There must be countless ways to save (and make) money, I've listed some of my favorite ways here:

1. Use Cash - most people tend to spend less when paying cash vs. a credit card or even a debit card. As an added incentive, some retailers, such as gas stations - offer discounts to cash paying customers in order for them to save money on high bank merchant fees.

2. Pay Bills Online - sign up for auto payments online to pay your bills. Not only will you save money on postage stamps and checks, but it also ensures that your payment is not late - avoiding those pesky late fees! Tip - I always pay off my credit card statement balances each month.

3. Earn Rewards When You Shop - whether it's buying groceries or stocking up on items online or offline, I make sure I am using the appropriate credit card to maximize my cash back earnings! Since I'm spending money anyway, why not get a rebate on my purchase.  Two of my favorite cash-back shopping portals are Mr.Rebates and BeFrugal - both offer cash-back rewards for shopping online.

4. Wash Clothes In Cold Water - this will save you money on energy costs and your clothes will come out just as clean. Make sure you are doing a full load, to save even more energy.

5. 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 & pedicure and masque facials.

6. Split Your Meal - 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 and maybe even lose some pounds. Whenever you go out to restaurants, there are other creative ways to save money when dining out.

7. Save Leftovers - don't just reheat your leftovers, get creative - add other ingredients to make a whole new meal. My personal tip - most leftovers taste better with butter, garlic and onions!

7. Shop Thrift Stores - check out flea markets, swap meets, thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales for great and unique finds in clothing, accessories, furniture and home items for a lot less.

8. Grow Your Own - save money on herbs such as basil, cilantro, rosemary or lavender. Plant your own herb garden or potted herbs to add to salads and meals. Plant and grow your own vegetables & fruits too.

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. 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. You can also make a potted arrangement of succulents from your own garden.

11. Snap Up Coupon Deals - be on the lookout from daily deal sites such as Groupon. Redeem restaurant or other discount deals that you know you will really take advantage of. You can also get cash back when dining out.

12. Do-it-yourself Home Improvement Projects - tackle projects around the house, such as painting or basic landscape work, etc.. this saves a lot of money on professional services.

13. Save on Insurance Cost - if you are on the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, consider purchasing an SUV, a pick up truck or even a mini-van. These types of vehicles usually cost less to insure than others. Another way I've saved money, is to shop around for a better deal before your policy expires.

14. Free Tire Air Checks - keep your tires inflated to maximize gas mileage, especially on long trips. Low tire pressure robs gas mileage - up to three miles per gallon! Get free air checks at tire centers such as Discount Tire stores. They have also rotated my tires for free.

15. 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!

16. Free T.V. - I watch my favorite TV shows on their respective network or on YouTube. Another great option is Tubi or Crackle. You can also go to your local library and borrow any available DVD's, usually 2 at a time.

17. Swap or Borrow - whether they are tools, magazines or books, you can swap or borrow them with friends. This concept also works for clothing and accessories you no longer wear or want.

18. Shop The Dollars Stores - visit your neighborhood dollar stores - such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, 99cent Only, Dollar General, Dollar King, etc.. to find great values on basic essentials.

19. Unplug Chargers - disconnect devices such as phone, computer, small appliance, and other chargers, from the wall when not in use. If the charger is plugged into the wall it is still on and consuming energy even if you aren’t charging.

20. Free Magazines - if you have miles that have accumulated in various airline rewards program but do not enough for airline tickets, redeem them for free magazines. I've subscribed to some of my favorite magazines, such as People, Cosmopolitan, Traveler, Architectural Digest, etc.
​

      

​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!
​

      

       

    

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.
​

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!!
​
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!
​

     

​What can you buy for a dollar these days? It turns out, plenty of things that are sometimes better (and of course cheaper) than at the big box discount stores! One can save a lot of money without compromising quality. I've organized a couple of parties with items purchased mostly at dollar stores!

Visit your neighborhood dollar stores ... such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, 99cent Only, Dollar General, Dollar King, etc.. to find great dollar values!

Here are my Top 10 Frugal Finds at various Dollar stores:

1. Stationery Supplies - notebooks, envelopes, pens, glue, tape.
2. Kitchen - utensils, sponges, sandwich bags, trash bags, foil, seasonings.
3. Cards - greeting cards for every occasion and holiday.
4. Snacks - chocolate bars, candy, cookies, chips.
5. Party Supplies - balloons, gift bags, paper cups, paper plates, decorations.
6. Cleaning Supplies - glass cleaner, cleanser, sponges, mops, brooms.
7. Personal Care - toothbrushes, cotton balls, hair accessories, facial tissues.
8. Storage - great assortment of baskets, bins, containers, boxes.
9. Household Items - batteries, trash bags, glassware, mugs.
10. Kids Stuff - toys, coloring books, seasonal costumes, crafts.

