Tips
10 Simple Ways to Go Green & Save Money
If you're new here you may want to join the 5000+ smart shoppers that that subscribe to my RSS feed or Free Newsletter. Thanks for visiting! - Dean aka Mr. Cheap Stuff
After a long period of thought, have you finally decided to go green and save the environment? But when you look at the options, you suddenly find that ways to environment friendliness are expensive. Are there ways to go green and save money at the same time? Indeed, there are several simple, yet powerful ways to achieve this goal.
1. Usable water is one of the most precious things on this planet. Judicious use of water goes a long way to protecting the environment and also serves to bring down your water bill. Simple steps like fixing pipe and faucet leaks, remembering to close taps tightly every time and not allowing the tap water to run continuously while brushing or lathering, etc… useful ways to save water.
2. Avoid using disposable razors and switch to safety razors. Apart from costing more, the plastic packing around disposable razors is a major threat to the environment. Also, disposable razors with all their extra packing take up more storage space in the house. Safety razors that require only replaceable blades are a more economical option. Multi-packs of razor blades come cheaply and with much less plastic wrapped around them.
3. As far as possible try to use energy efficient devices. For example switching from ordinary light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLBs can save an enormous amount of power and can serve to bring down your electricity bill quite drastically.
4. Another simple way to save the environment and save money is to cook food at home. People who eat at fast food joints not only damage the environment but also add to their monthly food bills. Buying groceries and vegetables from the store and then cooking your favorite dinner back home is the best option.
5. House insulation is an important contributor to unwarranted power consumption. In improperly insulted homes, both heating and cooling will take up more power compared to well-insulated homes. Having a correctly insulated home saves power and money.
6. As far as possible buy and use second-hand items. Furniture, toys, clothing and kitchenware are good examples of items that can be bought second-hand. This prolongs the journey of these items into the garbage bin. This option is both environment friendly as well as a great money saver.
7. Prudent use of your printer can go a long way to saving paper, ink and money. Before you choose to press the print button on your computer, please stop for a moment and think twice about the necessity of a hard-copy. And if you do decide to print out a document, try to use economy-mode. This saves paper, ink and makes sure that the cartridge doesn’t need refilling very often.
8. Stop buying bottled water. Invest in a nice water bottle and it will pay for itself quickly. Not buying bottled water means less plastic bottles and more money in your pocket.
9. Try to recycle items that are amenable to the process. This avoids garbage pile up and the need to buy new things very often.
10. Try to use a glass water bottle that be used again and again instead of using several disposable plastic water cups over the course of the day.
Got any more tips to go green while saving money? Let me know. Photo Credit
Attention UK readers
For all you UK readers looking for coupons I recommend checking out PromotionalCodes.org.uk. Not only do they have tons of updated coupons and promotional codes, they also have a great blog going with money saving ideas and frugal hacks. One of their popular coupons right now is their Comet promotion code. Please let me know if you can recommend any other great websites to share with our readers.
Do You Know Your Credit Score? FICO Discount
Myfico.com is offering 20% off its FICO Credit Complete package of three credit scores from the three major credit companies. Normally $47.85, this is $38.28 with the discount. Use code SUMMER20.
Unless you’re one of those rare folks who pays cash for everything, you need a good FICO score. FICO is your credit rating. It is a crucial piece of information that banks, mortgage companies, and others use to decide whether to approve you for loans and credit cards. So be informed.
Here are some interesting FICO facts:
FICO® scores are your credit rating
They range from 300-850, higher is better
Most lenders base approval on them
Higher scores mean lower interest rates
FICO® scores are calculated based on your rating in five general categories:
Payment history - 35%
Amounts owed - 30%
Length of credit history - 15%
New credit - 10%
Types of credit used - 10%
The median FICO® score in the U.S. is 723
Mark writes:
This is great because I can check on my credit score and see if i can get that new car to cruise the town. It’s better to be informed than left in the dark, especially when it deals with your money.
Expiration Date: 7/31/2008
Secrets of Buying Cheap Gasoline!
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Today’s gas prices are hurting lots of folks in the wallet, and for a lot of Americans, public transit is not available as an alternative. So we’re stuck with forking it over at the pump. Here’s a couple of quick tips to strategize and save when you fill your tank.
1. Pick the right day: Buy your gas midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday. According to smartmoney.com, gas prices usually swing upward on Thursdays around 10 a.m. to prepare for weekend demand.
2. Pick the right place: As mentioned before on this site, there is gasbuddy.com and I found another excellent site on MSN.com. Both allow you to search for the lowest prices in your neighborhood.
Gas Buddy does have one advantage with its wireless feature. This is a great idea if, like me, you don’t always remember to check the cheapest prices online at home. I figure a few cents for a text message on my phone is worth it to save money on gas.
For gas prices, text message or email with the City/State or Zip/Postal Code as the body of the message. (Message subject is not necessary.) Examples: Los Angeles,CA or 55428.
For diesel prices, text message or email
A text message / email will be sent back to you shortly with the 5 lowest gas or diesel prices from the area that you requested.
GasBuddy text messaging service is free; however cellular phone service provider fees may apply. Check with your service provider for further information.
