Live Debt Free

Pay off debt. Save. Give. Live your mission.

Where Can You Find Extra Money for the Holidays

by //

The holiday season is a time for joy and giving. This can be difficult for people living on a budget or living paycheck to paycheck. So, what are some ways you can save extra money for the holidays? 

With a little effort and extra work, you can find extra money to help you get through the holiday season. From bartering for the things you need, picking up things for free, or even working a new job in your free time, having the best holiday is possible with some planning. 

Frugal Grocery Shopping

Looking for items on sale or using coupons when grocery shopping may not seem like significant savings, but it can add up over time.

Clipping coupons and having a plan before you go to the grocery store can help you reduce your weekly food budget. Plan your meals and utilize the week’s current sales to stretch your grocery budget and keep more money in your pocket.   

Reduce and Reuse

We tend to throw away a lot of items. If you are trying to save money, consider what you are throwing away and see if there are any items you can reuse. For example, it may seem frugal to reuse sandwich bags, but the cost savings, compared to buying new ones, may be worth the extra effort. 

And Recycle

Saving your aluminum cans rather than throwing them away can net you a significant amount of money if you turn them into a scrap metal recycling facility yourself. This will not only put a few extra dollars in your pocket for the holiday season, but if you do not have a recycling program, it can also help the environment. That is a win-win situation. 

Buy and Sell Used Goods

It would help if you also considered buying used when you are looking to purchase something. There are numerous online sites to buy, sell, and trade used goods.

Places like eBay, Mercari, and even Facebook will allow you to buy used goods, giving you significant savings over new items.  

You can also use them to sell off any items you are not using. For example, old clothes, sporting equipment, and even furniture can be sold, providing you with extra holiday money.

This will also allow you to declutter your home before the holidays. 

The Work at Home Woman has more great saving tips.

Reduce Your Spending

Saving for the holidays will allow you to look at your spending habits and reduce any frivolous or unneeded spending.

You can cancel any unused subscriptions or reduce or quit any expensive habits you may have that are putting a drain on your bank account. You can use this opportunity not only as a money-saving venture but also to improve yourself for the future. 

Free Events

Saving money doesn’t mean staying at home and not enjoying yourself. Find free events in your area to attend to give yourself a night out without spending all the money you have saved during the week.

Many places have free concerts, outdoor movies, and nature walks. You can also visit your local library and attend parades, art shows, or even sporting events, all for free. 

Check your local listings to see what events are available in your area and spend some time enjoying the effort you put into saving for the holidays.  

Hobbies

Your hobbies during your downtime can also help you save money. For example, gardening activities will be enjoyable and help reduce your monthly grocery bill. On the other hand, camping and birdwatching may not save you significantly but can replace activities that would cost money, such as shopping or other events. 

Learning a new skill, such as embroidery or painting, can also save you money or even become a source of income when you can produce goods and services from these hobbies in the future.

Cooking at Home

Eating takeout or sitting down at a restaurant can take up a significant portion of someone’s budget. However, reducing the times you order takeout and cook meals at home can add up to significant savings. 

Planning and preparing extra food when cooking meals to take for lunch instead of purchasing food each day can save you a considerable amount of money and put you on the right track to saving the money you will need for the holidays.

Extra Income

If you do not have any money saved for the holidays, the best way to prepare is to earn extra income. There are many services you can provide during your free time to provide you with the extra money you need for the holiday season. In addition, taking an additional part-time job will provide you with the income you need to prepare for the holiday. 

Delivering groceries, driving Uber or Lyft, or delivering takeout are all services you can do during your free time to increase your income before the holidays. They are easy to set up and start, and do not have set hours, so you can adjust them to fit your schedule. 

Conclusion

By looking at your habits, you can reduce your spending to save for the holidays. Reducing things you need and reusing products can keep money in your pocket. Taking lunch to work and reducing your takeout orders will also keep your budget in check. Lastly, finding and attending free events in your town will ensure you can still have a social life while maintaining your budget. 

