If you have bad eyes like I do, it’s crucial to get quality glasses and contact lenses.  They can cost you a pretty penny, too - and many of us have little or no vision insurance coverage through work.  Here are some great tips and options to keep you seeing clearly for less.

1.  $39 DOLLAR GLASSES

Check out our own Mr. Cheap Stuff deals and coupons for this popular and well-reviewed online retailer.  As you can figure by the name, prices start at $39 for a pair of metal or plastic single-vision eyeglasses in a variety of styles for men and women.  Note we said "start at"; you’ll pay extra for things like bifocal or progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, tints and certain styles of frames.   But if you just need a simple pair of glasses for work, reading or driving, this is a great site.  I like the fact that you can print out an actual-size photo of your chosen frame, and also view the frame on men and women with different face shapes.  And they give you a 100% quality guarantee.  This company is based in New York and the glasses are U.S. made.

$39 Dollar Glasses

2.  ORDER AS PRESCRIBED

To order glasses online, you’ll need a copy of your prescription.  Did you know that in the U.S., there is a federal law that your prescription must be given to you at the end of your eye exam?  If you lost it, you can always call your eye doc for a copy.  And by the way, a contact lens prescription is NOT the same thing.  You’ll need a specific glasses prescription.

Now, how do you read the prescription to enter it correctly online?

The top row (O.D.) is the information for your right eye.
The second row (O.S.) is the information for your left eye.
Fill in each number as it appears in your written prescription.  You’ll see numbers labeled spherical, cylindrical and axis. 

If you wear bifocals or reading glasses, your doctor will also write in an "ADD" power either to the right of, or below, your prescription for each eye.  For example, your ADD power might be +1.  When you enter your order online, just enter each number in the appropriate dropdown boxes provided on the order page.

3.  KNOW HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

To order glasses online, you’ll need to provide not only your prescription but also your pupillary distance (the distance between the centers of your eyes).
To measure your Pupillary Distance (PD):
Place a millimeter ruler on the bridge of your nose.  The ruler must be metric, not inches, in order to measure millimeters.  Have a friend face you about arms length away.  Have your friend measure the distance between the center of your pupils (the black dots in the middl e of your eyes).  Or you can do it yourself simply by looking in the mirror. If you need your glasses on to do this, you can draw dots on the lenses where your pupils are (using a magic marker or highlighter); then take the glasses off and measure the distance between them.

4.  GET CHEAPER CONTACTS ONLINE

Once again, Mr. Cheap Stuff comes through with some great discounts for you on contact lenses.

Vision Direct is a division of well-known retailer,  Drugstore.com.   Orders over $99 get free shipping, and they guarantee they will beat any competitor’s price by 105%.  They are based in Washington state.

1-800-Get-Lens guarantees you will receive the exact type and brand of contact lenses specified in your order, sealed in the manufacturers’ sterile packaging at 50% lower than your local opticians and 15% lower than the other reputable online vendors.

To order contact=2 0lenses online, you’ll need a current contact lens (not glasses) prescription, the box from your current contact lenses, and the name of your eye doctor.  Do not attempt to order contact lenses if you have not been already properly fitted for them.

Vision Direct Coupons
1800GetLens.com Coupons
Lens.com Coupons
AC Lens Coupons

5.  COMPARISON SHOP FOR LENSES

If you want to quickly compare prices for the same contact lenses, try Lens Pundit.  They display comparative prices from several companies including Lens.com and ACLens.com.  So you can find your price, then use the Mr. Cheap Stuff coupon links to save even more.

6.  CAN’T ORDER ONLINE?  GET LOCAL.

There may be some reasons that a few folks can’t order glasses online.  If you are very hard to fit for frames, or have a very unusual or strong prescription, or certain eye conditions, you may need to order glasses locally.  But before you head off to one of the major chains, try your local optician and ask if they offer any sorts of discounts.  Some of them will have a price matching policy or may discount your glasses if you also order contact lenses from them.  It never hurts to ask. 

Photo Credit via Flickr

Love gadgets?  Good.  There are some that actually save you money without costing much upfront.  I get a little frustrated when I look for information about saving money and get suggestions about buying new washers, gas-efficient cars, and such.  That’s fine, but how often do you need a new washer?  Here are ten inexpensive gadgets that you can probably use- and afford - right now.