Expiration Date:unknown
14 No-Brainer Things You Should Own to Save You Money
Many people find it very difficult to save money. It is possible to save money and accumulate a nice nest egg. There are tons of ways that you can save money. The following are 14 simple things you can buy that will save you money in the long run. You can think of these things as investments and while you could invest your money is many other things the ROI of these items are pretty darn hard to beat.
1. Programmable Thermostat - Manual thermostats cost homes more money than programmable thermostats. When a person wants to heat or cool a room, they usually adjust the thermostat temperature beyond the level they want in hopes of making the house cool or warm more quickly. A programmable thermostat can help save and pay for itself in a few months.
2. Faucet Aerator - Faucet aerators are small devices you can place on the faucets in your house. They reduce the water flow coming out of the faucet by about half. Using faucet aerators will save a typical family of four about 280 gallons of water a month and pay for themselves in less than a year.
3. Low Flow Shower Heads - Replacing regular shower heads with low-flow shower heads can reduce your hot-water consumption while showering by as much as 30%. If you use the shower an average of 30 minutes a day, will save you about $100 a year in twofold savings. Check out Treehugger.com to learn more.
4. Compact Fluorescent Lights - Compact fluorescent (CF) light bulbs cost more than regular incandescent light bulbs, but they use about 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones.
5. LED Lights - Light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights cost a bit more than standard holiday lights, but they use 80 - 90% less electricity than standard lights and last 5 times longer than standard lights. Because of the way they are made, they are also virtually indestructible. In the next couple of years you will see LED light bulbs prices drop and they will soon the light bulb of choice.
6. Sale Items - Anything that you use on a regular basis that goes on sale is worth buying and stockpiling. Following this strategy should get you a from an instant 20% to 50% return on the money you spend. Don’t go overboard, make sure you will be able to use the items you buy. In fact most people could eat for a couple of weeks by just eating out of their freezer and pantry.
7. Rechargeable Batteries - Batteries can cost a small fortune, especially if you regularly use electronic equipment that are “high drain” devices. While initially more expensive than regular alkaline batteries, purchasing Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money in the long run.
8. Clothes Line or Clothes Rack - If you can line dry your clothes, purchasing a clothes line will save you more than $100 a year over using a dryer. Alternatively, purchasing a clothes rack or two for drying will save you the same amount. Most cost around $20 meaning that you will regain the cost in a few months.
9. Safe Deposit Box - This may not save you money on a yearly basis, but it will save you a lot of money if any type of accident, disaster or robbery takes place. It’ll save you a ton of grief in settling claims since you’ll have all the documentation to take care of anything that might arise. I also recommend scanning and storing documents online.
10. Water Filter - If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water and regularly buy bottled water, purchase a water filter to save you hundreds of dollars over time. A quality water filter will make your water just as pure as most bottled water and pay for itself within months in most cases.
11. Water Bottle - If your going to buy a water filter be sure to buy a couple of water bottles. You can buy a cheap one or spend the money and buy a quality water bottle. If your worried about the BPA plastic there are now a bunch of stylish BPA water bottles available.
12. Tire Gauge - This cheap little gadget can save you a bunch especially with the gas prices today. Next time you fill up gas check your tire pressure and fill them to the recommend psi. Your return on investment in buying a tire gauge could justified in its first use.
13. Water Heater Timer - A water heater is a major energy consuming appliance. Getting a timer will allow you to turn your water heater off and on only when you need it. Get one today and you will notice a difference in your electricity bill.
14. Ceiling Fan - If you use an air conditioner then getting a ceiling fan can keep you cool at a fraction of the price. I also recommend Vornado fans for those that don’t want to install a ceiling fan.
For those of you looking to learn more on how to save money on your electricity bill check out this awesome site by Micheal Bluejay aka Mr. Electricity.
10 Commandments for Saving Money
Featured Guest Article by Sunnie Hedley
Dollars even cents can go a long way, especially when your budget is being stretched due to high energy costs, the threat of a recession and an unstable job market. People love to ask me about a new purchase I’ve made. There’s always a story behind my purchase, some wild journey with a fairy tale ending as myself, the Victor against the high cost of retail mark-up!
A lot of this may sound like common sense to you, but sometimes you need to hear or read to actually apply and do. This monkey see monkey do venture will pay You in the end!
I. CLIP: Clip coupons, anywhere and everywhere. I am a faithful Sunday morning newspaper reader because of the coupons. Clip the coupons that you wouldn’t normally because, well I’ll tell you why in Commandment II.
II. CLEARANCE AISLE: Do not pass up your clearance aisles. Most retailers are getting hip to designating an aisle or a certain section of an aisle for clearance items. You can really clean up, especially if you have a corresponding coupon with a coveted clearance product. You can get up to a 95% savings in some cases. (Those are the ones that I brag about at the dinner table!)
III. CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS: Your receipts can be a little fortune of savings or give aways. Make sure you check the back and the bottom of your receipts for future savings just for returning to that store and/or restaurant in the near future.
IV. LISTEN: Watch your morning news programs. They are a fantastic, up-to-date source for what events, big sales, and where the going out of business/we lost our lease sales are in your city or town. If there’s a coupon or rebate they’ll make sure you know where to get them. I’ve had good luck with local radio stations as well.
