Throughout the year there are many conventions dedicated those fan who can’t live without their video games, comic books and other superhero merchandise and stories. These conventions have typically been part of an underground culture for decades, but now being a geek, or simply being interested in things considered geeky, is now cool. Superhero fans around the world venture far and wide to check out their favorite conventions each year. It doesn’t matter what your niche in the geek world there is a little something for everyone. On the down side, these conventions can be a huge money pit, especially if you’re going to your first convention. If you can remember a few simple rules you can easily make it through the convention without feeling like you need to empty out your wallet to impress your favorite celebrities. So, take a step back and take it all in while letting these tips guide you through your convention experience.

1. Buy Online
Shopping for tickets is one of the first steps to making it to a convention. If you’ve ever tried to buy tickets for major events, such as San Diego’s Comic Con, then you know you have to act fast or you’ll potentially lose out for the year. Buying online for this convention, and others like it, is crucial as it will secure your place at the event. Sometimes these conventions will offer tickets at the door, but it is only if they haven’t sold out already. If you do decide to wait and buy them the day of the convention then you’ll really need to wake up early as you’ll end up spending quite a portion of the day in line, which means you’ll miss out on a lot of what you’re paying for. A lot of tickets are also raised ten dollars per person, so if you’re looking to buy for the whole family then make sure to hurry and get them online or you might miss out on a lot of extra spending money.

2. Bring Snacks
The one thing you can pretty much count on when it comes to conventions is the food is going to be pretty pricey. Most convention centers have a pretty good selection, but the prices are hiked up in order to meet event standards. There are a few vending machines you might want to visit if you’re starting to get really hungry, but going to one of the food vendors could be a huge mistake. In fact, leaving the convention to eat at a restaurant might also be a bad idea, especially if you’re in a big city. Most convention centers are located in a tourist area, which means you’ll be paying a lot more than you should for food. There is one majorly great point about going to a comic convention though. That is, they let your bring backpacks and outside food into the area. So, instead of budgeting for an expensive meal try packing granola bars, sandwiches and a few waters to get you through the action packed day. After all, you might not want to stop and take a lunch break if you have a tight schedule.

3. Show Up Early
The best thing you can do to save money at a convention is to show up early. Conventions can get pretty congested, especially as the day goes on. If you can be in line and ready to go before the gates open then you’ll not only get to see more things for your money, but you’ll be set up to keep more in your wallet than you think. Getting through the lines early in the morning is a bit of a breeze, which means you won’t have to contend with so many people on the merchant floor. With time and space available to you you’ll be able to go through each of the areas without feeling like you’re being rushed. This can be a major advantage to people who are looking to get some unique artwork. Many vendors only bring a certain number of items with them to sell, so if you do end up waiting too long you might miss out on a great piece. This often spooks many people into buying one of everything they wish they could have, instead of taking the time to digest it all and make an appropriate decision. With the floor not crammed like sardine cans you’ll be able to make calm rational decisions. A lot of comic book creators will also give you a free autograph if the line isn’t too long. Make sure you know it is free before you accept though.

4. Plan Ahead
Working out a plan before you show up to the convention can be one of the biggest helping hands throughout the day. Typically conventions will post up a schedule a few days to a few weeks prior to the big event. You will also get a schedule when you pass through the ticket line. It is important to take a few brief moments, or an extended amount of time prior to the event, to work out what is you and your family want to do at the convention. There are many events that clash with one another, or some that might force you to leave an event early, so look at times carefully. This can really save you money as the events are totally free and you might even get goodies when you show up. The more free shows you’re checking out the more time you aren’t spending money downstairs in the merchant area or on food. Panels are what most people want to see when they’re at a convention so get in line early if you can! You might also want to plan out a budget to spend at the convention. This will help you keep spending to a minimum if you typically can’t contain your excitement at these events.

5. Walk
Like many popular events parking at the convention center can be pretty pricey. This price tag only triples if you intend on going every day of the convention. Most people who live in town tend to take public transportation to the nearest area and then walk to the convention from there. This helps cut down on the cost of parking and gives your legs a little wake up before you spend all day climbing up and downstairs and running to panels you have to get a spot for. If you’re an out of towner then try to work out the bus schedule to get to the center. Of course, if you are really planning ahead you might have already booked a room close to the center. This will give you easy walking access to the convention so you can come and go as you please without worrying about paying for parking again.

6. Full Package
Most conventions tend to last for an entire weekend with different events each day, so you might want to check out each day if you have the time. If this is the case then make sure you check to see if the convention offers tickets in a package. Typically this will allow you to save at least ten dollars on your ticket purchase, which could come in handy if you’re buying tickets for more than one person. Buying tickets in bulk also means that you only have to stand in line once! This is a huge time saver and will let you get what you need to get done while everyone else is still stuck in line. The best aspect of the bulk tickets is you typically only spend $30 more for a full weekend and no one has to sacrifice seeing an event they want.

7. Sunday Events
If you’ve never been to a convention before and you aren’t sure if you’re ready for the fandom then you might want to gran a Sunday ticket. Typically Sundays are a cool down day for the convention and they start a bit later and end sooner. You can usually see the same celebrities and catch a few panels, but the crowd has ceased quite a bit. There are some cons to going on Sunday, such as missing out on major panels and limited vendors, but if you like a mellow pace then Sunday is for you. The best thing about Sunday tickets is they are half of the price of Friday and Saturday tickets so you get a pretty good deal out of. If you fall in love with the convention then at least you’ll know you should grab the package next time!

8. Just Say Hi
One of the most appealing things about conventions is the multitude of celebrities that you’ll find walking around. Typically you can get an autograph from just about everyone, but they do come at a price. The average cost of an autograph is about $25, so you can only imagine how much you’d be spending if you got one from everyone you saw. Instead of simple asking for an autograph you might get a little bit more out of your visit if you give the celeb a handshake and strike up a conversation. You might be surprised at how down to earth many of them are and if they like you enough you might get a free photograph with them. Most celebrities are plagued with people looking for autographs all day long, so a nice unexpected statement might be your ticket to a celebrity’s heart. This will give you a memory that might outlast your piece of autographed paper.

9. Cosplay
One big event at the conventions is Cosplay, which is basically people dressing up as their favorite characters. You will see some incredible designs at conventions that might even inspire you to Cosplay yourself. Instead of buying an elaborate costume you should always try to build your own as often as possible. This will save you a whole lot of money and will earn you respect from the Cosplay community. If you don’t know where to start try talking to Cosplayers that you meet and ask them out they got started. Many will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. You can always find a large amount of tutorials online that could have you winning competitions in no time. You should also keep in mind that most Cosplayers don’t mind taking pictures with you for no cost. This can be a great alternative to the autograph dilemma and will make for fun memories in the future.

10. Discounts
From tickets to merchandise, you should be able to find a wide selection of discounts if you’re willing to look. To begin with most children, military and senior citizens will get a discount on their entrance tickets as long as they apply for the appropriate badge when buying tickets. This, of course, isn’t the only place you can find discounts in the convention. A lot of comic book creators and artist really like a great conversation during the day as they mostly only deal with quick sales. Sometimes, if you can strike a chord with some of the vendors they may offer you a discount just for giving them a break from the whole sales aspect of the convention. Some vendors are also great about helping you out if you decide to buy a full collection from them, or if you’ve bought from them before.

Conventions are a great way to bring the family together, but they don’t have to be a money consumer. These tips will help you keep your cool and save some cash while you’re surfing through the convention crowds. While at the convention it is important to remember that the time is meant for having fun and now how many fan items you can find, or what foods you need to try. With this in mind you’ll fall in love with the super hero environment.

We all want to impress our best friend when her big day finally happens. The only problem is impressing someone we care about often comes with a huge price, especially when we know what she’s expecting out of a last blow out. Planning a bachelorette party can be a whole lot of stress, so don’t let your finances get in the way of the festivities. This party should become a way to show your best friend that her last night single will be the last party night she’ll ever need. So, step away from the high priced ideas and take a look at these cost effective and fun ideas to make her last shindig the best night of her life.

1. Throw Back Parties
If you grew up with the bride to be then chances are you had a whole lot of slumber party fun when you were kids. So, why not bring that party attitude back for her big night of fun. Make sure everyone brings a sleeping back and shows up in their favorite pair of pajamas. You can spend the time dancing to your favorite teen songs, having pillow fights or telling spooky stories about dates from the past. This will leave the bride to be feeling loved and will give a nice nostalgic mood to the night. You can also create you party around a specific theme. Ask your guest to dress up accordingly and throw a fashion show that details all of the costume dos and don’ts. If you don’t want to spend the night in the home then try to book a party at a skating rink. This will allow everyone to have some good quality fun that won’t cost you a lot. If all else fails there is always the go to pizza party that will make everyone happy.

2. Homemade Food
Being appointed the maid of honor means a lot, but it doesn’t mean that you have to spend hundreds of dollars to take everyone out for food and alcohol. If you’re planning on having food at your party,and let’s face it it’s not really a party without food, then try to make it yourself. Try to figure out what the bride’s favorite foods are and tackle them in your own kitchen. The less expensive the food is the better so try to choose items that are cheap to make in bulk. If you’re having trouble with cooking then try to get the entire bridal party together to cook the food. This will make it more of a treat for the bride and will ensure everyone gets to take part in the cooking party. If you don’t want to bear off of the burden on yourself then try to ask everyone to come in for a pot luck. This will allow a wide variety of food for the party without forcing you to pay for it or cook it all yourself. If you really want to make it special then ask the guest to bring the first meal they shared with the bride, or a food that represents their relationship.

3. Make the Accessories
One thing a bachelorette party can’t be without is accessories. From the bridal sash to the gag gifts, accessories make an awesome treat for brides and the rest of the guests. Many people tend to go out and buy a lot of accessories to make the party what it is, but when it comes to sticking to a budget you can do a lot of amazing things for less. Making your own accessories can be one of the best aspects of planning the party. For starters, the bride is typically presented with a sash to wear throughout the night. This can be easily made with a small amount of fabric and a little fabric paint. If you want to get really into detail then you can embroider the sash yourself. You can also make t-shirts for the group fairly inexpensively. Usually you can get a great deal on bulk t-shirts when you shop at a craft store, but try to look for a color that is going to match the wedding colors or simply draw out attention. Next, add a little fabric paint to a sponge for a custom look your guest won’t forget. If you’re feeling particularly crafty then you can create a tiara, wand or other princess props for your best girl.

4. Alcohol
It’s pretty hard to avoid the whole alcohol issue when it comes to a bachelorette party. Most brides are going to want a few drinks at her final party, but don’t stress out over it. One cheap and easy way to get drinks for the party is to introduce a wine tasting concept. This will allow you to purchase many different types of wine for guest to explore. Try to keep each bottle under $5 though, as this will really help keep the budget as low as possible. If you want to serve hard liquor at the party then try to not buy any new bottles. Instead, work with the items you already have at home and asks guest to bring a few of their own. Chances are you aren’t going to go through everything you have in the home, especially if you decide to make mixed drinks. These drinks can be easily made with juices you have around the house already, but if you do end up having to do some shopping then try to get generic brands as often as possible.

5. Groupons
If you really have to go out for the party then try to utilize groupons as much as possible. These special coupons on discounts for group outings that can really make your budget stretch really far. Try to keep an eye out for groupon deals in your area a few months prior to the actual party. This will allow you to find an event your probably didn’t think about so the party can be a total surprise for your bride to be. If you’re still a bit worried about money then ask the guests attending to pay a percentage of the deal. This will take some of the burden off of you while providing the bride with an outing that will take her stress away. When it comes to traditional bachelorette party outings you might want to look into pole dancing classes for the girls. This is a great way to add the adult theme to the party while giving guest something fun and new to try. If you mention you’re planning a bachelorette party with the studio you can typically get a pretty good discount, so make sure to bring up the topic while you’re talking about rates.

6. Stay Local
A lot of women feel like they need to plan a huge weekend trip to satisfy the bride to be’s needs. This is often a huge mistake though as most brides are content with one night out with good friends. So, instead of planning that weekend trip to somewhere out of the way look around for something you can do locally. Planning a trip out of town can actually add to the stress of the bride. With the traveling, packing and waiting there’s a good chance you’ll only get to spend a little bit of time with one another. The goal of the bachelorette party is to relax the bride and take her mind off the stress of the wedding. So, look around for something that won’t just be fun, but will allow everyone to unwind before the wedding day.

7. Ask for Discounts
When you’re planning your big party make sure to let everyone know you’re planning a bachelorette party. Many businesses, like hotels, restaurants and limos will actually offer you a discount as they would with couple on their honeymoon. You’ll love to find out how many people are actually willing to help you make your bride to be’s party dreams a reality. So, when you call to make your party reservations make sure to slip in that you’re planning a bachelorette party and the goals you hope to accomplish. A lot of businesses will actually work around your needs and give you some pointers to help you on the right track in your party planning. You have to make sure to ask about the discounts though!

8. Book Early
When it comes to party planning booking things early is really going to make your job a lot easier and a whole lot cheaper. Yes, it might be hard getting everyone that is going to confirm in time, but if you can get a general count of the people going you’ll be on your way to saving a whole lot of money. Try to get things booked at least three months early so you will know your plans are confirmed. You might also try to plan a trip for the off season months, even if it is well before the actual wedding date. Off season bookings are a lot more cost effective and will give you more money to work with when it comes to other aspects of the party.

9. Utilize Freebies
One great thing about using other facilities for a party is there are often a good number of freebies you can take advantage of. For instance, staying at a hotel often means you’ll have free access to a gym and pool. This is perfect for any bride and bridal party that might be worried about final looks. The pool will offer hours of entertainment and will even help everyone get a nice natural tan before the big day. With the pool and gym taking up a lot of the excess time then you might find there is no reason to plan a whole lot other pricey activities. You might also look into the spa at the hotel, or at least a spa located around the hotel. A lot of the time hotels will offer spa freebies to guest or will give out a discount voucher so guest can enjoy some relaxation at a neighboring spa. You might also find out if your hotel serves breakfast for free as this is a good time to get the ladies filled up for free so you can wait longer to go out to eat again.

10. Games
There is nothing quite as important as a fun game to make your party go by faster. There are numerous games you can transform into bridal party games that will cost you next to nothing. While you’re planning out the party festivities try to make a checklist of the games you actually own. This will allow you to look up different ways to transform them into bridal games. Older games you might have played in highschool, such as secret admirer based games, are perfect for entertaining a group of ladies ready to have some fun. You might also look online for crafty games you can create with old clothes, paper or other items. If you are really feeling ambitious then you can create a fun scavenger hunt that has guests looking for bridal items around the home. If all else fails you can break out the trusty truth or dare game for fun that could last all night.

A bachelorette party could be incredibly hard to plan if you’re keeping your budget in mind the entire time. Instead of working out how much money you can spend these tips will allow you to figure out how much you can actually save on party events you’ve always dreamed of going to. Now, you and your best friend will have a party that you’ll want to talk about for decades to come.

Every once in awhile you just need to take a break from it all and pamper yourself. The only problem is a little pampering can cost you a whole lot of money if you choose to visit the spa. Many spas are known for charging a lot for their relaxing services, but if you’re craving some time away there are numerous ways to save some cash. From weekend getaways to an afternoon massage, you’ll be able to get just what you’re looking for without causing yourself more stress. So, sit back and enjoy the fact that you’re not going to spend your life savings on a massage that you might actually consider emptying your bank account over.

1. Go Local
Often enough people tend to seek out popular and trendy spas to get a treatment instead of looking around for a smaller local venue. This can be one of the major problems when it comes to getting a massage as trendy places tend to feel comfortable with charging quite a bit more than the average spa should. So, if you’re looking for a quick way to relax you might want to find one that is in your community. Smaller spas tend to charge a price that is more fair to the customer on a budget and will offer the same, if not better, services. Usually you can find a list of spas in the yellow pages or online, but don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation from friends, family and neighbors. You should also keep an open mind when looking for a local spa as it might not be listed under spa services because many spas only offer facials and massages. A good place to begin your search is a local salon and these businesses tend to be located around one another.

2. Midweek Bookings
One major thing to avoid when going to a spa is trying to get an appointment around the weekend. Typically, the best time to book your treatment is in the middle of the week. This is largely due to the lack of business most spas get during this period, so don’t be afraid to take a day off work or pop in during your lunch hour for a massage. Many spas and resorts often create specials that only occur during this special time so they can try to entice more business. This means you might get a better deal on packages, or you could be privy to huge discounts or freebies. Another great thing about booking midweek is you won’t be surrounded by a lot of people, which means you get a lot more relax time for the money.

3. Package Deals
If you’re in for a long day of pampering then you might want to learn more about the packages your spa offers. A lot of the time many people will go through a list of services and book individual items that they want to experience. This can end up costing you a whole lot of money though. Most spas have a series of packages that offer you a wide variety of treatments throughout the period of your stay. So, if you want several hours or days of spa related fun then a package deal is typically going to best for you. When you look at packages make sure they cover at least two of the items you planned on doing separately. This will leave you feeling fulfilled while also giving you a few new things to try out. Some spas will even allow you to mix and match certain treatments, so don’t be afraid to ask when you book. Usually package deals contain each treatment at a discounted price, but some will add up all of the cost and then give you a small price decrease. Either way, you will end up spending less for a great time. You should also always book special treatments in a series to help you get more for your money. For instance, you should always have laser hair removal booked in several different appointments. It helps cut the cost and ensures you’ll be able to follow through with treatments.

4. Join a Club
When it comes to some spas there is nothing quite like the savings of a club membership. There are many clubs that provide you with discounts, so if you tend to frequent the spa quite a bit then this might be something you should look into. For instance, many social clubs offer their members coupons, gift cards and early insights on sales which can save thousands of dollars during the year. Some clubs will even make weekend trips to the spa, so for a flat price you can be transported to the spa and receive a special package that all of your club friends are enjoying too. A lot of spa are actually creating their own special clubs for clients who like to frequent their establishment. Many of these rewards programs offer discounts, or a free treatment after so many purchases or visits. So, if you find yourself spending more time at the spa ask about any rewards or research them on the internet.

5. Group Retreats
There is nothing quite as fun as going on an outing with your best friends, especially if that outing is some time spent at the spa. For many, a spa retreat is something that needs to be done at least once a year in order to keep in touch with old friends. This is great in many regards, but when it comes to your budget is is absolutely fantastic. A lot of spas and resorts will actually help group visits save some money if you mention you are booking as a group when you call in to make a reservation. Typically, groups help make the spa more money as it as a lot of people getting the same treatments. This makes it easy to lump people in together so other rooms are freed up for single clients. So, spas can easily lump the price of the group together and then add a little discount so each individual visitor ends up paying less. Group retreats also mean you will be saving on transportation and lodging fees as you can easily share the price of the trip with others.

6. Winter
One way to take the burden off a spa retreat is to book during the winter months. Typically, people tend to head to the spa during the long days of summer when they have time off work and want to relax more. In the cooler months, people are bustling around with work or trying to manage a holiday budget. This frees up a whole lot of space in the spa which means the spa needs to work harder to fill those empty slots. With the empty space in the spa most businesses will come up with exciting promotions to get people back into the resort. Winter is also one of the more comfortable times to visit the spa as the warm temperatures will help cheer you up and get you feeling refreshed so going back to work isn’t as tough. It is also a good time to get a massage as the muscles tend to be more tense and holiday stress tends to build up your tension.

7. No Extras
One way that you might end up draining your budget during a spa trip is saying yes to some of the little extras the spa might offer. When you enter a spa you should always remember that everything comes at price. This will help you when a staff member offers you something. Even though it might seem like a casual offer usually spas don’t offer anything for free, unless it is otherwise stated. So, if a staff member seems to be offering you something to make your life better you should ask what the rate is just to be safe. A lot of the time people will sit in the spa and accept drinks, food, or smaller items like a foot massage and expect it all to be part of the spa experience. This leads to some very scary bills when you check out of the spa though. So, in order to avoid you child’s college fund being wiped out over the weekend try to stick to things you already paid for or know for a fact are free.

8. Visit a School
If you’re looking for a simple spa experience, like a massage or a facial then nothing beats visiting a massage school. A lot of massage schools will offer an open house to guests who are looking to get a simple procedure. This is designed to give the students first hand experience for their future trade while enticing real people to offer their bodies as a teaching aid. Since you aren’t technically getting a massage from a professional, even though a teacher may step in from time to time and will always be supervising, you won’t have to pay the same price as you would at a spa. Sometimes, you might even end up getting a massage for nothing more than your time. For many students this experience is incredibly important for their success in school, so keep in mind that you might be asked to provide honest feedback. Even though you might end up spending a bit more time in the school than you would at a professional studio you will still end up spending a whole lot less.

9. Research
When it comes to visiting a spa you can get a whole lot for your money if you simply do a little research before booking. For instance, many spas will give you access to their steam room, pool and other amazing facilities for the day if you pay for one massage. Most people will show up to the massage appointment and leave directly afterward, which could be a waste of money. A lot of spas will add a small fee to all of their services that takes care of these facilities, so you could end up losing some of the money you paid if you just leave. Another great way to save is to look up the spa you’re going to be visiting before you book. Try to find out what each package contains and the rules and obligations of the spa. Sometimes you might end up buying a package that features items you don’t want or you might find out that the massages you’re booking are too short. Knowing everything about your procedures will help you make the best decisions. Of course, researching your spa will also make you privy to the sales you may encounter.

10. Stay Home
If you’re looking to save a whole lot of money then you should consider staying home. There are so many spa products on the market today that you’ll feel like you’re in a five star resort without leaving the house. There are numerous massage oils on the market that are perfect for a romantic night in with a date or spouse that are also looking for a little break from the real world. There are even a good number of facial products that can turn a night out with the girls into a night in at the spa. You might even find that staying in becomes a new tradition that creates tons of memories for you and your loved ones.

Spending some time at the spa can be the key to debunking the stress you’re experiencing. Of course, the key to getting rid of stress isn’t to add more financial burden to the list. With these easy tips you’ll be able to find the peace you’re looking for without forcing yourself to lose your control on your finances, which can be one of the best feelings money can’t buy.

Cellphones play a major role in today’s society. From keeping in touch with family and friends to making sure your on top of your work, cellphones ensure that you have a bit more control over your life. For many, the cellphone is a necessity, but the cellphone bill or phone itself can cost so much money that it isn’t right for the household budget. There are a few ways to make your cellphone usage worthwhile, so you don’t have to feel like you must get rid of your cellphone in order to be financially secure. If you can manage a few simple techniques then you can really make your cellphone bill a lucrative and inexpensive aspect to your monthly bills.

1. No Smartphones
Although smartphones are the coolest thing on the market right now they can really boost up the amount of money you spend per month on your bill. Most phone companies charge you extra for a smart phone fee and require you to use a data plan even if you don’t really want to, which could add up to $50 per phone to your bill. Not to mention, smartphones are expensive to purchase initially and if you don’t pay the monthly insurance fee you might also end up spending a whole lot more to replace or repair the device if it breaks. Rather than investing a huge amount of money for a phone that might not last you long, you might want to consider working with an older model that doesn’t require the extra fees. Typically these phones can still provide you access to the internet without forcing you go overboard on bill additions.

2. Consider Location
Before you purchase a phone plan you should consider the area you’re in and potential areas you might go. Many cellphone providers will offer you a certain coverage areas, but some just don’t cover everywhere you may go. So, you might want to look at the plans prior to actually purchasing one. Another way to get a good perspective of a potential company’s coverage is to ask friends and neighbors what company they use. This will allow you to know how your phone is going to work at home as well as out in the town. Knowing what your area coverage is will help you avoid roaming charges which could really mess up your budget. You should also consider the places that you visit often. For instance, if you spend a lot of time with relatives that live further away then you will certainly want your phone to work while visiting. If you go out of town for work a lot then you should also check out how the phone company covers a lot of your more than frequent destinations. Many people who travel abroad also have issues with roaming charges when they try to use their phone overseas. Many companies offer sister networks that allow you to switch your phone without having to worry about any extra fees, which will really do you a huge favor in regards to your bill. If you’re unsure about coverage then talk to the company about local and abroad coverage to help make your decision easier.

3. Know Your Usage
A lot of people are actually spending way too much on their cellphone bill because they think they use the phone more than they actually do. There is no reason to have unlimited everything unless you’re actually going to use what the company expects you too. Most people today communicate through text in order to get the message across quickly. This is great for cellphone companies because texts are actually very cheap for them to send and it also means people are using a lot less minutes, even though they’re being charged for unlimited use. You should always keep an eye on your bill to see what you’re really using. If you aren’t using more than a few minutes then downgrade your plan to help save some money. The same goes for text messages, as some people never use them. Data plans are also a huge portion of the bill. If you’re only using a small percentage then you can knock down the amount your using to help put more money in your pocket.

4. Turn Off Cellular
Many people constantly have their cellphone with the cellular data active. This can be one of the worst ways to save money on your cellphone. Many of today’s modern phones actually connect to Wi-Fi connections so you don’t have to waste your cellular data while you’re browsing on your phone. Loading simple webpages on the phone can really bog down your connection and run up your data, so it is best to put it on hold until you’re near a connection. The good news is there are so many different Wi-Fi connections around most cities and towns that you won’t have to go far to surf the web. In fact, most local restaurants, libraries and schools have Wi-Fi that is free to the public. So, if you can remember to turn cellular off until you absolutely need it, then you can really save a whole lot of money on your cellphone bill each month.

5. Avoid LTE/4G
There is a huge hype of LTE/4G these days, but it doesn’t mean these phones are a must have for today’s market. In fact, you might want to put a halt on buying any phone with LTE/4G. Most cellular companies don’t have enough broadband available to suit everyone with one of these phones. In fact, most areas don’t even have the connection, so you won’t be able to use the stronger connection often. The thing with LTE/4G is it causes you to roam if you leave it on, which means more charges for you at the end of the month. So, instead of dealing with massive roam charges it might just be easier to rock your 3G connection and deal with the slower connection. Eventually, 4G will be more accessible, but owning an LTE/4G phone at the moment might end up costing you more than the phone is worth.

6. Utilize Apps
If you plan on having an expensive phone then make sure to utilize it for your own gain. Apps are one of the best aspects of smartphones and many are actually used to provide you with ways to save a whole lot of money on everyday items. One great form of app to have is one that tells you where the cheapest gas in town is. This will help save you money, which will make you cellphone bill a lot less of a burden. Another amazing form of app is one that provides you with coupons. This will allow you to pull up coupons in the store without having to carry around pieces of paper or spend hours of time clipping out coupons. If you want to downgrade you phone plan then you might want to consider downloading apps that allow you to text, call, or video chat with friends and family for free. These apps can really take a lot off of your bill, but they do take the internet so make sure you have enough coverage for them.

7. Lose the Extras
When it comes to cellphones there is a whole lot of extras that can really make your bill skyrocket. One extra that has a lot of people losing out on money is the road side assistance clause. This monthly add on covers a lot of the same principles that most auto insurance does, so there is really no reason to get it through your phone. You might also want to skip out on cellphone insurance, especially if you plan on upgrading your phone every year. By the time you pay insurance every month for the phone you could actually save up enough money to buy two new replacement phones. A lot of people also spend quite a bit of money on games that have free alternative versions. Make sure you shop around before you buy anything because chances are there’s a cheaper way to make the purchase. You might also want to skip out on having a lot of different ringtones. They not only charge you money, but also take up valuable space in your phone.

8. Skip Newest Model
Phone companies love to come out with new shinier and more expensive models for people to buy. Although the new models are incredibly tempting, you might want to refrain from getting the newer model for quite some time. Sometimes the newest model isn’t the most secure and might have some bugs that need to be worked out. A lot of the times these models don’t offer you a whole lot more than the previous model so you might not want to spend the extra money for something that the older and cheaper model can satisfy. If you’re trying out a new brand of phone then you certainly should buy one of the older and cheaper models. This will allow you to get a feel of how the phone’s software works so you can decide if the phone is right for you. When the phone you want goes on sale then you might decide to upgrade then, but you really don’t want to pay more than the phone is worth if you don’t have to.

9. Consider Financial Needs
One major thing to consider when shopping for a phone plan is whether or not you should go with a prepaid plan. Usually if you’re looking to add the entire family onto one plan or if you enjoy upgrading your phone each year then you might want to keep up with your contract plan. Of course, if you’re keeping a tight budget then a prepaid phone might work best for you. This will allow you to choose what you need each month, so you don’t have to pay more than you need. It will also allow you to skip a month or so of phone coverage if you don’t have the money to keep it. A contract plan would add a lot of fees to this, so it you think you’re not going to have the money every month for the next two years then you might want to opt out for the prepaid deal.

10. Go With the Crowd
Although it might not always be frugal to follow the crowd when shopping when it comes to the cellphone bill it can actually be one of the wisest things you can do. If you’re looking for a cellphone plan then it might smart to ask the friends and family that you talk to the most what plans they use. Most cellphone companies actually allow you to talk to other members for free, so the more people on your plan the lower your cellphone bill might be. Another great thing about knowing people on the same plan is many companies actually offer a referral bonus. Thus, if a friend invites you to sign on with their company they’ll get a little reward and so will you. The same process can be repeated for as many friends and family as you can get to sign up. This will not only give you more people to talk to at no additional cost, or minute deduction, but it will help provide you with money to put towards your bill every now and then.

Cellphones shouldn’t be one of the purchases we regret buying. Instead, they should be enjoyed and used to help improve everyday life. With these few tips you should be able to shave more money off your bill so you can enjoy life a little more. So, keep in touch with family, surf the net and use technology to give your day some fun and excitement without stressing about the monthly charge.

Buying a new car can be a huge investment if you have never bought one alone. Many people tend to go into a dealership with high expectations and end up leaving with a slight case of buyers remorse and a car bill that won’t do the family budget any favors. There are, however, many ways that you can avoid leaving the car lot without a car that is not only going to satisfy your personal wants, but will meet your financial demands too. If you can follow ten easy steps while talking to your car dealer then you might find you’ll end up with a buying experience that won’t leave you feeling stressed out for years after the purchase. Now, you’ll be able to avoid all of the dealership tricks while still ending up with a vehicle that will make you proud.

1. Monthly Payments
After you’ve picked out your future car and are settling in the car dealer’s office you need to get in the appropriate mindset. A lot of car dealers will try to stress a low monthly payment, which will probably seem very ideal while you’re discussing the price. Although it sounds great, you need to keep out of the monthly mindset at first. Instead, concentrate on the interest price the dealer is trying to set up for you. A low monthly price will actually do you no good if you have you have an interest rate that is going to sky rocket your price. You should also concentrate on the full price on the car as you don’t want to buy a vehicle that isn’t in your budget. When you have both of these aspects of the deal secure then you should try to work out the monthly payment. This is incredibly important to pay attention to, because if you settle for just a low monthly payment then you might end up paying an unbelievable amount of extra money.

2. Money Down
Many car dealerships will lure potential buyers in with the idea of not having to put money down or pay finance charges for a certain amount of time. This can actually do you more harm than you think, so be leery of any deal that has you walking off the lot without a penny of down payment. When you go to buy a car you should always leave the dealership with something put down on the loan you have just taken out. This will not only help you in long run when it comes to interest, but will ensure you’re not still paying on a car that doesn’t run anymore. Typically used cars tend to last about as long as the loan does, so if you walk off the dealership without paying a cent then you’re going to have keep putting money down on a car while you’re looking for a new one. You also don’t want to pay on a car longer than you have to. If you skip out on a year’s worth of finance payments then you might find yourself paying up to five years of extra payments if you’re not careful.

3. Needs Before Wants
One of the main problems when it comes to shopping for a car is we all have the ideal car in our minds. This can cause us to buy a car that won’t actually suit our needs which can lead to more financial burdens in the future. Before you go to the dealership you should make a list of all the things you need in a vehicle. It might also help to do a little online shopping before you go in. One of the key factors to look at is how much space you actually need. If you have a larger family, or might be adding new additions to the family then you should try for a vehicle that is going to be an appropriate size for everyone. Whereas, if you are a single commuter then you might want to try for something smaller that will take up less gas mileage. You should also take into consideration your budget as there are often many different things that you can excluded from your car to help save even more money. For instance, you might not need the heated seats or in car entertainment.

4. Check Ups
Buying a used car can be trickier than a new car, especially if you don’t know much about vehicle mechanics. If you do intend on buying a new car then you should always have a mechanic purchase it before you actually make the final leap. Typically, mechanics won’t charge you a whole lot of money just to look at a car and inform you of any possible problems. This can actually save you a whole lot of money in the future as it will help you realize the actual value of the car opposed to what it is marked down as. If you know a bit about cars then you might want to write down things you notice during the test drive so you can ask your mechanic about them later on. You should also always ask about the history of the car, so you don’t have any unexpected surprises in the future. You should utilize both of these practices if you are buying a car off of Craig’s List or other personal dealer’s who might not be as honest about the car as you might think they are.

5. No Shiny
Everyone would love to be able to go out an buy their dream car without thinking about how their financial might be after the purchase. This, of course, isn’t an option for most of us. Even if you do think you have the money to pay for a car that is more shiny than anything else, you might be appalled by the charges that shortly follow. For instance, insurance on cars that are designed to look great and go fast can rage from expensive to unthinkably expensive for the household budget. It is best just to put the car dream aside for awhile and purchase something that is more economical for your needs. You might also find that your expensive car requires parts that are a whole lot pricier than the typical car’s parts, which could make getting your vehicle fixed a huge issue.

6. Trade In
Most people tend to seek out a new car in order to upgrade the current household’s home. If this is the case then you should bring in your older vehicle in order to trade it in for the new one. Sometimes, you can get a good price for your older car, but you need to make sure you know the value of what you’re bringing onto the car lot. A lot of car salesmen will give you a decent price for the old car if you use it as a trade in for the new one. This means that you get to take off the value of the old car on the new car’s loan. This can take a huge burden off of you when you it comes to paying off the new vehicle. This will also allow you to get rid of your older vehicle without having to pay a sales tax on the car. Thus, you not only get a bit of money back on your vehicle, but you also get to take the old vehicle off of the registration and insurance which will save you even more money.

7. Additional Warranties
Most car dealerships will give you a warranty whenever you purchase the car. Typically, this warranty will cover any major problems you might have with the car when you first buy it. Of course, your car insurance might also cover most of the problems you’re having. Many dealerships will try to push additional warranties onto you, but the trust is you don’t really need them. Generally, the extended warranties will add such an extra cost to your purchase that they won’t be of use to you anyway. Extended warranties work well if you don’t plan on purchasing a new vehicle any time soon, but they don’t do anything that the insurance you’re already paying for can’t. Most people tend to look into trading in their car, or purchasing a new one around the time the initial warranty is void anyway. So, by adding an additional warranty to your car you will be losing more money than you should on the vehicle.

8. Loan Shopping
One of the most important ways you can save money is to simple shop around for loans before you go shopping. This will allow you to find the best interest rate possible, so you don’t have to worry about it when you do go shopping for a car. Most people tend to wait until they’re at the dealership to worry about a loan, which typically means people only go through one financing company that might not have their financial situation in mind. This can leave buyers with a loan that is impossible to deal with for the duration of the repayment. If you can find a loan through your own bank or preferred financing company then you’ll be a lot better off financially since your chosen company will have more time to work with you for the best plan possible.

9. Hybrids
It might not seem the case, but buying a hybrid can actually save you a lot of money. Of course, if you look at the initial price of one of these vehicles then you might not believe it to be the case, but in the long run you’ll get the best car for your money through these vehicles. Hybrid cars are designed to help save you on gas and can switch to electric power in order to make your gas mileage stretch even further. In a few years time, many states will actually require these vehicles for road usage, so you might be doing yourself a favor by getting a head start on the switch. Currently, many states will actually allow you to drive in express lanes if you’re in a hybrid vehicle, which will also help you get better gas mileage and will add and extra convenience to your day. If you’re still worried about the price of the car, then check out a used hybrid that might be a great way for you to adjust the the change without forcing you to pay a lot.

10. Research
The best thing you can do before going out to buy a new vehicle is to research any car that you’re interested in. If you’re looking for a used car then try checking out some of the vehicles offered online. This will allow you to check out the car’s history, blue book value and will allow you to check out any major faults in the vehicle. The same can be said if you’re looking for something new. Doing a little research online will help you decide if the car is something that you’ll enjoy and what other people like and dislike about it. Looking online will also help you find the dealership that will offer the car to you for the best price. Knowing your future vehicles strengths and weaknesses is a simple way to help prevent future financial problems with the car, while can really help with extra spending.

Shopping for a new car is stressful, especially if you have to worry about your budget the entire time. Before you go to a dealership make sure to check out these simple steps so you can easily feel confident about your car shopping abilities. This will allow you to easily save a whole lot more money than you would simply going out and picking the vehicle that you find the most attractive. You might even end up with a car that can be passed down to the next generation.

With the release date of two of the most talked about consoles just around the corner, it might be time to think about which one you plan on purchasing. The Xbox One and Playstation 4 have made news throughout the year with their insights as to what each console will bring to the table, so it might be hard to choose between the two ground breaking consoles. If you’re looking from a financial perspective there are many reasons your choice will become a lot clearer. In the competitive game the Playstation 4 brings a whole lot more to the table than the Xbox One. This particular console will make your holiday shopping a whole lot easier as you won’t have to debate about which console you plan to buy first.

1. No Trade-Ins
One of the major aspects people are buzzing about when it comes to the two release dates is the games! Games are, of course, one of the most important areas when you’re considering upgrading your console. When it comes to the Xbox One you will still have a great selection of games, but your games from the older console will be useless. Some gaming stores are offering an upgrade program that allows you switch your Xbox games for Xbox One games for around $10 a trade in. This certainly beats spending buying the game again, but all of those trade ins will eventually add up. The Playstation 4, on the other hand, isn’t going to limit you the use of your old games. Sure, you can use the same $10 trade in deal for your games, but you don’t have to. In fact, the Playstation 4 will actually play any of the games you could previously play on the Playstation 3. With this amazing feature, you’ll be able to pop in your favorite games on the first day you get the console. This means less money out of your pocket and a whole lot more fun without waiting on release dates.

2. Entertainment
With cable cost on the rise many people have taken to using rental services like Netflix, Hulu and Youtube. With the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 you can use these application to your heart’s content. However, when the Xbox One is released this feature will no longer be allowed for people who don’t want to pay for a premium account. So, if you use your console to watch your favorite shows, but don’t want to play multiplayer online then the Xbox One might not be what you need. The Playstation Four also allows you to use the applications along with many others but you won’t be charged for this service. In fact, as long as you have an internet connection going to your Playstation Four you will actually be able to download an assortment of apps from Playstation for no extra cost. This means you won’t have to give up your favorite shows if you can’t pay for a monthly membership!

3. Membership
If you love playing games online with friends then you will certainly want to purchase a membership for your new console. Memberships can be bought in a monthly or yearly fashion, so you won’t have fret if you don’t have a huge sum to pay upfront. When it comes to picking a console you might want to look at what the membership fees are going to be before you commit. Xbox One’s membership is only $10 more a year than Playstation 4’s, so this shouldn’t be a huge concern when you budget in your yearly cost. Of course, what the membership comes with might help you make your decision. Xbox One will keep most of the same aspects the current Xbox Live Gold has. This includes the two free feature download games that Xbox introduced this summer. Playstation will also be utilizing their past rewards, including the six free feature games that are available each month.

4. Camera NOT Required
One major issue people are having with the Xbox One is that is requires a camera to play anything, even if the game isn’t camera enabled. This is sort of an irritating feature, especially for Xbox players who don’t have enough room to configure or use the camera. The Xbox One camera isn’t going to come at a cheap price either. Sure, one is included in the Xbox One package, so everyone will be set to go when they bring their console home, but if you end up breaking the camera then you might have to give the Xbox One a break until you can afford a new one. The Playstation 4 also comes with a camera in the initial bundle, but it isn’t mandatory to use it. If you’re playing a game that requires one then you’re set to go, but you don’t have to constantly leave it plugged in. The Playstation 4 camera will also be a little more affordable, so if you do have to replace it you won’t feel as bad about it.

5. Free Recording
Although recording isn’t for every gamer many people actually do love recording their game play for later use. Now, previously this meant buying a special software or a hardware component that were both on the pricier side of things. Now, with the Playstation Four you will actually be able to go into a game and record the things you do without any additional add on. This could end up saving you hundreds of dollars, especially if you enjoy creating mini movies with the content or running your own video game tutorial side. You’ll get clean quality footage that will reside on your hard drive until you remove it. The Xbox One will continue to allow people to record their footage if they have the right software or hardware components to do so. Thus, if you’re into going back and watching your game play, or if you miss a lot of details and need a little rewind time then you might want to consider the Playstation 4 to take your gaming to the next level.

6. Sharing
When Xbox One first made the announcement that they were cutting off physical disc and were forcing everyone to have a premium account just to play on their console people began to boycott the Xbox One. Of course, the company rescinded these plans in order to appease the market. They also took away one feature that many people were looking forward to. That is, the feature that would allow you to trade games with other players online. Despite the Xbox One scrapping this idea, the Playstation Four decided to move ahead with the concept. Now, when you buy games for your Playstation Four you’ll actually be able to allow friends and family to play with games you have. This is a great way to encourage people to buy games, as they get to try out their friends, and will allow families to save money since they won’t have to buy multiple copies of the same game. Of course, you won’t be able to play with many people at once with this feature and the game owner will always have the right to play the game even when others are on it, so don’t be surprised if you lose the game in the middle of a huge battle. This feature will change the way people and play and buy games though, so don’t miss out on the fun.

7. Games
There isn’t a lot of diversity when it comes to purchasing new games for both of the new consoles. They tend to price in the same area, so you won’t be saving money either way. Of course, Playstation 4 does allow you to use your old games without having to worry about importing problems. You will also be able to run some of the new games at a higher speed than the Xbox One allows. This will mean a lot less lag when you’re playing online and very little glitches when you’re playing a single player game. Playstation 4 is also making deals with many indie game makers. This will not only make PS4 users privy to games that Xbox One won’t see, but it might mean a decrease in the price of some of the games too. By the time you get your console you’ll already have so many games you want to play that waiting for the new releases won’t be an issue.

8. What’s Inside
When you go to look at the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 you may find that they are incredibly similar when it comes to their interior components. Both of these machines will run on the same processors and have the same amount of memory included in the machine. So, why does one cost a whole lot more than the other? Looking at the two devices you might think that the Playstation 4 would be the more expensive of the two. The PS4 has a cool sleek design that really makes the large and boxy Xbox One seem like an eye sore. It also features a new touch screen controller that will allow you to play games entirely different. If that isn’t enough, Playstation recently developed the Playstation Eye to compete with the Xbox Kinnect, so you’ll be getting a brand new camera with your console. So, with all of the new and shiny aspects of the Playstation 4 it is hard to see why Xbox would add on an extra chunk of money when it is actually offering a whole lot less.

9. Overall Price
The Xbox One and the Playstation Four are both going to hit the market on the pricier side of things. So, if you’re looking for this unit for a holiday surprise or because you just don’t want to wait then you might consider looking at the overall price of things. The Playstation Four is going to get you in and out of the store for $100 cheaper than the Xbox One will. This means that you can actually go out and buy a premium Playstation membership and still leave the store with $40 more than you would have if you bought the Xbox One. That is almost the price of a brand new game! The Playstation Four will also be hitting the market prior to the Xbox One, which leaves it wide open for amazing Black Friday deals. Apart from the console and membership being cheaper, you won’t have to run out and buy games right away. Plus, if you’re feeling low on funds, like so many are around the holidays, you can always trade games with friends or use your friend’s game as a little entertainment.

It might be some time before a console competition of this caliber happens again, so make sure you know what you’re getting into before you purchase your choice. With the upcoming shopping season it might be tough to take some time and think about what you want and need out of your console, but it is incredibly important that you do. With these nine reasons, the Playstation might be the only console that sticks out in your mind. So, if you really want to save money and don’t want to wait for the holiday gift of the year to drop in price, then the Playstation 4 is your smartest choice. Plus, if you want to buy both, the Playstation 4 is designed to be compatible with the Xbox One, so you won’t lose out money or have tp sacrifice the games you already love!

Don’t stop in your tracks when your favorite stores start to display the Halloween isle. This seemingly expensive holiday can really make your month spectacular if you guard your spending and learn how to create an extraordinary holiday without having to buy the holiday fun. There are numerous ways in which you can take this holiday and turn it into a way to show off your creativity while bringing joy to everyone in the household. With these simple tricks you may find that Halloween is one of the greatest holidays for bonding, bringing out new adventures and learning how to create amazing costumes that everyone will love. This Halloween let the holiday be a treat for your family, rather than a trick for your pocketbook.

1. No Chocolate
Usually there is a pretty good collection of assorted candy treats in the stores around this time of the year. Most grocery stores try to market the chocolate candies more than the rest as they are a bit pricier than the standard sugary treats. Stores put these candies at eye level so you’ll automatically start to crave them and grab a bag. This is one of the worst things you can do, especially if Halloween is still weeks away. Chocolates are, as stated, more expensive than other candies, so if you’re planning on giving out candy to trick or treaters then you might want to go on the cheaper side so you can accommodate more children. Buying chocolate too far from the actual holiday will mean it has to sit in your home until the actual date, which could be more impossible than you think. People crave chocolate, especially as the weather cools, so you might find your trick or treater stash has been depleted well before Halloween. So, you’ll have to go out and buy more candy which won’t do your budget or diet any favors.

2. Costumes
Our closets and storage areas are rich with costume ideas that we don’t even think about when we go costume searching. Many people can spend over a hundred dollars on costumes alone, so it might be wise to look and see what you already have prior to going shopping. Children costumes are especially easy to make with old clothes. For instance, an old white sheet can be draped over a child for a classic ghost costume, or you can take the sheep and rip into strips for an easy to use mummy wrap. An old pair of overalls is also a great way to create a farmer, scarecrow or other incredible costumes that will cost you nothing. You might also want to use ripped up jeans for a rockstar costume, or old military clothes to create a soldier for any age group. If you do decide to buy a costume try to pick something that will last more than just one Halloween. This will ensure you won’t have to spend money in the upcoming years. Children’s costumes can always be saved for younger siblings so you won’t have to buy the entire family a new costume each year.

3. Decorations
For some, decorating for Halloween is one of the best parts of the holiday. Numerous people go all out to the point their home turns into a haunted house. If you love to decorate you don’t have to waste a lot of money to do so. In fact, just like costumes, there are actually numerous things you can use to build your own fascinating and horrifying decorations. Scrap pieces of wood, for instance, can quickly transform into custom tombstones, building structures or spooky signs. Tissue paper or toilet paper can be used as streamers, or can be wrapped around styrofoam for cute little ghosties that will look great in your tree or hanging in the home. If you have some old clothes lying around then stuff them with leaves for a cool scarecrow that will keep your yard looking clean and scare off some trick or treaters. Of course, you can always enlist the kids to help make spooky pictures, cut out little pumpkins or create special homemade banners.

4. Party Snacks
One of the best things about Halloween is it is a time to create some treats that utilize your imagination more than anything else. There is absolutely no need to spend a fortune on your Halloween treats though! In fact, the more natural you go the better the treats will be. For cute little ghost and pumpkin treats that will satisfy anyone looking for a sweet treat all you have to bananas and oranges and garnish them to look like ghost and pumpkins. Kids will love these treats and you won’t have to worry about them having a sugar crash by bed time. For a great drink try mixing up some dark red fruit punch and adding peeled grapes for the finishing touch. The grapes will look like eyes and the punch blood, which will really freak out some guest. You can always go for some classic ideas like the caramel apple or baked pumpkin seeds too. You shouldn’t overlook spaghetti at this time of the year either, as it can easily be passed off as worms. If you really want to spend very little then have your guest bring a dish of their own for a fun potluck.

5. Corn Mazes
A lot of people tend to overlook the idea of visiting a corn maze during this holiday. This can be a huge mistake if you’re looking to do something memorable this holiday. Typically corn mazes have a very small entrance fee, so you won’t have to worry about this activity breaking the bank. The corn maze will allow you to bond as family as you go through the maze as you work together to find the exit. Corn mazes are perfect for Halloween though, especially if you’re looking for a low cost activity that is scary. Many people who run corn mazes will actually hire people to dress up as monsters on this day, so you’ll get a lot more out of the trip. There’s no doubting that your family will really make a lot of memories when you check out the corn maze this year.

6. Candy
Most people love to give out candy on Halloween. After all, it makes the kids happy and you get to see all of the cool costume ideas. However, you can really spend a lot on candy if you’re not careful so make sure to watch how much you spend. For starters, never buy candy that you and your household love as it will pretty much disappear before the trick or treaters can ring the doorbell. If you want to buy a lot of candy then you should look around for sales before deciding on a purchase. This will allow you to get more candy for the money, so you might actually end up with some candy for yourself after the holiday is over. Don’t be afraid to shop for candy at dollar stores either. They usually have amazing deals on candy and it is just as good as the stuff you’ll get from a department store. For candy givers looking to limit the amount of candy they give it you might consider putting up times in your yard so kids will know when you’re giving out candy. When the time is up turn off your porch light and put up the candy.

7. Trick or Treating
With little kids in the house it is hard to not take them out trick or treating. This task can be absolutely free if you can manage to stay within walking distance of the home. Usually you can get a good hour or two worth of trick or treating within your own neighborhood without having to drive. Avoiding the car is your ticket to saving money on this holiday as you won’t have to burn a lot of gas to get the kids to different neighbors. Walking is a great way to help make the holiday a bit more than just getting candy too. The time spent walking together will help you bond while also allowing kids to see their friends and their costumes. If the weather is bad or you’re already out then you might want to take the kids to a community center, mall or church for some amazing treats and games. These institutions usually provide you with free entrance so you won’t have to worry about spending so your kids can have fun.

8. Entertainment
There’s a lot of ways to have fun on Halloween without having to spend a lot of money. One of the best ways to bond with the family is to watch your favorite Halloween movies. If you have younger children then there will be plenty of cartoons on that the entire family can enjoy. Later on in the night you might want to upgrade to scary movies that you own or rent in order to appease the older members of the family. You can easily create movie theater inspired treats with a Halloween twist to help make the movie night special. If you’d rather be a bit more active with the holiday then try transforming some of your favorite games into holiday inspired versions of the classic. For instance, magical chairs is one of the easiest to use as you just switch out the music for Halloween songs. You can also do a scavenger hunt in the home that leads to special treats for the winner.

9. Alternatives
You don’t always have to follow the classic way of doing things on Halloween. For instance, if you don’t like giving out candy then you might want to look for little toys, pencils or alternative gifts for the kids. These usually cost about the same, or a little less, than spending money on candy. Try looking at the dollar store to find the perfect little prizes. You could also host a cake walk in the neighbor. Try to get people to donate cakes to help save you money, or whip up a few cheap and easy cakes the day before the cake walk. You might also considering hosting bobbing for apples, or a raffle game that will entertain the neighborhood without costing you a lot of money. One of the best ways to have some fun is to have a costume fashion show. You can make your prizes, like medals or certificates for those that win or participate.

10. Jack o Lantern
The Jack o Lantern is an iconic part of Halloween, but can cost you a lot if you decide to go all out on a design. One of the easiest ways to save money on this piece of Halloween is to shop for a pumpkin the day before the holiday. You should be able to get on at a discounted price, especially if you’re buying from a pumpkin patch. You don’t need to buy expensive carving kits from the store either. You can easily work out a design with a knife and spoon from your home. If you’re looking for patterns to make your pumpkin look cool then try an internet search. Usually you can download what you’re looking for without having to pay a sent. Simply print out the design, tape it to the pumpkin and you’re good to go. You might even win a few competitions if you’re lucky.

Halloween doesn’t have to be a stressor. In fact, this is one of the least expensive holidays that can provide you with a lot of fun. The key is to watch your spending and enjoy the smaller things that the holiday brings. This year may be an eye opener for you when it comes to saving some major money, which will certainly help with the more expensive holidays racing towards us.

With October finally time to look forward to this year’s exciting snow season. In just a couple of weeks fresh snow will be waiting for you to make your mark in it! Skiing can be one of the most expensive vacations or hobbies if you don’t watch your spending carefully though. There are many ways to counteract the price so you won’t have to worry about how much you have to give up just to have some fun on the slops. These tips will take you from the ski store to the mountains so you can give your life a little fun without having to worry about the price tag. Now, you can make the slopes your favorite part of the holiday season as you break away from the spending trend and stay active with friends and family.

1. Consider Renting
Sometimes people won’t to get a little bit ahead of themselves and buy large amounts of products for a hobby they’re positive they will love. This can be one of the worst things to do if you planning on taking up skiing. Ski gear is actually very expensive so to go out and buy items for a hobby you have never taken part in before could be one of the biggest wastes of money. If you’re new to skiing then make sure to rent your gear the first time you go. If you love it, and continue on with the hobby then buying items later on might be worth it. Renting not only saves you money at first, but it will also allow you to feel out different types of equipment so you’ll know exactly what you want to buy when you have the money to buy it. It is also important to rent when it comes to your kids as they are constantly growing and you don’t want to have to buy new items every season. If you don’t live near a ski slope then it might also be wise not to buy. When you have your own gear you also have to move the gear every time you go on vacation. This means packing your items up and hoping for the best when you put them on the plane, bus or on top of your car. So, if you aren’t planning on skiing often just stick to renting.

2. Wear What You Have
Skiing doesn’t require you to buy special clothing like many people believe. There are a few crucial items you need to wear, but none have to be bought specifically for this holiday. Most people who live in a colder climate have thermal underwear, tights, long sleeve tops, sweater and winter coats that are perfect for skiing and won’t cost you any extra to wear. You might also be surprised as to how much you don’t have to wear in order to keep warm when you’re on the slopes. Your movements will help to keep you warm so you shouldn’t have to wear layers upon layers of clothing. If you find your body is getting too wet while you ski then you might want to invest in special athletic base layers that can be worn for other sports too.

3. Book in Advance
A lot of people wait until first snow to make their reservations, which could be a huge mistake in bookings. It is always best to figure out when is going to be a good time to take your skiing trip and book then. Ski season starts up very close to the holiday season which means airline tickets are going to skyrocket if you don’t get them early enough. As soon as you can book your flight and hold firm to the date you choose. Once you have the flight make sure you also find a hotel that is not only reasonable but close enough to the slopes to not force you to pay extra for transport+++. The hotels around ski lodges will more than likely be booked by first snow, so don’t glue yourself to the weather channel when you’re planning your trip. Many people end up coming too early, so try to choose a date that falls after first snow if you’re anxious to get on the slopes as soon as possible. When you book early you might also be able to secure some discounts.

4. Smaller Slopes
If you’re starting out on the slopes then you might consider a resort that offers smaller mountains for you to try out. You don’t need to conquer the biggest mountains on your first trip so choosing a smaller area might be good for your learning process as well as your wallet. A smaller resort often charges much less because they don’t have as much of a mountain range to offer. Smaller resorts also tend to have less people so you might not have to wait in line as often which will give you a little more fun for your money. Even if you are a veteran skier then a smaller resort might be your best best to a short weekend retreat. This will allow your family to have a fun couple of days at a low price.

5. Food
After a long day out in the cold you’re going to want something piping hot and delicious to eat for dinner. You may want to avoid the lodge though as it will force you to pay a lot more than you’d want to on a simple meal. If you can, make a trip into town and check out some of the places the locals like to eat. This will give you a rich cultural experience and you might even find places you’d like to try out when you come back for your next trip. Local foods will run a whole lot cheaper than what you’d pay at a resort and the portions tend to be larger so you might have some food to bring back for lunch the next day. If you want to take a food break while you’re on the slopes then pack a sandwich or bring a thermos of soup. You might also want to pack a thermos of hot chocolate or tea to help warm everyone up before you head back out to the ski range. Always make sure to pack plenty of water with you though. You will sweat quite a bit while you’re active, even if you don’t notice it. So, don’t risk your party getting dehydrated. It is also important to have water on you just in case you get lost and need resources before being rescued.

6. Hotels
Choosing a place to stay can be one of the most expensive tasks. Most people want to stay at the sky resort as they believe it will help them get the most ski time during their vacation. Staying off of the resort can be one of the best financial decisions you can make though. Many hotels will pop up just outside of the resort so you might not have far to travel if you’re looking to save money. Some hotels will even offer free shuttles to help skiers get up to the mountain, which will work even more in favor of your budget. If you can’t find a hotel that offers a shuttle then try to find one that is near a public transit stop as this will be your cheapest way of getting up to the ski resort without actually staying at the resort.

7. Free Ski Days
It might seem like a myth, but there are actually days in which you can ski for free! Of course, it might take a little research work on your end, but if you might find one of your favorite resorts is offering a day that is welcome to all. If you have some spare time you might even be able to plan an entire trip around your free ski day which could cut your skiing price in half. Ski free days might mean battling the crowds though, so be prepared to wait in long lines and have other things planned in case you don’t actually get to ski a whole lot. You might also be careful about booking a hotel room as they tend to fill up during these events and you won’t want to be left out in the cold if you can’t find a place close enough to stay.

8. No Guide
If you aren’t traveling with a group of new skiers then you don’t really need to pay the extra money for a tour guide. Try to plan out your trips with at least one experienced skier who can help anyone out that might need it. This will enable you all to learn from one another while avoiding an expensive fee and forcing your group to hang out with a total stranger all day. Even if you don’t know an experienced skier you can always advertise for a group before you go which could help people in the area find the courage to try out skiing. If you can’t find anyone to help then stay on the smaller slopes until you feel more comfortable with your abilities. You should always bring a map of the resort and outside area as well as a compass with you no matter who is with you. This will help in case of an emergency and could save your life.

