For affordable unique holiday shopping

http://www.etsy.com/
A great place to shop for handmade goods or vintage items.

Helping the youth. Frugal style.

It has been brought to my attention that even the young in our society are looking for ways to make some extra money. I think it may be a trickle down effect from the adults. Since the adults are tightening the budgets and not buying them everything they want. Personally, I feel the children of today are spoiled and the current economic times will teach them valuable lessons. On the other hand, if children need those spikes to play football , or money for dance lessons, or have out grown their bike, the following is what I suggest.

Do what they love and make some money at it. Do you down load music on to Cd's or M3P's? Like keeping a clean room? Are you good at Math? Are you a crafter? People are in need of your services.. Make a flyer and post around the neighborhood or at food stores. I know I have paid $50 to have some one clean , wash and wax my car before. I was happy to pay and saved $50 by not taking it to a professional detailing company. The money is there. Go get it. Think outside the box. I also had a young man mow my lawn for $15 a week. Of course , he used my gas and mower, but I enjoyed the free time. You could also call all your relatives and ask if they need your services or have any odd job for you to do. You may also ask them if they have any unwanted items for a yard sale . You may also want to rent a spot at a flea market ($20) to sell items. Another way to make a few bucks is to sell unwanted clothes at a consignment store. If you have land available ....grow a pumpkin patch. Too late for this now, but a great idea for next year. Have fun.

Auto's on the cheap.

Everyone has their dream car. Mine is the Karmann Ghia. Odd but true. I saw my first Ghia at the tender age of 16 and fell head over heals in love. Laugh if must...but to me it is one of the most stylish autos ever made and cheap on gas. Frugal and beautiful, what a combination.

Enough about me. This post is in response to the person wanting to know how to get an affordable auto. The most expensive way is to purchase new. Although, with this years cash for Klunkers government program it isn't so. For example : If you purchased a Nissan Versa or similar car for around $10 to $11k. minus the $4500 trade in for your klunker you can get a cheap new car with very low payments. If I had a klunker I would certainly buy one. By the way, this would be the only way I would suggest trading in an auto. Always sell out right. Option 2: You could purchase used ,but be sure you do your research online to see how it performs. Google common problems with "type of auto". Google will tell you the truth. You will also want to find out the average value of that type of auto. Don't pay too much. Personally I have saved considerable amount of money buying off lease autos. They are loaded ,low mileage, clean classy autos. Contact a large dealership for these. Another great way is to search on http://www.overstock.com/ Keep in mind that autos depreciate in value. Although, if you purchase a classic auto you will have a great car and it will increase in value. If you are the type who likes to keep up with the Jones' this may be the way to go. Mr or Mrs. Jones may waste $ on a new auto every year and your budget wont allow you. You invest in a classic Mustang, you will be the one coming out ahead. Something to think about....Isn't it? Personally, I like what I like. I prefer stylish autos that are cheap on the gas. Anyway.... Bartering is another way to obtain an auto. When you have established what you want post a wanted ad on http://www.craigslist.com/ or auto locator's paper. You could also call and propose an arrangement to the owners who are selling. In exchange for the auto you offer what you specialize in or enjoy doing. Someone may need a bookkeeper, electrician, contractor, handyman, house cleaner, gardener, artist, photographer.... and they have the auto you want. A combination of cash and barter may work also. I've had good luck on a short term payment plan when I knew I had income tax or Christmas club money coming soon. Always type up something and sign it. You could have it notarized as well. Bartering may seem odd but in this economy people are willing to consider alternatives. Are in need of a basic ride for little or no money? You 're out of luck. Just kidding, contact your local Treehab, or job training and placement organization. They are the people who put on job fairs in your area. Most communities have them. They all have different names but all will assist in training you for employment and help you purchase low cost autos. The local Dept. of Welfare or I believe they call it the county Assistance office can help as well.

*Note to the single ladies: Always be cautious when going to see theses privately owned autos. Bring the big nephew or neighbor guy with you.

Take my survey and keep asking questions. I'm happy to share my frugal knowledge.

Frugal flowers season

This is my favorite time of the year. Just cool enough to wear a sweater. This is also the time when I bring in all my potted plants. To add color to the front of my home I have geraniums in various colors in large pots . I also have portulacas plants planted at the bottom of my potted tropical foliage and potted tropical cannas. As you would imagine it is quite a colorful display. These plants were given to me years ago. Each year I forgo buying flowers for the front of my home. I reuse the the previous years plants. It does take a little care through out the winter. You must water and occasionally feed the plants. I feel it is well worth it, considering the savings and beautiful entrance to my home . You will find they get larger each year. I break off the large branches of the geraniums and stick them in other dirt filled pots to share with frugal friends. The tropical cannas will also need to be dug up and shared with friends as well. As for the portulacas, they die back but reseed themselves to grow again in spring. The plants also look great in the house. I have a chair by them that I sit and enjoy my tea occasionally during the winter. I pretend it's summer, and in that room it is.