1.)Buy for baby a season or two ahead of schedule. I buy all my sons winter/summer clothes for next year when clothes go on super discount. Outlets are great for this. I can buy clothes pieces for less than $2. A few baby outfits for each age go a long way too.
2.)Diapers.com is awesome and has great deals, and they take coupons you clip, as well as having ecoupons. Don't get sucked into the other sites though unless necessary. They don't always have good deals.
3.)Buy convertible pieces for big toys. I have a jumper that had a tummy mat, then pulls apart into an activity table when they are standing. It is a toy with 3 different stages, and it's useful until age 2. Otherwise you are just giving tons of stuff away they barely played with.
I have boys six years apart, so I had to start over with just about everything, and you learn a lot the second time around. :)
You're completely wrong Robert and should do a little research before you go stating such confident comments. For example an item cost me $100.00 I turn around and sell it for $300.00 which is 300% markup in which I would make 200% profit for such sale. Simply look at the cost being 100%, $5.00 is my cost and I need to make $5.00 off of the product I would mark it up 200% which is $10.00. Take $5.00 & multiply it by 200% or 2.00 (decimal) and wallah!!!
I save up my Subway points throughout the year for our annual vacation and I use gift cards I earn through points program. We usually go during the week rather than the weekend to save money on hotels and avoid crowds. It also saves money because at least one of our meals is pizza(usually they run deals on pizza during weekdays.)
Wish I would have read this before starting out fresh in the new apartment! We probably went a little too cheap on some of our cookware, and we're starting to pay the price for that now.
Science, schmience. Science also cant prove that ghosts exist, but the one in my house would disagree. 1,000 years ago, science couldnt prove the earth was round, and 500 years ago science couldnt prove that the cause of the common cold was pathogens. It also can't prove string theory. Science is limited by technology and the time in which we live. Just because something csnnot be proven today doesnt mean it won't EVER be proven.
Packing lunch every morning before we head out, whether it is the beach, lake, or biking. It gives us the flexiblity to just eat when we want and not have look around for somewhere to eat in the middle of the day. For a family of five, we also like to save the big "eating out" meal for breakfast. We never go out to breakfast at home, so it is a big treat when on vacation.
As a private college counselor, I think you have made some very good suggestions. However, there is one I disagree with. I tell my students to put down no schools on the form to receive the SAT or ACT scores even though they are free when you take the test. I don't want a school to pre-judge a student before they have had a chance to see their whole application package including grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and test scores. I have talked with enough college admissions people to know that test scores sent before the rest of the application materials can cause a negative toward a student before they even begin. It is better to send the scores to the schools you actually apply to when you send in everything else.
If your trip involves arriving by air and no car rental, instead of a cab, consider SuperShuttle or a similar service (usually located in the luggage claim area) from the airport to your hotel or cruise terminal.
Many hotels have free vans that pick you up at the airport and will take you to the pier at little or no charge if you are a guest of their facility. And rental car companies sometimes have pier drop-offs, if you do opt for a car rental.
Additionally, many cruise companies offer before and after items (hotels, tours, etc.) to complete your package. Ask your agent what's available once you settle on a cruise line.
If you're traveling to a city for the first time, consider a half-day or 1-day tour soon after your arrival. They are often very reasonably priced, cover all the main attractions, and often include extremely knowledgeable guides. Then you can spend remaining vacation days revisiting those sites in depth at your leisure.
Oops! I guess the thought was spinning through my mind, so I completely overlooked the point. Thank you for pointing it out and being so gracious. I appreciate it.
ok so i have been on unemployment for awhile now, but looking for employment, i received a job offer today that is an hour and 20min drive from my home making only minimum wage!! will i lose my benefits if i decline this job?
1. I travel with my mother (only once a year LOL). She has AARP and I have AAA, and between the two of those we save on hotels and dining. We split the costs of everything, so it comes out cheaper than if traveling by myself. We bring snacks and nonperishable food and only eat out once a day.
2. Have a state park as my destination. Many of the Texas parks have cabins, and all have some type of camping facilities. The limited use cabins are cheap and always close to restrooms/showers. The parks themselves have hiking trails, some have lakes, and all have fresh air and quiet peaceful surroundings.
When travelling frugally, I always book a hotel room with a microwave and refrigerator. I then go to a grocery store and stock up on food that we'll need to eat and store it in the room. It save SO much money to have our own food instead of eating each meal out. The other alternative is to get a vacation rental condo or home. Same thing, just a bit more privacy than a hotel. :)
My car is ancient and dates back more than a decade or two, but I can't seem to let myself let it go. #9 is something I always have issues with. It seems as though I have endless car repairs and am always in need for new auto equipment.
These are all great suggestions. Cloth diapers don't have to be costly though. If you buy plain old prefolds and covers for them, you can get enough diapers to last for 3-4 days for well under $200. We spent $110, and those diapers were all we needed until recently (when the adjustable one-size diaper covers became too small for my chunky 14-month-old). We spent another $50 on a few new covers, and we're back in business. If we had gotten 3 dozen all-in-one diapers at $17-20 a piece, we would've spent well over $700.