The best way to increase your holiday savings is to earn more income. Working additional jobs such as Uber and Lyft and delivering food or groceries are easy to start up and provide flexible hours to work when you have free time. They can add a significant amount to your income and build your savings so you and your family can enjoy a happy holiday season. 

Image Credit: [LawrenceSawyer]

Frugal Living Tips That Don’t Save You Money

by //

Everyone is trying to cut costs, and living frugally will become more important with a global recession on the horizon. You can do some practical things to cut costs, like turning off lights when you leave a room, but many “frugal” methods end up wasting time and money. 

Millions of frugal living tips are out there, but not all will save you the money you hoped. Some are sales pitches disguised as money savers.

Here is a list of frugal living tips that do not save money.

Skipping Routine Car Repairs and Maintenance

Oil changes can cost $40, and a new tire can cost more. You may think you can get by without either, but you will pay more when your car breaks down, or you have a flat. In the end, it is cheaper to maintain your vehicle so you can work. 

Using a Lot of Food Savings Apps

Apps are great, and you can save money on food and toiletries. However, it would help if you were careful about what you buy because some coupon apps are for higher-priced items you would never buy. 

Buying Items in Bulk

People stroll into wholesale warehouses and come out with a gallon of pickles. It never occurs to them while they are shopping if they can eat all those pickles. The truth is this: many bulk purchases will go bad before your family finishes them.

That said, you can save buying in bulk with particular items. Buying a side of beef and having it cut and stashed in the freezer may mean you never go to the store all winter. Depending on the price, it may be worth it.

However, buying one hundred rolls of toilet paper because it’s three cents cheaper per roll than a four-roll package will cost you more this week and won’t save you much.

Not Buying Health Insurance

People, particularly younger people, think they are healthy enough not to buy health insurance. The problem is that they could get hurt in an accident or come down with a sudden illness.

We got a good dose of the unexpected with the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep your insurance. 

Trying To Fix a Home Repair Yourself

Some homeowners are handy and know how to use tools. They have no problem fixing a wall socket or a leaky sink, and it would be a waste of money to call a professional. Then, there are the rest of us. 

It’s OK to learn about home repairs and try to do some things yourself but stay in your lane. Taking on a series of repairs without knowledge, experience, or tools will cost you much more money, especially when you call a professional.

https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/5-home-repairs-you-should-never-do-yourself.htm

Getting Budget Airline Tickets

There is a saying that you get what you pay for, which is undoubtedly true with airlines. Finding a cheap flight or looking for different options is not bad. The problem is when you go for the most affordable without reading the fine print. These are the airlines that may you pay for items that are usually included. 

You could be paying to stow your carry-on as well as your peanuts. It could cost you more than a standard ticket when it is all over. 

Eating Cheap Food

You may think that ordering off the dollar menu is smart, just like buying that package of hot dogs for a dollar. It’s not. This kind of food has all sorts of fillers that contain no nutritional value and leave you hungrier.

Junk food may seem cheap, but, in the end, you will spend more on it than you would on good, solid food like meats and vegetables that are more filling.

Skimping on Car Insurance

Most states have laws about car insurance and will fine those who are caught without it. Plus, it could cost you thousands of dollars and put you in legal danger if you are in an accident. 

Buying Stuff You Wouldn’t Normally Buy on Sale

Those sales are so tempting, but if it is something you wouldn’t otherwise think about buying or don’t need, then it isn’t saving money. You should make sure you need the item before you are lured into purchasing from a super sale. 

Buying from Yard Sales

People flock to yard sales because of the idea of finding that special item that could be worth a fortune. Yet, most of it is junk. Feel free to buy things that you think will add value to your life that you would enjoy or need, but do not buy them from a yard sale just because it’s interesting. 

Buying with a Rebate You Won’t Use

Rebates can help reduce the cost of an item, but they are a pain to get. You must go online, print out a form, fill it out, include a copy of the receipt, and mail it in. Then, wait four to six weeks to get your rebate check. 

