Budget minded Holidays @everydaymomideas @celticlady @delovelydetails

Amid the clammer and chaos of gift giving and holiday meal preparation and festivities there is the budget-minded giver attempting to shower their loved ones with gifts while not placing themselves in debt. For you my thrifty present presenter I offer 4 easy ways to save money this holiday season and still give the gifts you love to the ones you love.

Re-vamp your style for less @WobiSobi @lolphie

Have you looked through your clothes lately only to find many are damaged, torn, or missing buttons, or even (gasp) don't fit? It's a waste of money to toss out clothing. If you're not interested in swapping clothes with other people, why not try your hand at making something new from them or darn them yourself. Buttons cost practically nothing, neither does a needle and thread or clothing dye for that matter. You don't have to be a seamstress or a super DIY (Do It Yourself-er) to create new looks from your old clothes or to merely repair something that's damaged. It's simple to create a new look out of an old style and it will save you money while boosting your wardrobe and making outdated looks appear new.


Repairing torn items or a missing button is easy and a quick way to save serious cash which allows you to continue to invest in "you". Doing simple mending to an article of clothing is also a great way to save big. If your shirt is missing a button, sew a new one on.


The simple sewing of a button can be done by anybody-

-get a needle and thread
-thread the needle 
-tie a knot at the end of the thread 
-sew the button
-you can criss-cross the thread through the holes or make 2 parallel lines, makes no      
 difference  
-once button is securely on the shirt tie a knot in the thread and snip the end of it. 

Simple and easy and you can even put funky fun buttons onto the shirt to give it a new style and add flare to it.

A great way to re-vamp style and to help save money is to use the clothes you already own and make slight alterations to them to make them "new". We all have a shirt we love but it has a mysterious stain on it so it doesn't get worn. What about dying it a darker color? You can use Kool-aid or any regular fabric dye to get the job done. You can even add embellishments or tie dye the items.

 

Have a shirt you love? Why not make a drawstring T-shirt backpack out of it? I made some for my family for our trip to disneyland and it was so much fun! Blogger, Laura from Can Can Dancer created this fun beach bag from an old shirt.

Have an old T-shirt you want to revamp? Why not make it into a stunning new skirt? Blogger and creator  of WobiSobi, Anne Hollabaugh is known for taking a fun look at clothing. Making the old new and breathing life into items long past their prime. This great no sew frock was created in mere minutes with minimal effort and looks fantastic!

You can even make a dress into shorts. That's what eHow contributor Freddie Silver did.

These suggestions and options are simple, fun and easy to do. From the novice to the ultimate revamping diva- I guarantee you will have fun and enjoy your "new" clothes. Whatever your style and sewing proficeny, you will find that these options are going to take your wardrobe from bleh to exciting with a few tricks and a little bit of flare.

Cruise savings

Saving on cruises- Do you know how to travel in style while saving serious money and having fun! From shore excursions to how to get free services while on board.

Get more from your credit score

Do you know what a good credit score is? Did you know that you can check your credit through all 3 of the major credit bureaus for free, 1 time each year? You have to pay for your score, however, there are ways around that as well.... You are entitled to know where you stand in the world of credit. It's your credit, you pay the interest on those cards, your house, even that deposit on your cell phone and cable bill. You should have the power of knowledge on your side.

Make not buy

I never thought about how easy it was to make my own food. I was vegan for a few years (no this isn't going to be a post about reforming you to not eating meat) and discovered that making your own items is easier than it looks in most cases. You can make your own food and clothing for a fraction of what it costs you to purchase the same items in stores. And I have a few links to share with you and show you how. Yummy Blueberry/lemon muffins, fresh flavored lemonade, making fun and fashionable accessories. Read on to save time, money and be creative.

Turn off the Tele

Don't think that turning off your television could save you money? Or maybe you do think it can save you money but only in the sense that it will cost you less on your electricity bill. I've got some other ideas of how financially practical it is for you to turn your television off. You might discover that you will save less on your electricity, your grocery bill and lose weight- all of these birds killed with one stone.

