Whether you’re struggling to stay afloat financially, or just trying to save money and make smarter spending choices, you should consider a cash budgeting system.

In our family, we use cash-only for most expenses, including groceries, gifts, clothing, miscellaneous items and eating out. This means we allot a set amount to each category monthly, then place that exact amount of cash in individual envelopes labeled for each expense at the beginning of every month.

Here are five reasons I’d encourage you to consider setting up your own cash budgeting system:

1. A Cash Budget Gives You Freedom

For many, just the word “budget” has negative connotations. However, a budget doesn’t have to be restrictive. In fact, for my husband and me, it has had the opposite effect — the boundaries of a budget have given us a freedom we didn’t have before. For example, we don’t have to worry that if we buy groceries, we won’t be able to pay our electric bill.

When you create a written budget that includes allotments for every expense you foresee, you can feel free to use all the money set aside for a particular category without guilt, knowing that your recurring bills and expenses have already been accounted for.

2. A Cash Budget Demands Accountability

Setting aside cash for specific items makes you accountable for how you spend your money. When you pull that cash out of the envelope you can clearly see how much you have left to spend — and you have no excuses for running out of money before the month is finished.

3. A Cash Budget Encourages You to Carefully Examine Expenditures

Physically removing the cash from the envelopes will more than likely force you to think carefully and thoughtfully about your purchases. Do I need this item? Can I get it somewhere else for less? Can I make do with what I already have? Do I really want to part with this cash?

4. A Cash Budget Challenges You to Plan Ahead

Swiping a card makes it easier to live in the moment and not consider how today’s purchases might affect tomorrow’s financial stability.

Cold hard cash forces you to put some forethought into your spending because when the money’s gone, it’s not coming back.

5. A Cash Budget Gives You An Instant Raise

 If you’ve never created or followed a budget before, the very act of writing down your income and dividing it into expenses categories will be eye-opening.

You’ll likely realize that a lot of your money is getting blown with little or nothing to show for it. If that’s the case, sticking to your written budget will give you an instant raise — even as your family paycheck stays the same.

Crystal Paine, aka Money Saving Mom, is a wife, homeschool mom to three, self-proclaimed minimalist, lover of dark chocolate and good coffee, and a wannabe runner. For practical help and inspiration to get your life and finances in order, check out her blog, Money Saving Mom, or look for her new book, The Money Saving Mom®‘s Budget.

Want more money-saving advice from Crystal? Visit us on Facebook on Wednesday, May 23 at 2 p.m. to chat with her about how to spend less this summer.

For our June issue, I tasted a lot of frozen meals, and while I ran into some rubbery chicken and flaccid vegetables, a few really stood out from the crowd. Tasty and nutritionally sound, here are five meals plus a bonus dessert that I’ve incorporated into my routine.

Amy’s Spinach Pizza in a Pocket Sandwich ($2.70). Your pizza delivery guy will miss you once you start picking these up at the supermarket. With loads of gooey cheese, this pocket sandwich feels much more indulgent than it actually is.

Kashi Mayan Harvest Bake ($4.10). What exactly is a Mayan Harvest Bake, you might ask. This warm, restaurant-worthy dish has sweet potatoes, crunchy pumpkin seeds, kale, plantains and a slightly spicy sauce. Your office neighbor will want to steal a bite, but don’t let them–you’ll want every tasty morsel.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Three-Cheese Macaroni ($2.70). This frozen dish delivered on cheesiness (the good kind) with only 300 calories. You’ll feel comfortable serving this healthy dish (at a great price) to kids.

P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Garlic Chicken with Dan Dan Noodles ($10). If you enjoy eating out at P.F. Chang’s, you can get a similar experience at a fraction of the price. The sodium content is a little high, so save this one for a treat.

Kettle Cuisine Thai Curry Soup ($4). This hearty soup is thick and fragrant with lemongrass, perfect for tiding you over until dinner.

