Is your family fond of going out during weekends? Do you ever wish you could spend good quality bonding time together and still be able to save a few bucks for the rainy day? Despite the reality that money is usually of the essence when it comes to having great weekends, you can actually plan and have exciting and stimulating weekend family activities without breaking your bank. You just need to be creative, resourceful, and inventive so you can pull this off. Do you have any idea how?

The Family That Spends Quality Time Together, Stays Together

You don’t really need to spend a lot of money just to be able to have a fun, weekend with your family. All you need is each other and a burst of imagination to keep things exciting. Here are some suggestions you might want to consider the next time your family gathers together for some weekend bonding time:

1.       Have a weekend cooking spree.
Why go out and eat at restaurants when you can just stay at home and cook your own special weekend food? Divide your family members into teams and hold a mini cooking contest to make it more fun for everyone. Make sure to prepare a prize so everyone would be motivated to do their best. After everyone’s done cooking, arrange the table, serve all the dishes, and have a great weekend food fest!
2.       Engage in indoor creative activities.             
There are so many fun family things to do inside the house during weekends. You can try having art contests, hold gardening activities, or stage talent shows for everyone to participate on. This will boost everyone’s creative and artistic skills and promote more bonding moments as well.
3.       Form a new family tradition.
Do you have your own family rituals and traditions? Maybe it is time to create a new family ritual or practice and start doing it from that weekend forward. It could be anything that the family would enjoy doing or something that you don’t normally do but would be willing to try out. Make sure to get everyone’s input so all family members would be given the opportunity to contribute to its creation.
4.       Sign up on a local community charity work.
Weekends can also be the ideal time for families to contribute to the welfare of the society by volunteering as a group in different local charitable institutions. Find a non-profit group that you can help and pledge your family’s support. This is a really good way to make everyone aware of their social responsibility and be given the chance to actually be of help to the community.

Who says you need to spend a lot just to have exciting family weekend getaways? Money is not really of the essence during family bonding moments as long as you are open to try innovative, recreational, and frugal options. Do you have any frugal family weekend tricks up your sleeve? If you do, better try them out with your beloved family members now!

Niña Angeli Pilapil, a bookworm by heart, is an expert in promotional products used for both marketing and personal reasons. She is employed by Promopeddler.com as their official writer and blogger. This dark chocolate fanatic enjoys her spare time either reading books, watching movies, or just being with her family. If you want to connect with her, follow her at http://twitter.com/ninsbonita.
Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net
When finances get tight or you are saving up for a wedding, a holiday or an investment, eating out is often one of the first luxuries to be cut. However, if you are trying to improve the quality of your life by improving the quality of your finances, that doesn’t have to be done at the expense of all of the perks in life. There are plenty of ways you can still afford the luxury of restaurant meals without breaking the budget:

  • Share an order. Portion control is an important step in maintaining a healthy weight, but this practice can go out the window when you dine out and are served huge portions on even bigger plates. While this is great value, it is only a good buy if you eat it all, and instead of continuing to eat until you can’t move, order one meal and ask for two plates so you can share your order with your partner or a friend.
  • Free drinks. Drinks are a significant part of any restaurant bill, especially if you are drinking wine by the glass and even bringing your own wine attracts a corkage fee. Therefore, stick to water while you’re out, or look for free refill offers
  •  Restaurant coupons. You can find coupons for your favourite restaurants in the local papers and junk mail. The offers could be buy one get one free or a discount off of the total meal price, to put meals out back on your budget.
  • Have lunch or dessert. Dinner is the most expensive time to eat out at a restaurant, so if you want the experience without the expense, go out for lunch instead. Or, you could have dinner at home and go to your favourite restaurant or cafe for dessert and still enjoy a delicious night out, for a fraction of the price. Also dining during the week can be cheaper than going out for dinner on the weekend or a public holiday.
  • Order in. If you want the food but not necessarily in the restaurant, order your meals to take home. This will save you buying wine and drinks or paying corkage, you won’t have to pay a tip and you won’t be tempted to order more food or expensive desserts by the smells and sights wafting from the other tables.
  • Take away. When you are ordering your meals, if you’re not sure you’ll be able to eat it all but aren’t able or willing to share, order something which will travel easily and can be reheated so you can take home a doggy bag and have the rest of your meal for lunch tomorrow.
  • Restaurant loyalty programs. Most of us have a favourite restaurant so make sure you are rewarded for that loyalty by joining in any restaurant loyalty programs. Some restaurants will have an email newsletter list you can sign up to, and may even send you out specials on your birthday. In other cases you can use third party sites such as www.opentable.com which allows you to search and book restaurants and when you make a reservation through the website you earn points which go towards cash back offers on your meals. At www.idine.com you can link your credit card to the site so that when you dine out you can qualify for up to 15% off of your meal simply by filling out an online survey afterwards.
  • Restaurant rewards credit cards. Many credit cards – especially gold credit cards or dedicated rewards credit cards – will offer you specials and discount at selected restaurants. Therefore, if you are in the market for a new credit card, look for one which is partnered with your favourite restaurants and you could receive a complementary bottle of wine, bonus credit card rewards points or cash back on your meal.
  • Take note of specials. Many restaurants will run specials such which may mean that every Wednesday night is risotto night so you get a risotto and a glass of wine at a discounted price. Other restaurants will have nights where kids eat free, or early bird specials. It can also pay to look at the specials boards when you are in a restaurant, as the specials should be things which the restaurant has an abundance of because the ingredients are in season for example, and so they can offer the meals at a cheaper price than usual. 
Alban has written dozen of articles on how to save money. When is not blog posting, Alban reviews high interest online savings accounts at Savings Account Finder.
    Have you made some New Year's resolutions to lose weight or to eat a healthier diet? You don't have to sign up for expensive weight-loss programs or buy gourmet pre-packaged meals to stick to a new diet or to adopt healthy changes. Losing weight can actually be quite inexpensive if you purchase healthy foods and practice some good habits. Here are a few frugal diet tips to help you lose weight and create a healthier lifestyle:


    Buy in Season

    Simply altering your shopping habits can make a bit impact on your health and your budget. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are less expensive. Expensive techniques don't have to be used to grow and preserve these foods when they do not naturally thrive, and they do not have to be shipped from half way around the world. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are also fresher and can be purchased free of preservatives and other growing chemicals. You get more nutrients for a healthier diet.