V. NETWORK: Do you know a savvy spender and someone like myself that is a bargain saving nut? Talk with them, get to know what makes them tick and make it work for you too.
VI. SURVEY SAYS! Surveys, they’re annoying, who knows if they’re really worth your time. Does the information you supply trickle down to the right people, who knows. Taking the 30 seconds to 15 minutes to complete a survey opportunity you get on your register receipts, etc. has paid off big for my family. We entered a survey for Jack In The Box after a lunch of deep fried goodness! Almost a month later we received a call from Jack In The Box asking us a few qualifying questions and they mailed us a Jack Gift Card worth $100 along with a personalized signed letter from "Jack" himself. That’s a lot of tacos mi amigos!
VII. APPLY FOR ON-LINE E-NEWSLETTERS: Perfect example, Mr. Cheapstuff.com, this site helped me to look on-line for freebies and coupons. I have to admit, I was more old school when it came to saving money. Thanks to Dean, I’ve jumped into 2008. You can find me feverishly surfing the net looking up coupons and deals on line. Beware and sign up for reliable sites like mrcheapstuff.com. Be sure to look at the ads on your personal e-mail or internet service. Yahoo and AOL have been great at advertising give aways and coupons that I’ve submitted to mrcheapstuff.com.
VIII. REBATES: Take the time, pay the stamp to send in the rebates, some can be a little as $1.00 or up to $20.00 or more for items that you and I buy on a regular to semi-regular basis. We completed a rebate for Jose Cuervo ready made Margaritas and received a $15.00 rebate check a couple months later. In terms of dollars and cents we only paid the sales tax for that bottle of good times! Viva la Cuervo!
IX. DUMB LUCK: Sometimes you just stumble into a great deal. My all time claim to fame is shopping at my local Old Navy for a t-shirt for my then 5 year old daughter. The sales associate walked by and announced the wall to her left was being marked down to 50 cents. 50 cents for full sized children’s back packs and matching pencil holders and other items. I bought every single back pack and pencil holder totaling a little over $25.00, this was 50 items. 50 items that I sold separately for $5.00 each to family and friends. My $25 investment netted me an over $200.00 profit.
X. CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE: You’ve heard the saying attitude is everything so change it, saving your own money is not a burden or a chore, it’s a competitive sport! When you reach the finish line or score that goal, the reward is all yours! When I walk into a store armed with my ads, coupons and my shopping cart, retail doesn’t stand a chance!
The bottom line is your money is your money. You work hard for it! A couple of hours a week to research the best deals, gather up the coupons and make an informed decision on your purchases will net you a substantial savings that you can feed your piggy bank with…GUARANTEED!
The Hidden Cost of Being Cheap
Saving money is great but there is a fine line between being smart with your money and being a "cheap bastard". Everybody knows of a “cheap” friend or family member, if you don’t, you might be that person!
Cheap people drive all the way across town to save 50 cents on soda or 5 cents on a gallon of gasoline. They also might spend 10 hours of online research to save $20 on a airline ticket (Dammit, I have to admit I have been guilty of this one). Cheap people also might not want to contribute money for group or work activity or make a big deal when they do pay for things.
While I am all for saving money, I think you should always consider the hidden costs of saving money.
Why Do You Save Money?
So why do you save money? You always want to begin with the end in mind. A lot of people save money just to save money, in other words they might save $10 at the grocery store but blow $1000 on a new LCD television or some other liability. Another example is some people might skimp on a gift for someone they care about and during that same week they spend $20 getting their Starbucks fix.
Finding your "reason" does require some thought. I’m sure there are many parents out there that could be putting the money that they save towards their child’s education instead of more toys or video games.
Why Be Rich if You’re Still Cheap
Many people have the idea that being cheap is an great way to get rich or accumulate a lot of money. The problem with becoming rich by being cheap is that you are still cheap. Think about it, why be rich if your going to behave like a cheap person. Many people think when they have more money then I’ll stop being cheap. The problem is tomorrow almost never comes.
"I think those type of "cheap” rich people give rich people a bad reputation."
Personally, the reason why I choose to be smart with my money is to be generous or to give it back. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy my liabilities and toys but ultimately I do it so that I can be generous to the people and causes I care about.
Look at Value not Price
To go one step further I think it is important to look at the value of things not just price. For example, the price of staying at a nicer hotel for your family vacation may be more expensive, but the value is very high because your family gets to enjoy the superior amenities, location and excellent service.
If you had chosen the cheaper hotel you would not get a good location, you may have a higher chance of dealing with bad service (potential stress) and your family might not enjoy their hotel stay. So you could get the cheaper hotel and save money but in terms of value the nicer hotel is a much better deal.
The 80/20 Rule
"Buy what you love not what you like" - Louis Vuitton Shoe Photo Credit
I remember reading this article that said most people’s wardrobes follow the 80/20 rule, meaning people only wear about 20% or less of their clothes on a daily basis. I have to admit that this is true for myself. In my closet is a bunch of clothes I haven’t used in years.
