4 Tips for Saving Money on Appliances
Anyone that has ever had a major appliance goes out knows that it’s certainly not a good feeling. The minute it happens, you get this sinking feeling in your gut and you know that you’re going to have to shell out some big bucks for a replacement. If you don’t have an emergency fund, you could be in some serious trouble. Before you know it, you’re shelling out four figures for a replacement. Even if you do have an emergency fund, you’re going to want to save as much money as possible and you’ll also want to take extra precautions to decrease your chances of this ever happening again.
Below, you’ll find some tips that will help you save a ton of money the next time you have to go out and purchase an appliance.
#1. Be Careful if Buying Used
Personally, I won’t buy used appliances, but I can definitely see where people would be tempted. Buying a used appliance can save you hundreds of dollars initially, but you could end up shelling out much, much more. If you’re going to buy a used appliance, you should either know a great deal about appliances or take a friend along with you that knows what to look for. A lot of people buy used appliances that end up dying on them a week later and then they’re stuck in the same situation they were before, but with less money. You may save money in the long haul by sucking it up and buying a new appliance.
#2. Buy Appliances That Have a bit of Shelf Wear
Chances are, you’ve been to an appliance store and you’ve seen an appliance setting out in the middle of the floor with a significantly discounts price tag attached to it. Upon further inspection, you see that there’s a big scratch on it or a dent / ding in it. Typically, this doesn’t mean that the appliance was abused in any way and the inner working of the appliance will be just fine and it’s simply just a cosmetic blemish that likely happened while the appliance was in the truck on its way to the store. If you don’t care about cosmetics, you’ll save hundreds of dollars by purchasing an appliance that has a cosmetic blemish.
#3. Don’t Look at the Brand New Models
Stores get new models of appliances in all the time. Typically, they receive new models and they just put the older versions off to the side or in the bank, so the new model can get all of the attention. Check out these models that have been pushed off to the side or removed from the floor. These models are still new and their price tag will be much smaller.
#4. Shop at Rent-to-Own Stores
I’m not talking about going to one and getting one on a lease agreement, either. A lot of people get appliances on a lease and find out that they paid way too much for the appliance, so at the end of the lease, they allow the item to go back to the store. Rent-to-own stores will sell items that have been previously leased at a heavily discounted price and sometimes they may even come with an active warranty.
6 Shopping Apps That Will Help You Find the Best Deals
If you’re like me and you’re a member of a lot of rewards programs, you probably receive a ton of coupons in your mailbox and in your email. Even if you aren’t a member of rewards programs, you probably receive these in general. Therefore, it becomes a problem when you’re trying to sort through all of these coupons and figure out which ones you should actually use and which ones are going to get you the best deal. Luckily for us, there are tons of apps out there that will help us find the best deals. Check out the list below to see which shopping apps you should download to get the best deals.
#1. Slickdeals
Slickdeals is actually a site I visit a decent bit of time on the PC, so I was happy to find out that they actually have an app, as well. Slickdeals is basically a website where users can submit the best deals they’ve came across and share the savings with other visitors of the website. I highly suggest downloading the app, which will also help you find awesome deals in your area.
#2. PriceBlink
PriceBlink is an add-on that you can download for your browser when you’re on the PC, but you can also download a PriceBlink app from the app store. Basically, whenever you’re shopping online, PriceBlink will alert you if it has found a better price for whatever item you’re looking at. The company that owns PriceBlink says that users save, on average, $17-$20 on every $100 they spend shopping online. Now that’s some pretty amazing savings.
#3. Favado
Favado is a great app that will allow you to compile a shopping list and then it will present you with some of the best coupons for the items you’re looking for in your area.
#4. RedLaser
This is actually one of the first apps that I purchased on my iPhone. RedLaser will allow you to scan barcodes on items while you’re out at the grocery store and it will check for the best prices on that particular item at other stores. It will also compare prices online, as well. Therefore, you’ll always find the best deal when you’re on the go.
#5. PriceGrabber
PriceGrabber is a lot like RedLaser in that it allows you to scan barcodes while you’re out shopping and it will find you the best deals, but PriceGrabber will also alert you when items that you’ve scanned have been marked down in price.
#6. RetailMeNot
This app has coupons for a ton of different retailers and you can bookmark which retailers you like to shop at. That way, you’re able to check for the hottest coupons certain retailers have to offer while you’re shopping. Also, this app will give you the coupon code and the cashier can scan your phone, so you don’t even have to print out coupons and bring them to the store with you.
