Top Tightwad Tips

Forever Frugal

2012-01-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal had an article some months ago about how many people who changed their shopping habits when the recession first hit are maintaining their frugal ways. Some of this is because the economy still hasn't improved, and so people are continuing to cut back. Some of it is because people have found that saving money in small consistent ways makes sense -- and doing otherwise is a waste of hard-earned dollars. Here are the most commonly cited changes:

Buying generic or house/private-label brands of both grocery items and health & beauty products.
Scouring sales.
Clipping coupons.
Shopping at dollar stores and bulk food stores.
Shopping with a list - and sticking to it, no matter what temptations the store offers.
Driving less.

Cleaning Products

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to save money is to buy quality products and then work diligently to maintain them. Here are some products for cleaning around the house:

Cape Cod makes metal polishing cloths for quick silver polishing.
Goo Gone and Goof Off are both great stain and label removers.
Lemon juice is great for cleaning surfaces as varied as stainless steel and butcher block (read more at Full Circle).
Try the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser mop for tile and grout.
For wood floors, I like damp mopping with Murphy's Oil Soap.
And to maintain wood furniture, try Goddard's furniture polish or Pate Dugay paste wax.

A Tasty But Cheap Fritatta Recipe

2012-01-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to save money on your food bill is to buy what's on sale. It also helps to use up all your leftovers, letting nothing go to waste. That's why I like this recipe from Better Homes & Garden -- because it is so flexible, you can use whatever you have on hand or whatever is cheapest at the store. The only real expense is the eggs -- but since a dozen is less than a pound of almost any other kind of protein (except beans), you are still saving.

The Anything Frittata

8 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning), crushed, or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or dried thyme, crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons butter, margarine, or vegetable oil

3/4 cup cut-up vegetables (such as chopped sweet pepper, chopped onion, chopped carrot, sliced mushrooms, chopped zucchini or yellow summer squash, chopped potato, corn, cut green beans, broccoli florets, and/or chopped, seeded tomato)

3/4 cup chopped cooked meat (such as ham, chicken, beef, pork, or turkey) or crumbled, crisp-cooked bacon or turkey bacon

Salt
Black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, mozzarella, or Havarti)

1. Preheat broiler. In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, herbs, the 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; set aside.

2. In a large broiler proof skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add vegetables; cook and stir for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in cooked meat; cook and stir for another 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Season mixture with additional salt and black pepper.

3. Pour egg mixture over the vegetable-meat mixture in the skillet. Cook over medium heat. As the egg mixture sets, run a spatula around edge of skillet, lifting egg mixture so uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking and lifting edges until egg mixture is almost set (surface with be moist). Reduce heat as necessary to prevent overcooking. Sprinkle with cheese.

4. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 1 to 3 minutes or until top is set and cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings.

365 Ways to Save - January

2012-01-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

If your New Year's Resolution was to save money in 2012, you are in luck! We have developed a list of 365 ways to cut back in ways both big and small. Choose one to implement every day and you'll be well on the way to having more money in the bank.

Getting Started
1. Take some time to figure out where you are financially. Tally up what you own and what you owe and consider what your overall financial goals are -- both short term and long term. Remind yourself that financial planning is all about choices. If you know where you are headed, it is easier to make the daily decisions throughout the year that will get you there.
2. Review all of your spending for the past year via a detailed look at your checking account statements and your annual credit card statements will help and identify the biggest categories of spending since these may be where the biggest savings are.
3. If you haven't refinanced your mortgage recently, now may be a good time to do it to reduce your monthly payment. Before you take the plunge, factor in closing costs and other associated payments to make sure that your overall savings will be worth the considerable work it now takes to close on a mortgage.
4. As you review the spending categories, ask yourself if the amounts you are spending on each are in line with your values and goals. For example, if you love to travel but can't find the funds to do so, but meanwhile are spending $75 a week on a Saturday night out, maybe you'll want to shift that annual cost of $3900 toward one really great vacation.
5. Take time now to review the itemized detail of each monthly bill. You may find that your needs have changed and that some features - perhaps call waiting or an unlisted phone number on your phone bill - are no longer warranted. And you may find that by changing plans - perhaps rolling your phone, Internet and cable services together; or moving to unlimited cellphone minutes - you can save money every month. Sites like Billshrink.com can be useful in this review.

At Home
6.Turn down the heat and put on a sweater: for each degree lower, you'll save about 5% of your heating costs.
7.The savings are even greater if you take off an extra layer and turn up the thermostat in the summer.
8. Shave additional dollars off your heating and cooling bill by regularly cleaning the filters.
9. Save electricity by turning off lights every time you leave a room and unplugging your charger as soon as your phone, e-reader, etc. is charged.
10. Set your washing machine to the cold cycle for every load this year and save on your hot water bill.
11. Get out of the shower one minute faster every morning and save even more hot water.
12. Washing dishes in the dishwasher (assuming it is full) actually uses less water than running the water by hand.
13. Save even more by not rinsing them before you put the dishes in the dishwasher -- today's machines don't require that step.
14. Still running the faucet while you brush your teeth? Stop that habit today - you could be using almost 3,000 extra gallons of water if you don't!

Bill Paying
15. Pay your regularly occurring bills online and/or set up automatic deductions from your checking account (or credit card to earn extra miles or points -- as long as you pay the balance every month). Not only will you avoid late fees and improve your credit, but if you no longer have to mail 10 checks every month, you'll save more than $50 in postage this year.
16. Always scan your bills for charges that don't belong there -- not only, say, long distance phone calls you didn't make, but also the so-called "grey charges" that show up on your credit card because you didn't opt-out of, say, the identity-protection program when you got a new card.
17. Consolidate all the phones (cell and land line) onto one provider and save.
18. Do the same with all your insurance plans.
19. And review the programs annually to see if switching (or threatening to switch) can save you even more.

Sale Shopping
20. Don't be tempted by those 75% off signs: we have all experienced times when discounts make bad things look good. But if you wouldn't buy that orange sweater at full price, then don't buy it just because it is on sale. It is really only a bargain if it something you really want and will really use. Be especially careful when shopping for items marked "final sale" as they cannot be returned.
21. Follow your favorite stores on Twitter and Facebook and sign up for their email list to be sure you have access to the best deals, sales, and coupons.
22. Sign-up for their snail-mail list too, in case they prefer to send offers that way.
23. Know the sales cycle and plan to buy when prices will be at their lowest. For example, most grocery items go on sale every 12 weeks or so. Other items, like clothing and home goods are seasonal.
24. Use coupons - clip them from newspapers and magazines and check out sites like couponmom.com for printable coupons plus tips and tricks for using them to save the most possible

Online Savings
25. Visit price comparison sites like pricegrabber and nextag to make sure you get the lowest price. Be sure to factor in shipping and tax costs.
26. Sign up for programs like Upromise and ebates which refund a portion of each sale from specific retailers the site with which the site has partnership agreements.
27. Always search for online coupons which can provide free shipping or a percentage off before you hit the "buy" button.

Membership Rewards
28. Sign up for free frequent buyer programs, be they from grocers, drugstores, hotels or airlines. Retailers often give you a percentage back once you reach a predetermined level of spending. Their cards may also automatically provide you with coupon savings. Travel companies typically give you points that can be used for upgrades or freebies.
29. Take stock of frequent flyer miles and credit card reward points on an annual basis, checking to make sure you use them before they expire.
30. Can't use your travel miles or points on flights or hotels because of blackouts or other complications? Look into other options: transfer them to another program, use them to buy merchandise, or convert them to magazine subscriptions for yourself or to give as gifts.

Building Your Nest Egg
31. Putting money aside isn't easy when you are on a tight budget. But automatically having even as little as $10 deposited directly into a interest-bearing savings account every week will make a difference over the long run. Think about it as a gift to yourself that will pay off big over time.

That's it for January's tips. Look for 29 more Top Tightwad Tips next month.

Decorating with Pinecones

2011-12-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for inexpensive holiday decorations, pine cones can provide lots of fun, festive looks for free (assuming you collect them yourself). Their association with evergreens - one of the classic symbols of Christmas - make them especially appropriate.

Fill baskets of pine cones in various sizes
Make them into tree ornaments by gluing on ribbon
Use them to surround candles in hurricane lamps or on plates or mirrors
For extra pizazz, spray paint them gold or silver, and/or add a dusting of glitter
Add them to floral arrangements
Sprinkle tiny ones across the dinner table

For more ideas, see How to Decorate with Pine Cones.

Pretty, But Penny-Pinching Christmas Decorating

2011-12-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

Using what you already have on hand is one of the best ways to save money. So instead of heading to the mall to pick up some new holiday decorations, take a look at what you already have. A bowl of colorful (but burnt out) Christmas tree bulbs is pretty, as is a table featuring greens and fruit (citrus, apples, almost anything will do). Spell out "Merry Christmas" with your Scrabble set. Place paper snowflakes in a fancy frame. Click over to the Better Homes & Garden web site for photos that will inspire you.

A Glitter-y Christmas

2011-12-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

Glitter - widely available with stationary and craft supplies -- is a festive yet frugal way to add sparkle to your holiday decorations. Here are a few ideas:

Dress up plain tree ornaments with a dusting of glitter.
Stencil a design onto taper or votive candles and outline it with glitter.
Cut seasonal shapes (e.g. trees, stars, doves) out of felt and decorate with glitter.
Make home-made cards and gift-tags out of construction paper festooned with glitter.

While there are now many ways to apply glitter -- glitter pens, etc. -- the easiest way is to use the little tubes. Simply apply glue (white, Elmer's type) to the area you want to sparkle and sprinkle on the magic. Once the glue has dried, shake the item to release the excess -- it can be recycled for your next project. Be sure to cover your work area with newspaper before you get started.

Festive Meets Frugal

2011-12-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

The BH&G article Pennywise Projects for Christmas has lots of good ideas for holiday decorating that use objects you may already have on head. From recycling old colored Christmas tree lightbulbs, to making a tree out of tinkertoys, there is something here for everyone.

Top Tightwad Gift Lists

2011-11-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

Every year I try to post the best gift lists that I can fine -- lists that include desirable items that will make your friends and family swoon at reasonable prices that will keep you out of debt. Here's this year's selection:

Real Beauty's Best Gifts Under $10
63 Gift Ideas for Under $10
Frugal Finds Under $20
Good Housekeeping's Gifts Under $20
Uncommon Goods Gifts Under $25
Yahoo Shopping's Top 10 Gifts Under $25 (with categories for everyone on your list)
Solutions Gifts Under $30
30 Presents Under $30
Crate & Barrel Gifts Under $50
Glamour's Gifts Under $50
Red Envelope Gifts Under $50
Soft Surroundings Gifts Under $50

Linoleum Block Print Cards

2011-11-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

There are quite a number of ways to send lovely but inexpensive holiday greetings. You can stock up a year in advance when boxes of holiday cards are heavily discounted in the days after Christmas; you can send e-cards; or you can make your own cards.
If you choose to make your own, the possibilities are almost endless. But if are producing lots of cards, I like the idea of homemade block print holiday cards, which can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Linoleum blocks are easier to carve than some other mediums, so linocut cards are a good place for a beginner to start.
I was first introduced to linocut cards by my dad. He ran a small commercial printing company, and he was totally enamoured by the craft of printing. He loved discovering new fonts, he loved finding unusual paper stock, he loved the beauty of ornate endpapers. And he was interested in many different forms of reproduction. He showed my siblings and me how to print rudimentary stationery with rubber stamp letters when we were just learning to write our names. A bit later we learned about silk screening. And then when I was about 8 or 9 years old, he taught us how to make linoleum block prints for Christmas cards. I was impressed with his precise cuts and his talent, which I was amazed to see went beyond that of a draughtsman (which I knew he was), veering toward the artistic. Our family only made cards a couple of years -- I'm sure that with all the busyness that accompanies the holidays it was one thing that could be easily given up -- but I remember the experience fondly. After my dad passed away, I thought about asking my mom for his linoleum block tool set, but she got rid of his things so quickly I never really had a chance.
Want some more DIY ideas for the holidays? See our full list of thoughts for being frugal for the holidays.

Go Where the Money Is

2011-11-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

Willie Sutton is said to have declared that he stole from banks because "that's where the money is." By the same token, when you are trying to stop spending so much money, you want to look at the biggest items in your budget because that is where the biggest savings are likely to be.

For example, for most people, housing consumes the biggest chunk of their paycheck. If you haven't refinanced within the last 12 months, it is probably worth it to check out the latest rates to see if you can drop your monthly mortgage payment even more.

Property taxes are another big ticket item. If you've been reassessed recently, it might be worth it to challenge the higher rate, to see if you might squeeze out some savings here as well.

Saving vs Spending

2011-11-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today's Wall Street Journal reviewed two new books on the topic of consumerism: Shiny Objects by James A. Roberts and Against Thrift by James Livingston. The gist of the former seems to be that buying new things generates an endless and soul-sucking cycle of keeping up with the Joneses; the gist of the latter seems to be that buying things not only provides personal pleasure but provides economic growth. The author of the article rightly takes the books to task for recycling old ideas: many other books as various as The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko and The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn address these points of view.

I would argue that both ideas are valid -- up to a point. There is real pleasure in acquiring special, longed for possessions and this pleasure should be as acceptable as any other human endeavor. The problem lies with the excess of stuff, with obsessions in accumulating things, and with trying to buy more than you can afford -- which all tend to be related. If you think about purchasing items as a series of choices -- spend now vs later; buy this and not that -- rather than an all-you-can-eat buffet, the lure of shiny objects becomes more reasonable -- and life is ultimately more pleasurable.

Bartering - The Ultimate Bargain Shopping

2011-11-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

What if you could set your own price for the things that you wanted? With bartering, you can! Whether you want to trade your skills (e.g. book-keeping), your time (e.g. housesitting), or physical objects (that Christmas gift you didn't really like), you can offer what you have for the things (both goods and services) that you desire. Here are some sites that offer tips and tricks on how to get started:

How to Barter Anything from Real Simple magazine

How Bartering Works from HowStuffWorks.com

Google's list of Barter Sites

Craigslist has a good Barter section

Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

2011-10-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

If you are using pumpkins as part of your Halloween decorations this year, once their decorative need is over, you can also use them to make easy pumpkin puree for pies and other recipes. Note that pumpkins you have carved must be used within a day or so for puree because they spoil so quickly. And if you are painting the pumpkin or gluing on decorations, make sure all are non-toxic if you will also be cooking them.

Here is how to make pumpkin puree: cut the pumpkin into small, evenly-sized pieces and remove the strings and seeds. Put the pieces (skin side up) on a sheet pan, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake for an hour at 375 degrees. Let it cool slightly. Then separate the pulp from the skin (you can scoop it with a spoon) and process the pulp in a blender. You can use it right away in a pie or other dessert or freeze it for later.

DIY Halloween Treats 2011

2011-10-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Sweet shops and bakeries are full of all kinds of beautiful Halloween treats at this time of year. But you don't have to pay big bucks or have the decorative skills of Martha Stewart to create fun seasonal treats. Here are a few examples that are both fun and frugal:

BONE COOKIES
(from Ladies Home Journal)
Serve by themselves or use to decorate a cake.

