April Fools Day only comes around once in a year so don’t let your budget stop the family from having a few laughs. The first of April is a great day to get all of those built up pranks out of your system so life can function a little easier after the chaotic day. Although the pranks are fun and good hearted some of them may aim to really hurt you financially so don’t fall into the gimmick of buying items just to make your pranks go off without a hitch. There’s actually so many different pranks that you can do around the home, office, or school that won’t cost you more than a few cents that you might not even notice are gone. So create your game plan and get ready for people to fall for your pranks. This April Fools might just be one of the best and cheapest you’ve ever had.

1. Colored Foods
When it comes to pulling off a prank, nothing will wake your family up in the morning quite like a few color changes in their food. One fun way to make kids look twice at their breakfast is to throw in a little food coloring into the milk. You can do the whole gallon or simply what is in your kids’ cereal bowl. You can even customize the colors to suit your child’s preference. Another great trick is to throw a little green food coloring into your spouses morning eggs. The kids will love see their parent’s face as they bite into green food without realizing it. Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous then you may want to check out some ice cream recipes. You can actually create different ice creams that look like dinner foods. For instance, one ice cream looks like mashed potatoes and gravy which will really make your kids perks up when they bite into the sweet treat. Another simple trick is to swap your child’s favorite after school drink with water mixed with food coloring.

2. Computer tricks
If you’re looking for seriously cheap pranks then take to your family’s favorite technological device. In fact, the computer is wide open for tricks if you use your imagination. One simple thing to do that will really get everyone is to put a piece of double sided tape or a sticky note on the bottom of the computer’s mouse. With the paper there the mouse won’t work and everyone will be struggling to figure out why. You may even want to pull out a timer to see who figures it out in the least amount of time. Another great way to get someone is to take a screen shot of a popular page they light to visit. This trick can be especially great if you use a video streaming site as it will make it appear more real. Once you’ve created the screen shot leave it up, people will think they computer is frozen and will try everything to remedy the problem. Another simple trick is to turn the volume up all the way. People will be alarmed when they go to click on a video and you’ll have to laugh. Finally, you may want to try out this next one out on a few devices. Simply change the language each phone, tablet and computer use and laugh as the kids and spouse try to figure out what their doing.

3. Switch Things Up
Nothing unsettles a routine like switching up the way your child functions in the morning. While they’re asleep trying moving them to another bed in the house. They’ll wake up in their siblings room totally confused about their whereabouts and how they got there. This is a great prank for heavy sleepers, but might take both parents to pull it off. Another great prank is to switch up their clothes a little. Sneak into their rooms while their sleeping and move the top drawers contents to the bottom. You could also switch up their clothing drawers with their siblings to see who figures it out first. This is also a great prank to let the kids in on. In fact, you can gather the kids to help you move all of your spouses clothes to different drawers around the house. You’ll all have a great laugh when your spouse wonders around looking for socks in the morning. You can also really switch up the breakfast routine by moving each cereal to a different box. This will really make kids stop and think and is great for family’s who tend to make their own breakfast each morning.

4. Play Time
Parents need some time to play with toys to, which is why you should utilize your kids’ toy boxes this April Fools. While your kids are sleeping try locating their favorite toys. You can easily set the toys up around the house doing different activities, like playing in the cereal or watching the TV. Kids will wake up laughing over what their toys are doing. You can also have all the kids in the house hide one another’s toys. Make sure the kids aren’t in on the fact they everyone is hiding on another toys though. You should also make sure you know who hid what where, or else there might be a disaster later in the day. Each kid will laugh when their siblings look for the toys, but when they find their toys missing too they’ll know they were in on a huge prank carried out by you. Instead of hiding toys or moving them you could always hang them from the ceiling. This can easily be done with some fishing wire and putty or tacks. Your children will wake up to a room filled with floating toys!

5. Shrinking and Growing
Nothing will make your kids more aware than putting on a t-shirt that fit them perfectly last week. Before your kids go to bed have them pull out the outfit they want to wear in the mornign. From there you can raid the other kids closets to find a close match. This will be a breeze if you have kids who love the same clothes, but you may have to get creative if they don’t. If kids do have the same t-shirts then switch the older child’s for the younger child’s. One child will believe he or she has grown while the other will think he or she shrank over night. When the kids figure it out it will be a huge laugh for everyone. You can also swap out kids clothes for one of dad’s t-shirts. Wake the kids up in a hurry and annoyance you’re running late while you hand the children clothes to wear. They’ll throw on dad’s shirt and wonder what happened. You can also switch out shoes to make the same point. One easy way to make kids feel like they’ve grown is to stuff the shoes with toilet paper so they don’t fit right anymore.

6. Toothbrush Tricks
You can really have some fun with your child’s toothbrush. If you have little ones that brush try putting cream cheese or other toothpaste quality foods on the brush. Kids will be surprised when they put food in their mouth rather than their favorite toothpaste. You can also sprinkle a little salt on older kids and your spouses brush. They’ll make a pretty funny face when they go to brush. One of the best tricks for a toothbrush prank is for kids who like to store their brush in a cup. After they brush at night sneak the cup and brush out of the bathroom. Fill the cup up with water and stick it in the freezer over night. Make sure you wake up with enough time to sneak the brush back into the bathroom before your child wakes up. Kids will have to laugh at the fact they can’t get the brush out of the cup and will wonder how the water froze in the first place.

7. Fill Things Up
When in doubt about this years pranks you can always rely on filling things up. Yes, it’s just as simple as that. You can start with a bag of balloons that won’t cost you more than dollar at most stores. Blow them up while the kids are sleeping and but them in the bathroom. The first person to open the bathroom door will be in for a huge surprise. If your spouse is your target then have the kids help you air up balloons after school. You can stuff them in your spouses favorite room or your personal bathroom. You can also fill shoes and sock with items while everyone is sleeping. Beads and rocks make the perfect filler item, but try to stay away from items like LEGOs because they could be incredibly painful. You can also fill your child’s backpack up with goodies, so when they check to make sure they have their homework they’re surprised. Of course, make sure you have all of their important items ready so you can make it to school on time.

8. Messages
If you really like to see the kids squirm then tell them you received a note about their behavior or grades in school. Most kids will feel uncomfortable even if they are doing well in school . If you really want to make the prank funnier have them read the note aloud to you, but make sure you add in an April Fools to let them know they’ve been tricked. If you want to play the prank on your spouse then work up a document that looks like the electric is being shut off or something along those lines. This is great especially if your spouse is responsible for paying the bills. Kids can even get in on this trick as they make their own documents to spook parents. Of course, your messages don’t have to be from a formal source. You can easily hide your child’s favorite toy and create a ransom note. You may even be able to get a few chores out of the kids before you let them know it was all a joke.

9. Nonsense
There’s no day greater for nonsense than April Fools. Trying putting on your spouses clothes and having them do the same for an easy laugh from the kids. You can also come down wearing your clothes inside out and backwards to get some giggles from the kids. Let them do the same to become part of the joke. You can also easily take on another language the kids won’t understand. Start making random animal noises as regular conversation. Kids will originally find it funny, but will try to make out whats going on when you carry on with the noises. For an even more effective trick get your spouse in on the action.

10. Classics
When all else fails take to the classic pranks you pulled as a child. One of the most popular is to put a rubber band on the kitchen’s water sprayer and aim it away from the wall. The first person to use the sink will get a wet surprise. Other classics include using a whoopee cushion in popular sitting areas or adding a buzzer to your hand when you greet people. One of the more iconic tricks is to glue coins on the floor and see who struggles to pick them up the longest. This can be done in or outdoors and will really have people laughing.

April Fools day is a great time to let out your inner prankster. For many, the pranks become more elaborate and expensive, but thanks to these tips you should be able to really fool some people without spending a penny. So, enjoy your one day out of the year that pranks are encouraged.

In many homes the kitchen seems to be a lost and found box for the rest of the home. Between the paperwork, school papers and appliances your busiest room could really be uncomfortable if you’re without a good organizational system. A lot of people think they need to renovate in order to find a better way to keep their clutter under control. There’s a lot of ways you can avoid this huge expense though, by simply utilizing a few tricks to make your home a whole lot neater. With these cheap and efficient tricks you’ll be able to easily keep your home’s clutter where it belongs which will make your home look more inviting and comfortable. So, put away the blue prints for that ridiculously expensive renovation and head to your local department store for some easy ways to fix up your beloved home.

1. Cleaning Supplies
If your home is like most then chances are you have a pretty wide assortment of cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink. Usually these supplies tend to get cluttered, knocked over and often forgotten, which can really make cleaning even more of a hassle. Instead of cramping up all of your supplies you may want to consider buying a tension rod that will hang above the bottom of the cabinet. You can easily hang your cleaning sprays from this so that you have ample of room on the bottom for all of your other supplies. To help keep matters even less cramped you may want to buy a few bins to keep your other supplies. These are perfect for scrubbing pads, dish accessories and smaller items like a roll of trash bags. With all of the small items in their own space you’ll have a little extra room for detergents and other cleaners that don’t have a spray bottle lid. You’ll be so surprised by the transformation and how little effort it takes you to find what you’re looking for when you need to clean up a spill.

2. Pots and Pans
We all love our pots and pan, but they sure can be a huge hassle to store away when we’re not using them. Fortunately, there’s a lot of ways to make your pots and pans just as convenient to store as your plates. One big tip is to utilize your kitchen drawers. If you happen to have a deeper drawer in the home this can be for pots and pans. Of course, many people don’t have these drawers, but there’s no need to fret. Pots and pans often make incredible décor items when placed on the wall. You may want to get a special rack to hang them on, or you could easily use decorative hooks. If you don’t care for either of those looks then grab a cork board and reliable hooks and use this to display your most used pots and pans. The kitchen will look amazing and you’ll be able to grab what you need to cook in seconds. A lot of people also like to hang their pots and pans from the ceiling. This could be a pricier item, but it is still much cheaper than working on a renovation. When it comes to all those stray lids you might want to consider a magazine rack. You can fasten it to the back of a cabinet door and you’ll be set for easy access to the lid you need.

3. Cooking Supplies
Most kitchens have that pesky drawer filled with those must have kitchen accessories. From tin foil and waxed paper to the run away box of sandwich bags, your kitchen drawer is probably a hazard to close and you might as well forget about looking for what you need. Instead of fretting over your kids squishing their fingers while packing a picnic you might want to consider another option. One of the best ways to get rid of this clutter is to buy a large file or magazine holder. These should be fairly cheap at your favorite department or office supply store. You should be able to fit just about everything in your accessory drawer into one of these holders, which will really save on space. Once you’ve put everything away then tuck it away in a cabinet or in the corner area of one of your counters. This will even free up a drawer for all of your other supplies.

4. Hang Things Up
When your kitchen’s cabinets and drawers simply aren’t cutting you might want to utilize a space that you didn’t think to use before. That space, of course, is your wall. Sure, you probably have a few decorative items already on the wall, but you can really do a whole lot decoration wise using the items you can’t find storage room for. For instance, you can easily find a metallic rack to hang up your knives or simple hooks for all of your favorite spatulas and cooking spoons. Pots and pans are another easy way to get things out of your cabinet space and onto the wall. So, if you have that common drawer of towels, cooking utensils or just a cabinet filled with mugs then you may want to try to figure out a way to display them on the wall. You can even go as far as to hang up shelves, which can easily hold cookbooks or glasses while still allowing you to hang other objects off of it.

5. Spices
If your family likes to spice things up then there’s a pretty good chance you have a cabinet filled with spices. This can be great as far as creating delicious foods, but it can also be a disaster during the cooking process. If you like to cook to taste and realize something your making needs a touch of garlic powder then chances are you’re going to go into your cabinet and there will be no garlic powder to be seen. You’ll panic just a little because the foods on the burner and you’ve pulled out every spice you own because you can’t see all of the labels. This problem is avoidable though. One way is to get an inexpensive spice rack that takes up little space. If you’re feeling more creative though then you may want to buy canister for each of your spices. Make sure to label them and then place a magnet on the back of each. Your spices will attach to refrigerator and you’ll be well on your way to cooking success. If you want to save even more money on this try using baby food jars instead of going out and buying canisters. You can also Velcro spices to a lazy susan to help you save space, just make sure you label the tops of the spices.

6. Silverware
Most people end up putting their silverware in a drawer. This can really be a huge hassle to sort through and often looks messy, especially when you have guests over for dinner. One easy remedy for the silverware dilemma is to find a deep drawer. You can easily separate the drawer into sections using plastic, decorative cardboard or anything else you can think of. Simply put the silverware in and you have a simple and elegant way to store your eating utensils. You can also use this method for knives, but make sure you place something under them so they won’t destroy your drawer. If you don’t have a deep drawer then you may want to consider putting the silverware in canisters. This can be displayed on the dining table as decoration or put on a shelf or counter for easy access.

7. Stacking
If you’re shy on cabinet and counter space then stacking is going to become your new best friend. There’s a lot of great supplies available to you that will allow you to stack up your items in order to save on space. You can even build your own stacking shelves to help save on time while ensuring your look will match the rest of the kitchen. This method can be used with anything including spices, cooking utensils and even some appliances. Cabinets are usually made to be pretty tall, but if you’re storing things like spices and other small items you end up with a lot of empty space. When you use a stacking shelf you can easily utilize that space to make your life a lot less cluttered. This process works especially well with items like smaller plates and bowls that can share space in the kitchen cabinets.

8. Utilize Canisters
If you love to bake then you know how much space your ingredients can take up. They also tend to spill due to rips in the packaging. One easy way to remedy your baking cabinet is to use some canisters to save on the space and mess. There’s a lot of great deals on these items so you won’t have to spend too much to find what you’re looking for. One simple tip when shopping for canisters is to find items that are taller rather than wider. These items make for an easy fit in taller cabinets and won’t take up as much room. You can even use these canisters for your pantry items, such as beans, rice, cereal, coffee and pastas. If you don’t have a lot of room in the pantry for these item then simply use them as display items on a shelf, counter or table. You’ll love how great they look as well as how much space they create in the kitchen.

9. Utilize Door Space
Most kitchens have at least one door that sort of just takes up space. Okay, sure, you use it to get in and out but you can really do so much more with it. Instead of just leaving the door to be a door try using it as a little extra storage. For instance, you can easily place a shoe rack on the back and place some of your favorite cooking utensils, spices or even jars of goods inside of it. If you’re not afraid to alter the door then try putting pegs in the back which will make it great storage for pots and pans, or some of your mugs. You should base what you store on the back of the door by how much use it gets, as you don’t want to put anything too fragile on a busy door.

10. Keep the Refrigerator Organized
One of the major problems with the kitchen is the refrigerator often gets so disorganized that its easy enough to let the rest of the room follow suit. One way to get rid of the cluttered fridge is to take out all of those pesky condiments that don’t need to be refrigerated. If you’re not sure what can stay and what can go then simply check the labels. Anything that can stay out can be put on a lazy susan and left on the table. When you’ve cleared out these items you’ll have a lot more room on the side of the refrigerator for those little items that take up so much space. You should also remove the milk from the side of the fridge as it will spoil faster this way. Instead put it in a corner so it won’t be in the way of other foods. You can also use small metal shelves that allow you to stack items on larger shelves. You should also always rotate your produce so you won’t have any bad produce taking up space. This will also ensure you save some money as your food won’t go bad as often.

There’s a lot of ways to keep your kitchen organized for less, so don’t stress about making a renovation budget. With these easy tips you’ll be well on your way to a kitchen than is incredible organized and ready for your master cooking skills.

We all have that urge to try to find out where we come from. It’s human nature to be curious about ancestry and those who lived and made our life possible. Unfortunately, most people don’t have a large family tree to look back on. In fact, a lot of people are lucky enough to go as far back as their great grandparents. There are quite a few programs and even private investigators that can help you figure out just where you came from though, but these forms of investigation might end up costing you more than you’d imagined. There’s a few ways to get around the price tag though, especially if you’re only looking to start out your search as an occasional hobby. With a few tips in the right direction you’ll be more than ready to discover your roots and learn the story behind you heritage.

1. Ask Family
When it comes to finding out more about your ancestors your best bet might be to ask your family members. You should start with your parents, of course, and then move on to more extended relatives. As you begin to learn more and more names and dates then you’ll be able to piece information together better and faster. Sometimes our relatives don’t always know much about their family, which is why your research is so important. You might also have to think a little out of the box in regards to who to ask about what information. For instance, you might end up contacting someone you’ve never met before in your life. Simply follow the leads your family gives you and you’ll be ready for an amazing look into your storyline. Even if you can only go back as far as your grandparents or great grandparents you still might be in for a surprise as to how fast those branches fill up when you start looking into information.

2. Free Data Bases
When you begin your search you should always be aware that there are free resources out there. Don’t think you automatically have to subscribe to items just because that’s what everyone else is doing. In fact there are dozens of websites dedicated to helping you find your ancestors. Of course, you might not have an easy time doing so as you have to know what you’re looking for when it comes to many of the websites. However, if you do have a pretty general idea you may be able to find a wide selection of potential leads. The leads may not become what you hope, but you’ll at least be a little further in your journey than when you started. If you’re looking for a public document, such as a marriage, birth or death records then you may be in luck. A lot of places might make you pay a fee to have a mailed copy of the certificate, but a lot of the time the records can do just as good.

3. Start Simple
Researching your roots can be tough and at times you may find it frustrating. This is why you should always start simple instead of leaping into unknown territory. If you’re willing to put some money into your search and are entirely clueless as to where to begin then you may want to look into your surname. This will actually point you in the direction of one of your countries of origin. There’s a lot of countries that will do this task at a very low price, while others will charge you an arm and a leg. Of course, you can also simply go online and type in your surname to see possible origins. This is a great way to learn the basics of your family and you can even do it for all of the last names you know your family has taken on. For a lot of people this information is plenty enough, but for others it is just a stepping stone to get you on your way. Another simple trick is to Google names, such as those of your grandparents. You might find some cool stuff online that won’t cause you a lot of frustration.

4. DNA Test
Nothing tells the story of you quite like some good old fashioned DNA. If you’re looking to know where your ancestors originated, without so much the family tree aspect, then you may want to try getting a DNA test. These tests used to be incredibly expensive, but now they range around $100 and can really give you some intricate details about your roots. Of course, many of the test can only tell the maternal side for women, but others can do amazing work to find a full line. Before you look into getting a DNA test make sure you know what each company offers. There’s many who just tell you what percentage of a nationality you are, while other tests will actually connect you to cousins you would not have known otherwise. One of the cool things about these tests is they really do open up some doors and for such an amazing price who can resist?

5. Short Subscriptions
For many people the urge to find ancestors hits in burst. Work, school, money and life in general tend to get in the way of the search, which is one reason why you shouldn’t buy long subscriptions to services that offer you records to help find your roots. Instead, buy a short subscription. This will not only save you money, but will motivate you to get working on the project at hand rather than procrastinating until the last week of your year long subscription. Buying a shorter subscription won’t just help you get motivated though. A lot of the time when someone gets a subscription all of the information becomes a little too much to process. So, instead of compiling document after document that you’ll eventually get around to you can stop and take the time to look at each document when the subscription is up. Then, when you’re ready to get back to researching you’ll have a better idea as to what you need to be looking for.

6. Wait For Free Trials
Of course, if you are on a tight budget and still want to stroll around some of the pay sites then you might want to wait around for a free trial. In order to pull in more business many websites will actually offer free trials to non-subscribers. This is one of the best times to get some of your major research done. You might feel like its crunch time, but you’ll certainly be glad you put in the extra time when you get some cool results. You shouldn’t expect to be able to see the entire site as free though. A lot of the time certain databases will be unlocked to the general public, so don’t be disappointed if you do end up finding nothing during the trial. Most sites won’t repeat the same trial often though, so if you keep patient you may get your chance to see the database you’re waiting for. Of course, it does actually help to sign up for the site in which you want the free trial. A lot of the time you’ll be the first to know via email about the trial and the trial may even be privy only to subscribers.

7. Coupons
You may be a little surprised to know that you can actually use a coupon on your ancestry research. There’s a lot of online coupons available for databases, so if you’re planning to subscribe then you may want to look around to save a little money. Coupons are one of the best ways to get a deal on some of these databases, so make sure you’re armed when the time comes. If you don’t want to do even more research then skip the search and sign up for the database you’re looking into. A lot of the time they’ll email promo codes in order to encourage the flow of business. So, keep an eye on your email account when you feel like it may be time to subscribe. You can also find a coupon for the popular DNA test if you look hard enough. Many of the test will have buy one get one half off coupons that will help you test your entire family!

8. Family History Library
If you live in the USA and want to know more about your relatives dating back to their first appearance in the country, then you may want to check out the Family History Library. This library is funded by the Mormon church and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah so you may have to make a road trip to fully receive its benefits. This church offers people from all over the place a chance to find their family’s documents for absolutely free. You can easily find what you’re looking for here as there are usually clear documents of everyone that resides or resided in the country. Of course, sometimes the documents might be hard to find or unclear. Either way, taking a trip to this amazing document center isn’t just a great way to pay homage to your roots, but will enlighten you for a price that is substantially lower than hiring a private investigator

9. Support Groups
For many people it is hard to actually keep motivation to get the research done. This is where support groups can really help you save on time and money. Usually support groups have a wide range of members, including beginners to people who have dated their family tree back to remarkable periods. With this level of diversity you’ll not only be able to get your questions answered, but you’ll also find encouragement when you felt like there was none left. Support groups can also lead you to find some valuable information that would have otherwise taken lots of time and money. These recommendations usually come from the people who have been researching awhile and are nice enough to share their wisdom. These individuals also know the tricks of the trade and how to find what you’re looking for at a price that won’t make you cringe. So, if you plan on getting serious about your research a support group is a must find.

10. Write Everything Down
One key to the success of your research is to make sure you write every single thing down. Even if you’re not sure it’s important or you don’t know what is! These tiny details can come back to haunt you when the puzzle pieces finally come together. Once you’ve written everything down you should make multiple copies up and put it in different locations. This will help ensure you won’t lose your research and you’ll have everything to help guide you in the right direct if everything lines up correctly. Sometimes people will forget to write down things and they end up forgotten or unclear to the mind. This can be where all of your time and money go down the drain as it is often hard to come across the same detail again. So, make sure you have everything written down so you’ll be ready to decipher your ancestors’ message.

Finding out who you are can be an incredible amount of fun, but it’s up to you not to let it become a financial money pit. There’s lots of ways to seek out information and compile your heritage without spending a lot, so make sure to be careful. With any luck you’ll be able to date back before you great grandparents so you can finally embrace where you came from. With these tips you may even find a renewed love for your investigation.

Yoga is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind while finding a balance that is healthy mentally and physically. However, many people tend to take yoga to a level that is financially uncomfortable for them. This problem can lead to a lack of motivation, termination of the exercise or a severe budget crisis. One way to avoid losing your passion for yoga is to stop making it about the money and go back to the early stages of your practices. You should be able to bend and move without stress, rather than trying to figure out how you’re going to pay for your next class. This is where a little know how comes in handy. Yoga doesn’t have to cost you a penny if you don’t want it to and with these tips you’ll learn how to work around the price tag so you can find peace again.

1. Classes
There’s a lot of yoga classes out there to choose from which can really leave you in a financial bind if you don’t know how to look for the right class. Many classes are really expensive and can leave your budget hurting after just one class. The best thing you can do is try to find a class that is free or donation based. It may be hard to find a class that is free, but many instructors will offer a few sessions on a donation base. The best way to find these classes is to call around or ask other yoga enthusiast. These classes might also be a bit busier, but for a lower price it will be well worth it. If you already have a gym membership then you may be able to sign up for a yoga course through the gym which will help keep you flexing without an added price. Another cheaper option is to ask at the YMCA or local fitness club as they often hold free or low cost sessions for members. Of course, if you have no luck with these methods you may want to just buy your classes in bulk in order to receive a slight discount.

2. Skip the Equipment
When it comes to yoga a lt of people believe they have to have the extra equipment to do it. This, of course, is not true at all. If you don’t have money for a new mat or any of the other add ons then simply don’t use them. Most of the basic moves in yoga can be done on a bare floor, especially the positions that involve sitting and laying down. If you plan on doing stances that aim more towards standing then you may want to work on a hardwood or tiled floor that will allow you to gain more balance on the feet. As you progress in yoga you will know more about what your body needs in order to do the stretches you desire. In many cases, people find that they can easily get though a full workout session without ever having to use a mat or equipment that yoga stores try to sell.

3. Utilize Gym Clothes
A lot of people will go out and buy an all new wardrobe when they decide to start up a yoga course. This can be a big issue if you’re just starting out and don’t know how the activity is going to feel on your body. There’s a whole lot of brands out there that cater to flexibility during yoga, but they range from pricey to even pricier. The best thing abut yoga is there is no dress code. You can show up in your worst pair of sweats and you’ll be comfortable for the entire session. If you already own gym clothes then try going to class in these, you may find they work just as well as a yoga uniform might. If you don’t have gym clothes already the try working out in a pair of old shorts and a t-shirt. You probably don’t want a shirt that fits too loosely, but most old t-shirts or tank tops work fine for the duration of the workout. If you’re looking to sweat more during your workout then choose items that promote sweat like a hoodie or sweatpants. You can spend years doing yoga and never once have to buy a yoga outfit.

4. Yoga at Home
Our home’s are one of the most relaxing places for most people. If you can find some quiet time during your day then go ahead and do a session of yoga at home. This may become your favorite place to workout and could really help you save a lot of money on classes. It might be wise to schedule a few beginner classes of yoga as this will help you develop a routine and ensure you’re doing the moves correctly. Once you have your motions ready then you should easily be able to work out what you need to do to keep in shape in your own home. As you progress with yoga you might schedule a class or two to master more advanced moves, but this shouldn’t be more than a few times a year.

5. Free Classes
With technology such a major part of our lives there is really no need to step foot in a yoga class. In fact, there’s a vast collection of yoga courses on the internet that will have you in shape in no time at all. If you’re a visual person then try searching on websites like youtube as there are many professional and amateur yoga instructors that have uploaded countless workout sessions and position guides that are simple to follow. Even popular TV hosts like Dr. Oz have a session that is entirely dedicated to free yoga lessons. You can also check out your local fitness or public access stations to see if there is any yoga courses available. These can easily be recorded and played at a time that is convenient for you. If you’d prefer to work on your own then there’s plenty of websites that will show you to do the poses. If you don’t have access to the internet often then you can always purchase of check out a book from the local library or used book store.

6. Utilize Discounts
When it comes to discounts you should always be aware of what you qualify for. One of the biggest groups of people to receive discounts on yoga is students. These discounts usually require flashing a current student ID card, but this easy task could lead you to a free or reduced price yoga course. A lot of places will actually hold classes specifically for students that are easy to crash when you’re in the mood for yoga. Of course, many other people qualify for a number of discounts. For instance, if you have a military ID or are part of certain clubs then a discount might be possible. You don’t just have to use the discount on classes though. There are many stores that will offer this discount on clothes and equipment as well, so always have your ID cards handy and ask about possible discounts. You may also be able to find some awesome groupon deals that help you and your yoga friends get into a class for a whole lot less than you’d expect.

7. Make Your Own Props
Yoga equipment can run you a small fortune, but if you know a few home remedies then you’re good to go without having to pay the price. There’s many things around the home that can be used to create the same effect of the yoga equipment. For instance, if you tend to need blocks during many of your poses you might try to utilize some family sized soup cans. If you need something a bit wider then move on to refried beans. These items are cheap and usually in the home which is pretty convenient when you’re ready to work out. A lot of people need to utilize yoga straps with their workout. These straps can easily be mimicked with neckties or the waist tie from a bathrobe. If you love using a workout ball to help with your core then try the kids bouncy ball or a thinner chair. Finally, if you want some resistant weight then fill up two water bottles to help out. These easy to create props won’t leave you longing for more out of your workouts and will ensure you’re ready to push your body to the next level in yoga.

8. Music
Everyone enjoys relaxing to a little music, especially when it comes to yoga. However, finding music based especially for yoga can really be a pricey purchase. Even if you do find a yoga collection at a decent price there is a pretty good chance you’re going to end up getting very tired of the music after several workouts with it. Instead of purchasing music try logging onto your favorite internet radio. Many other users have play list dedicated solely to yoga which could help you find what you’re looking for. This could also help mix things up and provide you with music that can help you find the relaxation you need. You could also get on a website like YouTube and find channels dedicated to yoga. This will provide you with music and instruction to help make your experience even better.

9. Create a Group
One simple way to help keep an interest in yoga and save money on it is to create a group that will help you stay motivated. Your group can work out together and learn new things from one another, which will really help prevent you from spending too much money on classes. If you can create a group with people who range in ability then you will be well on your way to a successful group. As the more advanced members help teach new poses and direct the body the intermidiate students can also improve on their stances by helping the beginners. Everyone working together will create a healthy balance of fun that will encourage everyone to meet their goals. As time progresses your group could even double in size. You can also take turns providing snacks and drinks for everyone in the group which will also save money in the long run.

10. Volunteer
If you’re still having a bit of trouble finding a way to get yourself into yoga then you might want to consider a little volunteer work. Volunteering at a studio, gym or school is one of the easiest ways to get into a class for no expense at all. Simply talk to the owner of the organization or the instructor before a class and let them know your situation. You might end up spraying mats or sweeping and mopping when class is over, but your mind and body will be more balanced during the extra work. Sometimes your volunteer work can even pay off on your resume as your experience in the studio might land you a job working in a yoga institution. Of course, make sure you balance your time well as you won’t want to be rushed with your everyday activities, yoga class and volunteer work.

Yoga is such a great way to encourage strength and tranquility while burning calories, but a lot of the time it is turned into a money pit. These tips should have you working to find a more healthy balance that will allow you to enjoy yoga the way it was meant to be. So find a place where you can relax your mind and let your body flex and move the way it was intended to.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, but many of us opt to not eat it due to finances and lack of time. For many, breakfast becomes one more trip through the drive thru or is avoided with a large and sugary cup of coffee. There’s a whole lot of ways that you can take back your breakfasts though, which will really improve your health and your family’s budget. When you utilize these tips you’ll be ready to make time to start each morning with your family. After a few weeks you’ll notice amazing health benefits as well as a closer bond with your loved ones. Once you get in a routine you’ll never want to avoid or breakfast or eat it out of a wrapper ever again.

1. Grow Fruits
When it comes to breakfast nothing satisfies hunger quite like a sweet treat. Fruit is one of the healthiest options you can utilize when planning breakfasts which is why it might be a good idea to start planting your own fruit. Sure, this tip is really only useful during certain seasons of the month, but it can really cut down on your food bill. Try doing some research to find out what fruits grow best in your area. You may even find that you have an easy time growing some fruits in planters in the home. Once you find out the best fruits to plant per season then you’ll be well on your way to a fun garden that really transforms your lifestyle and health. Planting your own fruits can also become a fun family project that really teaches the kids about where food comes from. You may even consider planting food trees that will grow alongside your children! The possibilities are endless and can be customized to suit every family.

2. Farmer’s Market
Shopping for breakfast foods can be easy, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive and healthy option then you may want to check out your local farmer’s market. These foods usually lack many of the preservatives, pesticides and other items that you probably don’t want your children eating. Shopping in these locations also helps out the local economy and promotes food alternatives that will keep you and your family healthier. You should be able to find everything you need for most of the breakfast meals you plan. A lot of market’s will primarily cater to seasonal fruits and vegetables, but many will also offer honey, flour, eggs, milk and meats that will transform the taste of your meals entirely. You may even notice your family gets sick a lot less thanks to the delicious honey and local ingredients that help fight off colds and allergies.

3. Go Oatmeal
If you have picky kids in the house then oatmeal may just be your saving grace! Oatmeal is not only cheap but is nutritious and helps keep the appetite down for quite some time. This cheap meal can also be spiced up with fruits, honey, sugar and other ingredients to help keep the meal exciting and edible for all members of the family. When it comes to shopping for oatmeal you have to be very careful though. It can be a very inexpensive meal if you buy it in bulk or purchase the oats to make your own oatmeal. However, if you try to purchase pre-made packages or expensive name brands then this meal will cost you too much. Purchasing the oats will also give you the freedom of creating a classic oatmeal or baking it to create a special cereal. You can really work this amazing food into so many meal plans that will really make the whole family smile, especially on colder mornings.

4. Smoothies
Not every family has enough time to sit down and eat with one another. For these families a smoothie might be the answer to your breakfast dilemma. Many store or restaurant smoothies are filled with sugars which turn many people away from feeding this meal to children. However, if you create your own smoothies at home then you may find this meal is super fast and nutritious for everyone. Try buying fruits in bulking, cutting them up and freezing them to help ensure you don’t lose money on fruits. From your fruit packages you can choose based on your family members preferred taste or what they are lacking in their diet. You can also incorporate yoghurt that can be purchases inexpensively or made at home, or other low fat dairy products. Sometimes granola and oats can be added to the mel to help ensure your family will stay full for longer. Of course, if you’re really feeling adventurous, or sneaky, you might want to consider adding a few vegetables in before the kids see. They’ll never taste them and you’ll know they’re getting plenty of nutrients.

5. Make it From Scratch
We’re all guilty of strolling past the frozen food or prepackaged meal section at the grocery store. Shopping for items like this can not only be unhealthy but incredibly expensive for your budget. Instead of going with the convenince of these unhealthy packages you may want to try out making some of your foods from scratch. There’s countless recipes you can try in a hurry that will appease your family. Most breakfast foods can be simply made with flour, water, milk and eggs which are all pretty cheap to shop for. So, instead of throwing something in the microwave first thing in the morning try preheating a pan and do a little mixing. Your family will love your homemade biscuits, scones, muffins, pancakes and waffles and you’ll love how little time they actually take. Of course, if you are really pressed for time in the morning you can mix your ingredients at night, or go ahead and prepare the meal and heat it in the morning.

6. Skip the Restaurant
Although breakfast foods tend to be a bit cheaper at restaurants they’re still not good for your budget. Most restaurants that require you to go in and sit down tend to have higher prices and could force you to lose up to two hours of your morning time. This loss in time would have allowed you to cook three or four different meals in the same about of time it took you to sit down and eat one. Fast food restaurants can also be pretty pricey, but they the main concern with eating in these places is the unhealthy food. May fast food locations will actually pack so many calories into one item of food that you’ll end up consuming half of your daily intake of calories without actually getting full. These foods also provide very little nutritious qualities and can cause you to become addicted to the foods.

7. Potatoes
When it comes to feeding your family for cheap there is nothing quite as amazing as a potato. Potatoes not only cost you very little in bulk, but will help fill up everyone so they won’t become hungry again until lunch time. Apart from being filling and remarkably cheap there’s a whole lot of things you can do with a potato. For instance, if you throw in a couple of potatoes into the food process then you’ll have hash browns in no time flat. Pan fries are also another great addition to the breakfast place and go great with meats or sweet foods. You can even mix your potatoes with eggs or vegetables to add protein and other nutrients to the meal. The best thing about potatoes is they can be cooked in a hurry and will hold up in your refrigerator for longer. You may even want to utilize some of your leftover potatoes to create your breakfast side dish.

8. Eggs
You can’t plan a breakfast without considering the delicious options eggs bring you. There’s a whole lot of things you can do with eggs which can really promote your family’s health while keeping the appetite satisfied. One of the healthiest things to do with eggs is to create an omelet rich with vegetables. This is a great incentive to get kids to eat veggies without making them think they taste disgusting. If you don’t have time, or perhaps patience, to work with an omelet then you can easily add vegetables to the eggs to create a tasty scramble. Eggs are also an easy thing to make for children before school as they have been known to help improve school performance throughout tests and longer lessons. If you’re looking for a meal on the go then you might want to consider making your own breakfast sandwich or a breakfast burrito with eggs and other items. These items can even be improved using leftovers, like meats and vegetables, that you otherwise would just throw out.

9. Coupons
Finding coupons for breakfast foods is incredibly easy. From online coupons to looking sales ads you should be able to find a wide collection of coupons based around your family’s favorite breakfast foods. With these coupons you should be able to cut down hundreds of dollars on your food bill for year and will allow you to shop a wide assortment of breakfast foods you’d never think of trying before. Even if you’re looking to buy prepackaged or frozen meals you should be able to easily work your way through the price so you can enjoy the convenience of your meals. You may even find more deals on items tat can be bought in bulk which will help keep your pantry in supply for breakfasts as well as other meals.

10. Freezer Meals
If your family tends to have a hectic schedule the you might want to make some time two or three times a month to cook some breakfast meals in bulk. This will allow you to buy your groceries in bulk while also preventing you from having to wake up even earlier to make breakfast. Try looking online for recipes that make great breakfasts if you’re looking to try something new. Of course, you can always stick with the classics. For instance, if you buy a lot of eggs make up a bit batch of breakfast burritos, wrap them up, label them and freeze them. This makes for a quick meal in the morning or a snack for teens who are constantly hungry. You might also get to baking if you really love baked goods in the morning. Try making biscuit dough in bulk. You can go ahead and cook the biscuits and freeze them or put the dough in the freezer for early morning baking. This can also be done with pancakes, waffles, scones and muffins. This will also allow you to use a lot of dough without having to worry about throwing out the craps. Another simple idea is to piece together ingredients for a quick potato scramble and freeze them in a bag. Simply empty the bag into a pan until thawed and then add eggs. Of course, on of the fastest options around is to make prepacked smoothies. Your mornings will never be as smooth and your budget will be incredibly happy.

You shouldn’t have to skip out on breakfast because you think your budget doesn’t allow for it. With these simple to follow tips you’ll be ready to feed your family healthy meals without worrying about how much you spent or how much time it takes to prepare them. Breakfast will certainly gain a new meaning to your family when you utilize these tips!

Tax season can be one of the most stressful periods of the year. From worrying about getting your W-2s in on time to going through the filing cabinet to retrieve all those receipts you think you might need, tax season can really do a number on most people’s mental state. Even after you get everything in you still have that lingering feeling that you could possibly get audited. Tax season doesn’t have to be a period to stress out over finances though and even if you can’t shake the stress you can still turn it into a period of rejoice when you get your tax return back. There’s a few ways you can maximize the amount you get back each year though, which can really make you feel better about the tax season blues.

1. File Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your taxes is having someone else file them for you. No one really understands your finances and accomplishments quite like you do, so why let someone else pour through your receipts to get you a refund. Instead of going to a place to get the taxes worked out try buying a program that can help you work through all of the stages without the help of a professional. You might also want to get online to see if you can get through all of the grueling questions without actually purchasing a program yourself. If you do figure out how to file for yourself then you’re already looking at a great tax return. Apart from being able to find all of the discounts your family will receive you’ll also end up paying very little to get your taxes filed. People who tend to go to a tax agency can end up paying up to $400 of their return, which can really be a huge burden on your finances.

2. Bring in Old Taxes
If you do happen to go in to an agency to get your taxes done then there is one saving grace for the huge feel you’ll pay. That is, most agencies will look over last year’s taxes for no extra cost. Of course, you have to be a loyal customer of their agency as they don’t want to go over some other agencies work. However, if you happen to frequent a tax agency every year then you might ask them to go over your return from last year. A lot of the time they can spot areas that were missed and correct them so your return will come back even larger this year. Make sure you ask to ensure your agency does this for free as many might want to charge you a little extra for the service if you don’t ask.

3. Know Your Deductibles
One of the biggest catches when it comes to filing taxes if your deductibles. A lot of people are unaware of the actual items they pass up when they file yearly. Before you decide to file, whether on your own or with an agency, try doing a little research to see what you qualify for. You might be surprised as to what actually passes as a legal deduction when you file. For instance, if you had to pay a lot of medical bills this year then you may be in for a little bit of that money back. Also, if you were forced to relocate due to work then you’ll probably be looking at a little extra money on your return this year. Knowing is half of the battle of filing though, so if you have a hunch that you deserve some more money back then look it up. There’s also a lot of agencies that you can call, at no cost, that will answer your tax deduction questions.

4. Keep Those Receipts
Although it isn’t always easy to remember to hold onto a receipt, it might be in your best interest to do so as often as you can. Of course, this tip only stands within reason. You don’t need to hold on to receipts if your family goes out to eat or you buy your child a new toy. Rather, if you are forced to buy uniforms for a new job then you may want to keep these receipts. The government tends to give back money for those who go the extra mile for a job, so make sure if your purchase is work related you hold onto the receipt. Usually you can get returns for items such as clothes and gas purchases if they tend to be work related. You may have to go a little further to prove the items were for work, but every little bit helps. If you are self employed then you should also keep your receipts for any equipment or software you buy to better your business. If you have trouble keeping track of these items then create a jar for your receipts. When you buy gas toss in the receipt and leave it until tax time next year. You’ll be thankful you did when you get a little extra money back.

5. Count the Kids
Let’s face it, kids are pretty expensive. Thankfully the government knows that which is why they give you a pretty good deduction just for having kids under a certain age. When you do your taxes make sure you have all of your children’s Social Security Numbers ready so you can enjoy the refund they’ll get you. Usually you can get up to a thousand dollars back for each child you have, which can really help take some of the burden off of those daily costs you acquire. Of course, a simple deduction isn’t all you’ll get for having children. If you made a lot of doctor visits, had to buy school uniforms, or are starting a child out in college then you may be entitled to even more money back. Make sure you bring up any major expenses when you talk to your accountant or look for the deductions when you file yourself.

6. Donate
If you tend to make a bit too much for a return, or just want a little extra back then make sure to donate this year to help out yourself as well as others. The government looks fondly on people who donate throughout the year, so find a charity you can appreciate and give a little extra love to them. It doesn’t matter if you’re spending time passing out food baskets, making soup or just giving away some cash, as your efforts will certainly be rewarded. There’s a lot of agencies in the country that need as much help as possible. If you’re looking for a quick way to help out then send a check to your favorite organization. It doesn’t matter if its feeding kids school lunch, saving the whales or creating reading programs for the illiterate, as they all count toward your donation. Of course, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have extra money to give then try going through your old clothes or items you don’t use anymore and donate those. Make sure you get a receipt for all of your donations though as you’ll need to prove it on taxes.

7. Utilize 401K
Your retired you is in love with your 401K, but even now you can benefit from this amazing program. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or are nearing retirement as your 401K is your ticket to some major discounts this year. Each paycheck you’ve set aside a bit of money to go straight to your 401K, which is great. However, if you plan on adding a little or a lot more to the plan then this money might be a great deduction on this year’s taxes. Make sure you keep track of what you put back so you can put it into your tax information. The more you lose throughout the year to the 401K the more you might get back with your return. Of course, you may want to talk more with an adviser to work out what the 401K can do for you now and in the future before you decide to file taxes.

8. Loans
Loans can be a sore subject for a lot of people. Whether you needed a loan to go to school, buy a car or help with work related expenses, you may be able to find a little bit of a write to help you get your loans sorted out. A lot of people go into filing taxes without considering some of the major financial decisions they made this year. However, these expenses can really help you out when you lease expect them to. For instance, if you’re a student who is paying down some of your student loan debt then you should get paper work stating how much interest you paid during the year. If you’re like most students it certainly feels like a whole lot of money. When you file make sure to bring this in as you may find you’ll get some of that interest money right back into your pocket. The same can be said for mortgages. If your home acquires a lot of interest then see if you can write it off to help you pay down that loan a lot more. You may find that paying your debt can actually be pretty rewarding.

9. File Electronically
Filing online is a pretty popular trend these days. Most people like to get their taxes done online because it saves a whole lot of time and money. Generally when you file online you don’t have to pay anyone to do the work for you. There’s a lot of easy to use software that will guide you through all of the steps so you don’t have to give up any of your return money. Filing online also means that your taxes are going to be looked at much faster than taxes that are mailed in. This could lead you to get a bigger discount, which is always really nice. Of course, since your taxes made it to the IRS faster, they’ll always get back to you faster, which is another added bonus of filing online.

10. Ask Questions
There’s never any harm in asking questions about your taxes. In fact, asking questions can actually lead you to discover some deductions you might have previously missed. Make sure you know all of the free agencies you can call and talk to for free before you actually file. This will allow you to feel a lot less stressed about filing which will ensure you won’t make mistakes an will feel better about the deductions you do have. There are also numerous ways to find answers to your questions online which can help you further your search for deductions even more. If you’re having trouble finding a source your comfortable with then try looking for information on the IRS page as they often have an FAQ section as well as outside links to websites that can help you get your taxes filed with ease. With a little research on your part, both online and through phone calls, you may find some pretty amazing deductions you didn’t know existed.

There’s not a whole lot of people who enjoy filing taxes, but most people do love the return check! Instead of worrying about getting your taxes finished try thinking about the end result as it will motivate you to feel confident about your taxes. With these tips you should be on your way to a better return, so all of those stressful moments will be gone in no time. Now, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is how you plan on using the return.

After a very long winter you’ve finally earned the right to party in the sun and forget about all of your troubles. However, working out a schedule for Spring Break on a budget can be a huge chore that takes up way too much time and forces you to feel even more stressed. There’s a lot of ways that you can stick to your Spring Break dreams without actually forcing yourself to lose a whole lot of money in the process. There’s a lot of ways to cut down on the cost of your Spring Break vacation without forcing you to cut down on the amount of fun you get to have. Although you might not end up with your dream vacation you’ll still have a blast without forcing you to work extra shifts afterward.

1. Fly During the Week
If you can plan on starting you Spring Break adventure a little bit or a little bit late then you might be in for some huge savings. Usually flying is a whole lot cheaper if you can find a flight that leaves during the week. This might mean taking off a little bit early on Thursday or simply waiting until the first Monday of Spring Break to leave. This might take a little bit of juggling on your part, but leaving during the week might mean you’ll have a lot more freedom to enjoy your holiday without tight budget constrictions. Leaving later in the week is usually better as it will allow you to enjoy yourself for a few days and come back to rest up for work and school the following week. The fewer days you spend gone the less you’re likely to spend as much money. So plan on booking your flight early and for a day of the week.

2. Location
Everyone has their dream vacation which usually includes traveling to foreign destinations or spending time with other co-eds on the beach. This isn’t always a feasible plan though. Instead of choosing popular destinations or traveling out of country you may want to consider a location that isn’t as popular. Usually smaller beaches don’t cost as much to travel to. You’ll end up paying less for the hotel, food and anything else you might need while on the trip. If the beach isn’t really your thing then you might want to consider a camping trip. This will give you a chance to enjoy some quality and quiet time with friends without having to worry about the huge price tag. You’ll also be able to save money as you won’t be able to spend on restaurants or attractions.

3. Buy Groceries
Going out to eat while you’re on vacation is one of the easiest things in the world to do. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive things to do. Instead of going out to eat for every meal of your trip trying going and out and buying some actual groceries. If you’re going to be gone for an entire week then it might be a good idea to grab some simple items for breakfasts and lunch. You can whip together some sandwiches or have a bowl of cereal before you go out to the party. If you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach then try grabbing some fruit and other simple items to eat as this will ensure you won’t want to waste money at the concession stands. You should also consider buying bottles of water and other beverages that you might want while you’re in the sun. If you have to go out for a meal try venturing out for an early dinner, but try to keep from eating out more than once a day. This will ensure you have a bit more money to splurge on other things.

4. Hostels
Although it might not be the glamorous getaway you’re looking for, staying in a hostel can really save you a whole lot of money. Hostels are designed to help young people travel for a whole lot less, so take advantage of their services. Most hostels offer plenty of room for your clothes, a comfortable place to sleep and areas to shower and eat. You might not have as much privacy as you’d like, but you won’t be spending a lot of time hanging out at the hostel. One of the best things about staying at a hostel is you’ll meet plenty of new people. This will help you find and gain access to some exciting parties while also creating friendships with people you never would have met before. More importantly, hostels are incredibly cheap and will beat out the price of any hotel or motel you’re considering.

5. Go for the Discount
The last thing on your mind during Spring Break is probably you’re school’s ID card, however it should be. Your student ID card is your ticket to a world of discounts that you would have never though possible. It doesn’t matter if you’re studying in the area or in a foreign country as most places of business will give you a discount just for being a student. If you’re not a student then fret not. You might be able to find some amazing discounts with a military ID card or some club memberships. These discounts can get you into movies for cheaper and also might gain you access to some exciting museums and amusement parks for free to a discounted price. Don’t be afraid to ask everywhere you go if they offer this discount as many places will instill the policy just in time for Spring Break business. You might even get lucky and find free access to a club or a great discount on a meal.

6. Hit the Road
Nothing says good times like a road trip with your closest friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to your preferred Spring Break destination or you just want to check out new places while you have the free time. With a road trip you’ll be in control of how much fun you have during your break. If you find your chosen destination boring or too crowded you can always turn around and check out a hidden beach or somewhere you’d never thought to go before. Road trips are also great because they tend to be a bit cheaper than flying, especially if you’re traveling with a few people. The more people you have with you the more ways you can split the gas and hotel expenses. You may find that your road trip leads you to find some amazing little nooks in the country which will give you a sense of freedom and accomplishment when you go back to your everyday life.

7. Drinks
It wouldn’t be Spring Break without the drinks, if you’re of age. However, buying drinks can be a pretty big downfall when you’re living on a budget. The average price of a drink at a bar can cost you as much as an entire meal and that’s before the prices rise for the Spring Break crowd. Instead of going out to a bar or club to enjoy some drinks you may want to check out the price of beverages at the local grocery store or alcohol store. It might be a lot more frugal to buy drinks in bulk and split the cost with your friends. Of course, going out for Spring Break is sometimes unavoidable, especially if your friends just won’t take no for an answer. So, if you do find yourself looking to buy a drink in a restaurant, bar or club you should always look for the items that are on tap and stay away from mixed drinks. This will save you a little bit of money so you won’t have to worry about spending midway through the trip.

8. Visit Family
If your Spring Break plans still aren’t secured you may want to consider taking a trip to see some family. Sometimes our relatives live in the coolest places, so a quick trip to catch up might be just what you need this Spring Break. The best thing about visiting family is you tend not to have to pay for hotels or as much food, which helps a whole lot on your budget. You also know a little bit more about the city or town you’re visiting so you’ll be able to hit up your favorite spots without spending hours running around aimlessly. This trip will also allow you to share some stories with family an find out what everyone has been up to. This can be pretty rewarding and might even leave you feeling refreshed for your return back to the real world.

9. Plan Ahead
One of the major problem with a lot of Spring Break trips is the lack of planning that goes into them. Usually people are satisfied to have their flight and hotel taken care of that they absolutely forget to do a little more planning. This is all fine and dandy until you arrive at your hotel and realize you don’t know what to do. Roaming around free and checking things out can be a whole lot of fun. On the other hand, you might miss out on some pretty big events while your wandering the streets looking for the beach. Instead of just winging it, try doing a little extra research about the area you’ll be in. You may come up with some exciting concerts, fun fairs or other special events that will make your vacation so much better. If this is the case then you may even be able to save more money by purchasing the tickets ahead of time online. A lot of venues prefer this method and provide reduced prices for customers who think ahead. Typically research doesn’t take a whole lot of time to do as most big events are posted on a community page or your destination’s social media page. So, don’t miss out on the action because you forgot to do some research.

10. Stay Home
If all else fails you could always stay home and catch up on some you time before you have to get back to the everyday grind. Staying home certainly means spending less money, especially if you find ways to entertain yourself for free. Try asking around to see if anyone is holding parties during the break, or if there’s any major events going on in your area. One of the more relaxing ways to enjoy the break is to sit down and catch up on your shows or movies that you haven’t had a chance to see because of work and school. You might even learn to cook a new dish or two instead of going out to eat. Of course, one of the best things about staying home for the break is you can finish up all of those nasty assignments your professors conveniently assigned on the last day off class. This can make easing into finals a whole lot easier for you.

Spring Break certainly means different things to different people. With these easy tips you should be able to find the relaxing trip you need without trying to scrape up the cash to get there. Afterall, Spring Break is designed to help you have some fun in the warmer weather. It isn’t here to force you to stress over finances and all of the problems that accumulated over the winter. So, stop and breathe and find the best way to provide yourself with the best vacation at a price that won’t leave you hurting at the week’s end.