1.  Programmable Coffee Maker:

Example: Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Price: about $50

It really amazes me how many people spend extra time and money to buy their morning coffee at convenience stores or at Starbucks.  It’s so much easier and faster to make your coffee at home.  With a programmable unit, you set it up the night before, and you wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.  Have a couple of lidded travel mugs on hand (can be found at dollar or discount stores).  Pour the coffee into the mug, add cream and sugar if you like, and head out the door.  I do like that Starbucks taste, so I buy their coffee in bags at the supermarket or at their stores.  Tip: if you buy bagged whole bean coffee at a Starbucks store, they will grind it for free, AND you get a free cup of brewed coffee to drink while you’re there.  Make sure to ask for it. 

A pound of ground coffee ($10) lasts me about a month, for brewing one large mug (16 oz.) five days per week, so that’s 50 cents each time.  Assuming your coffee maker lasts five years, the price divides up to about 5 cents per use.  So for a total of 55 cents, you get a great mug of coffee, saving you from $1-3 each time compared to buying coffee out (depending where you go).  If you save $2 each time, you’ll break even in only six months.  I love my Braun coffee maker and it’s been very reliable.

2.  Programmable Thermostat

Example: Lux TX9100E 7 Day Programmable Thermostat
Price: about $55

Save money on heating and cooling with a programmable thermostat. They provide very precise temperature control and can be programmed to automatically lower your air conditioning and/or heat use while you’re not home.  You can save up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling bills.  So, if your electric bill is $100 per month, and you save 10% per month ($10), this product pays for itself in only 5 months.  This Lux unit comes recommended by a leading consumer magazine.  Okay, it’s five bucks above the $50 limit I mentioned, but well worth it.

3.  At-Home Exercise Videos

Example: The Firm: Pump, Jump and Jab
Price: $14.95

Gym memberships typically cost about $50 month.  You can cut the cost down to zero just by running and walking instead, but if that bores you, or the weather is bad, you can get in shape equally well at home with exercise videos.  I used videos to get back in shape after I had my son.  It was great since I didn’t have to leave home and think about child care, and I could fit it into my schedule.  I used The Firm videos; they are challenging and really tone you up.  If you love to dance, the Zumba videos are fun. If you’re not sure which videos to get, pay a visit to your local library and borrow some to try out before you buy.  If you buy three videos and rotate using them, they pay for themselves in only one month, compared to a gym membership.

4.  Tap Water Filter

Example: Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System
Price: about $45

Why spend money on bottled water?  I bought this Brita faucet-mount water filter.  No tools required; it was quick and easy to install on my kitchen faucet, and believe me, I’m not handy.  This model is disposable and lasts up to a full year with no filters to change.  It has an electronic indicator that tells you when it’s time for a replacement.  The tap water in my house is pretty funky-tasting and this filter does a great job of cleaning things up. Pays for itself in about 6 months if you have been using bottled water every day.

5.  Solar Holiday Lights
Price: $39.99 on sale

Now that the holidays are over, pick up some energy efficient solar-powered outdoor holiday lights; they’re on sale.  They they charge up during the day from the sun’s power, turn on automatically in the evening, and stay on most of the night.  No electricity required!

6.  High-Efficiency Showerhead
Example: Delta 75152 Water Amplifying Adjustable Showerhead
Price: $25

High efficiency showerheads save money by reducing the amount of water that needs to flow through your hot water heater. An average American household can save as much as 15,000 gallons of water per year by installing high-efficiency shower heads. And you save the energy costs which would be required to heat the water.

This Delta model is a water-saving 1.85 gallons per minute, but is designed to feel like the standard 2.5 gallons per minute. So you save water and energy. Break even: about 10 months.

7.  Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Example: GE 97659 13-Watt (60 Watt equivalent) Energy Smart Soft White Spiral T3 Light Bulb 6-Pack
Price: $3.24 each ($19.41 for a 6-pack)
Time Until Break Even: 4 months

CFLs can easily save $100 a year.  Just replace a regular bulb with a CFL, and you’ll save about a dollar per bulb every two months or so.  GE makes them in "soft-white" so you’ll get pleasant lighting that is more similar to regular bulbs instead of a harsh fluorescent look.

