Best Money Saving Articles Online

Savings are Not Just for Mommies

Sep 12, 2009 Save Money

Clipping coupons used to be a very lame habit but with the economic picture so grim and everyone thinking about saving money, the savings offered by these “junk mail” has become an art form many want to master. Here are some areas where you can find these coupons.

The easiest way to get coupons is actually through the mail system. Without signing up for it, these will be delivered to you depending on your geographical area.

Websites from merchants are usually the most direct place to get savings. If you just go directly there every once in a while, you will find not only discounts but the latest news and upcoming promotions.

In order to get you to join their newsletter, companies will give you one time discounts. Some will even give you free ice-cream on your birthdays for the rest of your life.

Some stores will send out coupons to coupon sites because they know people will visit them. Usually once a coupon is on a site, they will be spread everywhere through word of mouth so no worries about not finding them.

It’s funny but having more friends will actually give you more coupons. How you may ask? Friends tell friends about deals and when there’s a coupon that’s great, they will tell you about it!

I signed up for my rental apartment’s mailing list because they always send me coupons to free coffee, yogurt or ice-cream. It’s amazing because it’s like free money.

Magazines will have lots of coupons too. Sometimes, you see them at a public place (like Barnes and Noble or the library) and it’s tempting to just tear off a page, but remember that it’s illegal.

Merchants advertises on newspaper just as much as anywhere else and the coupons are really good. The best part is that the ads are always in the same sections too so once you know where it is, you don’t have to look far.

So many people don’t take advantage of a book like the Entertainment Book and I just don’t know why. I know, it’s $40 and all but there are so many coupons inside that it makes no sense not to buy it.

OptionsXpress promotional code actually isn’t bad. The broker is solid and you get tools that make sense and a website that’s responsive.

Tags: Bargains, Coupons, fashion, frugal living, lifestyle, men, money, personal finance, retailer, Save Money, saving, Saving Money, savings, Shopping, women

Welcome A New Baby and Better Ways For Saving Into Your Life During This Economy Crisis

Aug 26, 2009 Save Money

Babies are wonderful little treasures. Parents love them and feel great when they finally arrive, safely and healthy. But along with a new baby comes lots of things that need to be prepared and bought to care for this new little bundle of happiness. The costs of which can quickly mount up and put a bit of strain on a family’s already tight budget in this economy crisis.

Finding ways for saving, cost-cutting and making the most of every dollar can be just as fun as buying things outright. In fact, it can be more fun and even more satisfying knowing that you are not robbing your piggy bank in the process. With a new baby, there is always something to buy, and it is best not to spend all of your money upfront because there will inevitably be something that your baby will need later on.

The following tricks for saving, cost-reducing, and getting deals will help your family before and after baby is here. Babies will always need stuff, but you have to mind how you spend on those needs. If you get excessive with buying, you’ll end up paying for it later. Be realistic and spend like you have another 18 years to care for this new addition to your family:

Go all natural with nursing. This is the cheapest feeding option for your family’s budget and it could potentially save your family about a thousand dollars or more over this next year. It’s free to nurse and, if you are up to it, could be a godsend for your baby and your body!

When nursing is not an option, then you need to find ways to save on infant formula. Take the necessary steps for saving, cost-cutting, by registering with the various baby formula manufacturers. They want you to try their products and will send you plenty of samples and free cans for your time and feedback.

Baby nursery furniture doesn’t have to be a major financial investment. You will be able to find plenty of baby gear at your local thrift or consignment stores. These places will give you the chance to buy for cheap everything that you will need for baby from strollers to walkers to toys, and everything in between. But be careful to ensure that the items that you buy are not on the consumer recalled list.

Focus your attention on finding free stuff! Search online at websites that offer free classifieds and places for people to list their free items such as Craigslist and Freecycle. Babies are always outgrowing something and these sites are a fantastic place to look to get baby gear and supplies that others no longer need.

When it comes to baby diapers, start cheap and work your way up. Try out the cheaper diapers first to see if they work for you and your baby. If they do, then great! You will be able to buy for cheap all of the baby diapers that you need…and you will need a lot of them. However, if your child does have an allergic reaction (which he or she could have with any brand, cheap or not), then, try others until you find one that works. If it’s a national brand, then always ask the company for coupons, and canvass the internet on sites like EBay for people selling more coupons that you can buy for cheap.

