If you’re a plus-size woman, you know that it can be difficult to find clothes that fit you right AND look great on you. Prior to online shopping, choices were very limited and often it meant having to travel a distance to find a store that catered towards larger woman. Thankfully, you can now shop right at your fingertips and there are several great options to choose from. The following provides tips on what to purchase at a store versus online, some of the top plus-size online stores, and tips for purchasing online.

Store purchase versus online purchase

Although online stores offer the same categories of items that you’ll find at a physical store, unless you specifically know the size and brand that fits you best, intimates should be purchased at a store. You’ll want to be able to try on bras, girdles and such. Once you know what you like and the size you need, then you can purchase the items online.

Bulky items, such as a winter coat, should be purchased at a physical store. If you order the coat online and it doesn’t fit, then you’ll be paying quite a bit in shipping and handling to return the coat.

If a store is running a really good deal that isn’t offered online, then it makes more sense to purchase the items from the store.

Popular plus-size online stores

There are several plus-size online stores that offer a variety of clothing that will appeal to teens through middle-age. Here are just a few of the popular sites and information about each one.

• Catherines.com Catherines is a plus-size only store located in many of the states and is also an online store. One of the nice perks about ordering from Catherines.com is if there is a physical store near you, they will ship the items to the store for free. If there are items that you don’t want to keep, the store will return the items for you for free as well. Catherines.com offers tops, pants, dresses, intimates and swimwear, along with a nice selection of accessories. The online store frequently offers great deals and free shipping. Prices are very reasonable and the clothing is made of good quality. Whether you’re looking for casual wear or something dressy for a special event, Catherines.com is a great choice.
• LaneBryant.com Do you love shopping at Lane Bryant in the mall? Then you’ll love shopping LaneBryant.com! This online store tends to cater more towards younger women; however, it offers a fair amount of clothing that will appeal to older women as well. Jeans, tops, dresses, shoes, intimates…LaneBryant.com has several items to choose from. The site often runs specials, so it’s certainly worth checking from time to time.
• Sonsi.com Sonsi.com is the online marketplace for plus-size shopping. Hundreds of brands are offered, including City Chic, IGIGI, Lane Bryant, Catherines and A Big Attitude. From casual wear to formal wear, Sonsi.com offers both classic and trendy clothes. The site even has a Bridal Boutique which offers a great selection of dresses. In addition to clothing, Sonsi.com offers handbags, luggage, jewelry, fragrances and shoes. In addition to its store, the site contains healthy articles, recipes and advice.
• OneStopPlus.com Very similar to Sonsi.com, OneStopPlus.com offers over 10,000 products in a wide range of sizes and styles. Prices are very reasonable. You can shop by name brand or category. For Halloween fans, they even offer plus-size costumes! In addition to clothing, you’ll find shoes, jewelry, handbags, beauty and home products.
• SimplyBe.com If you’re looking for clothing that is unique, then SimplyBe.com is a good site to check out. You’ll find fashionable tops, jeans, dresses and more in styles that are fun and flattering. Be sure to take advantage of the coupon for first time customers.
• JustMySize.com If you are looking for full figure underwear and bras, JMS is the best place. The quality they provide is superior, while their prices are much lower than those of brand names stores. The best about this store is their free return policy, you will get full refund, no question asked. They also sell plus size clothing, more towards women of 40-60 years old.

Tips for purchasing online

Just as you love to save money when shopping at a store, it’s nice to be able to save money when shopping online. Here are some tips to keep in mind while shopping online:

• Sign up for newsletters. Most online stores encourage you to sign up for their e-newsletters. These newsletters will often let you know about upcoming deals, the latest fashion fad, and sometimes will give you a special promo number to use for a certain percentage off or free shipping and handling.
• Like the Facebook page. If the online store has a Facebook page, be sure to “like” it. By joining the page, you’ll receive notices and deals that only Facebook fans will receive. Some online stores will ask an open-ended question on Facebook and do a drawing for those who participate. This is a great way to win a gift card to the site.
• Search the store. When you Google or Bing for an online plus-size store, there’s a good chance once you click on a store that you’ll see a coupon pop up. Stores want your business and they know that if they offer you a coupon, there’s a good chance you’ll use it.
• Be patient. Many online stores run specials throughout the year. Unless you need an item right away, if you wait a week or two, changes are you can get a good deal on it. Also, it doesn’t hurt to call the number given on the website to find out if there are any upcoming deals. You might get lucky and be offered a deal over the phone.
• Pay attention to deals. Some online stores offer deals that are only good for a specific brand of clothing. It’s important to understand what the deal is. Before you hit the “submit” on an order, double check the figures.
• Consider getting a store card. If the online store offers a store card, this is another great way to save money. You’ll receive notices of deals that are only good for people who have a store card.

More and more retail stores are including clothes for full-figured gals. The next time you’re at Old Navy, JCPenney or Target, check out the clothes.

Whether shopping at a store, or online, it’s nice knowing that plus-size women have options and can look great in their clothes.

Author: Barb Bergerson

With school back on track it is time to prep for the abundance of activities your student is going to want to take part in. Although some of these activities might be free for your children to partake it they can begin to take a toll on your energy level as well as the household budget. From filling up your tank to buying equipment to practice with you’ll be ready for a break as soon as winter comes along! Extracurricular activities don’t have to be a drain on your or your resources though. With these simple tips you can allow your children to broaden their horizons without having to constantly worry about the amount of money that you’re losing on their activities. These budgeting tips will help keep everyone in the home happy, busy and feeling fulfilled with life.

1. Utilize the School
Generally, schools are the first stop for your children when it comes to extracurricular activities, which is perfect for your budget. Schools will allow you to sign your children up for an assortment of activities without charging you a thing. This can be a huge relief off of your budget, but will also mean your student typically won’t need any extra funds to keep your student in the activity. In the high school and middle school levels students are usually given uniforms as well as the ability to use the gym and other equipment for practice at no extra cost. Schools are generally responsible for getting your child to and from games that are out of town and can even help you if you’re struggling to get your child to in town games. Most schools also offer a wide assortment of art or humanity activities that can help your child succeed in government, writing, painting and many other things that can help your student succeed in college. Younger children often don’t have many programs to choose from when it comes to school, but a lot of districts will help lower the cost of sports leagues and will offer arts and crafts classes for students and their parents.

2. Sponsorship/Scholarship
When you sign up for leagues outside of your school you might also want to research scholarships to help with the cost. Sports leagues are notorious for helping children who can’t afford uniforms or sign up cost so start asking around at youth centers or even your child’s school to find out more about scholarships. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America are also willing to help out their scouts when it comes to dues, uniforms and field trips that the scouts go on to learn new skills and earn badges. If you need a little help with your child’s scouting dues then you can start by asking your troop leader, but there are also many national scholarships that can help you keep your troop member in the scouts. You might even be able to qualify your troop member for scholarships that can help with college and camps that will help the scout go even further in life.

3. Volunteer
Children’s services are always looking for parents that can volunteer their time to help make actives more cost efficient for everyone else. This is a great way to help get your child into an activity, so don’t be afraid to volunteer your time if you’re looking to save money. A lot of sports leagues will allow your children to join without a fee if you can become a coach or assistant coach for a team. This will also allow you to spend time with your child as they learn new skills. Another great way to use your time is to help out during a dance lesson, gymnastics or a karate class. If you talk to the instructor before hand you may be able to ask for a discount if you can volunteer enough time to make a difference in the class. Many parents are afraid to ask about volunteering, so take the first step and you might find that you’re on your way to saving more than you think.

4. Use Your Knowledge
If your child is interested in learning something you already know then don’t be afraid to skip out on the tutor and teach the child yourself. This is especially great when with musical instruments. Music is a wonderful way to improve confidence as well as mathematical skills so teaching your child an instrument can really be a key to success. This will even allow you to improve you bonding experience with the child which can really help as they go through the teenage years. Foreign language is another great activity that can help your child more than you think. If you’re fluent then you should use your knowledge all of the time to help your children pick up on the language faster. On the other hand, you could always choose to learn a language with your child. There are many programs that teach you how to speak a language via the computer, so you can take the learning experience together and practice with one another. Woodworking and mechanics are another important aspect of learning that many parents can pass on to their children. Changing tires and oil as well as working on various parts of the car can help the child later in life and will make these types of chores a lot of fun.

5. New Isn’t Best
Sometimes our children want to take part in an activity that isn’t exactly on the cheaper side of things. One common example is joining the school band. Many students begin middle school wanting to participate in the school band and decide it isn’t their thing after the first year. The only problem with this is many parents will go out and buy instruments for their child only to have to sell them for a lot less the very next year. Renting is one of the best ways to ensure you’re not going to spend a lot of money on an instrument your child might not use past the school term. Renting will only cost you around $40 a month, whereas buying can cost you up to $1k! You can always buy your student a new instrument later on if they do decide to stick with the band. Though band is a common example, sports are also a major part of the activities so try to buy used sports equipment like certain pads or balls to practice with. These items usually get torn up quickly anyway so you won’t be out any extra money. Music books are also an important aspect when it comes to learning, but can be pricey if you buy them new. There’s countless sheet music online that is free or you can look into used books to help your student learn.