What are some of your favorite apps that help you save money? Leave a comment below and let us know.
7 Ways You Can Save on Organic Foods
I’m a frugal person, as you all know, but I also like to buy organic foods for my family, because they’re just a healthier option. However, buying organic foods means that you’re going to pay more for them. Below, I’m going to go over some ways that you can save money on organic foods.
#1. Keep Tabs on Prices
It’s important that you keep a pen and paper handy or you keep you smartphone with you when you go shopping for organic foods. Take note of the prices for these products and compare these prices with the prices at other stores. That way, you know which stores will have the best deals on particular items. Take notes on things such as the regular prices, sales prices and when these sales take place.
#2. Shop Store Brands Rather than Name Brands
This is a common rule that I always apply whenever I’m shopping and 99% of the time it will save you money. Most stores now actually over their own store brand of organic foods and the prices on these foods are typically much cheaper than the name brands. There are exceptions to this little rule, but they’re rare.
#3. Consider Buying in Bulk
Some items that you buy on a regular basis may actually be cheaper to purchase in bulk. Once again, I suggest you do a little bit of price checking the next time you’re out at the store. I would also suggest searching online to see if you can find better prices on these items. It you need some items to start off with, it’s usually a safe bet to buy things like grains, beans and nuts in bulk.
#4. Take Advantage of Sales
Always keep an eye out for store sales that are coming up in your area. For starters, you could check out the circular for the store and see if they have any deals coming up that you should take advantage of.
#5. Coupons
A lot of people think that organic coupons don’t exist or that they’re rare and extremely hard to find. That’s not true at all and we post plenty of organic coupons on this site all the time. Coupons for organics back in the day used to be a little harder to find, but organic products have become more popular over the years, so now there are more coupons for organics than ever before. Also, make sure you keep an eye out for coupons in the Sunday paper and circulars.
#6. Know What’s in Season
When you shop for fruits and veggies that are out of season, you’re going to pay more for them and they typically don’t taste as good. If your favorite fruits and veggies are out of season, I suggest looking for alternatives that you could incorporate into your diet. You may even discover some new fruit or veggies that you really enjoy.
#7. Shop on the Internet
Who said you have to go out to the grocery store to buy foods? Look for organics online and you could save money and also have the food shipped right to your door.
6 Tips for Saving Money if You’re a College Freshman
It can be very rough to go from being a high school student to being a college student. I mean, when was the last time you were actually worried about missing a class, because you didn’t know which room you were supposed to go to? Well, that’s just one of the many problems you’re going to face when you make the transition from high school to college. One of the main problems you’ll likely have is money. I had a hard time in college with money and had to learn a lot of things on my own. That’s why I’ve made it a point to teach my children about the importance of money at a young age and how to manage it. That way, when they make it to college, they won’t suffer in the same ways that I had to suffer.
Do you want to know how to save money if you’re new to college? If so, scroll down and I’ll outline some tips for you.
#1. Figure Out Your Expenses
It’s important that you know exactly where your money is going to go. List everything that you’re going to have to pay for, such as rent, utilities, debts, parking, food, transportation, etc… One you’re able to figure out your expenses, you’ll be able to figure out how much money you can save.
#2. Create a Budget
Now that you know where your money is going, you need to construct a budget and stay within that budget.
#3. Create an Allowance for Yourself
Remember when your parents used to give you an allowance? Well, now you’re in control of your finances and you can give yourself an allowance every week that you can spend on whatever you like. Use this allowance for things like fast food, clothes, entertainment, etc… That way, you don’t dip into your savings or monthly budget that’s going towards more important things.
#4. Keep Your Receipts
It’s important that you start to form a habit of keeping you receipts rather than just tossing them in the first trash bin you come across. You never know when something may break and you could return it. Also, you may purchase some things that you could write off on your taxes. Keep your receipts and keep them organized in a binder.
#5. Buy Used Books
One of the first things you’ll find out about college is that the books that your classes require are very expensive. I highly suggest buying used books, rather than new ones. Most used books I’ve ever seen are practically still new and they’re much cheaper. Only buy new books when there’s no other option available.
#6. Have an Emergency Fund
I highly suggest that you sign up for a savings account and you put some money into your account every single month. Do not touch this money and keep it in there as an emergency fund. Life is full of surprises and you never know what could happen, so you’ll want to have some cash saved up for when it does.
