Inexpensive Spring Break Fun
Welcome back!
Tis the season for Spring Break for many students out there. While thoughts of Spring break usually gravitate towards fun vacations in sunny warm destinations, many are cutting back this year due to the economy. However, just because funds may restrict big travel plans for this upcoming Spring Break, fun is still out there to be had for all ages.
I grew up in a household, where my parents always seemed to struggle with financial obligations. I spent many Spring Breaks at home with my younger sister, while our friends were jetting off to islands and Disney World with their parents. While our parents could not afford such elaborate vacations for my sister and I, my mother always went out of her way to made sure we had a great time. We spent most spring breaks hosting sleepovers, having movie marathons, and playing outside.
As my sister and I got older, my mom would take us on day trips into Chicago for the day. While this may sound really expensive, it was not. In my family, it was understood that we walked, no cabs for us. We would be so excited to go, it did not matter how far we wold have to walk. At one time, the museums had free days that we’d go to. Mom would pack a lunch for us and we would take the train into the city. The whole day would maybe cost us $40. We always had a blast.
My mother had another ingenious idea, to take a car trip to see our cousins and family in Nebraska. Every Spring Break for almost 10 years my mom would pile my sister and I into the car and down I80 we would go. We would stay with family to minimize costs. My sister and I were lucky to have cousins close in age. We would play for a week strait, while my mom had time to visit with family as well.
I found that my most favorite Spring Breaks were the low key ones. One year when my sister and I were in high school she decided that we would be allowed to re-do our bedrooms over the break, after all paint is cheap. We each helped work in each other’s rooms. We had so much fun. It was a wonderful treat.
So, keep in mind, Spring Break does not have to be outrageously expensive. Just remember to keep it loose and fun. Find fun things that you can do cheaply and enjoy your time off!
Top 10 Ways to Redecorate A Room Spending Next to Nothing
During this economic crisis many are learning that their home really is their castle. People are spending more time at home due to the economic issues. People are once again returning to those dining rooms and living rooms that were neglected by eating out and going out for entertainment.
Spending more time at home, sometimes gives people the “itch” to redecorate. Well, in these difficult times, it is not feasible to go on a spending spree to redo a room in your house. However, there are ways to spruce up a room and still spend very little. If you must buy items to redo your room, try the thrift store, garage sales and Ikea. So without further ado, here are my top ten ways for redoing a room on a tight budget:
A Can of Paint
This is my favorite way to redo a room. I love changing the color in a room. When you paint a room it becomes your special space. It’s like leaving a mark saying that you were here. Paint does not have to be expensive. I usually look in the returns section of the paint store. You can get really nice colors at a fraction of what you would normally pay. The best thing about paint is, if you don’t like it, paint it another color!
A New Rug
Carpeting a whole room is really pricey. If you have horribly stained carpet and you cannot afford to replace it, try buying an area rug. Area rugs do not have to be pricey. Most retailers like Target and Walmart sell them. You do not need an area rug that costs thousands of dollars. You can also check on line for a rug as well. I would also suggest your local thrift store. In many cases the cost of the rug and a shampoo is cheaper than buying one new. Believe it or not, an area rug can change the whole feel of a room.
Re-arrange Your Furniture
I know this sounds silly, but it can totally change your room. I constantly try this trick. It drives my husband crazy, but it allows me to show off the room and furniture in different ways. I can breath some life into an old boring room. Just be careful when moving furniture around to not hurt yourself. Also, if you have wood floors make sure not to drag furniture, as to not scratch the floor.
Switch Out Art Work
This is a great trick to give an old piece a new life. If you are redoing your room and there is a print that is hanging in another room, try hanging it in your new room. You can bring in new colors and patterns through artwork. If you don’t have any artwork, try and create something yourself. I know this might intimidate some, but give it a try, you might surprise yourself. If you are not artistically inclined, but you have children, try hanging some of their artwork.