Sign Me up!

Do you shop at a specific company often, how about a few different companies? Do they have an incentive program that's free and rewards you for spending money that you had already planned on spending? Are you signed up with that program? WHY NOT... it's free and can save you some real dough on gas, on drinks, on food, on household necessities. Free things are out there...

Cancel those unsed memberships

Disney Movie Club, your W.O.W account or that Farmville game, don't forget your magazine subscriptions that are piling up on your coffee table collecting dust and deducting your hard earned money out of you wallet. Also, that gym membership that you thought was a great deal. If you aren't using it, then lose it for good. You have lived without these luxuries of life for this long why not just give them up? 

Video game savvy

Video games can become pricy and we all know that new systems come out all the time. Thus making current consoles obsolete. Any gamer or budding gamer understands that this hobby can become quite expensive. There are many tricks to getting more bang for your buck when playing games. You can join an online client that houses your games. You can also trade in your old games for new ones and save on new purchases

Interset rate piquing your interest

High interest rates? You have the right to call and ask that they be lowered. You can save serious money just asking to have the interest rate on a loan altered. You will be amazed what lowering 1-2% on your interest rate can do for your ability to pay the loan off sooner and get yourself out of debt quicker. 

30 day rule

Impulsivity will thwart your chances of saving money and attempts to pay off bills sooner rather than later. If you constantly overspend because you see a really cool item, you will find it difficult to save money and maintain a budget. 

Lists not impulsivity

How many times hare you gone to the store and said that you were only going to get that one item nothing else.... Next thing you know you're asking for assistance to your car for your overflowing cart of items that you didn't intend to purchase, but did.

Baby blues to baby news

Having a baby? Wonderful! Have you thought about the cost involved with kids? Diapers, food, daily needs...etc. Having kids can add up quickly and can make it difficult to budget, read on for a few tips.

Price compare to save money

Always compare prices when shopping. Clipping coupons isn't for everyone. It is however extremely simple to put a comparison app on your phone and make sure you are getting the best deal in your area.

Yard $ale Cash

The time for yard sales has arrived. It's not just about ridding yourself of clutter in your home and making money but it's about clearing out unused items and allowing yourself freedom form the item(s) that have been burdening you and just sticking around your house collecting dust. 

Utilities got you down in the cashflow department?

The easiest way to save money on a regular basis is to remember to run your house as if you were a "micro-managing mother". Turn off lights when you're not in a room, don't just run the water when taking a shower or washing dishes. If your mom would wag her finger at it don't do it!

Be a kid with your kid

I have been a foster parent for many years and seen this time and time again, let me make this clear- kids want to be with there loved ones, they don't care what they are doing. Spending money on your kid rather than spending time with them is not what they crave. It's so easy to save money and time and still keep on track with your financial goals while creating fun and exciting memories with your kids. 

1- click money back into your wallet

That 1-click shopping certainly comes in handy... that is until you're trying to not over spend and save some money. Then the convenience of being able to just hop onto a site and use you credit card on file becomes a hindrance and begins to cost you money. 

The ease of just finding a product and purchasing it is great in certain situations, but it can really become too convenient and allow for over spending. Take your credit cards off sites and take away that convenience. Just like I discussed in another post (Count to 10) if you take a moment and think about what you are purchasing you might realize you don't really need the item or even better that you can make it for les money than it would cost to buy and ship it. 

Breaking  this habit can be difficult, however the best way to break it is to simply remove the temptation and credit card all together. If the card isn't readily available then you might not be willing to put in the effort to purchase the item and thus you are saved that money. 

Every penny counts and the more you save the better you can feel about your financial decision and about your future. 

