life hacks

5 Refreshing Ways to Keep Cool On-the-Go

Brittany Lyte — Tue, 30 May 2017 09:00:08 +0000

It's getting hotter. So how do you prevent sweat and general heat discomfort when you're commuting to work or out and about? It's easy to keep cool at home or once you've arrived at the office, but it's harder when you're on the road. Luckily, we've found some easy ways to cool off when you're on the go.

1. Remember a time when you were given the cold shoulder

Social exclusion feel may feel cold — literally. Researchers conducting a psychological experiment involving 65 students at the University of Toronto found that subjects who recalled a time when they were socially excluded estimated the room temperature was colder than subjects who were asked to recall a social incident when they felt included. People who called to mind a memory of social exclusion were also more likely to crave warm food or drink than people who thought about an inclusive experience, according to the research. So if you're feeling uncomfortably warm, it may help to conjure up a memory from a time when you felt rejected and shunned. Instant air conditioning!

2. Wear a cooling face mask

Scientists have found that the temperature of your face influences your perceived whole-body temperature and overall comfort level. In fact, cooling the face is two to five times more powerful in suppressing sweat and reducing heat discomfort when compared to cooling any other body part, according to research performed at Australia's University of Wollongong. So when you slip on a cooling face mask that's been soaked in cold water, you're essentially telling your body to turn on the AC. For those who like to kill two birds with one stone, additional benefits of wearing a cooling face mask include sun protection and a defense against dust, debris, and wind.

3. Keep a misting fan on you

When you need to feel fast relief, there's nothing quite like a personal misting device. A hand-held fan — especially if it's capable of giving you a light spritz of ice water — is a simple, inexpensive way of keeping cool when you're on the run. Another option is one of these tiny, portable fans that attach to your smartphone.

4. Don a cooling wristband, hat, or towel

Columbia has created a clothing line called Omni-Freeze Zero that's made of hyper-evaporative textiles that retain water while remaining dry to the touch. Here's how it works: When these cooling clothes and accessories become saturated with water or sweat, the absorbed moisture reacts with a specially designed polymer contained in visible rings in the fabric to create a cooling effect for the wearer. The sweatier you are, the more cooling your gear becomes. (See also: 7 Ways to Sweat Less This Summer)

5. Opt for a water bottle with double walls

A water bottle with double-walled insulation is your best bet for staying refreshed while on the fly. The popular S'well bottle brand promises your drink will stay chilled for 24 hours (or hot for 12), and there are many other brands on the market that offer that same promise. Keep your bottle filled with chilled water, and you'll be refreshed and hydrated all day long.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Ways to Sweat Less This Summer

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 03 May 2017 08:30:12 +0000

Our bodies protect us from overheating by sweating. But sweating a lot is not always convenient or pleasant. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep drier this summer. (See also: 10 Clever Ways to Keep Cool When It's Stupid Hot Out)

1. Use deodorant at night

Consider clinical-strength deodorant or long-lasting deodorant for extra power. Doctors recommend applying deodorant before you go to bed. It won’t wash off as easily as if you apply it in the morning, when you generally sweat more. It also has time to block the sweat ducts.

For those who want a natural deodorant that doesn't clog sweat ducts, look for aluminum-free deodorants. Keep in mind that these might not work as well as clinical-strength or regular versions.

To keep fresh throughout the day, hide a travel-sized deodorant in your car, desk, or purse, which you can reapply before a stressful meeting or social event. Use aerosol antiperspirant for your feet.

2. Keep a personal fan

Get a personal fan or USB-powered fan that you can use anytime to cool down. These can attach to your computer or smart device and provide a satisfying breeze. For those extra hot days, a misting fan provides a powerful cool down.

3. Sleep on a cool pillow

For bedtime, get a cool gel pillow, which stays cool all night and can reduce your body temperature. Also, consider trying the Egyptian Method, which involves using a damp towel as a blanket and wearing damp socks.

4. Spray a refreshing mist

A refreshing mist with vitamins and essential oils will make your skin feel and smell good when you’re hot on-the-go.

5. Avoid hot foods

Spicy foods and hot drinks will raise your blood pressure and metabolism and activate your sweat glands, making you feel hotter and sweat more. Foods high in sodium can also cause you to sweat more. Go for less zesty dishes and add ice cubes to your cup of joe.

6. Wear loosefitting clothing

Good circulation is the key to cooling your body down without sweating. Loosefitting clothing is also more comfortable in the heat.

7. Choose breathable fabrics

Wear breathable, lightweight cotton, or moisture wicking material. Rayon, silk, polyester, and nylon are all fabrics to avoid if you tend to sweat a lot. Choose lightweight cotton bed linens as well, which will feel cooler on the skin.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Smart Ways to Maximize Desk Space

Dr Penny Pincher — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:30:39 +0000

A few years ago, I had a large office with a big desk at work and my home office was a 500 square foot unfinished basement with six tables set up to make a very large desk area. Fast forward to today, and my workspace has been reduced to a small cubicle at work and no desk space at home. Yet I am more productive than ever. How did I increase my productivity after losing almost all of my desk space?

For one thing, I wasn't getting much value from my copious amount of desk space. I used my work surfaces mostly to store stacks of papers and research materials I was saving and various office equipment and supplies. It was sometimes handy to have most of my stuff out where I could see it, but the chaos of this arrangement outweighed any real productivity benefits. With all of the stuff piled around on my desk space, I effectively had a small desk anyway!

Having precious little desk space has forced me to stay highly organized. Instead of setting things aside to sort or file later, I take control of potential clutter before it takes control of my desk. When I am ready to work on something, I can quickly find the needed items and get only these things out to work on. It is easier to focus on the task at hand without so much unfinished business staring me in the face from all corners of my desk.

Here are some smart ways to maximize your minimal desk space.

1. Go Full Digital

One of the big improvements I made to help me stay productive with little desk space is moving from analog to digital. In the old days, I had literally hundreds of pounds of paper documents in file cabinets and piled on my desk. I also had lots of notebooks with handwritten notes. The problem with analog stuff is that it takes a lot of effort to keep files organized and find the right material when you need it. I realized that my paper records were basically useless since I couldn't find anything and it wasn't worth the huge effort to organize the old papers.

