Decorating for the autumn months is lots of fun thanks to the enthralling colors and heart warming emotions that go along with the season. Unfortunately, many people can go way beyond their means when picking out autumn décor for the household. Luckily, there’s a lot of fun things you can make with supplies you find around the house. This will help bring the family together for a little bonding time while you make your home look fabulous. With a little imagination and a few basic crafting items you can have the home all of your neighbors are envious of at a budget you’ll want to brag about. So, get your creativity going and let everyone know just how cheerful you are about the season.

1. Corn
In the summer and autumn corn is in abundance, which is good news for anyone looking to create some adorable and rustic decorations. There’s a lot you can do with corn, so let your creativity soar here. One of the most common things to use for décor is corn husks. Simply hold onto your husks so you’ll have a good collection going when it’s time to decorate. These dry husks are pretty easy to work with so you won’t need a lot of special gizmos. One popular design is to make corn husk place mats. These look great during thanksgiving feasts and only require you to be able to braid the piece of husk together. You can also take these husks and shape them into pom poms for an exciting look that can be hung from the ceiling or used as a centerpiece. If you know a farmer who has some large stalks left over then barter for them! These can easily be rested beside doors to create a rustic look that everyone will go crazy over. If you’re looking for smaller décor then corn kernels go far inside glass containers!

2. Leaves
If there’s one thing you’ll have an abundance of this fall it’s definitely leaves. You can make a ton of crafts out of these for next to nothing, which makes it perfect for anyone on a budget! Have the family venture outdoors to pick out some of their favorites from your yard. Once you’ve got a pretty good collection going you can easily plan out hundreds of crafts. One great idea for the holiday season is make a leaf bowl. There’s lots of free tutorials for them online and they’ll come in handy for all of your autumn treats. Another exciting craft is to create beautiful roses out of the leaves. This is easy to do and will look perfect in a vase! If you have acrylic sealer lying around the house then spray the leaves so you can readily prepare them for a special autumn reef, or other designs that can be hung on the wall or placed on the table. Kids will love making leaf rubbings with their favorite fall colors. These look nice in a frame and will give you a craft everyone will remember working on. Finally, creating plaster leaves is also a fun project that will teach kids hows fossil are made while allowing them to use their painting skills!

3. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are probably the easiest thing to decorate with during autumn. Their look alone is a great symbol for the season, so you can make your home look great just by having them. Of course, you may want to have a little fun with the project, so try giving the pumpkin a makeover with a little paint. You can work with solid colors, paint your family’s initial or go wherever your creative mind takes you. If you really want to show off for the neighbors then make yourself a pumpkin statue by securing a few pumpkins together. This looks wonderful on a porch or by the mailbox. Inside the house you can create beautiful vases by hollowing out a pumpkin and adding some seasonal flowers. This makes a beautiful, and cheap, centerpiece whenever you’re planning on having guests. If you have smaller pumpkins, or other gourds, try hollowing them out for candle holders! The best thing is you won’t waste with either of these crafts as the pumpkin can be used for your favorite seasonal treats.

4. Canning Jars
Nothing says autumn joy quite like canning your favorite foods. However, canning jars often end up returning because of chips or other damage. These jars can easily be refurbished to create lovely autumn décor for your household. If you have some spare candles around the house then place one in a jar, the more autumn the color or scent the better it will look! You can also decoupage leaves to the outside of a jar, this will look even better when you have the candle lit. If candles don’t strike your fancy or you have a lot of jars then try adding a little foliage to the inside of them. Leaves will look great, as will twigs, pine cones and acorns. You can even put a fresh scent in to give it an even greater autumn effect. Another fun idea is to transform the jar into a thankful jar. You can write this on the outside using a glitter or other craft supplies. Then, everyone can add a message to the jar when they come up with something. When the season is over dump out the paper and enjoy reading them with the family.

5. Scrapbooking paper
If you’ve ever bought a package of seasonal scrapbooking paper then you probably have a lot of leftovers just collecting dust! These can easily be used for décor items though which will clear up some of your storage so you can buy paper you’d actually like to use. The pages can easily and cheaply be laminated to make custom placemats. You can also make custom place holders, napkin rings and other dining table accessory with the paper. Another great use for these items is to make cute little banners. They look great hanging from the chimney and will have guests in awe of your craftsmanship. Finally, you can have the kids create their own autumn inspired collage using your paper and other scrapbooking supplies which can be hung up for all to see.

6. Fabric
One of the easiest ways to decorate for the season is to grab some fabric with your favorite seasonal colors. Fabrics are easy to work with if you have some sewing skills and can really step the interior of your home up a notch. For instance, you can easily throw together a few pillows to make your living room look a little more festive. If you’re really looking to go all out then sew shapes of pumpkins, cornucopias and turkeys. If pillows aren’t what you’re looking for then you may consider a nice autumn inspired table cloth for your dining table or coffee table. You could also sew some runners for the end tables, coffee table, dining table and chimney. These items will make a room come together while ensuring you only spend a little bit of money. If you’re still not satisfied with your set up for Thanksgiving then you may want to add even more festivity to the look by sewing your own place mats and/or napkins! Your guest will be amazed by your crafty side as they enjoy your décor.

7. Use Candy
Autumn is filled with candy, so don’t just let it go to waste. Before Halloween you can use your trick or treater candy to decroate the home. Place the candy on cute trays or fill a glass vase with it. This will look cute to visitors and will keep your family’s hands off of the treats before the holiday. After Halloween you can use can candy corn to create a cute look by adding them to the same vases jars and decorative items. Candy corn is also fun to string together to create various décor items. One of the best ways to appease kids at the Thanksgiving table is to give them a napkin that has a candy corn napkin holder. If you’re feeling really craftsy you can easily create a candy corn tree that the kids will adore. Grab branches from outside and add some varnish or a darker color of paint. When you’re all dry then place them in a vase and fill the vase with the candy. Then, add some of the candy to the tips of the twigs. Everyone will be delighted by the look!

8. Garden Supplies
Go a little more rustic by using some of your old gardening supplies to create a fun look this season. One of the more common items to use is old pieces of gardening fence. This is shorter fence that usually ends up looking weathered as the years go by anyway. You can easily just prop the fencing up with a few pumpkins and call it a door, or you can add some special touches. A lot of decorators will paint seasonal greetings on the fencing which is always a hit as far as the guests are concerned. You can also take an old wheel barrow and fill it up with leaves, hay, corn and/or gourds for a seasonal decoration that really gets to the heart of it all. Old tin pails are also a great idea for showing off some of the season’s beauty. Try planting seasonal flowers in them, or re-pot some flowers from your own garden to save even more money.

9. Painted Doormats
If you don’t want to go all out this season, or you simply like to keep your doormat seasonal then painting doormats is right up your alley. Doormats are pretty cheap to buy, especially if you’re looking for a plain mat. Try looking at your local discount or dollar store to find a good price. You may even have a little luck at a thrift store! When you’ve found the right mat then grab some paint! Different people will recommend different types, so use what you feel will work best. When you’re ready to go then you can either use a stencil or free hand just what you want to say. The doormat will look great to guests and you can always put it away for next year if you like the design enough. The best thing is, the mats are cheap enough so you can whip one up for every holiday during the season if the mood arises~

10. Clearance
Crafts are a great way to create a decorative home, but sometimes we simply want to pick up an item at the store to complete the look. Although it may seem pricey to buy when the season is upon us, there is a few ways to shop that won’t harm your budget. One way is to look through clearance bins during the season. These will usually hold slightly damaged items, but with a little TLC you can transform them into the finishing look for your home. You could also wait until the season is over to shop for decorations. Usually by Black Friday stores want to move their autumn décor off the shelves so they can make room for winter items. With huge sales going on this day anyway you may walk out with a few steals you can brag about to your friends later on. You may also be able to find autumn décor throughout the year on your favorite websites, so keep an eye on the clearance bins here or price drops and coupons!