8 Free Date Ideas for Parents
I don’t care how long I’ve been married to my husband; I still get butterflies every time he asks me out on a date. Going on a date can be tough, though, because we have children that we have to find a babysitter for and we are also on a very limited budget. Therefore, date night isn’t something that happens very often, but it does happen. If you’re on a strict budget, I want you to know that you can still go out and enjoy some time with the person that you love. Below, I’m going to go over some free date night ideas that should certainly help you and your significant other out.
#1. Go to the Lake
This is one thing that I absolutely love to do with my husband. There’s nothing like soaking up some sun while you’re at the lake. This is something that can be enjoyed whether you have a boat or not. If you want, you could simply lay out and get some sun or you could go swimming with your partner.
#2. Walk Around the Mall
My husband and I love to go to the mall and just walk around sometimes. It’s so nice to go to the mall when you don’t have to look after your children the whole time. Also, you don’t have to have money to enjoy the mall, either. We find it fun just to simply walk around and window shop.
#3. Go to a Park
This may sound a bit childish, but my husband and I have went to the park before and played around by ourselves in the past. It’s very romantic, because it reminds us both of the past and when we were young and dating.
#4. Go on a Hike
My husband and I love to enjoy the great outdoors, so sometimes we will find paths in our area and go on a hike. Just remember to take some bug spray with you.
#5. Go on a Picnic
You don’t have to buy anything specifically for a picnic and you’re already going to have meals during the day, so why not go on a picnic? Just grab a blanket and food you already have at home.
#6. Visit Places You Used to Hang Out
My husband and I have gone on dates where we just drive around and visit some of the places where we used to hang out when we were younger. It’s nice to remember these things.
#7. Have a Movie Night
Consider sitting back on the couch and finding something on television, Netflix or going through your DVD collection that you can both enjoy watching. When you have kids, it’s a blessing when you get to watch an entire movie in peace.
#8. Go to a Local Event
Do you have a town fair or any sort of festivals going on in the area? If so, you could go to one of these events and just walk around.
Do you have any free date ideas that I didn’t include on the list? If so, you should leave your date night ideas in the comments section below.
Why You Shouldn’t Go to the Stores on Black Friday, but Still Get Excellent Deals
A lot of retailers out there participate in black Friday events and some of them have even taken things a whole step further and start their deals on Thanksgiving day, rather than actually starting on black Friday. I guess the name doesn’t really matter all that much, especially when there’s money to be made and these stores just can’t seem to make that money fast enough. So, as a consumer, what do you do when you want to take advantage of those black Friday specials? I mean, is it worth skipping out on Thanksgiving dinner to save a few bucks and wait in line with hundreds or even thousands of other deal-hungry shoppers?
What if I told you that you should actually avoid the stores on black Friday? What if I told you that you should just hang out at the house and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with everyone else? Now, what if I told you that you could do all of this while also getting those great deals? It’s doable and easier than you think. Scroll down to see my reasons why you should never go to black Friday.
Get a deal alert app or browser add-on.
Technology is our friend and it will help us score the best deals. There are plenty of browser add-ons and apps out there that will alert you when prices drop on items that you’re interested in. As soon as an item gets marked down, you’ll get an alert. From there, you could order the item online and have it shipped to your front door or you could go out to the store and pick it up yourself. This way, you won’t have to go shopping on a specific day and fight the crowds.
Better deals will pop up in the future.
Did you know that items that are marked down on black Friday will likely be marked down even more in the very near future? A lot of parents buy toys for their children on black Friday, but the best time to go toy shopping is actually during the first week of December. That’s when you’ll get the deepest discounts on certain items. As for home décor, you should wait until the second week of December.
The early bird gets the worm.
If you want the absolute best deals on something on black Friday, you’ll have to get there very early. Some stores out there offer special “door buster” deals that they use to try and lure even more customers in, but very few people even get their hands on these items and once supplies are gone; they’re gone. Also, you likely won’t even know what door buster deals are going on, because most stores, such as Best Buy, won’t even tell people until it’s the day of black Friday.
You’re impulse shopping.
It’s extremely easy to make impulse purchases on black Friday, because you want to snag up that excellent deal before anyone else can get their hands on it. Before you know it, you’ve purchased things you don’t really need or even want. Therefore, instead of saving money, you’ve actually blew through your budget.
5 Tips for Successful Selling on Ebay
I’ve done some post sin the past on how you can sell your items on Ebay to make some money. As a mom, we grow through a ton of clothing and toys at our house. As kids get older, they grow out of both clothes and toys. So, to make a little bit of money back, I like to list these things on Ebay. Now, you’re not going to get what you paid for something on Ebay, but you can still make a decent bit of money that you can add to your budget. Below, I’m going to give you some tips that will help you run a successful auction on Ebay that will help you make as much money as possible from the website.
#1. End Your Auctions on Sunday
It’s always important that you make sure your auctions end on a Sunday. Use the scheduling tool to make sure your auctions end on a Sunday, because this gives you the best chance at getting what you want out of an item. To be more specific, you should have your auction end on a Sunday evening. Remember, most people are home on Sunday and they’re relaxing, so they have time to sit around and browse Ebay.
#2. End Your Auctions in the Evening
I always set my auctions to end at 10:00 AM EST. That way, the auction will be live while everyone on both the East coast and West coast are still awake an active. Ending an auction at 10:00 PM means that it will come to a close at 7:00 PM on the West coast, so everyone has a chance to bid on your item.
#3. Use a Clear Picture
It’s very important that you use a clear and clean picture when you post an auction on Ebay. A grainy picture isn’t going to draw people to your auction and it will look like a 3-year-old listed the item for sale. In other words, your trust factor to potential bidders just went down.
#4. Take the Picture Yourself
A lot of people will list their items on Ebay with a stock picture that they’ve found from Google Images. Chances are, when browsing through Ebay, you’ve found a ton of auctions that use the same exact picture. People don’t like this, because they want to see a picture of the actual item they’re going to receive. I highly suggest that you take your own picture of the item rather than using something you found off of Google Images.
#5. Be Descriptive
It’s important that you leave a description for the item you’re selling. People want to know what they’re getting when they bid on your auction. List out all the necessary information that people actually care about. If you have a ton of in-depth specs to list, you should save the more in-depth stuff for the bottom of the description. Also, you’ll want to let people know why you’re selling the item. This is one thing I always worry about, because I don’t want to buy something that someone is selling, because their item is junk. Lastly, you’ll want to tell people exactly what is going to be included in the package.
The Benefits of Joint Finances
How you manage your finances with your significant other is something that we all have to face at some point in time and it’s a pretty big decision to make. Money is a touchy subject to a lot of people, so you’re probably wondering how you should go about managing your finances with your partner. Should you have a joint account with them or should you each manage your own finances? A lot of couples have joint accounts, but some couples decide to manage finances separately. So, which way is the best way to do this? Below, I’m going to go over the benefits of joint finances and why you should consider them.
Joint finances = less fighting.
Did you know that one of the main causes for divorce is due to arguing over money? It’s not because of a lack of trust, sex, children, in-laws, etc… Money is the number one problem with most couples. When couples have disputes about money things can get really bad and they usually stay bad for the duration of the relationship.
So, how do joint finances equate to less fighting? Well, when couples have separate accounts, they have to enter negotiations with each other and figure out all these different variables, such as which bills each of them are going to pay and how much each of them are going to pay and on what bills. If you have a joint account, you don’t have to worry about this at all.
You work towards the same goal.
When you get married to someone, you’re making a commitment that you are going to love that person and that you are going to try and build a future with them. If you have joint finances, you can both work towards attaining the same goals and building the same future together with the same funds. Basically, you are pooling your resources together to accomplish the same thing.
You become a team.
We’ve all heard the saying that there is “No I in team,” but with separate finances, it seems like you’re each out for your own. If you have joint finances, you’re working together as a steam, which will help you build a more stable bond with each other. Having joint finances means that you’re working together as a team to accomplish things.
Neither of You Can Hide Your Finances
This is something that I touched on in a past post. I said that you have to let your significant other know if you’re in debt or have a spending problem. Openness is extremely important in a relationship and having joint finances will help you and your partner be open and honest with each other. When you have joint finances, you both know how much money you have and what it’s going towards. This will force you both to be accountable if there are any money issues that arise over time.
At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you and your partner as to whether or not you decide to have joint finances. However, as you can see, there are many benefits to joint finances, so it’s certainly something that you and your significant other should take into consideration.
5 Easy and Simple Ways You Can Save a Dollar
As a frugal person, I know that every single dollar you have counts. That’s why I do so many posts trying to help all of you out, so you can save as much money as possible. There’s nothing wrong with saving a dollar, even if it’s just a single dollar. Below, I’m going to give you some tips that will help you save a dollar. Incorporate these saving habits into your life and before you know it, you’ll be saving hundreds of dollars every single year.
#1. Use Your Crock Pot
Do you remember that crock pot your grandma gave you years ago and you stored it away in the cabinet and probably forgot about it? Well, it’s time to wipe the dust off of it and put it to good use. With a crock pot, you can save a ton of money and enjoy some very tasty recipes. I suggest using your crock pot at least twice a week, as it will save you time and money.
Are you really tempted to swing by a drive-thru after you’ve picked up the kids from school? It’s okay, because most of us are. However, if you prepare a crock pot meal early in the morning, you’ll have the pleasure in knowing that as soon as you get home, you’ll have a finished meal that’s hot and waiting for you and your family. That way, you can avoid the drive-thru and save money.
#2. Stop Giving Money Away to Your Bank
I have some friends that have bank accounts with certain banks that actually charge them a maintenance fee every single month. This is insane to me, because there are so many banks out there that offer free checking and saving accounts, so why would you pay a bank money every single month for their services? Open an account somewhere else that doesn’t charge this fee.
#3. Sign up for a Customer Rewards Card or Program
Almost every store out there offers some sort of rewards card or program that you can sign up for. Basically, you’re allowing them to send you an email from time to time informing you of great deals in exchange for saving money at the checkout. By signing up for these programs I’ve been able to save as much as $50 a month at the register.
#4. Stop Impulse Purchases
Are you about to purchase something that costs over $25, but you don’t really need it? If so, you should put the item back on the shelf and pick it up on your next shopping trip if you still want it. This will help you avoid making impulse purchases and you’ll undoubtedly save a ton of money.
#5. Change Your Vehicle’s Air Filter
Did you know that cleaning your vehicle’s air filter can actually increase performance and fuel efficiency by as much as 7%? That means you’ll save a ton of money at the pump, especially with gas prices constantly going up.
Do you have any money saving tips? If so, leave a comment and let us know what they are.
3 Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding Dress
My husband and I got married a long time ago and when we decided to get married we didn’t have hardly any money at all, but you can have an amazing wedding even if you’re on a very tight budget. A lot of people say they want to get married, but they just don’t have the money to have the wedding that they envisioned. Now, I’m not saying you’re going to have an absolutely luxurious wedding, but you can have a decent wedding on a budget that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. One of the most important and most expensive things is going to be your wedding dress. Below, I’m going to give you some tips on how you can save money on a wedding dress for your perfect day.
#1. Visit Daily Deal Websites
It’s rare, but sometimes you can go to those daily deal websites and you will find an amazing deal on a wedding dress. These sites are worth bookmarking and checking on a regular basis, regardless.
#2. Have Someone Make You a Custom Gown
I went with my friend to help her look for a wedding dress for her wedding when I was much younger. As I walked into the bridal shop with her, I was completely overwhelmed in more ways than one. First of all, everything in the bridal shop was practically white, which is fine, but there’s not many color options. I would have liked to have seen wedding dresses in different colors. Also, I was blown away by the price tag attached to some of these dresses. It was at this point that I knew I wanted a custom gown for my wedding.
When the time came about, I contacted someone about making me a custom dress. However, I was admittedly quite a bit worried that the price would just be far too much for my budget. However, after it was all said and done, I got the perfect wedding dress that was better than I had ever imagined and it was significantly cheaper than the wedding dresses you would purchase at a bridal shop. Plus, I was able to get the exact kind of dress I wanted in the exact kind of material.
#3. Buy a Used Dress
I know some people don’t even want to consider buying a used dress, but you really should. This is a great option if you want to get an amazing deal on a wedding dress. There’s a ton of websites online that are dedicated to used wedding dresses and you can also find some used ones on sites like Ebay and Craigslist. I would highly suggest trying to find a used wedding dress locally, rather than online, though. That way, you can try the dress on and if it’s a little big, you can have the dress tailored to fit you. Never buy a used wedding dress that’s small on you.
Remember, wedding dresses are very expensive and are typically only used one time. Therefore, there’s nothing wrong with going the used route to save some money.
3 Inexpensive Mother’s Day Gifts
Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and a lot of us are racking our brains right now, trying to figure out what we can get our mom. Of course, you probably can’t go wrong with any sort of gifts on Mother’s Day, because your mom will appreciate anything you get them, because that’s how moms are. However, we all want to get our moms something that will certainly make them special. I’m a mom myself and I know the things she had to put up with, so she certainly deserves a nice gift.
Now, I know that there are plenty of options out there that we could get our moms. For instance, you could always get her flowers, chocolate candy, gift cards, etc… However, there are some other gifts out there that you could get for your mom that are more thoughtful and they even cost less money. After all, do you remember how much your mom loved those homemade cards that you used to give her on Mother’s Day when you were in school?
Below, you’ll find some inexpensive gift ideas for Mother’s Day.
#1. Watch a Movie with Your Mom
When’s the last time that you and your mom sat down and watched a good movie together? Do you remember back when you used to sit on the couch with your mom and watch chick flicks or maybe even some horror movies? If so, you can relive those moments by watching a movie with your mom. Either go out and rent a movie or you could even gift her a subscription to Netflix for only $7.99 a month. Make sure you pick up some popcorn, candy and some drinks, as well. Of course, you’ll always want to give her a handmade card.
#2. Bubble Bath Basket
Consider making your mom a bubble bath gift basket. This works well, because as you know, moms hardly ever get any time to themselves to relax. Make sure you get her a nice smelling bubble bath, a couple candles, a bottle of wine and a book or a magazine that she really likes. Of course, you’ll also want to include a handmade card. All of this should cost you less than $20 and you’ll give your mom the gift of a very relaxed evening.
#3. Cook Dinner for Your Mom
All of us moms know that you barely have the time to sit down and enjoy the meals that you make at home. It’s a rarity when you get to sit down in time to eat the meal you just prepared for your family and it still be warm, because you’re usually preparing everyone’s plates for them. That’s why the perfect gift to give your mom would be a nice, home cooked meal. Cook her favorite dish for her and maybe include some wine, as well. Of course, at the end of dinner, you’ll want to present her with a nice, handmade card.
Do you have any inexpensive Mother’s Day gift ideas? If so, what are they? Feel free to leave your comment below and let us know.
Get Cash For Your Old Phone!
Do you have an old phone or two sitting around in a drawer? Check out USell.com and see if you can get some cash from it!
Just choose the type and brand of phone you want to sell, and click “Find Offers”. Choose the condition of your phone and select a cash offer. You’ll then receive a postage paid kit in the mail and you’ll receive a payment within 5 days of the buyer receiving your device!
5 Ways You Can Save Money and Energy in Your Home
Obviously, I do a ton of topics on here that will help you all save a good bit of money. If you’ve followed my posts, you’ve probably noticed that I also do believe in living a green lifestyle. I love to live green whenever possible and I especially love it when I can live green while also saving some money along the way. Below, I’m going to list out some ways that you will be able to save energy and money all at the same time.
#1. Get a new Refrigerator
This one may sound a bit crazy, but if your refrigerator was made before 2003, you’ll definitely be better off if you go out and pick up a new refrigerator. Refrigerators that were made after 2003 are actually 70% more efficient than refrigerators from previous years. In other words, they don’t suck up nowhere near as much energy as they used to, despite the fact that they’re typically much larger in size. While you’re out, you may want to check out dishwashers and air conditioning units, as well. These appliances have seen drastic improvements over the past few years, as well.
#2. Hang Your Clothes to Dry
All this talk about new appliances probably has you wondering what else you could replace in your home, but your dryer isn’t one of those things. On average, your dryer adds about $100 extra to your power bill every year. If you want, you can hang your clothes and put that extra money in your pocket. Plus, you’ll have clothes that smell like the great outdoors.
#3. Replace your Light Bulbs
Have you seen those new light bulbs out at the store and wondered if they’re actually worth the investment? Well, I can tell you right now that they are. If you’re currently using those old school lights, you can save as much as $150 a year on your power bill by switching to the new style of energy efficient light bulbs. Also, the new LED light bulbs have a significantly longer life span.
#4. Buy a Programmable Thermostat
Once again, this is one of those investments that cost a decent bit of cash at first, but will save you money in the future. The use of a programmable thermostat will allow you to automatically reduce the amount of energy that you’re using when you’re not even home. Most people leave their thermostat at a set temperature, even when they’re not at home. Did you know that with a programmable thermostat you could save as much as $200 on your heating bill during those winter months just by having a programmable thermostat?
#5. Carpool
There’s no reason for you to drive in to work every single day if you have the option of carpooling with some fellow co-workers. This will save you a good bit of money and it will also mean fewer emissions that could harm our environment. Plus, you’ll have some company with you on your ride to work.
How to Manage Your Finances if You’re a 20-Something
I’ve talked about my past in some of the posts that I’ve done on here. If you’ve paid attention to what I’ve written, you know that I wasn’t always a frugal person that knew how to save as much money as possible and take control over my own finances. Instead, I made a lot of mistakes at first and I only wish someone would have helped me out, before I had to go down a dark and dreary road of debt and mismanagement. That’s why I teach my kids about the importance of money, so hopefully they will learn from the mistakes I made in my past.
Today, I’m going to do the same thing. If you’re in your 20’s I’m going to give you some tips that will help you manage your money, so you’ll have a bright future ahead of you with less headaches than what I had in my 20’s.
Live Frugally
Okay, so you’re fresh out of college and you just got that fancy new job that requires you to live an entirely different lifestyle. Chances are, you’ll have to purchase some new clothes that are more professional and you’re maybe even thinking of going as far as getting a new car. Instead of doing all of this, you should live frugally. Pretend you’re still a broke college student that’s just trying to scrape by. Do this until you’re more aware of your salary and all of your expenses.
Live at Home
Did you know that as many as 85% of students that have graduated college actually move back in with their parents? This is a good option, because it will allow you to save some money that you could use to pay back student loans and prepare for the future.
Get a Credit Card, but Avoid Using It
A lot of students get credit cards and get themselves into a ton of financial trouble, because they end up owing a credit card company a ton of money with high interest rates. Get a credit card and avoid using it unless it’s an absolute emergency.
Get Out of Debt
It’s important that you start trying to get out of debt as soon as possible. Try to double up on your loan payments or do whatever it takes. That way, you can avoid extra interest charges and be out of debt sooner.
Have an Emergency Fund
Open a savings account and put as much extra money in there as possible. I suggest always keeping $500 in an emergency fund at the bare minimum. You never know when an emergency could come up, such as car repairs, so it’s always best to have some money saved just in case.
Create Goals
It’s important that you sit down and create some goals for yourself. That way, you know exactly what you need to do to achieve your long term dreams and you’ll be more likely to reach them. Just make sure your goals are realistic and give yourself plenty of time to accomplish them.
5 Financial Tips for Women
Today, I’m going to list out some financial tips that will help us ladies build a solid financial foundation. The advice in this post is going to be fairly broad and isn’t going to be targeted at any specific set of people. Instead, it’s going to be geared towards different women at different stages in their life. Whether you’re a full time employee, business owner, or a stay at home mom trying to manage family finances, the information in this post will be beneficial to you. Scroll down now to get starts on this list of financial tips that are for women.
#1. Actively Participate in Money Management
A lot of women will allow their significant other to take care of all the finances, but this isn’t such a great idea. Some women end up in big trouble, because they end up getting a divorce or their significant other dies. If this happens, you could find it very difficult to become financially secure and financially stable. That’s why I suggest that you take part in money management throughout your life. If you want, you could sit down with your significant other and you could both work on the finances together.
#2. Don’t Keep Secrets from Your Significant Other
Did you know that a ton of women out there will actually keep financial secrets from their partner? This is especially true in the early stages of a relationship. If you’re in a serious relationship, such as living with your significant other or you’re married, you shouldn’t keep financial secrets from them. If you have an overspending problem, you should tell them about it. If you have some past credit card debt, you should tell them about it. It’s important that you be open about your financial situation.
#3. Get Out of Debt
A ton of women out there are struggling with debt right now. Debt is a huge burden that you need to get off of your shoulders as soon as possible for many reasons. Chances are, you’re paying interest on your loans, so the longer you take to pay off your loans, the more interest you’re going to pay out. Also, debt causes a ton of stress. Once you’re out of debt, you’ll definitely be in better spirits.
#4. Save Money
It’s important that you save money. I highly suggest opening up a savings account and storing extra money in there. Life is full of surprises and you never know when an emergency could arise and you need money to get you out of a sticky situation. Having a savings account with money in it will give you peace of mind.
#5. Create a Budget
Create a budget for every single month and stick to it. That way, you know where your money is going to go for the month in advance and you will know how much money you’ll be able to save. Stick to the budget to save more money. Having a budget will also make your life less stressful.