Now I keep all of my documents, research articles, and photos in digital form on my computer. I use paper documents only occasionally when I want to take notes while I am working on something. Then I scan in or type up my notes and then recycle the papers. I can search my digital files by keyword and date, and the digital files take up no room at all. If you store your data on the cloud, you can have access to all of your digital files from anywhere — home, work, or on the road.

2. Get Rid of Stuff

Are you really going to look at that stack of old magazines or papers again? Do you think you will ever use your zip drive again? At some point, it's time to just get rid of stuff you don't need and get your desk space back.

3. Add a Clean Desk Policy

I clear my desk at the end of every single day. When I had a large chaotic desk, this would have been unimaginable. In those days, I liked the idea of having papers, articles, and notes stacked around on my desk. I thought it gave the impression that I was busy and working on important things.

Then one day, I had a meeting with a very successful colleague in his office. His desk was totally clear except for a couple of framed photos and the paper that we were meeting to discuss. He didn't feel the need to leave stacks of papers and things around to impress people. I could tell that he impressed people by focusing and getting things done. His highly organized desk impressed me, and I decided to make a change.

Now I only get things out as I need them and put everything away at the end of the day. I keep my papers and other materials organized so I can easily find what I need when it is time to get materials out again to work on them. A small desk space seems a lot bigger when you keep it cleared.

4. Look Out Below

Even though my desk space is not very large, there is an equal amount of floor space under the desk. Most people underutilize this valuable storage space. It's actually a handy place to keep things close, yet out of the way. Use the forgotten under-the-desk space to get things off your desk so you can use all of your desk space productively as a work surface.

5. Send Stuff to Storage

During my recent office move, I sent a lot of equipment and materials out of my office to be stored somewhere else. I made a spreadsheet of all of the items that I moved out and noted where I stored them. Take a few minutes to label what's inside your storage boxes and label items with your name to make them easier to get back if you need them again. Store stuff that you rarely use away from your office to give yourself more desk space and boost your productivity.

6. Shrink Down

Use smaller equipment such as a laptop or tablet that you can easily move or put away to maximize availability of your desk space as a work surface. Get rid of equipment you don't need, such as a personal printer if there is an alternative you can use on the network.

7. Incorporate an Ergonomic Arrangement

Arrange the items on your desk based on how much time you spend using them. For most people, the highest priority should be to arrange your chair and computer in the best possible location at your desk since this is where most of your time is spent. Next, find a convenient space for the phone and reserve some clear desk space to read papers and take notes while you are working. I set up a desk light over the space where I read papers, which makes reading easier and makes my office seem larger.

8. Create Some Cord Control

Don't let out-of-control cables, power cords, and power supply bricks eat up your valuable desk space. Route cables behind equipment and under the desk to keep them off your desk space, and use cable ties to keep cables where you want them. You might even benefit by getting rid of some cords altogether — get an inexpensive cordless keyboard and mouse to get rid of a couple cords and gain some flexibility in how you can work at your desk.

9. File It Down

If you need to keep paper documents, thin them down to keep only the ones you really need. Then organize these important papers so you can easily find them later. Divide up your papers into piles by category, write the category names on file folders, and put them into a file cabinet instead of on your desk. Those papers that are cluttering up your desk should easily fit into only a few inches of file cabinet space in hanging files.

10. Reuse, Recycle

Use recycled items for handy organizers and storage:

Plastic food containers can store office supplies and miscellaneous hardware.
Shoeboxes make great storage containers for larger office supplies and project materials. If you don't like using cardboard shoe boxes, you can get inexpensive clear plastic boxes so you can see what is inside.

Group related materials together in storage containers to make kits that you can store in a drawer or under your desk and get out when you are working on a certain type of project on your desk surface.

11. Set up a Remote Desktop

Set yourself up to take your computer and files with you and work productively away from your desk — at a coffee shop or in a conference room, for example. There are advantages to not being tied down to working at your desk. By being mobile, you can give yourself a bigger desk whenever you have a task that requires a lot of desk space, or if you just want to work at a big desk.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

12 Frugal Skills You Must Have to Survive Mondays

Andrea Cannon — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 10:30:27 +0000

Mondays are difficult for everyone. The beginning of a new workweek means you can't sleep in, you have to manage office politics again, and you need to deal with the stress of your day-to-day grind once again. However, we've come up with some frugal skills that can help you better survive Monday, that doesn't cost much or anything at all.

1. Become an Early Bird

It may seem crazy to wake up early on a Monday, but this can be the best way to get your day and week started on the right path. You'll feel more productive first thing in the morning, which can carry over into your workday. You can get your day started off right by taking some time to have coffee and catch up on the news, or have a relaxing stretch to wake up your body and mind. Get to bed early on Sunday night so that it's easier to wake up early on Monday and to ensure you don't go to work feeling drowsy.

2. Don't Skip Breakfast (or Coffee)

Breakfast is an important part of every day, but that's especially true on Mondays. Going to work hungry will only make the workday more difficult. Having a balanced breakfast can help boost your metabolism, energy, and productivity.

Coffee is another essential part of any Monday morning. It can make you more alert and productive, provide the much-needed energy you crave, and is just a fun way to enjoy the morning. On Mondays, consider dolling up your coffee a bit, with seasonal creamers, frothy milk, or a dollop of whipped cream.

3. Have a Plan, But Take It Easy

Fill in your calendar and to-do list over the weekend, so you can begin Monday with an organized mind. However, you don't want to add too much to your plate. Monday is already stressful enough, so take it easy on yourself and spread your tasks out throughout the week. If you feel stressed, move anything that you can from your Monday to-do list to your Tuesday to-do list. Make sure to also schedule any Monday meetings for after lunch, so you have some time to break into Monday.

4. Focus on the Positives

Over the weekend, focus on what's good about your job. This can put you in a positive frame of mind and will make you more grateful to return to work on Monday.

5. Embrace the Calming Power of Music

Listen to upbeat music that puts you in a good mood on your commute to work and/or while you get ready in the morning. It can boost your energy and put you in a positive frame of mind.

