Save Big Bucks Shopping Department Store Clearance

By: Laura Elizabeth

2010 is the beginning of a new time for everyone in every aspect of life. Most of us are to the point we need to change the way we handle our budgets and there is no other way to make it all work finance wise.

Consumers struggle to find the best deals for the smallest amounts they possibly can, however the department store retail market uses strategies to fool the consumer into thinking they are saving big when it reality they are not.

For instance, take one item in a month period. Week 1 they run a promotion for 50% off. Then the sale ends and no discount are given perhaps for a day. Then the next day, Week 2, the same item goes on sale for buy one get one free for a week. The sale goes off one day and then week 3, the same item goes back on sale showing 50% off of the original price by using the amounts rather than the percentage. A day laps in the end of that sale and then week 4, the item goes on sale by amount, but only 40% off the original price.

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Battle the Debt Bulge

Everyone is talking about the bulge they added over the holidays and discussing their resolutions on how best to get rid of it, but there are more bulges than the bulge that may have ended up around your middle. The bulge you made in your debt over the holidays could affect your finances for the entire year if you do not deal with it now. If you are one of the many who put your holiday spending on your credit card then now is the time to fix it. If your resolution for the New Year is to better your finances and to live a more frugal life, you need to lose the weight of your extra debt with a finance plan.

Set up a financial plan so you can pay off the extra debt you’ve accumulated as quickly as possible. You don’t want to still be paying for the sweater you bought for your mother during the month of July. Quickly paying off your holiday debt may give you the edge you need to set up a financial plan that will help you pay off the rest of your debt.

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Budgeting for Rental Apartment Utilities

by Ashley Miller

It takes more than the first month’s rent and a security deposit to afford an apartment, and while you may think you can squeak by on your rent every month, don’t forget that you’ll also have other monthly expenses to cover. The cost of utility bills will vary, but you can estimate your monthly expenses to plan your budget.

Electricity:

This is a must and most apartment complexes do not include electricity in their rent prices. For example, according to the Energy Information Administration, the average retail price for electricity in Maryland was 14.82 cents/kWh in April of 2009. That means that if you used the household average of 1000kwh/month, then your bill would be $148.20. However, if you try to limit your usage, you can expect to use close to only 250 to 500 kWh in a one bedroom apartment which averages between $37 and $74.
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Save Money on Your Landscaping

This is one of my favorite aspects of frugal living, the frugal landscape. It is very easy to do, saves you money, yet gives you the biggest bang. Within a few years you can have a yard that your friends are jealous of.

Take the time to walk around your yard and get an idea of what you would like to complete. Create a long term plan that may take you several years, and a short term plan for this year. Be open to changes in your landscape as it can evolve and you may have to settle for substitutions.
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Save Money on Your Food Bill : Grow Your Own Food

Everyone is looking for ways to save money this year, especially on their groceries. You can easily supplement your food bill by growing even a small amount of your own food.

Save Money With an Herb Garden

All you need to save money on your food bill is a windowsill. There are many window kits available that will allow you to grow a variety of fresh herbs in your kitchen. Even if you cannot afford a kit it is easy to gather a small cup or bowl from your cabinets, some dirt from your yard or an old flower pot, and purchase a packet of seeds. Herbs can be used fresh or you can dry them to get a longer shelf life out of your plants.

Save Money With a Container Garden

For those who wish to save money but only have a balcony or a patio without a yard you can till up, then your best bet may be a container garden. A container garden would also work for renters who are not allowed a large garden.
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Save Money This Spring On Your Yard

The weather is slowly warming up and many of us are faced with less money in our pockets and more work in our yards, especially as winter tore through and left limbs and torn up bushes in its path in many areas. Spring always reminds me of the things I need to get done around the house and as the brown turns to green I notice all the help my yard needs. Spring is one of my favorite times of year and brings with it all the best of frugal living as I begin to look for more ways to save money while getting the landscape I desire without the price many put out on their lawns. There are many ways to put your frugal living habits to work in your yard and save money on your garden and the projects it entails.
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Start Small to Save Big

Many are currently looking at their household budgets with new eyes or are looking at a budget for the first time. Often it is overwhelming to determine how to make your income coming in to match your income going out and they begin to think it is impossible to save money and that a frugal life is too difficult for them. Instead of throwing in the towel before you even get started, try a few simple things that will save you money this very month. Once you have adjusted to these changes you can add or take away until you have reached a comfortable frugal balance for you and your family. These simple tips will show an immediate effect in your pocketbook, which can give the motivation to stick with a frugal plan.
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Don’t Cheapen the Day: Have a Cheap Valentine’s Day

Many of you may be dreaming about diamonds and expensive restaurants but you will feel much better, and may even have more fun, by spending a day at home with your family. This year, February 14th is on a Saturday which means you can spend an entire day sharing the love without spending a great deal!

Here is how to create Valentine’s Day for under ten dollars using what you already have in your home and by purchasing a few items.
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