Bonus! Edy’s or Dreyer’s Strawberry Shake ($1.79). Depending on where you live in the country, you might know this ice cream company as Edy’s or Dreyer’s, but no matter which, you’re in for a treat. This thick, dreamy shake tastes like something from a burger shack, but you can make it in your own home with just a splash of milk.

What frozen meal is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

*GIVE YOUR CAR A ONCE-OVER: Before leaving, check the tire pressure, oil and air filter. Vehicles with properly inflated tires can get up to 3.3 percent better mileage. Even a simple move such as replacing your gas cap can save you money. Loose, missing or damaged caps let 147 million galls of fuel evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council.

*FILL UP WISELY: Gas prices vary widely from state to state (sometimes from neighborhood to neighborhood). Before heading out, check fuelgaugereport.com and gasprices.mapquest.com.

*DEEP-SIX THE DEEP FREEZE: When you’re driving slower than 40 miles per hour, roll down the windows to cool the car. Once you’re moving on the highway, however, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning. Wind drag at high speeds actually burns more fuel than the AC.

*CLICK ON CRUISE CONTROL: According to fueleconomy.gov, aggressive and stop-and-start driving (speeding, accelerating rapidly and suddenly braking) can lower fuel efficiency by 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town. Leave the lead foot at home!

*PLAN YOUR PIT STOPS: Looking for a bathroom, an aspirin or a bite to eat? Allstays.com offers a list of restaurants, gas stations, drugstores and retail shops within a three-mile radius of 23,000 interstate-highway exits across the country. Use it to avoid wasting gas searching for what you need.

*BYPASS TIE-UPS: Google Maps, which comes with most smartphones (and is available for download), offers real-time road conditions and traffic updates, allowing you to avoid jams that burns gas while your car idles.

Tell us: How will you save on gasoline the next time you hit the road? How do YOU save money when you’re traveling? Comment below!

How to get it: To get yours, simply “Like” Eucerin® on Facebook, watch a 17-second video and fill out a short form.

*Get your Eucerin lotion sample now while supplies last!

* We strive to find the best free samples from around the Web every day.  But because they are often fulfilled by other companies and not by ALL YOU, we cannot control the quantity of the samples available, or the length or terms of the offer.

* Free Sample FAQ.

Designed to mimic a Sephora shopping bag, this compact definitely packs a colorful punch; it comes with nine shades of eye shadow, four shades of lip color and one shade of blush.  It’s like having an entire makeup collection in your purse!

And though it’s worth $50, right now you can get it for just $15, making it both chic and affordable.

After some exploring I realized that the site also compares prices from various vendors (including Target and Barnes and Noble) so you are sure to get the best deal. All you need to do is register the product after you buy it.

I’ll be buying all my big purchase electronics on freewarranty.com to alleviate some of the stress associated with big ticket investments.

See out tips for saving on cable on allyou.com.

According to Consumer Reports, customers who haggle report success rates as high as 83 percent.

Not sure how to get talking? Try a few of these talking points:

“I love this sweater but it’s missing a button… what a drag!”

Even if the damaged item you want is already discounted, bringing it to the attention of a sales associate could land you an even deeper price-cut. Always start the conversation about what you like about the product.

“Do you mind if I talk to the manager?”

Not all sales associates are authorized to give discounts. Asking (nicely!) to speak with a manager may help your cause. Remember to smile and thank the manager—they’re busy!

“Are there any coupons available, or is there any way I can get a discount?”

If you want a deal, don’t imply that the item you want is inferior. Instead, convey how much you’d like to buy it. You never know what discounts or deals a sales associate might be able to give you; acting interested in the item will only help your cause.

“Actually, maybe I’ll take two. If I do that, could I get a better deal?”

Sometimes, buying more of one item will land you a better deal. Remember, it never hurts to ask. While you’re at it, ask about freebies, like shipping, assembly or maintenance.

“What if I pay cash?”

Because some merchants have to pay a fee on credit card transactions, they may cut you a deal for paying in cash. According to bankrate.com, some discounts for paying cash can reach almost 50 percent!

