- Use Ebates for up to 25% cash back: Ebates is a free online coupon site that offers up to 25% cash back from top online stores like Target, eBay, Barnes & Noble, and the Gap. Registering on Ebates is free and takes just seconds. You can get more details at the Ebates website.
- Combine your cable, internet and telephone service. Companies now offer combined services that not only cost less, but offer the convenience of a single bill. Called a Triple Play Package (Cable, Internet, and Phone), these combined service deals can save you a bundle. Resource: Check out these current Verizon Triple Play Coupons and Discounts
- Slow down your internet service. I went to the slower internet service option with my cable company and saved $15 per month. And I haven’t noticed a difference when surfing the Net.
- Learn the one trick to cutting your electric bill. You can build your own solar panels to generate power for your home, and it’s easier and cheaper than you may think. To learn more, Click Here.
- Improve your credit score. A good credit score can save you thousands of dollar in interest on everything from a home loan to a car loan, and from school loans to credit cards. If you’ve never focused on your credit score before, the place to start is to get your free FICO score. Once you know where you stand, you can begin to improve your score and lower your interest payments.
- Send away for and follow up on rebates. After you buy a product with a rebate, send in the form that day. Then mark your calendar to remind yourself to follow up with the rebate company if the check hasn’t show up.
- Buy Your Next Cell Phone from Amazon: It may seem odd to buy a cell phone from Amazon, but they offer all of the newest phones (e.g., Droid, Storm 2, Vibrant) from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. Amazon offers free 2-day shipping and low prices without the hassle of mail-in rebate forms. To check out the deals, visit AmazonWireless.
- Buy a refurbished Mac: I’ve written about this before because it is a great way to buy not only computers, but iPods and iPhones as well. You can check out the details on how to buy a refurbished iPhone here.
- Convert to a gas water heater. They are more efficient and will save you money in the long run. Better yet, build your own solar water heater.
- Request a reduction in the interest rate for your home equity line of credit. I did and my mortgage company agreed to reduce the rate by more than 0.50%. And if you are looking for a home equity loan,LendingTree Home Equity Loansis a great place to check out available options.
- Request a reduction in the interest rate on your credit cards. As with home equity loans, credit card companies sometimes are willing to reduce the interest rate. It can’t hurt to ask. If your credit card company won’t help you, switch to a low interest credit card or a one of several 0% APR credit cards
- Refinance you mortgage. If you can reduce your interest rate by one percent or more, it is often beneficial to refinance. This is particularly true for those with high rates due to less than stellar credit scores. If your score has improved, you may qualify for a better rate. I would start by asking your current mortgage lender about lower rates. Here’s a table of refinance rates that is updated daily.
- Get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance. If your down payment was less than 20%, you are probably paying PMI. Once you have a 20% cushion through reducing your debt and home appreciation (yes, prices do go up from time to time), contact your mortgage company to start the process of removing the PMI.
- Get your books from the library. I love books and read every day. While I buy some of the books I read, most come from the library. Simply put, it’s hard to beat free.
- Get DVDs from the library. Many libraries now have movies on DVD that can be checked out. If your library offers this service, it sure beats paying Blockbuster or Netflix.
- Get DVDs from Red Box. If your library doesn’t offer DVDs, get your moves from Red Box. It costs just one dollar per night. You find Red Box locations here. Netflix is also a great, low cost and convenient alternative.
- Read magazines at the library or online. Too many magazines can cost a fortune. And how many times have you bought a magazine based on the cover and been disappointed by the lack of substance. At the library you can read magazines for free. And many magazines now offer their content for free online.
- Subscribe to magazines that are must reads. If you must have a certain magazine each month, subscribe. Subscriptions offer substantial savings over the cost at the newsstand. Update: Amazon offers some great deals on personal finance magazines
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- Buy your car over the internet: Search the internet for information on the car you want and then send e-mail requests to dealers for the best price. Even if the dealer is located in another state, the cost to have the car delivered may still be worth it. I paid $500 to have a Honda Odyssey shipped 500 miles and still saved $1,000 over the best local price available.
- Request a discount on trash service. For some reason this is a highly competitive business. If you get a better offer in the mail for trash service, call your current trash company and ask them to beat the offer. My trash service has reduced its rates twice in six months to match competing offers.
- Never pay checking account fees. I hate bank fees. With so many free checking account plans available, there’s no reason to pay a fee. And if the bank happens to charge you one, ask them to reverse the fee or take your business to another bank.
- Get a rewards card. There are many reward cards that pay out in cash or points that can be redeemed for travel or products. Many of these cards don’t have an annual fee. I recently traveled to my college reunion for free using points earned from a credit card. My favorite rewards card is American Express Gold Card. It does have an annual fee, and the first year fee is waived. You can also check out my review of several travel reward credit cards.
- Don’t pay interest on credit cards. This is obvious, but I soon as you fail to pay off the credit card in full, the high interest payments start to eat away at your monthly budget. If the temptation to spend more than you can pay on a credit card is to great, get rid of the credit card (and ignore the previous tip!).
- Take advantage of 0% credit card offers. I’ve saved thousands of dollars using 0% balance transfer credit cards. Again, as long as the cards won’t cause you to spend more, they can offer substantial savings. Make sure, however, that you keep an eye on the balance transfer fee, which can wipe out your savings.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs. These bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer. They do take some getting used to, and they won’t work in every light fixture. But use them where it makes sense and save energy and money.
- Drive your car longer. The buy new versus used debate often overlooks the most important factor–how long you own your car. Drive it as long as you safely can for substantial savings.
- Pay your life insurance annually. Insurance companies charge you more if you pay monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. Pay once a year and you’ll pay less.
- Pay car insurance semi-annually. At least with my car insurance, they offer quarterly and semi-annual payment options. It costs more to pay quarterly, and twice a year is more convenient anyway.
- Increase insurance deductibles. Most of us don’t need to be insured for all losses over $100 on our car, for example. Although we wouldn’t want to pay a $250 or even $500 deductible, we could. If that’s you, find out how much you’d save from raising your deductible. I’ve raised my deductibles on my auto insurance and home owner’s insurance and saved a considerable amount.
- Think before submitting an insurance claim. My rule of thumb is that I won’t submit a claim on a loss that is less than twice my deductible. So for a $250 deductible on an auto loss, I’ll pay out of pocket any loss up to $500. Why? The $250 I’d receive from my insurance company is not worth the increased premiums I’m likely to pay. You may want to call your insurance agent to find out how a claim will impact your premiums before filing the claim.
- Get rid of your home telephone. This is a great way to save money. Many don’t do it because of the 911 service, and that’s understandable. But if you’re comfortable relying on a cell phone, there’s no reason to keep a land line. If you do, consider reducing your service to the minimum and only use the phone in an emergency.
- Consider VOiP telephone service. We use Internet phone service and have saved substantial money over Verizon service. The phone service has been very reliable, and you’d never even know the signal was being carried over the Internet. Phone Power is a great option for internet telephone service, which costs as little as $9.95 a month. Note that the Phone Power sign-up page will have an entry for a promo code. I’ve talked to the good folks at Phone Power, and they tell me there are no promo codes; they offer the best price to everybody!
- Shut vents in unused rooms. This isn’t advisable if you have forced air heating, but shutting vents in unused rooms can save on your heating and cooling bill.
- Eliminate some cable service. Note that I’m not recommending getting rid of cable completely, although that’s certainly a way to save money. If you must have cable, take a look at all the charges on your cable bill and consider getting rid of some of the service. Try it for a month and see if you really miss those last 500 channels.
- Agree to limit gift giving. At Christmas our extended family and we go overboard when it comes to gift giving. Agree in advance to limit the gifts and save everybody some money.
- Get healthy. Your health will directly impact the cost of life insurance and, in some cases, can reduce the cost of your health insurance.
- Cancel the health club membership. Seems to contradict the previous tip, but evaluate how much you really use your health club. Less expensive options may include a gym at your work or a gym at your local parks and recreation center. Some offer pay as you go options rather than monthly fees, which can be great for those of us who aren’t as consistent in our routines as we’d like to be.
- Pass on extended warranties. A $129 two year extension on a $300 product is just not worth it. Warranties are insurance, and we rarely need to insure such a small amount.
- Take your lunch to work one more day a week than you do now. Eating out at lunch is fun, so I wouldn’t eliminate it completely. But taking lunch just one more day a week will keep money in your pocket.
- Buy low cost mutual funds. This is easy to miss because the money doesn’t come out of your pocket each month. But keep an eye on the cost of the mutual funds in your 401(k) and other investments. My rule of thumb is that no fund should cost more than 1% and the combined cost for all your funds should be less than 0.50%. If you don’t believe that even a half percent can make a big difference, read this.
- Take advantage of employer 401(k) matches. If your employer matches 401(k) contributions, do everything you can to take full advantage of that match.
- Use flexible spending accounts. FSAs allow you to pay certain medical, dental and child care expenses using pre-tax dollars. If your not taking advantage of these accounts, you’re wasting money. Enrollment at many companies is occurring now, so check with your HR department if you have any questions about FSAs.
- Get tires from Costco or other wholesale clubs. Simply put, they cost a lot less than buying them at the dealer or even a chain tire store.
- Keep tires properly inflated. It keeps you safe and costs less on gas.
- Stop smoking. Need I say more?
- Drink less alcohol. It costs money and adds calories.
- Buy term life insurance. Any other life insurance product is just not worth the extra cost.
- Buy generic over-the-counter medicines. They are exactly the same as their branded counterparts and cost less.
- Get organized and avoid missed payments. I’ve missed a payment or two because the bill got buried beneath a stack of papers. Get organized and avoid those late payment penalties. If you do miss a payment, call your creditor and ask to have the penalty removed. They’ll usually accommodate the request, at least the first time.
- Buy online when it saves you money. I’ve used Amazon to buy more than just books. It sells just about anything and sometimes at substantial savings.
- Consider MythTV PVR in replace of TiVo type services. I just ran across MythTV and am still investigating it. I pay $15 a month to my cable company for a DVR box and would love to save the money. If you’ve used MythTV, let us know how well it works. You can get more information about MythTV here.
- Use Open Source software when possible. I use GIMP instead of Photoshop. GIMP is free; Photoshop ain’t.
- Check the insulation in your home. Extra insulation can easily pay for itself in one or two years, and it helps save the environment, too.
- Buy energy efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star on appliances and consider the annual energy cost before buying. More efficient appliances cost more, but you make up the extra cost and then some over the life of the product.
- Stay married. Yes, I did say 54 “painless” money-saving tips. Yes, I know that some marriages end because of abuse and other extreme circumstances. “Isn’t marriage about love”, you ask. Sometimes. “You don’t know my situation”, you say. True. But I lived through the emotional and financial pain of two divorces as a child, and I’ve been married to the same woman for more than 23 years, so I know plenty. Am I telling you not to get a divorce? Of course not. I am telling you that divorce will wreck your finances and your spouse’s finances. And if you want some tips on how to get your ex back, click here.
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Showing posts with label save money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label save money. Show all posts
Feb 21, 2012
55 Painless Money Saving Tips
List of Ways to Save Money
Start with the tips below and then proceed to our ten step checklist to save money.
Get car insurance quotes and make sure that you have health insurance.
Clip coupons at Coupons.com, SmartSource and PrintableGroceryCoupons.net.
Buy generic everything. Many generics are exactly the same as brand names.
Get a mortgage refinance quote to see if you pay too much for home payments.
Get free offers here.
Buy in bulk and get rewards cards at the supermarket.
Insulate your home and use fans and ventilation instead of AC.
Walk or take the bus and sell your car.
Create a budget.
Use Skype.com if you talk on the phone a lot, especially internationally.
Travel cheap. Stay at hostels, Couch Surf or Air BnB.
Use an online savings account that pays better interest, like ING Direct.
Pack lunch and bring coffee to work.
Have a drink at home before going to the bar.
Get a rewards credit or debit card.
Invest your money. Vanguard or Scottrade is a good place to start.
Get a credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, the government sponsored credit reporting website.
Ask for a discount on large purchases like a refrigerator or washing machine.
Take advantage of federal tax credits for energy efficiency with Energy Star.
Use the library. They have plenty of books, CD’s and DVDs. You can also request that the library buy certain books.
Make saving a game. Set goals and give yourself a reward if you reach them.
Don’t follow your impulse. If you feel the urge to buy something, wait a few days and see if you still want it.
