in a container that won’t let air in to keep its power.

For an easy way to use the dishwasher, just add 1 tablespoon of your own homemade soap to each load.

Details on essential oils

Before you make your own soap, you can choose from a lot of different essential oils.

You can try out different smells until you find one that suits your preferences.

This recipe calls for Lemongrass essential oil, but you can use bergamot or tea tree oil instead.

Notes and Troubleshooting

Homemade dishwasher detergent works a little differently than store-bought brands, so a few small adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tips if you run into issues.

If Dishes Come Out Cloudy or Filmy

This is usually caused by hard water.

Try these options:

• Add white vinegar to the rinse aid compartment
• Sprinkle a small amount of citric acid or vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher
• Reduce the amount of detergent slightly

Hard water residue is very common and an easy fix once you know what to look for.

If There Is White Powder Left on Dishes

This usually means too much detergent is being used.

Try:

• Using less detergent per load
• Making sure the detergent compartment is completely dry before adding powder
• Checking that the dispenser door opens fully during the wash cycle

Homemade detergent is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

If the Detergent Clumps or Gets Hard

Because this recipe does not contain fillers or anti-caking agents, moisture can cause clumping.

To prevent this:

• Store the detergent in an airtight container
• Keep it away from heat and humidity
• Stir or shake the container occasionally

If clumping happens, simply break it up before using.

If Dishes Are Not Getting Fully Clean

A few things can help improve results:

• Scrape food off dishes before loading
• Make sure the dishwasher filter is clean
• Run hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher
• Use a normal or heavy cycle for very dirty loads

Homemade detergent works best when paired with good dishwasher maintenance.

How Much Detergent Should I Use?

Start small.

For most loads, 1 tablespoon is enough.
For heavily soiled dishes, you can use slightly more.

Using too much detergent can cause residue, so adjust based on your results.

Is This Safe for Septic Systems?

Yes. This homemade dishwasher detergent is generally considered septic-safe, since it uses simple ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals found in many commercial detergents.

Can I Make This Without Essential Oils?

Yes. Essential oils are optional and mainly added for scent.

If you prefer unscented detergent or have sensitivities, simply leave them out and the recipe will still work.

A Quick Reminder

Homemade cleaning products may take a little trial and error. Every dishwasher and water supply is different, so small adjustments are completely normal.

Once you find what works best for your home, this becomes an easy and affordable swap.

More DIY Cleaning Products

Looking for more great homemade cleaning recipes to make yourself at home?

• This Homemade Soft Scrub Cleanser is so easy to make using a few simple ingredients.
• This DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner is so easy to make and have on hand whenever your sink needs a refresh.
• Making your own DIY Natural Air Freshener is so easy to do that you’ll never want to go back to store bought ones again! Plus this recipe also doubles as an all natural carpet freshener powder too!

Print

DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Easy DIY Dishwasher Detergent recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 3 cups

Author Kristie Sawicki

Ingredients

• 1 cup Washing Soda
• 1 cup Baking Soda
• 2 Tbsp Citric Acid
• 1 cup Kosher Salt
• 30 drop essential oils

Instructions

• Mix the washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and salt together in a mixing bowl.
• Add 30 drops of essential oil and mix well until there are no clumps.
• Store in an airtight container, and use 1 tablespoon per wash.

Notes

Yields 3 cups.

Use 1 tablespoon per wash.