By taking this rule into consideration, why not buy nice clothes that you will use often. Many people skimp on clothes because it might be expensive, but buy two pairs of cheap clothes that they don’t end up wearing. Again, you want to look at value not price. If you spend a hundred dollars on a really nice dress shirt or blouse that you really love and will therefore wear often, then you will get your money’s worth.
"Follow the 80/20 rule. When it comes to clothes, don’t look at price, buy only what you love not like."
Stop Being Cheap to Yourself
As you can see being cheap really means cheating yourself. Again, it is nice to save money but always consider the hidden costs. Can you put values on relations with friends and family, your integrity, time and happiness? Also, don’t forget to look at the value of things not the price. Just something to think as the cheapest price is not always the best choice.
10 Cheap But Fun Dates
You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to enjoy a date. There are many creative things that you can do that will cost you next to nothing. Some of the best dates are ones that are creative and inexpensive. The following is a list of 10 cheap fun dates.
Note: You don’t have to go on a date to enjoy these fun dates, you can go with friends, family or your significant other.
1. The Coffee Date
This scenario is only realistic for the initial date. Cafes are great for first dates as they’re casual and you’ll likely only be footing the bill for a couple of lattes and biscotti. I recommend going to coffee or tea shop that is unique, try to avoid going to Starbucks and choose a place your date has never been. Maybe someplace that is not as high traffic more cozy and quiet.
2. The Brunch Date
The brunch date is a natural extension of the coffee date and is accordingly best used on the first or second date. Usually, no alcohol is involved and because this date happens in the morning or early afternoon, there’s a high likelihood that she won’t think you have ulterior motives.
Personally I don’t care for buffets because I usually go for quality instead of quantity. Also, I find that conversation is much more difficult because you eat as soon at you get there. There is no wait and more interruption so the conversation flow is disrupted. Take my advice, stay away from buffets if you want good conversation.
3. The Hike or Bike Ride
If you’re really hard up, this may be your best bet. Granted, this is only a viable option if you live within close vicinity to a hiking trail (Sorry, I live in Hawaii). A walk through nature provides a wonderful opportunity to flirt with your date, enjoy the outdoors and show her you’re a versatile guy. Just make sure you know where your going or familiar with the trail. Getting lost and rescued my helicopter might now make the best impression. If a hiking trail is not in the cards, try renting a bike.
Don’t forget to pack enough water for the two of you. Also, bring sunscreen, bug spray and a camera.
4. The Art Museum
I’m going to get all "artsy fartsy" on you. Most art museums have one day of the week where entry is discounted or free. Take advantage of this opportunity to take your date out for some quality culture. Spend some time reading up on the current exhibits prior to your date. This way, you can at least maintain the facade that you have your finger on the pulse of the art world.
5. The Picnic
If you don’t live near a large body of water, a park will do. The key is to find a setting that has scenic vistas. A long drive will provide sufficient opportunity for you to connect with your date along the way. Only a few simple items are required to make your picnic basket impress: a halfway decent bottle of wine, some cheese, bread, and fresh fruit. "Go get um tiger".
6. The Dinner Party
If you like to cook, pasta dinner, with salad and inexpensive wine, makes for a great budget dinner. Don’t forget to have candles on the table, for that romantic touch. Yes, it really is the little things.
I key here is to learn one or two dishes really well. Refine it and make it your own by making it a little different from the norm. Pasta is a great dish because everybody loves pasta even vegetarians and it is quick and easy to make. Check online for good recipes.
7. The Farmer’s Market or Street Fair
In most places in the U.S., you can find a farmer’s market or street fair at certain times of the year. These kinds of events provide an overabundance of visual stimuli and entertainment. You will likely find plenty of opportunities for conversation. Also, check your local newspaper for weekend events, if you live in a big city you should have no problem finding something interesting to do.
8. Knock ‘em Over?
This is not an obvious date option, but bowling with your girl can be the most fun. Book a lane, rent a pair of bowling shoes and show of your bowling skills. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right?
9. Hang with the Animals?
The zoo or an aquarium is the perfect setting for a date. It’s quiet enough that you can have one-on-one time with your date, but there’s also something to look at if you’re stumped for conversation. Plus, if you pass gas you can always blame the elephants.
10. Cinema at Home?
Once you take into account the ticket, snacks and drinks, going to the movies these days is expensive. Get your girl to come over, rent a pile of DVDs, make some popcorn and darken your living room. You’ll save money and be more comfortable cuddling up on your couch! Check out Netflix plans starting at $4.99.
Extra: 11. Board Game Date
Board games have become very popular again all across America. Many families have "game night", which is a great way to spend quality time. I think many board games work best with at least three people but there are many that work great with just two. Just swing by your local Walmart and you can pick up a fun board game for under $15.
As you can see fun dates don’t have to be expensive. Got any other ideas of fun and cheap dates?
Photo Credit
How to Give a 30% Bigger Tip Without Spending a Dime
More and more people are paying with credit cards and debit cards because it is convenient and you can collect credit card rewards miles/points. But before you pay your restaurant bill with your favorite card I recommend at least paying your tip in cash.
Why pay in cash? It is very simple, when you pay with a credit card it is accounted for electronically and therefore Uncle Sam will almost always gets his cut.