At the grocery store look down. Items below eye level are often cheaper.
Print a grocery list and stick to it.
Take up hobbies that don’t cost money.
Set the thermostat when you’re not home to save energy.
Use open source software. It’s free and usually as good. For example use Open Office instead of Microsoft Word or Excel.
Quit smoking. This calculator shows you how much you could save.
Buy a quality used car instead of new. A new car is worth thousands less as soon as it leaves the lot.
Food Bank. If you cannot afford food, find a food bank that gives out bags of groceries.
Get rid of credit card debt. A $20 shirt could actually cost $200 with fees and interest if you don’t pay your credit card bill right away.
Donate and have yard sales for the stuff that you don’t use.
Watch for fees. Fees are everywhere; bank fees, atm fees, cash checking fees, late fees. These can add up over time.
Group discounts. Try to get a bargain on everything and ask if you can get a discount, especially if you have a large group.
Instead of buying things new, get them used or for free on Craig’s List.
Lotto and Gambling. Generally, people lose money on the lotto and especially gambling. If you quit or limit this, you will save money.
Get car insurance quotes and make sure that you have health insurance.
Clip coupons at Coupons.com, SmartSource and PrintableGroceryCoupons.net.
Buy generic everything. Many generics are exactly the same as brand names.
Get a mortgage refinance quote to see if you pay too much for home payments.
Get free offers here.
Buy in bulk and get rewards cards at the supermarket.
Insulate your home and use fans and ventilation instead of AC.
Walk or take the bus and sell your car.
Create a budget.
Use Skype.com if you talk on the phone a lot, especially internationally.
Travel cheap. Stay at hostels, Couch Surf or Air BnB.
Use an online savings account that pays better interest, like ING Direct.
Pack lunch and bring coffee to work.
Have a drink at home before going to the bar.
Get a rewards credit or debit card.
Invest your money. Vanguard or Scottrade is a good place to start.
Get a credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, the government sponsored credit reporting website.
Ask for a discount on large purchases like a refrigerator or washing machine.
Take advantage of federal tax credits for energy efficiency with Energy Star.
Use the library. They have plenty of books, CD’s and DVDs. You can also request that the library buy certain books.
Make saving a game. Set goals and give yourself a reward if you reach them.
Don’t follow your impulse. If you feel the urge to buy something, wait a few days and see if you still want it.
At the grocery store look down. Items below eye level are often cheaper.
Print a grocery list and stick to it.
Take up hobbies that don’t cost money.
Set the thermostat when you’re not home to save energy.
Use open source software. It’s free and usually as good. For example use Open Office instead of Microsoft Word or Excel.
Quit smoking. This calculator shows you how much you could save.
Buy a quality used car instead of new. A new car is worth thousands less as soon as it leaves the lot.
Food Bank. If you cannot afford food, find a food bank that gives out bags of groceries.
Get rid of credit card debt. A $20 shirt could actually cost $200 with fees and interest if you don’t pay your credit card bill right away.
Donate and have yard sales for the stuff that you don’t use.
Watch for fees. Fees are everywhere; bank fees, atm fees, cash checking fees, late fees. These can add up over time.
Group discounts. Try to get a bargain on everything and ask if you can get a discount, especially if you have a large group.
Instead of buying things new, get them used or for free on Craig’s List.
Lotto and Gambling. Generally, people lose money on the lotto and especially gambling. If you quit or limit this, you will save money.
Feb 19, 2012
2011 Financial and Life Goals Recap
At the beginning of 2011, I set some financial and life goals for myself and Mr. Money. Here’s how 2011 played out for us:
1. Keep up with the clutter and declutter 365 items from our house this year. SUCCESS.
I know I decluttered and donated a lot more than 365 items from our house this year.
2. Pay at least $3,000 down on the principal of our mortgage. FAIL. We did pay off $2679 off our mortgage prinicpal, so I think that’s pretty good! Our extra money this year went to our savings account. Honestly, I’m not too concerned with paying down our mortgage aggressively at this point. We’ve got other priorities. I do wish our mortgage balance was lower, but we can chip away at it.
3. Travel to somewhere fun and exciting. SUCCESS? We took a trip to Colorado when I was around 20 weeks pregnant. It was our last trip as just the two of us. I really wish we had gone to Hawaii last year for our fifth anniversary, but I was a tightwad and didn’t do it. Oh well. The nice thing is that we saved money by not going, allowing me more flexibility to be a stay at home mom.
4. Get knocked up. SUCCESS. I am most proud of this goal, as we’ve been trying to have a baby for quite some time. We are really excited to welcome our baby in 2012.
5. Live on one salary. SUCCESS. We did successfully manage to live off Mr. Money’s income. My income did pay for health insurance and retirement savings, so we didn’t factor that into the equation. I’m okay with that.
6. Make more money from side hustles. SUCCESS? I did make money blogging this year, although it wasn’t enough for me to quit my day job. I’m hoping 2012 provides more money making opportunities from home for me. Of course, I’m going to not stress about it because I’ll have a new baby.
7. Stay debt free! SUCCESS! We did stay consumer debt free this year, and only have our mortgage debt. It feels like in the past few months we’ve been spending money like crazy, but we’ve saved for this, so it’s okay.
For 2012, I’m going to make some realistic financial goals. I have no clue how our budget will be affected by the baby, but I’ve decided that I’m not going to be too hard on myself. What’s the point of having tons of cash in the bank if my life is miserable? I’m going to do my best to find a nice balance in 2012 between budgeting and living life. I’m anticipating it to be the best year of my life ever, so that’s a positive start!
I need to decide what to make our 2012 goals and come up with a new budget for after the baby is born. Fun!
Overall, I’m happy with the way we spent 2011. I’m very thankful we didn’t have any huge expenses (well, minus paying for the baby’s birth ;) ) and that we were healthy and happy throughout most of the year. I feel very blessed, and am sure that feeling will stick with me throughout the next year!
Happy New Year!
1. Keep up with the clutter and declutter 365 items from our house this year. SUCCESS.
I know I decluttered and donated a lot more than 365 items from our house this year.
2. Pay at least $3,000 down on the principal of our mortgage. FAIL. We did pay off $2679 off our mortgage prinicpal, so I think that’s pretty good! Our extra money this year went to our savings account. Honestly, I’m not too concerned with paying down our mortgage aggressively at this point. We’ve got other priorities. I do wish our mortgage balance was lower, but we can chip away at it.
3. Travel to somewhere fun and exciting. SUCCESS? We took a trip to Colorado when I was around 20 weeks pregnant. It was our last trip as just the two of us. I really wish we had gone to Hawaii last year for our fifth anniversary, but I was a tightwad and didn’t do it. Oh well. The nice thing is that we saved money by not going, allowing me more flexibility to be a stay at home mom.
4. Get knocked up. SUCCESS. I am most proud of this goal, as we’ve been trying to have a baby for quite some time. We are really excited to welcome our baby in 2012.
5. Live on one salary. SUCCESS. We did successfully manage to live off Mr. Money’s income. My income did pay for health insurance and retirement savings, so we didn’t factor that into the equation. I’m okay with that.
6. Make more money from side hustles. SUCCESS? I did make money blogging this year, although it wasn’t enough for me to quit my day job. I’m hoping 2012 provides more money making opportunities from home for me. Of course, I’m going to not stress about it because I’ll have a new baby.
7. Stay debt free! SUCCESS! We did stay consumer debt free this year, and only have our mortgage debt. It feels like in the past few months we’ve been spending money like crazy, but we’ve saved for this, so it’s okay.
For 2012, I’m going to make some realistic financial goals. I have no clue how our budget will be affected by the baby, but I’ve decided that I’m not going to be too hard on myself. What’s the point of having tons of cash in the bank if my life is miserable? I’m going to do my best to find a nice balance in 2012 between budgeting and living life. I’m anticipating it to be the best year of my life ever, so that’s a positive start!
I need to decide what to make our 2012 goals and come up with a new budget for after the baby is born. Fun!
Overall, I’m happy with the way we spent 2011. I’m very thankful we didn’t have any huge expenses (well, minus paying for the baby’s birth ;) ) and that we were healthy and happy throughout most of the year. I feel very blessed, and am sure that feeling will stick with me throughout the next year!
Happy New Year!
Saving Money on Baby Expenses
Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you go into Babies R Us and are bombarded by all the millions of baby items they carry. The first time I went in our local store, I almost had a panic attack. There’s no way we can afford all of these things that we supposedly need for a baby! Thankfully, after I left the store I sat down and thought about what a baby will actually need according to my standards. I don’t want to have 50 baby things, or a million plastic made in China toys for my kid. We sway to the side of minimalism, and while I know I won’t be able to limit everything that makes its way into my house, I can do my best to make sure I have things I need and use for the baby. Here are some of the ways we’re going to save money on baby expenses:
-Breastfeed. I’m going to do my best to breastfeed, and I plan on doing everything in my power to make it to at least a year. Breastfeeding is so much better for the baby, natural, and will save us tons of money versus buying formula. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
-Cloth diapering. We received a pack of newborn disposable diapers for our shower, and after those are gone, I plan on starting to cloth diaper.
-Not buying a bunch of crap. My co workers keep telling me that I need to register for more stuff; that I’ll regret not having the swing and the bouncer and whatever other gadgets they think I need. We’re trying to get items that do double duty; for instance we received a swing that is full size and travel size and I think that will work just fine instead of having a bouncer too.
-Buying second hand clothes. My mother went nuts over the past 7 months, purchasing baby clothes and burp cloths and basically any other item she thought I would need. This has saved us a ton of money already! The baby has a gender neutral wardrobe with items ranging from newborn to 1 year already. I’m sure we’ll have to buy more clothes, but I know we’ll be able to get them second hand.
-Remembering the store will still be there. It’s hard for me when I think I don’t have enough things ready for the baby, but I think we’ve got the essentials so far. Plus, the store is going to be there after the baby is born! If we need extra burp cloths or receiving blankets, we can always make a trip to the store. I’d rather do that than have things on hand that we don’t use and then we’ve wasted money on.
I’m trying to relax and realize that babies don’t need much other than a warm place to sleep, food, and diapers. Really, when you think about it- that’s it! That makes me feel better and more confident that we’ll be able to raise our child with respect to our budget and the planet.
-Breastfeed. I’m going to do my best to breastfeed, and I plan on doing everything in my power to make it to at least a year. Breastfeeding is so much better for the baby, natural, and will save us tons of money versus buying formula. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
-Cloth diapering. We received a pack of newborn disposable diapers for our shower, and after those are gone, I plan on starting to cloth diaper.
-Not buying a bunch of crap. My co workers keep telling me that I need to register for more stuff; that I’ll regret not having the swing and the bouncer and whatever other gadgets they think I need. We’re trying to get items that do double duty; for instance we received a swing that is full size and travel size and I think that will work just fine instead of having a bouncer too.
-Buying second hand clothes. My mother went nuts over the past 7 months, purchasing baby clothes and burp cloths and basically any other item she thought I would need. This has saved us a ton of money already! The baby has a gender neutral wardrobe with items ranging from newborn to 1 year already. I’m sure we’ll have to buy more clothes, but I know we’ll be able to get them second hand.
-Remembering the store will still be there. It’s hard for me when I think I don’t have enough things ready for the baby, but I think we’ve got the essentials so far. Plus, the store is going to be there after the baby is born! If we need extra burp cloths or receiving blankets, we can always make a trip to the store. I’d rather do that than have things on hand that we don’t use and then we’ve wasted money on.
I’m trying to relax and realize that babies don’t need much other than a warm place to sleep, food, and diapers. Really, when you think about it- that’s it! That makes me feel better and more confident that we’ll be able to raise our child with respect to our budget and the planet.
Our 2012 Budget
For 2012, I wanted to come up with a more accurate budget, seeing that our baby would be born this year and hopefully we’ll be able to control our spending without worrying too much about it. I figured if I budget better, then I’ll hopefully be less stressed about where our money is going. Of course, I’ve also decided I’m not going to be so darn hard on myself because I’ll have a baby and have no clue how that’s going to impact our budget. If it costs us more money than I anticipated, then it does, and I’ll adjust our budget accordingly.
