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​Volunteer Together

Give back to the community by volunteering together. Find a cause you both care about and spend your date night making a positive impact. Whether it's at a local shelter, food bank, or environmental organization, working together for the greater good will strengthen your connection and foster a sense of fulfillment.
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​Attorney Loretta Kilday has over 36 years of litigation and transactional experience, specializing in business, collection, and family law. She frequently writes on various financial and legal matters. She is a graduate of DePaul University with a Juris Doctor degree and a spokesperson for Debt Consolidation Care (DebtCC) online debt relief forum. Please connect with her on LinkedIn for further information.

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How does $200 cash sound to you? All it takes is to open a new Quicksilver card from Capital One.

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​Summer is here and this favorite season is synonymous with the word fun!

The best things in life are free, which are our priceless memories and experiences.

​Enjoy this summer with these fun, free or cheap & cheerful activities that won't break the bank.

1. Head to the beach or swimming pool

2. Explore new neighborhoods

3. Enjoy summer concerts

4. Stroll street fairs and festivals

5. Experience outdoor movie nights

6. Picnic under a shady tree

7. Explore free local museums

8. Plant a garden

9. Check out flea markets

10. Host a yard sale

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1. Use Cash for Gas: I only pay cash for gasoline. The cash price per gallon is less expensive than if you’re paying with a credit or debit card. I use the app GasBuddy to help me locate the cheapest cash priced gas station near me.

2. Maximize Product Use: Extend the life of most personal care product by either cutting the tube of toothpaste or adding water to shampoo or conditioner to get most of the remaining stuff inside.

3. Do Meal Planning: Rather than going out to eat, cook at home more. Plan the weeks meal ahead of time and always prepare food that has been sitting in the fridge first.

4. Eat Rotisserie Chicken: Speaking of meal planning, one of the best and least expensive meal planning hack is the delicious already cooked rotisserie chicken that you can buy at most grocery stores. Stretch your budget and leftover chicken with these 5 meal ideas: chicken tacos, stir fry chicken, bbq chicken sliders, chicken salad, chicken soup. I’m sure there are countless of other delicious chicken meal options.

5. Drink Water: When you do go out to eat, instead of ordering expensive drinks at a restaurant, order water instead. This also applies when you’re home, this not only saves money, it’s a much healthier option.

6. Eat Leftovers: Do not waste perfectly good food. Be creative and whip up something tasty by adding other ingredients to your leftovers.

7. Shop Secondhand: Before heading out to a retail store for furniture, home goods or clothes, buy from yard sales, thrift stores, Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, NextDoor or Craigslist instead. Some of these sites also have a Freebie section.

8. Re-use and Re-purpose: Instead of throwing something out you thought you didn’t need anymore, see if you can use it for a different purpose. For example, use your husband's old t-shirt as a sleep shirt, old sheets as dog bedding or a lone chair as your “new” office chair.

9. Pay the Balance: If you use credit cards (most of us do), make sure to always pay on or before the due date to avoid late fees, and always pay the statement balance amount to avoid incurring any interest fees.

10. Propagate Herbs: Even if you don’t have a garden, you can propagate rosemary, basil, green onions, etc. by placing fresh or cut ends in a container with clean water by a window. Once you see roots, you can transfer them to your yard or a bigger container with soil.

11. Get a Cheap Haircut: If you’re like me, I refuse to spend hundreds of dollars on a haircut at some fancy salon. Instead, try a no-nonsense salon that only cuts hair and does not require you to have them wash your hair (for more money of course).

12. Buy Refurbished Electronics: Save a substantial amount of money by buying refurbished smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, etc. Instead of buying the latest model, I chose to buy my iPhone and MacBook Pro from BackMarket, plus they offer a warranty.

13. Go on a Day Trip Getaway: No matter where you live, there’s bound to be a destination that’s just a short drive away to enjoy. Start early and spend the whole day discovering, exploring, dining, shopping and more! No need to spend money on accommodation either since you will be driving back home after your adventure.

14. Exercise at Home: No need to join an expensive gym or buy over-priced equipment, why not set up an area (or room) at home where you can work out. You can even do easy stretches, arm curls, leg lifts, etc while watching your favorite show. Pick an exercise video, such as yoga that you can follow along in the comfort of your own home. Be disciplined and set aside time in your schedule and make it a routine.

