This IS a good jumping-off point, thank you! Our grocery budget is the fianl frontier in our frugal life, and I'm always happy to find ideas and inspiration for lowering our number. We're also going for as many unprocessed, organic options as possible, but we're far from perfect in adhering to our own standards.
Articles like this are INCREDIBLY helpful and much appreciated!
Yup hostels are for people of all ages. I cannot count the many times that the HI Austin has saved me for finding a room in Austin during music festivals.
I sleep with an ice pack! We don't have an air conditioner, so some nights it can get really muggy. An I've pack helps me cool down without spending money.
Google drive/docs/sheets!!! Yes, many people have needs greater than what these will provide, but they autosave so you never lose your work and are AMAZING for collaboration - you and others can see each other typing in real time so it's great for fast revisions and you can see which cell someone else is on in the sheets - my whole business is built on these and I wouldn't have it any other way, even though you lose a bit of formatting options, but most of that is truly fluff.
Comprehensive list! I also suggest you to buy traveling packages for domestic destination for mid to end of August now. As we approach the Labor Day on September, the flights and hotels will raise their prices and keep it that way. If you want to travel for cheap, I suggest you to do it now since most people are holding off for next month and many agencies are offering discounts during this off-peak period. And referring to Apple, if you plan on upgrading your Apple device make sure you sell your old gadgets now before their values depreciate when the new models kick in the fall.
Turn the window blinds inside-out to reflect the sun, dress lightly, drink lots of iced beverages, make meals cool and refreshing (salads, fresh fruits, yogurt, homemade puddings), move slowly, keep a fan going.
Or do what I did: Move to Anchorage, Alaska.
Saffron: Saffron and turmeric don't taste anything alike. Saffron has a delicate flavor and turmeric is earthy and woody. Also, saffron prices are not as high as you quote, I just bought a .05 g jar of saffron threads at World Market (Cost Plus) for $5. If you're a World Market member and use your discounts when they're offered, you can get it for less than that.
Microsoft Office: If all you need is somewhat limited Word, Excel and OneNote functionality, get an Outlook.com account (formerly known as Hotmail) and you receive those plus cloud storage for free. Unless you have a business, the Outlook program isn't necessary for e-mail with Outlook.com and Gmail available. Gmail's versions of spreadsheet and word processing programs are next to useless - you can't even cut and paste by clicking, you get a message that you have to use keystroke commands, but the Outlook.com versions are quite functional. No monthly charges, which certainly add up over time.
Adobe Acrobat Pro: You can still get Adobe Acrobat Standard, you just have to know you can get it and look for it on the Adobe website. It's less expensive than Pro, offers almost all of the same functions and you do NOT pay for it annually - updates come with the purchase, and I bought mine two years ago for $140, updated two weeks ago. I use this every day. Nitro conflicts with other programs and CutePDF is useless.
Tablets: I purchased a Lenovo A3000 on Amazon a few months ago for $130 when my Kindle screen went black on the bottom half. Best thing I could have done, considering the price of a new Kindle, and the excellence of the Kindle app on the tablet. As I am over 40, and my eyes aren't what they once were, the larger screen is wonderful, my smartphone screen is too small to read much using the Kindle app on that. With many cities, coffeehouses, libraries and other public spaces offering free Wifi, and the Apple OS 7 ability to turn my smartphone into a hotspot, I'm never without Wifi coverage for my tablet at no additional cost - just be VERY aware of data usage if you use your phone as a hotspot. I don't need Wifi to listen to music that I've previously loaded or a read book on my Kindle, just a little planning ahead so I have what I want with me. I find I'm using it constantly for other apps as well, including the calendar, bluetooth connection to exterior speakers, DuoLingo for learning a second language and time-wasting games. :-) It was perfect for my needs, and much easier to carry than a laptop.
Your UbiSlate recommendation is ridiculous after noting "Tablets are awesome tools because they combine the computing power of laptops and the portability of smartphones. ". When you buy a tablet you get what you pay for. That 37.99 isn't getting you something that combines the power of laptops with portability of smartphones. I think the better answer here, if money is tight, is to question if you really need *any* sort of tablet. After that really look hard at what your expectations are and what price-level tablet is going to meet those expectations. For most that will be something like a Nexus 7 or iPad mini because of the speed, screen, and app availability.