    Shop at Farmers' Markets

    You don't have to shop at expensive organic food stores to get quality food. Local farmers' markets offer naturally grown foods for lower prices. You can find meats that are raised without hormones or unhealthy feed, as well as fruits and vegetables that are raised without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. All the food you purchase at these markets will also be fresh and in season. You will save a lot of money and create a healthy diet.

    Grow Your Own Food

    If you have a green thumb, you can grow your own food to save even more money. You don't have to own your own home or have extensive acreage on which to grow your own produce. Even a square-foot garden in a small plot of land or on an apartment balcony can allow you to grow staples like greens, tomatoes, onions, herbs, or other produce. You will save a lot of money on your weekly grocery budget, and you will ensure a steady supply of fresh, healthy produce.

    Cook at Home

    Eating out can add up quickly -- both in dollars and calories. Even if you're eating out at "healthy" restaurants or choosing lighter fare, portions are generally larger than you need, meaning you get far more calories than you need, and the processed foods have a lot of added sugars and fats. Diet programs that offer home-delivered meals are also quite expensive. Anything you can purchase already made can be cooked at home for far less. You can also oversee the quality of the ingredients you use, making sure that they are all natural and that no hidden sugars or fats are used.

    Practice Portion Control

    Americans have become used to larger and larger portion sizes as "super sizing" has become a more popular option. By learning to limit your portion sizes, you will eat less food, saving yourself hundreds or thousands of calories and significantly reducing your food budget each week. Try using a smaller plate when preparing your meals to limit your portions. When you use a large dinner plate, you are likely to fill it with food and to eat all of it. Also, get in the habit of reading food labels to determine practical portion sizes.

    Drink a Lot of Water

    You don't need expensive protein shakes or gourmet sparkling waters to lose weight. Drinking a lot of plain tap water is a great way to promote health and weight loss -- and it's totally free. Water helps to make you feel full longer, increases your metabolism, aids digestion, and helps your body function more efficiently. If you worry about the purity of your tap water, install a filter on your faucet. If you don't like the taste of water, try flavoring it by adding small pieces of fruit like strawberries or blueberries, or add a splash of fresh fruit juice like lemon or grapefruit.

    Eating a healthy diet does not require that you buy pre-packaged "health foods" at organic grocers or that you sign up for exclusive diet plans with home-delivered meals. Making simple choices like shopping for foods that are in season at local markets, cooking at home, and practicing portion control can help you to lose weight and to save money.

    About the Author:

    Bridget Sandorford is a grant researcher and writer for CulinarySchools.org. Along with her passion for whipping up recipes that incorporate "superfoods", she recently finished research on florida culinary schools and culinary schools in new york state.

    Valentine's Day is a special day for every couple. It is the day you should express your feelings for your partner and how special he/she is for you. You can make Valentine s Day memorable in many ways for you and your lover. An unforgettable day does not have to be expensive for you. There are many inexpensive ideas for having a great time with your lover. It is quite possible to enjoy Valentine's Day on a tight budget. Here are seven tips to save money while still having a great Valentine's Day.

    Choose an Inexpensive Restaurant

    Pay complete attention to detail and choose an inexpensive restaurant. You have to make sure that the eatery you select is cozy. Moreover, the atmosphere should be perfect for spending time with your lover. You are in luck because most of the coziest dining places are relatively inexpensive. If you choose well, you can save yourself good money and have a great time regardless.

    Go Frugal on the Flowers

    Does it really make a difference whether you buy one flower or a dozen? Since flowers are a traditional Valentine's Day gift, it is hard to avoid them. What you can avoid is the price tag that florists charge for them, especially on Valentine s Day. Instead, head to a supermarket and buy your flowers there. You will definitely get them cheaper and without much difference in the quality.

    Avoid the Cheesiness

    Movies have a lot to do with the cheesiness associated with Valentine's Day. What it means for you is that you have to spend more money on buying gifts for him/her. Go around the frivolities and just focus on having a good time with your lover. There is no need for heart-shaped balloons and teddy bears!

    Select the Right Wine

    A good wine does not have to be expensive. Choose one that is affordable but of a good quality. Spending $30 to $40 on wine is not a good idea as you can spend that money elsewhere. Good wines are available for $5 to $15 and you do not need to break the bank to buy them.

    A Long Drive

    Take a long drive to the place where you two first met. The place holds a special meaning for the two of you and it should be a good spot to spend a special day. Moreover, it will only cost you the price of gas for the trip!

    Please Your Partner

    Pot everyone has an expensive taste and choices. Maybe your lover is a pizza guy/girl and a couple of slices in your living room would be good enough to please him/her. Make sure that whatever you choose to do is your partner's preference.

    Keep the Romance Central

    A kiss, cuddle or walk in the moonlight is more romantic than a candlelight dinner at the most expensive restaurant in the city. Keep the romance central and try to make the day as romantic as possible.


    Spend some quality time with your lover without having to reach for your wallet too often. These are seven great tips to save money while still having a great Valentine's Day.
    Allan is passionate about saving money. He has been writing on high interest savings accounts and money savings strategies for the last 3 years.

    In many homes, Thanksgiving dinner is a feast of massive proportions, both in quantity of food and in the cost of the meal. Some eager hostesses can spend hundreds of dollars on a full spread with turkey and all the trimmings, wine, and desserts. However, with a little planning and some cost-savings strategies, a delicious and satisfying Thanksgiving dinner can be prepared for a fraction of the cost. Here are a few easy ways to save on your Thanksgiving dinner this year:

    Stock Up Ahead of Time

    Many Thanksgiving dishes are traditional staples that use items you can purchase ahead of time, such as canned cranberries, canned beans, and bread crumbs. Plan out your menu ahead of time, and make a working list of supplies. When you see non-perishable items go on sale, buy them. Don’t take your chances that they’ll be on sale again later or that you’ll find a coupon. Take advantage of sales when you see them and spread out your purchases to diminish the financial impact of a bulk shopping trip.