6. Wear What Makes You Happy

Consider wearing your favorite outfit or taking a few extra minutes on your morning skin care or hair routine so you feel more confident throughout the day. If you have a new outfit or accessory, wear it on Monday. If you don't have a new outfit to show off, consider breaking out your new pen or upgrading your office supplies on Monday.

7. Make Monday Your Splurge Day

If you've been good and eat at home for most meals, then you deserve a splurge day. Make Mondays your splurge days so you have something to look forward to. Whether that means going to favorite coffee shop for a latte and pastry or going out with friends for a once-a-week lunch outing, it can make your Monday more bearable (and maybe even fun).

If you're trying to stay healthy and watch what you eat, then Mondays can be your splurge days, where you can have an indulgent dessert or treat yourself to fast food. Knowing that your splurge day is approaching on Monday can also help keep you on track over the weekend, and limit your overall restaurant spending if you keep it to one day per week.

8. Plan Fun Activities

One of the best things to do when tackling stressful situations like interviews, auditions, speeches, and stressful Monday mornings, is to plan something fun for that evening. It gives you incentive to get through the day and will keep you in a positive frame of mind. Knowing that you have something fun coming up can even make the day go by more quickly. Whether you plan a date night, meet with coworkers for happy hour, or simply plan a quiet and frugal home spa night (complete with a bath, facial mask, and calming music), make plans that you can look forward to throughout the day. If you consistently do this every week, you will actually look forward to Mondays before you know it.

9. Avoid Office Politics

Poisonous coworkers can make a stressful Monday morning even worse. Try avoiding office politics and any coworkers that might make your day more difficult. Politely let any coworkers know that you're very busy if they come around your workspace.

If your boss tends to make Mondays even more stressful, stay calm and try not to let any negativity affect your attitude or productivity. Get your work done to the best of your abilities so that your boss has less incentive to visit your desk. You may even consider getting into the office five minutes earlier, so that you can get your coffee and settle in before the boss even gets there.

10. Take Your Breaks

Taking your daily breaks is especially important on a Monday, which can already be more stressful than the average workday. If you're having a particularly difficult Monday, consider getting some fresh air, or taking deep breaths during your daily break. You might even want to schedule a walk with a coworker during your lunch break to boost your mood and energy.

11. Don't Slack On Friday

If you leave most of your work for Monday morning, make a bigger effort to get more done on Friday. That way, you won't have as much to deal with when you return to the office on Monday. This can also make your weekend more relaxing because you won't have so much work hanging over your head.

12. Take Advantage of the Weekend

The weekend is usually reserved for having fun and getting things done, but it's also important to focus on relaxing and refreshing yourself for the upcoming week. Unplug for the weekend. Don't check your email or voicemail unless you need to, especially if you won't respond until Monday anyway.

By getting enough sleep, exercising, and setting some time aside for yourself, you can enter the workweek more rested and ready to tackle the work at hand. Take a bath, take a nap, ask your spouse for a massage, and get in a good amount of exercise over the weekend; your body will thank you for it on Monday.

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Shoveling Snow and 5 Other Things Robots Can Do for You

Mikey Rox — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 09:01:03 +0000

Robots have both fascinated and frightened us since inventor George Devol created the first artificial agent capable of automatic mechanical action in 1954. (In other words, a robotic arm.) Since then, subcultures have emerged that simultaneously revere and revile robots, resulting in countless books, movies, TV shows, and more, that focus on non-sentient machines. Because love them or loathe them, robots are here to stay. In fact, the presence of robots will continue to permeate our culture indefinitely (until their eventual takeover), and if you can't beat 'em (your resistance is futile, actually), join 'em.

As such, here are a few reasons to embrace the benefits that our future overlords provide us while we still can.

1. Help With Yard Work

It's one thing to rake the yard when leaves start to fall — it can even be enjoyable if you're the kind of person who can create fun out of almost anything — but nobody looks forward to the backbreaking work of shoveling snow. For me, it's near the top of the list of things I hate most, right up there with those spider-cricket hybrid insects.

So if you despise shoveling snow as much as I do, the Kobi Company has designed something with you in mind. Its eponymous robot, Kobi, will cut grass, collect leaves and, yes, make all that white stuff disappear. Much like a vacuum, Kobi comes with attachments to tackle each task, which are accomplished without human interference by first wheeling the robot around your yard to establish perimeters around obstacles like trees and bushes. Once set, Kobi gets to work clearing your yard and sidewalks of all natural debris while you sit inside celebrating your discovery of a whole new level of laziness.

2. Provide Companionship

Feeling lonely? Trade in all that nonsense human interaction for artificial companionship.

Humanoid robot Pepper, from Japanese telecommunications company Softbank, is programmed to communicate with users, follow voice commands, and read human emotions and react accordingly. Which basically means that five years from now it's totally going to bring up the past when you two get into an argument. Pepper costs about $1,650 — slightly less than one month of supporting your current live-in boyfriend or girlfriend.

If the lifelike Pepper freaks you out, try MJI Robotics' MJI (More Joy Innovation) Communication Robot, an egg-shaped tabletop bot that features a five-inch display screen with emotive eyes that allows tech-impaired people to access photos, weather, news, and other information with voice activation.

3. Tackle the Household Chores

Vacuuming robot Roomba has been around for years, and it perhaps single-handedly paved the way for other household bots to help with your chores.

Scooba takes the original Roomba concept one step further by vacuuming and washing floors, while Looj handles another dreaded task of most homeowners: cleaning the gutters.

4. Annoy You Until You Get Out of Bed

Are you often late for work because you hit the snooze button on your alarm 19 times? Nanda Clocky will have you rising and shining in no time. It's sole purpose is to get you out of bed by giving you one chance to snooze before it rolls away, forcing you to chase it down to shut it up. Obvi, hilarity will ensue at your house at 6 a.m.

5. Clean Up After Your Pets

I don't like cats for several reasons, which are: they're not dogs; they poop inside; and they're generally just plain evil. But if you have a soft spot in your heart for felines, the Litter-Robot can help you keep your home from smelling like a porta potty by sifting through the litter to removes clumps and storing them in a bag that will stifle the scent.