9. Good Timing
Part of the fun of planning a ski trip is to know when the best time to plan your trip is. A lot of people will be heading to the slopes when the snow begins to fall and the crowds will remain pretty steady throughout the holiday season, so you might want to wait a bit. Your best booking period is towards the end of the season when many people are ready for summer to show up. Whenever you decide to go you should keep in mind that booking in the middle of the week is often your best bet. Most people won’t want to take off a day during this period, so you may be clear to spend all day without having to wait in long lines. The middle of the week is oftener cheaper because of this as the resorts want to make these days more desirable for skiers. When you book ahead you will also get to a better deal than many who book right before a holiday, so always think ahead of time.

10. Kids
Planning a ski vacation with younger children around can be tough. If you don’t want to pay for daycare fees while you ski then you might want to consider traveling with another family that has children. This will allow the two families to switch off days with the young children while everyone else goes skiing. If you don’t have another family to go with you then you might want to look into free daycare services. Some resorts will offer this with their family packages while other hotels will offer it as a courtesy. Children that are a bit older may want to go skiing with you, so make sure to ask for discounted child prices when you buy tickets. A lot of the time children can get in for free. If you want your child to receive special lessons you might want to sign them up for a class which will allow you to go ski without having to pay daycare fees and will give your child a chance to learn from a professional.

Skiing can be an incredible hobby if you know how to spend your money correctly. With these simple tips you might actually be able to plan more than one trip this season without having to pay for your getaways for the rest of the year. So, enjoy the snow and plan wisely as this season will be over sooner than you think.

Technology seems to be an unending cycle that takes our money away and leaves us with a device we’re just going to have to replace in a few months. It isn’t that the products don’t work, or that we don’t love what we have, but the fact that we constantly feel the need to keep up with the market. This cost so many households thousands of dollars each year, which many can’t afford to spare in the first place. With the new iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 getting ready to make their debut many people have found themselves considering to fall into the same cycle. You will actually be surprised as to the many reason why you should avoid buying the new iPads. These nine reasons won’t just make you question your need for these new items, but might even renew your love for the devices you already have.

1. Design
The iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 both have an extremely chic design that would make any consumer drool; however you might want to take a step back and look at the design before you think about purchasing it. Both of these tablets are going to be thinner and lighter than any other models, which might seem like a great selling point. The thing is this is because they are made from a glass that is thinner. If you don’t intend on going anywhere with your tablet or letting your children play with then this might be the tablet for you. However, if you like to commute with it or your kids enjoy playing games or watching movies on it then this tablet might end up breaking on your pretty quickly. With the size being even larger than the other iPads you might find it a bit harder to handle though, so unless you intend on buying a pretty incredible case you might want to refrain from this tablet. The iPad 5 does allow you to order your tablet in a multitude of different colors, but you could always achieve the same effect by buying a cover.

2. Prices
One of the biggest reasons not to get the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2, at least not right away, is the prices! Both of these tablets are going to be released at a much higher prices than precious tablets so you might want to take a rain check, especially with the holidays coming up. The iPad 5 is lacking in a lot of the features that many recent tablets that are much cheaper have, so why pay more for less if you don’t have to. The truth is if you have an older iPod you might find it just as enjoyable as the new one, so don’t be too quick to see off your old tablet just for this new release. The more recent iPads have many of the same amazing features with a lot less of hassle, so enjoy what you have! As time progresses the newer tablets will decrease in price so you won’t have to feel as guilty about buying them. Apple has been releasing many tablets recently so if you choose not to purchase this upgrade you won’t be too far behind with your technology. After all, the original iPad mini was released just last November so chances are your brand new tablet will be behind in a few months anyway.

3. Internet
If you don’t already pay for an unlimited data plan for your tablets then you might want to look into it. The new iPad 5 and iPad mini are both made with LTE/4G which might sound like a dream if you love to browse while you’re out. The thing is that many places aren’t exactly ready to provide 4G everywhere you want to go. So, what does this mean for you? It means if you intend on browsing away in an area that isn’t covered by LTE and doesn’t have Wi-Fi then you will be getting charged for some major roaming cost. The 4G also takes up a whole lot more data then your current model does, so if you aren’t prepared to make the upgrade your bills could double, if not triple. It might sound awesome to have a faster internet on your tablet, but if you’re not quite ready for the bill to go up then you might want to steer clear from the new iPads, or simply use them only when you’re in a Wi-Fi area.

4. Memory
When it comes to tablets memory can be a major seller! The iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 will both have three choices when it comes to your memory selection. These choices will range from 16GB to 64 GB, but don’t get hopeful for anything larger any time soon. These choices wouldn’t be too bad if you could use a memory card to help make up for the lack of storage. Of course, neither device will have a memory slot, so if memory is important to you then it might be time to look elsewhere. There are numerous tablets on the market now that actually allow you to buy more memory while also using a memory slot to upgrade when you need to. Even if you don’t feel like you will use too much memory you might want to consider the size of apps designed for this tablet. They are made for the higher screen resolution, which means they will take up more space, so you might find yourself going gigabytes with your upgrade.

5. Screen size
The iPad 5 is intended to be one of the first larger tablets on the market. This tablet will feature a 9.7 inch screen that will make movies and games look incredible. The only problem with the screen size is it will be a bit of a problem for commuters who have to hold up the oversized screen in tight sitting quarters. The screen might also be a lot harder to store in brief cases and other commuter bags as it is equally convenient just to carry around your laptop. This tablet might not be ideal for children who could previously hold on to a tablet in the car while enjoying their favorite shows. The table may be too large for children leaving you to find a new means of entertainment. The iPad mini 2 is said to have a standard sized 7.9 inch screen which is typical of many of the e-readers out today The only problem is the iPad mini 2 won’t cater to readers so the screen won’t be as friendly on the eyes.

6. Apps
Anyone who loves to have the latest and greatest apps might have to do a bit of waiting when it comes to the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2. Both of these tablets are designed to have a higher screen resolution with the retina display system so you might find that all of your older apps don’t have the same appeal as they did before. The current apps are designed to look amazing with a lower screen quality, so when you download these apps and put them on the larger screen you will be pretty much end up with a pixelated mess. The apps that are going to be designed for the tablets will be much larger when it comes to memory, which means you won’t be able to have as many apps as you did on your older tablets. There will also be very few of these higher quality apps to choose from so you might not have a whole lot of entertainment on your new tablet for several months.

7. Accessories
Giving your tablet its own personal touch is a fun experience that everyone loves. Unfortunately, the accessories you already have won’t be of much use when you get rid of your older tablet. The iPad 5 is going to be much larger, which means you’re going to have to spend a lot more money to provide your new tablet with the protection it needs and the look you want. One major problem with buying accessories for the new tablet is you’re going to have to be extra careful when shopping. A lot of stores are still going to cater to the standard sized tablets which means you might accidentally buy something that is too small or doesn’t fit right. Anyone who loves to have cool gadgets to make their tablet go further might also be disappointed in the selection. Many other devices are producing stands as well as keyboards so their tablets can be used like a laptop. This could leave you behind when it comes to the technological game.

8. Security
The big ios 7 had swooped the apple product nation recently, but has already shown to have a few security risks. This, of course, will be remedied by many updates to sort out all of the problems, but it might be better just to wait until all the bugs have been fixed. If you have an older tablet then this isn’t a problem at all, but when you order the new tablets the ios 7 system will already be on them. The bad thing about getting a new tablet with an insecure software is you could end up losing more money if you end up getting hacked. Another downside is the fact that both of the tablets are designed to have a fingerprint passcode system. This means your fingerprints will help you get into your tablet so thieves won’t be able to steal your tablet and use it. A lot of people are a bit spooked by this though as it might not seem like the wisest idea to give your fingerprints to something that is already having some security problems.

9. Software
Despite security measures the iOS software actually limits the way many users use it. This can be a bit of a problem for anyone who likes to play around with their software or want create their own apps. In the way of using ios to help you create you probably won’t have a whole lot of luck unless you go to school for it. Right now, many tablets are coming out with new operating systems that are already popular amongst PC users. One such example is applying Windows 8 to tablets. This enables many users to feel comfortable with their software while taking their tablet usage beyond games and chatting. Android is also making its own tablet which will allow many smart phone fanatics to design their own apps while using this friendly software to make their experience all the better. Windows and Android also have amazing means of communication so you may find yourself spending more time chatting with friends than you would on a typical tablet. This is especially great for businesses that are just starting out and may be working with partners from around the world.

We all like to have the top of the line devices to make us happy, but sometimes it just isn’t financially wise to indulge in these items. The new iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 might seem like a great idea right now, but you might find you’ll be way better off waiting out the hype before you go ahead and buy the tablet. While you wait out the first few months you might even find a tablet that suits your needs even more than you thought these could.