Search Results for: blog practical gifts for a frugal family part 2

Save Now for Summer

It may be hard to think about summer when there is snow in the forecast and we haven’t even hit January. Even so, I suggest that you do think of summer, because if you plan ahead now, you will save later. Swimwear Believe it or not, some stores will start putting their swimwear out on the floor as soon as the Christmas season is over. In fact, we haven’t even hit Christmas, and I’ve already seen bikinis in department stores. Take advantage of this to get some advanced sales on brand new swimwear. After Christmas, use those gift cards you … Continue reading →

Why Cash Might Be the Best Gift

Some people feel uncomfortable giving cash as a gift. That was never a problem in my family. In every Italian-American family wedding I’ve been to, the bride carries around a little purse just for the purpose. The envelopes get oohed and ahhed over more than does the sauce maker or the set of bed sheets. I do understand, however, that many people aren’t comfortable giving cash. They often opt for gift cards instead. A recent survey shows that people like getting gift cards, too. According to the 2012 Holiday Consumer Spending Survey, about six out of ten people would like … Continue reading →

Simple Living

Simple living is something I long to accomplish. I sit here and look around my cluttered house, filled with mostly things I don’t need. I waste money on these items and am just creating unnecessary trash when I throw them away. I do try to recycle and donate whenever possible, but really, I’d rather just have less stuff. I know I eat way too much junk food and spend far too little quality time with my family. And that is the basis for the simple living movement. Minimize your lifestyle to what you need and love and get rid of … Continue reading →

How Things Change

How things have changed. When Mick and I were children, Christmas morning meant being up early and the neighborhood abuzz with children playing in the streets with their new bike or scooter or toys. It meant children dashing into each other’s houses to compare Christmas presents and share the excitement. On Christmas morning here, as it has been for many Christmases now, there is not child to be seen in the streets, not a sound of laughter and excitement outside. All Mick and I saw and heard was a disgustingly healthy jogger as he passed. In Christmases past, Christmas morning … Continue reading →

20 Ways to save $1 or More Today

What would you do with an extra $365 dollars? That is how much you’ll have at the end of the year if you just save $1 a day, $7 a week or $30 a month. It really does add up doesn’t it? Make it a goal to save $1 a day. Here are 50 easy ways to save $1, or more, today. 1. Sign up for free samples and free product coupons instead of buying snacks. I recently have gotten Bare Naked Granola, half a dozen free candy bars, free Honey Nut Cherrios cereal, free fruit leather and more (see … Continue reading →

Lifestyle Maintenance on a Budget

For many people the financial crisis hit home. Soon, things that we were able to afford before without a blink could get us into financial harm now. Still, we get used to living the way we normally live, and it can get tough trying to get used to living differently. As a result, we can get into real trouble when we continue to maintain that level of lifestyle, even if it means a ton of debt or even bankruptcy. So the trick here, is to find ways to maintain your lifestyle without spending the same amount of money that you … Continue reading →

Preparing for a Layoff

If you are worried that a layoff might be in your future, then it is important to start preparing right now. Make sure that you do the following now, so you will be in good financial shape if you do get laid off. Medical Costs Now is the time to take advantage of your insurance. If you get laid off, you may not be able to carry insurance, depending on how long your were in your job and whether or not you can afford private insurance. Have every member of the family get physicals and well visits, so you can … Continue reading →

How to Survive When Your Friend Isn’t Frugal

She dines out at least three times a week while you wonder how to stretch that chicken to last for one more day. You get your fashions from thrift stores and consignment shops, while she is collects Jimmy Choos as through they were seashells. How can you survive this disparity without losing a friendship? Be honest not rude Your frugal ways could be interpreted as a lack of interest in the friendship or even snobbery. If you are constantly turning down requests to go out to dinner or visits to the spa, gently explain why. If something just isn’t in … Continue reading →

How to Have Fun for Free

Just because you may be short of cash doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself! If you are tired of sitting at home wishing you could spend some money and enjoy yourself, then you will want to read this blog post. There is a wealth of fun things to do just waiting for you. And the best part is that none of them cost anything at all! Go camping Having a camp out can be a lot of fun, and if you do it in your own backyard then you won’t even spend any money on camping fees. Pitch a … Continue reading →

$15 Fun

What is the most fun that you and your entire family can have for just $15? Make this challenge a part of your regular family fun and you’ll save money while having some great new experiences. Our entertainment budget is pretty much non existent. Paying for food, the mortgage and our heating oil seemed more important. We seldom do anything together as a family for entertainment if it costs money, unless there are really special circumstances. That said, we have still be able to have plenty of fun times, especially during the summer. Challenge the members of your family to … Continue reading →