Blog

The autumn months provide us with incredible scenery and amazing food that makes us feel warm and loved. Unfortunately, the autumn weather isn’t always the best for our entertainment budgets though, especially if there’s children in the home. With cooler, windier and wetter weather to contend with we often find ourselves trapped indoors or looking for any way to find some fun no matter the cost. This autumn you won’t have to spend all your long weekends indoors thanks to these fun tips that will make this special time of the year even more amazing. With a couple tricks to transform the next few months into a cheap and entertaining time your budget may even begin to flourish once more. So, grab your galoshes and get ready to have some fun without your wallet!

1. Harvest Time
Good times usually involve a little food, which makes autumn one of the best times to get together and enjoy seeing how food gets to your table! There’s so many different things that go into harvest in the autumn months that you may have a hard time picking what you’d like to try out first. Apple picking is one of the more popular things to do during the late summer and early autumn months. You can easily spend a day at an apple orchard and spend less than $20 or $30. Of course, this price will include all of the tasty apples that you picked in the process! Later in the season spending time at the pumpkin patch is another top favorite. Kids will love checking out the different pumpkins as well as picking their own to take home. Although spending time in the orchard or pumpkin patch is a lot of fun on their own, it won’t beat the time you spend cooking the delicious foods you brought home. There’s plenty exciting recipes to try, so let your kids experiment with something new with a little help from you.

2. Mazes
With harvest season comes mazes, which are always a cheap but fun way to spend an afternoon. You will usually find these mazes on the outskirts of town, so it might take a little transportation time to get there, but it will certainly be worth it when you see all of the fun to be had. Admission to the mazes usually isn’t much and kids can often get in free, so make sure to call and ask around until you find the right pricing for you. Typically, mazes are made out of corn or hay so you may also find one that won’t irritate any specific allergies in the household. Once you’ve figured out when you’re going and where you’re going the excitement can begin! The maze is a great bonding experience for all ages and will ensure you work together to find your way out of the maze just in time to enjoy some tasty roasted corn.

3. Get Leafy
Leaves are everywhere in the autumn which means you’re already set up for a whole lot of fun. Try to create a relay race when raking up the leaves so kids have fun while working on the lawn. You can also allow them to jump in them because, well, who can resist this once a year activity? Once all of the leaves are cleaned up then pick out a few of them. These can easily be made into exciting crafts. For instance you can have kids make a leaf print with simple paper and crayons. They can also press their favorite so they can always remember the special memories you created together. If you’re feeling ambitious then you can easily create a leaf reef to decorate the home for the autumn months. Leaves also make great designs for special Thanksgiving headbands that can be given out to all of your guests. You could also have the kids draw faces on each leaf. Once they’re finished hang them from the ceiling for a look that will show off the best aspects of nature. Also, if you’re homeschooling or working on a science project then you can have kids study the leaves and write down or draw their discoveries.

4. Sports
You can’t get through the autumn months without hearing about one sport or another. So, check out your local schedule and see who is playing. You can easily visit junior leagues for free and college and high school level teams aren’t expensive to watch. If you’re not up to going out to see a game then host a party at home when your favorite major, minor or college team plays on the T.V. Watching the game doesn’t have to be your only activity though. You may want to consider signing up the kids for a sport. Autumn usually caters to football, volleyball, hockey, field hockey and soccer in some areas. Of course, many places will play other sports throughout the year, so ask around to see what may be interesting for your family. You can join a team of your own too, even if it is only you and a few friends its still exercise that will keep you warm while you’re on the move!

5. Read
There’s not a whole lot better than cuddling in bed with a good book as the rain pours outside. The best thing is reading doesn’t have to cost you a penny if you’re looking to save money. Try to schedule weekly or monthly trips to the library where you can share your love for reading with your children. You may want to schedule trips around special story times that the library hosts for younger children. Library visits are a great time to bond over books and they’ll allow you to help your children pick out books that will help them grow and learn. Once you have your books make sure to appoint a time to read them at home. Try to make it fun by creating snacks and having a quiet day where everyone enjoys a good story. Make sure you also read to younger children so they can feel the warmth of sharing a book on a cold day. If you’re feeling really creative you can have each member of the household write their own story and share it with the family at the end of the week. This is a great way to promote reading while supporting kids creativity and interests.

6. Volunteer
If you’re feeling bored one cold afternoon then why not head to your local soup kitchen and offer your services. Nothing will make you feel the warm buzz of the season quite like being a part of something extraordinary. This is a great way to spend your time because it helps your community while also keeping you from spending money. You don’t have to choose the soup kitchen though, there’s lots of options that range from cleaning up a park to helping take care of abandoned animals. If you do a little research in your area you’ll easily be able to find something that will make you happy. You may also be able to find something perfect for you and your older children to take part in. Volunteering can become especially important during the holiday season, so you may want to keep this in mind when you’re scheduling a time to volunteer. If you don’t have time then you could always have the family go through their old clothes and toys to donate to a good cause!

7. Go to the Fair
There’s fairs and festivals all year long, but there’s something extra special about the feeling of autumn fairs. Typically, fairs won’t cost you a whole lot to get into so you won’t have to worry about overdoing it when you’re there. Usually you can get an inexpensive pass that will will allow you to ride some rides and enjoy games with friends and family. The fair food is always a must have during the season and generally runs fairly cheap, especially if you plan on sharing the things you order. Make sure you make it to the fair earlier in the season though because it may get too cold to enjoy some of the rides at night if you wait until the later months.

8. Get Outside
If you love to hike or bike then autumn is the time for you. The weather is crisp, but not too cold so you can spend hours outside without feeling frostbitten or over heated. If you have children then you may want to be careful with the biking because it can be slippery with the fallen leaves and wet ground. You might also want to invest in a cheap kite as the wind makes the perfect time to enjoy kite flying when the weather is clear. A weekend at a campsite might bring the family together as well. Imagine all of the smores, ghost stories and time spent checking out the stars with those you love the most. You could also create scavenger hunts, relay races and other tasks for kids to do outside. This will ensure they get plenty of exercise before it may be too cold to spend time outdoors. The ski slopes are also open for business which means you can have some fun skiing, snowboarding or just hanging out at the amazing log cabin rentals! Of course, if you’re lucky you may also be able to find a great place to do some rock climbing. The more time you enjoy spending outdoors the more you’ll be able to put back money for a rainy day.

9. Holiday Crafts
Autumn is the beginning of the fast paced holiday season, so why not make use of the rainy days for a little crafting time. You can start with autumn solstice crafts and end with New Year’s, of course it’s perfectly okay to mix it up a little too. Try to find supplies in the home to work with before you go and buy more though as this will help keep your crafts cheap. You can really think out of the box with some of your crafts too, but make sure you have a little something for everyone to do. Before Halloween and Thanksgiving rolls around you should be able to decorate the home for holidays without a problem. If you get a good enough jump start on your crafts then you may also be able to give many of your crafts away for gifts during the holiday season. This alone will save you a fortune on the amount you spend on the holidays.

10. Learn Something New
A lot of the time when we spend too much of our free time indoors we tend to go into sloth mode and end up glued to the television set. Rather than spending time doing this you should try to use it to pick up something that may enrich your life. For instance, you can start learning a new language. There’s lots of free online material that can help you start learning without a problem. You may also consider picking up an instrument, especially if you already have one laying around the house. You can also find lessons for various instruments online and sometimes public broadcasting channels will offer lessons through the college for free. You may have to call around to find out when you can catch the lessons though. If you’re not interested in these things then you may want to learn some new dance moves, practice martial arts or begin a new craft like knitting or painting.

Autumn doesn’t have to be the time you spend more money than you should. There’s lots of great things to that will cost you next to nothing and help you appreciate the changing of the seasons. While the weathers cooling down and life is speeding up you may find these amazing activities will ensure you and your family stay entertained for cheap.

Canning season can be a great way to bond with your family while making your food storage escalate substantially for the winter months. From delightful jams to zesty pickles, you can make your pantry shine during the less than fruitful months of winter. This seemingly frugal activity can cost you a bundle if you’re just starting out though, which might detour you from trying it when you’re already on a tight budget. There’s a lot of ways you can make this hobby cost you less and less though. With a few frugal tips, canning might become your new favorite kitchen based hobby. Your family and friends will love your tasty treats too, so don’t let the initial cost scare you away from this exciting money saving activity.

1. Know What You Need
A lot of beginners tend to go for kits that have all of the essentials for anyone just starting out. These kits can be amazing, but aren’t exactly cost effective, so if you’re looking to save then skip this step entirely. Instead, with a little basic research you can find out all of the essentials that will get you going. For starters, you’re going to need mason jars in order to store your food. These can be found just about anywhere, so all you need to worry about is finding the best price. Before you purchase these items make sure that they are actually canning jars rather than decorative or simply used for beverages. You’ll also need lids and rings. Now, you can purchase reusable lids, but these can be pricey so you might want to stick to lids and rings until you’re sure you want to invest in this hobby. Lids need to be replaced every time you use them, so the cheaper you find them the better. You’ll also need a pot. You can easily use the stock pot you already have for this, rather than spending extra money on a canning pot. If you find all of these items at a low price then you should be well on your way to canning for around $30, which isn’t bad at all!

2. Go Second Hand
Getting your supplies used is one of the cheapest ways to start out on your canning adventure. Before you spend a penny ask friends and family if they have any supplies they’re not using. Many people will be happy to get rid of old supplies they may not be using, but some may charge you a small fee. If you can find the goods from the people close to you then you’re ready to go! However, if you can’t find anything then try to post on Craigslist with your request or seek out the supplies on Ebay. Another simple place to look is yard sales and thrift stores. With a little searching you might find your items for a lot less than you would buying them new. However, when you do buy or inherit used goods it is very important to examine the items to make sure there is no chips or cracks that could compromise your food.

3. Buy in Bulk
If there’s one hobby the requires bulk buying it’s definitely canning! Once you’ve gotten the hang of canning then you may want to build your supply with more cans of food. This is easily done by buying your jars in bulk. There’s a lot of craft stores that offer these items in big boxes, but you may have to take to the internet to fulfill your needs. A lot of the time you can easily find lids to your jars in bulk. This is always the most efficient way to buy them, even if you only create a few jars a year. Having them on hand will cut down on your yearly expenses for canning and will ensure you have the supplies you need when the need to can arises. You may also consider buying food in bulk. You can easily buy large batches of fruit from the farmer’s market or bulk stores like Costco and Sams. This will help you cut down on small purchases that end up costing you more and more as the season progresses.

4. Shop Around
Canning involves a little shopping around. Although you may think you’ve found a good deal at one store there’s probably something even better lurking at another store or online. A lot of stores will have sales on these items, especially if they’re not selling well in your area, so make sure to call around and ask before you make any purchase you might regret. When shopping for these items you should always check your local dollar stores. You may be surprised to find all of the supplies you need here for just a few bucks opposed to the larger amount you may have to pay at a department store. The internet might also surprise you when it comes to pricing! If you’re feeling a little lost with the shopping then you might check out a canning website. There’s a lot of clubs that talk about the best prices on supplies that could help you make the right move a lot faster.

5. Free Tutorials
Many people who begin to can feel like they should take a class, buy a DVD or a book to help them understand the basics that they need to start the process. This isn’t the case though! So, save yourself some money and stay away from these products. Rather than purchase an item to help out simply look online for free tutorials. There’s so many online that you may not know where to start. If you prefer reading what to do then try downloading a couple of simple tutorials online and go with the piece that makes the most sense to you. If you’re a visual learner then there are ample video tutorials on sites like YouTube. This will allow you to pause the lesson whenever needed so you can catch up with the process. There are even free online courses for canning that might help you become an expert in no time. So, browse around and find what works so you won’t have to waste time and money on expensive hobby classes or instructional books and DVDs!

6. Buy Supplies in the Winter
Canning season tends to last when there is an abundance of fruit and vegetables available. Thus, during the winter people tend to can a whole lot less unless they live in an area that flourishes throughout the year. So, during the winter supplies for canning can actually be a whole lot cheaper. This is largely because stores want to move them so you’ll luck out if you wait to shop during these times. Although this might not help you with canning this year, it can start you out on the right foot for the next season that comes along. However, if you still want to can this season then it won’t harm you to buy a few supplies to work with now. This will allow you to figure out if you like canning so when winter does come you can buy a lot more supplies for next time you get to can. As your canning hobby grows you can also use this off season to invest in more expensive items like a canning rack or those reusable lids you were looking at!

7. Find Recipes
One problem a lot of new canners run into is not having the recipes to make delicious canned goods. One batch of so-so food can turn off some new canners for good. So, make sure you have some recipes before you dive in. If you’re lucky a family or friend will pass down some recipes they’ve used for years, which is perfect especially if you’ve tried some of their canned goods and enjoyed them. There’s also a lot of amazing recipes online you can try. It might be wise not to make big batches of recipes at first. Instead, try a few you’re interested in and see how they turn out. If you enjoy them then keep the recipe, if not then toss is out and move on to the next one. This might take some exploration time on your part, but having recipes can help save on the culinary disasters just winging it might cost. Try to avoid purchasing recipe books though as there’s ample free online recipes to try before you spend money on such an item.

8. Shop in Season
Food is obviously a major part of canning and can be one of the most expensive aspects of the hobby if you’re not careful. To avoid going overboard on canning expenses you should always shop in season. Try to look online and see which fruits and vegetables you should be looking for during each individual season. You can also go on the pricing of your grocery store. If you tend to find items for cheap then they’re most likely in season and will provide you with a burst of nutritious flavor to work with. Shopping in season will also make buying produce in bulk much easier as you won’t have to worry about importing prices or high demand of the item.

9. Garden
Nothing is more rewarding than using your own home grown food to can. This can be one of the best ways to save money on your hobby as well as your grocery bills. Make sure to do a little research to figure out what items grow best in your climate. You may also want to consider growing seedlings indoors during the cooler months. There’s endless options to make a garden work in your home, so have a little fun with it. Whenever you have surplus food then look around for a recipe for it. This can make a delicious treat for the family during the colder months and may even encourage your family to eat healthier. The more you garden the more variety you’ll have to can and the more your budget will thrive!

10. Invest
After you’ve tried out canning for awhile you may want to consider investing in your hobby a little. If you enjoy canning and want to do it more often then items that make it easier will certainly make the hobby more fun for you. So, as you progress in your skills think about ordering the reusable lids or the special canning pot and rack. These items will allow you to make more of your canned goods without having to worry about the mess in your kitchen or the time it takes to can. Try to do a little research on the items that will make your canning hobby even better. You may even consider adding the items to your holiday wish list. As you begin to get more equipment you can stock your cupboards for times when your budget might be too tight to buy nutritious foods. You may also want to gift your jams and other treats as holiday gifts which will cut down spending during this tight part of the year!

Canning can be a great way to feel like a bigger part of your household’s food preparations. The delicious foods you create will help nourish your family and friends while making your shopping expenses go down immensely. So, don’t let the initial start up cost of the hobby keep you from buying what you need to begin. With these ten tips you’ll be ready to can your first batch of food in no time at all.

Dressing up for Halloween and Trick or Treating can be incredibly exciting, but decorating your home with plenty of spooking décor might make you take even more interest in the holiday. There’s a lot of ways to get decorations for your home during this fun holiday, but they can be way too pricey to suit your household’s budget. There are ways to create a creepy oasis without going overboard on the spending though. These ten tricks will treat you to a few ideas that will have your house looking haunted for the popular holiday. Now, you’ll be able to have even more fun as you plan out new ways to scare your trick or treaters while creating a scary vibe for those who dare to knock on your door!

1. It’s All About the Pumpkins
If there’s one thing that stands out about Halloween it’s definitely the pumpkin. This seasonal gourd shows up everywhere from costumes to the colors that represent the holiday. So, make sure you have plenty of these guys around the house. One of the most iconic ways to exhibit a pumpkin is to carve it into a Jack-o-Lantern. In order to save money on this decoration try to use a basic knife and spoon from home rather than buy a kit. You may also want to print out carving patterns rather than buying them. When you’re finished with the pumpkin save the seeds and you can make pumpkin seed treats for your party. If you’re not into cutting into the pumpkin then simply draw a face on it with markers. This will allow you to still be able to cook with the pumpkin once the holiday is over. To show off the face simply place a light under it for effect. You can also turn your pumpkin into a head for a scarecrow or other monster you may want to build. Of course, pumpkins look great on their own too if you’re looking for a more reserved look. Make sure to shop around before you make a purchase though!

2. Glow in the Dark Paint
When it comes to getting tricky with your décor glow in the dark paint can work wonders. For less than $5 you can create your own spooky decorations or you can amplify those you already have. To begin with, if you don’t want to buy fake webs then simply paint them on your windows. This will add a fun effect that isn’t visible in the daylight. You can also add secret messages for your trick or treaters that only show up in the dark. You may want to add hand prints that look like blood on the home. If you already have a lot of décor then cleverly add some paint to make things better. For instance, a little paint on your faux web, or just the spider, can make the decoration pop. It’s also great for skeletons and other pieces you’d love to make a bolder statement. With this paint you might not feel as compelled to put out as many decorations, which could stop you from going out and buying more. Before you get crazy with the paint you should double check that it washes away with water and you might want do a test strip to see what you’ll be working with!

3. Cardboard
Kids love it, cats love and you’ll love it when it comes to saving cash on your Halloween décor. You can work wonders with cardboard so let your imagination soar. One of the most popular items to make with it is tombstones. Simply cut you out the shape you’re looking for, slap on some paint and you’re ready to go. You can also make signs to direct trick or treaters to your haunted house or to creep them out if you plan on just leaving out a bowl of candy! You can cut out other shapes like ghosts or pumpkins that the kids can decorate. These can easily be placed indoors or outdoors of the home. If you’re really looking to get spooky try to trace out the outline of a werewolf, scared cat or moon. When you’re done flash a light on the cardboard causing it to cast a shadow on the home which will creep everyone out. You can find a lot more ideas online if you’re looking to make the most of your recycled cardboard this season.

4. Tissue Paper
Do you have a lot of tissue paper just laying around in your craft supplies? Use it! Tissue paper has a lot of uses during the Halloween season. One of the more common uses of tissue paper is to make ghosts. Usually you crumple a small wad of newspaper to use as the head. Drape the tissue paper over the newspaper and secure it with a string just under the head. Kids will love drawing little faces on the ghosts which can be hung up inside of the home, in a tree, or taped to the window. You can also create cute little pumpkins using tissue paper. There’s lots of different things you can do with this cheap craft supply so show off your skills for all to see. If you’re feeling lost there’s lot of ideas online so hurry and check them out! The best thing about these cute crafts is they can be saved for next year!

5. Use Nature
Nature can be pretty spooky on its own so get crafty with supplies you find in the yard. Leaves are one of the more essential items you can use to make your home pretty scary. One easy trick here is to rake up the leaves in the yard then add fake body parts to the outer edges. You could also have someone hide in the leaf piles to spook a few of the older trick or treaters. You can easily stuff old work clothes to create a scarecrow that will send the kids running. Tree branches are also pretty spooky if you know how to work their magic. Try building a creepy tree branch barrier for the trick or treater to pass through. You could also have someone sit in a tree and make fake branches move around. Rocks are also fun to work with. Although it may not be on the spooky side, you could have the kids decorate rocks like their favorite monsters. This is a fun bonding craft that looks great displayed in a window or sitting out on the porch.

6. Solar Lights
One of the major problems with Halloween decoration expenses is the price it adds on to the electric bill. This isn’t exactly good for your budget or the environment so try to avoid traditional lights and look for solar lights whenever possible. You may actually be surprised as to how many of these incredible decorations are on the market now. They’re not incredibly expensive either which makes them even more efficient for the home. Although you may not get a wide variety in stores, you can easily log on to the internet and do a quick search for locations or websites that sell these items. You’ll love Halloween even more once you have your amazing light show up. Your monthly bill won’t make you want to cry and you’ll have passed off an exciting look for the holiday, which is definitely a win win!

7. Discount Stores
If you really need to pick up a few items for your collection or you’re just starting out then try to skip out on the big name stores as much as possible. Instead, try looking around used or thrift stores to see if there’s anything you might like at an affordable price. One of the best places to look for cheaper items is dollar stores. These stores usually have basic items that will keep your home decorated at a price that won’t make you have to reconsider your budget for the month. Although you might not find big ticket items as these stores you will be able to grab spider webs, banners and other cute window decorations. Stores like Big Lots or Ross are great for finding the bigger items for less money. However, when you’re seeking out an item you should always do a little pre-shopping before you make your purchase. Try looking online or calling your local store to see which location has the best price for you!

8. Sales
Some stores may actually have sales during the Halloween season, but you shouldn’t count on these when shopping. If you do find a good sale then it might be a great time to buy items you’ve been wanting for awhile. However, you’ll always save the most when you wait until after Halloween is over. This is when all of the stores will put their Halloween goods on clearance so they can make room for other items next year. Although it isn’t going to help you for this Halloween, with the items you find at the clearance sale you’ll be ready to put on an amazing show for next year. You may also be able to find Halloween décor online throughout the year at a low price. These items are a great bargain, but act fast before the autumn months come back around and the prices are increased!

9. Print Outs
If you have younger children then you know coloring can make the household pretty peaceful for a few minutes. This Halloween you can easily enjoy printing out a few free coloring sheets for your children to work on. Once the kids have colored them and/or cut them out you can place them all over the home to make the inside just as festive as the outside. If you really want to get craft about the project bring out the glitter, string and other fun craft items for your kids to use. You may also want to consider printing out banners, signs and pictures that can be placed in your window or door. Another easy and fun idea is to print out Halloween characters. Your kids can color them, cut them out and then place them on popsicle sticks to create adorable puppets. You can encourage the kids to put on a puppet show for the whole family or they can even prepare for a grand appearance in front of this year’s trick or treaters!

10. Use What You Have
It is terribly easy to fall into the consumerism aspect of Halloween, but if you’re on a budget this can really mess you up. Instead of lurking down the Halloween aisle in stores try to avoid it and dig out all of the stuff you’ve used the past few years. If you’re unhappy with some items then give them a little makeover with a new paint job. You can also fix up broken items to make them look even scarier. Old Halloween masks from previous years can be used as décor too. You can use them as a scarecrow head or simply hang them up around the house. The important thing is to avoid shopping as much as possible. If you’re low on supplies then think out of the box. One of the spookiest looks for your home could be to utilize simple candlelight in the windows. The shadows in the home will look creepy without any effort on your part. You could also use your projector to screen a scary movie on your garage. You may want to consider making it family friendly though! There’s ample ideas out there that don’t actually involve buying anything new.

Decorating for Halloween can be lots of fun when money isn’t involved. With these tips you can find pleasure in creating your own decorations while keeping your budget in check! So, whether you’re aiming to scare or just wanting to have some fun, money won’t put a wrench in your Halloween plans!

Homecoming is a huge part of the high school experience and is celebrated at some colleges too. Although its a great way to come together with your peers and support your football team the price of attending homecoming can be pretty pricey. If you’re willing to make a few changes to your plans you can have the time of your life without hurting your budget though. With these ten simple tricks you can cut out the high expenses and put back some money for your next big dance. You won’t have to sacrifice a lot to make the evening special which will help you feel even more in the mood to share your team spirit! From the game to the dance floor, with these money saving tips you’ll be ready to make this homecoming event a year to remember.

1. Carpool
For many homecoming is a time of extravagance, which means going the whole nine yards and hiring a limo to drop you off at your destination. The only problem with this is, homecoming involves a game and a dance so you’ll have to spend a lot more money to show up in style. If you do plan on getting a limo then try to get as many people as possible in on the cost. This will allow you to spend a little since the cost of the evening will be substantially more. Of course, the alternative to the transportation dilemma is to carpool with friends. This will allow you to be able to come and go as you please without having to spend a whole lot of money. Try to get everyone to chip in for gas and parking and the evening should go on without costing you hundreds of dollars. The best thing about taking your own car is you can leave the game a little early to avoid lines at the dance, or you can stay a little later to help cheer on your team without worrying about the limo having to wait!

2. Used Dresses/Tuxes
Getting dressed up for the big night is one of the most expensive aspects of homecoming. New dresses and tuxes can set you back hundreds of dollars which won’t do your budget any favors. There’s a way around the high cost of your attire though. You can easily rent a suit or dress if you find something you like, but even that may cost more than its worth. Instead, before you go shopping ask your friends and family if they have a dress you can borrow for the big night. This is great when you have older siblings, cousins or even friends that may have gone to homecoming the year before. Make sure everything fits right before you head to the big event though. If you don’t have any luck with finding a borrowed outfit then look to your local consignment and thrift stores. Here you should find a wide selection of dresses that will make the night seem perfect. You could also check out online auction sites or consignment stores to see if there is anything you may want here too. This should probably be a last resort though as you will have to way for the item to arrive in the mail, so it may cut alteration time a bit short.

3. Accessories
Accessories can make your style go from great to amazing in no time flat, but you shouldn’t get carried away. Shoes are probably the most important thing you can get, but wait until you’re absolute positive which dress you will be wearing. You should also consider the style before you purchase. Homecoming involves a game and a dance, so you may want to refrain from buying heels because walking up and down stairs in them isn’t going to feel great after the first half an hour. If you can, try to borrow shoes from a close family member or friend. This will help cut down the cost of your expenses substantially. You might also look into buying a cheaper pair of shoes and adding a few DIY touches to them. When it comes to jewelry and other pieces try to keep it light. The best thing you can do is use items you already own or borrow from someone else. Of course, if you do want to buy something new then keep it on the cheaper side so you have more to spend elsewhere. Second hand stores are great for finding jewelry that doesn’t cost a fortune, so you may want to start your journey here.

4. DIY Mum/corsage
A lot of homecoming traditions call for a mum. This is widely popular in southern states, but if you don’t have to buy a mum then you’ll probably want a corsage. Both of these items can just you a lot of money if you’re not careful, but one easy way to avoid the huge price tag is to make it yourself. Corsages are a lot easier than the mum. Simply buy some of your favorite flowers or your dates and add them to a simple cardboard backing. You can buy all the supplies needed at a craft store or your local florists. Mums may be a bit more complicated, but don’t stress it now. You can easily pick up a real or fake mum at a craft store florists which will probably be the hardest part of the project. After you’ve picked your flower then try to pick up ribbon in your schools colors, bells and school spirit decals! All of these items can be found anywhere a mum is sold, a craft store or the internet. If you’re having trouble getting started then look online for tutorials, there’s lots of them!

5. Hair
There’s absolutely no reason to go out and spend a lot of money on getting your hair done for homecoming. This is one of the biggest expenses that isn’t necessary at all. Instead of having a professional work on your hair ask a parent, relative or friend that may be skilled in this area. Usually people are more than happy to help. This will also ensure you don’t have long wait periods before the party, so your hair will look amazing throughout the night. You could also invite your friends over for a hair party before you leave. Everyone can help out when it comes to primping and getting the perfect hair styles. You can even make a party of it with snacks and music. You’ll have so much fun doing this that it may actually become the highlight of the night. It will also make it easier for your carpool to disperse to the party without having to waste a lot of money on gas. If you do feel the need to get your hair done look for sales or coupons first, or head to your local beauty school.

6. Makeup
Makeup is another major expense you can cut from your budget if you need to save money. Try to use the makeup you have at home to create a look that will leave your date mesmerized. You can easily have a friend or family member do your makeup for you if you’re looking for the royal treatment. Of course, if you do want to go out there are other ways to get a makeover without the huge price tag. Try going to the local beauty school or look for coupons for this area of expertise. You may also want to consider going to mall to look for a free makeover. A lot of stores will offer these if you’re looking to buy makeup from them. This will help you find out the colors you should be working with. You may have to plan this out ahead of time, but most stores won’t have a problem helping you out on short notice. Of course, you will probably have to buy an item so make sure to take inventory of what you need before you go in.

7. Nails
You should avoid spending the money to have your nails done. Instead, make this part of your pre-party. You can easily color coordinate your nails with your friends at a price that won’t harm anyone’s budget. There’s a lot of department and discount stores that sale bulk boxes of fake nails. Try to get everyone to chip in on the purchase and add a few nail polishes with your school colors on them of finish up the expense. There’s a lot of fun tutorials online that can transform your nails into works of art at such a small cost. You may even want to splurge for some rhinestones to make your look even more spectacular.

8. Student Discount
Students have a great asset when it comes to shopping and that’s their student I.D. card. This simple piece of plastic can help take 10-20% off items you may need for your homecoming celebration. In order to save money on your services make sure to call around to ask who takes the discount. This will help narrow down your shopping search so you can easily find what you’re looking for at a price that won’t send your parents screaming. Discounts can be found across the board too. From getting hair and nails done to eating at a restaurant after the dance. With the student discount on your side your spending will significantly decrease. You may also be able to use this discount on the pictures taken at the school, so you can enjoy the memories you had at the dance for years to come. Most importantly, a student discount card will cut down the prices of your game and dance tickets so you can attend for much less.

9. Dine In
A lot of people love to go out to eat after the game and dance, but this can harm your budget if you’re not careful. A lot of restaurants will hike up the prices during special occasions or may just charge more for anyone wanting to dine at such a late hour. Instead of planning to eat afterwards try to dine in at home. You can easily do this before the game as you get ready for the night, or you can invite your group to your home for a little dinner after the party. When you cut out this unnecessary cost you’ll have more to spend on drinks and snacks at the game!

10. Shop Early
Looking for your dress, making reservations and finding tickets is a lot easier if you do a little early bird shopping. Generally, the day of homecoming is announced on the school calendar that you get the first week of school. As soon as you find out the date you should begin planning for your dress or tux. The earlier you shop the better the deals you’ll find as everything will still be out of season. Buying tickets early is also a major bonus. Usually purchasing tickets from the school will cut down the price as you usually have to pay a dollar or two more when you purchase them the day of the game. Since you will have to buy two separate tickets this will help you save even more money.

Homecoming is a great time to enjoy your friends, school and team so don’t let your budget ruin the experience for you. These tips can help you find the look you’ve always wanted without forcing you to do spend more money than you want. Now, all you have to do is worry about finding the perfect date and having the night of your life!

It’s hard to get noticed in the modern world if you don’t have a website to direct your clientele. However, if you’re not sure where to begin then you may be looking at a huge financial burden that might turn you off of advertising in the digital age. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to cut the costs of having your own website that won’t require you to be schooled in coding or a master in the art of digital technologies. These ten tricks will have you ready to show off your business in no time, which will help boost sales, get you noticed and keep your business competitive in the the modern world. So, get ready for your business to change as you pass out new cards showing your future customers just where they can find you on the world wide web.

1. Free Hosting
One important aspect to the whole website thing is who is going to host your page? This can get pretty pricey if you don’t know where to look, but there’s always great discounts out there if you’re willing to do a little research. A web hosting package allows you to place your website on a server, which enables others to look at it. Your server will determine a lot about your page so make sure to ask for advice if you aren’t sure you know what you need to keep your page running smoothly. Once you’re aware of what you need then take to the net and look around. There’s a lot of free hosting available if you’re not looking to take up a lot of space. This may be a perfect starter for a small business or personal web page that might not get a lot of visits each day. If you’re still feeling a bit lost as to what hosting you should choose then read reviews online and talk to people you may know that used a certain company. With the worry of web hosting out of the way you can take the money you would have spent here and put it back into your business!

2. Domains
Domain names may be more important than you think. The domain name makes it easy for your clients or fans to stop by your page without having to do an extensive search for you. Luckily, domain names aren’t as expensive as you may think they are. If you’re working with a small business or personal site then it may even be okay for you to use the domain name your hosting company provides you. Of course, with a free domain name you won’t get an independent name of your own. Rather, you’ll get a name that is also connected with your host. This normally isn’t a big deal but if you’re looking to appear more professional then it might be time to shop around for a cheap name. There’s a lot of companies out there that can provide you with a domain for just a few cents a month, but make sure you read the fine print. If you want to secure your name without a monthly hassle then you may want to pay in advance or find a package deal for your name.

3. Don’t Outsource Content
Most websites have a lot of content that needs to be put onto the page. Some companies or individuals will actually outsource this part of the process to a freelancer or a content company. This is fine if you don’t have the time but you do have the money to spend on the website. However, if you’re on a tight budget then write the content out by yourself. This process will ensure that you know exactly what your audience is going to read and may make you feel better about the entire process. If you’re worried about the content not sounding right then ask someone to look it over. Usually a friend or family member would be happy to do this so you won’t have to worry about spending any extra money on the process. Best of all, your customers or fans will be reading your words which makes their experience on your site even more personal.

4. Use Freeware
If you’re feeling like taking on a major role in your page and building it yourself then make sure to use as much freeware as possible. You can easily find the software you need by doing a simple search online and reading reviews. A lot of free hosting sites will also offer you a site builder that is easy to use, which could cut down on the overall price of your website. There’s also other software that will enable you to make a more successful page. For instance, you will need a word processor to create written content that is error free. You may always want to use a photo editing program so you can create your own banners, backgrounds and edit the photos you choose to place on your web page. There are many free programs like this online too and many you won’t even have to download! So, before you go out and buy expensive programs for your website’s creation consider the free alternative first!

5. Go Simple
A lot of people come up with grand ideas for their website which can be great. However, if you’re on a budget then you may want to cool your ideas down a little bit. Intricate designs take a web page builder longer to work on which means you’re already going to hand over more money than you would originally have to. These designs often tend to take up more space so your free hosting company might not be able to handle your page or if you pay for hosting you may have to pay for even more than you originally thought. Instead, try to go for a simple design. This will ensure your website runs smoothly and gets the message across without becoming too distracting. Simple designs are easy to edit and can be added onto whenever the mood arises. If you’re creating the site yourself then you may also be incredibly thankful for your simple choice.

6. Hire a Student/Amateur
Computer Science is one of the most popular majors in today’s educational system, so you shouldn’t have a problem hiring someone that is on the professional track but isn’t quite there yet. A lot of students will advertise their services on college campuses or even on listings like Craig’s List, so you shouldn’t have to do a lot of looking before you find someone to do the job. By hiring a student you’ll allow them a little work experience to add to their resume so they can find a job easier when they’re finished with school! You may also want to consider hiring a hobbyist to help with the job. Usually these amateurs do the job for the fun of it and won’t charge as much as someone who does it for a living. If you have a family member or friend that dabbles in web design then you may even be better off. Make sure to look at examples of work before making the hire though and offer to pay in stages just in case the job doesn’t go according to plan.

7. Plan It Out
One of the biggest problems many people run into when purchasing a website is their ideas. Yes, ideas are great but not when they stand in the way of the finished project. Instead of getting your web page off the ground without fully thinking it through sit down and write down all of your ideas. When you have everything down do a little planning. You may also want to take a couple of weeks to mull things over just in case you come up with something new or change your mind about certain elements. When you know you’re ready then do your hiring or start on the project yourself. If you hire someone then make sure to have a meeting where you throw ideas around. This will ensure you’re on the same page and will prevent you from throwing in new ideas when the project is almost finished, which will cause you to have to pay more.

8. Pay In Advance
When you’re looking at plans for your website you may want to see if there are any bulk deals you can buy into to save you a bit of money. Usually, your hosting company and domain company will have a series of packages that will take off a certain about of money if you pay them in advance. This can be a great way to start off you website without having to worry about additional prices over the next year or so. You may also want to ask your design and upkeep company for any upfront costs that may take off of your pricing. With these items off your worry list you can concentrate more on the business aspect of your store.

9. Social Media
If you’re not entirely sure about the whole website thing or you want even more coverage then social media can be your best friend. There’s a lot of social media websites to choose from so you can easily find one that reaches the audience you’re looking for. The best thing about most social media pages if they’re absolutely free until you get into the extra promotion add ons. Social media pages are simple to set up too, so you can easily work one up after in an evening. If you’re not big on setting up pages then you may want to consider getting another family member or friend to do it for you. It’s as simple as plugging in content where you need it and promoting the page in your business space. Social media is also a great place to hear what your customers or fans have to say about your business so you can easily work around their feedback. These pages tend to reach a wider audience as well, so as your loyal customers begin to follow and share your page you’ll start to see a boost in your sales and the amount of new customers your business gets each month.

10. DIY
If you know your way around the internet then don’t hold back. It may take a little more time to get your page live on the internet, but as you work through your page you’ll know you’re going to get just what you want. The more things you can do yourself the better off you’re going to be when it comes to finances. Try to take a few minutes at work to add to the website each day and in no time you’ll be ready to show the world your very own creation. Building your website from scratch will also give you a sense of pride that will show in the way you conduct your business in person. You may even be more willing to give it out to potential customers. The best thing about creating the website by yourself is you’ll know what you want to update and when, which will help save time and even more money. You can even customize your website around your hosting company, so you won’t have to worry about being shut down due to an oversized page.

Websites are a great way to show the world what you have to offer. When it comes to creating a great website you don’t have to be a computer genius, but you also don’t have to spend a fortune. With these simple tips you’ll be well on your way to showing your customers you have just what it takes to keep up with the modern world. You may even see a boost in your popularity and sales, which never hurts!

Keeping up with the fashion world can be time consuming and expensive. Between recuperating from the summer fashion season and trying to figure out what you need for this season, you may be wondering why you keep up with fashion at all! There’s a lot of ways to make the fashion season your friend though, so don’t give up on it just yet! With these ten tricks you’ll learn how to utilize what you have so you don’t have to spend too much on this season’s trends. There’s also a few suggestions that might help you spend a little lesson whenever you do go shopping. There’s no reason you fashion needs should send your budget out the window, so check out these tips and enjoy showing off your fashionista attitude throughout the season!

1. Layers
Rather than packing up your t-shirts and other light weight clothes, keep them out and layer them! Layers are a look that never goes out of fashion, so use the clothes you have waiting in your closest to make your style count. T-shirts make a great base layer for stylish button down shirts, they can also be worn under cardigans or baggy sweaters. If you’re feeling really cool then throw a t-shirt over a long sleeve or turtleneck and then add a light jacket. Tank tops are also great for these styles and will keep you a bit cooler in the early days of autumn. Sheer or light weight sweaters are also great for layering. These pieces look wonderful under a jacket or over a long sleeve blouse.

2. Reuse
When you’re in doubt it might be best to reuse some of the clothes you had last year or even this past summer. For instance, you can keep out those cute blue jean shorts that made you look great this summer. However, instead of simply wearing them out you may want to throw a pair of tights under them for a look that will turn heads and keep you nice and warm. Your favorite sundress is also a must have fashion piece for the autumn months. These can be dressed up with a pair of jeans and a simple cardigan for an autumn look that all of your friends will be jealous of. Style from later year can also be altered to suit this year’s trends, or can be worn as a signature piece to make your newer items stand out even more!

3. Men’s Wear
Believe it or not, but there’s a lot of men’s wear hitting the cat walk this season. This is good news for you though as husbands, boyfriends, friends, dads and even brothers have plenty of these items in their closet that never get worn. To start out this look try borrowing someone’s pea or trench coat. If you pair this item with a pair of boots and a skirt you’ll be ready to rock a savvy style that won’t cost you anything! The best thing about borrowing the boyfriend or husbands close is you’ll be comfortable all day and you’ll get a hint of his smell that will make you feel like home. You may also want to try borrowing a button down shirt. Tuck the shirt in, add a cute skirt or pair of leggings and you’re ready to show off a look no one can compete with! Although the baggy look might not be what you’re used to you may be surprised as to how cozy you feel while you’re out on the town. Of course, the savings are enough to celebrate anyway!

4. Signature Accessories
Everyone needs accessories to look great, but this season you’ll be able to really show off what you already have. The primary trends this year are diamonds, sapphires and bold pieces of jewelry, which are easy to find all over the place. However, if you already have these in your jewelry box then you don’t need to do any more shopping! Another key to remember while shopping for accessories is you should keep signature pieces in mind. That is, pieces that show off your personality while having a versatile use. When you can wear a piece of jewelry with anything then you’re doing good. This will ensure your money won’t go to waste! Try shopping at thrift stores and yard sales for these items as you should be able to find some cool vintage pieces at a price that makes you smile. With the bold looks of this season you may also want to keep in my that less is more. In many cases you should be able to get away with wearing only one piece of jewelry.

5. Stick with Functional
It’s very tempting to splurge on items we find visually appealing. For instance, the five different heels you bought last season that were only worn once. Let’s face it, when it comes to the fall a new pair of heels just isn’t going to last you from the cool days of October to the freezing temperatures of January. Instead of shopping for items that aren’t realistic for the cold you should look for items that will get your through the season. One example would be a pair of boots. Luckily there’s a lot of boots in fashion and they will last you all the way until late Spring when everything begins to warm up again. You should also consider sweaters that can be worn as an outer layer as the cool weather moves in and later on an extra layer of warmth between your coat and clothing. The more use you can get out of an item the more you’re going to get your money’s worth out of it. By judging items with these standards you’ll make a lot fewer frivolous choices and will instead have a wardrobe ready to last you over half the year!

6. Make Your Own
If you’re feeling crafty then you may already be ahead of the money saving game. Sewing is a great way to keep your fashion sense in check while saving quite a bit of money. Try to find bold prints at a great price, or look for the classic autumn colors or incredible blues. With these fabrics you should be able to create something that suits this season’s fashion trends while adding a fun touch that shows off your personality! If you’re not big on sewing then don’t worry, there’s still lots of accessories you can put together. Crocheting is one of the best ways to create hats, gloves, scarves and socks that will look wonder while keeping you warm during the cooler days. These items can easily be worn with today’s trends and some of the looks may actually suit some of this season’s fashion needs!

7. Sales
Of course, buying new clothes is always a refreshing experience, so don’t miss out on all of the trends just because of your tight budget. Instead of just giving up on shopping try to wait for a sale to find some of the best fashion pieces around. There’s a lot of sales that happen that we just don’t hear about it. One way to stay in the know is to sign up for your favorite stores mailing list. You could also call your local store once every week or so to find out if there are any sales going on. This will put you in the know so you can budget for the clothes you may buy during this time. You may also consider looking online as many stores will put up their surplus clothing before they put it on sale in the store. Following your local ads will also give you a general idea of when to do some shopping. Of course, if you’re looking to save big then you might wait for a big sale such as Black Friday. It might already be pretty chilly before this sale occurs, but you’ll be able to buy everything you don’t already have for the season during this major sale.

8. Stay Off Brand
It’s hard not to want to buy what the celebrities have on, but when your budget doesn’t exactly say A-lister its important to step away from those pricey brands. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to look as good though. Instead, try shopping at your local warehouse, discount store, or clothing department. There are a lot of stores that will sale clothing that looks exactly like what the celebrities are wearing, so you can look the part for so much less. There’s a lot of online blogs that are dedicated to finding a cheap alternative to some of the celebrity looks so browse around to see if you can find an off brand match for the style you’ve fallen in love with. With the lower prices you’ll also be able to splurge more, so you can easily get more clothes to fulfill your wardrobe needs.

9. Keep the Classics
One thing to concentrate on when you’re shopping is pieces of jewelry that are going to be in fashion year after year. This might seem hard, but think back to the last few seasons and work with the items that you’re still seeing in the stores. One great example is the pea coat. You can find this simple design in a multitude of colors and designs so its pretty safe its not going to go anywhere. This is a piece that you should be able to splurge on if you’re looking to buy a new one. You’ll get a lot more use out of it then other jackets that might be a one season only design. You can also shop this way with jeans and other items that you seem to continuously buy. You should especially invest in these items when you can get them for cheap as this will help save even more money. As the years progress as you collect more classic pieces you won’t have to do as much shopping each year because your wardrobe will have a great foundation.

10. Reward Programs
A lot of big name stores, and some small names too, offer a reward program that is absolutely free for your to join. You’ll want to do this as much as you can because you’ll get lots of amazing free things whenever you earn enough rewards. Many of these programs will send you special coupons and discount codes just for joining their rewards program so you have absolutely nothing to lose. However, the great thing about these programs is the rewards you can earn. As you shop for certain items you’ll get a number of points that go towards major discounts on your future purchases. Some stores will give you points for everything, while others will offer special points for items that they may be trying to sell more of. Usually you’ll be informed of this is the newsletter so you can shop accordingly. As you more items you could be looking for $30 to $50 off some of your items, which will go really far in your shopping excursions!

Autumn fashion should be a fun way to express yourself while keeping warm this cold season. However, if your budget isn’t up for the task you could end up feeling less than confident in last year’s styles. With these tips you should be able to make the most out of the clothes you have while saving more money on the clothes you want to buy. So, fashion can be a part of your life once again without making you stress out over the price tag of your new look.

With World Vegetarian Day and ample Vegetarian inspired competitions in the month of October, it might be helpful to learn how to be a vegetarian on a tight budget. Becoming vegetarian or vegan has a lot of expensive stigmas surrounds the lifestyle, but you can enjoy this way of living for very cheap if you know how to! There’s lots of ways to transform vegetarian meals into a healthy and delicious treats that will actually impress the family without having to pour out your wallet on specialty buys! There are quite a few ways to work around the vegetarian meal plan, so don’t hesitate to get started on this healthy diet. It doesn’t matter if you’re only a vegetarian for a day, month or the rest of your days because these tips will help with your overall grocery bill no matter your diet plan!

1. Bulk Buys
If you’re going to be eating a lot of produce the bulk buys are the way to go. It will cut down on the amount of times you have to go to the grocery store each week, which will save a lot on transportation and your time. Most bulk stores, like Costco, Sams and BJ’s Warehouse, will have plenty of produce on sale in large packages. Before you buy you may want to make out a few meal plans though so you don’t end up buying items you don’t actually need. If you’re worried the larger bags or produce may go to waste then create bags for each meal you’re going to make. Anything that is left over can be frozen for another meal plan. This will keep the food edible so you won’t have to spend more money later on. You may also want to split the produce with friends or family. Make a list of items you’d like and if you have the same plans the split the price tag and the food. It’ll cut down your budget significantly without having spoiled food left over!

2. Farmer’s Market
One of the best ways to find produce at a great price is to shop your local farmer’s market. If you don’t have one in your own town, then look online and see if you have one near by. Farmer’s markets are a great way to buy fresh produce at a price that won’t make you feel sick after shopping. The produce is fresh, comes from your area and best of all isn’t GMO. This means its all the more better for you, so you won’t have to worry about what you’re feeding your family. You can also find other items like honey, breads and oils at the market, which make a great addition to your vegetarian meals. Shopping at a farmer’s market is actually incredibly important for your body and your local community. Locally grown produce and harvested honey can help boost your immunity and reduce allergens, which is always a bonus. It also helps boost the local economy so your area will thrive!