6. Utilize YMCA
The YMCA is one of the best ways to allow your kids to participate in activities without costing you an arm and a leg. One of the biggest draws of the YMCA is it offers a pool, and lessons, for anyone looking to have some fun swimming. This can be a great way to keep kids busy during school breaks and will even allow your kids to learn swimming as a sport. The YMCA is also known for holding lots of classes for kids who are into a wide range of activities. From karate to yoga your child can enjoy numerous activities at half the price you would pay in town. This can be great for children that are home-schooled or kids who just don’t like the sports offered at their school. Of course, the YMCA does offer many of the more common sports, so you won’t have to sacrifice your child’s interest in sports. With the YMCA you can keep your entire household happy and healthier at a fraction of the price.

7. Reward Cards
One of the main issues with having kids on the go is you are also on the go which means you’re going to be burning through a lot of gasoline. There are a few ways you can help supplement the amount of gas you might be using while shuttling the kids to and from activities. There are a lot of gas cards out there designed for people who go through a lot of gas each week. These cards typically help cut down the price of filling up while offering small rewards as you spend. A lot of the time these cards work as a credit card so be careful how you spend! If you save the cards for emergencies you will be able to save money while filling up at the end of the week. There are other reward cards that will help get you rewards just for filling up. For instance, many grocery stores will allow you to sign up for a card that will add cents to your card that will help with your grocery bill.

8. Set a Limit
One of the best ways to keep control of your budget is to limit your kids’ activities. The more activities your children sign up the more money you’re going to spend on gasoline, fees and more importantly, your time. Try not to let kids sign up for more than one or two activities a semester and make sure nothing overlaps! Overlapping causes you to have to run back and forth and drain more gas than you should during the school week. With your children only working on a limited amount of activities you will find there is a bit more free time for everyone to relax and still have some fun as a family. The key is to make sure all of your children stick with the programs they sign up for. This will allow you not to lose money on your fees and will teach your children responsibility.

9. Fundraisers
One simple way to help raise money for your child’s activities is to run a fundraiser. Usually the community responds well to this so you might end up earning more than enough to tackle your children’s fees for any activities they might want. One of the best ways to earn money is to pull out your baking skills and try to make something that doesn’t take a whole lot to manufacture and can be sold at a decent price. Of course, if it is still warm outside then you might want to break out the buckets and soap and have an car wash for the neighborhood. Sometimes local businesses will volunteer their spaces for you to use in order to help out your cause. You might even ask the kids to have a lemonade stand just to help with finalizing fees and so they learn how to help with finances.

10. Activity Group
One of your biggest life savers will be finding a group to help you get through your activities. A lot of parents will have to deal with similar situations as you so make sure you meet and greet whenever your child joins a new activity. Having an activity group will help you form connections so you can come up with carpool schedules that will help you save even more gasoline. Your group can even come up with a snack schedule that will allow you to keep the kids in the household satisfied after an activity so you can easily prepare a meal later in the evening without your children having to feel as hungry.

Extracurricular activities can be one of the best parts of having school aged children. From learning new things to making friends you will certainly love watching your kids enjoy various activities that will allow your children to broaden their horizons. Of course, with these tips you won’t have to pay a whole lot more just to let your child enjoy the activities that will shape their entire life.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Whether actually enrolled in a dance class, or dancing around home pretending to be Cinderella, most little girls love to dance! If your little princess is taking dance classes, you probably have discovered that it can be a challenge finding decent places to shop for dancewear. It’s also challenging trying to figure out what size to buy. The following tips will help you know where to shop and how to choose dance attire for your little girl.

Dancewear basics

For most dance classes, little girls are encouraged to wear leggings, stretchy pants or leg warmers and a simple shirt to practice in. These items can be purchased at retail stores, such as WalMart, Kmart, Targets or Sears. When you buy the basic, keep the following in mind:

• Solid colors. Although there will be times when you’ll want fun outfits, stick with solid colors for leggings, stretchy pants and leg warmers. By doing so, your daughter will have more options regarding what tops she wears with them.
• Purchase one size up. Because material stretches, your daughter can wear one size bigger and not have her outfit fall off of her. By purchasing dance attire that’s a little bigger, it will last your daughter longer. As you know, little kids quickly grow and you don’t want to be purchasing new clothes every month or two.
• Buy used dance shoes. At a recent dance recital that my niece was in, some of the little girls were squishing their feet into their dance shoes. Ouch! When possible, buy used dance shoes that can at least be worn during the classes. When it gets closer to recital time, perhaps purchase new shoes, but allow plenty of time for your daughter to break in the shoes. It helps to make friends with some of the other moms so that you can purchase or trade shoes with each other.
• Check out swaps or sales. Some dance companies host a swap day where parents can swap dance clothes with other parents, or purchase slightly used dance attire at a low price. Also, as you go to garage sales, be on the lookout for dance attire. You might just find a great pair of dancing shoes that were only worn once or twice!

Dancewear for class or play

If your daughter is enrolled in a dance class that does ballet, tap, or freestyle, there are some great online stores that offer fun tutus, pettiskirts, etc. at a low cost. Here are a few great options:

• TheHairBowCompany.com. This small company operates out of Texas and takes great pride in connecting with their customers. You’ll find a variety of colorful tutus and pettiskirts for under $20.00. Your little princess will love spinning around in a bright purple tutu or wearing a crazy animal pettiskirt. Need legwarmers? Check out the striped or polka dot ones; they’ll surely bring a smile to your child’s face! If you’re ordering items just for fun, check out accessories such as butterfly wings.
• Target.com. Targets offers a limited supply of leotards, legwarmers and bodysuits. It’s certainly worth checking out from time to tie.
• Zulily.com. Zulily.com offers adorable outfits consisting of leggings, top, and sometimes a ruffle. Outfits are under $20 and are well made. Items posted on Zulily.com are very limited in quantity, so if you see something you like, you need to purchase it right away. Your little girl will fall in love with the outfits!
• PoshLittleTutus.com. A lot of the tutus, dresses and such are absolutely adorable! You’ll need to be careful about the prices, but you can find items for under $30. Your daughter will have fun wearing something from this site.

At these affordable prices, even if your little princess just wants a few outfits to wear at home for play, then these are great options.

Dancewear for recitals

When it comes to recitals, you definitely want to purchase clothing that will stand up to the challenge. The following online stores are popular choices.

• AllAboutDance.com. Bottoms, tops, dresses, leotards, shoes, tutus, unitards…you name it and this company most likely has it! AllAboutDance.com is one of the leading discount dancewear suppliers in the country. You’ll find the best name brand dance attire at very affordable prices.
• DanceWearSolutions.com. If you’re looking for fun and bright dance outfits, DanceWearSolutions.com offers a nice selection of cute leotards, tops, shorts, dance shoes, etc. Prices are a little higher than some other sites, but the clothing is of good quality and made from comfortable fabrics.
• DiscountDance.com. For one of the best selections to meet your little dancing girl’s needs, DiscountDance.com offers a huge variety of dance clothing and shoes! Shipping is kept at a minimal and items will arrive quickly. So if there’s a dance recital next Friday, no worries, your daughter’s outfit will arrive on time!
• SophiasStyle.com. If you’re looking for a unique outfit, this online store is worth checking out. Although choices are somewhat limited and items may be more expensive than you’ll find at the other three sites mentioned, it’s still worthwhile checking out this site.

Dancewear accessories

Part of the fun of wearing a dance outfit is adding the accessories! When shopping for headbands, hair bows and such, you want to find items that are designed to be worn during lots of movement. Your little girl will enjoy accessories from:

• DanceWearSolutions.com. Love, love, love this website! Whatever your little dancing diva needs to accessorize her outfit, you’ll have a great selection at this online store! From mesh bow headbands to sequin gloves, from rhinestone chokers to sparkling tiaras, these accessories are filled with glitz and glam. Prices are decent as well.
• Claires.com. Yes, they have stores in lots of shopping malls. Their online store claims to fame started with their adorable hair bows! Whether you’re looking for a flower clip, feathers, a headband or a cute bow, at a very affordable cost, you’ll love the options that this store provides.

Your little girl will stay a little girl just so long. As she embraces the world of dance, with wise shopping, you can provide her with dance outfits that she’ll absolutely adore.

Author: Barb Bergerson

It’s inevitable, at some point in our lives we have to make a move whether we like it or not. Moves can be incredibly stressful, especially if you are on a tight budget that offers no compromising. For many, the idea of a move is common and they have developed their own groove to get things done. However, for new movers the idea of moving can be frightening because there is so much to accomplish and the price tag can keep adding up if you’re not careful. There are a few tricks that can get you through a move without forcing you to throw away too much money though. So, remember to breathe and take your move one step at a time. Although it might be stressful at the moment, soon you will be in your new and making new memories.

