Happy Thrifty Tuesday! What are you doing this long Labor Day weekend? This weekend is the unofficial end of summer (boo!). However, it's a great time to get some shopping done or book some last minute travel plans.

If you have been thinking about buying some new clothing, electronics, or back-to-school items - there are some great Labor Day deals and discounts to take advantage of. 

Here are 10 of my favorite deals from SavvySugar.com.

1. Target: Up to 60 percent off Summer clearance. Save up to 20 percent on select clothing and up to 20 percent when you spend $150 on select furniture.

2. Old Navy: Save 25 percent on online order with code ONTAKE25. Ends Aug. 28. 

3. Macy's: 20 percent off with free shipping on a $99 purchase using the code LUCKYU. 

4. Pier 1: Big savings, including 25 percent off outdoor pillows and cushions, discounts on outdoor furniture, 20 percent off drink dispensers, and 20 percent off lanterns. 

5. Lowe's: Discounts include 10 percent off major appliances, 20 percent off grills, and more. 

6. Best Buy: Save up to 30 percent on major appliances, save $50 on iPhone 4S and 5, and other discounts on TVs and other electronics. 

7. Travelocity: 50 percent off select hotels. Save an extra 10 percent using the promo code 10SUMMER. 

8. Southwest: One-way flights as low as $69. Book by Aug. 29.

9. Virgin America: Great affordable flights from $79 each way.

10. Hotels.com: Extra 12 percent off for 12 days only with the code 12FOR12. Offer ends Sept. 1. 

Happy Frugal and Fit Friday! This post is a follow up on a previous post I did on The Healthy and Wealthy Lifestyle. I'm proud to say that I accomplished my goal... I lost 25 pounds and I got paid $100. So, not only am I thinner and healthier, I'm now also a little bit wealthier!

I took part in EPX Body's 90-day weight loss challenge. Instead of paying a company to help me lose weight, I decided to go with company that pays me to lose weight! I want to share my experience and my testimonial about my journey. Check out my before and after photos!


How have I transformed through the EPX Body Challenge?
My eating habits have greatly improved. I no longer crave or want "sweets" as much as I used to. I eat mostly protein for breakfast and lunch and I have cut down on my carb intake dramatically, which tended to make me hungrier. For dinner, I eat a small salad, which doesn't weigh me down before bedtime. I am confident that I will continue to maintain these good eating habits. The 90-day weight loss challenge did not seem like a "diet" at all, it's taught me to make better choices in what I eat and I have never been hungry or felt like I was missing something. Plus, I saved a lot of money by eating in vs. going out to eat. Now that's frugal.

I believe the 90-day weight loss challenge has been a better and more successful journey for me because my boyfriend Jim Roguski and I did the challenge together. We have been each other's accountability coach. Since I have an aversion to exercise, the only form of exercise I've done is walking. Therefore, it is possible to achieve weight loss with this challenge without much exercise at all. 

The best result is how I feel about myself. It feels good to look better and be comfortable in my clothes. I've even had to buy new "skinny" clothes! I am now my own walking testimonial which proves that with determination along with effective EXP Body products anyone can lose the weight and be healthier. 

I'm very thankful that EPX Body developed the 90-day weight loss challenge, it was the motivating factor that made me finally achieve my goal to lose the pounds I've haven't been able to before. 

   

Happy Thrifty Tuesday! I've added more money saving tips!

1. Cook at home more and eat out less often.
2. Make your own homemade gifts.
3. Walk whenever you can, saves gas and is a great exercise.
4. Be aware of bank fees and avoid out-of-network ATM fees.
5. Host a clothes, bags, shoes swapping party with friends.
6. Cancel your landline, rely on your mobile phone.
7. Pay bills online and save money on postage stamps.
8. Cancel your cable and watch your favorite shows online.
9. Turn off lights when not in use.
10. Make a grocery list before heading to the supermarket.
11. Shop thrift stores, garage sales and second hand stores.
12. Instead of a fancy hair salon, get a haircut at a cheaper salon.
13. Upcycle and re-purpose old items vs. discarding them.
14. Use a rewards credit card and pay balance off every month.
15. Order water instead of expensive drinks when dining out.
16. Pack light when traveling to avoid checking in luggage.
17. Join loyalty and rewards programs for perks and discounts.
18. Rent movies instead of paying high theater prices.
19. Always comparable shop to get the best price.
20. Keep all receipts in case you need to return something.
21. Grow your own food, such as herbs and vegetables.
22. Shop dollar stores for basic essential stuff.
23. Wash your laundry in cold water.
24. Shop around for cheaper auto insurance.
25. Consider a vacation rental home instead of a hotel.