Have a baby can be an expensive venture if you don’t do a little bit of research and try different money-saving tricks. Your baby is one of the most important things in your life. You are going to need money to care for him or her. So, spend wisely, buy for cheap, and always keep your eye out for bargains.

Tags: baby expenses, Bargains, Coupons, Free, frugal tips, Save Money, Shopping, spend less

These Major Internet Retailers Know How to Drain Your Money

Aug 24, 2009 Save Money

What can I say? Everyone is going to online retailers these days because it’s just so much easier than having to go to the store, fight for parking, hope that they have the right size in stock and then line up to pay.

Amazon.com started decades ago and they are still going strong. In fact, they are one of the most profitable online store ever on the face of this earth. The visionary of the founder is just incredible and look for more great things from them in years to come.

HSN.com not only has female type products for sale but actually everything from computers to video cameras. I was surprised, considering that the retailer is known to tailor to moms across the nation with its network TV show.

Overstock.com is alright. It’s not the best site out there but it still has some pretty decent volume. If you are looking for another place to blow your dollars, you got it right here.

Who could deny the genius of eBay.com and it’s online auction system? You can deny it all you want but at the heart of this site is an online retailer. The great thing is that they stock nothing so all they really care is transaction volume.

ProFlowers.com isn’t huge but someone is definitely buying something every time they go visit that site. Not much browsing going on but real people paying top dollars for flowers.

Walmart.com is a great online site and it doesn’t hurt that they are considered the cheapest retailer too. I looked through the site and it doesn’t seem like the prices are really that cheap though, so you may want to be careful.

Sears.com is hopefully making a come back, now that home sales are a little better and they can sell more appliances. They have this blue crew thing too so that can work like geek squad for Best Buy.

Target.com’s front page is actually scrolling too quickly I believe. With the speed that the front page changes, it’s hard to look at everything and get excited before the picture changes. None the less, people buy products there via the search button anyway so I will give it a pass.

Tags: Bargains, consumerism, Coupons, Life Style, men, money, personal finance, retailer, Save Money, Saving Money, Shopping, women

Ways For Newlyweds to Keep The Wedded Bliss Going While Saving, Cost-Cutting, and Making Ends Meet

Aug 21, 2009 Save Money

All of the wedding day excitement has come to an end and the two of you are left to do your best to make it. Being a newlywed is an amazing time in a person’s life. But along with all of the wonderful things that marriage brings comes the reality of the current economy crisis that can so quickly cause our financial profiles to change unexpectedly. Regardless of your status as newlyweds, you may need to be mindful of your spending and overall finances.

Don’t let this put a damper on things. In fact, the best way to deal with this economy crisis is to beat it! To follow are a few simple tricks that you can do, together of course, for saving, cost-cutting, and getting a good financial start with your new life. Here’s how:

Waste not, want not. Energy is one of the most simple expenses that you can somewhat regulate in life. Use less, pay less. Use more, pay more. So, as the two of you come together in your new place make an effort not to waste so that you can save some cash.

From shorter showers to turning off the lights when a room is not being use, the two of you can realize a saving, cost-reduction, and a feeling that you are also helping the environment just by working out your “energy conservation plan”. These small changes can add up to a considerable savings over the long term. That money could be used to help stretch your budget a bit more.

Make cooking a definitive. This economy crisis is making cooking “the in thing” again as more and more people try to cut down on spending money eating out. For newlyweds, cooking together could be a wonderful way to connect as you work to integrate your new lives together with your other roles in life. You could save a tremendous amount and have a lot of fun along the way!

Coupons, online discounts, and those nifty circulars that come in the mail need to become your friends. With these handy little money-savers, you and your spouse will be able to do tons of great stuff, buy for cheap tons of stuff, and even get huge breaks should need an occasional dinner out together. From buy one, get one offers to free admission days to local attractions, coupons can make saving, cost-cutting and finding deals simple and fun!

Rent or mortgage are usually the two most costly monthly expense in a person’s life. Don’t let your savings or your budget get blown away by spending too much on rent. It’s just two of you and you may be able to save a considerable amount, every month, by choosing a living space that is maybe a little smaller or in a different area. Also, before you jump into a long term lease, consider something shorter and, even look into those great “free rent” deals. This first apartment together doesn’t have to be your final destination! It could just be a “stepping” stone toward your ultimate love nest.

