Fabulousy Frugal Living Blog: Cut The Budget

7 Tips to Furnish Your Place on a Shoestring

2013-07-09T10:47:00.001-07:00

Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or buying your first house, furnishing your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Great design is all around us, and with a little vision, luck and elbow grease you can give new life to old castoffs without sacrificing an ounce of style.

Here’s my tried-and-true list of seven ideas for furnishing a home on a shoestring budget:

1. Hit yard sales and thrift stores
Yard sales and secondhand stores can be treasure troves for industrious decorators on a budget. One of my favorite sites for inspiration is Mr. Goodwill Hunting. Rashon Carraway, the site’s creator and its creative powerhouse, is a diehard thrifter who works magic with old furniture and accent pieces. Carraway focuses less on how an item looks now and instead visualizes how it could be with a custom paint job, new cushions or a thorough polish. Gravitate toward items with classic lines, good bones, timeless design or unusual detail.

2. Get in on the action at auctions
Auctions and tag sales are two other venues where it’s easy to find quality furniture just waiting to be put in a new context or given some love. Explore each with an open mind; don’t be afraid to haggle at tag sales and fight to win your item at an auction. Often, the vintage furnishings you discover will be better constructed than most new pieces and they’ll become instant classics in your home.

3. Upcycle those hand-me-downs
They make us think of bell-bottom jeans and snow boots that don’t fit, but not every hand-me-down is a downer. Vintage furniture, mid-century lamps and wonderful old wedding china can be great additions to our homes.

Again, look for details that are rare by today’s standards — solid wood or rich veneers, tongue-and-groove construction, and simple designs that can be reinterpreted to fit with any style. Give rough pieces a little TLC with a light sanding and scratch cover or wood polish. Update old lamps with modern shades or reinvigorate an antique china set by mixing it with new linens or modern accent pieces.

4. Refurbish and refinish
People tend to get intimated at the idea of refurbishing and refinishing furniture themselves. But all it takes is a few supplies, a plan, some basic skills that you can learn online, and patience. In a single afternoon you can refinish an end table, repaint a nightstand, add new hardware to a vintage cabinet, or add new fabric to a desk chair. Try your hand at a few different projects and see what suits you best.

5. Frame it
Frame unusual fabric samples, vintage post cards or album covers for inexpensive custom art pieces. Create bold collages using family photographs, memorabilia, childhood drawings and old letters. Or, for free inspiration, look out the window. Press leaves, arrange them in an interesting composition, then frame.

Even the simplest subject takes on an artistic quality when combined with a classic frame and all-white matting.

6. Bolster with upholstery
Reupholstering furniture properly takes a lot of skill and time, so pace yourself and do a little experimenting first. Start with a simple project like a wooden chair with a single cushioned seat (preferably square).

Reupholstering a square is relatively simple — it’s a lot like wrapping a gift. Otherwise, explore the Web for tutorials on more complex projects like reupholstering a large plush chair or loveseat. Scout around for slipcovers in a classic pattern and customize the fit with ties, pins or hand sewing for a quick update.

7. Bring on the dents and dings
Most large furniture stores have an area devoted to floor models or dented and dinged items — often marked at a deep discount. True bargain hunters make a beeline to this section of the store first to see what deals they can score. Floor models are typically as good as new and, depending on where those dents and dings are, a little creative coverup can make most flaws undetectable.

What all these ideas and methods show us is that a piece of furniture doesn’t have to be newly minted in order to be beautiful. Likewise, a used item doesn’t have to be a high-end antique in order to have value. This topic brings to mind the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. In it, we’re taught that there’s beauty in imperfection, and sometimes what makes an object truly stunning is its inherent flaw.

If you’re ready to furnish your new home or redecorate your current place, consider incorporating a bit of wabi-sabi aesthetic. There’s beauty (and value) all around you.

5 Ways to Save Money

2013-07-06T07:48:00.002-07:00

The heat is on!

It’s officially summer and the season of outdoor recreation is in full swing. Summer means barbecues, swimming until it’s dark and grilling outside with friends. It also means blasting the air conditioning, heading away on vacation and … well … spending a lot of money.

Well it could mean spending a lot of money. But instead of busting your entire budget on one season, why not follow these tips and still have some cash left over when the leaves start to change?

Pack the Snacks
Especially if you have kids, one of the fastest ways to spend a ton of money while you’re out and about is on food, snacks and drinks. Travel prepared this season by heading to your destination armed with granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, almonds, etc. This’ll keep the kids from getting agitated because they’re starving, and it’ll keep you from dropping $15 just for snacks for your family.

Save on Energy
We could suggest turning the air conditioner off, but let’s be realistic. Instead, look for other ways to save on your energy costs this summer. For example, try letting your clothes air dry outside instead of running the dryer, replace your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones that are more energy-efficient, use the microwave or toaster oven to heat up leftovers since they use less energy than a conventional oven and grill outside as often as possible to avoid running the AC at its highest setting in order to combat the added heat from the stove.

Oh and about that air conditioner—make sure you replace your filters regularly to avoid increased costs due to restricted airflow.

If you’re not sure which appliances in your home are costing you the most in energy, check out this infographic from GE to find out how many watts your typical gadgets use up.

Conserve Your Water Use
Water bills can really add up in the summer months, especially if your family is busy filling up pools outside to splash around in and running sprinklers for the yard. Instead of cutting back on the outdoor fun, try to make up for it by making small changes to your water usage inside. Encourage your family to take shorter showers (which are much cheaper for your water bill than baths), and install a low-flow showerhead to conserve even more.

Make the Most of Your Windows
Installing high-performance windows, screens and films may seem like a costly endeavor at first, but they’ll more than make up for it by protecting your furniture upholstery, wood and art from damaging UV rays. If you’re in the market for new windows in general, look for a National Fenestration Rating Council label, which means the window’s performance has been certified, before making the purchase.

Save on Gas
Even if you won’t be heading on a cross-country road trip this summer, with the kids out of school you’ll probably be using the car more often than you do during the rest of the year. This means gas prices can really start to add up. Next time you need to fill up, try using Gas Price Watch or Gas Buddy to find the lowest prices available at thousands of stations across the country.

5 Frugal Things You Don't Have To Do.

2013-07-04T09:43:00.001-07:00

I’m pretty well known online for being very frugal about some things. A few people even like to toss jokes my way about my “extreme” frugality, as I’ve gone so far as to calculate the cost of a sheet of toilet paper.

It’s easy: I want to understand the value associated with what I’m getting for each penny that We spend. If I will do a 5 second calculation once also it shows me which i can save ten cents each time I buy Manufacturer Z toilet paper rather than Brand Y, I view it as a success because I will use that calculation over and over.

I don’t thoughts washing freezer totes. I’ll happily attempt homemade solutions for nearly every kind associated with cleaner. I love finding methods to reuse leftovers and purchase in bulk.

Still, there are several lines that I don’t prefer to cross, whether it’s because of personal beliefs or health issues or introversion. There are some frugal tactics We can’t bring myself to defend myself against.

Here are five of these.

I don’t conserve condiment packages through restaurants. One of my personal friends always requests extra condiment packets from restaurants and usually grabs a fistful anytime they’re available. Then takes them house and, when he’s doing something similar to watching television, he opens all of them and puts them to the respective bottles.

While this may save a couple of bucks during a good hour’s worth associated with television watching, I don’t do that out of sanitary issue. Food cross-contamination problems sincerely worry me so when you do this particular, you’re doing plenty of potential cross-contamination. It’s not worthwhile if you trigger your condiment to visit bad at a considerably faster rate. Yes, I know that the majority of the foods you’d be carrying this out with have a minimal rate of spoilage, but I additionally know I’ve observed some frightening ketchup previously.

I don’t make use of public restrooms unless I must. Quite a couple of people I know try to do their own bathroom business on an outing. One person I understand (his name begins with K as well as he’s a reader from the Simple Dollar) hasn’t used a shower in your own home in a 12 months because he just will it at the gym every day, as he figures it’s an additional perk of regular membership. An old colliege of mine use to visit the bathroom like clockwork right before leaving during the day, theoretically to conserve on toilet document, water, and soap in your own home.

Again, while this can easily save a little bit of money on drinking water, soap, and document products, I often avoid public bathrooms for sanitary factors. I don’t understand how they were cleaned out and I don’t know about the healthiness of the people who used them. While I actually do use them inside a pinch, I’d would rather spend the pennie and use my personal home bathroom.

We don’t constantly work out. I have a buddy who will work out any price anytime. She’ll negotiate from every yard purchase or farmers marketplace. She’ll also work out at any shop where there’s a product on special low cost. I’ve witnessed all types of haggling and cajoling out of this person.

While I’ve haggled a number of times, I’ll generally leave from things instead of become disruptive. Personally, it’s not worth buying a product if I must make a annoyance of myself in public places. I’ve witnessed hagglers endure lines of people and produce a noisy nuisance which frustrated me too many times and it’s not something I love to foist on other people.

I don’t purchase the low end edition of something I understand I’ll use. I am quite prepared to spend more with an item that I know will receive regular make use of around my house.

If I know something will probably be used a great deal, I’m more thinking about purchasing a reliable version of this product than I'm buying the absolute most affordable version. I will purchase the “cheap” one if I’m unsure how much I’ll use a product, but when I’m changing something and I understand I’ll use this, I will always look for top “bang for the actual buck” version from the item with a powerful eye toward dependability. That often indicates a pricier version than I would have otherwise bought.

I don’t recycle aluminum foil. If a bit of aluminum foil isn’t old and wrinkly or absolutely destroyed, I know a minumum of one person who may flatten it away and save this for use next time. I’ve seen bits of aluminum foil covering dishes find yourself on the barbeque grill and vice versa. I’ve actually seen pieces proceed from dish in order to dish.

As using the condiment packages, my primary reason behind not reusing aluminum foil is a result of food cross-contamination problems. I have utilized aluminum foil like a grill covering soon after taking it from whatever food item it had been covering, but that doesn’t produce a cross-contamination issue and also you are thoroughly cooking food the aluminum foil anyhow.

Frugality is the virtue, but it’s not the only real virtue.