15. Buy Generic Brands: Save money by buying generic store brand vs. name brand products. I only buy generic brand toilet paper, paper towels (which also double as paper napkins), tall trash liners, coffee pods, etc. The quality are usually just as good as a name brand but for a lot less.
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​Weddings don't have to be costly! Have a memorable yet frugal wedding, here's tips for every bride-to-be.

1. Determine a realistic budget that you can stick with. Keep all receipts so you know how much you've spent so far. Create a spreadsheet to keep tabs on all expenses.
2. Create a wedding planner binder. Keep it organized with tabs and pockets for things such as venue options, magazine tear outs, business cards from wedding vendors, honeymoon ideas, etc..
3. Pick a venue location that already has the ambiance you like so that you don't have to spend too much on additional decorations. Combine the ceremony and reception in the same location to save money.
4. Choose a date that's not as popular, such as a weekday or Sunday and daytime for a lower booking fee.
5. Save money when ordering wedding invitations, shop around to get great deals online.
6. Choose in-season flowers, they are cheaper. Use your bridesmaids bouquets as table centerpieces. 
7. Opt for buffet at the reception vs. sit down meal. Or hire a friend to cater the party at a discount.
8. Encourage friends to be frugal when planning your bachelorette party. Have the party in town vs. an out of town road trip. Have the party at a house with potluck food, booze, music and fun activities.
9. Shop online stores such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and The Knot for items such as party favors, etc.
10. Save money on honeymoon travel by comparing prices from several online websites.​

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For more tips, check out this helpful guide in Planning a Low-Budget Micro Wedding.​

        
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​by Hal Salazar

When you buy a new home or choose to renovate your current house, you will likely hear an offer for a home warranty. The home warranty is a contract that protects you if your appliances or new systems break down. Understanding how to find a home warranty can alleviate some of the stress of insurance shopping.
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​What to Expect While Shopping for a Home Warranty

Think about the age of your home and the systems you have installed. If you renovate a house and install brand-new appliances, you need a warranty that will keep you from overpaying if any of the appliances break down. Call different companies and pay attention to those who are responsive and helpful. You want a company you will feel comfortable working with in the future. A reputable company understands the importance of customer service to draw in new clients.
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​If you’re interested in purchasing a warranty with a home warranty company, review various quotes from reputable providers. If you’re asking, “does the cost of a home warranty pencil out?” you should understand that the overall price matters when you have to consider your budget. However, keep in mind that cheaper options might also have less coverage. Consider the types of appliances and systems that you want coverage for and compare which companies will provide coverage for those systems.
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​How to Benefit From a Home Warranty

The home warranty protects appliances and systems from general wear and tear. Be careful not to mistake a home warranty for homeowners insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance protects your property in the case of a disaster or crime. Most homeowners require a homeowners' policy and a home warranty to protect their assets. In addition to helping pay the repair costs, a home warranty can also help expedite necessary repairs or replacements. A warranty can save you time looking for a trusted, local contractor.

With a home warranty, you do not have to worry about attempting to DIY any repairs in your home. When an appliance shuts down, some people choose to fix it themselves because of the cost of hiring a contractor. Unfortunately, attempting to repair an appliance alone can become a fire or electrocution hazard or you could damage the appliance more.
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​Where to Organize Home Warranty Documents

You never know when you will need to access documents from a home purchase, including your home warranty documents. If you have important documents organized neatly, you will never feel stressed when accessing a certain document. You can organize your files neatly at home or save them digitally. Many people choose to have physical and digital files available. Digital files allow you to access them wherever you are.

If you ever need to make a claim, you must have your home warranty documents available. Enos Tech suggests saving the files as PDFs. PDF files save space and allow you to make edits. If you want separate files, a PDF splitter lets you split PDF files. Once you save the file, you can rename, download and share the PDF with others. If you use digital files, back them up to prevent data loss.

Whether you purchased a new home or plan to renovate your current home, you should consider a home warranty. The home warranty offers coverage for various systems and appliances. If your appliances break down because of wear and tear, the warranty will help cover the costs of fixing or replacing them.


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Hal Salazar is a regular contributor for The Frugal Lifestyle. He has written several great articles on how to live a frugal yet richer life. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all and created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to other seniors via carefully curated resources. When Hal isn’t working on Elders.Today, he enjoys walking at his local park, testing out new recipes with his wife, Marlene, and playing piano.


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​Let's be honest, who doesn't want cheap and affordable or even free internet service? I certainly do and I have benefitted from one of the programs listed below. Paying $80 or more toward your monthly internet bill can be a real budget-buster when you’re living on a tight budget. ​If you qualify as low income in the United States, then you need this list of free or cheap low income internet services from Low Income Relief.  Keep reading below for details!
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​Free Internet Service Programs:
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Free internet would be fabulous, right? Although we’ve found a lot of low income internet programs, we’ve only found a few free ones. They’re usually very limited geographically, in the United States.

Some libraries offer free mobile hotspots you can take home
You may be able to literally check out the internet from your local library! We’ve found many libraries that offer this service. Some even let you keep the hot spot all school-year long! Check this list to see if your local library offers a take-home mobile hot sport for free internet.

​Some schools offer free internet services, too
There are hundreds of schools across the United States that offer free internet to their students to ensure that they are able to do their school work. Contact your local school to check if they offer this program.
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Some areas are introducing free internet for low income residents
With an increasing need for stable, high-quality internet connections, some areas are branching out and providing low income access. Here are a couple of examples:

Marin County, California, just announced that they will be introducing Free Neighborhood WiFi. This program will provide two years of internet services for up to 300 low income households, with a focus on providing the internet to low income students.

Brookline, Massachusetts is served by Tech Buddies. This organization is helping low income seniors and disabled people receive free tablets and/or free internet service for one year!
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​Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program:
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The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new low income internet program that helps low income households afford broadband internet access. This benefit provides up to $30 per month toward the internet service for the households. If you live on Tribal lands, the benefit is up to $75 per month!
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You may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you have a household income that is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR if at least ONE member of your household participates in at least ONE of the programs listed below:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps, EBT)
• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• SSI
• WIC
• Lifeline
• National School Lunch Programs
• National School Breakfast Programs
• Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
• Tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations

​If you are eligible, there’s a two-step process to apply. you must go to ACPBenefit.org to submit your application (or print and mail an application). Then, once you approved, you must contact your preferred internet provider and select a plan. The ACP Benefit discount will be applied to your monthly bill.

You may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. You will need to pay between $10 and $50 for the device in order to use the discount. How long does it take to get the Affordable Connectivity Program? Not long at all! You should receive a response within 48 hours of applying.
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​Free Internet from Major ISPs:

Fortunately, many major Internet providers already provide affordable Internet programs for low income customers. You can choose whether you’d like service through AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast or other providers. Of course, not all services are available in all areas and not all programs have the same eligibility criteria. If you don’t qualify for one program, just check another.

​Comcast Internet Essentials is $9.95/month (Free with ACP)
Comcast Internet Essentials is free when you use your Affordable Connectivity Program benefits. When you use ACP, you can get Internet Essentials PLUS for free, which provides speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Of all of the programs I’ve found, Comcast Internet Essentials is my favorite. You’ll receive speeds of up to 50 Mbps with no installation fees, no credit checks and no long-term contracts. This program is available to low income families, veterans, seniors, college students and people with Section 8 housing vouchers. Get the details.
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Spectrum Internet Assist is $17.99/month (Free with ACP)
If you live in an area served by Spectrum, then you’ll want to check out their low income internet deal. Are you interested in getting Charter Spectrum for just $17.99 per month?
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Google Fiber is Free for select customers
The Google Fiber program isn’t as straightforward as most of the other low income internet programs we’ve discovered. Google offers a free Gigabit Internet for Select Affordable and Public Housing program. This program is only available for customers who live in specific public housing and affordable housing properties. If you are eligible, you can get 1GB upload and download speeds for free, with no contracts, no construction fees and no installation fees.

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​Other Low Income Internet Providers:

Although the providers listed above are fairly well known nationwide, there are several smaller, more localized providers that also offer low income internet services.