3. Garden
If you’re a hobbyist then gardening might already be on your agenda, but those that don’t might want to pick up the art pretty soon. Gardening is a great way to relax, get some exercise and enjoy quality time with those you love. It’s also a great way to cut down on your grocery bill. If you’re planning on planting soon you may want to do a little research to see what can be grown outdoors in your climate. You may also want to find a way to plant items inside. It won’t take long before you’re completely enthralled with your very own garden. There’s a lot more to a garden then just having your own fresh produce in the home. You can base your meals around what’s blossoming in the garden which will take away a lot of the expense for your vegetarian diet. If you have extra produce then your friends and family will probably be more than willing to share in the tasty treats, or you could sale it at your local farmer’s market!

4. Avoid High End Stores
There’s a lot of stores out there that boast the vegan or vegetarian label that probably aren’t going to do you any favors when it comes to price. There’s also a lot of generic stores that will boost up the price of their groceries to support their high end name. This is especially true of stores that sale organic items. If you’ve ever walked into one of these stores then you probably know that you’ll want so many of the items despite the astronomical price. Try to refrain whenever possible though because the items are no better than groceries you’d buy anywhere else. Instead of falling into the trap head to your local discount store to find the items you need. You can usually get a good price and you may even get lucky and find something in the clearance section that will suit your meal plans for the night. If you’re looking for specific spices then you may want to visit an ethnic store instead. They generally have a larger selection and offer bigger packages for less money.

5. $1 a Pound Rule
When it comes to shopping on a budget try to keep the $1 a pound rule in mind. This will help you not spend too much money while you’re planning out your meals. Although it might not seem like much for the amount of food you’re getting it will stop you from buying items that may be over priced at the store. Another simple rule to follow is to not buy anything that the average person wouldn’t know what it is. This is especially true if you walk up to the check out counter and you have to explain to the clerk what it is you’re buying. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule! When you follow these rules you’ll notice you’ll save more and more every time you go shopping. The rule will become so second nature that you’ll easily pin point where you need to get your produce at every time you’re shopping. Sometimes it’s okay to splurge on an exotic item though, so don’t let your taste buds miss out.

6. Dry Foods
Produce isn’t the only important part of a vegetarian diet. There’s plenty of dry foods that also aim to to make your meals healthier and more delicious. The best thing about these dry foods is they’re usually incredibly cheap to buy so you can stock up on them without spending a small fortune. Items like rice, beans, oats and wheats are the perfect way to make your meals go so much further without raising the price of each meal. These products can be purchased in bulk at just about any grocery store and shouldn’t cost over a few dollars when it comes to your shopping bill. Dry foods may require a little more prep than just produce, but when you cook from scratch using these items you’ll know your family is getting the best possible meal every day.

7. Avoid Vegetarian/Vegan Marketed Foods
We’ve all seen them and might have even been curious about them. You know, the vegetarian foods that are meant to taste like meat, so you don’t have to change up the flavor or texture of your favorite meals. These items can be great for some people, but if you’re on a budget they’re probably a lot easier for you to skip then you realize. Typically these items in stores can cost a lot more than meat, so your bill will skyrocket before you know it. Unless you plan on going vegan you can still use dairy products in your foods, so don’t buy this stuff if you don’t have to. It’s actually not as good for you as you think it is and as mentioned its cost won’t help out either. Instead try giving tofu a try. There’s lots you can do with it and it doesn’t cost a lot. You could also just stick with the basics and avoid all the extra stuff, especially if you’re just on the vegetarian challenge!

8. Shop Seasonal
We all have out favorite fruits and vegetables that we wish we could eat all year long; however, this just isn’t the way the world works. Sure, you might see your favorite as you pass down the produce aisle, but if it isn’t in season you should keep on walking. There’s a few good reasons for this. The first, obviously, is when an item isn’t in season it’s going to cost a whole lot more. It has to be flown in from somewhere else in the world, which adds to the price tag and thus isn’t worth buying right this second. It’s also not going to be the freshest on the market. Different things grow at different times of the year for a reason, so follow Mother Nature’s cue and eat seasonal. You may notice a difference in your health and you’ll definitely notice a difference in your shopping receipt. Of course, if you hate waiting for some items to come back in season then buy them in bulk when they’re in season and freeze them for all those days you just have to have them.

9. Frequent the Freeze Aisle
So, fresh produce is great and all but it doesn’t always suit our current budget. Instead of always shopping in the fresh section you can mix things up by checking out what’s in the freezer section. Here, you may want to stock up on any big bag of vegetables you can find. These are perfect for side dishes and they work brilliantly in soups and stews. You should also look for big bags of fruit which makes great smoothies or pie fillings that are healthy for you and the family. Try to avoid the small steamer bags and mixed vegetable/stir fry bags as these are generally priced up. After buying a couple of frozen bags of food you should be stocked up and ready to go for numerous meal plans that are incredibly budget friendly price that doesn’t even come close to what you’d pay for fresh items.

10. Browse Recipes
If you’re knew to the world of vegetarian food then you probably aren’t aware of too many recipes that will make your taste buds go crazy. Luckily, with the tap of a few keys on the keyboard you can find a wide range of recipes that will make this whole vegetarian thing a whole lot easier. You can run searches based on ingredients, user reviews or difficulty levels, which will ensure you get just what you’re looking for. It may seem overwhelming at first, but just pick out a few things to try and go from there. You may also want to browse thrift stores or second hand book stores for other recipes books that might help out. If all else fails then take to your social media page and ask your friends and family what their favorite vegetarian meals are. By the time you get a hang of it all you’ll feel like a gourmet chef!

Bring vegetarian dishes to your table can really help with weight control, health and your financial budgeting, so don’t let the expensive stigma stop you from trying something new. With these easy tips you should be able to enjoy your shopping experience more while trying a few new dished that will impress your family and make you think twice about eating your vegetables.

Having a home office can be a great way to escape with your thoughts whenever you have a big project coming up. It’s also perfect for anyone who loves to stay home and really get some hard work in. Of course, if you’re a freelancer or run your own business the home office can be a crucial part of your day. Unfortunately, getting a home office together from scratch can be a big expenditure as can keeping it stocked with everything you need to smoothly operate. There are a few ways to avoid the big price tag while still getting the home office you need on your budget though. With these ten easy tips you’ll be ready to call in more often as your office will feel like the oasis you always dreamed it was.

1. Desk
The desk is the center of the office universe and is very important for your working abilities. No one wants to sit down to a desk that doesn’t cooperate with our needs. It should be spacious, organized and ready to help us get through whatever the day has in store. In order to get what you need out of a desk right down how you usually work. Do you need space to put papers? Extra lighting? Storage? When you know what you want you can find the desk you need without worrying about wasting money. This will allow you to get what you want on the first try, so you won’t have to waste gasoline taking items back. You should try shopping around discount and thrift stores if you’re really looking to save a bundle. However, if you’re feeling creative then it might be time to break out the tools and build your own desk. It doesn’t have to be a work of art as long as it is functional. There’s a lot of online tutorials that will show you how to make your creative desk out of an old door if you’re looking to keep it as simple as possible.

2. Seek Energy Star
A home office can really add to the home’s electric bill if you’re not careful. One way to remedy this problem is to only shop Energy Star products. These electronics are designed to pull less power when you use them which will help cut down on the amount you spend monthly in the home. These products usually don’t cost more than your average device, but you should always shop around to find the best deals. A lot of Energy Star devices will have mail in rebates too, so make sure you fill them out and get them in as soon as you can. Of course, even though you’re using energy efficient devices it is important to unplug them whenever they have a full battery or are not in use.

3. Furniture
Although the desk has already been mentioned, most home offices need a little more to add to the feng shui of the room. One of the most important items you should seek out is an office chair that you feel comfortable in as you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. You may also want to add a filing cabinet, shelves and a separate area to sit for when you need an eye break. Most of these items can be found at department stores, but when they total up it could cost you a lot of money. Instead of shopping for them all try building your own shelves. This doesn’t take a lot of time or money and can add to your pride in your office. Office chairs, extra seating and filing cabinets can all be found in second hand stores or yard sales if you’re lucky. Of course, you may not want to skip on the price of the office chair as it is important to have lumbar support and comfort while working. Instead, you may want to look on clearance, find coupons or wait for a big sale.

4. Buy in Bulk
Offices require a lot of supplies, so save yourself some time and money by buying in bulk. Although you may end up spending the majority of your time on the computer its still important to have writing utensils and paper around in case you need them. You may also want other accessories like paper clips, post-its, whiteout and staples. One of the biggest expenditures in today’s office world is printer ink or toner. Luckily, all of these items can be bought in bulk at a greatly discounted price. If you prefer to shop locally then try your discount store or some office warehouse stores, but makes sure to shop around before you buy. Shopping online might actually save you more though, especially on ink and toner. There’s many websites dedicated to helping you save big on this typically expensive item. When you buy in bulk you won’t have to worry about buying the items as often either. They’ll be there waiting for you when you need them and you’ll have ample time to save up before you have to buy them again.

5. Use Free Software
Many people run into the dilemma of not having software to do their work. Typically word processing, video and photo editing software as well as many other work oriented software choices are incredibly expensive to purchase. This leaves a lot of workers high and dry when they can’t get a copy from work. Instead of spending a fortune on the software you may want to try some of the free software models on the internet. There’s a lot of websites devoted to trying out these types of freeware and letting the consumer know which is closest to the name brand. This can come in handy when you have a big presentation and realize your home computer doesn’t let you work on the same file format. It might take a couple of tries to find a match for your needs, but when you don’t have to spend hundreds on the software you’ll be thankful you spent the time testing the waters.

6. Shop Sales
If you can hold off on any purchases then you should until there is a sale. You would be surprised as to how many sales actually revolve around furniture for the office. You shouldn’t have to wait long before you see some amazing deals on each piece that you need. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for furniture or office supplies either. In fact, one of the best times to stock up on your own supplies is during back to school sales; however if you wait until school is out you’ll get an even better deal on clearanced supplies. Computers are one of the best items to wait for a sale though. They tend to run pricey anyway, but with a sale you’ll end up saving at least a couple hundred of dollars on your investment. This is also a good time to purchase those expensive software items, if you really need them.

7. Invest in Blinds
One of the biggest problems with working at home can be the sun. If you work in a cubicle or larger area at the office then chances are you don’t have this issue at work. However, at home we tend to have windows that don’t want to cooperate with our needs. The best thing you can do to detour the sun from making your work experience a disaster is to get some blinds. Blinds work wonders for so many reasons and they’re fairly inexpensive. If you have average sized windows then head to your local department or discount stores with your measurements. If your windows might be a bit on the unique side then look for a sale or find a coupon to have your blinds custom cut. Once you have the blinds installed you can work whenever you want thanks to your control over harsh glares. Blinds will also add privacy to your space and will eliminate the temptation of looking out the window when you should be working.

8. Surge Protectors
Power is always an issue when it comes to offices, but there’s a few ways to fight back. One of these ways is the surge protector. This amazing device has the ability to help you conserve energy so you’ll help out the environment and your wallet. If you shop right you should be able to find a smart surge protector that stops the draw of power your devices pull when they’re off or in sleep mode. This means you can leave them plugged in without worrying about your energy bill skyrocketing. Surge protectors have become popular over the years for many reasons though. One of the main and most cost effective reasons is they won’t cause your computer or other devices to break whenever a power surge occurs. So, you can safely leave the home without worrying about a storm causing your electronics to die. Without this problem you won’t have to purchase electronics as often, which will make your budget look even better!

9. Use It
Although it might seem totally obvious, the best way to save money on a home office is to actually use it. Sure, this adds to the electric bill, but the more often you decide to work from home the more money you can save. If your boss doesn’t mind you staying in then try to make a deal with him/her so you can spend the majority of the week at home and simply check in a couple times a week. This will allow you to cut down on your commuting expenses which can add a whole lot of money to your wallet. Staying home also means you can spend less on childcare. If you don’t have a problem working with the kids and your typical workload then skip out on pricey daycares and enjoy having your family close to you! The more time you spend in your home office the more you’ll get comfortable with it, which is a reward in itself.

10. Tax Deductions
Having a home office can also be a huge benefit for your taxes. Whenever you buy anything for your office make sure you hang on to the receipt. Then, at the beginning of next year present your receipts to your accountant and see what kind of office deduction you can get. Now, you may have to put in a little work to get this deduction as it might take some time to prove you need the office and other basic requirements for the deduction. However, when you save a little on your taxes you’ll feel so great about your home office you may even consider giving it a makeover. Make sure to read up on home office tax deductions first, so you’ll know exactly what you need to turn in and what you’ll need to file in order to make your experience much easier.

A home office can be a great escape from the typical work place. If you’re looking for a way to get your work finished without having to go into work everyday, or you officially work from home then an office will become the highlight of your day. With these tips you should be able to get your office up and running without having to fight with your budget.

Planning a wedding can be tough and expensive. Although your major costs should be on the ceremony, chances are your wedding reception is going to cost you a lot more. From entertainment to food there’s a lot to consider when getting your celebration together. Working on your reception plans shouldn’t be all about the budget though. There’s many ways to avoid spending a fortune so you can think about all the fun you’re going to have rather than how long you’re going to be paying off the wedding debt. With these ten tips your wedding reception might look less scary, so you can look forward to the big day without looking down at the bill. So, kick off your heels and let your wedding reception make all your dreams come true.

1. Timing is Everything
It might be surprising, but the time you choose to host your reception can actually alter the price. If you don’t want to pay more then it might be wise to plan your wedding during the off season. This is usually in March and April as well as September through November. You should also plan your reception during the daylight hours on any week day. This will also help eliminate prime time fees that will make your costs skyrocket. These months tend to be a bit colder, so you may want to choose an indoor wedding, but after all the savings you get you won’t be disappointed. When planning during these times you’ll be able to save on entertainment, caterers and venue prices, which will add up to huge savings for you. These times will also be cheaper for guests flying in to attend your wedding, which will allow all of those precious family members and friends to take part in your big day.

2. Keep Your Venue
One problem a lot of people run into is their choice in venue. You can lose a lot of money when you purchase two different venues, so skip the double deposits and host your reception in the same location as the ceremony. This might be a little inconvenient when it comes to setting up, but if you can have the ceremony outdoors and the reception indoors then you’re already solving that problem. A lot company’s will actually offer a package for both aspects of the wedding, so you might want to negotiate and see if you can get a discount on one of these deals. If you can manage to find a place that does this you can eliminate transportation prices to get guests or your wedding party between venues. If you have a family member or friend that has a big enough space for your ceremony and reception then this might be a better idea as you won’t have to worry about spending as much. Public areas that don’t require pricey permits are also a great place to host both of your celebrations.

3. Stay on Schedule
There’s rarely ever a wedding that goes as scheduled, so don’t plan yours out to be so. Delays will happen, but most companies won’t care what the situation is. If you’re not paying a service a select amount of money,but instead pay by the hour then your delays could end up costing you a fortune. Instead of pushing the reception back, or even delaying the entertainment you should continue on with the day as scheduled. This may mean the bride and groom might miss part of the reception, or may even mean you miss some photography moments but you won’t end up paying too much for your reception. Try to put someone you know you can count on in charge of the services provided. This way if you’re delayed then the party will go on. As the party progresses you’ll realize that sticking to the schedule will also help keep things in order, so you won’t have to stress over pushing things back and going over your venue time.

4. Add some DIY
Don’t buy everything for your wedding. There’s a lot of items that can be crafted with the help of family and friends. This will add a special touch to your reception and will save you big time when it comes to the budget. There’s a lot of tutorials online that will help you make adorable centerpieces, place holders, napkin holders and any other sweet designs that will make your reception stand out. You can also make your own guest book to keep memories of your special day for years to come. If you already have décor from the wedding then make sure to bring it to the reception hall. These items can be re-used, but they can also be quickly crafted into other items that will create a romantic vibe in your hall. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to the DIY then look online for some ideas or ask friends where they got started on their wedding crafts.

5. Rethink Cake
Although its traditional to have a cake, you don’t have to follow the normal expectations especially if you’re looking to save money. One great alternative if you want the fancy tiered cake is to ask the baker to create fake tiers. This will provide you with an edible bottom portion of the cake and an upper layer that is simply blocks covered in icing. There’s a lot of ways to step out of the box though, so don’t be afraid to do something new. You can easily make a flat cake that will impress guests by its taste rather than its appearance. Of course, a little decorating help and your cake could be a work of art without tiers. You may also consider cupcakes as this a more convenient way for guests to enjoy a sweet treat without the mess or big clean up. They’re also the perfect size for kids, who are going to be the major cake enthusiast at the celebration. If cake just isn’t your thing then consider working with cookies, candy or even fruit slices. No matter what you choose your guest will still satisfy their sweet tooth.

6. Hire Students/Amateurs
One cheap way to get your reception started is to hire students or amateurs. Try to skip the professional boards and instead look for students or anyone who is just getting their feet wet in the business. This can be help with caterers, photographers, makeup artists, musicians and Djs. When you ask a student or amateur to help out with your wedding then you’ll obviously get a better deal, but you’ll also allow them more practice and experience so they can add to their portfolio. Of course, when it does come to hiring someone that isn’t yet a professional it is important to check out their portfolio before you offer them the job. If you have a family member or friend who is skilled in one of these areas you may be able to save even more money. Make sure to explore your options before you settle for an expensive package in any of these mediums.

7. Ask for Help
Don’t think you have to plan your entire reception on your own. You shouldn’t think twice about asking for help, especially if you’re asking someone that has experience in planning. People love helping with planning, especially if they’re just as excited as you are about the event. So, ask as many people as you want to help out. This will make the process take less time while significantly reducing the stress of the entire event. The best thing is many of your friends and family may be able to get you a discount on some of the items you need for the party. The more people you know the more package deals you can get. For instance, if you know someone who knows a photographer then you have a greater chance of getting your service for a reduced price. With everyone helping out you should be able to get your reception worked out without a huge issue and for a whole lot less than you’d expect.

8. Make it Potluck
Although it might not seem traditional, having your wedding reception a potluck can save you a small fortune. Include this in the invitation and people will jump at the chance to bring a special dish to your big celebration. You may have to add some food into the mix as well as the cake, but if you invite enough people there should be plenty to share with all of the guests. To make things even more fun you can give the guests a theme to follow in order to excite their imaginations. For instance, you can have them bring dishes that remind them of the bride or groom, wedding color themed dishes or even a cultural themed dish. Everyone will look forward to trying all of the fun items on the menu and you won’t have to pay for caterers!

9. Ask for Discounts
When it comes to planning things, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. A lot of companies won’t come forward and offer these deals because it will mean they’ll lose some money, but if you bring up the topic they’ll have to tell you all about their deals. Make sure you call or talk to different companies about discounts before you choose one company. Another tactic is to always ask to talk to the manager. A lot of employees may not know about some of the discounts, so going straight to the manager will cut out the middle man and get you the price you deserve. You might also be a little reluctant to tell people your looking for things for a wedding reception. Typically a family gathering will cost you a lot less and if you’re planning on hosting a small amount of people it shouldn’t be problem to represent it as this.

10. Seek Deals
When it comes to planning your reception your best friend is quite possibly your social media deal websites. Pages like groupons, living social and other coupon oriented pages will help you get a wide selection of deals that will give you significant savings. These sites can connect you to many venues that will take off at least half of the original price. They can provide you with a selection of wines that will make your guests forget about the lack of open bar at your reception. There’s also many deals on caterers, bakers, musicians and other forms of entertainment that will make your reception price drop down. Try to start looking for these deals months before your wedding so you can cash in on some of the best values without missing a beat.

Your reception doesn’t have to be all about the money. After all, you’re having it to celebrate your union, so forget about paying high prices for everything and find more ways to enjoy every moment of the party. With these ten tips you should be able to cut down on a lot of the costs that may have otherwise forced you to spend way too much on your big celebration.

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends in the office can lead you to really hurt when it comes to your budget. The same can be said of finding a new job that requires your wardrobe to have a few new items! There are ways that keeping your work clothes up to date and looking good won’t cost you a bundle though. As long as you’re careful with what you buy and know how to shop for the right products you may be on your road to saving a little money. However, with these easy to follow tips you’ll be able to keep your wardrobe looking amazing while keeping your frugal sensibility about you! So, don’t let the new job set you back or the change of the seasons force you on a shopping spree! Simply take these tips into consideration and let the compliments pour in!

1. Signature Pieces
When it comes to any wardrobe a couple signature pieces can actually make it seem as if you have more clothes than you actually do. These items don’t have to be suits or even the crucial aspects of your wardrobe. Instead, concentrate on blouses or button up shirts that add some flavor to your look while showing off your personality. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these pieces, but you do want to consider how you will feel about them in the long run. Signature pieces can range in color and pattern so have a little fun with it without making it too casual. By shopping for signature pieces you can actually avoid buy office sets which tend to get bland and force us to do a bit more shopping. The pieces will keep your look more versatile so you can avoid seasonal shopping as well!

2. Go Generic
There’s a lot of people in the workforce that believe they only way they’ll look successful is to by the top brand goods. This simply isn’t the case, especially when it comes to buying suits and other office attire. There are a lot of clothing lines out there that don’t boast the brand new which make stylish clothes that you’ll like wearing. Generally, you can find these items in department stores or warehouse clearance stores, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on them. This also means you can buy a bit more so you won’t have to shop for clothing as often. Generic brand clothing are often modeled after the expensive suits, but only cost a fraction of the price so you can keep with the season’s fashions without feeling total buyers remorse when the fashion trend ends.

3. Shop Discounts
Although it might sometimes be unavoidable, you should try to refrain from shopping unless there is a sale happening. Don’t fret though, as there are often sales on clothing thanks to holidays or closeouts in the fashion world. Try to subscribe to your favorite stores newsletters to find out when they’re having sales on office attire. You may also get lucky enough to find a store that is constantly offering coupons, which may make it possible to shop outside of sales. Typically you should start looking for new looks when they’re major sales like Black Friday, Memorial Day or even back to school shopping sales. However, if you want to maximize your savings then try to refrain from shopping outside of January and July. These months offer the best savings as stores as pulling the old lines off the rack to make room for the new season’s fashions. This will allow you to stock up on clothes that still look amazing at a fraction of the price!

4. Avoid Dry Clean Only
One thing that usually puts a hamper in office attire is the dry cleaning tag. A decade or so ago most clothes you picked out for the office called for this service, but there’s actually a lot of pieces out there now that don’t require this service,which is a huge bonus for you! So, when you go shopping make sure to check out the labels before you pick out an outfit. Clothing that can be cleaned in the home won’t just save you time, but it’ll save you money too. Dry cleaning can get expensive, especially if you only have a couple pieces of clothing. This pricetag will add up over the months and will cost you lots of time waiting in line and traveling to and from your dry cleaning place. So, shop for items that can be thrown in the wash with your normal clothes. This will ensure you can more for what you pay for and won’t cost you to sacrifice free time that could be used on you!

5. Neutral Colors
You’ll be amazed by how much you can do with neurtal colored clothing. If you’re looking to turn a small wardrobe into a big fashion statement then this is the way to go. You should always shop for your suits in neutral colors as this will allow you to match any blouse or button up top with them. Neutral suits usually come in the classic office blue as well as browns, beige, blacks and grays. These pieces will pair well with colorful pieces as well as designs, so you can mix and match to make your wardrobe go much further for the budget. You should also shop for items like bags, shoes and belts in neutral colors. This will all you to wear them everyday without having to worry about what is going to clash with your style.

6. Second Hand Stores
One way to ensure you won’t go overboard on shopping is to look at second hand stores. This is a great way to start out a wardrobe on a budget and will help you get the pieces you need to look good for your job. If you’re in a hurry to find a few pieces then your first step should probably be your local thrift stores. You should be able to purchase at least 5 various suits for less than a $50 if you know what you’re looking. You might have to go to a few different stores, but once you’re finished shopping you’ll be impressed by the bargains you got! If you’re looking for clothing that are a bit newer or more fashionable then a consignment shop or auction might be what youre looking for. A lot of consignment shops will offer clothes that look brand new or clothes that are made by local artisans. The price tag might be a bit more expensive, but it’ll give you a more unique look. Auctions like Ebay generally have a good selection too and you can always stop bidding when the price is uncomfortable for you!

7. Avoid Shoe Shopping
When it comes to shopping for work, shoe shopping can be one of the biggest money pits for a lot of people. It’s hard to say no to a cute pair shoes that you know will match one of your outfits. Even when there’s a sale on shoes a lot of people will come home with a few pairs that they’re not actually going to wear very often. So, instead of going shopping anytime a shoe sales call for you, try to avoid it altogether. There’s actually no reason to have more than a couple of pairs of shoes for the office so be very careful when you go shopping. For women, it is always good to have a pair of heels to wear to important occasions. Although, when shopping for these you should always keep the neutral rule in place as it will help you make the shoes a lot more versatile with your wardrobe. You should also have another pair of shoes that fit comfortably for days that you’re going to be on your feet a lot. These shoes should also be able to match the variety of your wardrobe. As time progresses you may want to add in a third pair to keep your wardrobe fresh, but try to keep the number low.

8. Accessories
Although office attire might not be our favorite thing to wear, we can really spice it up with accessories that show our personality while still respecting the dress code of the office. However, it is also easy to go totally overboard when shopping for accessories. One way you can keep yourself from overdoing it is to make rules for yourself. You don’t need a jewelry box full of items to look at the office, so limit yourself to a few necklace. This will allow you to mix it up without wearing a new piece of jewelry every day of the year. A watch is also a crucial piece for the office, but you don’t need more than one of these, so refrain from buying more whenever possible. Another great price to have for the office is a set of go to earrings. These earrings match everything, flatter your style and don’t weight a lot. With only these few pieces you can look great without emptying your wallet on pieces you don’t need.

9. Toss Out the Old
One major problem many people face is having a closet that is too full. This can cause a person to never be able to find what they’re looking for, thus forcing you to go out and do some more shopping to get what you need. You may be surprised over the high quality clothes luring in your wardrobe. One way to remedy this problem is to actually go through your closet. Pull everything out and look at the quality of the clothes as well as the styles. Everything you don’t wear, is out of fashion or doesn’t meet your standards can be put into a pile. Once you’ve got your keepers back in the closet you’ll be able to tell the clothes you actually need to purchase, if any at all. The clothes in the pile can easily be donated for a tax deduction later on, or you can sell them to help buy yourself for more clothes right now. As time progresses try to keep your clothes cleaned out, so you won’t keep buying items you don’t actually need.

10. Trade
Chances are you’ve made friends with a few of your colleagues. You probably also have friends and family that work in an office setting. So, why not trade clothes to help benefit everyone’s wardrobes. When you’re bored of an outfit then add to the pile of clothes you’re willing to trade. Then ask a friend to bring over their pile and see what you can do for one another. This may become so much fun that you might consider making a club so everyone can enjoy the experience. When you stop letting your clothes collect dust and pass them on to someone that likes then you’ll feel a bit better about shopping. You may not have to buy new pieces as often either which means you’ll save a lot of money. You might also ask around friends and family to see if they have any hand-me-downs you can have in order to save. These trade offs will ensure you have a lot of fun with dressing for the office without worrying about how much you’re spending on clothes in the process!

Dressing for the office doesn’t have to make you hurt for money. Instead, try to follow these suggestions so you can enjoy finding new clothes to wear to work without breaking your budget. With these tips you’ll have confidence in the way you look and may even impress your boss enough to earn a promotion!

Small homes often feel cozy when we first move into them, but as time goes on they can seem a little too tight for comfort. A lot of people give up on the money they save with a tiny home or apartment and opt to live elsewhere. However, there are many ways you can add space to your home without having to bring in the contractors! After a few minor, and I do mean minor, alterations to the home you’ll feel as if you’ve moved into a brand new place. The good news if you won’t have to pay a bundle to work with these solutions either. Many require a little elbow grease and a good imagination which always makes a home look amazing anyway! So, don’t pack up your stuff just yet as you may find your current abode is just waiting for your special touch.

1. Shelves
Every home needs storage space, so what better way to do it than to add some shelves! The best kind of shelves for adding space are floor to ceiling shelves as they bring the eye upward and won’t waste any of the room you do have. You can easily make these with scrap woods if you know where to shop. To make your shelves look even great try color coordinating the items you put on them. This will add a sense of organization to the home, which makes everything look larger. Another simple shelving idea is to build shelves that fit into small spaces you may not be able to use. For instance, the space under the stairs or a nook area. These spaces usually go unused and unnoticed which is a total waste of the small space you’re living in. Add a few custom build shelves and you have a storage space that keeps items out of the way! You may also consider adding shelves around doorways and windows. These will create a frame and will allow you more wall space for décor.

2. Paint with Light Colors
Although a lot of people tend to favor dark colors, a light paint job can work magic in a home. Light colors draw in the light which, in return, makes the room look larger and more comfortable. You don’t have to go with a stark white color either, so don’t worry about not being able to show a little personality here. This also doesn’t mean that you have to keep the entire room the same color. In fact, look for a lighter shade you like and then pair it with other light shades from the same color. This will create a uniform look that helps make the room look more spacious while adding amazing accents that keep your space styling. Don’t just limit paint to the walls either. Make sure to color shelves, window and door frames and maybe even the door itself! Adding a light color to the ceiling or floor, if possible, can add the appearance of a lot of space to your home too. If you do have to have a dark color then try to keep it to an accent wall. To save money on paint try to go to a recycling center, or wait until there’s a sale.

3. Open Storage
If your home is like most others then you probably have cabinets with doors on them. This can create your small space to feel even more cramped. One simple thing to remedy this problem is to take those doors off of the storage. With a little organization your room will look much larger and the open spaces will bring the eye upwards, thus creating a more open space. Of course, if you’re not a huge fan of open cabinets then try replacing the doors with an opaque door. This will still provide open space, but may cost a little more. Another great way to make the home bigger is to add storage in unexpected spaces. For instance, there’s usually a gap between your refrigerator and wall or cabinets. You can easily create a rolling pantry to store spices, foods and other goods without taking up any of the precious space you already have! There are many other small areas in the home, particularly in the bathroom that can be altered with these open storage ideas.

4. Furniture
You may ever never guessed that furniture can make a huge impact on the way your home looks. When it comes to having a cozier space to work with you might want to consider selling off your bulky furniture and replacing it with a few minimalist pieces. Try to find furniture that is lower to the ground. This way make the overall space in the room look much larger as it will draw the eye upwards to create the illusion of a taller room. In the bedroom it is much easier to complete this look as platform beds are easy to find and will help create the illusion of space with little effort. You should also keep your furniture away from the walls. This is important to get pests away, but it will allow provide the illusion of more space which is much needed in small rooms. When furniture shopping you should try to find piece that can double as storage too. There’s a lot of coffee tables that open up to reveal empty space for you to put an assortment of items. You might also choose tables with a removable leaf so you can accommodate guests without constantly taking up space.

5. Mirrors
One quick decorate item to add space to the home is mirrors. Try replacing a few of your paintings with mirrors to create a spacious look in any room of the home. A few crucial places to keep a mirror is in the entry way and the bathroom. These rooms tends to much smaller than anywhere else in the house. By adding a large mirror to the space it will seem as if the room has doubled in side instantaneously. You can also add mirrored doors to the home to make a room look larger. This is particularly popular in the bedroom, but you can add mirrors to cabinet doors in the kitchen to create a spectacular look that gives your kitchen space a more inviting feel.

6. Keep it minimal
A minimalist home is a home that appears much larger. This is true in many regards. One of the major dilemmas many run into is their décor. Yes, we all love our art, but sometimes its best to keep it as simple as possible in order to show off the beauty of the home. For instance, instead of having a multitude of paintings on the wall go for one large piece. This will show off your style while making the room seem much large. Plants, sculptures and other knick knacks should be kept to a low minimum too. Try to add one or two signature pieces and put the rest up. You can alternate the pieces to keep the home fresh. You should also keep the amount of furniture to a minimum. You won’t want a couch, love seat and recliners as well as a coffee table and end tables in a room that will look cluttered with just a couch. Try to find simple pieces that flatter and work around them.

7. Separate Rooms
When a home is small enough doors can seem incredibly confining. Some homes may not even have doors due to their small design. This can be easily remedied without having to spend a fortune though. One way to do this is my adding simple dividers. You can hang up curtains or use premade dividers to set the rooms apart. If this is your route then try to go for lighter colors or striped designs. This will make the divider add space to the room so you can enjoy the privacy and the excess space. If you want to seal off the kitchen, so smells don’t seep out, then try adding glass doors. This will give the illusion of open space without having to worry about intense smells sticking to the furniture for months on end.

8. Utilize Designs
You might be surprised as to how easy it is to add space by simply picking the right kind of design to make your room pop. These designs can be added just about anywhere those, so your imagination in the limit. Some of the more common places to utilize designs is on a throw pillow or a rug. The rug can be especially important though as it will help elongate the room if the design does its job properly. You might also consider adding canvas prints of a design like stripes or zig zags. This adds more to a room without a lot of effort or distraction. Of course, you might also consider making an accent wall with a striped wall paper or you can tape off the room as paint the stripes yourself. All of these ideas won’t cost you a fortune and will make your tiny space more comfortable.

9. Be Original
One way to add more space to the home is to step away from everything you knew about the home. Thinking out of the box can take away a lot of the clutter you feel makes a home. For instance, to begin with you may want to start with the dining room. If you have a small family, or live alone then why do you need this are anyway? Instead, add a small breakfast nook to your kitchen and eat there. You could also keep a fold up table and chairs for times you have company over to eat. You may also want to consider a hanging couch. These are incredibly comfortable and make the home look so much more spacious. You can even store items under the couch! Another fun thing to do is add a loft wherever you see fit. You can turn that bedroom into an office or gym, or simply make the loft your own personal reading nook. The more creative you get the more space you may have, so don’t be afraid to ditch some of the social norms and create a home that works around your needs.

10. Windows
A lot of people tend to cover up their windows, which can really make a home feel closed in. This is especially true for small spaces. Instead of cluttering the window with heavy drapes that take away from the home, just leave the window be and work your home around it. Now, if you hate the glare it brings in or you know your neighbors have a tendency of looking in then it might be more tempting to cover up this space. Instead, try getting a window tint, which shouldn’t cost a lot. This will block out the light while blocking out eyes that can’t mind their own business. You may also want to try staining the glass to create a work of art no one else will have. If you have money to renovate then you may want to consider adding larger windows to the home. This opens up rooms and creates a spacious style you can’t get with any other renovation!

Having a small home doesn’t mean you have to be miserable! Instead, try to work with your assets to make the home more comfortable for you. With these ten tips you can add more space to the home without having to rebuild or move. You may find creating ways to add space to your abode is a lot more fun than you think and a lot cheaper too! So, get out your decorating tools and have some fun creating your new, more spacious home!

With autumn less than a couple weeks away you may want to consider getting some of your household chores out of the way before the cold weather moves in. Although many may consider getting ready for autumn a pricey expense it can actually be done fairly cheap and will even help you save money in the long run. There’s a lot of items around the house that can be cleaned and altered to make your autumn and winter a lot cozier. You may even find that your early preparations saved you time, money and a some uncomfortable moments in the icy weather. So, get ready for the big cool down with these ten items you should consider doing before autumn settles in.

1. Switch Out Bedding
Our bedding gets a whole lot dirtier during the summer months because we sweat a lot more. If you don’t clean properly before the cold months come in you may feel gross when you snuggle into bed. Before the weather gets too cold make sure you take your heavier comforter in for dry cleaning or do it yourself at home. This will allow you to be prepared when you need a little extra coverage during the night time. You may also want to consider buying a new set of sheets. This will give you a fresher start to the autumn so you can enjoy watching TV or reading a book without feeling like you’re sitting in germs. A pair of flannel sheets are always a good way to cut down on your heating costs so you won’t have to worry about a huge bill. The pillows are another thing that should be properly cleaned or replaced before the cold front comes in. Pillows pile up the germs and with so much sweat they probably won’t smell nice in the slightest. While you’re working on the bedding made sure to flip and rotate your mattress. You can also clean it with a mixture of baking soda.

2. Go Through the Closet
The closet can become a huge mess throughout the year, so do yourself a favor and go through it before you run out space. The last few weeks of summer are a great time to dig out your old winter clothes and go through them. Make sure to try everything on as your size may have changed over the past year. Of course, you may also want to set aside some of last year’s fashions that are simply dreadful. Once you have your clothes all worked out make a list of what you need and try to donate or sale the items you don’t want. This will free up space to put up some of those summer clothes you won’t be wearing for some time. You may also go through your clothes to see if there is anything you just don’t wear anymore. When you’re finished with the closet go through the sock and underwear drawer and throw out holy items or items that don’t fit. Once you have a general idea of what you’ll need keep an eye out for sales or look at your local second hand store.

3. Prepare the pantry/freezer
A lot of the time we tend to overlook the food that is in our pantry and freezer. This could lead to meats and other goods to become inedible. Although its usually a good idea to rotate foods when you go grocery shopping, some items will manage to slip through the cracks of your system. There are numerous charts online that will let you know how long food can sit in the freezer, so try this method out, especially when it comes to meats. When you’ve cleared out the foods that have been in storage too long make a list of items you need to make cheap, warm and filling meals. One great way to do this is look at crock pot recipes. You can buy the foods in advance and freeze them so when you’re ready all you need to do it put them in the pop on medium heat. You may also want to make a few batches of soup and freeze them in individual containers. This makes cheap and quick dinner plans throughout the cold season.

4. Switch your fans
Many people forget to switch their fans for the seasons which can cause a huge price surge on the electric bill. During the summer you need fans to produce cool air so you don’t have to fun the air conditioning as often; however, running the fans on the same setting in the winter time would be counter productive. You don’t want extra cool air on you while the heater is trying to warm up the house, which is why the alternative switch allows the warm air to be moved around the house more quickly. It also allows the house to maintain air flow while the windows are shut, which leads to a more comfortable environment. Without having to use the heater or air conditioning as often your bills will drop significantly, especially in the early months when the fan is all you need to keep cool or warm.

5. Have the house checked
Although it might not seem like you’re saving money, you should always have someone inspect the home before the really cold months get here. A lot of the time the insurance, electric or gas company will do this for you if you can and ask. This will save you big time, so make sure to call around to see if this service is offered before hiring someone to do it. When the inspector comes you should make sure they check to see if the heater is clean, as dust and other particles could lead to a house fire in some cases. They should also check to make sure the house is sealed properly, the chimney is clean and all of your fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. This inspection alone will cut down on accidents, heating costs and other fees that occur during the cold months. Before rain and snow begin in your area you may also want to take a peak at the room. A lot of roofers won’t do business in the winter and you won’t want a leak, so make sure everything looks good before a potential problem occurs. You should also check your dryer vent to make sure it isn’t clogged and clean out the gutters.

6. Car inspection
Your car is even more important in the winter when you’re more than likely going to use it more often. The cold weather often makes people look for a quicker solution of getting around, so you should make sure you’re in good running order before it becomes too cold to risk a breakdown. A car inspection generally doesn’t cost a lot of money and can even be done at home if you have a member of the family that knows what to look for. You should consider changing the oil and checking the fluids too as more people tend to pay for this service during the winter rather than do it themselves. You may also want to send her through the car wash and have the interior detailed as a fresh way to start the new season. You should also check out your car’s first aid kid, emergency kit and the condition of your snow chains as these items are especially important when roads are icier and more dangerous.

7. Stock up on produce
It always seems we crave the produce we can’t have because its out of harvest. Rather then pay too much to enjoy your craving you might want to shop the summer produce before it is out of season. If you buy these items in bulk you can easily cut them up and freeze them for meals later in the year. There’s a lot of ways to preserve the delicious taste of summer, so grab the items you need while they’re still cheap. You can start preserving by looking up recipes for pickles, jam and tomato sauce and salsa. These will last for years and will give you the taste you long for when they’re out of season. You may also want to freeze some items into meal plans or create pie filling for when the urge occurs. You should also stock up on the early bulk of fall harvest foods. You can use some of the items as décor until you eat them or can do the same things you did with the summer produce to keep them longer. Shopping this way can save a lot of money though and will ensure you have a good stock of food to last you.

8. Take to the yard
A lot of the time the yard gets over looked when the weather begins to change. However, there’s lots you can do to plan for an easier Spring time blossom. To begin with, you should give your lawn one more mow just to ensure it doesn’t look terrible with long dead grass throughout the cold season. This will also make raking up the leaves a whole lot easier. In some areas you can go ahead and plant more grass seed to take hold before the big freeze occurs. This will allow a fuller lawn when Spring arrives. One of the biggest things you can do is trim your trees and bushes. In the upcoming months your area may freeze over and there might be snowy days. This can lead to the breakage of trees which could harm people or destroy property. So, its always best to get this major chore accomplished before any real damage can occur. Another great thing to do is start up a compost. This is great for the environment and can help you with fertilization in the Spring time. Of course, you don’t have to give up on your garden entirely as there are ample flowers and produce plants that flourish in the fall months.

9. Lighting
Soon it will begin to get darker a lot sooner which means you’re going to use more lights in and out of the home. Before this happens make sure you replace your bulbs, but try to use energy efficient bulbs to make things even more cost effective. This will ensure no one will slip and fall outside do to lack of visibility. If you can create a pathway of solar powered lights to ensure that everyone cans safely pass your walkway. You may also want to consider solar lights for the home, or simple battery operated lights for the kid’s rooms to cut down on power used.

10. Workout Space
We tend to stay in a lot more in the winter and we also eat a bit more, which means we’re looking at some weight gain. To avoid too much over indulgence try to set up a workout area in the home. This will minimize gym and gasoline fees which can help with your overall costs. You can use any space in the home available, even if it means setting up a treadmill in your living room. Some of the more common workout spaces are in the garage/basement or in an office area. Of course, space is always an issue so keep it simply with a small trampoline, punching bag or even a small pilates/yoga area. You don’t have to go overboard to say healthy, but a workout area will encourage you to move more.

Autumn is filled with beauty, but if you’re not ready you could be looking at some major fees. With these cheap and easy ways to prepare you’ll be ready for the cold and might even be able to build up a savings account for anything extra that comes you way. So, get busy because the season change is only a few days away!

A lot of time cafeteria food just isn’t a child’s cup of tea and by the time they get finished crunching numbers and reciting the alphabet they’ve worked up a pretty good appetite. If you’re not careful, after school snacking can destroy your child’s appetite for dinner and leave you spending a lot of money on food that isn’t really necessary. There’s a few ways to cut down on the amount you spend on snacking foods though. With a few simple base ideas to get you started your kids will be full enough to power through their homework and some play time while still allowing space for a healthy dinner. So, avoid the prepacked food aisle and check out these simple and cheap ideas for your child’s after school snacking needs.

1. Quesadilla
If you’re looking for cheap, easy and quick then the quesadilla is the way to go! Your kids won’t be able to resist the cheesy taste, or cheese replacement if they’re lactose intolerant. The best thing about this snack is it can be eaten on the go which is perfect for afternoons filled with activities. As far as price goes, all you need is some tortillas and your choice of cheese. If you buy these items in bulk then you’ll save even more money. These snacks are perfect when your kids have friends over after school as it will only take two or 3 tortillas to satisfy everyone’s snacking needs. If you want to mix it up then add a dipping sauce like salsa or ranch. These snacks can be made more filling by adding extra ingredients like meats or vegetables. Try to utilize leftovers to make it more cost efficient though. You may also want to consider filling the tortillas with cinnamon and fruit for a sweeter alternative. This snack can even be made a little lighter by cutting it into small pieces on nights you’re planning bigger dinners.

2. Leftover Surprise
We all end up with leftovers that we know aren’t going to get eaten, so why not put them to good use in your kids’ snacks. There’s a lot you can do with leftovers so think out of the box to find a solution for the items in your fridge. One great trick is to take leftover mashed potatoes and fry them up. They will develop a crispy crust that kids will enjoy eating. You can even make it fun by cutting up the potato and adding toothpicks for age appropriate kids. If you have meatloaf or other meaty meals in the fridge then turn them into a mini burrito or finger sandwich. Kids will love eating these tiny foods and may even request the leftover version of the food for dinner. Another way to get rid of leftovers fast is to come up with leftover nachos. Simply sprinkle a few chips on a tray, add your leftover to the top and bake for a short time. Kids will be enthused with the new idea and you’ll get rid of so many leftovers that would otherwise go bad. Another kid friend design is the spaghetti taco. Grab a taco shell and add your leftover pasta meal to the inside. You may even be able to get kids to add some vegetables to the top of this treat!

3. Smoothie Magic
If there’s one way to get your kids to eat fruits and vegetables its via smoothie. You can easily mix up a few treats before you pick them up from school if they’re picky eaters. However, if your kids embrace the healthy eating them let them come up with their own recipes. This is a great way to teach kids about nutrition and will help them gain a knowledge of what foods go with what. Smoothies are perfect on a warm day and are amazing when you have lots of after school activities. You can easily use produce you already have in the house, but if you plan on making smoothies frequently then make sure to shop for items in season and buy in bulk when you can. You can always freeze items you know you won’t be using any time soon. If you don’t want to give your children too much of a snack then pre-make some smoothies and freeze them in an ice tray for popsicles everyone will enjoy.

4. Get Fruity
Fruit is full of vitamins and nutrients that kids need to grow big and strong. Fortunatly, most kids actually enjoy eating fruit which is good news for parents looking for snacking ideas that stay within a balanced diet. Although most kids are content with eating fruit by itself there are a few simple ways you can mix things up to keep the fruit snack a little fresh. Freezing grapes is a fun way to provide a cool snack on hot days. Kids will love the texture change as much as they enjoy the taste. Plus, you’ll also be able to keep this seasonal fruit for longer which will save a whole lot of money when it goes out of season. You might also want to consider cutting fruits into fun shapes. This is great for younger kids and will make them feel special. To make the fruit shapes even more fun try adding a peanut butter or yogurt dip to the mix. You may want to try different fruit salad recipes to make the after school snacking even more tasty.