When you pay with cash it is not as easily traceable and therefore not all tips are reported. Before you scream tax fraud, let’s be real, a lot of people don’t claim 100% of the tips they collect to the IRS. This is not only true for waiters/waitresses but just about any service job that accepts tips like cab drivers, tour guides, hotel workers, etc. I’m not saying it is right but thats just the way it is.
Depending on their tax bracket you could be giving them a substantial bonus. Many people like to pay with credit cards and debit cards for convenience and for the rewards program. I do too, but if possible I like to just pay the food bill with a card and the tip with cash. I know my waiter or waitress will appreciate that.
Just something to think about next time you charge your entire lunch or dinner. Here a the kicker, if you don’t like the service leave a smaller tip and pay your tip with your credit or debit card, hehe. Another place I like to pay cash is local mom and pop stores for the same reasons above.
I am not promoting or suggesting tax fraud but believe me your favorite waiter or store owner will thank you.
Any waiters or waitress want to weigh in on this one?
25 Ways to Save Money - The Lazy Man’s Way
Article Contribution by Danielle:
One of my biggest pet peeves is not having enough money for things that I want to purchase or invest in. I’m frugal when it comes to paying bills such as my student loan, phone bill, delinquent credit card bill, etc. Frugal meaning, once a month I will shop at the local dollar store just to save money to pay my bills. I will wait to Super $5 Tuesday’s at the movies so that I don’t have to pay full-price for a movie ticket. One day I even walked 15 miles to work (both ways) just to avoid putting gas in my tank. That didn’t help because I tripped and twisted my ankle while crossing the street – I limped to the hospital and lost a day of pay. That basically defeated the purpose of me walking, which was to save money.
I eventually learned how to be frugal with my money. Why did I decide to live frugally? First, because it allows you to spend a lot less than you earn. You can use the difference to pay off debt, save or invest. Second, because the less you spend your money, the less you need to earn extra money. Getting a second job just to earn more money was out of the question for me, I barely like getting out of bed in the mornings make it to my first job. The following are proven tips that will help you live a frugal life.
1. Purchase a small-sized vehicle. You can save hundreds of dollars by driving a smaller vehicle. Unless you have a large family, don’t purchase a SUV. You will save a lot of money on gas by driving a small vehicle.
2. Go with a smaller house. Heating a large house can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars just to heat during the winter and air condition during the summer.
3. Eat out less – Eat in More. The average person spends over $2000 per year on eating out at restaurants. You can save a bundle by cooking your own food.
4. Brown bag it to work. Bring your lunch instead of ordering out for lunch.
5. Adopt a minimalist wardrobe. When purchasing clothes, purchase separates (shirts, pants, blouses, skirts, etc.) With separates, you can turn a 5-piece wardrobe set into a 10-15 piece wardrobe set.
6. Stop online impulse buying. Instead of purchasing items online every week, purchase only once a month or every two months. This will ultimately save you money.
7. Cancel cable. This will save you a bundle every month (in my neighborhood, about $45, or more than $500 a year). As a substitute, I do things like read or I rent DVDs at the video store.
8. Use the library. Instead of purchasing books, check them out at the library. You can also find a selection of DVDs (depending on where you live) this will save you even more money.
9. Find free entertainment. You can find cheap ways to have fun. Entertainment can cost a lot of money. The average person spends more than $1,800 a year on entertainment. You can find free entertainment in your local newspaper and on the Internet.
10. Stay healthy. Visiting the doctor and going to the hospital for catching the flu can be costly. Eat healthily, and exercise. This will help you from getting sick.
11. Commute by bike. Commuting by bike to work or the store will save you money on gas and transportation.
12. Carpool or ride the bus. Take public transportation to work or school. You can even carpool and save a bundle on gas. Carpool or ride the bus. OK, you don’t want to bike it. So find a friend or neighbor who works near you, and arrange a carpool. Or take public transportation. Simple advice, but something a lot of people ignore.
13. Walk. If you are traveling locally like the corner store, or to a place of business that’s less than a mile away. This will also save you money on transportation.
14. Sell your clutter. You can sell your clutter at a garage sale or even on eBay. You can make a few extra bucks and free up space in your house or apartment.
15. Frugal gifting. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on gift giving. Gift cards make perfect gifts if you’re not sure what to purchase and they come in denominations as low as $20.
16. Quit smoking. It is estimated that people spend over $3000 on cigarettes. Quitting smoking will not only save you money but will improve your health.
17. Quit drinking. People who go to happy hour more than once a week, spend a lot of money on drinks. Beer is much cheaper.
18. Sweets in moderation. Cut back on sweets (you don’t have to completely eliminate them entirely) this will help you to save money and cut calories.
19. Drink water. Instead of buying bottled water, get a filter for your kitchen faucet.
20. Stay home. Become a homebody. You don’t have to go out in order to have fun. You can cook a nice meal, watch a good DVD or listen to music.
21. Stop using credit cards. Avoid credit card debt and only use it for emergencies. By the way, $200 designer bag is not an emergency.
22. Cancel magazine subscriptions. If you have more than 3 magazine subscriptions, cancel them. Many magazines can be found on the Internet
23. Make your own. Instead of buying a bookshelf, make one. There are many do-it-yourself projects that you can make instead of buying.