How to Integrate Frugal Living Habits with Your Children

2013-07-03T07:37:00.001-07:00

In today’s world of “buy now, pay later,” it can be difficult at best to integrate frugal living habits into our everyday lives. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements and promotions that practically beg us to make purchases – essentially making some items that we’ve never even heard of difficult to live without. Unfortunately, kids today are also highly impacted by the constant chatter about products. This can be even more evident in some instances such as with ads during Saturday morning cartoons and messages online. Just like anything else, though, teaching children how to integrate frugal living habits into their daily routine should begin at a young age. This way, kids will learn that being frugal is just another regular part of life. Being Frugal Doesn’t Mean Living Without Living a frugal lifestyle can in some ways be compared to losing weight. Here, shedding those extra pounds doesn’t have to mean starving yourself – it just entails eating more of the right foods and avoiding the rest. Likewise, by simply having a good understanding of purchase needs and purchase wants, you will be much better equipped with the knowledge of what constitutes a necessary item and which items to back away from. One way to ease into the habit of spending more wisely by avoiding impulse purchases is by passing on the purchase of an item initially. Give yourself 24 to 48 hours to “think about” the item. If, after that time, you still feel that the item is a “need,” then start to find ways of working the purchase into your budget. The truth is, though, that by using this strategy, it is highly likely that you won’t give the item a second thought – therefore saving you money on an item that would likely end up sitting in a corner collecting dust. One way to take this frugal living strategy even further, is to take the amount of money that would have been spent on an impulse purchase and placing it into a savings or investment account. You will be happily surprised at how much money you will be able to save over time. Teaching Kids Early Helps to Create Healthy Financial Habits Children learn a lot from their parents. So, in addition to teaching your kids the basics of life, it is important to add in education about money. Most habits are ingrained early – so by introducing frugal living information, it is likely that your kids will not just pick up on the information, but will also start using the habits regularly. Some key steps in ensuring that your children both understand and comply with such habits can include the following: Teaching them how money works in the real world. Having a good understanding of how money really works can help to integrate good financial habits over time. For example, children who understand that in order to purchase a particular toy it will be necessary to part with a certain amount of dollars, they will begin to see the financial give-and-take that the real world presents. Helping them to appreciate the more simple things in life. While we would all love to give our kids the world, the truth is that it is essential to help your children to appreciate life’s more simple things. This can entail teaching your children that a walk in the park can be just as much fun as doing other activities that require spending money. Showing them how to be less wasteful. As our world seeks to become more “green,” showing your children how to be less wasteful can actually obtain numerous results. Examples here include recycling cans, bottles, and newspapers, as well as making the best use of leftover food for future meals. Letting them see that work is a necessary part of life. While having the winning lottery ticket would be a dream come true, the reality is that most of us need to work for our income. By showing kids how working a certain amount of hours translates into having a certain amount of pay, they will better understand the importance of hard work in relation to paying their daily expenses. Creating a Financially Secure Future Although frugal living habits are an essential part of life in terms of being less wasteful and saving money on unneeded items, one of the absolute best results of living a frugal life can be a financially secure future. While there is no guarantee that you or your kids will become millionaires, there is a very good chance that by maintaining a regular habit of saving and investing the funds that are saved, your and your children’s financial futures will be bright.

Hosting the pros and cons of cheap hosting

2013-06-28T11:51:00.006-07:00

Most people say that how much you pay will determine how much you'll get. Well, when it comes about web hosting service, this statement is not entirely true. Each website owner has their own specific need on the hosting features and functions to support their website. The most important thing to consider is that you have to make sure that the service is worth each cent you have spent. This means even if you afford to pay expensive hosting deal, it won't provide too much advantage if your website can't maximize the resources provided because the website don't actually need such extravagant resources. So whether is using cheap hosting will be better solution of not, the answer will be depending on your website's need of hosting service. However, before making any decision, it will be better to consider the pros and cons of using low cost hosting service first so you will know what you are dealing with.

First of all, it is not entirely true if low cost hosting means poor service. You can probably expect to find limited features and functions on the hosting plan, but it doesn't mean that the service will come with poor quality. This is why; you have to be careful in selecting hosting service since the customers support will play important role in determining the quality of service you will receive for your website. Using cheap hosting also means you have to deal with the risk of overloaded servers. It is a normal thing considering the low cost will attract many customers, but this can be anticipated by consulting to the customer support about the capacity of the server and the chance of your website being bothered with the overloaded server. You also have to deal with the issue of bad neighboring site which possibly have negative intention towards your website. It is important to know that if one site is hacked by the neighbor site, then the whole server will stop running. Those risks are the cons of using low cost hosting service, but you can always conquer it all with good communication with the customer support.

A good hosting company, no matter if it is offering low cost or expensive hosting service will be able to provide full time customer support so whenever there is any trouble, they can communicate the reasons and solution to the customers. This factor should be considered too when you are considering using cheap web hosting. Diehost.com can be a good choice of cheap hosting with great service considering that it offers not only professional service, but also 30 days money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the service and features offered. Those should be enough to help you remove your hesitation of using low cost hosting service for your website.

17 Online Shopping Sites With Free Shipping and How to Get It

2013-05-07T06:13:00.002-07:00

Have you ever visited your favorite department store or electronics retailer in your pajamas? Of course, you have not – though online shopping can indeed afford you this comfort. In addition to the convenience, online shopping can, in some cases, offer a greater selection of sizes than retailers have displayed on their racks, as well as phenomenal deals not available at brick-and-mortar stores.

However, if you’re shopping at online retail stores to take advantage of great deals and save some cash, you don’t want to cut into (or even eliminate) your savings by racking up hefty shipping fees. Some retailers offer a flat rate for shipping, while others charge various amounts depending on how much you spend..

Fortunately, several online retail stores offer outstanding free shipping options. Some require the usage of free shipping codes, and others are automatically calculated when you check out. There are often restrictions – not all ship outside of the continental U.S. for free, and you sometimes need to purchase a certain minimum amount of merchandise. But if you’re in the market for new tech gadgets, trendy clothes, or beauty products – in addition to select other items – you may be able to find what you’re looking for from the following free shipping stores and have it sent for free.

Free Shipping Deals From Online Retailers

1. Zappos

Products: Although Zappos was launched in 1999 as an online retail store that only sold shoes, the retailer also now offers clothing (including designer duds), handbags, and other items.
Shipping Savings: Free shipping (and free returns) for all domestic orders. There’s no minimum order size, and items ship quickly, as the site estimates all orders are received within four to five business days.
2. Kohl’s

Products: The department store Kohl’s sells men’s, women’s, kids’, and teens’ clothing, plus furniture and other home items.
Shipping Savings: Free standard (ground) shipping with a $75 or greater purchase within the U.S. Items are in transit three to seven business days. Surcharges may be added for heavy or large items, and if there is an extra charge, it appears on the product page on the Kohl’s site.
3. Piperlime

Products: Piperlime sells shoes, handbags, clothing, and accessories.
Shipping Savings: Free shipping and returns within the U.S. and official U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico. There is no minimum purchase, and items arrive within three to five business days. Returns need to be made within 30 days of purchase.
4. Blue Nile

Products: Fine jewelry, including diamonds, engagement rings, and other bright baubles.
Shipping Savings: Free shipping, via FedEx, on orders within the U.S. and ones sent to 43 other countries. Orders under $250 are sent FedEx Ground, which, depending on your location, FedEx estimates will take one to five days to ship; orders ranging $250 to $1,000 are sent via FedEx two-day shipping; orders of more than $1,000 are sent overnight through FedEx.
5. Sport Authority

Products: Here you can buy workout and sports gear and equipment, ranging from baseball bats to running shoes.
Shipping Savings: Through a partnership with shipping provider ShopRunner, Sports Authority offers free two-day shipping to the 48 contiguous United States, with no minimum order amount restrictions and free return shipping for an annual $79 membership fee. You also get the same shipping deal for other several other retailers, including PetSmart, Shoes.com, and eBags. However, you can test it out (and get free shipping) by signing up for a free 30-day trial – but if you don’t cancel before the end of the month, your credit card will be billed for a year membership.
6. Mod Cloth

Products: Vintage-themed dresses, shirts, and other duds.
Shipping Savings: Order more than $50 of unique apparel from this site and you’ll get free shipping that takes four to nine days (plus one to three business days for processing) within the continental U.S. You can also qualify for free shipping if you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or another U.S. territory – however, shipping takes longer.

7. Ulta

Products: Makeup and skin and hair styling and treatment products from a variety of companies.
Shipping Savings: Ulta frequently offers free shipping for orders $25 and over – you can obtain it by entering a code listed on the site. If you’re concerned about missing any promotions, sign up to receive periodic emails from Ulta. You’ll need to live in the continental U.S., Hawaii, or U.S. territories. Items are sent via standard ground UPS and USPS shipping, and arrive in 2 to 10 business days. Ulta also sometimes offers free samples and other items when you order online.
8. Sephora

Products: Skincare and haircare products, makeup, and other items from various beauty companies, as well as Sephora’s own line.
Shipping Savings: Free three-day shipping on orders in the U.S. that are more than $50. Canadian orders do not qualify. Allow one extra day for Sephora to process the order. You can also return items for free using the merchandise return label included in your order, or you can simply return your items to a physical Sephora location.
9. BeautyBar.com

Products: Makeup, perfume, hair products, and other items, with a focus on specialty brands.
Shipping Savings: Customers can receive free two-day shipping on their first order, providing it’s more than $25 and is being sent to the continental U.S. or U.S. territories – if it’s not your first order, you can still get free shipping if the total is more than $39.
10. Beauty.com

Products: Cosmetics, fragrance picks for men and women, haircare items, and other appearance enhancers.
Shipping Savings: You can get free shipping if you spend more than $25 on items marked as eligible for free shipping. The order has to be for the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, and it must weigh less than 20 pounds. Expect your package to arrive in about two business days. Also, you may get some extra freebies when checking out: When you buy certain products on the site, you qualify for three free beauty product samples, such as facial moisturizing packets, hair treatments, and foundation samples.

11. Apple

Products: All of Apple’s most popular products – including iPads, iPhones, and computers – plus accessories such as cases and chargers.
Shipping Savings: Free U.S. ground shipping on orders that are more than $50. Items are delivered within five business days. You can also order a product online and arrange to pick it up at the nearest Apple Store to avoid shipping costs.
12. Dell

Products: Desktop and laptop computers, HDTVs, software, and other items.
Shipping Savings: Free U.S. ground shipping on orders that total more than $49 – just add the items to your cart, and your shipping will automatically be waived during checkout. However, printers do not qualify for the offer, and according to Dell.com, it’s a limited time offer, so the bargain might not be offered forever.
13. Abt

Products: Electronics ranging from digital cameras to appliances.
Shipping Savings: A blue cube denotes the items on Abt.com that qualify for free shipping when you spend $25. The deal is only good for orders in the continental U.S., therefore excluding Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other territories.

