LIFE

Four reasons why frugal people should love March

Abbey Roy

I used to think February was the worst month to have a birthday. All of my summer birthday friends got to have pool parties and test out their new squirt guns and wear shorts and not be in school; my birthday was usually cold and gray and probably rainy or snowy or both. We made up for this dismal shortcoming by holding sleeping bag races down the carpeted staircase of my parents’ two-story home, which if nothing else made for some very entertaining home videos we could appreciate later in life.

March, at least, seemed to feel a bit more springy, even if it was still gray and rainy and basically November’s unfortunate cousin who doesn’t have the benefit of pretty leaves or anticipation of the holidays.

In my old age, however, I have come to appreciate both February and March a bit more. February, because it’s a nice breather and period of “nothingness” after the holidays are over; March, because ... well, I’m about to tell you.

You see, since we are nearly a week into this new month, the Bargain Advocate thought it fitting to do her friendly, frugal duty to remind you of all the reasons money-savers can appreciate March. So please read on, make the most of it and try to open those windows as much as you can: Spring is almost officially here.

1. It’s National Frozen Food Month. For whatever reason, the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (that’s a thing) chose March to be its signature month. Maybe it’s because by this time most of us are ready to be done with all things “frozen,” maybe because not a lot happens in March; maybe to give us enough recovery time until Dairy Month in June. Whatever the reason, we all get to reap the benefits this month by stocking up on cheap frozen goods. Here’s how:

Look for coupons. Stop by coupons.com and peruse the paper variety in your Sunday paper; go to your favorite grocery chain’s website and clip digital coupons before you go shopping.

If you have the budget to buy it and the space to store it, don’t be bashful. A full freezer is more energy-efficient than an empty one, anyway, because the frozen things help keep one another frozen. All the more reason to stock up!

Stick to the basics. My non-ice-cream frozen food purchases are basically meat and vegetables, with occasional potatoes or sweet potato fries for an interesting side dish. Although pre-prepared frozen meals are convenient, in my experience, you’re sacrificing taste and your daily sodium budget. (Though, especially for busy families, it never hurts to stash a frozen french bread pizza or four in case of emergency, if it comes down to that or takeout.)

2. March holidays. St. Patrick’s Day means Irish-inspired dishes that can be frugal in their own right (because it doesn’t get much more economical than potatoes); the fact that everyone claims a little bit o’ Irish on this holiday on particular means that key ingredients — here’s looking at you, corned beef and cabbage — go on sale.

Easter is a great time to nab a good deal on ham; again, if you have the space, save it in the freezer (with all your other frozen food deals) for later in the year. Once the holiday is over, don’t forget to peruse the aisles of your favorite supermarket for leftover Cadbury eggs, chocolate bunnies and such.

3. The first day of spring. Frugal people should love spring. It’s time to stop turning on the heater* (thereby saving money), open the windows* (blowing germs away for free) and clean our homes with renewed vigor using cheap, natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, salt and lemons. And while spring doesn’t officially arrive until March 20, good ol’ Daylight Savings will spring us ahead on March 13, gifting us with additional hours in the evening with which we can complete DIY projects and enjoy free exercise outside.

Spring is also when we begin to get serious about our plans for this year’s garden, and when — if we decide to start seeds indoors — we can really, actually get our hands dirty (if we haven’t already).

*So what, I’m an optimist. Don’t hold it against me.

4. Great discounts on winter stuff. If you’re looking for a good time to find Junior some snow boots for next year, start scanning the clearance racks now. As March marches on, the discounts will get deeper, but the selection will become quite slim. Keep an eye out for winter clothing staples so you can save yourself money and sanity come October-or-so.

See? March isn’t so bad after all — especially if you’re a penny-pincher. Now go after that 10 for $10 deal on frozen veggies, then head home and finish painting that piece of furniture you’re rehabbing. You’ve got hours until sunset.

If you have insight about a frugal living topic or an idea for a future column, please email me at amroy@nncogannett.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy saving,

Abbey