Here’s our 2012 budget:
Mortgage- $793.19
Escrow- $215.00
Energy- $150.00
Car insurance- $88.00
Verizon- $40.00
Cable, phone, internet- $125.00
Food- $350.00
Retirement- $100.00
House Stuff- $50.00
Gas- $200.00
Some notes:
The mortgage is just principal and interest. I used to round the payment up to $800 or so, until I found out that the extra money that I was paying was being applied to the next month’s payment! Talk about annoying. To make additional principal payments, I have to mail a separate check to a certain address. What a pain.
We escrow our taxes and insurance ourselves. We refinanced our mortgage to a home equity loan a few years ago, and the bank will not escrow for us. We have a separate escrow account with ING.
The reason our energy category is a flat $150 each month is because we budget for irregular expenses by transferring that amount into a separate account each month.
The Verizon bill includes just my cell phone, as Mr. Money has a phone paid by work.
The car insurance went down a little since last year because the cars are older and so are we!
The cable, phone, and internet may get changed this year. It seems like that’s a high amount for that. I’m thinking about switching our phone to something like a Magic Jack since I really like having a home phone, and maybe dropping the cable.
I don’t know if the food budget is a reasonable amount our not. Guess we’ll see after a few months!
We’ll have to really start saving for retirement ourselves, as I won’t be participating in my 401k plan at work, and Mr. Money’s employer doesn’t offer any retirement savings plan. I’m sure we’ll figure it out.
The house stuff we’ll have to play it by ear with. We’ve done a lot of work to the house over the past five years, so we’re not anticipating any huge expenses like new flooring, etc. I would like new counter tops and flooring in my kitchen, but that’s not a necessity so we’ll have to see about that.
Gas will go down from our monthly expenses since I won’t be commuting to work and back every day. Yay! This might be too much budgeted, but who knows at this point!
Of course, I won’t know how this budget works for us until I’m actually staying at home with the baby. I’m just glad we’ve got a general idea of where we’d like our money to go. I feel like there are a few categories I’ve forgotten, but it’s a flexible budget, so that’s okay!
Have you budgeted for 2012?
Here’s our 2012 budget:
Mortgage- $793.19
Escrow- $215.00
Energy- $150.00
Car insurance- $88.00
Verizon- $40.00
Cable, phone, internet- $125.00
Food- $350.00
Retirement- $100.00
House Stuff- $50.00
Gas- $200.00
Some notes:
The mortgage is just principal and interest. I used to round the payment up to $800 or so, until I found out that the extra money that I was paying was being applied to the next month’s payment! Talk about annoying. To make additional principal payments, I have to mail a separate check to a certain address. What a pain.
We escrow our taxes and insurance ourselves. We refinanced our mortgage to a home equity loan a few years ago, and the bank will not escrow for us. We have a separate escrow account with ING.
The reason our energy category is a flat $150 each month is because we budget for irregular expenses by transferring that amount into a separate account each month.
The Verizon bill includes just my cell phone, as Mr. Money has a phone paid by work.
The car insurance went down a little since last year because the cars are older and so are we!
The cable, phone, and internet may get changed this year. It seems like that’s a high amount for that. I’m thinking about switching our phone to something like a Magic Jack since I really like having a home phone, and maybe dropping the cable.
I don’t know if the food budget is a reasonable amount our not. Guess we’ll see after a few months!
We’ll have to really start saving for retirement ourselves, as I won’t be participating in my 401k plan at work, and Mr. Money’s employer doesn’t offer any retirement savings plan. I’m sure we’ll figure it out.
The house stuff we’ll have to play it by ear with. We’ve done a lot of work to the house over the past five years, so we’re not anticipating any huge expenses like new flooring, etc. I would like new counter tops and flooring in my kitchen, but that’s not a necessity so we’ll have to see about that.
Gas will go down from our monthly expenses since I won’t be commuting to work and back every day. Yay! This might be too much budgeted, but who knows at this point!
Of course, I won’t know how this budget works for us until I’m actually staying at home with the baby. I’m just glad we’ve got a general idea of where we’d like our money to go. I feel like there are a few categories I’ve forgotten, but it’s a flexible budget, so that’s okay!
Have you budgeted for 2012?
2012 Financial and Life Goals
2012 is already here, and I’m a little behind on our financial and life goals. I’m a little uncertain about what I should aim for, as we’re going to have a brand new baby and will have to adjust to the new expenses and life with a child. My goals this year will be attainable (I hope!) and I am crossing my fingers for the best year ever. It certainly will be interesting and a lot different than past years! Here are some of the goals I’d like for us to accomplish:
1. Set up a savings account for the baby. The baby has not even been born yet and already has a stash of money. I’m going to open a custodian savings account for the benefit of the baby. I will also have to research 529 plans in case that’s the way we want to go. I’m thinking it would be easier just to open the UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors) account and wait until the money accumulates and then go from there. We’ll see.
2. Figure out life insurance. I had life insurance through my employer, but I’m not too sure what’s happening with it since I’m leaving the bank. That’s something that we really need to address, especially with the new baby coming.
3. Change beneficiaries. I’ve got various family members listed as beneficiaries on our retirement plans and life insurance, but I would like to change it to the baby.
4. Make more money blogging/working from home. I’d like to be able to contribute financially to our household as much as I can. In addition to blogging and writing, I can shoot photography if I have time. Of course, this all depends on the baby, as that’s my first priority. I’d like to stay at home for at least the first three years of the baby’s life, and it would be awesome if I could make enough money freelancing to do so.
5. Stay debt free. This was on last year’s goals as well, but I think it’s important enough to stay on this year’s. I will have to say, if there was a good reason that we needed to borrow money, I probably would do it. I don’t think debt is the worst thing in the world as long as you’re responsible and borrow money for the right reasons. Mr. Money’s not going to get the 2012 Mustang he wanted for instance, but if we needed to take out a loan, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I’m going to do my best to avoid it, though!
6. Finish up all house projects that need to be done. We need to repaint the cement on our porches, paint the shed, figure out what to do with the dining room flooring, and redo our master bath. I’m going to do as much as I can to make the house look really good this year. We’ve done a lot, but I feel like there’s still so much more to do. These projects shouldn’t cost a ton of money.
7. Learn to relax and not worry so darn much. One of my best friends gave me some great advice when it comes to money. What’s the point of having a ton of cash in the bank if you are miserable? I’m not going to worry about saving every penny where I can like I used to. I want to be happy.
1. Set up a savings account for the baby. The baby has not even been born yet and already has a stash of money. I’m going to open a custodian savings account for the benefit of the baby. I will also have to research 529 plans in case that’s the way we want to go. I’m thinking it would be easier just to open the UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors) account and wait until the money accumulates and then go from there. We’ll see.
2. Figure out life insurance. I had life insurance through my employer, but I’m not too sure what’s happening with it since I’m leaving the bank. That’s something that we really need to address, especially with the new baby coming.
3. Change beneficiaries. I’ve got various family members listed as beneficiaries on our retirement plans and life insurance, but I would like to change it to the baby.
4. Make more money blogging/working from home. I’d like to be able to contribute financially to our household as much as I can. In addition to blogging and writing, I can shoot photography if I have time. Of course, this all depends on the baby, as that’s my first priority. I’d like to stay at home for at least the first three years of the baby’s life, and it would be awesome if I could make enough money freelancing to do so.
5. Stay debt free. This was on last year’s goals as well, but I think it’s important enough to stay on this year’s. I will have to say, if there was a good reason that we needed to borrow money, I probably would do it. I don’t think debt is the worst thing in the world as long as you’re responsible and borrow money for the right reasons. Mr. Money’s not going to get the 2012 Mustang he wanted for instance, but if we needed to take out a loan, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I’m going to do my best to avoid it, though!
6. Finish up all house projects that need to be done. We need to repaint the cement on our porches, paint the shed, figure out what to do with the dining room flooring, and redo our master bath. I’m going to do as much as I can to make the house look really good this year. We’ve done a lot, but I feel like there’s still so much more to do. These projects shouldn’t cost a ton of money.
7. Learn to relax and not worry so darn much. One of my best friends gave me some great advice when it comes to money. What’s the point of having a ton of cash in the bank if you are miserable? I’m not going to worry about saving every penny where I can like I used to. I want to be happy.
I’m Quitting my Job to be a Stay at Home Mom
Friday, January 6 is my last day of employment with the bank. I’ve been an employee there for over seven years, and it’s been a really tough decision, but I’ve decided that I’m going to quit and be a stay at home mom. I’ve always wanted to do that, so this is the path I’m going to take. I can always return to work if I have to. When considering being a working versus stay at home mom, I considered many factors.
1. If I kept working, I’d have to pay daycare. Full time day care is expensive, costing anywhere from $600-$800 a month! That would consume more than one of my paychecks. Also, if my baby was in day care there’s a much greater chance of the baby getting sick and me having to take time off work. That would stink!
2. I’d have to buy disposable diapers. I plan on cloth diapering my baby to save money, and if I had to put my baby in day care, I’d have to buy disposables for the baby to use while in day care. For Seventh Generation
newborn disposable diapers, it would cost 25 cents a diaper! That’s $75 a month if the baby uses 10 diapers a day.
3. It would be more difficult to exclusively breastfeed, and I’d probably be more likely to give up, meaning we’d have to buy formula. It would make me very sad if I couldn’t breastfeed my baby exclusively at least for the first full year. Staying at home will give me an advantage that I’ll be able to breastfeed successfully. By staying home, I also avoid having to buy an expensive breast pump!
4. I’d have to pay for new work clothes, gas to get to work, more lunches out, etc. That isn’t a huge deal, but our gas budget will decrease from me staying at home.
The biggest reason I decided to quit my job and be a stay at home mom is because this has always been my dream. I’ve always wanted to be home with our babies, enjoying them and raising them myself. I truly believe that it is such a personal decision, and I would never judge another mother for deciding to work or stay at home. I think every family does what works best for their family.
I’m going to have to be careful with our money to make sure that we can afford for me to stay at home, but we’ve saved up a little bit of money to use in case we need to, and we’ve been careful with our money all along so I don’t see it being a problem.
I will admit, I am a little nervous about the transition since I’ve spent the last ten years working. I think it will be quite the change at first, but it will be something I can adapt to and I think I’ll end up loving it. I’m hoping my next boss will be as good to work for as my current one at the bank!
1. If I kept working, I’d have to pay daycare. Full time day care is expensive, costing anywhere from $600-$800 a month! That would consume more than one of my paychecks. Also, if my baby was in day care there’s a much greater chance of the baby getting sick and me having to take time off work. That would stink!
2. I’d have to buy disposable diapers. I plan on cloth diapering my baby to save money, and if I had to put my baby in day care, I’d have to buy disposables for the baby to use while in day care. For Seventh Generation
newborn disposable diapers, it would cost 25 cents a diaper! That’s $75 a month if the baby uses 10 diapers a day.
3. It would be more difficult to exclusively breastfeed, and I’d probably be more likely to give up, meaning we’d have to buy formula. It would make me very sad if I couldn’t breastfeed my baby exclusively at least for the first full year. Staying at home will give me an advantage that I’ll be able to breastfeed successfully. By staying home, I also avoid having to buy an expensive breast pump!
4. I’d have to pay for new work clothes, gas to get to work, more lunches out, etc. That isn’t a huge deal, but our gas budget will decrease from me staying at home.
The biggest reason I decided to quit my job and be a stay at home mom is because this has always been my dream. I’ve always wanted to be home with our babies, enjoying them and raising them myself. I truly believe that it is such a personal decision, and I would never judge another mother for deciding to work or stay at home. I think every family does what works best for their family.
I’m going to have to be careful with our money to make sure that we can afford for me to stay at home, but we’ve saved up a little bit of money to use in case we need to, and we’ve been careful with our money all along so I don’t see it being a problem.
I will admit, I am a little nervous about the transition since I’ve spent the last ten years working. I think it will be quite the change at first, but it will be something I can adapt to and I think I’ll end up loving it. I’m hoping my next boss will be as good to work for as my current one at the bank!
Feb 17, 2012
DIY Prefold Diapers
Prefold diapers:
Prefolds are my favorite type of diaper out there. They are so versatile and there is something to be said for that feeling you get when you are pinning that dipe … like millions of women throughout time have done this before you. Silly I know but that’s the feeling I get … sort of empowering :o ). Wanna make your own? Great!!
Procedure -
* Wash and dry all fabric to be used. One yard of 45″wide flannel will make approximately 2 regular sized diapers.