6. Satiate Your Weird Predilection For Destruction

Because we can't live in harmony with anything, we've already turned robots violent — a character trait that will probably make us regret some of our decisions in the near future. Robot combat is totally a thing, the MegaBots website declares the hobby "The Future of Sports," and it seems best suited to those who like to instigate and witness destruction. It's certainly not the best part of our own humanity, but it exists nonetheless. Ya know, until they turn on us.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How "Radical Implosion" Can Help You Get Ahead at Work — and Everywhere Else

Sarah Winfrey — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 09:30:20 +0000

Do you ever feel like there's something holding you back at work? Maybe it's social anxiety that keeps you from speaking up in meetings, or a fear of rocking the boat that keeps you from asking for that raise you really deserve.

If you're like most people, you probably feel like you've tried everything. You've taken your deep breaths, said your mantras, posed in power positions. And it still didn't work. You just couldn't overcome the fears and insecurities deep inside.

Are you serious about making some changes? And committed? Then there's one more thing you might try. It's a technique called radical implosion, and it can help you change for the better — even in areas where you feel really and truly stuck.

Radical Implosion Explained

Radical implosion is the idea that overcoming a challenge much more difficult than the one you're actually afraid of makes your fear dissipate. Psychologist Albert Ellis pioneered this approach in 1933 when, desperate to learn how to talk to women, he decided he would talk to every woman he found sitting alone on a bench in the New York Botanical Gardens. And over 230 women later, he had overcome his fear.

Will Farrell did something similar when, frustrated with his shyness and the ways he felt it was holding him back, he started doing embarrassing things in public on purpose, until it didn't bother him anymore when people laughed at him. Sure, it sounds crazy, but we all know where it got him!!

Radical Implosion at Work

To apply radical implosion at work, you first have to determine what it is you're afraid of, and then you have to find a way to address that fear from an implosion perspective.

During Meetings

Speaking up in meetings can be terrifying. All of a sudden, there are several people looking at you, focused on you. What if you say the wrong thing, or you can't explain your ideas, or everyone thinks your idea is stupid?

To address this from an implosion perspective, think about other times and places where you could stand up, speak, and have the attention of a crowd. Maybe you decide to give an impromptu speech in your local park every Saturday at noon, or try your hand at karaoke, or approach random strangers on a street corner to explain your point of view on something.

No matter which of these options you choose, once you've done it, talking to your co-workers in the confined space of a meeting should be a piece of cake.

Asking For a Raise

It's easy to be terrified when asking for more money. After all, if they thought you deserved more, wouldn't you be making it already? And what if they refuse you, or ask you a question you hadn't anticipated, or laugh in your face?

One implosion technique to apply here would be to approach random people and ask for something. You could start with the time, and move on to requesting money or food or larger items. When you've done this quite a few times, asking your boss to consider a raise won't be nearly as intimidating.

You could also implode this fear by asking a few other people for relatively big things. This requires you having some things that you need or want and people who could give them to you, but it would also make that raise request seem much easier.

Networking

It's hard enough to make friends as an adult, and sometimes networking seems even harder. What if you seem fake, or you can't explain what you do and where you want to go, or you forget your words entirely and speak gobbledygook?

Start imploding these fears by approaching random strangers. Pick a number, like 50, and don't go home until you've explained what you do to that many people. Take your business cards with you, because you might end up networking by accident! And when you're done, attending that seminar or meeting with that group with the hopes of making some new connections won't seem so frightening anymore!

Radical Implosion Elsewhere

Work isn't the only place where you can use radical implosion techniques to achieve your goals.

Money

People have many, many fears surrounding money. Some are afraid to spend on themselves, while others are afraid of the chances they will miss if they save. While these aren't necessarily social fears, they can still be attacked with implosion.

If you are afraid of budgeting, try budgeting every single dollar for the next six months and see if it kills you. If you are afraid of spending money on yourself, buy the most luxurious vacation you can afford. And if you are afraid of what you will miss out on if you save some of your money, try saving as much as you possibly can for several months.

The point here is to go over the top. Don't ease yourself into attacking your fears, but tackle them head on. That way, you will know for sure that whatever you're afraid of isn't actually so bad.

Romance

Does talking to a potential romantic partner make your hands sweaty? Do you get so tongue tied on a date that you end up saying nothing?

Radical implosion can help you. Be like Ellis and begin approaching people you might want to date, not to necessarily get a date, but to learn how to strike up a conversation. Or go to a party and make yourself carry on a five-minute conversation with at least 10 potential dates. Over time, you will learn that you can do whatever you felt like you couldn't.

These aren't the only situations where radical implosion can help you grow and achieve your goals. This technique, once learned, can help you overcome many fears by showing you that they are not, in fact, deserving of your fear after all.

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways to Ease Into a Day Job After Freelancing

Mikey Rox — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 09:00:12 +0000

Freelancing gives you the freedom to set your own hours and work at your own pace. Some people consider this the ideal situation, and after making the switch from employee to freelancer, they vow never to return to the workplace. Of course, anyone's professional situation — the amount of money coming in to keep you fed and sheltered — can change in the blink of an eye, and some of us have to get a "real" job again. Sound familiar? Then listen up! Whether you're looking for steady, predictable income, or you're making a switch because you need benefits like health care, these are the ways to ease back into a regular daytime gig with minimal stress.

1. Find a Job You're Passionate About

Freelancers enjoy a freedom unlike any other, and after years of working for yourself, it can be difficult to ease back into a routine of punching a time clock and having a boss breathing down your neck. Getting a regular day job might be a necessity and not a choice. But even if you can't change your overall circumstances, you can be choosy when it comes to accepting a position. The transition from freelancer to 9-to-5 employee will be harder if you hate what you do. On the other hand, if you find a job that excites and challenges you, it'll be easier to get up in the morning and leave your house.

2. Seek Opportunities That Offer Flexibility

Nowadays, it's not unusual to see employers advertising flexible positions. Some employers recognize the benefit of telecommuting, and they allow certain personnel to work from home or only come into the office a couple days a week. If you prefer the stability of a steady paycheck, but you want the ability to work independently, seek opportunities that provide the best of both worlds.