5. Trail Style
Whether you’re on the road a lot after school or your kids love to snack while doing homework, a simple trail mix will make their snacking even more fun. There’s a lot of expensive pre-packaged trail mixes on the market, but you should avoid these as they tend to be rather expensive. Instead, make your own trail mix at home. There’s a lot of recipes online you can try, but it is easy enough just to whip up your own mix to your child’s taste. If the kids are old enough then you could enlist them to help with the snacking process. You can add just about anything to your mixes, but try to keep it healthy. Baked crackers and pretzels are favored by kids, but also add in nuts and dried fruits. On occasion you might consider adding chocolates as a special treat. These mixes can be put in ziplocks for easy access or for a secure place to hold them while in the car!

6. Yogurt
One way to help your kids maintain a healthy digestive system while ensuring they get the nutrients they need is to feed them yogurt. This treat can be tasty on its own but you can also dress it up with granola, fruits and sweets on occasion. You should be careful of the packaged yogurts you find in the store though. Most of these are filled with sugar and will cause your kids to gain weight or have way too much energy. To ensure they’re getting a good yogurt check the labels and look at sugar content. You should also look for artificial sweeteners which can be terrible for the children. To avoid a lot of the problems with yogurt and to save some money you may want to create your own. There’s a lot of recipes online that are simple to follow and will change the way you think about yogurt. If kids aren’t crazy about eating the treat often then add some fruit or granola and freeze it for a creamy popsicle.

7. Eggs
Let’s face it, when it comes to nutrition eggs are at the top of the list, which is why they make a great snack for kids. Eggs are filled with protein and have been known to help kids brains work even better, which is why you should load your kids up on this treat before they do their homework. Eggs are incredibly cheap to buy at just about any store and are fast to whip up. The best thing is, you can do a whole lot with the egg to make them tastier than ever. Try adding cheese and salsa for a south of the border treat, or use sour cream and chives. Eggs can be thrown into a burrito or sandwich for a meal on the go to. If your kids are especially a fan of the egg then try them on an egg salad sandwich, omelet or frittata. You can custom your eggy snacks to suit your kids likes and dislikes too, so don’t be afraid to think out of the box with this snack.

8. Pizza
Your kids will jump for joy when they hear they’re having pizza as a snack. Pizza is really one of the easiest and fastest ways to treat your kids to some delicious foods after school. This snack is particularly good to make when you have leftover french bread and spaghetti sauce after Italian night. Simply smear some sauce on the bread and add toppings and you’re ready to go. If you don’t have french bread then its easy to whip up a no yeast pizza dough before the kids come home from school. Of course, if you want faster and easier then use some biscuit dough from your favorite brand or from scratch. Pizza snacks are a great way to get rid of some of your leftovers too and will help keep the price of snacking down while still making it appeasing to the kids. If you don’t have any leftovers that will work for pizza then try fruits for a sweeter treat.

9. Seeds
Although seeds are good for the youngest members of the household, most school age children should be able to enjoy them without a problem. Seeds are packed with nutrients and offer a fun way for kids to snack. You can make your own seeds at home by backing flavors onto them or you can look for them in the grocery store. One of the best things about seeds is pretty soon you’ll be looking for a pumpkin for Halloween. This will provide you a great opportunity to stock up on some pumpkin seeds so you can store them away for the rest of the year. Seeds can be very inexpensive if you know when are where to shop for them, so if you’re not sure ask around. They’re also a great way to keep kids appetite down before dinner without feeding them too many calories. Seeds are definitely a food your kids will enjoy while working on their homework.

10. Popcorn
What kid doesn’t like popcorn? This is one of the fastest snacks that will appease kids of all ages. Store bought popcorn tends to be a bad choice though, so if you can try to avoid it. These bags are filled with salts and sugars that kids don’t need before a meal time. Instead, try to make your own popcorn over the stove or in a popcorn maker. You can cheaply by the supplies in bulk so you will always have them ready for your kids snacking needs. You can also apply your own flavorings to the popcorn to keep the snack appetizing and to suit each child’s taste buds. Homemade popcorn is lower in calories so your kids won’t have a lot of extra calories in their system. It is also an easy treat to give out while the kids are doing homework or in between weekly activities.

After school snacking doesn’t have to be hard on you or your budget. With these simple starters the world of snacks will be a fun place to experiment for both you and your kids. Pretty soon your children will have their own favorites and you won’t have to clip extra coupons to create them!

Cycling has a world of benefits that can make your life a whole lot better. From giving you a reason to exercise to simply cutting down on your use of gasoline, you’ll be happy you decided to take on biking. After all, the bike is one of the most common forms of recreation around the world for a reason. Although this amazing hobby can save you a bundle of money in the long run, there are still ways in which you can cut down on the price of biking in general. So, when you decide to pick up the hobby or simply upgrade the bike you have you won’t have to fret about destroying your monthly budget. With these tips you’ll really reap the benefits of a lifestyle filled with biking.

1. Second Hand Bikes
Beginning this hobby is when you’re probably going to end up paying the most. Purchasing a brand new bike can cost you up to $300 for a basic model. Instead of jumping into the deep end try looking for a used bike. If you have a family member that is already into cycling then they might have an older model you can purchase or have. If this isn’t the case then check out your local thrift stores. There’s usually a large choice of bicycles that range from children sized to adult sized. However, during some seasons the thrift store might not have any bikes in. There’s always the off chance you could find one at a yard sale though, so keep your eyes peeled and check your local listing for sales in your area. Looking on Craigslist is another great option if you need the bike to be local. Of course, if you’re willing to wait and pay shipping prices then online auction sites are another good option. If you have a used sporting good store in town then they may be able to give you a good deal, but often you will only save a small amount. The same can be said of pawn stores, but there is no harm in checking these establishments as you never know when you might find a good deal.

2. Know What You Need
One problem many newcomers to cycling face is they don’t know what they need in a bike, so they end up spending the extra money to buy all of the bells and whistles. Sure, these items are nice to have, but there’s a good chance you won’t use everything, especially if you’re just getting started. The key to saving money on a bike is to know what you’re going to need. If you plan on riding for a leisure activity on your weekend then you may want to consider a basic cruiser. This will allow you to have some fun without making the experience overly complicated. You may also consider a more basic three speed bike if you plan on commuting to work. Mountain bikes are a lot of fun, but if you know you’re going to be riding in flat areas the majority of the time then don’t purchase one. However, if you’re buying one specifically for the activity then start off with an easier model first. The same can be said for BMX bikes. When you go to purchase children’s bikes make sure they allow room to grow. You can also buy a set of training wheels separately, so you don’t have to pay for the wheels already installed on the bike.

3. Routine Maintenance
Paying for a new bike or even getting the bike repaired can really take some money out of your pocket. Instead of allowing the bike to degrade once you have purchased it you may want to consider doing some routine maintenance. This is easier than you think, so don’t feel overwhelmed by the idea of it all. Some simple items to complete on a regular basis are cleaning the goo off of your bike’s chain and oiling any area that might seem stiff. These two things take mere seconds to complete and anyone can do them. You should also monitor your tires before and after each ride. This will allow you to know when its time to air them up so you won’t have to replace them any time soon. There’s a lot of basic items you can do to the bike, so if you need a list of tasks then do a simple search online. You can even look specifically into issues your bike’s model typically has, which will help ensure you’ll easily keep your bike going for years longer.

4. Sales
One simple way to get more for your money is to looks for sales. Typically, bikes usually go on sale before holiday weekends so this is a good time to start your search. However, you may want to consider subscribing to bike shop newsletters in your area as this might help you cut down on the general price of a bike without having to wait for the holiday seasons. If you’re okay with waiting then you’ll probably get your best deal on a bike during Black Friday. Bikes usually aren’t in season during this time, so its easier for stores to really cut down on the prices of these items. Of course, when you do find a good sale you should shop for bike accessories as well. Helmets, padding and even items for your bike could really make a huge difference if you can find the right price reductions.

5. Get Insured
You might be surprised as to how much you can save by justing having your bike insured. Sure, it might sound like a huge expense to do so, but generally insurance on this type of item is incredibly low. You may even find that it barely makes a difference with your budget and witout having to spend as much money on gasoline you’re still saving a lot more even with the added expense. This insurance tends to help with repairs or replacement of the bike if there is ever an accident or a part of the bike doesn’t work anymore. However, it is also good to have if your bike is ever stolen. The insurance can get your back on the road without you having to spend more money on gas than you should. If you already have renters insurance then you might be covered. Try talking to your provider to see if this is the case. If you are covered then you’re already good to go!

6. Splurge on a Padlock
If you tend to use your bike for intercity community then a padlock is a necessity. We all would love to think that our stuff won’t get stolen, but chances are if you leave your bike unlocked you probably won’t find it when you’re finished shopping. Good padlocks might cost a pretty penny, but they’ll cost a whole lot less than replacing your bicycle. If you’re uncertain what to buy to protect your bike then go into a bike store and ask. Usually store clerks won’t steer you in the wrong direction and you can never have too much lock. You might want to consider purchasing a lock that covers the entire front tire. It can be a real burden dragging the tire into work every day so find a lock that protects the entire bike if possible.

7. Tax Credits
There’s several upsides to commuting to work on your bike rather than rolling out the car. Apart from being great exercise and helping do your part to save the environment, it may also entitle you to a few tax credits when you file this year. The government is all about people living a greener lifestyle, so when they see you’re trying they will provide you with a reward. When you go in to file taxes, talk to your accountant about it. He or she should be able to find the information you need to enjoy this credit. When you do receive your reward you can use it to make your bike more commuter friendly or grab that radio you’ve been missing out on during your commute. Just make sure you have receipts from your biking expenses ready to go when you decide to file.

8. Must Have Accessories
Accessories can go a long way when it comes to saving you money on biking. For example, in most states having a light on your bike is a requirement if you plan on riding at night. Although many don’t plan on doing so, sometimes night riding is a necessity especially in the winter when it gets darker a lot sooner. Paying for a ticket for this can be pricey, so try to find a cheap light. This simple item can also keep you safer, as well as reflectors, so don’t avoid the cost of these items as paying for an accident could cost a lot more and may even cause sever injury. Another great item to have is a GPS. If you ride your bike around town a lot this could be a must. Sure, most phones have GPS, but it is much safer to have a device secured on your bike rather than forcing yourself to hold onto a phone. This could lead to an accident or your phone breaking. A radio is another great way to make commuting more fun. Of course, if you are set on using your phone for these two items then there are special phone mounts that will make it safer for you to use your phone and could offer more protection for the phone.

9. Store It
One very important thing to do for your bike is to store it whenever it isn’t in use. This can be tough if you don’t have the space, but there are precautions you can take to avoid leaving your bike out in the elements. If you don’t have a garage or covered porch then one thing to do is leave it in your home’s entry way, especially if you’re expecting poor weather. Bikes can easily rust, particularly the chain, if they are left in wet conditions for a long time. If it comes down to it then covering your bike with a tarp could be a great way to keep it out of the poor weather without having to bring it inside. If you do happen to ride in wet weather then make sure to wipe the bike down as soon as you can. This will help avoid rust so you won’t have to worry about replacing parts or the bike any time soon.

10. Rentals
If you don’t plan on riding your bike frequently or you don’t have space for a bike then you might want to considering getting a rental. Most bike shops will offer a variety of bikes to rent for a few hours to a full day so you can enjoy a ride during your free time. This is also great if you plan on experiencing different kinds of biking, or if you’re on vacation. You may even discover mountain biking or BMX biking are actually sports you’re interested in which could open you up to new experiences without spending a lot of money. If you’re an everyday commuter without the space for a bike, or you just want to check out the city, then the government has begun to set up biking centers in several cities. These bikes can be rented for several hours and will allow you to get around town without worry. Most of these bikes are also tagged so if it is stolen you won’t have to stress about the repercussions.

Biking can be your favorite hobby if you don’t let money get in the way. With these simple tips you can save even more money on your frugal hobby. So, grab your favorite helmet and let your bike be a guide to adventure and relaxation whenever possible.

The battle between Mac and PC has been going on for decades. Both companies offer a competitive product that helps make living in a technological world a lot easier and more fun. However, when you’re planning on purchasing a new computer you may want to know who actually stands where in this ongoing battle. Price is a huge factor for most customers, but getting a clear answer as to who is going to save you more is quite difficult. The truth is, it all depends on what you need out of your product. When it comes to Mac VS PC, your savings are based on your computer usage. These ten observations will help you figure out which direction you should go though, without forcing you to get trapped in countless arguments and articles over who is better than who!

1. Overall Price
Usually customers tend to look at the overall price of a computer before they make their purchase. This tends to let them know what is in their price range, so they can limit their choices slightly. Although each company offers various things for the overall price this number seems to be one of the biggest deciding factors for customers on a tight budget. So, when it comes to overall price PC is the big winner. You can shop all over the internet and find computers as low as $200! This is great for anyone looking for a quick replacement in a hurry. Of course, if your budget allows a bit more to play with then you can choose from a variety of upgraded computers on the PC market. There’s so many makes and models you can get for under $1k that it might take some time to choose which computer you want. Mac isn’t the best option for general price because you can end up spending thousands on the small selection of models they currently have. In fact, if you wanted a Mac at a price as low as PC you’d have to find a used model.

2. Durability
The amount of time your computer is going to last can be a huge factor in your decision. Both brands will give you enough use out of the machine until a sleeker more advanced model is to be released; however, Mac is the way to go if you’re looking for something that isn’t going to break quickly. Generally, PC users tend to replace their machines every 2 to 3 years, but with proper care the computers can last for much longer. Mac, on the other hand, is known to last for several years. You can purchase a machine and have it good a decade later in many cases, which can be a real money saver. These machines are especially good for anyone who spends hours at a time on the computer as you’ll get more use out the machine where a PC might lose quality after such tough usage.

3. Susceptibility
Viruses can be the bane of your existence. If they’re not causing problems with pop ups and slowing down your machine then they could be stealing your information and causing your machine to shut down. So, of course susceptibility is a huge thing to consider when it comes to your computer. Unfortunately, PC is more widely used and also has a lot of open components that can be attacked by a wide variety of viruses. When you purchase a PC you’ll have to make sure to find a good anti-virus program in order to keep your machine safe and in working order. These can be pretty pricey, so you may want to consider this when you’re pricing your computer. Macs don’t have a lot of issues with viruses, so you won’t have to stress as much about people getting your information or attacking your system. This will allow you to cut down on anti-virus and tech support costs.

4. Customization
Most people love making their machine, well, theirs. Customization is a huge part of today’s society and everyone wants a little something different. For instance, if you’re a game then you may want a better graphics card and larger memory so you can enjoy a larger variety of complex games. Musicians might want a better sound card and speakers. Some may even feel like switching up the colors of their laptop. No matter which way you need to go there’s one system that stands out amongst the other. When it comes to PC you can use your imagination to build up the machine of your dreams. Typically parts won’t compare to those of Mac and you may even be able to customize before you even get your computer if you order online. Of course, when a part of your computer breaks you may also want to consider a small upgrade. For instance, if your hard drive goes then purchasing a new on with more memory is definitely affordable with PC. Mac tends to be more about providing a few machines that go further, so you might not have a lot of freedom here.

5. Software
Software is where things get a little more complicated. If you love a wide variety of software then PC is for you. There’s a lot to choose from and most software has more support than Mac does. This is especially important if you are looking for cheaper versions of popular programs, especially in word processing and image editing. There’s several generic programs to choose from here that all run smoothly on the PC. Of course, this also means that software can be purchased for slightly cheaper, thus saving even more money. On the other side of the spectrum, Mac users have applauded their selection of pre-installed programs. There’s some exciting programs for video editing and music editing that you won’t pay any extra for. You can also get the popular brands like Photoshop for the Mac. So, when it comes to choosing a computer on software go with what you this will be best. Try looking up some reviews for different devices to get a greater feel of how people feel about the software on their machine.

6. Operating Systems
PC tends to come up with operating systems frequently and if you want to keep up then its up to you to either get a new machine or upgrade. The only drawback is the new operation system could set you back hundreds per computer in your home. Another major issue with this is the system are often bugged when they first come out, so you may deal with quite a bit of frustrating before all of the kinks are worked out. Mac tends to upgrade their systems far less and when they do it is only a small fee to upgrade the system you already own. This can be a big money saver, especially if you have your Mac for a long time. However, many Mac users are not downloading special programs so they can use PC’s Windows on their Mac machine, so this may indicate that the Mac ios system isn’t as great as its competitors.

7. User Friendly
After price, one of the biggest factors of a purchase is how user friendly they are. When polled most people find PC to be the easier system to use. This is largely because most people learn how to use a computer on a PC. Due to pricing PC tends to be the leading computer in schools, libraries and the common home. Thus, learning a new program is far easier to do on these machines. Although many praise Mac’s software for running faster, a lot would prefer to use just about any programs on a PC because using the program seems easier and less taxing on time constraints. You should consider what you find to be more user friendly before you purchase though. This can lead you to spend less on tutorials or tech support when learning a new program.

8. Accessories
When it comes down to it, Mac and PC has accessories that are fairly equal in price, so don’t let this be a huge factor in your decision. However, if you’re looking for a lot of accessories then PC is probably the way to go. There’s a lot of accessories compatible for this machine and you can even find generic products to help save even more money. From working on graphic design to playing arcade style video games there’s a wide assortment of items you can choose from without having to go overboard on the price. Mac had durable accessories, but when it comes to shopping for higher priced items like drawing tablets then you still might find PC’s pricing a whole lot better.

9. Availability
If you’re looking for a computer you can buy locally then PC may be your only option. Mac isn’t widely sold in stores, so you may have to go out of your way to actually find a location that stocks them. You may have an easier time looking at your local technological store or even department store for a PC as you won’t have to waste gas going from location to location. PC is pretty much anywhere you can buy a computer, whereas Macs can only be found in specific stores. Thus, if you don’t have a place that sells Macs near you then you’re going to have to go online, pay some extra fees as well as a shipping cost. Then, you’ll have to hope that the package makes it on piece and you’re home when it is delivered. Otherwise, you’re going to be filling out some paperwork and doing a whole lot more waiting. So, if you need a computer fast, don’t want to shop online, or don’t like shopping around then PC is the way to go.

10. Games
If your main platform for gaming is the computer ten this mght be a huge thing to consider when it comes to shopping for the right machine. Although Macs can run faster the right upgrade for a PC can keep your games running smoothly too. Of course, one major factor in this debate is who is going to have the best games. Well, it turns out that PC has a lot more games released for it than Mac does. This can really change up your opinion, especially if you like to play all the latest titles. Before deciding on which machine to get you should make sure to look online and see how many of your favorite games have been released on which machine. You may also look at the price difference between the games. More often, PC is the leader with the games as well as the prices. PC also has many accessories that make the gaming experience a whole lot better.

This debate will probably go on for years to come, but you shouldn’t let it affect your choice. Instead, look into the areas of the machine that are going to suit your needs and work from there. With this basic guide you should be able to find just what you’re looking for in a machine which will help you get your money’s worth so you won’t have to worry about budgeting even more money for your computing needs.

Planning a party for a child can be hard, especially during the school year. There’s a lot that needs to be handled before you can have guests over, but budgeting can really put a stop to some of your plans. There’s a few ways you can silence your budget without leaving yourself in trouble afterwards though. From games to party treats, if you know how to save money on the little things then the big things won’t leave you in a financial slump. With these ten party tips your children will have the birthday party they’ve been waiting for and you won’t have to lose sleep over the cost. So, relax and let the planning begin because they’re only young for a short time and budgeting should never put a halt to your family’s happiness.

1. Plain Supplies
Kids love themes! However, going with a theme for all of your party supplies can really run your budget straight into the ground. The more guests you have, the more supplies you’re going to need so do you really want to pay double to triple the amount of money just because the item has your child’s theme on it. The worst thing is, these items are going to go in the trash can anyway. To solve the problem stick with plain supplies wherever possible. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a theme though. The best thing about plain supplies if you can buy them in just about any color, thus you can color coordinate with the theme without spending the extra cash. Another great thing about plain supplies is you can buy them in bulk whereas the plates with the superhero on them only come in a small pack. So, instead of purchasing multiple items you can get away with buy one big package of plates, napkins, cups and cutlery. You can even follow this rule when it comes to balloons, table clothes and streamers.

2. Entertainment
When it comes to kids’ parties enertainment is one of the most important aspects. If you don’t have enough activities going on your party could go sour fast, and by sour I mean sheer chaos. You don’t have to empty out your savings account to pay for entertainment though. There’s no needs for clowns, bouncy houses or anything totally unnecessary. One of the easiest ways to entertain is to dress up yourself, or have a friend or family member do so. From superheroes to princesses, this is a great way to make your child feel special. Of course, there are other ways to keep kids busy. Try basing some games outdoors if the weather allows. Water balloon fights, relay races and simple games like tag are always a hit with the kids and will help them work out some of that energy. If the weather leaves you stuck inside then try games like musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey or set up the house for a sock war. If you’re having a smaller party then board games or games like BINGO always work out in your favor. Make sure to base the games around age group though. If all else fails, put on some music for a little dance off or let the kids sit down and watch a favored movie.

3. DIY decorations
You don’t need to go all out for decorations. In fact, making your own can be a lot of fun for the entire family. To start off, you may want to purchase poster for some Happy Birthday signs. You can place these in the yard as well as on the interior or exterior of the home. Another idea is to take a roll of paper, which you should be able to buy at a craft store, and draw on it to create a personalized table cloth. You can even have guests sign it so it becomes one large birthday card. You could also take the paper and draw a picture that pertains to the theme of the party. Once you have it all finished, tape it on the wall in the main party room for a cool look that your child will love to show off. Streamers are simple to make with tissue paper, or you could use recycled paper to create confetti. To add a really special touch try making your own party invitations, but make sure the child helps so they’re special to the guests. If you run out of ideas there’s a lot of tutorial pages online about party decor that are fun to try out.

4. Cake
For many, the cake is the most important part of the party. It gives everyone a chance to bond over the birthday boy/girl and satisfies the sweet tooth. This shouldn’t intimidate you from baking your own cake though! There’s a lot of from scratch recipes that will help you make larger batches of cake that aren’t hard to make. Of course, if you’re not up to the work then you can cheaply buy a cake mixes to help satisfy the guest list count. When the cake is made make sure to let it set before icing it. If you plan on doing a major design on the cake then try utilizing ziplocks in order to control your icing. You could also use an edible print out to suit your child’s theme. These can be purchases inexpensively at many bake stores, so make sure to call around and ask for prices. If you’re looking to save even more money on the cake then make your own icing. Its simple to do and you can use food color to make an assortment of colors. If you can’t make the cake yourself then consider buying from a bulk store, rather than a bakery or department store. These locations usually have large cakes on hand for less than $20.

5. Goody Bags
Kids love goody bags at parties, but if your budget is tight you may want to forget about them. However, if they seem to be a must have then there’s a few ways to get around the huge price tag many parents pay for them. One cheap item to add to the goody bags is a simple thank you note from your child. It will show appreciation and people will love reading them. If it is age appropriate you can always add a few balloons inside of the bag. Kids will love playing with these after the party is over. Most people attach a balloon or two to the bags which is an excellent way to get rid of some of your surplus. If you’re looking for fun things to add to the mix then try looking at a dollar store. For around $5 you should be able to find an assortment of little toys to put in the bags. You might also consider buying a bulk bag of candies for a little extra space. You don’t have to buy special bags for the treats either. Try decorating plain brown bags or wrapping the goods in wrapping paper. This is a great trick if you plan on tying a balloon to it as the ribbon will ensure the bag stays closed.

6. Food
Food can be a big part of the party, if you let it be. If you’re on a budget then you may want to stick with only serving cake. However, if you’re having a longer party or want to add food to the mix then there’s a few simple dishes you can serve. When it comes to kids you should always think small. Biscuit pizzas, finger sandwiches and chicken nuggets with fries are always a cheap and easy bet when it comes to snacking. If you’re looking for easier items to make then consider a homemade dip with fruits, veggies or chips. Remember to think simple and cheap and your meal plans will go much further.

7. Beverages
Beverages is a great place to get creative without having to worry about spending too much money. One of the best things to do is work up a batch of Coolaid. You can even choose different flavors to appease a wide variety of children. This will cost you mere cents and is pretty much kid approved automatically. If you want to add a little flair to it then consider adding some fruit to the mix. This will keep kids surprised and will fill them up more than a regular beverage. If you really want to have some fun then give your drink a name like bug juice, superhero potion or princess cocktail. Kids will love it and you can work it into the theme of the party. If you don’t know where to start then try looking up recipes online.

8. Keep it Small
When it comes to parties the smaller yours is the less you’ll have to spend. Of course, with school in session it is harder to keep parties to a minimum. Generally, it is school policy that you have to send an invite out to every child in class, but you may want to stop the invites at this level. The more classes you involve in the party, the harder it is going to be to keep it financially suitable. If you can, try to keep your child’s party private. Rather than passing out invitations at school as your child to get their friends phone numbers and mailing addresses and sent the invitations that way. This will cut down on the number of people at your party so you can plan cheaply and efficiently. If you’re worried then just keep the party within family, close friends and neighbors.

9. Stay at Home
Planning a party often mean paying deposits for locations, applying for permits and other hidden fees that can ruin the entire party budget. Rather than spending all that money on a location you should try to plan the party at home or at a relative or friend’s home. This will cut down on a whole lot of fees and will ensure the party is more controlled as you will be comfortable in your surroundings. The backyard is always a great place to decorate and plan the party, so don’t be afraid to go all out here. If you have to keep the party indoors then consider pushing the furniture out of the way to allow for more space. It might seem like more work, but you’ll be happy when the party is over and you see how much you saved.

10. Themes
Themes are a great way to give your kid a personal party that makes him/her feel special. However, they can be a bit pricey to follow. Luckily, the internet is a good source of materials that can help you make your theme come to life with only a few print outs and a little creative energy. Try looking online for wall decor, like pictures of the themed item. Put these us with a little tape and you’re ready to go. You can also find invitations, thank you cards and other party musts. One great thing to do is print out coloring pages that suit your theme as these will keep kids busy. One great idea is to print our paper dolls to use as decorations and party favors. Kids will love coloring theirs and it will make the party a real hit.

Kids love sharing their birthday with friends, so don’t pass up such a big occasion for them due to budgeting problems. There’s ways to enjoy your child’s birthday while still throwing a party that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. When you plan with these ten tips you may find that parties aren’t anything to be afraid of. So, enjoy the moments while they last!

There’s a lot of reasons why so many parents have turned to homeschooling. From wanting to be a part of your child’s education to eliminating problems like bullying or social problems, homeschooling is a great way to help children learn to love their education. There’s only one catch though. A lot of homeschoool items can really set back parents on a tight budget. There’s a whole lot you need to get your classes started and if you’re not sure where to start you could find yourself sinking even more money into your children’s education than you have. Luckily, there’s a few simple tricks that can ensure you have all of the education needs for your children without having to pay a ton of money for them. With the financial burden gone you’ll be able to concentrate more on lesson plans.

1. Online Programs
Recently there seems to have been a surge of online programs that your children can participate in in order to earn a diploma and be successful in their educational endeavors. There’s actually a lot of programs that are ran my private institutions. These schools require students to listen to lectures, turn in course work and take test online. You can choose from programs that are out of state or within your local district. Many of these programs do charge a tuition, but if this is the case books are usually included so you won’t have to worry about the extra cost of each class. If you’re wanting to stay closer with your own school districts standards then look to see if your public schools are offering an online option. This has become quite popular recently and helps keep the classroom size smaller while ensuring all kids are getting the education they need. The online schools ran by public schools will provide you with everything you need, so you don’t have to worry about money. These schools will ensure your child is following the same education as everyone else too!

2. Second Hand Goods
When you’re starting from scratch over even preparing for the school year in advance then check out your local thrift stores. A lot of other homeschoolers tend to donate books when they’re finished with them, so you may end up finding everything you need in one stop. The best thing about the thrift store is you can probably get every book on your must have list for less than $20, which is a complete steal. You may also look for items like a desk, chair or even a computer in the thrift store. These items are a must for homeschool, but you don’t have to over spend on them. Another great way to find supplies is on websites like Craig’s List where other homeschoolers will post their used supplies. If you know someone who has homeschooled before don’t be afraid to ask if there’s any books you can borrow. If you have more than one child then make sure to hold onto the books the other children use. These will come in handy when it is your younger children’s turn to use them and will help you save even more money.

3. Library
You should never overlook your local library. This can be one of the best sources of education for your child and will give you unlimited resources to information you may have never knew existed. If you don’t know where to start then talk with your local librarian as they’ve probably had numerous homeschoolers pass through their doors. With the information available in the library you should be able to get a full curriculum and you may not even need to buy a book. A lot of libraries will allow you to photocopy pages for a small fee, so if there is a book you can’t check out then you’re covered. You can also access the internet from this location. Here you should be able to find even more help in your task of creating and enforcing your child’s curriculum.

4. Free Days
One of the best things about homeschooling is you can take a field trip day whenever you feel like it. This means you can schedule some hands on learning with your city’s local schedule. There’s a lot of museums, zoos, aquariums and other places of learning that offer free days. Usually kids can get in free on these days, but you should always call ahead or look online to make sure you can get in free too! This will cut down on a lot of your spending for outside learning and will also broaden your children’s perspective on the world. Museums are a great place to frequent because they’re always adding new items to their collection, so you can plan your lessons around some of the changes. Your kids will love learning this way and may actually retain the information better than during class time at home. You will also be able to turn out all of the electronics in the home and save a little cash on your utility bill too!

5. Utilize the Internet
Living in the digital age is a huge benefit for parents that are getting into homeschool. You can find basically everything you need to start about your little school without spending anything extra. To begin with, you can look up your state and districts homeschools laws with a simple search. This will give you the power to follow the rules to a tee so you don’t have to worry about the district questioning your methods. Once you’ve figured out what needs to be done then you can begin to do a little research into your child’s curriculum. If you’re not sure you want to write your own then have no fear. There’s a lot of different curriculums online, so you can choose the one that suits you best or you can edit some of the schedules you prefer to suit your needs. When you’re ready to begin with your course work then you can easily print out lesson plans, homework and or research guides that will lead your child to a successful learning experience. You can even find games and videos that will further the learning experience.

6. There’s an App!
If you have a smartphone or tablet then you’re on your way to providing your kids with some amazing educational tools that will suit their attention spans. There’s a lot of apps online, so weeding out the good from the bad might take some time. However, if you want a quick start to find some great apps then your suggestion window on the app store of your choice can actually go very far. Here, you should be able to find an abundance of games that will help children learn to read, write, understand shapes and colors and other core information. As your kids progress there’s plenty of science and math apps that can help boost these very important skills. You may even find some cool projects to work on through your phone or tablet. When your students reach high school then there’s a whole lot of SAT/ACT prep apps to consider. There are also core classes that can help them go even further. If you’re looking for a more advanced look then there is college classes that can be found in a number of apps. These lectures will give students a taste of what the future holds and can help improve many of their elective and core skills.

7. Teacher’s Discounts
One great advantage to homeschooling is you technically count as a teacher. This will open you up to a world of supplies that will help you be more successful in your job. You may even consider printing out some homeschool cards with a logo you and your children design. So, next time when you go in a book or teacher store let the clerk know you’re a homeschool teacher and ask for the discount. It might not be much at some local or chain stores, but every little bit will help. When you take your children on field trips you can also ask for this discount. A lot of places will honor it and will give you the discount you deserve for you and your kids. This can help you pay for more field trips so you can offer well rounded trips to children. One of the best places to ask for the discount is wholesale stores. This is where you’ll get some amazing deals on school supplies and work books without having to pay a small fortune for them.

8. Use What You Have
Homeschool can be pretty convenient in regards to supplies. Unlike public schools where you’re asked to stock up right away, with homeschool you can use what you have before having to shop again. This is especially important when it comes to maintaining a budget. Most homes already have pens and pencils, so pull out these items and replenish when the ink or lead is gone. Paper and notebooks are the same story as you won’t need a ton of paper just to get started. In fact, a lot of your work might be done in a booklet or on print out sheets. You may also want to use your recycling to help cut down on cost. Oatmeal containers and other canisters make great supply holders and may come in handy with some projects. You can also use cereal boxes to keep track of kids work or use it as a turn in box for work that needs to be graded .These items can even be customized to suit each individual child.

9. Take It Outside
Staying indoors all of the time can be stifling, so turn off the electronics and head outside on good weather days. There is something about fresh air and natural light that helps bring out the imagination in students. You can have them look closer at nature in order to figure out how the world works, or read from a novel you’re teaching them. You might even consider packing a picnic and enjoying the rest of your lessons in the backyard or a park. Learning outside can help children retain the information more. It will also allow them to move around, burn some energy and encourages exercise from an early age. Plus, you’re use of electricity and other utilities will go down for the day which is great for your savings!

10. Find a Group
One of the biggest assets you can have in homeschooling a group to lean on. This will help create a support system for you when you feel like homeschooling might be too much. There should be a few groups in your community. Try looking online or ask you school district if there are any registered groups. Once you have found one try to make some friends as the members here will be able to guide you through the early process of homeschooling. They will also be able to give you tips about where to find cheap school books or how to work on curriculum without purchasing them. You may even be able to take part in a book exchange which will help save on a lot of money in the long run. One of the best things about groups is you’ll be able to create outings with other homeschoolers. This will give your children some social interactions and can cut down on the price of some field trips thanks to group discounts.

Homeschooling can be an amazing experience for parent and child. With these tips you should be able to forget about the cost and concentrate on the well being of your child. After a couple weeks of homeschool you’ll feel like you’ve been doing it for years and you won’t have to alter your budget too much to make it happen!

With autumn quickly rolling in, it might be time to consider bad weather in your area and how to survive it. There’s an abundance of reasons to have an emergency kit, but many people often operate under the idea that things won’t happen to them. On the other hand, some people will go entirely overboard on their supply kit and may end up spending their life savings on an event that might not happen. There is a middle ground here though and it can be affordable if you know what you’re doing. With these ten tips you’ll be able to feel a little more security when it comes to your family’s safety without forcing yourself to over spend on items you’ll never need.

1. Keep it Simple
There’s a lot of items out there that are markected towards survivalist. Although these items might come in handy during specific incidents, the liklihood of you finding yourself in some of the scenarios is slim to impossible. Instead of concentrating on the items you might need in an emergency thing about the items you know you’ll need. This will actually simplify things considerably which is always great for your budget. If you have to think twice about something then it probably shouldn’t be on your list. Also, if you have to go through several pages of instructions just to figure it out then try to avoid adding it to the collection too. Try to stick to food, water, protection and warmth. That being said, you don’t need a room full of guns or even food. Start your supplies out with a little container of basics and if you feel the need then add to them later. This will help you keep only items you need, so you never end up spending thousands on human powered television set or something equally as silly.

2. One Step At a Time
Many people believe they have to build up their emergency supplies in one big purchase. So, instead of looking for the right way to store up they end up spending thousands on pre-made emergency packages that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. This never has to be the case though. There’s actually a great weekly program available online that can help you build up your stock for just $10 a month. This amount of money is generally easy to come up with for most family’s and goes a lot further than you think. The plan has family’s buying beans, rice and other essentials which build a strong and durable emergency supply kit. You may also want to consider doing this with other emergency supply items. Buying an extra gallon of water a month is a cheap and efficient way to stock up so you know you’re going to be ready in case the water supply is contaminated.

3. Watch for Sales
One of the best ways to start up your emergency supply kit is to wait until there are sales on certain items. Canned foods are actually a great item to have in your kit and when they’re on sale you can buy a whole lot more of them than you could at regular price. This allows you to enjoy having more in your kit without having to go overboard on spending. Other items like water, seeds and cooking supplies are usually good to buy during these periods too. If you don’t have a good first aid kit then watch out for sales in this department too. If you’re worried about a major emergency then you’re going to want to stock up on more than just the basics. Over the counter medications, bandages and items like peroxide and rubbing alcohol are important to have in your kit and are better to purchase when the price as been lowered.

4. Seeds
If you’re planning for a longer emergency kit then one of the best possible things you can pack is seeds. With seeds in your emergency kit you’ll have a better chance of being able to feed your family if something were to happen to cause long term inability to have food. Although you should always keep plenty of food in your kit, the seeds are a just in case measure. If you do find yourself without access to purchasing food then the seeds can be planted when you have a clearance to go outside. The more seeds you have the greater chance you’ll be able to have food for the family when your supply runs out. The best thing is, seeds are totally inexpensive. You can buy some packets for less than $.10. You can also take seeds out of your own foods. However, you should always read the back of the seed packet to ensure they will grow in your environment and also when it is safe to plant them.

5. Special Foods
When it comes to buying food you can trust to last awhile you should stick dehydrated or freeze dried foods. Dehydrated foods have all the water removed from them which helps them stay edible for much longer. If you keep these foods in an air tight container then they will last even longer, which means you won’t have to worry about replenishing your stock any time soon. The great thing about dehydrated foods is you can make them yourself. All you need is a food dehydrator and a recipe book, which is optional, and you’re ready to go. You can dehydrate fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of meats. Another route you can take if freeze dried foods. These items you tend to have to buy in a special store, but they have an amazing shelf life. Usually these foods are a bit pricier but you should be able to find a decent deal if you shop online.

6. Water
A lot of people will stack up bottles of water and feel like their job is done. Bottles of water can be some of the worst items to buy. To begin with, they’re a whole lot harder to ration than regular water and your family may be tempted to drink too much out of the individual bottles. They’re also far worse for the environment and you may find yourself surrounded by little plastic bottles before you’re free to leave your safety area. Instead of shopping for bottles try buy gallon jugs or larger. This will give you more water for your money and will ensure you’re stocked up and ready to go. It’s a lot easier to monitor how much someone is drinking with these bottles too as you can hand out a smaller portion to make supplies last a whole lot longer. You should also consider buying tablets to cleanse the water too. These can be crucial if you run out of your supply and need to drink from a potentially contaminated tap or open body of water.

7. Buy Bulk
Bulks buys will make your life easier when you’re purchasing items for your survival kit. This process won’t just allow you to get a lot more product for your money, but will ensure you have plenty of items in your stock in case an emergency does strike. Bulk food buys are one of the best things to find. If you can get large bags of flour, rice or beans then it is will probably help you save a lot more money than you expect. Medical supplies are another huge bonus when it comes to bulk buys. Here you will be able to buy bandages as well as medications that will ensure your family will be prepped for an emergency. Supplies for gardening are also a must have which will help you in case you have to grow your own food at one point. Try shopping at your local bulk store for these items, but if they don’t have the food or items you desire then there are special bulk stores that can help you find what you’re looking for.

8. Rethink Power
You may not always have power during an emergency so you should always rethink items that might be needed in case of an outage. Some of the best items to have around the house are lots of batteries. You can store them in the freeze to ensure they last longer, but buying these items can never hurt as they can be used for much. Along with the batteries you should have a very good flashlight. Bright lights are perfect for keeping the family feeling secure while also helping you know what’s going on in your area. You may also consider a battery powered radio so you can get updates on what is going and when it is safe to leave your bunker. There are many radio/tv/flashlight combinations on the market, but these tend to run batteries down faster, so you might want to keep it as simple as possible with this purchase. Other items that might help with your power problems would be a back up generator. These are fairly pricey, but you can find smaller ones that affordable and can be used for specific areas of the home. Flares and candles can be very important as well in case you are without power for a very long time. Make sure you also have matches, lighters, lighting fluid and other basic supplies in case you need to build a fire for light or warmth.

9. Canning
If you’re stilling having problems stocking up food then consider doing your own canning. This will help you get more out of your surplus produce and won’t cost you any more than basic foods would. The best thing about canning is you’re not limited to specific foods. Jams and preserves are some of the more common canned goods people make and will pack in plenty of vitamins and nutrients that the family needs to maintain their health. Of course, you may want to consider using less sugar on these items as they could become harmful if you’re living on preserves alone. Pickled items are another canning option which is actually very good for the body. Pickle as many vegetables as you can to keep a healthy variety in your life. Sauerkraut, kimchi and other fermented foods work wonders for the diet and are easy to store for safety meals. You may also want to can tomatoes, salsa and vegetable juice mixes for easy emergency meals.

10. Put Back Money
You’d be surprised as to how far money with go, especially in a power outage. With the electricity out most modern stores won’t be able to conduct business properly so cash will be the only way to get the last minute items you need. Putting back a little cash is also never a bad idea, even when it comes to emergencies like needing a new tire or anything else a rainy day fund might fix. You don’t have to put back a lot of money at once though. Start small and work your way up. Even if you only put back money little by little you should find that you have a pretty good fund going after a few months of saving. You don’t even have to worry about putting money back on a weekly basis if you don’t have that kind of spare. However, a lot of family’s have found success by giving up a fast food meal a month. Instead of using the money on the food it goes in the emergency fund.

No one wants to be in an emergency situation, but having a kit can actually alter the way you react to the problem if it does occur. With these simple tips you should have everything you need to be prepared at a price that didn’t even shake your budget’s scale. So, stop stressing out and get to working on your kit so you can have plenty of peace of mind during the stormy months!

It seems like just yesterday school was letting out for the summer and it was time to figure out what to do with the kids over the extended break. Now, August is nearing its end, which only means one thing! It’s time to check out the back to school list and try not to panic over the abundance of items the kids are requested to purchase. There’s a few ways to avoid the painful budgeting that back to school supplies may cause for your household. With a little know how and some major shopping tactics you should be able to get your children back in school without stressing over spending too much on supplies. Now, you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet the back to school months bring!

1. Wait
Although most school want students to show up with their bundle of supplies, it won’t affect your children’s grades if they show up empty handed. Try to send kids with the basics, such as a pencil or pen and paper. This will allow them to participate in the first days activities, if they need the supplies at all, without having to borrow from other students. When you drop your student off for the first day take a moment and talk to the teacher. If you explain you’re having a tough time getting the supplies the teacher many give you a list of things that are going to be absolutely mandatory for success in the class. A lot of the time the supplies will get distributed between students, so there will be no urgency on your student’s supplies. Some teacher’s may even tell you not to worry about the supplies because there will be plenty to share. Other teacher’s might give you a list of items that will be required throughout the year. This will allow you to buy supplies when needed rather than forcing you to load up at the beginning of the year. Even if your child’s teacher can give you a small break on supplies it could help save you a bit of money.

2. Last Year’s Stuff
Let’s face it, sometimes we’re asked to buy items that never get used. You probably have at least 2 or 3 empty notebooks, a set of perfectly good pens and pencils as well as packets of paper. Instead of getting rid of these items you should put them in storage over the summer. When the school list comes out then look at the supplies you already have an start marking off the list. Even if some of your items were already used you may want to consider recycling them for another school year. You child’s favorite folder or binder can be easy to transform for the next school year. You may also hold onto items that are grade appropriate for the next sibling. Items like flashcards and other learning supplies are easy to hold onto and will make your shopping supplies even easier to purchase. If your student won’t be sharing with other students then pack up some pencils from around the house. As the pencils become too small to use or broken you can easily replace them without worrying about too much money. Even backpacks are easy to reuse, especially for younger kids who don’t have a lot to carry around.

3. Tax Free Weekends
Most schools within a state start around the same time period. This is great because tax free weekends usually happen around the same time school is about to start. These weekends can be crucial when it comes to saving money though. Generally, everything you can think to buy won’t be taxed during the two day period. Thus, you will end up saving at least 6-10% on the items your children need for school. From school supplies to clothes, this might be the best time to endure the crowd and get your shopping out of the way. If you can find a store that is doing a sale on top of the tax free weekend then you’ll be doing even better than shopping the clearance bins! If you aren’t willing to do all of your shopping on this mega weekend then you should at least consider shopping for the more expensive supplies, such as a back pack or calculator during the tax free weekend. If you’re not sure when your state is having a tax free weekend then try looking online, calling your school or asking local merchants.

4. Go Plain
Kids love to personalize everything and who can blame them? Its fun going to school with special items to help show off a little personality. However, these items can be pretty pricey and will make your school shopping bill raise even higher if you’re not paying attention to how many you have in your cart. The best thing you can do with school supplies is to go as plan as possible. Generally you can get colored notebooks and folders for less than a dollar. This will help out a whole lot when it comes to buying for multiple children. Try to stay away from character items when you’re buying the other essentials like pencils, scissors and crayons. Chances are, your child’s supplies are going to be shared amongst the class, so there’s no point in splurging on items that your child won’t specifically use. If you can cut down on the major costs for most of the supplies then you’ll have more money to splurge on items like a backpack that will be exclusively used by your child. However, if your budget is still tight try to pick a backpack that is a solid color rather than any special designs as this will ring you out at a much cheaper price.

5. Use Apps
In the age of technology what could help you out more than you all powerful smartphone! When it comes to shopping—there’s an app for that. Actually, there’s a whole lot of apps for that and a lot of them won’t cost you a penny. Before you leave the house try to find a copy of the school supply list for your child’s class. Once you have it downloaded or printed out then take to the app. A lot of apps will tell you where the item is in stock, but there are also a lot that will help you find the item at the cheapest possible price. Try to find as many of your items this way as it will save on gas and get you the best possible deal. Of course, recently many stores have come out with their own price comparison apps. These apps allow you to input recent purchases. If the app finds a lower price then what you paid then the store that you purchased the item from originally with happily do a price match for you. This type of app is great for shoppers who like to stick with routine stores or do all of their shopping in one place.

6. Stock Up Early
Some of the back to school sales might be a bit too much to pass up, but there is actually a cheaper way to get school supplies. The key to getting the cheapest possible school supplies is to shop at the end of the school year. In May and June when the kids are taking the first dip in the pool is when you should think about buying school supplies for next year. This is largely due to supply and demand. Not as many people need the supplies during the summer months, so you’ll get the lowest possible price on the items they’re trying to sell. You may even get some of the products on clearance which will save you even more than you could imagine. So, with your kids school supplies out of the way before they can even think about the next semester you can start budgeting for the pricier items like clothes or, better yet, a nice vacation to get away from the worries of school!

7. Buy Bulk
If you have more than one child then you’ll probably find your school supply list a bit repetitive. If this is the case then your life is about to get a whole lot cheaper and easier. When it comes to fulfilling the same order on a list then it is so much easier just to buy the items in bulk. For instance, if each child needs 5 pencils a piece then the numbers going to add up fairly quickly. Buy a bulk pack of 20 or 30 and you’ll easily be able to give each child the number they need and have extras for all the mishaps the school year might bring. The same can be said with pens and markers. A lot of other products that come in handy in bulk are loose sheets of paper and notebooks. Generally you can buy a large box of these items and you’ll have plenty to share amongst everyone. You may even be lucky enough to have school supplies for next year. You should consider buying items like printer supplies in bulk and school projects always call for printed items.