Ingredients:

2 egg whites

2/3 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Combine egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a heat-proof bowl. Place bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisk the egg white mixture gently until the sugar is dissolved (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Beat egg whites with electric mixer on medium-high until a stiff peaks form (about 10 minutes).

4. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a #12 plain tip, then pipe 3-1/2- to 4-inch-long bone shapes on two baking sheets that have been lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn oven off and let meringues dry in oven for 30 minutes more. Let bones cool before carefully removing from parchment paper.

CANDY APPLES

(from Real Simple)

Ingredients:

1 14-ounce package of caramels
2 tablespoons water
6 apples
6 popsicle sticks

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, stir the caramels with 2 tablespoons of water until melted.
Slide a stick into an apple, dip the apple into the caramel, then place on wax or parchment paper.

PUMPKIN FUDGE

Recipe from

Ingredients:

3 cups sugar
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Find Recipes with This Ingredient

Directions:

1. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan. Butter foil; set pan aside.

2. In a 3-quart heavy saucepan combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and pumpkin. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils. Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, stirring frequently, until thermometer registers 234 degrees F, soft-ball stage (20 to 25 minutes). (Adjust heat as necessary to maintain a steady boil.)

3. Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer from saucepan. Stir in cinnamon-flavored pieces until melted. Stir in marshmallow creme and walnuts.

4. Immediately spread fudge evenly in prepared pan. Score into squares while warm. Let fudge cool to room temperature. When fudge is firm, use foil to lift it out of pan. Cut into squares. Cover tightly and chill for up to 1 week. Do not freeze. Makes about 96 pieces.

Win Yourself a Halloween Treat!

2011-10-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Halloween treats aren't always just for the little ones! Click over to the Better Homes and Gardens web site to win Halloween-themed decorations this week. For example, today you can win a pumpkin beverage tub - perfect for holding beverages at a party or just for decoration.

Want more chances to win fun prizes? Check out our list of sweepstakes.

Tightwad Tips for Making Halloween Costumes

2011-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

While it is true that the catalogs in my mailbox are full of expensive Halloween costumes, and the stores are, too, the web is full of good ideas for making your own costumes, using items you probably already have on hand. Here are some places where you'll find good ideas for saving money by making your own Halloween costume:

Halloween Ideas that are Frighteningly Frugal

Costume Idea Zone

Halloween Costumes That Won't Haunt Your Wallet

Easy DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids

Simple to Make Costumes for the Whole Family

Easy to Make Costumes for Adults

Homemade Halloween Costumes

Inexpensive Entertaining - Ideas for a Children's Halloween Party

2011-10-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Leafing through the pages of magazines like Martha Stewart Living and catalogs like Frontgate, Grandin Road or Horchows can give you the sense that Halloween entertaining must include expensive props like a fancy family of live-size mummies, oil paintings with eyes that move, or a full set of Halloween-themed dishes. But the truth is that you can throw a party for your kids and their friends before or after trick-or-treating that uses items you already have on hand with just a few additions from the store. Here are some ideas:
As guests arrive, keep everyone busy with a simple activity. Perhaps have them decorate cupcakes (which they can take home as a party favor); color with crayons or markers (you can download monster-themed coloring pages here); or create a collage or decorate mini pumpkins with paint, scraps of fabric, buttons, glitter, or whatever else you have hanging around.
The main event of the party can be trick-or-treating around your neighborhood. Or create a simple haunted house: have the kids enter a room that is completely dark except for some flickering candlelight, and have them touch an assortment of gooey items as the haunted house host tells them what they are handling: zombie intestines (cooked spaghetti); werewolf skin (a piece of real or fake fur); eyeballs (peeled grapes); severed fingers (several cooked, peeled fingerling potatoes). Download spooky music to add to the creepy atmosphere.

We've had good success with creating a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Create creepy clues that lead the kids to various spots around the house, ending with a basket or carved-out pumpkin full of goody bags for everyone. Write the clues with the age of your audience in mind: younger kids need more explicit direction while older kids will enjoy figuring out more challenging clues. You can also make the language (and the locations) scarier for older kids. Rhyming clues are always popular with all age groups.
Another main event might be the screening of a Halloween-related movie. Good possibilities include

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Beetlejuice
or any Scooby-Doo movie

Of course no Halloween party is complete without plenty of goodies! Consider these ideas:

Make punch (any red punch will do) in a large bowl and keep it chilled with icy hands you've made by filling clean plastic gloves with water, sealing them and freezing them overnight.
Warm up trick-or-treaters with cups of tomato soup ("bloody soup") you serve in a soup tureen you've made out of a hollowed-out pumpkin.
A main course of Bloody (chicken) fingers or Baked eyeball casserole.
A dessert assortment of Graveyard gravel, Witch's hats and chocolate cupcakes with worms.

To make your buffet table especially frightening (but still frugal), use severed hands to hold things -- see these instructions to learn how to make them.

Frugal Halloween Decorating Ideas with Black Construction Paper

2011-10-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Using black paint is an easy and inexpensive way to create an appropriately spooky Halloween atmosphere. Black construction paper provides another way to create low-cost but high-impact Halloween decorations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cover your windows (including any windows on your front door) with black construction paper that's been cut into a devilish design. Whether you choose witches brewing up some evil, ghosts or something similarly spooky, at night when the lights are on inside, your decoration will look hauntingly terrific.
Hang black witch, cat, bat, raven and ghost silhouettes made of black paper on your windows to increase the eerie ambience for those passing by. You can find examples and templates here.
Or frame the spooky silhouettes and hang them on the wall.
Cut out silhouettes of a cat chasing a mouse and tape them to the baseboards. In flickering candlelight, it will look very real.

Frugal Halloween Decorating Ideas with Black Paint

2011-10-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Assembling frugal but frightening Halloween decorations is made a lot easier when you bring out the black paint. Whether you are setting up a haunted house, spook-ifying your front porch, or preparing for a party, painting things black really helps set the mood. Here are some ideas:

Spray paint flowers and foliage with black Krylon paint for an eerie effect. You can use a past-its-prime bouquet of flowers or plastic blossoms - anything you have on hand will work well. Mass the black blossoms in containters you've also painted black. And wind spray-painted ivy around mantels, picture frames, etc for a spooky effect.
Make a set of luminaries by painting clean, empty aluminum cans black and then using a hammer and nails, punching holes in the shape of a cat, witches hat, jack o'lantern or other Halloween image and light from inside. (See a picture and more complete instructions by clicking here.)
Gather a couple butternet squashes of various sizes, stand them so the thinner end is on top, and paint on the classic Scream face.
Paint jack o'lantern faces on your pumpkins with black paint instead of going to all the work of carving them. Fast, frugal, easy and effective.
Don't spend money on fancy Halloween-themed platters and serving dishes - just paint old things that you have on-hand (or have snagged at yardsales and thrift stores). If your paint isn't food-safe, be sure to use them only for wrapped candy, or put orange napkins in-between the dish and the food.
Paint candle-holders black and your tapers and votives will have even more of a ghoulish glow.

Halloween Decorating with Autumn Leaves - 2011

2011-10-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Red, orange and gold leaves are a wonderful component of frugal Halloween decorating. Not only are autumn leaves classic harbingers of the fall season, but collected from your backyard or neighborhood, they are free! Once you choose the best-looking specimens, keep them at their peak color by pressing them under a stack of books between pieces of plain paper. Let dry for at least 24 hours and then iron the leaves between two pieces of waxed paper, using a pressing cloth to keep wax off the iron. Or preserve the dry leaves by spraying them with varnish. Once the leaves are ready, use them as:

Decorations for your dinner table (just scatter them as you like).
Artwork you can place in inexpensive frames or beween two panes of glass.
Embellishments for note cards, invitations or placecards (just glue them on).
Decorative elements for pillar candles (just soften the wax on the side of the candle and press them into it).
The makings of an autumn wreath.
Pretty additions to place settings (put a leaf on top of a folded napkin and tie with a ribbon).
A substitute for blossoms in bud vases.

Halloween Decorating with Pumpkins - 2011

2011-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins are perfect for those who want fun, festive Halloween decorations on a budget. The classic Halloween pumpkin decoration features a wicked smile and a glowing interior. (Click here for a step-by-step guide to carving the perfect jack o'lantern; or click here for a variety of design suggestions.)

Here are some other ideas for carved pumpkins:

After hollowing out the pumpkin, poke holes on the sides around the shape you want (a drill makes this super fast) -- a cat with an arched back, a witch's hat, or a similarly spooky design works well -- and light the inside, achieving sort of a Lite-Brite effect.
Use the carved pumpkin to hold a vase of flowers or a potted plant (they look especially appropriate if they are spray-painted black).
Make your jack o'lantern the head of a scarecrow sitting in a chair or standing guard.

Note: a hollowed-out pumpkin will only last a few days - extend it's longevity by rubbing vaseline onto all cut surfaces (it lessens the air exposure that makes the pumpkin rot) and keeping it cold (but not frozen). Note also that I recommend using a non-flame light source, like battery-operated Christmas lights, small flashlights, or glow sticks. If you must use candles, make sure they are in glass containers inside the pumpkin.

Don't want the mess and hassle of hollowing out a pumpkin? There are still plenty of ways to use them inexpensively in your Halloween decorations:

Use black paint and stencils to create scary images (bats, cats, witches, huge spiders, classic jack-o'lantern face etc.) on the outside of pumpkins. Or if you only want to outline the image, a sharpie is fast and easy. Note: you can find a nice selections of Halloween-themed stencils on the Better Home & Gardens web site.
Dress the pumpkins up with witches hats, pirate's eyepatches, etc.
Wrap up a bunch of pumpkins mummy-style, using crepe paper (or in a pinch, toilet paper).
Make a face with by gluing on scraps of felt (including fangs!).
Write words like "Boo!" "Gotcha" "Trick or Treat" or simply "Happy Halloween" in block letters or script using a black sharpie.
Glue on buttons, sequins, ribbons, rick-rack or anything else you like in the design of your choosing.
Create a spider's web with black yarn affixed to the pumpkin with small nails or pins. Glue a plastic spider on in the middle of the web.
Pile up three pumpkins like a snowman, draw on a mouth, eyes and nose, and place a hat on the top.
Choose pumpkins that are more tall than round and slightly narrower on top -- then paint them in stripes like candy corn (white on top, orange in the middle, yellow on the bottom)
Or simply arrange a collection of pumpkins of different sizes and shapes.

Halloween Ideas that are Frighteningly Frugal

2011-10-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Summer's gone, the leaves are turning, there's even a chill in the air, signifying that autumn has finally arrived. And now that the back-to-school rush is over, the stores in my area have been over-run with over-priced and over-hyped Halloween decorations, candy and costumes. Let's be clear: I love Halloween, but I don't feel that I need to spend hundreds of dollars to celebrate it. So here are some frighteningly frugal ideas for getting the greatest ghostly impact with the fewest greenbacks:
Halloween Decorations

Take advantage of the dark. Everything is a little more frightening if you don't know exactly what you're seeing, so keep your lighting as dim as possible. Turn off all the lights and rely primarily on candlelight. I like inexpensive tea lights, which I put all over the place in highball glasses to reduce the chance of fire. You can find all kinds of fancy colored and decorated candles especially for Halloween, but you don't really need these since the real reason for the candlelight is to provide a flickering and spooky atmosphere.
Free foliage. Autumn leaves, scattered on a tabletop or mantle, provide a nice touch and are free for the taking!
Cobwebs and Spiderwebs. You can buy black gauze and spiderweb materials for a pretty penny at most party stores. Or you can make it very inexpensively yourself with materials from the craft or fabric store. Dye cheesecloth black and drape it around the room for an eerie effect. And use cotton batting or white nylon stockings, which have been torn and stretched out so that every strand is visible, to represent spider webs.
Construction Paper Critters. Cut life-size bats from black construction paper and tape them to the windows and walls. You can also use fishing wire to hang them from the ceiling. In dim light the effect is quite startling.
Spindly Trees. Draw free-hand trees (just the trunk and branches) on paper with luminescent paint. Don't worry too much about perfection - the idea is to have tall, spindly images that are reflected in the candlelight.
Paint it Black. Everything looks more on-theme if it is painted black, so go ahead and bring out the spray paint for everything from candle-holders to vases. One look I especially like is bare branches sprouting from a big black urn.
Go Crazy with Candy Corn. Fill clear glass vases with it, scatter it across the dining room table, use it to anchor votive candles, decorate bare branches with it -- nothing says "Halloween" quite like this tasty treat!
Halloween howls. Don't forget about sound. Having a soundtrack of eerie moans, groans, and scary music (e.g. Michael Jackson's Thriller) will help set the mood you are creating with your decorations.
Pumpkins. Pumpkins are the symbol of the season and they are totally in sync with the tightwad mentality: for those with gardens, they are easy and inexpensive to grow; for those without gardens, they are still cheap on a per pound basis. And because you can use them for decorations, and then later as food, they serve multiple purposes (and having multiple uses is completely in keeping with the sentiments of these top tightwad tips!). Whether you buy big or small pumpkins; carve or paint your pumpkins; stick with traditional orange jack o'laterns or investigate exotic gourds, pumpkins are the perfect centerpiece to your Halloween decorations. And if you want to see some great ideas of what to do with your pumpkins, check out Country Living's great pumpkin ideas.

Halloween Costumes

Catalogs chock-full of elaborate Halloween costumes with prices starting at about $30 and rising sharply from there have been filling my mailbox for almost two months now. But why spend lots of money on a costume for your child (or for you!), when you probably have plenty of odds and ends that together can make an outfit that is both frugal and festive:

Become a fortune-telling gypsy with a circle skirt, peasant blouse, and lots of jewelry. The quality doesn't matter here - just put on every jewel, bangle and chain you own. Add a colorful scarf over your hair and a shawl (or two) over your shoulders.
Cinch a clear plastic garbage bag at your neck and knees and fill the interior with colorful round balloons. Presto! You're a gumball machine!
Here's another use for a clear plastic garbage bag if you have a partner: one of you will wear all-black, fill the cinched bag with white Styrofoam peanuts and tape a S to your chest; the other will wear all-white, fill the cinched bag with black peanuts and tape a P to your chest; both will wear metal colanders as hats -- and you are transformed into salt and pepper shakers.
The transformation to a train-hopping hobo is easy: a kerchief tied to the end of a stick, and mismatched old clothing - if it is too big or too small, so much the better!
A large cardboard box with holes cut for head, arms and legs has almost endless possibilities. Paint it anyway you want: you can be a TV, a Thomas-the-Tank engine, or just a box!
Knight in Shining Armor: cut a sword and shield from corrugated cardboard and cover with aluminum foil; use more foil to cover a bike helmet; put on an old sweatshirt and sweatpants and wrap additional foil around your arms, trunk and legs (do your top and bottom separately for ease with bathroom breaks) and secure it here and there with clear tape.
Tried and true: an old white sheet with holes cut out for your eyes.

Trick-or-Treating

For several years now, I have been offering the trick-or-treaters who come to my door an alternative to loading up on even more sugary candy. No, I don't mean that I am one of those dreaded homes that offers apples, raisin boxes (or worse!). I have plenty of Reese's, M&Ms, Snickers and the rest to give out. But along with candy, I fill my Halloween basket with leftovers from the goody-bags from my kids' birthday parties: things like pencils, fun key chains, mini-games and card decks, stickers, temporary tattoos and magnets. I encourage everyone who comes to my door to pick what they want from the basket. Inevitably, the non-candy doo-dads are chosen first. Even those tough-to-please pre-teens ooh and aah over the unexpected booty.

