All Posts Tagged With: "money saving tips"
10 Things Parents Should Teach Their Kids About Money
Yes, it doesn’t grow on trees…but there’s a lot more to tell kids about money. Get your children on the right foot early in life and establish thrifty habits that will always serve them well. Here are ten tips:
1. It’s never too early to start learning about money. Even a preschooler can be told there is such a thing as a job. I remember explaining to my young son about how Mommy and Daddy needed to go to their jobs, because we earned money to pay for food, clothes and toys for him.
2. Ben Franklin once said, "a penny saved is a penny earned." Start a savings habit early. A good old-fashioned piggy bank is a fun teaching tool. Give your child a goal – a special toy or treat to save up for, and help him or her track the savings.
3. Teach them how to curb spending. Take your kids grocery shopping and show them how you compare prices and use coupons. Bring a calculator so they can keep a running total and see if their numbers are accurate when you reach the cashier.
4. Tie allowances to chores, so your kids earn their money and get an understanding of the rewards of work.
5. Have family meetings to talk about family finances (e.g., paying for the house, food, gas, vacations, etc.).
6. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Kids may not realize that pizza delivery and restaurant meals cost your hard earned cash. Point to the prices on the menu, show them the bill at the end of the meal, and explain how tips and taxes are added to it. They may be amazed at how much it costs to eat meals out.
7. Turn a bank trip into a learning experience. Teach the kids that money doesn’t just magically spit out of ATM’s for free, it comes from your paycheck and goes into the bank before it comes out of the machine. Inside a bank, explain what they do; show your safe deposit box too, if you have one.
8. By the time a kid is in high school, he or she should have, and know how to use, a savings account and be taught how to use checking accounts and ATM’s.
9. Ben Franklin also said there is nothing certain in life except death and taxes. When they’re teens, show your kids how to fill out a simple tax return such as the IRS EZ form.
10. Knowledge isn’t cheap, if you want college credit for it. Kids need to prepare for the cost of college; go on www.collegeboard.com or other sites with your kids to research and plan for the costs of the colleges they may want to attend.
Photo courtesy of Flickr
36 Ways To Get Healthy & Fatten Your Wallet
Bad health costs you your well-being and happiness, and shortens your life expectancy. But it also costs you money in health care expenses and medications. Here are three dozen top tips to save your life and your money.
1. Smoking - Everyone knows that smoking is deadly, and expensive too. It also aggravates allergies, and costs you more in cleaning bills to get the smoke smell out of your clothes. Quitting smoking reduces your risk or cancer while helping improve your respiratory system and allergies. And think of all the money you’ll save on cigarettes.
2. Drinking – Drinking takes a toll, not only on your budget but if you drink a lot, you could face a whole host of problems such as alcoholism, liver damage, chronic dehydration, a weak immune system, psychological problems and weight gain.
3. Junk Food - An occasional treat is okay, but a regular diet of hamburgers, fries and milkshakes is a lot of empty calories. You’ll eat healthier and cheaper if you make a sandwich at home.
4. Unsafe sex – Don’t put yourself at risk for AIDS and other diseases.
5. Tanning - According to some reports, tanning can more than double your risk of getting skin cancer. Stick with bronzers and fake tanners, both of which are cheaper than tanning salon visits.
6. Drug abuse – Drugs are expensive and wreck your health. Get help if you need to kick an addiction. Visit a health clinic if you don’t have money to get treatment.
7. Too much coffee – Excess caffeine affects your digestion, hurts your teeth, and ability to sleep.
8. Take vitamins – Ward off anemia with iron supplements, and avoid osteoporosis by taking calcium.
9. Drink (tap) water – Skip the sodas and other bottled drinks, and enjoy more glasses of water. You’ll save money, your skin will glow, and you’ll feel more energetic.
10. Get a good night’s sleep – Did you know that0Alack of sleep heightens the risk for a variety of major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity? And you need sufficient rest to recharge your immune system.
11. Exercise – Strengthen your heart and live longer with simple walking or running; you don’t need an expensive gym. If the weather’s bad, try one of the cable TV fitness shows or borrow workout videos for free from your local library.
12. Avoid secondhand smoke – Avoid smoky bars and restaurants. Encourage your family and friends to stop smoking; it’ll be healthier for both them and you.
13. An apple a day… We all know the old saying that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." There’s some truth to it: eating lots of fruits and vegetables boosts your immune system.&n bsp; Plus, apples are cheap and a great source of fiber.
14. Wear sunscreen – Decrease your risk of skin cancer by taking an extra minute to use sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin.
15. Wear comfortable shoes – Bad shoes can lead to chronic back and foot pain. If you’re fashion conscious, then at least don’t wear heels all day and night; wear comfy shoes for walking and change into your heels at work or for going out.
