Search Results for: blog frugal gifts for hard times

Are You Uncomfortable Being Frugal?

Whenever a lot of money is being spent, I tend to be uncomfortable, even if I am not the one doing the spending. Just hearing about lavish consumption kind of creeps me out. I keep wondering about the mortgage on the friend of a friend’s McMansion or how I could apply the cost of someone’s lavish vacation to building up our retirement fund. I don’t know how to react when friends give their toddlers spa days or I am invited to jewelry parties, or when the suggested contribution to the teacher’s or pastor’s gift is three figures (nothing against our … Continue reading →

The Hardest Rooms to Declutter

While I am a big believer in decluttering whenever and wherever you can, there are just some circumstances where you really need help. I would not recommend that you declutter certain rooms or areas in your home alone. You’ll just wind up in trouble at worst or discouraged at best. Whenever you are ready to declutter the attic, basement, garage or home office, enlist some help. The reason being that these areas are usually filled with lots of furniture, boxes and heavy items. It is easy to get bogged down. You may also find that these areas collect with things … Continue reading →

Solutions For Getting Gifts You Like From Your Spouse.

Yesterday we looked at the problems surrounding gifts and your spouse and how sometimes it can end up so wrong. Here are some simple solutions to getting gifts you like from your spouse. When shopping point out and admire things in the shops that you would like or in the catalogues mark things that you would like and leave it lying somewhere your spouse will see it. Or just give it to them and say, ‘if you’d like some ideas.’ Provide a suggestion list of things you would like complete with the name of the store where they can be … Continue reading →

Baby Gifts for Tough Times

In these tough economic times, it might be hard to decided what to get that baby in your life for the holidays. Did you know the average toy for a baby runs between $40 and $60? Must have strollers and other equipment can run into the hundreds. But babies need love and good care above all else. They would rather spend time engaged with loving people than playing with a top-rated toy by themselves. Young babies in particular, need very little in terms of toys no matter what the toy experts may lead you to believe. Study after study has … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading →

Practical Gifts for a Frugal Family

Giving great gifts is always a good feeling. If you are wondering what gifts might be most appreciated by a frugal family (or if you can think of ideas for your own wish list) you might want to take a look at the following ideas. Yes, they are all very practical gifts, although that doesn’t mean that a little pampering couldn’t be thrown in. For example, a gift of service could mean anything from a gift of lawn service done by the giver to a a series of hair cuts and styles done in a high-end spa. Take a look … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading →

Trendy Home Made Christmas Gifts

Yes, I know Christmas is still two months away, but what better time to get started on making some great Christmas gifts. Forget the old crocheted pot holders. While they may be nice, they certainly aren’t the most requested on everyone’s wish list. Instead take a look at what the trends say are going to be the hottest requested and given gifts this Christmas season. Home made gifts are definitely in for this season, probably because everyone is so budget conscious. The best part of these trendy gifts is that you can make them yourself frugally. Give gifts of your … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week in Review: October 13th Through October 19th

It is not too early to start thinking about the upcoming holidays. Early planning can often save you a bundle. You can take everyday ideas, such as making freezer meals and apply them for the holidays. Meanwhile, check out last week’s frugal articles. October 13th Five Little Grocery Shopping Tricks: Look Left and Right When it comes to shopping for groceries, we need all of the help we can get. Rising prices and reduced coupon values make reducing your grocery bill by 70 percent a thing of the past. And those grocery stores have plenty of tricks up their sleeves … Continue reading →

Frugal Gifts for Hard Times

Practically everyone I know seems to be struggling one way or another in these economic times. With the holiday season approaching, it is more important than ever to practice responsible gift giving. This not only means reigning in the spending for yourself, but also giving gifts that are especially thoughtful during this time. Your gift can not only be a delight but also make a positive impact financially. Really think about what your friends, family and associates need. Is it another coffee mug, or would a basil plant in that mug save them money on cooking? Does your nephew need … Continue reading →