14. Amazon

Products: A wide variety of items from Amazon and other sellers. The available-to-order offerings include books, MP3s, digital games, grocery items, baby toys, and automotive parts.
Shipping Savings: Amazon offers several ways to save on shipping. Its Super Saver shipping method waives mailing costs for orders of eligible Amazon.com products that total more than $25 – keep an eye out for the “eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping” mention next to an item’s price to qualify. You also must select the “Group my items into as few shipments as possible” option when asked for your shipping preference. Orders arrive within five to eight business days after shipping. You can also sign up for a $79 Amazon Prime one-year membership to receive Amazon’s free two-day shipping, which includes almost all addresses in the continental U.S., or free standard shipping, which applies to addresses in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico and takes three to seven business days. Amazon offers a trial period for Amazon Prime. Users can test it for a month and either keep using the membership and be charged the annual fee, or cancel the service altogether.
15. Target

Products: This cost-conscious retailer sells everything from patio furniture, to women’s clothing, to TVs.
Shipping Savings: Items marked as being eligible for free shipping can be purchased and sent via standard three to five business day shipping for no charge if you spend more than $50. If you have a Target REDcard, you can also qualify for free standard shipping if you use it on a Target.com purchase that’s being sent somewhere in the U.S., including Puerto Rico.
16. Drugstore.com

Products: Everything you’d expect to find in your local pharmacy: cotton balls, soap, oral care items, vitamins, and more.
Shipping Savings: Orders need to weigh less than 20 pounds, cost more than $25, and be comprised of nonprescription items that qualify for the site’s everyday free shipping option. Look for the tiny truck icon to see what qualifies. Several items – including contact lenses, gift certificates, and magazine subscriptions – are not eligible for free shipping. The discount is only valid for orders within the continental U.S. and U.S. territories, and delivery takes about two business days.
17. Soap.com

Products: Purchase household products, over-the-counter medicine, food items, and more.
Shipping Savings: Free delivery takes a maximum of two days on orders of $39 or more. As an added bonus, you can also tack on items from any of Soap.com’s sister sites – including Diapers.com and green product site Vine.com – to count toward the total. The offer is good for shipments within the continental U.S.

Final Word

In addition to those retailers, several sites can also help you track down limited-time offers of free shipping and other deals:

FreeShipping.org: This site connects shoppers with thousands of coupons, promotional codes, and other discounts at more than 4,000 stores.
RetailMeNot: The savings-based site also serves as a central location for promo codes and other discounts at major retailers like Kohl’s and The Children’s Place.
With a little research, you can find online retail stores that are selling the items you want with free shipping. Just be sure to read the fine print to make sure your purchases will qualify. And if you can bundle your purchase with other items or spend a certain amount, you may be able to avoid spending a penny more than you would have if you’d found the item in a brick-and-mortar store.

Read more: http://www.moneycrashers.com/online-shopping-sites-free-shipping/#ixzz2Sc1ETDO2

10 Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money – Natural Alternatives

2013-05-07T06:11:00.002-07:00

It goes without saying that we all want to look and feel our very best. Unfortunately, these desires sometimes drive us so strongly that the latest diet fad or skincare trend can have us whipping out our wallets and plunking down obscene amounts of money, solely in the hopes of dropping a few pounds or looking a few years younger.

But slow down. While some products certainly are worth their price tags, some are not. Learn to look beyond the hype, and avoid spending money on the products that aren’t worth your money. That way, you can better afford those that are.

Beauty Products That Waste Your Money

1. Teeth Whiteners

Among the most common beauty product money-wasters are over-the-counter teeth whiteners. I’m a big tea drinker, and my teeth have always had a bit of a yellow tinge to them. I’ve tried using whitening toothpastes, but have never noticed any benefits. Since whitening toothpaste costs more money than regular toothpaste, I’ve come to see such products as a waste of money.

Teeth-bleaching kits can also be a serious waste of money. This isn’t to say that they don’t work; however, the cost and side effects are entirely undesirable. Using trays and strips to bleach your teeth can lead to discoloration, tooth and gum sensitivity, and even chemical burns.

Natural Alternative
There is a better way to obtain a bright smile on the cheap with no harsh side effects. In a small jar, combine enough hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a watery paste, and then add 5 to 10 drops of essential clove oil. Voila! You have an instant brightening toothpaste that keeps your mouth fresh and bacteria-free.

Peroxide and baking soda are both natural bleaching ingredients that offer a bright, even smile with no side effects. You can also use an electric toothbrush to naturally polish teeth.

2. Diet Pills/Shakes/Foods

Most diet pills work in one of two ways: They either use a stimulant to suppress your appetite, or they prevent your body from absorbing fat from your meals. Neither is a healthy or effective way to lose weight. Moreover, the side effects associated with them include anxiety, sleeplessness, loose stools, and abnormal cellular growth in the colon, a precursor to colon cancer.

The majority of commercial diet shakes and meals follow the caloric restriction plan, which makes you lose weight by slow starvation. This plan is unhealthy because your body does not get the nutrients it needs to function properly. Soon, it enters “starvation mode.” You may drop some serious pounds, but this comes at the expense of feeling dizzy, rundown, and tired – and as soon as you start to eat “normally” again, you’ll gain all that weight back and more.

Natural Alternative
To lose weight the natural way, cut junk food from your diet, especially food products containing high-fructose corn syrup, which can trick your body into eating more food. Replace heavily processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables, and follow a regular exercise plan and stick with it. Implementing such changes in your lifestyle is much healthier and cheaper than any fad diet.

3. Anti-Aging Creams

According to a Consumer Reports Health study reported by CBS News, even the most expensive anti-aging creams have little to no effect on the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Natural Alternatives
Aging gracefully does not have to be an expensive (or painful) process. Try some of these natural alternatives for wrinkle-free skin:

Dry Skin Brushing. I’ve been using a dry skin brush for several years, and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. Using a dry skin brush before taking a shower each day helps slough off dead skin, improves circulation, and detoxifies your body. Watch this video on dry skin brushing to get the proper technique.
Coconut Oil. This natural oil contains high levels of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, which can help ease inflammatory skin conditions. The high antioxidant levels in coconut oil fights the free radicals that cause premature aging. Plus, the gentle exfoliation provided by this oil helps reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Antioxidants. Free radicals are the cellular waste products produced by the body in response to foods, smoking, and pollution. Adding an antioxidant such as vitamin C, CoQ10, selenium, vitamin E, or vitamin A can help reverse the aging process from the inside out, as it scavenges free radicals and moves them safely from your body.
4. Expensive Body Scrubs

Some women believe the more products they use, the better their skin will look. Expensive body scrubs are a waste of money because they may actually speed up the aging process. This is because most commercial skincare products, ranging from lotions, to makeup, to body scrubs, contain dangerous additives, dyes, and perfumes.

Natural Alternatives
My two favorite natural exfoliants are Epsom salt and baking soda, which are both inexpensive and completely safe for your skin. For a quick, gentle facial exfoliation, sprinkle some baking soda onto your hands and add enough water to make a paste. Scrub your face and neck gently, and then splash with cool water to close pores. You can do the exact same with Epsom salt, though it’s better as a body scrub because it can be a bit harsher than baking soda.

5. Perfume

Many people use perfume and cologne on a daily basis and don’t even consider how unsafe it is. Many commercially-produced scents are nothing but a cocktail of chemicals that can cause everything from allergic reactions to cancer.

Natural Alternative
Instead of dropping $100 or more on the latest and greatest scent, try making your own perfume from essential oils – it’s homemade beauty at it’s most creative. All you need are some dark-colored glass jars, jojoba oil, and the essential oil of the scent you love. Essential oils go a long way, so you may only need to add a few drops to your jar of jojoba to get a pleasant scent that will absorb right into your skin.

6. Store-Brand Makeup

I had skin cancer in 2007. Since I was never a sunbather, the only cause I could deduce is because I had a history of autoimmune disease (celiac disease and ITP) and vitamin deficiencies, as well as a habit of using commercial makeup, self-tanner, and skincare products. According to PreventCancer.com, common commercial makeup ingredients such as DEA, TEA, cosmetic talc, and pesticides (such as DDT) have all been linked to the development of cancer.

Natural Alternatives
Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve rid myself of all commercial products and traded them for natural, affordable alternatives – I buy cosmetics from Sun Cat Naturals, Burt’s Bees, and AllNaturalCosmetics.com. I love the selection, as well as the way my skin looks and feels with natural cosmetics. These are just the products I use – there are literally hundreds of companies dedicated to providing safe, affordable, natural makeup.

7. Cellulite Creams

I’ve had cellulite on and off since I was in my early 20s, and if you have it, you’re one of millions of women. Cellulite is just fat deposits concentrated in one place, and whether you’re a size 2 or a size 20, you can develop it.

Cellulite creams are expensive beauty treatments that are frequently hit or miss. These creams usually “work” to reduce the appearance of cellulite by either filling it in with collagen or using caffeine to dry out the skin, making it temporarily firmer. They do nothing to actually eliminate cellulite – they just mask it temporarily.

Natural Alternatives
Two things I’ve done that have worked to help reduce my cellulite are a coffee-cellophane wrap and dry skin brushing. Dry skin brushing works to improve circulation and remove toxins from your body, resulting in smoother, clearer skin.

8. Shave Minimizing Lotions

The chemicals contained in shave minimizing lotions may make body and facial hair finer, lighter, and softer, but they do not actually prevent hair from growing back any faster, which is what such products imply. Plus, as with the makeup and perfume, these lotions and creams often contain unhealthy additives that can cause serious health problems down the line.

Natural Alternative
For some people, hair simply grows back faster than for others. If you want to reduce how often you shave, you can try “sugaring.” Sugaring is a natural method of hair removal that uses only sugar, water, and lemon juice. Most say it’s less painful than conventional waxing.

9. Hair Growth Products

According to Dr. Bernard Cohn, products such as Rogaine do not regrow hair, but rather increase the fullness of existing hair by 20% to 30%. This simply makes hair appear thicker and fuller without any actual regrowth.

