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Welcome Frugalistas!

What exactly does frugal lifestyle mean?  I believe it’s being smart and savvy in your choices. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you and you will come out ahead.

This blog and website offers frugal tips and money saving ideas to help you live a richer life. Save money on everyday living. Start living the "Frugal Lifestyle" today.

Spend Less  • Earn More • Live Better

10 Ways to Simplify Your Life

6/29/2021

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With all the clutter in the world today, it's important to find ways to make our lives a little less complicated and a lot more stress-free. 

I've listed some ways that I've personally done to simplify my life and in the process either saved money or even made some money!

Here are my top 10 tips on simplifying your life:

1. Declutter & Purge - We all tend to accumulate "stuff". When it becomes a bit overwhelming, it's time to declutter your home, your car, your closet, your purse/wallet and your office. I allow myself to purchase one new (or vintage) item as long as I've purged one item out aka the "one in, one out" rule. I usually sell on OfferUp or Craigslist or donate it to Goodwill once I've edited things I no longer need or want.

2. Organize - Now that you've gotten rid of unnecessary clutter, it's time to get organized! I've found that baskets are a great way to keep things neat and tidy. I use baskets for towels in the linen closet, for office supplies, I even use baskets in my refrigerator. Keep paperwork, bills, invoices, etc.. labeled and filed in folders. You can also save a lot of time by organizing your closet so that you can see everything at a glance. By having a place for everything it will make it easier and simpler to find things when you need them.

3. Consolidate Finances - Although I believe in having a diversified investment portfolio, I think having one or two banking institutions has made my life a little more simple. I only use one credit card which I always pay off each month. Plus it's a cash-back rewards credit card. I keep track of all of my expenses and check my accounts online daily, so there are no surprises  (like fraudulent charges). I have my savings accounts with Ally Bank, which is a great online bank that offers better interest rates than most.

4. 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.

5. Eliminate Cable & Landline - I eliminated both my cable/satellite and home phone line many years ago. It's so freeing to not waste time flipping channels looking for shows I don't really care about. I now only watch shows or movies online for free on TubiTv whenever I want to. I got rid of my landline and only use my mobile cell phone, this has saved me a lot of money. My only home technology expense is my internet service.

6. 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, effort and energy, but it saves on gasoline plus wear and tear on my car. 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 it that day.

7. 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. Set up auto payments for your mortgage, credit card, utilities, etc.. online. Make sure to keep track of your recurring expenses so that you know you're within your monthly budget. You should also automatically deposit a recurring amount to your savings account.

8. Don't Let Things Pile Up - The most overwhelming part of tidying up is when it's a big pile of mess! Don't let things get to a point where it seems too much to take on. For example, when the mail arrives, designate whether it's something to keep or toss in recycle bin. Also, when you have enough dirty clothes for a large load (in cold water to save energy) then it's time to do laundry. Rather than waiting till there's a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, wash them after each meal. By doing chores when they need to be done will seem less daunting. 

9. Pay Off Your Debt - This is easier said than done, but once you've eliminated or at least reduced your debt, you will feel a sense of freedom that's priceless! One tip I've already shared is to pay off your credit card balance at the end of each month, which means you don't incur interest charges. I have a set amount each month for outgoing expenses that I try to not exceed (barring emergencies of course). Tackle your lower balanced loans or debts first and try to pay those off right away. If possible, use cash as much as possible and only spend what you can afford to pay off.

10. Eat Leftovers - I think it's a shame when perfectly good food goes to waste. Often times when we go out to eat, I or some of my friends have food they couldn't finish - I'm always the one packing it up to take home. By eating leftovers, it's just one more meal I don't have to worry about cooking, plus it's super frugal. Another simple tip that goes a long way is to make chicken soup in a slow cooker, this can make several cups of soup and clean up is easy. Bon Appétit :)




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10 Fun & Free Ways to Enjoy the Rest of Summer

8/18/2018

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​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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Frugal Picnic Tips & Ideas

5/25/2016

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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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Another Birthday? More Birthday Freebies!

1/17/2014

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It's been awhile since I've posted something. I've been busy serving as a juror on a civil trial case this past week and a half. We did reach a verdict and I believe it was a fair one. I think serving on a jury is quite interesting and I've learned a lot each time I have served (which is twice now).

Anyways, the start of every new year means everyone is having (or had) another birthday! Time flies and here we are again another year older. Let's celebrate and embrace our birthdays, after all, we get treated to lunch or dinner and receive birthday presents, right! Plus, what better way to spoil yourself on your day of birth than with free stuff? 

Thanks to SavvySugar - here is a list of freebies each birthday boy or girl can and should score on their special day! Smart and frugal:)

  • Acapulco: Free two-item combo if you sign up for its eclub. 
  • American Eagle Outfitters: Sign up to get 15 percent off during your birthday month.
  • Arby's: Get a birthday treat when you sign up for Arby's club. 
  • Auntie Annie's: Free pretzel when you sign up for the pretzel perks program.
  • Aveda: Be a member of Aveda.com, and receive a free offer on your birthday.
  • Baskin Robbins: Get a free scoop on your birthday if you join the Baskin Robbins birthday club.
  • Baja Fresh: Free burrito on your birthday when you join Club Baja.
  • Ben and Jerry's: Become a ChunkSpelunker and get free ice cream on your birthday.
  • Benihana: Get a $30 certificate when you sign up for the Benihana email club.
  • BJ's: Get a free birthday mini Pizookie (basically ice cream on top of cookie). Yummy!!
  • Carrows: Sign up to get free birthday dessert. 
  • Cheeseburger in Paradise: Sign up for a free birthday treat. 
  • Chevy's: Sign up to get a free entrée on your birthday. 
  • Chili's: Join the email club to get a free brownie sundae on your birthday. 
  • Coldstone Creamery: Enjoy a free scoop on your birthday if you sign up for the My Cold Stone Club.
  • Corner Bakery: Free birthday sweet when you sign up. 
  • Cousins Subs: Free birthday treat when you sign up. 
  • Culver's: Free birthday treat if you are an eclub member. 
  • CVS: Get a $3 coupon on your birthday if you sign up for the ExtraCare beauty club.
  • Dairy Queen: Get a coupon on your birthday if you're part of its eclub. 
  • Daphne's Greek Cafe: $5 birthday reward. Sign up here. 
  • Denny's: The Denny's reward program gets you a free grand slam breakfast on your birthday.
  • Del Taco: Join the Raving Fan eclub to get a free shake on your birthday.
  • DSW Shoes: $5 gift certificate on your birthday. Sign up here. 
  • Duke's Chowder House: Free entrée on your birthday. Sign up here. 
  • Dunkin Donuts: Free beverage on your birthday. Sign up here.
  • El Torito: Free entrée. Sign up here. 
  • Famous Dave's BBQ: Free birthday treat. Sign up here. 
  • Famous Footwear: Free birthday gift. Sign up here. 
  • Fatz: Free birthday treat. Sign up here. 
  • Firehouse Subs: Show an ID with your birth date on your birthday to get a free sub. 
  • Fazoli's: Free birthday dessert. Sign up here. 
  • Fuddrucker's: Free burger. Sign up here. 
  • Ghengis Grill: Free birthday bowl. Sign up here. 
  • Gordon Biersch: Birthday gift. Sign up here. 
  • Hof's Hut: Free entrée and dessert. Sign up here. 
  • Hooters: Get 10 free hot wings on your birthday by signing up here.
  • Houlihan's: Free entrée. Sign up here. 
  • Huhot Mongolian Grill: Free grill meal. Sign up here. 
  • IHOP: Get a free meal on your birthday, sign up here.
  • Island's Restaurant: Free birthday gift. Sign up here. 
  • Jack in the Box: Free dessert with ID and coupon. 
  • Jamba Juice: Free birthday treat. Sign up here. 
  • Jason's Deli: $5 off. Sign up here. 
  • Jersey Mike's Subs: Free drink and sub for your birthday. Sign up here. 
  • Joe's Crab Shack: Free birthday treat. Sign up here. 
  • Johnny Rockets: Join the Rocket eclub to get a free burger on your birthday.
  • La Madeline: Free pastry. Sign up here. 
  • Longhorn Steakhouse: Free treat. Sign up here. 
  • Maggianos: $10 off coupon. Sign up here. 
  • Maggie Moo's: Free treat. Sign up here. 
  • Macaroni Grill: Get free dessert on your birthday if you sign up for Macaroni Grill emails.
  • Marble Slab Creamery: Free birthday treat. Sign up here.
  • Marie Callender's: Free slice of pie and $5 off your bill. Sign up here.  
  • Medieval Times: Free admission. Sign up here. 
  • Menchie's Frozen Yogurt: Birthday treat. Sign up here. 
  • Ninety Nine: Free dessert. Sign up here. 
  • Not Your Average Joe's: Free entrée and dessert. Sign up here. 
  • O' Charley's: Birthday surprise. Sign up here.
  • Pretzel Maker: Free birthday surprise. Sign up here.  
  • Qdoba Mexican Grill: Free offer. Sign up here.  
  • Red Lobster: Birthday surprise. Sign up here. 
  • Red Robin: Pick up a Red Royalty card, and you'll get a free burger on your b-day.
  • Rubio's: Free meal up to $7. Sign up here. 
  • Ruby Tuesday: Free treat. Sign up here. 
  • Smoothie King: Buy one, get one free. Sign up here. 
  • Sonic: Birthday surprise. Sign up here. 
  • Soup Plantation and Sweet Tomatoes: Birthday discounts. Sign up here. 
  • Starbucks: Free drink when you use your Starbucks Card within a year of your card registration.
  • Steak 'n Shake: Birthday surprise. Sign up here.
  • Sticky Fingers: Free entrée. Sign up here.  
  • TCBY: Frozen yogurt. Sign up here.
  • Texas Roadhouse: Free appetizer or sidekick of ribs. Sign up here. 
  • Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Free smoothie. Sign up here. 
  • T.G.I. Friday's: Free dessert when you buy an entrée, if you are a member of their rewards program.
  • Tony Roma's: Get a free treat on your birthday for joining Tony Roma's membership program.
  • Wendy's: Birthday coupons. Sign up here. 
  • Which Wich: Free treat. Sign up here. 
  • Wienerschnitzel: Free treat. Sign up here. 
  • World Market: Coupon. Sign up here. 

         CLICK HERE for other resources on how to score Free stuff.
 


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Shop Smart & Save Big

7/26/2013

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Happy Frugal Friday Everyone! If you shop online, or if you know someone who does, I recommend joining BigCrumbs.com, it's free! They are an online portal to most of your favorite stores, you earn cash-back on your purchases from 1,500 online stores. When you refer you friends to join Big Crumbs, you earn cash-back from all of their purchases, plus earn cash-back from all of their friends' purchases too! Let me summarize this in bullet form...

  • You join Big Crumbs for free.
  • You earn cash-back on your purchases.
  • Refer your friends to join Big Crumbs.
  • You earn cash-back from your friends' purchases.
  • Your friends' refer their friends to join Big Crumbs.
  • You earn cash-back from all of your friends' friends purchases.

In addition, every dollar you earn and 10% of of every dollar earned by the people that you directly refer count towards a company-wide bonus pool. If you are going to shop online anyways, why not get cash-back. You still shop from the same places you normally shop, except now you can earn cash-back on every purchase. It's the smart and savvy way to shop! 

Watch Big Crumbs overview video below for more information. Then click here to join.

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5 Ways To Waste Money

7/12/2013

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Happy Frugal Friday! There are many ways to save money, and there are many ways to waste money also. Don't get me wrong, one should indulge and treat themselves once in a while - when one can afford it and not have to go into debt.

I'm highlighting 5 ways that most people (including myself in the past) throw their hard earned money away. Some money wasters can add up if it continues for a period of time.

By NOT doing these very un-frugal things, one can pocket some extra money instead of throwing it all out the window!

  1. BANK FEES: Try to avoid (at all cost) getting cash from out-of-network ATMs, so you don't have to pay the silly fees. Other ways your bank can whack you with unnecessary fees are with overdraft fees, debit card usage fees, etc... A good rule of thumb is knowing what your particular banks fee policies are and check your bank account online regularly.
  2. CREDIT CARD INTERESTS: Only use a credit card when you are certain you can pay off the balance every month. If you know you can't pay it off, then don't use credit cards at all. The interest fees on most credit cards are outrageously high!
  3. PARKING COST: When possible and available, park your car for free even it means parking a little further away from where you need to be. Look for street parking or free parking lots. But if you have to pay for metered parking, make sure you leave or move your car before your time runs out to avoid a costly parking ticket.
  4. RETURNS: If you bought something you either don't really need or doesn't fit or can't use - return it. Make sure to keep all receipts so you can get your money back or credit back to your card. If you can't return the item(s) or 30-day policy is up, the store might be able to give you store credit or an exchange for something you can actually use.
  5. CABLE TV: I know some (ok most) people can't live without their shows, but most of the TV shows and movies I like I can watch online. I cut the (cable) cord almost 5 years ago and I don't miss it all. 

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Garage Sale Tips and Tricks

6/21/2013

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Happy Frugal Friday! Today is officially the first day of summer. Summer is the best time to spend time outdoors, preferably doing enjoyable activities that cost next to nothing. Check out my previous post on Fun and Free Things To Do This Summer. 

Another way to spend a great summer day outdoors plus make some extra money is to have a yard sale! This accomplishes many things for me... I get to purge stuff I don't need or use any more, I get to work on my tan and I make some extra bucks! 

Our neighborhood in Adams Hill is having a huge garage sale Saturday, June 22. If you are in the area, come check our sale. 


Here are some tips and tricks for a fun and profitable yard sale.

Timing Is Everything - pick Saturdays and/or Sundays for your sale, most people do yard sale shopping on the weekends. Open early starting at 7:00 am or 8:00 am and be prepared for early bird shoppers.

Advertise For Free - don't spend a dime promoting your upcoming yard sale. I often post ads on Craigslist a 3 days before and the day before the sale. If possible, include photos of larger ticket items in your ad to entice shoppers to check out your sale. Spread the word about your sale on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. You can also post flyers on bulletin boards at neighborhood markets or coffee shops.

Have Refreshments - offer complementary drinks, such as water or lemonade in small cups. This is a nice treat for shoppers especially during the summer. 

Organize Your Stuff - instead of just tossing items in a big heaping pile, organize them by like items or category. Make it easy for shoppers to see every item you have for sale. Try to avoid making anyone have to dig through a pile of stuff.

Display Best Items In Front - you want to put your best stuff out near the street when you have "drive-bys" checking out whether it's worth their time to stop. Display items out front such as furniture and other attractive merchandise.

No Need To Price Everything - unless it's one of your big ticket item that your price is firm on, avoid pricing every little item. Your prices should be priced low or negotiable. Let shoppers know if they buy more, you'll give them a great deal.

Have Small Bills - make sure you have enough change and small bills, go to the bank ahead of time and get change for larger bills. Most shoppers have exact change, but there are some that only have larger bills.

Everything Must Go - if you truly want most every item to sell, at the end of the day you can let shoppers know that anything they can stuff in a bag is only $5 (or whatever amount you decide). If there are still items left over at the end of your successful yard sale, pack it all up and donate it to your local thrift store, the items you donate are tax deductible.
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Frugal Father's Day Gift Ideas

6/11/2013

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It's Thrifty Tuesday and dad's special day is right around the corner on Sunday, June 16th. How do you let your father know he is special every day? You don't have to spend a lot of money to express your love and appreciation for him. 

Get creative by putting together a "theme" gift bag or basket. You can buy most of the smaller "extra" items from dollar stores, such as Dollar Tree or Dollar General, including Father's Day cards and even a mylar balloons!

Here are some frugal gift ideas for dad this Sunday or any day :)

Coffee + Dessert - greet dad with his favorite baked goodies along with a cup of coffee father's day morning! Make enough baked treats to last at least until lunchtime! Present him with a homemade Father's Day to start his special day.

BBQ Meal - most dad's love a good barbecue, why not treat dad to an afternoon of good old delicious BBQ plus the fixin's and of course some beer! 

Car Stuff - get your dad an inexpensive accessory for his car. It could be as simple as a some car maintenance supplies, a new license plate frame (you could even personalize it) , you might even throw in a new CD he could listen to on his commute.

Tools - some dad's are handy around the house, find out which tools he might not already have and place them in either a handy carry-all tool box or tool caddy. You can find some cheap tools at dollar stores, as Dollar Tree or Dollar General.

Golf Stuff - if your dad loves golf, but the cost of green fees are just out of your budget, you might consider giving him a new set of golf balls along with a favorite golf magazine. This idea also applies if he likes tennis or any other sport or outdoor activity.

Favorite Restaurant - if you want to treat dad to his favorite restaurant without paying full price for the meal, consider purchasing a Restaurants.com discount voucher. Most $25 gift certificates or vouchers cost only $10 or even less when they have special promotions. Go during lunchtime, the menu prices are usually less than the dinner menu.

Techie Items - instead buying dad a new mobile phone or computer, you can simply update his smartphone with a new cover case or give him a new laptop bag. If he likes to play a certain online game, you can buy him the upgraded app version for his phone. If dad is looking for cheaper mobile phone service, click here.

Books - if dad is an avid reader, consider buying him a series of books from his favorite author or subject or some Kindle eBooks to read at his leisure. 

  
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Be Frugal Be Smart BeeSavy

6/4/2013

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Happy Thrifty Tuesday! My thrifty tip for today is ... never pay full price when you shop online! There are a few good online cash-back shopping portals out there. I'm highlighting a company called BeeSavy (pronounced savvy). Not only do you get cash-back when you shop but if you refer friends you earn money too! Listed below are the benefits of shopping online through BeeSavy's portal. Take the sting out of online shopping... sign up for a FREE account today! Click here to join.
Find Any Product At The Best Price!
With one search, BeeSavy compares prices from trusted stores, finds you the best coupons, and gets you cash back! Their comparison shopping engine goes above and beyond by including not only list price, tax, and shipping, but also cash back and coupon discounts—all in one simple interface.

Get Cash Back & Coupons From Your Favorite Stores
Find the best price on any product, get cash back from over 1,500 trusted online retailers, and find exclusive money-saving coupons at BeeSavy!

How Cash Back Works
Stores pay BeeSavy a sales commission for sending shoppers their way, and BeeSavy uses the commission to pay you cash back. We just need an email address so we can notify you when your cash back has been credited.

Coupons You'll Find Nowhere Else
BeeSavy not only scours the web for the best coupons, we also work directly with retailers to get you exclusive coupons you won't find anywhere else.

Refer Friends and Earn Commission Forever!
Other sites pay you a small, one-time commission for referring friends. BeeSavy pays you great commission on all of your referrals forever. We even pay you on all of their referrals up to seven (7) levels deep!

Take the sting out of online shopping... sign up for a FREE account today! Click here to join.

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Taxes Taxes Taxes

5/31/2013

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It's Frugal Friday! Let me ask you something... did you have to pay taxes this year? There's a way to maximize your deductions so you don't overpay your taxes. Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone should pay all of the taxes that they are legally obligated to pay, but no one should pay one penny more than they have to. Now is the time to maximize your tax savings!

If you have your own business (full time or part time) you can keep track of all your business expenses so that they can be deducted at the end of the year. I highly recommend the TaxBot app to accurately record all of your business activities in order to provide your tax preparer with an accurate, complete and bullet-proof accounting of your allowable tax-deductions. 

This is a smart and savvy tool for every entrepreneur because it can save you a lot of money! With the TaxBot app system, you can...
  • Learn how to write off your vehicle
  • Learn how to write off your meals and entertainment
  • Learn how to write off your home office
  • Learn how to deduct your business equipment
  • Learn how to write off the equivalent of child's education and wedding
Watch the video above for a quick overview of the TaxBot app. Plus, when you share this powerful record-keeping app with other people, you can earn substantial amount of money just for spreading the word. Everyone can agree, we would all love to spend less on taxes.  For complete details, click HERE.  
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    • 8 Ways To Save Without Compromising Your Lifestyle
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    • 6 Ways I Save Money On Hair Care Costs
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    • Enrich Your Life With Less
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    • 13 Ways to Save Money On Everything
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    • Rich Yet Frugal Athletes
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    • 5 Bridal Shower Tips
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    • My Top 5 Flea Market Decorating Books
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    Saving Money Blog Awards 2017 ​


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    What does living frugally mean to me? Well, it does NOT mean being cheap, quite the contrary, I believe it’s being smart in your choices, such as how you spend your money everyday. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you. I always strive to spend less on almost everything.

    In this challenging economy, some of us have had to cut back on our expenses. Wouldn't it be nice to still have the things or services you want and need but not have to pay full price or even better, get them for free? 

    Choose value and quality over quantity or fads and you will come out ahead. The great benefit of being frugal is that it eliminates waste and clutter which in turn helps our environment.  By doing simple changes towards more “green” and frugal ways, together we can make an impact on our planet. 
        

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     Hi, my name is Marissa Winfrey and I have been living the frugal life ever since I can remember. I have always looked for great bargains and getting the best value for my money without compromising style and quality.

    My background is in visual display and interior decorating. It’s always been my objective to recommend cost effective solutions to my clients. I, of course, practice what I preach! I have furnished my own homes mostly with furnishings and decor items from my own little vintage boutique, estate sales, discount stores, flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and even curbside discarded furniture!

    My frugal practice goes beyond the home. I offer money saving tips on just about everything, from shopping to travel and everything in between. I hope my blog and website will inspire everyone to be their own Frugalista.
        
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Read and learn about useful tips and tricks from experts on how to live "the frugal lifestyle" everyday!  Check out the books below, to see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.
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Living The Savvy Life:
The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living
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It's Not About Being Cheap.  Living the Savvy Life isn't about being a cheapskate, a miser or a tightwad.  It's about having security and peace of mind by spending less than you make.  It's about knowing where you stand financially on a daily basis so you can make intelligent fiscal decisions. 

​It's about being penny-wise on the things that are less important to you so you can spend money on the things that are important to you. It's about choosing to purchase only the things that you love and make you happy.  
It's about finding, attaining and maintaining balance.  Are you ready to start Living the Savvy Life?

   
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​Thrifty: 
Living the Frugal Life with Style


Best-selling author Marjorie Harris offers a timely and entertaining guide to living the richly frugal life. From tips on how to haggle to becoming a frugal fashionista, maintaining your home on a budget, and thrifty gardening, travel, and entertainment, Harris provides essential guidelines to living a quality life on less. Written in her trademark witty, engaging, and accessible style, Thrifty is packed with simple and savvy tips drawn from Harris' own fulfilled, thrifty experience. Bonus tips come from renowned experts such as best-selling author Margaret Atwood, chef Jamie Kennedy, actor R. H. Thomson, travel writer Sylvia Fraser, and The Globe and Mail's style columnists.
  
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How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: 
Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor
​

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest. The key to achieving an active and satisfying retirement involves a great deal more than having adequate financial resources; it also encompasses all other aspects of life -- interesting leisure activities, creative pursuits, physical well-being, mental well-being, and solid social support. 

What sets this retirement book apart from all the others is its holistic approach to the fears, hopes, and dreams that people have about retirement. This international bestseller (over 110,000 copies sold in its first edition) goes way beyond the numbers that is often the main focus of retirement planning in most retirement books.
   
To see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.

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