Back to School Savings

When it comes to back to school supplies you want to make sure you get all the necessary items for your child to have a productive school year.

Saving money on items your child needs for school is important. First before you head to the store to pick up all the items on your child's school supply list it is a great idea to look around your house and check to see if there may already be some items on the list that you already have. Items such as calculators, rulers, and backpacks do not need to be replaced necessarily each school year so don't be afraid to reuse these items, especially if the are in good shape. Secondly many organizations hold back to school activities that often are giving away school supplies. So if you are on a tight budget like many parents take the opportunity to go and participate in these activities; often times you get free food, entertainment, and also FREE school supplies.

Saving Money on gifts for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner but you haven't gotten your mom her gift yet have you? Many people immediately think of all the great expensive things you could purchase that would make her smile, but guess what? Most moms really don’t want you to spend all of your hard earned money on them. Mothers really just want to feel loved by the people they love the most. Delight your mom and don’t spend all of your savings with these top ten inexpensive gift ideas.







 1) Try a homemade breakfast in bed instead of an expensive brunch out. Many moms appreciates not getting dressed up. You will find you have more quality time without waiters hovering and other patrons sitting only a few feet away. You won’t have to rush and you can cook only things that she likes the way she likes them.

2) Homemade jewelry – Instead of buying jewelry which can be expensive even at the low end of the market. Make a pendent. Get a some leather string and visit a bead store and make your mom something special. This is only one idea. There are lots of craft kits and jewelry making options. YouTube offers a variety of lessons you can watch to see how to make DIY (Do-it-yourself) jewelry.







3) Do the chores. On Saturday prior to Mother’s Day, have the family due a spring cleaning. Maybe Mom can supervise rather than do the heavy lifting. This time of year many Mom’s are dreading having to deep clean the home. Yet, once it’s done everyone appreciates the hard work and effort. This year have everyone pitch in and have the house spic and span before she’s even had time to worry about it.

4) Massage. Massages can be a bit pricy so have the whole family chip in and send your mom to a spa for the day. If everyone contributes the price per person goes down, yet mom gets a nice treat. If you are not sure what services she would want, you can purchase a gift certificate.


5) Don't Wait, Buy Early: The best way to save money on Mother’s day is to purchase your gift when you find it during the year and not wait till the last minute. If your mom like’s collectibles, certain brands, jewelry, purchase it off season and keep it till Mother’s day. 

6) Sending flowers? Grow them and hand deliver. Seeds cost about $1.50 whereas florists can be
7) Plant a tree. If you have the yard for it, plant a tree. Your mom

will think of you every time she looks at the tree and you’ll all remember when you planted it. Get a tree that blooms flowers every spring and you will be sure to bring many smiles to her face.

8) Be There. If you don’t spend lots of time with your mom, give the gift of you. In order to keep the date inexpensive, perhaps you window shop and then make a picnic. Do some of the things that you remember her doing with you when you were little. If it’s a beautiful day, go to the zoo, or a park with coffees.

9) Make a memory book. Scan family photo’s and use an online service like Kodak or Shutterfly to make an album just for Mom. She will cherish it. If possible include some text that will make her smile – poems, notes, memories. Things that you all have shared over the years.

10) Homemade gifts – If you have young children, have them put handprints on a t-shirt or a hat or a memory box. Make mom something that the children (or grandchildren) have been involved in making. If you are looking for something really easy, a framed photo that they’ve drawn especially for Mom many times that much. It’s a bit harder if you don’t live in the same location. In this case, have your Dad run out and get fresh flowers locally vs. sending through a florist. You will still save bundles.

Prom Planning Ideas to Save Money

Prom for most high school student is a very important event, and they believe everything has to be perfect - from the outfit to the arrival.
However for most parents, making prom perfect isn’t cheap by far. Even a fairly modest prom can cost up to several hundred dollars. If you are a parent and don’t have that kind of cash, don’t worry. Cutting the costs doesn’t mean that you have to cut your childs dreams for the night. You can easily trim the budget without it being obvious that you’ve done so, as long as you know where to cut costs.

Here are more tips for saving money while planning a night your kids will remember.