     

      

     

​Some of the most successful people are savvy and frugal with their money! An article from CNBC lists the number one best money-saving tip from 25 top executives and leaders.

As part of a month-long financial literacy program organized by the Council for Economic Education, 25 successful leaders and execs, including billionaire tech investor Mark Cuban, shared their best money-saving tip. The goal of the month-long social media effort was to inspire young people to start thinking about how to manage their money. You don't have to be young to benefit from the advice, however. Here are the 25 tips:

​1. Mark Cuban, investor, entrepreneur, television personality and owner of NBA's Dallas Mavericks
Tip: "Open a savings account and do odd jobs to earn money to save!"

2. Lo Bosworth, entrepreneur, author and creator of TheLoDown
Tip: "I love to create a monthly savings goal for specific things. Like, save $250 for shoes and you won't spend more."

​3. Melissa Giannini, editor-in-chief, Nylon Magazine
Tip: "When you've got your eye on a splurge item, jot it down as a goal and increase the amount you set aside for savings. Check back in a few months. Still want it? Great. If not, even better! Buyer's remorse averted and healthy savings account."

​4. Kelli B. Grant, consumer reporter, CNBC
Tip: "Regularly review your big expenses — like auto insurance, cell phone plans and energy bills — to make sure you are getting the best deal. You could be missing out on savings!"

​5. Megan Hess, mobile editor, Bloomberg
Tip: "I invite friends over to cook dinner or for game night instead of going out and spending money."

​6. Dan Kadlec, journalist and author. His most recent book, co-authored with Ken Dychtwald, is "A New Purpose: Redefining Money, Family, Work, Retirement, and Success."
Tip: "Wait 24 hours … Before buying an item on impulse. You will go back if it is really worth it!"

​7. Brian Kelly, founder and editor in chief at The Points Guy
Tip: "Travel makes you a better person. Save for trips — not things!"

​8. Ron Lieber, The New York Times "Your Money" columnist and author
Tip: "Doing things > having things. Your spending = your values."

​9. Erin Lowry, founder of Broke Millennial
Tip: "Nickname your savings account(s)! This will help motivate you to save and reduce temptation to pull money out."

​10. Dr. Annamaria Lusardi, Denit Trust Endowed Chair of Economics and Accountancy at the George Washington School of Business
Tip: "Spend a little time each week going over your personal finances and educating yourself about personal finance. You will become both knowledgeable and rich!"

​11. Kathryn Minshew, founder & CEO at The Muse, contributor to HBR, WSJ & Bloomberg
Tip: "Rather than spending $1 here or $2 there, save up for larger, more meaningful purchases!"

​12. Nan J. Morrison, CEO & President, Council for Economic Education
Tip: "Evaluate online banks for great rates on money market savings accounts."

​13. Brian Page, high school teacher, Cincinnati, Ohio
Tip: "Pay yourself first by splitting your paycheck deposits into three low/no fee accounts: 1. Investing for retirement (myRA, 401k, etc.) 2. Savings (for emergencies and goals) 3. Checking (for daily spending)"

​14. Mona Patel, Founder and CEO of Motivate Design
Tip: "Keep it simple, decide what you want and then go for it. Get rid of the excuses, check your stories and recognize whatever money challenges can be overcome in the future."

​15. Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, President, Charles Schwab Foundation and SVP Charles Schwab
Tip: "Make saving a part of your routine — like brushing your teeth! Put aside at least a small portion (say 10 percent) of every dollar you receive, including gifts, allowance, and money from your first job. You'll be really glad you did."

​16. Rosie Pope, creative director and co-founder of Rosie Pope Maternity
Tip: "Try to save each $1 bill — start at $1, then $5, then $10, $20, $50 all the way up to $100! Go to the bank at each benchmark and exchange it for the correct note. Celebrate your $100 bill!"

​17. Chondra Sanchez, creative co-director and writer at Evil Ink Comics
Tip: "WAIT. Sometimes if you wait at least two before making a big purchase — you find you don't really need the item at all!"

​18. Chris Siegfried, mortgage consultant at HomeStreet Bank
Tip: "Save at least 10 percent of everything you make/get! #SavingIsCool"

​19. Ann Shoket, author of "The Big Life," former editor-in-chief of Seventeen Magazine
Tip: "Before you buy anything ask yourself: How will I feel about this tomorrow? Happy? Do it! Panicked? Skip it!"

​20. Andrew Ross Sorkin, The New York Times columnist, editor; CNBC Squawk Box co-anchor; author and creator, executive producer of Showtime's "BILLIONS"
Tip: "If you can't afford something, set this goal: You can buy it, but only once you've saved twice as much as it costs!"

​21. Alexa von Tobel, founder and CEO, LearnVest
Tip: "Saving is a muscle. The sooner you start the stronger it gets!!!"

​22. Tara Lynn Wagner, NY1 reporter
Tip: "When you want something new, think about how long you'll have to work to earn enough to buy it. For instance: Cute new boots = 10 hours of babysitting. Then ask yourself, 'Are they worth it?'"

​23. Natalie Zfat,entrepreneur and Forbes contributor
Tip: "Money doesn't grow on trees. Don't be afraid to talk openly about the importance of saving, spending and investing."

​24. Sam Zises, founder and CEO, [L]earned Media
Tip: "Paying with cash instead of with a credit card can help you save money. If you are physically holding cash at checkout, you will feel more conservative and often times make better decisions."

​25. Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO, Zuckerberg Media
"Invest in you! Use your money to help expand your mind. Buy educational tools, gadgets, or money savings apps! Take coding lessons! Or support an organization that has helped you learn and grow!"
​

     

​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.

      

       

​I was so excited to discover NEW ways to save money -- thanks to this great article from AARP Money. I picked my 13 favorites from their list of 99 ways to save money on everything! Please let me know if you have any new ways you'd like to share :) Check out my top picks below...
​

1. Last Minute Deals
The mobile app - HotelTonight finds big discounts on hotels without having to book ahead of time.

2. Get Cash Overseas At ATMs
On average, you pay 8 percent for foreign cash at an ATM. At currency exchange booths, you tend to lose around 15 percent.

3. Book Last-Minute Hotel Rooms Via Your Smartphone
Rooms will be cheaper than reserving through a personal computer, as hotels deeply discount a few days in advance to lure in mobile guests.

4. Know The Best Time To Buy Tech
TV's, Blu-ray players and cameras go on sale during the year-end holidays. Computer prices drop in late spring. Older Apple products often get discounted when new versions hit the store, usually in the fall.

5. Know The Retail Seasons
January is the time to buy furniture and linens. April brings deals on gardening supplies and outdoor decor. May is the month to purchase mattresses. The best time to buy a grill is after Labor Day. Shop October for appliances and November for cookware.

6. Reduce Your Auto Insurance
As your car ages, the maximum payout for an accident (calculated by subtracting your deductible from the car's value) steadily decreases. Crunch the numbers to see if the price of collision and comprehension coverage is still worth it.

7. Sign Up For Their Email
Say yes when a store you patronize asks to send email promotions. You'll get discounts that other shoppers don't see. Create an email account just for purchases made online so sales offers don't clutter your personal email.

8. Check The Unclaimed Property Sites
Check every state where you have lived, they might be holding a dividend check in your name, money in a savings account that you forgot or an un-cashed refund check. To check, go to naupa.org, find your state and enter your name.

9. Let Dry Shampoo Do Many Jobs
Forget buying mousses, gels or creams. Dry shampoo works as a second-day hair freshener, adds bulk to thin hair and won't leave hair greasy or sticky.

10. Use All Your Food
On average, 25 percent of household food and beverages are tossed out, often because people buy ingredients to make a single recipe and throw out the excess. Instead, develop a meal plan to use all your food purchases over several days before they go bad.

11. Create A "Cuisine Club" With Friends
The group selects a type of food for the evening's dinner -- say Greek or Thai -- and then each person contributes a dish. It's less hassle for the host, and it's cheaper than if the group went out to a restaurant.

12. Spend A Day At A Luxury Hotel
More luxury and resort hotels offer "intra-day stays" which allow guests the use of a room and all the hotel's amenities -- pool, restaurant, spa, sports center or private beach -- for eight or so hours. Discounts can be as much as 70 percent off the price of an overnight stay. Find hotels at hotelsbyday.com and between9and5.com.

13. Use Free Fitness Apps
Apps are available for yoga, walking, running, calisthenics and almost every type of exercise. Plus, you can easily take these workouts with you when traveling.

To read the complete list of 99 Ways to Save Money on Everything, click here.

​
​Once you own a home, it can be difficult and costly to make and keep everything looking just so. Home improvements, home décor, cleaning and gardening can all add up and put a strain on your budget. But it’s the time of year for getting our houses in order and enjoying both our indoor and outdoor space. How can we do this whilst still being frugal?

The great news is, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your living space even if you’re working to a tight budget. We’ve scoured the dollar stores and pound shops to find 50 (yes, 50!) spare change home improvements that will cost you less than 1 British Pound or 1 US Dollar. Skip your trip to the coffee shop in the morning and you could make a couple of small home improvements instead. Miss that meal out and you could tackle a whole lot of the list below. And when you’re finished, your efforts will make your home a more pleasing place to be every day.
​
Are you ready to improve your home with the spare change you’ve got in your pocket or your money box? Take a look at the infographic below to get started. You can read the original article here.

     

Are you (or someone you know) planning on moving soon? If so, here's some great tips from guest blogger Ella Andrews on how to make moving easier and save money at the same time.

If you have a tight budget to work with during relocation, it is likely because you need to spend a lot on your new home. Buying new furniture and other belongings is certainly not cheap, especially if you are aiming for the best quality.

With that in mind, it is a good idea to consider what ways you can save when you move. There are some traps, which you can fall in, all of which will lead to you paying more than you should. Furthermore, with careful planning and consideration, you can greatly reduce the cost of moving and actually save money during the process. You don’t have to pay a lot when it comes to moving if you follow some of these tips:

• Compare free estimates - normally, you should be able to contact several reliable moving companies. Ask each of them for a free estimate to get a general idea on how much their service is going to cost you. Companies are willing to provide free quotes and estimates, but most of them are not 100% accurate. To know the exact price, you must ask for an on-site visit by a company representative. Be careful if the final price of a company is considerably low. Sometimes the lowest price comes with poor service, or one that is lacking additional services, paying for which will cost you a lot.
• See if there are any discounts available - often times if you book a company’s service in advance, you will pay less. Furthermore, depending on the volume of items you want to move, you might get a discount. See what you can take advantage of and compare the price then, for discounts can often determine the final cost of relocation.
• Don’t move all of your belongings - the more you want the company to move for you, the more you are going to pay. This is why you should consider letting go of some of your stuff and selling them. It is a perfect way to ensure you pay less during your removal and actually make some money on top of that. Decide what part of your belongings will be of no further use to you and put it up for sale on an online auction or garage sale.
• Choose off-season move date - often movers will be willing to offer considerable discounts and be more available if you hire their service during an off-peak season. Planning a move during the time when moving companies are not as busy will allow you more freedom as you will be able to schedule without stress. Having more time to choose a company will lead to less strain on your budget.
• Acquire packing supplies for free - moving boxes and any other supplies will actually not come in cheap. There is an option that may allow you to get packing supplies for free. It involves supermarkets, bookstores, office supply stores and such, all of which use boxes and then have to recycle them. You can ask around such places to see if they have boxes that they can give to you instead. That way you will have packing supplies to use in your relocation without paying anything for them.

​You can execute a cheaper move by following these tips. Make sure to take them all into consideration. 
​

Everyone's making plans for a fresh start this year, and if one of your goals is to save money, make a few changes here and there to save a little or a lot of money. Remember the little things do add up! Here are my top 50 frugal picks for saving money in 2015 from SavvySugar.

1. Drop your landline and rely on your cell phone
2. Make your own gifts
3. Cook more and eat out less often
4. Be aware of bank fees
5. Make a list before grocery shopping
6. Buy generic products
7. Explore free activities on the weekend
8. Shop your wardrobe
9. Wait on purchases before buying them
10. Seal up air leaks in your home to cut heating and cooling costs
11. Turn roaming off and rely on WiFi when traveling
12. Know the right things to buy in bulk
13. Turn off lights that aren't in use
14. Use cold water to wash your clothes
15. Hang dry your clothing instead of tumbling it in the dryer
16. Hand wash your clothing instead of taking it to the dry cleaner when possible
17. Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Consider investing in a filter
18. Cancel cable and watch your favorite shows online
19. Work out outdoors, play sports, or go to a friend's gym instead of paying for a gym membership
20. Shop at the farmers market
21. Swap clothes, bags, and accessories with friends
22. Google coupons and promo codes before buying something online
23. Renegotiate your cell phone plan, find a new carrier, or cancel some features to save money

1. Read books and magazines from the library
2. Return the purchases you need to return
3. Sell your old things and buy used items
4. Automate payments so you won't forget and be charged with late fees
5. Negotiate a lower APR
6. Upcycle your old items instead of throwing them away
7. Always comparison shop
8. Find a good rewards credit card and use it smartly
9. Don't feel obligated to say yes to every invitation (this includes weddings, dinners, events, etc.)
10. Eat right and exercise and get enough sleep, so you won't have to pay with your health
11. Pay bills online to save on postage
12. Compare gas prices to find the most affordable gas with sites like GasBuddy.com
13. Avoid out-of-network ATMs
14. Keep track of your money with a spreadsheet or Mint.com
15. Keep your receipts or take a pictures of them in case you want to return an item
16. Vacation closer to home
17. Don't check in your luggage
18. Check out Airbnb or HomeAway instead of hotels
19. Travel during an off-peak season or time
20. Use reusable grocery bags
21. Join loyalty programs
22. Feed your pet the right foods and keep it in shape to reduce vet bills
23. Review your receipts to make sure you're not being charged for odd items
24. Check your bank account daily to make sure there aren't any weird charges
25. Don't use your credit card overseas unless it doesn't have foreign transaction fees
26. Rent movies instead of going to the theater