Accessories
This is the easiest part of changing a room. Again, take things from other parts of the house. Picture frames are usually interchangeable. Use a large bowl as a centerpiece on your coffee table, or a breakfast tray. Glass items such as a vase can also bring new color into a room. The thrift store is a great place to shop for accessories. I never buy them new at any stores, they’re too expensive. I would also suggest garage sales.
Change Photos in Picture Frames
I always try to rotate pictures in the photo frames that I have. This is great way to update the look of your room. Wedding pictures, family photos or pictures of friends are great to swap out. Choose different pictures of loved ones and events to showcase.
The Infamous Couch Cover
I am the victim of dated furniture. My husband and I have handed down furniture. It is not the prettiest but, it is comfortable and clean. However, neither of my couches match. A quick way to fix ugly, dated, and dirty furniture is a couch cover. These can be pricey so look for a deal. You can also have your furniture re-fabriced. As always, when it comes to doing these things, they can be pricey, so shop for a deal. Keep in mind it should be much cheaper than replacing the furniture you have.
Throw Pillows
Throw Pillows are a wonderful to update a room. They can be easy to sew if you do not want to buy them. I do not own a sewing machine and am inept at sewing but, I managed to sew some very nice pillows that lasted forever. If the whole sewing thing is not for you, they can be purchased very cheaply. I would recommend Walmart or Ikea. I recently bout 4 pillows at Ikea for under $10. They’re soft and comfortable.
A New Bedspread
This is the best way to redo a bedroom for little or no money. If you have a reversible bedspread, you can switch sides for a while. If you have a duvet, try switching out duvet covers, which is usually inexpensive. Ikea has wonderful duvet sets which usually include the duvet and pillow shams. The thrift store is another wonderful place to buy new bedding. Just make sure to wash it well before using.
Change the Lighting
Properly lighting a room is very important. Lighting of a room either showcase a room or hides it in darkness. Try to move your lamps and lights around to evenly light your room. Try to avoid dark corners. You will be amazed what a difference an extra lamp can make to the appearance of a room. You can purchase lamps inexpensively. If you do choose to buy a lamp second-hand, be careful with the electrical components, the unit may not be up to code.
These few tip can totally change the look of a room. As always, try to make do with what you have. Walk around your house and take stock of what you have, this will help you re-arrange things in your home and give your treasures a new life. Have fun!
Dumpster Diving Is Back
As a child I grew up in a home where we just managed to get by financially. Once a week my mom would pile us kids into the car to go “dumpster diving” in the wealthier neighborhoods in our area. I know this idea sounds repulsive to some, but it really isn’t. We would not go through the garbage bags, but instead keep an eye out for things set next to the rummage bin.
My sister and I used to love “dumpster diving night.” Believe it or not, we actually found some pretty cools stuff over the years, things that were in perfect condition. As I got older, we didn’t do dumpster dive nights anymore. However, I still do keep my eye out when I am driving. Once, I found a perfectly good Radio Flyer wagon in someone’s trash. It was old and a little rusty, but it worked just fine. I use it as a garden cart for when I am out working in my yard.
Recently I have been reading articles that say dumpster diving is back in a big way. This made me chuckle until the other night when I actually saw a guy doing it! I personally don’t care if someone wants to rummage through my trash, believe me all they’d find is coffee grounds and cat food tins. I am not condemning the man that I saw. Way to go for him, now that’s being resourceful.
However, like most things, dumpster diving has become more technologically advanced. Craig’s List has a free category on their website, the new modern dumpster dive. I have been amazed at the things people give away. I have seen beautiful furniture, appliances some working, and some for scrap, clothing. You name it, you’ll find it.
There are a few tricks to this modern dumpster dive. First, you must check often, especially on the weekends. Second, if you see something you want, contact the giver right away. Things can go very quickly on Craig’s List. It is okay to ask the giver a few questions about the item before you commit to taking it. This can be a great way to get what you need for free.