If telecommuting isn't an option, it'll also be easier to ease back into a regular day job if you find a position that lets you work at times when you're most productive. Maybe you perform better when able to start your workday in the late morning or the afternoon. Although a 9-to-5 work schedule is common, it's not the only option, and you'll find that many companies offer their employees a variety of schedules.

3. Split Your Time Between a Regular Day Job and Freelancing

Another option is splitting your time between a regular day job and freelancing. A regular job can provide the income stability you need, but enjoying this stability might not require a full-time gig. Rather than jump head first into the full-time grind, work a few hours with an employer and freelance for the remainder of the day to supplement your income. For this approach to work, you'll need a few regular freelance clients who can provide a steady stream of work. Easing into a day job is easier when you're only working four hours a day.

4. Pace Yourself

Successful freelancers are hard workers and they wear many hats. They spend their days working on projects, hunting for new clients, invoicing, handling client issues, and some freelancers have multiple income streams to make ends meet. It's a busy, hectic life, and it's easy to develop a pattern of always being in work-mode and constantly hustling.

Working at this pace can become a normal part of your daily routine — to the point where you forget how to work at a slower pace. As you ease back into a regular day job after years of freelancing, you may bring a few bad habits with you, such as working until you're numb, never taking a break, or thinking you have to accept every opportunity you're offered.

While you'll want to be a team player and take the initiative on your new job, you have to remember that the company's success doesn't lie on your shoulders. Pace yourself or else you'll burn out.

5. Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule

Some freelancers don't start their workdays in the morning. Instead, they begin working in the late morning, afternoon, and some don't work until the evening hours. If you're a night owl and used to sleeping in, the transition from freelancer to employee is especially challenging when you have to rise early and be at a desk by 8 a.m.

This doesn't mean you have to hit the sheets by 8 p.m. after getting a regular day job, but you will need to get enough sleep to wake up on time and function during the day. Being in a constant mental fog because you didn't get enough sleep, and running late every morning only prolongs the adjustment period.

Easing into a fixed, eight-hour schedule after years of a flexible, non-fixed schedule can leave you physically and mentally exhausted. Getting plenty of sleep and staying active makes a difference. Walk on your lunch break or pace your office for a couple minutes every hour. Activity can increase your energy and improve your mental and emotional health, which can be the mood booster you need to accept your changed circumstances.

Have you recently made the transition from freelancer back to a more structured position? How has the transition been? Share with us in the comments below.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Negotiating Skills Everyone Should Master

Kentin Waits — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:00:08 +0000

There was a time when a bit of haggling was expected in nearly every transaction — from the price of shoes to the cost of a loaf of bread. Sadly, negotiating is usually reserved for home-buying, the purchase of car, and used items these days. Still, knowing how to negotiate effectively can save you (and make you!) big bucks over a lifetime. Here are eight negotiating skills everyone should master.

1. Confidence

The relationship between buyers and sellers has been rigidly established from years of training and a culture where the price tag is almost always the last word. It takes a bit of fortitude to enter a conversation with someone over price, and try to get a better deal. If your confidence is shaky, start with low-stakes purchases at garage sales and flea markets, then work your way up to more significant purchases like cars or a house. (See also: How to Negotiate With Confidence and Strike the Best Deal).

2. Speed

Sellers want to move merchandise and they often embrace a "bird in the hand" philosophy to making a deal. With that in mind, sometimes simply being first is all the advantage you need. Keeping your ear to the ground, combing the classifieds, and being the first in line puts you in a position to beat the competition and walk away with great bargains.

3. Sociability

Great deals can be made between adversaries, but not between enemies. No matter what side of the negotiating table you're on, the ability to establish a rapport and keep things friendly and light will serve you well. Remember, negotiation is more of a dance than a death match. The best deals are those where both parties get to walk away relatively pleased.

4. The Poker Face

Imagine you've found the perfect antique hutch for a song at a local flea market. Congratulations. Now keep your emotions in check and start haggling. Remember, part of your leverage is not letting your enthusiasm show and subtly implying you have other options available. Admittedly, this is a fine line to walk and getting it right is more art than science. The key is to push just hard enough to sweeten the deal, but not so hard that it turns sour.

5. Patience

Negotiating can sometimes be awkward, especially for those new to the sport. Stay calm and try not to make the first offer. Why? Because if you're a seller, that price may be significantly less than the buyer was willing to pay. And if you're the buyer, that price may be significantly more than the seller was hoping for. I know, it sounds like a twisted game of chicken, but the person who throws out the first number is usually at a tactical disadvantage.

6. Creativity

Amazing bargains come in all shapes, so don't get hung up on just one way of striking a deal. Try bundling multiple items together for a better value or bartering goods for services and vice versa. Effective negotiation is a creative enterprise, so look for novel ways to make a great deal happen.

7. Preparedness

Successful negotiators may seem casual about it, but they're anything but. They've done their homework, know what an item is worth, know what they're willing pay and — most importantly — have cash in-hand to make a deal.

If you're negotiating the price of a gently used dining room set for example, avoid dropping this infamous line: "Sounds good, but I didn't bring any cash with me. Can I stop back tomorrow?" An unprepared buyer is simply being a flirt — one of the worst types of buyers for serious sellers. Usually, not being able to pull the trigger on a deal means all other potential offers are still in play (and you've wasted your time and the seller's time).

8. Determination

Negotiating can sometimes be a drawn-out process, so a little determination goes a long way. As long as both parties are engaged, keep the conversation going and try to find a middle ground that works for both parties.

A recent deal my mom made illustrates this point perfectly. In the market for a larger and more comfortable car, my 78-year-old mother negotiated at a local dealership for six full hours (seriously... the sales staff ordered lunch for her). Ultimately, she got the deal she wanted. Remember, if the terms aren't right, be willing to walk away (or in the case of my mom, stay for lunch, get your second wind, and keep on tryin').

Are you a skilled negotiator? What's the very best deal you've scored? Share your story!

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 51 Easy Ways to Live a Happier Life

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 10:00:07 +0000

Life is too short to be anything but happy. Sure, we'll all face our own emotional ups and downs, but we should never settle for an extended period of misery if we can help it. Luckily, it doesn't take much to improve one's mood. And since ultimately, happiness is a choice, let's all choose an existence filled with joy, yes?