Do not buy the rebate item unless you plan to go through that process. Otherwise, you will end up paying the total price anyway. 

Signing Up for Services to Get Something Free

Many subscriptions claim you can get a month free if you sign up for three months. Before you buy, make sure you want the service and will use it. Otherwise, you are throwing money away. 

Ordering More to Get Free Shipping

Some online services will give you a minimum order to get free shipping. Watch out for it because it may cost you more to meet the minimum purchase than it would be to pay for the shipping.

Conclusion

The secret to living frugally is only to buy what you need and use. That requires some planning and discipline to walk away when it does not. It is good to find what you want, save for it, and then find that item with the best price. Then you are assured of saving money.

Image Credit: [Zimmytw]

Best Tips To Summerize Your Home and Save Money

by //

It is almost that time of year when we finally get to play outside, drink lemonade, and break out our favorite shorts and sandals.

For most people, summertime is highly anticipated, in all ways but one: the heat. When the temperature increases, the energy bills go up as well.

The increase in the electric bill to keep that AC running is something most people dread. If you are already living on a tight budget, an increase of even a few dollars in utility bills can make a big difference.

But you can take measures to help keep your home cooler in the summer and keep more money in your pocket. Here are some steps to summerize your home.

Outside Your Home

Here are a few places to start on keeping your home safe from the withering summer sun!

Seal up that fireplace!

Experts estimate that uncovered fireplaces add up to six million dollars a year in wasted energy bills. Although they may help to heat your home in the winter months, leaving a fireplace as is during the summer allows cooled air to escape.

You can install a door over the front of the fireplace to keep the air from entering the chimney. Also, make sure the flue or damper is closed and consider a seal or insert to keep cool air inside where it belongs.

Let Mother Nature Do the Work

The landscaping around your home can help absorb some of the heat created by that summer sunshine and make cooling areas of shade simultaneously. For example, plant deciduous trees and shrubs that will shade walls and roof sections that receive the most direct sunlight. It also helps to shade outdoor AC units.

Consider the benefits that trees will provide during the winter months and avoid blocking any breezes that can help to cool your home. For the best advice, ask a professional landscaper for advice on which plants and trees to choose and where to place them for optimal cooling.

Install Overhangs

A roof overhang protects your windows and the exterior of the house and prevents that hot summer sun from beating directly against your windows. This helps the entire house stay cooler and will lower energy costs.

Paint It White?

Light colors reflect light and heat away from your home instead of absorbing it as dark colors do. Therefore, you probably want to consult an expert before painting your shingles.

Windows and Doors

Most of the cool air that escapes from your home gets out through the windows and doors. So, doing some preventive maintenance in these places, like putting up weather sealing strips, can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.

Replace Storm Doors

Many people remove the windows in their storm doors for screens during the summer months. This will allow you to take advantage of cool breezes on days when you do not need the air conditioner.

Check The Gaps

Check the window screens around your home for gaps and tears. Adding caulk around windows and door frames helps seal up gaps that you may not be able to see. Any space where cooled air can escape from your home will make your air conditioner work harder and add to your energy costs.

Keep the Sunshine Out

Covering windows in your home with heavy drapes and blinds will block the sun’s rays and help to insulate them. This keeps the heat from the sun outside while keeping the cooled air inside.

The most important windows to cover will be on the west and south sides of the home, where the sunlight is most direct. You can even choose thermal curtains and solar shades to get the best chance at providing extra insulation.

Time for New Windows?

If your home has older windows, it might be time to invest in energy-efficient windows. While the upfront cost may be high, upgraded windows will save you money in the long run. Solar window films, especially the Low-E kind, are another way to keep warm air from coming in through your windows.

Cool Night Air

While the windows should be closed during hot days while the air-conditioner is buzzing away, take advantage of those cooler night temperatures by opening curtains and windows as far as possible. Allowing your home to cool off naturally overnight rather than running the AC all night will save substantial money.

