Getting the Most of WarrantiesNearly everything that is manufactured has some sort of warranty, although the length can vary greatly. Sellers can also offer extended warranties and credit card purchases may have additional protection as well. But these do you no good if you cannot utilize them before they expire. Here are some tips for making sure you get your money's worth from new purchases.
Thrift Stores Are Not Created EqualI love thrift stores. My mom took my 5 sisters and me to the same store every time we went to the beach. That store is still there and I still shop there. Almost any thrift store has something I need. But they're not equal.
Saving Money in Different CategoriesSome of the best ways I've personally saved some money has been through these things:
Product Review: The Ringer Cast Iron CleanerI bought The Ringer, a stainless steel chainmail cast iron cleaner a few months ago and so far I love it. I have been using cast iron most of my adult life but I didn't have a great method of taking care of them. The Ringer quickly removes any cooked on food without scraping or ruining the seasoning of the pan.
Avoid the Penny Auction ScamPenny auctions, you have probably seen banner ads in your browser and even commercials on TV. The auction prices sound too good to be true. That is because they are! It is a scam that could cost you more than buying the item directly.
Avoid Fees With Street ParkingIf you are fortunate enough to find a sacred parking space, you are probably paying a king's ransom. Most average no frill restaurants in L.A. offers valet parking in their parking lot. This is where I draw the line.
My Recent CVS SavingsI will start out by saying, use caution when CVSing its easy to get caught up and spend more than you planned! There prices are a bit high so use caution when comparing prices and make sure the extra bucks make up for it!
Saving on Clothing for Adults and ChildrenI wanted to share some things I have done in the past and still do today for saving money on clothing for both children and adults. Clothing, along with everything else, is so expensive.
Free Information About FreebiesSeveral websites gather all the free samples, coupons, and great offers. A few have a hidden agenda that makes their operation look a bit shady, but others are legitimate sites that are harmless free fun.
When Expiration Dates MatterBefore we hit the beach, I spent ten minutes covering a wriggling and impatient boy with SPF 50 sunscreen. To my dismay, I didn't put a pale skinned youngster to bed that night.
Organizing Your Food StashLike Mr. McDuck, I have a horde of food stored in my basement. It's the rewards gained from "stocking up," but those rewards must be kept tidy because, unlike Scrooge McDuck, our food carries expiration dates.
Obsessed with CouponsTo say that I'm obsessed with extreme couponing is almost an understatement. What started as a special television program in January has become a weekly program, teaching viewers how to become extreme couponers who take home four carts of groceries for under $50.
Can Saving Water Save Electricity?After unplugging every gadget that wasn't being used, turning off every light that didn't need to burn, and replacing every appliance with an energy saving model, there still had to be an unseen way to save electricity. Saving water can save electricity as well.
Good Reasons to Still Get a NewspaperWith the availability of online news, why pay for it to be delivered? I was surprised at how quickly I had an answer to this question. I would pay to have it delivered because I could turn the cost around, and ultimately get the hard copies of the newspaper for free.
Looking for Hidden RebatesWhen purchasing a large appliance, there is often a store or manufacturer's rebate attached. What many don't realize, however, is that there are more rebates waiting to be taken.
Extreme CouponingAfter watching a program on television about extreme couponing, it got me thinking. One woman's bill was over $800, but by the time she doled out her coupons she owed less than $3.
Mattress Know-HowIt's a pricey investment and you want to get the most out of it, but a mattress only lives so long. The average life expectancy is ten years for a mattress, but those with pillow tops die sooner. One chiropractor suggests a maximum life of seven years for pillow topped luxury.
Electronic Equipment for Less: Too Good to Be True?Electronics are a blessing and a curse to us. They can help us to waste our time, but they can save time too. We're capable of sharing photos, recording television programs, and earning college credits in our living rooms, but the price for it is expressed in dollar signs.
Tire SavingsIt's not the best news that you've heard when your auto mechanic tells you to replace your car's tires. It's essential, and it's a several hundred dollars investment. Is there a way to save on the new tires?