Natural Alternatives
The best way to treat hair loss is to first discover what’s causing it. Undiagnosed gluten intolerance made my hair fall out in clumps due to nutritional deficiency. Other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, lupus, anemia, and diabetes, can also contribute to falling hair. Stress is also a common factor in sudden hair loss.

Addressing any underlying medical conditions with a trusted healthcare provider can help you get to the root of your problem and determine ways to solve it. By doing so, you can improve your health and avoid wasting money on “hair treatments” that don’t really do what they promise.

10. Skin Lotion

That fancy bottle of high-priced skincare lotion may make promises of healthier, younger-looking skin – but what’s really in the bottle? Most commercial cosmetic and skincare products contain a host of irritating chemicals such as parabens, lanolin, and cosmetic-grade talc that may not only dry out skin, but cause allergic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Natural Alternative
Coconut oil is chock full of antioxidants and skin-soothing vitamins. It absorbs quickly into your skin and leaves it feeling smooth, supple, and moisturized.

Final Word

In addition to taking a second look at the products you use, consider what you allow your children to use. Are you spending a lot of money on unhealthy chemical shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and play makeup? If your child has allergies or behavioral problems, it may be something they’re inhaling or getting on their skin. In addition to causing allergic reactions and cancer, many cosmetic chemicals act as neurotoxins, which can result in behavioral anomalies.

Read more: http://www.moneycrashers.com/beauty-products-waste-natural-alternatives/#ixzz2Sc0mXSjS

Best New Bank Account Promotions, Offers & Free Money

2013-05-07T06:10:00.001-07:00

With many financial institutions experiencing a decrease in profits, banks are vying for your business. This is good news for you, because instead of just offering standard perks like no fees, free checking, or a free pen when you sign up for an account, some banks are raising the stakes with cold hard cash, giveaways, and great interest-bearing products.

May is a good month for bank promotions from both big and small banks. Banks are giving away a lot of free cash to attract new customers and get them to open up accounts. The banks listed below have some pretty sweet deals that you should take advantage of if you are in the market for a new bank.

Don’t want to miss out? Here are the best bank promotions for the month of May.

Top Bank Account Promotions (May 2013)

1. Capital One 360 – $50 Bonus

Formerly known as ING Direct, Capital One 360 is continuing the $50 bonus promotion. Open a 360 Checking account and make three debit card purchases or three Person2Person payments (or any combination of the two) within 45 days of opening your account. You’ll receive a $50 bonus, deposited into your account on day 50.

2. Chase Bank – $125 Bonus

This offer is good until July 6, 2013. Open a Chase Total Checking account with at least $100, enroll in direct deposit, and Chase will apply a $125 bonus to your account within ten business days of receiving your first direct deposit. You can apply for this account online or Chase can email you a coupon for the $125 bonus that you can take to a local branch. Fees may apply to your account so be sure to research this before opening your account.

3. PNC Bank – $150 Bonus

Open a personal checking account with PNC Bank by July 27, 2013. Then set up direct deposit and make one payment through PNC’s Online Bill Pay within 60 days. After $2,000 worth of direct deposits are received, you’ll get a $150 bonus deposited into your account within the following 60 days. You can open the account online or have a coupon sent to you via email which you can use to open the account at any PNC branch. This offer is limited to residents of the following states: AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, VA and WI.

4. Salem Five Bank – $100 Visa Gift Card

Open up a checking account with Salem Five Bank and you can receive a $100 Visa reward card by completing any one of the following three requirements: set up direct deposit and complete two deposits of more than $250, make six online bill payments of more than $25, or make 20 debit card transactions of more than $5. The requirement you choose must be met within 60 days of account opening. Once the requirement is met, you’ll receive your reward card with 4-6 weeks.

5. BankDirect – AAdvantage Miles

Open a BankDirect Mileage Checking Account and earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles. You’ll receive 1,000 miles just for opening an account, 5,000 miles for initiating direct deposit, 2,000 miles for using BankDirect’s bill pay service for one year, and 1,000 miles for referring a friend. There are other ways to earn miles as well, and some restrictions apply. Be sure to investigate the offer thoroughly for full program details.

6. Citizens Bank – $1,000 Bonus for College Savings

Citizens Bank is currently offering a $1,000 bonus for those who sign up for a CollegeSaver savings account, an easy, manageable savings plan that will help your meet your college savings needs. It is an interest bearing account, and if you open it before your child’s twelfth birthday and save the monthly minimum amount every year, you’ll receive a $1,000 bonus when your child turns 18. Opening an account earlier than when your child turns twelve will only increase the savings.

7. U.S. Bank – $100 Bonus

If you enroll in U.S. Bank’s S.T.A.R.T. savings program, you could earn up to $100 in bonuses. You would need to open both a Package Checking account ($50 minimum opening deposit) and a Package Money Market Savings account ($25 minimum opening deposit). Set up recurring transfers from the checking to the money market account, and when you reach $1,000, you’ll get a $50 Rewards Visa card. Keep your balance at $1,000 or more for one year, and you’ll receive another $50 card.

8. PerkStreet Financial – Up to 2% Cash Back on Purchases

Open a checking account with PerkStreet Financial and you’ll receive a PerkStreet Platinum Debit MasterCard that can actually earn you cash back. You can earn 2% cash back at stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, and 1% cash back on all non-PIN purchases everywhere else. The account comes with free online bill pay, free checks, and free electronic money transfers. You can also use your debit card at over 40,000 ATMs across the country free of charge.

Final Word

When choosing a bank, it’s important to find one that suits your needs – whether that’s favorable interest-bearing accounts, no fees, or free checking. It’s also a big bonus when you can get great perks along with good banking. Be on the lookout for and take advantage of freebies like cash and giveaways, and your banking experience will be all the more pleasurable.

Read more: http://www.moneycrashers.com/best-new-bank-account-promotions-offers-free-money/#ixzz2Sc0NIIVX

eBay tries new tactic to win you back from Amazon

2013-04-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

Isn't competition grand?

eBay once ruled the online selling roost, but has been knocked down and not really experienced any growth of note recently except in its PayPal unit.

The company has been going through a midlife crisis because of the enormous overnight success of Amazon Marketplace, which has done good job luring eBay sellers to migrate over.

Now eBay is fighting back, lowering it fees and making it easier for sellers to list items.

Occasional sellers can list 50 items a month for free with absolutely no listing fee. You only pay 10% if something sells.

If you are a big-time eBay seller, you are allowed to list 2,500 items for free and the fees will range from 4 to 9 percent -- much lower than Amazon Marketplace's 6 to 15 percent fees.

So it's game on between these two companies. We'll see what Amazon does next. But this is very good news for sellers or entrepreneurs who use either site as a selling platform.

Don't turn down free money!

2013-04-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

I found a gold mine in my pharmacy when I joined the ExtraCare program at my CVS. That’s the incentive program CVS runs, the one that pays you ExtraBucks—free CVS money you can spend on things in the store. You get 2 percent back on almost all nonprescription purchases in store and online and extra rewards for buying select items each week. Depending on what I’m buying, I often use my ExtraBucks at CVS to get stuff for free.
CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens all offer perks to entice you to return to their stores, so it’s crazy to shop there without taking advantage of these memberships.

Bonus: With the CVS program, you’ll get additional rewards if you enroll in special beauty, diabetes and pharmacy programs. In fact, CVS just launched a new ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards savings program that rewards customers for filling prescriptions at the pharmacy. You’ll earn $5 ExtraBucks rewards for every 10 prescriptions filled, up to $50 in ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards every year for each person enrolled in your household. ExtraBucks for non-pharmacy purchases are still unlimited.

The program is designed to incentivize customers to refill their prescriptions and adhere to their medication therapy and, no doubt, choose CVS. Let’s face it, if I have a choice between CVS and going to my local mom-and-pop pharmacy, which doesn’t have an incentive program, I might just choose CVS. In any event, to enroll in CVS’s Pharmacy & Health rewards program and for more information (it also rewards you for other little things you do to stay healthy, such as getting immunizations or proactively managing your prescriptions with things like text messages), visit CVS.com. If you’re an existing CVS ExtraCare member, you must opt-in to this program to earn these new rewards, but you can keep using your same ExtraCare card. Each family member must join to earn even if you share an ExtraCare card.

For all of these programs, go to the retailer’s website and fill out the form, sign up in a store, or download the retailer’s free mobile app. You can flash your smart phone in stores and use the app as your membership card, or get a regular card or keychain tag.

You can do other cool stuff with the apps, too, so they’re worth downloading. Always make sure to scan your membership card at checkout. Even when you’re not buying anything on sale, you’re earning benefits for your loyalty and setting yourself up for savings later. Check your receipts for rewards, as well as your e-mail (we suggest using a special e-mail account just for retail programs), and make sure you use them—you’ve earned them! See our May issue for a good look at each program.

Where to find the best coupons

2013-04-10T05:44:00.002-07:00

It’s just plain crazy to shop without coupons these days. They’re everywhere! Coupons.com is still king of grocery coupons, and RetailMeNot rocks for online coupon codes. But these newcomer sites are worth a scan before your next trip to the supermarket.

CouponNetwork.com – Print manufacturer coupons and also get YourBucks vouchers when you purchase featured items, which you can spend like cash on future purchases.

CouponPal.com – No need to sign up or give over your contact info, just log on for lots of exclusive savings.

CouponsForChange.org – For every three coupons that are printed and redeemed from this Coupons.com site, the company provides a free meal to a child living in poverty via Feeding America.

Reclip.It – Like Pinterest for savings, it’s a visual site that helps you easily organize, save, and share
your fave coupons. Likewise, you can follow friends and bargain bloggers to nab their best deals.

ZenDeals.com – Its coupon codes are guaranteed to work. Download the browser add-on and Zen Deals will automatically search for codes while you shop online.

User-Tested Spring Cleaning Tips

2013-04-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

It's spring cleaning time. Whether DIY or otherwise, everyone seems to have their own preferred methods and magical concoctions. We asked fellow Cheapists for their take on the annual spring rite. Here's their list of spring cleaning tips:

Spring Cleaning Checklist.

Organization is key to effective and efficient spring cleaning, which makes a complete to-do checklist absolutely essential. Many sites offer helpful ideas, but Martha Stewart provides one that's thorough and packed with information.
Spring Cleaning Tips.