Banking on you and your future

You getting charged fee after fee just to have an account with a bank? Those rack up and cost you tons of money. Every tried to have your fee waived? How about using bill pay or cash back options (ATM fees, etc)

Know when to shop

Think the best deals for your holiday shopping are the week before? Wrong you can shop all year and save more time, money and hassle shopping after holiday sales. Most people shop this way after Christmas, why not all year long and take advantage of this money savvy and thrifty way to indulge in a little shopping as well as some tremendous savings. Wait until about two days after a holiday, then go out shopping for items you need that are themed for that day at deeply discounted prices. Get a Mother’s or Father's Day card for next year the day after. Get Easter egg decorating kits and baskets with toys the day after Easter. Get wrapping paper and cards and the ilk the day after or a few days after Christmas (most places are 75% off at that point). The discounts are vast, and you can just put this stuff in the closet until next year, saving you a bundle.

Generic brands add up to huge savings

We all want the name brand jeans and other items in our life. It's how we are set apart socially. Those items can rack up big bills. Try buying generic. Start small, you can save big when you purchase your genetic brand prescriptions as well as groceries. 

Hide them so you don't use them

It's very tempting to spend money if you have it on you, it's even easy to spend credit cards.  They are "future" money not "real".  Many people convince themselves to believe that they will only use a credit card for emergencies, then soon after that these emergencies become everyday purchases.

Keep on track

A good nutritionist will tell you that keeping a journal of you caloric intake and the ilk will help you on your way to achieving and maintaining your weight goals. Money is much the same. It's important to keep track of how you spend and where your money is going.

De-stress for free

We have all had difficult days and just want to go out to eat treat myself and spend money. It's all too common to just want to he taken care of when we are feeling down or had a rough day. It's too easy to over spend in these weak moments. 

Have kids, need a date night

As any parent knows getting out with just your spouse is difficult, nearly impossible. There are schedules to juggle and finding a sitter then figuring out how to have a low budget quiet night out and pay for that child care without going broke is very difficult. Never fear, I have a way to get you out on the town and not break your bank.

Vizualize and actualize

Having a visual reminder of maybe your kids, your spouse, that house or vacation you want, will serve as a constant reminder that you are working towards something more in your life and that you want to make a change to be better financially and mentally/emotionally. When you have something to work for and towards you are more likely to achieve your goals and reach your dreams. 

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want

The year is freak hand new there are many holidays coming up. If you have a goal in mind and are trying to save up for something ask your friends to help you with that.  Instead of them getting you a present have them contribute towards your goal.

Count to 10

Use a 10 second rule in order to figure out if that item you are "wanting" to purchase and "need to have" in your cart is a necessity or not. It's ok to put it in your basket while you think about if you actual need or want the item. Being impulsive happens and sometimes it gets the best of all of us, which leads to buyers remorse and frustration followed by nasty money woes. Avoid those bumps on your financial journey by thinking realistically, be proactive not reactive.

Ask for help from friends

We all have dreams and we all need support in achieving them. Speaking with your loved ones about your goals is a great way to meet your goals and to stick to the changes you are trying to make. Permanently altering how you act and react to a situation is how progress is made and how stability can finally become a part of your life. 

Brown bag re-vamped leftovers and save

Easiest way to save money is to not eat out, that includes going out to lunch during your work day. Re-working leftovers is also a great idea

Spruce up your closet with you closest friends

Is you closet full of lifeless clothes that are drab and you can't figure out how to flare them up. Maybe your friends might have that perfect accessory. Do a clothing exchange party with them. It costs you nothing and can be a night full of laughter and good times.

Boosting morale

If you have began taking steps towards improving your financial well-being then you might be to a point that you feel as if nothing is working yet or that you have hit  a plateau and have traveled about as far as you can along the path you are attempting to walk down. Let me help you with your journey. Your trusty guide will offer you some words of encouragement to help you along your path to self improvement. We all feel moments of being lost and feeling as if we won't be able to reach the end. This is a boost of morale for whatever path you are travelling towards improving your life, whatever that may be.

Grow your own way

Tired of those long grocery bills and clipping coupons not your thing? Start a garden you can get organic without paying extra for it at the store. It doesn't take much space and it's very easy to do. With a little investment and a lot of return you can lower your grocery bill and eat healthier at the same time. The smell or wholesome organic food and saving money wafting in the air.