Let the Breeze Blow

If you have windows in your home that are across from each other or even diagonally spaced, open both windows to create a cross breeze that will naturally cool the space. Enhance the effect with a fan in each window, one set to pull air in and the other reversed to blow air out.

Speaking of Fans

The more fans you have, the better. Fans will help circulate the air in your home, whether you have an air-conditioner or not. Place fans in rooms you occupy frequently. If you have ceiling fans in your home, make sure they are set to reverse (counterclockwise) to pull warm air up toward the ceiling instead of blowing it down.

Keep It Cool with AC

If you are in the market for a new air conditioning system, consider the pros and cons of window units and central air systems before deciding which is suitable for your home.

Window units are very inexpensive, considering their value on a sweltering day. And you can move them from room to room if needed.

A central air conditioning system may be more economical, depending on the size of your home. It will cost more upfront but may save you money over time. Plus, it adds value to your home. However, consider additional costs like maintenance and repairs.

If you choose an outdoor central air system, keep it clean from dirt and debris that can block the airflow. You will also want to have it serviced regularly to keep it in peak performance shape. Have the professional check for freon leaks and change the filter every thirty to ninety days.

Size Does Matter

Choosing the right-sized air conditioning unit for your home is essential, especially if the idea is to save money on energy bills. A unit that is too big is a waste of money and is less efficient. On the other hand, a unit that is too small won’t be able to cool your space properly and will wind up constantly running, eating up money in the process.

Check the Vents

Check to make sure the registers are open in your home in the rooms you wish to cool. However, you may want to close any registers in the basement because that space tends to stay cool. Close off any rooms you don’t plan to occupy and cover the windows with shades or drapes.

Make a note of where the return air ducts are in your home. Blocking off a room without a return duct won’t help cool it down. Instead, try using a fan and running the AC on the cool setting instead of automatic. This will help keep a balanced temperature throughout all the rooms in your home.

Look around in the attic or crawlspace of your home and close any air vents leading to these spaces. While you’re up there, add some insulation. Insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter, and it can also keep the heat out and the cold air in during the summer.

Other Cool Tips

Avoid using appliances that generate heat whenever possible. Or try to limit their use to the early hours of the morning or late in the evening.

The oven and the clothes dryer are the biggest offenders. So, opt for the microwave or grill outside on hot days, or better yet, choose cold meals that do not require cooking.

As for the laundry, use an indoor drying rack or an outdoor clothesline to save energy and prevent extra heat in your home. Plus, line-dried laundry smells better!

Time to summerize: Get your home ready for warm weather

Check the lightbulbs in your home and replace any incandescent lights with CFL bulbs. Older style incandescent bulbs generate more heat and have been phased out of stores in favor of CFL or LED bulbs.

Cool Off Your Vibe

Taking steps to keep your home cooler and your energy bills lower is excellent, but there are some simple steps you can follow inside your home to make it feel lighter and cooler. Creating a cooler vibe might make you feel cooler too.

  • Change out heavy bed covers and sheets for lighter options. Linen and cotton are great summer options and will stay cooler than heavier fabrics. Go for light, cool colors to brighten a space and make it feel more like summer
  • Pack away clutter and knickknacks and opt for a more open, clean feel. The less you have sitting around to hold the heat, the better. Plus, it will give you a chance to do some redecorating
  • Cover upholstered couches and chairs with light-colored slipcovers. Then, add some splashes of summer color with throw pillows or accent pieces
  • Switch out wall art for options that feature light and bright colors. Or paint the walls to brighten a room with cool, light, summery colors
  • Store heavy or dark throw rugs for use in the winter. Choose bare floors or go with rugs that are lighter and more summer-shaded

For many people, summer is the best time of year, and it should be celebrated and enjoyed. Do not spend your summer sitting around sweltering in the heat. Instead, take some simple preventative steps to maximize your comfort and save money this summer. When you “summerize” your home, you can focus more energy on enjoying the warm weather and sunshine and less time sweating over that next electric bill.

Image credit: [Adamkaz]