Eight ways to entertain yourself and pocket the savings
When you add up what you spend for entertainment, it can be a large chunk of change. If you saved what you already have budgeted for things in this category, it could easily be as much as $1,000 or more! We really are creatures of habit; it is easier to pay more than to keep abreast of less expensive alternatives. Here are a few ideas for you:
1. Ditch premium cable or satellite services. Try pulling up the regular network programs that you enjoy on your computer at the network sites, such as nbc.com, fox.com, hulu, etc. For movies, rent what you want to see at Redbox, or keep a good list of titles on order with Netflix for less than $10.00 a month. Many Netflix offerings can also be viewed instantly online, so you don't even need to wait for the DVD in the mail. You can get high definition signal now with old fashioned rabbit ears! Unless you are a junkie for a specific sports channel and live games, I don't think there is much that you can't find online for free or nearly free. You can also hook your computer up to your television screen, so you have the large screen option, not limiting you to your desktop for viewing. Here is an article on exactly how to do this. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/First-Person-How-We-Cut-Cord-ac-4204109190.html?x=0 This one tip is worth hundreds of dollars in savings per year.
2. Use an e-reader. I think anyone who travels must have a Kindle or similar e-reader for the weight savings and convenience. But if you want to cut additional costs and save trees, consider getting your periodicals delivered to your device, many books and newspapers and magazines are delivered for less cost and nearly instantly. I love my library and I do miss the feel of real paper, but unless it is something I love enough to keep dusting on the shelf or I can't get otherwise, it goes into my neat little reader, which easily fits into my briefcase or purse. My Kindle alllows me to underline, write notes and save clippings. The only drawback I can see is it is hard to loan to a friend.
3. If you need to have a real "get out of the house date" and go out for a nice evening, check what is playing at the discount movie theater. Then check the moneysavingqueen.com blog for discount food coupons for the nicer chain restaurants. Don't see one you like? Go to the web site of your favorite eatery and see if there is a coupon there waiting to be printed out. Also, be aware of early diner specials.
4. Drop the gym membership. You can run in the hood, dance to your favorite music and enjoy a yoga routine right in your own living room. Trade workout DVDs with your friends so you won't get bored. Have fun with a walking buddy.
5. Go to your favorite restaurant, order one large meal and two plates. My nephew and I used to do this with our favorite Mexican place. The servings were plenty large enough for the two of us, plus the free chips and salsa would top us off if we were really hungry. Be sure to tip big if you do this, though. It is not right to cheap the wait staff who work just as hard for you regardless of how much you order! (My daughter is a waitress. She is only paid $2.00 an hour, so those tips are really important.)
I often dine out with a group of friends, maybe eight or ten of us at a time. We all order our own meals, but ONE dessert and ten spoons. Friendly to the waistline and the budget!
6. I love live theater and musical performance. Giving up my Friday night orchestra section broadway season tickets was like loosing prime real estate. Here are some ideas to feed your love of live entertainment: Watch out for local high school and college productions. Some of the schools in my area seem to have nearly professional talent. You might see a future super-star starting out. Go to park performances that are sometimes offered during out door arts festivals. Be aware of restaurants and clubs that have live performers, usually on the weekends. Check with your local college music department to see when performance students are giving recitals. You won't be disappointed and you are encouraging a young artist. You might also check into volunteer ushering (RSVP). That way, you can see the big shows for free!
7. Cell phones are not only for communication but entertainment as well. Check with your carrier to see if you really are using the package you are paying for to its fullest. You might be able to cut down on your plan. Speaking of phones, how much are you really using your land line? Time to cut the cord? Consider going cellular only or adding vonage or ooma as your home alternative. Phone plans are very competitive now, so doing frequent research here should pay off, as they continually get cheaper and cheaper.
8. Vacations can be a very costly part of the budget, but we Americans need to take them. We work much longer hours than most other nations and it is harmful to your health, your family and actually makes you a less effective worker. How about having a "staycation"? Look at the area where you live as if you were a visitor. What would you like to go see? Where would you like to explore, hike, photograph or paint, right in your own back yard? I have several good museums in my city that I haven't visited since I was a girl. Bet they would be as much fun now as they were back then! The only rule is you can't work just because you are at home. You really have to act like it is a vacation. Special meals, visiting places, sleeping late, getting a mani/pedi or massage, going for a tour of a historic site... ENJOY and REFRESH YOURSELF.