Frontier Internet is $20/month
Frontier provides low income internet to 26 states, which is more than the remaining of the providers on this list. Unfortunately, their monthly price is also more than the rest of the providers on this list. Here’s what we know about getting Frontier Communications for just $20 per month.
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Mediacom Cable is $10/month
Mediacom serves 1,500 cities across 22 states. If you’d like to save money on Mediacom internet service, you’ll want to read what we learned about getting Mediacom for just $9.95 per month.

Cox Communications is $10/month
Cox Communications provides service in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia. If you’re low income in that area, check out this post about how to get Cox Communications for just $9.95.
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Altice Internet Advantage is $15/month
If you’re interested in a discounted program for Altice, Suddenlink Internet or Optimum Internet service, then you’re looking for Altice Internet Advantage. It’s a great program for families and seniors. Altice Internet Advantage is just $14.99.

Eagle Communications is $10/month
Eagle Communications provides low income internet service in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.  We’ve got all the details and an application so you can get Eagle Communications for just $9.95 per month.

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Can you use an extra $200 just for shopping for items you would normally buy? If so, please consider this great offer from Capital One with their SavorOne Rewards Card.

Simply apply for a SavorOne Rewards cash back master card. Receive a $200 statement credit once you spend $500 within 3 months of account opening. Sign up with this link to get started.

It's that simple! Oh, and I get a referral bonus once you're approved - thank you in advance! Click here to sign up. Besides the $200 cash bonus, the SavorOne card has many benefits. Here are just a few:

3% Cash Back Bonus
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores plus 1% on all other purchases.

Redeem Your Way
Rewards don't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem cash back for any amount.

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No Foreign Transaction Fees
You won't pay a transaction fee when making purchases outside of the United States.

Sign up with this link to get started.

Image via Unsplash


Click here to apply. You can start earning a $200 bonus just for shopping if you qualify.

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by Jane Rhodes

It may surprise some to know that the average US wedding costs $29.2k. As such, it stands to reason that savvy spenders are always on the lookout for tips and tricks to help them stay on budget and save some pennies while they’re at it. Here are three ways to cut costs, without sacrificing quality, on your big day.


The Guest List

First, let’s look at the ‘who?’. Who you invite to your wedding will massively contribute to how much you enjoy the day. And with the cost of catering reaching up to $100 per person on average, it’s no surprise that this is one of the priciest components of planning a wedding.

When it comes to drafting a guest list, no one wants to leave someone out. But then again, do you really need to invite your cousin’s niece twice removed who you met that one time when you were eight?

Your guest list doesn’t need to include every acquaintance, co-worker, or distant family member you have. When all is said and done, it’s your day. The only people you should be inviting are those who you actually want to share it with. And remember, a reduced guest list means a significantly reduced cost.

Image via Unsplash

The Location

Next up is the ‘where?’. Where you host your event is another huge piece of the puzzle when planning your day. You could book a wedding-ready location like a hotel or country club’s event space, but these tailor-made venues can cost a pretty penny to hire for the day, eating into a large percentage of your overall budget.

To save some money on your location, it’s time to get creative and think outside the box. Try asking friends and family if they have ideas – or can even offer a location you can use for a discounted price (preferably free).

Depending on the size and tone of your wedding, unique options might include community halls, barns, and even backyards. For those hosting a themed event, these kinds of venues can complement the ambiance you’re striving for.

Image via Unsplash

The Dress

Finally, the big ‘what?’. If you’ve done any preliminary browsing, you’ve probably experienced some serious sticker shock while looking at wedding dresses. But don’t fear, there are lots of ways you can save money on the all-important gown, without compromising on style or quality.

You can browse second-hand stores and vintage shops, online boutiques like Etsy, or even hunt more locally on Facebook Marketplace. For something newer, contact your local bridal shops about sample sales.

These allow you to purchase dresses directly from the rack for a fraction of the price of a made-to-order garment. You also get the added benefit of wearing something on trend, without waiting months for your custom dress to be shipped to you.

Image via Unsplash

Planning a wedding can be daunting, especially when you have a strict budget to adhere to. Just remember that in the end, it’ll all be worth it – with the final product being an opportunity to share your vision with those who mean the most to you.