 The Guy’s Outfit

1. Don’t Wear a Tux
With the new trends coming out and are already out many prom-goers choose to go for a more simple look such as suits or khaki pants and sports jackets.  Just because it is prom doesn’t mean that a tux is required. Both of those options are acceptable and are becoming more of a trend. This is one of the best ways to save on mens formal wear especially if your son already owns a suit.
2. Buy Instead of Renting
Surprisingly, sometimes it costs less to buy a tux than it does to rent one. This is especially true if your son will be attending more than one prom. Also check eBay and Craigslist for used tuxedos and suits. When prom is over, you can always resell it too.
3. Shop Around
Go to as many menswear stores as possible to gather information on prices. Then use that information to negotiate. Tuxedo shops have a lot of competition during prom season and may be willing to work with you. Also, get a group of your son’s friends together and see if the store will offer a discount if they all get their tux at the same place.
4. Be Open to Style and Brand
Don’t be afraid to go with an off-brand. No one will have any idea, or care, if the tuxedo is Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren.
5. Pass on Renting Accessories
Top hats, canes, and pocket squares might make for more fun pictures, but they all cost extra. Save the money on unnecessary accessories. Plus, some of these items could easily be misplaced or stolen during the long evening.

The Lady’s Outfit

6. Borrow the Dress
My younger sister wore all of my prom and homecoming dresses in following years. So not only did my parents get multiple uses out of the dresses, my sister never wore the same dress as anyone else since she was wearing the last season’s style. If your daughter has friends at other schools, they can also swap dresses with each other.
7. Shop Out of Season
Just like with wedding dresses, prom dresses can be had at bargain prices during the off-season. Consider shopping well in advance for next year’s prom or even right after this year’s prom when dresses will be on clearance.
8. Buy a Used Dress
Prom dresses tend to be in pretty good shape after being worn just once. Consider buying a used dress at a discount. Then sell it again after prom is over.
9. Keep an Open Mind
Encourage your daughter to try on as many dresses as possible while out shopping. Dresses tend to look different on the rack than they do on a person. And don’t let her get caught up in brand names. There are plenty of knock-offs that are much cheaper – and no one will know the difference.
10. Make Your Own
Remember the girl who made her dress out of Starburst wrappers? See how creative you can get, or just buy fabric with a great pattern you both really love, and put your daughter’s home economics skills to good use.
11. Swap Shoes
Just like with the dress, your daughter can easily borrow shoes from friends who are the same size. If your daughter is unable to swap shoes, remember that you can often find stylish shoes in inexpensive shops like Payless and Marshall’s, so there’s no need to go overboard buying expensive shoes that will only be worn once.

Hair and Makeup

12. Have a Friend or Family Member Help
You can cut costs by having a friend or family member take control of hair and makeup. This can easily save you between $50 to $100.
13. Go to a Cosmetology School
You can get great deals by getting hair and makeup done by someone who is not quite yet a professional but is close enough to do a professional looking job – for a lot less money.
14. Make Some One-of-a-Kind Accessories

Punch up a plain dress by getting crafty with your accessories. You can glue some rhinestones on a hair comb, or buy some beads from a craft store and string them together to make a necklace. Better yet, throw a craft party for your daughter’s friends and they can all make their own jewelry.
15. Visit the Cosmetics Counter
Makeup counters have professionals that will do your makeup for free (though it’s typically expected that you buy a piece of makeup). Just be aware that this tactic may be used by many other girls too, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance to make sure they can squeeze you in.

Food and Drinks

16. Dinner Party at Home
At my prom, my parents hosted a fondue dinner at our house. They waited on us, and it was so much more fun than a stuffy restaurant – and cheaper too!
17. Have a Prom Picnic
The weather is generally very nice during prom season, not too hot and not too cool. Consider doing a prom picnic or potluck, and enjoy the nice weather before going inside to dance.
18. Dine Out on a Budget
Sign up for group buying daily deals sites like Groupon and Living Social. Some local businesses will put on special bargains around prom time to draw in customers. Also, don’t forget to use restaurant coupons for discounts!

Prom Pictures

19. Skip Hiring a Professional
Since prom night is such a big deal to most teenagers, it’s only natural that they’re going to want a lasting memento of the event. Hiring a professional photographer won’t come cheap though, so you may want to consider taking your own photos or roping in someone who can take photographs that look professional for a fraction of the price (perhaps a friend or family member who is known to take good looking photos).
20. Avoid Official Prom Pictures
When I went to prom, there was always a professional photo stations where couples or groups of friends would have their photo taken to purchase picture packages. First off, only one shot was taken, and secondly, you were unable to see that shot before it was delivered to you after you paid. It is probably best to avoid this photo station. Instead, bring your own digital or disposable camera to take candid shots while dancing.
21. Bring a Disposable Camera to Prom or use Cellphone Cameras
Not only are disposable cameras cheap, but you won’t risk losing an expensive camera – or worse getting it stolen. Disposables can still capture all the fun memories of the night. Most cellphones now have cameras on them and most kids already carry their cellphone everywhere with them especially now that Instagram (social network site) is around.

Transportation

22. Split the Limo
Splitting the limo price with other couples who are also attending the prom is probably the most cost effective way of footing the bill, and it can be fun to arrive together as a group. Either way, be sure to shop around to get the best deal. Generally speaking, the cost of hiring a limo will rise as you get closer to prom night, so it can pay to book early for a good deal.
23. Rent a Car Instead of a Limo
Another way to save money but arrive in style is to rent a nice car. This is a lot cheaper than renting a limo, and it can be really fun. Just make sure that you pick a rental car company that is okay with 18-year-old drivers.
24. Pile in a Van
You can get a lot more kids in a 15-passenger van that you can in a limo. Remember, the more the merrier, but make sure that the driver is safe, cautious, and experienced.

Flowers

25. Forgo Corsages by Going to Prom with Friends
Instead of guys buying girls corsages and girls buying guys boutonnieres, go to prom with a group of friends. That way no one has to pay for flowers for someone else to wear.
26. Make Your Own Corsage
You can buy flowers at your grocery store or online and then create the corsage the day before the prom – saving a lot of money at the florist.
27. Don’t Buy a Wrist Corsage
Wrist corsages tend to be more labor intensive to make than pin-on corsages, and therefore more expensive. Opt for the pin-on corsage and then use a ribbon to tie it on to a wrist.

 

How to save money for Thanksgiving!!!!

In america during holiday season families waste approximately 25% or more of all food prepared. 

Norman Rockwell's painting "freedom from want" looks picture perfect to the type of ideal thanksgiving dinner most of us know. Those faces of anticipation around the Thanksgiving table have probably permeated all of our ideas of the holiday. Norman Rockwell's idea of Thanksgiving involves turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and green beans, however it does not mean that you have to be obligated to any of these dishes especially if these dishes have gone uneaten previously. Consider scaling back to save money, time, effort, and waste. Here are some helpful tips to help you save money.

Tip 1 

Consider using smaller plates. Many people tend to take more food and become wasteful when using larger plates. By using smaller plates people are more likely to finish all of there food. 

Tip 2

Buy seasonal and off brand items. Food cost have risen drastically over the years so consider going to the nearest farmers market to stock up on seasonal products for your feast. Purchase off brand products which taste just as good if not better than your name brand products. Guys its only the nae your paying more for.

Tip 3

It's so easy to decorate during fall season use what you have on hand. With Thanksgiving being in the fall season you can find a lot of decorations right in your backyard. 

How to get donations on special events, or advertisers for projects

You can get money to help fund your project, whether it is a special event, magazine, or anything in between. How? Well its simple. Special events can assuredly generate revenues especially if it is well planned. If you are repeating a past event, you are in a better position to know how to reduce your costs as well as predict your net income.Special events  provides an opportunity to invite new people and thus broaden your constituency. No other form of fundraising can bring so much pleasure to both the organizers and the participants. Special events can be both rewarding and fun. Special events signal to the public at large the numerical strength of your constituency and the resulting leverage that you can bring to bear on any issue your group might decide to tackle. Successful events become traditions in their own right, drawing old and new participants each year. Focus on small to mid sized companies locally and understand the information that is readily available online. It's not hard at all, just take your time and put in effort and you can actually develop some superior relationships that work. 

1) Research and make a list of companies that can coincide with what you have in mind for your project and appeals to your values. 

2) Make contact, with technology being so advanced these days many think it is easier to send emails or mail. It is best to start off by making a personal connection lie a phone call or a meeting. This is how you convince them your awesome. When they ask "Do you have anything we can look at"? You of course should reply, "Yes" then give them your pitch. This works especially if you have a clearly mutual benefit. Your not selling here your simply making a connection that benefits everyone.

3) Have a specific request ready. When requesting donations it is best to have a nicely crafted template for the type of donation you are requesting.If you are requesting food talk a little about what the food is for and who will benefit.

 Offer an opportunity that promotes their business at your event. Ask if they have flyers or some sort of marketing material about their business they would like displayed at your event. Follow up with an email. Because mainly business owners are busy, email and phone calls are usually a good way to follow up from your in person meeting. 

4) Make your appreciation known. Even if you do receive a donation send a thank you card that includes a photo from your event. This encourages them to donate again in the future. 

Saving Money on Halloween Costumes

Halloween is now less than 4 weeks away, however you can still decide on a perfect costume for you and your little one(s). It's always a good idea to start early to avoid the late crowd that occurs late in October. Consider these 3 strategies to avoid spending a whole lot of money on a costume.

1) Look at what you already have on hand. Is your child in sports? If so he or she could use their uniforms for a costume. A child who plays soccer, football, or basketball could go as a soccer player, basketball player, or football player.              
    If your child is in dance, or cheerleading you can use these also

2) Check craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores. There are already a bunch of costumes up for sale on craigslist. Start searching now and don't forget you can negotiate the price with the seller. 

Yard sales and thrift stores often have alot of costumes that are in great shape and have only been used maybe one time.

3) Buy clothing with a Halloween costume in mind. If you are planning on purchasing your children certain clothing items such as a raincoat. Consider buying one that looks similar to what the child desires to be such as a Spongebob rain coat or fireman.

Also children's pajamas can double up as a costume. 

Saving money on decorations during holiday season

With the holidays vastly approaching the best way to save money and also the easiest way to save money on decorations is to decide you will not be spending money on decorations.

But you ask "Why not?" and "How will this work for me?" I understand we all want our homes/parties to look festive during the holidays for our guests, so you ask, "What do we do then?". 
Turn on the fireplace, make some hot chocolate, throw some holiday music on and roll up your sleeves cause I have 10 ways to keep that holiday cheer for less than you expected.

1)Plain and simple use what you have
Think about it do you really have to bring more stuff into your home? Go to your storage room and make an inventory of all you have. After all you maybe pretty surprised by all the stuff you already own. Think about how you decorated in previous years and change up your ideas you can mix and match as much as you need to after all how did you make it in previous years?

2)Use as minimum as possible for a chic style. Sometimes you don't have to over do the decorations especially if your dealing with financial issues so there is absolutely no way you should feel bad.

3) Use nature to help you this year! Go outside and gather up sticks and pine cones or whatever you desire and spray paint them. This make for a cheaper way of decorating.

4) Make your own garland. This you can do using cranberries and popcorn. Make sure the popcorn is a day old because fresh popcorn breaks easily.

5) Bake and decorate a gingerbread house. This is fun for the whole family and is also delicious. This also requires some time and planning. This helps teach children the value of time and preparation. 

6) Sew your own stockings. This is very fun and crafty. Your kids will absolutely enjoy this also. You can get about any kind of fabric you already own or even old clothing and use. However, felt is the easiest to use because it cuts very easily. You tube has several ways they can show you how to create your own stocking. 

7) Cut out snowflakes using paper. This is also very fun and exciting for kids. Many kids love to cut up paper anyhow so why not let them create snowflakes with you. You can hang the snowflakes virtually anywhere you desire to create a festive look in your home. 

8) Use old holiday cards for decorations. You can line up your mantle, bookshelves,stairs, or tables. Punch holes in the cards also and string them up along your doorway or etc. like a banner. This is very easy and very cheap especially if you kept cards from previous years. 

9) Set a budget if you simply must shop. If you must shop decide what you plan to buy and what is your limit before you step foot inside a store. Go to the store with a set dollar amount you are going to spend and do not go over your budget.

10) Shop at discount stores. Check out your dollar stores such as dollar tree for holiday decor. You will be pretty surprised at what you can buy for a buck. Also check out yard sales and flea markets too. Many times people get rid of perfectly good holiday decor because they simply want new items. Hey they say one man's trash is another man's treasure. So go treasure hunting!