I can't think of a single kitchen item that is more useless than a garlic press.
I've been without a microwave for a couple months now and don't think I really need to replace it. One thing that I do miss, though, is that my microwave was also a toaster oven. I definitely need a toaster now.
Simply not subscribing to cable has been one of my favorite money-savers for years. In fact I wrote an article on this exact topic just days ago: http://mstinamarie.blogspot.com/2012/02/reasons-not-to-subscribe-to-cabl...
Not having cable saves you not only money, but-- even more importantly-- your time!
The library is another big alternative that came to me :) I'm glad that's been mentioned.
And for fellow watchers of Downton Abbey, Season 2 is viewable totally free on pbs.org!
Yes, I just found out about this. Kind of a bummer that they're changing such a great program. I'm still using my old Amazon Mom membership, but when it expires I'm going to have to think long and hard about whether it's worth Prime.
I belong to several Credit Unions as well as a bank. I belong to Navy Federal Credit Union and now that they have expanded to cover all the branches of the military they are located near almost all military bases and even before they opened a branch near me I could do almost anything I could do in a bank over the phone or net. They have 24-7 phone support. They also have better rates/dividends than any bank I have compared them to. I have Arvest bank because they are open 8am to 8pm for easy access to a person to person interaction, as well as a safety deposit box that was included as part of my membership.
Oh, yes. #13 is the best tip. Stuff labeled "for baby" is very successful marketing. I promise you, the "baby" washcloths won't serve your baby better than soft, cotton washcloths. And they don't add anything to baby food bananas that your child needs. Grab a fork and see #22.
We seem to have similar uses for a microwave. Mine went out a while back and it was a week before I could buy and install a new one. I greatly disliked having to make oatmeal and heat vegetables on the stove. Although some of the "leftovers" did taste a bit better when reheated in the toaster over than in the microwave.
I too use parchment paper rather than silicone mats. I have both and I think my cookies turn out better with the parchment rather than the mats. Personal preference I guess.
With job sites and social media, there are lots of ways to do #9 now, and can help employers get a look at your experience and credentials. I predict that putting your professional information and special skills out there for potential employers is going to become the standard, if it isn't already.
1.)Buy for baby a season or two ahead of schedule. I buy all my sons winter/summer clothes for next year when clothes go on super discount. Outlets are great for this. I can buy clothes pieces for less than $2. A few baby outfits for each age go a long way too.
2.)Diapers.com is awesome and has great deals, and they take coupons you clip, as well as having ecoupons. Don't get sucked into the other sites though unless necessary. They don't always have good deals.
3.)Buy convertible pieces for big toys. I have a jumper that had a tummy mat, then pulls apart into an activity table when they are standing. It is a toy with 3 different stages, and it's useful until age 2. Otherwise you are just giving tons of stuff away they barely played with.
I have boys six years apart, so I had to start over with just about everything, and you learn a lot the second time around. :)
You're completely wrong Robert and should do a little research before you go stating such confident comments. For example an item cost me $100.00 I turn around and sell it for $300.00 which is 300% markup in which I would make 200% profit for such sale. Simply look at the cost being 100%, $5.00 is my cost and I need to make $5.00 off of the product I would mark it up 200% which is $10.00. Take $5.00 & multiply it by 200% or 2.00 (decimal) and wallah!!!
I save up my Subway points throughout the year for our annual vacation and I use gift cards I earn through points program. We usually go during the week rather than the weekend to save money on hotels and avoid crowds. It also saves money because at least one of our meals is pizza(usually they run deals on pizza during weekdays.)
Christine
Wish I would have read this before starting out fresh in the new apartment! We probably went a little too cheap on some of our cookware, and we're starting to pay the price for that now.
For slow bath drains because of hair, check out The Drain Claw at www.thedrainclaw.com. It is a simple tool to unclog a bath drain without chemicals.
Science, schmience. Science also cant prove that ghosts exist, but the one in my house would disagree. 1,000 years ago, science couldnt prove the earth was round, and 500 years ago science couldnt prove that the cause of the common cold was pathogens. It also can't prove string theory. Science is limited by technology and the time in which we live. Just because something csnnot be proven today doesnt mean it won't EVER be proven.
Some universities (Marquette for one - mu.edu) offer an application fee waiver when the applicant is recommended by an alum.
Packing lunch every morning before we head out, whether it is the beach, lake, or biking. It gives us the flexiblity to just eat when we want and not have look around for somewhere to eat in the middle of the day. For a family of five, we also like to save the big "eating out" meal for breakfast. We never go out to breakfast at home, so it is a big treat when on vacation.
As a private college counselor, I think you have made some very good suggestions. However, there is one I disagree with. I tell my students to put down no schools on the form to receive the SAT or ACT scores even though they are free when you take the test. I don't want a school to pre-judge a student before they have had a chance to see their whole application package including grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and test scores. I have talked with enough college admissions people to know that test scores sent before the rest of the application materials can cause a negative toward a student before they even begin. It is better to send the scores to the schools you actually apply to when you send in everything else.