1. Don’t Buy Boxes
Typically when people find out they need to make a move they go out and buy an extraordinary amount of pricey boxes. This can really hurt your moving budget right away, so try to refrain from panicking and making this purchase. Instead, you should learn your options for getting free or discounted boxes in your area. Many recycling centers get an influx of boxes each day and will offer them out to the public. So, you might want to begin your journey by calling and checking in with the recycling centers in your area. If you don’t have any luck, or still need more boxes, then Craig’s list is usually a good option. A lot of people will offer their used moving supplies because it is a lot more convenient then bundling them up and hauling them off after a major move. You could also ask around at grocery and department stores who often end up keeping their boxes for some time after shipments.

2. Say No To Movers
If you’re looking to save money on your move then roll up your sleeves and do the work yourself. Hiring movers can actually cost you over a thousand dollars of money you shouldn’t have to spend. Sure, it is awesome to have someone come in, pack you up and transport your goods, but it isn’t entirely budget friendly. One of the main reasons people hire movers is the fact that some items in the home might seem impossible to move. If you need to, call in friends, family and neighbors to try to help you get your move on the right track. If you don’t have this option, or are worried about getting the item out of the truck when you’re at your new location, then contact a local church or charity group to see if anyone can come help you out. Usually finding help isn’t too difficult so don’t be afraid to ask.

3. Re-evaluate What You Take
Everyone home has some form of clutter. From the piece of furniture no one uses to the clothes in the very back of the closet, there are many things in the home that could be removed from the move. One great thing about moves is they show you the importance of the items you have and allow you to do some spring cleaning so your new home doesn’t start out filled with useless clutter. When you find out you need to move then try to start going through your items and get rid of the stuff you don’t actually need or use. There is no reason to keep items that never get used or worn, so make a pile and start a yard sale or send them off for donation. You won’t believe how unburdened you feel after this entire process. On a positive note, all of the things you got rid of are items you won’t have to waste time packing up and will help keep your moving weight a lot lighter which will help save you more money.

4. Bubble Wrap
Sure, bubble wrap is one of the funnest aspects of moving, but it doesn’t mean you have to go out a spend a lot of money on the item. There are many ways to pack away your items without having to use bubble wrap. In fact, in order to save on some boxes you might consider packing your fragile items in with clothes. Packing your clothing and linens should always be the last items on your list because you’re going to want to stuff articles of clothing and sheets in with items that need a little extra support. For instance, any oddly shaped statues can be wrapped in a sheet or blanket and put into a box. Then, you can stuff clothing in the empty areas of the box to help provide support so that any accidental drops or too much pressure won’t destroy the sculpture. If you don’t want to use clothing to help support items then consider newspaper as an alternative. Usually, papers don’t cost a lot, especially if you grab the free or cheap editions, and will create a support barrier when crumpled up and places around an object.

5. Consider Pods
A lot of people always try to do things the traditional way which can really bring your budget to a screeching halt. Renting the big truck and not packing boxes full enough can leave you down a more expensive road. Of course, spending the same money you would moving a large household for a small household will also end up hurting you. If you are a one or two bedroom household then you might want to consider using Pods instead of the typical moving companies. When you order a Pod, the storage unit is delivered to your home for as long as you need it. You and your family will be able to load it up so you won’t lose any money on movers’ cost. When you’re ready the Pod company will pick the unit up and store at their warehouse or ship it to your new location. Pods can be particularly convenient because a lot of the time they will end up at your new home on the same day that you get the keys. This will allow you to unpack and get settled without the major cost or long wait times.

6. Know Your New Space
One of the easiest ways to save some money is to get to know your new place before you actually move into it. Sometimes, we choose a new place that might have a lot less space than the older space, which means it is time to get rid of some of the furniture you know you won’t be using. You should also always measure the doorways and hallways in a new home so you won’t have to deal furniture that you can’t get into the home in the first place. Sometimes we have to make blind moves and don’t actually get to see where we will be staying. This can be a real challenge when it comes to getting your items in the home. If this is the case don’t be afraid to call up your realtor or landlord and ask them for a copy of the blue prints. Some will even be nice enough to do the measurements for you. If you find items in the home you know won’t fit then sell them or donate them before the move. There is no reason to add on to the weight of your move, especially if the item is about to be rendered useless to you.

7. Post Office
Despite the new technological devices that allow us to keep books digitally, most home have a pretty large collection of books, comics and magazines. These items are pretty straight forward when it comes to packing, but one of the main issues is the amount of weight they add on to your move. So, if you’re trying to avoid a high weight move then you might want to take your reading items in to your local post office. You might think they shipping books could be pretty pricey, but the post office has a fantastic rate for these items when you tell them you want to ship it media mail. This rate will mean that your items are going to take a little bit longer to ship to your new home, but you shouldn’t miss them too much since you’ll be busy unpacking your other item. Sending your books through postage will also mean a whole lot less to load and unload onto the truck which could save your sanity if you’re burned out.

8. Know Your Value
Before you begin your move you should make sure you know the value of your items. Many people who hire movers end up having to deal with expensive items that have been damaged or lost. Instead of just letting your movers come in and start working make sure to point out which items have significant value, so they can either pack them away first or ensure they will be a safer area then items of little value to you. You might also want to consider getting insurance on the items just in case the moving company holds no liability over your things. If you aren’t hiring a moving company then it is still important to know your items value so you can make the necessary precautions to ensure the piece makes it without being harmed. Smaller items, such as jewelry or important items, should always go in the car with you. These items should be placed in a lock box in the trunk so you won’t have to worry about them disappearing during the move.

9. Disassembling
We all have a few of those signature pieces that took hours to put together. It might be painful to do, especially after all your hard labor to get it together, but you’re going to need to take these items apart. Items that can be disassembled are ideal for moves and you might find that families who change locations a lot will have a good amount of this furniture. This is largely because these items take up a lot less space then furniture that can’t be taken apart. With this furniture you can stack it up, put pieces in different areas and in general treat the pieces like a jig saw puzzle to suit your needs. You might want to consider labeling the each of the pieces of furniture as your remove it and keep all of your screws and small parts in a labeled ziplock bag.

10. Save Your Receipts
Moving can be pretty chaotic to begin with, but it is incredibly important that you actually save all of your receipts, including those for meals on the road. A lot of people have actually been able to receive tax credits for moving so bring your receipts in when you do your taxes. If you’re lucky you might get a small percentage back which could help you with items for your new home. Many people can actually get some of the moving money back from work, especially if they are being transferred. Saving receipts is also important when it comes to keeping track of your money though. A lot of the time we don’t have a chance to check on the bank so keeping totals from your receipt will help you know where you stand in regards to money.

Moving can really change the way you look at your life. It isn’t just the new home, but the concept of all of your stuff that helps you take a closer look at your lifestyle. With a move you end up losing a lot of things, while gaining many too, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose a lot of money. With these tips you should be on your way to a new life without having to deal with hidden cost or other financial moving burdens.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

With the beautiful summer weather preparing to go into hibernation you might find that your entertainment budget is about to make a pretty decent leap upwards. When it comes to entertainment most people don’t want to sacrifice their favorite pass times because of their budget. However, as time progresses entertainment becomes incredibly expensive and will leave you hurting for cash if you don’t know how to budget well. There are a few simple tips that you can use to make your budget meet your entertainment needs though. So don’t feel about that the easy days of summer entertainment are over, instead embrace your needs and try to find a way to keep entertained with these tips.

1. Sports
Although baseball season might be over there are still a whole lot of sports to keep you entertained throughout the cooler months. You might be wondering how sports can save you some money! Well, if you try to score tickets for a game earlier in the season you can grab a spot on the balcony for only $5 in many locations. This will give you ample leftover money to grab your favorite snack. Of course, if the major leagues are too hard to get into, or just not your thing then the minor leagues are always selling tickets to their exciting games. You could also join a league so you can enjoy spending time on the field while burning off the winter calories and having hours of fun with friends. Sports are also a great way to keep the kids entertained throughout this period of time. Most schools will run sports teams, but if they don’t try enrolling in a boys and girls club!

2. Movies
It doesn’t matter what the season is, movies are always a go to choice when it comes to entertainment. The only problem is most people don’t have $100 to spend on two people catching a movie and having a snack at the theater. So, if you plan on going out to watch a movie make sure you eat before hand. Usually afternoon movies are a whole lot cheaper than the more popular evening showings, so catch a matinee and save a few dollars per ticket. If you still don’t like the price of the theater then try to scout out a dollar movie theater. These places usually show movies that are about to come out on DVD, but they still make an awesome place to hang out and catch a great show on the big screen. You could always buy some popcorn for the home and check out a rental box for something that will appease the household. There is also the option of purchasing used DVDs or rummaging through the $5 bin at your favorite department store. Whatever means you choose you’ll be able to keep everyone happy while spending some time together.