For more tips on talking your way to a lower price, check out the May issue!

*Choose: Look for brightly colored fruit that gives a little under gentle pressure, with no visible bruises or soft spots. If your apricot is slightly hard, place it in a paper bag for a day to speed up ripening. Store ripe fruit in fridge.

*Pit: To remove the apricot’s stone, insert a small, sharp knife into the stem end and run it along the seam of the fruit. Twist the halves apart and remove the pit.

*Peel: If you want to remove an apricot’s skin, a serrated peeler is the simplest way. If you don’t have one, slice a shallow X in the bottom of the fruit, drop it into boiling water for a minute, then plunge it into a bolw of ice water. Slip the skin off with a paring knife.

*Bonus: These tips are useful for nectarines and peaches, too.

**Add apricots to any meal:

Breakfast: To create a refreshing smoothie, blend the peeled, sliced fruit with yogurt, honey, almond milk and a splash of almond extract.

Lunch: Make a panini of thinly sliced apricots and Brie on multigrain bread.

Dinner: For a light salsa, chop peeled apricot, bell pepper and a little red onion. Mix with minced jalapeño and cilantro and dress with lime juice.  

Photo: kkimpel/Flickr

Tell us: How do you like to eat apricots?

How to get it: To get yours, “Like” Ovaltine® on Facebook and then just fill out a short form.

*Get your Ovaltine sample now while supplies last!

* We strive to find the best free samples from around the Web every day.  But because they are often fulfilled by other companies and not by ALL YOU, we cannot control the quantity of the samples available, or the length or terms of the offer.

* Free Sample FAQ.

“Keep your planters tidy by placing a coffee filter at the bottom of a pot before filling with dirt to prevent soil from leaking through the drain hole.”

What are your favorite spring flowers? Tell us in the comments section below. And learn how to save money in your garden on allyou.com.

Photo credit: Sister72

The company is offering All You readers 20 percent off of purchases at NeaterFeeder.com until June 11th! Just enter ALLYOU20 at checkout.

Photo credit: halfrain

Having comfort food for dinner is a chance to slow down, and it doesn’t have to take forever. Ready in under an hour, the Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie from this month’s issue is a warm, homey classic, sure to please adults and kids alike. To make it even faster, you can skip making the homemade biscuits, opting for refrigerated instead.

Or try these other speedy classics, like our 35-minute Mini Meat Loaves,  20-minute Low Fat Mac and Cheese with Peas, or, if you’re really time-pressed, 15-minute Rice and Bean Burritos. (If you don’t have leftover rice, pick some up from a Chinese restaurant on your way home.)

If your Monday is a race, these comforting, delicious recipes will be your reward for crossing the finish line.

Before heading to the grocery store this week, make sure to check out these high-value coupons to maximize your savings:

*Save $1.00 on any two (2) HORMEL® COMPLEATS® microwave meals

*Save $1.00 on any one (1) MorningStar Farms® Veggie Foods Product

*Save $.75 on any ONE (1) package of KRAFT FRESH TAKE Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix

*Save $1.00 on any Alexia sweet potato item

*Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) 36 oz. V8 V-Fusion® Smoothie beverage

*Save $1.00 when you buy TWO (2) General Mills cereals

How to get it: To get yours, “Like” Clear Men Scalp Therapy on Facebook and fill out a short form.

*Get your Free Clear Men Scalp Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner now while supplies last!

* We strive to find the best free samples from around the Web every day.  But because they are often fulfilled by other companies and not by ALL YOU, we cannot control the quantity of the samples available, or the length or terms of the offer.

* Free Sample FAQ.

Will  you request today’s free sample for the man in your life? Who is it—your husband, son, brother, friend? Tell us below in the comments section. 

I was surprised when I read this stat, which was part of the finding of a recent study in Optometry and Vision Science. The reason it should give you pause? Not caring for lenses in the right way can set the stage for infection.