24. Save energy. You can actually lower your monthly power bill by turning off your the lights when not in use.
25. Telecommute. Instead of commuting to work everyday, ask your employer if you could telecommute to work. This will help you save money on transportation.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to become more frugal with your spending. Just like everything, practice makes perfect. In time, you will begin to notice the benefits of cutting back on your spending.
11 Cheap But Fun Things To Do In Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and is one of the more expensive places to visit and live. I have been living here in Honolulu for a while now and decided to put together a list of some cheap but fun things to do in Hawaii.
Even though Honolulu, Hawaii usually ranks in the top 3 most expensive places to live in the U.S there are still a lot of great activities that won’t break your bank account. I recommend these things for visitors and locals.
10 Cheap Things to Do in Hawaii
1. Enjoy the Sunset - Go for a jog or swim before dinner and enjoy the sunset. Apparently there is a "green flash" which is what I always like to look for when viewing a sunset. It happens when the sun suddenly changes color.
Cost: Free
2. Watch Surfers Ride Mountains - If your fortunate to visit during the winter time I recommend going to the North Shore of Oahu to watch some monster surf if there are winter swells. Watching waves is therapeutic and stress relieving for me. It makes me feel like I am in one of those Corona commercials.
Cost: Free
View of Waikiki atop Diamond Head - Photo Credit
3. Take a Hike - Hiking is great because you also get a workout. There are so many scenic hikes in Hawaii. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the views and a good pair of shoes. Going on hikes is another stress reliever of mines, I get leave the office exercise and enjoy simulating conversation with a hiking partner.
Cost: Free
4. Vacation Rentals - If you travel with a family you might want to consider the benefits of getting a vacation rental. They provide you with extra space and allow you to save quite a bit of money on eating out since you will have access to a kitchen.
Cost: Varies - Compare to Hotel Rooms
5. Life is a Beach - I’m not a surfer but I enjoy a quick swim or a lazy day at the beach. I feel it revitalizes the soul.
Cost: Free
6. Public Transportation - Honolulu’s public transportation system has been ranked as America’s best several times. It is the 20th most utilized transit system in the US. It cost $2 to hope on the bus and I think a $1 for seniors. With gas prices around $3.50 a gallon and downtown parking $200+/month you might consider taking the bus.
I think one of the big differences I have noticed about Honolulu’s transit system from other big city systems is that to me it feels much safer. Honolulu is also going to be building a $3.7 billion rail system.
Cost: $2 - $1
Honu - Hawaiian Sea Turtle, Photo Credit
7. Snorkeling - You can get a decent snorkel and mask for under $20. I like to to dive with fins to move faster in the water. I’m not a very good swimmer but I sill enjoy snorkeling and it is good exercise. If you have an underwater camera you can take some great photos.
Cost: <$20
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice - Photo Credit
8. Enjoy Hawaiian Shaved Ice - The mecca of Shave Ice would have to be Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa. There are lots of other shave ice places just ask a local where their favorite place is.
Cost: < $3
9. Enjoy a Book at the Beach - I’m sure a lot of people have this peaceful and relaxing vision of enjoying a great book while lying down under an umbrella at the beach. Sounds relaxing? Because it is,
Cost: Free
10. Picnic - Take advantage of the beautiful weather and go for a picnic. It doesn’t have to be fancy, again you don’t want to stress out just getting there. Enjoy the process of picking up food or making food and hanging out at the park or beach.
Cost: < $20
11. Enjoy Some Unique Hawaii Food - Hawaii has some unique food items even at fast food restaurants like McDonalds, see my article on Hawaii fast food. See hawaii restaurant reviews here. Also see Hawaii Entertainment Books for buy one get one free deals.
Cost < $10
As you can see there are many priceless things you can do in Hawaii that don’t cost much. Check them out and I’ll see you at the beach.
Where to Buy Cheap Infomercial Products Sold On TV
I think it is safe to say that most of us are guilty of watching infomercials or even buying the products. I have to admit I purchased infomercial products myself (George Foreman Grill, P90x, Rosetta Stone to name a few). If you’re thinking of ordering an infomercial product you might want to check out eBay.com first as they usually have new and used products at discounted prices. You will often find discounts up 50% off and many brand new items.
Here are some of the most popular infomercial products
Tempur Pedic Mattress
Aerobed
Rosetta Stone - Language Software
Listen Up Device
Lipozene
Proactiv
The Perfect Pushup
Sheer Cover
Girls Gone Wild
Total Gym - Chuck Norris baby
For a good laugh you might want to check out Maxim’s list of the top infomercial products of all-time.
Here are some of my favorites infomercial products
The Flowbee - "It sucks as it cuts!", No doubt it really does suck
Photo Courtesy of Kowitz
The Clapper - Does this really work, it must still sell because I still see this infomercial on TV
Life Alert - Nuff Said, this commercial reminds me of a popular SNL skit about robot insurance.
10 Ways To Save Money In Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip at Night - Photo Credit
For most people a trip to Vegas is a once in a lifetime proposition. Face it, you are going to Vegas to gamble and have some fun. It doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg and with the following money saving tips you can now hit the card tables with a bigger bankroll.