3. Read
There’s nothing like snuggling up in bed with a nice book on a cold and rainy afternoon. Reading can be one of the cheapest entertainment sources for your home. If you are having problems with your budget then try cutting some of your expensive entertainment needs and plan a trip to the local library instead. This will allow you to get your children on the right track while catching up on some of your favorite literary adventures. Most libraries will even schedule special events for kids so you won’t have to worry about spending excess money on kids. If you like to own your own books then there are an abundance of cheap used books online and in thrift stores, so make sure to look around before you buy a new copy. To save more money you can download a kindle of edition of newly released books at a lower price than buying the tangible copy. Anyone interested in classic books might want to check out the numerous sited dedicated to offering free digital editions of these books to the public! If you want to make your hobby social then start up a reading club and invite people from the community.

4. Walk
Nothing clears the mind quite like a good walk, so grab a coat and get to walking. There are numerous places you can walk for absolutely no money at all. For example, you could start walking in your own neighborhood and then move on to parks or hiking trails to add a little interest to the task. You might even consider walking around the mall once a week to satisfy your need for window shopping. This will not only keep you occupied during your spare time but will also allow you to keep fit without having to pay for the massive gym membership. To make things more interesting for the kids you can always come up with scavenger hunts which will make them want to get out and walk as much as possible. You can even customize the task list based on what the weather looks like.

5. Community
Believe it or not, working for your community can be a whole lot of fun and can really cut down on your budget. For starters, helping out in the community means you’re one of the first people to find out about some of the most awesome events going on in your area. If you have a local university or community college then there will be a ton of events that most people won’t even know about. So, by spending time helping out you’ll get your family up front and center for plays, concerts and interesting workshops that everyone will love. You might also get to be a part of parades, fairs and other events that need a lot of planning. If you volunteer you might end up getting free admission to shows that need a few extra hands on deck. So, stop paying full price to go to places you’re not all that interested in and jump into your own local community for an awesome way to help and have fun all at once.

6. Music
For most people music is a way of life. Unfortunately, it is also a way to lose a lot of the entertainment budget. With new songs constantly being released it seems a lot of us might just live on our favorite digital music store. There are ways around spending a lot of money on the music we love though. To begin with there is internet radio. Recently many online radios have made an appearance on phones, tablets and laptops. These stations not only provide you with tons of stations from different genres, but also lets you listen to full albums and create your own playlist without purchasing a thing. Sure, some of these stations offer a premium service that is also at a low rate, but for most people the free edition is plenty enough music. You might also want to start skipping out on the high cost concerts. We’re all guilty of wanting to spend that $100 on a huge star, but there is equal or greater talent hanging out in local bars. Instead of opting for the big name, try spending a weekend night catching a local gig.

7. Discount Days
When it comes to budgeting your income you might want to look at your cities local schedule. A lot of areas have days in which many attractions will let in members of the local community for free or a discounted price. If you live in a city with museums, zoos and other cool things to see then check out the city’s website or bookmark the attractions to see if they are offering anything for free or a discounted price during the week. This is one of the best way to see your city and let your kids enjoy some awesome and educational attractions in the area. Sometimes, a lot of restaurants will do the same thing or will offer free dinners for children, so make sure you know when to journey out into the city!

8. Cut the Cable
Sure, we all love having the 900 channels of cable at our fingertips, but how often do we get a chance to actually enjoy it? Or, more importantly, how often are there shows on that we actually enjoy? It might seem strange to cut your cable, but once you save the hundreds of dollars each year you’ll see how well you can do without it. Besides, there are a lot of cool ways to watch shows now thanks to companies like Netflix and Hulu Plus. All you have to do is connect your T.V. to a video game console and you can enjoy your favorite blockbusters, television series or new original online series with the click of a button. You can also get these shows on your computer, phone or tablet so you’ll be set for entertainment whenever or wherever you’re bored. The best thing is these programs will cost you about $10 a month!

9. Join a Club
A lot of people have specific interests like swimming, rock climbing or knitting. It doesn’t matter what type of hobbies you have as the chances are you’ll be able to find a club to keep you busy. A lot of people begin their search for a club on the internet, but you could also check out communities buildings or ask around the neighborhood. If you can’t find the right club for you then start your own! You will be amazed as to how many people might share your interest that have also been looking for an outlet. The best thing about clubs is you usually only pay a membership or yearly fee and you’re set to go for various social events. You may even meet a group of friends that will help you find new interests while spending less money on expensive things you like to do.

10. Potluck Parties
We all love to have get togethers with our friends, but spending money on parties often can really drain the entertainment budget. Rather than inviting everyone over and feeding a lot of people frequently you might consider having parties that are potluck themed. People love sharing food with others so your parties might be even more fun than they were when you were footing the bill to everyone. So, instead of buying lots of food and drink you’ll have more money to spend on board games and other ways to entertain your guests. You might even try to plan out themed parties so your guest can bring various international, colored, textured and themed foods. This will make the party more like a puzzle which will entice people to show up boasting their addition to the party.

Keeping an entertainment budget can really transform your quality of life. We spend so much of our time cleaning and working that when it is time to have some fun we don’t want to worry about how much money we have to spend. With these simple tips you can have a bit more fun exploring your interests so you can learn new ways to keep yourself busy and happy without having to foot the big entertainment budget.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

More and more people are discovering the convenience of shopping online versus going to a store. With the cost of gas on the rise, you to factor in whether or not a shopping trip is worth the money spent on gas. If you’re limited on time, shopping online is a lot faster than roaming the aisles of a store and then standing in line to checkout. Of course if the store you’re in doesn’t have what you’re looking for then it means having to go to another store. Before you know it, you could be spending three or four hours shopping, while online you could be done under a half hour.

Yet, you do need to exercise caution while shopping online. Some items are better off being purchased at a store. These steps will help you know when to buy online and when to head to the store.

Making purchases online

Although you can purchase most anything online, you want to make safe and sensible purchases. The following items are ones that typically are cost-effective when purchased at an online store.

• Bulk items. What are some items that you typically stock up on? Toilet paper? Paper towels? Paper plates? Laundry detergent? Some websites, such as the dollar stores, offer reduced prices if you purchase items in bulk. If you wait until the site offers free shipping and handling, which many already do if you spend a certain amount, then it can be very cost effective to have bulk items delivered to your door.
• Drugstore items. Items that you use on an everyday basis, such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo or lotion, can easily be purchased at one of the drugstore sites. Often, once you start to regularly ordered from the same site, you’ll receive special deals or bonus bucks to be used towards future items.
• Games, books and toys. If you specifically know what you’re looking for, often you can get these items cheaper online than at a store. For example, near the holiday time, Toys-R-Us offers ridiculously low prices on a lot of their toys and games when ordering online. You’ll also discover that there are many items that can only be purchased online and not at the retail store. Barnes & Noble frequently has discounts on their books and gifts.
• Cut out the middle man. If you need a specific car part or a special size screw for a home renovation project, rather than going to a store and having someone order the part for you and charge you, there are reliable sites where you can chat with a customer representative either online or by phone, and they will help you order exactly what you need.
• Clothing, shoes, and accessories. Purchasing clothing, shoes and such online can be cost effective if you’re certain of the brand and size. If you’re ordering clothing from a new site, you won’t know if the items tend to run too big or too small until they arrive at your door and you can try them on. The unfortunate thing is, if the items don’t fit you’ll have to pay the shipping costs to return them.

Tips on purchasing items online

Sometimes you’re in a rush for an item and just need to quickly make a purchase. When possible, you should do a little prep work to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

Here are some tips to consider when purchasing an item online.

• Get free shipping and handling. Many online stores offer free shipping and handling if you spend a given amount, or from time to time, they will offer free S&H regardless of the size of your order. If you’re a first time customer, the site might entice you with free shipping and handling.
• Check for coupons. Coupons are readily available and can easily reduce the cost of your items by 10% or more. If you Google, Yahoo or Bing a site you might find coupons. Coupons will also appear in Facebook. If you currently receive a catalog or flyers from the company, many of those coupons can be applied towards online purchases.
• Pay attention to warranty and guarantee information. Knowing the company’s policy regarding a product’s warranty and/or guarantee can make or break an online purchase. You want the assurance that if a product arrives to you damaged or it just doesn’t meet your expectations, that you can return the product. Find out if the company will only do an exchange or if they’ll give a refund. If you choose to purchase a “slightly used” item from a site such as eBay or Amazon, then chances are there won’t be a warranty or guarantee.
• Compare prices in advance. There are some good websites that will help you compare the prices of an item. You’ll also need to factor in whether or not you’ll need to pay for shipping and handling.
• Check the clearance racks. Just as you enjoy finding a great bargain at a store, online stores often have sales as well. You might just find what you’re looking for at a great price.
• Read over the descriptions carefully. There’s nothing more disappointing than opening up a package and discovering that an item is half the size that you pictured it to be. Take the time to read the descriptions so that you’re certain of what you’re ordering.

Making purchases at a store

When buying something that is big and bulky, it’s probably best to purchase the item at a store. For example, if you’re looking for a lawn mower, you could get it online. However, if something goes wrong, it might be harder to get it repaired locally than if it was purchased from a local store. If there is ever a need to return the item, then it’s going to cost big bucks.