Product Review: Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry SheetsThis product combines laundry detergent, fabric softener, and a dryer sheet into a single sheet which you place into the washer with your clothes and then transfer to the dryer.
Buying Produce In SeasonWhen you buy out of season, it costs you more money. When you buy in season and from your local food supplier, you are saving that money, you can buy more to freeze or can and you are helping your local economy.
Many Uses for an Electric Heating PadTwo years ago I received one of those small electric heading pads from a friend for the holidays. Within a month or so of owning the pad, I found myself using it for a few things and to this day it's one of the most useful gifts I've ever received.
Product Review: Bosch Front Loading WasherI bought the Bosch 300 front-loading machines and would like to inform others to beware of this machine. It is less than one year and the pump malfunctioned.
Frugal FeetShoes are a weakness for many women. It's easy to spend a fortune on a closet full of shoes, but it's very impractical. Instead, try to make wise decisions when purchasing shoes and avoid buying "cute" shoes for that reason only.
Saving Money on ChickenTips for saving money on chicken as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your ideas here.
Product Review: Cover Tox TenThis product claims to have proven visible wrinkle reduction in 10 minutes with over 50% visible Wrinkle reduction; in 10 hours up to 90% and in 10 days up to 90% of visible smoother skin (with the use of their CoverTox 10 foundation).
Product Review: Nintendo DSiHere is a review of Nintendo's newest portable video game player. The Nintendo DSi is the latest version of the popular line of DS handheld video game consoles from Nintendo. The DS replaces the GameBoy as Nintendo's flagship handheld console.
Health and Beauty for LessIn the days when soap was boring and bland, brands like Bath and Body Works were a refreshing break from the normal. Now, almost every brand has followed through with similar products from foaming pump soaps to body washes.
Saving Money on Board GamesTips and ideas for saving money on board games as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Do you have any tips to share?
Saving Money on CheeseTips for Saving Money on Cheese. Post you ideas below. I buy shredded cheese at Costco. It costs $10 for 5 pounds, cheaper than buying a block of the same brand, and all the work is done.
Save on SuitsWhether it's for an upcoming wedding, a job interview, or a fine dinner, everyone needs to have one good suit in the closet. While women can get away without the business style suit until it's time for a job interview, for men it carries more importance.
Saving Money on Holiday TravelTips for saving money on holiday travel as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Make only one trip - one for Thanksgiving or one for Christmas; not both. Take turns traveling to see family: you travel one holiday. they travel to see you the other.
Saving Money on Garbage BagsIdeas for saving money on trash bags as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Most people have several trash containers throughout their house: kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, office, etc.
Saving Money on PopcornTips for saving money on popcorn as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Buy the bulk popcorn kernels. Our local movie theater uses coconut oil, so if you can locate that, do.
Saving Money on Your Internet ConnectionTips for saving money on internet service as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to post your own ideas here.
Saving Money on BeddingTips for Saving Money on Bedding as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to share your own ideas here.
Saving Money on ToysTips for saving money on toys as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.: The best money saving tip I have is - don't bring your kids to the toy store with you.
Saving Money on HouseplantsTips and advice for saving money on houseplants as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Please share your ideas below.
Saving Money at DisneylandTips and ideas for Saving Money at Disneyland. Bring water & snacks with you. They are very expensive on the premises.
Saving Money on Summer TravelDo you have any tips for Saving Money on Summer Travel? If you stay at a hotel over the weekend you can usually get a half-priced room because business people stay there during the weekdays and not on weekends.
The Lures of AdvertisingAdvertising may seem entertaining, we may come in from the kitchen to see the latest commercial, but it's job is to sell products, and it does this very well. From the day early man decided to sell his carved wooden tool to another man, advertising has been a part of our lives.
Saving Money on Summer FunSummer time is coming and gas prices are sky high. Here is advice from the ThriftyFun community to keep boredom at bay without spending much money. Do you have any tips for saving money on summer fun?
Saving Money on PotatoesTips and ideas for saving money on Potatoes as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas below.