If your trip involves arriving by air and no car rental, instead of a cab, consider SuperShuttle or a similar service (usually located in the luggage claim area) from the airport to your hotel or cruise terminal.
Many hotels have free vans that pick you up at the airport and will take you to the pier at little or no charge if you are a guest of their facility. And rental car companies sometimes have pier drop-offs, if you do opt for a car rental.
Additionally, many cruise companies offer before and after items (hotels, tours, etc.) to complete your package. Ask your agent what's available once you settle on a cruise line.
If you're traveling to a city for the first time, consider a half-day or 1-day tour soon after your arrival. They are often very reasonably priced, cover all the main attractions, and often include extremely knowledgeable guides. Then you can spend remaining vacation days revisiting those sites in depth at your leisure.
Oops! I guess the thought was spinning through my mind, so I completely overlooked the point. Thank you for pointing it out and being so gracious. I appreciate it.
ok so i have been on unemployment for awhile now, but looking for employment, i received a job offer today that is an hour and 20min drive from my home making only minimum wage!! will i lose my benefits if i decline this job?
To travel frugally:
1. I travel with my mother (only once a year LOL). She has AARP and I have AAA, and between the two of those we save on hotels and dining. We split the costs of everything, so it comes out cheaper than if traveling by myself. We bring snacks and nonperishable food and only eat out once a day.
2. Have a state park as my destination. Many of the Texas parks have cabins, and all have some type of camping facilities. The limited use cabins are cheap and always close to restrooms/showers. The parks themselves have hiking trails, some have lakes, and all have fresh air and quiet peaceful surroundings.
I like you on facebook
When travelling frugally, I always book a hotel room with a microwave and refrigerator. I then go to a grocery store and stock up on food that we'll need to eat and store it in the room. It save SO much money to have our own food instead of eating each meal out. The other alternative is to get a vacation rental condo or home. Same thing, just a bit more privacy than a hotel. :)
My car is ancient and dates back more than a decade or two, but I can't seem to let myself let it go. #9 is something I always have issues with. It seems as though I have endless car repairs and am always in need for new auto equipment.
These are all great suggestions. Cloth diapers don't have to be costly though. If you buy plain old prefolds and covers for them, you can get enough diapers to last for 3-4 days for well under $200. We spent $110, and those diapers were all we needed until recently (when the adjustable one-size diaper covers became too small for my chunky 14-month-old). We spent another $50 on a few new covers, and we're back in business. If we had gotten 3 dozen all-in-one diapers at $17-20 a piece, we would've spent well over $700.
I can't think of a single kitchen item that is more useless than a garlic press.
I've been without a microwave for a couple months now and don't think I really need to replace it. One thing that I do miss, though, is that my microwave was also a toaster oven. I definitely need a toaster now.
Simply not subscribing to cable has been one of my favorite money-savers for years. In fact I wrote an article on this exact topic just days ago:
http://mstinamarie.blogspot.com/2012/02/reasons-not-to-subscribe-to-cabl...
Not having cable saves you not only money, but-- even more importantly-- your time!
The library is another big alternative that came to me :) I'm glad that's been mentioned.
And for fellow watchers of Downton Abbey, Season 2 is viewable totally free on pbs.org!
Yes, I just found out about this. Kind of a bummer that they're changing such a great program. I'm still using my old Amazon Mom membership, but when it expires I'm going to have to think long and hard about whether it's worth Prime.
I belong to several Credit Unions as well as a bank. I belong to Navy Federal Credit Union and now that they have expanded to cover all the branches of the military they are located near almost all military bases and even before they opened a branch near me I could do almost anything I could do in a bank over the phone or net. They have 24-7 phone support. They also have better rates/dividends than any bank I have compared them to. I have Arvest bank because they are open 8am to 8pm for easy access to a person to person interaction, as well as a safety deposit box that was included as part of my membership.
Oh, yes. #13 is the best tip. Stuff labeled "for baby" is very successful marketing. I promise you, the "baby" washcloths won't serve your baby better than soft, cotton washcloths. And they don't add anything to baby food bananas that your child needs. Grab a fork and see #22.
We seem to have similar uses for a microwave. Mine went out a while back and it was a week before I could buy and install a new one. I greatly disliked having to make oatmeal and heat vegetables on the stove. Although some of the "leftovers" did taste a bit better when reheated in the toaster over than in the microwave.
I too use parchment paper rather than silicone mats. I have both and I think my cookies turn out better with the parchment rather than the mats. Personal preference I guess.
With job sites and social media, there are lots of ways to do #9 now, and can help employers get a look at your experience and credentials. I predict that putting your professional information and special skills out there for potential employers is going to become the standard, if it isn't already.
Amazon Mom now requires a Prime membership. We decided it was worth it but some may not. http://www.amazon.com/forum/baby?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=FxSKWDWQRZ03WU&c...