When you’re looking for a special dress for a prom or a wedding, you’re going to want to look at the dresses close up and try a few on. This isn’t possible when shopping online. Also, any kind of clothing that needs alterations will be cheaper if the item is purchased from a store that’s connected to providing the alterations.

If you’re unsure of what you’re specifically looking for, then shopping at a store makes better sense than shopping online. For example, if you’re in the mood for a new kind of perfume, a candle or a room spray, you’ll want to be able to test sample the product before buying it. Once you find something you’re happy with, the next time you can order it online.

Some gift items should be purchased at a store rather than online. If you’re buying an item that might need to be returned, quite often it’s easier to return an item to a physical store than it is to an online store.

The choice is yours…

Whether to purchase items online or at a store, the choice ultimately is yours. Shopping online means you can shop any hour of the day or night, which isn’t true of most physical stores. If you prefer to use PayPal or a credit card, then online shopping will offer more choices than at a store. There are still some stores that will only take cash. On the other hand, some people love the thrill of going to several stores and finding great deals.

Author: John Terris

Every year we say we aren’t going to repeat the year before, but somehow we manage to get caught up in the sales and spend hundreds on a new wardrobe for each child in the home. Back to school clothes shopping doesn’t have to drain the kid’s college funds or put the family on a ramen diet for the next few months though. Actually, by the time the school year begins you should be able to get every child in your home a few pieces that will keep them looking trendy throughout the upcoming school year. If you can follow a few simple tips then this school year will bring your child some confidence and you a little piece of mind that doesn’t involve spending a grand on new clothing for the children.

1. Hand-Me Downs
Some kids might cringe at the idea of wearing hand me downs to school, but there are ways to make your child feel uncomfortable in clothes their family members have worn previously. Generally when you’re looking through the hand me down clothes you might want to choose items like jeans and jackets to pass down. Typically t-shirts can be outdated which will make your kid’s feel even more uncomfortable wearing the clothes. A good pair of jeans are typically one of the most expensive items on your back to school shopping list. The great thing about jeans is they don’t change too drastically in fashion, so you can easily have a younger child wear the pants without their classmates realizing they were worn before. Jackets typically don’t change a whole lot in fashion either, so when the weather gets a bit cool then pull out a jacket from storage, rather than going out and buying brand new items. Sometimes kids will want to go through the hand me downs themselves and find items that an older sibling had worn that they have been waiting to have for themselves. Either way, if you can find a few signature pieces these clothes can cut down your back to school bill by hundreds of dollars.

2. Wardrobe Check
For some reason many of us labor in the idea that the kids have absolutely nothing to wear at the beginning of each school year. This clearly isn’t the case, so don’t feel bad about taking inventory before you go shopping. The week prior to your big shopping day you might have each of your children go through the clothing in their closets and try everything on. If the items still look good and fit well they place them back in the closet. Everything else can be donated, sold in a garage sale or packed away for the next child to use later. You might be surprised as to how many clothes your child actually has in the closet once this task is completed. After the kids have done their part, with your supervision, it is time for you take inventory as to who has what clothes. If the kids all have a decent amount of jeans and shorts then simply buy them each one or two new items to freshen up their style.

3. Shop All Year
Instead of worrying about buying school clothes in one lump sum at the beginning of the year you might want to consider shopping throughout the year. Kids change a lot during one school year so the chances are they will outgrow a lot of the items you purchase before they get a lot of wear out them. So, when the new school year rolls around make sure the have a couple pairs of pants, shirts and a pair of shoes to wear and then call it quits. When your child heads back to school the need for clothes will be more apparent. Instead of buying items that your child refuses to wear because of friends, you can get items that the children will wear a lot. Shopping year round prevents your from having to have a huge budget to spend on clothing. If you wait and pick items up when you have the spare cash then the kids will have a full wardrobe and you’ll be able to keep your household’s budget in line.

4. Go Basic
A lot of shoppers tend to go a bit crazy when it comes to school sales. The best thing you can do is keep the basics in mind while you’re shopping. Kids need pants, shirts and shoes when school starts out and not a whole lot more. Many shoppers want to go crazy over socks, underwear, sweaters, jackets and even accessories instead of concentrating on items the kids really need. So, when you can go school shopping make sure you have a list that states who needs what. If you have a child who is lacking in t-shirts then you have to ensure you leave with a least three or four shirts, depending on how often you intend to do laundry during the week. Usually two pairs of good quality jeans per child will last for several months, so don’t forget this key item. You also have to make sure your child has a pair of gym shoes that fit comfortably as all kids will have to take place in an exercise program. Of course, you shouldn’t spend a lot of money on these items, especially for younger children, because kids outgrow shoes incredibly fast.

5. Shop Clearance
If you feel your early bird sense tingling then there is a pretty good reason. Generally before the big back to school sales many stores will begin to move last years fashion trends right into the clearance bin. If your alright with picking styles from last year then this is the time to swoop in and get your kids what they need for the new season. Most of the school clothes don’t vary too much from year to year so your kids won’t look out of place when they show up to school on the first day. If you’re lucky then you might also find items for the rest of the summer months in the clearance bin. Sometimes you might even find items a size or two larger than your kid’s current size which will make them look awesome next summer while ensuring you don’t have to summer shopping at the end of the school year.

6. Yard Sales
Finding the cash to purchase clothes for the upcoming year can be tough, especially after spending money on family vacations and entertaining the kids all summer. So, if you’re having a tough time finding the money then look no further then last year’s school clothes. Every kid’s closet has clothes in it that aren’t going to be worn again due to a change in trends or the clothes simply not fitting. Snag up these clothes and put them outdoors for a good old fashioned yard sale. If you really want the kids to learn responsibility then have them go through their own closet and choose the clothes they would like to sell. Then take the money they earn from the sale and let them pick the clothing items they’d like to wear in the upcoming year. This will allow them to pick their clothes while also realizing how much money goes into their wardrobe each year.

7. Customization
If your child’s clothes still fit, but aren’t as cool as they were a few months ago then you might want to look into customizing them! Every kid loves to have items that are completely unique to them, so don’t stress about adding a little TLC to your child’s look. Pants are some of the easiest items to customize when it comes to children. You might want to college any patches, buttons, jewels and paints you have around the home. Pants can be transformed by adding any of them items with your child, so they can fall in love with the clothes you once bought them. Many kids might also like character print outs, so grab some iron on sheets and iron on your child’s favorite superheroes, cartoons, or phrases. If pants have become too short then cut them off into shorts and hem up the bottoms so they still look good. Older shirts that have stains and tears can be cut up to create headbands, bracelets and clothing ties that will give your little girl a cute look without the price of accessories.

8. Secondhand Stores
If you’re in a pinch for money or just don’t see a point in spending a lot on certain items then you might want to look around at second hand stores. There’s a lot of great quality items that can be found in thrift stores as well as yard sales, do don’t be afraid to buy certain items for your children here. For instance, most thrift stores have a pretty good selection of jeans that are still in great shape. This is great for those ages in which kids seem to constantly be growing. You might also have an easy time finding vintage t-shirts for teen who want to stand out and don’t like items that are trendy. Of course, these shops are also perfect for finding the perfect jacket for the winter season.

9. Shoes
Shoes tends to be one item we want to spend a lot of money on, but when it comes to kids you want to think cheap when it comes to this purchase. Sure, expensive shoes look nice and they hold up well, but kids grow out of shoes faster than anything else so you don’t want to spend a lot on something they will be wearing a month or two. The best thing you can do is find a Buy One Get One Free sale so you can stock up the entire household on shoes while only paying half of the price. Most kids will only need one or two pairs of shoes, so make sure you pick items that are versatile and will work as gym shoes as well as play and leisure shoes. If your school requires a certain type of dress shoes then make sure to hold onto old pairs so your younger children can wear them in the upcoming school years.

10. Adjustments
You don’t have to box up your kids summer clothes and replace them with new ones. Instead shop with adjustments in mind. For instance, all of those spring and summer t-shirts can be transformed into awesome layer if you buy a neutral colored turtleneck, button up top or cardigan. This layered look is always fashionable and will keep your child warm as the weather begins to cool down. You can also take all of those cute sun dresses and pair them with a cardigan and pair of leggings for a finished look that will leave both parent and child feeling great about the fashion choices. When shopping look for key pieces that will tie items together so you won’t have to worry about buying all new clothes when you send the little one’s back to school.

School shopping doesn’t have to be the scary money spending event the stores make it out to be. Instead, enter the sales room with the knowledge of what you need and search for the best prices for your budget. With these tips you will be able to get in and out of stores before anyone can talk you into buying extra items that you know you don’t need. Your kids will even be the talk of their school’s fashion world thanks to your awesome shopping skills.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

We spend a lot of time on the road which can be pretty expensive when it comes to maintaining the parts of the vehicle. One of the major things affected by our road warrior nature is the wear and tear on our tires. When it comes to replacing these vital items you might freak out when it comes to the pricing. Tires are pretty expensive and you typically have to buy more than one at once, which makes shopping for the items something to dread. There are a several ways that buying new tires can save you money and ensure that your car is road worthy in the worst of conditions.