Splurge and Save on ShoesWant a great way to save money while shopping? Buy expensive shoes. Sound crazy? It makes more sense than you think.
Saving Money on Ice CreamTips for saving money on ice cream. Buy cheap vanilla ice cream in 5 gallon containers and then add your own toppings. You can get chocolate syrup or chop up candy bars that are on sale and make your own designer ice cream flavors.
Saving Money on OnionsTips for saving money on onions. I purchase onion sets in the spring, and push them into the soil in a small garden bed. If you stagger the planting, you can have fresh green onions any time you want.
Saving Money on RiceTips for saving money on rice from the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.
Safer Driving By Planning AheadBesides the usual guff about gearing down appropriately for an automatic or manual transmission, why not reveal the following secret? Use the brake pedal BEFORE you enter curves, not in the curve!
American Gas Prices 1996-2008As we all cringe every time we go to the gas station for our next fill-up, I wondered just how the prices of gas have been over time. The DOE had data for 1996-2008 so I made a graph. The most recent spikes are not included. Gas today here was about $3.59 a gallon for regular.
Have A Recall Free ChristmasWith all the recalls on toys and with the toy companies now trying to scramble to fill the shelves of stores with lead free toys, maybe this is the time to re-think what you want Santa to bring your kids.
Saving Money on FirewoodFrugal tips or ideas for getting firewood as suggested from the ThriftyFun community. You can cut wood in most Federal or State forests by paying a small permit fee. Advertise in the paper for free firewood needs. Offer to cut down logs on someone's property for the wood.
Saving Money on ShippingWith the recent postal hikes, postage can be the breaking point for some people. For those who find themselves shipping items often, the point can be at hand. Whether you ship items for an on-line business, as part of your regular business, or to far away family members, there are ways to save on shipments.
Saving Money on ComputersIt's tough to imagine life without a computer these days. Computers have become vital for banking, school work, and personal communications. They also act as an entertainment hub allowing videos, music, and games to be played.
FDA: Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful ChemicalThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China. Consumers should examine toothpaste products for labeling that says the product is made in China.
Saving Money on Car Repairs (and Maintenance)I notice that I have fewer major problems than many of my friends and acquaintances. I think it's because I always get my oil changed when it's due and do a maintenance check-up once or twice a year.
Saving Money on GasHere are some tips to help you save money on gasoline as well as a run down of tips that have been proven ineffective.
Saving Money on TravelTips and ideas for saving money on travel. My husband and I save our change all year and use that for our vacation travel. We love to take off in the car and just drive until we find some little town we can get a room in.
Brands Not Tested On AnimalsAnyone here think of using household brands and products not tested on animals? Most products for bath, body and household are tested on animals by having the animals drink these concoctions . . .
It Can Be Cheaper to Grocery Shop DailyThrough the years, I've read at least one hundred different articles with tips and tricks on how to cut your grocery bill. With a large family, I've followed most of the advice at one time or another.
Can't Afford Your Prescription Drugs? Call The ManufacturerIndividual companies quietly give away millions of dollars in medication every year. If you or a family member simply cannot pay for much needed medicine, call the manufacturer directly.
High Gas Prices and Your CommuteThis summer's commute is going to be one of our most expensive in history. It's good time to consider all transportations alternatives.
Gas Prices and Summer Car TravelWal-Mart announced recently their expectations of lower than normal profits due to skyrocketing gas prices. Wal-Mart's core consumers are people in the lower and middle class who often live from paycheck to paycheck. I am not worried about Walmart.
My 11 year old just received a CREDIT CARD!Have you notice that you can barley get though all your junk mail and now your kids are getting junk mail. Sometimes they are receiving magazines in their names or even pre approved credit cards. How can this be when they don't even have jobs?
Tips for a Frugal BookwormLove to read? Have you noticed the price printed on books these days? Yikes! Here are some tips to get great books for less.
Saving Money On FoodI know how hard it is to get the food budget under control. I
have made changes over time, some have worked well, some are
so-so.