While Craig’s List is free, a word of caution, this type of dumpster dive can be dangerous. Most times when someone lists an item, they usually have you pick it up at their home. Please be cautious, take someone with you when you go. We have had two robberies in the area that lured people by using the free category on Craig’s List. The people showed up to pick up the items and instead, they were robbed and assaulted. So, please be careful when using Craig’s List. However, in giving this warning, I must say, I have used Craig’s List many times and I have never had any problems.
Resources for Recent Layoffs
540,000 jobs were cut last month, and this month is looking to be worse. It is a scary time to be employed and unemployed right now. Strong stable companies are shedding jobs in an effort to help their bottom line. However, where does that leave the receiver of a pink slip?
Well, if you have recently received a pink slip you are not alone. I came across a statistic the other day that said 70% of Americans know someone who has been effected by the economic downturn or laid off. In looking at that stat, it is amazing to me to see how rampant this really is.
As I was searching the net for information to aid those who have been recently laid off, I came across this article on Mashable.com. They have an article that lists the best 30 websites for those who are jobless right now.
This database of websites is wonderful! It is very rare in the vast universe that is the internet, to find such a detailed and concise list. The database, has sites not only how to find a new job, but how to manage your money until you do.
Ben Parr, the author says,
“But the worst time to panic is when you are laid off and lose your main source of income. We live in a new and powerful era of communication, one where we can find support, gather news, and network without ever leaving our computers.”
I would encourage all to take a quick glance at his database. This is a wonderful resource. I hope that this helps to those of you who have recently recieved that dreaded pink slip
What To Do With Your Tax Return?
Tis’ the season of the long awaited tax return for those early filers out there. Those glorious checks that cheerfully find their way to your mailbox, unless you live in California. With dollar signs in the eyes of many, strict budgeting is need and it is needed fast.
In these difficult times, this additional money can really help make a difference in a person’s budget, if they spend it correctly. I have some very dear friends, who I love very much, who will have received about $3000. worth of tax refunds from Uncle Sam this year. As their money is starting to trickle in, so are the unneeded large purchases.
I am not a financial scholar, I have made my mistakes financially. When I see friends of mine making such large frivolous purchases, this makes me start to think about how others will be spending their return as well. Will the whole country be as irresponsible as my dear friends?
I will not be receiving a return this year. I am totally bummed, because I could really use the extra influx of cash, right about now. I am sure that most of the country could use an influx of cash right now as well. Even though I will not be receiving a return this year, I pondered that if I had, what would I do with the money. I do know that large unneeded purchases would not be happening.
How can people like my friends even think about shelling out large amounts of cash at a time like this. I do understand that spending stimulates the economy, but in these shaky times, when jobs are not guaranteed, doesn’t it make sense to not spend but save? I know that there are those out there who will not spend like money is going out of style.
There are those out there that need that money to stay afloat financially. Wether that tax return comes or not, financial responsibilities never stop. I hope that for those who really do need the checks right now, that they use it in a responsible manner.
Don’t Waste What You Have, Eat your Leftovers
Not to waste is not a new concept to America, just a forgotten one. Survivors to the first depression learned a very valuable lesson, don’t waste anything. Take for instance my grandfather, who is a survivor of the great depression, he saves everything. One day I was in my grandfather’s den, and I noticed that he had a stack of used carbon paper. I asked him why he was saving used carbon paper. He replied that it could always be used again.
Grandpa may be a bit on the extreme side of not wasting but, he’s got a point. Get the most out of what you do have. I am amazed at how much stuff we as a society throw away. It is true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Instead of throwing things in the garbage, such as clothing or furniture, donate it if possible. There are plenty of needy people out there.
One of the best ways not to be super wasteful is to realize how much food you actually throw away. When I actually started to look at how much food that I was throwing away on a weekly basis I was shocked. My most common food that was thrown away was left-overs. I always put away dinner that went uneaten and took dinner home from restaurants that was uneaten as well. I always had the best intention of finishing my leftovers but, it never happened.
Then I got smart, looking at how much food was actually being thrown away was upsetting. I worked hard to pay for that food, not throw it away. I started to eat my leftovers in my fridge religiously. Not, only was I not wasting but, my grocery bill went down because my food was lasting longer.
