Image via Unsplash
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Ahh, Fall is in the (crisp) air! The Autumn Equinox officially started Saturday, September 23rd. In some parts of the country, the weather is starting to transition to be a bit cooler. The leaves are starting to turn beautiful colors and it's time to pull out those sweaters stored away for the summer! I do prefer Spring and Fall weather because it's much more pleasant (and cozier) for me.

Enjoy the Fall season by indulging in some great activities that are not only fun but free (or practically free)! For more tips and ideas on Fall happenings, click here.

Here are my top 15 fun and frugal Fall festivities and activities. 

1. Decorate your home with collections of Fall inspired items such as pumpkins, pine cones, autumn leaves, branches, twigs, etc... 

2. Create a welcoming DIY Fall decor at your front door like the photo above.

3. Bake a delicious pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread or some pumpkin cookies.

4. Visit a local pumpkin patch with your children for a kids point-of-view experience.

5. Do some Fall Cleaning... keep, sell, donate, or discard items you no longer want or need.

6. Before the weather gets too chilly, plan a picnic in the park and bring a blanket.

7. Take a relaxing stroll down your favorite Old Town and browse the shops for Fall inspirations.

8. Host an Autumn potluck party with dishes such as pumpkin soup, turkey sandwiches, etc...

9. Go for a hike or a bike ride while taking in the season's beautiful scenery.

10. Make your own creative DIY Halloween costume.

11. Sit in your favorite comfy chair with a great book while sipping a hot apple cider.

12. Start making homemade Christmas presents.
 
13. Attend a free local Fall festival or Oktoberfest event.

14. Check out a local museum on their free admission days.

15. Make a list of what you are thankful for. Not just for Fall but all year round.

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Image via Unsplash
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Image via Unsplash
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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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Image via Pexels

Image via Pexels

​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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​One of the best seasons is Autumn... the weather is perfect and it's the beginning of the holiday season celebration! It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to enjoy and celebrate all the simple yet fun activities. For more tips and ideas on Fall happenings, click here.

Here are just a few on my favorite frugal ways to celebrate the Autumn season:

1. Decorate your home with Fall leaves found in your own yard.

2. Visit a pumpkin patch with kids - it's more fun!

3. Sit at an outdoor cafe and sip an apple cider.

4. Create a fall-themed centerpiece from twigs.

5. Bake anything with pumpkin... yummy!

6. Make hearty soups in a slow cooker that will last.

7. Spend the day wine tasting with friends.

8. Light pumpkin-scented candles around the house.

9. Break out the boots, scarves, gloves, etc.. 

10. Attend a free Autumn music festival.

11. Do some Fall Cleaning in your closet, home and office.

12. Host a Fall-themed potluck party.

13. Make a list of what you are thankful for. Not just for Fall but all year round:)

​Can you believe Summer is almost over? You don't have to spend any money to enjoy what's left of summer. If your budget is tight and you still want to feel like you're on a mini vacation or staycation, keep reading! Here's 10 of my favorite ways to have a fun, fabulous and free ways to enjoy the remainder of this summer season!

1. The Beach - If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance to a beach (or a lake or a river or even just a pool), take advantage as much as you can this summer. Go early so you can find a good parking spot nearby, for free of course! Pack some essentials - such as food, drinks, reading materials, sunglasses, beach chairs, towels, etc.. and just relax and maybe even work on your tan!
2. Street Fairs - Check online for local summer fairs in nearby towns or cities. Admission is usually free and there are always lots to see and taste. We recently came back from the nations largest single day street faire in Carlsbad, CA. We didn't buy anything, but many vendors offer free samples.
3. Summer Concerts - Many local communities offer free outdoor summer concerts. This is a fabulous way to enjoy your city's music scene and learn about new bands and hear great music. Check your local listings throughout the summer.
4. Stroll Old Town - This is one of my favorite things to do, in any season! Most areas have a downtown or old town with quaint local stores (vs. chain stores). Leisurely stroll and stop in at the shops and maybe grab a little bite to eat at one of the cozy cafes. I enjoy checking out little antique shops. This is a great way to discover little gems for one-of-a-kind treasures.
5. Farmers Markets - Hit your local farmers market early so you get the freshest produce. Support local growers (vs. big box supermarkets), often times they are cheaper and offer a much better quality. Most vendors offer samples too! You can also shop for healthier organic options. Make a shopping list of items you might need ahead of time, so you won't overspend.
6. Scenic Drives - Go a little off the beaten path to areas where you normally wouldn't drive to. Make sure it's not too far so you won't waste money on gas. Map out your destination ahead of time. Make sure to stop when you can to take in the sights.
7. Picnics At The Park - Pack a light picnic lunch and drive (or walk) to your favorite park. Pick a quiet, shaded spot and enjoy your meal. Bring some music or reading material if you plan to go by yourself.
8. Explore New Neighborhoods - This is a great way to feel like you are exploring a new neighborhood in another state or country! Pick a neighborhood, park your car, then meander around their downtown or residential area. I love walking around quaint residential streets with beautiful homes, I get inspirations on how I can improve my own home's curb appeal.
9. Flea Markets - One of my favorite destinations to shop! There are several flea markets or swap meets happening every Sunday. I usually find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts or something for myself for dirt cheap. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the vendor. Most of them would rather sell the item(s) vs. take it back home with them.
10. Go To The Museum or Zoo - Most communities offer "free to the public" admission days. Call your local zoo or museum ahead of time and take advantage of these great local attractions.