1. Plan ahead - Plan your trip in advance. Most of the major air carriers offer steep discounts on fares that are bought weeks in advance of departure.
2. Book your room online - You can get a $500 room in Vegas for $50 if you do your homework. Casinos will offer cut rate prices on rooms, because they want you to gamble on their property and not elsewhere. A cheap room is an enticement to do so.
3. Plan your meals - Prime rib, steak and lobster dinners can be enjoyed for $10. Check your in room coupons. When you are out on The Strip keep your eyes open for the neon marquees. Most resorts have buffet specials. A healthy meal can be found. You might want to purchase a Las Vegas Entertainment Book before you leave for your vacation.
4. Take the time share tour - No, you don’t want to buy a time share but 1 ½ hours early in the morning won’t interrupt your vacation. This is the ideal place for free show tickets and free meals. If you do buy the time share you are at least guaranteed a free ride in a limo.
5. Sign up for the players card - If you are a slots player sign up with your favourite casino. Plug your player card in the casino slots for that extra $20 you’ll have to play with. Sign up usually includes a free meal and discounts for Vegas attractions or shows.
6. Free Wifi in Las Vegas - Need to go online? Save the $20 that most casinos charge for unreliable Internet use and use the free WiFi that is available at McCarran Airport while you wait for your flight connections or the limo to your casino. The Monorail is also WiFi friendly and is a great place to check your email as you ride in comfort from one end of The Strip to the other.
7. Pack less - You don’t need as much as you think in Vegas. Pack an extra bag instead and load up on souvenirs and clothing from the various outlet malls in town. Free shuttle service is provided.
8. Know your destination - Vegas cab drivers have been known to take circuitous detours. You can save ½ your cab fare if you know where you are going and recommend your preferred route to your driver.
9. Be seen - If you like to enjoy your drinks for free make sure that the hostesses can see you and don’t hop from card table to card table or from one slot machine to another. Tips will ensure that your hostess comes back with regularity, unless you prefer spending $14 for a Vodka and Red Bull.
10. Wear comfortable shoes - While this won’t save you money, The Strip is longer than you think and comfortable footwear will make you less tense when you find your poker table. Happy feet can lead to peace of mind and is one less thing for you to think about at the card tables.
These tips can save you up to $3000 for a week in Vegas. You will have already saved up to $1500 by the time you leave home. That’s money you can take to the bank!
This article was written by a Mr. Cheap Stuff contributor, have a tip or article you would like to submit, please contact me.
10 Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
Plumeria in Hawaii - Photo Credit
So, the day has come at last! You have saved here and there and now it is vacation time! Now how to not go over budget while on vacation? Yes, I did say budget. Everyone needs a little holiday budget. For this, you will need to plan ahead.
1. First look for a hotel or apartment with a kitchen area so that you can prepare some meals yourself, this will help save on restaurant bills. Alternate days when you do things that cost money with days you do things that are free. Visit museums and parks on the days they are free.
2. Bring bottles for water from home so that you are not tempted to buy drinks while out on your visits. (This saves on dentist bills as well.) Also take a bit of fruit with you on your outing so that you are not tempted to buy more expensive (and less healthy) snacks.
3. Keep track of your expenses in a little book. When you are aware of what you are spending, you are less apt to go over budget. Also, you can reward yourself by saving a little each day and splurging the last day. Hold off larger purchases for this day.
4. Eating lunch out rather than dinner can save you money as lunches are frequently better deals and prices often go up for dinners, especially in big cities.
5. When we were traveling in England, we ate breakfast out. If you eat an English breakfast, you won’t need to eat lunch and we ate sandwiches that we bought at the grocery store and fruit for dinner in our B&B.
6. Stay away from tourists traps and try to do things the natives do. These usually will be rather inexpensive. Again when we were in the UK we took our sons bowling. These kinds of outings are fun and inexpensive.
6. Buy gas in the city, and if possible from a self-service or grocery store chain and not on the highway as the prices are not the same.
7. Try to pack things you know you will need and bring them from home as opposed to buying them on vacation. These include: soap, shampoo, hats, sunglasses, aspirin, pens, paper, playing cards, etc.
8. Whatever else makes it fun…"Hey kids, think we can save enough to do this the last day?" As long as you make it into a game, kids will play along.
9. Buy an Entertainment Book before you travel to the city your are visiting. These books have coupons on popular restaurants, attractions and hotels.
10. Try to on off-peak days like the middle of the week if possible. You will usually find better deals on hotels, airfare and rental cars on these days. Also if possible try to plan out your vacations during off-peak seasons.
Article written by Mr. Cheap Stuff contributor.
Will Driving 55 mph Save Money on Gas?
I have a friend who likes to drive around really fast. His theory is that it saves him gas to go faster because he burns less fuel than with starting and stopping and just sitting still. But this is a total myth. As much as many of us would like to believe that driving fast saves us money on gas, it is simply not true.
Myth: You can burn less fuel by driving fast because it cuts your driving time in half.
Fact: You burn more fuel with rapid acceleration than driving at a moderate speed.