My pledge to start eating my leftovers in my fridge, changed the way I did my monthly shopping. I realized that whatever I cooked, I was going to eat until it was gone. I started to cook food that kept well for a few days and was as tasty tomorrow as it would be when I cooked it. Chili, stew, soup, and casseroles are great leftovers.
You can even make leftovers fun. Have a leftover night. Leftover night is where you cook all of the leftovers at once. When other time can you eat Chinese, pizza and pasta at the same time. It can actually be really fun. We used to do this when I was a kid and I loved it.
I won’t say that I don’t throw any food away, I do, but it is a lot less. I hate to throw food away. I recognize how lucky I am to even have food. Really try to eat your leftovers. However, a word of caution, be careful how long you keep leftovers. Know the shelf live of things, and usually as a word of caution don’t eat leftovers that have been in the fridge for more than a week.
The Over Materialization of Parenthood
In these difficult economic times, everyone seems to be cutting back in one way or another. We as a society are really being pushed to ask, what do we really need. American society is materialistic to it’s core. For decades, people have been judged by many, by what they have not who they are. As this trend grew, so did the cost of “keeping up with the Jones.’”
I think that this upward trend of materialization is very prevalent in parenting culture here in the United States. Just like in the wedding industry, women and some men, are sold a dream of how things should be, and that dream is really expensive. However, many do not realize how expensive this dream is until reality hits them.
My husband and I have been discussing starting a family. We know that raising a child is not an inexpensive endeavor, but it does not have to be as expensive as society lets on. In realistically looking at what we would actually need to take care of a baby, their needs are relatively simple. I wondered what the basics would run, crib, bottles and other basics. I was shocked how expensive things were. My mom had my youngest sister when I was a teenager, and I did quite a bit of shopping with her. I was amazed at how much more expensive baby things are today.
Many couples are victims of up-selling, this is where the couple chooses an item and are talked into buying a more expensive item instead. Many are guilted into buying what they cannot afford. Every parent wants the very best for their child, but does that mean that one has to spend $2000. on a crib? Since when did the money that parents spent on a child, measure the degree of love that they have for their child? I know that there are certain items that are expensive, and there is no way around it. Some items must be bought new, due to safety regulations and hygiene issues.
I just do not understand why anyone would overpay for basic items, just as a status symbol. Why is the $600 stroller better than the $100. stroller? What does not make sense to me is that new parents are shelling out ridiculous amounts of money on items that could be bought more economically. With the prospect of raising a child for the next 18 years or more, why not try to be frugal from the beginning?
As for my husband and myself, we know that starting a family will be the most expensive thing we probably ever do. But, we will not be bullied by society that we do not care for our child because we do not have the newest designer clothing on them, or the hottest new car seat. I think it is too over complicated, as long as the product does the job that it is meant to do safely, then why over pay? To me it just does not make sense, why not save the money on the designer stroller and start a college fund for that child?
In this tough economy more and more couples are stepping back and really analyzing what they need to raise a baby. I have come across numerous youtube video on how to save money while raising a child. Having a baby does not have to be as expensive as society lets on. As long as a couple realistically look at what they will actually need, buying all of the needs for a baby does not have to bankrupt new parents.
Like all major purchases, do your homework before you go out and start shopping for your new bundle of joy, do your homework. Ask other new parents what they actually used. So many people over-buy stuff that they will newer even use. When you go into a store to make purchases, set a budget and stick to it. Do not let anyone guilt you into buying something more expensive, that you really don’t need. The prospect of raising a child is costly at best, but don’t let that scare you away, just know what you need and stick to it.
Austerity Guide to Menu Planning – Menu Planning 101
I’ve discussed how to save money at the grocery store before. One of my biggest tips is to plan meals BEFORE you go to the store. When you plan your meals, extras will not find their way into the cart as easily. There are some out there who are meal planning pros, and others who are not so hot at it. Menu planning is so essential to saving money, that I chose some of the best menu planning sites that I have come across. The sites range from expert advice, to directions of how to begin making a meal plan.
