1. Give the gift of time – Create coupons for hikes, trips to the museum, fishing or other activities that bring people together without breaking the bank.

2. DIY – make Christmas gifts for those in your family. Food is always a winner!


3. Make and take – no more mailing gifts and cards. Hand deliver all that you can and maybe even sing a carol while you are there.

4. Give what you got – re-gift items that you no longer need or love or something that you have extra of, like firewood!

5. A picture is worth a thousand words – put together photo albums or scrapbooks from all of those digital pictures you have stored on your camera and in your computer.

6. Go green – use items that you find in nature to do your decorating. Pinecones, nuts, and greenery can usually be found around your home free of charge. When searching on property other than your own be sure you get permission form the owners.

7. Avoid the stuff – you know all that stuff that the family NEVER uses but you feel obligated to buy anyway (like stocking stuffer type toys and gadgets).

Cutting back for the holidays does not mean cutting out the fun. Find new and creative traditions that will mean more to your family than just shiny new toys that get discarded the next day.

My husband left his teaching position in October of 2007. The income I gain from writing (mostly online) has been enough to keep our heads above water, but only just enough so that we can breath. Things would be better if I had squeezed the finances tighter in the beginning but would’ve, should’ve or could’ve will not put money in the account.

Saving Money when There IS no Money

1. Eat from the pantry, freezer and other places where we tend to store food. I have managed to feed the family quite well using creative recipes that include items I already have. That tip only goes for so long and then you will have to start restocking, but we have made it two months without a major grocery trip.

2. Find free entertainment. Friday has become library day. After the older boys finish school and the youngest (and dad) get up from a nap then it is off to the library for movies and new books. We also try to make time to go to the recreation center to play in the gym or at the playground. Let the kids choose the activity and there is no telling where you might end up.

3. Use what you have even if it may not be what you wanted. My mother-in-law got Red Rooster plates for her wedding china. They have been in storage since my husband and I inherited them. I am NOT a rooster kind of gal. But the truth is that my kitchen is a rooster kind of kitchen and we do need new dishes and there is no reason to leave the thing that I need sitting in the shed even if the thing I need may not be exactly what I want.

4. Be honest – with yourself and with your family. Financial troubles may be able to be hidden for a time but eventually the truth will catch up and it is usually worse by that time. Talk to your family. They may have some ideas that can help you get out of trouble before you hole is too deep. Talk to the kids. Let them know that things will be tight for a bit but that you will work it out together. Honesty really is the best policy when the money is tight.

Saving money when there is no money does not always mean that you are building up a giant nest egg to use down the road. It may just mean that you are building up enough support to keep a little breathing room. It may mean that you are using every thing that you can find just to stay afloat.

No matter where you are in your financial walk, there is always something extra that you can do. Sit down and think hard about where you can cut, what you can do differently or maybe where you need to add to help keep your finances above water.

Our mini-van was t-boned a few weeks back by a car that was only going about 5 mph. The damage that was caused made me re-think our family driving choices. I am looking for a tank (or something resembling one) to replace our wrecked mini-van. I’ve been visiting used car lots up and down the county trying to find that gem that will be perfect for our family (and even better for our budget).

I have discovered a few things about used cars that might surprise you and several that might not.

Used Car Surprises

1. Most people are VERY proud of their used cars. There was one dealership that actually told me I would come out better buying brand new (with all the sales and credits they had going on at the time) than I would be buying the same car as a used 2007 or 2008. That seems a bit outrageous for an industry notorious for values dropping as soon as you drive off the lot.

2. Trading in will hit you HARD and it’s not even from dealership to dealership. The minivan that we have was not totaled (although it was significantly damaged). We were planning on trading it in but are still hoping to sell it. One dealership has offered $300 in trade in value and another has offered $1000. I intend to ask for around 10% more than the Kelly Blue Book value.