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I LOVE to eat but I'm not exactly a gourmet in the kitchen. But, I love to save money, so I've been experimenting with how to make delicious meals at home. 

One of my favorite frugal meal(s) is buying a cooked rotisserie chicken from a local grocery store. Not only is it yummy, but it usually only cost less that $8 for a whole chicken. We eat it fresh from the store, I especially love the skin and dark meat. Afterwards, pull apart the left over chicken and set aside for later.
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Most people would throw away the bones, but they are what makes the best chicken soup! If you don't already have one, I highly recommend investing in a slow cooker or crock pot. We found ours in a thrift store for just $10. Throw in the rest of the chicken - bones and all in the crock pot, add water. Let it cook until the bones falls apart. Once cooked, make sure to remove the bones then add seasoning, veggies and anything else you want.

​I've stretched an $8 rotisserie chicken into 5 different meals for 2 people. That's only $1.60 per meal. Now that's frugal eating!!
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Meal #1 - Chicken breasts, drumsticks, wings (dark meat)
Meal #2 - Stir fry chicken with veggies (leftover white meat)
Meal #3 - Chicken salad (other half of leftover white meat)
Meal #4 - Chicken soup (makes up to 4 bowls of soup)
Meal #5 - Pulled chicken (yummy with barbecue sauce)

I'm sure, there are a hundred more ways to get creative with leftover rotisserie chicken. Bon appetite!
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You don't need to spend hundreds, even thousands of money sprucing up your bathroom. Besides re-painting the walls, which is the most effective and frugal way to transform the bathroom,  this guest post from Diana Smith has other great money saving tips on how to achieve a bathroom remodel for less.
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If you are like most people, when you think about bathroom remodeling you will probably think about the daunting experience of removing every possible thing from the bathroom until all that remains are pipes sticking out of the floor. That image alone is enough to give you a headache, but when you add the thought of how much it can all cost, you will get the urge to scream. Out with the old, in with the new; out with the money from your bank account and in with shiny new faucets and tiles. Is there a way to remodel and restyle your bathroom without going bankrupt? Yes there is, and we’re here to help you.
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Reface your bathtub ​

Having an old bathtub is a drag – it can be solid and have great drainage, but it doesn’t matter if it looks awful. You might think that replacing your old tub is the only solution, but refinishing might be better. When you reface an old bathtub, it completely transforms it – the tub looks brand new and the entire room looks better because of it. It doesn’t matter how old and chipped the tub is, it can easily be turned into an appealing and fresh piece without you having to spend a fortune. When you replace an old tub, it requires a lot of work: there‘s demolishing the old tub as well as the ties surrounding it, not to mention having to pay for the new material and installation, plus having to pay to have it hauled away and dumped. After refacing an old tub, all you need are new shower curtains and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole new bathroom. 
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Change the lighting ​

You will be surprised once you discover how important lighting is in a bathroom. A simple act of replacing old bathroom light fixtures with brand new ones can turn a boring old room into a bathroom of your dreams. Lighting fixtures may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about remodeling (they are often considered a ‘finishing touch’), but they play a crucial role in the way the room looks. Not only will good light merely brighten the room, but it will improve your safety (you want to have a good light when shaving, don’t you?). The best thing about updating lighting is that it’s a perfect do-it-yourself project: with the right tools, some patience, a pinch of creativity, and surprisingly little money you can replace your old fixtures with new ones. You can also replace your old switch with a dimmer switch and get the perfect light for a romantic or relaxing atmosphere after a long day. 
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​Tile vs. linoleum floors