    Make Less than You Need

    Don’t count on everyone eating their share of every dish you cook. Most people will take their fill of their favorites, or they’ll just sample a bit of everything in smaller portions. Therefore, you don’t need to make a portion of each dish for every guest. You also don’t need to plan on having leftovers. While some people really enjoy leftovers in the still festive days following Thanksgiving, most will get sick of them after a day or two and you’ll still have tons of leftovers. Just make what you need and skip the leftovers.

    Get a Smaller Turkey
    Again, turkey dinner is a novelty, but turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and warmed up turkey for weeks is a bore. Don’t get a gigantic turkey that will feed your guests and the rest of your family for the month. Get a slightly smaller turkey than you need. Doing so will save you a lot of money since the turkey represents the most significant expense of your meal.

    Save on Drinks

    Unless you or your guests are real wine connoisseurs, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on upscale or vintage wines. Choose store brands or even box wines and pour them into glass carafes and decanters for a more elegant presentation. You can also mix your wines with spritzer or club soda for cocktails.

    Welcome Other Dishes
    When your guests offer to bring a dish, let them! Additional side dishes, desserts, and wines can make your table seem more festive without you having to spend much more money or more time in the kitchen preparing. Your guests will also feel like they’ve contributed to the festivities, inspiring a more congenial group atmosphere!

    There are many, many more ways to save on your Thanksgiving feast, including clipping coupons and taking advantage of rewards programs. What other ways have you found to save on this annual, traditional meal? 
    Bio:

    Erinn Stam is the Managing Editor for online nursing schools. She attends Wake Technical Community College and is learning about nursing schools in IA. She lives in Durham, NC with her lovely 4-year-old daughter and exuberant husband.
    Most of us have enough going on in our lives to cause stress without having to search for a way to find extra dollars to cover escalating fuel costs. When your budget has already been stretched to breaking point and the dollars cannot be squeezed any tighter, it might be best to look at ways to reduce your fuel consumption.

    Everyone is aware that the first steps to using fuel more efficiently are to travel less by car, carpool as often as possible, combine errands, and to plan your route before leaving home, but additional measures can be taken to lower the gallons of fuel used during a typical week. The following suggestions will help many people reduce their gasoline consumption significantly:

    The Driver Makes a Difference

    Developing new driving habits can improve gas mileage and reduce the wear and tear on a vehicle. It may take several weeks of working on a single change for it to feel natural, but the effort will be worth it. Work on the following changes to get the best benefits and save as much as 20% on fuel:

    • Drive smoothly, easing into and out of stops.

    • Maintain a consistent speed of around fifty miles an hour on the highway and resist trying to keep up with the car in front.

    • Speed up just a bit before hills to maintain momentum.

    • Do not follow closely behind another car so that excessive braking is not necessary.

    • Use overdrive gears and put the car on cruise control whenever feasible.

    • Turn the engine off when waiting in long lines, rather than idling for an extended period.

    • Use air conditioning only when completely necessary.

    • Remove any excess weight from the back seat or trunk before leaving for the next errand.

    The Condition of the Vehicle Matters

    Two vehicles of the same model, made by the same manufacturer in the same year can be entirely different in gas mileage because of the way their owners maintain them. The following maintenance tasks will increase fuel efficiency and gas mileage, resulting in lower fuel costs:

    • Maintaining properly inflated tires can reduce fuel needs by as much as 20%.

    • Having regular tune-ups to keep the engine in perfect working order may result in fuel savings of up to 40%.

    • Using the motor oil that is recommended by the manufacturer can result in fuel savings in the long run.

    • Replacing clogged air filters on older model vehicles may increase fuel economy.

    While riding a bike or walking may be the best ways to lower the cost of transportation, these are not practical for everyone or for every trip. By developing the best fuel-saving driving habits and keep your vehicle in the best possible condition, drivers can rest assured that they are getting the most out of each gallon of gas.

    This is a guest blog post from Jane Simpson, who enjoys finding ways to reduce her spending. She used an auto payment calculator before she purchased her car and uses the frugal driving habits in this post to stay within her monthly budget.

    Halloween is one of the most important times of the year for those who enjoy celebrating. Getting a great costume is the most important step in having a fun time during the Halloween season. Because of the current economy, many people find it impossible to find the money to buy a great costume. However, if you know what to look for, you can discover the best costumes for the most incredible prices. No longer will you have to worry about not looking great on Halloween. With the following advice below, you'll be able to look and feel your best on Halloween without emptying your bank account.

    The best Halloween costumes can also be the ones that cost you absolutely no money at all. You can start your Halloween costume search by looking at what you already are in possession of. If you've got a child who is a football player, you could suggest for them to wear their uniform as a Halloween costume. If you've got a costume that you've already bought for a play or recital, you could use that costume as a Halloween costume as well. Another way to get a free costume is to ask friends and relatives if they have any costumes their own children have outgrown.

    If you're going to actually buy a costume, check eBay and Craigslist before you look anywhere else. Craigslist is an especially good site to buy costumes from. If you buy in advance of the Halloween rush, you could negotiate the price of an awesome costume down lower than what the seller has it listed as on Craigslist. eBay also isn't overloaded with searches for Halloween costumes quite yet, so you'll want to check eBay as quickly as possible for the best deals on Halloween costumes. The more people who search for costumes online, the more expensive they become.

    Buying costumes online is also a great idea because the prices are cheaper online due to the fact that shipping is cheaper. Stores charge what they do for costumes because they had to pay to have them shipped to them, but if you get a costume shipped directly to you, you'll save money on the overall price of the costume. If you'll be buying costumes from traditional online costume retailers, you can always find promotional coupon codes. The manufacturers are always giving out coupons for discounts on Halloween costumes. If you string a few coupons together, you could save a good bit of money on your next costume purchase.