Finally, try not to start completely from scratch with your furniture. Keep anything that can has “good bones” and can be recovered, repainted, or reused in another way. This will give you an opportunity for a huge saving. Costs can quickly mount when you are buying “brand new” stuff. Don’t feel like you have to. In fact, before you make any major purchases, take inventory of what you have. If you have excess, sell it on your own or go through a furniture consignment store. You may be able to get something “new” at a later time without spending any of your own hard earned cash. That’s enough to make any newlywed happy!

Tags: Bargains, Coupons, Free, live cheaply, Money Saving Ideas, newly weds, Save Money, spend less

5 Ways To Stretch Out The Life Of Your Clothes In Order To Save During This Economy Crisis

Aug 19, 2009 Save Money

If you are like most people, you probably have invested quite a bit of money in your wardrobe. With clothes being a basic life necessity, it’s not surprising that we spend tons of cash getting and replacing them. But, what if you could help your clothes to last a lot longer? Imagine the saving! Cost-conscious people can do just that by being in the know about “wardrobe conservation”.

Replacing clothes can cost more, sometimes, than when you first bought them. So, it’s best that you do your best to help your clothes to be all that they can be for you and your family. You can develop a wardrobe conservation plan that could keep your clothes looking fabulous.

Here are 5 fantastic ways to really stretch out the life of your clothing. In making them last as long as possible, you and your family will be able to keep more money in those nicely laundered khakis! Try these economy crisis clothing remedies:

Make cold water you clothes’ friend. Hot water will cause fading over time. Hot water can also cause shrinking. An additional benefit of using less hot water is that you will also use less energy heating the water. So, you will save on clothes and energy! That’s a double value for saving, cost-cutting, and getting the max out of our clothes during this economy crisis.

For those that are worried about germs in their clothes, deal with that by adding a smidgen of vinegar to your laundry. It’s a natural clothes freshener and can keep odor and germs at bay. Not just a cover up like the national brands, it really kills the germs that cause the odor. You can buy for cheap a big jug of vinegar for less than $2.

Use a cloth for ironing so that you don’t put heat directly on your clothes. This is important because all of that heat can destroy your clothes, especially if you have the iron on the highest setting. Though, you should never really iron on the highest setting. It’s one of the easiest ways to burn your clothes. This could be an old sheet or you can buy for cheap some fabric for this purpose.

Keep laundering to a minimum. Over washing is sure to cause long term damage to your clothes. Whether it’s from fading, shrinking, fraying, or thinning, washing your clothes too much is sure to make them give out on you much too soon. Sometimes clothes don’t need “cleaning”, they simply need “freshening”. You can do this by taking the time to buy for cheap some of those $1 freshening sheets that you can put in your dresser and closet. Cut each sheet into 4 squares and put them in pockets of clothes that need a little freshening up.

Bring back undershirts! Buy for cheap a bunch of undershirts or camisoles from a consignment or thrift store. These items help to keep the underarm portion of your shirts in good shape, otherwise, you could potentially sweat so much in your shirts or have the pits packed with deodorant to the point that they get destroyed. In this economy crisis, do whatever you can to save your clothes and keep them usable!

Tags: Bargains, budget, cheap, clothes saving, Free, frugal, household tips, manage finances, Save Money, spend less

Long Live The Clothes In Your Life With These Economy Crisis Wardrobe Saving Tips

Aug 19, 2009 Save Money

If you are like most people, you probably have invested quite a bit of money in your wardrobe. With clothes being a basic life necessity, it’s not surprising that we spend tons of cash getting and replacing them. But, what if you could help your clothes to last a lot longer? Imagine the saving! Cost-conscious people can do just that by being in the know about “wardrobe conservation”.

But, despite the amount of money that you spend on clothing, if you are like most, you want to get a lot of use out of them. If you can extend the life of your clothes, then you can save money along the way because you won’t spend needlessly in replacements. The best way to get your clothes to live up to their full potential is to properly maintain them.

Make these clothes saving tips a part of your “wardrobe conservation” plan to keep from having to spend more money on clothes. With good maintenance habits and, even, a little energy conservation, you can get more for your money and max out your clothes use. Here’s how:

Keep all clothing away from hot water! Cold water keeps your clothing from fading better than hot or warm water. For some people, this will be a little tough because hot water is thought to be wonderful against germs in the wash. Washing your clothing in cold water will also help to reduce shrinkage in some clothing. Plus, you will save money by reducing the amount of energy that you need for washing your clothes. Not only could you see a major saving with having your clothes longer, but you may also enjoy a saving, cost-reduction with your energy bill!

For those that are worried about germs in their clothes, deal with that by adding a smidgen of vinegar to your laundry. It’s a natural clothes freshener and can keep odor and germs at bay. Not just a cover up like the national brands, it really kills the germs that cause the odor. You can buy for cheap a big jug of vinegar for less than $2.

Use a cloth for ironing so that you don’t put heat directly on your clothes. This is important because all of that heat can destroy your clothes, especially if you have the iron on the highest setting. Though, you should never really iron on the highest setting. It’s one of the easiest ways to burn your clothes. This could be an old sheet or you can buy for cheap some fabric for this purpose.

Don’t wash your clothes too frequently. If you wash your clothes too frequently, you are almost guaranteed to have torn edges, holes or thinning, and definitely fading. Save on water and on detergent by washing when things are really dirty. Some items of clothing may only need an occasional wash, like denim, unless you are working and playing hard in them. To keep them fresh, get some of those dryer sheets that you can buy for cheap. Don’t use the entire sheet, instead divide it into 4 equal strips or squares. If you only need to freshen a few clothes, then use one square. Plus you can also keep some squares in your dresser drawers.

Bring back undershirts! Buy for cheap a bunch of undershirts or camisoles from a consignment or thrift store. These items help to keep the underarm portion of your shirts in good shape, otherwise, you could potentially sweat so much in your shirts or have the pits packed with deodorant to the point that they get destroyed. In this economy crisis, do whatever you can to save your clothes and keep them usable!

Tags: a, b, Bargains, budget, c, cheap, clothes saving, f, Family, finance, Free, frugal, h, household tips, l, manage finances, o, r, s, Save Money, spend less, u, w, women's issues

Most Affordable Place to Buy Laptops

Aug 11, 2009 Save Money

Many people are shopping for laptop these days because they are looking for the latest back to school deals. With so many kids needing a new laptop for the up and coming year, where is the best store to get the best promotions?

If you are still wondering where to get a laptop, try Best Buy. The place has stores all over the country, meaning that you can get one in your home town, fly to college, and still be able to return it if something goes wrong.

Online shopping is really the future, and Amazon is a great place to not only buy books but laptops as well. I love their customer support, so if there’s anything wrong, just return it with no hassle.

Stores within your school is a great place to get computers. For one thing, they offer great support and they are right on campus, saving you time whenever you need a question answered. The people who work there are also students so sometimes it’s just easier to communicate with.

Overstock has everything you can think of. It may not sell the latest and greatest laptop but if you are willing to trade in a few megahertz of speed, it’s not a bad place to get your electronics.

I loved Circuit City. I don’t know why but they always had what I wanted so it was really sad to see them go out of business. Some people got really cool deals towards the end though. Hopefully someone will revive the brand.

Fry’s Electronics is awesome because their prices are just cheaper. You always have to wait in line and don’t expect to get service unless you want someone to sell you overpriced and unneeded protection plans but other than that, this place is great.

I used to love going into mom and pop computer stores because you can ask them so many questions about each model and they will tell you. It’s too bad that most of them are out of business but were you ever to find one that’s still in business, give it some support.

Tags: Bargains, Coupons, deals, frugal living, frugality, personal finance, promo, promo code, promotional code, promotions, Save Money, Saving Money, Shopping

The Best Place to Buy Back to School Laptops

Jul 27, 2009 Save Money

Back to school is just around the corner so where do you actually buy a laptop for your kids? I know they were whine (wine?) and dine you and tell you where to get the best laptop for them but you’ve got to ask, where’s the best deal?

One of the best places to get a laptop is actually Best Buy. Why? They have stores all over the country, meaning that your kids can go talk to someone (and/or return merchandise) in any of the stores nationwide. In addition, you can get support from their Geek Squad unit, which will help you no matter where you are located.

Online shopping is really the future, and Amazon is a great place to not only buy books but laptops as well. I love their customer support, so if there’s anything wrong, just return it with no hassle.

Stores within your school is a great place to get computers. For one thing, they offer great support and they are right on campus, saving you time whenever you need a question answered. The people who work there are also students so sometimes it’s just easier to communicate with.

I didn’t think Overstock.com offered that much but when I got to the website, I was amazed by the selection. They had tons of choices and best of all, there are so many coupons readily available!

Circuit City was another choice I would recommend but they went out of business in early March. It’s too bad because I actually liked the store and in my view, the more competition the better.

Fry’s Electronics is awesome because their prices are just cheaper. You always have to wait in line and don’t expect to get service unless you want someone to sell you overpriced and unneeded protection plans but other than that, this place is great.

The small mom and pop may still exist in your area (I know it does in Canada) so try there as well. If they are still alive, they must be doing something right so being in business in itself is a very good testimonial.

Tags: Bargains, Coupons, deals, frugal living, frugality, personal finance, promo, promo code, promotional code, promotions, Save Money, Saving Money, Shopping

There are Tons of Affordable Retailers to Buy a Laptop

Jul 19, 2009 Save Money

Many people are shopping for laptop these days because they are looking for the latest back to school deals. With so many kids needing a new laptop for the up and coming year, where is the best store to get the best promotions?

If you are still wondering where to get a laptop, try Best Buy. The place has stores all over the country, meaning that you can get one in your home town, fly to college, and still be able to return it if something goes wrong.

Amazon is not only for books but everything including laptops and computers. You may think that shipping is a hassle but you can actually have them ship it to your college, saving you the mess of needing to take it with you on the plane.

Campus stores are great to buy a laptop because they offer incredible discounts. Why? For one, they buy in bulk and for two, computer companies know that many people stick with the brand they are familiar with, so what better place than to get you while you are still in college?

I always see Overstock.com’s stock go down so I didn’t think much of the company but as a consumer, I was pretty impressed with their service. I bought something (with a coupon I might add) and everything arrived on time and expected.

It’s too bad Circuit City went bankrupt because everything that Best Buy was good for also applies to Circuit City. I guess everyone who likes the company will just go over to the big blue retailer now.

Fry’s Electronics worked like a warehouse and the idea works because their no frills approach gives us better prices. While it’s not a forgone conclusion that they are the lowest, I find that they are usually among the cheapest.

The small mom and pop may still exist in your area (I know it does in Canada) so try there as well. If they are still alive, they must be doing something right so being in business in itself is a very good testimonial.

Tags: Bargains, Coupons, deals, frugal living, frugality, personal finance, promo, promo code, promotional code, promotions, Save Money, Saving Money, Shopping

Celebrate The New Year Like A Frugal Fashionista

Jun 22, 2009 Save Money

You can cause a stir this new year without causing too much of a commotion with your wallet by making your New Year affair a cheaper, but still fun, event. While it may seem unrealistic that you could actually save money and yet party through the night, truth is, you really can if you follow these simple tips:

Make your party a “no alcohol” zone. You will save a mint by simply cutting out the alcohol. Not only will you benefit from the financial saving, but your guests could have a safer, more positive New Year celebration experience. Who says you need booze to have a good time? Instead of the hard stuff, consider fruity drink mixes that you can use with seltzer that you can buy for cheap.

Check local thrift stores for party supplies before going to a retailer. Many times, people have items left over after their affairs and simply donate them to make space. Their leftover party supplies can be a treasure that could save you lots of money.

Go for the unconventional. Instead of buying lots of paper hats make your own! Use old wrapping paper and small lengths of cardboard from something like a cereal box. Then, fashion the cardboard into a cone shape and cover it with the wrapping paper. Use string, ribbons, or newspaper to create a tie to keep it on.

Have everyone bring a dish! Instead of putting out your own money for the food, let everyone chip in with their own special dishes. For people that are not “chefs”, have them bring the simple stuff like paper goods and condiments. If you would like to help your guests save, encourage them to do a little research for some frugal recipes that you can all enjoy! By not having to worry about the food, you will not only save your cash, but you will save your sanity because that will be one less thing on your to-do list.

Being a frugal fashionista can be a good thing and it will prove to be a fantastic way to kick off your new year. When you look back on how you saved this holiday season, you and your bank account will have a real reason to celebrate!

Tags: Bargains, budget, cheap, economize, Free, frugal, holiday's, New Year, Recession, Save Money, spend less