1. Wait for Sales
If you’re planning on doing a routine tire change then you might want to wait until there is a seasonal sale. Typically these sales happen at the end of every season, which is about every three months, and generally are based around the tires needed for the upcoming season. If you haven’t had a blow out then waiting for the sale prices might be your best bet if you’re looking to save some money. Of course, you don’t have to purchase the seasonal tires as they will probably still run at a higher price than the standard tires that work with most vehicles. There are also many blowout sales that can give you an amazing price for some of the best tires on the market. The key is not wait until the tires are too worn to use. You should always try to buy tires before you end up losing one on the road, because it is the random replacements that will end up costing you more.

2. Shop for Rebates
Tires are one of the best items when it comes to rebates. You can get a rebate pretty much any time during the year and they aren’t hard to find. Usually you can save anywhere from $60 to $200 on tires if you know how to look for rebates. So, before you go shopping you might want to call around and ask if they have any rebates going. Of course, you should always look online as well in order to find the most lucrative rebate available. It is important not to buy a tire just because of the rebate though. If you pick the wrong tire for your car then you will end up spending more money than you need to. Rebate shopping might mean you have to order tires online, so don’t rule this out as an option right away. Sometimes the rebate might even refund your shipping cost, so take your time when looking and you will certainly be rewarded.

3. Don’t Buy What You Don’t Need
A lot of tire salesmen will try to get you to buy items you don’t actually need. For instance, there are many tires that are designed to fit specific climates and they tend to cost a bit more than you’d expect. If you live in a mild climate then purchasing a tire designed for freezing temperatures isn’t exactly the wisest choice. So, before you go into the tire store you should have a pretty good idea of what you need and what you don’t need. If you tend to change out your tires more frequently then don’t be afraid to tell a salesperson exactly what you need and what you don’t need. People who change their tired frequently can opt for the lesser quality if they are looking to save money, but if you tend to stretch your tire usage as much as possible then make sure you opt for something that is going to last a long longer.

4. Warehouses
When you start looking around for tires one of the first places you should try is a warehouse. Even some of the memberships clubs will actually allow you to buy their tires if you are not a member. You, of course, won’t be given the same price tag as members but you will be able to save a bit more than you will at tire stores. Some warehouses don’t require a membership though, so make sure you do your research here first. Warehouses are also notorious for offering you four tires at a much lower price than you’d get buying the tires separately. If you don’t have a warehouse near you the try to find one on the internet that will ship to your location or to a mechanic shop near you.

5. Know Your Size
It is incredibly important to know the size of tire you need when you go into a shop. If you don’t know the size then you might end up getting a tire that is too large for your vehicle. This can cost you more at checkout due to the size, but there is a whole lot more you will have to worry about when you buy a tire that is too large. Oversized tires are harder on the vehicle and will show how poorly your car is running on the tires after the first fill up. When your tires don’t fit right on the car you won’t get as great of gas mileage as you would with a proper fitting tire. That being said, buying tires that are too small can also be a major problem for the car.

6. Buy Online
There are an abundance of online stores that will provide you with amazing quality products at a fraction of the price that you would pay in a shop. One reason for this is because you are often directly buying from a supplier so you don’t have to pay for another company trying to make a profit on the tire. You might think that buying online could be more expensive because you have to pay to ship the items to your home or a nearby shop. Usually, the cost of shipping, the tires and the price of a mechanic to put the tires on will actually save you up to $50. Of course, you still need to shop around and try to find rebates to help you save as much as you possibly can.

7. Try Used
One of the best ways to save money on tires is to consider buying used goods. A lot of the times people will get new tires when the old ones aren’t exactly worn out. This can be a huge benefit to anyone who is shopping a very tight budget. When you go into a shop you might want to talk to a sales person or mechanic about checking out the used tires. If you are feeling nervous about it then you can always thoroughly inspect the tires and have the mechanic look over them with you. Remember, if you aren’t certain about the tires you can always choose another set or go to another shop to check out what they have to offer. Typically if a store is selling them they should be good to drive on though. You might have a mechanic talk to you about how long the tires should work for you though.

8. Rotate Your Tires
A lot of wear and tear happens when you drive, so the best thing you can do is try to prevent your tires from wearing in certain areas. One way to do this is to rotate your tires. When you have this done a mechanic takes the tires and moves them each to a new area on the car. This will allow the tire to be worn in another area so you won’t lose your tires as quickly. You should get your tires rotated whenever you take your car in for an oil change. In fact, a lot of oil change packages have this included so you won’t have to worry about spending more money to have the job done.

9. Shop Around
You won’t do yourself any favors if you don’t shop around prior to purchasing your tires. There are a lot of places out there that will offer sales, but will still charge you too much for the items you choose. You should always have knowledge of how much an item should be when you go shopping for it. This means you’re going to have to do a whole lot of research both online and off. When you find the best price don’t settle for a number that is higher. Go for the lowest price possible whenever possible, especially if you can get all our tires in one deal.

10. Maintain Car
One of the easiest and most common ways to save money on tires it to do simple maintenance on your car. Everything from monitoring the brakes to checking the pressure in the tires can help cut down on how often you need to swap out your tires. One of the best things about the constant maintenance is you will know there is a problem before it can actually cause a problem with the car. Items stuck in tires can be fixed before the cause real damage, air can be added when needed and so much more. This can help prevent the possibility of a blow out when you’re on the road, so you will feel more at easy when it comes to driving in your car. These simple checks are especially important when it comes to longer trips, so practice safety measures before you go out on the highway.

Keeping your car road worthy can be pretty pricey, but you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune when it comes to purchasing tires. There are many shops and online companies that have amazing deals that can keep you on the road longer without forcing you to lose a lot of money. Now, when it is time to upgrade your car’s tires you can breathe easy and enjoy the idea of having a safer vehicle.

Author: John Terris

Whether you’re looking for a backpack for your child as he or she heads back to school or need a decent backpack for hiking, shopping online is the way to go. There’s no need to spend money on gas to travel to a store and then having to stand in line waiting to check out. With the following tips, you can find exactly what you’re looking for at the right price!

Decide what type of backpack is needed

A backpack for school doesn’t need to be as rugged as one for hiking and camping. Here are some things to consider when choosing a backpack.

• Backpack for school
For smaller children, you’ll want to purchase a backpack that is lightweight and that your child can easily put on and take off by himself. You also want to make sure that proportionally it fits the child. Too often little children struggle with backpacks that are intended for older children. Some kids prefer a backpack that can be toted like a suitcase on wheels. This makes it a lot easier to get a backpack on and off the bus and if your child has to walk a fair distance from one class to another, it takes the strain off his back.

Middle school and high school students will need semi-rugged backpacks. Often they will need to carry two or more textbooks which is a lot of weight. Students also prefer backpacks that have plenty of compartments or pockets to hold pens, calculators, a water bottle, etc. You especially want to look for a backpack that can easily be used over one shoulder or has a handle grip and can be carried like a tote. It’s also important that the straps are padded and adjustable.

Most school backpacks are made out of nylon, cloth or mesh. Some schools require that students only use clear backpacks. These backpacks are typically made out of sturdy clear PVC or breathable mesh. Although they may look cheap in design, clear backpacks are just as rugged as the other types.

• Backpack for the outdoors

Daypacks. Daypacks typically are used for hiking, biking, walking or other outdoor day activities in which you need to carry a few items with you. These backpacks are frameless (soft-backed) and are designed to carry 10 to 15 pounds. Daypacks are designed to be worn on the back. In addition to the shoulder straps, the backpack might have a hip belt to keep the backpack from bouncing as the person moves.

Internal frame backpacks. Internal frame backpacks are used when there is a need to carry 15 pounds or more. The frame, made of aluminum, plastic frame sheets or curved Delrin rods, is located inside of the backpack. The backpack is designed so that the weight is being carried on the hip area rather than the back. Internal frame backpacks work well for climbing and skiing.

External frame backpacks. For people who love to do trail walking, the external frame backpack might be the best option if you need to carry a heavy load. With this type of backpack, the load is carried farther away from the back, causing less strain. The person is able to walk more upright and it allows airflow between the backpack and the person’s back.

Where to look online

When it comes to choosing a backpack for school, the sky’s the limit! Little kids tend to want ones with their favorite character, while older kids will go for bold colors, plaid, camouflage, etc. Check online retail stores such as Target, Walmart, JC Penney or Sears for a wide selection of backpacks. Several online clothing stores also carries backpacks. Be sure to read the product descriptions so that you select a backpack that will fit your child or teen. Usually there will be a few photos of the backpack so that you have a good idea of what it looks like inside and out.

Although outdoor backpacks can be found in online retail stores, you will also want to check out sites that cater towards outdoor activities, such as Sports Authority, North Face and Outdoor Products. Some of these sites offer Live Chat where you can let a customer service know what type of outdoor activity you need the backpack for and they will assist you in finding one that will meet your needs.