8. Community Programs
Sometimes budgets might be a bit too tight to even consider school supplies. If this is the case then you may want to talk to your school about community programs in your area. Generally public schools, churches and other aid programs will be able to instruct you on how to apply or get in touch with a program that will help your children get the supplies they need. You may have to fill out some paperwork or volunteer to help out, but the program should be able to offer your children the supplies they need. If your area does not have one of these programs then you may want to discuss your problem with a church or your child’s school. Sometimes the school can give your child a waiver for the supplies or they can offer the student donated supplies from previous years. You may also want to look online to see if there are any stores offering aid with supplies for family who are having trouble purchasing them.

9. Dollar Stores
A lot of people tend to head straight for the department store when it comes to buying school supplies. However, there is always a much cheaper option that gets passed up. That is, the dollar store. Here you will receive major discounts on items and may even be able to buy some items in bulk for a mere dollar. This can come in handy when you’re shopping for many and it will ensure your budget doesn’t have to look as grim after the shopping period is over. Many people choose not to shop at the dollar store because they believe the items to be a lower quality, which is proven not to be case.

10. Coupons
When it comes to back to school shopping you shouldn’t be without your coupons! Although there will already be a whole lot of sales going on you may still be able to find coupons that will take the price even further down. Try looking for coupons in your local sales ads first, but when you get through these items then take to the internet. You’ll be surprised by how many stores offer online coupons. All you have to do is print them out, plan your shopping trip and enjoy saving a whole lot of money on the supplies you need!

Back to school shopping can be a lot of fun if you let go of the price tag. With these ten tips you should be able to forget about spending money and enjoy the last days of summer you have with your kids. After all, pretty soon it will be carpools and sports you’ll have to worry about, so enjoy the savings while possible.

Public schools aren’t for every child. A lot of parents are looking for a way to prep their children for ivy leagues school while many others want to address their children’s special interests. No matter the reason you choose to remove your child from the public school system and enter them into the world of private school there will always be the enormous price tag looming in the back of your mind. If you’re on a tight budget then private schooling might not even be an option for your children. However, there are many ways you can cut down on the price of tuition so your children can be given the opportunities you desire. These ten tips will give you a helpful guide to finding new ways to save money on tuition so you can get back to your normal expenditures without the extra stress of these costs.

1. Look for scholarships/grants
You might be surprised as to how many scholarships and grants are available for children that attend private schools. In fact, when you apply to the school you can talk to the financial aid office about potential grants just as you would if your child was entering college. There’s a lot of grants available for lower income families so don’t be afraid to apply. After all, every little bit helps, so even if you’re only granted enough for help with books it should take a little burden off of the price. There are also a lot of scholarships available for a variety of students. If your child is planning on going to a school that is talent based then you may want to apply for these specific scholarships. The scholarships might automatically be given to you via your schools acknowledgment programs or you may have to have you student perform in order to be considered. Many scholarships are grade based so if your child has strong grades and extra curricular activities then apply to as many as possible. There are also scholarships designed for special needs students whose parents might not be able to afford the school otherwise.

2. Negotiate Payment Plan
When it comes to paying for your tuition a lot of schools might ask you to pay everything up front. This is usually only a preference and if you meet with their financial department they should be able to work out a payment plan that will help you become less financially burdened. By working up a payment plan you can easily budget in the cost instead of worrying about finding a way to come up with the money straight away. A lot of parents may even feel the need to take out a loan in order to pay for the schooling. This will only force you to pay more for the tuition because of the interest costs. A lot of the time working out a payment plan will also help you find more scholarships and other financial help that will ease the burden even more.

3. Reward Systems
A lot of schools have set up deals with local companies that can help you pay for your tuition little by little. Try to make an appointment with your school and talk about reward programs and how you can work to earn some discounts on your child’s tuition fees. Some schools will even utilize a special card. The card is usually linked to gas stations, grocery stores and other local merchants. When you shop in these locations a tiny percentage of your purchase goes back to your child’s tuition. It might not take a whole lot of money off of your tuition, but every little bit can help. Some schools will also work with referral programs. If you can talk your friends and family about considering the school then you may end up getting money back on your tuition when they enroll. Every school is different though, so make sure you ask so you don’t miss out on great deals.

4. Utilize Tax Credits
Your state charges you taxes for schooling, but since you’re actually paying for your child to attend a private school you should be able to get a bit of a refund. Talk to your accountant about this when you go in to file taxes and see if you qualify. Make sure to bring in your tuition bills as well as any receipts you might have for school related purchases. For some household’s this refund might not be possible, but for many it is a possibility. If your family does qualify for the refund then don’t spend it where you shouldn’t. Instead, try to find a savings accounts with a good interest rate and deposit it there. When the next school year rolls around the money should have grown which will allow you to pay for tuition more efficiently, or at least purchase school related items.

5. Voucher Programs
A lot of students with special needs are forced into private schools because their public school simply can’t meet their needs. For these students there is often a small amount of state government assistance that might take a bit of the burden off of the parents. If your child is being sent to a private school for this reason then try to find a voucher program for your area. Some school counselors will be able to help you with this, but you may be on your own when it comes to heavy research and application for the vouchers. The vouchers may also be based on financial needs, so you might have to wait awhile before you’re processed. Once approved the vouchers will be given to your school to either pay of your child’s tuition or at least put a dent in the amount you do owe. Of course, not every state offers these vouchers, so if you’re in a state that doesn’t try to write to your senator. The more people you can get to protest the issue the more likely you’ll be to get the vouchers you need for your child’s success.

6. Trade in Time
A lot of schools tend to be a little short staffed, especially when it comes to activities. Private schools tend to have even fewer volunteers because the parents assume the school can take care of everything since they charge the students a tuition price. So, if you’re looking to help with tuition then talk to your schools and ask if you can volunteer time to help take off some of the tuition price. This can be especially useful if you have a special talent that the school might need. Talk about incorporating a craft or dance class for the kids, or coaching a sport for the school. If you have mechanical skills then you might consider doing part time maintenance skills for the school. This might be especially helpful in the technology department. You might also ask if the school needs chaperons for events or field trips as this is a big area where there is a shortage of parents. No matter what you can offer the best thing you can do is ask, because you never know just what your school might need.

7. Research School
Although it might seem like a no brainer you should always research any school you consider sending your child to. You should look for more than simple academics and reputation though. A lot of schools have reviews that would impress any hopeful academic, but the thing is they might not be right for your student. Academics are very important, but every student is different. You should try to learn the teaching methods and curriculum plans before you decide on the school. This will ensure your child will get your money’s worth at school and won’t get lost in the teaching method. It will also ensure your child won’t fail out of the school which wouldn’t help you financially at all. Some schools will have a much higher tuition cost due to reputation though. If you can get the same education at an institute with a lower price then why should you go with the school that is going to leave you in a financial burden. If you’re still unsure about the school ask to take a tour or see if your child could have a sit in day where he or she checks out the school first hand.

8. Fundraiser
One way to help ease a lot of the troubles of the tuition is to work on a fundraiser or two to earn a little extra money. This could be a family activity, especially in the summer months. There are so many different fundraiser you could try to help you earn some money. A car wash is usually a pretty popular option and is a great way to keep cool during the summer months. If you’re not sure about finding a location to host your car wash then consider something a little smaller. You can always ask a local grocery store if you can set up a bake sale to sell some of your homemade treats. Lemonade is also a good way to have the kids help you earn some money. If you’re looking for a larger scale fundraiser then try to host a yard sale after clearing the house of items you don’t necessarily want or need. These are only a few simple ways to host fundraisers as individuals. Your school might also have a few ways for your to fundraiser to help out your tuition. Selling popcorn and chocolate are some of the common ways to earn some money towards your final tuition costs.

9. Always Save
You don’t have stick to saving large sums of money at once. Instead try to save a little every day. This can be as simple as cutting back on your lunch money or dropping your change into a jar. One simple way to get the money to add up fast is to add a jar that people have donate to when they do something wrong. This will fill up quickly and will teach your family a few lessons in behavior, so its a win win situation. You can also set aside a small amount of money each payday from your entertainment or splurge fun. With a small rainy day savings you should be able to add some extra money to your tuition fees so you can pay them off a little faster.

10. Minimize Additional Costs
There’s a lot of add ons when it comes to schools that can be significantly reduced. For instance, transportation to and from school can be cut down my taking a bus or carpooling. This is better for the environment anyway and will help cut down on individual transportation costs. School books can be purchased used online if need me. There’s also programs that allow you to borrow books. If you’re having trouble with a book then talk to your school or the specific teacher and ask if there’s any way your child could borrow a book for the term. This could ease so much of the cost as books can run hundreds of dollars. Another common expenditure is lunches. Try to pack a lunch for your child if possible, or sign the child up for reduced lunches if you qualify. Uniforms can also be handed down from sibling to sibling or bought used from a yard sale or other students. Just try to get creative as much as possible with your school purchases.

Private school can be a great way to get your student a head start in the academic world. However, the price tag might scare you away from the schools altogether. This school year you may want to give the private school a chance. With these simple tips you may find that affording the education your child needs is only a few steps away.

The classroom is a great place to spark the imagination of students while stimulating their minds to work even greater than before. Unfortunately, today’s teachers aren’t given a whole lot of spending money to spice up their classroom. This often mean that everything in the room was paid for solely by the teacher. There are a few ways for all of you teachers to make your classroom extraordinary without having to spend a bundle to do so. With these ten suggestions your new students will love the way the classroom looks and you won’t end up in a budgeting crisis before the school year even begins. These tips are also great for any parent looking to help out with decorations this school year, as most teachers will be incredibly appreciative of any help you may offer.

1. Cork Board
Cork board is one of the greatest items to have in your classroom. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching older or younger students as the cork board can be utilized to be efficient in any classroom setting. One amazing idea for the cork board is to keep letters and pictures given to you from previous students. This is a great for teachers as sometimes it is a good reminder that you’re doing an excellent job. Cork board is also an amazing bulletin board for what the classroom is doing. You can post schedules for parents or reminders about tests and homework. You may also want to post up pictures of the students working and having fun to make the classroom a lot more homey. The cork board can also be used as a goal chart so your students can keep track of what they want to learn this year as well as how far they’ve progressed since the first day of school.

2. Board Games
It might seem a big farfetched, but games are an excellent décor item for the classroom, especially if you’re working with younger children. Board games are a fun part of learning so try to allow them during your student’s free time as much as possible. However, instead of putting the games in worn down boxes on a shelf you may want to let them hang on the wall for all to see. This can easily be accomplished by adding velco to the back of the games as well as the wall. When the kids want to play a specific game all they have to do is pull it off the wall and begin. This makes cleanup a whole lot easier too as the board will go right back on the wall. Doing this will also ensure that a lot of your games will last a whole lot longer. Folding can cause tears in the board which require tape to fix. With the boards always flat it’s much easier to notice which games might need to be recycled. As far as game pieces go, simply put them in a ziplock and add them to the back of the board. If you’re worried about the pieces getting lost then keep them in your drawer and have the kids check them out when they want to play.

3. Stars
What kid doesn’t enjoy a looking at the night’s sky. Well, with a few alterations you can add a star effect to your classroom that will really spark your students imaginations. One simple way to do this is to buy a new or used shade. If you can’t find a shade to use the pick up some posterboard, it will work the same but will mean you’ll have to apply the night’s sky every time you want to use it. Once you have your materials then punch different sized holes in the shade/posterboard. You can use pins, hole punches, scissors and anything else you come up with to do this. When the project is complete put it in the window and watch your classroom transform. This is a really great trick for astronomy lessons and nap or quiet time. You might also want to consider the glow in the dark stars. These can be applies on the ceiling, chairs, desks and anywhere else you think fitting. To make things even more exciting have the students draw their own stars with their names, pictures, dreams and goals.

4. Utilize Decals
Decals may become one of your best friends during the school year. These amazing items can be placed in so many areas of the classroom in order to cheaply make you room fantastic. Some of the more popular decals work wonders on dry boards. If you want to save money on markers and time in the classroom then you might want to order or create decal for items you’re constantly writing on the board. Some great examples of decals would be your name, homework, months and the subjects you’ll be working on. These decals can be washed off with soap and water, but will stand up to your eraser. You can also order decals for propular quotes that you’d like to inspire the class. These can be switched out throughout the year. Decals with images of subjects or popular kids characters are also a great idea for your classroom. You might also consider getting decals for your desk and maybe even come for the kids desks.

5. Seating
Story time is an important part of your lessons. Of course, kids are going to want somewhere a little more comfortable to sit, especially if your flooring isn’t carpeted. There’s a few ways to inexpensively take care of your student’s sitting needs though. One easy way is to pick up a roll of cabinet grip liner. This liner has a nice feel to it and comes in a variety of colors. Once you have a few rolls then cut the pieces into different shapes that are large enough to sit on. The liners will keep kids sitting in one spot and will add a little cushion and prevent chills from the cold floor. Another way to make seating a little more comfortable is to to buy a selection of clearanced fabrics. From these fabrics cut circles large enough to sit on and sew them with another type of fabric. You can add passing if you want, but the fabric should be enough to keep the cold floor from bothering the children. When the two different fabrics the kids can pick which side they like bed to sit on. You can even do different colors to create teams for trivia questions or other game oriented activities.

6. Recycling
You might be surprised as to the items you can find in your recycling that will benefit the classroom. One great example is using all those old baby food jars as storage for smaller items such as buttons, glitter, sequence and cotton balls. Oatmeal containers and milk jugs can easily be given a make over to hold items such as crayons and pencils. The milk jugs are also great for keeping your students group items in order. Each group can have a mug filled with everything needed to complete tasks for the day. Another great idea is to use sand pails that might not get a whole lot of use during the school year. These make great pencil holders. You could even create a pail for sharp pencils and another for full or broken pencils in order to keep your students on task with work, rather than worrying about their pencils. If you have a lot of cereal boxes then add them to the classroom so students can turn in their homework or tests, rather than spending money on bins.

7. Books
What goes better in the classroom than books? So, use your books as a little décor to get your young minds working. Most classrooms have plenty of books in them, but if you work with kids you know you’re going to end up with broken spines, ripped out pages and pages filled with drawings. Instead of getting rid of these books try to add them to the classroom. Try cutting out some of the pictures from the book and mod podge them onto desks, coat racks, shelves, cork boards or even the wall. You may even find some unaltered text to add to the picture for an extra special touch. If the cover isn’t too damaged try to frame it and add it to the wall or if you have lots of covers then try to cover a wall with the items. This will inspire kids to read more. You could even give them bonus points if they read every book that appears on the wall. Another idea is to take book sleeves and hang them from the ceiling for all to see. This can easily be done with clothes line and clothes pins.

8. Bring Items From Home
Let’s face it, you’ve probably got a whole lot of cool items in your storage unit that are just collecting dust. Before classes start do a little late spring cleaning and see what you can come up with for your classroom. A couple of always amazing ideas are large maps or any sized globe. Kids love to learn about the world and these tools might be not be seen as often as they should be. Even if you’re not studying these items they will add a great vibe to the classroom and may even aid you in some of your current event discussions. Other old items might be a great addition to the classroom too. For instance, old cameras, type writers and phones always look cool and are items most kids won’t be exposed to. Even if the items don’t work they make great show and tell items that will help kids understand how the technology they use today came to be. Stuffed animals and other toys are always a nice touch too, so if your kids aren’t using it anymore then try to find some way to add it to the classroom. Once you start looking you may find a world of cool items to help spruce up the classroom.

9. Tissue Paper
It’s cheap, easy to work with and has unlimited uses. Yes, tissue paper can really go a long way in your classroom. You can easily use colored paper to cover a wall to add a little extra style to the room. It also makes a great liner for bulletin boards and to decorate your desk. A little starch and paper can go a long way when it comes to adding decorations to the classroom window. This will help you keep up with the seasons for a whole lot less. Another great thing to do with tissue paper is to grate fun items like a story time tree. This won’t take a lot of time and will provide you with a great place to read to the kids. You can also make a fireplace, campfire or other decorative items that go alone with the season.

10. Swap Items
As the years pass there’s a good chance you’re going to have a lot of supplies you’re just not using. For instance, some of your bulletin board liners might not suit your taste or needs anymore. Instead of throwing these items out try to trade them for something another teacher has. This will give you new supplies without having to spend any money or forcing you to keep items you don’t want in storage. It will also create bonding within the school so you and the other teacher’s will know you each have someone to rely on which could help with spending money in the future.

Creating your dream classroom can be hard when you’re on a tight budget. With these few tips you should be able to find some way to create a fun environment for a whole lot less. Now, all you have to worry about is getting everything set up before class begins!

With school just right around the corner its time for cheer camps and try outs to start up. This can be a great end to the summer, but when it comes to purchasing all the items your child needs to enjoy this sport it might be a huge shock to your budget. From uniforms to field trips, there’s a whole lot of items you’ll need to fund during the cheer season, especially if your child is in high school or competitive cheerleading programs. Luckily, there are a few ways to avoid some of the initial cost. With these ten tips you’ll be able to keep your child happy and looking within the sport without having to break up some of your budget to do so. Now, you can cheer along instead of worrying about you’re going to fund the upcoming months.

1. Fundraisers
There’s nothing more classic than holding a fundraiser for a sport. This can be done in several different ways though, so you don’t have to get bored with one or jump into something you’re going hate doing in the long term. For starters, there’s the ever famous sales pitch where students go door to door selling items to help fund their team. This method works well, but if you’re not up for spending a lot of time on an activity then you might want to skip this one. You also have to have money to put down on it, which is not good for tight budgets. Another great way to earn some funds in to hold a yard sale, bake sale, car wash or any other idea that might pull in a little money. These items are usually very easy to organize and with a little help from the neighborhood you shouldn’t have to put too much money into them. You could also consider creating a competition. Ask people to donate at the door or charge an entry fee. This is great because it can be held in your child’s school, with permission, or an outdoor area. It will also give the cheer team a chance to show what they have!

2. Order Uniforms Early
Early preparation is always a good idea, so try to find a way to get your uniform orders in as early as possible. If you’re ordering for just your child then you may want to put in your order as soon as you find out he or she has made the team. This can be as early as the end of the school year or weeks before the new school year begins. You should always take into consider how much your child may grow throughout the year though, so order a little bigger if you’re concerned about your student having a growth spurt. One way to enjoy better quality uniforms is to order early from your local tailor. This will allow you to have one of the better quality uniforms and by ordering early you won’t have to pay as much as those who put their orders in during peak times. If you’re ordering for the entire team then make sure to shop around for a good deal. When you find the price you’re looking for go ahead and order because the longer you wait the longer it will take to get the uniforms back to you due to high demand.

3. Donations
One great thing about communities is they’re usually willing to give in order to see the youth in their community succeed. If you’re having trouble funding your team then you might want to consider doing a call for donations. You can cheaply and easily run an ad in the local paper for a donation drive in your area. If you aren’t sure the newspaper will do much good then take to social media. These pages will generally hook a wide audience and will allow others to share the call for donations. You can also have the squad make up signs to post around time. With a little effort your cause should be passed around town with ease. In return for donations try to other something fun, such as a free entry to a game or a free drink at the concession stand. You should also keep donations open. For instance, some people may not be able to give money but items like shoes, pom poms and megaphones are always appreciated.

4. Carpool to Events
Chances are your squads going to have to do a bit of traveling during the season. This can take up a lot of the budget, especially if you plan on taking buses or other larger means of transportation. Instead of renting vehicles try to have some parents chaperon the event so you can spend less on gas and rental fees. If each member of the squad chips in a small amount for gas then everyone should be able to get to the destination without burning too much money. If you’re worried about getting your child to games and other events locally then try to talk to other squad parents and see if anyone else is willing to create a carpool. This works out great for parents that might have to work during certain games and will ensure the kids get to their destination without spending a lot of money throughout the season.

5. Hand Me Downs
Although it might not seem ideal to your child, hand me downs are a great way to ensure your child can stay on the squad when money is tight. If you had an older child that was in cheerleading then this is idea. Make sure to tailor the old uniform to your child’s needs while also ensuring it suits the seasons standards. With the uniform out of the way you can knock one big expense out of the season. If you child had specific squad shoes that will fit your child then this is all the better. Usually, squads won’t care what your child wears to practice, so save the specific shoes for game day in order to keep their quality intact. Megaphones, pom poms and other cheer accessories are easy to restore for newer cheerleaders as well. If you don’t have children that were previously in cheerleading then you might want to ask other family members or friends if they have anything that could help your student ease into the squad without breaking the budget.

6. Sew Your Own Uniform
Most cheerleading uniform follow one basic pattern, so if you enjoy sewing then creating your child’s uniform might be the cheapest way to let your child enjoy the cheerleading squad. If you aren’t entirely sure about the requirements for the uniform then talk to the coach and ask to see an example of the uniform required. This will allow you to know the correct colors, fabrics, embroidery and other musts for the uniform. Once you have all of the supplies it shouldn’t be hard to recreate the required suit. It will also mean your child is getting a uniform that fits amazingly because it was just entirely for the student. Creating your own uniform also makes alterations later on a whole lot easier. You never know, after you send your student out in the uniform you may have orders from the entire squad for a personalized uniforms, which means you might actually make some money to put towards the season so the budget can relax a little more.

7. Yard Sales
Chances are, if you live in a small community then there’s going to be lots of cheerleading items in the yard sales. Make a point to check out any new sales whenever you can. People usually hold them on weekends, so make a day out of surfing the different yard sales. Sometimes you might be lucky enough to everything your student could possibly need after shopping a few yard sales. You might have to venture to other communities in order to find some of the items though, so make sure look online for notices before you head out. This will help you save on fueling cost and will save time since you’ll know where you need to go. You may also talk to the sale holders about battering for the cheerleading gear, which will help save even more money.

8. Compete
If your on a squad then try your hardest to get into some competitions. There’s a lot around the country, so chances are you’ll be able to find some awesome competitions in your local area. If your team is really good then you may even go on to state or national competitions, so keep up the good work and push yourself to advance when possible. Typically, entry fees aren’t too expensive for competitions and the price of winning will actually help fund some of your trips as well as the upkeep of your squad. If you’re not sure where to start then take to the internet and do a little research on the competitions in your area. Once you’ve competed the first time you’ll love the way it feels to show off your stuff. You may even want to start researching some of your own choreography moves to make your cheers all the more fun.

9. Talk to Your School
When it comes to cheerleading, the money can become too much for tight budgets. However, luckily there’s lots of support available through schools if you let them know if you’re struggling with the cost. Many schools will allot money for grants and scholarships to students who desire to be a part of the team but don’t have the money to do so. You may have to fill out a few forms based on income and need, but after that the school should help support many of the needed items. If your school is using cheerleading as an athletics program then chances are the uniform and other accessories will already be supplied for your student. Thus, most of the worry will be lifted from your budget. If you’re still having problems getting your student to games then talk to the coach. A lot of the time the coach will pick up students that need a ride or arrange a pick up with another student’s parents. So, stop stressing and simply ask when you need a little help.

10. Re-Use Last Year’s Items
If your students a veteran the cheerleading then don’t stress about the small stuff. At the end of the season make sure to pack away all the cheerleading supplies somewhere safe. When its time to start a new season then unpack everything and have your student try it all on. If the uniform doesn’t fit then work to make the needed alterations. The only item that might need to be replaced is the shoes, but if your child hasn’t grown much then this shouldn’t be an issue at all. If, perhaps, the colors for the pom poms or megaphone has changed then this is typically an easy fix. The megaphone can be painted with recycled paints to suit your teams needs. While, the pom pom strands can be replaced with cheap streamers of the proper colors. However, this item tends to be a bit cheaper just to repurchase. Spanks are another item that shouldn’t need replacing for the new season, just make sure there are no holes in the items. If you make sure everything is cleaned and stored properly during the off season you should be good to go for next year though.

Cheerleading can be a great adventure for your student, so don’t let the opportunity pass by because of the lack of funds. With these ten tips you’ll be able to save a whole lot of money on items that may normally cost a small fortune. With all of the savings you should be able to enjoy more games and cheer your child on throughout the seasons.

With August already here it might be time to consider shopping around for this school year. If your child is required to wear school uniforms you may be looking at spending quite a bit of money to satisfy your child’s needs for school. There’s a lot of ways to avoid some of the pricing behind school uniform shopping, but if you aren’t sure how to beat the price tag then these ten tips are for you. With a little know how and a lot of patience your child should be able to return to school looking great while meeting all the uniform requirements. With these ten tips on your side you’ll never have to stress over back to school shopping again, which will leave you a little extra cash for some much needed last minute vacation time!

1. Department Shopping
Ordering uniforms from your school or even a specialized uniform store can be a huge mistake. These items usually will cost a whole lot more and won’t do you any favors when it comes to allowing the children to try on clothes. Instead, get a list of the items needed for the uniforms. Usually, the clothing isn’t so specific that it has to be specially ordered. This will allow you to get the majority of the items at department stores, which will have what you needed at a significantly better price. If your area predominately has schools that require uniforms then chances are the department stores will have a special section just for your schools needs. This will save you time, money and will ensure that the clothing you do purchase actually fits your child. You won’t have to worry about shipping costs or other hidden fees either. Even if you do require some special items, the clothing you purchase from the department stores will cut down on the final price. Of course, you may be able to get away with having some of your clothes embroidered with the school’s logo for fairly cheap.

2. Out of Season Shopping
When it comes to shopping for uniforms, you’ll probably get the best deals if you don’t shop during the back to school season. Although there’s many sales during this time, the prices of uniforms will actually significantly drop as the time passes. One of the best times to grab school clothing is towards the end of the school year. During this time stores will try to get rid of most of their stock for the summer months, so a lot of the clothing will go on clearance. If your student goes to school year round then consider shopping seasonal clothing on the off season. For instance, during the winter semesters you might want to stock up on shorts, skirts and short sleeve tops while during the summer pants, cardigans and other long sleeve tops are a great buy. When you shop like this you should consider how much your child might grow though, as this will help you choose an appropriate size.

3. Clearance
A lot of schools operate under a polo and trouser requirement which will make it even easier for you to find cheaper clothing for your children. Usually polos of all colors and trousers are pretty popular items on the clearance rack in many stores. Depending on your schools chosen colors you should be able to find a wide range of clothing for less than $100. If you’re not having a lot of luck locally then try to find stores online that sell these items. Since the clothing is fairly common you should be able to find them on sale at popular discount stores and popular stores you would frequent for your own casual or dress attire. If you’re lucky you may even find some of the items for less than $3 which will make them all the more worth wild if you have to get them engraved as this will only put your child’s uniform at less than $10 for a basic look!

4. Pick Dark Colors
Most schools will offer a couple of different colors to choose from when it comes to uniform shopping. If you can, try to purchase the darker color as much as possible. Although light colors are nicer on warmer days, they are also a lot easier to ruin, especially when it comes to kids. With a darker option your kid’s uniform will stay in regulations for a lot longer. Although it is possible to stain darker clothes it is a lot easier to mask these accidents than with a top that is white. The same can be said for pants. A black trouser is much easier to care for than a pair of khakis. With darker colors you’ll have to look for a replacement a whole lot less. If you’re worried about your washer fading the color then invest in color safe bleach and other care products designed to keep darker clothes looking new for longer.

5. Hand Me Downs
It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping uniforms or regular clothing, hand me downs is a key to saving a whole lot of money. However, when it comes to uniforms you may enjoy these savings a whole lot more. Chances are your school doesn’t change uniforms often which makes it even easier for you to hang on to your older children’s clothing. If your children change clothes when they come home from school then their school uniforms are probably going to look in top shape at the end of the year. This will allow you to only purchase fillers for your younger children, which is a huge relief on back to school costs. Of course, if you have family or friends with older children then you may not have to purchase an entirely new wardrobe for your older children either. Just make sure to complete any alterations needed before school starts and you’ll be able to worry a whole lot less about what your children are going to wear to school this year.

6. Community Group
If you don’t already have a community group you may want to look into starting one. This group will allow everyone in the school district to come together and exchange uniforms. Your school should allow you to organize one of these meetings in your gym at no cost, but make sure to call around and make arrangements before hand. This group will allow people from the school to meet one another. People can bring their children’s old uniforms and exchange them for larger sizes or simply donate them so other children can make use of them. These communities are great to encourage support within the community and may even lead to some important meetings that allow people to organize after school programs as well as carpools and other ways to save money.

7. Buy One Size Larger
Kids grow pretty fast, which is why so many parents end up buying school clothes throughout the year. In order to avoid some major spending on your part you may want to consider buying your children one size larger than what actually fits them. This will allow kids plenty of room to grow during the school year without forcing you to have to buy something new every few months. Don’t worry about the pants being too large as most uniforms require a belt anyway and you can easily add a tuck to make the legs a little more fitting. One important item to buy a little bigger is shoes. Although it might seem odd to buy shoes that don’t fit you’ll be glad you did when your child doesn’t complain about feet pains after the first month of school. Shoes are usually more expensive too, so the extra growing room is important. If there’s an issue with size then have your child wear thicker socks until the growth spurt occurs.

8. Order Bulk
Ordering in bulk can be a pretty powerful thing when it comes to your budget. Luckily, when it comes to school uniforms its pretty easy to shop in bulk. A lot of stores with often sell a three to five pack of polo shirts that cost a whole lot less than you’d pay for 2 shirts off of the rack. Try searching sales on popular brand sites to see what you discover. A lot of stores will often offer buy 2 get 1 free sales when it comes to trousers. These sales are especially popular during the back to school months. You should also be able to find large packages of socks, underwear and under shirts that will keep your family stocked up for quite some time. These items are always a must for new school semesters, but the bulk buys will allow you to stretch your clothing further so you don’t have to do as much shopping after your initial school purchases.

9. Buy What You Need
Just because your kids will be wearing uniforms during the school week doesn’t mean you have to fill their closets with the attire. Instead, consider what your kids are going to need to get by for the week. Typically, a couple pair of pants or skirts and five shirts will be plenty for a typical week of school. Once the week is over grab the laundry and prep for the next week of school. If you don’t want to worry about having that many uniforms then buy enough to keep the kids going until the middle of the week. Since the uniforms are basically the same there won’t be any judgment amongst peers and you won’t have to waste money on clothes they don’t even really like. Buying less will also be less of a burden when it comes to the kids outgrowing the clothes. With a light wardrobe you can easily save up money to replace what you need while adding a couple extra sets of clothes as time passes.

10. Look for Grants
Although most schools will put parents in charge of clothing their children up to standards, most will also offer a little help for parents that need it. If you’re concerned about your students clothing then make an appointment to talk to the principal or counselor at the school. If you explain the situation and fill out some paper work then the school may be able to provide your child with some clothing. Sometimes, the school will even have donated clothes that your child can use for the upcoming school year. If the school doesn’t have the means to help you then they should know of various organizations that can help. These places are usually charity groups and may require a little time to process you, so don’t wait too long to get started. If the school doesn’t have other options they may be able to find you a sponsor that will help clothe your child. Either way, you should be able to get a couple items for your child’s school year without having to stress too much about letting bills go.

School uniforms can be a pretty big hassle for both parents and students. From the attitudes of trying the items on to the prices that leave you feeling sick to your stomach, back to school uniform shopping isn’t on anyone’s summer vacation to do list. With these ten tips you should be able to stress a little less about shopping and spending money, which will make the tedious task a little more bearable!

College is a great time to explore yourself and learn new things about the world. Thus, studying abroad is one of the best ways to get out there and find yourself without spending too much money. A lot of people won’t even consider studying abroad because they believe it might be too much money or perhaps it might be a little too intimidating. This isn’t the case though! Sure, there’s a lot of things you may need to purchase when you go abroad, but with a few easy to follow steps you may end up spending less on your time abroad then you would at your actual college. These ten tips will work to help you find a happy balance between your goals of studying abroad and your financial restrictions. Now, you can actually plan out the trip of a lifetime and embrace something new!

1. Go Through Your College
If you’re already in a college then you’ve made a step in the right direction without even knowing it! Most colleges will have a study abroad section. Many people will bypass this office in the hall thinking it is meant for students that are exchange students within the school. Although this is true it is also there to help students travel abroad. Depending on your college, there is a good chance the school has plans made out with other schools from around the world. This will give you an opportunity to connect to so many different countries that you might spend a full semester deciding where you want to go. If your school doesn’t have an abroad program they will have the resources to connect you with an out of school program, like the U.S.A.C. (University Studies Abroad Consortium). These types of programs will allow you to easily transfer into an abroad school while still receiving financial aid and loads like were you still in your school. These programs will also providing you housing and support during your time abroad.

2. Look for Grants
With the price of college so high a lot of students rely on grants to help them pay for college. While you’re studying abroad you should be able to qualify for many of the grants that you get in your basic financial aid kit. Of course, if you’re willing to look a bit harder there should be even more grants for you to help fund your time abroad. In fact, the federal government actually offers a grant specifically for college students seeking financial help while abroad. The grant has very little requirement, but does have a tendency to run out of funds so make sure to apply as soon as you know you’re going to be going abroad. There’s a bit of paperwork with this grant, but if you sign up in time you’ll be a little less stressed out when paying your tuition bills. There’s a lot of other grants available that could help you find some financial relief, but they take a bit of looking. If you’re unsure of the steps you need to be taking then make sure to talk to your financial counselor.

3. Know Your Currency
Before you choose a place to spend your next semester you may want to consider the currency difference. This does go up and down a lot, but with a little monitoring you should have a pretty good idea as to what the currency rate might be while you’re abroad. Some countries the dollar will be worth a lot more, which is where you’ll end up spending less money. However, if you travel to Great Britain, Europe or a select number of other countries you could be paying double for everything you buy. This will really make you think twice about the little things while you’re abroad, so be careful because no one wants to spend $3 on a candy bar, right? If this is a major concern for you try to concentrate on countries that have a rate that is almost equal or less than the value of the dollar. You’ll have more freedom this way and won’t have to feel guilty for your junk good cravings.

4. Global ATM Alliance
When you go abroad there’s a good chance your bank is going to charge you a heavier fee for taking out money. You may even be charged a little more for using your credit or debit card while you’re abroad. These fees can add up so fast your head will be spinning before you even hit mid terms. Instead of blindly going into the country and using the card you should try to join the Global ATM Alliance. This service will make a deal with your bank or direct you to a bank that will stop the ATM charges. This will allow you to pull out money while you’re abroad without having to spend an extra $5 to $10 every time you run out of cash. With the lack of fees in your life you should be able to live more freely and enjoy some of the culture around you.

5. Dine In
Although there’s a whole lot of great cultural food for you to experience, it might be wise to dine in as much as you possibly can. Yes, you’re going to be busy with your school work, making new friends and seeing new things, but eating how can get you in just as much trouble as it would at home. When you get to your destination you should ask around to find out where locals pick up fresh fruits and vegetables. These are easy on the go meals and can create tasty meals when you’re entertaining friends. Not to mention, eating fresh while you’re abroad will keep you healthier. You should also ask where the best place to shop for groceries is. Just like in your home town there should be a few choices, but one store usually stands out when it comes to savings. When you find your best destination for shopping you should try to buy generic or store brand products as much as possible. This will still give you a chance to shop for local items, but will keep spending to a minimum. Once you make friends with some locals invite them over so they can show you how to create some of their favorite foods. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t eat out at all while you’re abroad. Every once in awhile splurge as it will actually help you save money in the long run. It will also give you a taste of the culture so you can feel inspired to whip up some of your new favorite foods.

6. Enjoy Happy Hour
One of the hardest things for a lot of college students to cut back on is drinking. This is a big part of college life and a huge cultural aspect of many cultures. Before you go out drinking make sure you know the proper age, as you don’t want to get in trouble with the other country’s laws. Although you should avoid excessive drinking for your general health and budget, there is a time and a place to let loose and have some fun with your new friends. If you’re planning on going out then try to plan around happy hour. Most places with have these times posted up so you won’t have to go to great lengths to find out when you can get cheaper drinks and food. In some countries you may even get free appetizers when you go drinking, so this could easily help cut the costs of a meal. You might also want to consider buying pitchers of beer with friends. This will allow everyone to chip in while saving the whole group a bit of money.

7. Transit Pass
When you go abroad you might find yourself in a whole new world when in comes to transit. In a country that relies heavily on cars, it might seem frightening to have to figure out how to get from point A to point B using trains, trollies and buses. In most countries you will find very good public transportation though, so don’t stress out as it won’t take long to get the hang of things. When you get to your country you should buy a transit pass as soon as possible. This will help cut the cost of daily traveling. Usually you can get a pass for a very good deal that could even last your full semester. Make sure you show your student I.D. Card too as this will ensure you’ll get a discount. A lot of students might be tempted to rent a car during the duration of the trip, but it is important to step into the culture of the country you’re in and enjoy their way of doing things. It will also save you a lot of money and teach you something new when you decide to use transit.

8. Host Family
If its your first time away from home or you’re just feeling a little insecure about going abroad then you might want to consider getting a host family. This will allow you to stay in a home with a family rather than living on your own in a dorm. These families will typically provide you with a room and will charge you room and board. Generally this cost doesn’t compare to living on your own and will also ensure you have food, water and all of the basics needed to keep up with your studies. Staying with a host family with submerge you in the culture faster and may even help you find a second family to visit with as the years pass.

9. International Student I.D.
If there’s one card you should always keep on you when you’re abroad its this special international identification card. This card not only allows people to know who you are, in case of an emergency, but it will unlock a world of discounts for you. You may be surprised as to all of the places that recognize this card. From shopping for groceries to taking in a movie, you will be able to enjoy plenty of freebies and discounts that will help your finances and keep you happy while you’re away from home. This card doesn’t cost more than $20, but some programs will actually offer it to your for free. Make sure you ask everywhere you visit if they accept your card as it can significantly cut travel costs as well as other major expenses you’ll have to bear while abroad.

10. Consider tuition costs
It seems like tuition costs are always rising in this country, which is a major problem for most students. Although prices are on the increase in this country, they are still lower or moderate in other countries. This might be a huge factor to look at before you go abroad. Countries who offer lower tuition rates, even for exchange students might help save you money on your actual degree. While you’re paying the cost of the foreign country’s tuition you’re still gathering credits that will help you graduate from your more expensive home college. If at all possible, try to choose courses that will transfer nicely to your home college. This will cut out a lot of the must have courses for your degree at a price that won’t make your graduation date as bittersweet. You may find, by the end of your trip, that studying abroad actually saved you some money.

The desire to travel is something a lot of people never get the chance to act on. By studying abroad you’ll be able to broaden your education while gaining some valuable life experiences in the meantime. No matter what you do or where you go, this experience will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

With summer here and boredom setting in, you might want to consider building a tree house with your kids. Tree houses aren’t just a great way to help kids stay entertained during the long days of summer, but will also add a few valuable lessons and some incredible bonding time for the whole family. The price of building a tree house can be so overwhelming though. In fact, as the years progress, what once seemed like a simple task can leave you spending hundreds of dollars that your budget just doesn’t allow. With a few handy tips and a lot of help from the kids you should be able to get your tree house up in no time and on a budget that doesn’t make you cringe. So, put your money concerns away and follow these ten tips to a great tree house at a low overall cost.

1. Free Wood
You might not believe it to be the case, but there’s most likely an abundance of wood in your neighborhood waiting to be take home at no cost to you. This wood can be found online on websites such as Craig’s List, or could be in your local classifieds. If you don’t see anything turning up in the area then try asking around the neighborhood and amongst family and friends. With any luck you’ll find some good wood to help get you started. You may also call up some local stores to see if there’s anything they may want to clear out of their rubbish bins. This is one of your best bets and you might be able to get a good start on the house with these items. Of course, you will probably end up with a bunch of scrap wood, so be careful what you use and where you use it. Typically, the free wood will be plywood, which is great for doors, roof tops and other areas that don’t have to hold up weight.

2. Think Simple
When it comes to planning out the tree house, it is pretty easy to get caught up in some elaborate plans. At the end of the day, your kids are going to be happy with anything you come up with, so you don’t have to design the Taj Mahal of tree houses just to impress. If you’re already feeling nervous about the budget for the tree house then start out with a simple plank base, some railings and a simple ladder. Simply having a place in the tree to play will impress your kids and will encourage them to work hard to help you make it. If you’re looking to spend more then you might want to look at plans online. This will help you get a rough idea of what you can do, rather than basing the tree house of your kids’ imaginations. Once you start writing down the figures for the materials and how long it will take to build the design should be altered in order to please both budget and your time frame.

3. Seek Renovation Sites
Your town should have plenty of renovation sites that will allow you to benefit from their amazing stock of used supplies. It might take a bit of looking to find one, but once you do simply ask permission to go through some of the items that might end up going to the dump. Once granted the okay, make sure to stay out of the way and carefully pick through items you may need. These sites are usually great for pieces of wood, old doors and windows and sometimes even hardware to help get you on your feet for free. You may also consider visiting a headquarters for charity groups like Habitat for Humanity. These locations will have plenty to choose from and the items you buy will go to help the charity build more homes for the people that need them. You may even find some items that will strike your imagination so much that you’ll have a whole new idea for the tree house.

4. Recycle Centers
Another great resource for your family’s tree house is the local recycle center. This center has a wide variety of items that might come in handy when it comes to building. You should have a pretty good selection of wood to choose from here. You may also want to consider using items like recycled tree trunks as cute chairs for the tree house. Simply sand down the top and it will create a cute look kids will love. Other items like hardware can also be found here. This can really save you money when it comes to nuts, bolts and hinges. One of the most common things to find here is leftover paint. If you’re planning on adding a few coats of paint to your design then this is place to find the paint without breaking a budget. Although you may not be able to find any color you planned on, you could end up finding a perfect match that never even crossed you mind.

5. Borrow Tools
Not everyone has a wide selection of band saws, sanders and other tools that might come in handy when building your tree house. This can be a major set back for a lot of people, but there are ways around it. For instance, you could always ask friends, family and neighbors to buy their items. Make sure you write down what you borrow for whom as the sheer amount of tools might become overbearing by the time the project is over. A lot of stores will also rent out tools to customers. This tends to require a down payment and credit card number, but it is definitely cheaper than buying everything you need upfront. Another way to cut down on the spending is to cut all your lumber at the store in which you bought it. Usually you can get an employee to do this for you if you don’t feel comfortable with the tools.

6. The Right Tree
When it comes to building a tree house, the tree makes all the difference. If you try to build on any tree you may end up loosing supplies, time, or worse yet, you could cause an injury. To find the right tree you have to consider the age of the tree as well as its health, branches and overall space. Trees with tiny branches are not good for tree houses and would probably be fairly frustrating to build on anyway. Thick and durable branches are what you should aim for when picking a tree. You should also know how old the tree is to ensue it has deep enough roots to secure your house and children. It might take a little research on your home to find all of this out, but generally looking at the tree, pulling on the branches and close inspection should be enough to let you know its okay to build in. You may also have to build around some aspects of a tree, so think outside of the box when planning.

7. Add On
One of the biggest financial problems many people have when it comes to building a tree house, is biting off more than they can chew. Elaborate plans on great, but you don’t have to do everything on the wish list at once. Instead, concentrate on the basics. Start with the floor, add some railings and create a safe ladder. Once these items are complete the tree house will be safe enough for the children to play in. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stop working on the house. Take some time to let the kids enjoy what they already have then think up ways to improve it. For instance, later on you can add walls and a roof. You can also create windows, doors and secret storage departments. If the kids are still younger then you might also want to add a swing, slide, or sliding pole to make it more fun. There’s a lot of items you can add on once you get a base, but taking a break can be important for both your creativity and your budget. A lot of the time you’ll be able to find some items on sale, rather than buying what you don’t have to have when you want it. Patience can be a virtue when it comes to the perfect tree house and it can create ample bonding experiences for you and the kids.

8. Know What You Have
Before you step foot in a store you should check around your house for items that can be used for the tree house. You never know what you have lying around that might add a little something interesting to the piece. For instance, old woods could go very far in some designs and shutters that are no longer in use will add a nice touch to the exterior. You might also find nuts, bolts, screws and other hardware to help keep the tree house in top shape. Paint is another common find in the home and is a fun task to assign to the kids. You might also find old pots that can be used for the kids to keep a garden in their tree house or maybe even an old bucket for drop down message pail. If you’re not having a lot of luck with your own home then you might ask your friends and family to donate some of their unwanted items for your kids’ new home away from home. Once you have your supplies written down, it should be safe to shop for everything else you may need.

9. Check Restrictions
Today, it’s never as simple as just building a tree house. Before you begin make sure you check your cities ordinances in regards to tree houses. This can be very light restrictions to heavy restrictions depending on your city. It is always important to know what you’re getting into before you start though as it might not be worth it to build a tree house at all. Knowing can be incredibly important when it comes to fees that you’ll be able to avoid. Your restrictions shouldn’t be hard to get a hold of either. You should be able to find the information online, but if not a quick trip to City Hall might satisfy your need to start building. You should also check with the insurance company to see if you need to add this to your insurance or if you need to pay more because of the tree house.

10. Strong Hardware
If you’re going to splurge then make sure you do it on the hardware. This is one aspect of the tree house that should be carefully purchased. With good hardware on your side you’ll end up doing a lot less maintenance on your tree house. This can save you big money years down the line, especially if you weather proof your wood. With good hardware in place you’ll be able to rest easy as your kids enjoy playing in the tree. Typically, you won’t have to spend all too much on these items even if you do splurge. However, you should do some research and buy some of the best brands available. This will keep everyone safe, the tree house sturdy and will keep all of your hard work standing strong for years to come.

A tree house is the beginning of an adventure for most children, so get your kids outside and playing with their own fun tree house. With these tips you shouldn’t have to stress about the cost. After all, once you see their smiling faces and playful giggles you’ll be happy you finally go around to adding a tree house to your parenting resume.

Sending kids off to their first semester is the dorms can be pretty scary for both parties. With a new stage of life beginning it is fairly normal for your student to look for anything that might make their dorm room experience seem more like home. A lot of parents can really go overboard when it comes to this longing though. There’s so many items that cater to the student body that its pretty easy to spend thousands of dollars on your child’s first year in the dorms. As the college years progress, things become simple and you learn what is necessity over what is spoiling your young adult rotten. There are a few items that should be found in just about every dorm room though. These ten items are not only a must for any student looking for a home away from home, but they’re so friendly on the budget you’ll actually be excited about going shopping for your child’s dorm needs.

1. Mini-Fridge
If there’s one thing students are going to miss more than anything, it’s having snacks and cold drinks readily available in the kitchen. Although it is simple enough to find a soda machine on campus, the price of these drinks might actually destroy your students budget, especially if the student drinks soda every single day. One way to combat this problem is the ever famous mini-fridge. This amazing device is designed for small spaces and will help your student keep the budget for cold drinks way down, thanks to being able to bulk shop and store the cans and bottles in the room. Mini-fridges aren’t as expensive as you may thing and you can find a used product then you’ll be doing even better. You might try asking around campus or looking online for students who have graduated and want to sell their mini-fridge. There are also mini-fridges that hold one to two cans of soda or bottles of water at a time. These take up even less space, plug into a computer’s USB port and tend not to cost more than $20-40. With a mini-fridge your student might also be able to make smarter choices with snacks too.

2. First Aid Kid
Although there is medical staff on hand, it might be wise to send your child to school with a first aid kid. It doesn’t have to be huge kit that takes up an entire desk drawer. You can even get creative and make the box yourself, which might make students feel a little less homesick. Make sure you pack the kit with all of the necessities though. For instance, basic medications to help clean wounds and different forms of tape, gauze and band-aids are a definite must for every student. If you student will be taking a rigorous physical education class or intends to play sports then some braces, ice packs and muscle rub should be included. You should also consider ailments that might happen while in the dorms. Usually most students get a cold at least once, but there is also stomach bugs, the flu and other potential ailments that could strike during the school season. Packing up cold relief products, travel tissue pouches and medication to reduce headaches and fevers are a must. You should also consider anti-acid pills and other medications for indigestion to help students make it through the stressful moments.

3. Message board
Students can be a little disorganized without some proper tools, which is why a message board might be just what you need to rest assured your student will be on top of things. Message boards are pretty simple to make. You can create one using wine corks, if you happen to have a lot lying around the house. You could also just by some cork board and frame it yourself. If there’s not a big wall for a messenger board then consider making a few small cork areas that can be placed in a design. All you need from there is a few thumbtacks or pushpins and you’re good to go. Message boards are also very cheap to purchase. This will also give you a great selection to choose from as there are cork boards, dry eraser boards and even the classic chalk board. Each of these items are easy to maintain and all for an easy way to keep track of homework, exams and social outings.

4. Masking Tape
You might be wondering why masking tape is such a necessity when it comes to dorm room living. Well, there’s actually a long list of answers, but I’ll provide you with just a few. One of the best things about masking is it comes in a series of different colors, which allows kids to get totally creative. Another bonus is it comes off the walls with easy, so there’s no damage fees to worry about when it comes to your child’s decorating needs. One great way to show off some making tape is to use it as a frame for pictures. This helps avoid putting nails in the wall and will make the room look neat without having to keep it too bland. Another great way to decorate with it my letting your student use it to spell out words for decorations or create cool shapes that will make the room look polished and unique. Masking tape is a great fix it tape to have too, so if something breaks then a little tape might just solve the problem without too much stress involved.

5. Secret Storage
Although it might be nice to trust roommates and their guests it isn’t always wise. When it comes to shared living your child should always have a secret box to stash some extra money, priced jewelry or even just a precious item. One of the best things to is use a cut out book. This will allow your child to put away items and then place it right back on the shelf without anyone knowing any different. This will also add a touch of privacy to your child’s life. This is especially important if your child keeps a diary or anything that might be private in nature. Other great options help keep storage items hidden away so the room looks spick and span at all times. This is a big one if your student has to undergo inspection too! One of the wisest things to do is take a back of the door shoe hold and place it under your child’s mattress. Let the holder hang down behind the bed skirt is put shoes in each slot. You could also utilize fold up boxes for under the bed. This will help clear out a lot storage so the room looks great.

6. Rugs
When it comes to homey musts for a dorm you may want to consider getting your student a rug. Dorm room floors can get pretty cold, which makes the entire experience seem even further away from home, especially when the weather gets chilly. A simple run can make the coldest of rooms seem warmer and a bit more like home. There’s a lot of rugs to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect look for your child’s dorm. You can buy a cheap rug at just about any department store and even some dollar stores. Remember, when shopping for a rug it is important to keep it on the smaller side. Most dorm rooms aren’t very big and if your child’s roommate also wants to use a rug then it might be an endless battle. A typical bedside rug should do just the trick. You styles are limitless though, so let your student’s personality shine. You may even consider making your own rug. There’s a lot of DIY tutorials that show you how to make an t-shirt rug. You could also buy furry fabric to create a rug worth of any girly girl.

7. Tool Kit
It might seem slightly unusual but a tool kit can be a must for some dorm dwellers. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and stock up on ratchets, hammers and other common toolbox supplies. However, a few nails and screws, a hammer, screwdriver and flashlight could make or break the form experience at times. Your student will make new friends because he or she is ready for anything that might break in the dorm. Plus, if your student does want to hang pictures, assemble a shelf or any other common college experience then everything will be ready to go. You may also want to consider throwing in items like a small sewing kit, glasses repair kit and anything else you may think of so your students tool kit will be ready for a wide variety of events!

8. Stackables
One of the best things you can send your student to college with is stackable items. This is especially true of sturdy stackable boxes. These items come in handy for books, entertainment devices, collectible and anything else you can thing of. Stackables are easily transformed into furniture that doesn’t take up a lot of room and will help your student keep totally organized. You can buy stackable blocks at so many furniture and department stores that it wont take long to find what you’re looking for. You should also utilize desk items that be stacked up. These can be very simple to find, but you can also make small containers that stack on one another from various items at home. These boxes are perfect for staples, paper clips and other college needs.

9. Adjustable lamp
Light is essential to college living, especially during those late night study sessions while the roommate stores away. The item for this is an adjustable lamp. There’s lots of common and cheap desk lights that have an adjustable head. This will allow your student to enjoy studying whenever possible without disrupting a slumbering roommate. Although adjustable lights are pretty much a must for college life, you may want to consider looking for a lamp that has a clip on the bottom. This allows your student to clip the lamp on the bedside so it is simple to study from the comforts of bed. Of course, if you do find a light lamp you should always customize it with a clamp so it can easily be moved from the desk to the bed. Another great option is a simple book light. These can be purchased online, in book stores and many department stores at a price that will actually surprise you.

10. Plants
So, it wont make your student any more success, but it will add a burst of life to the room. Plants are relaxing and make your student slow down a little in order to absorb the new experience a little better. Plants tend to make people feel a lot less lonely as well. With a plant relying on your company its easier feel needed and not as stressed about life in general. Of course, when you pick out your plant your might consider buying something a little more resilient, like a cactus. These amazing plants can ensure some major neglect, so if your student does end up getting too busy to remember it the plant will still be right where it was left before the chaos began. You can also make the plant even brighter by picking out a colorful pot, or simply buying a plain pot so your student can decorate as designed.

Dorm living doesn’t have to be a huge shock to first time students. With these ten items in your child’s room college will be a lot more comfortable. Decorating with these items won’t just create an extraordinary environment for study, but will help leaving the nest a trip an adventure that isn’t as homesick as they might have imagined. You may even feel better about it too thanks to the cool setup you created.

Vinyl records are making a comeback, which means smoother tunes for anyone who loves music. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting into vinyl purchases or if you’ve been collecting for years, you may want to find a way to spend a little less on your vinyl purchases. There’s a lot of consider when buying vinyl records, but if you’re dedicated to your music then its a great buy that could end up becoming a high priced collection to pass down to future generations. If you’re looking to boost up your collection or just find an affordable way to start one then these ten tips might help you a whole lot. Vinyl collection can become an amazing hobby that leads you to meet new people with common interests from around the world. So, grab your turn table and get ready to enjoy the songs you love the most in pristine quality.

1. Thrift Stores
One of the best tips you’ll ever learn about vinyl is to check out your local thrift stores. So, it’s not a record store, but it is one of the few places you can peacefully look through vinyl for a number of different treasures. The best thing about thrift stores is you can walk in with no intention of buying anything and suddenly see a piece you’ve been longing to listen to. Although you probably won’t find a whole lot of modern vinyl at the thrift store you may be lucky enough to run across some of the classics. Of course, you might be a little discouraged by some thrift stores as they often won’t have anything worth the buy. However, you should still continue to go because many stores get things on a daily basis. Thus, if you give up on one location you could miss out on some major deals. Thrift stores also offer incredibly low prices, so you can buy several records for the price of one that you would find in a record store. You should always look at the records before purchasing though as some may be damaged beyond use or it could be a different record than the case advertises.

2. Record Store Day
This annual to biannual holiday is made just for vinyl record lovers. The holiday was originally invented to boost the sales of vinyl in order to keep record stores thriving; however, more recently it has been the best day to release some amazing limited time records. Record store day is a great time to shop for sales on vinyl. You will be surprised at some of the discounts you’ll be able to find. However, if you’re looking to buy a special release you may want to consider a few things first. A lot of these releases are obviously going to be priced higher than a regular record. They do contain some items that could be collected or sold later on, but it is important you’re sure you absolutely have to have the item before you purchase it. A lot of the time you will be better off waiting for the release to hit shelves without all of the special content. Of course, if its something from a band you’ve admire awhile then do a little research to see what shop is selling it for the cheapest price, so you will at least save a little money on the limited time transaction.

3. Sales
If there’s a local record store around you then you might want to keep a look out for sales. A lot of stores will do this when they’re getting new stock and want to move some of the products that aren’t selling quite as well as they’d hoped. Try to subscribe to the stores newsletter if they have one that way you’ll be privy to any sales they might be happening. Of course, if they don’t, which many stores might not, then it might be beneficial to stop in more frequently. You can ask about sales and check to see if anything new has made it into the clearance bin. Another great time to look into sales is during a holiday as most stores will use this time to sell more of their items. If you don’t have a local store then look online to see if any of your favorite online merchants are having a sale. These stores might be easier to keep track of in regards of sales, but you’ll still have to pay shipping which couldn’t ruin the sales price altogether.

4. Buy New
It isn’t often that buying something new will actually save you a bit of money. Let’s face it, you simply can’t enjoy a record on the go. It takes some pretty pricey equipment to transfer your vinyl to digital, so you may be out even more money if you want to have an album on vinyl and in your mp3 player. Instead of worrying about buying your item twice you should just consider buying an unused copy of the album you’re purchasing. Most albums that are new and modern have a code inside of them. This code will allow you one free download of the entire album so you can put the music onto your mp3 player too. Now, you get the best of both worlds for the price of only one. Most new record releases are terribly expensive either. In fact, you’ll probably end up paying the same price you would for a CD or digitally downloading the album. You also won’t have to worry about dust, scratches or other flaws that could make your purchase worthless.

5. Sell!
Although it might seem blasphemy to sell some of your records you’d be surprised at how liberating it can be. Now, this doesn’t mean go through and sell off your entire collection in order to buy new stuff. Instead, try going through your vinyl once a year. If there’s anything in there that you don’t listen to then sell it. For a lot of people this tends to be vinyl that was purchased for them or pieces they inherited, which makes it a little bit harder to part with. A lot of people will hold onto records because they may one day find the music interesting. However, if you’re holding onto, say, your second cousin twice removed’s yodeling album because you may one day dig it, then you’re probably not doing yourself any favors. Look up how much its worth and get rid of it so you can put something else in its place. This will help defeat clutter and put money back in your pocket.

6. Keep it Clean
Records can be very easy to clean if you do it on a regular basis. You may want to begin inspecting a record before you put it on your turn table to make sure there isn’t anything on it that could damage the turn table or the record. There’s a lot of tutorials online as to how to clean you records so make sure to look them up just to be safe. Basic cleaning is cheap way to keep your collection in top notch condition. You should always look at reviews and recommendations before you pick a cleaner to use on your records though. There are also cleaners that do a more thorough job on the record, which might be something to invest in if you don’t want to keep up maintenance or if you’re often bringing use records into the home. Typically you can get one of these devices for under $100 if you shop around and do some research before buying. A clean record will keep your music in the best possible shape so you don’t have to worry about replacing items you already own.

7. Practice precaution
There are a lot of steps you can take to keep your records looking and playing great for years to come. These precautions cost you nothing and can help you preserve the value of your record collection. One easy thing to do is remember to not touch the record as often as you possible can. Use the side of the record for placing and removing it from the case. You should also be gentle when putting the record back in the case as this can damage both case and record. Instead easily glide it into the sleeve. Or, to avoid damage to the case try to find some plastic record covers. This way you place the record outside of the case while still keeping both items safe in the same unit. You should never stack your records. This can easily cause warping which will make the playback really disappointing. This is especially the case when it comes to hotter environments. Finally, make sure to use the guide when you put the needle on the record. This is gentle enough of the record and accidental slipping won’t be problem. There’s a lot of other tips so if you’re interested then do a little research online.

8. Know Your Stuff
If you already spend a pretty penny on vinyl then it might be beneficial if you did research before buying major collectors items. Make sure you look up how much the item is actually worth so you don’t end up spending double or triple on the item. It is also important you check out the item as closely as possible before buying. This means buying in your area is a lot safer than online, but if you have to buy online the research the seller’s reviews first. The same story can be told if you’re selling. If you want to make a profit on your record you need to research how much its worth. This will prevent you from letting a $50 record go for a mere $5.

9. Record Player
Although vinyl makes a huge difference when it comes to the way your music sounds, your record player will also play a major role in this process too. One way to combat losing the quality of your record player is to always do a quick inspection before you play anything. You should make sure the turn table is clean and is moving smoothly on its base. You should also make sure the needle is clean. The needle is very sensitive and any problems with it can not only sacrifice sound quality, but could also lead to damage to any record you play with it. Another major thing to keep an eye on is the speakers. If you have a turn table with smaller speakers then make sure not to turn the volume up too high. This could cause you to damage the speakers which leads to cracking and unfortunate playback.

10. Record Stores
Believe it or not, but your record store can be one of the biggest assets you have when it comes to your vinyl collection. If you haven’t already, try to get to know the staff of the store you prefer to shop in. This will unlock a world of benefits you may have no known possible. For instance, here the clerks will be able to look up the worth of an item if you’re looking to sell or perhaps looking to buy from another seller. They can also give you a heads up when it comes to future sales and discounts. Another great thing about getting to know the staff is they can special order items for you. So, if you have an eye on an import or something that’s not in the store you may be able to talk them into ordering the item for you, so you can pick up in the store without having to worry about other parties.

Keeping a vinyl collection can be very rewarding when you look past the cost. With these ten tips you can hopefully find a more efficient way to enjoy your collection options while exploring new ways to cut back on spending for your hobby.

In the past couple of days cosplay seems to have taken the world by storm. What once was an underground convention hobby now has television series based around it. So, of course you and your families might be interested in getting into the fun. The only downside is cosplay can be a huge budget breaker. From casting your own metal to creating accessories and costumes, the price just keep rising on your new hobby. This can be even more challenging if you’re planning costumes for the entire family! There are a few way to relax and save a little money on your cosplay adventures though. With these ten tricks of the trade you’ll find a new found love for the hobby and may even create some designs for your own personal character.

1. Kid’s toys
Chances are, your kids have some pretty unique looking toys lying in the bottom of the toy box. These little forgotten gems can be a great way to amp up your costume without spending a lot of money. Typically, water guns and fake badges are perfect for most costumes; however your imagination is the limit. These toys can be customized with spray paint, hot glue and any other altering materials you’d like to try out. If your kids don’t have any of these toys lying around, or just aren’t willing to part with them then you’re still in luck. Usually you can find a god number of toys at your local thrift store. This can be a prime place to shop when you’re looking for spare parts for just about anything. If you’re still having trouble finding what you need then try your local dollar or discount store. These stores usually have ample small water guns and other fun toys that just need a little TLC to meet your costume needs. The best thing is, these cheap toys will really rock your budget.

2. Shop Discounts
Unfortunately, supplies for crafting can be terribly expensive if you buy them at the wrong times. This can be a major problem when you’re working on big or colorful projects. Instead of buying in bulk when items are regular price you should wait around for a sale or shop the clearance racks.This is a handy tricky when it comes to most supplies. The good news is, most major craft stores will hold sales all of the time. So, you should be able to stock up on items like paint one week and then fabric some time later. This is fairly convenient and if you can gather up a good stock of supplies you won’t have to worry about shopping when you decide to make your costume.

3. Recycle Costumes
If you tend to be a bit more seasoned with costumes then you should consider using aspects of one costume on newer costumes. Although most costumes tend to be very unique there are sometimes aspects that can be very generic. This usually happens with capes, belts and sometimes even skirts and dresses. Try to go through some of your old costumes before you plan out anything new. This can actually be inspiration in itself and could lead you to a better overall costume anyway. Once you have inventory on your costumes haves and have nots you can plan accordingly without stretching the budget too far. If you’re worried about money in your cosplay though you may want to choose characters that have similar looks. Say, if you aren’t anime character one year you may want to try to find another anime character that is easy to borrow from. This technique could help you perfect your skills in a certain genre while saving you a little money.

4. Save Your Scraps
Although it might be habit to clean up everything when you’re finished with a project you may want to refrain from actually throwing anything away. There’s a lot of materials needed for some cosplay items that aren’t exactly on the cheap side of things. Foam, metal and even some fabrics can be a huge expense if you have to buy them every time you create a costume. Luckily, when it comes to cosplay you’ll probably find a use for the smallest scrap item. When it comes to metal this is especially true as everything can be melted back down for next time.This will allow you to always have a little something on hand in case you need a touch up and could even provide you with the piece you need to make a project look completely finished. You may want to have a bin or box to put your scraps, especially if they could be dangerous for children to get into.

5. Start Small
If you’re new to cosplay then one of the worst things you can do is start out huge. In fact, picking a project that is too big can really change the way you feel about cosplay. If you bite off more than you can chew on your first project you may end up giving up before you actually get into the cosplay groove. Instead of going overboard try to pick something a little smaller. For instance, find a character that has a simple outfit to make and maybe a small accessory that could earn you some extra points. This will allow you to get your feet wet without forcing you to five into the deep end. Smaller costumes also require less supplies so you won’t have to put as much money into it. This will allow you a chance to enter in some competitions and possibly earn some money for the items you made.

6. Thrift Stores
When you’re looking for accessories or even cheap supplies for your cosplay costumes then the thrift store is actually your best friends. These stores aren’t just filled with amazing vintage clothes that scream steampunk costumes, but also a variety of fabrics that can be used to make a wide assortment of different costumes. You should actually be able to ample undershirts, skirts and other items that can be slightly altered to suit your costumes needs. On top of fabrics and clothing you should also be able to find ample belts and shoes that work perfectly with some characters. Even if you can’t find something that suits your needs exactly you will be able to find cheap items that can be completely remade to fit your needs. Props are also a huge plus when it comes to the thrift store and you should be able to find a lot of cool items that can suit various aspects of a costume. If you’re looking for wires and other gadgets then you may also be able to find products that can be take apart for your needs. The best thing is, all of these items won’t break your budget and will leave you with ample supplies for your costume.

7. Home Supplies
If you’re really on a tight budget or don’t want to spend money on items you don’t need to then your home can be your best friends. There’s a whole lot of items that can be used that are just lying around the house. The best place to look for supplies if your recycle bin. You can really do a whole lot with old cans. For instance, if you’re shaping a gun accessory cans are simple to work with and won’t cost you anything. This is great for larger pieces like bazookas. Old oatmeal cans or anything larger is a great way to great arm piece armor or leg armor for children. You also probably have some paper clips, rubber bands, staples and numerous desk supplies that can help with last minute closures. Fabrics, papers and other items can really go far when you’re planning a costume too. So, before you go shopping for new supplies try to think a little outside of the box and use what you already have.

8. Barter Skills
After you’ve spent a little time in the cosplay world you should have a pretty good idea of what you’re good at and what you need a little extra help with. This can be a huge asset when it comes to saving money. When you go to conventions you’ll begin to meet new people who share your hobby which will allow you to network a little over skills. As you build more costumes you’ll begin to show off your talents in some areas which people may begin to admire. When this happens you can easily offer your skills to someone in exchange for their help with some other items. For instance, if you tend to have a knack for sewing but need a costume with some welding then you should ask a friend that welds to help you out in exchange for a little help with some more advanced sewing. This will allow you to really amp up your costume without having to pay someone to do the welding for you. If you’re lucky your friend may also be able to give you some lessons in their specialty so you can go on and create these items for yourself.

9. DIY
When it comes to cosplay it really pays to do everything yourself. You may find this out the hard way if you end up showing up to a convention in a store bought costume. Costumes that you buy tend to be terribly expensive and can really put you in the hole if you’re not careful. These costumes usually cost a whole lot less to make, so you’re better off skipping the costume stores and take to making the items on your own. Another reason you should DIY your costume is it will earn you the respect of other cosplayers. This community bonds over their hard work and creativity and when you show up in something you’ve purchased then you’re not going to make yourself any friends. You also won’t be able to enter the competitions with any chance of winning if you sign up with a store bought costume. Thus, you won’t be able to win any prize money so you won’t be able to make up any of the money lost on your costume.

10. Enter Competitions
If you’re going to get into cosplay then you should try to enter as many competitions as possible. Most of the time the costumes are free, but even if you have to spend a little money on an entrance fee you’ll end up getting the money back if you can get into the winners circle. Competitions aren’t just important for the prize money though. When you enter a competition you’re going to have a series of judges who can give you feedback about your costume. This will help you know what you need to change up to make things better or what went above and beyond the judges expectations. With this constructive criticism on your side you’ll be able to work out your projects more efficiently so you can win further challenges and continue improving your skills as a cosplayer.

Cosplay is a great way to bond with family and friends while paying tribute to some of the characters that made your life more interesting. With a few simple tips and tricks you’ll be able to create some noteworthy costumes that will earn you some major props as you stroll around the ground floor of the convention. After you try this fun hobby you may spend lots of your time working on cool new ideas for costumes for the whole family. With any luck, you may even make some extra money off your cool ideas and dedication to the craft.

Planning a playdate can be a huge burden if you’re working around a tight budget. Keeping kids entertained is tough enough, but when your wallet doesn’t want to cooperate with your ideas it can seem downright impossible. There’s actually a whole lot cool ideas that will keep kids of all ages entertained without forcing you to spend a whole lot of money. With these ten simple ideas you’ll find peace with your children’s playdates and may even have a little fun yourself as you direct the kids through each of the activites you choose to incorporate into your child’s play. Now, when parents ask you for a playdate you won’t have to pass up the opportunity and you may even make some new parent friends that will make these fun activities even more rewarding.

1. Superhero Day
It doesn’t matter the age or the gender of the children you’re trying to entertain because when it comes to superheroes everyone is down. Instead of spending money to take the kids out somewhere invest a little time in helping them create their very own superhero costumes. A lot of stores will sell pre-made kits if you’re looking for a fast and easy way to create costumes, but you can just as easily use supplies around the house to create some amazing costumes. Paper plates are an easy product to use when it comes to masks and even child friendly weapons. These items can transform into superhero accessories with a little glue, markers, crayons, glitter and string. You can also use old wrapping paper rolls to create swords or other accessories for the kids. Capes are as easy make too if you have old sheets or clothing lying around the house. When the kids are happy with their costumes then head to the backyard for some playtime. You can easily create a scenario for the kids to fight off and may even get to have some fun as you play the super villain.

2. Tea Parties
When it comes to keeping little girls busy you can easily make an afternoon of it with a tea party. This can be incredibly cheap to pull off and may even cost you nothing if you already have the supplies at home. If you’re hosting older children then you might want to start the playdate off with a little baking. Let the kids stir up some batter for snacks that will be served up during the party. This should take up an hour or so of your time, especially if you work from scratch and have the kids help you with set up. When the snacks are ready you may want to pull out some dress up supplies. This can be items your kids already have or special formal gowns that you may get from a thrift store or your own personal closet. Once the kids are ready to go then play turn on some classical music, serve the tea and enjoy listening to the giggles of your children having some fun.

3. Movie Day
If you only have the kids for a few hours then pretending to spend a day at the movies will certainly entertain many children. Before your play date arrives try to go through the movies for something age appropriate that everyone will love. This can be an easy task for younger children who can generally watch movies over and over again. If you’re hosting older children then it might be wise to hold a vote, or have each child pick a movie to watch. Once the movie is out of the way then try to whip up some healthier snacks. Popcorn is usually a go to snack, but it can be very bad for younger children. Also, some parents might not want their children eating buttery and other unhealthy types of popcorn, so if you’re going to have popcorn try to make it an original bag or homemade. Crackers, fruits and vegetables can be a great option for snacks though and are usually parent approved. To make things even more theater inspired you could pass out fake money so kids can purchase their tickets and snacks for the show. When everyone’s here, turn out the lights and enjoy the movie.

4. Puppet Shows
Kids love puppet shows, which makes this idea pretty easy to run with. It doesn’t matter if you’re entertaining toddlers or older children as this will give everyone an afternoon of fun. The puppets can be made from old socks or paper bags, so you won’t have to go to a huge expenditure to give everyone their own puppet. Decorating the puppets is just an inexpensive! Try to gather up the supplies around the house to help save money. Markers, glue, glitter, cotton balls, pipe cleaners and other items will help you provide the kids with a unique way to express themselves via puppet. When the puppets are finished then let the kids rehearse for their own show. This could simply be allowing them to play or having older kids create a script and presenting it to the household at the end of the playdate. You may even find your kid’s friends asking to come back in order to put on more puppet shows in the future.

5. Scavenger Hunt
If the weather is nice then a scavenger hunt might be right up your alley for the day. Kids love finding things outdoors so take note of your area and create a list for kids to find. You can also hide cheaper items so the kids will have a lot more to look for. The level of difficulty for the hunt can be altered to work around the children’s ages. When you’re hosting a hunt for toddlers then you may want to keep the activity in your own backyard. This will provide a safe place for kids to explore and will easily allow you to keep your eyes on all of the children you’re hosting. If the children are older then you may want to extend the perimeter to a walk around the block or even a smaller hike. To make things even more fun you could also come up with a fun map that will leads the kids to the items on their list. You could even come up with a grand prize for the child who finds the most items.

6. Indoor Gardening
If you’re looking for an education experience for the kids then you might want to look into indoor gardening. There’s a lot of ways you can mix up this activity to make it a lot of fun for all the kids involved. If you’re okay with spending a little money then you may want to go to your local dollar store and pick up a few mini pots for the kids. The children can paint the pots for a custom look which will help take up some of the time. When the pots are painted and dried add some potting soil to each one. Of course, if you’re looking for a cheaper option the cut the top off of a plastic bottle and poor potting soil into this. The kids can still decorate these bottles by having them color a piece of paper and then gluing or taping it to the bottle. You can choose a number flowers to plant into the pots. Another great option is having the kids grow a bean. This only requires a ziplock and some soil, but if you’re unsure how to do it then look online for tutorials.

7. Inside fort
Camping is a pretty awesome thing when you’re a little, but on rainy days or short playdates its not possible. Instead of taking the kids into the great outdoors you can easily let them build a fort in the living room. This is a very simple idea and doesn’t require you to spend any money at all. The only items you’ll need are some chairs, sheets, blankets and pillows. If the kids are older then let them do the bulk of the work for the fort. This will give them independence while allowing them to learn how to construct things. Smaller children might need some help with these items so let your inner child kick in. Once the fort is finished you can partake in lots of camp activities like singing songs, telling stories and snacking on smores. You might also want to think of games like sock wars or capture the flag that is altered to suit the indoors. You might even bring in a play fishing hole for younger children. This can be accomplished by using a kiddie pool, toy fish, and magnets.

8. Dance Off
Children adore music, so if you need a simple idea in a hurry then having a dance off is a great way to go. Dancing is a great activity for all children, but you will have to cater the music around the age groups. This can really make your dance time successful. Of course, with the younger children it is also important for you to get up and dance too. You could also incorporate dancing games into the mix to keep things lively. If you’re not certain about dance games or the kids get bored with simply dance then turn on one of their favorite musical shows. This will have the kids up and dancing again. For older kids, there’s a lot of video games designed around dancing that will earn them points, teach them new moves and keep them entertained for hours to come.

9. Library Trip
Stories are a great way to impress children and help them develop a yearning to read. One way to do this on a budget it to take your playdate to the library. Once here you can have each of the children pick out a book for home. When you get home gather some snacks and have everyone sit and listen as you read the stories in a lively voice. Kids will respond to your fun way of reading and you’ll all enjoy the playdate a lot more. Of course, you may also want to see if the library is hosting any activities. Sometimes you can register the children for a story or movie period. A lot of libraries will also provide arts and craft classes for different ages. You may have to play your playdate around the libraries schedule, but when you see how much fun the kids are having you’ll be pleased with your choice.

10. Obstacle Course
Older kids can be a lot harder to entertain during playdates, but one way to keep everyone from getting bored is to set up an obstacle course. These courses can be set up in different areas and can be primarily made with items from around the home. When it comes to creating these courses use your imagination. You can make them team based or a solo run depending on the amount of children you have over to play. A few great items you can add to the obstacle course are horse shoes, rings for tossing, jump ropes and cones. If the weather allows then sprinklers, water balloons and water guns are also a great addition to any obstacle course. If you’re feeling really adventurous then you might want to show off some of your course making skills in the pool. This will help keep the kids cool in the summer while adding extra fun to the race. Make sure you keep an eye on the kids at all times during their time in the course though.

Playdates are an important part of growing up so don’t postpone them because of money. With these ten tips your kids will adore having friends over thanks to the cool ideas you come up from. The best thing is, most of these ideas won’t have you spending any money at all!

Fishing is one of the most family friendly hobbies you can share during the summer months. The time as a family brings everyone closer together while the fish you catch makes great meals throughout the summer months. There’s a pretty big catch to fishing though. Although it might seem like a pretty cheap hobby to get into, it can actually run you quite a bit of money before you get home. Between docking costs and fishing supplies you may find your budget completely blown before you get home from your trip. There are many ways you can avoid pricey spending when it comes to creating memories by the fishing hole with your family. These ten tips will cut down on your expenses so you can worry about having a good time, rather than how much you’ll lose on the trip.

1. Go Used
If you plan on providing a fishing rod for everyone that’s going on the trip then you may want to consider looking for used gear. You can find a good selection of rods that are in excellent condition at a sporting goods store if you simply asked for the used section. You may also have a lot of luck finding fishing rods that have been preowned online, at yard sales or in thrift stores. If you’re a beginner a used rod should give you everything you need to be successful. When it comes to kids a used rod is a must. Kids grow really fast so there’s no reason spending a lot of money on a rod they’ll only be able to use for one or two fishing seasons. Try to find a used rod in your child’s size and then hold onto it for the younger kids to use. This will cut down on spending and will give the rod special meaning as it passes down between your kids and eventually down to your grandchildren. You should always make sure to do a simple inspection of the rod before buying it used though. It doesn’t take a close eye to notice when something is broken.

2. Go Motorless
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to rent or own, you should try to go motorless if you’re looking to save some cash on your fishing adventures. Boats that have a motor require a lot of expensive maintenance, not to mention the gasoline it takes to fuel them every time you go out on the water. You’re already looking at an extra bundle of water before you even cast out. Instead, you may want to consider a boat that requires you to do a little work. These boats are quieter which won’t scare the fish as much. It also allows you and the family to have a closer bond as you have to work together to paddle out into the water. You will love teaching the kids some real technical skills and may even get a better workout than you would at the gym.

3. DIY Bait
When it comes to fishing supplies, bait seems to be one of the most popular expensditure. This is usually because people feel the need to try out different kinds of baits. Of course, bait also has to be replaced often because it will be eaten by fish or simply lost in the water. There’s a lot of ways you can remedy the bait buying blues though. A simple way is to take a can of corn with you. Most fish will latch onto this so you won’t have to spend more than a few cents on a few days worth of bait. You might also try to catch your own minnows if you’re going after larger fish. This can usually be accomplished on the dock with a net and is a great task for younger kids. Growing your own food in a garden and using it as bait is an excellent wait to really get in touch with nature. You can also take the worms out of your garden to help catch some fish. If you don’t want to use real food as bait then there’s a lot of DIY videos online that can help you make incredible reusable bait without spending a lot of money.

4. Fishing License
The fishing license can be one of the most dreaded parts of the trip. For many, they’re uncertain about the law and choose to simple go without. This can be a huge mistake. If you’re caught in the wrong area fishing without a license you may end up with a pretty big fine. One way to know for sure is to contact your fishing and game office with any questions you have. If you’re still not sure then it might just be more convenient to buy one just in case. Fishing licenses are usually priced by age, but there is a whole lot of other discounts you can get on them. When you go to purchase yours make sure you ask about waivers and discounts so you know what you qualify. Generally, military veterans automatically qualify for a discount as do members of many clubs. The key is to know your information before you buy, so you can save big.

5. Bring Snacks
In an idea world, fishing trips would be filled with big catches that fill the tummies of everyone on the trip. Of course, this isn’t exactly the case so it’s important not to go in the trip unprepared for a fishless day. You should always carry lots of filling snacks like nuts, granola and fruits to keep the family feeling full while out on the water or on the fishing site. You may also want to bring simple things for dinner like beans or sandwich materials. These items will carry you over when your family doesn’t catch anything. Often, if you don’t have a backup plan you could end up spending a lot of money on fast food because the family will be too drained from the sun to go out shopping and cook when the day is over. This will save you a bundle on costs and the fish you do end up catching will taste even more delicious in comparison to the other foods.

6. Stay Close to Home
Saving money can be hard when you have to do a lot of traveling. With gas being such a huge expense its always best to stay as close to home as possible when you need to stay on a tight budget. Although it might be a let down for your family’s vacation it could also be a blessing in disguise. There’s usually at least one fishing hole in an area so you might have overlooked the spots in your area in order to go to a bigger body of water. Try looking online for places to go in the area and ask local fisherman where they go when they just want a relaxing day trip. You may be surprised by what you find and how much you save by knowing where the fishing hole is. This knowledge will also give you access to fishing holes more often, so you can escape for an afternoon and do some fishing without having to worry about getting home by dinner on a school night.

7. Bulk Supplies
If you like to go fishing a lot then bulk supplies are a definite answer to your expenditure problem. You can easily find these supplies online or in your local bait and tackle shop if you ask. Bait is one of the best things to buy in bulk if you choose not to use your own or if you need special lures. Another great investment in bulk is fishing line. If you can get it in a large spool you’ll end up saving a lot more money than buying whenever you decide to go fishing. These supplies will last you a lot longer than buying when you go fishing and you’ll always have what you need on hand.

8. Rent
A lot of people don’t get a chance to fish very often, which makes buying the gear to do it a little inefficient. Rather than purchasing nice gear and having it collect dust in your garage it might be wise just to rent when you get the chance to go out. Many stores will offer a wide selection of poles, reusable bait and other must haves for people that just want to fish for the day. You may also want to consider renting a boat. This is a huge expenditure that can really be cut down if you rent when the occasion calls for it. You can choose between motorized and manual boats as well as how long you need to rent this. This can also save a whole lot because you probably won’t have to pay a docking fee as the company usually has a place to dock when the boat is not in use.

9. Stay Landlocked
Although it might not sound like as much fun you may want to keep your family landlocked while you’re on a fishing trip. This will help eliminate the cost of renting, purchasing, transporting, fueling and/or docking a boat that you may face. There’s a lot of benefits to staying landlocked too. For instance, you can set up your area beneath the trees in order to avoid direct sunlight and to keep a bit cooler than you would out on the water. Staying on land also gives you easier access to safe swimming for kids when the lake allows you to. Also, if the fish aren’t biting where you’re located you can pack up and move without scaring the fish away. Without all of the hidden fees you trip would have if you decided to get on the water, you may be able to afford an extra trip this summer or perhaps a little extra spending money to explore the lake town.

10. Care for Your Equipment
If you have your own equipment then it’s very important to take good care of it as letting it rot away will only waste your money. Caring for fishing rods is really quite simple and doesn’t take a whole lot of time out of your busy schedule. There’s a lot of online tips that can be accessed about your fishing rod so make sure to look them up if you have any problems. You can also talk to most anyone at your fish and tackle or sportsman store to help you understand just what you need to do to care for your gear. You should also always leave you tackle out to dry before you lock it back up in the tackle box and store it away. This will prevent rusting which could render your supplies useless. Making sure your lure isn’t tangled is always a must and will make your life easier when you decide to fish again. Last but not least, make sure to thoroughly wash down your gear whenever you fish in salt water as this could really ruin your fishing gear no matter what quality it is.

Fishing is an amazing pass time that has been passed from generation to generation for decades. However, with the prices on equipment and travel expenses sky rocketing it may be harder to get your family out to the fishing hole as often as you’d like. With these ten tips you should find an easy way to save on money while creating some amazing memories with family and friends as you test your luck as anglers.

Dressing up for summer can be a major hassle that forces you to work around the sky rocketing heat and the expensive price of trendy clothes and accessories. Although it might seem wise to bail on the accessories this summer, you may be missing out on some major trends and a little extra skin protection in some case. There’s no reason to worry about the affordability of summer accessories though. With a DIY attitude and some simple tips to get you on your way there should be no reason to miss out some of the hottest trends of the summer. After all, your cute sun dress wouldn’t be the same with the same old flip flops now would it? So, rest easy and let these tips help you make some or buy some cool new accessories meant to make you a trendsetter for this summer’s highest fashions.

1. Hair Ties
Hair in the summer can be a huge chore. With the temperatures rising it might be pretty tempting to cut it off. However, even with short hair you’ll probably want a few different ways to accessorize your style. There’s a few simple and cheap ways to get some awesome hair ties so you can get your hair off your neck while making it look tres chic. Start with finding hair ties at home. You’re bound to have hundreds of them lying around the house somewhere. These ties can easily be customized with glitter or other sparkly add ons. If you prefer to use a head band then considering adding flowers or fabric butterflies to the band in order to give it a warm weather look. Ribbon is an easy way to get the style you desire without going overboard on cost too. You can usually buy this in spools at a low cost, so you won’t have to feel bad when you lose a piece. Try grabbing some patriotic colors, which are always in fashion during the summer, as well as some vibrant and neon colors. You may also shop your local discount or dollar store to see what hair ties they offer.

2. Sunglasses
There’s no getting around summer without having a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright rays. The best way to remedy the high price of sunglasses is to shop online. Usually you can find great pairs at a discounted price and many will even offer a money back rebate. If you wear prescription glasses then there’s a wide variety of online stores that offer reduced price prescription sunglasses. Simply pick a frame and add in your prescription. You may want to look for a coupon before you confirm any payment though. Another great way to remedy the price is to purchase a pair of glasses with transition lenses. Sure, these do cost a bit more than regular prescription glasses or sunglasses, but they’ll suit your needs all year long. During the summer there is usually quite a few deals on sunglasses in local stores. Make sure to shop around online and off before you do make your final purchase though. You may try discounted stores for a cheap temporary pair, especially if you spend a lot of time at the beach. This will ensure your pricier glasses won’t be lost at sea when you play in the waves.

3. Totes
You can’t deny that totes are a total lifesaver in the summer time. It doesn’t matter if you’re using them as a fashionable purse or toting around the day’s worth of beach gear, because these amazing bags will suit your every summertime need. There’s a lot of fashion totes on the market that are outrageously priced though. One remedy for this problem is to make your own. Try to find an old t-shirt or fabric you love and with a few cuts and some minor sewing you’ll be styling in a hurry. You can easily find tutorials online for this type of project. Discount shops are also a great place to find cheap totes. These usually mimic the high fashion totes, so you won’t stray too far from the trends. You may also want to check out a thrift shop to see what great vintage finds you may come across. If all else fails, grab your local grocery stores reusable bag and enjoy giving them a boost in business while you lug your goods from one place to another.

4. Hats
When it comes to hats, summer has a wide array of option to choose from. One of the most trendiest looks at the moment is big floppy hats with wide brims. These are amazing for the pool side or beach and will always make you look impressive and in style. These hats can be pretty pricey when you buy them name brand though. Luckily, most local department stores will have them for a cheaper price and if you have a coupon you’ll be doing even better. If you can wait a while for your hat then try to shop in the winter to take advantage of clearance sales. These hats are also easily customized so if you want to enjoy your own unique look then pull out your craft supplies and get work. The classic baseball cap is another amazing summer hat. These are also easily customized, great for kids and can be found in a wide assortment of prices. Try to find blank hats at your craft store and you’ll be in store for an amazing family craft session with the kids.

5. Shoes
Although many people love to spend much of the summer barefoot it isn’t always possible. With the concrete baking and sand not too far behind, walking around with no shoes can be rather painful. This is when your laid back summer flip flops come in handy. There’s a lot of companies that are making flip flops that cost as much as a regular pair of shoes. This isn’t convenient for the budget and will take away money from all the other col accessories you may want. Instead of shopping big name try to find a place that sells flip flops for no more than $3 a pair. This will ensure you can buy more than one, because they may not last long. When you get home, break open those craft supplies and get to customizing. You’ll have the hottest shoes on the block without the price tag associated with them. You should also be able to catch some amazing Buy 1 Get 1 Free deals on sandals for kids and adults.

6. Clutch
Purses are so out of season in the summer and will cause you to lug around heavy items in the hot summer sun. Instead of spending money on new purses try checking out some of the clutches in your local store. These items are usually much cheaper than purses and will leave you feeling elegant and in style. Try to wait until there’s a sale before you purchase, but if you love shopping online there should always be a wide selection of choices at a great price. If you’re feeling crafty then check out some online tutorials for making your own. There’s always fun ways to construct one, but you might also consider adding some extra flair to one you already own. If you really like duct tape art then this is a pretty simple solution to your clutch dilemma. There’s lot of colors to choose from and you can get really creative without having to put a whole lot of work into the project.

7. Party Jewelry
Summer means all those lovely tight and heavy pieces of jewelry you own are probably going to end up back in the jewelry box. It’s simply too hot to have something metallic or heavy on the skin. Instead of going without try the whole party jewelry look. These pieces are loose, long and very colorful. You can usually find them at any department store or even a simple party store. If the price is a bit too steep for you then head to a craft store and grab an assortment of beads. You can usually find a set of bulk beads in these stores that won’t cost a whole lot. However, if you’re uncomfortable with the price check some online stores to see if they can provide you with a better deal. Making these pieces of jewelry won’t take any time at all and will allow you to feel like you had a hand in creating your own signature look. If bright colors aren’t exactly your thing, then try looking for vintage party necklaces and bracelets at a second hand store. You may stumble across something that really strikes your fancy.

8. Flowers
It doesn’t matter what season it is, adding a flower to your style will really make you shine. However, there’s something very fitting about wearing flowers in the summer time. With such a large selection to choose from its hard not to find a flower for every occasion. The best part about this simple accessory is its incredible cheap and often times its free. Try finding flowers from your own yard to show off in your hair or on your clothing. If you’re around many real flowers then make your own. This can easily be accomplished with tissue paper or lighter fabrics. If you really want a custom flower then try cutting up an old t-shirt that might be to worn to wear anymore. There’s lots of online tutorials that can help you create a wide variety of different flowers, so get creative with the idea. The best thing about these accessories is they can be worn over and over again.

9. Friendship Bracelets
When summer roles around its hard not to think back on all of those happy camp memories or simply memories spent with friends over the school break. Of course, with any fond memory like this comes the friendship bracelets shared. Luckily, these hand crafted designs still haven’t gone out of style. You can find these cute accessories in any store that caters to trendy accessories at a price that won’t leave you hurting. However, one simple way to spend even less money is to make your own. For the price it takes to buy one of these bracelets you can weave several. This can be a fun way to spend a night with the girls or you can make it a family memory with your own kids. With bracelets this fun you may even want to start wearing them as anklets to show off your summer legs. You may even find yourself digging out your old memory boxes to find the bracelets you wore as a kid.

10. Scarves
Scarves don’t have to be reserved for the winter month. In fact, a light scarf can take your outfit from drab to chic with one simple wrap. There’s lots of light scarves out on the market during the summer so make sure to shop around to find the best deal. Look for colorful designs and prints to really draw out the vibes of summer or stick to solids for a business friendly look. Scarves don’t have to be reserved for the neck either. Spice up an outfit by tying it around your arm of leg. If it’s long enough you may even be able to use it as a waist tie. You could also try placing it on your head to protect your scalp from the sun. There’s a lot of possibilities with this accessory so feel free to get as creative as possible!

Accessorizing in the summer can be an amazing thing. Without the restriction of money you may become the biggest trendsetter amongst your friends this summer. When you follow these ten tips on how to be chic on a frugal budget, you’ll definitely feel like a top model.

Surfing is a huge part of the summer months and can give you an awesome way to get out on the water and share some fun with the whole family. Of course, all that fun might come at a pretty hefty cost if you’re not sure exactly how to save some cash on all the surfing gear you might need. With beach parking and all the other hidden cost behind this sport, you may feel sunk in the sand before the summer is over. There’s a few ways around the major cost, but they take a little knowledge. With these ten tips though you’ll find the inspiration you need to find some frugal deals and get out on the water before summer passes you by.

1. Secondhand Goods
If you live near the beach or make a lot of trips throughout the year then you may want to consider buying your own surf gear. Of course, heading straight for the surf shop might be your first really big mistake. Buying new goods is often very pricey and can leave you in a bind if you don’t keep up with the hobby. There are, however, a lot of used surf stores around that will help you save some money. Buying used items is a great idea for beginners, especially if you still haven’t mastered the concept of keeping the board with you. There’s a lot of things that can happen while on the surf, such as a lost board or breaking your board on stray rocks. With a used board you won’t be out as much money so you can get back on the surf a whole lot faster. Used wet suits are a good find too and can help you figure out just what you’re looking for in a newer suit. There are special stores dedicated to used items, but you many also find good used items at flea markets, thrift stores, yard sales or even online.

2. Rentals
Of course, if you don’t plan on surfing a lot or live far from the beach then a rental might be the answer you’re looking for. Carting surf gear from one area to another when you live far from the beach can be a huge burden and cost a whole lot of money. The best way to avoid it altogether is to use a rental service whenever you get the chance to surf. Some services will offer you an extended package while others will rent for a smaller time period, so make sure to know just what you want. Before you decide on what you’re getting you should do a little research on each area. A lot of services will offer special deals, discounts and other savings if you know what to ask for. Some services will also have a lot of cheaper varieties. Usually places further from the beach will offer you a better deal, so if you’re willing to do a little walking this might be your best bet.

3. Groupon Lessons
Learning how to surf can be pretty pricey in itself. If you don’t have someone you know that can teach you then paying for lessons might become a must. One way to counter the huge price of this problem is check out groupons for surf lessons. Many different instructors will place these ads up during the warmer months to boost clientele. It usually allows you to bring a few different people so you can have some fun learning with friends and family. This will also allow you to split the bill between different people so you won’t have to stress about paying a lot of money for the service. This will also allow you to feel out an instructor so you can choose to carry on lessons with them or try out someone new. Either way, the groupon will help you decide if you enjoy the hobby while ensuring you won’t pay a fortune for it.

4. Smart Destinations
Not living near the beach can be a big problem when it comes to your surfing hobby. Traveling can be pretty pricey, which is why a lot of surfers have to put it on the back burner. If you’re planning to go on a surf trip you may want to look at some smart destinations. These places usually entail beaches that are closer to you as they will generally cost less to get to. However, you also want to look at the price of staying in a certain area. It may be in your best interest to go a little out of your way in order to avoid parking fees, expensive hotels and poorly priced restaurants. Beaches that are found in smaller towns are usually friendlier on the budget. You may also want to looking into trips abroad that don’t cost a lot. You can usually find great deals on travel sites and may get to see a bit of the world through your hobby.

5. Shop in the Winter
When it comes to shopping for anything that goes with surfing your best bet is always going to be shopping in the winter. During winter a lot of stores will move items that are still new to sales or clearance areas. This is so they can get ready for the new items that will be coming in the upcoming months. This is a great way to take advantage of the time and get your family ready for the surf season. Everything from surfboards to wet suits should be ready to go in these stores, so act fast before other people get the same idea! Of course, you can also shop for surfing trips during the winter months. Securing flight information, booking hotels and planning out the trip this early can leave you with hundreds in discounts if you act fast enough. This will ensure when the time comes that all your family has to do is pack a bag and get moving in order to enjoy some major pre-order benefits.

6. Carpool
Out of towners that enjoy hitting the surf frequently might consider getting in a carpool group. This will allow you to get to the beach more often without having to worry about spending a ton on gas and other roadside cost. Every trip you take should be split amongst the members of the group. This will allow you to pay less in gas so you can make up to four or five trips on the money it would take you to make on by yourself. Make sure you take a vehicle large enough to fit your boards though. You may have to all chip in for special chords and other items needed to get your surf gear on the car. You might also have to occasionally chip in for car maintenance if you only have on carpool vehicle large enough to fit the crew and their gear. Apart from that, you should be good to go on your adventure. Even if yo don’t live far from the beach you may still want to carpool. You can conserve some gas this way and all you to enjoy a little extra company with friends.

7. Free Beaches
One of your biggest, yet unexpected costs, for surfing can be the price of the beach. Although not all beaches charge to use the area many will charge an arm and a leg for parking. There are a few beaches that won’t cost you a dime though. It might take some research and a little extra traveling to get there, but with parking cost out of the way it’ll be totally worth it. Although you might not thinking parking fees are too much, by the time you spend a week in area where parking is $15 a day then you’re already going to lose at least $100. There’s no need for this if there is a place where you enjoy the convenience of parking at no extra cost to you. These beaches usually allow you to camp as well, so you wont have to worry about hotels or other expenses while you’re out riding the waves.

8. Water Park Style
Although it might not be quite the same, you can always get your surf bug out by using the local water park. It is becoming increasingly popular for water parks to install a surf inspired ride to lure in more customers. This usually comes at no additional price and will give you a little surf buzz while you’re landlocked. Although the price of admission for a water park might be up there, getting a season pass could help you surf throughout the summers that you can’t afford a trip to the beach. There are also many indoor surf shacks that are becoming popular. These will allow you to enjoy simulated surfing without the sunburn. Whichever way you choose to surf, you’ll still be able to catch some waves without spending the money to get to the beach.

9. Care for Your Equipment
One of the most expensive things for surfers is replacing equipment. Of course, this can be counteracted by simply taking care of the gear you already own. There’s a lot you can do to preserve the quality of your surfboard. Regular waxing and maintenance could have your surfboard around long enough to pass down to the next generation. There’s also a lot you can do to care for your wet suit. For instance rinsed your wet suit, inside and out, is a great way to help keep it around longer. You should also be careful as to how your suit is hung up to dry. Never hang it by the neck or shoulder or else you’ll end up with a stretched out suit before you know. You may have to do some occasional washing with wetsuit shampoo, but as long as you ensure you’re rinsed and dried after every use you should be holding onto your suit for a lot longer.

10. Go All In
For a lot of people the entire concept of surfing just isn’t something they think they can afford. However, getting a group of friends together and going all in can help you make the trip you’ve always dreamed up. Try to gather up money for gas and hotels, but let everyone split the cost equally. If you share a room the entire way to the beach you’ll be saving huge on your vacation. You can also do this with a rental board. Skip the wet suits and just wear swim suits. With one board between you and your friends you won’t stay out in the water as long anyway. If you already live close to the beach then try to split the cost of a board between you and your friends. This will allow you to go out as often as you like. With everyone sharing a board you can also talk about pointers when your turn is up or just hand out. The board will help you improve your surf ability and all the while you can save up for another board, or your very own board.

Surfing is an exciting way to get the adrenaline pumping while enjoying the summer sun. Although the prices surrounding it might not be as cheap as you’d like you can still find a lot of ways to save without forcing yourself to give up on the hobby altogether. These ten tips are a start to a future of surf fun without concern. So throw on your bathing suit and enjoy some waves for awhile, without worrying about the stress of money.

Tattoos are amazing works of art that really show off people’s personalities while adding extra beauty to the body. With the sweltering weather upon us and our skin more exposed, it is no wonder that summer is the prime time for the tattoo business. Many people begin to consider more tattoos during this season, but they often don’t consider ways to save on their new body art. If you’re not careful a tattoo could run you into a hole in regards to price. There’s a few simple techniques you can take to avoid spending a small fortune on your art though. With a little know how you can manage to cut the price of your future tattoos without having to worry about sacrificing the quality of your art. With this knowledge you’ll certainly be able to enjoy your new tattoo a whole lot more. So, take a deep breath and let your tattoo artist get to work without worry.

1. Think On It
Although it may seem obvious, getting a tattoo is something you should spend a lot of time thinking about. A lot of the time the desire to get one is a passing phase, which could be pretty pricey if you give into the thought. Getting a tattoo on a whim is usually a terrible idea. These things should be really well thought out as they are pretty much permanent. If you choose to get a tattoo you’re going to regret or don’t actually want then the price of the initial tattoo will be a total waste. This is not to mention the amount of money you’ll have to pay to get it removed if you so choose to. Thinking on an idea also gives you a strength when you go visit a tattoo artist. This will allow you to know exactly what you want so you can present your idea to the artist without hesitation. The more thought out your idea, the better it will look on your skin as the artist will have a concrete idea of what you want.

2. Do Some Research
If there’s one thing you should always consider when looking for a tattoo artist it should be the quality of their work. An artist should be able to hold their weight with artwork, which means you’re going to have to do a little research in order to figure out who you should go to. Luckily, this is pretty simple and there’s many ways you can do this without going out of your way. One way to check out artists is to go into their tattoo parlor. Simply talking with an artist can lead you in one direction or another, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. While you’re there you should also check out their portfolio and talk to other people in the shop that might be repeat customers. In this day and age taking to the internet is simple too. Look for the parlors website and see how you feel about the work they’ve posted in their online portfolio. You can also take to social media to see reviews of other’s tattoos and experiences with the shop. This can be one of your most valuable resources and you won’t even have to leave the house to do it. The more you know about your artist the more confident you can feel about getting inked by them. It’ll also allow you to figure out who provides the best prices for their quality of work.

3. Timing
Believe it or not, timing can play a huge role in the amount you’re going to pay for a tattoo. Unfortunately, the summer months are some of the most pricey times to get a tattoo. During this season more people want to get inked which means the artist as to budget out time more often. Thus, with a high demand the price is going to go up slightly. However, during the colder months when skin is less likely to be exposed, and thus tattoos are not so in demand, you’ll probably end up paying less for your tattoos. This can be a good thing though! During the summer time UV rays are going to be a lot more harsh on your skin and you’re more than likely not going to want to cover up the tattooed area. This is unfortunate because the sun is very bad for new tattoos and could lead your new purchase to look faded before it should. Whilst, in the winter you tend to wear layers and cover the area more thoroughly which leaves your tattoo to heal properly while keeping its vibrant colors.

4. Go smaller
A lot of the time people will plan out these huge elaborate designs that they want. This is a horrible idea if you’re looking to save some money on your tattoo. It’s also not the greatest idea if it is your first tattoo as you don’t really know how you’re going to handle the process. Instead of picking something big for your design try to go smaller. This won’t cost you as much money and will cut down on the amount you need to tip. It’ll also allow you to get a feel of the artist and how you deal with the tattooing process. If you absolutely want to get a larger piece done then try to see if it can be broken into smaller tattoos that make up a larger piece. This will allow you to save a little money whenever you can and will cut down on the amount of pain you experience at one time. Breaking it into smaller items will also allow you to go to a different artist to complete it if you have a bad experience or end up moving out of the area before it is completed.

5. After care
For many people, getting the tattoo is actually the easy part. It is often the after care of the tattoo that can get confusing. Unfortunately, if you don’t care for your tattoo properly it can cause a lot of problems or may end in early fading which will cause you to do pricey touch ups before you should have to. When you get your tattoo, your artist should go over all of the details with you to ensure you understand just what it takes to keep your tattoo clean and healthy until it heals. It is usually simple instructions like washing and adding lotion, but every artist tattoos differently and may require different steps. One thing to keep in mind is the type of lotion you use. You should always stick with scentless and simple lotions as many other types can cause the tattoo to fade. Vaseline is also a no for new tattoos as it will smother the area so that the tattoo can’t breathe or heal. There are specialized tattoo care kits, but they are often pricey and work just as well as regular lotion. Don’t forget to ask questions if you have them as your tattoo artist will guide you through the process to ensure their work looks great on you.

6. Coupons
If you’re actually looking for a major discount on your tattoo then you may want to search for some coupons. It might surprise you to find out you can find coupons for tattoos, but they are out there. Using a simple online search you should find a number of shops in your area looking to provide you with a discounted tattoo. Simply check the expiration date and call in your appointment. Finding tattoo coupons online might be a little be difficult, but if you put in the time you should be rewarded. Another way to find coupons is to call in and ask the shop. Often shops will direct you to a place that will provide you with coupons as it will help them get more business. If you need to frequent some shops you may actually earn a discounted price. Make sure to talk with the shop often in order to be privy to these deals.

7. Know What You’re After
It’s important to have a good idea of what tattoo you want when you go in a shop. This won’t just ensure you’re going to be happy with the tattoo you get, but will also cut down on the amount of work a tattoo artist must do. Most artist will charge an hourly wage, so cutting down on their time is a great way to save you money. Try to go into the shop with a concrete idea of what you want. The more sketched out idea you have the better. If you can bring in an image you definetly want, or at least a few reference pieces. Although you should know what you want, you might want to stay open to input from your artist. Some artist will direct you in a way that may flow better on your skin, or an easier look for them to complete which can save you big time and money.

8. Make an Appointment
One of the easiest things you can do is call in an appointment before you go get your tattoo. It might seem redundant, but tattoos can be an easy way to get the best quality design at a better price. When you have an appointment you are guaranteed that slot of the artists time. Thus, they won’t have to rush through your tattoo in order to give someone else time. This is a great way to feel more relaxed during your time in the shop and will help your artist do everything they to do without a time restraint. With your tattoo well done and the artist not fighting the clock you’ll probably be quoted a better price and will end up proud of your new piece of art.

9. Become Friends
If you plan on getting more than one tattoo then it may be important to make friends with your chosen artist. Spark up some conversation when you’re in the chair, but makes to respect their space. As time progresses and you show your loyalty to an artist then you may be able to spark up a business friendship. A lot of the time this could lead to lower prices, a more trusted experience and easier booking for appointments. It is also a way to cut down on some of the trouble that goes into major pieces. You may be able to save a bit of money on these types of jobs and will enjoy the experience a lot more. Being friends with your artist isn’t a bad idea even if you’re only going to get one tattoo. It makes for a more pleasant experience for both parties and may even make time go by faster.

10. Henna/ Fake Tattoos
When you take the time to think of your tattoos you may find that its not the best idea for you. If this is the case, you don’t have to give up your conquest of body art. Henna is a cheaper way of getting a temporary but long lasting tattoo. This will make your summer style look amazing and can lost several weeks if cared for properly. There are also a lot of custom tattoo shops online and locally which will print temporary tattoos that can last various amounts of time. These are easy to apply and best of all won’t hurt a bit. You can really come up with some fun ideas without worry about spending hundreds on your body art.

Tattoos really can add some extra beauty to life, but finding ways to lower the price is always the best way to go. With these easy tips you should be enjoying your next piece of body art soon. So, get to thinking on those ideas and find the best artist to complete your permanent work of art without stressing over how much you’ll be spending.

Summer is a great time to get the family together and enjoy a nice vacation to help refresh for the rest of the year. For many, a vacation isn’t always possible due to work responsibilities, busy schedules and budgeting. One way to avoid skipping the summer vacation altogether is to prepare a mini vacation for your family. You can easily escape for a weekend or even one night just to refresh the family and enjoy one another’s company. If budgeting your mini vacation has you feeling uneasy you will love these ten mini vacation ideas that will make your family leap with joy. So, pack lightly and spend some time taking in a new environment without worrying about the money flow. After one of these mini vacations you will be ready to plan your next getaway without worrying about the financial aspect of your break from the world.

1. Summer Conventions
A great trip for the entire family would be a summer convention. There are a ton of comic, book, pop culture and other conventions that take place during the months your kids will be on summer break. These conventions usually don’t cost a lot for tickets and if you buy the packaged deal you will get three days worth of convention time for the price of 1 1/2 which is an amazing deal. If you have a convention in your area then you’re already set to save a lot of money. Bring snacks to get the kids through the day or go home for lunch and dinner. This will allow you to spend less money while at the convention and will still allow you to enjoy most of the shows, booths and games. You may even get to take a picture with some of your favorite stars, which is always fun. The convention may not force you to leave your hometown, but you’ll still get a taste of a new world while you’re there!

2. State Park
If you’re looking for a great way to teach the kids about the world around them or just a method to get closer to nature than a state park is the way to go. If you don’t have a state park near you then try a state monument. A lot of the time these parks won’t charge you admission unless you plan on camping on the grounds, but you may want to research before you commit to the trip. State parks are usually a great trip for families and will give the kids some time to get fresh air and exercise thanks to the temptation of technology being gone. Monuments also tend to be free for all and offer a lot of lessons that kids may never get in school. Try to come up with a few activities before you head out to your mini vacation destination. A scavenger hunt is usually a great idea for younger kids. If you aren’t allowed to remove things from the park then pick up disposable cameras and let the kids take pictures of each item.

3. Be a tourist
Being near a city is a whole lot of fun; however, most of the amazing factors of the city get overlooked as we tend to only see the area as a work space. A great mini vacation for the whole family is to rediscover a city you live in or near. Head downtown, but avoid your work space! Instead, check out the restaurants, museums and other attractions that real tourists get to see in your city. Don’t be afraid to take a camera, walk slow and enjoy the sights as if it were the first time in your own city. If you live in the suburbs this could be a great time to show your family where you spend all of your time. You may even catch yourself doing a little research about where to hang out while you’re in the city, which could be a great way to find the most relaxing aspects of the area.

4. Water Park
Keeping cool in the summer isn’t always an easy task. One way to get some fun in while staying cool is to check out a water park. The closer the park the better as it means you won’t have to spend as much money on travel expenses. When you find the park you’d like to go to try to see if your qualify for any discount or look for coupons to help lower the price of your entrance fee. Water parks do tend to cost less than a regular amusement park and usually have enough entertainment to keep the entire family busy all day. Remember to take breaks while at the park as sun exhaustion could have your family leaving before you get your money’s worth. If the stamp allows you to leave the park and return then you might want to consider leaving a packed lunch in a cooler in the car so you won’t have to pay for park priced foods. You may also want to try to get to the park early and stay until closing so you get to enjoy some of the rides when there is a lot less people in the lines.

5. Beach/Lake/River Trip
Another way to cool down is to take a trip to your local body of water. Try to stay as close to home as possible unless you plan on camping on your trip. Spending time on the water is a great way to work on your tan, cool down and spend time with the whole family. There’s also a whole lot you can do on the water that doesn’t take a whole lot of extra money. Swimming tends to be free in any body of water and is usually a favorite amongst most families. You may also consider fishing in designated areas. Make sure to check on fishing license requirements in order to avoid any tickets. Usually, there are areas that you can rent items like boogie boards and tubes that can add to your fun. Of course, if you already have these items it will save you even more money! Try packing lighter foods or foods that are easy to fix in a hurry without lots of equipment. These trips are great for one day outings or can be cheaply spanned into a weekend getaway.

6. Themed Night
Although it might be difficult to travel the world on a tight budget, short notice and no vacation time, it is possible to pretend to travel the world in only one day! Have your family pick a theme based on where they would like to travel. For instance, you can have an Japanese or French night. Once decided, take to the internet to research all of the places you can visit in your local are based on this theme. Many places will have restaurants, museums and sometimes even movie theaters to check out. If you’re really luck your city might have an entire district based around this theme. Try to plan out the entire day around the theme so everyone can pretend they’re taking in sights from the area. You may even decide to switch up your transportation method to the same type you would use if visiting this country. If you have trouble finding things to do in your area then improvise. You may have to rent a movie or make your own meal instead, but no matter what you decide it will be a lot of fun to help the kids pretend they’re traveling abroad.

7. Visit Family
If you want to travel a bit further then visiting family might be the best way to unwind from your busy schedule. Reuniting with some family can get you out of your environment without forcing you to spend a fortune on hotel and restaurant costs while you’re out of town. Usually, spending time with family means hanging out and relaxing with those you love but don’t get to see often, which will help you save money. It can also show you a new town which will help you feel a lot fresher when you return your own area. Family time is important for growing children and will allow your family to understand where you came from while growing close bonds to relatives who will help become a support system for years to come.

8. Camping
Taking some time out to hang out in Mother Nature is a great way to bond while teaching your family some important survival skills. If you can find a free campsite you’ll be all set for a money saving weekend that will relax you and satisfy your need for a vacation. Camping is usually a lot cheaper if you already own the equipment, but if not you can always ask around to see if you can borrow important items from friends and family. When you do pick a campsite try to find one that gives you access to hiking trails, fishing holes and safe places to swim and have fun. Of course, you also want to find locations that are closer to you so you won’t have to spend what little time you have on the wide open road. Once you find your camp grounds, teach the kids how to pitch a tent, find edible berries and fish. You may also want to pack snack foods, bottled water and other food in case your fishing adventures don’t pan out.

9. Group Courses
One of the most fun aspects about being a family is learning together. As the kids grow older this a lot easier to do. Instead of spending time on a big vacation try to find some family courses in your area. Things like surf lessons, horseback riding and crafts are usually great for families with older children. If you’re a little thrown back by the cost then you might want to consider looking at groupons. Even if you don’t have an idea of what you want to do the groupon page for your area might lead you to consider some amazing activities. Once you try out your first family lesson you might be hooked on these activities, which will give your family something to do on weekends or whenever anyone can get together to share some excellent learning adventures.

10. Hotel
Sometimes we just need a break from the house and all of the responsibilities of everyday life. If you just want a simple and fast vacation then check yourself into a hotel. It can be in your own town or one nearby as the price generally won’t change much. Once in the hotel just take some time for yourself and the family. Let the kids hang out in the pool while you enjoy the hot tub or spa area of the hotel. You may even want to get in a workout while you can use the free facility. Try to take a walk and check out places around the area. You never know what kind of activities or restaurants you may find in the small area surrounding the hotel. Try not to get in your car or access your phone while you’re in the hotel, instead spend as much time you can enjoying yourself and your family. You may consider renting some movies or pay per view in the room at night to finish off your day away from the stresses of the world. No matter what you do, the cool air, refreshing pool and stress free zone will help you rejuvenate for the week.

Mini vacations don’t have to force you to leave your own town or even spend a lot of money. With these ten mini vacations you’ll be able to find the relaxation you need to finish up the summer and move into the fast moving holiday months. Remember to breathe and enjoy the extra savings!

With the 4th of July right around the corner you may have noticed firecracker booths popping up all over the place. This fun holiday can really leave lasting memories for your kids but a lot of the time the price of firecracker can leave you financially hurting. There is a few ways you can avoid the budget problems that the 4th of July can bring though. When it comes to fireworks there’s actually quite a few ways to maximize your savings so you can spend that extra money on supplies for your annual holiday barbeque or a family vacation. When you follow these tips you may find yourself just as excited about the holiday as the kids, which will help the entire family have a whole lot more fun during this important occasion.

1. Shop Around
Buying firecrackers can be a little bit trickier than purchasing other items. Although you do have access to these items through online stores, most firecracker transactions happen locally through the small booths on the side of the road. This can be a great way to help the local economy, but it is still important to shop around before you make your final purchases. One way to do this is to ask around your local community. Try to find out which stand has the best deals on the type of fireworks you’re interested in buying. This will lead you to a good booth without forcing you to go back and forth. However, checking out each booth in the area could be the most important way to get your money’s worth. Try to take notes after visiting each stand, when you get to the last booth you’ll know where to purchase each item. It might take some time, but it will help you make wiser decisions on your purchases while cutting down on the amount you spend. This will also help you avoid Buy 1 Get Free scams that many booths might try. It might seem great at first, but when you shop around it’ll be more apparent that they’re raising the price instead of giving you the free bundle.

2. Hit the Stands Early
If you can manage to shop early then this is your best bet. Hitting the stands early allows you to take advantage of amazing deals before the stands are picked over for the holiday. A lot of the time, stands that open up incredibly early will have their stock at a discounted price. As the 4th of July gets closer the prices of the firecrackers will raise significantly, which won’t do you any favors. Going a bit early allows you to look at the years selection and make choices based on the current deals. It will also mean you have to spend less time in lines when the last minute shoppers move in. By the time the 4th of July rolls around, the stands will be raised to their maximum price as the demand for firecrackers will be high. So, get in there early and save more money than you could have ever expected.

3. Inspect Before Buying
No one wants to get home and find out their newly purchase fireworks are damaged. With a lot of stands operating under a no return policy this could make your holiday a complete bust. Instead of trying to get in and out of the firework stand in a hurry take your time, it could save you a small fortune. There are a few clues that will let your know your fireworks aren’t going to of any use to your this holiday. Make sure there are no rips, tears or punctures in the product. This could make it a dud which is a downer after weeks of anticipating the holiday. You should also look for water damage, especially if it has been raining in your area. Another cue not to buy a product is if it looks darker in any area. If you see any of these signs ask for another one, most stands will be happy to comply and may even thank you for noticing a problem because it will look poorly on their stand if they sell bad products. You may even want to do the same if you buy unopened bundle packages, just to make sure you’ll get your money’s worth.

4. Assortment Packages
If you like to check out a lot of different styles when it comes to fireworks then a bundle pack is for you. You can actually choose from a variety of these packs that will suit everyone in the family no matter the age. Assortment packages come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure you check out each package deal you find before settling on the one you’re going to buy. These packages are usually filled with a lot of different fireworks, so you’ll get a discounted price on each item in the bundle. Of course, if the price seems a bit off then you might want to add up the prices of each individual item to see if you’re getting a poor deal. Most vendors will be honest about their prices and bundle deals will offer a small discount on each item included. The right bundles may even give you a couple of free items thrown in to sweeten the deal.

5. Buy Guaranteed Firecrackers
If you’re not a seasoned firecracker shopper or just don’t want to take a chance on the product you’re buying then you may want to stick with Guaranteed Firecrackers. These items have a no dud policy so you won’t have to worry about show time being ruined because of faulty fireworks. Sometimes, these items tend to be a bit pricier, but if you shop around you’ll get just what you need for a price that won’t leave you hurting. Some vendors will only sale Guaranteed Fireworks, so you might want to do a little research to see who is selling the best quality products. If you do happen to end up with a dud, which is very rare, then the vendor will usually offer you a refund or an exchange in order to make up for the poor product.

6. Look for Designated Areas
Droughts have been more common over the past few summers which could lead a ban on fireworks in your area. If this is the case then you should research which areas are designated for firecracker use in your area. A lot of the time there will be free spaces that offer plenty of room for families to shoot of their fireworks and enjoy other’s firecracker show. These areas usually have a heavy firefighter watch, just in case something does go wrong. Some areas won’t have a designated area as it is generally safe to let your firecrackers off in any area. However, you should always check the restrictions before partaking in the holiday festivities. A ticket for letting fireworks off in the wrong area can cost you big and if it leads to a fire you can be in a whole lot of trouble. Community sites and firecracker stands will generally have copies of the information needed to help you stay safe and have fun this holiday.

7. Enjoy Firework Display
If money is a bit tight this year, or if your area is banned from firecrackers then one simple way to enjoy the holiday is to watch a display. Most areas will hold their own firework show which can be seen all over the town for free. There’s a lot of ways you can enjoy such a display. One common way is to take a picnic to the firework stand and enjoy a snack as the display colors the sky. This will get you first hand seats to the beautiful sight and will create memories for years to come. However, you could always stay home or enjoy the display from a park. You won’t be under the fireworks but you will get to see the beautiful colors from a distance. This will also give you the opportunity to check out other displays with ease, so you won’t have to concentrate on just one show. This is great as many display programs will stagger their firecrackers so you can check out more than one show at once. Watching from home will also allow you to add your favorite patriotic music to the shows to make it even more meaningful.

8. Use Coupons
A lot of people often don’t think about using coupons when it comes to fireworks. Usually the coupons aren’t as common as coupons for groceries or basic needs. However, if you look carefully you should be able to find some to help cut down the cost of your purchase. Try to check out your local penny saver or newspaper to see if certain stands are offering special deals for coupon holders. You could also look up manufacturer’s coupons to help cut down on the cost a little. With a little research you may also find that your local stands offer their own coupons if you ask. Some will even offer a frequent shopper coupon that can be redeemed after the holiday or even when the stands open up again next year. No matter you choose to your coupons will help relieve a little bit of the financial burden that fireworks cause and you’ll feel like an excellent shopper after you add up your savings.

9. Split the Cost
If you plan on sharing the holiday with family or friends then you may want to have everyone chip in for the fireworks. Usually, it is easier to share the cost of the fireworks than to have everyone buy their own. This will eliminate having to many fireworks in the sky, which can make the show too complicated, especially for younger children. Sharing the cost allows everyone to pay a very small price for the show while still giving everyone a chance to light some of the fireworks. The more families that pitch in for the fireworks the better your show will look. You may even decide to grab one big ticket items that you normally wouldn’t be able to afford on your own. This will add a memorable touch to the show and will help create amazing memories that your kids will share with their friends.

10. After Holiday Shopping
Of course, if you want to save the most money then you may want to shop for next year early. Usually, after the holiday the stands will offer a lot of their items at a heavily discounted price. Although you might not have as great of a selection you can still stop off next year’s display at a price that will please everyone. You may have to add on to the fireworks you buy at the end of the year by the start of next summer, but you should have a great collection to start with. Try to find a try place to store your fireworks, particularly a place where moisture won’t bother them. Air tight containers are usually going to be your best option. When summer rolls around again inspect your purchases and get ready to enjoy your cheapest and most spectacular display yet.

Fireworks add a special touch to such as amazing holiday that is hard not to resist overindulging. Although, at times, purchasing fireworks might seem like a huge drain on your summer spending these tips should help decrease the amount you spend on them each year. So, now you can enjoy watching the beautiful colors in the night sky without feeling guilty about how tight your budget is going to be over the next few weeks!

Summer break can be one of the most expensive times of the year if you aren’t careful. Keeping the kids busy during this time can be pretty touch and might also end up forcing you to go over your budget to keep everyone happy. From extra snacking to weekly field trips, there are a few techniques to help relieve you of some of the pressure summer break causes. With these hints you and your children should coast through summer break without going overboard on the family budget. You’ll love the new ways of keeping the kids busy and won’t have to worry about the kids succumbing to summer time boredom. Before you know it, school will be back in session and your summer savings will leave you feeling great about your summer time choices.

1. School Summer Program
Most communities will offer a free summer program for all children during a few weeks of summer. These programs are usually hosted by a high school, college or university so call around to find out where you can sign your child up for activities. Typically, the activities are free so if you do find a program that isn’t you may want to look at other schools before paying the fee. Once your child is enrolled you can sign them up for a number of courses that will keep them active during the hot weather. Most schools will offer physical activities such as swimming lessons, team sports and golfing. Some school will even offer classes designed to keep the brain going. Usually, there is a child friendly science, theater or art class which kids tend to love. However, you may want to see if there is a between grades course. This will help your child retain the information from their previous grade while moving ahead in the upcoming grade. It doesn’t matter what courses you choose for your child as they will have fun and won’t have time to feel bored.

2. Library
If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids imagination working this summer then there’s no better place than your local library. Kids can sign up for the summer library program at absolutely no cost and will be able to earn prizes as they read books. Each child in the program is given a number of books based on their age. As they progress towards their goal they earn prizes which will encourage kids enough to read more often. Thus, you’ll be able to help your child grow over the summer, stay entertained for longer and it doesn’t cost you anything! The library also holds a large range of activities throughout the summer. There are usually craft hours, story time and even movie afternoons that will have kids engaged in their local library until school returns in the autumn.

3. Cooking Lessons
Teaching your kids to cook isn’t just a great way to keep them entertained, but it is also a valuable lesson they can use throughout their lives. Make sure to base your cooking lessons on the child’s age though as safety is always the most important thing. Younger children can easily be in charge of making finger sandwiches, rice crispy treats, Jello-os, puddings and other foods that don’t necessarily need to be cooked. Of course, as they get older and more reliable in the kitchen you may be able to teach basic baking and cooking skills. This can take up a few hours of the week and will provide kids something to snack on so you don’t have to buy as many snack foods when you go grocery shopping. The best thing is that kids will have to engage their brains to cook, especially the older children who will have to use measurements to cook. This will help prepare them for school when it begins again and will keep previous lessons fresh in their mind.

4. Education Software
Although your children might roll their eyes at educational software during summer break, you’ll know its for the best. You can find a wide variety of software to suit each child’s need. From preparation for the next grade to booster to help master a skill your child struggled with during school, you’ll be able to get your family ahead of the curve before school rolls around again. You may even be able to teach the family a new skill such as a foreign language during the school break. Educational software comes in a wide range of prices, so it might take some shopping around to find the best match for your. However, your local library may also have some software on loan for you to enjoy. You might also look for used software online, or freeware that will ensure you save as much money as possible. Your kids will stay out of trouble with daily lessons and won’t forget the things they learned during the previous year which will help make the transition to the next grade smoother.

5. Field Trips
There should be a lot of low price ideas for you and the kids to do this summer. You may want to look around online to see what establishments in the area offer discount days. Typically, museums and zoos will all offer at least one discounted day per month, but many will also offer a free day per week. This is a great time to get the kids out of the house and explore some fun cultural ideas. If you do tend to visit these types of things a lot you might want to consider getting a seasonal pass. Usually, for zoos this will only cost the same amount of money you’d pay to get your entire family in on a non-discounted day. You tend to get free admission with the membership as well as discounts on food and other merchandise. A lot of museums will offer the same programs and will give you access to classes that will suit different age groups. You may also consider trips to the movies on child discount days, or other special events that might temporarily be in the area.

6. Pool Pass
There’s no denying that summer can be ridiculously hot sometimes. Usually on these less than desirable days the kids don’t want to do anything but stay in the air conditioning and play video games. This can be a huge drain on your electric bill and will cause them to be lazy. Instead of staying in, you can all cool down at the local pool. Most community pools will offer a seasonal pass at a price so low you may be surprised. This will allow each of you to go to the pool whenever the heat strikes or everyday if you like. This is a great way for the kids to stay fit over summer and will encourage them to make new friends and try new things. A lot of pools will even offer swim lessons so your child can learn the basics while the rest of the family stays cool.

7. Play Dates
Most kids will start to miss their friends after the first week of school being out. Summer is the best time to get together with your child’s friend’s parents to set up some play dates. You don’t have to go all out to entertain the kids usually as most of the time the children are just happy to see one another. Let them play outside, watch movies or enjoy playing with toys inside. You won’t even have to go crazy over purchasing snacks as a few icy treats like frozen coolaid or Popsicles will go along way. You can take turns hosting the play dates so that each parent gets a small break during the summer. You may even be able to schedule a couple of day nights if you coordinate your play dates well. The kids will be happy for hours about seeing their friends and you’ll get a chance to know the kids your children love so much. It’ll even make it easier for kids to get back in the swing of the school year when the next session begins.

8. Day Camp
Sleep away summer camp might be a bit too much for your budget this year, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking out some of the local day camps. These camps usually only run half of the day, but will keep your child active and having fun for a few weeks out of the summer. There’s lot of different camps available, so it might take a little time and a lot of discussion to find the perfect one for each child. These camps are usually cheaper to enroll in and some will even offer scholarships if you apply for them. Your kids will have a blast though while making new friends and learning different things each day. A lot of the camps will even base themselves around a certain skill camp, such as a theater or sports camp, which may appeal to your child’s natural skills. Once your child begins the day camp you’ll be able to enjoy them grow over the summer while saving a little money.

9. Lemonade/Snack Stand
Nothing says classic summer like a lemonade stand. Your kids will love making a little extra money as they help cool the neighborhood down with their tasty beverage. You may want to start the summer out having the kids work on a booth. This will teach them some basic building and decorating skills and will keep them entertained. Once the booth is made try to create an easy and tasty recipe using real lemons. This shouldn’t be too expensive as lemons are in season during this time. You may even make a few different flavors of the beverage. Snacks are always another great idea to add to the mix, and will help kids learn some cooking techniques. Try to have the kids open the booth one to two times a week for a couple of hours. They may feel their confidence boost as they use their hard work to earn some money.

10. Go to the Park
Taking the kids to the park can be one of the cheapest activities around. You’ll love spending time with the kids as they get some exercise and fresh air outside. You should always try to locate a park near the home as this will allow you to walk there and back so you can save some gas money. Of course, after some time the kids may tire of going to the same park over and over. You might want to do a little research and branch off to other parks. You may even consider making play dates at parks near the children’s friend’s home. This will allow them to play with other while experiencing different play places. If they continue to get bored then try adding a game to their play time. For instance you can hide items and have them seek them or create a scavenger hunt.

Summer break can be very long and expensive if the kids don’t stay entertained. With these simple tips you will have your kids busy from sun up to sun down without having to pay too much for their happiness. With everyone entertained and on budget you should be able to throw in a little extra summer fun with a vacation or surprise trip that will make all the saving worth it. Your kids will definitely be sad summer is over when the new school year rolls around.

There’s no missing the fact that it is World Cup season once again. With all the buzzing about the matches and talk of who is going to win, it might be hard to plan out ways to save money on this summer’s biggest game. However, with a few simple tips you should be able to enjoy your favorite team without having to spend too much of your hard earned money. Whether you’re on a no cost budget or just want to save a few extra dollars on some of the bigger events, these tips will certainly suit your household’s soccer needs. So, sit back and cheer on your favorite team because it’ll be a few more years before you can enjoy the excitement of the World Cup again.

1. Watch Online
A lot of cable channels won’t cater to come of the least popular games, which can pose a big problem if you happen to be a fan. Of course, if you don’t have cable then you will probably miss out on a lot of the broadcasts anyway. Instead of breaking down and ordering some premium channels you may want to simply connect to the internet instead. There are a lot of websites dedicated to providing all of the World Cup coverage to you at absolutely no cost. All you need to do is have a connection that is able to stream. Some websites might actually allow you to catch the action live, that is, if you’re willing to stay up late enough for some of the games. If you’re looking an easy access to the games then you might want to check out your favorite console. A lot of premium subscribers to XBOX and Playstation services can check out the games without even having to do a search. Here, you will also find many game highlights for those who don’t have time for a full game.

2. Make Your Own Jersey
Part of celebrating the big games is showing off your favorite team and player by wearing a cool jersey. Of course, if you don’t have the money for a jersey you may feel a little left out. However, you shouldn’t have to break down and buy an over priced jersey just to show your pride in your team. Instead, grab so old t-shirt and make your own. If you don’t have anything old you’re willing to scrap you should be able to find some cheap blank shirts at a thrift store or in a bulk package. Once you have the shirt use paint pens, permanent markers or fabric paint to add some details. You can easily make a jersey, including name, number and team using easing techniques. Of course, you don’t have to limit your shirt to the classic jersey look. Instead, add as many words and numbers as you like, so you can really stand out amongst the jersey wearing crowd.

3. Make Snacks
With the World Cup comes many parties, snack sessions, and victory eating which means you’re going to need a whole lot of snacks to make it through the competition. There are going to be a lot of tempting World Cup themed snacks on the market, which should probably be avoided at all cost. They tend to be a little higher in price than things you will normally buy for the family. You may also want to avoid all pre-made snacks anyway. This could run your grocery bill up considerably, which won’t do you any favors. Instead, try making your own snacks from scratch. You can even design them to match the teams that are playing. Try looking up some international snack recipes to see if there is anything cheap and easy to make. If international snacking isn’t your family’s thing then try make colorful treats to represent teams that are playing or simply your favorite treat. Either way, your homemade treats will be a hit and will be healthier for the family than the pre-made goodies.

4. Buy Used/Clearanced Gear
The World Cup tends to inspire kids to get out there and play the game, which means you will probably be signing your child up for a soccer club this summer. This is a great way for kids to keep busy and get some exercise and usually doesn’t cost a whole lot of money. However, you may want to think on where you choose to get their protective gear. There are a lot of used sports stores that will carry items such as padding and sometimes even cleats. These items are usually in fantastic condition, because kids grow so quickly, so it will seem as if your child is getting a brand new product. You may also be able to find the gear you need in a clearance section, especially if you shop off season. This may be a little bit harder to do during the World Cup, but if you look hard online there will certainly be a few deals that will make you smile.

5. Book ahead
If you’ve managed to plan out a trip to see the World Cup live then it might benefit you to book ahead of time. This may be hard for the early games, but you still might have a chance to get some amazing deals for later in the season. The best thing you can do is plan out your trip before the next World Cup takes place. This will allow you to book a hotel, flight and tickets before the rush hits. You will get a better deal and will be assured that you will have your chance to see a game. Although it might be a little late to do so now, you can still try to get a good deal on a hotel room later in the season. Try to talk with your travel agent to see if there are any opening that will give you a good deal on unclaimed rooms. You may also be able to find flights for cheap if you’re planning on going to the later games. However, acting fast is your best chance of finding the perfect deal for you.

6. Bundle Deals
When you’re traveling it is important to try to bundle as much as you possibly can. Make sure you talk to your travel agent about World Cup deals before you secure any plans. A lot of agencies will be able to connect you to a package that includes airline, rental car, hotel and even some of the tickets to the game. Of course, this isn’t always the choice, so try to work it where you can get as much of your items in a bundle as you can. This is where you will save hundreds of dollars on your trip. With the bundled deals you will pretty much receive a discount on each item in the deal. However, you should always make sure to add up the costs individually before you accept any bundle deal. Sometimes they won’t turn out as helpful as they seem, but once you have the right one you’re set for a great trip. You may also want to look into food packages or tourism packages that will help you enjoy other aspects of the country when the games are over.

7. Public Transportation
Whether you’re abroad or just heading somewhere to watch the game, you should always consider public transportation. Of course, it might be a lot more frugal to use public transit whenever you’re abroad. This can prevent you from having to get a rental car which will also cut down on gasoline cost as well as parking fees that you’ll find all over the city. Usually you can get a pass to take transit all day, or over a period of days which will help you cut down on costs significantly. Make sure you understand your routes and know basic questions and answers in the country’s official language before you tackle the system though. If you’re staying home and just want to see the game in another location then public transit is still a great option. You can easily pay for a day pass so you can enjoy the game without worrying about parking, spending money on gas or having to find a ride home if you plan on drinking.

8. Keep it Local
When it comes to eating and drinking abroad you should always keep the local rule in mind. During the World Cup there is a good chance that a lot of foods and drinks will be double their original price. This is especially true of restaurants that are designed to cater to tourist. So, when you walk into a restaurant try to order things that are as local as possible. One rule to utilize is to avoid any beer that you might drink at home. This is obviously going to be imported, thus will cost you an arm and a leg. Foods are easy to find cheaply if you don’t try to order foods you would at home. Try to go to mom and pop restaurants as often as possible. If you aren’t’ sure about ordering then try to find a market place. Here, you will be able to fund cheap fruits and vegetables that will tide you over between meals. This will also allow you to eat less expensive meals.

9. Find Happy Hour
Sometimes it is hard for fans to catch games that aren’t normally broadcast on regular cable. If this is the case then you may want to look for a bar or restaurant that does a happy hour. You will a lot more luck in a sports establishment, so make sure to do your research before choosing a place. During Happy Hour you should be able to order cheap drinks and appetizers while you watch the game you wanted. You may even consider inviting friends so you can split the prices of pitchers of beer and snacks. Try to find cheaper beers and snacks on the menu if you’re looking to spend as little money as possible though. Although you will be spending some this way, you won’t have to spend a huge amount on the station that broadcasts the game you want to see. You will also be able to spend some time with friends and have the World Cup experience you’ve been looking forward to over the last few years.

10. Try Last Minute Sales
If you have a flexible schedule then last minute sales are a great way to save a little money. A lot of tickets for games can go unsold, or there may be a few unexpected empty seats that need to be filled, which is where being fast comes in handy. You should be able to swoop in and grab these tickets at a discounted price. Of course, there is no guarantee, so if you feel like you absolutely have to be at the game then try to book ahead. This task is usually better for people who are already on vacation in the area, as they will already have plans if the tickets don’t work out. You can also use this means on flights. A lot of airlines will sale standby tickets which will allow you to show up and get on a plane in a hurry if there is an empty seat. This is also great for people who can work with a flexible schedule and have an easy way of finding a hotel room or staying with friends abroad. You may also want to consider this for hotels, but make sure you have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work out.

The World Cup only comes around every few years, so make sure you make the most out of this years. With these tips you should be able to find an easy way to enjoy the games while keeping a frugal attitude throughout the season!

Chances are if the summer heat wave has already hit your house then you water bill as probably sky rocketed. From hanging out in the pool to jumping in the sprinklers, water is a definite must have during the steamy summer months. There are a lot of different ways you can show your kids a good time without having to amp up the water bill quite as much as you normally do. With these nine tips your kids will have the time of their life this summer, while you count your savings. The best thing is, each of these tips are totally simple to set up and usually require items found in the typical household, which is an added bonus. So get your bathing suit on and enjoy some summer fun!

1. Water Gun Fight
Water guns are a cheap and efficient way to get the entire family drenched without using up too much water. Most households with already have a few water guns lying around the house, but if you find yourself without this popular toy don’t fret. You can buy water guns for surprisingly cheap at dollar stores, thrift shops and department stores. They tend to range in size and price, so make sure to pick something that you can afford and is appropriate for the age group of your home. Once you’ve picked out your water guns you can easily fill a bucket up with water for filling the guns up. This will help conserve water as filling up with the hose usually ends up wasting quite a bit. When everyone is set to go lay down some ground rules and begin your war. You can even turn the war into a game, like capture the flag, but make sure you consider your age group before creating too many rules.

2. Dunking Booth
Dunking booths are a great way to get people drenched in a hurry. This can be a cool fundraiser game or a simple and funny way for kids to get their aggression out on their siblings. A dunking booth might be a bit harder to set up, so if you’re unsure of the technique you need to use then the internet is your best place for a few tutorials. One of the most effective ways to save money on a dunking booth is to use the bucket method. This will allow you to use a minimal amount of water, opposed to a booth that requires a pool, and will save you money on supplies and tools. This booth usually relies on a ball hitting a plank that knocks the bucket of water onto the head of the dunkee, but make sure to run a trial before you sit anyone under the dunking area.

3. Water Balloons
Nothing says fun quite like a water balloon. These items are super cheap at any department or dollar store so you should be able to stock up on enough balloons to last you all season. The best thing about water balloons is they’re easy to incorporate into a lot of different games. You can place musical chairs, capture the flag or a good number of balance games with these balloons. One of the most popular ways to use a water balloon is to have a full on water balloon war. This ensures everyone is going to get drenched and have a whole lot of fun. Before watering up the balloons make sure you have the little tool that comes in most packages. This will allow you to conserve water as you water up each balloon. It is also important to pick up the broken balloons when you’ve finished playing. These can cause a lot of damage to birds or other animals that pick them up off the ground.

4. Wash Cars/Kids Toys
Kids love being productive which is where a car wash or toy wash will really come in handy on hotter days. Have the kids head outside with all of their washable toys. You can fill up a baby pool of soapy water and let the have some fun as they clean up their toys. Everyone wins with this game as the kids have fun and keep cool and there’s one less thing in the home to clean! Car washes are great, especially for older kids. Have the kids wash your car and if they’re still feeling ambitious have them have them put up a sign for neighbors or passerbys cars. This will help them make a little extra money which could help towards a trip to the pool or the water park. You could even let the kids wash bicycles if they have them. In order to save on the water bill try to make sure the kids utilize a bucket of water rather than keeping the hose on the entire time. This will minimize water usage and help your grass from getting drowned in the process.

5. Sponge Games
If you’re looking for a cheap toy that is great in the water then the sponge is your perfect match. This amazing cleaning item can be purchased cheaply just about anywhere which will help you save even more money. They can also be incorporated into a large amount of relay games as well as other water friendly games. One popular game is a sponge race which requires you to break the kids into teams. You will need two buckets for each team and one sponge per team. Fill up one bucket with water and add the sponge to this bucket. When the game begins have the first child pick up the sponge and run to the empty bucket. The child will ring out the sponge and return to give it to the next child. This child will fill up the sponge and complete the same task. After a certain amount of time the bucket with the most water wins. There’s a lot more games available with the use of sponges, so don’t be afraid to browse online for some creative ideas. You’ll be so glad you did for the sake of the heat and your water bill!

