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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I had read an article about how some of the worlds richest people continue to live frugally. Becoming wealthy and staying that way takes a certain level of discipline. Sure, an occasional splurge won't put you in the poor house, but frequent frivolous spending on things that aren't necessities can quickly put a serious dent in your wallet.

The frugal habits necessary to achieve financial success and maintain it are often lessons learned early on.

Who said being wealthy means you can't look for a good deal? Kiplinger shares how the super rich try to watch their wallet just like you. Here's a few of my favorites:

Warren Buffett
Estimated net worth: $50 billion
How he struck it rich: Founded Berkshire Hathaway, the noted investment holding company
Frugal habit: Has lived in the same modest home for 57 years.

Buffett could easily afford to live in a mansion much bigger than his 6,000-square-foot, five-bedroom stucco house in Omaha, which he purchased for $31,500 back in 1958. Yet the multibillionaire prefers the simple life in small-town America. In his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders last year, Buffett discussed the housing recovery and said, "The third best investment I ever made was the purchase of my home." (The first two: wedding rings he bought for his first and second wives.) Buffett added, "For the $31,500 I paid for our house, my family and I gained 52 years of terrific memories, with more to come." Today, the average price of a five-bedroom home for sale in Omaha is $391,983, according to Trulia.com. That's more than 12 times the amount Buffett paid.


Michelle Obama
Estimated net worth: The Obamas' assets are valued between $2.6 and $8.3 million.
How she struck it rich: Combined wealth with her husband and author, President Barack Obama
Frugal habit: Shops at Target

The First Lady is thrifty, too. She was spotted shopping at a Target store in the Washington DC area la few summers ago. What did she buy? It's reported that Mrs. Obama picked up dog food and toys for the first family's pet, Bo. In addition to finding ways to save on everyday household items, the First Lady is also known to cut costs when it comes to fashion. Despite having access to practically any high-end designer line she wants, Mrs. Obama sometimes chooses to wear clothing from discount stores, such as H&M. She has appeared on the Today show wearing a $35 dress from the retailer.


T. Boone Pickens
Estimated net worth: $1.4 billion
How he struck it rich: Oil!
Frugal habit: Buys new business clothes once every five years

Pickens has 55+ years’ worth of professional achievements, including growing his first company, Mesa Petroleum, into a $2 billion business and an infamous 1985 Time magazine cover. But these days, Pickens is almost as well known for his low-budget lifestyle as he is for his high-profile financial success. "People are always surprised that I don't have a closet full of suits," Pickens told Kiplinger. "I buy three suits every five or so years and only own 10 total. That's all I need." Pickens credits his grandmother with having taught him money lessons that still resonate: "She'd always tell me, 'Don't ever go any place with money in your pocket, looking for something to buy.'" Even today, Pickens says that whenever he visits a store he first makes a list of what he needs, and he carries only the exact amount of money he plans to spend.


Bethenny Frankel
Estimated net worth: $100 million
How she struck it rich: Created the Skinnygirl cocktail brand
Frugal habit: Never pays retail prices for clothing or shoes and bargain hunts on eBay

Frankel doesn't take her newfound wealth (she sold Skinnygirl to Beam Global for a reported $100 million last year) for granted. Just a few years ago, the reality TV star and entrepreneur couldn't even pay her rent, as she revealed in a 2011 interview with ABC's Nightline. Her guilty pleasure is fashion, so when it comes to spending money on clothes, Frankel is adamant about not buying anything that isn’t on sale. To help avoid making impulse purchases, she shops mostly online at retailers like net-a-porter.com and discount sites such as eBay.com.


"This Book Will Make You Rich" will equip you with a working knowledge of the inner power that enables each of us to achieve any worthy goal and to enjoy all the pleasures that has to offer. Find out the real "secret" on how to live a rich and fulfilling life. For details, go to ThisBookWillMakeYouRich.com.
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​Today's post is from guest blogger, Rick Pendykoski - on why choosing a frugal lifestyle has many benefits.

You have always been the person who has saved up for retirement. And now that you are retiring it feels like you are the only person in the whole world who feels hapless about money matters right?

Studies have shown that a fair majority of seniors have the same fear. Senior citizens worry that their money will run out, and they will have no means to supplement income during their retirement.

So how can you ensure that your lifetime of savings last you throughout your retirement and also take care of your medical bills?

The answer is simple: frugal living.

It all comes down to that old adage of “Simple living, high thinking.”

The first thing that you should do to ensure that your savings stay in place during your retirement is invest in your 401k and IRA long before you decide to quit your job and move to Florida. Here is a handy tip, if you are regularly saving up your income for both the accounts, contribute to the 401k first.

Here are a few tips on living frugally. Remember none of these options are cheap living; they are just living cheaply... Start with cost-cutting as you make these little changes to your lifestyle:

Home maintenance:
Since more than half of a person’s income is spent on house maintenance, it might make sense to downsize to a smaller house. This will also give you an opportunity to earn money by selling household items that you might not need anymore. But plan carefully if you are moving, because moving can prove to be just as costly as house maintenance. Also, it is important to make sure that your chosen area has the infrastructure and facilities that you might need. It would be preferable to move to an area with a grocery store, hospital, park, and public transport in close proximity.

Try and eat better:
Buy your food in wholesale, and try and cook at home. This will not only cut down your budget by half, but also help you lead a healthy life, because eating home cooked food is much healthier than grabbing a slice of pizza or a burger.

Transport:
Walk or use the public transport. Buying a new ride? Don’t be shy to try the second hand market as there are many good deals available. With the right deal and seller, you can use a second-hand car for more than a decade.

Budgeting:
Make a detailed monthly budget with strict allocations for each area of your life. Try and write down your daily expenses to see if you can stick to your budget.

Holiday Spending:
Make your holiday traditions more meaningful, by spending money on little thoughtful gifts or making them at home instead of buying from the store.

Other than these usual conventional ways of cost cutting, here are a few completely out of the box ideas that you can try to shake off the boredom from your retirement and completely change your life. You and your spouse can try these frugal lifestyles and finally live out your dream of adventures by trying these options:

• Have you considered living on a sailboat? Trade in your apartment for a sea-friendly floating house. 
  How many times have you wanted to sail away into the horizon? Now that you are retired and so is your spouse, you can actually do it and take your house with you!
• Live in an RV: Pick up and pack up as soon as the new neighbor starts to annoy you!
• Fulfill your holiday dream: move abroad to a cheaper country: Many countries with cheaper currency are becoming a hotbed for foreign retired folks. Welcome to the land of great weather and cheaper rent. There’s India, Thailand, and Malaysia to consider.

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With the proper approach to your finances, a happy retirement should not be a problem. If you don’t wish to be among those who can’t afford to retire, you should be investigating all the lifestyles that cost less. Retirement can be fun too, if planned properly. 

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About the author:

Rick Pendykoski is the owner of Self Directed Retirement Plans LLC, a retirement planning firm based in Goodyear, AZ. He regularly writes for blogs at MoneyForLunch, Biggerpocket, SocialMediaToday, NuWireInvestor & his own blog for Self Directed Retirement Plans. If you need help and guidance with traditional or alternative investments, email him at rick@sdretirementplans.com or visit www.sdretirementplans.com.

     

​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:)

​Summer is in full swing, and the 4th of July weekend is upon us! How do you plan to celebrate this year? Although you don't need to do something extravagant, it's quite patriotic to celebrate our country's independence the way most Americans have done for so many years... with fireworks, BBQ, hot dogs and an overall good time! I've listed a few frugal ways to celebrate the 4th of July weekend festivities! Enjoy your 4th and have a blast :)

BACKYARD BBQ - If you are hosting a 4th of July party, make it a potluck event. Have you friends bring other food or drinks that you won't be serving yourself. For instance someone can bring the appetizers, while another bring the drinks, another can bring the dessert and so on. You can get creative with the food, like flag inspired pies or cakes, even hot dogs! You can also serve food that's already red, white or blue - like watermelon, whip cream topped dessert, and blue colored drinks (or blue M&M's)!!

PARTY SUPPLIES - For you party stuff, go to your local dollar store and pick up a few 4th of July themed party supplies and decor. Or you can simply group together items you already have that are red, white & blue or stars & stripes and display them on your food table or around the area where your guests will be hanging out. You can also use red, white & blue bandanas as pennant decorations, as in the photo above.

THE BEACH - If you aren't in a party mood, you can always head to the beach. There's usually some 4th of July festivity going on. The beach will most like be crowded, park your car a little further away to avoid paying for expensive beach parking. Pack a light lunch, so you won't be tempted to buy food there. Sit back, relax and sink your toes in the sand.  

PARADES & EVENTS - There are several cities and towns hosting Independence Day parades or other related events. Check your local listings for one near you. Most of the parades are usually followed by a fireworks display. Again, park your car a little further away to avoid expensive event parking cost. 

FIREWORKS - Check your local listings for free fireworks display. They are usually held by the water... the beach, the bay, the marina, etc... Or, you might be lucky enough to live somewhere where you can see the fireworks display from your own backyard.

MUSIC FESTIVALS - There are some free music events and concerts you can attend on the 4th of July weekend and all summer long. Check your local listings for one near you.

For more frugal things to do this summer... check out my post about 10 Frugal, Fun and Free Things To Do This Summer!
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​There are many reasons to start a frugal lifestyle. For people who haven't dipped their toes in the frugal pool yet but want to, it begins with consciously committing to practicing this way of life so that it becomes second nature.

I hope to empower others to adopt this lifestyle without giving up what they are accustomed to. Being frugal not only saves money, but energy and time as well.

Here are my Top 10 Benefits of why someone should consider living a frugal existence... if not all the time, at least some of time. It starts with choosing to do it versus having to do it. Some of the wealthiest people in the world are frugal and most live below their means.

10. SAVE MONEY
This is the obvious reason for most people. Choose to spend your money wisely and smartly only the necessary things in life. But allow yourself a special treat when you have the extra cash in your budget.

9. A SIMPLER LIFE
Life is less chaotic and easier to manage when you pare down to just the essentials you need. Avoid buying "stuff" that has no meaning or purpose. Start by decluttering, purging and eliminating things that have no room in your life.  Start organizing and consolidating things so that they are easier to find or manage, which in turn saves you time and money. Read more about ways to simplify your life here.

8. TIME FREEDOM
Learn to say no to invitations, favors, tasks, etc.. that zap precious time and energy out of you. By politely declining parties or other events from someone you are not exceptionally close to, you save money on gifts and gas, which equates to time for more important things in your life. By choosing how, when and whom you spend your time with gives you more freedom overall.

7. SAVE ENERGY
By simply unplugging from your phone, the internet, the TV or any other electronic device, you not only save money on energy cost, but you have more time and life energy to enjoy life beyond technology. Read more about tips on how to save money on energy costs here.

6. LESS DEBT
While it would be nice to have zero debt, most people have some form of debt.  Tackle your lower balanced loans or debts first and try to pay those off right away. Once you've eliminated or at least reduced your debt, you will feel a sense of freedom that's priceless!

5. EARN SOME CASH
Why not make some extra money by selling unwanted items around the house. My best tip is to sell your stuff via Craigslist or the LetGo app. It's free and it's easy. Another way to make a little cash and declutter you house is to have a garage sale. Any item that does not sell can be donated to Goodwill or your favorite thrift store, which is tax deductible. Check more ways to earn extra cash here.

4. EAT HEALTHIER
By eating out less (especially at fast food restaurants) and preparing meals at home is one way to not only save money but also make healthier choices. Although dining out to a favorite restaurant is always a treat, it can be costly vs. making food at home. Read more on how to buy and eat organic foods without breaking the bank here.

3. LOSE SOME WEIGHT
What an awesome benefit... by choosing eat healthier (see #4), one can actually lose some weight. By eating foods that are either organic or fresh vs. processed our bodies tend to burn more fat. Check out this option for a healthy weight loss supplement.

2. GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Instead of throwing stuff away, evaluate whether you can either recycle, repurpose, or reuse it somehow. For example, by bringing bottles, cans, newspapers, cardboard, etc... to your local recycle center you can also get cash. Also, if you have a piece of furniture that just needs a new coat of paint, why buy a new and expensive piece when the one you have is perfectly fine. Less waste means we can all make a contribution to save our planet. 

1. A RICHER LIFE
Be smart in how you choose to spend your money, your time and your energy. Prioritize and take control of what's really important, by accomplishing this, you can truly enjoy a more rewarding and richer life.
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​Did you know the Amish are actually incredible money savers?  We can all learn a thing or two (or thirteen) on how  they manage their money and their frugal ways. I'd like to think I practice some of their savvy ways. Here's an except from Business Insider. Read the complete article here.

Though they're typically known for for their traditional, family-based Christian values and austere lifestyles, there's one thing most people probably wouldn't guess about them - the Amish are a lot better at managing their money than the rest of us. 

Their business and financial savvy goes far beyond rebuking modern conveniences like electricity and technology. Here are 13 ways the Amish are better at money matters than most of us.

1. They value experiences more than material goods.

2. They are huge savers, often setting aside up to 20% of their income.

3. They loathe debt and try to avoid credit cards.

4. Rather than turn to credit, they'd sooner take up a side job when money gets tight.

5. If they do have debt, or take out a loan, they view it as a moral obligation to pay it back in a timely way.

6. Many are experienced tradesmen and their quality wares are in demand.

7. They are extremely savvy small business owners with a 95% success rate.

8. They rarely waste a thing and take recycling to unbelievable levels.

9. They buy in bulk whenever possible.

10. They never pay retail and often shop secondhand.

11. Those with money funnel their funds back into the community.

12. They eat like kings, but they grow most of their meals themselves. 

13. They avoid taking government handouts and are exempt from contributing to Social Security.

      

       

     

For most people, their biggest monthly expense is housing. If you can lower your mortgage payment by refinancing your loan, take the opportunity very soon before interest rates go back up. Shop around for the best rates and speak to more than just one mortgage specialist or lender.

If you rent, it doesn't hurt to talk to your landlord and find out if they can lower your rent in exchange for some handy work around the property or if they can give you a discount if you pay your rent before the first of each month.

I recently finalized refinancing my home loan. The last time I refinanced was about 2 years ago. My previous loan's rate was 4.75% -- now it's a fixed rate of 3.25%. My savings is approximately $150 a month. However, I plan on paying at least $100 or more towards the principal in order to reduce the loan amount. By locking in the lower interest rate, I will pay a lot less interest throughout the loan's term. My ultimate goal is to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible, or rent it out and buy the next house in cash!

My experience the last time I refinanced was okay, but the process took more than 4 months to get finalized. This time around, my experience was beyond pleasant. I initially received a letter in the mail with an offer to refinance with a really good interest rate. I initially didn't think I would work with this company, but I called them a second time and spoke to one of their mortgage specialists who I immediately liked and trusted. After he explained what my options were, I knew I was in good hands. The entire process took only a month -- plus, I was able to skip 2 months of payments, which is a super nice bonus! Read my Yelp review about the company here.

In summary, I highly recommend lowering your housing expense by either refinancing your current mortgage or negotiating with your landlord to reduce your rent. Why pay more when you can pay less for housing! With the money you save, you can treat yourself to a nice dinner, a new outfit or something for the house, you can even use the extra money towards a down payment for a new car or towards that dream vacation!

Click HERE for other frugal tips on Housing. Click HERE for resource books on Frugal Housing, or see below.
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Here's a great article from AAAP Money about the power of frugality that is far greater than having a large income. It examines the question... Earn More or Spend Less?  I try to do both!
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The purpose of money

Time on this planet is our most valuable and finite asset, and we all want to make the most of it. Money is simply a means to that end. Think of it as the stored energy that gives us the freedom to do with our lives whatever it is that will bring the most meaning and happiness. That may translate to more leisure time, family time or even volunteering time.
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And there are two ways to get this financial freedom:

• Earn more money.

• Spend less money.

Certainly, people who reach financial independence do a combination of both, but spending less is more powerful because of the "Two T's" — taxes and time.
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The simple math of the Two T's

Let's take an example of a 55-year-old woman. According to the Society of Actuaries, she can have a life expectancy of just under 30 more years. Let's also assume that she wants to retire in 10 years at age 65, and that a third of her earnings will go to taxes (federal and state income taxes and payroll taxes). Finally we will compare earning $10,000 a year more to spending $10,000 a year less, with both increasing at the rate of inflation.

If she makes $10,000 more a year and puts what's left after taxes into her savings, she will have $66,667 more in today's dollars when she wants to retire in 10 years. But if she learns to live on $10,000 a year less and continues to do so for the remainder of her life, she will have saved $300,000 more in today's dollars. That's because she spends $10,000 less for 30 years.

So in this example, spending less was 4.5 times more powerful than making more. Though that number can change based on current age, desired retirement date and life expectancy, spending less always has a greater impact than earning more. Or, to put it concisely, spending less buys us more time than making more will.

In conclusion

Spending more money is not going to make you as happy as you think. Get off that hedonic treadmill of keeping up with the neighbors. Saving more money is not only good for your bottom line, but also for your health. We should all attain financial freedom, allowing us to pursue whatever we want with our life.

   

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!