Did you know that using cash instead of a debit or credit card can usually help you cut your spending? The reason behind it is that when you use cash, you typically pay more attention to what you’re spending than you do if you’re just swiping a card. Paying more attention means you spend less because you’re more aware of how much money you actually have. How to Use the Cash Envelope Budget System One of the best ways to manage this budget is with cash envelopes. The cash envelope budget is easy to set up, easy to maintain, and easy to see what you have left. It’s also a fantastic way to see where you’re overspending and where you may be able to lower your budget because you’re underspending! Don't forget you can also add money to your budget with things like earning … [Read more...]
Holiday Shopping on a Budget
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Chase Ultimate Rewards for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. With all of us shopping for the holidays, budgeting can be a real challenge. But, it can be done. There are different strategies you can use like taking advantage of store sales or comparison shop online to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. You can also consider using a credit card that has a rewards program, so you earn points for your holiday shopping and also on everyday purchases. Have you heard about Chase Ultimate Rewards? If not, you could be missing out! Ultimate Rewards is available to Chase Freedom, Chase Sapphire and Ink from Chase cardholders. When you use any of these cards, you earn points on every purchase, which can then be redeemed for … [Read more...]
How to Plan a Cheap Wedding That is Still Fabulous
Rally the troops and save money on everything from photographers to the Justice of the Peace. Here's how to plan a cheap wedding and still have the wedding of your dreams. Once you have your schedule lined out and your thoughts at least somewhat organized, it is time to start making solid plans and saving money. In every wedding, there are things you will need that you can't really get around, but you can make those things cheaper. This is where most brides will start looking for bargain wedding dresses and venues that they can get at a discount because they are out-of-season, but that's where a lot of issues come in because once you've spent the money on these things you have to come up with money to pay the people you are going to be hiring. Start with making a budget for those that … [Read more...]
How To Eat Healthy On A Budget
How To Eat Healthy On A Budget It’s a common misconception that eating healthier is costly, but that isn’t true. Eating healthier, ultimately, can be the same as or less than eating junk food and fast food. Now, some healthy foods are much more expensive, but typically, they’re pre-packaged and you pay more for the convenience than the actual health element. Produce is a huge part of eating healthy, and it’s worth mentioning that it can be a little costly to buy lots of produce at a local grocery store. Instead, search local farmer’s markets for the best price. You’ll find that it’s much more cost effective to buy locally. Another great option is food co-ops like Bountiful Baskets, if it’s offered in your area. You get a basket of produce every week for a set price, and you get quite … [Read more...]
How to Create a Fabulous & Frugal Baby Nursery
Any parent out there knows the joy and excitement of creating a baby nursery. It can get expensive to do so, but if you know how to shop frugally, you can create a nursery of your dreams on a shoestring. Here are some tips for doing just that. Check on Amazon and other online retailers. You can often find odds and ends for your baby nursery for a much lower cost. If you have Amazon Prime, you even get free shipping! Look at baby discount stores. Burlington Coat Factory has a “Baby Depot” at some of their locations that sell clothes, cribs, nursery décor and changing tables. These are high-end pieces that you would find at Macy’s and store like it for a fraction of the cost. Don’t turn down the thrift store. You can often find some great things at second-hand stores! The only … [Read more...]
How to Score Designer Makeup on a Budget
How to Score Designer Makeup on a Budget Designer makeup is all the rage right now. Walk into any department store and you will see Chanel, Mac, Benefit, Urban Decay and much more! I have tried a few of these brands and they are fabulous, but paying $40 for an eyeshadow just isn't in the budget. I've come to realize that I can get all of those wonderful designer makeup items at drugstore prices. You ready to hear my secret? Most drugstore brands are a knock off of a designer brand! Drugstore brands are made to replicate those high-end brands and in most cases drugstore makeup is just as good! This list will give you the ends and outs on which brands to avoid and which brands to seek out when shopping for makeup at a drugstore. Loreal I can't speak for all Loreal products but … [Read more...]
How To Haggle For The Best Price on Almost Anything
One way to save more money is to try to get a lower price on everyday items and non-tangibles such as hotel rooms and meals. While there is plenty of room for haggling in most situations, there are sometimes that it won’t work. Here are some tips for how to haggle for the best price and some tips for when haggling won’t be a good idea. Are you afraid to ask for a good deal? Here's how to haggle for the best price on what you want to buy. Use the right words. Things like, “I really like this, but..” and “I really want to spend my money here, but..” work for many situations such as car dealerships, discount and thrift stores and even services such as dentists. It lets the establishment know you intend on buying something and if they don’t jump on it, they might lose out. Don’t be … [Read more...]
How to Save Money Eating Out and Enjoy it too!
One thing many people give up when they go to a frugal lifestyle is eating out at restaurants. Eating out can be a huge money waster if you do it too frequently and without care. Living frugally does not mean you have to give it up, entirely, however. I have compiled a list of tips to show you how to save money eating out to help you enjoy a night out once in a while and not spend as much as you would think. Tips on how to save money eating out. Always look for coupons. Some can be found in monthly circulars you get in your mailbox as well as in places you might not even think; such as on social media. Facebook pages of your favorite restaurants may occasionally release coupons you can print out if you are a fan. Sign up for “clubs” that many chain restaurants offer. These are often … [Read more...]