Learning How to Make a Meal Plan
Ehow has set up a page that gives step by step directions to setting up a menu ahead of time. The page is laid out very simply and the directions are very easy to follow. I think this is a great starter for those of you who are unsure of how to go about planning a menu.
Menu Planning Instructions From Ehow.com
How to Make a Few Items Work Throughout the Week
Mill Musings is a blog written by another budget conscious blogger. I chose this blog because it illustrates how a few items can last through out the week. In the sample menu that is shown, certain ingredients are used many times during the week, but they are done in a unique and tasty looking way. I also liked that this menu incorporated pictures of the made food.
Menu Ideas for Everyone
Budget 101 is a wonderful website for many different types of services for those who want to get a good deal. I chose this website for the more experienced menu planners or those who want to give planning a try. I like this site because it gives many different types of menu options, whether it be vegetarian or simply feeding 2 people. This is a wonderful database for budget meal planning.
A Wonderful example of a Pro menu planner
The hillbillyhousewife is another great sight for planning meals. I was really impressed at how organized her meal plan was. I was also happy to see that her meal plan was extremely healthy and filling. I think that this is a wonderful example of how to plan a menu. I also like her use of a grid at towards the bottom of the page, which clearly lays out all meals and snacks. I use this technique myself.
Menu, tips and full layout of meal planning
Menu Planning Service
Dine without whine is a menu planning service. Some people out there are just not planners. I am not necessarily saying that this is a good option to save money, because this service does cost money. However, it could be a good start for beginners to see how menu planning is done, or for those who simply do not have the time.
Menu plan is essential to saving money in the grocery store. Sit down have yourself a cup of coffee, get yourself a pen and paper and start planning. I always like to include some of my favorite foods for the week. Don’t plan your menu so cheaply that you don’t like what you put on it. Buy food that you and whoever you are feeding likes. Once you know what you want to eat, start you list for the store. It is much harder for unneeded extras to work their way into your grocery cart when you have a list in hand. Happy Planning!
My Latte Factor
Photo from Flickr
I am a latte junkie. They know me by name at my local Starbucks, which is sad, when I really consider it. They actually have my coffee pre-made and waiting for me. Yes this is true. But recently with the economic downturn, I started to really think about how much my latte addiction was costing me. When I added it up, the cold hard truth was there. I could not believe how much money I was spending at Starbucks. At the rate I was spending I might as well have bought stock in the company.
The realization of how much money I was actually spending was truly a wake up call. I thought of all of the things that I could do with the money that I was spending instead of drinking my money. I was so shocked by the realization of what I was spending per week, that I decided to quit Starbucks cold turkey. I told the girls to stop having my latte ready for me. I was done. At first I frequented Dunkin Donuts, because their coffee was much cheaper, but I was still stuck with that latte factor. I knew that I had to do better.
Quitting Starbucks was so hard, especially in the late afternoon, when I was ready for that second pick me up. I stayed strong and stayed away. Soon, I started to drink the coffee that my office provided, I never realized it before but they were brewing Starbucks coffee. Ah, that sweet, sweet taste of Starbucks. Soon I stopped buying coffee all together, what was the point? There was perfectly good coffee at the office, which was free. As an office of serious coffee drinkers, they bought good coffee.
After I left my job to go back to school, I had the dilemma of getting my morning Starbucks fix. I resisted temptation and I did not go back to that delicious trap. But I had to find a substitute. The school has a cafeteria, where if you buy a cup of coffee, you get free refills all day. That was a good deal, seeing that the original cup only costs $1.25. The only problem was that the coffee was awful. I realized that I was going to have to find some way of bringing my own coffee.
I invested in a coffee maker that I found on sale, and a good thermos as well. Soon, I was back in business. I would fill my thermos and be good for the day. I had never really bought coffee at the grocery store, why would I bother, that’s what Starbucks was for. I found that I could buy Starbucks coffee and grind it fresh right in the store for about $7.00! That’s the price of 2 lattes! The coffee was delicious and the pound lasts a really long time.
I went cold turkey about a year ago, and I am still going strong. I stopped by Starbucks a week ago because someone gave me a gift card. I ordered my usual latte and the price had gone up. I was shocked that I actually paid that price for a cup of coffee! I didn’t want to go back, even though I had a gift card.
When I think about it, there is little value for money, when you consider the alternative of just making your own coffee and taking it with you. I will use the rest of the card so that it does not go to waste, I have been shocked strait. I do miss the creamy taste of a mocha latte from time to time, but my waist does not. I have tried to recreate the taste but, I haven’t had any luck. I came across a video of a woman named Renee who runs another frugality blog, she came up with this recipe to substitute her latte factor. It looks pretty good, I have yet to try it, so if you do and it’s good let me know.
What’s your Latte Factor? What do you regularly spend money on that you can cut out of your life to save money. Add it all up over year and see how much your Latte Factor is really costing you.
The One Question that will get you through the New Depression
What do I really NEED?
This should be the new attitude that will get people through the modern day depression. Americans are coming out of a time of enormous prosperity, and great waste. Sure the credit boom was fun, while you were on top, but at the bottom, it is no fun. Those plastic little cards are sneaky, its easier to spend money when you do not see the actual cash coming out of your hand.
Want is a four-letter word.
It’s a dangerous word that needs to be used sparingly. It is okay to want for things, but one must be thankful for what you do have. In our materialistic society it is ingrained in all of us from childhood. Those Saturday morning toy commercials are made to make children want. This disease of want continues into adulthood, but now a $10 toy does not satisfy the want, soon it’s cars and electronics or expensive designer clothing and accessories.
Want and the concept of reason do not coexist for many people. Often when want takes over, rationality flees in the opposite direction.
Now I am not saying that I do not want items that are not basic necessities at times, but I do not run out to the store to purchase that want. It is possible to have rationale in this matter. I must say that this was a long and hard lived trait.
If I really want something, I think long and hard about that purchase. I ask myself, will I really use that? How often will I use the product? What purpose does it really have in my life? Do I think the price is actually representative of the value of the item? Will it go on sale? After I take into account these questions, I discuss it with my husband. I am capable of making rational decisions on my own, but having someone to bounce ideas and thoughts off of is helpful.
When a big purchase comes along that my husband and want to make, it is always a joint decision. We save for what we want, and we pay cash. Recently, my husband said that he would like to upgrade our television to a new HD one. Our current television is old, buttons are broken on it, but the picture is still good. The remote has been lost for centuries.
After much debate, my husband and I decided that if we really wanted a new television, then we would save for it. A little money from each paycheck will go towards that television, into a specially designated savings account. We are grateful for the television we do have and we realize that we do not actually need a new one. But that doesn’t mean a new one wouldn’t be nice, after we’ve earned it.
NEED is the most important word in the English language. So many purchases are made with little to no regard of need. Most purchases are merely based on want. This idea of want is a dangerous one and it’s why the economy is in such trouble. There are many reasons why people shop, some actually need to, some use it as entertainment, therapy, or just a fun way to pass an afternoon.
Shopping is not an entertainment outlet, it is to get what you actually need. Need is a very basic concept, which is confused with want to many. There are 4 basic needs, water, clothing, shelter, and food.
That’s it.
An HD television is not a need, nor is the newest model of car or a designer pair of sunglasses. These basic needs do not have to be the best and most expensive, they have to sustain life, that’s all. I know that sounds harsh but, when you really think about it, it’s true.
Overall, I encourage all of you out there to think about purchases with your head, use rationale, don’t use your heart or emotion. I have to say that like any new way of thinking, this takes practice and time to learn. It took me a couple of years, and at first, I was miserable. I am guilty of being a shopper who enjoyed the entertainment of it. But I must say that I wish I would have been taught early on the difference between wants and needs. The sooner you start to separate these two words, the better and happier you’ll be.