    Saving money on Halloween costumes can be easy and fun. You'll be able to enjoy Halloween and so will your children. Everyone can have an affordable costume that looks absolutely great. Halloween truly is a season in which the best costume counts.

    To find more deals and savings, look to Fatwallet.com!


    In times of economic hardship it is difficult to spend money making sure that your home is pleasant and up to date with decorative trends. For many of us, splashing out on a new lamp of artwork simply isn’t an option, but there is no reason that the look of your house should suffer. If you want to redecorate, you just need to be a little creative, and work with what you’ve got. In no time you can transform your home, for minimal cost. Just remember these three ideas:
    • Recycle
    • Rearrange
    • Create
    One of the easiest ways in which to decorate your home without making a dent in your budget is to rejuvenate existing items. In a lot of cases, older, boring pieces can be recycled to create something completely new and exciting. For example, an old table just needs to be sanded down and varnished or painted in order to create a wonderful new conversation piece that will change the entire feel of a room. And old chairs can be given a new lease on life by creating new cushions on them, which is as easy as one two three. If you have any old photographs lying around, why not make a collage that can function as personalized art? Using what you have is a great way to save money and freshen up your home.

    Another great decorating idea is just to rearrange the layout of your rooms. Over time, you are bound to become bored with the way things are laid out, so shake things up. Do a little bit of research on topics like Feng Shui, or simply change things as you see fit. Larger rooms, such as dining rooms and lounges, can be instantly transformed by shifting the furniture. This type of cleansing exercise might also unearth pieces for recycling (see above) or possibly even sale.

    The last guiding principle when you are decorating on a tight budget is to be creative and make things yourself. The greatest advantage of taking on decorating projects like this is that you can engage the whole family. Design projects like this will often lead to the creation of a sentimental, personal piece that will really make your home a home. Why not get the whole family to choose their favourite photograph and then create a piece of sequence art for your lounge. You can even make the frames yourself.

    Be creative, try new things and look around at home - you will be able to decorate your house in a homely, personal way that won’t break the bank. Keep an eye out for useful magazines and TV shows if you’re not sure where to start.
     Victoria is a freelance writer that is very fond of art. 
    The present day economy is nobody’s friend. If you’ve got money, it’s best to put it aside for rainier days that are sure to come. People are looking to save money in every aspect of life, and food is no less of a target area when it comes to sparing expense. Coming up with inexpensive meal plans is the only way to beat the rising costs of groceries. Here are a few tips for you to cook meals frugally.



    1. Plan Your Menus In Advance

    Planning your weekly menus in advance will help you achieve cheaper meals. Most of us grab a basket, run to the grocers and pick up what we need, what we want and whatever else looks nice and fresh. The result? Without a proper plan, we end up not using the groceries in the right manner. Vegetables and fruits lose their freshness very fast. Buy two pounds of fresh carrots; shove them in the fridge with some idea of cooking them in a soup for which you don’t have the other ingredients. By the time you get to the carrots, they’re halfway gone. So every Sunday morning, create your family menu plan for the coming Monday to Saturday stretch.

    1. Shop For Meal Plans

    When you make your grocery shopping list, make a list of the ingredients for each dish on the menu. Before leaving for the grocers, check how many of these ingredients you have already. Buy only what you need, especially perishable ingredients such as herbs.

    1. Buy Only How Much You Need

    You plan on cooking a pasta dinner this week, and you need pasta, basil and a bottle of basic marinara sauce. The pasta pack will keep, and the sauce can be refrigerated for later, but what about the basil? You cannot afford to buy a large bunch of fresh Italian basil, use just a few leaves for your dish and hope to store the rest. It’ll spoil in the fridge. It’s a good idea to shop for fresh ingredients weekly at farmers’  markets; you can pick and choose your quantity.

    1. Avoid Buying Expensive Meat

    Meat is probably the biggest expense in a frugal cook’s book. Eschew the more expensive cuts of meat and consider buy not-so-popular cuts such as the shoulder and the shank. These will need slow cooking, which is a good idea since you’ll be using less fuel. Consider buying family cuts even if you are not going to use that much in a week. Freeze the extra meat for later. When you buy chicken, opt for a large family pack of chicken breasts instead of one or two for a single dinner.

    1. Look For Meat Alternatives

    As an alternative to meat, consider using other sources of proteins, such as beans. Beans are cheap, can be bought and stored in bulk, soaked overnight and cooked into a variety of dishes. Lentils are a great way to get the necessary protein into your body, and they’re cheap too. Look up some interesting ways to cook lentil – explore far-off cuisines such as Indian, Pakistani and Mediterranean cuisines that cook lentils in creative and interesting ways.

    1. Buy Frozen Foods

    Frozen foods are much cheaper than the fresh stuff. Contrary to popular belief, frozen food is not devoid of nutrients. The nutrients are preserved during the freezing process. However, always take care to buy frozen foods well within their expiry date.

    1. Use Coupons

    Keep a list of the items you need tacked to your fridge. Then scour your Sunday papers and coupon sites for food coupons. You can take advantage of coupons to get double discounts during sales and promotions. If you manage your couponing cleverly, you can actually manage to get a couple of weeks’ worth of groceries for free. That’s the amount of savings you’ll be able to accomplish.

    1. Coordinate Your Meals With Items On Sale

    All major grocery chains and supermarkets are currently vying with each other to attract more shoppers. With everyone going the frugal way now, markets are losing out on business. Coupons, sales and promotions are a few ways that markets keep inventory off their shelves. Before you plan your weekly menu, check out the sales listed in your Sunday paper. Subscribe to email newsletters from the grocery chains you frequent and check out what’s on sale. Plan your weekly menu around those items, instead of just buying the items on sale for later. Your savings potential will double.