Skimping on solution by reusing it is just one of the ways you can put yourself at risk. Lens solution typically loses its sterility after 24 to 48 hours, so leftover liquid can be a breeding ground for bacteria. A better strategy to keep your peepers safe: Use fresh solution daily.

Not cleaning your case often enough is another frequent flub. Without correct care, the case can develop a waxy buildup of infection-causing germs. Clean it daily by squirting a little disinfecting contact solution inside, then use a clean finger to spread it around. Pour out the liquid and allow the case to air-dry.

Last but not least, another no-no is never taking your lenses out. For example, nodding off to sleep while wearing them deprives your eyes of oxygen, a scenario that can set the stage for infection. Also avoid wearing your contacts when you shower or swim; the micro-organisms that can live in tap and chlorinated water might cause irritation. Be sure to remove your contacts before any of these activities.

Source: Thomas Steinemann, MD, clinical correspondent with the American Academy of Ophthalmology and professor of ophthalmology at the MetroHealth Medical Center at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland

How to get it: To get yours, go to a participating IKEA store near you before 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 13. Limit one per family.

*Get your free IKEA breakfast now at a store near you!

* We strive to find the best free samples from around the Web every day. But because they are often fulfilled by other companies and not by ALL YOU, we cannot control the quantity of the samples available, or the length or terms of the offer.

* Free Sample FAQ.

How to get it: To get yours, click the link below, then print the coupon and bring it in to a participating Waffle House location near you by May 23, 2012.

*Get your free waffle with this coupon!

* We strive to find the best free samples from around the Web every day. But because they are often fulfilled by other companies and not by ALL YOU, we cannot control the quantity of the samples available, or the length or terms of the offer.

* Free Sample FAQ.

“If I ever broke a dish or gave my mom sass when I was a child, she never lost her temper. I always felt safe going to my mom with problems, even as a teen. I remember talking to her about everything from my diet and body issues to my boyfriend troubles. I never remember a time when I wanted to talk and my mom said, ‘Not now.’

“My children are small, but when they want to talk, I drop everything, just as my mom did. I hope that as they get older they will come to me with their problems.” —Natalie Ardouny Evernham, 40, Helena, Mont.

Plus, find ideas on how to show Mom you care this Mother’s Day on allyou.com.

Lately, I’ve been seeing anchors everywhere and I absolutely adore them! Sure, anchors remind us of boats and harbors, but they also symbolize steadfastness. Personally, I love to wear an anchor charm (like the one below) on a bracelet, and when I look at it throughout the day, I think of both my husband and my son.

Check out these fresh and fun takes on the anchor motif and get ready to set sail in high style. Maybe you’ll find a stylish (and symbolic) anchor, too! Just don’t go overboard!

For a pop of bright red, you can’t beat this darling ring from modcloth.com, $12.

Right now, Anthropologie is having a sale on all of its clip-on charms. This adorable anchor is just $11.

You’ll rock the boat and everyone’s world in this too-cute skirt from Brit online retailer Asos, and it’s on sale now for $38.

Bring a nautical touch to your décor with this anchor pillow from worldmarket.com, $27.

Treat your guests as if they were sitting at the captain’s table with these melamine plates from West Elm, $4 each.

This comfy top features a groovy boat and anchor illustration, but the coolest thing about it is the sleek boatneck cut, which makes it seem far dressier than a sweatshirt. $42,  at spreadshirt.com.

Melissa King, 32, from Los Angeles says:

Don’t let limitations define your goals

“I was born with cerebral palsy. The doctors told my parents I would never live independently. My mom refused to believe that.

“With numerous surgeries and years of speech and occupational therapy, I not only graduated high school but also went to college on a football scholarship! I was a manager for the Georgia Southern University Eagles, six-time NCAA national champions.

“I graduated college and married a wonderful man, and we’re proud parents of a healthy and beautiful 6-year-old boy! I’ve taught my son to reach for the stars.”

*Don’t forget to enter our Sally Hansen Mother-Daughter Manicure Contest!

Tell us: What’s the best advice your mom ever gave YOU?

Photo Credit: dr_tr