* Cutting -
Cut 2 rectangles in the following measurements for the diaper:
11 1/2″ by 14 1/2″ for newborn to 6 months
13 1/2″ by 18 1/2″ for 6 months to 2 years
15 1/2″ by 21 1/2″ for toddler size
Cut six pieces in the following measurements for the soaker pad:
4″ by 13 1/2″ for newborn to 6 months
5″ by 17 1/2″ for 6 months to 2 years
6″ by 20 1/2″ for toddler size
Preparing the soaker pad:
Stack all the layers of the soaker pad together and straight stitch about 1/4″ from the edge all the way around. Then go around the outside again using a zigzag stitch and encasing the raw edges.
* Attaching the soaker pad to the diaper:
Center and pin each soaker pad to the wrong side of one piece of flannel. Stitch down each side of the pad to secure it.
Sewing the diaper -
Put the two layers of diaper right sides together and stitch all the way around, leaving open between markings for turning. Clip corners and turn right side out, pressing corners out well. Topstitch around the entire diaper. When you get to the opening, just tuck the edges inside and keep right on sewing. Then stitch the soaker pad again on the same lines you used before to secure through all thicknesses and give a finished look.
So do you REALLY need newborn prefolds? Well, yes and no. There’s nothing worse than trying to make a huge diaper fit a tiny newborn. Making the special sized diapers might not seem like a great idea at first but later on, they can be folded into thirds and used as diaper doublers for your older baby overnight.
Prefolds are my favorite type of diaper out there. They are so versatile and there is something to be said for that feeling you get when you are pinning that dipe … like millions of women throughout time have done this before you. Silly I know but that’s the feeling I get … sort of empowering :o ). Wanna make your own? Great!!
Procedure -
* Wash and dry all fabric to be used. One yard of 45″wide flannel will make approximately 2 regular sized diapers.
* Cutting -
Cut 2 rectangles in the following measurements for the diaper:
11 1/2″ by 14 1/2″ for newborn to 6 months
13 1/2″ by 18 1/2″ for 6 months to 2 years
15 1/2″ by 21 1/2″ for toddler size
Cut six pieces in the following measurements for the soaker pad:
4″ by 13 1/2″ for newborn to 6 months
5″ by 17 1/2″ for 6 months to 2 years
6″ by 20 1/2″ for toddler size
Preparing the soaker pad:
Stack all the layers of the soaker pad together and straight stitch about 1/4″ from the edge all the way around. Then go around the outside again using a zigzag stitch and encasing the raw edges.
* Attaching the soaker pad to the diaper:
Center and pin each soaker pad to the wrong side of one piece of flannel. Stitch down each side of the pad to secure it.
Sewing the diaper -
Put the two layers of diaper right sides together and stitch all the way around, leaving open between markings for turning. Clip corners and turn right side out, pressing corners out well. Topstitch around the entire diaper. When you get to the opening, just tuck the edges inside and keep right on sewing. Then stitch the soaker pad again on the same lines you used before to secure through all thicknesses and give a finished look.
So do you REALLY need newborn prefolds? Well, yes and no. There’s nothing worse than trying to make a huge diaper fit a tiny newborn. Making the special sized diapers might not seem like a great idea at first but later on, they can be folded into thirds and used as diaper doublers for your older baby overnight.
Save on Parenthood: Skip These Baby Gear Money Traps
For every must-have baby item, there are seven more you absolutely, without a doubt, DO NOT NEED. I’m talking about products that prey upon parents who want the best for their child or scare them into thinking that without it, their child is in grave physical danger. I’d list all these bogus money suckers, but it’s almost dinner time. Here are the 15 worst offenders, culled from interviews with experts, moms, and my own old fashioned common sense.
Infrared baby monitors – These monitors not only let you spy on your kid while they’re sleeping (or refusing to sleep), they scan the room for intruders. Relevant for families living in…Baghdad? Come on. You can figure out from a standard baby monitor – or even your own ears - if your infant is asleep, safe and sound.
Bed in a bag – Also known as, junk your baby doesn’t need. Chains push these sets, which typically contain a bumper pad, dust ruffle, and quilt. “These are things that you are not supposed to put in the crib or they are superfluous,” said Alan Fields, co-author of “Baby Bargains.” “The bottom line is all your baby needs is a [fitted] sheet.” Zip your infant into a wearable blanket, like a Halo Sleepsack, and the kid is good to go.
Convertible cribs – Sounds like a money saver, right? But many convertibles transform into a full or queen bed that may not fit in your child’s bedroom. Instead, buy a new or used crib and swap it for a twin bed when the time comes.
Diaper wipe warmer - Fields makes two concessions where this product might have a true need: parents who live in Maine or North Dakota. Otherwise, your kid can deal with cool wipes on their bum.
Bottle sterilizers - “A lot of these sterilization products prey upon a parent’s germ fears,” Fields said. But bottles don’t have to be sterilized because you know what? Your baby isn’t sterile. Your home isn’t sterile. And you aren’t sterile. Germs can be good, people!
Baby videos - “There is a whole range of DVD series that imply they will make your child smarter, when in fact, there is absolutely noevidence that children under 30 months learn from video or TV,” raves Josh Golin, associate director at Campaign for a Commercial-FreeChildhood. The problem is that there is no standard for what makes a toy educational, Golin said. What kids learn from is interacting with their parents, exploring the world around them, even playing with household objects. Who hasn’t seen a child squeal with delight when handed a wooden spoon? Mesmerizing does not equal educational.
Vinci tablet – Beyond smartphone apps for babies is an entire tablet designed for tots. Dubbed a “learning system” that will “inspire the genius,” and which guilt-trips parents into doing “the best today, to be in the best place for tomorrow,” the Vinci device is particularly heinous. The basic model retails for, excuse me? What? Some idiot is going to pay $389 so their mini-me can slobber on a glorified iPod?
Baby knee pads – “I think children can crawl without being in grave danger of serious injury,” quips Lenore Skenazy, author of “Free Range Kids.” But what if my precious scrapes her knee? She could BLEED!
Color changing spoons – These plastic spoons change color to alert you, the helpless naif, that the baby food you are about to force downyour child’s throat is hot. Hot! Save your cash and make a guinea pig out of your pinky.
Thudguard – This helmet is designed for an extremely dangerous activity: walking. That’s right. For $42.95, teach your toddler that what they instinctively want to do is an activity best left to Hollywood stuntmen. Because traumatic brain injury from learning to walk is on the rise. Oh, and pigs can fly.
Walking wings - A marionette-type contraction that let’s you hold up your tot so they can learn to walk more easily. Babies R Us sells a version called the Walking Assistant for $25. With your constant aid, baby will take longer to walk on their own and you’ll have a constant backache.
Baby TV – The BabyFirst TV network promises round-the-clock shows geared for your baby, including Early Bloomers, Breakfast Club, and Baby First Bedtime, for $4.99 a month. That adds up to $59.88 a year. ”It’s totally unnecessary,” said Fields of Baby Bargains. “Babies should not even be watching TV until age 2. It doens’t help their development.”
Baby perfume – Spritz Burberry Baby Touch eau de toilette on your infant and she won’t scare friends and family away with her dirty diapers. Amazon sells a 3.3 ounce bottle for $31.90.
Baby food processors – These miniature food processors appeal to parents with crack pot dreams of making their own baby food, like me. ”The problem is that babies only eat baby food for a very short period of time, roughly six months to a year,” Fields said. Then they can basically eat what you eat, as long as it’s cut into baby sized bites. If you already have a food processor, no need to spend money on a pint-sized one. If you don’t own a food processor, buy a real one that you can use for years.
Baby gates – Plastic barriers are marketed to two groups: baby parents and pet parents. Guess what? It’s the same darn gate, but the pets ones are cheaper.
Infrared baby monitors – These monitors not only let you spy on your kid while they’re sleeping (or refusing to sleep), they scan the room for intruders. Relevant for families living in…Baghdad? Come on. You can figure out from a standard baby monitor – or even your own ears - if your infant is asleep, safe and sound.
Bed in a bag – Also known as, junk your baby doesn’t need. Chains push these sets, which typically contain a bumper pad, dust ruffle, and quilt. “These are things that you are not supposed to put in the crib or they are superfluous,” said Alan Fields, co-author of “Baby Bargains.” “The bottom line is all your baby needs is a [fitted] sheet.” Zip your infant into a wearable blanket, like a Halo Sleepsack, and the kid is good to go.
Convertible cribs – Sounds like a money saver, right? But many convertibles transform into a full or queen bed that may not fit in your child’s bedroom. Instead, buy a new or used crib and swap it for a twin bed when the time comes.
Diaper wipe warmer - Fields makes two concessions where this product might have a true need: parents who live in Maine or North Dakota. Otherwise, your kid can deal with cool wipes on their bum.
Bottle sterilizers - “A lot of these sterilization products prey upon a parent’s germ fears,” Fields said. But bottles don’t have to be sterilized because you know what? Your baby isn’t sterile. Your home isn’t sterile. And you aren’t sterile. Germs can be good, people!
Baby videos - “There is a whole range of DVD series that imply they will make your child smarter, when in fact, there is absolutely noevidence that children under 30 months learn from video or TV,” raves Josh Golin, associate director at Campaign for a Commercial-FreeChildhood. The problem is that there is no standard for what makes a toy educational, Golin said. What kids learn from is interacting with their parents, exploring the world around them, even playing with household objects. Who hasn’t seen a child squeal with delight when handed a wooden spoon? Mesmerizing does not equal educational.
Vinci tablet – Beyond smartphone apps for babies is an entire tablet designed for tots. Dubbed a “learning system” that will “inspire the genius,” and which guilt-trips parents into doing “the best today, to be in the best place for tomorrow,” the Vinci device is particularly heinous. The basic model retails for, excuse me? What? Some idiot is going to pay $389 so their mini-me can slobber on a glorified iPod?
Baby knee pads – “I think children can crawl without being in grave danger of serious injury,” quips Lenore Skenazy, author of “Free Range Kids.” But what if my precious scrapes her knee? She could BLEED!
Color changing spoons – These plastic spoons change color to alert you, the helpless naif, that the baby food you are about to force downyour child’s throat is hot. Hot! Save your cash and make a guinea pig out of your pinky.
Thudguard – This helmet is designed for an extremely dangerous activity: walking. That’s right. For $42.95, teach your toddler that what they instinctively want to do is an activity best left to Hollywood stuntmen. Because traumatic brain injury from learning to walk is on the rise. Oh, and pigs can fly.
Walking wings - A marionette-type contraction that let’s you hold up your tot so they can learn to walk more easily. Babies R Us sells a version called the Walking Assistant for $25. With your constant aid, baby will take longer to walk on their own and you’ll have a constant backache.
Baby TV – The BabyFirst TV network promises round-the-clock shows geared for your baby, including Early Bloomers, Breakfast Club, and Baby First Bedtime, for $4.99 a month. That adds up to $59.88 a year. ”It’s totally unnecessary,” said Fields of Baby Bargains. “Babies should not even be watching TV until age 2. It doens’t help their development.”
Baby perfume – Spritz Burberry Baby Touch eau de toilette on your infant and she won’t scare friends and family away with her dirty diapers. Amazon sells a 3.3 ounce bottle for $31.90.
Baby food processors – These miniature food processors appeal to parents with crack pot dreams of making their own baby food, like me. ”The problem is that babies only eat baby food for a very short period of time, roughly six months to a year,” Fields said. Then they can basically eat what you eat, as long as it’s cut into baby sized bites. If you already have a food processor, no need to spend money on a pint-sized one. If you don’t own a food processor, buy a real one that you can use for years.
Baby gates – Plastic barriers are marketed to two groups: baby parents and pet parents. Guess what? It’s the same darn gate, but the pets ones are cheaper.
Tips for Saving Money on Baby Gear
everything you need for your baby.
Consider the usefulness of each item. How much will you really use it? How long will it be used? Some things are used for a very short period of time. You may not need all the gear that is recommended. Spend your money on things you will use often and save the money on the less useful items. If you are a first time mother, ask friends which things were most useful.
Consider your needs vs. your wants. Make a master list of the baby gear you think you'll need. Then break the master list into two separate lists. Make one list of the things you really need and put your wants on another list. Get what you really need first and then prioritize the wants list in the order in which you want each item.
Make two lists even if you are registering for a baby shower. Register first for the things you really need and then add your wants in the order you want them. If you have too many items on your registry, you could end up not getting what you really need.