    1. Freeze Batches Of Food

    There’s nothing wrong in cooking a batch of food in advance and freezing it for later. You can try freezing soups, casseroles and stews. Always cool the food to room temperature first, keep it in the fridge to cool it further and then place it in the freezer. Your food will last much longer.
    Marina Chernyak is SAHM and co-owner of any authentic Limoges boxes store located at - LimogesFactory.com
    Frugality is often a thrust upon people by changing times and altered circumstances. For others, it may be a conscious step towards reducing consumption patterns and doing their bit to make the planet earth a happier place by lightening the burden of ecological damage it has to carry. There is yet another set of people for whom their decision to embrace frugal living is born out of their desire to lead by example and inspire others to adopt a need based and ethical lifestyle. No matter what your reasons are for choosing to live well on less, you will benefit from these simple tips for living simply and elegantly.


    A common error that people make when considering frugal living is to view it as a life of deprivation, one of doing ‘without’ things. Get this out of your head, since it will make all your efforts at frugality like a punishment. If you follow these basic guidelines, you will not only enjoy a richer and fuller life, but you will feel good about the contribution you are making to the future of life on planet earth.

    1. Budget:
    Even if you have never budgeted before, you can do it simply. The first step is to list out all available money or income for the month, then list out all expenses, such as food, mortgage, utilities, loans and credit card payments, savings, transport, recreation, taxes, etc. Tally them up. If your expenses are more than your income, reduce the amount apportioned to each heads, and remove expenses that are not essential till the two tallies. Discipline your spending so that you do not exceed what you have planned in your budget. An old fashioned but very effective way of doing this is through the ‘real-cash-in-envelopes’ way. Take the entire money available for the month in real currency, and put it away in envelopes marked with the expense heads. The goal is to stay under the budgeted amount, so that the excess amount can be put away as extra savings.

    2. Repay debts:
    Debts have become so prevalent that we don’t think twice about getting into debt or staying in debt. Debts are nothing but a way of selling out on your future earnings. In addition, the cost of servicing debt is tremendous. The debt trap is a vicious circle that many people fall into and find impossible to get out of it. However, with a little planning and strategy, you can become debt free. Two methods that have been proved useful are the snowball and snowflake methods:
    List out all debts you have such as loans, mortgages, credit card payments etc. From your budget, see how much money you have earmarked for debt repayment. Pay the minimum amount on each of the debts except the smallest debt. Make the largest payment that you can do. Do this every month till you have cleared this debt. Now apply this same principle for the next smallest debt you have, but remembering to add what you were paying earlier for the debt you have cleared also to that payment amount. As you ‘snowball’ this repayment method, you will find yourself left with larger repayment amounts to service the larger debts without feeling constrained.
    The snowflake method is also useful, where you take any small amount of money that you come across, and put it back into debt repayment. Regardless of how small it is, and from where it came, it goes into repayment. You can look out for seemingly insignificant sources, such as bottle refunds, piggy banks, loose change that you collect in a jar, yard sales proceeds, etc. It might seem awkward at first to deposit small amounts like these, or to write out checks for small amounts, but it will make an impact on how fast you will get debt free.

    3. Save:
    From the beginning of your commitment to frugal living, make savings an expense head in your budget. Most people trip up on their budget or fall into a debt trap precisely because they have not put savings as a priority. Even if it is a small amount, put it away where you will not spend it. Savings should be goal based. You should have an emergency fund, as well as specific saving for life targets, such as children’s education, buying a home, etc. An emergency fund should cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses at your present level of earning.

    4. Thrift:
    You are not the only person under a compulsion to live well on a tight budget. Stores, businesses, services, everywhere in the world are under pressure to sell more and reduce losses or increase profits. Plug into their need to get their stocks sold in order to maximize your budget. Look out for discount sales and coupons and group buying opportunities. Online stores often offer prices and discounts that their brick and mortar counterparts don’t. Online auction and bulk buying sites are another good option. Make the most of your loyalty points if you are a regular at certain supermarkets. Stores that sell products, often change their discounting based on the time of the week and even time of the day, depending on how urgently they want their stock to move. Plan ahead so that you can make the most of lower prices.

    5. Live:
    The easiest budget head to cut back on is entertainment and recreation, since there are healthier and cheaper alternatives than spending that money on overpriced sodas and popcorn, or eating oily salty food that you enjoy then but stay up at night belching up. Hire DVDs or borrow them from a library, pop your own corn that you can buy by the pound at your local store, have a fresh fruit juice, and snuggle up with your loved ones. Removing big ticket, eating out and movie going can not only significantly increase your savings, but also open up a whole world of healthier, more life enhancing recreational activities that you can participate in with your family, at pretty much no cost.
    Use these simple guidelines to smoothen your entry into frugal living. As you start getting a feel for the improved quality of life that it brings, you will be motivated to search out more ways of adding value to your life without subtracting value from your wallet.
    About the author: Amanda Kidd is a blogger and writer who frequently writes on eco friendly gadgets. Business and tech help are some her favorite topics. Beside this she also loves writing on parenting and health. She makes sure that her lifestyle includes only healthy ways of living. These days she is writing on natural blood pressure.

    Today, finding ways to save costs is a must. Sometimes we do a lot of cost cutting on some non-essential things, but for weight loss concerns, it might be a different story. We can’t just give up on our figure solely because of cost. It is better to sacrifice one’s diet and some other luxury, than sacrifice health and appearance. Losing weight has always been associated with expensive gyms and other remedies. But what if there is a way to lose weight and reduce your tummy size without spending too much? Here are some ways that are prepared for those people who still hope to lose weight, but in a frugal yet classy manner.

    1. Keep a diary.

    Yes, this is one technique one must actually practice. Keeping a diary can help you keep information, and it can act as an excellent first step in losing weight. It serves as simple feedback and that helps you monitor your progress and keeps you on track. Sometimes a diary is all we need to prove to us how we have been doing over time. Making it personalized, and as intimate as possible, is the key to making it really genuinely help towards your weight loss plan. You can make use of your old notebooks or purchase a cheap one. Involve this diary in your food and beverage trips.

    2. Know how many calories to lose weight.

    You should understand that you cannot take full control of your weight until you know how to calculate your calories. You can sign up for free calorie counts, or you can search online and calculate your calories for free. The main goal is to know how many calories you need to maintain per day, which will help you lose weight and maintain your diet.

    3. Control your portions.

    We can actually save a lot of money by just controlling the way we eat and our portion size. With the help of the diary, you can become more and more conscious about what you are eating, which has to be a good thing. It is good to take a moment to study your serving size and along with that the nutrition label of your favorite foods and beverage. Compare how you serve your meals with ready meals and take note of the appropriate portion size. Just by taking note of this simple step you can lose pounds and save costs simultaneously.

    4. Know what you eat.

    Techniques like spreading your meals more frequently throughout the day may help you decrease appetite and meal cost. You can cut your breakfast in half and save it for morning snacks, and by bisecting it you will help in maintaining a boost in your metabolism. Going for healthy, natural foods is a better choice as opposed to buying expensive processed food.


    5. Know what you drink.

    It might amaze you, but most of us get more calories from the beverages we drink, as opposed to the food we eat, for example carbonated drinks and alcohol. Taking control over these beverages will help you a lot. Sometimes water is the best thing to have, rather than any other beverages. But if you can’t help it, then you can start drinking reduced calorie beverages. Teas and non carbonated drinks are way better. Alcohol however will always have a bad effect especially on your tummy. Try to drink less on a social basis as this is when we drink more than we think.

    These are just simple tips to get around cost, and it is almost certain that you can develop your own ways to get around cost better. Hope this article helps though!
    Credit cards are a great tool, especially in modern society. So much purchasing and selling is done on the internet. Even going to the supermarket can be made faster and easier with a credit card. Carrying one is also safer because you can cancel it if it is stolen, whereas stolen cash is just gone. However, there are a number of things that you need to keep in mind to save money and avoid debt. These are the main pitfalls that go along with credit cards.

    Check Your Benefits and Rewards
    Some cards give you cash back on purchases. Even if the rate is only one percent, you will save a dollar on every hundred dollars. That means that you can get a free hundred dollars every time you spend ten thousand. This might not seem like much, but it can add up over a year. If you get this, you may want to use your card for all of your little purchases to help the numbers all add up.

    Keep Your Budget Anyway
    Do not ignore your budget just because you are not writing checks. Get receipts for everything that you buy and keep track of it at home. This will make sure that you are not as prone to spending more than you have, or to spending money that was supposed to be kept as savings, just because the money does not physically run out as you spend it.

    Do Not Spend More Than You Have
    The interest on a credit card is often close to thirty percent. If you only spend as much as you can pay off, you will never see this. Spending more than you have can cause you to accumulate a lot of debt. For comparison, a typical mortgage runs at around five and a half percent in interest.

    Do Not Take Your Card To The Bar
    The bar is a good example, but you should really make sure not to take your card to places where you are prone to overspending. If you have twenty dollars left in your budget for entertainment and you take it to the bar in the form of a bill, you cannot spend any more. With a card it is easy to spend thirty dollars instead, or even more.

    Other Places Not To Use Your Card
    There are other places where you should not take your card if you are prone to over-spending. If you have self-control, you should be fine. Do not take your card to any of the following places if you are worried about your habits, however.
    -- A restaurant. You may buy the more expensive dish if you have the credit card.
    -- A ball game. You could be talked into a beer and three hot dogs if there is no limit to what you can spend.
    -- The supermarket. Even if you only need milk, a card will often influence you to buy other things that you do not need, things like chips and candy.

    Use Rewards Points To Online Stores
    If your card gives you rewards points instead of cash back, do not let them go to waste. A lot of these can be redeemed at online stores. Wait until you actually need to buy something so that you do not waste the savings, and then use the points to buy it.

    Buy Coupons Online
    You can use credit cards to buy coupons on the internet that can help you save on all sorts of different purchases. These are sometimes random, as the deal may only run for a day, but the savings are huge.
    In case you are facing a financial emergency and have already tapped out all your resources of funds, then you will be in urgent need of money. In such a state you would be needing ways in which you can quickly raise some cash. In some situations you may be in such need of money that no method may seem strange to you.

    A few unusual ways in which you can earn money quickly are as follows.

    1. Pawn your things: In some cases when you are truly desperate to get some money as soon as possible, then you may pawn your things. This means that you will offer your prized possessions as collateral on a loan. The loan that you will get will be about 10 % of the value of the item that you are pawning. You should make sure that you make the repayment on the right time so that you can get back what you have pawned.

    2. Have a yard sale: In case you have a few things that you do not use any more and that you do not require very much, then you can sell them off. In order to do this you may have a yard sale. You can sell off your jewelry, clothes and other collectibles that you no longer use. One of the advantages of having such sales is that you get instant cash in exchange for the things that you no longer need.

    3. Do some odd jobs: If you are good with kids, then you may opt for baby sitting after your regular job in order to make some money. This is a good source of instant income as in most cases you will be paid as soon as the parents of the child return. Thus, such odd jobs can get you quick money. If you are a male, then you may have difficulty in getting baby sitting jobs. In such cases you may try washing cars or mowing the lawns of others to make instant money.

    These are a few ways in which you can make money quickly. If you are in real need of money, then these ways may be of great use to you.
    This was a guest post provided by Elizabeth Cutten. You can find more of her work at FindCollegeCards, a student credit card resource / blog helping students with guides, tips, advice and more.

    Being a college student isn't pretty when it comes to money. While many students partake with some part time jobs, after all the bills are paid and done with, there isn't must money left. If you want to take a trip this summer as a college student, I wanted to give out some tips that you should consider if you want to save some serious dough.

    #1 Consider student discounts – Some sites such as StudentUniverse allow you to purchase airline tickets at a student rate. While the discounts aren't extravagant, there are times when a college student can take advantage.

    #2 Consider travel deal sites – A personal travel deal site of mine is TravelZoo. This site posts the top 20 travel deals for the week, as well as many more deals. What you're going to find is that this is a fantastic place to find last minute deals. For example, a hotel that would normally be $189 a night could be $55 a night with TravelZoo.

    #3 Name your own price – Another great service I use when traveling is Priceline. This is a great way to name your own price when you want a hotel, a rental car or even an airline ticket. This is great for college students that want to hit the road and get great deals on hotels. To learn more about this, Priceline has more information on their site.

    #4 Couch Surfing – This is very common among people who don't want to really pay for a hotel. Sites such as CouchSurfing.org allow you to find people across the world who are willing to open their homes to have you stay over night. While many don't ask for money, it's always nice to clean up after yourself, or even offer a smaller tip. Also, don't overstay your welcome!

    #5 Do you have family? Do you have any family that lives out of the state, or somewhere you want to visit? This is a great way to come in, crash for a few days and take advantage of the sights and sounds. While you don't want to come off as intruding, it's a great way to have a very reasonably priced vacation.

    These are all tips that you can follow as a student. You will find that there are so many ways to save when you use the Internet as a resource. Plan ahead, test out these tips and see how you can save!


    Image: Jomphong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
    While all of the new technology in our lives is supposed to be saving us time and money, it can often feel like it is doing just the opposite – entrancing us in front of a computer or iPad screen, or making us accessible at all hours of the day and night.
    However, when it comes to social media, you will find something more than just the photos of your friend’s baby or an update on your sister’s new relationship, you can also find a number of ways to save money.

    1 – Save money as a small business

    If you are a small business owner then you know exactly how hard you work for every dollar you earn, and aren’t going to part with your money lightly. Luckily your social media networks can work to save you money because while they have been designed to make connecting with friends and family easier, they can also make your networking and advertising expenses more affordable.

    For example, to create a Facebook page, a Twitter account or a LinkedIn profile is free, so from the beginning you are developing an online presence without having to pay website designers or hosting fees. You are then able to start connecting to your customers, who are also online, and using one or all of these networks too. When you connect to your customers online you are able to find out what they’re happy with, what they’re unhappy with and what they want to see from your business, or even just businesses like yours. You can then take that information and find ways to market to these customers’ needs.

    There are also a number of free tools so that you can monitor your social media marketing successes and as a result, social media can cut out a lot of other marketing and PR costs, not to mention processes, so your small business saves not only time, but also money.

    2 – Contact your bank

    If there is a problem with your bank account, or you have a question about the features of your account, you can potentially spend a lot of time on the phone to your bank to solve the problem. However, more and more banks are creating Twitter accounts which allow them to post specials and advertise new products, but they will also take time to solve customer problems. With Twitter you can send a direct message so you don’t have to post your banking problem on a public wall, and you can see an answer and receive assistance very quickly, in a way which fits into your day more easily, since you can access Twitter from your computer, laptop, phone or tablet device.


    3 – Find good deals

    Saving money doesn’t always have to mean not spending any money, and when you make a purchase in a sale or special, you’re still saving off of the regular price. A number of businesses use Twitter and Facebook to advertise specials and offers, which are only available to their followers. For example, Amazon and eBay post their latest deals on Twitter and a car parking company in Brisbane is even using Twitter to give away free parking time at @MCCPBris. Plus, as more and more people join in on social media around the world, the more special deals offers will be posted to reach this growing audience.


    4 – Finance tips

    You can use Twitter to follow financial companies, websites or experts and with Twitter available on most mobile devices now, you will never be out of the loop. You can check the latest headlines, learn about the latest market movements and view local business and banking news.


    5 – Track interest rates

    To not only save money, but also make money, you need to keep yourself up to date with the latest interest rate movements. Not only do the interest rate movements effect where you deposit or invest your money, they can also be a predictor of things to come, and can help you decide on where to invest in the future for the best savings.

    6 – Financial advice

    When you don’t have the time or money to invest in your own financial planner, the next best thing can be to follow your favourite financial commentators on Twitter or Facebook. You will need to take some time to find a list of credible and experienced financial experts to follow, but once you do you will have a direct line to their advice, their predictions and links to the news stories they think are worth knowing about.

    7 – Research

    Before you head to Google to search for the best bank account, the cheapest hotel, the most fuel efficient car or the best value home loan, think about searching Twitter first. There is nothing like word of mouth advertising because it offers a real representation of a product or service, and is based on real experiences, rather than being tainted by a marketing spin. Therefore, use the Twitter search function to do your research the next time you are looking for a good deal.


    8 – Twitter budget

    At www.tweetwhatyouspend.com you can send yourself a tweet each time you make a purchase, so you can track your spending. You can then download these tweets to a spreadsheet and import them to another personal finance program so that you can maintain a working, up to date budget.

    You can then review your spending and look at where all of your money is going , and how you can cut back. You will likely always have your phone with you and when you can send yourself a quick tweet you don’t have to remember to write your spending in a notepad or keep a handful of receipts.

    Alban is a contributing writer at Home Loan Finder, a home loan comparison website.

    Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

    Simple Things To Remember To Save Money:
    • Ceiling fans can save energy and keep air flowing.
    • Turn off any lights when you are not in a room.
    • Turn off running water while brushing your teeth and only use it when rinsing.
    • Cleaning or changing your air filters seasonally will save on your energy bill.
    • Shop second hand! Make someones trash your treasure.
    • When eating out, opt out of the soda and get water instead. You could save an average of $156.00 each year by getting water if you eat out twice a week.
    • Save any unused napkins/forks/condiments when eating out. They end up coming in handy later on.
    • Clip coupons. Keep your stash of coupons with you just in case.

    Fabulous Beauty Money Saving Tips - DIY From Inside the Pantry Not the Parlour

    Author: Kacy Carr
    Image: graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
    Why do most women looking to remedy a health/beauty concern concentrate solely on that one particular problem when they could at the same time give the whole body an entire make over? Of course certain conditions and disease do not fall into the type of beauty M.O.T I speak of. Giving your body as much attention as you would give a car to ensure all is in complete working order is a fabulous idea. Keeping the body in check will keep you safe and give peace of mind.

    For example: If you have a headache, find the root cause for why it is there before popping any pills. Some headaches come about because of you feeling down due to the way you look, if this be the case then you can rid the headache in no time with a new hairdo, make over, or a session down at the gym

    The main factor for looking good is to "feel" good. Regardless of glitter and sparkle worn or your new shape of plucked eyebrows or bright red polished manicured nails - if you do not feel 100% in yourself then all your effort to look beautiful will never surface. Proof in words of famous quotes like "Beauty is within" and Beauty is skin deep, tells us it is what goes on in the inside is what counts.

    There is no argument to debate as to what a new hairdo can do to boost a woman's mood. If expense holds you back then you may find these tips below very useful. Before trying any unfamiliar products or following advice from unknown sources be sure to check with your doctor/beautician first.

    Hair Care

    1 For a fabulous sheen to your hair add 1 or 2 tablespoons of vinegar into the final rinse. Dry in normal way.

    2 We all need a pick me up at some time so why not the hair too. Take 1 lb of stinging nettles and boil in 1 pint of water. (Take care not to get stung) Leave to cool, strain. Gently rub into the scalp and shampoo. This method helps prevent dandruff and also hair loss so they say.

    3 For that extra shine, before final rinse pour beer over hair. Rinse well to rid smell.

    4 Try making your own hair conditioner using mayonnaise. Apply to dry hair. Cover with plastic cap, wrap in warm towel and leave for 20-30 minutes. Wash and rinse thoroughly

    Skincare

    For a fresh clear complexion drink 2 litres of water a day, it will work wonders for your skin. Some skin toners can be very expensive so a great alternative is Witch hazel.

    Create your own facemask. Ingredients include yeast and milk.

    1 Take fresh baking yeast and blend with tepid milk mix into a thick paste. Apply to face and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water (not hot) followed with a cold rinse. This method leaves skin soft supple and is known to prevent spots

    2 One cause of puffy eyes is the fluid retention of our head in that part of the eye. Fluid can easily be stored under the eyes when asleep. Overnight, body fluids go to the head hence not circulating properly. Try sleeping with the head elevated. Try placing cool gel bags around the eyes. Chilled cucumber if placed onto the eyes will freshen and reduce the look of tired eyes.

    Lip pencils work well for the lip pout.

    1 Choose a colour that is similar in shade to your true lip colour. Lightly outline the skin around the lips then colour in your true lips. You can use a lighter coloured lip pencil and add a highlight on the top middle portion of your lower lip. Go easy so as not to end up like coco the clown. Rub the lip pencil on the middle of your lower lip to create a light highlight. Next step is to put your lipstick on over the highlighted area for the full pout appearance.

    Sadly the neck appears to age faster than most other body parts; however a little TLC can help decrease visibility of crease/wrinkles.

    1 Face foundation is normally applied to the neck as well as the face. Some women have owned up to either forgetting or can not be bothered to remove this at night. The neck like the face requires gentle exfoliation. Neck skin needs protection from the suns harmful UV rays which damages the skin severely, it can affect skin tone, cause age spots and worse still the cause of skin cancer. These are just prevention methods and not a cure. Avoiding the sun, exfoliating and applying moisturizer to the skin will definitely make neck creases far less noticeable.

    Firm breasts can be helped through exercise. Swimming is one of the best exercises to help firm breasts up, because it requires the pectoral muscles to continually work. Joining a fitness gym is the best course of action to take. Your local trainer in the gymnasium may suggest using the dumbbell press.


    Step1

    Lie on your back with 3-5 lb. free weights.

    Step2

    Raise the weights over your head with your arms fully extended from the shoulder.

    Step3

    Lower the weights to your chest, squeezing your pectoral muscles.


    Step4

    Raise the weights back to the original position.

    Step5

    Complete two sets of 15 repetitions.

    The best and proven way to keep the body in a healthy tip top condition is to join a gym or yoga class. Obesity is a rising major concern. Any person carrying excess weight is at risk from particular diseases. Overweight people are most likely the ones to feel less good about themselves, Light exercise and a well balanced diet is the road to take to find the new healthy you. It can be fun dieting and very educational. Learning about foods in the way of what is good and not good for you can be passed onto others in your family should they have a weight problem. Now go run that treadmill with an apple in hand.


    Unique Wrinkles Skincare
    Beauty in You Hair Care
    Hygiene Vaginal Odour
    Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_556498_28.html
    Author: Trent Vaughn
    Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos .net
    Most people think that gardening is very costly to undertake and therefore they get discouraged even to try and make an attempt at it. It is quite possible for you to get into gardening without spending a fortune on it. You can actually garden on budget and be successful at it. Outlined below are a few tips that could save you some money.

    1. Receive free advice. Do not spend your money on expensive manuals on gardening since there are numerous other sources that you can use to acquire very good and helpful information at no cost. You may visit your local library or the internet for tons of useful information.

    2. Grow from seeds. It is very cost effective to grow your plants from seeds. Search for seeds that are cheap, you may find those that are on offers at discounts on the internet gardening sites.

    3. Take cuttings. Some tender plants like pelargonium, marguerites, fuchsia for example, grow easily from cuttings.

    4. Swap seeds. From one packet of seeds, you may only need to saw a handful of seeds such that the rest can be saved for the next season. You may alternatively go halves with other gardening friends near you or even swap your unwanted seeds for others that you fancy.

    5. Plan for the year. Let the bulbs that are spent in your garden produce some good flowers in future years by eliminating their seed heads, ensuring that their foliage is undisturbed and watering them well now.

    6. Use second-hand equipment. Garden on budget by finding tools and furniture that are second-hand. You could really end up with high quality tools for very little amount of money.

    7. Go to discount stores. Be on the look out also for tools and equipments on offer at your local markets. Compare prices with the ones charged at garden centers and take advantage of any price differences.

    8. Make your own compost. Do not pay for compost if you can make one for yourself. You can get proper information on how to make compost on the internet or books from your local library.

    9. Make your own weed killer. To kills weeds, you can spray them using white distilled vinegar, reapplying it on any new growth found until the weeds die.


    The tips above can ensure that you garden on budget without feeling any pressure on the need to spend too much. Gardening can actually be carried out cheaply and with so much fun, enjoy your gardening.


    Trent Vaughn writes various consumer articles on a number of topics. Check out his wireless surround sound system blog where he reviews the latest products, including the sony ht-ct150.
    Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_2059464_27.html