I have to disagree with you. Credit cards are only bad if the person are not responsible and careful with their spending. If you set a budget and know you can pay the balance off every month, you can rack up some serious miles for a vacation. I was able to travel to a lot of places on miles while not having to pay a penny on interest.
Nowadays with technology, you can set alerts and get notified when you reached a certain credit card amount. This way you know when to stop charging. I understand that not everyone is responsible, but credit card can be in your favor if you play the game wisely.
I've found a lot of fun in just coming up with frugal ideas for my family. It's always a treat to start with a blank summer calendar and begin filling in activities like the one's you've listed. We attend the free movie in the park and free bowling events every year among other things. This is a great round up of ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
In all honesty, a Roth IRA is not fully tax free. You fund it with after-tax money. To be totally tax free, it would have to be funded with before-tax money, have tax-free growth, and have tax-free distributions (much like a health savings account!).
I like they foundation of staples. I have family of 4 and if I could use this list, of course I will sub the items I don't like, and buy protein powder, milk and some hamburger meat or chicken, I could keep it at $75-$100 a week. Every family and every budget is different. $75 or $100 a week for my family of 4 would be a huge help. I'm in the minority that has to work for my food.
This economy will continue to be propped up until republicans win enough elections to restore the balance of power, then the props will be allowed to fall and the democrats and the liberal media will all be standing around the rubble pointing at the republicans standing in the midst of it.
This IS a good jumping-off point, thank you! Our grocery budget is the fianl frontier in our frugal life, and I'm always happy to find ideas and inspiration for lowering our number. We're also going for as many unprocessed, organic options as possible, but we're far from perfect in adhering to our own standards.
Articles like this are INCREDIBLY helpful and much appreciated!
Yup hostels are for people of all ages. I cannot count the many times that the HI Austin has saved me for finding a room in Austin during music festivals.
I sleep with an ice pack! We don't have an air conditioner, so some nights it can get really muggy. An I've pack helps me cool down without spending money.
Google drive/docs/sheets!!! Yes, many people have needs greater than what these will provide, but they autosave so you never lose your work and are AMAZING for collaboration - you and others can see each other typing in real time so it's great for fast revisions and you can see which cell someone else is on in the sheets - my whole business is built on these and I wouldn't have it any other way, even though you lose a bit of formatting options, but most of that is truly fluff.
Thank you for the input Noah. Yes, these tactics are meant to work over time. There is no such thing as an immediate way to rebuild credit.
I completely agree with you the UbiSlate is not meant for everybody. The article is focusing on finding cheaper alternatives to expensive purchases.
Thank you for the feedback, Purchasewisely.
I am just about to the point of downsizing my wardrobe, and this is a fantastic article!
I am completely willing to pay for the a/c.
Comprehensive list! I also suggest you to buy traveling packages for domestic destination for mid to end of August now. As we approach the Labor Day on September, the flights and hotels will raise their prices and keep it that way. If you want to travel for cheap, I suggest you to do it now since most people are holding off for next month and many agencies are offering discounts during this off-peak period. And referring to Apple, if you plan on upgrading your Apple device make sure you sell your old gadgets now before their values depreciate when the new models kick in the fall.
Turn the window blinds inside-out to reflect the sun, dress lightly, drink lots of iced beverages, make meals cool and refreshing (salads, fresh fruits, yogurt, homemade puddings), move slowly, keep a fan going.
Or do what I did: Move to Anchorage, Alaska.
We like to beat the heat with refreshing snacks like fruit or ice cream and lots of fans or if it's really hot, AC.
Totally ridiculous, but cheap, easy and it works! Stick your bare feet in a bowl of ice water - you'll be FREEZING, really fast :)
This is a great post, Nora. Very eye-opening. thank you for sharing your secrets.
I just can't agree with a some of these.
Saffron: Saffron and turmeric don't taste anything alike. Saffron has a delicate flavor and turmeric is earthy and woody. Also, saffron prices are not as high as you quote, I just bought a .05 g jar of saffron threads at World Market (Cost Plus) for $5. If you're a World Market member and use your discounts when they're offered, you can get it for less than that.
Microsoft Office: If all you need is somewhat limited Word, Excel and OneNote functionality, get an Outlook.com account (formerly known as Hotmail) and you receive those plus cloud storage for free. Unless you have a business, the Outlook program isn't necessary for e-mail with Outlook.com and Gmail available. Gmail's versions of spreadsheet and word processing programs are next to useless - you can't even cut and paste by clicking, you get a message that you have to use keystroke commands, but the Outlook.com versions are quite functional. No monthly charges, which certainly add up over time.
Adobe Acrobat Pro: You can still get Adobe Acrobat Standard, you just have to know you can get it and look for it on the Adobe website. It's less expensive than Pro, offers almost all of the same functions and you do NOT pay for it annually - updates come with the purchase, and I bought mine two years ago for $140, updated two weeks ago. I use this every day. Nitro conflicts with other programs and CutePDF is useless.
Tablets: I purchased a Lenovo A3000 on Amazon a few months ago for $130 when my Kindle screen went black on the bottom half. Best thing I could have done, considering the price of a new Kindle, and the excellence of the Kindle app on the tablet. As I am over 40, and my eyes aren't what they once were, the larger screen is wonderful, my smartphone screen is too small to read much using the Kindle app on that. With many cities, coffeehouses, libraries and other public spaces offering free Wifi, and the Apple OS 7 ability to turn my smartphone into a hotspot, I'm never without Wifi coverage for my tablet at no additional cost - just be VERY aware of data usage if you use your phone as a hotspot. I don't need Wifi to listen to music that I've previously loaded or a read book on my Kindle, just a little planning ahead so I have what I want with me. I find I'm using it constantly for other apps as well, including the calendar, bluetooth connection to exterior speakers, DuoLingo for learning a second language and time-wasting games. :-) It was perfect for my needs, and much easier to carry than a laptop.
Your UbiSlate recommendation is ridiculous after noting "Tablets are awesome tools because they combine the computing power of laptops and the portability of smartphones. ". When you buy a tablet you get what you pay for. That 37.99 isn't getting you something that combines the power of laptops with portability of smartphones. I think the better answer here, if money is tight, is to question if you really need *any* sort of tablet. After that really look hard at what your expectations are and what price-level tablet is going to meet those expectations. For most that will be something like a Nexus 7 or iPad mini because of the speed, screen, and app availability.
My favorite way to beat the heat is to go to our neighborhood pool! Theres a nice shaded spot and we can bbq there as well.
~ Ice cream! ~
Joseph,
I have to disagree with you. Credit cards are only bad if the person are not responsible and careful with their spending. If you set a budget and know you can pay the balance off every month, you can rack up some serious miles for a vacation. I was able to travel to a lot of places on miles while not having to pay a penny on interest.
Nowadays with technology, you can set alerts and get notified when you reached a certain credit card amount. This way you know when to stop charging. I understand that not everyone is responsible, but credit card can be in your favor if you play the game wisely.
I've found a lot of fun in just coming up with frugal ideas for my family. It's always a treat to start with a blank summer calendar and begin filling in activities like the one's you've listed. We attend the free movie in the park and free bowling events every year among other things. This is a great round up of ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
In all honesty, a Roth IRA is not fully tax free. You fund it with after-tax money. To be totally tax free, it would have to be funded with before-tax money, have tax-free growth, and have tax-free distributions (much like a health savings account!).
I like they foundation of staples. I have family of 4 and if I could use this list, of course I will sub the items I don't like, and buy protein powder, milk and some hamburger meat or chicken, I could keep it at $75-$100 a week. Every family and every budget is different. $75 or $100 a week for my family of 4 would be a huge help. I'm in the minority that has to work for my food.
And pepper spray.
This economy will continue to be propped up until republicans win enough elections to restore the balance of power, then the props will be allowed to fall and the democrats and the liberal media will all be standing around the rubble pointing at the republicans standing in the midst of it.
The hotter it gets, the more iced water I drink.