You may be able to borrow some items from friends or family members. This is a good idea for items you may not use for very long. My sister in law and I shared some baby items, such as bouncy chairs, exersaucers, portable swing and a sling. This can really save money. We do the same thing with maternity and baby clothes. If you borrow an item, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to see if there has been a recall on the item.
Don't spend a fortune on newborn clothes while you are pregnant. Babies grow really fast and will soon out grow the newborn sizes. Some big babies never wear newborn clothes. If you get a lot of newborn clothes at your shower, keep the tags on them until after the baby is born. If you have too many or have a large baby, you can exchange some of the clothes for a larger size.
Spend your money on the basics, such as sleepers and onesies. Get a few outfits for wearing home from the hospital or a special occasion. Wait until after the baby is born before buying a lot of clothing. Shop at consignment shops to save money on baby clothing. You will find nice gently used outfits and even some with the tags still on. This is because other people made the mistake of buying too much. Learn from the mistakes of others and save money.
Consider the usefulness of each item. How much will you really use it? How long will it be used? Some things are used for a very short period of time. You may not need all the gear that is recommended. Spend your money on things you will use often and save the money on the less useful items. If you are a first time mother, ask friends which things were most useful.
Consider your needs vs. your wants. Make a master list of the baby gear you think you'll need. Then break the master list into two separate lists. Make one list of the things you really need and put your wants on another list. Get what you really need first and then prioritize the wants list in the order in which you want each item.
Make two lists even if you are registering for a baby shower. Register first for the things you really need and then add your wants in the order you want them. If you have too many items on your registry, you could end up not getting what you really need.
You may be able to borrow some items from friends or family members. This is a good idea for items you may not use for very long. My sister in law and I shared some baby items, such as bouncy chairs, exersaucers, portable swing and a sling. This can really save money. We do the same thing with maternity and baby clothes. If you borrow an item, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to see if there has been a recall on the item.
Don't spend a fortune on newborn clothes while you are pregnant. Babies grow really fast and will soon out grow the newborn sizes. Some big babies never wear newborn clothes. If you get a lot of newborn clothes at your shower, keep the tags on them until after the baby is born. If you have too many or have a large baby, you can exchange some of the clothes for a larger size.
Spend your money on the basics, such as sleepers and onesies. Get a few outfits for wearing home from the hospital or a special occasion. Wait until after the baby is born before buying a lot of clothing. Shop at consignment shops to save money on baby clothing. You will find nice gently used outfits and even some with the tags still on. This is because other people made the mistake of buying too much. Learn from the mistakes of others and save money.
Saving Money on Baby Expenses
Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you go into Babies R Us and are bombarded by all the millions of baby items they carry. The first time I went in our local store, I almost had a panic attack. There’s no way we can afford all of these things that we supposedly need for a baby! Thankfully, after I left the store I sat down and thought about what a baby will actually need according to my standards. I don’t want to have 50 baby things, or a million plastic made in China toys for my kid. We sway to the side of minimalism, and while I know I won’t be able to limit everything that makes its way into my house, I can do my best to make sure I have things I need and use for the baby. Here are some of the ways we’re going to save money on baby expenses:
-Breastfeed. I’m going to do my best to breastfeed, and I plan on doing everything in my power to make it to at least a year. Breastfeeding is so much better for the baby, natural, and will save us tons of money versus buying formula. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
-Cloth diapering. We received a pack of newborn disposable diapers for our shower, and after those are gone, I plan on starting to cloth diaper.
-Not buying a bunch of crap. My co workers keep telling me that I need to register for more stuff; that I’ll regret not having the swing and the bouncer and whatever other gadgets they think I need. We’re trying to get items that do double duty; for instance we received a swing that is full size and travel size and I think that will work just fine instead of having a bouncer too.
-Buying second hand clothes. My mother went nuts over the past 7 months, purchasing baby clothes and burp cloths and basically any other item she thought I would need. This has saved us a ton of money already! The baby has a gender neutral wardrobe with items ranging from newborn to 1 year already. I’m sure we’ll have to buy more clothes, but I know we’ll be able to get them second hand.
-Remembering the store will still be there. It’s hard for me when I think I don’t have enough things ready for the baby, but I think we’ve got the essentials so far. Plus, the store is going to be there after the baby is born! If we need extra burp cloths or receiving blankets, we can always make a trip to the store. I’d rather do that than have things on hand that we don’t use and then we’ve wasted money on.
I’m trying to relax and realize that babies don’t need much other than a warm place to sleep, food, and diapers. Really, when you think about it- that’s it! That makes me feel better and more confident that we’ll be able to raise our child with respect to our budget and the planet.
-Breastfeed. I’m going to do my best to breastfeed, and I plan on doing everything in my power to make it to at least a year. Breastfeeding is so much better for the baby, natural, and will save us tons of money versus buying formula. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
-Cloth diapering. We received a pack of newborn disposable diapers for our shower, and after those are gone, I plan on starting to cloth diaper.
-Not buying a bunch of crap. My co workers keep telling me that I need to register for more stuff; that I’ll regret not having the swing and the bouncer and whatever other gadgets they think I need. We’re trying to get items that do double duty; for instance we received a swing that is full size and travel size and I think that will work just fine instead of having a bouncer too.
-Buying second hand clothes. My mother went nuts over the past 7 months, purchasing baby clothes and burp cloths and basically any other item she thought I would need. This has saved us a ton of money already! The baby has a gender neutral wardrobe with items ranging from newborn to 1 year already. I’m sure we’ll have to buy more clothes, but I know we’ll be able to get them second hand.
-Remembering the store will still be there. It’s hard for me when I think I don’t have enough things ready for the baby, but I think we’ve got the essentials so far. Plus, the store is going to be there after the baby is born! If we need extra burp cloths or receiving blankets, we can always make a trip to the store. I’d rather do that than have things on hand that we don’t use and then we’ve wasted money on.
I’m trying to relax and realize that babies don’t need much other than a warm place to sleep, food, and diapers. Really, when you think about it- that’s it! That makes me feel better and more confident that we’ll be able to raise our child with respect to our budget and the planet.
How to Save Money Dining Out or Eating In
Whether you’re dining out or eating in, it can be an expensive experience for any family.
Lucky for us (and you!), she’s sharing some of her money-saving tips.
Check them out below:
Snag Coupons at Daily Deal Sites. Before you head out, check sites like Groupon and Eversave for coupons in your local area that can save you 50 percent or more on restaurants.
Sign Up for Text Alerts. Many local restaurants now promote through text alerts, allowing patrons the benefit of special discount offers. One of my favorite eateries just texted me a coupon for $4 off a $10 order. That’s a savings of 40 percent!
Take Advantage of Kids Eat Free. Restaurants are starting to cater to parents’ needs by offering days when Kids Eat Free. Usually, this deal allows for two free kids’ meals with the purchase of one adult entrée. Plan a family night combining a Kids Eat Free deal with a Groupon or Eversave deal and you will save big!
Stock Ahead. When your favorite items go on sale at the grocery, buy enough to get you through until the next sales cycle (3-4 months). For example, if peanut butter is on sale for $1 each, buy enough to keep your family supplied for the next few months.
Pair Coupons with Sale Items. Saving money using coupons hinges on pairing the coupons with items that are on sale. Otherwise, buying store brands will be your best deal. At Faithful Provisions, we match the store deals with available coupons, making it easy for you to save more money.
Lucky for us (and you!), she’s sharing some of her money-saving tips.
Check them out below:
Snag Coupons at Daily Deal Sites. Before you head out, check sites like Groupon and Eversave for coupons in your local area that can save you 50 percent or more on restaurants.
Sign Up for Text Alerts. Many local restaurants now promote through text alerts, allowing patrons the benefit of special discount offers. One of my favorite eateries just texted me a coupon for $4 off a $10 order. That’s a savings of 40 percent!
Take Advantage of Kids Eat Free. Restaurants are starting to cater to parents’ needs by offering days when Kids Eat Free. Usually, this deal allows for two free kids’ meals with the purchase of one adult entrée. Plan a family night combining a Kids Eat Free deal with a Groupon or Eversave deal and you will save big!
Stock Ahead. When your favorite items go on sale at the grocery, buy enough to get you through until the next sales cycle (3-4 months). For example, if peanut butter is on sale for $1 each, buy enough to keep your family supplied for the next few months.
Pair Coupons with Sale Items. Saving money using coupons hinges on pairing the coupons with items that are on sale. Otherwise, buying store brands will be your best deal. At Faithful Provisions, we match the store deals with available coupons, making it easy for you to save more money.
Feb 9, 2012
Eight Ways to Save Money on a Cheap Wedding
Many couples who ask for a cheap wedding are on a budget. They are not stingy, just practical. Anyway, It's not what you spend that makes your wedding special. It's the happiness you share with your guests. Stay within your budget, and save money with these useful tips for a cheap wedding.
- Invite to the wedding only the most important people in your life, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and close friends. With a small guest list, you can hold the wedding and reception in a smaller venue. Caterers quote the cost of food on a per plate basis, as much as $25 or $50 per guest. So with a small wedding you have big savings.
- Choose a place for the wedding that isn't in the wedding business. Consider a neighborhood park, a museum, the church auditorium, a historic house, or a recreation center as your wedding site. Did you know that hotels and restaurants charge a thousand dollars or more just for the room? Then they insist that you use their own caterers and their liquor. Naturally, the prices are outrageous. Make sure your wedding location allows you to bring your own food and beverages, and doesn't charge extra for the privilege.
- Save money on the reception food. Ask your favorite local restaurant to cater the event. The charge for food could be as cheap as $10 a head. You already know their food and the menu choices. The restaurant can provide china, glasses, silverware and linens without any extra fuss. Serve the meal buffet style, so you don't need servers. Wedding guests will enjoy mixing and mingling around the buffet table, too.
- Save money on the wedding cake. If you order a tiered wedding cake from a bakery, the cost starts at several thousand dollars, and goes up. Instead, order simple layer cakes, and decorate them with ribbon and flowers. Think about alternatives to a big wedding cake. Would you enjoy frozen ice cream cakes for the wedding? Perhaps someone in the family will bake and decorate cupcakes. A tiered cupcake stand makes a charming display. Big box membership stores and supermarkets also have wedding cakes for sale.
- Save money on the beverages. Serve only beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages at your cheap wedding reception. For a champagne toast, use a modest brand of bubbly, and buy only just enough for one glass per guest.
- Save money on the entertainment at the reception. A live band is expensive and even a lone disc jockey will charge at least $500 for the occasion. Provide the music yourself with a mix tape of your favorites, or purchase a cd collection of popular wedding music.
- Save money on wedding flowers. Fresh flowers are always beautiful, but they are expensive. You could mix silk flowers with some fresh flowers, and no one would ever know the difference. You can also save money by getting flower arrangements from the local supermarket. For table centerpieces at the reception, use inexpensive live plants, which will make lovely favors for the guests to take home.
- Decorate simply. Strings of white lights put everyone in a festive mood. Banners, ribbons, balloons and family portraits don't cost much. Guests may enjoy seeing family pictures of the bride and groom projected on the wall, like a movie. To cover the tables, use colorful fabric yardage from the fabric shop.
Save Money With Cheap Wedding Favors
Nowadays, planning a wedding can cost a fortune. Luckily, there are some ways that can help you save a sum, one of which is to buy cheap wedding favors. However, this doesn't mean that you will end up giving unappealing giveaways to the guests. Rather with just a bit creativity and imagination, you will be able to distribute memorable wedding favors, without breaking your bank.
Regardless of what type of wedding you want to have, it is a good gesture to give wedding favors to your guests. Though it is not mandatory, but you can easily thank your family and friends by doing it. Also, since rarely does someone come in the wedding without something for the couple, a wedding favor can make a thoughtful present to show appreciation to those who took effort of providing gifts for the couple. If you have a long list of people to attend, then wedding favors can get very expensive, which is why you might likely look for cheap favor ideas that look great.