If you choose to change the base of your bathroom – the flooring – you can make a great change in the room without having to make a significant change in your wallet. As with all bathroom renovations that include tub, sink, and toilet replacement; flooring replacement can save you a couple of dollars. By picking linoleum, you don’t have to change anything: simply pick linoleum with intricate and beautiful design, roll it over your current floor and glue it down. You will need molding to hold down the edges, but that’s about it. Tiles can also be cheap and they too can go over other flooring, but you will need a professional to install them. 
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​You will not have walk around in your boring, old, outdated bathroom every morning, and you will not have to spend a fortune on your new bathroom. You will be able to get a great-looking new bathroom for very little money if you make a good plan and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your friends and family will be glad to help you with all the work and perhaps some useful information too, and when you finish you will have the bathroom of your dreams.
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About the author
​Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls and a great animal lover. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
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​Summer is almost here and it's the perfect season for picnics - whether you are heading out to a park, the beach, an outdoor concert, at a game, even your own backyard. 

Picnics are not only a fun way to spend the day, but it's more frugal than eating at a restaurant. A good rule of thumb when packing your picnic basket - the easier to eat the better... like appetizers and finger foods. Drinks are of course essential to any summer picnic, make sure to bring plastic drink cups or glasses!

My friends and I went to the Hollywood Bowl this week to see a concert. Each couple brought food to nosh on and to share with others before and during the show. I wanted to make something that was easy to prepare and easy to pass around to share. The best way to save money is make most everything yourself at home.

Here are 10 essential tips and ideas of what to pack in your picnic basket. Watch out for Yogi Bear!!

PICNIC BASKET OR BAG - Depending on your preference, pack your goodies in either a basket or bag. Although I love the look of picnic baskets (especially vintage ones), I prefer an insulated bag to keep the drinks colder. Some people also use a big cooler or just recycled bags.

PICNIC SUPPLIES - Essential to any picnic basket whether you opt for paper or plastic goods are: plates, utensils, cups, napkins. Pick some up at your local dollar store or grocery warehouse store. Make sure to also bring a separate bag(s) for trash.

BLANKET - If you are heading out to the park or beach where they don't have picnic benches, make sure to bring a picnic blanket or tablecloth to spread out on the grass or sand. Bring an extra blanket if it's gets cooler to bundle up in. You may also bring pillows to sit on if you will be sitting on a hard surface, like we were at the Hollywood Bowl.

MINI SANDWICHES - You can make mini sandwiches with cold cuts and cheese. I used Kings Hawaiian Bread rolls (yum!) and ready made chicken salads from Trader Joe's. I used curry chicken salad and cranberry chicken salad inside the rolls. I brought these at the Bowl and they were a big hit with everyone. You can make 24 mini sandwiches for less than $15... very frugal.

FINGER FOODS - Easy to eat appetizers that you can pass around to the gang is key. Great examples of finger foods are: chicken poppers, cheese varieties, wraps, etc.. For a fancier option - how about sushi.

CHIPS AND DIP - A simple, frugal yet delicious dip to make is guacamole! All you need are avocados, lime and tomatoes. Or, you can opt for ready made inexpensive dips from stores like Trader Joe's. Pick up a bag (or two) of your favorite dipping chips too.

SALADS - Make the classic potato salad or macaroni salad. These are simple and inexpensive to make at home. Other easy salad options are pasta salads or herb salads (possibly picked from your herb garden).

DRINKS - Pack sodas, water and whatever favorite drink you like from a discount grocery or big box store. Several of us brought bottles of wine to the concert - just make sure you pack the bottles securely or in a separate wine cooler or bag - don't forget the corkscrew!

FRUITS -  Pack easy to eat fruits like grapes, strawberries, bananas, cherries, blueberries or pre-cut fruits such as pineapple and the classic picnic fruit - watermelon. 

DESSERT - Select easy to eat pick-up desserts such as cookies (I brought Snookies Cookies - yum!) and brownies or cupcakes.
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Whether you are already frugal or are just embarking on the lifestyle of frugality, I would like to share 30 tips and ideas that I have personally done in order to sustain my frugal habits.

1. Eliminate cable & phone landline - I eliminated both my cable/satellite and home phone line 10 years ago. I now only watch my favorite shows (queued on Hulu) online for free when I want to. I got rid of my landline and only use my cell phone, this saves me a lot of money! 

2. Automate payments - Most people already do this - by automating your bill paying online, you will never miss a payment, which means you avoid late fees plus you save money on postage.

3. Wash clothes in cold water - This will save you money on energy costs and your clothes will come out just as clean. 

4. Unplug block-type chargers - When cords on phones, computers, small appliances, etc.. are not in use, they should be unplugged. If the charger is plugged into the wall it is still on and consuming energy even if you aren’t charging.

5. Do-it-yourself home improvement projects - Tackle projects around the house, such as painting or basic landscape work, etc.. to save a lot of money on professional services.

6. Install low-flow shower head - You won't even notice the difference because a low-flow fixture reduces the volume of water but does not affect the water pressure in any way. 

7. Repair vs. replace - Try to fix something that’s broken first (if the cost is minimal). Not sure how to repair it? There are plenty of YouTube tutorials with step by step tips.

8. Shop around for better rates - Whether it's getting lower costs for your mortgage interest rate, mobile phone service, insurance rates, credit card interest rates or internet service, etc... it pays to shop around or better yet, if you are happy with your current provider, call them and ask to them to lower your payment. Most companies will give you a lower rate in order to keep you as their (happy) customer.

9. Recycle gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbons - If it can be re-used, don't throw it away! I always recycle gift bags, tissues, bows, ribbons, etc.. from previous presents.

10. Create homemade gifts - If you love to bake, make some yummy cookies or brownie and present it in a gift basket or tin. If you love photography, print out some photos of the recipient and place them in a set of inexpensive frames.

11. Walk or ride your bike - Instead of driving a few blocks to your destination, why not walk or ride your bike? It will save you money on gas and it's good exercise also!

12. Do-it-yourself beauty regimen - Why pay a professional if you can do it yourself? I personally dye my own hair, give myself the occasional manicure and pedicure.

13. Sell unwanted stuff - When you are clearing out your home or office, you will most likely come across items that are a little more than "garage sale" material. I have sold many items on Craigslist that I do not need anymore such as furniture, electronics, designer shoes & purses, plants, books, toys, etc..

14. Find promo codes and deals online - Before you hit that “submit order” button, search for online promo codes, coupon codes or deals. Sign up to receive emails from your favorite online stores. They usually send out exclusive deals or discounts to their email subscribers. 

15. Workout for free - Skip the gym (and the high membership fees), exercise for free… whether it’s walking, running, jogging, biking, or whatever activity you enjoy. Short on time? You can burn some calories when doing simple chores around the house, such as sweeping or washing the dishes.

16. Plan errands efficiently - When I run errands or go shopping, I try to do it all in one trip. Not only does this save me time and effort, but it saves on gasoline as well. If there's a coupon that's about to expire and it's something I am actually going to use, I plan my trip around that day.

17. Empty your vehicle's trunk - Most of us know what it feels like to be hauling a few extra pounds around the midriff. It's no different with your car... excess weight places more demands on your engine and creates suspension, braking and even exhaust problems. Check your car right now. What's in there that can come out?

18. When traveling abroad, use your debit card at ATMs to withdraw local currency - Keep fees low by making fewer and larger withdrawals from your home bank account when traveling. If your U.S. bank has a partner in Europe, for example, use their ATMs for the best rates.

19. You don't have to pay for your credit score - If you have a Discover Card or Capital One, an added benefit is that you can now access your FICO score for free! Sites such as CreditKarma.com, Credit.com offer credit scores for free also.

20. Go for cash back instead of points and miles rewards - Credit card companies can suddenly increase the number of points and miles you need to redeem travel benefits and other perks. Cash doesn't lose value even if a company changes policies. I use Chase Freedom and Capital One credit cards.

21. Make your own salad dressing - They are are easy to make; plus, they're cheaper and better tasting than store-bought. For balsamic vinaigrette, whisk together 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and ß cup balsamic vinegar, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil.

22. Make a list - I'm a big believer of writing things down. Whether it's a grocery list, an errands list, a 5 year goal list, etc.. I think it's important to visualize your tasks or goals. For example, by having a list when I go food shopping, I tend to stick to the list and in turn save money along the way. It's a great feeling to cross something off my list once I've accomplished said item on list.

23. Limit meat portions - Dividing your plate into three equal portions of meat, vegetables and grains - 3 to 4 ounces each - will be better for you (health wise) and cost much less.

24. Split a meal when dining out - Save money by splitting an entree with or without an appetizer or salad with another person. The bonus is that you won't be tempted to overeat.

25. Eat your leftovers - Often times, you or someone in your group have leftovers. It's quite wasteful to throw away perfectly good food that you already paid for. Ask for a doggie bag, make something creative with your leftovers the next day, chances are it will taste better too.

26. Skip the dessert- Although this is very tempting, often times your main meal was more than enough. You don't really need that plate of chocolate cake a-la-mode! But, if you have to have dessert, split it amongst the group you are dining with.

27. Recycle - Instead of throwing away paper, cardboard, cans, plastic, or glass... take it to your local recycling center. Not only is it good for the environment but you get paid in cash! Make sure to have designated containers for each category at home, to keep things organized.

28. Use coconut oil - There are numerous ways to use coconut oil, besides for cooking! Some of my favorite ways are as a makeup remover, lip balm, to control frizz, shaving treatment, under eye cream, body oil and also as an itch reliever.

29. Share things - instead of buying the latest fashion magazine, my friends rotate magazines amongst each other. Carpooling is a means of sharing rides, where everyone involved takes their turn in driving. When traveling with one or more people, bring one set of necessities so that there's no need to check in your bags. Share as many things as possible, such as recipes, books, clothes, meals, tools, etc..

​30. Get free stuff - one sure way to spend less is getting stuff for free! If it's your birthday, many places reward you with free treats. For more freebie ideas, click here. The best things in life are free!

     

Little things really do add up. Making a few little changes in your daily activity can make a big difference! Here's some other money saving tips that I've done myself, courtesy of SavvySugar.com 

1. Check your bank account daily to make sure there aren't any weird charges.

2. When traveling, don't check in your luggage. Click here for more travel tips.

3. Don't use your credit card overseas unless it doesn't have foreign transaction fees.

4. Sell your old things and buy used items.

5. Keep your receipts, and return the purchases you need to return.

6. Check out HomeAway instead of hotels.

7. Find one (or two) good rewards credit card(s) and use it smartly.

8. Explore free activities on the weekend.

9. Always try to wait for a sale before buying something.

10. Plan out your meals for the entire week.

11. Automate payments so you won't forget and be charged with late fees.

12. When dining out, stop ordering and drinking soda, drink water instead.

13. Don't feel obligated to say yes to every invitation (such as.. weddings, dinners, events, etc.)

Although I think I know all the various ways to save money, time, energy, etc. there are still so many more ways that I am just now finding out about. I would like to share some of my 10 new favorite ways (thanks to AARP), click here for even more money saving tips!

1. Extend the life of your smartphone or tablet battery
I just recently started doing this, and it really does help save my phone's battery life. Protect your device from temperatures above 95 degrees, which can damage battery capacity; shut down location-tracking apps when not using them; and turn off the function that refreshes apps in the background.

2. Homemade salad dressings 
They are are surprisingly easy to make; plus, they're cheaper and better tasting than store-bought. For balsamic vinaigrette, whisk together 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and ß cup balsamic vinegar, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil.

3. Free money! 
An individual development account, or IDA, allows low- to moderate-income earners to save money for a specific goal — such as a down payment on a house or starting a business — and get matching funds from nonprofit groups, corporations and government agencies. Many IDAs provide a dollar-for-dollar match. Visit IDAnetwork.org to learn more.

4. Don't get stuck picking up the tab
When friends are short of cash, free payment services such as Square Cash and Google Wallet allow them to move money from their account to yours as easily as sending an email.

5. Buy luggage in March
Travel retailers know we gear up for spring and summer vacations in March, so they often discount prices.

6. Repurpose bad beauty buys
Salvage an unflattering lipstick shade by mixing with plain lip balm to sheer the color and texture down to a wearable tint.

7. Do you have land to share? 
SharedEarth.com is a free site that connects landowners with gardeners or farmers. You provide the land for free and growers share some of their produce.

8. Nab the best online deals
Before you hit the "buy" button, install a free Web browser add-on, such as PriceBlink.com, to your computer to help you find better deals. PriceBlink, scans more than 4,000 merchants to find low prices and alerts you to coupons.

9. Go for cash back instead of points and miles rewards
Credit card companies can suddenly increase the number of points and miles you need to redeem travel benefits and other perks. Cash doesn't lose value even if a company changes policies.

10. Don't dump that old iPhone
This was quite surprising! First-generation iPhones that sold for $599 in 2007 are now collectibles and, if in mint condition, worth big bucks. The recent asking price on eBay for an 8GB iPhone in its original packaging was $10,000. I do have a first generation iPhone, too bad it's not in the original packaging.