Here are 51 simple ways to start living a happier life.

9 Ways Money Does Buy Happiness — Contrary to popular belief, you can actually buy happiness. And you don't need to be rich in order to attain that level of happiness. Just be sure to make those happiness purchases smart and responsible, or you'll slip into the dreaded buyer's remorse.

11 Things Scientists Say Will Boost Your Happiness Today — Who knew taking a nap, or simply going outside could instantly make a person happy? Then again, it is the little things that make the biggest impact. Thank goodness for science, right?

7 Foods That Are Scientifically Proven to Increase Happiness — It's true! You can eat your way to happiness, apparently. Stick with healthy proteins, brightly colored veggies, and chocolate, and you'll be grinning like a goof in no time.

The Happiness Habits: 7 Ways to Feel Better Now — Sometimes, all you need to be happier is a little movement and organization. Making to-do lists and exercising are excellent ways to reclaim your mood and set yourself up for a brighter future.

10 Things You Can Do Today to Be Happy — Don't let those blues drag you down. These are simple ways to turn that frown upside down, and they're also all free!

These 7 Exercises Are Scientifically Proven to Increase Happiness — Any exercise can cheer you up, but yoga, dancing, and hiking are just a few that are scientifically proven to do the trick. So get moving!

What other simple ways can you boost your mood? Share with us!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 45 Life Lessons You'd Give to Your Younger Self

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 10:00:06 +0000

If you had a time machine, what would you change about your past? (Other than investing in Apple immediately, of course.) You've spent at least a few years on this earth, and with time comes wisdom. Why not go back and crack an egg of knowledge on your younger self? They could use some serious guidance.

Here are 45 brilliant life lessons we wish we could give our younger selves.

11 Finance Tips You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self — Your parents told you to save money, pay off credit cards consistently, shop wisely, etc. But did you listen? No. Now that you've seen the other side of poor financial decisions, little you would definitely take your money advice.

The Frugal Living Commencement Speech I'd Give to My Younger Self — Remember how exciting graduation was? You had your whole life ahead of you. Now your school days are loonnnggg behind you, and what do you have to show for that time? If nothing else, experience. Share all of it with your naive new-grad self.

7 Career Tips You Wish You Could Give Your Younger Self — When you first started on your career path, you were so wide-eyed and innocent. But in the professional world, office politics are everywhere, and things can get tricky. Here are all the things you wish you knew way back when.

11 Investing Tips You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self — Investing might seem like an overwhelming concept for those who are still learning the basics of money management, but it's something we all should've been doing the moment we got our own bank accounts, like these 11 investing moves.

10 Credit Card Truths You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self — Ah, credit cards. We need them to help build credit, but they can be tricky little buggers, can't they? Once you have your own, and can spend money without having to pay it back right away, debt can quickly pile up. Here's how you would've done it differently, if you could go back in time.

Advice to Your Younger Self: What Would You Say? — Our writing team got to share the advice they'd give to their younger selves, and it was all kinds of brilliant and fascinating!

What other important lessons would you give your younger self? Share with us!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 55 Brilliant Ways to Turn Your Junk Into Cash

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:00:08 +0000

In every house, on every street, there is too much junk. We all have things we don't need. So rather than letting those unwanted items collect dust and cause clutter-induced anxiety, why not sell them for some extra cash?

Here are 55 brilliant ways to turn your junk into cash.

10 Things You Should Always Buy and Sell on eBay — Before you drop off bags of clothes and old toys at your local Goodwill, try selling them on eBay! You never know what people on the Internet are willing to pay a premium for, so give it a go and see what you get.

11 Unusual Ways to Sell Your Stuff — If you've got clutter to sell, go beyond the classic Craigslist sale and sell your stuff on Facebook, specialty forums, and through several easy-to-use apps on your phone!

8 Totally Free Things You Can Sell on eBay — Who knew you could sell things like pine cones, driftwood, and empty perfume bottles for actual cold-hard cash? You can! And here are five other things you might have around the house (that you definitely don't need) that you can sell on eBay.

Clear Out That Clutter: 15 Places to Sell Your Stuff — Clutter can lead to unnecessary stress, and who needs more of that in their lives? If you're sick of looking at unwanted jewelry, textbooks, car parts, and more, then you should really consider selling it on one of these sites!

Make Money and Declutter by Selling These 5 Unlikely Treasures — Surprisingly, you can make a good chunk of change from selling old coffee mugs and smartphones. So the next time you're short on cash, look in your kitchen cabinet and junk drawer for items to sell.

6 Weird Things to Sell on eBay for Extra Cash — I'm not entirely sure why anyone would pay for things like empty makeup containers, someone's unwanted magazines, or toilet paper rolls, but there's a market for them on eBay! So before you toss any of these things, try to unload them in exchange for cash, instead.

What are some other ways to sell your old stuff? Share with us!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Clever Ways to Keep Cool When It's Stupid Hot Out

Sarah Winfrey — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:30:05 +0000

I don't know what it's like where you live, but where I am, it's hot. And if my weather app is at all accurate, it's going to stay that way for a good long while.

While I am lucky to have air conditioning in my house, I like to use it as little as possible. Those bills add up, and every dollar I spend on air conditioning is a dollar that I can't spend on something else I'd rather have, like a trip or a comfortable retirement.

So I'm finding other ways to keep cool this summer. Sure, I'll use the A/C sometimes. But the rest of the time, I'll be doing these things to stay cool, and you can, too! (See also: 9 Dumb Ways You're Going to Waste Money This Summer)

1. Get Your Hair Wet

I'm always amazed at how much cooler I am when my hair is wet. Even just damp, it changes my perception of how warm I am by a significant factor. So when I get hot this summer, I'll dump some water on my head or take a quick (and cool!) shower, or even hose my head down outside.

I'm lucky in that I can wear my hair air-dried and it looks fine. If you can't do that, you can still use this technique. Get your hair wet, let it air dry to damp, then style it as usual. Or wear it air dried around your house, because no one there cares how you look!!

2. Wear Cotton

Because it is light and breathable, you will stay cooler in cotton than you will if you wear most synthetics. So if you're trying to beat the heat, make sure you have as many cotton-based clothing items as possible. This goes for undergarments as well as outer ones.

3. Mist Your Clothes

I've had people tell me to freeze my clothes, but that sounds miserable no matter how hot I am. Instead, I keep a spray bottle of water in my fridge and I spray myself down when I start to get warm. Because the clothes dry slower than my skin, this keeps me cooler longer than just spraying my arms and legs (though I usually do that, too!). Fortunately, cotton clothing tends to handle water just fine, so you can spray it down as many times as you need to.

4. Wash Your Hands (and Feet!) In Cold Water

I learned this from a college roommate who swore by it. When it gets hot, run your hands and feet under cold water for 30-60 seconds and you will feel cooler. You can repeat this as needed.

My friend claimed that this works because your veins are close to the surface in your hands and your feet, so the water cools off the blood as it runs through them back to your heart. I don't know if this is true, but I do know that this trick got me through some seriously hot nights in an LA apartment when the A/C broke.

5. Sit on an Ice Pack

Stuck in an office chair all day? I know a lot of buildings don't give you any control over either AC or heat, so you can end up pretty warm all summer. Instead of suffering, take an ice pack to work with you. One of the flat ones most often used for injuries is best. Get it cold, stick it under a towel, and sit on it or put it behind your back to cool off.

6. Don't Cook … Grill

Anytime you cook in your house, it heats things up. Since you still need to eat, try using a grill instead. This keeps the hot air outside, and it lets you get even more mileage out of what is often an underutilized major purchase. I know a family who grills four or five times a week in the summer, and they swear that it keeps their house significantly cooler.

7. Suck on an Ice Cube

Need to cool down quickly? Suck on an ice cube. Smaller is better, since the large ones can trigger ice cream headaches if they cool your mouth too quickly. Try to suck and not chew the ice, so the coolness can slide down your throat and into your belly, chilling you as it goes. This doesn't offer long-lasting cooling, but it can give you the break you need on a hot day.

8. Make Your Own A/C

If you like to tinker and/or you have a lot of time on your hands, there are about a billion ways to make your own A/C. My favorite is super easy. Fill a large-ish bowl with ice cubes. Set the bowl somewhere near you, with a portable fan on the opposite side. Make the fan blow toward you, and make sure the air passes over the ice cubes. It will blow that delicious frozenness toward you, too, cooling the air around you.

There are more complicated versions of this with coolers and dry ice, so you can get as fancy as you want. Do make sure, though, that you aren't spending more money doing this than you would just running the A/C!

9. Close the Blinds

About 30% of the heat you don't want in your home comes in through the windows. Thus, it's worth investing in some heat-blocking film, blinds, or curtains to keep your home cooler.

I've done this in my homes over the years and it's amazing the difference it makes! Sometimes, I pull back the curtains to open my sliding glass door and get a blast of heat, because there's so much of it trapped between the curtain and the door. But hey, it's not getting into my house, so I'm good with that!

10. Freeze Your Hat

So, we established earlier that freezing clothing sounds at least a little miserable. But what about freezing your hat? If you want to cool your head and getting your hair wet won't work, for whatever reason, try putting a hat in the freezer for a couple of hours before you want to wear it. This will cool your head and your temples, which will help your whole body feel cooler.

How do you plan to stay cool this summer without your A/C? Share with us!

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 70 Brilliant Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:00:10 +0000

There are few things worse than being uncomfortably hot in the summer, especially if you can't find a way to cool down. Outside of a gym or sauna, walking around drenched in sweat isn't all that cute. Luckily, it doesn't take a whole lot of time or money to regulate your temp and keep those pit stains at bay. You just need to get a little creative. Here are 70 brilliant ways to beat the summer heat.

22 Cheap Ways to Keep Cool During the Hottest Month of the Year — Rather than pour all your cash into a new air conditioner, get chilled on the cheap with a frozen treat, a cold washcloth draped over a fan, or a pair of underwear that's been in the freezer.

Wear Frozen Clothes and 9 Other Ways to Beat the Heat — Just by paying a little more attention to your surroundings, you can manage the summer hotness and keep yourself cool all summer. Know when to open the windows, cool your pulse point, and more!

11 Affordable Ways to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat — The sun's main goal during summer is to suck out your energy and make you sweaty. Fight back! Put some fans on the floor, keep those shades pulled during peak sunniness, and do not let the sun win.

Cold, Frugal Drinks to Keep You Cool in the Heat — Sometimes all you need to cool off is an ice-cold beverage. And here are 10 that will give you the chill you need, while also keeping you within your budget.

8 Frugal and Refreshing Popsicles to Make This Summer — Until summer comes around, we tend to forget that just about any drink can be made into a popsicle. Cocktails, smoothies, juice — you name it! Just pour some into an ice tray, add popsicle sticks, then once they're set, chill out and enjoy.

9 Places to Go to Beat the Summer Heat — Rather than changing your surroundings to keep you cool, change them entirely. Get out of the house and hit the local pool, movie theater, or any other air-conditioned location and give yourself a cool-down break.

How else do you keep cool in the summer heat? Share with us!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Smart and Frugal Uses for Epsom Salt

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 20 May 2016 09:00:09 +0000

The next time you're at the store, pick up a bag of epsom salt. These inexpensive crystals won't only ease your aches and pains in a warm bath — there's a host of other awesome things you can do with them! From feeding your lawn to cleaning pots and pans, here are 10 smart and frugal uses for epsom salt.

1. Clean Cast Iron

We had an old cast iron skillet in need of some love, so I searched around and found this simple method to restore it using epsom salt. Rinse off any excess rust and then scrub with epsom salt followed by baking soda or table salt. Rinse again, dry, and coat the inside with a little olive oil. Heat pan on low for 30 minutes to let the oil soak in to finish.

2. Feed Your Lawn

The folks at Bob Vila's site explain that one good way to rescue your dying lawn is to feed it with epsom salt. It sure beats using chemicals on price and safety. You can either fill your lawn spreader with the salt, or mix it with water and apply to your lawn with a garden sprayer. The idea is to get your soil to a neutral pH of seven.