Presentation is always a plus. If you'll be able to make the cheap item look good, no will notice that it was bought in a cheap price. Just be creative with your choice. There are lots of inexpensive items you can find at dollar stores, wholesale stores, clearance sections, and stores online. Purchase in bulk so you can get a good discount from a wholesale dealer. Anything from candies, candles, to soaps and other novelty items can be ordered in a big volume. Basically, what you will need to have for these novelty items are beautiful wrappers or containers to package them. Favor bags, boxes, tins, mason jars, and little baskets come in many different styles and at different cheap prices. You can also purchase them in bulk quantity at your local craft store or online. Some couples have used these little containers for their candy, chocolates, cookies, cupcakes, almonds, mints, or even honey or jam favors. They can also be personalized with printed tags, stickers, labels, or custom ribbons.
Given that you'd like to purchase favor boxes, keep in mind that there are elaborated boxes that cost high than what you expect from a simple favor box. Little boxes shaped like a wedding cake or bridal gown are obviously nice, but what you really want are those that fit your budget.
Another way to save money with cheap wedding favors is look for inexpensive items that can double as table decors. Meaning, if you already found them, you don't have to spend another amount to decorate the reception, as favors are enough to create an appealing look on each place setting.
Shop online if you really want inexpensive favors in no time. Anytime of the day, you are free to browse the Internet and visit websites that specialize on weddings and wedding supplies. What makes shopping online economical than the traditional shopping we normally do is that online stores price their products cheaper unlike local vendors. Their reason is they don't have too many overhead expenses, like rental fees and they don't have too many staff compensate. Online wedding stores can offer almost everything that a wedding will need, from bridal gowns, tuxedos and bridal accessories, unity candles and other important wedding ceremony accessories, to reception supplies, wedding favors and a lot more.
Regardless of what type of wedding you want to have, it is a good gesture to give wedding favors to your guests. Though it is not mandatory, but you can easily thank your family and friends by doing it. Also, since rarely does someone come in the wedding without something for the couple, a wedding favor can make a thoughtful present to show appreciation to those who took effort of providing gifts for the couple. If you have a long list of people to attend, then wedding favors can get very expensive, which is why you might likely look for cheap favor ideas that look great.
Presentation is always a plus. If you'll be able to make the cheap item look good, no will notice that it was bought in a cheap price. Just be creative with your choice. There are lots of inexpensive items you can find at dollar stores, wholesale stores, clearance sections, and stores online. Purchase in bulk so you can get a good discount from a wholesale dealer. Anything from candies, candles, to soaps and other novelty items can be ordered in a big volume. Basically, what you will need to have for these novelty items are beautiful wrappers or containers to package them. Favor bags, boxes, tins, mason jars, and little baskets come in many different styles and at different cheap prices. You can also purchase them in bulk quantity at your local craft store or online. Some couples have used these little containers for their candy, chocolates, cookies, cupcakes, almonds, mints, or even honey or jam favors. They can also be personalized with printed tags, stickers, labels, or custom ribbons.
Given that you'd like to purchase favor boxes, keep in mind that there are elaborated boxes that cost high than what you expect from a simple favor box. Little boxes shaped like a wedding cake or bridal gown are obviously nice, but what you really want are those that fit your budget.
Another way to save money with cheap wedding favors is look for inexpensive items that can double as table decors. Meaning, if you already found them, you don't have to spend another amount to decorate the reception, as favors are enough to create an appealing look on each place setting.
Shop online if you really want inexpensive favors in no time. Anytime of the day, you are free to browse the Internet and visit websites that specialize on weddings and wedding supplies. What makes shopping online economical than the traditional shopping we normally do is that online stores price their products cheaper unlike local vendors. Their reason is they don't have too many overhead expenses, like rental fees and they don't have too many staff compensate. Online wedding stores can offer almost everything that a wedding will need, from bridal gowns, tuxedos and bridal accessories, unity candles and other important wedding ceremony accessories, to reception supplies, wedding favors and a lot more.
Cheap Vegas Wedding For Valentine's Day - 3 Tips For Saving Money
When planning a Las Vegas wedding for Valentine's Day, it's important to get everything right so you can have exactly the kind of wedding you want to have. But, that being said, it's also critical to think about saving money so you can do it on the cheap without being cheesy. Valentine's Day is a special day on the calendar and a very popular time for weddings anywhere, including Las Vegas Nevada.
Valentine's Day in Las Vegas is unlike any other holiday. As Vegas.com reports, "A huge number of people flock to Vegas every Valentine's Day to get married, so booking a chapel might be a challenge." It's no surprise since February 14th inspires so much romance in the hearts of many young couples eager to make their vows to one another.
Unlike other holidays like New Years Eve when the parties are raging non-stop in Vegas, Saint Valentine's Day in mid-February is more inclined towards couples flocking to Vegas to get married, honeymoon, or just enjoy a relaxing couples spa vacation weekend.
This article will offer some insider tips on how to have a great wedding in Las Vegas on this early-year romance-filled without breaking the bank!
Tip #1 -- Find an Inexpensive Location
When tallying up your costs for a wedding, the first item that will surely eat up a lot of your budget is the location. Now I do realize that a lot of this depends on how many people you'll invite (if any at all) and a host of other considerations. But if you can find a location with a special Valentine's Day discount offer, you're going to be much more successful keeping your costs down. Feb 14 locations, again, can be tough to find because of the competition for this heart-filled weekend.
Tip #2 -- Plan Your Travel In Advance
Chances are good that you don't live in Las Vegas, NV. And if you're inviting guests, they probably don't either. Valentines Day is not exactly the most popular travel weekend, but it is a holiday when couples get together to celebrate their romance and singles look for party destinations to meet other singles. Check out travel rates before you plan your Vegas wedding and you're bound to save some serious cash.
Tip #3 -- Throw in a Vegas Valentine's Honeymoon
One of the great things about getting married in Las Vegas is the spectacular and seemingly endless options for an instant honeymoon. I want to strongly suggest that you do a 2-for-1 kind of arrangement so as soon as you and your spouse have tied the knot you can get right to the partying, celebrating, and relaxing. Valentine's Day weekend is a good time to do this since you'll already be on holiday and the hearts and romance will be in the air. The good news is that many restaurants in Las Vegas will typically offer 2-for-1 "Romantic Dinner Specials" for couples to celebrate this specific romantic holiday. Think candle-lit dinners with champagne and delicious chocolate desserts. Cupid would be proud.
When you're preparing for a cheap Vegas Valentine's Day wedding you need to be very mindful of what makes Las Vegas different on February 14 from all other days of the year. Be aware of the calendar of events occurring in and around The Vegas Strip area. Since this holiday occurs fairly early in the year you can look for events that might help you save money. Many hotels, restaurants, and casinos will be looking to offer you their exclusive deals.
*Mandalay Bay Hotel, for example, typically runs a V-Day discounted suite special for couples to enjoy.
*The Wynn recently offered some impressive Feb 14 holiday weekend specials including a special "Spa Day for Him and Her."
*Caesar's Palace is well known for offering special deals to romance-goers exclusive to the Val Day weekend.
*The Monte Carlo also typically offers dinner-and-romance coupons for couples who love to gamble.
The most important thing to remember when planning your Valentine's Day Wedding in famous Las Vegas, Nevada is to make it really count for you and your spouse. If you are the bride, be sure to take your time preparing for your special day. Your groom and all of your guests will appreciate all of your efforts.
Valentine's Day in Las Vegas is unlike any other holiday. As Vegas.com reports, "A huge number of people flock to Vegas every Valentine's Day to get married, so booking a chapel might be a challenge." It's no surprise since February 14th inspires so much romance in the hearts of many young couples eager to make their vows to one another.
Unlike other holidays like New Years Eve when the parties are raging non-stop in Vegas, Saint Valentine's Day in mid-February is more inclined towards couples flocking to Vegas to get married, honeymoon, or just enjoy a relaxing couples spa vacation weekend.
This article will offer some insider tips on how to have a great wedding in Las Vegas on this early-year romance-filled without breaking the bank!
Tip #1 -- Find an Inexpensive Location
When tallying up your costs for a wedding, the first item that will surely eat up a lot of your budget is the location. Now I do realize that a lot of this depends on how many people you'll invite (if any at all) and a host of other considerations. But if you can find a location with a special Valentine's Day discount offer, you're going to be much more successful keeping your costs down. Feb 14 locations, again, can be tough to find because of the competition for this heart-filled weekend.
Tip #2 -- Plan Your Travel In Advance
Chances are good that you don't live in Las Vegas, NV. And if you're inviting guests, they probably don't either. Valentines Day is not exactly the most popular travel weekend, but it is a holiday when couples get together to celebrate their romance and singles look for party destinations to meet other singles. Check out travel rates before you plan your Vegas wedding and you're bound to save some serious cash.
Tip #3 -- Throw in a Vegas Valentine's Honeymoon
One of the great things about getting married in Las Vegas is the spectacular and seemingly endless options for an instant honeymoon. I want to strongly suggest that you do a 2-for-1 kind of arrangement so as soon as you and your spouse have tied the knot you can get right to the partying, celebrating, and relaxing. Valentine's Day weekend is a good time to do this since you'll already be on holiday and the hearts and romance will be in the air. The good news is that many restaurants in Las Vegas will typically offer 2-for-1 "Romantic Dinner Specials" for couples to celebrate this specific romantic holiday. Think candle-lit dinners with champagne and delicious chocolate desserts. Cupid would be proud.
When you're preparing for a cheap Vegas Valentine's Day wedding you need to be very mindful of what makes Las Vegas different on February 14 from all other days of the year. Be aware of the calendar of events occurring in and around The Vegas Strip area. Since this holiday occurs fairly early in the year you can look for events that might help you save money. Many hotels, restaurants, and casinos will be looking to offer you their exclusive deals.
*Mandalay Bay Hotel, for example, typically runs a V-Day discounted suite special for couples to enjoy.
*The Wynn recently offered some impressive Feb 14 holiday weekend specials including a special "Spa Day for Him and Her."
*Caesar's Palace is well known for offering special deals to romance-goers exclusive to the Val Day weekend.
*The Monte Carlo also typically offers dinner-and-romance coupons for couples who love to gamble.
The most important thing to remember when planning your Valentine's Day Wedding in famous Las Vegas, Nevada is to make it really count for you and your spouse. If you are the bride, be sure to take your time preparing for your special day. Your groom and all of your guests will appreciate all of your efforts.
Cheap Wedding Invitations - Saving Money Without Sacrificing Style!
Cheap wedding invitations do not have to look cheap!
Wedding invitations can be one of the most expensive pieces of your wedding budget, but also one of the most important. The wedding invitation is the first clue that your friends and family receive about the style and tone of your wedding.
A great invitation is the first step to setting the stage for a beautiful day that everyone will remember. Unfortunately, too many brides try to skimp on their wedding invitations and make mistakes that leave them with invitations that they would rather forget!
You can save big money and still end up with invitations that you can be proud of by following these few simple strategies:
Stay flexible - Too many brides get tunnel vision when they shop for \invitations. They find "the one" design and nothing else will do. This type of pickiness is a good thing when choosing a mate, but not such a good thing when trying to get the best deal on invitations!
By staying flexible, you can save hundreds of dollars. The key is to find a general category of invitation style that you prefer and then shop for the best deal within that style. Be willing to accept slight differences in style and you will be rewarded with big savings!
Know your options - Now, more than ever, you have an amazing variety of ordering choices available to you. The old days of having to visit your local printer and spending hours looking through their catalogs are long gone. You now have the option of ordering online, shopping at major retail stores, utilizing national copy chains and, of course, still visiting your local printer.
Leveraging all these resources is the best strategy for saving money on your wedding invitations. You'd be surprised at how different the pricing can be on the very same invitation, at different companies. Only by spending the time to shop all the different invitation outlets, will you be sure you are getting the absolute best deal!
Be prepared - Once you've done your research, the next step is to organize the final details of your invitations. Make sure you calculate exactly how many invites you'll need, what the wording should say, etc. By being prepared, you'll avoid the "budget creep" that causes so many brides to go over budget!
Wedding invitations can be one of the most expensive pieces of your wedding budget, but also one of the most important. The wedding invitation is the first clue that your friends and family receive about the style and tone of your wedding.
A great invitation is the first step to setting the stage for a beautiful day that everyone will remember. Unfortunately, too many brides try to skimp on their wedding invitations and make mistakes that leave them with invitations that they would rather forget!
You can save big money and still end up with invitations that you can be proud of by following these few simple strategies:
Stay flexible - Too many brides get tunnel vision when they shop for \invitations. They find "the one" design and nothing else will do. This type of pickiness is a good thing when choosing a mate, but not such a good thing when trying to get the best deal on invitations!