6. Relay Races
Relay races are one of the best ways to get your kids out to get some exercise this weekend. Adding water to the races makes it an even more memorable experience for everyone involved. There’s a lot of different ways to create a relay race for your kids, so make sure to use your imagination. You can easily find tips online which will help you create a fun race the kids will want to run all the time. Don’t be afraid to use the entire backyard either. Make sure to utilize items in the home too, such as towels. This can take a simple relay race and make it absolutely unforgettable. You may also want to consider adding a bunch of different relay races together to help make the course more interesting. Some ideas to add to your races would be a water fall limbo, water balloon balance games or even the sponge game explained before. The more fun you have with your ideas, the more fun your kids will have with the game!

7. Sprinkler Play
Sprinklers are the classic play time for most kids in summer. It helps save some water and allows kids to get wet as they run through the device. It doesn’t matter what type of sprinkler you have as your kids are bound to have some fun. Of course, you can add a little more fun to the play time though. Try tricking a sprinkler under your trampoline and have the kids jump over the water this way. If you have more than one sprinkler you can always have the kids race around the sprinklers. If you’re looking to save some money then take the kids to the park when they water the grass. This allows the kids to have fun with other children and won’t affect your water bill at all. It also allows the kids to race through more sprinklers! You could also have the kids run through the sprinkles during your scheduled watering time. This way your plants will get water and your kids get to have some fun.

8. Slip n Slide
One timeless toy for kids is the slip n slide. A lot of people already have these in the home, but you should be able to purchase a basic one for a low price. If the price is too much then try to grab one at the end of the season when they are usually place on the clearance rack. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the slip n slide this season though! Simply grab an old tarp and lay it on the ground. With a little baby oil and some water this will create the largest slip n slide on the block. The best thing is you won’t have to use too much water to make it slippery for the kids. You can come up with a lot of games to make the slide more fun, so get creative and enjoy the laughter.

9. Water Sports
Believe it or not, you can turn just about any sport into an exciting sports game that kids will love and will help cool them down. One of the sports is tug of war. Grab some old towels and soak them in some water after tying them together. Have the kids play over some water, may it be a pool or a muddy hole in the back yard. As the kids pull on the towels they’ll begin to get wet and will lose grip on the towel, so the chances of someone getting dunked is far greater. You can also turn dodge ball into a wet sport using small sponges or special balls designs to take in water. This could end up being your kids new favorite game and will have them feeling cool before the first team can win. Of course, if you’re more into traditional sports then use a foam ball drenched in water for your volley ball tournament. You can also use this for touch football or baseball. It might not be a good idea to do this for sports that involve kicking the ball too much as it could capture dirt and sticks which would be dangerous for the eyes.

This summer your kids will be in for a real treat as your create such exciting games for them. These nine tips should be able to get your and your children through the summer which will help cease the boredom many kids complain about. The best thing is, with the kids outside playing in the water you won’t have to worry about your water bill skyrocketing due to constant use of the television and gaming consoles. The games shouldn’t harm your water bill too much either, which will really make planning out your other summer treats a whole lot easier!

Although school might be out for your child, it is never too late to start considering what college your high school student might want to attend soon. Summer is one of the best times for soon to be high school seniors to check out some of their options. However, it might cost a small fortune to get your student to all of the tours. There are many ways around the initial cost of letting your child tour some of their college options before submitting their final application. With these ten simple tips you may have your children looking at their dream school without having to worry about the cost of the tour and other expenses. You will certainly be proud of your student as they make an informed decision about the school they will spend the next four years attending!

1. Tour in Groups

Chances are there is more than one student in your child’s school that wants to look at a university. Tell your child to ask around the school before summer is out, or simply post a notice on their social media page, to see if anyone else would be interested in touring a chosen school. Once you have a few people willing to look into the University try to find an adult to go along. Then, add up the charges of the tour including initial cost of tour, food money, hotels and gas and split the price between the students. This will ensure everyone pays a fair amount without having to go overboard on the price. By doing this you’re saving each of the students and their parents at least $100. Your student will also be able to discuss the school with people in their age group, which could help create a support group while they are away at their University.

2. Online Tours
A lot of universities offer online tours on their website. This is a simple solution to your touring dilemma and could allow you to let your child tour just about any school on their wish list. Try looking online to see if there is any information on taking part in an online tour. Many universities will simple leave their tour up on the site at all times. However, some schools will have live tours for new groups of students each year. If you can’t find any information on the tour then call the school. There will always be someone open to help you. Many schools allow students to view their tours for free, but some do charge a small fee. Either way, you will still be saving money on travel expenses if you can use this solution!

3. Go Local First
If you’re looking to save money on your initial tours then you might want to keep your tour possibilities at the local level at first. This will allow you to save money on hotel and food expenses and will make booking a tour so much easier, since there won’t be as many time constrictions. A lot of universities will offer special discounts to local students who decide to attend, which is great for your entire college budget. You also might be surprised as how many local schools are actually in your area. Try researching a list of schools and ask them when they hold tours. With any luck your child will fall in love with a nearby school, so you can feel a bit more comfortable about the whole leaving the nest concept.

4. Make it a Vacation
A lot of students will have their heart set on schools that are further away, especially if they’re looking at some of the Ivy League schools. Instead of sending your child to the school tour alone, or taking time off work to travel with them you may want to turn the entire ordeal into a family vacation. This will allow you to take positive time off work, so you don’t have to give up sick or vacation days to check out the school. While you’re in the area you can find plenty of things to check out that you otherwise wouldn’t get to see. You may even get to spend some time on the beach or an amusement park during the trip. If your child really loves the school then you might want to explore the area a little more. This will help your child get an idea of the best places to eat and hang out, in case they do choose the school.

5. Ask for Student Guide
If you end up paying money for your student’s tour then you may want to ask for a personal student guide. This is usually a volunteer service for many schools so you shouldn’t be charged extra for the service. Typically, the school with assign a student guide of the same gender for your child. This will allow your child to bunk at the school to get the full experience. This is particularly great because it will save on hotel costs for the night and you’ll know your child will really get to experience a taste of college life in the school. The guide will also show your child the different areas of the school and impart personal knowledge that will keep your child feeling confident about their life at the school. Your student will also retain more information about the school this way as they will get to live the student life rather than being told about the guidelines, rules and history of the school.

6. Check Out More Than One School Per Day
One mistake many people make is to visit only one school per day. This takes up a whole lot of time so you are going to spend a lot more on hotels, food and other expenditures. When you go somewhere to check out a school make sure you book as many tours as you can in one day. This may mean a little driving around to get to schools in different areas and maybe even different towns, but the sooner you get it over with the better. Seeing more than one school in a day will help your student figure out which is the better school too. We all the information coming in from the schools there will probably be one or two school that really stand. This will help when it comes to pay for application fees as your child will have a smaller list to apply to. Getting the tour finished sooner will also allow you to spend more time together during the summer so you can enjoy the last year before your child goes off to college.

7. Bring Snacks
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling far for the tour or just about the road. Bringing a snack can really help you and your student refrain from spending more money than you have to. Touring can cause a lot of fatigue because you’ll be walking through many large campuses while processing a whole lot of information in a hurry. This can be tough for adults, so imagine how your teen is feeling about the new situation. Before you head out, grab some fresh fruit and water and put it in a backpack, or pack some granola bars in your purse for an added jolt of energy. With snacks only a reach away you won’t have to worry about energy crashes in the middle of tour. This will help prevent you from grabbing an expensive lunch or falling prey to some of the expensive and unhealthy vending machines on campus. Your student will also be able to retain more of the information available too.

8. Shop Travel Deals
If you have to travel for any of your tours then make sure to consult your favorite travel deal site first. A lot of people will hurry and snag tickets because of the summer rush, but this could end up being a lot more expensive than it has to be. Instead, take your time and check out some deals. A lot of schools will offer a lot of tours, so you don’t have to commit yourself to one date at first. Try to find the cheapest flight and see how that fits into the touring schedule. You should also check out the hotel section so you can find a comfortable room without worrying about the price. Sometimes you may even be able to find a school tour deal on the site, which is particularly useful. If you don’t have far to travel then you may way to consider looking at Amtrak or bus deals to see if this will actually help you save even more money.

9. Eat Cafeteria Food
It might be a total nightmare to consider eating cafeteria food while you’re touring but it can really help out with your budget. In fact, college cafeterias usually have cheaper food than most restaurants so you’ll end up saving nearly half on your food bill for the trip. You may even get a special discount for being a guest in the tour. Eat the school food, however, can help you see what your student will be eating when they attend school in the location. This can help you determine if meal passes will be worth the money or if your student would be better off making their own meals or going out to eat. You will also get to see if the meals fit your child’s diet which will help you decide if you will need to fill out special cards for dietary restrictions.

10. Third Party Tour
If you can’t see paying for you and your student to go on a tour then you might want to consider a third party option. These companies actually make a living on taking students to see potential school. All you have to do is pay a flat fee and your child will be taken to a lot of different schools in a specific area. The student is provided with food, a place to eat and transportation to each of the school on the tour list. This will give your child a lot of ideas in school and will give them a little independence in the situation. The tour is usually conducted with many students, but chaperons are always provided so you won’t have to worry about danger or your student getting into trouble while they’re not in your care. Your student will also be able to meet people that are considering similar schools which could help build relationships with students that might become their peers in a year or two. If you aren’t positive about the third party tour then check out reviews online or ask other parents how they liked it. This will help you feel comfortable with sending your child out into the world without you.

Touring colleges can be pretty scary for both students and their parents. Your budget shouldn’t have to stand in the way of this sensitive time in your student’s life. With these ten tips you should be able to find a way to get to see the tours your child needs without forcing yourself to give up on some of the items on your budget. Without money restrictions on your mind you should be able to find a way to enjoy the tour, get to know your child’s chosen school and spend a little time with the student who will soon be going away!

Throwing on that first pair of shorts of the season can be a little discouraging when you realize just how little sun they saw during the cold months. Of course, tanning is always a thought when the summer months begin to roll around but when you budget it into your frugal lifestyle it could seem absolutely impossible. In fact, tanning can cost you thousands of dollars especially if you plan on continuing it throughout the year. There are several ways to get the tan you want for a whole lot less though. So, this season put away those expensive treatments and check out these ten tips that will have you rocking those bikinis and short shorts in no time at all. From now on you’ll really be ready to show off your dazzling skin without over thinking your paleness.

1. Join a Membership Program
If you enjoy a particular spa or salon then you might want to look into what their tanning details are. You may also look into tanning places in your area to see if they have a special program. A lot of places will have a membership program that allows you to tan whenever you want for one lump sum. Of course, it might take a little bit of looking around before you find the perfect program for you. If you don’t plan on tanning frequently then stick with the basic program, but if you’re a weekly or bi-weekly tanner then you may want to consider going for a premium package. This will allow you to use the services that would normally cost you a lot for free at times. Make sure you add up the cost you would spend on tanning weekly before you buy the package as this will help you determine if it is the right plan for you.

2. Spend Time Outdoors
Although it might seem totally obvious, spending time outdoors is the best way to get tan. If you’re embarrassed by your skin tone then try going into your backyard, or any other personal space in a pair of shorts, tank top or even a bathing suit. This will ensure you get some natural sunlight without anyone seeing you in your pale state. One great thing to do is complete your gardening dressed like this as it good exercise while adding some sun and Vitamin D to the body. Of course, you could always relax with a book, play with kids or enjoy an early season dip in your pool. The more time you spend outdoors the better off you’ll be when it comes to getting a tan without actually paying a dime for it.

3. Bulk Tanning Lotion
A lot of people will go through tanning lotion like it is going out of style. This could be incredibly great for your gorgeous skin, but may become terrible for your budget. Instead of going out and buying lotion every time you run out you may want to look for bulk packages. This could be as small as a two pack of lotion or as large as a box full of the tanning aid. While you may end up paying a higher price on the larger packages, you’ll actually save quite a bit of money. Typically, bulk products are sold at a reduced price so you’ll end up paying a fraction of the price for each individual bottle. Apart from sun tan lotion you should also consider buying sun block. This product is just as important and should be applied every time you go out in the sun, even if you are just looking to tan. Try a lower SPF level if you want to tan, but make sure you have a higher level for the kids.

4. Consider Home Spray On
It’s fairly easy to spend thousands of dollars on spa style spray on tans if you plan on keeping your bronzed look all year long. This could be a huge mistake for anyone trying to save money. Although the spa tans tend to be flawless and require little effort from you, they’re generally a bad idea for the financial conscious consumer. Instead of going to a salon to get your tan going you might want to try a home kit. There’s lot of different brands to try so you may want to start cheap and work your way up. Of course, you probably shouldn’t apply the tanning solution to your entire body right away. Instead, try it on a small patch of skin to make sure you aren’t allergic or that the color isn’t entirely off. If the solution doesn’t suit your needs then move on. Even purchasing a number of different tanning solutions can still be cheaper than paying for one session at the salon. Plus, when you finally find the right tanning solution for you you’ll always be set to get your tan going before summer break.

5. Look for Coupons/Groupons
One certain way to get the best deal on a tanning day is to check out coupons and groupons for deals. Coupons are usually great if you plan on trying out a new place or are looking for a one time only tanning process. Typically they will cut down the price enough that it makes sense to treat yourself to the tanning process. Of course, if you’re looking to get a tan done for an upcoming wedding or other major event then you might want to try a groupon. This will allow you to go tanning with more than one person so you can look amazing with your group. Groupons are fairly easy to come by and tanning options should be more frequent now that summer is practically here. You should always spend a little extra time refining your coupon or groupon search though as this will help you get the best possible deal on the service you’re looking for.

6. Maintain the Tan
If you’re planning on staying tan all year long then the most important thing you can do is maintain your tan. This is actually quite simple to do and won’t cost you a lot of money. As you begin to spend less time in the sun then try to head to a sunny location at least once a month, or even check out your local tanning bed. This will help keep your tan look which means you won’t have to work as hard to get it going next summer. The more of a tan you keep throughout the year the less time and money you’ll spend on it when bathing suit season hits. This can save you substantially as hanging out at the tanning salon or purchasing tanning solutions can really get pricey if you go from a very pale shade to a tanner shade. When you keep the tan shade up you should only have to work on reapplying lotion or finding a place tan every so often, which is great for your wallet and your confidence.

7. Purchase Tanning Bed
The concept of purchasing your own tanning bed might be entirely scary if you’re looking at the initial cost of a tanning bed. Sure, they tend to run about $2,000 and you have to supply the with electricity every time you use them. However, even though this might seem a lot at the time you’ll actually save more money this way then you would visiting a tanning bed each week, or even each month. The average tanning bed with last you up to ten years and uses a surprisingly low amount of energy. By the time you’ve had the tanning bed two years it would have actually paid for itself with the amount you’ve saved on going to salons, spas and tanning center. These figures aren’t even incorporating the amount of gasoline you will save by not having to drive to the tanning place of your choice. One of the best things about having your own tanning bed is you can use it whenever you want, thus you won’t have to schedule around work or the kids just to get that little bit of sun you need.

8. Make Your Own Tanning Solution
If you’re into DIY projects or just saving a whole lot of money then you may consider making your own tanning solution. Believe it or not, you can actually give yourself a fantastic tan with basic ingredients you can find in your home. There’s tons of recipes for this amazing tanning product online, so look around and find something you believe will work for you. This is great for people who love to experiment with beauty products and recipes and will help you find your own personal preference in regards to tanning solution. A lot these homemade tanning products are actually incredibly good for your skin too which will make your tanning solution labor all the more worth it. Of course, if you’re not ready to take on the full recipe then there are also small cheats that will make your store bought tanning products last even longer.

9. Drink Water
One of the cheapest ways to help improve and maintain your tan is to drink some water. It might seem a little ridiculous, but many people actually fail to keep hydrated, especially in the summer months. Keeping your body hydrated will actually help restore all of the natural oils that your skin needs to look and feel healthy. The water will actually help flush the toxins out of the skin too which will ensure your new tan looks amazing all season. Try packing a water bottle in your lunch box with you and drink another at lunch and dinner. You should also consider packing extra water to use to tide you off snacking, which will encourage your body to look more radiant and stay healthier. If you get sick of the flavor of water then try adding a little fruit to it, like lemon or lime. Citrus fruits are usually best as they contain Vitamin C which will also work to help keep your body and skin looking flawless while you tan.

10. Shop Packages
If you’re just looking for a boost up when it comes to tanning then you might want to look for a package at a spa or salon. This will allow you to tan or get a spray on tan for a whole lot less than you might pay without a package. Of course, packages usually include other aspects which could help your tan last a whole lot longer or will just help boost your confidence. If you’re really looking to improve the way your skin looks you may want to stick with a tanning package at a salon. Here, you will be able to find a massage or other skin soothing sessions so your tan will become healthy, last longer and add a healthy glow to your skin. Another great option is the salon though, especially if you’re looking for a spray on tan. Here you should be able to tan and work on a pedicure and manicure to ensure that you look incredibly beautiful when you go outdoors.

Tans seem to go hand in hand with the summer and you may feel left out if you go into the hot season looking like its the middle of winter. Tans can be pricey though if you aren’t sure how to save money on them. With these simple tips you’ll be able to rock your style while showing off some incredible skin that will make others envious of your tanning ability. So, let summer greet you kindly and don’t feel uncomfortable by your skin when you get ready to try on your bathing suits!

Summer means its time to break out of the layers and show off a little skin! However, if you aren’t prepared for the heatwave you might find your wardrobe isn’t quite up to par for the sunny rays of summer. For many, this could cause a little panic, especially if you need to quickly create a new summer wardrobe for the entire family. There’s no reason to stress over your summer wardrobe though, especially if you’re on a tight budget. There’s numerous ways you can and your family can rock some hot summer fashions without spending more than a few dollars a piece. These ten tips will help you find new ways to get the clothes you need so you can put back a little extra money for this year’s summer vacation and much needed trips to the pool.

1. Cut Offs
Nothing says summer like a good old pair of cut off jeans. This is probably one of the more simple ways to alter your clothing for the hot summer month. Cut offs are especially great for children who will probably outgrow the length of their pants during the summer months. If you cut the shorts a little longer then they will have ample room to grow during the hot months while still looking fashionable. Adults and teenagers might want to use their worn out jeans for this purpose to that the jeans that still look great can be used when school starts again. If you don’t like the frayed look on your shorts then you can easily make a simple hem with needle and thread or a sewing machine. You could also take them to a tailor for an inexpensive fix that makes your shorts look like a designer pair. Of course, shorts aren’t the only thing you can cut off. In fact, one cool way to add a nice touch to summer is to turn old t-shirts into tank tops. This is great for older clothes too, or clothes you know won’t fit your kids for much longer.

2. Shop Out of Season
Although it might be too late in the season to do a whole lot of low cost shopping, you can still prepare for next year. Usually around August stores will move their summer stock to the clearance section to prepare for the cooler autumn months. This is a great time to stock up on all of the must haves for next season. If you have children you might buy clothes a size to three sizes too big so they have ample room to grow into them during the year. You might also want to buy a few short sleeve signature pieces that can be worn year round. Of course, if you’re looking to save even more money then you may want to wait until the winter months to do your shopping. This tends to be when clothes are reduced significantly as stores are trying to get rid of last years stock for the new trends. This will also give you a better idea as to what size you need to buy for your kids. Shopping online for clearanced items will usually benefit you most, but some local stores might have a pretty good clearance bin.

3. Go Cheap
If you’re in a hurry to find some clothes for summer than shopping cheap should be your main objective. It is always easy to fall into the trendy section, but you should try to shop cheap as often as possible. One way to cut down on the cost is to try to buy items without designs on them. Blank shirts are great for kids during the summer and are usually half of the price of shirts that have designs. You should also consider buying solid colored flip flops. These can usually be purchased for around $1 and will last you for some time. Buying blank items actually allows you to create your own look. You can buy inexpensive cloth paint, rhinestones and other adds on to add to the shirts and flip flops. This will also keep kids busy during the summer, so you won’t have to plan more expensive activities.

4. Yard Sales
Sometimes the budget just doesn’t allow for new summer clothes, but don’t fret yet. Instead, gather up all of last years summer clothes and any other clothes that don’t fit or never get worn. With these items you can have a big yard sale to help earn a little money. This will benefit you in the fact that you’re clearing out a lot of your storage goods that will never be worn while earning some extra spending money. When the sale is over then try to go out and find some inexpensive items that will help get the family through the summer. Of course, you can always surf yard sales in your area for clothes too. You should be able to find some amazing cheap items that will make you and the rest of the family feel incredibly cool this year.

5. Hand Me Downs
Kids tends to grow pretty fast which is why hand me downs have always been so popular. Although kids might not always like hearing the word, hand me downs can make your budget incredibly happy. If you have more than one child make sure to pack up summer clothes for the next sibling so you won’t have to spend a whole lot of money on a whole new wardrobe for each child. You should also try to buy non-gender specific clothes as this will your children feel more comfortable in their older siblings clothes. Of course, you don’t have to stick within your own household when it comes to hand me downs. You may want to ask around to see if friends and family have any summer time clothes that will make your kids cool this summer. You can even use hand me downs for yourself so you won’t have to worry about spending more money. Make sure to return the favor though as the more people willing to share hand me downs, the more variety children will have.

6. Shop Wisely
Shopping on the cheap side of things is always wise, but there are many other techniques that will help you get more for your money. One step you should always take before making any purchase is to consider how many outfits you can get out of a specific article of clothing. If you are going to have a hard time matching it to other clothes then you might want to move on to something else. The more you can match with the item, the more money you’re going to get out of its use. One thing to consider is its color. Bright colors might be fun to wear, but they tend to only go with one or two other articles of clothing which generally means they’ll rarely be worn. Try to stick to neutral colors as they will end up being some of the more useful items in your closet. By choosing easy to match clothes you’ll be saving time planning out your outfit watch morning and won’t have to worry about spending more money to match an item. Another thing you should consider, especially for summer, is the fabric. You’re going to want lighter fabrics that keep you feeling cool while you’re out, rather than thick fabrics that will make you sweaty and uncomfortable.

7. Utilize What You Have
So many of us are guilty of overlooking what we already have in our wardrobe. Rather than running out at the first signs of summer for a hot new look, you should take inventory of what already sits in your closet. Chances are you’re going to have lots of styles that can be utilized in your summer look. One thing you may want to consider doing is pulling out all of your closets contents. Pull out the sweaters, long sleeve shirts and other cold weather friendly clothes and place them in the back of your closet. This should leave you with cooler clothes so you can take inventory of what can actually be worn during the summer. You may be surprised as to how many different tops you have that can be mixed with skirts, shorts and capris for a cool new look. Once you know what you have then you should be able to go out and shop for any extras that might be crucial to your summer.

8. Sales
The great thing about summer is there’s plenty of time for celebration, which means lots and lots of sales. From Memorial Day to the 4th of July you’ll find plenty of sales to help get you the clothes you need for a price that won’t break the bank. Before you go out shopping do a little simple research to find how which one of your favorite stores is having a sale and how big the sale is. Often times, if you wait a little while you’ll be able to take part in an even larger sale, which will save you even more money. Summer is also the time for a whole lot of online stores to put on major sales. Use your shopping skills to seek out which stores are providing you with the best offers. You won’t be disappointed by doing a little research on your goods.

9. Make Your Own
If you are in love with sewing then summer is the best time of the year for you to work on your craft. Of course, if you’re just a beginner then you may also want to start practicing on your skills this summer. Some of the easiest clothes to make are summer time clothes. Simply buy some cheap fabric and a few patters and you’re all set to make your own fashionable clothing. Shorts are one of the easiest projects to start out and won’t take a lot of your time. You should be able to make each family three or four pairs of shorts for under $20, which is a huge amount of savings. You can also create sun dresses, t-shirt, tank tops and button down tops at a price that won’t harm your budget in the slightest.

10. Shop Online
One of the easiest ways to cut down on summer clothing costs is to shop entirely online. This not only makes life a little more convenient but will allow you to look for the best price on a garment without actually having to waste gasoline going from one place to another. A lot of online stores will offer items for cheaper, especially if their store is entirely online. You can also shop big competitors which will offer you a price match if asked for. One of the better things about shopping online is you can easily get a discount for items if you buy in bulk and sometimes you may even qualify for free shipping which means even more savings. Shopping via the internet even allows you to cheaply buy styles that suit that will suit all of your children without having to break the budget, which is great for everyone in the household.

Summer clothing shopping doesn’t have to be a let down all season. With these simple tips you can easily find just what you’re looking for at price you can be proud of. No longer will you have to cut down on the food budget or force kids to wear less than flattering clothes because your budget and time doesn’t allow for new looks. Your kids will be extra thankful as they show off their threads to their friends while feeling amazing in the warm summer sun. With all your savings you may even be able to splurge on that sun hat you’ve had your eye on!

Getting your nails done can be a weekly treat that no girl wants to live without. However, it is often hard to schedule the time to do this as often we’d like. Scheduling isn’t always the biggest problem though as often enough the price tag that comes along with nail maintenance can be a huge burden to bear, especially if you have children in the home. After a few consistent weeks of going to the salon you could have paid a bill or bought extra groceries for the home, which might make your splurge a little more inconvenient than you imagined. There is a few simple ways that you can take your time and money constrictions away though. With these ten tips all of your friends will be jealous of your nail style salons and wonder just how you manage the time and bill.

1. Keep them short
Although it might be very tempting to get long regal nails when you go to the salon it isn’t always practical or cost efficient. Anyone who leads a fairly active lifestyles knows that long nails just seem to get in the way at time. From typing to tying your child’s shoe laces, these nails can be one huge burden to work around. Apart from getting tired of your nails being too long, you may find that when you purchase the longer nails they tend to break a whole lot faster. This can be a painful experience for many and often enough forces you back into the salon to get the nail fixed for aesthetic reasons. When you decide to keep your nails shorter you’ll not only have more freedom, but you’ll also be able to keep the nails on longer. You won’t have to shield your hands as you live life because you’re worried the nails might chip of break, thus you’ll have better looking nails for a whole lot longer which will maximize what you get for your money’s worth.

2. Personal Touch Ups
If you’re looking for a way to cut down your visits to the salon then you may want to start doing your own touch ups. This will allow you to fix up any chips or other flaws in the nails without having to spend a small fortune at the salon. This should be exercised carefully as you will need to know more about the colors your nail salon uses in order to provide the best possible touch up. This is easily remedied by buying the nail polish straight from the salon, but usually their polish is slightly over priced. One way to make this concept work is to bring your own polish in for the manicurist to work with. This will ensure you’ll have a matching color every time. Another way is to ask about the brand and color code for the polish you choose. Then, take to the internet and order it at a cheaper price, or find a generic brand that offers the same color. Once you’ve picked a color you love you may want to stick with it though as it will help keep the price of your visits down.

3. Eat Healthy
One way to combat the cost of the salon all together is to grow your own beautiful nails. For many this might take some time, but there are ways to boost your nail growth and health. Keeping up with a healthy diet can be one of the best ways to make your nails look amazing without having to go to the salon once. There’s certain foods that will help specifically with your nails though. Avocado is one of the best foods for those looking for excellent hair and nails, so indulge in your favorite guacamole or other tasty avocado recipe. Eggs are another great food that will help strenghten your nails if they are particularly brittle. Soy beans are another great example of a food that will have you growing beautiful nails while providing lots of other health benefits. There’s a ton of other foods that will have you looking great, so make sure you do a little research to find the perfect dietary match for your nails.

4. Thin Coats
Many women who paint their own nails often use a bit too much polish, which makes their nails look unprofessional. After a few botched personal manicure jobs at home they tend to head right back to the salon, which waste more money. The easiest way to remedy your nail problem is to use a thinner coat of polish. You might not believe how good a thin coat of polish looks until you try it for yourself. Of course, if they color doesn’t look as it should then you may want to use a little more polish than you originally did. However, lighter coats allow for a more natural nail look and doesn’t make the nails look unhealthy. It also means you won’t have to worry about as many chips in your nails. Altogether, painting on a lighter coat of polish will make the polish last longer while keeping you out of the salon for good.

5. Top Coats
It doesn’t matter if you do your own nails or go to a salon as a top coat will help your nails look their best for longer. The top coat is a special clear polish that locks in your nails colors and helps protect them from chipping while you’re doing your daily tasks. At a salon it usually only cost around $1 more to get the top coat, so there’s really no reason to say no. This coat will help keep you out of the salon for a lot longer and will make your nails even more shiny and impressive. You can buy the top coat at just about any department or make up store for the same price as a bottle of nail polish, so don’t worry about spending a lot extra on the purchase. Working with a top coat at home is as simple as can be. All you have to do is paint your nails, wait for them to dry and then paint over your polish with the clear top coat.

6. Nail Pens
Nail designs are a huge trend that many people love to indulge in. For a lot of women, the idea of creating cool designs seems almost impossible, especially on your own nails. However, nail pens actually allow you to do some pretty amazing things without every stepping foot in a salon. You can get nail pens almost anywhere now and they aren’t any more expensive than a bottle of polish which is a huge bonus to the nail art fan. Once you get the pen you will understand just how easy it is to make these amazing themed nails that all your friends are sporting. With your nails looking amazing thanks to your cool DIY skills you may never want to spend the money at the salon again. After all, with the pens on your side you can even create your own fan artwork for any movie, book, band or show you may follow. Your friends might even come to you to help them make their nails as cool as your!

7. Create Nail Polish
Chances are you have a whole lot of eye shadow in your makeup bag that you’ll probably never use again. From strange holiday gifts to fads that you just gave up on, there’s probably an assortment of strange eyeshadow in your collection. Instead of letting it go to waste you can easily use it to make your own nail polish. To begin empty a little of the eyeshadow color of your choice onto an easy to clean surface. Then, take a bottle of clear nail polish and add some to the eye shadow. You can use a cu-tip or the polish’s brush to mix the two together. After they are thoroughly mixed all you have to do is apply and you’re set to go. Make sure you clean the polish brush off well, or use a different brush so you won’t ruin the bottle. This easy trick will help you save so much money and may even allow you to get rid of some of the clutter you have in your makeup and nail polish area.

8. Shop Off Brand
Many of the reasons why we end up spending so much money on nail care is we tend to gravitate towards name brand goods. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for nail polish or a manicure set, as there are plenty of generic name brands that will help you get the same effect for only a fraction of the price. If you have fallen in love with a particular brand then you may want to do a little online research. Often other fans of the brand will have tried out different generics brands, thus offering you an idea of a cheaper brand that is similar to the one you love. Of course, if you just can’t break away from certain looks than try to buy your other supplies in a generic brand. This is especially true when it comes to nail care kits and items like clear polish or polish remover. Usually there is no significant difference between the brands, so you will be able to enjoy the same amount of care without spending near as much money.

9. Bulk Nails
If you adore wearing fake nails then you may want to consider purchasing these items in bulk. We all know how easy it is to lose a fake nail and how frustrating it is not to have any left over from the package you just purchased. Instead of constantly wasting the time and money shopping for your nails you may want to consider just buying a bulk package. This will allow you to always have just what you need when it comes to nail work, so you won’t have to make extra trips out just to keep your nails up to your standards. Also, when buying nails in bulk you’ll often get a whole lot more of the product for a whole less of the price. Where average size nail packages will give you enough for one manicure, a bulk box of nails will help keep you for a few months. However, when you average out the price you’ll spend a lot less per nail in the bulk package as you did for the smaller package.

10. Utilize Coupons
Coupons are one of the best ways to save money when it comes to keeping your nails looking fashionable. The best thing is you can use coupons in the store as well as your salon which will make spending on both fronts a lot less. Coupons for items like nail sets and polish are fairly easy to find. Usually you will get them in your local ad paper, but you might also look online to see if theres a manufacturer’s coupon that can save you even more. If you can find a coupon that partners well with a sale then you’ll be really set for the savings. Finding a coupon for local salons can be a little bit tricky though. You might try looking in the local penny saver to see who is having a deal, or follow your favorite salon on their website or social media page. Keeping up with coupons in this regard might mean visiting different salons each time you get your nails done, but it will save you money and help you find a great permanent salon.

Your nails don’t have to be a sacrifice when it comes to keeping a tight budget. With these simple tips you can easily find the best ways to save without losing your amazing nails. Now, you can be a pro at creating your own looks while keeping your saving account happy.

From teaching you how to ride a bike to listening to all of your woes with an open mind, your dad has always made your life seem amazing. Thus, Father’s Day can be very stressful if you can’t find or afford the perfect gift for your own personal superhero. There are many ways to avoid the expensive presents that you might feel pushed into purchasing for your dad though. In fact, there’s a number of things dad might prefer to that pricey new tie or tool set. Instead of worrying about the budget you have to honor your dad, you can instead bask in the appreciation and smiles that dad will give you thanks to your unique gift. These ten tips should strike the chords of most father’s hearts and will leave you on dad’s favorite kid list for at least a few months. So, say thanks this Father’s Day without feeling overburdened by the commercial aspect of the holiday.

1. Fishing
Back in the good ole days you and dad used to love sharing a fishing trip. Dad loved listening to your stories and teaching you all of the tricks of the trade. This amazing bonding time might not happen as often now that you’re older though. So, why not take a trip down memory lane and let dad coach you through a few casting tips again. The best thing about going on a fishing trip with dad is it tends to be incredibly inexpensive. In fact, unless you have to buy a fishing license you can probably enjoy a trip at no cost if you live near a fishing hole or ocean. You may end up spending a little bit on gas, drinks and snacks but apart from that you’ll be well on your way to giving your father one of the best gifts around. That is, time with you. If you want to make this trip even more exciting try to get the rest of the family in on the trip. If you have kids of your own then make sure grandpa has a chance to teach them all of the exciting tricks he enjoyed sharing with you.

2. Golfing
If your dad is a golfing fanatic then get him the gift he will love above all. That is, take him out for a few rounds on his big day. Of course, if you want to save a little money you may want to take dad out on a weekday so the price of the round won’t be as much. However, even if you do choose to hit the golf course on Father’s Day you shouldn’t end up spending a whole lot of money. If you are a member of a country club then the price of this gift might be free, which will help you and dad enjoy the day even more. Your dad will love teaching you some golfing techniques while catching up with you about life in general. If you’re still alright with your budget then you may want to consider grabbing some lunch off a couple of rounds at the golf course.

3. Honey Do List
We all know about the magical Honey Do List that dad mulls over every time he has a little free time. Generally, the items on the list aren’t a whole lot of fun to accomplish, so why not provide dad a little break from some of these chores for his big Father’s Day gift. You can easily acquire the list from mom, so ask a week or two ahead of time and see which chores you can get finished. When you have a little free time try to get through some of the chores without dad realizing it. This might take a little extra effort, but it will be worth it when you present him with his Honey Do List with many of the chores crossed off. You may also want to concentrate on some of the chores that you know your dad really hates doing. Of course, if you don’t have a lot of spare time before Father’s Day you could offer dad coupons that offer your help whenever he needs to get a project completed. This will give you bonding and cut your dad’s workload in half.

4. Car Wash/Detailing
Every guy loves a clean car, so why not give your dad’s car a makeover this holiday. Get mom to sneak you dad’s keys early one morning and get to work. You can get cleaning supplies for fairy cheap at any discount or dollar store, so you won’t have to worry about spending too much in this regard. Once you’ve got everything cleaned up then you may want to add a wax coating to make dad feel extra special when he goes out next. When the exterior of the car is shiny and new then take to the interior. Place all the stray papers and trash you’re unsure of in a separate bag so dad can sort through and make sure its actually trash later. Food or bottle containers are usually safe to get rid of though, so make sure you get them all out. Wipe down the dash and if you can vacuum out the seats to leave everything feeling fresh. To finish things off you may want to grab an air freshener with dad’s favorite scent so the car will smell as good as it looks! You’ll love seeing dad’s surprised face when you return his keys.

5. Magazine Subscription
Sometimes it might be hard to pick something out for dad. This can be one of the best times to consider a magazine subscription. There’s a lot of subscriptions to choose from and many will even give you an entire year’s worth of magazine for just under $15. This can be the perfect gift for dad’s who love to read or have a lot of spare time on their hands. The best thing about magazines is you can totally customize your gift to fit your father’s interests. There is a magazine out there that will suit just about any hobbyist. From birdwatching to fishing your dad can be reading up on the latest news from his favorite pass time in no time. There are also magazine based on your father’s career path such as those for mechanics or carpenters. There’s also magazines based around health which could be a particular interest of your father. With a gift this convenient there’s no doubt your father will be ecstatic about your gift. You may even consider getting dad digital copies to save even more money and paper!

6. Favorite Meal
It has been said time and time again that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This is pretty much true when it comes to dad too, so why not surprise him with his favorite meal for Father’s Day. If you’re not sure what to make him try to hint around about foods that dad might be particularly craving. You might also talk to mom about meals your dad has been asking for lately. Once you decide on what you’re going to good try checking out farmer’s markets or discount stores for the ingredients. This will help you cut down on the amount you spend on the meal. Try preparing the meal at your dad’s house before he gets home from work so he will be able to smell his favorite meal as he walks in the door. To be kind to mom make sure you pick up dishes duty too! If dad’s favorite treat happens to be from a restaurant then call around and ask for Father’s Day deals or any specials the restaurant may have in order to save more money on dad’s special treat.

7. Homemade Card
Sometimes dad is just happy to know you love and appreciate him which is where a homemade card comes in handy. Although there’s usually a great selection of affordable cards at the store, making your own helps save more money while adding that extra special touch that dad loves. You should be able to get pretty crafty with items found in your home like printer paper, scrapbooking paper and other supplies that might be found in your crafting area. Dad will especially love if you transform the card into something that shows the memories the two of you share together. When you’ve finished building the card add that extra special message that will make dad feel like a million bucks when he reads it. This is an easy craft for the whole family to take part in, so make sure you get everyone in on the crafting fun.

8. Special Mug
If nothing interrupts dad from his coffee time then you may want to consider giving him his own special mug this holiday. Pick a family photo of image of something your dad loves to chat about and get it places on a mug at your local department stores photo department. This generally cost very little and will ensure no one will take dad’s mug when its time for coffee. You could also buy a blank mug in dad’s favorite color and paint a special message on it, such as #1 Dad. Of course, if you really want to get crafty you may want to consider building your dad a mug in a pottery store. This will allow the entire mug to be your very own creation which will make dad extra happy. If you’re not feeling creative then browse sales and find dad a mug that will certainly spell out his love for coffee.

9. T-Shirt
What dad doesn’t love to relax at home in a comfortable t-shirt? T-Shirts make a great gift for dad’s of all ages and will allow you to show off some of your crafting skills. You can cheaply by blank t-shirts at any craft or department store, so make sure to shop around in order to find the best price. Once you’ve designed on a t-shirt then grab your fabric paint and get to work. You may even consider using a stencil to make dad’s shirt. This can easily be created with a little cardboard and crafting tool. When you’ve planned out the shirt then lay on the paint and wait to dry. Dad will be excited to have his very own dedicated shirt and will love how much work you put into it. You should also be able to find inexpensive pre-made dad shirts at your local department or clothing store, but make sure to wait for sales in order to get the best price.

10. Gift Basket
The gift basket is certainly a gift that requires a little thought but creates a whole lot of happiness. If you’re looking to make dad a gift basket then make a list of his favorite snack foods and beverages. Try shopping around before you make the purchases or look for coupons to help bring down the price. If you really want to save money then try baking some of dad’s favorite treats and wrap them in colorful plastic wrap to make the basket look all the more exciting. You can also throw in small items like a golf balls, fishing lures or other items that might make dad happy. You might also want to consider using a bucket or other item that dad might find useful around the house, rather than a basket that could go to waste. Dad will be happy for weeks thanks to your gift basket!

Father’s Day only comes around once a year, so make sure you let your dad know how important he is. With these ten gift ideas you can maintain your frugal budget while still providing dad with a gift filled with riches! You’ll certainly feel great about your gift choice when you see the smile on your dad’s face.

With summer only a month away and the final days of school rapidly approaching it might be time to think about some summer lunch options that your kids will love. Although its always tempting to rely on the classic chicken nugget and french fry diet, it often isn’t cost effective for your budget and is never entirely healthy for your child. It’s also time to start eating lighter to help make meal time more enjoyable in the heat. Although coming up with a menu for your kids can be difficult with a few hands menu suggestions your kids will be on their way to a healthier summer while you save money on their time at home. With any luck it might also help you find your healthier self so you can lead your kids into a healthy lifestyle by example. So, forget shopping for countless boxed meals and relax with simple, fast and cheap summer time lunches.

1. Smoothies
After a long morning of enjoying the sun nothing will be quite as appreciated as a nice cold meal to relax the body. Smoothies are great way to make your kids believe they’re getting a sweet treat without having to give them actual sweets like ice cream. When you go shopping try to load up on both frozen and fresh foods as well as some of your favorite vegetables. You can have the kids help out making their own special smoothie blend, or you can prep them on your own. When you make the smoothies make sure you add a healthy serving of leafy greens to the mix as this will help make your child’s meal nutritious as well as delicious. If your child has problem with the green color then add a little food coloring and they will be none the wiser. You can usually fit in a full serving of vegetables in a smoothie so choose which you want your children to have wisely. Carrots are also an easy food to add to the mix without sacrificing flavor. You can even add almond or coconut milk to add more nutrients or cut down the fat in the smoothie which will help your kids stay fit.

2. Burritos
One of the cheapest and easiest foods to make in a hurry in the burrito. The best thing is you can totally mix up the ingredients to create a different taste for each child. If you’re looking to save a lot of money on your meal then try to make the tortillas from scratch. This might add a bit of labor and time to your meal prep, but your food will taste better and you’ll end up creating the meal for a whole lot cheaper. Burritos can even me pre-made and frozen so you won’t have to worry about cooking every single day, which is particularly good when the temperatures seem to sky rocket. There’s a lot of inexpensive ingredients you can use for your burritos, such as eggs, beans, potatoes and even bulk meats and cheese. Make sure you add plenty of vegetables to the mix too to make them a delicious and healthy meal. By the time you make a lot of these burritos your kids will be set for lunches for the next few weeks. They also make a great meal for kids who tend to be on the goal much of the summer. Simply pull one out of the freezer each night and pack it for your child’s busy day.

3. Build a Pizza
Kids love to be a part of the kitchen activities which is why build your own pizza day is typically a hit. Although this might seem like a pricey meal you may find that if you buy the materials in bulk you won’t spend as much money. Of course, you don’t always have to think inside of the box when it comes to your homemade pizzas either. In fact, you can easily utilize bagels, french bread or any other bread items you have around the house for your pizza dough. You can even use leftover spaghetti sauce to help keep the price tag down. Try to encourage the kids to use more vegetables and healthy meats on their pizza rather than loading it up with cheese too. If you have a convection oven you may want to try to cook the pizzas in it as it will cut down on the oven heating up the home. Of course, you could always put the pizzas on the grill for a unique meal that will make your kids feel like little chefs.

4. Eggs
Eggs are a good way to give your children an excellent amount of protein without worrying about their lunch sitting heavy on their tummies. Eggs are fairly cheap at just about any marketplace and can be transformed into a number of dishes that will please your kids. One of the more popular egg dishes is egg salad, which can be adjusted to suit your kids taste buds. There’s lot of free recipes online and making a batch of egg salad can last a couple of meals, so you won’t have to worry about cooking every day. Another simple kid friendly dish is the omelet. Although it is often a breakfast dish it can be used to power your kids through baseball practice that usually takes place later in the day. Omelets are fun to customize to your kids taste and can even be a great way to add some vegetables to their diet. Frittatas are another fun dish that kids can help out with, plus their total hands on food so your child can eat it on the go.

5. Crepes
Making a crepe might sound intimidating at first, but once you try it you’ll realize just how fun and easy it is to make. Usually the batter is very simple to pancake batter and is simply made with a thin layer that cooks quickly. Crepes are an excellent treat for kids because you can fill them with an assortment of different things. One of the best things to do is look up recipes for seasonal crepes which will show you how to utilize some of the best vegetables in your meal. This is one really simply way to get kids to eat the foods they never before would. Of course, you can always fill the crepes with fruit to make a cold meal that will please everyone in the house. As long as you shop seasonal fillings this meal should be incredibly inexpensive and might even become a household favorite. When everyone’s finished eating you can always freeze the excess filling to use at a later day, which will help save even more money.

6. Sandwiches
When it comes down to lunch time food nothing satisfies a craving quite like a sandwich. This quick and easy meal is one of the best ways to keep kids fed at a price that satisfies everyone, after all it won’t change the budget too much from when your child was eating sack lunches at school. You don’t have to keep your sandwiches limited to cold cuts and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches either though. In fact, there’s a wide assortment of cheap sandwiches to choose from so you won’t have to repeat a recipe twice unless you absolutely want to. Sandwiches are another great way to sneak in the vegetables too especially with the different ways of seasoning them to suit the meal. The best thing is your leftovers will always have a place thanks to the sandwich. This is especially true with leftover brisket or pulled pork from your barbeque. You can also mix things up with different types of breads and wraps to ensure you won’t have to keep eating the same meal over and over.

7. Snack Plate
Kids love having a little control over what they eat which is why creating snack plates is the perfect summer lunch. You can fill the plate with just about anything you want, but try to keep it light and healthy. Cut fruits, granola, veggie sticks and sliced cheese are some great options for your bunch. Of course, you can add your own special touch to everything though, so your kids will be delighted by the choices you present them. One good thing about a snack plate is often kids won’t eat as much because the plate will force them to slow down their eating. This will ensure you won’t have to worry about weight gain due to overeating, nor will the meal sit heavy while they are outside playing in the sun. Choosing a snack tray is also great for your childrens’ future nutrition. It will teach them to make wise decisions when it comes to a meal opposed to going for the fattier and less healthy options.

8. Beanie Weenies
Everyone who has been camping has probably experience beanie weenies. This summer, instead of just leaving it on the trails you may want to consider bringing the family favorite to lunch time. You can easily whip up the classic recipe with a can of beans and a package of hot dogs, but this might be a bit too tedious by the time summer is over. Instead of creating the same beanie weenies over and over try mixing in new ingredients. For instance, after your barbeque you might want to take some of your sausage links and add it to baked or ranch style beans for an entirely different experience. You may even want to try your hand at making your own beans in the crock pot which could save a whole lot of money in the long run. If you start with a big patch you can always freeze some of the leftovers for a later date.

9. Veggie Pasta
When it comes to pasta kids are usually right on board, but the noodles are high in calories which isn’t exactly the best thing in regards to your family’s health. Instead of using noodles try investing in a vegetable pasta maker. This amazing device will turn your vegetables into thing noodles. This works best with items like squash of zucchini, but you can try out a wide assortment of things. Once you’ve created your noodles you can easily boil them for a matter of seconds and serve them with your favorite pasta sauce. This amazing pasta dish will cut down calories significantly and will help kids who hate eating vegetables find a way to fit them into their diet. If you grow tired of pasta style meals then you can always mix things up by using the noodles in a ramen or stir fry. The sky is the limit so make sure to browse recipes that are cheap to fulfill.

10. Salad
One of the easiest things to whip up in a hurry without sacrificing nutrition is a salad. Salads might not be the idea for kids, but if they start eating them early they’ll learn to enjoy them for the rest of their lives. Salads can be pretty inexpensive to make as well as long as you steer clear from the pre-packed salads. Instead buy each piece of the salad separately which will save money and help keep everything fresh. You can always add some of your children’s favorite foods to make the salad a little tastier, such as chicken, cheese or even fruits. By the time summer is over your family will be in great shape and your children will have learned to eat healthily.

Lunches can be a simple thing if you know how to keep them under budget. With these ten menu items you’ll be able to rock your children’s lunch menu so you’ll have smiling faces all season. With a little luck they’ll pick up some healthy eating habits that will keep your food budget low all year.

Chances are you’re probably already running your air conditioning to combat the warm air moving in. Although the nice chilly breeze is a great way to cool down after a hot day it can really make your home begin to smell. With the lack of open windows a musky smell might begin to take over bedrooms leaving behind a stale sense in the home. Luckily, with a little aroma added to the mix your home will become inviting once again. However, there are some poor financial choices when it comes to buying scents for your home, but with a little guide to help you your home will be smelling like a dream in no time. So, stop plugging your nose every time you pass the litter pan or your teenagers dirty socks, instead fire up a little extra scent to create the perfect home environment.

1. Oil Diffuser
A diffuser can be one of the most important accessories you can buy when it comes to adding scent to your home. Diffusers are typically used for oils, but can be used to hold tea candles or potpourri if you are out of oils. There are a whole lot of diffusers on the market, so it is important to pay attention when it comes to buying one for the home as many can be surprisingly pricey. Generally, you should shop for a diffuser that is made of ceramic as it is easier to heat and tend to last longer than plastic diffusers. Of course, you will probably want to take appearance into account, but there’s plenty of cheap diffusers that can easily be decorated after you purchase them. You should probably try looking for a diffuser from your local discount or dollar store before you go on to buy one from a more expensive venue. You may even be able to make one in a pottery class which will allow you to your own artistic touch while saving some money.

2. Buy Oils in Bulk
When it comes to using oils for your scented needs it is incredibly important to try to buy these oils in bulk. Typically oils can run you a whole lot of money, especially if you’re looking at buying some of the more expensive brands on the market. However, if you skip buying the small bottles of oils you may actually end up saving money in the long run. Larger bottles are usually only a few cents more than the average size, so you will get a lot more use out of the larger container. Of course, there are also options where you can buy large packages of oils at a discounted price. This is usually one of the smartest options, especially if you tend to use the oils more than most. You should probably make sure that you are getting an assortment of scents before buying though, as often times many people will fall in love with smell and end up disgusted by it before they finish all of the oils in a package. This should also be considered when buying larger bottles as it is usually best to test the scent before a major purchase. Of course, if you have friends who also burn oils you may be able to trade scents for something they’re tired of.

3. Know Your Oils
One important thing about burning oils is to know which ones to burn at what period of time. There are certain smells that just don’t work during certain seasons or periods of the day and to burn them would make the household feel uncomfortable. There are also a good number of scents that are designed to affect your mood as well as how you feel physically. With a little research you should be able to plan what you burn with precision. This method is called aromatherapy and is popular amongst many households now. The best thing about this method is your home won’t smell while you find a simple way to ease the stress from the day while helping the kids settle down for a good night’s rest. You can cheaply pick up a used book on aromatherapy or you can find a lot of information for free online, so you can better plan out the oils you choose for your home.

4. Candles
If you’re looking for a quick way that lasts a while to get the scent you want then a candle might the answer to your solution. Candles are great because they can work as decorative items while bringing an incredible scent to the home. Most candles won’t cost you a whole lot, but there are some brands that might be a bit too pricey for the budget, so try to shop sales as much as possible. Candles can last a very long time and make it simple to switch from one scent to the next without any extra clean up. You may also find you can move candles from room to room to help remove smells in particular areas of the home. If you’re looking to save more money on candles, or just have little fun then you may want to consider making your own candles. Its a great craft for the whole family and can really change the way your home smells.

5. Avoid Plug Ins
A lot of people believe that the convenient plug in devices you can buy just about anywhere are the best way to enjoy a fresh home. However, these devices can really end up costing you more than you’d think if you continue using them on a daily basis. The plug ins tend to use electricity to heat them so that they can put off their scent. Although it might not take a whole to power them the price will eventually add up when you compare it to the use of candles or even burning oils. A lot of the time the plug ins can be originally bought at a special price that includes the actual plug and a scented plug in, which makes it seem like you won’t have to spend a lot of money on keeping up the plug in. However, when you go to buy the refills the grim price becomes apparent. It is even worse when you realize how quickly the plugs dry out. The worst aspect of the plug in is you can’t mix products from different brands which means you’re stuck buying one type of plug in. So, if you like a scent from another company you’ll have to buy their system too.

6. Decorate with Potpourri
Potpourri is a common craft items that many people love to use throughout the home. You can easily pick up potpourri in a bag or in different floral shapes at your local hobby store. The best thing about potpourri is it is totally simple to create elegant centerpieces that will make your home smell amazing. Whether you plan on getting creative it or using it in a hidden area potpourri tends to be a household favorite because it last for a long time and doesn’t cost a whole lot of money. Many people will place potpourri in a basket in the bathroom to help keep the air and linens smelling great for months. Other people will create beautiful wreaths or other interior designs with the scented chips to help add a fresh look and scent to the environment. Potpourri comes in an assortment of scents and some may even be colored, so you’ll have some fun finding your signature scent.

7. Utilize Incense
Incense is one of the best ways to get rid of lingering odors in a hurry. There’s an assortment of different scents you can buy with incense and they are generally so cheap that you can stock up for the month without worrying about hurting your family’s budget. Incense can be burned a few times so you won’t have to constantly worry about running out of the amazing smells. The best thing about incense is it will add a peaceful vibe to the home no matter what scent you choose to burn. Incense is particularly great when it comes to relieving odors after you cook a particularly pungent food like curry or Italian food. Most people prefer to buy a special incense holder before they burn the sticks which are usually pretty cheap. However, you can get creative about where you store your incense if you don’t want to make the extra purchase.

8. Baking Soda
Easing odors throughout the house can be as simple as sprinkling around a little baking soda in the problem area. This is the ideal way of keeping your house fresh for families who don’t like artificial odors or intense smells in the air. Baking soda can be found inexpensively in most stores so you shouldn’t have to go to great lengths to make your home feel fresh. Some of the best places to put baking soda is in the litter box, bottom of the trash can and in older shoes. You will probably notice a significant drop in the way your home smells soon after you do this. It might also be a good idea to keep a small box of baking soda in your refrigerator as it will help keep food odors down while keeping some of your food fresh. In order to completely remove some foul odors you may have to sprinkle the baking soda on the carpets and vacuum it up. This should reduce and musky odors in the air so you can enjoy your cool air without feeling too stale.

9. Make Your Own
If you’re looking to keep your home smelling great while still keeping a low budget then there’s a few easy ways you can enjoy a fresh home without all the fuss. One way it take a bar of soap that has a lighter scent you enjoy and shave it down. You can put these shavings in small boxes around the home that will produce a great smell for a few weeks. You could also make your own variation of potpourri using a light perfume or oils you use with a diffuser. Simply spray the scent onto strips of paper and place it somewhere around the home. There is also an assortment of kits that will allow you to make your own potpourri, candles, and even oils which could save you money while helping the family bond. Another great option is to pick flowers with a sweet smell, such as roses, and dry them out. The flowers will still put out a scent that will make the home cozy.

10. Shop Sales
Of course, nothing will save you quite as much money as finding an amazing sale on your favorite scented items. You can easily check online for sales in your area, or you may run across discounted or closeout items on some of your favorite sites. Make sure to keep an eye out for items you particularly loved so you can easily find the perfect scent for your home for less. If you’re unsure where to shop for some of your items then you may want to start at your local hobby store. These stores often have plenty of scented goods as well as the kits to make your own, so you may end up finding a little bit of everything to try out in your home this summer. You should also keep a look out for coupons that could help you save even more on your favorite scents.

It is important to have a comfortable home, especially during the household when everyone will spend more time in the house. With these simple tips you’ll be able to create a desirable scent that will keep everyone feeling refreshed whenever they’re at home. You’ll love entertaining guests without feeling like your home is stale.

Memorial Day is an extra special day meant to for giving thanks to all those who have served to protect our freedoms and liberties. However, the holiday is often turned into an opportune time to spend money on celebrations and vacations. There is a way to celebrate this amazing holiday without actually having to spend a lot of money though. In fact, if you can avoid the sales and keep things simple there’s a good amount of fun you can have while still recognizing those that make your life as comfortable and free as it is. With these tips you’ll be able to break away from the commercial sale season that Memorial Day brings so you can teach your family the meaning of the holiday while still giving the holiday a sense of fun.

1. Potluck Barbeque
Barbeques are a great way to get people together to celebrate and spend time with one another. Try to invite close friends and family a few weeks early so you’ll know exactly how much food to purchase. You should also pay close attention and invite friends and family that you know have serves as a way of honoring them. On the invitation you can ask people to sign up to bring certain foods so you won’t have to feel as burdened by the grocery bill for the party. You may want to exempt veteran friends to honor their service though. Potlucks are great in the sense that you will get an assortment of foods from different cultural and family recipes, which can lead to some amazing stories. You could also ask your veterans to share their stories of time served in order to make the party more about their service.

2. Visit Vet Hospital/Home
One of the best ways to honor those that have served is to pay them a visit on their special day. There should be a wide selection of care homes, hospitals or other Veterans clubs that you can take the family for a visit. If you’re having trouble finding a location then try contacting your community center for a list of locations. You may also be able to choose an elderly vet who can’t easily leave the home to spend the day with. This can be one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the holiday. Make sure you talk to the veteran about their stories and enjoy learning a piece of history from someone who actually experienced it. Visiting a vet won’t actually cost you anything though and you’ll gain a whole lot from the volunteer experience.

3. Go to Beach/Lake
For most, Memorial Day is a kickstart to summer. With the hot weather blazing down on you and your family there may be only one solution to your problem. That is, heading to the nearest body of water to celebrate the holiday. Beaches and lakes are usually the best option because they tend to be free of charge, apart from small expenditures like parking fees. If you live near a body of water then pack up some supplies for the day and enjoy spending time with those you care about. Make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water so you won’t have to spend money on food or drinks while you’re away. Usually sandwiches and fruits are a must have on hot days and will help keep the family full without feeling overburdened by the food. Of course, if you’re spending time at the lake you can always enjoy some fishing to catch dinner. Make sure you don’t need a license before you go though as a ticket could be an unwanted expenditure. You should also make sure to bring flotation devices and other fun water toys to keep the family occupied throughout the day.

4. Festivals/Carnivals
One of the best things about Memorial Day is there is plenty of carnivals and festivals popping up around the country. With the warm weather out there’s a lot more people who want to check out the rides and enjoy the amazing carnival games. A lot of these carnivals and festivals will have a discount on Memorial Day tickets, especially if you buy them in advance. Carnivals tend to be really great for families with kids as they offer a wide assortment of shows, games, rides and sometimes even a firework show to make the holiday even more memorable. Festivals are also great as there is plenty of music to keep families with older children occupied as well. Usually you only have to spend enough for the cover fee, but if you plan on playing games it might be best to check out some of the package deals before going. Make sure to pack water for everyone so you don’t have to spend as much money on the beverages or food. You might also wait to see which carnival or festival is going to hold a special Memorial Day tribute before you choose what location to spend you holiday at.

5. Check Out Monuments
Although it might not be an easy task for some people, finding a monument could be an excellent way to honor those who have served on Memorial Day. There are lots of monuments all over the nations, so look for something in your area to help you save money. Usually monuments are free to see, but you may have to pay a cover fee if you choose to check out the museum that is usually attached to the monument. Seeing a monument can be a great way to show the true meaning of the holiday to your family and you will be able to teach them something valuable that they can share with others. If you live near more than one monument then you might want to plan a tour. You might even want to look up information on the area so you can teach the family about the battles, major movements or any other important historical event that may have happened in your area.

6. Make Patriotic Snacks
One of the best ways to make kids happy while spending some time with them is to make patriotic snacks. There’s so many recipes out there that you could go wild with the red, white and blue colors. Of course, if you’re looking to save money you may want to stick with some of the cheaper ideas. One classic snack is a jello mold. Try getting red and blue jello to simply make the mold and add a flag for a stopper. You could also make rice krispy treats with M&Ms. Have the kids pick out all of the red and blue candies and add it to your favorite rice krispy recipe. They’re fast to make and a whole lot of fun to eat. A healthier snack idea is to create parfaits. This requires yoghurt, blueberries and strawberries and will generally make enough to entertain an entire party. Of course, if you’re filling crafty you may want to try making a patriotic cake. This can be done in so many ways so make sure to look up some recipes that suit your cooking skills and budget.

7. Share Stories
One of the most interesting things to do on Memorial Day is to sit down and share stories with others. It doesn’t matter if the stories are from your personal life or stories that were passed down for generations as they will live on when you retell them. For many, finding people to enjoy stories may be tough, but if you look hard enough you may be able to find a group of people who are sharing stories during the holiday. Often, there are speeches held at community centers or schools and can be accessed by anyone who has an interest in listening or participating. You may also just want to spend some time with friends and family and share stories with them. The more stories you tell and hear the more connected you may feel with the true meaning of the holiday. The best this is that sharing a story and listening to other’s stories won’t actually cost you a thing. If you’re stilling having trouble connection then take to the internet and enjoy speeches made in the past, or find a live feed of a major celebrations, so you can enjoy hearing about the memories that make this holiday special.

8. Go Camping
Instead of sticking around and dealing with the temptation of shopping it might be a great idea to hit the camp site this Memorial Day. Camping is a great way to spend some quality time with your family and with the extra long weekend it is possible to spend a good amount of time living off the land. Try to find a free campsite near your area so you won’t have to spend too much money on gas or camping fees when you go. If you can, pack items that you already own or borrow from families who aren’t going to be camping during the holidays. You may also want to pack long lasting snacks, plenty of water and fishing poles if there is a nearby lake. You will love being away from it all in the beautiful weather and will get to catch up with the kids before they finish out the school year and start up their busy summer schedule. One of the best things about camping is it gives you ample time to sit back and enjoy some of the patriotic stories you grew up with. This will allow your kids to pass down the stories to the next generation too, so the meaning of the holiday doesn’t get lost in the sales ads.

9. Patriotic Movie
If you can’t find the time to travel or don’t have the money to throw a huge party then you may want to consider staying in and watching a patriotic movie with the family. There’s a lot of movies to choose from so you won’t have to settle with something no one is interested in, Make sure you check out the rating of the movie first though as some might be too violent for children. If you don’t own and patriotic movies and don’t feel like renting then try surfing your cable channels or streaming subscriptions. Usually around the holiday patriotic movies are features in a marathon or have their own streaming channel. Of course, if you still want to spend time with friends then you can invite them over for a movie day. Ask guests to bring in some of their favorites and have everyone vote on what to watch. You can also make simple and cheap snacks like popcorn and red, white and blue desserts.

10. Be Crafty
Being crafty is always a great idea, but Memorial Day is one of the best times to put your crafting skills to work. There’s so man projects you can start to make the day extra special and you can easily include the kids in on the projects. One of the more popular crafts is to print out color sheets for kids to color in. Once their finished kids can pass them out to vets in order to say thanks for their service. Another great idea to thank your local veterans is to create thank you letters. Take these with you to accompany your childrens’ drawings and color pages. You could also craft little flags to hand out using supplies found in the home.

Celebrating Memorial Day doesn’t have to be all about spending money and going over board on party supplies. These tips will help keep your holiday completely frugal while you show your appreciation for those who have serves. You may even find your family learned a lot more about the holiday than in previous years.

With the warm Spring air rolling in and the sun shining bright, it is time to check out some of the Renaissance Fairs in your area. These delightful fairs tend to only happen once a year, so make sure you enjoy your step back in time before it is too late. Many people will often avoid the Renaissance Fair because they believe it can be too pricey for the frugal household. However, the Renaissance Fair can be a great way for families to enjoy some time together as they take in some incredibly shows and food. There are numerous ways to experience this special fair that won’t leave you stressing over the money. In fact, with these ten tips you’ll find your family may want to frequent the fair while it’s still in town. So step away from the budget and let the entertainment of yesteryear entertain your family for a few hours.

1. Advance Tickets
The Renaissance Fair typically doesn’t cost a lost for an entrance fee, but you will certainly save even more money if you purchase in advance. Most Renaissance Fairs will actually have deals with your local banks and grocery stores, so you won’t even have to travel far to get a deal. When you purchase your tickets at these locations you tend to get a greater discount than purchasing anywhere else. This is largely because of the deals made between the fair and business establishment, but also to help draw people from other areas in to to see the amazing stuff. You should also be able to buy your tickets online or at the fairgrounds before the big day, but this will only provide you with a small discount opposed to buying at the set locations. A lot of the time buying ahead of time can even help you score free tickets for family and friends. You may also get free entrance for children that usually require a small entrance fee. So, shop ahead of time instead of waiting to the day of the fair to get your tickets.

2. Coupons
Renaissance Fairs are usually very good about putting out coupons before they begin selling tickets. You can find coupons for your local events in the paper as well as online so put your coupon shopping skills to good work. However, if you run out of coupons you may talk to local stores to see if there is anything you can turn in to help further your discount at the fair. For instance, many fairs will allow you trade in certain aluminum cans in order to get the price final price of your tickets knocked down. Some grocery and department stores will also give you a printed coupon when you buy certain items from their store. Before you go shopping call ahead or ask when you get there to see if there is any items you can buy to get a discount. Usually the items end up being on the average shopping list anyway, so you won’t have to worry about buying things you don’t need. Sometimes you may even get a free ticket for just shopping in certain areas, so make sure you’re aware of your best options before you buy the tickets.

3. Pack Snacks
Although bringing snacks with you might be frowned upon in many fairs, theme parks and other entertainment areas, bringing them into a Renaissance Fair usually doesn’t matter. Of course, there is always plenty of delicious foods on the menu at the fairs and you may want to set some money aside to share at least one item on the list. However, it will save you a whole lot of money if you just pack a few things to get your family through the day without having to eat out. One of the best items to bring is trail mix or simple fruits as they will help provide your family with plenty of energy without leaving you bogged down during your walk around the fair. Water is one of the most important things you can pack with you though. Typically water at any establishment cost a ridiculous amount and there is usually no place for a water fountain at the fair, so bringing enough water is absolutely crucial. If you can, pack some canteens with the kids so they can feel like they’re a part of the action too. You may want to avoid sodas, especially in cans, as they may weigh down your day bag and force discomfort while you’re trying to have some fun.

4. Dress Up
You might not think that dressing up could save you money at a fair but when it comes to the Renaissance Fair, the cooler you look the better. When it comes to dressing up for a Renaissance Fair you can actually go very far with very little money, especially when it comes to dressing up the kids. Children can easily slip into an old Halloween costume to fit in perfectly at the fair. Costumes like knights, fairies, jesters, archers and princesses are simple to find at a discount this time of year and will make your kids feel amazing as they pass other people in costumes similar. Adults are a little trickier, but with a simple pattern you can make a male or female costume with cheap fabrics. When you choose to dress up at a fair you may be able to get free goodies that will keep the family feeling great as they pass through the stalls. You may also get discounts on your tickets and other merchandise you choose to purchase while at the fair. This will really help out when it comes to souvenirs and other food. Of course, you may also win something cool if you happen to be picked as best costume, so make sure to put your heart into the way you look.

5. Bring Cash
One of the best things you can do while you’re at a Renaissance Fair is to leave the debit and credit cards at home. Instead, pull out a certain amount of cash to get you through the day. Make sure you budget carefully before you decide on the amount you can spend at the fair. By bringing along cash you’ll avoid quite a few of the transaction fees you may be subject to when you purchase from an independent vendor. You also won’t be tempted to pull anymore money while you’re at the fair so you can enjoy the day without having to worry about spending too much. When you carry around cash you’ll tend to be a bit more careful with the money you have, as it is clear and visible to you. This will help you make wiser purchases and you may even end up with money left over at the end of the day. This can be your biggest asset when you get to the fair as there will be so many amazing items that it might be hard to say no to some of the vendors.

6. Unlimited Bracelet
It may not be an option at many fairs, but if you can purchase an Unlimited Bracelet when you go to the Renaissance Fair. This is a great way to save money one fairs that don’t allow you to bring in food to the fairgrounds. The bracelet is usually included in the price of an extended ticket and can help you get the most out of the fair. These bracelets are particularly important at fairs that actually have rides. With the bracelets on your family should be able to get a set number of free meals, snacks and drinks while also being able to ride as many rides as you can fit into your day. Anyone that plans on spending the full day at the park will benefit greatly from the convenience of this bracelet, so make sure to call ahead and see your best value before you purchase your admission tickets.

7. Plan Accordingly
One way to get your money’s worth at the Renaissance Fair is to make sure to plan accordingly. A lot of fairs will actually post their schedules online so you can look and see exactly what you can see each day at the fair. This can help you plan on which day you’ll get a bit more for your money. The schedule will also help you plan out how to spend your day. Instead of wandering around aimlessly through the merchant areas you will know exactly when to check out a show you’re looking for. This can definitely be a huge benefit on days that are particularly hot as you will know exactly when and where you can sit down and cool down. This will also allow you to find time for meals more efficiently so everyone doesn’t feel fatigued between meals.

8. Avoid Gift Shops
It might be a bit of a challenge, but avoid gift areas can really help you save the most money when you’re visiting the Renaissance Fair. During the fair you’ll see plenty of merchant ares, which are amazing to look at it, but they often lead you feeling like you need to buy some of the art in the area. One way to help avoid temptation is to stay away from the merchant area entirely. Instead, stay in the showroom or check out some of the rides to keep you occupied. If you do manage to wander into the merchant area then you can always ask for a card from vendors you’re interested in. This will help you not spend any money during your trip out and will allow you to find the item you liked if you’re still interested in it a few weeks after the fair.

9. Show Up Early
When it comes to getting the most for your morning you should always show up to a Renaissance Fair as early as possible. Usually the crowds aren’t as heavy when you go early so you can see everything you want without having to surf through crowds. You can also enjoy rides, food and shows without having to wait as long in tedious lines. Another great reason for heading out early is it allows you to fully enjoy yourself without actually having to stay in the heat all day long. This can be a huge money savor when it comes to buying refreshments for the family. With the quiet morning fair grounds you’ll be able to see everything you could possibly want before the family begins to get tired and cranky, which will allow you to get a whole lot for your money. You may have to hang around for a show or two after you’ve seen everything, but you’ll still feel energized and will have more positive memories of the event.

10. Go to the Shows
When it comes to the Renaissance Fair nothing will beat the shows. Usually shows are included in the price of admission which means you’ll be able to sit down and relax during your time at the fair. Typically fairs will have a few different shows that repeat throughout the day. This gives you time to see them all while still catching some time in the areas of the fair. The more time you spend at the shows the less time you’ll spend wanting to spend money on food or other merchandise though. The shows will also give you more vivid memories of the fair that can be shared with other people you care about.

The Renaissance Fair tends to be a once a year occasion so make sure you find some time to enjoy your visit. With these simple tips you should be able to find a mini vacation in the fair that doesn’t leave you calculating the expenses throughout the day. Finally, you’ll be able to find yourself in the past while enjoying the present with your family.

With puppy and kitten season upon us, chances are you’ve probably considered adding a new furry addition to your family. A lot of people may be hesitant about this though as the price of adopting an animal might be a little intimidating. There’s a few ways to work around the price of adopting a pet though, which could leave your family enjoying the new cute and cuddly member of your family in just a few days. From the initial cost of adoption and price of feeding your pet to getting it fixed and immunized against deadly pet illnesses, there’s a lot to consider before making this commitment. However, if you have the love and responsibility to share with a pet then there are many ways to make the financial burden of a pet one of the least of your concerns. So, put up your favorite shoes and get ready to enjoy the happiness of having a new pet in the home, because these tips will have you on your way to adoption in no time.

1. Check out a Shelter
When your family is considering adopting one of the first places you should check out is a shelter, especially if you’re looking to save money. Although prices for the pet could seem a little pricey you are getting a really great deal on a pet. Every time a pet enters a shelter they are automatically given their immunizations and neutered or spayed so you won’t have any added expenses when you walk out the door with your pet. Often, the shelter will even microchip your pet in case he or she is ever lost. The best thing about adopting from a shelter is you’re helping keep an animal alive, especially if you choose to adopt from a shelter that puts animals down after a certain amount of time. You may want to consider not adopting a puppy or kitten if you’re looking to save money. Often, these animals cost more to adopt because they are easier to find homes for. Older animals tend to cost less because they are harder to adopt out. Animals that are black in color are harder to place as well, but are often as sweet as can be.

2. Look in the Classifieds
During puppy and kitten season there is bound to be an abundance of kittens in your classified papers or online. This can be one of the cheapest ways to find a pet, but you will often have to pay for the animals shots and spay or neuter procedure. Many people, especially those who find their pet expectantly pregnant, may give out the puppies or kittens for free so make sure to act fast whenever you see an ad for this. Other people may charge a small fee for the food, litter, treats and other items they bought for the animal while it was under the care. However, these fees are rarely much and can help you get an animal for very cheap. When you do adopt from a home it is important to ask questions about your new pet though. Make sure you get paperwork on any immunizations they may have already had, ask about health issues the papers have had and if your new pet has any known likes or dislikes. Although it may seem unimportant at the time it can help you keep your pet healthy and save you money in regards to pet food and toys. Before you adopt you should also watch the behavior of the animal. Unfortunately, sometimes these animals end up being feral which could be hard to work with if there are children in the home.

3. Adopt Duplicates
Adopting can be great, but if you only have one pet it could often lead to loneliness for the animal, especially if the family is rarely home. One way to combat this is to adopt more than one pet at once. This can actually be a huge money saver and will ensure happiness for your family and your new pets. Often enough, a lot of shelters will offer a discount if you plan on adopting an entire family of animals. This is usually offered when a family is brought in that are particularly attached to one another, especially if the family came from an abusive environment. Rather than adopting the animals out separately many shelters will offer a combined price so people will feel better about adopting together. This might also be that case with family’s giving away pets as often siblings become attached to one another.

4. Starter Kits
When bringing in a new animal it may be wise to grab a starter kit. This will give you all of the basic items you need such as a small litter box, puppy pads, foods, and small toys. The price of a starter kit usually isn’t much and sometimes places will give them to you with your pet adoption. As time progresses you will need to upgrade your litter box and other items that come in the starter kit, but when your new family member is still small and getting adjusted to life in your home it will work out perfectly. It is also great if you’re looking to save on money as it allows you to get a feel of what your pet needs and wants before you go out and spend a lot of money on unneeded items.

5. Apply for Help
Although many places make you prove you have enough money to pay for a pet, there are also many others that are willing to help you whenever you’re in a tight spot. If you have recently adopted a pet and need help with the spaying or neutering fee as well as getting your pet immunized then there are special organizations that can provide vouchers for you. All you need to do is call your local shelter or look online for an organization in your area and then fill out the paperwork. Many will want to know your income information, but some will simply give out the voucher. You may even be able to get a voucher is you’re local shelter is holding an adoption event. Most counties want to ensure that pets in the area are not only vaccinated but aren’t able to reproduce as this not only causes health issues, but can force the shelters to be too full which means more animals must be put down. So, don’t be afraid to ask if you need a little help with your pet. There are also some organizations that will donate food if you are going through a hard time too. Your local shelter should have more information on this as well.

6. Consider Fostering
If you aren’t quite sure if the family is ready to adopt then fostering a pet might be a great way to get your feet wet. There’s a lot of pets that need temporary homes or else they will be put to sleep. These homes need a simple qualification and the basic needs for the animal met and they are good to help as many animals as the county allows them too. So, this could be a great way to see if your family is ready for a pet. As the kids work with you to take care of the pets you can see if an animal particularly bonds with your family. If this is the case then you might want to adopt this pet from the shelter. If the pet doesn’t seem like the right fit then show the pet all the love you can until you and the shelter finally find the home the animal has been looking for. Fostering can be incredibly rewarding and will allow you to know for sure if you’re ready for this responsibility before you actually commit to it.

7. Utilize Humane Society
After you’ve adopted the perfect pet for your home you should consider using your humane society to help keep your pet healthy and legal in your state and county. The humane society is not only a great place to adopt a pet from, but they also offer so many incredible services to pet owners. For starters, most humane societies and other animal shelters will offer low cost neutering, spaying and vaccination clinics. This can help you start your pet’s life with your family off right without forcing you to pay a whole lot of money. Usually the prices offered at the shelter are a mere 1/3 of what you may pay at your veterinarian. A lot of the time the shelter will also offer check ups for pets which will help you put your mind to ease about your pet’s health. You may even be able to get a microchip here which ensures if your pet is found they will safely be returned to you.

8. Place an Ad
If you’re having trouble finding a pet then one of the best things you can do is put an ad in your local classifies or local websites. This will let people who are trying to get rid of an animal know that you’re willing to take one in. You can be as specific as you like about what type of pet your looking for, how old, size, breed and so on as you will have a greater chance of finding just what you’re looking for. This is one of the best ways to find rarer pets like birds and lizards, but it can also be an efficient way to get a specific breed of cat or dog. You may end up paying more than you would for a pet using this method, but you may also find a family that is looking to give away an animal due to unforeseen circumstances.

9. Pets Without Papers
When it comes to saving money on a pet there is always one thing you should avoid. That is, pets with papers. These animals are usually thoroughbreds which means they will be sold for a whole lot more money than you’d pay for ten pets adopted from a shelter. Usually if you see an animal listed with papers in the classifieds then it is just easier to avoid calling the number. These pets have to be certified in order to get papers which means you’re not only going to pay for having a pet specially bred, but you’re going to pay the licensing fee for the papers that were already drafted. These animals can also have more behavioral problems, so it simply wiser to stick with your local shelter and save a life rather than paying thousands for a pet that will be adopted out no matter what.

10. Volunteer
Most shelters require you to pay a fee whenever you adopt a pet. This is to show you have money to care for the pet, but it also helps the shelter pay for things like food, litter and medicine for the pets that are temporarily under their care. If you are a big animal lover you may want to talk to your local shelter about volunteering to help waive the fee for your adoption. This may require proof that you will be able to care for the pet, but it will also show the shelter that you have what it takes to provide a good home. After volunteering for a little while you may be hooked on the feeling and spend more of your time with the animals who haven’t found their home yet.

Adopting a pet can be incredibly exciting until you realize how much money it cost. With these tips you should be able to find your new pet and bring it home without having to stress too much about how you’re going to pay for it. Instead, you can enjoy the love surrounding your new pet as you adjust to your new life as a pet owner.

With the summer heat slowly creeping up on us it might be time to consider this year’s bathing suit attire. Although it might be tempting to shed some of those unwanted winter pounds by going on an expensive crash diet there’s actually some really simple and frugal ways to lose. These ten tips will have you working on your perfect summer bod before you even have time to stop and think about how pale you’ve gotten. With the pounds on their way off of your body you’ll feel confident and ready to take on the long summer pool parties and days at the beach. You may even want to incorporate all of these quick and easy ways to lose into your every day life, so you’ll never have to worry about spending a small fortune on weight loss again.

1. Running/Walking
It’s pretty easy to lock ourselves up during the cold winter days. It’s even easier when you live in a place that gets plenty of snow and icy cold wind. One of your first ways of combating that extra fat you stored during the day of bad weather is to actually get out and get walking or running. Although it might be a bit hard to begin your weightloss journey by running miles you can easily work yourself up to this level of fitness. Once the weather begins to mellow try to stop using your car as often. Instead, find excuses to walk. For instance, if you don’t live too far from your children’s school then walk them to and from school. This will give you lots of exercise and will work up your metabolism thanks to the early morning exercise. You may also want to consider walking to the grocery store, work or anywhere that isn’t too far from your home. If you don’t have a safe place to walk then find a nice park you can walk before or after work. You may even want to try spending time walking a lap or two during your lunch break. Once your fit enough to walk far you can easily take some of those routes and turn them into a run.

2. Eat Seasonal
Our bodies love seasonal foods and so do our wallets. During the spring and summer months there are lots of fruits and vegetables in season that don’t have a whole lot of calories. In fact, sticking to a primarily fruit and vegetable diet can help you lose weight rather quickly. During this season there are lots of alkaline foods in the marketplace which means you’ll feel energized and healthy faster. You can even use many of these seasonal fruits and veggies to power up your diet with breakfast smoothies that will help keep you going all day. Seasonal foods and vegetables are often on sale in stores and look better than all of the other fruits and vegetables. Fish is also another great thing to buy in season now which will help you get plenty of protein in your diet without the extra calorie intake.

3. Utilize the Household
Your house can actually be the solution to many of your weight loss needs. In fact, simply doing the strenuous cleaning jobs in the home more often you’ll begin to lose weight a whole lot faster. One amazing thing is that all of the effort you put into spring cleaning is a great jump start to your weight loss goals. In fact, organizing, installing carpets and painting is one of the easiest ways to find yourself on the way to healthier lifestyle for the summer. You can also utilize items in the home like chairs, cans of food and bottles of water to help you lose weight. These items can easily replace some of the more expensive work out items you need to push your at home workout a little further. Now, with your cleaning routine altered, your home under reorganization and your pantry aiding you in workouts, you should be able to lose plenty and tone up before you put on your first bathing suit.

4. Take Breaks
If you tend to spend a lot of time at the office desk you may be gaining more weight than you think. The longer you are inactive the greater chance you have of gaining weight as well as other health issues that could make it more difficult to get in shape and feel confident about your body. Instead of working straight through for hours you should try to stop and take a break every hour. In this hour you can do a set of push ups, set ups or jumping jacks to help keep your metabolism up and active. You don’t have to start out doing 100 in each set either. In fact, simply doing sets of ten can get your in better shape than you could ever imagine. Of course, we don’t all have somewhere private to go to do these types of exercises and many of us may not be able to take a break that often. If this is the case whenever you can take a break you should stand up, walk and perform basic stretches before sitting back down. Between your walking breaks you can easily remain sitting and perform small arm and leg stretches that will help the body stay active. Taking these breaks can also help you maintain your concentration and will help your eyes stay healthier for longer.

5. Play with the Kids
You might not have guessed that playing with the kids can be one of the biggest ways to help your fat melt away. Children are usually healthier for a reason so follow their lead and play outside. It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting hoops, playing tag or seeing who can get the best score at hopscotch, as long as you’re moving you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle that will give you more energy. Playing with the kids will also help them develop a healthier lifestyle which could mean they will be going into their adult life with more tools to keep their bodies and minds healthier and happier. The more you play with the kids the greater a bond you will develop too which will help your family as you all grow stronger and healthier together.

6. Dance
It doesn’t matter if you think you’re the best dancer on the planet or you are too shy to bust a move in public! Dancing is one of the greatest ways to get your heart rate up while having a whole lot fun. The best thing is, you don’t have to stick with the dancing you’re good or even the dancing you know how to do. In fact, you can give just about anything a try because all dancing can not only help you loose weight but make you feel happier about life in general. From ballet to hip hop, you can take moves you didn’t even know existed to created a workout plan for you. If you love dancing as much as possible them try to schedule a night out with the girls. You can even host the dance night in if you’re looking to save some extra money. Of course, if you’re a bit on the shy side then go somewhere private, put on your favorite songs and just let loose for awhile. If you’re looking for some direction with your dancing then you may want to work on joining a class or you could even purchase a video game that lets you interact with it. No matter what you choose to do you’ll be ready to show off your body in your new suit thanks to your dancing skills.

7. Skip the Sweets
Let’s face it, in the past six to eight months we’ve had our fair share of sweets. From Halloween on to Easter there’s been an abundance of pies, chocolates and hardened pieces of sugar to last us for the entire year. So, it might be time to take a step away from the chocolates bag and let your body gets its sugar from fresh fruits instead. Cutting out sweets can be one of the easiest ways to cut the calories and get your summer figure back. Most desserts contain just as many calories as a meal, so by skipping this part of the meal you’re already cutting out the amount you need to burn off substantially. One of the best ways to cut down your cravings for the leftover Easter chocolate or the apple pie at parties is to enjoy a nice smoothie for breakfast. You can add vegetables to the smoothie to keep it healthier, but the sweetness from the fruit will instantly ease your sweet tooth for the day.

8. No Take Out
Sure, you have a busy lifestyle and with the weather heating up its too hot to heat up the oven. There’s still no real excuse to opt for the fast food option though. This can be one of your worst enemies when it comes to combating your winter weight gain and can make you feel tired and unmotivated while you’re working out. Instead of eating take out try to stick to salads, or package some crock pot meals to make your life a little easier after work. If you can maintain eating healthy for the next few weeks there’s actually no reason why you should gain any more weight before the summer months. Take out foods can be incredibly greasy, filled with too many calories and designed to make you want even more fast food. Each of these items is already a recipe for disaster so try to avoid temptation at all cost. After a few weeks of no take out food you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll have a whole lot of extra money in your wallet to enjoy some amazing summer activities.

9. Hit the Pool/Beach
Although you might not feel as confident in your bathing suit, a trip to the beach or pool could help you burn some major calories. Swimming is one of the best exercises available and is gentle on just about every body type. If you can find a pool that isn’t as busy it could be one of the best places to swim laps or do some water aerobics to get the body working better. Of course, the beach is also a great place to work out some of those excess calories. Whether you decide to play in the waves, go for a swim or simply walk or run on the beach, you’ll burn more calories than you ever though possible. The beach and pool are also great places for family fun so you can enjoy getting active with the entire household.

10. Think Positive
One of the biggest problems with a lot of weight loss plans is many people go into them believing they’re not going to work. The best thing you can do about your weight loss plan is to believe you’re going to get healthier and feel better about yourself. Thinking positive helps get rid of chemicals in the body, like Cortisol, which force the body to hold onto fat around the mid-section. When you go into a workout feeling better about yourself you are more likely to keep up the routine. You’ll also feel better about your body and mind even before you begin to lose weight which will already help you feel great about your summer body.

Finding your summer body can be a hard task, especially if you already have confidence issues. With these few tips you’ll be able to enjoy your summer body without actually spending any money on weight loss plans or special diets that could lead to nowhere. With this knowledge at hand you may even find your fitness levels skyrocket throughout the entire year.

With May finally here and the sunshine creeping through all of those rain clouds, it is time to start getting ready for the long months of summer. One of the best ways to help cut down on cooling costs and soak up some rays is to enjoy time outdoors. Unfortunately, decorating your patio or lawn can be very pricey if you’re looking to completely remodel or start from scratch. There are a few ways to avoid the high prices if you’re willing to think out of the box. With these ten tips you’ll be able to transform your empty backyard, patio or porch or into an outliving room that will make you want to have company over all of the time. So, throw on some shorts and sunglasses and hit the stores so you’ll be ready when the first heatwave hits!

1. Shop Second Hand
When you’re looking to start your outdoor oasis from scratch you may want to begin your search in a local thrift store. There’s usually a few items that have come from different sets of patio furniture, so you will have a nice selection to choose from. Another thing to look for is items that can be transformed into suitable patio furniture. For instance, a nice glass table would make a great cocktail table for outdoors. You could also use the frames of some existing furniture to create a set that is ready to ensure the elements. If you have no luck at the thrift store then you may want to look for yard sales or used furniture shops, as you may find lots of luck here. Another option is to check the listings in your community to see if anyone is selling a set at a price that you can easily afford. Remember, you can always upgrade these pieces later, or add your own special touch to them so they suit the way your home looks.

2. Buy in the Winter
One way to avoid the high prices of outdoor furniture is to do your shopping during the winter months. This may be a bit more difficult if you choose to shop locally as many department and furniture stores will pack away these products during the winter months. If this is a problem then you should start shopping in late August when the sets begin to go on clearance. Of course, if shopping online isn’t a problem then you should wait until the weather gets cold before shopping. A lot of stores, especially those that specialize in outdoor furniture, will knock down the price substantially during the winter months. This helps them maintain business during the off season and helps you save money. You can choose from a wide selection of more expensive models this way without having to feel guilty about the price. So, if you have your eye on a set of furniture during the summer wait it out until winter before you buy. You can even keep the set in boxes until summer hits, so you’ll be able to enjoy the new furniture look during your first barbeque.

3. Cash in on Sales
The good thing about outdoor furniture is there tends to be a whole lot of sales surrounding the items. Summer tends to start out with Memorial Day, which automatically means huge weekend savings around the country. If you really want a set badly before the heat wave really sets in then this is probably the sale to hit. The next major sales period will hit around the 4th of July, but this may be too late to really get the most out of your furniture. Of course, there will be many sales that don’t involve holidays though so it is up to you to keep your eye out on the stores you’d prefer to buy from. A lot of stores may even hold sales welcoming summer, so call around, check online and look through sales papers to find out when you store is having an item at a discounted price.

4. Makeover Old Furniture
If you already own a set of patio furniture then you can easily make them presentable in just a few simple steps. Finding a new cloth for the body could be one easy way to take your drab furniture to the next level. You may even consider switching some of the fabrics or with specialized outdoor fabrics so your furniture can withstand the elements for a whole lot longer. Another great way to mix things up is to paint what you already have. A new coat of paint on wooden furniture not only helps it stay protected from the elements, but will make your yard shine. If you have metallic furniture then you may need to do some extra work to rid it of rust and build up, but this isn’t too hard if you know what you’re doing. Try to look up some tutorials online to help out with this project. Of course, you could always be adventurous and cut some of your larger furniture into single chairs or you may even consider bringing out old interior furniture and remodeling it for the outdoors. The project can even be turned into a bonding experience for the family.

5. Skip the Set
Sometimes it is all too tempting to buy a large set of furniture and call it a day. Sometimes these sets are filled with items you don’t really want or don’t have room for. They also might not fit your particular taste which could lead to disappointment later on. Instead of simply opting for a set try to find some furniture piece by piece. You don’t have to buy a lot to begin with, instead try starting out with a couple of chairs. The chairs don’t even have to match one another if you’re interested in creating a unique look. As time progresses consider adding a lounger, table or maybe even a swing which will help provide ample space for social gatherings or hanging out with the kids on a summer night. You may even find shopping piece by piece allows you to have more pride in your yard and how you present it to those around you.

6. Build Your Own
One of those more rewarding ways to enjoy your backyard is to build your own patio furniture. You may have to start out simple, but with a little practice you’ll have some cool furniture that you’ll be proud to show off to friends and family. If you’re looking to start off simple you may want to consider using some used goods from around the home. For instance, an easy way to make a relaxing swing chair is to strap an old tire to the top of the patio. This is a great place for kids to sit and will add a rustic look to your home. Of course, you can also easily make a basic swing seat from scrap pieces of wood. Another easy item to make is a frame for a simple wooden chair and a wooden table. As you begin to build these things you may find out more about your building skills so you can work with what you’re good at. You may even want to turn furniture building into a new hobby!

7. Shop Wisely
One of the best ways to cut down on the cost of your spending is to shop wisely. You should always have a fair idea of what you’re looking for before you go out, especially if you plan on visiting a furniture store. This will help you ward off the salespersons pitches so you’ll get what you want for exactly what it is worth. Another easy tip is to avoid certain stores altogether. You should start your furniture shopping at a store you know is going to offer great prices. Look for stores like Big Lots or Wal Mart that offer wide selections at prices that won’t make you rethink your budget. Another great thing to do before shopping is to know exactly what you need. This will ensure you don’t overdo it while shopping and buy accessories that probably won’t be used.

8. Invest in Covers
A lot of outdoor furniture certainly isn’t made to deal with some of the harsher elements. This is why you should invest in the proper covers for when your furniture isn’t in use. These covers are great for high end furniture as they will help keep your outdoor furniture looking almost as vibrant as the day you bought it. Covers are also great for areas that tend to have unpredictable weather. So, if you live in one of those regions where its not uncommon to sunshine all week and snow by the weekend, then a cover is a must have. They also protect the furniture during the off season months, which can help if you don’t have a lot of space to store the furniture. You can usually get these covers at a decent price, especially if you shop at a wholesale store. However, if you still feel the price is too much you could also use tarps as a cheaper alternative that will still work wonders on your outdoor living area.

9. Water Resistance
It is important to consider water resistance whenever you choose your patio furniture. A lot of brands will already spray down the cushioning with a water resistant seal, but it is always safe to check before you leave your furniture out in the elements. It isn’t a huge deal if your furniture doesn’t come with a water resistant seal. In fact, you may want to go over your furniture every summer with a water resistant spray anyway. This spray tends not to be too expensive and it doesn’t take a whole lot to get the job done. This product is especially important if you choose to make your own furniture or you buy from a second hand store. Without the seal your furniture could be ruined after the first rain of the season, or by the children simply splashing it with pool water. So, make sure to shop around and find a water resistant spray that suits your budget before you leave your furniture outdoors.

10. Layaway
If you’re already preparing for the summer months, but aren’t quite ready to set up all of the outdoor fun then layaway might be the way to go. This allows a store to hold your item for you until you can pay it off. The best thing is you don’t have to worry about interest charges and a lot of the time you can get the item on sale. It is a better option than purchasing items with a credit card as it will save you money while ensuring the item is already yours. In order to balance your budget you can make monthly payments on the goods which is especially great if you put the item on layaway during the winter months. By the time you pay off your new furniture it will be time to set it up and enjoy it properly in the beautiful weather. It will also allow you to spend some of your extra money on the extras for the yard, like toys for the kids or candles to deter those pesky mosquitoes.

Summer is a great time for bringing families together and letting them enjoy all the fun mother nature provides. With some outdoor furniture you’ll be able to take in the relaxed vibe summer puts off while sharing stories with friends and family. You may even decide to move all of your typical family activities, like dinner or board game night, into the backyard where you can soak up sun and enjoy the fresh air. With these tips you’ll certainly be on your way to a backyard that you’ll love to call home.