We’re all about saving money- any time of the year- but it’s especially important around the holidays when there are extra expenses that come up. There are lots of ways to control spending, and one of our favorites is careful grocery shopping. Check out our post for some awesome money saving grocery shopping tips! In addition to smart shopping, you can save lots of money on groceries by DIY-ing it! Yes, there are many common grocery items that are pretty easy to make at home, and definitely a lot cheaper! Here are some ideas for you:

1. Nut butter:

Healthy nut butters (almond, cashew) are very expensive, and the best ones contain only one ingredient: the nut itself! Don’t pay a premium for someone else to grind it up- buy freshly roasted nuts of your choice (or roast them yourself) and whir them up in a food processor for a few minutes to get the consistency you like. Be patient because it takes time, but definitely worth it!

2. Pesto:

You can save money by making your own pesto, and even better- you get to be creative about it! Experiment with different herbs or combinations of herbs, seasonings, and add-ins.

3. Applesauce:

If you’ve never made your own applesauce, you’re in for a treat! Homemade is so much better than jarred and also much better for you. Here’s another opportunity to make it your own by adding spices, maple syrup, vanilla, or whatever you like!

4. Bread:

There’s nothing like freshly baked bread! Packaged bread usually has all kinds of additives to keep it fresh on the shelf longer, and who needs that? Keep it simple and make your own.

5. Granola:

Granola is an expensive breakfast option. And the store-bought versions are not always as healthy as you think! Many contain loads of sugar and other unnecessary ingredients, which you get to control when you make your own. Your wallet will be happy, too.

6. Hummus:

Hummus is a powerhouse of a snack, with protein and fiber, and it’s also so simple and cheap to whip up at home!

7. Croutons:

Croutons are great to have around for soups and salads, but do you really want to pay for something you can so easily make yourself? Plus, making croutons is a great way to use up bread that’s less than fresh- so you avoid wasting, too! Simply cube up the bread, toss with some garlic powder and toast in the oven until dried out.

8. Soup:

You can make a huge pot of vegetable or lentil soup for just a few dollars, and it’s easy, too! Make a large batch and freeze some for later.

9. Baby food:

Baby food is really just grown up food that’s been pureed, and you can make it yourself for no extra cost, and at better quality than what you buy, too!

10. Guacamole:

Okay, avocados aren’t always cheap, but they’re still usually cheaper than buying already prepared guac. And homemade tastes so much better! Try it and you’ll never go back to the packaged version!

What groceries do you make at home? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

The post 10 Groceries You Can Make at Home appeared first on CatchyFreebies.

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Don’t get zapped by the flu this season- go get a flu shot! Get a flu shot at a participating Target location and you’ll get a $5 Target coupon to use on anything in the store. Offer expires 12/31/19.

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Shoppers love the deals and savings they get at BJ’s- and you’ll love it, too! Even better when you get a membership at a great discount; click and join for just $25- it’s usually $55- and start saving on your household needs! Get a second card for another household member for FREE!

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You know you love Clorox to keep things clean and fresh- and to kill germs! Sign up for Clorox Coupons to get coupons and special offers for the Clorox brands you trust!

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Give  your cat or dog Petcurean pet food for delicious and nutritious nourishment. Click to get a coupon and save $5 on your next purchase.

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You’ll feel great giving your dog the high quality of Billy + Margot nutritious dog food. It’s made with high quality proteins and superfoods to keep your dog healthy and thriving. Fill out the form to get a FREE 7 oz. refrigerated roll or a coupon for $5 off any size dry dog food.

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You’ll feel great giving your dog the high quality of Billy + Margot nutritious dog food. It’s made with high quality proteins and superfoods to keep your dog healthy and thriving. Fill out the form to get a FREE 7 oz. refrigerated roll or a coupon for $5 off any size dry dog food.

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Enjoy your crafting even more when you can save 40% on one regular price product from Hobby Lobby. Use your Hobby Lobby coupon in-store or online through 10/12/19.

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Get your little ones a beautiful new fall wardrobe and save money! Use this coupon in store or online and get 25% off now through 9/30/19.

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A good babysitter is a parenting necessity. Whether you need someone to watch the kids so you can go to work, for date night, or just for some time to yourself, a babysitter you can trust- and that your kids like- is a real lifesaver. The tricky thing is that paying for a babysitter can really take a bite out of your budget- we all know about that! But there will be times when you need some child care help, so what do you do when you don’t want to- or can’t- spend too much money on that? Keep reading and learn!

1. Ask a relative:

Grandparents are usually more than happy to spend some time with their grandchildren, and that’s so good for the kids, too. Aunts, uncles, and other relatives who love your kids are also good options if they’re willing and able. Paying relatives for doing you a favor can be weird, but sending flowers or a small gift card is a nice gesture if they help you often.

2. Swap with friends:
Another system that works well for some families is taking turns with friends: one time you watch their kids, and the next time they watch yours.

3. Gym babysitting:

Lots of gyms offer babysitting for members- for free or for just a few dollars- so you can work out knowing that your kids are being looked after, and probably having fun, too.

4. At-home date night:

Put the kids to bed early and plan something special for date night at home.

5. Au-pair:

An au-pair is usually a student from abroad who lives with a family in exchange for helping with child care. This can be a great experience for your kids- almost like an older sibling who speaks another language and can tell them about another culture.

6. Babysitter share:

If paying for your own babysitter is too expensive, ask around to see if another family- or families- are interested in sharing a babysitter and the cost with you. You can split up the day or the week, or have the babysitter watch all the kids together.

7. In-home daycare:

This works out well for lots of parents and kids. You bring your children to the babysitter’s home and it’s usually less expensive.

8. Students:

Students are always looking to make some extra cash and babysitting is a good job with flexible hours.

9. Double duty:

It can be economical to hire someone who can do more than one job for you- like a nanny/housekeeper.

How do you save money on babysitting? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

The post 9 Ways to Get Cheap Babysitting appeared first on CatchyFreebies.