By staying flexible, you can save hundreds of dollars. The key is to find a general category of invitation style that you prefer and then shop for the best deal within that style. Be willing to accept slight differences in style and you will be rewarded with big savings!
Know your options - Now, more than ever, you have an amazing variety of ordering choices available to you. The old days of having to visit your local printer and spending hours looking through their catalogs are long gone. You now have the option of ordering online, shopping at major retail stores, utilizing national copy chains and, of course, still visiting your local printer.
Leveraging all these resources is the best strategy for saving money on your wedding invitations. You'd be surprised at how different the pricing can be on the very same invitation, at different companies. Only by spending the time to shop all the different invitation outlets, will you be sure you are getting the absolute best deal!
Be prepared - Once you've done your research, the next step is to organize the final details of your invitations. Make sure you calculate exactly how many invites you'll need, what the wording should say, etc. By being prepared, you'll avoid the "budget creep" that causes so many brides to go over budget!
How to Save Money on Your Wedding
Cheap wedding decorations and accessories can be just as nice as more expensive ones. A perfect wedding doesn't have to be extravagant. You can keep it simple, yet memorable. Don't worry if you don't have very much money. Just read these tips to learn how to plan an affordable wedding.
How can you have the wedding of your dreams and still save money at the same time? Even if you don't have much to spend, you can still throw a wonderful celebration. There are some cheap wedding solutions for couples on a budget - especially if you plan on getting married during an "off" month. January through March is a very affordable time to get married, since many vendors have their winter seasonal sales. You can also find musicians and DJs that charge less during these months.
Don't automatically assume that supplying your own tables, chairs, china, tents etc. will be cheap. Sometimes venues offer everything you need at an affordable price. Just check with different sites around your community to find out how much it would cost to rent everything. While you're at it, you can scale back on the flowers and decorations. Sometimes simple is better, anyway.
Speaking of decorations, they don't have to be expensive. You can buy them wholesale or make your own. There are plenty of DIY guides for cheap wedding crafts online. You can: make gel candles, decorate flower pots, centerpieces, place card holders, and so forth. You can also make the favors yourself if you want to give your guests something that's truly from the heart.
Carefully consider the menu. Will it be cheaper to offer a buffet or hire a caterer? Could you cook some of the food yourself? A dinner menu, appetizer, salad, and cake should be plenty enough. You can also keep cocktails and appetizers simple. All you really need is enough food and drinks for everybody to have one serving.
Look online for cheap wedding discounts on dresses, tuxes, favors, and decorations. You can save money if you order items wholesale on the internet. Sometimes stores will sell overstocked items through their websites at inexpensive prices just to get rid of them. You don't have to compromise on quality if you order wholesale or overstocked items - you can still have a cheap wedding with nice accessories and decorations.
How can you have the wedding of your dreams and still save money at the same time? Even if you don't have much to spend, you can still throw a wonderful celebration. There are some cheap wedding solutions for couples on a budget - especially if you plan on getting married during an "off" month. January through March is a very affordable time to get married, since many vendors have their winter seasonal sales. You can also find musicians and DJs that charge less during these months.
Don't automatically assume that supplying your own tables, chairs, china, tents etc. will be cheap. Sometimes venues offer everything you need at an affordable price. Just check with different sites around your community to find out how much it would cost to rent everything. While you're at it, you can scale back on the flowers and decorations. Sometimes simple is better, anyway.
Speaking of decorations, they don't have to be expensive. You can buy them wholesale or make your own. There are plenty of DIY guides for cheap wedding crafts online. You can: make gel candles, decorate flower pots, centerpieces, place card holders, and so forth. You can also make the favors yourself if you want to give your guests something that's truly from the heart.
Carefully consider the menu. Will it be cheaper to offer a buffet or hire a caterer? Could you cook some of the food yourself? A dinner menu, appetizer, salad, and cake should be plenty enough. You can also keep cocktails and appetizers simple. All you really need is enough food and drinks for everybody to have one serving.
Look online for cheap wedding discounts on dresses, tuxes, favors, and decorations. You can save money if you order items wholesale on the internet. Sometimes stores will sell overstocked items through their websites at inexpensive prices just to get rid of them. You don't have to compromise on quality if you order wholesale or overstocked items - you can still have a cheap wedding with nice accessories and decorations.
Feb 6, 2012
Save Money: Cheap Home Insurance for Homeowners
Obviously you need to shop around when looking for cheap home insurance and see what types of rates are available to you. Not every company's rates are based off the same sheet and sometimes you may find someone offering an affordable option as a promotion or sale. Shopping around also adds the benefit of friends and family who may refer a company discounting their prices as a group benefit.
The most important tip however is to not insure the amount of your total property but instead the home on it. Home value is what you will be paid in case of loss so why receive protection on the land that assumes no risk. When having your house appraised it is a good idea to keep this in mind for cheap home insurance.
When looking at insurances keep in mind what type of protection you need based on the many factors that are specific to your needs. Not everyone's household is the same so depending on what types of destruction you are more at risk to, stacking up against these risks in your plan can have great benefit. Further more you should try to combine this plan with any other type of insurances you already have including car or life.
Cheap home insurance can be obtained by increasing security in and around your home as well. By creating a more secure property and environment you can achieve a discounted plan. Be sure to mention every upgrade to security and safety you have added to your home. Insurances pay when something goes wrong so reducing the chances for problems reduces risk and therefore can decrease your cost.
Another way to discount your homeowners insurance is to increase your deductible however many people feel that in the time of need having to pay more could be difficult. After all if you are in need of using your policy you probably have had something horrible happen and may not even have the money to cover a steep deductible. This would be your last option to lowering your payment.
So in fact cheap home insurance is not a myth, instead it is just a delicate matter that with a small amount of planning and perseverance can be handled quite easily. With little stress to the homeowner cheap home insurance could be something that pays for itself over the lifetime of their residence.
The most important tip however is to not insure the amount of your total property but instead the home on it. Home value is what you will be paid in case of loss so why receive protection on the land that assumes no risk. When having your house appraised it is a good idea to keep this in mind for cheap home insurance.
When looking at insurances keep in mind what type of protection you need based on the many factors that are specific to your needs. Not everyone's household is the same so depending on what types of destruction you are more at risk to, stacking up against these risks in your plan can have great benefit. Further more you should try to combine this plan with any other type of insurances you already have including car or life.
Cheap home insurance can be obtained by increasing security in and around your home as well. By creating a more secure property and environment you can achieve a discounted plan. Be sure to mention every upgrade to security and safety you have added to your home. Insurances pay when something goes wrong so reducing the chances for problems reduces risk and therefore can decrease your cost.
Another way to discount your homeowners insurance is to increase your deductible however many people feel that in the time of need having to pay more could be difficult. After all if you are in need of using your policy you probably have had something horrible happen and may not even have the money to cover a steep deductible. This would be your last option to lowering your payment.
So in fact cheap home insurance is not a myth, instead it is just a delicate matter that with a small amount of planning and perseverance can be handled quite easily. With little stress to the homeowner cheap home insurance could be something that pays for itself over the lifetime of their residence.
Tips to Big Savings
This article is written to try to get savings on big ticket items e.g. fridges, televisions, stereos, cars etc. There are several steps to follow so that you can get the best possible price. Your goal should always be to get the best possible price. Remember the old saying, "a dollar saved, is a dollar earned."
There are a couple of things to remember when haggling, time is your friend. This should be a slow process. Take a few weeks, or better yet, a couple of months. Each day or hour you wait is a tick to lower prices.
Wait for sales. We all know by now that after Christmas and New Year sales come every year. Do all your research first and then sit on your hands until it is sale season. Having a sale will do a lot of your job for you as the prices are already discounted.
Don't buy on credit. Forget about credit cards, interest free, car loans and personal loans. There is no use doing all this work to save a lot of money, only to pay additional in interest charges and costs.
Be prepared to use cash. I'm not talking about debit card or bank cards. I'm talking about paper money, real cash. Even with debit and bank cards', stores have to pay a percentage in charges. Thus they can't give you a lower price. Follow the steps below and pay cash and they will 100% give you the best price.
Be nice but not a pushover. Sales people and store managers are just like you. You will catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Make an enemy out of the sales staff by being rude or assertive and they will soon close down. Make them feel good and they will do somersaults for you. Do not get this confused with being a pushover. Make sure they know you know your stuff. But don't be rude.
The following 7 steps will help you gain big savings.
1. Ask yourself a really important question right away. "Do I really need what I'm considering buying?" You need a new fridge if the old one blows up. However, do you need a new fridge because the old one doesn't fit with your kitchen's colour scheme? Many people will try and justify a purchase. We have all done it. "Well the new television is more energy efficient than the old one, so I will save money in the long run". Or "Everyone now has a laptop in their house, so we better get one too". Really think about if you really need the product or if it is just a fancy toy. If it's a toy, forget it and save 100% of the money. If you need it, move on to step two.
2. Work out exactly what you need. What model or product do I want/need for my circumstances? Go window shopping and look for an item which fits 100% into your lifestyle. Things to consider are sticker price, size, colour, options, ease of use and ease to set up. Get an exact model number. For example the Excite XC-342 Plasma TV. Talk to a salesperson at a number of stores for their opinion. However don't buy yet!!!
3. Research, research, research. You would be surprised how many people forget this stage. The internet has so many sites covering every type of product you can think of. For most products you can find professional reviews on that product, also customer reviews on the products. Just Google the exact item number. You will be bombarded with articles and reviews by people just like you. Recently we did this for a video camera and found people had terrible experiences with a camera, even though it was a top brand. We dodged a bullet. There's no use spending good money on a dud product. Also visit the company's website for the product you want. Find out what date the product was released. If they have already released a product that supersedes the one you are looking at. Or approximately when there will be a product that supersedes the one you are looking at. This can come in handy down the line.
4. Ask yourself a further question. Can we purchase this product online or second-hand? There are plenty of reputable online stores who offer great discounts. The reason they can offer better discounts is due to the fact they don't have showrooms or sales staff. This keeps the costs down. Most just have a warehouse and a website. You will also be surprised how many very new products end up on eBay. Two years ago my wife and I won a brand new state of the art camera. We had a camera, so we sold it online for 25% less than what it was in the store. It was never even outside its box. Make sure if you purchase online or eBay, you do your research on the seller. There are plenty of sharks out there wanting people's money.
5. Jump on the phone. Call at least 5 places who would stock your item. Ask them for the very best deal if you purchased today. Tell them the exact model number you intend to purchase. Mention you are calling from store to store and only the best will get the business. Once you have the best price. Ask them to hang on a minute. Put down the phone and go for a 2 minute walk. Come back and say, "Thanks for looking that price up for me. However is there anything else you could take off?" Also write the deal down and ask for the name of the person you are speaking to. Write this down as well. Remember if you need the product delivered or installed, ask about these costs as well. It's no use saving $50 some place only to pay an additional $100 for delivery or installation.
6. Go into your four or five stores. Don't tell them you have already called around for deals. Wait for a salesperson to come up to you. Remember you want to give the impression you don't really want to purchase today. Ask the salesperson about the particular model you're interested in. Then the conversation should go as follows:
You: We are interested in this model, what is the best price you can do for us today.
Regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: OK that is more than we were expecting, can you talk to someone about lowering the price?
Again, regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: This still seems high, how about (now offer a price that is substantially lower than the best deal).
Again, regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: OK what about if we pay cash, how about lowering the price further.
Again, regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: OK if that is your best deal, we have a few other places to visit. However we will be purchasing today. So we will let you know. Are you working all day?
At this point, grab the salesman's name and write down the deal. Also grab the store's phone number so you can call if you have any more questions. There is an optional thing to ask. Sometimes stores will sell display stock cheaper than new stock.This is called floor stock. Why not ask the question, will you sell the floor stock to me at a cheaper price? You never know what the answer might be. This can be especially true if a superseded model has come out, or has just come out to replace yours. They might be days away from not selling or taking your model off the floor to make room for the new TV.
Do the same thing at all four stores. Now compare all the deals and find the one you want to go for. Phone each of the stores you didn't choose and tell them the deal. Explain you are on your way there now, unless they can better the offer. You never know what they might come up with at this point. Try to speak to the salesperson you talked to when you went in the store.
