Search Results for: blog will that big ticket item really save you money

Avoiding Money Traps

I’m addicted to these things, but at nearly $10 per box, I can’t afford to purchase them on a regular basis. Not just because they put a strain on my grocery bill, but if I ate as many as I wanted, I’d have to shell out additional money to purchase new pants. Mini donuts = money trap… but a dang fine tasting money trap. Thinking before you buy an item is a sure-fire way to avoid money traps. Exercise conscious spending. Before you fill fridge with cinnamon goodness or your den with pricey electronics or your kid’s room with a … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Month in Review: June 2008

What a happy month is June, filled with the renewal of spring and the promise of summer. In the last month, we have shared so many ideas for frugal living and saving money. This past month has seen some pretty big increases in food, gas and other items (look for an upcoming post about strawberries increasing more than 100 percent). Now more than ever, it is important to save money where we can. This is why I decided to do a month in review. June 2nd Frugal Living Review: May 26th Through June 1st Garage sale shopping has got to … Continue reading →

Bargain Hunting at the Local Scrapbook Store

The cost of scrapbooking can get high and even out of control. With all the new gadgets and tools and papers and products, it is easy to let it get the best of you and allow your hobby to take control of not only your life but your budget too. And if you don’t have anywhere nearby that you can purchase cheap supplies and your only option is the local scrapbook store, this can put a bigger damper on your budget. Scrapbook stores can be expensive. So how do you bargain hunt at the local scrapbook store when all the … Continue reading →

Tips to Remember When Spending on Scrapbook Supplies

With tax season over today, and everyone shuffling to get those last minute returns filed, I thought I would remind you of some good ways to spend your money on scrapbooking supplies. I don’t know too many scrapbooker’s who don’t purchase something for themselves with the tax money they get back. Here are a few tips to spending wisely. The Dollar Per Use Rule – Before you spend any money at all on a scrapbooking tool or supply, be sure that it is something you really think you will use. Keep in mind that there is a dollar to use … Continue reading →

Budgeting a Large Purchase

Want a new big screen television to ring in the New Year? I don’t blame you; they are certainly all the rage. Plus, those after Christmas sales can be a way to save money on big ticket items. Still, no matter how good the sale, these sorts of purchases can’t come out of our normal miscellaneous expenses in our budget. The key is to find a way to buy what we want without disrupting our cash flow. There are three main ways to budget for a larger purchase, like a car or fancy television. Find the one that works best … Continue reading →

Why Not Ask?

Have you ever been out shopping and notice that something you are purchasing has a small flaw? Did you put it back on the shelf or buy it anyway? If it is something you can live with, next time… ask the store for a discount. Last time you were shopping, did you have to wait in an especially long line? Was there an unusual delay to the start of an event? Next time, ask for a discount. Basically, it can often simply take the effort to ask and you can save money. Certainly the worst thing the store can say … Continue reading →

Use the Phone

Have you ever found yourself driving all over town to find an item at the best price? Then finally giving in and buying it at the second stop to save the hassle. This is a common situation where we start off with the best intentions to save money and then the traffic or the swift salesperson throws us off. The phone is your weapon in defense. A crafty salesperson can’t convince you to buy and you can cover more ground much quicker. Using your phone for product research can benefit you whether you are buying school supplies or a car. … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week in Review for August 20th-26th, 2007

As summer is slowly drawing to a close and school is finally back in session for most children including the homeschooling families, it is the perfect time to take a look at your frugal habits. Evaluate what is going well for your family, and what might not actually be working. Some things you cannot save money on year-round. Some seasons are better than others for certain savings. Just evaluate where you are and look forward into new ways and methods to save money. Look what great ways we showed you how to save money in the frugal living blog this … Continue reading →

Money Week in Review August 13 – August 19

Are you considering a large purchase that you hope will actually help you make or save money in the long run? This may be a hybrid car or an energy efficient appliance. Whatever you have in mind, Miriam provides some important considerations before you make this leap. Read Will that Big Ticket Item Really Save You Money? before you head out shopping. Having financial goals is the key to success in money. Let Miriam’s article on Financial Priorities walk you through some thoughtful steps to determine exactly what your individual goals actually are. Once you have determined these specific goals, … Continue reading →

Stopping Your Spending Spree

How do you stop a spending spree? Have you ever had one? Be honest. I know that there are a few people who haven’t, but most people experience at least one in their lives. You could have just moved into a new house, and then decided that you did not want to wait to buy new furniture and went a little crazy. You may have gotten a new computer and decided that with the new hardware, you need all the latest software as well. Or it may be a new gaming system, a new big screen television, and a new … Continue reading →