Happy Frugal Friday! Can you believe it's time for kids to go back to school? Some might already be back in school in some areas.

Whether it's back to school or back to campus (for college kids) you can save a bundle by getting essential stuff at your neighborhood dollar stores ... such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, 99cent Only, Dollar General, Dollar King, etc..

Here's the top 10 checklist of back to school supplies you can buy for just $1.00 each at dollar stores!

Here's the top 5 categories of back to campus essentials you can find for just $1.00 each at dollar stores!

    

Happy Tuesday! I've always looked for ways to save a buck or two. But, I've also donated to various charities, from Goodwill to the Humane Society to Disabled Veterans to Habitat For Humanity among others. But it never felt like I made that much of a difference. There's always been a purpose I've been seeking that's beyond my frugal lifestyle. I believe I've found something that is fulfilling on a deeper level. 

The new company I'm a part of, New Earth has a GIVE program that facilitates their associates to purchase nourishing products and donate them on our behalf to impoverished and undernourished children in the United States through organizations such as Feeding America. 

Not only are their superfoods healthy and nutritious, but we can earn commissions by donating them. As the saying goes, it's better to give than to receive, but with this business you are both the giver and the receiver. It's my opportunity to be both an entrepreneur and a philanthropist in my own small way. While giving selflessly to hungry children compensates me monetarily, the payback is much more rewarding spiritually. I believe it can make a profound difference in peoples lives, both to the children we help and ourselves.

Please watch the GIVE program video below to learn about New Earth's vision and mission. 
If you want to help nourish hungry children + earn an additional income, click here to join.

TeamNewEarth.com/MarissaWinfrey

Happy Frugal Friday! Although most weddings happen in the summer, weddings happen all year long.

If you've been honored to be part of a bridal party, it is customary to throw the bride-to-be a bridal shower. 

You and the rest of the bridesmaids don't have to spend a lot of money to have a fun and memorable party.


Here are 5 money saving tips when throwing a frugal bridal shower party:

1. INVITATIONS - Save money and the environment by not sending paper invitations. Instead, send digital invitations from sites such as Canva, Evite, Paperless Post, etc.. for free!

2. HOUSE PARTY - Instead of going to an expensive restaurant, host the party at one of the bridesmaid's or a good friend's house. Hosting it at someone's house is more intimate and casual. Another option is a shower at the park - picnic style! For frugal picnic ideas, click here.

3. DECOR - You can incorporate colors from the bride's wedding colors in the shower decor. Shop stores such as Dollar Tree or Dollar General for basic party goods. For centerpieces or even as favors, consider potted plants such as succulents and use her colors for accents.

4. FOOD & DRINKS - By making most of the food, this can save a substantial amount of money alone. You can also ask select friends to help out by making it a potluck soiree. Be on the lookout for drinks (water, soda, wine, etc) that are on sale at your local warehouse or grocery stores.

5. PARTY FAVORS - You can get creative and spend very little money with DIY favors. They could be homemade bath scrub, candle in a small tin can, cookies in a pouch, succulent in a small pot, etc..

Happy Thrifty Tuesday! Today's topic is about making a difference in your life and the lives of others. Are you ready for a change? Would you like to have time freedom and financial freedom?

I would like to invite anyone who is interested in earning a sustainable long-term income stream to take a look at a new company, New Earth - before their official launch in September. 

For those who want to take advantage of this limited time opportunity, you can join for free, spread the word and build your organization for the entire month of August. 


To learn more about the New Earth and their products, please watch the video below. And visit this website for complete details http://www.TeamNewEarth.com/MarissaWinfrey.  If you have any questions, call 310-619-3055, use the Comments form below or fill in the form on the Contact page.

Now is the time to take a look at this opportunity for free to see if it's a good fit for you. If you’ve been looking for a way to be part of a community of passionate, innovative people, to have a powerful impact on the world around you, and create financial freedom and long-term security, then this company is worth looking at.