I like the money that I save by buying less candy. And I like using up the odds and ends that never made it into party bags (you know how it goes - goody bag trinkets always seem to be sold in lots of 8 or 12 and we always seem to have just enough guests that I have to order the extra pack). So everyone wins!

Saving on Shoes

2011-09-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Footwear can make or break an outfit. But there is no question that quality shoes can cost a lot (and you'll want to make sure you buy shoes of good quality -- not only will they look and feel better, but with proper care, they will last longer than poorly made shoes, too). So how can you save money on shoes? Here are some tightwad tips:

While it can be tempting to wear your go-to shoes every day, switching off between two or three pairs will allow the leather to rest and your shoes will look nicer and last longer.
Wear shoes appropriate for the weather and for your activities. For example, changing into rain boots in bad weather, and keeping a separate pair of barn shoes or garden shoes, will keep all your other pairs in better shape.
Know that some shoes - such as fabric espadrilles with hemp soles - won't last long, especially if you are caught in a shower - and you should pay accordingly. I saw pretty espadrilles priced at $100 or more this past summer but knowing that they would hardly last through the season, I wasn't even tempted for a second.
It is always better to pay a little more for quality, e.g. leather uppers, and sewn rather than glued soles. While they might look ok at first, cheap shoes don't wear well and you'll end up spending more money replacing them than you would have for a quality pair in the first place.
Practice good shoe maintenance - brush suede, clean and polish leather, and if they get wet, dry them away from direct heat.
Find yourself a good shoe repair shop - replacing heels and soles isn't expensive and will dramatically extend the life of your favorite shoes.
As with anything else, keep your eyes open for good shoe sales (usually end-of-season sales in January and July yield amazing bargains) and when shopping online, use coupons and rebate programs like Upromise.

Fashionable 50 for $50 (or Less)

2011-09-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

In years past, many women's magazines (not just the fashion-focused ones like Vogue) featured fashion spreads with clothing and accessories priced beyond what the average woman could readily afford. The idea was to show the latest styles, with the assumption (I suppose) that readers enjoyed aspirational articles and/or could easily translate the looks to lower priced goods on their own.

This fall, I've noticed a decided shift -- perhaps related to the tanking economy, perhaps because magazines are finally listening to reader feedback in these days of social networking -- toward real fashion priced at levels that real women can afford. A good example is Redbook's 50 Under $50 -- good-looking, stylish pieces that don't break the bank.

Free Museum Admission Today

2011-09-24T02:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 24th is Smithsonian magazine's Museum Day, with over 1,300 participating museums and cultural venues throughout the U.S. offering free admission. Learn more and download free tickets at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

Want more opportunities to save on museum admission throughout the country? Check out The Insider Travel Guides free museum admission pages:

13 Pieces; 30 Looks

2011-09-21T03:22:00.000-07:00

One of the key attributes associated with most frugal fashionistas is the ability to take a few key (low cost) pieces and transform them into a variety of chic outfits. Now it seems as though everyone is getting into the act. Most recently, Banana Republic and stylists from Lucky magazine have teamed up to show how 13 basic items will yield a month's worth of stylish Fall looks. Take a look at the pieces and the outfits they have chosen -- then take similar items that exist in your own closet already and create something just as nice without spending a dime!
Want more ideas for mixing and matching clothing basics that your probably already have? Check out another example of Wardrobe Basics: How to Wear 8 Pieces 30 Ways and How to Make 5 Outfits from 1 Shirtdress.

Frugal Fall Fashion

2011-09-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me not to yearn for new clothes every September. Not only does back-to-school season serve as a signal (dating back to my childhood) that it is time to get new duds, but the hefty fall fashion issues of magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Elle and many more scream "buy, buy, buy!"

This year, in the interests of saving money, I resolved to be methodical about any new purchases, rather than give in to the impulsive "oh I love this; I must have it!" kind of shopping I often do. I studied fashion and trend websites and then reviewed all the items in my closet, to determine what I already owned that is "in" this season.

Here's what I found:

Top Trends

Key fabrics: sheer, python, fur, lace
Key patterns: polka dots, graphic prints, Native-American patterns
Skirts: pencil skirts, trumpet skirts, longer length
Pants: higher waist, colored jeans
Coats: bright colors
Embellishments: paillettes and sequins, Peter Pan collars
Shoes: wedge booties, chunky-heeled loafers
Bags: red, crossbody
Jewelry: cuffs, collars, tassel earrings
Colors: teal, mustard yellow

Here's my plan:

I already own two sheer tops (I've got both white and black tops w/strategic appliques); aubergine python clutch; fur purse; black cashmere sweater with fur collar and cuffs; fur scarf; and two lace skirts.
I might buy sheer black hose with dots, but otherwise am likely to skip the dots (they often look too costume-y), large graphic prints (I'm too petite) and Najaho prints (been there, done that).
I already own denim, tweed and lace pencils skirts and a black silk trumpet skirt.
I'm not sure the high-waists and colored jeans are for me; I'll wait this out a while and see.
While I like the idea of a bright coat, I already have several coats in great shape and am not sure I'm ready to buy another.
I have a cream sequin jacket (bought on sale for about 90% off); will skip the Peter Pan collars since I think they make all but the very young look frumpy.
I bought a great pair of wedge booties on sale last spring; I like chunky-heeled loafers but will wait for a great deal.
I have a classic bag in red leather; bought a new metallic crossbody bag for 78% off.
I bought a cuff bracelet on sale but I think it looks worth a lot less than I paid for it (even though I bought it on sale).
I have plenty of teal: teal and black peep toe pumps; teal leather clutch; teal blazer; teal and brown jacket. I'm not sure that mustard is for me other than as an accent color.

So with some thought and planning, I will be chic and up-to-date without spending much money at all on this season's fashions!

Dress Better for Less

2011-09-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Good Housekeeping isn't the place that I usually go for fashion tips. But their recent article on classic clothes worth the investment, tips for cleaning and maintaining your clothes, and using what you have in new ways is quite helpful.

Top Tightwad Tips for Families with Kids

2011-08-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've read again and again about how expensive it is to have kids. But as my two sons enter their teenage years, I've found that many of the costs that I was warned about were grossly exaggerated. Of course that isn't to say that there aren't significant expenses involved in raising a family -- the extra food, clothes, medical costs, etc. are all very real. Still, there are many ways for families with kids to save money. For one thing, always be on the lookout for free deals for kids -- they exist everywhere whether you are traveling or just looking for some entertainment at home.

I've listed some of my other favorite tightwad tips for families with kids below:

Pregnancy

Borrow maternity clothes from a friend (or friend-of-a-friend) or buy them on ebay -- many new mothers are eager to get rid of these items once they get their figure back and sell them cheaply in batches.

Babies

Take those "must buy" lists you'll find in books and online with a grain of salt -- you don't need half the things they mention.
Borrow or buy used cribs, changing tables, and the like using sites like Craigslist. Just be sure to check to make sure the item hasn't been recalled.
Whenever possible breast-feed rather than using formula -- it is considerably less expensive and moms lose the baby weight faster.
Accept all offers for hand-me-down baby clothes -- babies grow so fast that most items are like new.
Quality childcare can be pricey -- even if you don't use it full-time -- but there are plenty of babysitter bargains to be found. Click here for some ideas.
I saved about $20 just by using a pillowcase as a changing table cover.

Toddlers

Play dough is a classic toy for a reason -- here's how to make your own.
Rely on your own creativity for entertaining your tots rather than pricey gismos and gadgets.
Trikes, big-wheels and the like can easily be purchased used (many families will be trying to get rid of them) - as always just make sure they aren't on the recall list.

Elementary and Middle School-ers

In these days of state and city budget cuts, school fundraising is a must. Click here for some frugal but fun fundraising ideas.
Once you are out of the board-book stage, it is time to hit the public library for books, dvds and the like. There are plenty of other ways to save on book-buying, too.
The plethora of quality free online activities for kids makes the cost of an internet connection worthwhile.
Kids go through lots of snacks. Show them they can make their own, by whipping up a batch of Cracker Jacks together.
Electronics are now a part of childhood. Reduce (or at least recoup) some of your costs by learning all about the various trade-in programs.

College

As college costs approach, it is a good idea to sit down with your child and candidly discuss the return on investment of all the different college options that appeal to him/her.
I like programs like Upromise that make saving for college effortless.

7 Habits of Frugal People

2011-08-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Capitalizing on the success of the popular book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People which describes ways people can reach their life goals, the MoneyNing blog has listed a similar approach to meeting your financial goals. Read the article by clicking here.

Saving Money at Outlet Malls

2011-08-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

I just ran across an article that I think has lots of good tips for shopping the summer sales. While this piece is focused on shopping at outlet malls, many of the tips -- such as adding coupon savings to sale prices, bringing your own snacks rather than overpaying at the foodcourt, knowing the regular retail price so you know when you are really getting a bargain, and looking the merchandise over carefully -- are applicable to most sale situations.

Want more tips and tricks for saving money when shopping for clothes and accessories? Consider these:

Best Bargain Web Sites
Discounted Designer Duds
Frugalista Fashion Finds
Sales, Sales, Sales!!
Tightwad Tips for the Frugal Fashionista
Tightwad Tips to Make Cheap Clothes Look Luxe
A Frugal Fashionista's Four Fashion Rules
When to Save; When to Splurge

Finding the Cheapest Prices

2011-08-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

A study released a few months ago about prices at Target being lower than those at Walmart generated all kinds of comments and hoopla. But rather than making shopping decisions based on articles like this, we find it is more useful to compare prices on the items that we actually purchase ourselves on a regular basis, since many of the items in the "basket" the study was based on, are not relevant to us. Whether you keep track of prices in a notebook, in your head, or electronically, you need to know what YOU (not someone else) are paying for things, to determine if shopping at another retailer will save you money.

Cut Your Dry Cleaning Costs

2011-08-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

I've written before about how dry cleaning can be very expensive so I try to do everything I can to avoid it. First of all, I try not to buy clothes that require a trip to the cleaners. This requires reading -- and interpreting -- labels carefully. I've found that when clothing manufacturers say "dry clean only," they really mean it. This label is mostly reserved for delicate, tailored or very embellished items. Note that when the label just says "dry clean" it might be worth it to try washing it. I've had great success in washing wool, cashmere and silk sweaters, all kinds of velvets, and even silk blouses (but not charmeuse - you often loose that beautiful smooth sheen).

Occasionally even items that I would never believe are washable are. For example, almost every lined jacket I own wears the "dry clean only" label. So I was pleasantly surprised to find two cute lined, cotton blazers that are machine washable (and on sale at incredible prices, no less!). One even has care instructions that indicate I should throw it in the dryer, too (the other must hang to dry). So it really pays to examine the care instructions!

DIY - The Path to Happiness

2011-07-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

Want to be happier? Try making your life a little harder... Use a push mower. Bake your own bread. Knit a new scarf. Do things by hand and your brain will thank you.

So proclaims an article in Ladies Home Journal this month. The gist of the piece is that doing things yourself, rather than relying on the latest technology or just buying something, gives our lives more meaning and satisfaction. But as Tightwad Tip fans know, it also saves money. Here are more ideas for exerting some extra effort that will pay off in terms of your finances and your happiness:

Bike or walk to work (and save money on gas, your gym membership, your health care costs) and enjoy the journey.
Take a tip from the LHJ article and grow your own herbs.
Make your summer time dates more active than passive -- don't just go out for a fancy dinner and see a movie, but instead kayak, make a picnic, paint a coffee mug.
Make your own fabulous fashions, including be-ribboned bracelets and bedazzled heels.
Save on a summer pedicure by skipping the spa.
Use items you probably already have in your kitchen and create a fantastic facial mask.
Got kids? Make your own play dough.
Make a "Starbucks" cafe mocha at home.
Harvest your own produce (at "pick your own" places) and save.
Take care of your possessions and you'll have to replace them less often.

Money-Saving Ideas for Your Summer Vacation

2011-07-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

You don't need to plan your vacation months in advance to take advantage of great travel deals. Here are three time-tested ways you can save, even if you are just scheduling your summer trip now:

Consider your destination carefully. You'll save lots of money -- and avoid the crowds -- if you look for alternatives to places like Disneyworld (and other theme-parks), the major capitals in Europe, etc. Think instead about visiting ski resorts for hiking and water sports.
Use online coupons from sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, TravelZoo, and Zozi to save big (often as much as 90%) on right-now deals at restaurants, spas, theaters, activities and events, and so forth.
Fill unsold space at a fraction of the usual price by making reservations via sites like lastminute.com and lastminutedeals.com which match you to airlines that have unsold seats and hotels that have unsold rooms.

Want more tightwad travel tips? Check out these posts:

Top Tightwad Travel Tips

More Tightwad Travel Tips

Top Tightwad Tips for a Splendid Staycation

Travel Freebies

Enjoy a Free Summer Vacation

Avoiding Checked-Baggage Fees

Frugal Flying

Top Tourist Attractions at Tightwad Prices

Escape Hotel Surcharges

Top Tightwad Tips for a Splendid Staycation

2011-07-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Just because the economy is still in the tank and you are staying home for vacation (again!) this summer, doesn't mean that your time off can't be relaxing, refreshing and fun -- just like a trip away from home would be. Here is a round-up of ideas to make sure your time off is as wonderful as you want it to be:

Travel Freebies

2011-06-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

As you plan your vacation this summer, be on the look-out for freebies that can help you keep costs low, without sacrificing the terrific vacation you deserve. Here are some ideas:

If you are traveling with kids, look for places that welcome them with wonderful freebies. For example, Loews Hotels allow kids to stay free, eat free, and see a movie for free; Holiday Inns lets kids stay and eat free.
Many hotels offer freebies for adults, too. Look for free parking, free newspapers, free internet, free gym and pools, and best of all, free meals, like the cooked-to-order breakfasts offered by Embassy Suite Hotels.

Want more tips and tricks for keeping summer vacation travel costs down? Check out these 25 Money-Saving Travel Tips from The Insider Travel Guides.

Free Online Activities for Kids

2011-06-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is here, it's helpful to have an arsenal of kid-friendly activities at the ready. Here's a list of online ideas that are fun, free, and (gasp!) even educational. (Just don't tell your kids that they might learn something!)

Games
abc ya - free games and activities grades K-5 related to math, language arts, and basic computer skills
BuildYourWildSelf - design your human self-portrait with animal parts (from the Wildlife Conservation Society)
Switcheroo Zoo - visit a virtual zoo and make new animals

Math
Cool Math for Kids - an amusement park of math (with an emphasis on fun)
Math Slice- lots of interactive activities, for students from PreK on up
Smarty Games - math, money, and puzzles for young children (a favorite of librarians)

Science
exploratorium - online museum of science, art, and human perception.
Siemens Science Day - let your kids learning by doing - a database of science projects, organized by level
ZoomSci - from the makers of the PBS show

‍Writing
Little Bird Tales - write a story and record your voice to go with it!
Magnetic Poetry - an online way to play with words on a "magnetic" refrigerator
Storybird.com - collaborate with an illustrator to write and publish your own stories (choose from a database of artists)

Art/Crafts
Art Safari - an adventure in exploring art from MoMA's collection (for children and adults)
Color with Leo - young Leonardo da Vinci guides kids through games and activities (also a top librarian choice)
First Palette - a collection of kids' crafts, organized by level, K-8
Kerpoof - make drawings, cards, pictures, even movies
Picasso Head - make a Picasso-style portrait
Jackson Pollock - move your mouse to make drip paintings
Comics
Professor Garfield - Garfield the cat teaches cartooning
MakeBeliefsComix - create your own comic strip, using provided elements
Current Events

Time for Kids - keep up with what's happening via this "Time magazine for kids"
National Geographic for Kids - an interactive look at science and nature

Free Stuff Times

2011-06-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

There are a number of sites that provide information about freebies, contests, and the like. One we like is FreeStuffTimes.com.