16. Stretch – Proper stretching reduces stress, improves posture and balance, and can lessen the risk of injuries. Just make sure you’re warmed up before you do it.
17. Floss – Flossing is a whole lot easier and cheaper than getting gum disease and cavities.
18. Stress control – Find healthy ways to relieve stress, such as exercising or dancing.
19. Adjust your posture – Avoid possible back pain and heed your mom’s advice to sit up straight. If you work at a desk all day, get up and stretch your back, neck, and shoulders occasionally.
20. Get some (healthy) sun – A little sunshine gives you vitamin D. Just make sure to wear sunscreen.
21. Meditate – No mantras needed – just close your eyes and breathe deeply in and out for a few minutes to relieve stress and help clear your mind.
22. Eat slower – Help avoid tummy troubles by taking your time at meals. Chew slowly and savor every bite; this will also help you avoid overeating.
23. Take a break – Get up and stretch your legs or take a walk to the lobby to get away from your computer, relax your eyes and muscles and get some perspective.
24. Wash your hands – Such an easy way to rid yourself of germs, especially during cold and flu season. When you’re not near water, carry a portable size of anti-bacterial gel to rub on your hands.
25. Get more fiber – Fiber’s benefits include lowering your cholesterol and helping your colon function properly. Plus, you’ll feel fuller and will be less likely to overeat.
26. Unworthy sponges – Sponges can harbor germs and bacteria if you don’t replace them.
27. Get tested – Make sure you get a yearly checkup including cancer screenings; get STD tests if you’re sexually active. Women, don’t forget mammograms.
28. Visit the dentist – Regular teeth cleanings and periodic X-rays are much cheaper and less painful than neglecting your mouth and having to get root canal or dentures.
29. Replace your cosmetics and skin creams – Sure, you don’t want use them up, but outdated products can cause acne or skin irritations. Also avoid eye irritations by replacing your mascara.
30. Buy generic – Unless your doctor says otherwise, avoid brand names and save money with generic medications.
31. Get a flu shot – If you work in a crowded environment, are a senior citizen, or have certain health conditions, it’s important to protect yourself. Check with your doctor, employer, or county health department to see if you’re eligible for a free shot.
32. Never share toothbrushes, razors or other personal items – Don’t risk infections; keep your personal care items to yourself.
33. Save for health care – Even saving just $25 per month will be enough to cover some co-pays and deductibles for your health coverage.
34. Know your health history – Tell doctors and other health professionals about your health conditions, health history and genetic factors so they can treat you effectively and avoid unnecessary treatments.
35. Learn to cook – Restaurant food is expensive, and usually not as healthy. You don’t need to make anything fancy; salads and sandwiches are quick and easy choices.
36. Get a partner – Find a friend to share your healthy eating or exercise goals; you’ll motivate each other to be more successful.
25 Healthy Living Tips You Can Use Today
Many people don’t realize the hidden costs of not being healthy. When you consider the long term costs being healthy can save you thousands of dollars. If being healthy doesn’t motivate you then maybe saving some money will. Here are 25 tips to help keep you living healthy while saving you time and money.
Eating Healthy At Home
1. Drink water instead of sugar-laden juice or soda. And you don’t need expensive bottled water. If your tap water isn’t tasty, get an inexpensive filtering pitcher. Better yet buy a reusable water bottle to take with you on the go.
2. Cut out the fast food. Even dollar menu items add up. And you can do without all that fat and salt.
3. Eliminate junk food snacks such as chips. They are empty calories and they empty your wallet. View our 10 top cheap and healthy foods.
4. Start a vegetable garden. Recently backyard gardens have been gaining in popularity because it provides healthy and fresh vegetables at great prices. Here is 10 tips on starting your own backyard garden. You can also use frozen vegetables. Fresh veggies can be pricey. Frozen ones are just as nutritious, require less prep time, and are cheaper.
5. Buy at wholesale prices and cut your grocery bills. How to do this? Join a food cooperative. Or order inexpensive, nutritious food from Angel Food Ministries.
6. Downsize your portions. Most people eat larger portions than they need to. Eat a little less, lose weight, and save money.
Eating Healthy Away From Home
7. When eating out at casual or fast food restaurants, try the kid’s meal. It’s cheaper and often provides enough for an adult’s appetite.
8. Skip the beer and cocktails, it adds calories and drains your bank account.
9. Share an entree with your dinner companion. Many restaurant’s portions are big enough for two people.
10. Avoid appetizers and desserts. You can have those at home.
11. Pack a lunch for work. You’ll save money and eat healthier compared to eating lunches out.
12. Don’t get coffee to go. The cost, and calories (if it’s sweetened) add up.
Your Health
13. Get enough sleep. You’ll have better resistance to illness. Create a sleep ritual. Example read a book and drink a glass of milk.
14. Check with your local health department and local pharmacies for free or low-cost health screenings and flu shots.
15. Go for a walk during your lunch hour; it’s a great way to squeeze in exercise and it’s free.
16. Can’t walk at lunch? At least use the stairs in your office building.
17. Take up dancing to have fun, meet new friends, and get exercise. Ballroom lessons can be expensive – so you might want to try soul or country line dancing, folk dancing or square dancing for beginner-friendly, low-cost events.
18. Use sunblock. Yes, this costs money, but it’s cheaper than needing treatment for skin cancer.
19. Don’t smoke. We all know this by now…smoking is dangerous as well as expensive. For more information, visit the American Cancer Society.
20. Cut your stress – it will improve your health and potentially save you medical bills. Figure out what you have control over in your life, and make some positive changes.
21. Watch less TV. Chances are you are watching way too much TV when you could doing so much other fun and rewarding things. Learn how to live without a TV and start living healthy.
Your Grooming
22. Drugstore skin creams are just as effective – and a lot cheaper – than the department store products. Check out our Drugstore.com coupons.
23. Can you get your hair cut less often? Space out your salon appointments to every eight weeks instead of every six.
24. Ladies, do your own nails and skip the expensive manicures. Learn more on how to look good on a budget.
25. Unless you have very oily hair, you may not need to wash it daily. Bathe the rest of yourself – but skip some shampoos to save money on hair care product consumption.
Photo credit via Flickr
6 Ways To Get Cheap Glasses & Contacts
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.
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
Beauty On A Budget: Looking Gorgeous For Less
I love buying beauty products. All the pretty scents and exciting colors…the promise of a new, glamorous, and alluring look. Even in a recession, women want to look good. And it’s not just a frivolous thing. Studies show, attractive women are more successful professionally. That doesn’t mean looking like a model or movie star, but it does mean being well-groomed and put together. But can you do it without emptying your wallet? Yes, you can.
The beauty industry won’t tell you this little secret: with the higher-priced creams and cosmetics, you are often paying for pretty packaging, fancy ads, and eye-catching counter displays…but not a better quality product. I used to spend a lot more on beauty until I realized this. Now, I pay a fraction of the cost and l look just as good. Here are some fantastic tips to get gorgeous for less.
1. FORGET PRICEY SKIN CREAMS – This is probably the single biggest beauty budget-buster for many women. Department store skin creams can cost $50 and up, and they promise you eternal youth. Sorry, but no cream will accomplish the same as surgery. They all serve the same purpose – helping your outer layer of skin retain moisture. So take a trip to your local drugstore, Target, Wal-Mart or other inexpensive store. For example, I found a fantastic new and well-reviewed product called Clean And Clear Soft at my local Target. Or you can get it at Drugstore.com. Don’t forget our $10 Drugstore.com Coupon.
The oil-free Night moisturizer costs $7-8, has glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin, and it works better than the pricey brand I bought at Sephora.
2. FAKE BAKE ON A BUDGET – Tanning salon spray tans are around $25 a pop. Unless you’re a celebrity, you don’t need this, do you? But the cheapest option – old fashioned sun tanning – is just inviting skin cancer. So I spread on the glow with a $3.99 bottle of Wet N Wild Megapump Bronzzer. Silly name, but it’s a great product, a convenient pump bottle of gel bronzer to use on face or body. It stays on well, yet washes off easily. If you’ll be out in the sun, blend the bronzer with your sunscreen. You’ll look fab and be protected from SPF’s at the same time.
Tan in a bottle
3. BARGAIN BASEMENT MAKEUP – You probably can’t get cheaper than this – E.L.F. brand (short for Eyes, Lips, Face) makes amazing products at only 1 measly dollar apiece. I bought Natural Radiance Blusher in Glow (a peachy color) and it’s a beautiful, flattering shade. True, the product sizes are kind of small, but that’s just as well, since you should really replace your makeup every so often for sanitary reasons. E.L.F. is available at K-mart or you can shop online.
4. BUDGET BATH AND BODY – If there’s one beauty indulgence that suckers me in, it’s bath and body products. I adore scented bubble baths and lotions, and I used to drop a lot of cash at those enticing mall stores. Now, I make a trip to my local dollar store and shop to my heart’s content without going broke. Dollar Tree stores have their own line called April Bath and Body, with an amazing array of scents in your choice of lotions, bath salts, body butter, and more, all just a dollar each. Find your nearest store here:
Dollar Tree Store
5. SILKY HAIR FOR LESS – "Salon brand" shampoos and conditioners can really set you back – or you can pay just a couple bucks each for a cheap-but-good mass market brand like Suave. Their "Professionals" line is excellent; I’ve found their Daily Moisture shampoo and conditioner quite similar to the much more costly Nexxus products.
6. GOING, GOING, GONE – Still can’t shake the upscale makeup habit? I found a site that sells discontinued products from the more expensive brands, at considerable savings. For example, I saw a complete Stila beauty kit with tinted moisturizer, two foundations, mascara and lip glaze, just $15, reduced from $35. Downside? With discontinued items, it’s strictly while supplies last, and you won’t be able to restock your favorites.
http://www.beautycrunch.com/
7. DOUBLE DUTY PRODUCTS – Sometimes you don’t even need to buy a specialized beauty product at all. Petroleum jelly does a nice job as a lip moisturizer; use olive oil for a luxurious skin-smoothing bath; dip a Q-tip in baby oil for an easy and cheap eye makeup remover.
8. MIX IT UP AND SAVE – I do like to splurge on a a good foundation. It’s worth the money for a foundation that matches your skin tone really well. But I mix it with an inexpensive facial moisturizer. This stretches my beauty budget and gives a more sheer and natural look, too.
9. CONCEALER? YOU CAN DO WITHOUT IT – Sure, after a late night, you want to cover those dark circles under your eyes. But you don’t really need a separate product. Just dab on a little of your foundation and blend well with a sponge or brush.
image:
10. SHAVING CREAM? SURELY NOT – I don’t know about the guys, but for us ladies, we don’t need a separate shaving cream. A nice, moisturizing soap or body wash is fine. Again, check out your local dollar store.
What money saving beauty tips to you have?
Photo Credit via Flickr
10 Money Saving Gadgets Under $50 Bucks
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.
20 Simple Ways to Save Money Online
The Internet is a great resource to help you save money online. Here are 20 simple yet effective ways to save money online.
1. Online banking – pay your bills online; no reason to spend money on stamps.
2. Online postage – even with online bill paying, you’ll still need postage for things like sending greeting cards or packages. Save yourself time and gas money by skipping a trip to the post office. Instead, visit the Postal Service to order stamps, packing materials and prepaid shipping labels. Or use the shipping label service at PayPal.com.
3. Planning on college? Save big on application fees by checking out Porcelina.net. It’s a site that lists all U.S. colleges that offer free applications.
4. We all know about online travel; most trips are already booked online. But make sure you’re getting the absolute lowest fare by using a search engine that checks multiple sites. Try www.kayak.com or www.sidestep.com. And if you fly Southwest, remember their flights are often not listed on other sites, so go to www.southwest.com to check their fares.
5. Be a tourist in your own town – find the official website for your local visitors bureau and check out their special offers for local attractions. For example, in Philadelphia, http://www.gophila.com/Phila/EventsCalendar/ is the site for finding out about local events, including free events, and there’s a link for half-price ticket offers for shows and concerts.
6. Watch popular TV shows for free online at Hulu.com and consider cutting out your cable bill. Also check out
7. Watch classic films online for free at Archive.org. Many great titles include the excellent film noir "D.O.A." and the screwball comedy "My Man Godfrey".
8. Download and enjoy legally free music – the iTunes music store offers a couple of free songs and sometimes a free video, with new free offerings updated each Tuesday. Also try Amazon.com for lots of free mp3 downloads at:
9. Shop for cheaper loans, mortgages and credit card rates at www.bankrate.com or www.interest.com
10. Plan your post-Thanksgiving shopping with http://bfads.net/, for the advance scoop on the best Black Friday and Christmas sales.
11. Open up an online checking account. The fees are usually lower and you can earn competitive interest rates. Check out IngDirect.com
12. Find the cheapest phone plans, internet plans and other services at www.myrateplan.com and stop overpaying now.
13. Buy groceries online – even if they charge you a delivery fee, you’ll likely spend less because you will stick to your shopping list and avoid impulse buys.
14. Join the FreeCycle network. Find your nearest chapter, join it online, and get free stuff from your neighbors. Give your unwanted stuff away, too.
15. Check out special discounts you may be entitled to – many shopping sites offer discounts to students, AAA members, seniors, government employees, and members of certain other organizations.
16. Go on Craigslist.com and check out the ‘free’ heading under the ‘for sale’ section. You may be amazed at the good stuff people are giving away.
17. As mentioned on this site before – order food at wholesale prices from www.angelfoodministries.com. It’s a non-sectarian program run by volunteers at local churches. You need not be a church member and there are no qualifications or applications; everyone is eligible.
18. Get an excellent suite of free software from Google. Google pack includes Mozilla Firefox browser, Picasa photo software, Skype for free voice and video calls, Star Office (compatible with MS office), and more. The full pack is Windows-only but if you’re a Mac, they still offer some software at http://www.google.com/mac/.
19. Find the cheapest gas with GasBuddy.com or MSN Auto.
20. Free wi-fi, woo-hoo! WifFiFreeSpot.com
14 No-Brainer Things You Should Own to Save 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!
10 Frugal Questions With Jason White From FrugalDad.com
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.
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