Autumn is an amazing time to get crafty with your décor. With some of the cheapest items to decorate with you’ll be well on your way to a winning look! So, take a minute to enjoy the crisp feeling in the air and then get to work on your gorgeous and budget friendly display!

Snowboarding is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors with your family while getting lots of exercise. The only problem is it can be an incredibly expensive hobby if you’re not sure how or where to find savings. Believe it or not, there’s a lot of ways to take away from the cost of this incredible sport. With these ten money saving tips you may be able to swing a trip or two to the slopes this season without having to splurge! So, stop putting away the pennies for your dream vacation on the slopes and make it a reality without stressing over the price tag. Once you get out on the fresh powder you’ll be quite impressed with your money saving know how! With October here many slopes are opening up to the public, so the sooner you plan out your trip the faster you’ll be able to enjoy your frugal planning.

1. Land and Go
A lot of businesses will make deals with airlines, so this may be the best place to start your money saving journey. Try to call around and ask if the business has a Land and Go deal. This will enable you to fly in on a certain date. Once you leave the airport you can feel free to enjoy the slopes throughout the day for absolutely nothing. If you can find a deal of this nature then it may take a lot of working to get the trip at a time that will make the deal worthwhile. Your best bet is to ensure you flight comes in very early in the morning. You may have to use your time on the plane to sleep, but it will be totally worth it when you get to the slope and don’t have to pay an admission fee. This is great for family’s with older children or couples as you’ll probably be in a big rush to maximize your free time. It’s also great for people who are just trying out the sport during a vacation, as if you’re not comfortable with it you won’t have to spend a lot of money going back!

2. Rentals
Equipment is one of the biggest costs when it comes to snowboarding. The board alone can cost you anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, which makes it hard for many people to get into the sport. Even if you do get your equipment second hand for a cheaper price you’ll still have to pay a lot of money to lug it from Point A to Point B if you don’t live close enough to the slopes. Instead of spending a small fortune on your gear try to use rental gear. This won’t cost you as much and will allow you the freedom to travel from one slope to another without having to pay extra to fly your items, or having to strap them onto the vehicle where they may not make the trip undamaged. The more you rent your gear, the more you’ll know what you like so if you do decide to invest you won’t waste money on items that aren’t a good fit for you. You’ll also be able to find the cheaper rental locations if you plan on becoming a frequent renter, which will save big time.

3. Package Deals
One thing you should always do when traveling is package your deals. This is especially important when it comes to snowboarding. A lot of travel companies can snag you a deal that includes airfare, hotel and your time spent on the slopes so you don’t have to worry about securing each individual item. This cuts down on deposits and will ensure that your dates will easily match up without having to enter several potential travel days only to be disappointed by conflicting bookings. When you do get your travel costs in a package deal you usually end up spending less on each of the items including. Think of package deals like bulk shopping. Once you’re all booked up all you have to worry about is getting to the light on time. Many slopes will also offer package deals if you’re looking to get a lot out of your experience. These usually include lessons, time spent on the slopes and other amazing things like massages or a booking at the spa.

4. Go Early/Late
The easiest way to cut down on costs at the slopes is to go early in the season or late in the season. Generally, October is when many of the slopes open, but you have to be careful will timing here because sometimes you can play a trip up and find out there’s no snow to be had. The season tends to end in March or April which is much easier to plan out as you’ll know what the season has looked like thus far. Early or late season visitation tends to be a bit cheaper because people are unsure of the weather and they tend to want to wait until the snow has been falling for a bit longer. So, this is a great time to move in on the cheaper tickets. It will also allow you to enjoy the slopes while there’s a lot less people so you won’t have to deal with long lines, which is another way to get more for your money.

5. Local Discounts
Living near the slopes can be a great advantage in cutting down on your snowboarding costs to begin with. Obviously, since you don’t have to travel as far you’ll be able to spend a little more on ticket and rental prices. However, you shouldn’t have to! A lot of locations will offer local discounts to anyone in the direct area. It depends on the different locations as to the requirement of these deals, but it won’t do any harm asking if you think you may qualify for a deal. A lot of locals get to enjoy a reduced price ticket, so going snowboarding daily is quite possible. You may have to show and I.D. when you purchase your tickets, but once you prove residency you’ll be ready to shred all season. You may also be able to get a reduced price season pass that will ensure you get to spend as much time on the slopes as you want.

6. Join a Club
One of the best ways to enjoy a hobby is to join a club. There’s a lot of snowboarding clubs that can be found at the local or national level which may help you meet new people while building skills and furthering your interests in snowboarding. Clubs can also become a great way to unlock your ability to travel and enjoy slopes more often. Many clubs will get together annually to snowboard together, which will cost a bit of money on your end. However, when you do decide to travel with a club you will be privy to deals they receive. For instance, many clubs can get wholesale tickets for the slopes. Some will even rent a cabin for the weekend, so you have a place to stay that won’t cost you an arm and leg. Other times the club will book rooms and have people bunk together, so you won’t have to worry about paying full price for your stay. You may also get discount on renting gear, or perhaps will find someone you borrow items from! There’s a lot of advantages to clubs though and the financial aspect is only scraping the surface.

7. Deals
Before you set out on a snowboarding trip you should always make sure to look for deals. You may be surprised as to how many you can find, especially when the season is in session. Instead of heading to the travel agency site first try looking on pages you may frequent more in your everyday life. For instance, social media sites like Groupon and LivingSocial may be able to offer you an amazing deal you can’t find anywhere else. These deals are especially great if you do plan on going somewhere as group because they usually tend to cater more towards snowboarding lessons or other packages you may want to receive while you’re in the mountains. You should also make sure to look around on business sites in the area, to see if they have anything you may want to add to your package. If you’re celebrating your honeymoon or other special occasion you may want to mention this when you book tickets because sometimes you can get a special discount.

8. Splurge on Safety Equipment
Safety should always be your first concern whenever you try a sport. Even if you’re a veteran at the art you should have all the gear required to ensure you can survive an accident. Many people go out thinking something bad couldn’t happen to them, but this can be a terrible way of thinking especially when you’re dealing with high speeds and unpredictable weather. Rather than buying cheap gear to keep you safe you should always go with what you trust your life with. These items could save you if you collide into something so take pride in the equipment you wear. You can wear many of these items year after year, but you should always inspect them before you put them into storage and again when you take them out. This will ensure you have only the best for your time on the snowboard. After all, what’s more expensive then a pile full of medical bills because you weren’t properly equipped?

9. Season Pass
A lot of people tend to frequent slopes on the weekends, or even everyday. If you plan on making a visit at least once or twice a month then you might want to look into getting a season pass. This will ensure you get as much time as you want on the slopes from opening day until closing day. Season passes are a superb value for anyone that may live in the area. They tend to be priced lower than paying full price for a few days worth of slope time, so you won’t do yourself a disservice if you only use it three to four times during the season. Sometimes, season passes can unlock other amazing services which will make the pass pay for itself several times over. If you’re still not sold on the pass then call up any location that sells the item and ask about discounts, you may qualify for something without even knowing it!

10. Clearance
If you find yourself snowboarding more and more then you may want to buy your own equipment. The best way to do this is to check out the clearance aisle of your favorite sports or snowboarding shop. If you don’t have one locally then try online. Usually snowboards and a lot of the gear will go into the clearance section after the season is over. Like fashion, snowboard designers come out with new designs every season, so you can still get the best boards on the clearance rack you just won’t have the most up and coming designs. Safety equipment as well as any other accessories you’ll need can also be found with confidence here, but make sure to check out all the safety gear to ensure it wasn’t clearanced due to damage.

Snowboarding can be a lot of fun if you put the cost in the back of your mind and just enjoy the experience. However, there are many ways to make sure you’re not paying for your trip for the rest of the year. These simple tricks are easy for anyone to follow and can ensure you’ll be shredding plenty of snow this season and many more!

The autumn months provide us with incredible scenery and amazing food that makes us feel warm and loved. Unfortunately, the autumn weather isn’t always the best for our entertainment budgets though, especially if there’s children in the home. With cooler, windier and wetter weather to contend with we often find ourselves trapped indoors or looking for any way to find some fun no matter the cost. This autumn you won’t have to spend all your long weekends indoors thanks to these fun tips that will make this special time of the year even more amazing. With a couple tricks to transform the next few months into a cheap and entertaining time your budget may even begin to flourish once more. So, grab your galoshes and get ready to have some fun without your wallet!

1. Harvest Time
Good times usually involve a little food, which makes autumn one of the best times to get together and enjoy seeing how food gets to your table! There’s so many different things that go into harvest in the autumn months that you may have a hard time picking what you’d like to try out first. Apple picking is one of the more popular things to do during the late summer and early autumn months. You can easily spend a day at an apple orchard and spend less than $20 or $30. Of course, this price will include all of the tasty apples that you picked in the process! Later in the season spending time at the pumpkin patch is another top favorite. Kids will love checking out the different pumpkins as well as picking their own to take home. Although spending time in the orchard or pumpkin patch is a lot of fun on their own, it won’t beat the time you spend cooking the delicious foods you brought home. There’s plenty exciting recipes to try, so let your kids experiment with something new with a little help from you.

2. Mazes
With harvest season comes mazes, which are always a cheap but fun way to spend an afternoon. You will usually find these mazes on the outskirts of town, so it might take a little transportation time to get there, but it will certainly be worth it when you see all of the fun to be had. Admission to the mazes usually isn’t much and kids can often get in free, so make sure to call and ask around until you find the right pricing for you. Typically, mazes are made out of corn or hay so you may also find one that won’t irritate any specific allergies in the household. Once you’ve figured out when you’re going and where you’re going the excitement can begin! The maze is a great bonding experience for all ages and will ensure you work together to find your way out of the maze just in time to enjoy some tasty roasted corn.

3. Get Leafy
Leaves are everywhere in the autumn which means you’re already set up for a whole lot of fun. Try to create a relay race when raking up the leaves so kids have fun while working on the lawn. You can also allow them to jump in them because, well, who can resist this once a year activity? Once all of the leaves are cleaned up then pick out a few of them. These can easily be made into exciting crafts. For instance you can have kids make a leaf print with simple paper and crayons. They can also press their favorite so they can always remember the special memories you created together. If you’re feeling ambitious then you can easily create a leaf reef to decorate the home for the autumn months. Leaves also make great designs for special Thanksgiving headbands that can be given out to all of your guests. You could also have the kids draw faces on each leaf. Once they’re finished hang them from the ceiling for a look that will show off the best aspects of nature. Also, if you’re homeschooling or working on a science project then you can have kids study the leaves and write down or draw their discoveries.

4. Sports
You can’t get through the autumn months without hearing about one sport or another. So, check out your local schedule and see who is playing. You can easily visit junior leagues for free and college and high school level teams aren’t expensive to watch. If you’re not up to going out to see a game then host a party at home when your favorite major, minor or college team plays on the T.V. Watching the game doesn’t have to be your only activity though. You may want to consider signing up the kids for a sport. Autumn usually caters to football, volleyball, hockey, field hockey and soccer in some areas. Of course, many places will play other sports throughout the year, so ask around to see what may be interesting for your family. You can join a team of your own too, even if it is only you and a few friends its still exercise that will keep you warm while you’re on the move!