Free in NYC

2011-06-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

New York City routinely comes in as one of the most expensive places in the world. But it isn't true that only the air is free in NYC. On any given day, there is a full list of events and things to do that don't cost a single dime. From free admissions to top museums, to concerts, plays, and even just visiting the wonder that is Central Park, you can find plenty to amuse you and entertain you. How to find these freebies? NYCgo.com, the official guide to NYC, has a helpful online listing, or just search "free nyc."

Incidentally, one of our favorite free events is taking place next week. If you'll be in town, don't miss the Museum Mile Festival on Tuesday evening, June 14.

Not planning to be in town anytime soon? Just search on the word "free" and the name of your own town or city to find out what's happening in your neck of the woods.

Free for Kids

2011-06-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

There is no question that raising children can be expensive. Every time you turn around, there seems to be something else to pay for, whether it is sports programs and required equipment, tutoring and music lessons, or even just keeping them in shoes and clothes that fit their ever-growing bodies.

Thankfully, there are lots of free programs for kids, too. Here are some good ones:

Free Books. Barnes & Noble and Borders both have summer programs that reward kids with free books if they read a specified number of books during the summer. The Pottery Barn Summer Reading Challenge gives kids a free book if they read all the books on their book list. And many public libraries (another great source of free books) also have incentive programs to encourage summer reading.
Free Workshops. Lowes and Home Depot both offer carpentry workshops to help kids develop basic skills and build fun projects. Apple offers classes that teach kids how to use their programs, especially the fun ones like garage band and i-movies.
Free Museum Admission and Events. Bank of America and Target both sponsor free admission to museums and other fun sights and attractions. Check out their web sites for details. National Amusements Theatres gives free admission to kids on Wednesdays this summer when they turn in a book report form.
Dinner and Hotels. There are many of restaurants that offer free meals and free hotel stays for kids, so always ask if the place you are considering has programs that will save you money.

Substitutions

2011-06-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Saving money doesn't necessarily have to involve cutting all of the pleasures out of your life. Sometimes it just requires finding a free or low-cost substitute for the things you enjoy. Here are some examples:

Movies - instead of renting from NetFlix or Blockbuster, pick up a DVD at your local public library. Note that many libraries have an inter-library loan system which allows you access to a broad selection of titles.
Work-outs - instead of running on the treadmill at a gym with costly membership fees, run outside. Map out a variety of trails and routes so you don't get bored with the same thing every day.

You've Got To Be In It To Win It

2011-06-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

There are free samples (see my last post) and then there are free deals via sweepstakes or giveaways. While both tend to be sponsored as marketing efforts by manufacturers or publishers, the latter tend to be more glitzy offerings. The hitch is, of course, that not everyone who fills out the form will receive the goods -- there is usually just one winner. Since it takes about the same effort to fill out a sweepstakes/giveaway form as it does to complete a free sample form, I tend to do both. And I've had some success through the years, winning a designer purse, a leather notebook, free breakfast, a top of the line golf putter, a watch, a $50 certificate, tutoring for my kids, a Starbucks giftcard, and a weekend trip to New Orleans. So why not give it a shot? Here are some of the sites with which I've had the most luck:

Note that you don't need to make a purchase or sign up for a subscription, newsletter, or emails to win, so be sure to unclick those boxes if you aren't interested -- they don't increase your chances of winning.

Free For All

2011-06-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of free stuff. And who isn't? You can save lots of money by getting free samples of your favorite products instead of buying them yourself. And the good news is that lots of good stuff is free for the asking. Just click over to the sites below and sign up to receive free samples and coupons:

Important tips:

Free means free. So don't expect to provide credit card or bank account details -- or even your social security number in order to get a free sample or coupon.
Legitimate organizations don't require you to fill out reams of information to receive a product sample in the mail. So if a form asks for more than your basic contact info., it is best to skip it, unless you were warned up front that you would be completing a survey in return for the free sample.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Plenty of companies give away product samples or service trials - we live in an era of free giveaways to create engagement, after all. But free vacations, cars or expensive electronics (other than through a sweepstakes) are another thing entirely.

Beware of Debt Collection Scams

2011-06-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Now is a great time to refinance your home mortgage (if you haven't already) - rates are so low that even if you refinanced a few years ago, you may find that you will save money if you refinance again.

Of course with any loan situation, you'll want to review your credit scores with the three major credit reporting agencies first to make sure all is as it should be. When I did so recently, I found a listing from a debt collection organization. This fraudulent company had made up a charge and attached it to my name, demanding payment to have it removed. They claimed it was a debt from 2005 for movies I had purchased through the mail. I'm still fighting it -- and if you find yourself in a similar situation, I recommend that you do, too.

For more information about the perils of debt collection agencies that try to intimidate you into giving money you don't (and never did) owe, read the article in Family Circle magazine at http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/money/how-to-avoid-debt-collection-scams/?page=1.

Top Tightwad Tips for Summer Dates - 2011

2011-05-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

The relaxed days (and nights) of summer are a good time to reconnect with your sweetie. But there is no need to book an expensive vacation or go all out for a pricey dinner and a show to rekindle your romance. Here are some ideas that are low on cost but high on romance:

Take Advantage of Summer Weather:

Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride together (I especially like the idea of riding a tandem bike). As an added bonus, the exercise will make you feel fitter and sexier!
Rent a rowboat, kayak or a canoe.
Drive to a pretty spot for a picnic. Set up your blanket on the beach and watch the waves roll in; perch on a hilltop and enjoy the view; or just go to a local park and enjoy being outdoors together.
Take a local walking history tour.
Pick strawberries, then take them home and feed them to each other.
Visit the zoo at night - not only are the animals are more active in the evening hours, but the place has an entirely different feel after dark.
Go to a carnival or state fair and ride the Ferris wheel and have your palms read.

Stay Inside and Enjoy the Air Conditioning:

Complete a simple project together (like making a scrapbook of your vacation photos).
Go to your local public library, check out some poetry books and read to each other.
Bring out the board games (Twister is always a sexy choice) or video games (we especially like wii boxing to get those competitive juices flowing!).
Go to a comedy club on amateur night.
Sign up for the mailing list of local art galleries - and then attend their art show openings, for free wine and hors oeuvres plus, of course, the art!
Paint coffee mugs at a paint-your-own-pottery place.
Head to an ice skating rink and strap on skates for some icy fun.

Totally Free:

Attend weekend open houses and imagine what it would be like if you owned the place - just check the listings in your local real estate guide.
Many communities offer outdoor movies and concerts for free -- check local listings and attend them all!
Find a fountain and throw in 10 pennies, taking turns making wishes.

Tightwad Tips To Make Cheap Clothes Look Luxe

2011-05-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

My favorite way to save money on clothes to shop mega-sales (read about my recent coups at Talbots and Coldwater Creek at http://toptightwadtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/talbots-shopping-at-target-prices.html and http://toptightwadtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/sale-on-top-of-sale-plus-coupon.html). But sometimes, the prices at places like Target and H&M beckon, too. But how do you make outfits from discount stores look like those from the chic-est boutiques? The trick is to choose your purchases carefully.

More magazine published some tips and tricks for making the most of your inexpensive purchases. Here they are in a nutshell:

Make thin fabrics appear more substantial by wearing slips and camis underneath.
Mix and match items at different price and quality levels.
Keep your color palette simple -- too many colors in one outfit can appear garish and cheap.
Make sure your cheap clothes exude quality with neutral or rich colors (inexpensive brights, neons and shiny metallics rarely look luxe) and well-made, flat seams.
Some items, such as those with fancy beading, embroidery and other embellishments, don't translate well at rock-bottom price points, so either trade-up or opt-out.
Basic black is one of the best color choices at the lowest price points.
Some things, like "status bags" in polyurethane, won't fool anyone. If you are buying a bag from a discounter, make sure it is simple without too much hardware or branding for the most polished look.
Choose natural fabrics like cotton, silk and linen -- they look more luxurious than many synthetics.
The fit must be right (not too tight, too short, or oversized) to be convincingly upscale. Tailoring can help, but be sure to factor the cost of any extensive alterations into your purchase price.
Good basics, like t-shirts, khakis, jeans, and white button-downs, are easily found at mass market retailers.
Look for classic color combinations (think black/white) -- their very crispness will make them look more expensive.
Faux leather, haircalf, ponyskin, etc. is best left to small accessories like a skinny belt.
Always consider whether the item flatters you -- if the cut or color is wrong, don't let yourself be tempted, even if the price is a steal.
Some "throw-away" fashion (think of this summer's canvas and hemp espadrille trend --these shoes will always fall apart in the first sudden shower no matter how much you spend on them) is absolutely a must at low, low prices.
Make the item better with higher quality buttons, a different belt, etc.

Want to see the original story? Click over to http://www.more.com/cheap-clothes-look-expensive.

Sale on Top of Sale, Plus a Coupon

2011-04-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I blogged about a shopping coup at Talbots, where I found irresistible savings on wonderful spring basics. Well I'm happy to report that I had a similar experience today at Coldwater Creek.

I'm a big fan of the online outlet at Coldwater Creek. The discounts can be quite steep and since there is a store in my area where I can make returns (thus saving the return shipping costs), I don't have to worry too much about the vagaries of color and size that can otherwise make online shopping so troublesome.

I browse the site pretty regularly when I want a break from other things. I'm a pretty careful shopper and although I might frequently fill my virtual cart, I wait until I'm really sure I want something and that it is truly well priced before I make any purchases. This means that it might be weeks (sometimes even more than a month) before I actually check out. I've found though, that while I occasionally lose items that I would have loved to another customer who buys while I'm mulling over my decision, my luck just as often goes the other way: something that I've been thinking about is discounted even further, so that my hesitation is rewarded with extra savings. That's what happened today.

I was thinking about some tailored jackets and cotton pants, plus one of those no-iron shirts that I love. But I wasn't really sure that I wanted to spend the money. And then this morning I noticed that the site was offering an extra 40% off the discounted prices. Plus I had a coupon for an additional 25% off. That meant that I got a jacket that originally retailed for $119 for a mere $20.37; pants that had once been $59.95, I got for only $6.79; and so forth.

A bit of advice: if you want similar savings, you better jump over to Coldwater Creek now: the sale ends tomorrow night at midnight.

Ebates - An Easy Way to Save

2011-04-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a big believer in taking the easy way out. That's why I like using "frequent buyer" cards offered by many drugstores and supermarkets that automatically give you the value of store coupons when you check out, and/or provide money back after you reach a pre-determined spending level.

For similar reasons, I like the Ebates.com shopping model. Once you are logged on at ebates.com, you can shop at hundreds of e-tailiers and get money back for every purchase. E-tailers pay ebates.com a fee for referring you to them, and credits you back a portion; usually from 2 to 20 percent of your purchase amount.

Extreme Couponing

2011-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I've now watched three episodes of the TLC reality series Extreme Couponing. It is oddly compelling to watch folks show off their hoards of packaged goods (usually neatly shelved and organized), and then plan and execute a multi-hour super-shopping spree. I find the producers' attempt at wringing drama out of whether or not they will be able to save as much as they expected a bit forced -- these are people who spend up to 40 hours a week on their couponing (and have the detailed spreadsheets to prove it!), so of course they will be on (or at least close to) target!

But as you see the train of grocery carts headed for the check-out, and then see the shoppers load up their vehicles, and finally watch them unpack and put the items away, it is hard not to mentally compare the extreme couponers to the compulsive accumulators on Hoarding: Buried Alive (another TLC show). After all, who really needs years and years worth of toilet paper and canned goods on hand at all times? Let's be honest: only the truly obsessed can shop that way.

As amazing as it is to see the register drop the total from, say, $1200 to just over $5, I doubt that I would want to eat so many processed foods myself. And as I watched a couple buy 20 gallons of milk and dozens of pounds of cheese (one of the few non-boxed or canned purchases), I wondered what would ultimately happen to it: their family wasn't so large that they could be expected to consume so much within its expected shelf life. (And having once be exposed to the horrors of frozen milk, I wish that on no one!!)

A member of my extended family has trouble just using up items she buys in bulk on sale or at Costco, even with a family of five. We've come to expect that her parties will feature soda that has lost its fizz (it takes less time than you think) and she once gave her son food poisoning by using mayonnaise that was far past its prime. I can only imagine what it is like to be part of a family that is forever eating stale breakfast cereal and decades-old mustard (because they believe the latter lasts indefinitely).

I truly believe it is better to plan in terms of weeks (or maybe a month or two) rather than in years, when supermarket bargains come your way. Most items have a sale cycle of four to six weeks, so you really only need to buy enough to last until the next time the price drops.

Beauty Bargains

2011-03-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

We love finding drugstore products that perform as well as their pricey department store counterparts. Here's an example: try Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Makeup or CoverGirl Simply Ageless Anti-Aging Foundation. Both cost only about $14, while a similar product from La Prairie costs about $100.

Ideeli Travel

2011-03-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ideeli Travel (a members-only discount site) is featuring some great travel bargains this week. Consider a quick escape to a top-rated Philadelphia hotel, a luxurious Lake Las Vegas resort, or more far-flung vacations to upscale, family-friendly spots in Honolulu and Puerto Vallarta. These offers all feature exclusive extras and savings of 40%-50% off the best prices on other travel sites.

Stay at the Hotel Palomar, the #1 rated hotel in Philly, 40% off
Or choose the Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, a desert oasis only 30 minutes from the Vegas strip, 50% off
Ideeli also offers deals at the Hawaii Prince Hotel, an oceanfront hotel near Waikiki Beach, where your getaway includes a rental car
Villa la Estancia, the award-winning beachfront resort near Puerto Vallarta is another good choice.

Talbots Shopping at Target Prices

2011-03-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Starting today, the women's clothing chain, Talbots, is advertising huge discounts of up to 75% off (but we found some sale prices that were even better). If you are a fan of classically-styled clothing (the sorts of things we frugalistas love, since they don't go out of style quickly the way more trendy things do), now is a good time to stock up. The prices rival those at Target, but the quality is significantly better.

Here are a few of my frugal fashion finds:

D'orsay-style leather flats - perfect for the summer with skirts and shorts - were $99, now just $12.24.
Wedge-heeled leather sandals - all the rage right now - were $109, now just $13.49.
A silk rosette collar which adds a touch of glamour to a basic sheath dress or sweater - was $89, now $21.99.
A structured leather satchel with an embossed snakeskin print - was $250, now $62.48
Teardrop ribbon necklace - that multi-chain look stylists love - was $89, now $10.99
Fancy silk sheath - was $349, now $43.49

Update: I received an email the day after I placed my order alerting me that one of my items was out of stock - multiple people had ordered it about the same time and by the time my order was picked out of the warehouse, the item was gone. I found a variation of the item online for the same price and called, asking that it be substituted in my order. The customer service rep indicated that since my order had already been processed, I would be charged shipping fees, less a 10% discount as a courtesy for my hassle. I hesitated -- even with the adjustment the shipping fee added more than 50% to the price. So I asked for two things: that the rep pass along to her managers my dismay that Talbot's stocking software doesn't work more accurately, and that she ask her supervisor to waive the shipping fee this one time. She was sure that given the amazing price I was receiving (88% off the original price), the company would refuse to ship for free. But they didn't. So once more, just by asking politely, I saved myself some money.

Cell Phone Savings

2011-03-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

In the market for a new cell phone? Hell pay for it by recycling your old one at Yourenew.com where you can get money back for trading in all your old cell phones. Just list your model, answer a few quick questions, and enter your e-mail address, mailing address, and choice of payment. You'll receive a shipping label, so just pop your old cell in the mail and wait for your money to arrive.
Even if you are sticking with your existing phone, make sure you are paying as little as possible for it each month, by clicking over to Cellbills.com, which examines phone usage and then recommends the most cost-efficient plan.

Drugstore Beauty: Best Products Under $25

2011-02-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Real Beauty web site recently named its top 17 beauty bargains - products that are great, but inexpensive and available at drugstores everywhere for under $25. Many of the brand names are old favorites - including CoverGirl, Maybelline, Burts Bees, and Revlon. But there are some new names on the list, too. Check it out by clicking here.

Good Housekeeping has also released a list of their top 30 best drugstore beauty picks. You can find their list here.

I'd add one more: Neutrogena Tone Correcting Tinted Moisture SPF 30 from Ageless Intensives (about $19), which provides a triple whammy of a sheer color, sun protection, and anti-aging retinol and vitamin C.

Schedule Your Savings

2011-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is all in your timing. There are certain times of year when bargains abound on specific items. Here is an updated guide (click here for the original) for when to shop to save the most:

January

Stock up on giftcards from sites like Plastic Jungle - lots of folks who received cards as holiday gifts from stores that don't interest them will be unloading them for a fraction of their face value.
Department stores generally hold their "white sales" in mid-January so that is a good time to stock up on sheets and towels.
Dry cleaners are often slow at this time of year and often discounts to entice you to bring in your comforters and other big items.
Need to replace your central air conditioner? Do it now in the dead of winter and save thousands.
January is also a good time to redecorate with new rugs and furniture -- not only have sales dropped off from the busy fall when people spruce up for the holidays, but new lines come in during Feb/March and stores want to sell off old inventory first.

February

Right after the SuperBowl, count on large flat screen TVs to go on sale. Just waiting until after the big game can save you hundreds of dollars.
Look for discounts on chocolates, jewelry and other Valentine's Day items right after the 14th.
Towards the end of the month, you'll want to take advantage of clearance prices on shovels, snow-blowers and other snow removal gear.

March

Luggage - look for sales of excess inventory that didn't sell during the holiday travel rush.
Fill up your freezer throughout the month of March - it's National Frozen Food Month.

April

Scour the stores for the last of the boots, heavy coats, mittens and gloves for almost pennies on the dollar.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney cleaned now instead of in September and you can probably save $50 or more.
Spring produce: asparagus, rhubarb, apricots, spinach.
Running shoes and other outdoor sports gear is discounted now to get people excited about spring and summer sports.

May

Late spring and early summer is the best time to buy firewood.
This time of year is also a good time for buying kitchenware, vacuum cleaners, and the like -- stores discount them for both gifts to new grads and to June brides.

June

Father's Day brings discounts on tools, suits and ties, and other manly items.
June is also a great time to haggle for a lower gym membership price -- not only are many former members now exercising outside, but New Year's resolutions are long gone.

July/August

Summer produce: tomatoes, green beans, nectarines, blueberries.
Sales on bathing suits and other summer clothing start in mid to late July.
End-of-summer sales also mean great savings on gas grills, sprinklers, pool items and outdoor furniture and toys.
Stock up on office supplies during the back-to-school sales in August.
Back-to-school sales also offer great deals on dorm room items, including bed linens.
Garden centers discount plants and shrubs to make room for holiday plants in August.

September

Buy the bulk of your kids' back-to-school items in mid-to-late September when the stores aren't so crazy and all the items you need will be severely reduced in price. Summer weather will still be in force the first week of school anyway, so chances are they wouldn't have even been able to wear their new duds yet.

October

Fall produce: sweet potatoes, yams, apples, pomegranates.
Jeans and other back-to-school clothing items are on clearance and will soon be gone to make room for holiday duds.

November

Buy next year's Halloween decorations right after Oct. 31.
Thanksgiving specials: cranberries, turkey, stuffing, baking needs. And look for all kinds of coupons on your favorite food items - more grocery coupons are issued in November and December than any other time of year.
If you can stick to the door-busting specials, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) can be a great day for bargains.

December

Winter produce: winter squash, cabbage, snow peas
Stock up on Christmas ornaments, wrapping paper and decorations starting Dec. 27 (you'll want to avoid the crowds on the 26th when people flock to return and exchange gifts that didn't work out).

Want to save big on big ticket items like cars and appliances? At the end of every month, quarter and year, shop for these major items when sales people are most eager to fulfill their sales quotas.

For big grocery store savings, pay attention to the sales cycle: most products are discounted every four to 12 weeks. By keeping track of how often your favorites go on sale, you'll be able to stock up just enough to last you until the next sale.

A Good Cents Guide to Valentine's Day Gifts

2011-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

There are lots of great reasons you might not want to spend a fortune on a Valentine's Day gift for your special someone that have nothing to do with the depth of your love. Maybe you're saving all your money for a really fabulous vacation together this summer. Maybe you're trying desperately to dig yourself out of debt. Maybe you are in school and have no income. Whatever the reason, we've got the solution for you with this list of free or inexpensive Valentine's Day gift ideas. All are low in price but high on romance!

Instead of signing up for dance lessons at a pricey studio, gift your sweetie with a series of DIY lessons, using YouTube or another web-based video series as your teacher. Whether you heat things up with the salsa or tango, or choose the classic romance of ballroom dancing, you'll have a chance to touch and most likely, to laugh together -- both of which will remind you of how happy you are together. Be sure to end each lesson with some simple slow dancing!
Even if you can't whisk your lover off to a fancy destination spa, you can create the same feeling by setting up the bedroom with scented candles and serene music, turning the lights down low, and getting ready for some pampering. Throw some flower petals on the bed (note: red roses can stain so we recommend a lighter color) and take turns giving each other a slow, sensuous massage. After you're both relaxed, run a steamy bubble bath and and enjoy a good, long soak together.
Give a booklet of gift certificates for kisses and cuddles. Make it fun by including the history and fun facts related to kissing through the ages. Then update your own kissing techniques and get ready for some smooching!

Tightwad Trade-Ins

2011-02-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

We're big fans of recycling for environmental reasons, but when there is a financial incentive to recycle, we get even more excited. Here are some programs that pay you, when you dispose of your old items responsibly:

• Costco's Trade-In Program has joined forces with Gazelle, a recycling service, to swap laptops, cell phones, cameras, MP3 players, Blu-Ray discs, games, and more for a Costco Cash Card.

• Recycle ink and toner cartridges in exchange for $2 in Staples Rewards.

• Send your old video games to Amazon: just sign up online for the ones you no longer want, they'll send you a postage-paid envelope, and once they receive the goods, you'll get an Amazon credit you can use to shop online. Amazon allows you to get cash for books you no longer want also, although you must sell through their site and therefore wait for a buyer -- so this can take time.

• Receive a Best Buy gift card when you trade in old video games, musical instruments, select electronics, and CDs and movies. You can ship items to a trade-in center (print out a prepaid shipping label at bestbuy.com/recycling) or bring them to your local store.

• Trade in used sports equipment at PlayItAgainSports and receive cash or new sports equipment from the store.

• GameStop is another good place to trade in used video games. You'll receive a Gamestop gift card good for purchasing anything at their stores or website.

• RadioShack has a useful program for trading-in old electronics. The service is available in their stores and online. As with many other programs, you'll receive a Radio Shack gift card.

• MyBoneyard is another website for recycling used electronics. You can estimate the value of your items online, and then choose to receive a prepaid shipping label for mailing items in. Assuming your items have a cash value, you can elect to receive the money yourself or donate it to charity.

Frugal But Fun - Valentine's Day Date Ideas 2011

2011-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day doesn't have to include a pricey meal at a fancy restaurant. In fact, you don't need to spend lots of money to have a memorable night on February 14th.

Here are some suggestions for creating a special evening with your sweetie right at home. All are easy on the wallet, while still providing the romance that the occasion demands:

Take a bubble bath or shower and lather each other well (light candles and have glasses of champagne on hand to make the moment extra special).
Create your own wine tasting, cheese tasting, chocolate tasting – or whatever tempts you -- comparing notes on what you like and what you don't.
Do home-spa treatments like facials or massages on each other, making sure that the massage oil is warm, the lights are low, and the towels are fluffy.
Take turns serenading each other with love songs at karaoke.oddcast.com or karaoke.com.

Prefer to get out of the house together? Here are some ideas for dates that are frugal but fun:

Go to a free wine tasting. Many wine stores offer complementary samples so check the shops in your area or click over to LocalWineEvents.com for a city-by-city list.
Check listings in your local paper or web site -- many libraries and museums offer free film screenings and concerts that would make a wonderful date.
As the sun sets, head to the highest point in town and hold hands (and smooch a little) as you watch the twinkling lights turn on.
Dress up in your sexiest styles and sip champagne at a fancy hotel bar, playing footsie under the table. Then after a glass or two, head home for a finger-food only feast of grapes, bread and cheese.

Tightwad Tips for the Telephone

2011-01-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's New York Times had a great round-up of the ins and outs of Internet calling. The bottom line? All the current services, including FreePhone2Phone, Fring, Google Voice, Line2, Skype, TextFree with VoiceTruphone, have their pros -- and their cons.

Top Tightwad Web Sites

2011-01-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, we published our list of Top 10 Budgeting Web Sites. Since then, we've found a whole host of web sites like ours, written by ordinary people who want to share their top tips for saving money. Here is a list of our favorites:

2011-01-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Now that gas prices are on the rise again, there is no better time to make sure that every drop counts! With thanks to The Insider Travel Blog, here are lots of trips and tricks that will help you make the most of every tankful:

The Basics

Slow down! Since fuel economy drops rapidly over 65 mph, make sure you don't rest your foot too heavily on the gas pedal.

Keep your speed steady. Lots of quick starts and stops use more fuel than maintaining a consistent speed (so on the highway, use cruise control if you have it).

Keep your tires inflated properly. Driving on under-inflated tires can drastically reduce fuel efficiency (10% under the optimum pressure translates to about 3% more fuel).
Lighten your load. It takes more fuel to move a heavier car around. Remember that even the little things add up, so remember to keep your car cleaned out!

Let the breeze blow. At speeds of less than 60 mph, you'll save gas by cooling off with a breeze from an open window; at 60 mph and above, it is better to use your car's air conditioning system to reduce drag.

No more circling. Can't find the perfect parking spot? Quickly settle for second (or third, or fourth) best rather than wasting fuel driving around the lot.

Keep Clean. Clean the air filter monthly to keep your engine running efficiently.

Don't Idle. If you are stopping for more than a minute or two, it uses less gas to turn off the engine and start it up again than to leave it idling (of course this doesn't apply in traffic or at stoplights). Similarly, "warming up" your car just wastes fuel, except during winter in the coldest of climates.

On Vacation

Don't get lost. Use a GPS device to ensure that you're always on the right route so you don't spend extra miles out of your way.

Tune in to technology. Use web sites like those from traffic.com and the Federal Highway Administration to avoid detours and traffic tie-ups that would otherwise cost you extra time and fuel.

Web Resources

Find the gas station with the lowest price in your neighborhood at GasPriceWatch.com and GasBuddy.com.

More resources for finding cheaper gas are at MSN.com.

Look for credit cards that offer rebates for gas purchases at BestCreditOffers.com and inns that are reimbursing you for your gas expenses at About.com.

Above all, you need to plan every car trip like the investment it is. If you can just as easily accomplish your goal by walking or biking or using public transportation, it almost goes without saying that that's what you should do. But if you truly need your vehicle, think about mapping out each stop in a careful, organized fashion or doing your errands on the way home from work so that you drive as little as possible.

Update: Check out the New York Times round-up of mobile apps -- including GasBuddy, Where, and Poynt -- that help you find the cheapest gas in your area.

Redbook's 5 Beauty Products for $5 or Less

2011-01-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

I am impressed that Redbook recently listed their 5 favorite beauty products that cost $5 or less each. So many magazines recommend pricey products - it is a relief to see a parcel of products that I can actually be interested in! Here they are:

Nivea SOS Lip Balm, $4
New York Color Long Wearing Enamel in Big Apple Red, $1
E.L.F. Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Pink Lemonade, $1
Suave Professionals Damage Care Conditioner, $3
Milani Crystal Gloss in Secret, $5

To read more, click over to their original article.

Unlimited Music for Just $10

2011-01-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

Music is an integral part of my life and always has been. When I was young, I sang in the church choir, the school chorus, and at various times played violin, clarinet, oboe, flute, recorder, and saxophone. While I no longer play, sing or perform with any musical group, listening to music is still part of my life every day. My musical tastes are extraordinarily eclectic. I enjoy classical music, jazz, rock, show tunes, the blues, rap, hip hop and much more. I love making seasonal play lists for all occasions (e.g. St. Patrick's Day, the 4th of July) as well as more personal playlists (e.g. workout songs). So when I discovered Rhapsody some years ago, I knew this service was perfect for me. For just $10 a month, I get unlimited music. I can listen on my laptop or download songs. I can explore music in a ton of different categories. I can make my own playlists - as many as I want - and listen to playlists that other subscribers make. I can find out what's hot, and what Rhapsody editors recommend (both methods have exposed me to lots of artists I might not have otherwise found on my own). The library I can easily access for the monthly fee - which is searchable by artists, song title, album title and more - is enormous and would cost a fortune if I had to buy the songs or albums individually. I can listen to full songs - not just a 30-second clip - before I download them, which is a real advantage. I'm not always a fan of open-ended subscriptions, but this one as definitely proved to be worthwhile!
Setting up a free account at Pandora.com is also a great way to listen to music. Once you list several of your favorite songs or artists, a super-computer will create personalized "radio stations" based on the music you love the most.

Update: Spotify is another online music service that you can use for free, although unless you upgrade to the premium service, you'll have to endure annoying commercials every few songs. The real strength in Spotify's approach is the ability to share music with friends via Facebook.

Unclaimed Funds

2011-01-06T01:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the easiest way to get some extra income is to find some money you didn't even know you had. It is worth checking every year to see if you are owed any of the $32.8 billion in unclaimed funds being held by state governments. You might be owed money from a forgotten checking account or a mislaid security deposit. Go to IRS.gov (for tax refunds) and to MissingMoney.org and Unclaimed.org (for everything else), and type in your name and all the states where you have lived or worked. For best results, just type in your last name to see what variations come up -- I discovered funds listed in both my mother- and father-in-law's names - both of whom are long deceased.

Big Box Store Bargains

2011-01-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I'm generally not a huge fan of the big box stores, like Costco, BJs or Sam's Club. I find that the average household doesn't end up saving all that much money buying in bulk, once you factor in the annual club membership, the extra stuff you invariably buy "because it is available at such a great price," and all the waste that occurs when you buy a gallon tub of mayonnaise which goes bad before you can use it all. But this online article has almost convinced me to give the warehouse stores another look. Here are their tips:

Purchase store brands.
Buy big - and then transfer to smaller containers.
Buy bulk meat (you'll find real savings here).
Avoid the middle aisles (just like at supermarkets).
Shop with a list - and don't deviate from it.
Share a membership (and that 26-roll package of toilet paper) with a friend.
Master the art of unit pricing.
Grab a bite to eat - the prices at the cafe can't be beat.
Take advantage of seasonal savings.

For the full article, click here.

Chic Hair at Cheap Prices

2011-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Going to the salon regularly to touch up the color on your tresses can get extremely expensive, even if you are only a few shades away from your natural color. But as good as at-home color has become in recent years, there is no question that having a professional colorist does the best job in creating a natural look. The best compromise? Visit the salon every 8 to 12 weeks, while touching up your roots at home every 2 weeks or so in between. Here are some drugstore products created exactly for that purpose:

Samy Fat Foam Hair Color (about $9)
Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up (my favorite)
Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 (although I've found it isn't best for resistent greys)
John Fried Sheer Blonde Go Blonde Controlled Lightening Spray (about $10)
Rita Hazan Root Concealer - a water resistent spray (about $24)

If you need an even faster touch-up (e.g. you notice lots of grey strands just as you're about to head out the door and so don't have the 10 to 15 minutes that the products above require), try TouchBack Hair Marker by Colormark, which is basically like a Sharpie for your hair. It's main downside is that is extremely temporary - all the grey will reappear when you shampoo.

John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Controlled Lightening spray (about $10) contains hydrogen peroxide, so it is permanent, but still an easy way to brighten your hair and help diffuse dark roots. It uses the heat from your hair dryer to gradually lighten your color.

Or try Clairol Professional Jazzing semi-permanent hair color (about $6), which is supposed to brighten and add shine to colored or highlighted hair and stretch time between appointments.
If you've gone too long between visits and need more than a quick touch-up, some folks recommend Clairol Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam - supposedly it is more like a mousse than a liquid and so doesn't drip (thereby staining your skin and clothes) like some other at-home color kits. I didn't find this to be true, however, and I wasn't impressed with the color results, either.

Highlights are another good way to freshen up your color at home. L'Oreal Paris Touch-On Highlights Kit uses a plastic brush that many folks find easier to use than the classic plastic cap (remember that?) or foils (which are virtually impossible to do yourself at home). And since the product is blue as you apply it (which can be disconcerting, I admit), you'll know exactly where you've placed the product.One product I'm not particular keen on is Clairol's Natural Instincts -- while I find the concept of demi-permanent color appealing, I've found that the coverage isn't all that great, especially if you are trying to cover some greys. L'Oreal Root Rescue (about $7) is also less effective on greys than some other products.

Whether you color your hair at home or at the salon, it pays to take care of it afterward, since color can dry out your hair, making it seem dull. Condition it regularly with special color-specific products like Pantene Pro-V Color Nourishing Treatment, John Frieda's Color Collection (look for the formula that matches your hair color), or even the popular Aussie products. You can also maintain your shine with products like Aveeno Living Color Preserving Shine Glaze, Nice 'n Easy's Color Boosting Glazes, and L'Oreal Paris Colorist Secrets Shine Gloss (about $9).

Another maintenance tip: think purple! Some people swear by using grape Kool-Aid as a brightener - just mix 1/4 tbsp of the purple powder with your shampoo and wash as usual.

Remember that no matter what product you use, you shouldn't use shampoo right after coloring your hair -- just rinse the product out and then condition your hair -- many coloring kits include specially formulated conditioner -- or use your own. And then for the next couple of days, use a gentle shampoo, especially not a clarifying or dandruff shampoo which could strip the color.

Note that all of the items mentioned are available in drugstores and cost a lot less than salon products.

Ladies Home Journal's how to guide: Be Your Own Hair Colorist offers tips and tricks, including how to correct your color if all goes wrong.

A Tale of Two on the Same Income

2011-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

When I think about the long-term benefits of making thrifty choices in order to reach your financial goals, I often think about Carol and Tim, two colleagues of mine many years ago. They both made about the same amount of money, were about the same age (mid-40's), and had worked together at the same company for roughly the same time. Carol often marveled that Tim generously supported a family of four; while she, a single woman with no dependents, struggled to keep her financial head above water. "How does he do it?" she often asked.

She would point to the fact that she lived in a studio apartment, while he and his family lived in a three-bedroom house. But here's the thing: he and his wife had struggled to save for their down payment, postponing purchases of new clothes and dinners out, and took advantage of the favorable mortgage rate offered to employees by the bank both Tim and Carol worked for. Tim and his wife chose a house in an up-and-coming community in NJ and did most of the work to renovate and update it themselves. They decorated it modestly with family finds and big box store bargains. Meanwhile, Carol had spent lavishly on herself, buying new designer clothes each season, choosing things like imported high thread-count sheets for her bed, and priding herself on being one of the first ones to try each new hot NYC restaurant. Her apartment was in the pricey Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. But since she didn't have space to store her extensive (and always growing) collections of clothes and other items (like books), she also paid for a large storage room in a separate facility.

Since she lived by herself, Carol preferred to eat meals out with friends rather than cooking at home. When she did stay in, she often bought prepared foods at the fancy food store Agata & Valentina. Meanwhile, Tim's family created a menu of healthy meals made from scratch, buying what was on sale at the supermarket and taking advantage of special deals at places like Costco. He often brought his lunch from home on weekdays, citing the high cost of buying a sandwich from the local delis compared with making the same thing at home.

Carol marveled that Tim took his family skiing in the winter and on a beach vacation in the summer, lamenting that she could only afford one get-away each year. But Tim always shopped around for a good deal, being careful to avoid popular spots and times to save money. He joked about how he and his family packed their belongings in trash bags rather than buying suitcases - making the point that they valued the vacation experience too much to worry about arriving in style. Carol was openly derisive about Tim's packing predilection, noting that it just wouldn't pass muster at the fashionable spots in the Hamptons that she frequented.

Carol spent more than $10,000 to buy a purebred terrier; Tim's family chose their pet from an animal shelter. Carol brought bottled water to work; Tim quenched his thirst at the office water cooler. Carol leased a new car; Tim drove a vehicle he had bought used 5 years ago.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this: Carol freely spent money on things that appealed to her sense of aesthetics with little concern for what would create lasting value in her life, while Tim had a plan for his family's future, and preferred to set aside money for big purchases that would be meaningful in the greater scheme of his life, while foregoing momentary pleasures (like an afternoon cappuccino). As a result, when we were all laid off in the inevitable banking consolidation, Tim had savings to fall back on, but Carol didn't and fell even more deeply into debt.

Great Budget Bubblies for New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T05:11:00.000-08:00

Freixenet from Spain has long been one of my favorite bubblies. I drank it in college and have served it at parties ever since. It is in expensive but delicious. Looking for a great sparkling wine with which to ring in the New Year? This is a perennial at the top of my list.

Korbel from California is another favorite. Both my sister and I served it at our weddings -- and never regretted doing so.

Want more budget bubbly suggestions? Click here for five more.

7-Figure Secrets of Real Women

2010-12-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

I found the title of a recent Redbook magazine article, The Seven-Figure Secrets of Real Women, a bit misleading, but the last page of the piece had useful web site links for those who are resolving to put their financial house in order for the New Year. So whether you want to plan a realistic budget, save for the future, or get out of debt, this article recommends helpful web sites to put you on the right track.

Frugal Family Fun

2010-12-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

We love The Nutcracker as much as anyone else, were excited when Elf hit Broadway, and have seen Radio City's Christmas Show Spectacular more times than we care to admit. But taking the family to one of these special events is extremely pricey. And let's face it: the kids don't always enjoy it enough to justify the high cost.

So here's another, lower-cost alternative: create an annual of watching your favorite holiday movie together. Make it a special event with popcorn and hot cocoa -- and enjoy the fact that if someone gets cranky or someone else nods off to sleep in the middle, you haven't spent a fortune on your entertainment.

Not sure what would work? Try one of the films recommended by Redbook magazine. Click over to their website and you can even see clips from each movie.

More Discount Decorations

2010-12-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for ways to make your home feel festive, but rather not spend much money doing so? Try out some of these ideas:

Use fruit as a centerpiece in a bowl or on a platter. Red and green apples are a natural, since they already emphasize the traditional Christmas colors, but consider citrus fruits too, especially since they are at their most delicious and inexpensive at this time of year.
Be big and bold - a few large ornaments always make more of a statement than a mass of small ones.

Pretty Packing Materials

2010-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Here's the best idea I've heard yet for recycling small pieces of used wrapping paper: simply pass them through your paper shredder for a festive (and frugal!) alternative to bubble wrap, newspaper or packing peanuts.

Fun But Frugal Holiday Parties

2010-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

The usual cocktail party can be quite expensive, with pricey hors d'oevres and drinks. But you don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun with your friends. Here are some festive yet frugal ideas for some low-cost get-togethers:

Host a tree-trimming party with ropes of popcorn and cranberries on strings, or long strands of paper looped decorations. Pump up the Christmas, serve a luscious punch and holiday cookies, and wait to turn on the tree lights until the decorating is done, for a grand finale.
Have your friends over for a wrapping paper. Everyone brings a roll of wrapping material - it can be everything from Kraft paper to be decorated with stamps, old maps, extra wallpaper - the options are endless. You supply the tape and the treats. Everyone gets to socialize and finish a must-do task at the same time. For tips and tricks to spiff up the look of your gifts, check out these gift wrapping ideas.

All Things Santa

2010-12-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

For an in-depth collection of Santa Claus and Christmas-related articles, ideas, tips and tricks, including many that are free or quite inexpensive, click over to SantaClaus.com.

Gifts Under $25

2010-12-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

Family Circle has published a useful list of their best gift ideas for under $25. It has the perfect present for everyone on your list, from just $6.

Fun and Free Holiday Activities

2010-12-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes with the holiday hustle and bustle - rushing to the stores to buy gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats - it is hard to remember that there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season that don't cost a thing. So put your wallet away and enjoy one of these free holiday activities:

Sing a Song. Whether you warble a bit in the privacy of your home or go out caroling with a group of friends, there is nothing quite as uplifting as traditional Christmas carols.
Share a Smooch. You don't really need mistletoe to reach out and show your affection - just do it!
Scent the Air. All you really need is a bit of cinnamon in a pot of water simmering gentle on the stove to make your home smell wonderful. Got some cloves, star anise and orange peel hanging around, too? Add those to the pot for a richer aroma.
Savor the snow. Catch a snowflake on your tongue, just like you did when you were a kid. Or, if there is no snow where you live, recreate another memory from childhood by cutting snowflakes out of scrap paper.
Wonder at the windows. Whether you choose a trip downtown to peek at the store window displays or a stroll through the best-decorated neighborhood in your community, the walk and the appreciate of others' efforts to celebrate the season will do you good.
Help those in need. Whether you clear your cupboards of extra pantry staples you know you'll never use (that can of sardines or the extra box of Cream of Wheat, perhaps?) for the local food bank, donate an old coat and other warm clothing to a charity for the homeless, or spend an hour at a soup kitchen, you'll feel better for having helped others less fortunate than yourself.
Remember What It's All About. Even if you are an atheist or agnostic, attend at least one religious service during December as a reminder of where all the holiday traditions began. Think of it as a cultural experience. And even if you are an active member of your church or temple, consider going to a service totally different from the one you usually attend for a new perspective.

Frugal for the Holidays 2010

2010-12-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

The media has been full of stories about holiday shopping for weeks now. All the stores are bedecked with sparkly decorations (and many have been since Halloween). And even after Black Friday and Cyber-Monday (which seems to have taken place the Monday before Thankgiving this year), most of us are still receiving a full complement of come-ons and special holiday offers.

But don't let all this holiday hoopla entice you into spending more than you intended. What follows is a compilation of all of the holiday Tightwad Tips we’ve posted so far this year and last year. Throughout this month, Top Tightwad Tips will continue to suggest ways that you can save money, while still enjoying the spirit of the season. So sit back and relax and let the frugal holidays begin!

So whether you cradle it, dreidel it, deck-the-halls it, matzo-balls it, O-Holy-night it, 8-Days-of-Light it… celebrate the season...frugally!

Holiday Decorations

You don't need to spend lots of money to make your home look festive and fun for the holidays. Here are some low cost ideas:

• Place inexpensive votive candles among masses of evergreens to provide a festive feel.

• Use inexpensive (or old and damaged) tree ornaments in bowls or apothecary jars or mixed in with the greens on your mantel or tabletop – the more the better.

• Raid your jewelry box – I decorated my first Christmas tree with earrings, bangle bracelets tied on with ribbon, and beaded necklaces and it looked great.

• Gather masses of pinecones, nuts, etc. and paint them silver, gold or red and green. Or leave as is. Heap them on mantels and tabletops. Display in glass apothecary jars or in bowls. You can also affix fasteners with hot glue and hang them on the tree.

• Find tall tree branches – they look wonderful painted gold, silver, or white and set into an umbrella stand or tall vase. You can even decorate them with lights.

• Keep a tight color scheme of 2 or 3 colors to tie everything together. For example if your color scheme is white and gold, you can accent a white tablecloth with a gold runner, gold rimmed white china; adding a centerpiece of gilded tree branches, pinecones, and ornaments looks great.

Tightwad Tree Ornaments

Department stores and specialty shops offer beautiful and unique Christmas tree ornaments. But you could spend thousands decorating your tree if you buy all your ornaments there. So why not create some unique ornaments of your own? Here are some thoughts:

• Make gingerbread cookies - you can even personalize them to make them more special.

• Rather have ornaments that last from year to year? Use the gingerbread cookie idea, but make and decorate the shapes with home-made play dough instead.

• Create painted wooden ornaments, using jigsaw-cut shapes from your craft store or cutting your own.

• Cover Styrofoam balls from the craft store with glossy thread and then decorate with bits of fabric, lace, beads, buttons and other pretty bits 'n' pieces.

• Make egg shell ornaments by pricking holes in each end of a raw egg with a pin, blowing out the insides, and then carefully cutting out an oval shaped hole in one side. Paint inside and out with nail polish or high-gloss paint and then decorate with bits of fabric, lace, beads, buttons and anything else you have on hand.

• Cut out paper snowflakes.

• Crochet snowflakes (use starch to keep them stiff).

• Don't forget the classics: paper loop chain (use construction paper, old wrapping paper, unused rolls of wallpaper, or the colorful parts of old Christmas cards), paper snowflakes, and strings of cranberries and popcorn.

Holiday Entertaining

When you are planning your next holiday get-together, remember that the real purpose of the event is to spend quality time with family and friends. So feel free to ditch anything that is too fancy or pricey. For example, if you maintain a casual dress code, you and your guests won't feel the urge to go out and buy a special new outfit. And if you make the meal potluck (providing, say, the main course and wine, while guests bring sides and desserts), the costs, work - and even the clean-up (since guests will take their dishes home) is shared. Your party can still be plenty festive and fun. Sometimes having a theme makes up for the lack of champagne and caviar -- perhaps host a viewing of your favorite holiday movie (we never get tired of Elf, for example) -- or bring out the funniest and most outrageous holiday sweater you own.

Tightwad Tips for Holiday Gift Giving

Some folks contend that only Scrooge would skimp when shopping for holiday gifts. To that, I reply, "Bah humbug!" Honestly, if you buy bargains for yourself, it is certainly ok to do the same when you shop for others. Of course, on the other hand, if you buy your clothing at Bergdorfs, it IS cheap to buy all your gifts at the Dollar Store.

I think we all need to remind ourselves from time to time that the spirit of the season doesn't require that we all go deeply into debt or go hungry just so that we can lavish luxurious gifts on our loved ones. Gift-giving is just one way to express the joy of the holidays. So don't obsess about what you can't afford. Instead, set a reasonable budget and then work on finding thoughtful and imaginative gifts that reflect your affection towards the recipient. Remember that some of the most appreciated presents don't require a cash outlay at all: for example, you can volunteer to babysit for parents with young children; cook a meal for someone who hates to turn on the stove; or run errands for busy friends.

One of the best ways to save on gift-giving costs is to trim your gift list. Suggesting to your extended family members that this year, you hope to buy only for the kids or buy only one thing for each household/nuclear family (like a gift basket or museum membership) is not being a Scrooge. Instead, once you suggest that everyone cut back a little, you'll be surprised by how relieved everyone will be (because even those who aren't trying to spend less money shopping will be happy to spend less time shopping!). Other options for trimming your list include picking names out of hat so you're responsible for just one family member or officemate instead of many. Some groups agree to go even further and limit the cost of each present to, say, $5. Then part of the fun becomes seeing the variety of imaginative gifts available in that price range.

Regifting is another way to save. True, regifting has an ugly reputation. Seinfeld devoted an episode to mocking it. Nancy Reagan was criticized for doing it. Etiquette mavens generally frown upon it. And yet to frugal folks like me, it makes more economic sense to pass along a (new and unused) item rather than to let it waste away at the bottom of the closet. The key is to make sure, as you would when you purchase a new gift, that you are matching the regift with the needs and tastes of the recipient. Even if you aren't buying something, gifts should remain a token of affection and appreciation - not a way to get rid of something you dislike.

Shopping Strategies

I've always found it difficult to focus when I'm in the stores doing my holiday shopping. Deals like "buy one, get one half off" call to me, even if I don't really need two of whatever is on special. The cute sweater and adorable shoes call out to me, even though I"m supposed to be shopping for other people, not myself. So how to I deal with these distractions and get what I need, on time and within my budget? Over the years, I've developed a list of questions I ask myself before each purchase. Here they are:

1. Can I afford it?
Sometimes I'll run across the perfect gift for someone on my list - but it costs twice as much as I was planning to spend on them. If other gifts I've already purchased cost less than I expected, or if I know I can substitute a less expensive gift for someone else on my list (that they will love just as much), maybe I'll make the splurge. But I try never to go above my overall budget for holiday purchases. This is especially true for those who don't have money in the bank to pay for the item in full; charging it to a credit card if you carry a balance just isn't worth it.

2. Have I found the best deal?
I always want to make sure I'm receiving the lowest price. This is easiest to do online, but if you know what you want, it doesn't take too long at the mall either. And whether you are shopping online or in a store, don't complete your purchase without checking to see if there is a coupon you can use. Salespeople will usually tell you if you can get a coupon at the customer service desk. And online, just search for the name of the web site plus "discount code" or "coupon" to see if you can get money off or free shipping. Even if there is no discount now, ask if it's going on sale; some retailers will hold it for you for a day or two. Online, you should sign up to receive email notices about sales and special promotions. Planning to do lots of shopping on "Black Friday?" Make sure you know in advance about what will be on sale by checking out all the Black Friday ads and using the "Black Friday Deal Filter" on FatWallet.com.

3. Will the recipient really love it?
If you're not completely confident that the item is 100% perfect when you're buying the item, you won't be happy when the bill arrives, either.

Homemade Gift Ideas

One of the best ways to save money on your holiday shopping is not to do it at all. Instead, make homemade gifts that reflect your personality and the time and care you are willing to devote to family and friends. Here are some ideas:
• Fire-starters (dip pine cones in hot, colored wax) and package in a pretty basket.

• A clove-studded lemon or orange pomander (which one of my children's Kindergarten teacher rated as his all-time favorite gift). Here's how to make one: 1. Place 2 wide rubber bands around a lemon or orange. The bands will leave spaces for a ribbon later. 2. Use a wooden skewer to pierce the exposed skin of the lemon/orange with holes about ¼ inch apart, then insert whole cloves into the holes. 3. On a plate, mix together 3 tablespoons each of cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and ground ginger. Roll the lemon/orange in the mixture to coat it. 4. Keep the lemon/orange and plate inside a paper bag in a dry spot in the house. Roll the pomander in the spices once a day until the lemon is hard and dry; this can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on your climate. 5. Once the pomander is dry, remove the rubber bands and tie fancy ribbon around it. Use the pomander in a closet or on your tree.

• Baked goods (how about making large gingerbread men, customized with the recipients name and perhaps personal characteristics like hair color, eye color, etc.).

• Homemade candy (e.g. fudge).

• Coupons good for services (staying up late, dinner of choice, etc. for kids; massage, breakfast in bed, and chores for spouse); housecleaning or homemade meals for elderly relative; closet organizing for friend who shops all the time but can’t seem to find anything to wear. Make them funny and fancy.

• Cookbook of your favorite recipes (w/description of how you encountered it, serving tips, memories of dinner parties, etc.)

• Photo album or scrapbook.

• Map coasters.

• Home-made tree ornaments.

• Tin can luminaries. Luminaries made from tin cans are great both as holiday decorations for your home and as inexpensive gifts you can make yourself. Here's what you do: 1. Fill an empty can with water and freeze it. 2. Trace the shape you want (festive forms like a snowflake, Christmas tree, or Star of David are all contenders) on a piece of paper. 3. Wrap the paper around the can and secure it with tape. 4. Punch holes with nail to create an outline of the shape you've chosen. The ice keeps the can from denting while you hammer the holes. We've found that keeping the holes about 1/3 inch apart works best. 5. Once you’re done and the ice has melted, you can paint the can or leave plain. 6. Use a store-bought or homemade candle (to make the candle, fill the can halfway with melted wax; as it starts to firm up, put in a wax-coated string for the wick.

• Flavored coffee mixes make a unique and splendidly frugal gift. Package them in a glass jar and print up labels from your computer with instructions for using them. Here are our favorites:

1. Café Vienna: ½ cup instant coffee, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk solids, ½ tsp cinnamon, stir and process in blender until powdered. Instructions: use a ratio of 2 tsp mix to one cup hot water. 35 calories each.

2. Italian Mocha Cappuccino: 1 cup instant coffee, 1 cup sugar, 4 ½ cups nonfat dry milk solids, ½ cup cocoa, stir and process in blender until powdered. Instructions: use a ratio of 2 tbsp to one cup hot water. 60 calories.

3. Swiss Mocha Espresso: ½ cup instant coffee, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup nonfat dry milk solids, 2 Tbsp cocoa, stir and process in blender until powdered. Instructions: use a ratio of use 2 tbsp to ½ cup hot water. 40 calories.

Saving Money on Gift Baskets

Themed gift baskets have become big business in recent years. Groceries and gourmet shops tout their expertise in putting together sumptuous assemblages of tempting goodies. Companies have formed whose entire purpose is to create and market an assortment of gift baskets. Even florists have jumped on the gift basket bandwagon. While I love the concept of the gift basket, the prices that most retailers charge is troubling to a tightwad like me. Invariably, the total cost is significantly higher than the sum of the gift basket components -- in part to account for the work of putting the basket together, but also because that's the price the market will bear.

So it isn't hard to figure that you can save money by putting together your own gift baskets. You, too, can fill a pretty basket with exquisite fruits, cheeses, jams and nuts. Or tuck a bottle of bubbly and two champagne flutes into a basket and tie it with a pretty bow. But if you're saving money by making your own gift basket anyway, why not let your imagination soar and create something really distinctive. Consider the following ideas, and then think about what special container and contents will work for you:

• Office supplies, like pens, pencils, in wastebasket

• Beach toys in a bucket

• Picnic supplies, including a pretty tablecloth, in a picnic basket

• Tote with travel goods, like guide books and maps

• A diaper bag with baby essentials like diaper cream, cornstarch and wipes

Save When You Ship Holiday Gifts

Shipping experts recommend that you allow at least three weeks during the holiday season for any gifts you are mailing to arrive. But just as important as the timing of shipping your gift is packing carefully so that it will arrive intact. Office supply stores and UPS stores are full of pricey peanuts and bubble wrap to help wrap your gifts safely. But here are some less expensive options that work just as well:

• old newspaper

• (unbuttered) popcorn are good options

• shredded paper (if you have a paper shredder -- and you probably should – they can be found inexpensively and the protection of shredding all sensitive documents, including financial statements can make them well worth the cost)

Of course, if you have Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap on hand that you can recycle, that's a real bonus!

If your gifts are books, DVDs, or the like, consider shipping them via the "media mail" rate at the USPS. This is often cheaper than 3rd class mail.

Holiday Greeting Cards

While I'm all in favor of reaching out to extended family and friends at this time of year, the costs of buying and mailing elegant holiday cards (and you do want them to be quality cards that reflect your aesthete) can be significant. Here are some money-saving ideas:

• Trim your list. As with gift-giving, it doesn't make sense to always do things the same way year after year just because you've always done it that way. If you haven't heard recently from that nice family you met on vacation 10 years ago, now is the time to strike them from the list. Also, there is really no need to send cards to close family members if you'll be sharing the holidays anyway, or to office-mates who you see every day.

• Make your own cards. My sister and her husband are extraordinarily creative and I look forward to their imaginatively crafted cards each year. Sometimes they send cards with witty pen-and-ink drawings; other years they employ clever cut-outs; and one year they photo-shopped their faces onto a couple of mall Santas. But you don't need to have graphic arts or computer skills like they have to compose a heartfelt greeting and add an illustration to make your annual card uniquely your own.

• Send email greetings instead of mailing letters. It's faster, more planet-friendly, and costs literally nothing. Plus there is no space limit if you want to describe your family's accomplishments for the year and you can easily link to photos and videos that illustrate what's on your mind this year. You can use e-card services like ecards.com, americangreetings.com, hallmark.com or bluemountain.com. Or you can just dress up a regular email with graphics and attractive fonts and be done with it. Bonus: by saving all that paper, you're helping the environment, too.

• Shop the sales. If you plan ahead, you purchase your cards at 75% off (or maybe even more if you time it right) by shopping right after Christmas for the cards you'll use the following year.

Inexpensive Gift Wrapping Ideas

For years, we laughed at my mom who dutifully saved and reused wrapping paper each year. We joked that our gifts would get smaller and smaller, so she could use the same piece of gift wrap the next year without even having to take off the tags. The irony was that she didn't even have to pay for the wrapping paper -- as the owner of a small print shop, my dad received boxes of it each year from his paper suppliers.

But although my family eventually got into the habit of tearing and shredding paper in response to my mom's frugal ways, to this day, I still save nice ribbon, especially wired or fabric ribbon (but not the plastic-y stuff or curling ribbon which is hard to reuse). I also stock up on wrapping materials for the year at the after-Christmas sales: I look for neutral patterns and colors that can be used throughout the year. And since I buy sale paper and other materials in bulk, I create a signature look each year that I use for everyone, from teacher gifts to presents for the extended family.

Here are some other ideas for frugal gift wrap:

• Use newspaper (especially the comic pages), old maps, and other colorful paper you have on hand

• Wrap gifts in plain Kraft paper (which can be bought inexpensively at office supply stores and craft stores ), then decorate it by stamping, stickering, drawing with markers or crayon. You can stencil design on it, too. Or tie the package with twine and then add an embellishment made of pine cones and evergreens for a rustic look.

• Use wallpaper (from leftover projects or from sample books).

• Wrap gifts in bits of leftover fabric – I once saw squares of Japanese silk on sale for this purpose in a museum gift shop -- and it adds an elegant touch that can't be beat.

• Reuse gift bags and shopping bags (spray paint the latter to cover up names and logos).

• Use cut felt, yarn, colored twine in place of store-bought ribbon.

• Create a reusable fabric-covered box – just tie with ribbon and add a card.

• Buy clear cellophane (you can get it from craft store or florist in sheets or bags) – wrap the gift in colored tissue underneath and then tie the whole thing with ribbon or twine. This is especially useful for odd-shaped gifts that are hard to wrap in other ways.

• Add a special touch to each package with glittery accessories. You can easily add glitter to pine cones, evergreen branches, acorns and other natural materials: thin Elmer's glue w/water until it’s the consistency of paint; brush this liquid on the item you want to sparkle; dip it in the glitter; let it dry on waxed paper for 10 minutes, then affix to the wrapping using a hot glue gun.

• Use interesting containers for homemade goodies (such as decorated cookie tins) and you won’t even need to wrap your gift. You can also shop for pretty bowls, teacups, mugs, platters, and plates at discount stores and yard sales. Just wrap the whole thing in cellophane, tie it with ribbon and you're good to go!

• It is fun to wrap gifts in unconventionally-shaped boxes. This prevents the recipient from immediately guessing what's inside and reflects your sense of humor. So go ahead and place a gift of jewelry in huge carton; wine in a large shoebox, silk tie in cylinder, etc..

Fabulously Frugal Gift Tags

Gift giving is sharing love – so of course you want to present your gifts attractively. So in addition to wrapping gifts in a way that is both appealing and distinctive, without resorting to spending big bucks at the Hallmark store, you want to create personalized gift tags that also achieve both objectives. Here are some ideas:

• Use old Christmas cards, cutting off the side with the picture (which typically does not have writing) and trimming it with pinking shears or another type of craft/scrapbooking scissor. Tie to package with ribbon or yarn.

• Make your own address labels on your computer, using clip art from the Internet. For the best effects, use colored paper and/or a colored printer.

• If you are making homemade treats as gifts, paste on labels announcing your "Outrageously Decadent Triple-Chocolate Brownies" or tuck in the amusing story of the origin of the Tollhouse cookie.

• Buy plain oak tag labels at the stationery store and decorate them w/stamping, stenciling, stickers, etc.

• Skip the gift card altogether and write right on package with marker – make it festive with a silver or gold sharpie and make sure to include your most flamboyant lettering. (We learned this trick at kids’ birthday parties where gifts often get separated from cards.)

Top Tightwad Tips for Stocking Stuffers

I’ve seen ipod shuffles ($99), cashmere and leather gloves ($150), classic Ray-Ban sunglasses ($139) and the like listed as stocking stuffers. To tightwads like me, anything that costs that much is a major gift, meant to be wrapped and placed under the tree so it can be opened with much hoopla and oohing and aahing.

Stocking stuffers are meant to be just a little something, like an hors d’oevre to whet the appetite for the main meal. When I was growing up, we received things like socks, toothbrushes, and oranges in our stockings. And while I don’t necessarily advocate going that far into thrift and practicality, it does seem that there is a middle ground of items that are fun, fanciful, and frugal at $5 or less. Here are some ideas:

for adults:

• Flavored lip gloss or lip balm

• Hand and body lotion

• Cocktail napkins

• Seed packets

• Candles

• Soap

• Cookie cutters

for kids:

• Small toys: matchbox cars, little slinkies, mini-play dough containers

• Crayons, colored pencils

• Trading cards

for both:

• Candy canes

• Chocolate bars

• Fun pens and pencils

• Personalized gingerbread men

• Playing cards

Creative Holiday Decorations

2010-11-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this holiday decorations slide show and wanted to share it because it so clearly demonstrates that you can be festive, fun and frugal for the holidays. Use your creativity to showcase what you love (and already have on hand), be it a Christmas tree decorated with fishing lures, or an outdoor display of winter sports gear.

Home-Made Gifts

2010-11-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Making something to give to someone special is both a lovely way to showcase your creativity and to save money. The Better Homes & Gardens web site has a nice selection of craft ideas, including a section of projects that cost less than $10 (assuming you have to buy the materials - you may find that you already have some items on hand).

Gifts for Everyone on Your List for $20 or Less

2010-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

I've scoured the web for great bargains and have come up with thrifty gift ideas that will impress the recipient far more than the price tag would suggest:

For Her

Whisper white starburst knot tshirt from Loft, was $29 now just $6.99
Tinted filigree gold earrings from Loft, was $24 now just $13.99; add matching bracelet for just $16.09 (was $29)
Floral Print Sateen Belted Top from Spiegel was $59 now just $17.99
Shanghai links wool needlepoint coasters from Grandin Road, were $36 now $15.20
Chancellor Serving Set from Pottery Barn was $24 now $14.99

For Him

Cotton crew-neck pullovers from Old Navy, was $24.50 now just $14 (use code Monday30)
Rib knit 1/4 zip pullover also from Old Navy, was $24.50 now just $14 (use code Monday30)
Iron wine pull from Pottery Barn was $8 now $3.99
Holiday print silk habutai boxers from WinterSilks was $24.95 now $14.88
Crash of the Titans: Greed, Hubris, the Fall of Merrill Lynch, and the Near-Collapse of Bank of America by Greg Farrell, publisher's price is $27 but listed on Amazon.com for $13.50

For Kids

Fleece sleep pants from Old Navy, $7-$8.75 (use code Monday30)
Reebok NFL long sleeve tshirts from Modell's were $19.99 now $15.99 (use code Mod2Ten1122)

For Teens

Sony Studio Monitor Series MDRV150 Headphones from Buy.com were $19.99 now $14.99

Make the Most of Your Money When Holiday Shopping

2010-11-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

I've always found it difficult to focus when I'm in the stores doing my holiday shopping. Deals like "buy one, get one half off" call to me, even if I don't really need two of whatever is on special. The cute sweater and adorable shoes call out to me, even though I"m supposed to be shopping for other people, not myself. So how to I deal with these distractions and get what I need, on time and within my budget? Over the years, I've developed a list of questions I ask myself before each purchase. Here they are:

1. Can I afford it?
Sometimes I'll run across the perfect gift for someone on my list - but it costs twice as much as I was planning to spend on them. If other gifts I've already purchased cost less than I expected, or if I know I can substitute a less expensive gift for someone else on my list (that they will love just as much), maybe I'll make the splurge. But I try never to go above my overall budget for holiday purchases. This is especially true for those who don't have money in the bank to pay for the item in full; charging it to a credit card if you carry a balance just isn't worth it.

2. Have I found the best deal?
I always want to make sure I'm receiving the lowest price. This is easiest to do online, but if you know what you want, it doesn't take too long at the mall either. And whether you are shopping online or in a store, don't complete your purchase without checking to see if there is a coupon you can use. Salespeople will usually tell you if you can get a coupon at the customer service desk. And online, just search for the name of the web site plus "discount code" or "coupon" to see if you can get money off or free shipping. Even if there is no discount now, ask if it's going on sale; some retailers will hold it for you for a day or two. Online, you should sign up to receive email notices about sales and special promotions. Planning to do lots of shopping on "Black Friday?" Make sure you know in advance about what will be on sale by checking out all the Black Friday ads and using the "Black Friday Deal Filter" on FatWallet.com.

3. Will the recipient really love it?
If you're not completely confident that the item is 100% perfect when you're buying the item, you won't be happy when the bill arrives, either.

Holiday Entertaining

2010-11-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

When you are planning your next holiday get-together, remember that the real purpose of the event is to spend quality time with family and friends. So feel free to ditch anything that is too fancy or pricey. For example, if you maintain a casual dress code, you and your guests won't feel the urge to go out and buy a special new outfit. And if you make the meal potluck (providing, say, the main course and wine, while guests bring sides and desserts), the costs, work - and even the clean-up (since guests will take their dishes home) is shared. Your party can still be plenty festive and fun. Sometimes having a theme makes up for the lack of champagne and caviar -- perhaps host a viewing of your favorite holiday movie (we never get tired of Elf, for example) -- or bring out the funniest and most outrageous holiday sweater you own.

Save When You Ship Holiday Gifts

2010-11-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Shipping experts recommend that you allow at least three weeks during the holiday season for any gifts you are mailing to arrive. But just as important as the timing of shipping your gift is packing carefully so that it will arrive intact. Office supply stores and UPS stores are full of pricey peanuts and bubble wrap to help wrap your gifts safely. But here are some less expensive options that work just as well:

old newspaper
(unbuttered) popcorn are good options
shredded paper (if you have a paper shredder -- and you probably should – they can be found inexpensively and the protection of shredding all sensitive documents, including financial statements can make them well worth the cost)

Of course, if you have Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap on hand that you can recycle, that's a real bonus!

If your gifts are books, DVDs, or the like, consider shipping them via the "media mail" rate at the USPS. This is often cheaper than 3rd class mail.

Holiday Greetings

2010-11-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

Buying and mailing holiday cards can be expensive, especially if the list of people you contact every year is extensive. So if you are trying to cut back on costs a bit, consider emailing your seasonal greetings instead of mailing letters. You can use e-card services like ecards.com, americangreetings.com, hallmark.com or bluemountain.com. Or you can just dress up a regular email with graphics and attractive fonts and be done with it. Bonus: by saving all that paper, you're helping the environment, too.

2010-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

I'm often asked about the appropriateness of seeking bargains when you are buying holiday gifts. Here's my take on the issue: if you buy bargains for yourself, it is certainly ok to do the same when you shop for others. But if you buy your clothing at Bergdorfs, it IS cheap to do all your holiday shopping at the Dollar Store.

Trim Your Holiday Shopping List

2010-11-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already had "the talk," now is a good time to approach extended family members and friends about ways to save on gift-giving this holiday season. Emphasize that this isn't about becoming Scrooge; rather it is a way to focus on the joy of the season and spending time together, rather than racing around spending money on buying and wrapping gifts that might not hit the target. Here are some ideas to try:

Buy only for the kids.
Buy one thing for each household/nuclear family (e.g. gift basket, museum membership)
pick names out of hat.
Limit the cost of each gift to $5 or $10 (you'll often find a gain in creativity with this approach).
Have every in the class/team pitch in for a combined gift for your child's teacher, coach, etc.
Reconsider gifts to mail carriers, newspaper deliverymen, etc. Perhaps a nice note of thanks will suffice instead?

Holiday $urvival Guide

2010-11-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Ladies Home Journal recently published a list of ten tips to help you survive the holiday season with your financial health intact. Here they are:

Buy gifts that keep on giving, like guitar lessons or contributions to a 529 college account.
Pay cash - studies show you are likely to buy 15% less.
Make an extra mortgage payment the gift you give yourself.
Review all of your financial documents.
Check your property appraisal - it may be easier to lower your tax bill than you think.
Ask for a lower rate if you are carrying a credit card balance.
Refrain from accepting offers for store credit cards - not only are you likely to spend more (see #2), but it may affect your credit score.
Find cash at home by selling items you don't use (including gold jewelry now that gold prices are at an all time high).
Track all your spending to see where your money really goes.
Make sure you have a plan for your financial future, especially for a long retirement.

To see the full article, including ideas for achieving all of these tips, click here.

Frugal but Fancy Feet

2010-11-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

No need to hit the salon for petal-soft peds! Here are a couple of tips for keeping the skin on your tootsies smooth and beautiful:

Get rid of calluses by applying wart remover (like Compound W, which is available at drugstores) overnight and then using a pumice in the shower the next morning.
Wrap up your feet in plastic wrap after you've lathered them with a thick lotion or with petroleum jelly: your skin will absorb the moisture more quickly and even very chapped feet will be soft in a half hour or so. You can try this with hands and other body parts, too.

The Cost of your Commute

2010-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

If you can walk, bike or take public transportation to work instead of driving - even part of the time - you can realize significant savings in several different ways:

you'll save gas money
you'll save on your car maintenance
you can save on your auto insurance - call to let them know how many fewer miles you'll be driving on an annual basis and your fees make decrease by more than $100
you won't have to buy a gym membership
the additional exercise will make you healthier, reducing health care costs

Dialing for Dollars

2010-10-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

We've all seen the Geico insurance commercials that brag "one call can save you 15% or more." And if you haven't called around to see if you can save money on your insurance policies (without giving up benefits), you certainly should: one call might save you hundreds of dollars. To make it easiest, start by calling your current provider and see if they can offer a better deal that you already receive.

But don't limit your calls to your insurance company -- call your phone company, cable provider and anyone else to whom you make monthly payments to see if they have a program that can save you money. Maybe you are paying for services (like call waiting on your phone or premium cable service) that you don't really need. Or maybe they have a different plan than you have currently use that is more appropriate for you (for example, perhaps your cellphone contract has ended and there is a better unlimited texting plan).

And even if you are already getting the lowest price possible - you've lost nothing but a few minutes of time.

Don't Just Recycle, FREEcycle!

2010-10-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

One of the best way to save, is to get what you want for free! If you haven't checked out Freecycle.org yet, you should -- it is a great way to score kids clothes, home fashions, sports equipment and lots more!

Make Your Own

2010-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a book to look for: P.S. I Made This... by Erica Domesek provides tips for creating your own fabulous fashions, like ribbon-wrapped bracelets and bedazzled high heels.

Back to School Savings???

2010-09-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

I went shopping with my kids today for back-to-school supplies and was a bit disappointed at the stock at my local Staples.

First, let me assure you that we've re-used as much as possible from previous years. My son's school encourages families to hold on to folders, composition notebooks, and everything else possible over the summer and send it back again in the fall. So we relabeled folders, tore pages out of composition notebooks so that they would be ready for the new school year, and collected other items like pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, scissors and so forth.

But there were a few items on the list that we had to purchase and this is where my disappointment comes in. It appears that Staples takes advantage of the back-to-school fervor by stocking up on multiples, while single-pack items disappear from the shelves. For example, my son needed a glue stick - but there were no single glue sticks to be found - they only came in packs of three or more - so we needed to pay for more than we really needed. It isn't the end of the world, of course, he'll end up sharing with classmates who didn't bring any glue sticks at all, but still...

The glue sticks were relatively inexpensive, but Staples pulled a similar trick with the clipboard that my son was required to buy - I had to purchase a set of three of these, too. I sent in only one - I'll save the other for future years or other uses - but Staples' low, low prices are hardly helpful if I'm forced to buy more than I need. Shame on them!

Top Tightwad Tips for Home Decorating

2010-09-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

I love looking at decorating magazines with their luscious photos of beautiful rooms. But reading the likes of Architecture Digest can easily convince you that only the wealthy can live in well-designed, attractive homes. Not so! Here are some books (all available on Amazon for $1 or so) that provide tips and tricks for updating your home with a minimal budget:

Leslie Linsley's High-Style, Low-Cost Decorating Ideas by Leslie Linsley
More Splash Than Cash: Decorating Ideas by Donna Babylon
Decorating Hints & Tips by Julian Cassell and Peter Parham

And if you want to save even more money, learn how to make easy home repairs by reading Mrs. Fixit by Terri McGraw.

Making Use of Multi-Use Products

2010-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

We love products that can be used in a variety of ways. Not only do you save money by buying fewer items, but many of these basics are less expensive than their specialized alternatives. Here are some examples:

Baking Soda

Leaven quick breads and other baked goods.
Freshen fridge and freezer.
Open a slow-running drain, in combination with white vinegar.
Create a spectacular volcano effect (also with vinegar).
Mix with water and use as toothpaste.
Deodorize a whole host of items, including smelly shoes, rugs, upholstery and your garbage disposal.
Sprinkle on a moist sponge to clean appliances, counters, sinks, pots and pans and other items scratch-free.
Brighten and whiten laundry by adding a cup to each load.

Vaseline

Use as a lip balm.
Smooth callused heels and elbows.
Add shine to freshly shaved legs.
Comb through eyelashes for a bit of thickening and shine.
Protect baby's bottom from diaper rash.

Toothpaste

Fill small nail holes in the wall before repainting.
Removes white rings from wooden furniture.
Clean chrome and silver (including jewelry and flatware).
Smooth the surface of your steam iron.
Dry up pimples overnight.
Remove stubborn smells from hands.
Remove tar from skin.
Clean teeth.

Lemon Juice

Flavor foods and beverages.
Keep apple, banana and pear slices from turning brown.
Whiten and brighten the laundry without the problems of bleach.

Samy Professional Dry Icing Instant Re-Styler
Fabulous hairstyling product use as:

Pomade
Mousse
Gel
Hairspray
Texturizing ceam

Beauty Savings and Splurges

2010-08-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Real Beauty web site has a helpful article about which beauty products are worth splurging on, and which you can score at the drugstore for big savings. Here's a summary:

Save

Shampoo and conditioner
Mascara (lots of good choices at the drugstore, plus replacing it frequently is more important than using top-name brands)
Sunscreen (buy lots and wear it every day!)
Make-up remover and toner
Cold cream for cleansing, makeup removal, or even to calm sunburned skin

Splurge

Facial moisturizer and night cream (moisturizing is one of the most important things you can do for your skin, so take it seriously)
Good make-up brushes (and be sure to take care of them by washing them often!) and other tools of the trade like tweezers, eyelash curlers, hairdryers, flatirons and hair brushes
Foundation (you need to choose the right formula, color, and texture to match your skin)

To see the full article, click here.

The Recession's Positive Side

2010-08-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

Talk about making lemons out of lemonade - I just read an article about the 10 Good Things About Our Bad Economy. True, many of the ideas mentioned - like making more meals at home, entertaining yourself and your friends on the cheap, "shopping your own closet" for new looks - have already been discussed here (and elsewhere), but seeing the list withe all the positive sides (e.g. it's more healthy to make your meals from scratch, spending time with friends matters more than what you do together, it helps you feel more creative to add fashionable flourishes to what you already own than buying a new sweater), is endlessly encouraging!

Redbook's List of Websites That Save You Money

2010-07-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Like many smart shoppers, the folks at Redbook magazine are big fans of comparison shopping. As they say, "You can't even begin to negotiate on an item until you know its lowest possible going rate. " And so they've put together a list of useful websites that offer ways to compare prices across the web. Read up on what these sites offer by clicking here, and then put your new found knowledge to work!