Community "Out"reach

Bored? Have no extra money to spare? Kids bugging you to go out and do something but you don't know what to do. Have you researched free fun to -do's in your area or community center? Don't let these great resources pass you by. They are fun and inexpensive and can help to fill hours of time without lessening your wallet.

Less car more money

There are so many money saving options out there when it comes to getting around town. Carpooling and public transportation are inexpensive and way means to save green and be green.

Fast food fast cash

Although fast food is convenient on time, it isn't on your wallet. That dollar menu really adds up and can cost big money. It is less expensive to make your own food. Feeding a family is much easier and cost effective when you make your food from home. This is a great way to save money. Think about how much money you can save by not always eating out.

21 days to savings

My original post advises that it takes 21 days to break a habit and the first step in breaking that habit is always the most difficult. When looking to alter something that has such an impact in your life life as credit does, realize that one tiny step can lead you to a long path of financial recovery and excellent credit. Once you have taken that first step and made that first change in your life and how you manage it. The transition from being broke and having a poor credit score as well as a bleak outlook on life and becoming financially savvy is in your grasp. For the next 21 days I offer you 1 tip that you can utilize and use to aid you in your journey of financial recovery.




You can't know what you don't know. This is so true with credit and money. Most people are in debt today. It might be credit card debt, student loan debt, owning a home. It is estimated that the average American has $854.2 billion in credit card debt alone according to the site NerdWalletFinance.That's a lot of money to be owing to others.

Often times it feels as if there is no hope and no way to get out of debt. I am here to offer solutions to regain your good credit and put money back in your wallet. I offer some solutions in order to allow you, my reader, to see a light at the end of your financial tunnel.

Gain back your financial confidence and feel worthy again.

Once that light is turned on and the mindset has been altered the world comes alive. It's easy to see that change is within your grasp and you can take charge of your financial life and have the things you want in life.

When you don't know what you are doing or how to change it it becomes difficult to see hope and redemption. I offer to you, for the next 21 days:

21 ways to help your credit and save you money.

Each day I will have a new blog for different things that you can do in order to succeed in completing what you want to do.

Each of the 21 blogs will be comprised of small simple actions you can take to improve your financial situation and so much more. These actions might appear to be too simplistic and in the short run may now show a great  return. Give them a try. 21 days that's all you need to form a new habit and change the way you view your world and alter your outlook on your day to day situation.

Some of the tasks presented take only a few minutes to do, others take an hour or two, a few of them require regular effort on a day to day basis. I promise you though all of them are extremely simple, anyone can do them.

Each of them also save significant money, especially over the long haul, when my suggestions are combined together these tips can save a great deal of money very quickly.You will actually begin to see a return within a few days of making some of these changes.

Apply the suggestions to your life and as you see fit. Not everything will work for everybody. You will be surprised how soon money begins to pile in front of you and in turn how your bills dwindle and your credit score soars.


Once you have completed your 21 days leave me a comment and let me know what helped you most. I would know to support you in the changes you are making in your life.

Can you spare a penny? How about 100?

"I've got money yes I do, I've got money how about you?" Consider me your money saving cheerleader. Pennies are nearly useless in our currency today. Think again, they add up and you can utilize them to save some cash. What about saving $365/yr or even $500. Don't think you can squirrel away money effectively. Well read and learn....

Scrap the cup a day and put your pennies away

How does finding $1,000 sound? Who wouldn't want to open their wallet and find money just sitting in there waiting to be used. Maybe a new car, even pay off your credit card debt early, or a new item for your action figure collection, or the tree-house you wanted to build with the children. All of these dreams can become a reality. Do you buy coffee? A cup maybe 2 even 3? Well rather than wasting that money on something that offers you no return. Use that money for you, your family, your life. You want that dream? Let's put it in reach for you.

Credit cards got you down?

Know how to use your credit cards. Credit is a basic need in today's society. A good credit score can save you money, get you a better interest rate on purchases and make you feel more confident about the money you have going in and out. I have a few simple and easy to follow tips to help you not only create but also maintain good credit.