A thorough cleaning of the entire house may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to get control. One of our Facebook followers advises compartmentalizing; that is, clean one room at a time. Another takes a similar approach and adds a focused methodology. She starts by working ceiling to floor all the way around into the center by wiping, dusting, and straightening. She pushes anything that doesn't belong in the room towards the center. Upon reaching the center, she sorts through the pile, leaving what belongs and removing the rest. She then vacuums and restores everything to their rightful location.
Article continues below

Do you have a green thumb but dusty plants? One Cheapist recommends a spring cleaning tip that wins points for efficiency: Place potted plants in the shower to rid them of dust, a tactic that waters them at the same time.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
We also found that our followers, along with consumer reviewers, are partial to one particular household cleaning product: the all-purpose Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, admired for its versatility in cleaning hard surfaces and removing mysterious scuffs from walls.

DIY Cleaning Products.

Your cupboard probably already holds all you need to spring clean. Four common household products repeatedly showed up in our poll: baking soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, and dish soap. With these items on hand, asserts a Facebook follower, specialized cleaning products are unnecessary. Here's how to make the most of these simple ingredients: Add tea tree oil, a natural disinfectant, to water and dish soap for an all-purpose cleaner. Use vinegar and water to clean mirrors and the baking soda to clean away bathroom soap scum (works well on other surfaces that need a gentle scrub).
If you find yourself still prowling about for spring cleaning tips, check out our Spring Clean and Go Green and Save Green Pinterest boards.

Part-time jobs with perks visit www.myfreeswapper.com/job.htm to find jobs

2013-04-08T10:25:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, I suggested several full-time occupations that came with benefits that can save you money. However, not all of us are in a position to be picky about our full-time jobs. Sometimes you just have to take what you can get. If you want “perks” like reduced rate merchandise or free access to entertainment from a job, maybe you could look at part-time work. I have often thought about working a few hours a week at an electronics or computer store – just for the discounts on computer equipment.
I had a friend in high school who worked at a salon, answering phones and greeting customers. Her age and the law in that particular state made it legal for the business to pay her the minuscule amount of $2 an hour. When she told me what she was making, I said, “My free time is worth more than that!” Her answer was that she didn’t care how much she was getting paid, she was working there for the free tanning.
Most part-time jobs come with perks and extras, but not all of them come with benefits that can actually save you money. I have never spent a dime on artificial tanning and I never will, so that particular “perk” is worthless to me. On Wednesday, Gina left a comment that she started volunteering at a concert venue in order to get free admission to concerts – again, this is a really cool benefit from a part-time job, but if you do not happen to really enjoy music like Gina does, you might be better off spending more time with your family at home.

Here are several part-time positions that might not pay much, but the benefits, free stuff or “swag” might make it worth your time:
Coffee shop
This is Mrs. Stew’s first response whenever I bring up the subject of a part-time job. In fact, I think they could just pay her in coffee and she would be happy. Just toss Mrs. Stew a bag of beans on her way out the door and they would not have to worry about payroll.
Daycare
If you work part-time in a daycare, you can get free childcare for your own children. This was another of Mrs. Stew’s suggestions and my first take was – if you stay home, you do not need childcare in the first place. But she was right, if you really do need to make some extra money, free childcare is a great perk.
Airport host
This is a job that I just recently learned about. Many airlines use “hosts” and “hostesses” who are part-time employees. These are the people that we see pushing wheelchairs or making sure that young children who are traveling alone make it to their connecting flights. I have a friend who does this for only a few hours a week and gets the great benefit of free air travel anywhere that the airline flies for herself and her family.
Theater usher
Okay, I know, movies are a luxury, but if you worked in a theater part-time, maybe you could stop paying for cable television . . . Mrs. Stew and I go to about three movies a year, I would not mind being able to take her for free.
Retail clothing
Discount clothing could be big benefit. We have several friends who work in children’s clothing stores in order to get wholesale prices on clothes for their kids. This part-time job saved one family a whole lot of money since they had seven children under the age of 12. I am not sure how that particular store was able to afford that particular mother.
Experience and climbing the ladder
Another benefit of a part-time job that is often overlooked is the value of broadening your range of experience. An entry level, part-time job in a field completely unrelated to your full-time occupation might help you land a better job the next time. And do not forget about the possibility of a part-time job turning into a full-time gig. If I lost my job tomorrow, one of the first things I would do is start applying to the fast food restaurants in my area. Working on the grill at a fast food place is not the best career move in the world, but such jobs are easy to get and I am reasonably confident that I could move up that ladder in a fairly short period of time. If you have leadership ability and management skill, that will be noticed no matter where you work.
My part-time job is blogging . . . the perk is that I can stay home and still earn a few extra bucks. What are the benefits of your part-time job?

Full-time jobs with perks that can save you money visit www.myfreeswapper.com/job.htm for jobs in your area

2013-04-08T10:20:00.002-07:00

This is a tough time period in which to find employment. If you are like me, you are thankful for every day that you can get out of bed and go to work. If you are unemployed, every day can be agonizing. However, there is a chance that you could find a job with better pay or a job for which you are better suited. One aspect of job hunting that we might overlook is the value of “perks” that come with various jobs. Sometimes perks increase the attractiveness of an otherwise low or average paying employment opportunity.
There are some perks that a really cool – stuff like vacations or drinks or free skiing, but the perks that I am interested in are the ones that really save money. The kind of perks that will allow you to remove a necessary category from your budget. During our first year of marriage, my wife and I worked as residence supervisors at a college. Our apartment was small and there was an almost constant knocking on the door. My salary was extremely small, however, we lived rent and utility free for almost a year. The lack of housing expense made my total compensation package well worth it.

So here are a few occupational areas that might save you some money:
Healthcare
The expense of health insurance is getting so high that some people might consider working only for healthcare. Also, remember that in some hospitals or clinics, it is not only the health professionals – doctors, nurses, surgeons who get great health benefits, but many times it is also the support personnel such as receptionists, accountants, marketing, human resources. I once knew a janitor with six children whose entire family was covered because he mopped floors and cleaned bathrooms at night in a hospital.
Airline Employee
Free flights are a great perk. However, this perk will not save you money unless you are forced to do a lot of flying. Since my family lives about 900 miles from wife’s family and a 1,000 miles from my family, an airline job would definitely save us dough. If you are simply flying for fun, this perk will not help your bottom line.
Education
We often hear about how underpaid teachers are in America. It is true that some teachers might be underpaid, but the major perk that teachers sometimes overlook is the amount of time off that they get during the year. A week or two for Spring Break, two weeks at Christmas and nearly three months in the summer. A teacher who might make $25,000 or $35,000 a year in his teaching job can easily add another $10K to his annual salary by working during the periods of time when school is not in session. Time is money!
Auto Mechanic
Can you imagine getting your car repaired for free? Or for maybe only the cost of parts? I probably would have saved almost $4,000 over the past 12 months if I worked in a garage.
Catering
Catering, especially if you own your own catering business, can supplement employee food budgets. When food is purchased in bulk there is often extra left over that will go to waste unless someone takes it and when events are canceled . . . Different companies might have different policies about what employees are allowed to take home, but extra food could supplement a otherwise small paycheck.
Can you think of any other jobs where the benefits might be worth more than the salary? On Friday, I plan to share some part-time jobs that could increase your perks.

A well-designed organization system can save you money

2013-04-08T10:09:00.001-07:00

Have you ever spent more money than you intended because of a poor filing system or lack thereof? Have you ever missed out on money in your pocket because you misplaced or could not find certain information when you needed it? If you answer is “yes,” you need to take a minute in order to think through where and when you put things. Good organization is an oft-overlooked aspect of good money management. Here are just a few of the areas where it will pay dividends to carefully think through your desk and household organization.
Coupons
The most important factor in using coupons is knowing when and where to use a particular. If you only use a few coupons once in a while, keeping track of “when and where” is not really that difficult. However, if you are a regular user of multiple coupons, you will need to get organized. An expired coupon is useless and a coupon submitted for payment to the wrong store is not even worth the fractional cash value written in tiny numerals at the bottom of the coupon. What is worse however, is to carry a great coupon through the store, but forget to use it because it is somewhere in the jumble that is the contents of your purse or pocket.
Effective coupon users all have a system. In fact, the need to be organized might be the greatest reason why many people skip couponing at all – they would rather pay the extra money than go to the trouble of figuring out the what, when and where of a coupon. Everyone’s system is different, the following elements must be present for any coupon system to work:

A way to carry the coupons that organizes them according by retailer, by alphabet or according to genre (fruit, meat, beverage, paper goods, etc.). You do not have to carry the entire system with you, just keep it in your car and only carry the coupons that you need into the store. A regular time to add to your collection of coupons and a regular time (I recommend once a week) to sort through your coupons in order to know which ones are close to expiration so that you can use them that week.
Gift Cards
Gift cards can also fall victim to messy organization. I am always amazed by the people I meet who mention that they have either lost a gift card that was given to them or forgotten to use it before it expired . . . crazy, but it happens. If you are in the habit of forgetting about gift cards, try to give them away or sell them on Ebay so that someone else can benefit.
We have a corner of a drawer of a desk where we place all gift cards (most come from credit card rewards) and we sort through them on a regular basis to make sure that we know what we have in order to be ready to use them to the greatest financial advantage.

Deal Websites
Deal websites can be a great way to have fun and buy things you need, but not if you struggle to keep track of things. I use Ebates, Living Social and Groupon. A Living Social or Groupon deal can be easy to purchase in an instant, only to forget about it and let it expire before using it. Sometimes it is a scheduling issue – a Groupon deal might seem like a great idea for a date or a family outing, but if you do not get your event on the schedule right away, your voucher might expire.
I love the smart phone apps that allow me to carry and use emails containing deals or vouchers electronically. As long as I keep track of my phone, I have everything I need in order to get the best price possible.
Computer Files
Many people do not realize how much organizing their computer files can help financially. For instance, being able to quickly and easily find the right computer file can make a difference when looking for a job. Especially if the various jobs are in different fields and have different resume requirements. You need to get the right cover letter/resume/list of references paired with the right job.
Computer files can also contain vital tax information including deductions, income and expense statements or mileage records. The IRS usually frowns on making that stuff up.
Keeping track of online passwords are yet another use for computer files – especially if your spouse or loved ones need access to your online accounts in an emergency.
I like to label electronic folders according to exactly what is in them and often include dates. Many individuals prefer to to use abbreviations, but I find that abbreviations can become so obscure that they loose their usefulness and can become impossible for others people to use. Thinking through a logical sequence for electronic file storage can help you and others find what is needed in your computer files quickly. Of course, do not forget to back up your electronic files!
Warranty and Purchase Records
Another way that bad organization can cost you money is through misplaced warranty and receipt information. More than once, I have made the mistake of purchasing some kind of relatively expensive electronic device without keeping track of its paperwork. Then, the item has malfunctioned and I was unable to rectify the situation due to the fact that I could not find the warranty or receipt. If I had done a better job organizing in this area, I could have had the item repaired or replaced for free.
Conclusion:
Get on it. Sometimes poor organization is just procrastination. It is an easy thing to put off until it is too late. How many times do you find yourself saying, “I used to have . . . and if I could find it . . . it would save me money. . .”? Once you have your organization system figured out, the questions become: What should I keep? and What if we don’t have room? Part of the skill of organization is being able evaluate whether or not something is worth keeping anymore, thus a good organizer will have a plan for when to get rid of things.
On balance, thoughtful organization will save you money. But as anyone who has watched Antique Road Show or American Pickers can attest, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, losing track of a valuable item in a pile of junk can pay off in a big way. Keep in mind though, that this is a relatively rare occurrence and that it is usually one’s great, great grandchildren who benefit. So, unless your pile of junk contains an old baseball card, a signed letter from Abraham Lincoln or a perfectly preserved classic car, you might want to get organized.