It’s also worthwhile to check out sites such as eBay and Amazon. Quite often you can find new, or almost new, backpacks for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to read the product descriptions and to ask questions before placing a bid on eBay.

Money saving tips

As you’ll discover, the cost of backpacks greatly varies. If you have a child who tends to misplace his backpack and you end up buying two or three backpacks each year, you probably want to purchase backpacks that aren’t too expensive. If your child is expected to make it through a year or two using the same backpack, then you want to invest in a backpack that is durable and big enough to hold the necessary school items. The same holds true when shopping for an outdoor backpack. A good outdoor backpack should last a few years. In the long run, it is better to invest in a high quality backpack, than having to replace it every one or two years.

Here are some tips on how to save money while shopping for a backpack online:

• Look for sales. For school backpacks, many sites will offer “back to school” deals where backpacks will be deeply discounted. A couple of months prior to warm weather, sites will offer good deals on outdoor backpacks.
• Wait for free shipping and handling. Most store sites offer free shipping and handling at least once every two or three months. This will greatly reduce the overall cost of the backpack.
• Look for coupons. If you’re ordering from a site for the first time, you can sometimes get a coupon for 10% or 20% off on one item. Do a search for the store, such as Google, and see if a coupon is available. If you’re a Facebook user, you might discover that there are ads for backpacks. Once you start a search, Facebook pops up ads for those items. Often there are coupons with these ads.
• Make sure there is a guarantee. Wherever you choose to purchase your backpack, make sure it comes with a guarantee. Chances are you’ll be very pleased with the backpack, but if for some reason there is something wrong with it, you want the assurance that you can send it back.
• Compare sites. Take the time to check out the prices at a few different sites. Be sure to factor in whether or not there are any discounts or if you have to pay shipping and handling. There are sites such as Google Shopping, that will make comparisons for you. However, you may come across a great deal that isn’t on their list.
• Place the item in your shopping cart. Sometimes, if you find the item that you’re looking for and leave it in the shopping cart for a few days, you’ll receive a notice that you have items in the shopping cart. You’ll need to start the checkout process so that the online store has your email. When you receive the notice, they might offer a special discount if you choose to purchase the item.
  • Check the clearance sales. Many online stores have a clearance section. If they only have a few backpacks left from a particular line, they’ll sell the backpacks under the clearance section. Also, once school starts up or winter kicks in, you might find backpacks on clearance.

Lastly, if purchasing a backpack is a new experience for you, you might want to actually go to a store that carries a good line of backpacks and try a few out. Once you find a backpack that fits you well and has the compartments and such that you’re looking for, write down the information. Snap a picture of the backpack with your phone. Then shop online for the best deal for that particular model.

Happy backpacking!

Every summer panic sets in as the school supplies make their way out onto the main floor of your favorite department store. Pretty soon the school supply list will follow and your budget will have to be altered to get your children the items they need to succeed in another school year. Buying school supplies doesn’t have to be the panic it is made out to be. In fact, it can be an entirely relaxing experience that teaches you and your children the value of saving. With a few simple tricks you can have your kid’s off to another year of school while you enjoy the savings on the products that will make everyone happy. Now, when you see the items in the store you sigh with relief that school will soon be starting up again.

1. Look at Home
Our homes tend to accumulate a lot of items that we often forget we have. This can be a major money saving factor when it comes to prepping for school supplies at the beginning of the year. Every year on the last day of school students come home with all of their course work, books and unused supplies. Instead of putting these items in the recycle bin you can always pack them away for the upcoming year. When you finally get your school list then check what you already have before you go out and buy all new items. Usually, kids end up with an unused notebook, pens and pencils with little wear and tear, as well as a backpack in decent shape. This alone could save you hundreds when the stock up time occurs. You might also be able to find crayons or other goods that you would have in the home anyway, such as Kleenex. The more you find around the home the more you will save so don’t feel bad about looking the house over thoroughly before opting to spend more money.

2. Discount Stores
When it comes to shopping for school supplies you don’t have to think expensive. Instead, try to go to your local dollar store, or any discount market, to find what you need. Usually these stores will carry the basics for mere cents in comparison to some of the big name stores. If you’re worried about buying cheaper supplies for your children then try to put that behind you. Typically a classroom takes the supplies everyone brings and divides them between the students. If your child does end up needing more supplies later on then it might be cheaper to replenish their supplies over the winter break. For now, purchasing for every child in the household can be an overburden, so shop as low as possible in order to stretch your money further.

3. Shop Around
School shopping can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to finding the best possible deals. There will be an abundance of stores to choose your supplies from, so it is incredibly important to shop around first. Luckily, most of the time you don’t actually have to go store to store to shop around which is a huge save on gasoline and time. When you get a chance try to check out your local paper to see who is having sales on what. If there’s stores that appear not to have a sales ad up then take to the internet. You might end up going to a couple stores in person, but you shouldn’t have to spend hours looking for sales. When you know the place you want to shop make sure you get the deal they advertised. Of course, you might end up going to more than one store to find what you need so making a list of the places you want to shop and what you want to get there might be useful.

4. Buy in Bulk
If you have more than one child to supply then it might be wise to buy in bulk. No, this doesn’t mean to buy the biggest crayon box in the store, so please don’t do that. Buying school supplies in bulk usually pertains to other supplies. For instance, you might find a five pack of folders or notebooks that is a better price than buying them separately. You might also find a larger pack of pens and pencils, so go ahead and grab this type of item. When you open the pack you can divide it between the children so that everyone has what they need. Sometimes you might end up with extras which will help you out when someone looses something later on in the year. Paper is another great thing to buy in bulk because you will constantly need to buy that for the kids. With a little bulk shopping you can get everyone prepped for school in no time though.

5. No Extras
There’s a pretty good change that your children are going to want a whole lot of extras when it comes to their school supplies. From characters on folders and backpacks to glitter pens and keychains, there extras can end up costing you hundreds more than you’d like. Extras can be a nice way for children to express themselves, but a lot of the time items such as pencils, crayons, paper and folder are collected and used by all of the student’s classmates. Thus, there is no reason to spend a small fortune on something your child isn’t even going to be able to use. If the child still insist on buying the Spiderman folder or Barbie notebook then offer to pay the price of a regular notebook and have the child make up the different with his or her own allowance. This will teach the child responsibility as well as keep your budget happier.

6. Customize at Home
A lot of kids want to customize their school supplies so they can show off their personality. This is okay, but try to wait until the day after school begins. At this point you will already know if your students is going to be keeping the supplies you bought and if the teacher will allow custom items in the classroom. If both answers are a yes then don’t be afraid to pull out the household’s craft supplies and get to work. One easy way to give your children a custom look is to put their name in glitter on folders and other items. Of course, boys might not be interested in this, so you might want to brush up on cartoon lettering to give your boys a unique look. Stickers are also a great way for kids to show their personality without forcing you to buy the expensive character folders. Whatever you choose to do, try to make sure the household does it as a family so your children will feel like you’re a part of their school life.

7. School Sales
Sometimes waiting is your best bet when it comes to saving money. A lot of stores will actually have huge sales to get people to come in and choose their school supplies. It is usually safe to wait for these sales because all of the stores in town will be competing with one another to get your business. You will find that a lot of these stores will even match the price of the other, so if you do end up over spending on an item make sure to take it in for a price match. Some states will even host a tax free weekend on school items, which generally takes place right before school begins. If you’re not sure if your state does this then you can look online or call and ask local businesses if they take part in the tax free weekend. It might be a bit crazier to shop during these times so you might consider leaving the kids at home while you pick up their supplies.

8. Don’t Buy Everything at Once
Just because you have the long list of school supplies in your hand doesn’t mean you have to get everything at once. In fact, if you want then just buy your child the basics and then wait until school starts. This will allow you to get acquainted with the teacher so you can find out everything your child is actually going to need as well as the time frame they will need it in. If you start shopping a bit earlier you can buy a few items each payday so that you don’t end up spending a lot of the household’s budget on items for school. Timing can be everything when it comes to school supplies so don’t be afraid to sit back and wait. You might also keep a list of items that are and aren’t on sale and shop using the list. Typically backpacks should always be purchased while on sale or else you will end up losing more money on school supplies. Shopping for these items doesn’t have to be a rushed quest, instead you should take your time and buy items when you can.

9. Backpacks
Backpacks are going to take up the majority of the school supply budget, which is why you should shop carefully with this item. It might seem the best option to go out and purchase a cheap bag just to save a bit of money, but this can be a bad money saving decision right away. For children who are still in grammar school it is safe to buy the smaller and cheaper bags because they won’t have to carry a lot of weight to and from school. When your children are at the junior high, high school and college levels then cheap bags are no longer an option. Sure, some of the better bags on the market are pretty expensive which can be intimidating, but when you weigh your options you don’t want to have to keep spending money on bags that will last a couple of weeks when you can just purchase a bag that might last the rest of your child’s educational career. With a backpack expense out of the way your school supply budget will be cut in half every year thereafter.

10. Stock Up
One of the easiest ways to save money on supplies is to keep stocked up. You might have to set aside an area in your home office for your supplies, but it will be worth it at the end of the year. For instance, a lot of the time you can find notebooks for $.15 when you can shopping for supplies. If you buy 10 of these then you’re still not spending a lot of money and you will have backup notebooks for when the price hikes back up to a $1 a piece. Paper is also another great thing to stock up on, especially when you have kids in high school and college. Typically paper is cheap all year long, but a lot of the time it will be ridiculously low at the end of the school year. If you can find deals on items throughout the year then buying school supplies at the beginning of the school year won’t have to be an issue. You might even find that you get to sit back and relax while the masses do their school shopping in a rush.

You don’t have to break out into a sweat just because the school supplies have debuted in your local department store. With these tips you will easily be able to approach school shopping with a zen like grace which can really make this time of the year fun. Your children will be set and on their way with your budget still looking amazing. Now, all you have to worry about is the teacher your child is assigned to this year!

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Waking up in the morning could be rather tough without that surge of caffeine that we get from a cup of coffee. Many people around the world take pleasure in coffee throughout the day, but paying for this delicious treat can really have you hurting for money. When it comes to coffee a lot of people are okay with budgeting around the high prices so they can have a little treat. The great thing about coffee is you can make it incredibly cheap with a little know how. No longer will you have to wait in lines to purchase a cup of coffee that shouldn’t cost you any more than a dollar. With these simple tips you’ll be able to enjoy as much coffee as you want throughout the day, without having to pay what you are now.

1. Don’t Get Fancy
For some reason coffee has become an incredibly complex beverage over the last decade. Everyone wants to purchase the newest technology in coffee makers and people take pride in owning machines that are overly complex for any household. If you really want to save money step back and breathe before you buy a coffee maker. One of the best things you can do before purchasing is look at the drinking habits of the household. If you’re the only person who drinks coffee and you generally have about one cup a day then the new k-cup machines might be a good match, but you don’t have to buy the over sized and more expensive editions. You might also want to look into getting a filter too as k-cups can get a bit pricey. Of course, if you live in a household that drinks a lot of coffee then a simple brewing system might be your best bet. You can also look into one that has an area that will pour right into your travel mug. Once you’ve evaluated your needs try to choose the machine that is simple as this will be the cheapest bet. Remember, even a french press brews a great cup of coffee and you don’t even have to hook it up to a plug!

2. Grind Your Own Beans
When you go to purchase coffee you have a whole lot of options. One of your cheapest options is to buy coffee beans that haven’t been ground yet. You can purchase these beans in all sorts of flavors so you won’t be missing out on anything by purchasing coffee this way. Coffee grinders aren’t expensive either and if you already have a food processor then you’re pretty much ready to go. The reason why coffee beans are a better buy is because they come in larger packages for around the same price as a standard bag of ground coffee. The coffee beans also allow you to grind what you need for a week so you won’t have to deal with stale coffee. If you’re really into a fresh cup then grind the coffee each day! You’ll love how bold your coffee taste and will love how little shopping you have to do for coffee.

3. Buy Generic
If grinding your own coffee isn’t something you’re into then try shopping for a generic brand. One of the best ways to avoid paying too much for coffee is to browse the lower section of the coffee aisle. Generally, the more popular name brand coffees tend to be placed at eye level so people will grab them and carry on with shopping. There are a good number of brands that aren’t popular but still taste incredible. Sometimes, these brands have a more authentic and fresher taste then the big names. When you start out buying a different brand try choosing the smallest package available just in case you end up not caring for the brand. When you find one you like then try to aim buying a bulkier package so you save even more.

4. Make Your Own Creamer
Creamers are a major part of coffee today. They have flavored ranging from the classics to some of your favorite candy bar treats, which makes it even harder to say no to purchasing more. When it comes to creamer you can actually make the good stuff in your own home. Most creamers follow the same basic recipe which is generally milk and sweetened condensed milk, which most people already have in their own. There are a whole lot of recipes for homemade creamer on the internet, so let your sweet tooth guide you to what you’d like to try first. Most of the creamers will only take a few simple ingredients so make sure you have what you need when you go shopping next. You can even recycle your old creamer bottle for your new home made delight. You might even look for recipes that involve less sugar if you’re on a diet. Home made creamer will not only save you money, but it will be a healthier alternative to the store bought stuff.

5. Frothing
Frothing can go a long way when it comes to a cup of coffee and many people are willing to pay a whole lot of money for this technique. The thing is a frother only cost you around $2 and is simple to do at home. So, if you’re a huge fan of lattes and cappuccinos put your wallet away and look into buying yourself a frother to save money. This process is simply whipping regular milk or creamer so you don’t need to buy anything special to have a great cup of coffee in front of you. You might even find that your friends are coming over a lot more to get your expensive tasting coffee instead of heading to the local overpriced coffee shop.

6. Join a Coffee Club
Coffee is a major social thing in many countries, so there is already a whole lot of coffee clubs looking for members. If you really want to save money on more expensive brands of coffee then this is the way to go. You can search online for a clubs that suits your needs so don’t be afraid to look around and ask questions if you want. A good number of coffee clubs will actually send you free samples of some of their coffee, so you can enjoy several different types of coffee without paying a penny. If you do enjoy a certain type you can always buy if from the club and will usually get a pretty decent discount. Of course, some coffee clubs might only send you coupons on sale information, but every little bit help. One of the best features is being able to meet people who share your love of coffee and getting recommendations from them on what you should try out next.

7. Flavored Coffee
Coffee with a little extra flavor is pretty popular these day. You shouldn’t have to pay extra for something that is simple to do at home though. If you can’t get enough of flavoring in your coffee then stick to buy plain coffee. When you’re in the mood for a little extra flavor then you can take a variety of spices and put them into the coffee ground when you brew. All spice is one of the most popular items to put into coffee as it will give you the ever popular pumpkin spice coffee that everyone loves in the autumn months. You can even add a little spice to your froth to make the taste extremely bold. If you love the taste of fruit in your coffee then stock up on dried fruits. This can be expensive so if you have a dehydrator then you can easily do this for yourself. When you brew the coffee add the fruit to the grounds, or if you’re using coffee beans then grind the fruit in with the beans and you’re ready to brew a delicious cup.

8. Buy in Bulk
If you’re a coffee lover then you might want to add coffee to your bulk buy list as this alone can save you a whole lot of money. Usually bulk buy stores will have larger coffee canisters so you can get a whole lot of coffee for your money. Generally, when you buy like this you can easily several months worth of coffee for the price of one month. The same can be said when it comes to coffee beans in the bulk stores. If you really want great coffee beans then try looking at your local farmer’s market. They often have a wide selection and you can buy a whole lot of beans at once. You might think buying coffee in bulk is a bad idea because it will go stale. If you don’t take extra precautions then it will, but there are a lot of trips that will keep your coffee fresh for longer periods of time. You can always stick the coffee in the freezer in order to keep it tasting fresh for a long time. You can also vacuum seal some of the grounds or beans so they have even more protection from the test of time. After you begin buying bulk having coffee in the home will become such a convenience that you won’t think twice about it next time you stock up.

9. Don’t Throw Coffee Out
One major way we lose money on our coffee is by throwing it out. Sometimes we will brew a pot and not have time to finish it or find we just aren’t in a coffee mood anymore. Don’t just throw out this old coffee though! Instead take the pot and put it in the refrigerator, or simple put the coffee into something else and place it in the refrigerator. When you get ready to brew a pot the following morning add what you didn’t finish off the day before so it doesn’t go to waste. A lot of people believe their coffee will taste stale when they do this. When you add a freshly brewed pot onto the older coffee it will taste just like the freshly brewed pot. Now, you will have a bit extra to make up for your caffeine loss the day before. You could also take the coffee from the refrigerator and turn it into a delicious cup of ice coffee to cool you down on a hot day. This is especially great for a mid work day treat so you can get a little extra boost and still find satisfaction with the day.

10. Gas Stations
Sometimes we just don’t have time to brew a cup at home, or we’re out and about when the coffee urge strikes. If this is the case then you should try to avoid the expensive coffee and doughnut shops as much as you can. Instead, head to your nearest gas station or convenient store to fill up on your caffeine needs. Gas stations have known people need coffee, especially when they’re on the road, for decades. This is one of the reasons why they have such an amazing selection of coffee that even rivals your local coffee shop. Usually you can grab a cup of coffee and load it up with milks, sugars, creamers and anything else you can think of for no extra cost. Most gas station will even have ice coffee ready for the pour or a cappuccino machine.

You don’t have to skip out on your coffee just because the prices at the shop are a bit too much. With these tricks you can get the most coffee for your money so you won’t ever have to experience a caffeine crash again. Now, you won’t ever have to settle for a mediocre cup of coffee because you’ll have all of the tools to make the most out of your daily treat.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty