One of the toughest parts about the holidays is having friends and family around the world. With everyone so far apart it is often a struggle to get holiday gifts to each person you buy for. With shipping cost at a high there can be a major budgeting problem is you aren’t careful about how you buy things. There are, of course, many ways that you can get your holiday gifts shipped around the world without a major fuss though. With a few simple tips you won’t have to hold onto holiday gifts throughout the year because you can’t get them to loved ones. You may even find that you won’t have to worry about your gifts making it on time thanks to your shipping know how.

1. Give Yourself Time
One of the biggest problems most people have to face when shipping items is getting them there on time. When it comes to getting your parcels shipped out it doesn’t pay to be a procrastinator. One of the best ways to get your items to their destination on time and cheaply is to ship the item a few weeks before the holiday season. You should always calculate the distance the item will be going as well. For instance, if you’re sending something abroad you might want to ship it out in November so you don’t have to worry about paying rush fees and the item won’t get held up with the rest of the holiday rush. Other in state items are usually okay to be shipped a couple weeks ahead of time, but you might want to work with the type of package you have. For instance, if you’re sending a book you may want to ship it through media mail which is one of the cheapest options, but it does take longer to get there.

2. Consider a Combo Deal
If you aren’t the biggest packer and want to save some money on packing supplies then you may want to consider a pack and ship combo deal. A lot of companies are offering this type of deal now, so you make sure to look around for the best prices. When you’re ready to send off your gifts all you have to do is take them up to the company and they will do all of the work for you. They place the items in a special box and make sure to pad the item based on what the item is so you know your gifts will make it to the recipient in great shape. By doing this you actually cut down on the amount of supplies you have to buy for the holiday season. It also helps you get your items together and sent off in one easy to follow step and generally at a discounted price.

3. Research
One of the best things about the internet is it gives you the chance to price everything before you actually buy it. This makes the internet a huge resource when you’re shipping items this holiday season. Before you get ready to send your items off make sure you check out the pricing of all the companies around you. During the holidays shipping can fluctuate so you may be surprised as to who can offer you the best deal. You might also make sure to check out who has the best deals on shipping different items. You may end up using different companies, but your items will be shipped out at the lowest price possible. Researching will also allow you to know about any hidden fees that you might be able to waive so you won’t have to spend as much as you think!

4. Packaging
When it comes shipping it is no surprise that the packaging items can actually leave you hurting the most financially. A lot of companies will mark up the prices of premade boxes and containers so try to look around before you purchase. If you can use as many recycled items as possible. For instance, if someone sends you a package try to carefully open it so you can easily tape it back up and re-purpose it for your own shipping needs. You can also use boxes that come with items like appliances, games and other common household purchases. When it comes to shipping thinking out of the box can be one of the best ways to avoid spending money on packaging which will probably take three quarters of the price off of your shipping purchase. If you do need to buy supplies then try to grab them in bulk so you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune every time you need to ship something out. These bulk items might even disappear quickly if you do a lot of shipping during the holidays.

5. Flat Rate
Some shipping companies have started creating flat rate boxes to encourage people to ship with them. These amazing boxes can do you a whole lot of good if you plan on shipping items that run on the heavier spectrum this season. The rule with the flat rate boxes is if the item fits into the box then it will ship at one flat rate so you don’t have to worry about any unforeseen cost. Most companies offer a wide variety of boxes so make sure to try these out before you brave shipping heavier items without this amazing deal. Of course, if you are sending something incredibly light you may want to skip out on the flat rate boxes, but most average sized items will cost around the same price as the flat rate box when shipped without it. Most companies also offer the boxes for free, so it even helps you avoid some of the packaging fees!

6. Shop Online
When it comes to holidays hopping it might be a better deal just to shop online. If you can find an entire family’s worth of items on one site then you’ll be doing really great, but even shopping for one person might end up cheaper on the shipping spectrum. Most online stores don’t charge a whole lot for shipping cost, some even take a loss, and when you buy more than one item you tend to get a better deal on shipping. Of course, if you do plan on shopping at a certain website then you might want to look around for a free shipping coupon either on their website or on an online coupon website. This could totally cut the cost of your shipping which will allow you to spend just a little bit more on your loved ones.

7. Buy Insurance
A lot of people tend to skip out on some of the extra shipping cost when they can. This tends to be fine if you aren’t sending anything that cost a whole lot of money. However, if you do have some pricier items you need to send, or a bulk package that adds up to a high cost, then insurance might be a wise choice. Typically, it only cost a dollar or two extra to buy some insurance for your package which can actually end up saving you hundreds of dollars if your item gets lost or stole in the mail. It will also help reimburse you for items that get broken on the way to the destination which tends to happen a lot more during the holiday season. You may even find that you can relax more knowing your items are still covered if they never make it to the recipients.

8. Ship from Home
During the holiday season the lines at packaging facilities tend to lead straight out of the door. This could lead a lot of people to avoid shipping their items until the fees add up and the delivery date pushes well past the holidays. One amazing thing about packaging from home is you can easily get everything you need to mail shipped from your home. Simply package the item, weigh it at home and print out the shipping label. Your packaging company will pick it up at a time that is convenient for you so you don’t have to worry about going out at all. This is great especially when the weather tends to keep you indoors. Of course, you might not end up getting a better deal, but you will save on gasoline which is always a bonus when the holiday season is concerned.

9. Signature Request
Theft tends to be at a higher rate during the holiday season. This can be a major issue if your recipients probably won’t be home during the working hours. Many packaging companies will leave the item outside of the door and mark it as delivered which take the package out of their system. Once it is left it is wide open to be stolen from anyone simply walking through the neighborhood. Instead of having to fight with the packaging company about these items you may just want to request a signature. Some companies offer this service for free while others charge around $1 for it. With the signature request the company won’t be allowed to leave the package unless someone from the home, or a neighbor signs for it. This will allow you to know who has signed for it so the theft is entirely avoidable and your loved ones will get to enjoy your thoughtful gift.

10. Rewards Program
If you’re really look to save big during the holiday season then you might want to look into getting into a rewards program. There are numerous stores around that will offer anyone willing to pay a small fee a special account that often waives shipping, or takes a percentage off of it. One prime example of this service is Amazon Prime. This account actually offers you free advanced shipping on some items so you won’t have to worry about the shipping cost adding up for you. It also allows you to enjoy a discounted price on your items so you get even more money off for your shopping. You might also want to look into ebates programs that will give you money back for shopping, including expensive shipping cost. With a few reward programs on your side you’ll be able to get over your holiday shipping dilemma in no time.

Shipping can be one of the biggest burdens during the holiday season. From paying extra to get a gift to someone you love to standing in long miserable lines, the shipping aspect of the holiday is frustrating. With these simple tips you’ll be able to avoid a lot of the frustration while keeping your budget happy and enjoying the happiness of those you ship too! So, put your holiday smile back on and have some fun instead of dealing with the holiday shipping crisis!

You might still be in shock at the fact that Hanukkah is early this year, but don’t despair! There is still plenty of time to get everything you need without rushing careless through the stores. A lot of people tend to go overboard on the entire Hanukkah experience even though it isn’t one of the larger Jewish holidays. With sales papers everywhere and the huge Black Friday sale to tempt you, you may want to over spend a little bit on this year’s Hanukkah celebration. It is important to step back and remember the holiday for what it is though instead of letting the commercial value of the holiday step in the way. There are a lot of ways to make your Hanukkah celebration great that don’t actually involve you spending a lot of money. You may even find that the less you spend the better you feel about the entire celebration.

1. Make Your Gifts
A lot of people tend to check out pricey items when they want to give their family member a gift. Hanukkah isn’t really about the size or material value of the gift, as a matter of fact gifts are supposed to be small and inexpensive. One way to keep from buy expensive items is to use your natural creativity to make a gift that comes straight from the heart. There are numerous craft ideas that won’t cost you much of anything if you feel you have the skills to create them. For instance, you could always write a loved one a personal poem or create a small painting that shows how you feel about the person. You can also break out your knitting, sewing or scrapbooking skills to create something small for each family member. Of course, if you do love to bake then you might want to pull out your favorite ingredients and mix up a batch of cookies or a cake that would please any recipient.

2. Out of the Box
Sometimes when it comes to keeping to the buget you might have to do a little thinking out of the box, especially when it comes to choose eight nights worth of gifts. There are a few gift ideas out there that tend not to make it to anyone’s actual wish list. For instance, you might have a family member who loves fishing, golfing fashion or other hobbies that have countless magazines dedicated to them. If this is the case then you may want to opt for a magazine subscription which tends to cost less that most gifts and will bring joy throughout the year. The same can be said for teens as there are countless magazines dedicated to teens and their needs and interests. If you want to make an impact on the recipient then you might want to choose a heart warming gift, such as a frame with one of their favorite photographs. There are also a wide variety of school or work items that make perfect gifts even if the recipient doesn’t realize it right away.

3. Keep it Simple
A lot of people tend to over think the holiday when it comes to entertainment. There are so many great traditional things you can do that won’t cost you more than $5 and in most cases are totally free. One of the biggest parts of the holiday is sharing stories about the reason for celebrating as well as family stories that unite everyone. You should also bring out the music and sing along as much as possible. Kids will love playing the dreidel game too, which can take up a lot of the entertainment time. If people start to get bored then you might want to break out some games that you already own. Kids will also love doing arts and crafts and you might even be able to direct a skit with the older children which will entertain the adults. Of course, you can’t forget the lighting of the candles which always brings people together in delight.

4. Arts and Crafts
No matter what holiday you’re celebrating, kids love doing arts and crafts. This Hanakkuah don’t go overboard when you choose which items you need for your craft table. You should always make an inventory of what you already have in the home that could work as a craft supply. Typically people find paper products, tape, glue, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, and yarn which makes up the majority of your crafting needs. If you do need some supplies then try to find the cheapest option and buy in bulk if you can. This will allow you to keep the supplies for another project or for next year’s craft table. A lot of stores have premade kits waiting to be used which often tempt many people. However, if you’re planning on saving money then you should avoid these items. For a lot of fun without worrying about the work you could always look online for free holiday print outs that the kids will have a blast coloring. You might even take your crafting to gifts as you can make some inexpensive wrapping paper with butcher paper and markers!

5. Plan Ahead
A lot of us find ourselves in a bind when the holidays roll around because we’ve put off shopping the last minute. This can be a really expensive mistake as it typically means rushing to the store and grabbing any item we think will work despite the price. One way to combat this is to actually shop throughout the year. You typically aren’t going to be looking for expensive gifts when it comes to Hanukkah, but you if you see something you think would be perfect for someone then go ahead and purchase it and put it away for the holiday. This will cut down on how much you need to spend when it does become crunch time. You should also do the same when you see decorative items or craft projects that might be fun for the holiday. This will allow you to get most of your items when they’re on clearance directly after the holiday!

6. Dreidel
A dreidel can be a big part of your family’s fun during Hanukkah. One way to prevent having to spend money on one is to hold onto a dreidel that acts as a family heirloom. A lot of people have had one specific dreidel in the family for generations which makes it an important piece to the household. Of course, your children may want their own or a dreidel that can pass to their children which leaves you with the predicament of buying a special one that will last for years. A great way to give children one with so much meaning is to actually carve it yourself, or work with the child as they learn the basics of carving. Of course, this only really works with older children. For younger children you may want to work out origami dreidels. They won’t last long but they will be fun for the holiday and will leave children feeling special.

7. Menorah
The menorah is a key piece when it comes to Hanukkah. This beautiful piece helps you tell the story of the holiday while celebrating its beauty. If you’re looking for a new menorah you might be in for spending some money you don’t need for the holiday. Try to stick with one that runs in the family. If for some reason you need a new one then you might try making your own, or looking in a thrift store for a cheaper option. There are a few modernized ways to represent the menorah without actually having one though. For instance, many people have started buying paper lanterns and numbering them. For each night of Hanukkah they light the lantern and enjoy the modern décor while also getting more table space for food and games. You could also have the children make their own so they can enjoy in the fun without danger of being burned. Simply find eight wooden spools, pencils and eraser ends and your child is ready to get to work. If you really want to have fun and save money then you might consider making your own candle sticks.

8. Decorations
You can really go all out for very little money when it comes to decorating for Hanukkah. For starters you may want to find the little chocolate coin candies. These are perfect to lay around the house and make incredible treats for the kids. You might also look for some Christmas garland to put around the mantle piece and tables and chairs. It will be cheap at most stores and comes in blue and white shades for the holiday. One of the best ways to decorate is to have kids color print outs of Menorahs, Dreidels, the Star of David and other symbols of the holiday. You can post these up all over the house for a cute way to keep it festive. One of the best center pieces for dining tables is painted twigs that are glued together as art which will cost you very little money at all. If you do want to buy professional decorations then you might want to wait until after the holiday and buy the items on clearance for next years décor.

9. Food
Like all holidays most people consider the food to be one of the highlights of the get togethers. One of the cheapest ways to keep to your budget is to actually follow tradition. Try to make sure you have all the ingredients for latkes which are simple and cheap to make and are always a hit amongst guests. Latkes are also a great filler during parties so you won’t have to worry about people being hungry when they leave the party. You might also want to consider making items such as matzo balls which are another great filling dish for your guest. Seasonal foods are also a great way to keep company happy without having to go overboard on the spending. It is important to remember that you will eight days of delicious foods to make so don’t exhaust yourself or your resources. You might also guest to bring their favorite dish too, which will make the holiday more of a shared experience.

10. Combine Efforts
Although it might be a bit of a shock that Hanukkah is so soon this year, it is an even bigger shock that the first night of Hanukkah will actually fall on Thanksgiving. If you tend to celebrate both holidays then now is the time to combine efforts to save you some money! Hanukkah rarely ever falls on a Thanksgiving so this is your year to take advantage of the savings. In fact, the last time people celebrated both occasions Abraham Lincoln was still in office and the next time it will occur will be in the year 2070. This gives you the opportunity to choose foods for Thanksgiving that could be recreated into new meals for the rest of Hanukkah. With these huge savings you’ll be able to relax a bit when it comes to finances!

With Hanukkah only a week away it might be time to make some plans to get your holiday rolling. These tips will help you relax as you make decisions that will affect your family budget and the way you celebrate this fun holiday. It only takes a few simple steps to turn around the way you spend on holidays so don’t be afraid to try a new way of working your holiday budget. You might even find this holiday will be your most relaxed yet.

Every year it seems as if Thanksgiving kicks off the entire holiday season of spending madness. From spending a fortune on the family feast to maxing out the credit cards on holiday shopping, Thanksgiving sparks a period of time that could leave you in a financial crisis. So, why not take a step in the right direction and spend as little on Thanksgiving as you possibly can. With a few simple snips and cuts from the shopping list you’ll be able to pull off an incredibly tasty feast that will leave you proud of your financial accomplishment. With Thanksgiving leaving you in a great place with your budget you’ll be ready to take on the rest of the year like a financial guru. So, grab a pen and paper and next these easy to follow steps with you to the grocery store. You’ll be proud of the feast you create and the amount of fun and delight you make with your Thanksgiving Day feast.

1. Turkey
In most households the turkey tends to be the star of the dinner table. Unfortunately, the star of your dinner might actually be the biggest burden on your shoulders when it comes to the holiday budget. Although turkeys tend to be a bit expensive they are also a huge part of advertising for many local and chain grocery stores. Before you make any big decisions regarding where to shop for your turkey you should do a little bit of research about each stores deals. The majority of stores will offer a pretty good discount on a turkey, so make sure you go for the bird that is going to give you more turkey for less money. You might also want to see if any of the stores have special deals for their turkeys. Many stores will actually give away a free dish when you purchase a turkey. Even if it is a can of cranberry sauce or a side of mashed potatoes this can really help you save on your shopping list. A few stores will even give away a free turkey when you purchase certain items that usually pertain to the typical holiday meal.

2. The RSVP Rule
One of the best ways to cut down on the amount of food you buy and cook is to have everyone RSVP to the meal. It might be hard to get everyone to confirm due to work schedules and travel plans, but if you can get people to give you a guess if they’re coming or not then you’ll be in a lot better shape then assuming everyone you invited will be coming. Generally people who host a Thanksgiving dinner tend to buy way too much food because they expect the entire guest list to show up a gorge themselves on food. Realistically many people won’t be able to make and some of the people who do may have already had a meal at someone else’s home. So, take down a number and stick with it so you won’t have to go do any over shopping or end up with food that just goes to waste. Of course, you may want to calculate one or two surprise guest into the occasion or buy a little extra for dishes that you’re trying for the first time in case there’s an accident in the kitchen.

3. Get an App
If you don’t want to waste time and gasoline going from store to store then you may want to pull out your trusty smartphone. Your phone will give you a wide selection of apps that work with local grocery stores to help you find the best deal out there. Sure, it might seem a bit hardcore to download an app for one specific day, but you may find yourself using these apps throughout the year. Some of the grocery apps will actually allow you to upload an entire shopping list so you can make your trip out a whole lot easier and less forgetful. The app will take your list and look up stores in your area. This will give you a comparison of prices that would take you hours to find if you were looking through sales ads.

4. Make it From Scratch
Making a Thanksgiving Day feast can be really overwhelming when you look at all of the dishes you have too cook. A lot of people might think it is a whole lot easier to cut some corners and buy pre-made dishes. Although this might actually cut down on the amount of time you spend in the kitchen it will also hike up your grocery bill and lower the quality of your food. One of the best ways to spice up your time in the kitchen is to look for new recipes you’d like to try. This will give you a challenge that will make you want to work from scratch. You might even be able to find a few substitutes for more expensive ingredients which will help you cut down the cost on anything you make from scratch. Pre-made foods are automatically going to be a lot more expensive and they come in smaller packages so you won’t have enough to feed your whole family.

5. Beverages
Everyone loves a little spirit with their holiday meal, but buying alcohol might not be the best way to save money for your meal. If you want to have wine for the holidays then you may want to stick with boxed wine. Typically wine bought in boxes is inexpensive and it comes with a whole lot more than you’d get from a bottle. Thus, you’ll have more money to spend on a variety of wines that will last guest throughout the holiday. Kids can be tough to keep satisfied during the meal though. Most kids want to indulge in soda beverages which can be expensive. Try mixing up a batch or fruit punch or buying different flavors of Cool Aid for a cheaper way to keep the kids happy. If it ends up being pretty chilly then try making a big batch of hot chocolate. This will please kids and adults alike and will create a great warm up for anyone who is outside playing football. Of course, if you want to keep everyone’s thirst quenched for mere cents then you might want to brew up a big batch of tea.

6. Plan to Season
One of the easiest ways to cut down on your holiday budget is to look for seasonal produce to help make your sides spectacular. This is actually a great way to get in touch with the first Thanksgiving and will give your home a bigger sense of the meaning of the holiday. Don’t think you’re limited too much by choosing seasonal dishes though. When it comes to vegetables you will be able to create a whole lot of delicious meals from spinach, beets, broccoli, parsnips and much more. You will even be able to make some of the classic staples like mashed potatoes and gravy as well as sweet potato casserole. You may even be able to get your hands on some delicious fruits without losing a fortune. So prepare to make some delicious pumpkin pie or fruit salads to add to the dessert table.

7. Coupons
A week or two before Thanksgiving usually marks the beginning of a lot of coupon releases. Most stores make a ton of money off of the holiday and coupons help them bring in more customers. As soon as you can get a hold of the local ads you should start looking through coupons to find the deals you need to make your meal. This is one of the best ways to plan out your full course meal though. Find the best deals on products and use those items to create a feast that will supply everyone with something they love to eat. Many ads will even provide you with a series of double coupons that can really take care of the burden of your holiday bill. You should always look online for exclusive coupons as well because many stores will send their members deals that don’t make it to the ads. If you aren’t a member then it typically only takes a couple of minutes to sign up for free.

8. Potluck
Sometimes thinking about cooking all of that food in such a short amount of time can be a bit overwhelming. It can also be a huge dent on your family budget. If you’re feeling uneasy about cooking your holiday meal then you might want to transform your Thanksgiving from a dinner to a potluck. This will encourage guest to bring a meal of their own so you can sit back and enjoy the holiday a little more than usual. Generally people are pretty diverse about what they choose to bring to a meal, but if you’re worried about having a table filled with mashed potatoes then you might have people call and let you know what they’ll be bringing. With most of the sides and desserts for the meal taken care of you can concentrate on the main course without any distractions. It will also mean you won’t have to worry about spending as much on groceries so you can splurge a little on your main course purchase.

9. No Paper/Plastic
When it comes to feeding a lot of people you might be tempted to go with paper and plastic items to help make the clean up a lot easier. Although this might make life after the party seem a whole lot more convenient it won’t do you any favors when it comes to your holiday budget. Most of the time paper plates are strong enough to handle meals as large as Thanksgiving dinner. If you plan on having anything that is even slightly runny, like gravy, then you may find you’ll be cleaning up a lot more messes then you would have imagined. Plastic forks, spoons and knives can become pretty pricey too, especially if you need them for a lot of people. Paper napkins will end up over running the home too, as most people will need several for the meal and cleaning up messes. Before you know your home is going to have garbage bags everywhere from all of the waste products. The cheapest and most economically safe way to run the meal is to use actual dishes and just endure the clean up afterward.

10. Decorations
Thanksgiving is one of the easiest holidays to decorate for because everything is based around the changing of the seasons and the autumn harvest. Bring the kids into the fun by having them go out and find leaves to place around the home. You could also have them create little turkey using their handprint as the body. Pilgrim hats made out of simple paper is usually a holiday hit with the kids too! If you’re looking for the perfect center piece then find a cornucopia and fill it with fruit. Many people will use the fruit as a dessert so you won’t have to worry about it going to waste. You can also tape butcher paper to the table in place of a table cloth. For even more fun have people write what they’re thankful for or let the kids doodle on it. The options are endless when it comes to Thanksgiving decor and most of the crafts will cost you nothing.

Thanksgiving dinner can be your way to start this holiday season off right. With a few simple tricks you can be well on your way to cutting the budget in half and enjoying the big day with the people you care about most. So tune into the parade or catch the holiday football game and remember to enjoy yourself. After all, with the money you saved on dinner you won’t have to worry about finances until Black Friday!

At some point everyone has suffered from some form of acne. Whether you get the sparse pimple or blackhead every once in awhile or you get full on break out often, then you have probably looked for some sort of solution to make the blemishes go away. There are hundreds of different remedies available to you today, but many of them come at a price that isn’t always affordable. It seems the more you want to get rid of the skin problem, the more you have to spend to try out products that don’t work half of the time. Fortunately, there are a few ways for you to get rid of your acne without having to worry about the ridiculous fees that many medications cost. With a few simple changes in your shopping experience you may find that clear skin comes at a much cheaper price.

1. Use Generics
For many sufferers of acne there are certain prescriptions that are said to be top of the line. This causes people to go out and buy the name brand thinking that they can’t get the product for any cheaper. Luckily, there is a generic product for just about everything that is already on the market. Typically these items can be found right next to the name brand product in stores and they often have similar packaging in regards to coloring and fonts. If you don’t think there is a generic then make sure to ask the pharmacist, they should be able to point you in the right direction or give you a product that is similar. If you’re getting a prescription from your doctor then make sure to ask if it can be written for a generic brand. A lot of doctors do this already, but there is never any harm in double checking. It might not seem like a generic brand will save you much in the short term, but as your skin care adds up through the year you’ll be glad you opted for the generic rather than spending a whole lot more on the name brand which is exactly the same.

2. Directions
Part of a healthy skin care regiment is paying attention to the directions on each of your products. It doesn’t matter if you have purchased the product over the counter or is a dermatologist prescribes it to you, you have to follow the directions exactly for the product to work properly. A lot of people will try out a product for a week or two and expect it to work miracles, but the truth is you have to give things a bit more time to see if they will work. If you don’t use the product enough or you use the product too much then you may find that your skin situation doesn’t change at all or it might take a change for the worse. So, before you start a new treatment make sure you go through and read all of the instructions before you begin. This will help you know exactly what needs to be done for your skin to change and will give you a reason to know if the product is or isn’t working after a period of time. It is a waste of money to start a product when you’re not sure about the treatment needs. Usually people end up tossing out products they’ve barely tried because they failed to use them properly. So, save a little money by getting your products a change to work.

3. Samples
If you tend to have to experiment with different medications for your acne then you might want to consider looking for samples of various products. A lot of companies will actually offer you a free sample if you provide the shipping cost. Simply look on the site of a product you think might work to see if they’ll offer you a sample. Some companies will even send you a sample in the mail if you show interest in acne medications. There are a lot of programs you can sign up for that will keep the samples going for a small fee. A lot of people tend to bypass the over the counter products and opt to see a dermatologist for better results. If this is the case then talk to your dermatologist about trying you on samples before committing to a cost skin program. Usually doctors have a few samples around so it might not be an issue.

4. Shop Around
One major problem with picking up prescription acne medication is a lot of people tend to stick to the same pharmacies. Many doctors have their favorites which they tend to recommend while some people use the same pharmacy for years. When it comes to picking up prescriptions you want to make sure you call around about prices before you commit to one pharmacy. Pharmacies are a lot like department stores in the fact that their prices fluctuate. You might be able to get some of your prescriptions cheaper at one pharmacy and others cheaper at another, so asking around before submitting the prescription is always your safest bet. Of course, shopping for an over the counter product is a lot easier. Typically shopping online will give you a good idea of the best places to buy the product, but you may also want to look around local ads to see if there is a sale or coupons that will make your purchase even more budget friendly.

5. Skip Scrubs
One of the most common purchases for acne treatments is special scrubs that are supposed to help get rid of blackheads and other problems. The truth is these scrubs tend to make matters worse. For starters, when you scrub skin that is already irritated you are simply going to irritate it a whole lot more. Now, instead of showing up to school with a few pimples or blackheads you’re going to end up with an entirely red face that is more noticeable then your minor breakout. Sometimes scrubbing can even spread bacteria and cause other pimples to form. Whether is is a hard facial soap scrub or a special sponge designed to exfoliate your face, you may want to skip out on purchasing it. There are some gentle scrubs out there, but for most people the scrubs are unnecessary and cause more harm than healing. In fact, the best soaps to use for a facial are those that foam and require nothing more than your fingers to apply.

6. Avoid Harsh Soaps
Many people have issues with breakouts because of the soaps they choose to use. Some people actually prefer to use the same soap all over their body which can be a huge problem for the face. Generally, the face’s skin is incredibly sensitive in comparison to other areas of the body, so using the same soap can really dry out the face and cause breakouts. If you really want to use the same soap all over your body then you need to look for a soap branded for sensitive skin. It might also be best if you find a soap that is also scentless as many of these soaps with scents will actually clog the pores causing more breakouts. The best thing you can do is to find a cleanser that is affordable and still works well with your face. You may be surprised at how many affordable cleaners on the marker will keep your face feeling great.

7. Don’t Over Use
Over consumption of a product can be a huge money waster, especially when it comes to acne products. A lot of people tend to use as much product as they think necessary which usually turns out to be too much. There are a few problems with doing this though. The first is using too much product can actually cause an imbalance with your skin, which means you’re going to be fighting off some very dry skin or a pretty bad breakout. It also means that you’re going to run out of the product a lot faster, which means spending money more often for something that shouldn’t be bought for a month or two more. You should always follow the instructions when it comes to any product so you don’t harm your skin or waste your money. You should also limit the amount of times you watch your face each day. Usually once in the morning and again at night is plenty and unless your medication states otherwise you should refrain from doing it any more often. This could actually strip the natural moisture from your face and, of course, it will cut down on your budget.

8. All About Pores
Getting in touch with your pores can actually leave you with healthier skin. It is important to know how your pores react and when you should work with them to create a better tone and healthier skin balance. During the summer our pores tend to open up which leave them victim to grime and oils which leads to breakouts and self confidence issues. You should always cleanse your skin twice a day during the summer, especially on the hot days. However, you might want to consider rinsing your face with cold water. This helps close up the pores so less irritants can clog them and cause problems. Although your pores might be more closed in the winter it might be a good idea to open up them for a deep cleanse occasionally. Simply use a steamer or a hot wash rag to get the pores open and use your favorite cleanser. When you’re finished rinse with cold water and enjoy your flawless look that cost you absolutely nothing.

9. Home Remedies
Sometimes the cheapest way to beat a skin problem is to look at what you already have in your home. There’s countless ways to help get your skin looking flawless without acually having to buy any acne products. For starters, olive oil and apple cider vinegar are a great way to cleanse the face while keeping moisture locked in so you’ll always have that radiant look. If you do have a break out then you slice a potato and rub it on the affected area. This will help lower the swelling and reduce redness which will disguise the breakout altogether. You should never pop a pimple, but most of it do at some point or another. Just in case you ever do, you may want to crush an aspirin and mix in some lemon juice to help reduce the appearance of an acne scar. Cucumbers are also a natural way to help bring back moisture in the face and are one of the most common home remedies today.

10. Coupons/Rebates
Most products on the market have lots of coupons if you’re willing to look for them. From online sales sites to your local sales paper you should be able to find amazing deals all over. One great thing about acne medication is most of the companies want people to try their product. This opens up a whole new world of coupons and rebates that will make your facial regime affordable. If you’re lucky you might even be able to find a coupon for your favorite products each time you need to restock. So, make sure to sign up for coupon groups as well as email updates for products you love.

Acne doesn’t have to be a burden you carry throughout your life. There are so many new treatments that not only help reduce the appearance of acne, but also help it go away for good. Now you can show off your lovely skin for what it is instead of hiding it behind make up and other products designed to hide your pimple. With any luck you’ll be able to save a whole lot of money on the product you decide to use for your lovely skin.

Every year we over stuff ourselves on turkey and all the fixings just so we can go out the next day and shop until we pretty much drop. Black Friday has become a tradition that seems to end Thanksgiving and start up the gift giving season. With all that turkey and laughter from Thanksgiving still in your system it might be tough to make budget friendly decisions for Black Friday. There are a few ways you can take to the stores and get everything you need without overdoing it. These tips are easy to follow and might actually have you relaxing the day after Thanksgiving instead of getting stressed out and lost amongst the crowds. So, get ready to make this most financially savvy and productive Black Friday you’ve experienced!

1. Shop Online
Sometimes the best way to keep your sanity during Black Friday is to not go out at all. There’s a lot of online shopping that can be taken care of during this holiday, so make sure you don’t miss out on it. In fact, most stores offer the exact same deals online as they do in the actual store! This means you don’t have to shove past other shoppers to get what you want, you get to avoid the long lines entirely and you don’t have to waste gallons of gas looking for parking spaces! A lot of stores will even throw in free shipping for their Black Friday shoppers which makes the deal a whole lot sweeter. You might want to check out stores that only allow you to shop online, like Amazon, because they tend to have some of the biggest deals on the market. The only thing you really have to worry about with online shopping is making sure you have a great connection that will help you stay on top of all the deal releases. So, find your favorite pajamas and make some delicious coffee because you might be in for a long day of shopping.

2. Set the Alarm
Sure, no one wants to wake up to a harsh alarm clock after a day filled with eating, but if you want to get the best deals you’ll have to be willing to sacrifice sleeping in. When it comes to Black Friday you might find that the best deals out there are offered very early in the morning, so you will want to be up and at the store before it opens up. A lot of people will even camp out at the store just so they can be one of the first in line. Make sure you know when all of the best deals are happening so you will know when you should be up. Of course, some shoppers choose to take a nice nap after dinner and hit the deals on Thanksgiving Day. There are a few stores who will help you shop early so make sure to schedule around openings so you don’t miss out on anything. If you do plan on shopping like this make sure to bring water and snack bars with you because it might be some time before you can break.

3. Technology
When it comes to utilizing your time on Black Friday you might want to stick to the technological items on your list. Generally these items tend to be more expensive and usually have the best discounts on the big day. Everything from gaming consoles, televisions, computers, games, movies and music will be discounted greatly on Black Friday. The technology section might be one of the most crowded areas in the store, but you shouldn’t let it bring you down if you have a lot of these items on your list. Getting your technological items out of the way also means you’re finished shopping for the bigger ticketed items so you can easily move on to the smaller items as the season progresses.

4. No Clothes
A lot of people want to spend quite a bit of time going through the clothing section on Black Friday which could be a huge waste of your time. Although there might be some deals out there for clothes you will actually find a better clothing sale in January, so you might want to ditch the clothes shopping altogether so you can get your money’s worth on Black Friday. Of course, if there are a few clothing items you just want to get out of the way then you might want to stick to a simple rule. If the price isn’t a 40% discount then you might want to steer clear of the deal. You won’t get the price you deserve on such a huge day of discounts so just skip it until later. The chances are you’ll find a good deal closer to the holiday anyway!

5. Utilize Smartphone
This Black Friday make sure you have your phone charged and ready to go for an exciting day of sale leads that you’ve never before experienced. As people become more reliant on their cellphones stores have started using special apps to help draw in business, especially on huge sale days like Black Friday. If you have certain stores that you know you’re going to be visiting then make sure to download the store apps before you head out to do some shopping. This will allow you to know when the store will release a new deal as well as what is actually on sale and for how much. You smartphone apps will also give you importation that will show you coupons and rebates that might not be available anywhere else. So, if you plan to do some smart shopping this season then make sure you have your phone ready for action too.

6. Look Early
Black Friday deals aren’t always focused on Friday. In fact, many stores will hold deals the week prior to the day or even the week after. These extended deals could help you save a whole lot of money if you play your cards right. Generally deals that last longer have less of a crowd so you can easily go through and find the things you want without having to feel stressed to grab whatever is in sight. Deals that last longer also tend to feature a wider of variety of goods so you can make sure you get the best possible deal on everything you need. Without the stress of having to fight for the items you want and push through big crowds you will be able to make smarter decisions that will ensure you get the most for your money and get the items needed for your holiday list without having to wait for the last possible minute.

7. Charge It
Although you might not find it wise to charge things to your card all of the time you may want to utilize the credit card during Black Friday. There are many advantages to using the card and most them actually protect you as a consumer. For instance, depending on the card you may find that you get a little more of a warranty with the credit card company than you do with the regular warranty. This is especially great when you’re buying technological items. Some cards will also ensure you have a return policy you can rely on which will allow you to return an item even if the store want to put up a fight about it. Other cards will also offer a discount if you purchase the item somewhere and find that it is cheaper elsewhere. You may need your receipt and proof of the lower price, but you should be able to save more money this way. A lot of cards will also offer points toward future purchases so make sure you pick a credit card that will give back when you shop this season.

8. Gift Receipts
Any time you buy something will be given as a gift outside of the household you should always ask for a gift receipt. This will protect you and the recipient in a number of different ways. For starters, shopping at Black Friday is almost a month prior to the holiday itself which means your gift is going to be out of use for a little while. If it turns out your gift doesn’t work properly on the day it is opened a gift receipt will allow you the recipient to head to the store and get a product that works just fine. You may also find that something doesn’t fit someone properly, with the receipt the person can easily get the correct size or trade it for something of equal value. With this receipt you won’t lose out on money because the gift didn’t work out for someone, instead your gift can be replaces or swapped at no extra cost to you, which is a relief when you’re shopping for people that are hard to buy for.

9. Coupons and Rebates
Even though Black Friday deals are already going to be pretty awesome you may find that there are still amazing coupons and rebates that can save you even more money! Before you go out shopping look online or in your local ads for coupons that take away an even greater percentage off of your purchase. You might want to check to make sure these deals are available on Black Friday so you don’t have to worry about holding up the line with coupons that aren’t valid. Some stores will even have coupons at the entrance of the store so you find great savings before you even start shopping. If you’re looking to buy technological items or items for the car then you might want to look around for rebates before you go out. Just because you’re getting a great deal on your items doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a rebate to take a good portion of the money away too. Make sure you know what you’re going to buy ahead of time so you can easily seek out the rebate and get in mailed in soon. You should also ask the sales clerk about rebate options too, just to ensure you get the best deal possible.

10. Research
One of the smartest things you can do before you go out shopping is a little research. You might enjoy the freedom of shopping on any other day, but having a researched and detailed schedule could save you hundreds in the long run. You can easily plan out your shopping routine by going online and finding the deals you want to follow and what else you would like to get at the store. You should work towards getting the more important items on your list first, but make sure you strategize your shopping plan so you don’t have to feel rushed or so you don’t end up spending too much money before you get to a certain item. Keep an eye out for sales plans around a week before the big day so you can easily get your shopping done for less.

As you get ready to venture out and grab the best deals on your holiday gifts you might want to remember to keep the holiday spirit in mind. It might be a frustrating day, but you can also fill it with excitement and fun if you know how to shop right. With these simple tricks you can be on your way to a full Christmas Tree before the month of December even begins. So, grab your coupons and get ready for a huge day of savings that will have you prepped for the busy season ahead of you.

It seems like smoothies are just about everywhere you look now. This diet craze has really inspired people to eat right even if they don’t particularly enjoy the taste of some fruits or vegetables. The only problem with the smoothie diet trend is many people are spending way too much money for the delicious drinks. There are a lot of new blenders on the market that cater to smoothie needs as well as prepackaged mixes designed to make your drinks taste incredible. Unfortunately, all of these newly marketed deals aren’t exactly the best on a family budget. There are many ways you can have your smoothie and drink it too though. So, relax and get ready to make some of the best tasting and incredibly nutritious drinks for you and your family without juicing the bank account.

1. Seasonal Fruits
One of the first steps to save money and to get the freshest and most nutritious ingredients is to look for fruits that are in season. Seasonal fruits can be a bit pricey if you find them out of season so you might want to do a little research as to what is in season and plan a recipe around those fruits and vegetables. Of course, you won’t want to use everything that is in season, so looking up what goes great in a smoothie might be of help. For instance, you might not enjoy putting corn in a smoother just because it on sale, nor will you really enjoy fruits that are mostly seeds like pomegranates. If you just want to wing it at the grocery store then you’ll see most of the seasonal fruits are much cheaper than other produce. Buying in season doesn’t just save you money though. A lot of the nutrients found in seasonal fruits will help you fight off illnesses that occur during that specific season, so give your immune system a fighting chance against colds and the flu without having to worry about taking special vitamins to fight them.

2. Bulk Buy
A lot of people starting out on a smoothie diet tend to go through and buy produce in small batches. This will not only prove to be more expensive but time consuming after the first few weeks of blending these treats. You are going to go through a whole lot of fruits and vegetables whether you’re juicing or making a smoothie so you should buy accordingly. Bulk buys are usually the best way to save a lot of money, so whenever you can you should get your fruit in larger packaging. Sometimes this isn’t always possible as many grocery stores will only package items like oranges, bananas, avocado and apples together. However, if you tend to shop at a farmer’s market you can often strike up a pretty good deal when you buy large portions of fruit and vegetables. Many people tend to avoid doing this because they don’t think they can possibly go through the produce before it comes bad. If this is the case then simply save out the produce you do think you can eat and cut the rest and bag it up for freezing. This will give you a cold smoothie that still has a delicious taste and plenty of nutrition.

3. Stay Off Brand
There’s a lot of brands out there that boost up their prices because they are attached to a large company. You can avoid these extra charges by looking for the foods you want at an off brand price. Fruits and vegetables tend not to have a huge price increase because of brands, but if you can try to buy the produce as locally as possible. This will cut down cost here. Other items such as dairy products and nuts can be a huge drain on the budget if you’re not careful though. Many people like to add a touch of yogurt to their smoothies, so try to find a larger package of yoghurt that features the grocery store brand or a brand that isn’t advertised. This is also important when you look for soy or ingredients like almond milk which can really improve the taste and nutritious value of your smoothies. Nuts can really become expensive if you shop for brand names, so try to look at the bottom shelves when you shop for these items. If you’re careful about what you buy you may find having items apart from fruits and vegetables is possible without breaking the bank.

4. Use More Vegetables
Its no lie that most people don’t like vegetables and many just can’t seem to get the right amount in their diet. The amazing thing about smoothies is you can sneak vegetables into your diet without ever tasting them, which is why so many parents are embracing the idea of smoothies. One of the best things about using vegetables in your smoothies is they tend to cost a bit less and go a lot further. Instead of filling up your blender with a lot of different fruits you should fill it up half way with a leafy green vegetable like spinach. This veggie tends to be one of the cheapest and is packed with things you can’t miss out on your diet. With the blender half full of this delicious vegetable you can then add the fruit without having to diminish your fruit stock. You might also want to consider adding a few more ingredients like carrots or broccoli that is also pretty cheap to buy. This will really amp up your smoothie while keeping the cost of each drink incredibly low.

5. Go For Expired
Most grocery stores will keep a clearance bin for items that they need to get rid of right away. Typically the items are fruits and vegetables that are beginning to wilt or only have a couple of days left on their shelf life. These are excellent items for smoothies, especially if you make the drinks everyday. Most items in the clearance bin are 50% off, if not more, and tend to drop a little bit more each day, which means you’ll pay mere pennies for a good piece of fruit. This is a great way to cut down on your smoothie budget, but it might mean altering a few of your recipes to suit the fruits and vegetables you found that day.

6. Look in the Refrigerator
One of the major cost effective ways to save on smoothies is to use what you already have in the house. A lot of people tend to think they have to go out and buy ingredients specifically for smoothies when they have plenty of good food already in the home. Before you go shopping make sure you take inventory of the food you have in the refrigerator so you don’t waste money on food that might go bad. For instance, a lot of people tend to have excess vegetables that didn’t make it into a meal for one reason or another. Carrots, lettuce, spinach and broccoli are some of the most common vegetables that get overlooked in the refrigerator and therefore go bad when they would add the perfect touch to a smoothie. During the holidays most people have excess apples, pumpkin, raisins, grapes and other fruits that go perfectly in pies just sitting around. Most homes also have little packages of yoghurts that are forgotten or juices that sit past expiration date because people would rather drink other things. These items are great ingredients for a smoothie and will cut down on wastage in the home.

7. Go Frozen
If you don’t plan on making a smoothie everyday, or you you tend to forget about produce in the home then you may want to go with frozen ingredients. A lot of people see frozen foods as less nutritious but many pack almost the same amount of vitamins as a fresh price of fruit. You should always shop carefully when it comes to frozen fruits as some stores will hike up the prices during certain seasons. The best thing you can do is shop for frozen fruit like you would seasonal fruit. These pieces of fruit will last a long time so you can stock up when you see a deal. You might also want consider buying packages that contain more than one type of fruit so you can have a diverse smoothie throughout the year. You should always make sure the price isn’t higher than what it would be if you were buying the produce fresh which is easily avoided if you steer clean of brand names.

8. Recipes
So many people take to the book stores looking for excellent recipes when they decide they want to try a smoothie diet. This can be one of the worst mistakes you’ll make when it comes to making a smoothie. A lot of books will claim to have the best recipes for weight loss or energy, when the truth is eating healthy is one of the best ways to lose weight no matter what recipe you use. Instead of buying a book on smoothies you should search around the internet to see if there is any that sound good to you. There are so many websites dedicated to proving people with smoothies that have so many health benefits that you’ll never want to buy a book on the topic. You might also want to check out some of the numerous videos posted online that show people creating some of their favorite drinks. The options are endless and they’re totally free.

9. Blender Crisis
Currently there are a good number of blenders on the market now that claim to create the smoothest and healthiest smoothies on the market. A lot of these blender can cost you up to $500 if you’re not doing research too! When it comes to a smoothie maker it might be best to keep under $50, especially if you’re not sure if you want to stick with the diet or not. There are many smoothie makers on the market that don’t cost a lot and will basically do the same job as the expensive machines, so shop around before you decide to make a big purchase. Of course, if you really want to save money you could always stick with the blender you have. Most blenders will do a great job at blending your ingredients and although it might not be as smooth as you like it, it will still taste pretty good.

10. Go Used
A lot of people have to have their expensive gadgets, which is fine especially if you know it an investment you’re going to keep around the house and use often. You don’t have to go out and buy one of these machines new though. Many people who get excited about the smoothie diet go out and buy an expensive Ninja or Vitamix blender and then realize that they aren’t all that into the diet plan. Of course, these people want to get some money back on their purchase so they list the product to eager buyers. This is a great time to swoop in and buy the piece for yourself. You should always make sure the blender is working before you buy it though,especially if you’re getting the product through Craig’s List which has no clauses to help buyers. If you are looking for a refurbished model from a department store or from the actual warehouse then you have nothing to worry about.

Smoothies are one of the best ways to get all the nutrients you need in your diet, so don’t let the price tag scare you away. With these tips you can have a delicious smoothie that doesn’t come close to costing you what it would had a chain smoothie restaurant. Now, you can enjoy the delicious taste of health food that will even have the pickiest of kids pleased to indulge in this healthy treat!

With the holidays just around the corner it is practically the time of year to start making reservations for all of those holiday travels. Looking for a hotel room can be one of the toughest aspects of the holiday season, especially if you’re looking to beat holiday prices. There are many hotels out there that can offer you a cozy place to spend your holiday with family and with a few simple to follow tips you can spend less than you’d think. Sure, we all want our holidays to feel special which might mean spending a few extra dollars to get the comfort we require. However, if you can follow these tips you might find that really expensive hotel room is a lot more affordable than you originally thought.

1. Forget the Star System
A lot of people tend to judge a hotel on the amount of stars it as earned, which could be a huge mistake if you’re working with a tight budget. The star system can be great if you’re looking to splurge a little and want to get a high end experience, but if you need to book a room for a few days the star system probably will make you feel a little uncomfortable. Most five star hotels took years to earn each star, so if you want a high end experience then try to check out a newer hotel that might not have worked its way up to the five star level. Of course, if you are on a tight budget then you might want to stick with an economy hotel. These rooms are not only clean and comfortable but will also give you a whole lot more for your money. For instance, most economy hotels will allow you a free breakfast and wi-fi which could cut hundreds off of your holiday bill. Many places will even provide an indoor pool and gym if you’re looking for entertainment between family visits. The best thing is many of these hotels will also allow children at no extra cost!

2. Social Media
Today’s society is strung around social media pages, which could be a huge advantage to you if you like to keep up to date with what’s going on. If you’re planning to stay in a specific hotel then make sure you follow or like their social media page. Typically hotels will go through and update on their latest deals and events that are happening during the time you are staying. This will not just help save you money, but it will also allow you to plan accordingly. Make sure to keep an eye out for coupons and other deals so you will know what to ask about when you go to pay at the desk. A lot of social media pages love to hear from their customers. So, if you’re planning a stay soon then you might want to mention how excited you are on their page. Sometimes the hotel will give you a discount or an upgrade just for helping them prove they have loyal customers.

3. Bundle
When it comes to traveling, you’ll probably get the most out of bundling your entire vacation. There are numerous sites online and travel agencies worldwide that will help you get your airline ticket and hotel reservations in one package. You might not think that bundling is the best idea, but when you do a little comparative research you’ll find that you will save a lot of both the airline and the hotel reservation. This is usually because hotels have to charge you a fee for many of their services when you shop online or reserve via the phone. When you get your travel plans worked out through a bundled package a lot of the time you actually get to waive the fees that make your hotel a lot more expensive than the hotel advertises. You should always make sure you compare prices before locking yourself into any bundle though so you don’t have to worry about the deal not saving you enough money.

4. Refunds
Sometimes we book a hotel far advance which could mean the rate of the hotel decreases within the time of actually checking in. Thanks to many different sites, including Tingo, you can now go online and check the rate of your hotel at booking time as well as now to see if there was a decrease in price. If there was then all you have to do is enter the information into the site for a refund of the difference. Many hotels will actually allow you to call up and ask for the same refund, so don’t be afraid to call and ask about it if you’ve noticed the price of your hotel has been reduced. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure you pay a fair price as well as to save even more money for other traveling expenses. Of course, when you do book with a hotel you should always make sure your hotel has a refund clause just in case you can’t make the trip. This will ensure you get your deposit back if you end up not staying in the hotel.

5. Upgrades
A lot of people like to get the full experience of their hotel room which could really cost a bundle if you’re not keeping track of your purchases. From room service to television usage the fees can really add up on you stay at a hotel. If you tend to be someone who absolutely loves the convenience of room service and other hotel add ons then you might want to just go for the whole add on package. This will allow you to add room service as you wish without having to worry about the bill mounting higher and higher. Before you check into a hotel make sure to call and ask about their add on program so you can see if this is worthwhile for you and your family. Many hotels will have a lot of different add on programs so you may be able to customize your stay specifically to your needs.

6. Loyalty Programs
There are a lot more people traveling during the holidays now. Either for business trips or to reunite with loved ones, spending time in a hotel room is a pretty common experience. If you find yourself staying at hotels frequently you may want to sign up for the loyalty program, especially if you have a specific hotel you like to stay in. This will allow you to get free extras when you stay at a hotel while also providing you discounts and occasionally a free night in a room. This can be especially great during the holiday season as you may want to go a bit more expense when choosing your hotel package. The points you earned throughout the year may work to help you cut down even more on your hotel room which will make the stay even more comfortable for you.

7. Time Your Visit
A lot of the time your biggest savings will come with your timing. When it comes to hotel rooms this can be a major factor in the price you pay for your room. It is always best to know when peak travel times are in the area you plan on visiting. This can help you avoid traveling these times if possible, which can save you a lot of money. If you’re planning on traveling during the holidays then chances are rates will be higher everywhere. So, if you have to travel during a peak period then you will already know it is best to book in a less popular area of the city, or on the outskirts of a city. You may be surprised at some peak times though, so it is always best to research your destination before planning the vacation. If you can avoid a peak period you should as it will help save more money than you would expect.

8. Location
It’s always convenient to stay in a hotel next to an area we plan on visiting, but it isn’t always convenient to pay the price. Usually hotels around the center of a city or next to a huge attraction, like a theme park, are blown out of proportion when it comes to price. So, if you’re looking at spending some times near a big attraction then you may want to start your search away from the area you’ll be visiting. Yes, it is always nice to be close so you don’t have to worry about traveling, but by staying further away from the area you could save up to a hundred dollars a night, if not more. It is best to call about up hotels away from the area to see if they operate shuttles to specific areas or if there is a good public transportation center near the area. This will help cut down on travel expenses while you’re there so you can enjoy spending less money on the entire vacation.

9. Discounts
Most hotel rooms have an excellent discount system that most people simply overlook. It is important to call and talk to the hotel about discounts before you decide to book with them so you will know exactly what discounts you qualify for. Typically hotels have many of the same discounts that standard places have. For instance, if you’re a senior citizen or military then there’s a good chance you will get a pretty good discount on your hotel room by just showing you identification card. There are also numerous discounts out there for students who have a valid school I.D. Card which is perfect for college students who are traveling home for the holidays. A lot of hotels will also not charge extra if you have young children staying with you, so make sure to ask about the price of a child staying and mention the age of your little one. Some hotels will even give a special price to professional truck drivers who find themselves on the road all of the time. The discounts are endless, so just make sure to mention your needs when you make a reservation and you might be surprised as to how much you can save.

10. Barter
Bartering might sound a little medieval, but you’d be surprised as to how much it can save you while you’re working on securing a room. Before you start your bartering process you should always make sure you book into a hotel that has a refund policy. When you find a great hotel then look around for its greatest competition. If it seems like a hotel you’d like to stay in then call it up and mention that you’re staying at the other hotel and would like to know their deals. Usually people will jump on the opportunity to steal business away from a competitor so you will end up with a great deal. The key to this process is finding hotels that are near to one another and have a lot of the same features. Once you have this part of the bartering ready, you will be good to go find an even better deal.

With all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season the last thing you’ll want to worry about is your hotel room and paying too much for it. These simple tips will help you avoid spending too much on your room without having to sacrifice the standard of place you’re staying at. Finally, you’ll be able to have a comfortable place to stay that won’t leave you feeling remorseful about the bill. This will really help improve your holiday season or any other time you feel like traveling.

Every year we seem to find ourselves making trips all around the world. From visiting family during the holidays to going on business trips, flying is one of the most common ways to travel long distances. Despite its monopoly on the long distance travel market the airlines still maintain high prices that leave many people thinking twice about their voyage. There are a few ways that you can work around the high airline tickets though. With a few pointers you’ll be on your way to a cheap holiday or a reunion that won’t leave you feeling remorseful for spending the money. This can be one of the most important areas that you might want to save money, especially when it comes to the over crowded and budget tight holiday season.

1. Book Early
Saving money on your airline tickets can be as easy as booking a flight a few months in advance. In fact, the sooner you make the plans to fly the better. If you intend on taking a vacation in the winter months it might be a great idea to try to book as early as April so you can lock in a deal without having to worry about it again. Flights made as early as this might be subject to change, but airlines will have to keep you scheduled on a flight even if the flight ends up being pricier than what you originally paid. With the tickets already purchased you’ll have more money for preparation and can put the entire vacation out of your mind until it is time to go. Booking early also means you’ll have as many seats as you need secured, so larger family will feel secure knowing they are all on the same flight.

2. Book online
Looking for flights online as been common practice for awhile, but many people still try to book through a travel agent or by calling the airline directly. There are many advantages to booking online that go further than the home convenience aspect. In fact, when you book online you can actually opt out of some of the hidden fees that sneak up in your total price. While booking make sure to pay extra attention to baggage and food information as you could have a chance to skip out on some of the bigger fees these items can add on to the ticket price. Another great think about booking online is you get to play with flight dates. If you have some flexibility in your schedule then make sure to pick different departure and return dates to see which dates actually give you the best price. You might also want to clear out your browser history if you decide to come back to the same deal. Most airline sites will recognize the cookie and not show you the same deal that you originally found.

3. Keep an Open Mind
Shopping for a flight can be frustrating, but part of this frustration can be reduced if you simply keep a broad time period in mind. A lot of people tend to shop for flights that tend to be at a convenient hour, which is part of the over crowding problem, especially during the holidays. If you’re looking for a flight in a hurry then try searching red eyes to see how much the price difference is. Typically these flights will save you a good chunk of change and will be a whole lot less crowded than the flights that leave during a normal hour. This will allow you to get some rest on your flight so you won’t feel as tired when you arrive at your destination. It might also make the flying anxiety subside a bit, since there will be a lot more room for you to breathe and get comfortable before take off.

4. Mind Your Flight
If you book a flight early it is important to keep an eye on the price of your ticket as time progressed. Sometimes flights decrease in price because of lack of interest or other unforeseen reasons. When this happens many different airlines will actually offer up a discount to anyone that calls up and points out the price difference. This is a lot like matching prices that department stores partake in, so don’t be afraid the ask your airline about it. You should also always keep an eye on your flight to see if it has been canceled. The sooner you know your flight isn’t going to happen the sooner you should be on your phone trying to get re-booked. This might get you on a sooner flight, or flight that might be a little bit nicer than the one you booked. A lot of people who wait too long to rebook often end up with flights the airline provides, which could leave you waiting longer to get to your destination. If the chosen date doesn’t work out for you then you might have to ask for a refund and book with a more expensive company, which no one wants to do when they’re trying to save.

5. Change Fees
When you book a flight you don’t always know what is going to happen between the time of booking and the day of the flight. Sometimes things happen hat force us to postpone a trip or cancel it altogether. A lot of airlines will offer a change fee for your ticket at a fairly affordable price. This will allow you to swap up your ticket for a more convenient time, or post pone the ticket for an entirely different trip. Although this might not actually save you money if you do end up taking the flight, it will save you a whole lot of money if things happen to go awry. Although many people don’t see this fee worth purchasing, those who have lost hundreds on a missed flight might urge anyone to pay the simple fee.

6. Pack Light
One of the biggest expenses people tend to incur through flying is because of their luggage. Most airline sales contain a luggage limit that is fairly reasonable if you can leave out a lot of the extras. Typically keeping your luggage to one suitcase per person or less if possible will get you through your check in and onto the flight without forcing you to pay extra. However, if you’re someone who tends to pack everything and the kitchen sink then you might want to pay the fee for an extra bag rather than paying the fee at check in. One way to really free yourself from baggage fees is to simple bring along a carry on. This will allow you to keep your personal items close to you at all times so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost in baggage. This will also allow you to leave the airport directly after you land, instead of having to wait an extra hour just to pick up your bag. If you’re having trouble choosing what not to bring then you might want to make a check list of must haves. Certain clothes and personal documents are a must, whereas large bottles of personal hygiene products or a multitude of books could easily be left. Also, you might want to consider mailing holiday gifts rather than bringing them on the plane with you.

7. Destination Knowledge
Everywhere you airline travels to has a high and a low season. If you’re planning a trip then it might be wise to do a little research on when you should travel to each destination. Knowing this can reduce the price of your airline tickets and help you save money throughout the entire vacation. Sometimes the highs and lows might be quite obvious, but many have strange seasons. For instance, if you’re planning a trip to London then you might want to book for an October trip. The airlines will be less crowded and the weather will still be bearable enough to walk around and enjoy the sights. If you want a warmer trip, to say the Caribbean, then May is a cheap time to book. This gives the tourist areas a break from the Spring Break crowd before they get ready for Summer tourist. You should also know a bit about the cultures of the regions as you might end up showing up during a great cultural event that many tourist miss you on. A little research can go very far when it comes to your traveling adventures.

8. Use Miles Cards
A lot of airlines will offer many of their customers miles cards, as does many credit card companies. If you tend to do a lot of flying, or perhaps like to take one of two trips a year, then you may want to sign up for a card that gives you miles back. Many people can build this miles up fairly quickly, especially if they tend to do a lot of flying for business, which essentially could get them a couple of free flights a year. If you’re looking into traveling abroad this year then you might want to use your miles points to help reduce the major price of the ticket. This can really help lower your vacation spending and will make the trip more worthwhile.

9. Reconsider Round Trip
For awhile now round trip airline tickets have been the most convenient and budget friendly ways to get to and from a destination. Currently there are so many deals for fliers that it might be wise to simply skip out on the round trip ticket and stick to the single flight ticket. When you’re shopping online make sure to look to see how much your trip would be on both round trip and single trip as you may find there is no price difference at all. These tickets can really draw people in because they believe they’re getting a reduced price when in reality they could be paying for two expensive single tickets. This is why shopping around is important. Buying single tickets is also great for anyone who believes they might be gone for longer than expected. The tickets will allow more time between one another so if something goes wrong it is cheaper to just change the single ticket instead of gaining a fee for both trips.

10. No Food
Traveling makes a lot of people nervous which causes them to want to do whatever it takes to make themselves comfortable. For many, this means eating. Airports are quite aware of how people love to take comfort in some of their favorite foods which is why there is typically a wide selection of restaurant for travelers of all types to choose from. In most there are even bars and coffee shops to help ease the nerves of travelers. This might sound great to travelers, but the truth is most of these restaurants have practically doubled prices for the hungry and weary traveler. This works because most people are tired and frustrated by the time they get to sit down to eat, so they’re willing to pay just about anything. When you’re traveling it is imperative to stay away from these places as they won’t do your wallet any favors. If you can try to bring in some granola bars or buy a candy bar from a vending machine. Typically flights will serve a small snack or meal, so waiting to eat is always an option.

Working around airline fees and time schedules can be horrible, but if you can manage to save some money then the extra trouble will be worth it. Now, when you decide to fly somewhere you won’t have to worry as much about spending a small fortune for your tickets. With these simple tips you should be able to work your way around the airline traps so you can spend your hard earned money on more important things.