Honda rolls out home solar installation initiative

2013-03-20T06:41:00.002-07:00

In a surprise move, Honda is now offering customers and would be customers in 14 states a real deal on installing solar at their home.

The New York Times reports Honda is making preferential financing available, often at no cost upfront to you, to put solar on your roof. We're talking about guaranteed savings! You end up either leasing or buying the solar on your roof.

Again, this is only available in 14 states. Those states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Isn't is funny that Florida is a glaring omission from that list? Florida had a law passed at the insistence of the power companies that makes the Sunshine State hostile to solar. Talk about true corruption and dirty money!

But solar is just about clean energy. You install it and you save money.

Why is Honda doing it? I have no idea. The initial launch will be 3,000 installations and there are possible expansion plans if.

When an Associate Degree Outpays a Bachelor’s

2013-03-20T06:39:00.002-07:00

There will always be exceptions to every rule, and when it comes to education and financial success, there’s no shortage. For example, some college dropouts are billionaires, like Bill Gates.

But CNN Money cites research saying that 30 percent of people with associate’s degrees are making more than those with bachelor’s degrees, and that their average starting pay is higher in many states – so they’re getting ahead right away, not years down the road.

In Tennessee, the A team (associates degree) grads edge out the B team’s (bachelors) by an average of $1,300. In Virginia, by $2,500.

By mid-career, bachelor’s degree holders catch up in earnings. But they may have paid a lot more to get there. Two years at a community college costs about $6,300 while four years at a private school, CNN says, runs $158,000. (A public university wouldn’t be that much, of course, but the point is still valid.) They also take a look at some well-paying jobs possible with a 2-year degree…

With a two-year community college degree, air traffic controllers can make $113,547, radiation therapists $76,627, dental hygienists $70,408, nuclear medicine technologists $69,638, nuclear technicians $68,037, registered nurses $65,853, and fashion designers $63,170, CareerBuilder.com reported in January.

If you take the longer view, the research CNN cites shows that the average bachelor’s degree holder makes $500,000 more over his or her lifetime than someone with an associate’s. Double that figure versus someone with just a high school diploma.

Part of the reason behind the early advantage for associate’s degrees may be that two-year programs’ focus on practical skills and training in areas where demand isn’t being met. Meanwhile, many unprepared students go into four-year programs undecided, take a lot of liberal arts classes, and then end up working in a totally unrelated job, which they might have had without the expense of college. But the averages imply that many eventually move on to much-better paying jobs.

If you’re thinking about higher education, make sure you check out all the options and look for scholarship money before making an expensive commitment.

30 Tips to Save on Food

2013-03-20T06:37:00.002-07:00

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 (the most recent year data was available) the average American household spent more than $6,000 on food. Since the average household spent just over $48,000 that year, that means more than 12 percent of the average family’s budget was eaten up by food.

So taking a bite out of your food budget is a worthy goal. And achievable – food offers tons of ways to save. Slice just 10 percent off that food bill, and you’ll free up $600 for things that are more appetizing – like slicing and dicing debt or beefing up savings.Now let’s provide more detail to those tips, and add a bunch more…

1. Stop paying for names

Stacy tells the story of years ago standing in a Walgreens with a camera and microphone and asking people why they’re buying name-brand drugs like aspirin when inches away sits an identical generic version for half the price. Note that these aren’t similar items – a quick glance at the label will reveal they’re identical.

Answer? Either “This is what I’ve always bought,” or “If it costs more, it must be better.”

We all think advertising doesn’t affect us, but if your pantry and medicine cabinet are stuffed with name brands, advertising isn’t just affecting you – it’s costing you. Are there situations where name brands actually deliver quality or taste that makes them worth the extra money? Of course, and that’s when you should buy them. But if you’re paying 30 percent more for sugar, salt, flour, bleach, or other simple staples, wake up and smell the (generic) coffee.

For more, check out 7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic and More Good Reasons to Go Generic in the Grocery Store.

2. Bulk up

If you know you’ll use all of it, buy it in bulk. For example, I can buy 1 pound of rice at my grocery store for $3.15. Instead, I buy 25 pounds at Sam’s Club for $9.99. By buying in bulk, I save $2.75 per pound. Can’t begin to use it all? That’s what friends and freezers are for.

Just because something’s available in bulk, however, doesn’t automatically make it a smart buy: Generics are often cheaper than bulk-packaged name brands. Don’t ever buy in bulk without comparing prices.

3. Shop salvage grocery stores

In Saving Money With Salvaged Groceries, Stacy showed how to save 30 to 50 percent shopping salvage grocery stores – stores that specialize in things like dented cans and odd lots. Unfortunately, they’re not everywhere, but here’s a list of salvage grocery stores by state.

4. Use coupons everywhere

The routine for grocery shopping used to be to clip coupons from the newspaper, then head to the store. These days it’s hitting the Web before hitting the store.

Always use an online coupon search engine to find deals before you shop. Another good source is manufacturers’ websites. But the simplest thing to do is to plug the names of the items on your list into your favorite search engine along with the word “coupon” and see what comes up. Learn more by reading Internet Coupons 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Printable Savings.

5. Price match

Some retailers – like Walmart – will price match any store’s weekly ad. I collect weekly ads for every grocery store in my area and ask Walmart to price match anything I buy. I save money two ways: first with lower grocery prices, then with less driving.

6. Substitute cheaper ingredients for expensive ones

Just because a recipe calls for the fancy cheese doesn’t mean you have to use it. You can substitute cheaper ingredients in most dishes – or use substitutions for an ingredient you don’t have on hand. Check out The Cook’s Thesaurus for a list of substitutions.

7. Make your own

Homemade is not just cheaper than pre-made and pre-packaged, it tastes better and is probably healthier. So buy fresh ingredients and do it yourself: not just for the obvious things like pasta sauce, but also even condiments like salsa and jam. For ideas, check outProfessional Cooking on an Amateur Budget.

8. Extend meat

My mother used to stretch meat packages by adding a little oatmeal to chopped fish or cottage cheese to hamburger meat. Oatmeal and cottage cheese are cheaper than fresh meat, and you won’t notice a difference in most recipes.

9. Stop buying bottled water

ABC’s 20/20 asked scientists to analyze five different brands of bottled water. The result: There was no difference between the bottled stuff and the tap water in New York. Buying bottled water is just a waste of money. If you think you can taste a difference, buy a filter and fill up your own bottles for a fraction of the cost.

10. Buy whole fruits and vegetables

You can buy a whole pineapple on sale at my grocery store for $2.50 – or a smaller container of cut pineapple for $3.50. Don’t pay people to do your chopping or grating for you: Buy things whole and cut them up yourself.

11. Buy in season

Fruits and vegetables are cheaper when they’re in season. The Produce for Better Health Foundation has a list of fruits and vegetables available by season.

12. Plan your menu around ads

The simplest way I’ve slashed my food bills: I plan my weekly menu around the grocery ads, not what I’m in the mood for at the moment. It takes a little creative thinking, but I’ve saved up to 50 percent this way.

13. Go vegetarian

Vegetables, beans, and soy products cost less than meat. If you can replace even one meal a week with a meatless one, you’ll save money. I’ve cut down to two meat dishes a week. Instead of buying four packages of chicken monthly at $8.50 apiece, I now buy one, for a savings of $24.50.

14. Replace sodas

Sodas are expensive, empty calories, but I get it – sometimes you just want something sweet. To satisfy my sweet tooth, I buy Kool Aid, tea, or drink powders. They’re all cheaper than Cokes. For example, my local grocery store often runs 12-packs of Coke on sale four for $11.00, or $2.75 apiece. That isn’t a bad deal, but for that price I can make gallons of powdered drinks or iced tea.

15. Shop the bottom shelf

Grocery stores put the most expensive products on the upper shelves and endcaps – right at eye level. You’ll typically find cheaper options on the bottom shelves. Get some exercise and save some money.

16. Look for manager’s specials

Grocery stores offer deep discounts on food near its expiration date. I recently purchased a pound of organic chicken tenders for $2.18 on manager’s special – $6.32 cheaper than the usual price of $8.50. As long as you eat or freeze the foods before they expire, it’s perfectly safe to buy food close to expiration.

Top 10 Money Mistakes

2013-03-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

1. Buying a new car.

You might as well be flinging $100 bills out the window as you cruise off the lot. New cars see an instant drop in value of up to 25 percent. Buying a gently used car that has 98 percent of the reliability at 75 percent of the cost should be a no-brainer. For that matter, you can get a reliable car for $5,000. And if you think leasing is a smart way to get around the loss in value, read Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?
This is the one mistake on this list that I can say I’ve never made. I’m 56 years old and have yet to buy a new car.

2. Borrowing to buy things that lose value.

A car is only one example of things people finance. Furniture, appliances, technology – the value of all these things is headed in one direction, and that’s down. Paying interest means getting hit twice, first by the value loss and then by finance charges.
There are purchases where borrowing is justified: a home, a business, or an education can be among them, since they at least have a chance of ultimately increasing your net worth. For pretty much everything else, the fewer borrowed bucks, the better.
It’s hard to imagine that anyone in America hasn’t made this mistake at one time or another. I certainly have.