8.  Solar Powered Pocket Calculator
Example: Aurora HC127 Dual Power Executive Foldable Style 8 Digit Hardcase Calculator
Price: $6.99

Figure out unit prices, calculate tips, balance your checkbook…there are numerous tasks for this nice, simple little gadget and it will likely pay for itself after just a couple of uses. 

This model has extra big number eight-digits and display with an adjustable angle, so even the most nearsighted should have no trouble. Plus it’s in a folding hard case, nice for your pocket, purse or briefcase. Dimensions: 4-3/5"W x 2-2/5"D x 3/5"H.

9.  Portable Flash Drive
Example: Kingston Data Traveler 1 GB
Price: $8.02
Time Until Break Even: 1 month

I love my flash drive.  You can back up important files, so you save money on not having to buy and burn CD’s for backup.  It’s amazing how cheap flash drives are these days - just $8 bucks for a gig, wow.  Only a couple years ago, they cost several times more.

10.  Battery Charger
Example: Rayovac Universal Battery Charger for Rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-Volt Batteries
Price: $19.27
Time Until Break Even: 1-6 months

Got kids with battery-powered toys? Got home gadgets?  Chances are you’re going through lots of batteries.  I have one of those closet stickup lights that I swear needs new batteries almost every week.  Time to get myself some rechargeable batteries and use this gadget to keep them juiced.

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.

Photo Credit

I stumbled upon FrugalDad.com not too long ago and was impressed with the sites content.  There are many good reads on this site and I recommend checking it out if you want more money saving tips.  I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Jason White the blogger behind the blog.  He offers some great advice and tips.

10 Questions with Jason White from FrugalDad.com

1.  So what is FrugalDad.com all about?  How & Why did you start your blog?

FrugalDad.com is a site featuring ideas on frugal living, but it’s really more than that.  I like to share my ideas and opinions on broader personal finance topics, careers, personal development, parenting, and even blogging.  I started FrugalDad.com as a creative outlet to cultivate my interest in writing, and as a way to connect with other frugal families.  I wrote articles for Associated Content for nearly a year before deciding to venture out on my own.

2.  So what is a day in your shoes like?  Location, Age, Job, Interests?

Since beginning my blog my days have become even longer.  I start the day around 4:30am to get some time to myself for writing, researching, responding to readers, etc.  I get most everything related to Frugal Dad out of the way during those precious two hours before the wife and kids are awake.  A quick breakfast with the family and I’m out the door to work my regular 8-5, as a database administrator/web designer. 

Afternoons are spent helping the wife prepare dinner, playing outside with the kids (Spring in the southeast means long, warm afternoons where you can play outside until 8:00pm).  I finish the day off with catching up on email, prepping the next day’s article and then off to bed around 10:30.

3.  Ok, now the fun questions, what is your favorite cheap meals that you make at home and when you’re eating out?

I probably ought to come up with some intriguing made-from-scratch meal here, but I’d be lying if I said I was a good cook.  My favorite meal is my wife’s spaghetti, and while I haven’t done a full cost breakdown I’m guessing it is around $1.00 per person, per meal.  She makes a double batch and I eat it four or five meals in a row, including my lunches at work for two days.  We don’t eat out often, but when we do we like to order an appetizer as a meal, or split an entrée.  We also like to hit restaurants on the nights when kids eat free.

Dean, "Ahh, spaghetti it is one of those meals that really fills you up.  I never thought of doing a double batch, great idea."

4.  What is the one thing you own under $20 that has gotten the most bang for your buck?

We bought an indoor griddle on sale at Target for around $20 and that thing has been the best purchase in our household.  We use it for the traditional breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs, etc., but the real value is how well it cooks meats. 

It sure beats heating up the whole house to bake meats in the summer, or standing outside in a cold rain in the winter to use an outdoor grill.  Homemade hamburgers are delicious cooked on the griddle, and because of its design much of the fat runs off into a drip container making meals even healthier.