Happy Hunting.
1. Ditch premium cable or satellite services. Try pulling up the regular network programs that you enjoy on your computer at the network sites, such as nbc.com, fox.com, hulu, etc. For movies, rent what you want to see at Redbox, or keep a good list of titles on order with Netflix for less than $10.00 a month. Many Netflix offerings can also be viewed instantly online, so you don't even need to wait for the DVD in the mail. You can get high definition signal now with old fashioned rabbit ears! Unless you are a junkie for a specific sports channel and live games, I don't think there is much that you can't find online for free or nearly free. You can also hook your computer up to your television screen, so you have the large screen option, not limiting you to your desktop for viewing. Here is an article on exactly how to do this. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/First-Person-How-We-Cut-Cord-ac-4204109190.html?x=0 This one tip is worth hundreds of dollars in savings per year.
2. Use an e-reader. I think anyone who travels must have a Kindle or similar e-reader for the weight savings and convenience. But if you want to cut additional costs and save trees, consider getting your periodicals delivered to your device, many books and newspapers and magazines are delivered for less cost and nearly instantly. I love my library and I do miss the feel of real paper, but unless it is something I love enough to keep dusting on the shelf or I can't get otherwise, it goes into my neat little reader, which easily fits into my briefcase or purse. My Kindle alllows me to underline, write notes and save clippings. The only drawback I can see is it is hard to loan to a friend.
3. If you need to have a real "get out of the house date" and go out for a nice evening, check what is playing at the discount movie theater. Then check the moneysavingqueen.com blog for discount food coupons for the nicer chain restaurants. Don't see one you like? Go to the web site of your favorite eatery and see if there is a coupon there waiting to be printed out. Also, be aware of early diner specials.
4. Drop the gym membership. You can run in the hood, dance to your favorite music and enjoy a yoga routine right in your own living room. Trade workout DVDs with your friends so you won't get bored. Have fun with a walking buddy.
5. Go to your favorite restaurant, order one large meal and two plates. My nephew and I used to do this with our favorite Mexican place. The servings were plenty large enough for the two of us, plus the free chips and salsa would top us off if we were really hungry. Be sure to tip big if you do this, though. It is not right to cheap the wait staff who work just as hard for you regardless of how much you order! (My daughter is a waitress. She is only paid $2.00 an hour, so those tips are really important.)
I often dine out with a group of friends, maybe eight or ten of us at a time. We all order our own meals, but ONE dessert and ten spoons. Friendly to the waistline and the budget!
6. I love live theater and musical performance. Giving up my Friday night orchestra section broadway season tickets was like loosing prime real estate. Here are some ideas to feed your love of live entertainment: Watch out for local high school and college productions. Some of the schools in my area seem to have nearly professional talent. You might see a future super-star starting out. Go to park performances that are sometimes offered during out door arts festivals. Be aware of restaurants and clubs that have live performers, usually on the weekends. Check with your local college music department to see when performance students are giving recitals. You won't be disappointed and you are encouraging a young artist. You might also check into volunteer ushering (RSVP). That way, you can see the big shows for free!
7. Cell phones are not only for communication but entertainment as well. Check with your carrier to see if you really are using the package you are paying for to its fullest. You might be able to cut down on your plan. Speaking of phones, how much are you really using your land line? Time to cut the cord? Consider going cellular only or adding vonage or ooma as your home alternative. Phone plans are very competitive now, so doing frequent research here should pay off, as they continually get cheaper and cheaper.
8. Vacations can be a very costly part of the budget, but we Americans need to take them. We work much longer hours than most other nations and it is harmful to your health, your family and actually makes you a less effective worker. How about having a "staycation"? Look at the area where you live as if you were a visitor. What would you like to go see? Where would you like to explore, hike, photograph or paint, right in your own back yard? I have several good museums in my city that I haven't visited since I was a girl. Bet they would be as much fun now as they were back then! The only rule is you can't work just because you are at home. You really have to act like it is a vacation. Special meals, visiting places, sleeping late, getting a mani/pedi or massage, going for a tour of a historic site... ENJOY and REFRESH YOURSELF.