3. The internet has opened up a whole new world of research ability. I can see what the dealers see – the magic Kelly Blue Book value. I can also use the VIN number (in the front driver’s side corner) to see the history of the vehicle. Now there are no more secrets.

4. Cash is still king. The minute I say “we will be paying cash” the sales people change their tune. One dropped the price of the vehicle about $2000 over the phone – before we even visited the lot. Cash shows a serious buyer and serious buyers are money in the pocket for the sales people.

5. Not all sales personnel earn a percentage of the profit as commission. Some are even on salary. It can help your negotiations to know how the person you are working with gets paid. You may also want to forego working with a sales person and ask for a manager. The higher up you go the easier it is to negotiate.

Knowing something about the used car industry is a good step towards getting the right used car at the right price. Having the tools to negotiate will also come in handy.

Tools for Negotiating a Used Car Deal

1. Be willing to walk away. Excitement about the product will tell the salesperson that you may be afraid to lose the product. When you walk away then it shows that you can live without it and the negotiations can get easier for you.

2. Be prepared. Do your research before going to the car lot. You should do some preliminary calling to see what products are available at different locations. Use the internet to research general information about the products and then go in with your notes in hand. Knowledge is power when it comes to negotiations.

3. Be flexible. There may be times when the price you want and the price that they offer is close. Look at the starting point of the dealer’s price and see how willing they have been at coming down from that.

4. Be aware. Make more than one inquiry about a vehicle – by phone, by email AND in person. See what offers you get from the different places and proceed accordingly.

Finding a used car may not be difficult but BUYING a used car can be tough. Be sure that you have plenty of time to find a used car and then negotiate the deal that works best for you.

Parents are looking for ways to entertain kids during the summer months without breaking the bank. Day camps offer the scheduled atmosphere and also provide a number of unexpected benefits for the parents and the kids. With a few simple guidelines you can use day camps to save you money.

Tips for Saving Money with Day Camps

1. Use tax credits and deductions. The IRS provides for parents that need to work with child deductions. Many times the fees that you pay for day camps could be eligible for these deductions.

2. Become a volunteer. Parents with a little extra time or some particular skills can often volunteer for positions in day camps and get discounted or free attendance for children (some may even be able to wrangle a pay check out of the deal as well).

3. Partner with other parents. Share responsibilities for taking the kids and picking up the kids. You will save money on gas and you will have extra time to complete the tasks that you need to do during the day.

4. Find free camps. Almost every church in your area will offer a vacation bible school. Kids learn songs, do crafts and play games. It’s a great (and inexpensive way) to schedule fun for your kids during the summer.

5. Look for other free programs. Some movie theaters offer discounted movies (or free movies), libraries offer reading programs and some other public and private entities may have specials that your kids can enjoy.

There is no reason for summer time blues these days. There is always something that the kids can do and many of them can save you money in the long run.

We are all looking for ways to cut back or cut out spending. The economy is tight and consumers are becoming debt conscious. But there are a few items that you should consider spending money on today in order to save in the long run.

Tips for Spending Money to Save Money

1. Flood insurance – most home owner’s insurance will cover leaks that come from above (like rain through the roof) but none cover flooding. You need to invest in flood insurance if you live any where near a flood zone. We purchase flood insurance each year for just $120 per year! Talk to your existing insurance agency about how to add flood insurance to your policies.

2. Car maintenance – getting a check up (or doing one on your own) is important to the life of your vehicle. Running a car with dirty fluids or no fluids will cause catastrophic damage that will cost a fortune. Get the oil changed, get the transmission fluid changed. Get the filters and belts checked and changed. Your car will run better than ever and you may be able to catch problems before they become too big to handle.

3. Home repairs – fixing things around the home when the problem is first revealed is the best way to keep the problem from getting beyond help. We had one tile come up in the bathroom floor – if I had repaired it then we would not be facing the prospect of having to replace the bathroom floor because of all the other tiles that have now come up around it. Home repair is no place for procrastination.

4. Warranties – this is one of the times when you will need to way the cost. IF there is a good chance you will need the services provided by the warranty then take advantage of it. We paid for four years of full coverage (even if the dog knocks it on the floor) for the new computer that we purchased. We have three boys that run through the room and it would cost as much as the warranty for just one visit from the computer repairman. Read the fine print and be sure that the warranty covers exactly what you need. If it’s not in writing then don’t take the salesman’s word that it will be covered. Get it in writing.

5. Health insurance – the Health Savings Account gives you the convenience of having money for all health care costs but still provides the protection for major health expenses through High Deductible Health Insurance. You can also find reasonably priced full coverage insurance if you are willing to do some research. The average emergency room visit will cost around $1200 (and that’s just getting seen by the doctor without tests). Most doctor’s visits will cost around $150. Getting insurance will save you plenty through out the year AND it will give you peace of mind.

Spending money may not seem like the best way to save money, but it can be. There are certain places where you need to make the investment in order to save in substantial costs in the future.

It is important to save money in this economy. Experts have been saying that everyone should have three to six months of expenses saved up but recently I heard that the number should be EIGHT months.

Our household lives off a freelance income. That means that the paychecks come when the paychecks come and there really is not guarantees when (or if) they will arrive. We have been living off last month’s income for a couple of years now and it has made us more aware of our spending habits. Last week I decided to push our finances to the limits and begin to save aggressively. We are aiming to save $3000 in just 10 weeks.

Tips for Saving More Money

1. Eating out is one of the quickest ways to eat up discretionary spending. Over the next ten weeks we will eat all of our meals in home or we will pack sandwiches and a picnic if we must eat at the ball field or other outing.

2. Turn off extra lights and equipment around the house and turn the air up to 74 degrees. I can save any of the overage from the budget for the electricity.

3. Sell something I don’t need, use or love. It may be something big like a piece of jewelry or something small like a toy or collectible that could go in auction.

4. Work one extra job each week – as a freelance writer I can take on as many jobs as time allows. One extra job each week could be dedicated to savings.

Saving $3000 in ten weeks is not an impossible task. It only takes finding ways to save just $300 each week or around $60 each day. Putting back that extra money will get me well on the way to a comfortable emergency fund and it will help me become even more aware of how we spend money as a family.

Tips for Baseball Savings

1. Eat before you head out to the ball field. Not everyone has time to cook a meal between getting home and heading out so this is a great time to use the crock pot. Throw a few ingredients in the Crockpot in the morning and the meal will be ready when you arrive home. Add a green salad or some fresh fruit and you will have a well balanced meal.

2. Pack up a cooler with some drinks or just carry a few to the ballpark. A large Gatorade will cost just over $1 at the grocery store. A smaller version at the ballpark will run around $2. The same costs exist with the waters and the soft drinks.

3. Keep some gum, candy and small snacks in a purse or bag that goes to the ballgames each time. This is also a great place to stash some toys and activities to entertain smaller children.

4. Wait until the end of the game. Not all ball fields will do it, but some do hand out (or discount) food items at the end of the night.

5. Plan to splurge on occasions but be picky. Choose foods that you are not able to buy at the grocery store like a hotdog or hamburger. The kids will feel like they are being treated and you won’t feel like you are being robbed. Buying from the concession stand can also be a way of supporting the local recreation center or sports booster club.

Baseball season may mark the beginning of warmer days but it can also mark the decline in the bank account. Following a few simple tips can help you save big bucks during baseball season without leaving you (or your children) feeling deprived.

1. Kick up the temperature on your thermostat. The goal is to have your air conditioning set at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. For each degree lower that you turn down your air it will cost you approximately 5% more each month.

2. Pay for the upgrade. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save even more money during the year. Program the temperature to be hotter during the day when you are in the home and cooler at night when you are sleeping (cooler temperatures help you get a better night’s sleep). You will need to get a programmable thermostat specific for your type of unit so talk with your installer.

3. Turn out the lights when you are cooling the home. One light bulb may not give off a whole lot of heat, but a dozen will definitely push the temperature up a little. If you don’t need the lights then turn them off when you are cooling the home.

4. Weather proof your home. Install or replace worn weather strip around doors and windows. Look for places that heat and cool can escape like holes for pipes and other places.

5. Install the right unit for your location. Heat pumps are great money savers – for moderate temperatures. When temperatures get extreme then the heat pump can actually eat more energy and more of your money than other units. Discuss the specifics of the heating and cooling capabilities of the different units and choose one that will work best for your typical weather conditions.

6. Be aware of the outside temperature when you are doing inside chores. You don’t want to be running the dishwasher, the dryer or the washing machine (on hot cycle) during the heat of the day when your air conditioning system is already struggling to cool things off.

Saving money is important for most people these days. Finding ways to cut your household energy budget can provide savings from around $50 per month and on up depending on your current expenses.

It amazes my husband at the dishes that I can create from the pantry, but if I would do it more often then we could probably save about $3600 per year! Just writing that makes me want to tighten up the grocery budget.

Cheap Meals that Save Money

1. Chicken Ramen Casserole – this was going to be Ramen noodles but the middle son came in while I was cooking and announced that he didn’t LIKE Ramen noodles. So I mixed in a can of cheese with the noodles, covered the bottom of a casserole dish with Ritz crackers and poured the noodles and chicken over the crackers. I topped it all of with a cup of shredded cheese and then popped it into the over until the cheese melted. All the kids loved it, my husband loved it and I loved it as well. The whole casserole cost around $6.00.

2. Mini pizzas – (this can be a great way to use leftovers). Toast up some English muffins. Lay the muffins out and top each one with about a tablespoon of spaghetti sauce and a pinch of cheese on each one. Top the muffins with your favorite toppings. Ours cost around $5.00 for the whole meal.

3. Strudel – this is a family favorite. Roll out a couple of pieces of puff pastry. Cover each piece with a quarter cup of cheese and whatever meat or veggies you have in the frig. We do ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, and breakfast straddle with egg, bacon (or sausage) and cheese. Roll each piece of puff pastry up and then pinch the edges closed. Cook according to directions for the puff pastry. Total cost is around $6.00 – and you use up all of your leftovers!

The key to creating a casserole that saves money is to take several elements from your pantry or frig and just throw them together. A pasta with a meat and some cheese or sauce makes a great meal almost any night of the week.

1. Fire up the grill – people will eat almost anything when it comes off the grill. You can also keep hotdogs frozen for ever (and just thaw them out as you need them). We stock up on hotdogs and buns (and freeze them together) during the “grilling” holidays like 4th of July. Many stores use hotdogs to draw customers in so they cost next to nothing.

2. Skip the sodas. The cans may be convenient, but Kool-Aid and sweet tea are much less expensive. An added bonus is that you are less likely to run out because you can always make more. Be sure that you are stocked up on ice or else keep the drinks in the refrigerator until its time to eat.

3. Fries go further than chips (and they are actually less expensive). Most people – and especially kids – will eat fewer fries than they will chips. Stock up on frozen fries when they go on sale.

4. Double your batches and freeze what you don’t use. Any time you make sweet breads, cupcakes or other dessert type breads make extras to stick in the freezer. When guests stop by unexpectedly you can still offer them something sweet.
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Entertaining doesn’t have to be expensive. People don’t stop by to see your house or your yard or to eat your food. People come to see you because they want to see YOU. Every other reason is just an excuse to stop by and visit. Keep the food simple and you will save yourself plenty of money and just as much time. You will be able to enjoy your guests and they will be able to enjoy you.

WARNING: The more your guests enjoy stopping by then the more they will likely stop by – always something to keep in mind .

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