Author bio: Jane Rhodes
Having been involved in the wedding industry for over 15 years, I’m passionate about sharing some of the knowledge I’ve picked up from helping others host the wedding of their dreams. In my blogs, I aim to provide soonlyweds with a greater sense of freedom over their wedding choices, helping them to create a special day that’s truly unique to them.

 Image via Pexels

  

Clutter is just a fact of life. Stuff piles up, messes are made, and dealing with it all becomes one of many things on your to-do list. Easy enough to manage when life is calm and work is steady, but when things get hectic, it’s more and more tempting to let things slide and deal with them later. And eventually, all that procrastinating can turn into what feels like an impossible cleaning challenge.

But, of course, that’s not the case. Any mess, no matter how big, can and will get cleaned up. And, the best way to regain control is by focusing on and changing your behavior, one bad habit at a time. So, read on, and for any behaviors that you know you are guilty of, make an early resolution to start breaking them now — you’ll be surprised how quickly your space will turn around.

1. Tossing Random Items in a “Junk Drawer”

Having a place for all your miscellaneous stuff? Great. Shoving all that miscellaneous stuff in a drawer until you can’t even open it anymore? Not so much. It’s okay to have a junk drawer, just make sure you’re strategic about it—keep loose items like buttons and screws in small plastic bags or boxes and label things so you can easily tell what they are. Most importantly, make sure you don’t over-stuff things into it, or all your hard work will go to waste.

2. Not Cleaning up While You’re Cooking

The line between cooking and making a mess is a thin one, but any messes you might make during meal prep are much easier to clean up if you just take them on right away. Spills and splashes can dry and stain if you don’t clean them right away, meaning they’ll be harder to clean up later—and if you put cleaning off until after you’re done, you might feel less motivated to do it. Make it a rule that you clean up while you cook (but of course, give yourself a pass for dishes that require serious concentration).

3. Not Treating Stains and Spots Right Away

Getting set-in stains out is much more difficult than removing stains as a spill happens—so if you have a tendency to let them sit and deal with them later, definitely make it a point to break that habit now. Make it easier by keeping a stain removal spray or any other household stain removal products you might need in an accessible place, and try to train yourself to make cleaning it up right away your instinct. Your rugs and your laundry will thank you.

4. Not Sorting Your Mail as It Comes In

Mail is a small daily mess that can become a massive clutter problem quickly. When you check your mail, don’t just drop it on the coffee table or counter and leave it there—collecting paper and envelopes like that guarantees two things: your home will look cluttered, and you’re almost guaranteed to lose sight of important documents. Make it a rule that when mail comes in, you sort through it right away—shredding whatever you don’t want, and storing important papers in a safe place.

5. Hoarding Stacks of Magazines You Never Read

Magazine subscriptions, much like the rest of your mail, can accumulate faster than you realize. Keeping a small stack on your coffee table or on your desk is fine and can add a little personality to your home, but if you find yourself holding on to every issue of a magazine you’ve received for the last 3 years, you might want to think about recycling them or giving them away to get the bulk out of your home. In the future, make it a habit to get rid of old issues as new issues come in.

6. Putting off Laundry Until Your Last Pair of Socks

Laundry isn’t exactly the most fun chore, so it tends to be one of those things people put off until they absolutely can’t put it off anymore (I’m definitely guilty of this, and it’s a tough habit to break). Don’t wait until you’re down to your last pair of socks—that you’re definitely re-wearing—to put your clothes in the wash. Instead, instate a new rule: once you have one load’s worth of laundry, tackle it. It’ll be a lot more manageable than your past bulk laundry loads, and you’ll never run out of clean clothes again.

7. Throwing Clothes and Accessories on a Chair

Does the chair in your bedroom pull double duty as clothing storage? It’s easy to come home, get changed and drape your clothes on a chair to deal with later, but if you let it pile up you’ll have a whole new de-cluttering challenge to take on later. Break the habit by making a rule that you have to put things back in your closet or dresser before you can take new things out, or if that doesn’t feel doable, make your new rule that nothing is allowed to stay on the chair overnight.