Dean, "I agree, those indoor grills are fast, convenient and easy to clean.  I like to marinate meats the night before then throw them on the grill for a quick and easy dinner."

5.  You seem to be an avid reader with plans to read one book every week for 52 weeks.   What are your top 3 life changing books you can recommend for people wanting to learn more about money or finances?

I haven’t always been an avid reader.  Like most people, I burned out after doing so much required reading in college.  However, I soon realized that there is a common thread amongst the most successful people – they read a lot!  The very first life-changing book I read on the subject of personal finances was The Millionaire Mind by Thomas Stanley.  I read it on a business trip to Ft. Lauderdale, and it completely changed the way I thought about millionaires. 

Next on the list is The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey, which forever changed my attitude towards credit cards, and debt in general.  It even moved me to change careers, out of the financial industry and into technology.  Your Money or Your Life, by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin, probably had the most profound effect on my life in general, not just financially.  It really forced me to stop and think about the things for which I was exchanging my life energy.

Dean, "I have "The Millionaire Mind" audio book, nice pick"

6.  Can you share your number 1 tip in being a "frugal dad"?

My number one tip is to be frugal, but flexible.  Sometimes we frugal dads let the pendulum swing too far, and the whole family suffers from our obsessive belt-tightening.  Life is meant to be enjoyed.  My grandfather wrote me a letter when I turned 20 and reminded me to "smell the roses."  Over a decade later I still think of that advice when my first inclination is to say "no" to anything my family wants to do that requires money.

Dean, "Very true, it is very important not to lose track of why you are saving money.  Too many people save money just to save money.  If you save money on one thing then blow it on something meaningless, what is the point."

7.  In your blog you recently wrote that you downgraded your cable television package, how is that transition going?

It was one of the best moves we’ve ever made!  My daughter was initially upset because she lost the Disney Channel, but it’s been surprising how little she mentions it now. We spend more time outside in the evenings and on weekends.  My wife and I spend more time reading after the kids are in bed.  If it were up to me we would pull the plug on cable television altogether, but remember my tip – be flexible.

Dean, "I couldn’t agree with you more, I wrote about my experience of actually living without a TV.  Personally I don’t think there are a lot of good shows on television, maybe I’m just getting old.  I also don’t like the confinement of static programming, that is why I love my Netflix, I get to watch what I want when I want."

8.  What is one of the biggest mistakes or problems you feel parents make when it comes to teaching kids about money?

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents making is cosigning for a credit card for their teenager in the interest of "building their credit score."  When that teenager hits college they will inundated with offers for credit, and by normalizing it you have in fact encouraged them to take on a credit card of their own. 

Before they know it, they are $10,000 in debt from pizzas, Xbox games, clothes and iPods.  Instead, teach kids to use cash.  Teach them to save for large purchases.  Credit cards are not evil by themselves, and used wisely they can be a useful financial tool. 

However, they are not for the financially inexperienced.  Giving a teenager a credit card is like giving a 12 year-old a learner’s permit to drive.  They may have the physical skills necessary to operate a car, but they do not yet have the maturity nor the experience required to make responsible decisions.  I would rather see a young person avoid credit cards until they are on their own financially and earning their own way.

Dean, "Very good point, I bet there are a lot of young adults in debt that with their parents taught them how to be fiscally responsible."

9.  Give me your top 3 blog posts that every Mr. Cheap Stuff reader should read.

How I’ve Survived Without the Help of Wii, TomTom or iPod

Teach Your Kids About Money With Only Four Quarters

How to Implement an Envelope Budgeting System

10. Finally, can you give me your favorite tip on how do you use the Internet to save money or time?

Like most men I despise clothes shopping.  For me it ranks up there with dental checkups and an annual physical.  However, thanks to sites like eBay I’ve managed to avoid mall shopping for all but a few required articles of clothing. 

When the time comes to add to my wardrobe I visit a mall and try on several styles of pants and shirts.  I carry along a pen and piece of paper and note the size, style and any other unique characteristics of the things I like.  I leave the mall and go home to look up the items on eBay.  Run a search for the item with the tag "NWT" added to the end of your query.  You can usually find your item new-with-tag (NWT) at half the costs of retail prices.

Photo Credit