3. Kill Nasty Weeds

While you're at it, stir together this effective weed killer for those trouble spots in and around the grass. You'll need a gallon of white vinegar, two cups of epsom salt, and a quarter of a cup of blue Dawn soap. You can scale this recipe down if you like so it will fit into a convenient spray bottle. Kills weeds in just a few, sunny, hours.

4. Boost Your Magnesium

Whether you take a bath or soak your feet in epsom salt, you will add some vital magnesium to your body. It may help you relax and have better sleep, among other benefits. Take your routine a step beyond by mixing together your own magnesium oil spray. Heat one cup of distilled water to boiling, turn off heat, and then mix in a half cup of epsom salt until fully dissolved. Pour cooled mixture into a spritz bottle.

Similar oils cost around $8 to $20. This batch? Less than $1!

5. Scour With a DIY Scrub

Add some epsom salt to your cleaning routine for an effective scour scrub that's tough on stains but gentle on the environment. My mom showed me this hard water remover, and I can't believe how effective it is. Combine one cup epsom salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap. Use this scrub on shower doors, stubborn sinks, and even stained glass.

6. Decorate Your Space

Whether you're hosting a Frozen-themed birthday party or planning a winter wedding, these epsom salt luminaries would make a great decor item. Start by picking up some crystal epsom salt (think Dr. Teal's, not the Dollar Store) and glass jars. Pour epsom salt onto a paper plate, slip your hand inside a jar, paint where you want to stick the crystals with Mod Podge, and roll into the epsom salt. Let dry and then coat with some clear sealer a few times.

Note: You shouldn't make these far in advance — less than a week before your event — for the best results.

7. Entertain Your Kids

And if you're lost on what to do on a rainy day, try making this overnight crystal garden with your kids. Just measure out a 1:1 ratio of epsom salt to warm water in a glass jar. Add food coloring and stir this mixture well. Next, place the jar in the back of your fridge or freezer. Then wait overnight to discover your magic crystal garden.

8. Add Aroma to Laundry

Are you skeptical about all those scented chemicals you add to your wash cycle with store-bought detergent? Me, too. Add some aroma the natural way using epsom salt and essential oils. You need just three ingredients for this project: Epsom salt, baking soda, and 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils. Mix everything together and store in an air-tight container. Add a few tablespoons to each load.

9. Make Great Gifts

Need a last-minute gift that's easy on the wallet? Mix together your own DIY bath salts. This stuff may even help you kick your own Lush habit. Combine three cups of epsom salt with two cups sea salt, one cup baking soda, and peppermint or other essential oil. You can also add food coloring as a fun option. Once everything is mixed, place it in a decorative, air-tight container for storage.

10. Ward Off Mosquitoes

Keep mosquitoes out of your lawn by spraying this unique epsom salt solution that's safe on grass, flowers, and more. Combine three cups of epsom salt with a large bottle of cheap blue mouthwash and 12 oz of inexpensive beer. The author of this recipe explains that he's used it for the last 15 years with success of keeping mosquitoes away for up to 80 days. I am looking forward to testing this one out for myself!

What are some other clever uses for epsom salt? Share with us!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Things a Frugal Woman Should Always Carry

Sarah Winfrey — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 10:00:09 +0000

Sometimes it's hard to be frugal. I know this from my own experience, and from years of observing and talking to other people about how they spend. It's easy to have frugal intentions but it can be incredibly difficult to stick to them.

One of the best ways I've found for sticking to my frugal goals is to make it as easy as possible. If it's harder to spend money than not to, I'm more likely to keep the cash in my bank account.

I avoid spending by making sure that I have a few things with me whenever I leave the house. Here is my list of helpful frugal tools I always keep with me. (Note: Many of these items would be great for frugal men, too!)

1. Hair Tie

If you're like me, when you want your hair up, it simply has to go up. I can't tell you how many times I've run into Target for hair ties because I forgot one, and ended up buying so much more than just the hair ties (because, Target!). Now, I hook a tie or two onto my keychain, so I've always got one with me.

2. Gift Cards

It's easy for me to tell myself that I'll only spend so much every week at Starbucks and Chik-fil-A (because I have small children), but it's hard to stick to that. I've started carrying gift cards around instead of using the apps on my phone. I put a certain amount on the cards at the beginning of each week or month, and that's all I have. And because it's tougher to reload a physical card than it is on an app, I'm way more likely to stick to my budget.

3. Cash

Similarly, I give myself a cash allowance every week. I look at what I need and want, I look at my budget, and then I decide how much I get to spend on me and put that amount, in cash, into my purse. While I still carry a credit card for emergencies, it's a lot easier not to use it when I have an amount, in cash, that realistically represents my spending needs. My husband does the same thing, and we offer each other accountability when we look over the credit card bills at the end of each month.

4. Coupons for Favorite Items

Couponing is not a huge part of my life, but I always keep an eye out for discounts offered on items that I like or usually buy. When I see these, I put them straight into my purse. That way, when I'm shopping, I don't have to do anything except pull out my coupon bag and flip through it quickly. I save money and it's almost effortless.

5. Healthy Snacks

I can't tell you how many times I've spent money on food simply because I got hungry. I'm someone, who, when I'm hungry, I have to eat now, and my kids are the same way. That has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count! Now, I keep a stash of healthy snacks in my purse and another in the car. That way, there's always something around that I feel good about eating, and I don't have to spend a dime.

6. Safety Pins

At first glance, it might seem strange to carry safety pins. But just wait until the day when your bra strap breaks, or you get an awkward rip in some part of your outfit. Without safety pins, you'd have to go out and buy a new item wherever you could find it, at whatever price. But with them, you can rig a fix until you can get home. Then you can fix the problem or find a frugal replacement.

7. Painkillers

Ever get a headache in the middle of the day? Buying single-serve packets of painkillers from a convenience store is super expensive. Instead, carry just a few pills with you. It's cheaper, and you get to use a painkiller that you choose, rather than whatever they have on the shelf.

8. Stain Eraser Pen

Many stains will set unless treated right away, which means you'll have to replace the dirty item... unless you have a stain pen with you. Treat the stain as soon as you notice it, and chances are that you'll be able to salvage your clothes. This saves you money because you won't have to replace things nearly as often.

What do you carry at all times to help you save money? Share with us in the comments!

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: