It's that time of year when all the children are bugging their parents to go to the local fair or carnival. They are great family fun but can really hurt the pocketbook or wallet. Fear not, I have a few suggestions for you to enjoy on the cheap. Keep in mind that there is usually a day set aside for children to ride all the rides after purchasing a bracelet for $6-$8.00
Another great idea is to feed the children just before you take them and pack snacks and a few fun toys. You can also ask the older children to bring along some of their allowance if they want something special. The funny thing is that they never want to spend their money. I guess we are raising them right , after all.
If your a local person who subscribes to my blog, listen to this great deal.
Christ Church will be having a booth at Towanda Riverfest. They will be offering free coloring pages for the children, note pad magnets for parents, prayer beads for those signing up for Sunday school, and for a small 50 cent donation to the church you can get a balloon animal or face painting.
I know I'll stop over for balloon animal. Hope to see you there.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
21 Things you should never buy new.
If you're looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they're usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here's a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.
1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video: Games Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
Lynn Truong is the co-founder and Deals Editor of Wise Bread, a blog dedicated to helping readers live large on a small budget. Wise Bread's book, 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, debuted as the #1 Money Management book on Amazon.com.
1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video: Games Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
Lynn Truong is the co-founder and Deals Editor of Wise Bread, a blog dedicated to helping readers live large on a small budget. Wise Bread's book, 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, debuted as the #1 Money Management book on Amazon.com.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sell your books for cash.
Go to Cash4books.net
Sell Your Books
In Three Easy Steps:
1. Enter books
to sell
Type the ISBNs from your books into the form on the right.
2. Ship for FREE
Print a shipping label right from your computer.
3. Get paid
Payment sent out after we receive your books.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sell Your Books
In Three Easy Steps:
1. Enter books
to sell
Type the ISBNs from your books into the form on the right.
2. Ship for FREE
Print a shipping label right from your computer.
3. Get paid
Payment sent out after we receive your books.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Save on cell bill.
If you are like me, you may be going over your minutes on your cell phone. I have found a solution to this problem and wish to share it with you.
OverMyMinutes.com is the only website around that proactively monitors your cell phone activity. Started in 2007, OverMyMinutes was created in response to the growing problem of costly cell phone overages. OverMyMinutes has quickly become THE place to go on the Internet when you want to stay on top of your minutes (and soon text messages). This is a FREE service.
OverMyMinutes.com is the only website around that proactively monitors your cell phone activity. Started in 2007, OverMyMinutes was created in response to the growing problem of costly cell phone overages. OverMyMinutes has quickly become THE place to go on the Internet when you want to stay on top of your minutes (and soon text messages). This is a FREE service.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
For those in need this holiday season: Spread the word.
3rd annual FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER
and coat giveaway
Open to Everyone!!!
December 25, 2009
Lanesboro Community Center
Main Street, Lanesboro/Susquehan na
serving noon to 3PM
for info call: 570-727-2371 (leave name and number)
sponsored by The Good Samaritan & Body of Christ Church
and coat giveaway
Open to Everyone!!!
December 25, 2009
Lanesboro Community Center
Main Street, Lanesboro/Susquehan na
serving noon to 3PM
for info call: 570-727-2371 (leave name and number)
sponsored by The Good Samaritan & Body of Christ Church
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Free to low cost vacation.
The only free vacation I know of is camping in the back yard. It can be great fun. String some Christmas lights, and pitch a tent. A small fire in a galvanized tub would be nice also. Although, an almost free vacation can be taken with friends or relatives that live in nice locations. Think about it.... All you need is gas money or a ticket and you can stay and eat for free with friends or relatives. I would suggest returning the favor when they come a knocking on your door some day. You also may want to make it a long weekend and not a week vacation. Remember....House guests and fish start to stink after a few days. House sitting for some one while they are on vacation may also be an option. You might even get a few bucks to feed the dog. You can also go on mini vacations to resort communities,if you don't mind the sales pitch. WWW.vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owners)is another good site to find an affordable place to stay on vacation. Just drive to the location and buy groceries for the week. Some places even allow your dog or cat. You could also go with friends and split the costs. I understand there is also vaction home swap site but, I don't know if you would want some one living in your home. You may also want to contact your local travel shop. I understand there are great bargins right now. Best of Luck.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
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.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Welcome to Fabulous and Frugal Times
Learn how to live LARGE on less. How do I know this can be done? I am living proof. This blog is not for the ordinary people who want to live ordinary lives. This blog is for the the extraordinary people who wish to live extraordinary lives. In today's economy many of us struggle . I can show you how you can have it all and not break the bank.
As I am not a professional writer, please excuse my errors. My goal is not to be a great writer but a great teacher and to make a positive impact on peoples lives. Feel free to ask me questions as I am happy to help you . Please be aware that all the ideas I give are ideas I have used in my own life. Although, they may seem a little odd or take a little doing. The rewards are great.
To start you need a spiral note book or journal. Big is better than small. You decide what you feel comfortable with . For the ladies, you may want to carry it in your purse or the guys may want to put it in the briefcase or auto. When you are home, keep it in a place where you spend the most time . Bedrooms are for sleep. This book will become your best tool to live large on less. Keep it with you always.
Warning: People may tease you about the book. I hear it all the time. Fear not. It will soon stop when they realize you are now building a new home and you are driving a new auto and you look great in your new wardrobe due to that book.
I believe the logical place to start would be income. You must have some income to live. It is extremely important to be aware of your cash flow. Please remember to write down all sources of your income.
On first page of journal write your name and number and offer a reward if found. Don't give a dollar amount.
On the next page write all your income sources. Leave space and total it.
Now that you know what you have to work with take 5 minutes to brainstorm how you could make that number larger. EX. Could you rent garage space or your basement apartment or camper? Do you have a hobby you love that you could profit from? Could you purge yourself of unwanted unused items and sell them for a little nest egg? I will speak more on this topic in the future.
Skip a couple pages and write down your expenses. Look through your check book or credit card statements. This may help you. Include gas , payments, hair cuts, entertainment, gifts, auto repairs , co- pays, lunch money etc. This exercise is just to make you aware of what you are spending. Total this and subract this figure from your income figure.
Are you in the red? If so read the following:
You are spending above your means now and should make an effort to cut out unnecessary spending. No surprise right? Take a hard look and start to reduce your expenses. Can you cut back on cable TV? Pack a lunch or eat a side salad on the dollar menu? Can you cut features on your cell phone or home phone? Have you tried vontage or magic jack? Go to vo tec and get a mani pedi for $5 and save $35. Now is the opportunity for you to ask questions. Contact me with any expense that needs reduced. I can find you an affordable alternative.
DON'T LOOSE HEART.. PART OF LIVING LARGE AND FABULOUS ON LESS IS USING ALTERNATIVES TO THE NORM. I WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS STORM .
Now for my favorite part.....
Skip a few pages after the expenses and write," My new life"
On this page write everything you want in your life . Think big.
EX. Spouse of your dreams, list their qualities. Maybe a better relationship with some one.
home, car, pet, toys, vacations, opportunities for you or your family members. Education? Learn a hobby? Weight loss? Is there something your children or spouse may want? Don't forget them. new car? Tree house? Riding lessons? Big wedding? You are only limited by yourself. You deserve it. Just write it down.
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