It is also true that cars get better mileage on highways, due the lack of streetlights. This will cut down the amount of times you need to break and accelerate. This is a good time to crank up to higher speeds so as to reach your car’s optimum gas mileage. But do not go too fast.
Each car is built different and each one reaches its fuel economy – or maximum potential at a certain speed limit. Typically, a car going over sixty miles an hour is likely to decrease its fuel economy. It is also recommended to use cruise control on highways; it cuts down the engine speed and allows it to maintain a steady momentum without exerting too much effort. Another thing to remember is keeping your car in good condition. When was the last time you had an oil change.
Think of an engine like an immune system. If it is oversaturated and congested, it will not be able to perform as well, and, therefore, deplete from you gas mileage. An engine that has all sort of build-up in it is going to tear through gas more because the gasoline will not flow as well through the car. You can keep your car healthy by keeping it clean, and keeping it clean will allow it to perform better and in effect save you money.
Another thing to consider is weight. No I’m not telling you to go on a diet but a car that is excessively heavy is going to burn more fuel starting and stopping and even staying still – or idling – which is going to decrease your fuel economy. If you are driving in a heavy vehicle, try to drive temperately, without idling too much – or you can clean out your car and only put items that you really need to cut down on excess weight. For more information there are numerous websites one can visit to read up on car maintenance and good driving tips.
Here are some other quick tips to help squeeze extra miles till your next fill up. BTW as I write this Gas is prices here in Hawaii are about $3.40.
1. Remove Excess Weight – Throw all that junk out of the trunk. Every 100 lbs decreases your efficiency by about 2%.
2. Use Overdrive Gears – It is just that simple. It is a nobrainer you should be using overdrive almost all the time if you have an automatic car.
3. Don’t drive aggressively – This is probably on of the most over looked things but go easy on the accelerator. If your in traffic tailgating the car in front of you will NOT make you get to your destination any faster, plus you are increasing your chances of an accident (Remember it is an abundant world). Check out Hypermiling.com, these guys try to get 100 mpg from regular gas cars.
4. Pump Up Those Tires - Make sure you keep those tires properly inflated.
5. Drive Like a Contrarian - Try not to drive during peak times. Just put a little more thought on when you drive and you could save a lot of time as well as gas.
Telsa Roaster - "The first really cool electric car"
So will electric cars ever be cool? Check out the Tesla Roadster, it looks amazing and make me wonder why the big automakers haven’t made something like this. It goes from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds, for those of you that don’t know that is faster than a Lamborghini. It also only costs 2 cents per mile. Want one? Their sold out, but you can put your name on the waiting list. Link that may be worth your time: GasBuddy.com CNN - Take your foot off the gas
User Submitted Money Saving Tips
Walmart Return Policy - Submitted by Sandra
If you buy something at Walmart and then it goes on sale, they will refund the difference in the price back to you. Customer service says that if you have your receipt, they will then give you the difference in cash or you can return the item and rebuy it at the lower price. I haven’t tried this after more than 30 day.
Gifts For Everyday people that are Great but Cost Less - Submitted by Sandra
1. Giving a gift of money can seem inappropriate unless done correctly: Savings bonds can be purchased in different
denominations. Personalize the gift by adding a note that shows thought given to the receiver. "I know you have always dreamed of going to Hawaii - here’s a start."
2. Gift baskets can be so enjoyable but inexpensive: If you have a wine lover, give a nice bottle of wine, wrapped in a
napkin and two wine glasses nestled into a lovely basket. Think about the person who will be receiving the basket and make it appropriate.
3. What about a plant? They are loved everywhere by most everyone. One of the nicest gifts I ever received was a fairly inexpensive plant in a coffee cup with a spoon, for my office desk. I am a notorious coffee hound and one of my co-workers remembered. These can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.
4. What about gift certificates? A dinner out can be the most fantastic busy mother’s gift. Movie tickets and restaurant certificates can make a memory they will remember came from you.
5. Is there a cook on your list? You can get inexpensive herb gardens that grow right in the kitchen that would thrill most home cooks. How about some new pot holders along with a new gadget or two all wrapped up in a bright new dish towel?
6. My daughter got a great gift last year that cost the giver less that $30. It was a Ladies tool set…smaller that the type most men would use. She just loved it as her husband did……no more hunting for his tools.
7. Do you have a book or magazine lover? Give a subscription to their favorite magazine. Books……..find out their favorite
author and get several books along with a nice tea and a cute little cup.
8. What about photos? Make an album or get a favorite photo screen printed onto a special tee shirt. One of the nicest ideas I saw with presentation was a frame with the photo inside, wrapped in the tshirt. When they saw the photo also on the tee, they were completely surprised.
9. I remember the year I gave one of my daughters a cookbook of my favorite recipes. My other two daughters wanted one too, even though they didn’t cook. They wanted it just because it had been mine and it was food they ate growing up. I was surprised.
10.Coffee mugs loaded with chocolates, cocoa mix, nice teas, specialty coffees or whatever suits the occasion. Add a package of butter cookies. Tie with curly ribbon and attach a card. YUM
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Hi, my name is Dean. This site is dedicated to helping you save time, money and stress with quality tips, coupons, deals and freebies worth your precious time. 