January 10, 2010

Save Money By Skipping The Gym

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At some point or another you will consider a membership to the gym. You’ll want to lose weight, firm up, or just be healthier. Before signing that gym membership contract, weigh the pros and cons. You can save a lot of money by skipping the gym and working out at home!

First off, how much would a gym membership cost you? Thirty bucks a month is about average with a $100 deposit. Most gyms require a 1 year contract, and at $30 a month that’s $360. Ask yourself if you can afford to a gym membership.

Would you get your money’s worth? Most people will go for the first two weeks, and then slowly bring their gym visits to a halt. Most gyms will not give you a refund or cancel your membership if you change your mind. If you think you can just stop payment, it’s not that simple. Gyms will report the negative activity on your credit report and turn you over to a collections agency.

What activity in particular do you plan on doing at the gym? Running on a treadmill? Running outside is free, or you can pick up a used treadmill online and at garage sales for around $100. Do you plan to lift weights? Looks for items around the house you can lift. A galloon of milk weighs around 8 pounds, borrow your milk from the fridge and get to lifting! If you plan to swim at the gym, look for a community pool first. Most pools have a pass you can use for a year, or a month, that is a lot less than a gym membership.

If you want a gym membership for the exercise classes consider a DVD instead. Your local library should have a wide selection of exercise DVDs, or pick them up used when you find them at thrift shops and garage sales. When you get tired of them swap them with a friends or sell them online.

Do you need the emotional support a gym would offer? Perhaps you’re afraid you won’t be able to meet your health goals unless you are held accountable. Consider making a weight loss pact with a friend or co-worker. You can also join one of the millions of online weight loss groups that will offer you support, advice, and more.

A gym membership is a big commitment that you don’t have to make. If you can afford the costs, and know you will get your money’s worth, then sign on the dotted line. On the other hand, if you could use $360 towards your bills and can work out at home, you should probably wait on that membership.

 

January 8, 2010

Coupon Cravings Offers Free Deals!

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Long gone are the days of clipping coupons and bringing them into the grocery store. That is so outdated! Now you can combine convenience with technology when you visit Coupon Cravings. This is a coupon blog created by a mother, so you have to trust that she knows what she’s doing. This blog is passionate about saving money in the current state of the economy, and it provides so many choices in free and discounted coupon deals.

For instance, one of the latest deals posted is for a Free Travel Size Item From Bath & Body Works with any purchase. This is almost too good to pass up, especially since you are getting something free for a purchase you would probably already like to make in the first place. This is an easily printable coupon, and it is one of many on the website. This is the heads up that you need if you want to save extra cash in the new year and still get all of the items that you want or must have.

This blog also provides convenient updates about free food at featured locations, so check it out from time to time to save a little bit of money by getting a free lunch!

 

January 8, 2010

Budget Living For The New Year

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Now that the new year is upon us, it is important to live up to your New Year’s resolution, and start saving some money! First off, I recommend that you get to WWHOW right away for the simple reason that it has local deals posted in your area by fellow bargain shoppers. WWHOW provides you with the opportunity to peruse a long list of bargain shopping deals without having to pound the pavement yourself to find out what’s on sale!

After that, start out by making a few simple changes in calculating your financial goals for 2010. This may seem like the last thing that you want to do, but you are going to have no idea how to save money and be a savvy shopper if you don’t have some guidelines in place. This will allow you to know how much you can spend on a monthly basis, and also how much you need to save to get out of debt.

Last of all, there are a number of ways that you can save money while still having fun! Consider using the Redbox as a cheap movie rental deal, download free and legal music online, and even plan your vacation in the off-season to save more money!

 

January 5, 2010

Sometimes More Actually Costs Less

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Sales are commonly worded “2 for $x.xx” or “buy 10 or more and pay $x.xx”. Your first though may be “I don’t need ten of those” and you end up buying one. I am often guilty of not looking at the big picture, but have improved on this as of lately.

In December I had a credit at the online store where I purchased my personalized photo holiday cards. If I bought 1-9 cards the price was $1.87 per card. If I bought 10 or more cards the price went down to $1.64. I only needed 9 cards and put 9 in my cart, for a total of $16.83. Just for fun I added a tenth card to my cart to see what would happen to my total. It went down to $16.40! 43 cents savings may not seem like much to brag about, but keep in mind that I got an additional card too.

Another example is my recent trip to Walgreens. I went in and found kids cough medicine 2/$5. I just needed one bottle so that’s all I took up to the register. My one bottle rang up for $4.83. Adding a second bottle double what I took home and only cast a few cents more. Always read the small print to see if you are required to buy a second (or in some cases third) item to qualify for the sale price.

I am noticing volume discounts a lot more often now. If you end up spending less out of pocket why not take advantage of the extra items? Some people may argue that they don’t need the extra items and don’t have anywhere to put extra stuff. My reply is that if it saves you money, there is always room somewhere for what you will use in the near future. Even if you have to store your excessively purchased craft supplies under your bed. Also, just because you don’t want an extra doesn’t mean you can’t give that second bottle of .17 cough medicine to your neighbor.

Next time you buy and are offered a volume discount do the math. Use the calculator on your phone or figure it up in your head. The savings may surprise you! Please feel free to leave any comments you may have.

 

January 1, 2010

Save Money By Ordering Free Stuff Online

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One of my favorite perks of the internet is the mass amount of freebies I can order. When I’m in the mood and have a few minutes, I type “free samples”, “freebies”, or “free ___” into my search bar. Each time I am able to find get free stuff that I haven’t ordered before.

What do I do with my freebies? I let them save me money and try new products for free. I don’t waste money on buying a bottle of shampoo I might not like, instead I request a sample first from the manufacturer and make sure I will be satisfied.

At the end of the month when your budget is empty free samples come in handy. I save my free cereal samples and snack samples for when we run out of the regular stuff. I order samples of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and toiletries that come in handy when I need to wait until payday to make a purchase. This may sound nuts to you, but samples allow me to stay within budget for the month, put off purchases until needed items go on sale, and get lots of mail!

What kind of freebies are available? All kinds!

  • -Cosmetics
  • -Toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, diapers, and other toiletries
  • -Cereal, dried boxed foods, candies, and non perishable items
  • -Office supplies, calendars, pens, stickers, postcards, stationary
  • -Pet foods and supplies
  • -Things you don’t really need (but are still fun) like key chains, magazines, books, ebooks, cookbooks, posters, kids stuff, and other goodies.

One of my favorite freebies was from Betty Crocker and House Party. I signed up through the House Party website to host a Betty Crocker party and received 10 Betty Crocker spoons, 10 fridge grocery pads, a cookie recipe book, 2 packages of cookie mix, a $10 gift card for baking supplies, a Betty Crocker apron, and more. That was all in one box, and on the same day I received a HUGE freebie package from Aveeno Baby and Bzzz.

The next time you have a few minutes (or an hour as freebies are addictive), search for freebies that would allow you to save a little money. Find websites for your favorite products and request a sample by email or phone. You may be surprised at the goodies that will come your way. As always leave a comment if you have a spare moment!

 

December 21, 2009

Free Magazine Subscriptions For The Frugal

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Magazine subscriptions are some of the greatest freebies out there. Most people don’t even know they are available. Free magazine subscriptions are very common, but they come and go so fast that you have to be quick to sign up. Take advantage of these free subscriptions that allow you to enjoy magazines without spending a dime.

Magazines For Moms

  • Babytalk Magazine: This is a magazine about all things baby. Pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, and toddlers are all covered.
  • American Baby Magazine: A lot like Babytalk. You can never have enough parenting magazines!
  • Kiwi Magazine: I just received my first issue and haven’t had a chance to look at this one yet.  I know it has lots of baby articles and kids activities in it.  Get Kiwi magazine free when you join Mom’s Meet for free.

Magazines For Anyone

I take full advantage of free magazine offers. Currently I have a free bridal magazine waiting to be read on my bed even though I‘m married, and several subscriptions to hunting magazines even though I don’t hunt. I also get free Woman’s Day, American Baby, Kiwi, Babytalk, Parenting, and more. I read them and then I use them in craft projects. 

Do you know of a free magazine offer I missed? If so, or even if you just want to say hello, please leave a comment. Enjoy your free magazines!

 

December 17, 2009

Free Classes & Activities For Children Ages 0-12

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Winter break is starting, it’s cold, and you and your kiddos will be cooped up in the house. Being Christmastime your budget is probably non-existent, yet you still want to plan some fun family activities that your children will never forget. It is possible, if you do a little research now.

There are many children’s gyms and learning centers that are offering free trial classes right now. Call your local children’s centers and see if you can bring your child to a trial classes. Call places that offer cheer, dance, gymnastic, karate, kids art, skate lessons, or any other place that offers lessons for children.

National centers currently offering free trial classes include Gymboree, Kindermusik, and The Little Gym. Many centers have age ranges that they cater too, such as 0-5 or ages 1-12, so be sure to ask before you schedule your free class.

Gymboree – From the Gymboree website click on “music & play”. Classes currently offered by Gymboree include:

  • -Play & Learn ages 0-5yr
  • -Music 6 mo-5yr
  • -Art 18 mo-5yr
  • -Sports 3 yr-5yr
  • -Family 0-5yr
  • -School Skills 3yr-5yr

Kindermusik – Classes currently offered include:

  • -Family Time 0 & Up
  • -Village Newborn to 18mo
  • -Sign & Sing 6mo-3yr
  • -Out Time 18mo-3yr
  • -Imagine That 3yr-5yr
  • -Young Child 5yr-7yr
  • -Adventure Camps 0-7yr
  • -ABC Music & Me 2yr-6yr

The Little Gym – The Little Gym offers classes for babies age 4 months to children age 12! Classes include:

  • -Parent/Child Classes
  • -Pre-school/Kindergarten Gymnastic
  • -Grade School Gymnastics
  • -Karate
  • -Sports Skills Development
  • -Cheerleading
  • -Dance

These are just three resources available that offer a free trial class. Don’t forget to call your locally owned businesses and see if they also offer a free trial. Even with a non-existent budget, you and your child can have a blast on your holiday break. If you know of any other free activities for kids or just want to say hi, please leave a comment!

 

December 13, 2009

Frugal Snack Ideas That Save Money

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As a stay at home mom of three we go through a lot of snacks. Snacks can be one of the main budget busters on your grocery list, as some snack foods are more expensive than regular meal foods. What’s a mom on a tight budget to do? Plan ahead and buy only lost cost snack foods.

Inexpensive snack foods include:

Popcorn-Comes in butter, light, seasoned, and more flavors then I could possibly list here!

Saltine Crackers-Available in salt, no salt, whole wheat, light, and more. Smear on a little peanut butter or add a little cheese for some variety.

Toast-It’s not just for breakfast! Eat it alone, with butter, jam, peanut butter, or anything else your kiddos might like.

Dry Cereal- It’s a great safe finger food for toddlers.

Bananas-They’re always less than .50 lb in my area, but I usually get them on sale for .35 lb. Serve them whole, slice them up, or dip them in chocolate and freeze them. Yum!

Pretzels-They come in HUGE bags and are super cheap when compared to chips.

Popsicles- They came in huge boxes and bags for just a few dollars. They’re a life saver in the Summer!

We spend the most money on snacks when we’re running errands I have forgotten to bring a snack along. I usually end up pulling through a drive through for a drink and something for each of my kids from the dollar menu. That’s $5 bucks out the drive through window! I realized I need to keep store brand granola or fruit bars in my purse at all times. They’re small, light, and the kids love them.

Buying plastic baggies for snacks on the go is convenient, but if you spent $3 a month or baggies, that’s $36 a year. $36 is a lot to throw away. A more frugal option is to buy cheap snack size storage containers from the dollar store. They last forever if you take care of them. Online you can buy fabric snack and sandwich bags for a few dollars that are super cute and also last a long time.

While snacks can take a chunk out of your grocery budget you don’t have to skip them altogether. If you choose low cost options you, your budget, and your kiddos can all be full happy snackers. Do you know of a great low cost snack or have a tip to share? If so leave a comment!

 

December 10, 2009

Ways To Cut Your Heating Costs & Save Money

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Do you dread Winter due to the skyrocketing electric bills? I dread the bills. I really do enjoy Winter, but finding my electric bill in my mailbox December and January can ruin my day. The amount can be as much as a new TV, and that’s not cool. Luckily this year I’ve taken steps to reduce my electric usage and hopefully end sticker shock. Follow along and see what steps you can take to lower your bill too.

Clean your filters and vents. We have central heat and air, and if the vent is clogged the system has to work harder. Cleaning the vents and filters once a month can make a difference.

Get your furnace inspected. They say that an inefficiently working furnace can cost you an additional $30-$40 a month! That’s a lot of money to throw away this Winter.

Use a humidifier. Wet air feels warmer than cold air. You can easily bump your thermostat down a few degrees just by having a humidifier plugged in.

If you aren’t using a room don’t heat it! Have an extra bedroom? Close off the vents and keep the door closed. Keep your closet doors closed too as there’s no point in heating closets.

Wear layers. Wear sweatpants, warm socks, and long sleeves at home. The more you have on the cooler you can let the room get before you start to feel chilly. Would you rather put on a sweat shirt at home or add an extra $15 on your electric bill? I’ll take the sweatshirt.

Seal up drafts! Spend a few dollars on caulk and put a rolled towel at the bottom of drafty doorways to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Don’t let that warm air you paid for sleep outside! Get your moneys worth.

Every time you go to turn the thermostat up remember that a single degree can mean a 3% to 8% increase on your electric bill. Do what you can to keep your temperature set low and your money in your wallet. Have any tips or comments? We love to read them!

 

December 4, 2009

Get The Most Out Of Your Holiday Shopping Dollars

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After making a list of who you need to buy for and perhaps what you need to buy, spending your money is not the next step. In between the shopping list and the actual purchasing of gifts you should take time to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your holiday buck.

Comparison shop. Check out store ads before you even leave the house. You can view most retail store sales ads from websites. Also check out the ads in Sunday’s newspapers. You might be surprised to find that the electronic gadget on your list van cost you $10 more at the store you were planning to visit. Don’t be shy about calling stores and asking them how much certain items are. Stores want your money and employees shouldn’t mind telling you the price of a product.

Look for store coupons. Stores such as JcPenny, Michael’s, and JoAnns often put out weekly coupons in the Sunday paper. Coupons can save you anywhere for 20% off your total purchase to 40% off a single item, or even more! One coupon I found in my mailbox yesterday was for $5 off and $25 purchase at a national chain store. Using coupons is the fastest and easiest way to stretch a dollar.

Consider purchasing online. Sometimes online prices are lower than in store prices. Plus, many stores are offering free holiday shipping. Not only will you save a few bucks but you won’t have to spend gas money or time driving to the store and waiting in line. Don’t forget to do a quick online search for coupon codes to see if you can save even more on your online purchase.

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of sites such as Wwhow that alert you to special deals and savings. There could be an amazing deal on an item on your shopping list, but if you don’t check for specials you will miss out.

Check out dollar stores that guarantee that nothing is over $1. I was able to find Wii baseball bat controller snap-ons, head phone, little radios, and great stocking stuffers at my local chain store. I also bought Disney wrapping paper, scissors, and tape for holiday gift wrapping.

Each dollar you save is a dollar you can use somewhere else. By taking a moment to comparison shop, look for coupons, and check out sites such as Wwhow you can guarantee that your holiday dollar will go farther than ever. Don’t forget to leave a comment and say hello!

 

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