Happy Hunting.
Minimizing your car's Gasoline cost
The price of gasoline is rising rapidly. Some predictions forcast a rise of several dollars a gallon by years end. As much as we depend on our personal vehicles for living in much of America, running a minimum of fuel through your favorite set of wheels is money that stays in your pocket. Check this list out to see where you can tweak your fuel consuming habits:
1. Modern engines do not need a long warm up before driving.
2. Empty the junk in your trunk. The more weight you carry around, the more gas you burn. (I was carrying a large box of books in my trunk waiting to donate so I would have it handy if I was in that part of town. I wonder how much that cost me until I realized what I was doing!)
3. Don't put in a higher grade than your car manufacturer reccomends.
4. Buy 100% gasoline, rather than the ethanol added blends, if you can find it. You will get better milage.
5. Car pool and combine errands if you can to minimize the miles you drive.
6. Smooth out your accelerations and stops. A slow steady glide burns less than a heavy-footed punch up to speed.
7. Support sidewalks, public transportation, bicycling and walking in your community. We all would use these healthier options more if our city planners add features that allow is to leave our cars parked! Then we are living well - on less!
1. Modern engines do not need a long warm up before driving.
2. Empty the junk in your trunk. The more weight you carry around, the more gas you burn. (I was carrying a large box of books in my trunk waiting to donate so I would have it handy if I was in that part of town. I wonder how much that cost me until I realized what I was doing!)
3. Don't put in a higher grade than your car manufacturer reccomends.
4. Buy 100% gasoline, rather than the ethanol added blends, if you can find it. You will get better milage.
5. Car pool and combine errands if you can to minimize the miles you drive.
6. Smooth out your accelerations and stops. A slow steady glide burns less than a heavy-footed punch up to speed.
7. Support sidewalks, public transportation, bicycling and walking in your community. We all would use these healthier options more if our city planners add features that allow is to leave our cars parked! Then we are living well - on less!
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Ten Low Cost FREE gifts you can give anytime of the year.
Here are 10 low cost FREE gifts you can give your loved ones this year:
1. Gadget training. If you have less tech-savvy people on your Christmas list (i.e., anyone over the age of 15), give them something they desperately need -- training for their gadgets. Show them all of the features of their cell phone, how to record their favorite shows on their DVR, etc.
2. Babysit. When your tolerance for screaming kids exceeds your bank account balance, consider giving babysitting "coupons" that your friends can redeem. If you're a masochist, schedule a night where multiple families drop the kids off at your house. This way you're not giving up so much of your time.
3. Swap services. If you have smart but broke friends, this tip is for you. Have a friend who provides a valuable service such as personal training, financial planning, or computer consulting give you several one hour vouchers you can give to your friends. In return, you give your friend the same number of one hour vouchers for whatever service you provide.
4. Teach them. Now's your chance to be a know-it-all. Do you have a special skill such as speaking a foreign language or the ability to play an instrument? If so, you could provide weekly lessons for a month or six weeks. Bonus benefit: If you're a good teacher, they may just want to hire you at the end of their free lessons.
5. Start a book club. Tap into your inner Oprah. Offer to host a book club at your house every month. To avoid having to buy the books each month, download from thousands of free titles such as "Pride and Prejudice," "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Moby Dick" from Project Gutenberg or Amazon's free eBook program.
6. iTunes transfer. This can take some time, but for that special person, this is the ultimate gift! Import all of their CDs into iTunes for them (no, it's not piracy).
7. Be a host. Be the host with the most when you're the host with the least (cash, that is). This is an efficient gift because you can give it to all of the people on your list. Offer to host a monthly or quarterly party or game night at your place. Tell them you'll plan it, send the invites, etc. To make sure you're not spending money, require attendees to bring food and drink.
8. Share lottery winnings. If your idea of asset allocation revolves around having a mix of scratchers and Powerball lottery tickets, consider sharing one of the lottery tickets you've already purchased with those on your list. If you win, share the proceeds equally with everyone on your list. If you win really big, simply keep it all and get new friends.
9. Cook. Who doesn't love being served by a friend? Give those on your list the experience of eating out at home. Shop for the groceries (they pay), prepare and serve the meal, and then be sure to clean up. You might even get a free meal out of it.
10. Workout partner. They may both thank and curse you for this gift! Offer to be a workout partner to a friend. When you exercise with others you are more inclined to keep going even if you lose motivation. It's a superb gift that will also benefit you.
Whatever you decide, you don't have to feel guilty about not spending money -- I guarantee you that the less money you spend the more thought you'll put into the gift. And isn't that what giving is all about?
1. Gadget training. If you have less tech-savvy people on your Christmas list (i.e., anyone over the age of 15), give them something they desperately need -- training for their gadgets. Show them all of the features of their cell phone, how to record their favorite shows on their DVR, etc.
2. Babysit. When your tolerance for screaming kids exceeds your bank account balance, consider giving babysitting "coupons" that your friends can redeem. If you're a masochist, schedule a night where multiple families drop the kids off at your house. This way you're not giving up so much of your time.
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3. Swap services. If you have smart but broke friends, this tip is for you. Have a friend who provides a valuable service such as personal training, financial planning, or computer consulting give you several one hour vouchers you can give to your friends. In return, you give your friend the same number of one hour vouchers for whatever service you provide.
4. Teach them. Now's your chance to be a know-it-all. Do you have a special skill such as speaking a foreign language or the ability to play an instrument? If so, you could provide weekly lessons for a month or six weeks. Bonus benefit: If you're a good teacher, they may just want to hire you at the end of their free lessons.
5. Start a book club. Tap into your inner Oprah. Offer to host a book club at your house every month. To avoid having to buy the books each month, download from thousands of free titles such as "Pride and Prejudice," "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Moby Dick" from Project Gutenberg or Amazon's free eBook program.
6. iTunes transfer. This can take some time, but for that special person, this is the ultimate gift! Import all of their CDs into iTunes for them (no, it's not piracy).
7. Be a host. Be the host with the most when you're the host with the least (cash, that is). This is an efficient gift because you can give it to all of the people on your list. Offer to host a monthly or quarterly party or game night at your place. Tell them you'll plan it, send the invites, etc. To make sure you're not spending money, require attendees to bring food and drink.
8. Share lottery winnings. If your idea of asset allocation revolves around having a mix of scratchers and Powerball lottery tickets, consider sharing one of the lottery tickets you've already purchased with those on your list. If you win, share the proceeds equally with everyone on your list. If you win really big, simply keep it all and get new friends.
9. Cook. Who doesn't love being served by a friend? Give those on your list the experience of eating out at home. Shop for the groceries (they pay), prepare and serve the meal, and then be sure to clean up. You might even get a free meal out of it.
10. Workout partner. They may both thank and curse you for this gift! Offer to be a workout partner to a friend. When you exercise with others you are more inclined to keep going even if you lose motivation. It's a superb gift that will also benefit you.
Whatever you decide, you don't have to feel guilty about not spending money -- I guarantee you that the less money you spend the more thought you'll put into the gift. And isn't that what giving is all about?
Quick tips for saving on shopping for everything
I love to shop. It is like a hunting trip for people who are not into guns. The trophy is defined by how much real quality you can bag for a very low price. First of all, stick to a list or you will impulsively overspend by bagging "good deals" that you don't really need. Sometimes I have an item on my "list" for months until I finally find the deal for a steal. It will happen, you just have to keep your eyes open and be patient. After the busy holidays are over, I will share some real success stories with you. I know there are many other online ways to compare pricing for identical items. Check Amazon and e-bay. Please post your favorites as comments here. Let's go bag the big one!
Just to help you get your holiday shopping tidied up quickly, here are a few strategies:
1. dealnews.com
2. woot.com
3. The sale or clearance area of any of your favorite retailers web site.
4. Always start at the back of the store or department that you are hunting in, rather than up front.
5. Look at the recent adds. Often they are the loss leaders to draw you into the store.
6. Buy the store label whenever you can rather than brand or designer. (goes for groceries and clothes)
7. Before you go to your favorite store, check online to see if they are offering a discount coupon.
8. Ask at the checkout if their are any coupons running. Sometimes the clerk will have an extra one she will scan in for your purchase.
9. I know some folks who Christmas shop all year and limit themselves to the Salvation Army Thrift store and Goodwill. It takes time, but they have more time than money and have found some very nice gifts that way.
10. Homemade gifts can backfire. I tried making organic cosmetics and toiletries. By the time I purchased all of the essential oils and jars, I could have bought better at full retail. Oh well, I had fun inventing some new potions, but lesson learned.
11. A gift of a homemade dinner or fancy dessert for a special occasion from your grill or kitchen would be really appreciated.
12. Keep stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Gordman's in mind. They often have real designer treasures tucked in amongst the lower quality things.
13. Never pay full retail for anything if you can help it. Sometimes, even just asking "do you give a discount for cash?" will gain you a quick 10 or 20% off, even at the doctor's office.
Happy Hunting!
Just to help you get your holiday shopping tidied up quickly, here are a few strategies:
1. dealnews.com
2. woot.com
3. The sale or clearance area of any of your favorite retailers web site.
4. Always start at the back of the store or department that you are hunting in, rather than up front.
5. Look at the recent adds. Often they are the loss leaders to draw you into the store.
6. Buy the store label whenever you can rather than brand or designer. (goes for groceries and clothes)
7. Before you go to your favorite store, check online to see if they are offering a discount coupon.
8. Ask at the checkout if their are any coupons running. Sometimes the clerk will have an extra one she will scan in for your purchase.
9. I know some folks who Christmas shop all year and limit themselves to the Salvation Army Thrift store and Goodwill. It takes time, but they have more time than money and have found some very nice gifts that way.
10. Homemade gifts can backfire. I tried making organic cosmetics and toiletries. By the time I purchased all of the essential oils and jars, I could have bought better at full retail. Oh well, I had fun inventing some new potions, but lesson learned.
11. A gift of a homemade dinner or fancy dessert for a special occasion from your grill or kitchen would be really appreciated.
12. Keep stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Gordman's in mind. They often have real designer treasures tucked in amongst the lower quality things.
13. Never pay full retail for anything if you can help it. Sometimes, even just asking "do you give a discount for cash?" will gain you a quick 10 or 20% off, even at the doctor's office.
Happy Hunting!
1 comments:
- MajorInsight said...
Reading, Gaming, and DVD's to Own
Try half.com, which specializes in printed materials, especially if you haven't decided to get a Kindle or other e-reader. Especially for the necessaries in college text books. You can save a lot of money. Amazon.com sometimes has special reductions as well, but not nearly as affordable as half.com. One sememster, I was able to purchase all of my son's text books for under 25.00, including shipping charges. They are very reliable about the condition of the books. It does take some planning ahead if you opt for buying this way if you need something before a certain date. Sometimes the book rate shipping is fairly slow.
THRIFT SHOPPING TIPS
You can shop your local thrift stores with a real strategy that can maximize your success. Different stores collect from different areas of town. Find out which store collects from the more well-to-do neighborhoods. It will make your trip a little more profitable. We have a thrift store here that is famous for a great selection of nice women's suits. The Thrift Stores also have their half price days, where you can really extend your purchasing power. Salvation Army here has Wednesday as their mark down to half price day. Doing this well is an art form. The knowledge you gain with a little research will pay off for years to come. Happy Hunting!
THRIFT SHOPPING TIPS
You can shop your local thrift stores with a real strategy that can maximize your success. Different stores collect from different areas of town. Find out which store collects from the more well-to-do neighborhoods. It will make your trip a little more profitable. We have a thrift store here that is famous for a great selection of nice women's suits. The Thrift Stores also have their half price days, where you can really extend your purchasing power. Salvation Army here has Wednesday as their mark down to half price day. Doing this well is an art form. The knowledge you gain with a little research will pay off for years to come. Happy Hunting!