7. Go in person to the place where you intend to purchase. Ask one last time, not if they can take any additional money off the product but if they can add anything to the sale. For example if you purchased a Blu-ray player they might be able to add a free movie. Explain what you would like and just see if they will bite. Pay your cash and realise you have got a great deal.
One last thing to remember is the more things you purchase the better. If you are purchasing a TV, surround sound system, Blu-ray player and video camera in one purchase. Your buying power is through the roof. Do the steps below on each item however in steps 5 and 6 combine all the products. If you find the best price you can on all items individually, combine this price and start chipping away at it. Many stores due to the big dollar amount might sell you a couple of the cheaper items at cost price, just to make a profit on the biggest price item. If you have done your research properly you hold all the cards.
8. There is one final step. Make sure your insurance company knows about your purchase. Also make sure you fill in any warranty cards and post them off. Plus keep your purchase receipt in a safe place. There is no use saving a bucket load of money only to have your item smashed in some accident with no insurance cover. Or to have not filled out the warranty card, so you can't send it off to be fixed if it starts playing up. Many people are so focused on getting the best deal, they forget about these steps for the long term.
Good luck on saving big money.
There are a couple of things to remember when haggling, time is your friend. This should be a slow process. Take a few weeks, or better yet, a couple of months. Each day or hour you wait is a tick to lower prices.
Wait for sales. We all know by now that after Christmas and New Year sales come every year. Do all your research first and then sit on your hands until it is sale season. Having a sale will do a lot of your job for you as the prices are already discounted.
Don't buy on credit. Forget about credit cards, interest free, car loans and personal loans. There is no use doing all this work to save a lot of money, only to pay additional in interest charges and costs.
Be prepared to use cash. I'm not talking about debit card or bank cards. I'm talking about paper money, real cash. Even with debit and bank cards', stores have to pay a percentage in charges. Thus they can't give you a lower price. Follow the steps below and pay cash and they will 100% give you the best price.
Be nice but not a pushover. Sales people and store managers are just like you. You will catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Make an enemy out of the sales staff by being rude or assertive and they will soon close down. Make them feel good and they will do somersaults for you. Do not get this confused with being a pushover. Make sure they know you know your stuff. But don't be rude.
The following 7 steps will help you gain big savings.
1. Ask yourself a really important question right away. "Do I really need what I'm considering buying?" You need a new fridge if the old one blows up. However, do you need a new fridge because the old one doesn't fit with your kitchen's colour scheme? Many people will try and justify a purchase. We have all done it. "Well the new television is more energy efficient than the old one, so I will save money in the long run". Or "Everyone now has a laptop in their house, so we better get one too". Really think about if you really need the product or if it is just a fancy toy. If it's a toy, forget it and save 100% of the money. If you need it, move on to step two.
2. Work out exactly what you need. What model or product do I want/need for my circumstances? Go window shopping and look for an item which fits 100% into your lifestyle. Things to consider are sticker price, size, colour, options, ease of use and ease to set up. Get an exact model number. For example the Excite XC-342 Plasma TV. Talk to a salesperson at a number of stores for their opinion. However don't buy yet!!!
3. Research, research, research. You would be surprised how many people forget this stage. The internet has so many sites covering every type of product you can think of. For most products you can find professional reviews on that product, also customer reviews on the products. Just Google the exact item number. You will be bombarded with articles and reviews by people just like you. Recently we did this for a video camera and found people had terrible experiences with a camera, even though it was a top brand. We dodged a bullet. There's no use spending good money on a dud product. Also visit the company's website for the product you want. Find out what date the product was released. If they have already released a product that supersedes the one you are looking at. Or approximately when there will be a product that supersedes the one you are looking at. This can come in handy down the line.
4. Ask yourself a further question. Can we purchase this product online or second-hand? There are plenty of reputable online stores who offer great discounts. The reason they can offer better discounts is due to the fact they don't have showrooms or sales staff. This keeps the costs down. Most just have a warehouse and a website. You will also be surprised how many very new products end up on eBay. Two years ago my wife and I won a brand new state of the art camera. We had a camera, so we sold it online for 25% less than what it was in the store. It was never even outside its box. Make sure if you purchase online or eBay, you do your research on the seller. There are plenty of sharks out there wanting people's money.
5. Jump on the phone. Call at least 5 places who would stock your item. Ask them for the very best deal if you purchased today. Tell them the exact model number you intend to purchase. Mention you are calling from store to store and only the best will get the business. Once you have the best price. Ask them to hang on a minute. Put down the phone and go for a 2 minute walk. Come back and say, "Thanks for looking that price up for me. However is there anything else you could take off?" Also write the deal down and ask for the name of the person you are speaking to. Write this down as well. Remember if you need the product delivered or installed, ask about these costs as well. It's no use saving $50 some place only to pay an additional $100 for delivery or installation.
6. Go into your four or five stores. Don't tell them you have already called around for deals. Wait for a salesperson to come up to you. Remember you want to give the impression you don't really want to purchase today. Ask the salesperson about the particular model you're interested in. Then the conversation should go as follows:
You: We are interested in this model, what is the best price you can do for us today.
Regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: OK that is more than we were expecting, can you talk to someone about lowering the price?
Again, regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: This still seems high, how about (now offer a price that is substantially lower than the best deal).
Again, regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: OK what about if we pay cash, how about lowering the price further.
Again, regardless of what the salesman says, you can respond with the following:
You: OK if that is your best deal, we have a few other places to visit. However we will be purchasing today. So we will let you know. Are you working all day?
At this point, grab the salesman's name and write down the deal. Also grab the store's phone number so you can call if you have any more questions. There is an optional thing to ask. Sometimes stores will sell display stock cheaper than new stock.This is called floor stock. Why not ask the question, will you sell the floor stock to me at a cheaper price? You never know what the answer might be. This can be especially true if a superseded model has come out, or has just come out to replace yours. They might be days away from not selling or taking your model off the floor to make room for the new TV.
Do the same thing at all four stores. Now compare all the deals and find the one you want to go for. Phone each of the stores you didn't choose and tell them the deal. Explain you are on your way there now, unless they can better the offer. You never know what they might come up with at this point. Try to speak to the salesperson you talked to when you went in the store.
7. Go in person to the place where you intend to purchase. Ask one last time, not if they can take any additional money off the product but if they can add anything to the sale. For example if you purchased a Blu-ray player they might be able to add a free movie. Explain what you would like and just see if they will bite. Pay your cash and realise you have got a great deal.
One last thing to remember is the more things you purchase the better. If you are purchasing a TV, surround sound system, Blu-ray player and video camera in one purchase. Your buying power is through the roof. Do the steps below on each item however in steps 5 and 6 combine all the products. If you find the best price you can on all items individually, combine this price and start chipping away at it. Many stores due to the big dollar amount might sell you a couple of the cheaper items at cost price, just to make a profit on the biggest price item. If you have done your research properly you hold all the cards.
8. There is one final step. Make sure your insurance company knows about your purchase. Also make sure you fill in any warranty cards and post them off. Plus keep your purchase receipt in a safe place. There is no use saving a bucket load of money only to have your item smashed in some accident with no insurance cover. Or to have not filled out the warranty card, so you can't send it off to be fixed if it starts playing up. Many people are so focused on getting the best deal, they forget about these steps for the long term.
Good luck on saving big money.
My name is Adam Goulding and my story is quite simple. Six years ago my bank balance was so low paying rent was a big problem. March 15th 2005 was the day rock-bottom was hit emotionally and financially for me. The term completely broke and debt-ridden sums it up nicely. This was the result of a "she will be right" attitude.
Then like a flash of lightning, a thought so extremely simple, yet a powerful realisation hit me. Whatever happened in my life with money up to March 15th 2005 wasn't working! Most decisions about my money to then were wrong. This one true realisation changed my life... who could show me a way out of financial danger? Not changing was not an option, as things would only get worse as time went by.
Then like a flash of lightning, a thought so extremely simple, yet a powerful realisation hit me. Whatever happened in my life with money up to March 15th 2005 wasn't working! Most decisions about my money to then were wrong. This one true realisation changed my life... who could show me a way out of financial danger? Not changing was not an option, as things would only get worse as time went by.
5 Ideas to Save Money for Your Wedding
There are a number of ways to cut costs, while still having a very magical event. If you want to save money, here are a few untraditional ideas you can consider. I find, the more you think outside the box of expectations, obligations and trends, the more you can save money. Of course, the list can be endless, but at least it will get you started.
(1) Hold your wedding outside of summer
Many of my recent inquiries have all been in the month of July. It is a very popular month to tie the knot! With beautiful summer weather on your side, I can see why it is a desired time. But have you ever considered a winter, spring or fall wedding? Not only will you give your guests a breathe from the busy wedding season, you can also potentially save a lot with the right planning and negotiations.
As an example, a coveted venue in Toronto has a drastic price drop for weddings on a Saturday that don't fall in the summer months.
$1,500 - any day of the week, November to April
$6,000 - Saturdays, May to October & December, plus long weekend Sundays
This is not petty cash we're talking about, this is a few thousand dollars you can save by not having a wedding when everyone else is having a wedding. Right at the cusp of a season change, a wedding on the first week of November or end of April could be just as nice as a July wedding.
You will also have bargaining power with not just the venue, but also with caterers that depend on the seasonal business: DJs, photographers, decorators, hotel rates and your honeymoon vacation.
(2) Consumption or Signature Drink vs Open bar
If your family and friends are not heavy drinkers, I'd consider having a signature drink, or a consumption bar, instead of the traditional open bar. For a consumption bar, you only pay for what is opened, while the price for open bar is usually a drastic jump. A signature drink can also be an option for you to throw in a unique twist to a traditional alcoholic favourite.
(3) Prioritize your spending
Once you have a budget, know what your non-negotiable items are. For some couples this is your photography, dress and food. For others it might be the cake, the venue and the music. Spend money on what you really want, and consider alternatives for the items that are nice to have, but aren't priority.
(4) Have a really amazing lunch reception
If having an unconventional reception is appealing to you, you can consider having a lunch reception and do it up real nice. By going this route, it means smaller portions and less alcohol consumption. Not everyone will be open to this suggestion, but consider it if you are looking for a more casual and untraditional wedding day. It can be equally memorable and special.
(5) Buffet vs. Sit-down
If dinner is a must for you, consider having buffet stations instead of a formal sit down meal. You will spend less per head for this option, but still have a succulent meal. Guests can also have a choice of what they eat and how much they eat.
(1) Hold your wedding outside of summer
Many of my recent inquiries have all been in the month of July. It is a very popular month to tie the knot! With beautiful summer weather on your side, I can see why it is a desired time. But have you ever considered a winter, spring or fall wedding? Not only will you give your guests a breathe from the busy wedding season, you can also potentially save a lot with the right planning and negotiations.
As an example, a coveted venue in Toronto has a drastic price drop for weddings on a Saturday that don't fall in the summer months.
$1,500 - any day of the week, November to April
$6,000 - Saturdays, May to October & December, plus long weekend Sundays
This is not petty cash we're talking about, this is a few thousand dollars you can save by not having a wedding when everyone else is having a wedding. Right at the cusp of a season change, a wedding on the first week of November or end of April could be just as nice as a July wedding.
You will also have bargaining power with not just the venue, but also with caterers that depend on the seasonal business: DJs, photographers, decorators, hotel rates and your honeymoon vacation.
(2) Consumption or Signature Drink vs Open bar
If your family and friends are not heavy drinkers, I'd consider having a signature drink, or a consumption bar, instead of the traditional open bar. For a consumption bar, you only pay for what is opened, while the price for open bar is usually a drastic jump. A signature drink can also be an option for you to throw in a unique twist to a traditional alcoholic favourite.
(3) Prioritize your spending
Once you have a budget, know what your non-negotiable items are. For some couples this is your photography, dress and food. For others it might be the cake, the venue and the music. Spend money on what you really want, and consider alternatives for the items that are nice to have, but aren't priority.
(4) Have a really amazing lunch reception
If having an unconventional reception is appealing to you, you can consider having a lunch reception and do it up real nice. By going this route, it means smaller portions and less alcohol consumption. Not everyone will be open to this suggestion, but consider it if you are looking for a more casual and untraditional wedding day. It can be equally memorable and special.
(5) Buffet vs. Sit-down
If dinner is a must for you, consider having buffet stations instead of a formal sit down meal. You will spend less per head for this option, but still have a succulent meal. Guests can also have a choice of what they eat and how much they eat.
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