3. Earning squat while paying plenty.

If there’s anything personal finance professionals agree on, it’s making sure you have an emergency fund. Nothing wrong with that. But if you’re paying 25 percent on a credit card and earning less than 1 percent on your savings account, you’re more likely to create an emergency than solve one.
If you’re about to get laid off or might otherwise find cash hard to come by, setting aside as much as possible while you can is obviously a good idea. But if your job is secure and your life stable, use your savings to pay down high-interest debt.
I’m potentially making a variation of this mistake right now by keeping money in the bank while maintaining a mortgage. My logic? I think I can earn more by investing than I’m paying in mortgage interest. So far so good – see my personal investment portfolio – but it’s easier said than done.

4. Ignoring your credit score.

I’m happy to report that I don’t make this mistake. I check my credit report at least annually.
You’ve heard it all before: A low credit score means higher borrowing costs, higher insurance costs, and more difficulty with rent and work. But that’s the tip of the iceberg. As I said in The True Cost of Bad Credit, there’s also opportunity cost.
Say we both borrow $200,000 on a 30-year mortgage. Because my credit score is lower, and my interest rate is higher, my payments are $1,200 a month. Your higher score and lower rate earns you a $1,000-a-month payment.
Suppose you invest your extra $200 every month during that 30 years and manage to average 8 percent annually. At the end of that time you’ll have $300,000. That’s a pretty nice payoff simply for having a higher credit score.
While you can’t get a free copy of your credit score, you can get a free copy of your credit history from AnnualCreditReport.com. If you don’t like what you see, take steps to improve it.

5. Wasting a windfall.

Here’s a mistake I’ve certainly made before. Who hasn’t?
Getting a big lump sum of money is exciting, and all too easy to blow. Many people get this opportunity every year with tax refunds, which averaged more than $3,000 for 2011. Don’t waste it at the mall. Leverage it by paying down debt, increasing your productivity, or adding to your savings. Check out 10 Dumb Things to Do With Your Tax Refund.

6. Overpaying your taxes.

Speaking of taxes, from putting money in a retirement fund to taking investment losses, there are ways to legally reduce them. Many times we don’t take advantage of them because we fail to take the time before year end to do a little planning. Big mistake, and one I’ve certainly made more than once.

7. Buying name brands.

In some cases, certain brands are noticeably better and worth the money. But when they’re not, you’re wasting money. In fact, with some things, like aspirin, for example, the generic isn’t similar, it’s identical. Go generic as often as possible. If you don’t like it, switch back the next time you shop.
Have I made this mistake? Absolutely.

8. Getting scammed.

Sometimes an offer is too good to refuse – even when we get the nagging sense that we should. Scams can be painfully obvious, like those “Dear Sir” spam emails from Nigeria. Or they can be subtle and sophisticated, like fake charities, contractor rip-offs, product reviews, and more. At least avoid the Federal Trade Commission’s list of top 10 consumer problems and learn to identify scams.
I’ve been investigating scams for more than 20 years, and I’m still not immune. Is it possible to live in America and never fall prey?

9. Missing new technologies.

We spend a lot of money on our gadgets, but not much effort learning how to use them to save on both time and money. Whether it’s with black boxes that replace cable at 10 percent of the cost, smartphone apps that track spending and find savings, or websites that offer your favorite music for free, there’s no reason technology can’t make life more convenient and cheaper.
I’m learning new ways to tackle old problems every day.

10. Settling for more.

The asking price is rarely what you have to pay when it comes to many goods and especially services. If you aren’t inquiring about discounts, researching coupons (or checking our deals), and haggling for the best prices, you won’t get them. Those who do might enjoy free hotel upgrades, lower interest rates, and even cheaper doctor visits.
While I’m probably better than most at finding deals, there’s always room for improvement.
What’s your worst money mistake? If you’re not too embarrassed to share, head over to our Facebook page. If you want to hear more from the bloggers in the video above, here’s where you’ll find them:

Source: Money Talks (http://s.tt/13E7P)

How to sell your item quickly online, safely.

2013-03-14T08:05:00.003-07:00

Here are some great tips for selling online quickly and getting a great return on your efforts.

do comparison shop through other sites as well as ours see what your item is selling for in other places such as amazon, ebay, craigslist, and myfreeswapper.com.

clean the item really well before taking pictures.

write a detailed description and take lots of photos, myfreeswapper.com allows for 4 photos per post.

best time to post is saturdays and tuesdays.

best times of day are 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.

mention a meeting place in your ad or have one in mind before you get a response.

remember always practice safety first though.

We hope these tips help in your sale. Don't forget to share us with your friends and family. Happy shopping!!

Regards,
The MyFreeSwapper.com: The Swapper Free Magazine Online Classified Ad Forum (A Craigslist Alternative) Team.

http://myfreeswapper.com/index.php

Resolutions 2013: 7 Steps to Save More

2013-01-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

Now that the new year is here, Americans are making saving money a priority. According to a Fidelity Investments survey, 52 percent of survey respondents list “saving more” as their top financial resolution for 2013, up from 46 percent in 2012.

But survey respondents admit that sticking to financial goals is harder than other popular resolutions like quitting smoking, exercising more, and finding a new job. Fewer than half of those surveyed managed to accomplish more than 80 percent of their financial goals for 2012.

1. Set measurable and attainable goals

Setting goals is important, but setting the right goals is crucial.

For example, a goal to “save more money in 2013” has the right intentions but lacks a way to measure success.

Instead, get specific on the amount, the date, and the purpose. A better goal would be to “save $2,000 for the down payment on a car by April 1.” This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to do and by when. The more specific the goal, the better the chance of completion.

Having a purpose is important for motivation too. Which gets you more excited: saving $1,000, or saving $1,000 for your next vacation? No matter what the money is for, picking a specific cause gives the whole process meaning and urgency.

Keep goals realistic too. Planning to save 50 percent of your income this year when you didn’t even save 5 percent last year is setting yourself up for failure.

2. Break your goal into easy steps

Breaking down goals into manageable bites makes big numbers less intimidating.

Don’t try to save $5,000 for the year. Instead, save $100 a week. Yes, the goals are the same, but which sounds easier?

3. Make saving like paying a bill

Additions to your savings account should be like any other regular bill you pay. The only difference is the payee.

Include your savings in your budget, and write a check to deposit into your savings account when you’re sitting down to pay the bills. To make the process easier, set up automatic deposits into your savings account. Schedule transfers on your payday and move the money before you can spend it.

4. Start tracking expenses

Tracking your expenses isn’t just important for budgeting, it’s crucial to see where your money is going and how you can save.

For example, maybe you think you spend $200 a month eating out. Would it be a big surprise if you tracked your expenses and found you spend double that?

There’s no way of knowing what you spend until you’re tracking every dime. Use a budgeting site like PowerWallet to automate the process. For more, read How to Make a Budget You Can Stick With.

5. Find the money

Creating a goal to save more is a start, but the real challenge is finding the money within your budget to make it happen.

After you track your expenses and know where your money’s going, you’re in position to spend less. One way to do that is simple – cut back on discretionary spending like eating out. But try to avoid a “dollar diet.” Diets are about deprivation, which is why they’re so hard to stick with. When you’re trying to squeeze extra money from your budget, first try to gain without pain by having the same quality of life for less. For example, if you eat out with a coupon, that’s gain without pain. If you reduce your insurance bill by raising your deductible, you still have insurance; you’re just paying less for it.

Wherever you’re spending money now, you can typically find ways to spend less. Check out these and other articles – we have hundreds.

Don’t discount the little stuff, either, since saving a buck or two can add up. Check out these articles to save every day:

Tried every trick in the book but still can’t make it work? See The 5 Best Ways to Make More Money to find ways to increase your income.

6. Track your progress

Tracking your goals is important for two reasons: to check up on your progress and to stay focused.

Using a site like PowerWallet will put your goal in front of you every time you log on, as well as the progress you’re making toward reaching it. Remember: Out of sight is out of mind. Keep your goal in sight, and remind yourself why it’s important to achieve it.

7. Reward yourself

Saving money sometimes requires sacrifice, but don’t forget to give yourself a break along the way. Kids have to go to school, but that school day also includes recess. Meet your savings goal for the month? Treat yourself to a $5 latte, or whatever you consider a guilty pleasure. But don’t feel guilty – you’ve earned it.

Get a four-year degree for $10,000

2013-01-01T11:09:00.001-08:00

The state of Texas has come up with a solution to the high cost of college that I'm hoping will be a model for other states to follow.

Despite what you may have thought of Gov. Rick Perry's presidential aspirations, he was on target with a promise he made in his State of the State address: To allow the state's university system to deliver a standard four-year degree for a total cost of $10,000.

The Texas Tribune reports that the first degree available for $10,000 is in information technology. Four-year degrees in business administration and organizational leadership are next on tap.

Among the 10 participating Texas colleges are Angelo State University, University of Texas at Arlington, and Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Florida has a different way to get to the same goal. They've converted almost all of their 2-year community colleges to offer 4-year bachelor degree programs. In the process, many of these schools have changed their status from community colleges to state schools.

The question I pose to any head of any state university system is, do you know what's going on with the families that are coming to your school? Right now we are in a time when there is no money to pay for a Rolls Royce degree.

So we need to get our act together. I promise you we are looking down the barrel of a calamity with student loan debt levels as a society and on the individual level with all the horror stories I'm hearing.

For you parents, don't borrow yourself into oblivion to pay for college. Your child can go to a local community college for the first two years and then finish up at a standard four-year school.

And if you as a student are responsible for the bill, don’t over-borrow for four years of college. Your entire school debt for four years shouldn't exceed your likely first year earnings in your desired field of study.

Top 5 Kids Educational Websites for Learning About Money Management

2012-12-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

With all the talk of our nation’s financial future, it only makes sense for parents to start teaching their kids about money management as early as possible. Unfortunately, times have changed from the days when all that took was a small weekly allowance and a piggy bank.

Your child will need to understand electronic banking, compound interest, and the importance of being debt-free if they’re going to make it financially in tomorrow’s world. So, how do you go about explaining these things in a way they’ll understand? Thanks to the Internet, the perfect teaching tools for your kids are only a mouse click away.

To make your job easier, I’ve scoured the web, and come up with the five best sites to teach your kids about money and finances.

Best Finance Sites For Kids

1. Planet Orange

This fun, interactive website sponsored by ING Direct teaches kids in grades first through sixth the basics of earning, spending, saving, and investing money. Kids start by creating a character astronaut who is assigned a mission that revolves around money. They then design their own spaceship and begin their mission.

Why It’s Great: Whether it’s earning, saving, spending or even building a portfolio and investing, kids will learn the basics of money and how to use it. You have to sign up to use Planet Orange, but the program is free.

2. Zefty Virtual Bank Account

This is an online virtual bank account for kids that teaches them how the world of banking operates. It begins with a virtual deposit, such as an allowance. Then kids can use that money to make banking transactions.

The idea is that the parents hold the money, and every time a transaction is made, it’s entered into the Zefty account so the kids can see how a real bank account works. It comes with features such as virtual automatic deposits for allowances, and even allows kids to print out checks to give to their parents to redeem (after the deduction has been made from their Zefty account, of course).

Why It’s Great: The site gives real-world, money managing experience in a safe, virtual environment. It even provides nifty tools like an allowance calculator for parents, and the ZeftyCalc, which helps kids figure out how long they’ll have to save for something they want. You can sign up for free by visiting Zefty.com.

3. Practical Money Skills

If you think your child might learn more quickly playing fun games, this is the site for you. For example, their Road Trip game teaches kids that, in order to keep a car running, you have to pay for things like gas and insurance. Affording those things sometimes means sacrificing trips to the mall.

The website also features football and soccer financial games as well as Ed’s Bank, which teaches younger kids the importance of saving money and money values.

Why It’s Great: Your child can have fun learning “boring, grown up stuff.” They’ll enjoy the games and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they’re gaining something more than just screen time. Visit Practical Money Skills to introduce your child to these free, educational games.

4. Rich Kid Smart Kid

Rich Kid Smart Kid uses free, interactive, animated games to teach kids everything from what debt is, to the importance of saving money. It even covers how to make a profit in a business.

The two main characters, Reno and Toki, take kids on adventures that teach lessons along the way. Each of the games has four levels for kids who range in age from K2 to twelfth grade.

Why It’s Great: Adorable characters appeal to kids’ imaginations while teaching them life skills. The site also has a Grown Up section for parents and teachers where they can find tips and lesson plans for teaching financial know-how (and maybe even learning a bit themselves).

5. H.I.P. Pocket Change

The U.S. government is getting in on the action of teaching kids about money by focusing on its history. After logging onto the H.I.P. Pocket Change site and then clicking on the “Toons” section, your child will be taken through interactive cartoon presentations of how money is made, what it looks like in other countries, and the history of money.

In addition, there are games and a collector’s club for kids who want to collect coins. Anyone can hop on to H.I.P. Pocket Change and start learning for free.

Why It’s Great: This is a little different from the other sites listed because it focuses on the physical money we use rather than our banking system. It helps kids understand money from a historical and cultural perspective and might just introduce them to a new hobby.

Final Word

Kids just want to have fun. When you make learning about money and finances fun and entertaining, chances are that those lessons will stick in their minds. Give your child the gift of financial knowledge by exploring these sites with them. It’s something they’ll benefit from for the rest of their lives.

Does your child frequently use any financial education websites for kids? Please share your experiences in the comments.

5 Best Educational Board Games for Money Management

2012-12-29T08:19:00.001-08:00

Boring educational material on money, credit, and investments can actually discourage people of all ages from learning valuable information that can help them make wise financial decisions. Fortunately, money management lessons masquerading as games can make learning about finance easy and even fun.

Some of today’s best money management board games have been popular for years. Continual revisions to older games keep them relevant to today’s financial world while still teaching players how to build wealth and minimize debt. From well-known games like Monopoly, to the newer but wildly popular Cashflow 101, there are a number of fun, educational board gamesavailable to help people develop and master their financial management skills.

1.Cashflow 101

Looking for a cash flow board game? Robert T. Kiyosaki of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” fame created Cashflow 101 to teach players how to take charge of their personal finances, understand cash flow principles, and develop the confidence to make their own investing and real estate decisions. The most recent edition of Cashflow 101 includes improved color, graphics, and instructions.

Number and Ages of Players: Cashflow 101 is best suited for two to six players ages 14 and older. The Cashflow for Kids game can be played by kids as young as six years old.

What Cashflow 101 Teaches About Finance: The Cashflow family of games provides more detailed material than many other money management and cash flow board games, and is an excellent learning tool for all ages. The Cashflow 101 games seek to teach personal finance lessons, including:

Basics of investing
The difference between assets and liabilities
The importance of understanding a financial statement
Basic personal accounting
Advanced investment techniques, such as short-selling stocks, puts and calls, and real estate investment strategies (with the Cashflow 202 supplementary)

Cost: The Cashflow 101 board game sells for $85, and can be purchased directly from the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” website. A basic free web version requires registration for online play. Cashflow 202 is a supplementary package to the original board game available for $50.

2. Monopoly

One of the most well-loved board games of all time, Monopoly is available across countries in many versions and languages. First appearing in the early 1930s, Monopoly players move around the board, collecting cash and navigating situations assigned by “Chance” and “Community Chest” cards. Buy property, mortgage it, collect rent, and erect buildings while trying to avoid being thrown in jail and running out of money. The winner is the player with the highest net worth determined by property and cash.

Number and Ages of Players: Monopoly requires two to six players, and is best suited for those ages eight and older.

What Monopoly Teaches About Personal Finance: Monopoly teaches players money management and the impact of financial and investment choices and situations, such as:

Managing cash or financial transactions
Dealing with financial blows, such as taxes and emergencies
Balancing cash flow by earning income (collecting cash as you pass “Go”) and saving
Financial negotiation as cash dwindles and real estate holdings grow, giving players the opportunities to negotiate private mortgages to acquire more cash
Basic financial math skills
Investing in and improving real estate

Cost: The original version of the Monopoly board game and its many variations are widely available in department stores and online. It currently retails for $18.99, with the newer Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition priced at $24.99.

3. The Game of Life

Originally created more than 150 years ago, The Game of Life has entertained and educated families for generations. Like Monopoly, it is now available in a variety of versions and has been revised several times. You win the game by accumulating the largest net worth while choosing paths that simulate real-life choices, such as family size and career.

Number and Ages of Players: You can play The Game of Life with two to six players, or enjoy the “Twists and Turns” version with two to four players. Both versions are suitable for players ages nine and older.

What the Game of Life Teaches About Personal Finance: The Game of Life is a great way to introduce children to the complexities of financial decisions and situations they will come across in real life, such as:

The effect of education and career choices on income
The cost of compound interest and loan payments
The effects of losing a job, having children, and getting sued
The impact of taxes, debt, and overspending on net worth
The importance of early investing

Cost: The basic version of The Game of Life board game retails for $23.99.

4. Payday

With Payday, you can learn how to budget and manage your money on a monthly basis. Players take turns moving around the 31-day calendar board and dealing with loan payments, bills, unexpected expenses, cash windfalls, and other financial circumstances until they get their paychecks on the last day of the month. Payday can be played for as many “months” as players choose – establish this before you start the game or you could play for days. Win the game by having the highest net worth when you call it quits.

Number and Ages of Players: You can play Payday with two to four players, ages eight and older.

What Payday Teaches About Personal Finance: Payday teaches players how to allocate paychecks to meet monthly expenses, and develops skills such as:

Evaluating cash flow
Totaling expenses, including bill payments and fixed and unexpected expenses, to determine how much money can be spent in the month
Making loan payments
Bill paying
Budgeting basics
Understanding the need to make monthly savings contributions and create an emergency fund

Cost: The traditional Payday board game is available for $17.99. If you prefer more of a challenge, try the Big Payday version at $34.99, a two-level customizable game that allows you to add events and change the number of days in each month.

5. Charge Large

Charge Large was designed in 2007 by two young entrepreneurs and promptly sold to Hasbro, which released it in late 2009. At first glance, this game appears to promote the rampant use of credit, as players start out by receiving a gold credit card and must strive to upgrade to the elusive black credit card. However, the winner must also have no debt and $2,500 in cash, which challenges players to manage credit responsibly while they navigate the board and build wealth.

Number and Ages of Players: Charge Large can be played with two to four players ages 12 and older.

What Charge Large Teaches About Personal Finance: Charge Large teaches players how to use credit responsibly while building net worth. It emphasizes the following points:

Responsible credit use builds your credit rating, giving access to higher credit limits
Racking up credit debt without saving and investing can create a financial disaster
Using credit often means making interest payments
Increasing credit card limits tempts overspending

Cost: The Charge Large board game lists for $19.99.

Any one of these games can make a great holiday or birthday gift to people of all ages. If you have kids, introduce them to these games at a young age for a fun family activity that can help you impart financial responsibility.

To keep your costs down, avoid buying brand new board games at retail stores. Instead, buy them used or at a discount online from Amazon or eBay, or even directly from the manufacturer’s website. You can even try garage sales, consignment and thrift stores, flea markets, and swap meets for super cheap games.

What is your favorite financial board game? What others can you suggest?

Ways to raise your credit score

2012-12-29T08:16:00.001-08:00

If you're suffering from poor credit, there are several surefire ways to get your

credit healthy again. Follow these tips and you'll be well on your way.

Always pay your bills on time and pay down the total amount you owe.
(accounts for 35 percent of your score)
If you forget all else after reading this, remember this one! This is the single most important rule for having a good credit score.
Keep a low credit utilization rate.
(accounts for 30 percent of your score)
Let's say you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit. If you're carrying a balance month-to-month of $3,000, you're only using 30 percent of the total limit. But if your credit limit is suddenly dropped to $3,000, then suddenly you're using 100 percent of what's available to you. That's yet another reason to always pay down credit card debt as quickly as possible. You always want to stay at credit utilization of 30 percent or less.
When you pay off a credit card, don't close the account.
(accounts for 15 percent of your score)
Doing so only reduces your available credit and drives your score down. You want to have between four to six lines of credit. Be sure to use them twice a year -- even if it's just for a dollar store purchase -- and pay them off right away. That will keep them active in your credit mix.

If you're facing a huge new annual fee on a card that has a zero balance, try "leapfrogging." That's my term for using the 45-day window you have before any new terms of service go into effect to shop around. So once you get notice about a new annual fee, start looking around for other no-fee credit cards. Submit your application and once you get your new no-fee card, then go ahead and shut down the original one that wanted to spring a fee on you.

The remaining 20% of your credit score is comprised of what types of credit make up your credit mix (10%) and how much new credit you have in your life and how quickly you took it on (10%)