5. Read
There’s not a whole lot better than cuddling in bed with a good book as the rain pours outside. The best thing is reading doesn’t have to cost you a penny if you’re looking to save money. Try to schedule weekly or monthly trips to the library where you can share your love for reading with your children. You may want to schedule trips around special story times that the library hosts for younger children. Library visits are a great time to bond over books and they’ll allow you to help your children pick out books that will help them grow and learn. Once you have your books make sure to appoint a time to read them at home. Try to make it fun by creating snacks and having a quiet day where everyone enjoys a good story. Make sure you also read to younger children so they can feel the warmth of sharing a book on a cold day. If you’re feeling really creative you can have each member of the household write their own story and share it with the family at the end of the week. This is a great way to promote reading while supporting kids creativity and interests.

6. Volunteer
If you’re feeling bored one cold afternoon then why not head to your local soup kitchen and offer your services. Nothing will make you feel the warm buzz of the season quite like being a part of something extraordinary. This is a great way to spend your time because it helps your community while also keeping you from spending money. You don’t have to choose the soup kitchen though, there’s lots of options that range from cleaning up a park to helping take care of abandoned animals. If you do a little research in your area you’ll easily be able to find something that will make you happy. You may also be able to find something perfect for you and your older children to take part in. Volunteering can become especially important during the holiday season, so you may want to keep this in mind when you’re scheduling a time to volunteer. If you don’t have time then you could always have the family go through their old clothes and toys to donate to a good cause!

7. Go to the Fair
There’s fairs and festivals all year long, but there’s something extra special about the feeling of autumn fairs. Typically, fairs won’t cost you a whole lot to get into so you won’t have to worry about overdoing it when you’re there. Usually you can get an inexpensive pass that will will allow you to ride some rides and enjoy games with friends and family. The fair food is always a must have during the season and generally runs fairly cheap, especially if you plan on sharing the things you order. Make sure you make it to the fair earlier in the season though because it may get too cold to enjoy some of the rides at night if you wait until the later months.

8. Get Outside
If you love to hike or bike then autumn is the time for you. The weather is crisp, but not too cold so you can spend hours outside without feeling frostbitten or over heated. If you have children then you may want to be careful with the biking because it can be slippery with the fallen leaves and wet ground. You might also want to invest in a cheap kite as the wind makes the perfect time to enjoy kite flying when the weather is clear. A weekend at a campsite might bring the family together as well. Imagine all of the smores, ghost stories and time spent checking out the stars with those you love the most. You could also create scavenger hunts, relay races and other tasks for kids to do outside. This will ensure they get plenty of exercise before it may be too cold to spend time outdoors. The ski slopes are also open for business which means you can have some fun skiing, snowboarding or just hanging out at the amazing log cabin rentals! Of course, if you’re lucky you may also be able to find a great place to do some rock climbing. The more time you enjoy spending outdoors the more you’ll be able to put back money for a rainy day.

9. Holiday Crafts
Autumn is the beginning of the fast paced holiday season, so why not make use of the rainy days for a little crafting time. You can start with autumn solstice crafts and end with New Year’s, of course it’s perfectly okay to mix it up a little too. Try to find supplies in the home to work with before you go and buy more though as this will help keep your crafts cheap. You can really think out of the box with some of your crafts too, but make sure you have a little something for everyone to do. Before Halloween and Thanksgiving rolls around you should be able to decorate the home for holidays without a problem. If you get a good enough jump start on your crafts then you may also be able to give many of your crafts away for gifts during the holiday season. This alone will save you a fortune on the amount you spend on the holidays.

10. Learn Something New
A lot of the time when we spend too much of our free time indoors we tend to go into sloth mode and end up glued to the television set. Rather than spending time doing this you should try to use it to pick up something that may enrich your life. For instance, you can start learning a new language. There’s lots of free online material that can help you start learning without a problem. You may also consider picking up an instrument, especially if you already have one laying around the house. You can also find lessons for various instruments online and sometimes public broadcasting channels will offer lessons through the college for free. You may have to call around to find out when you can catch the lessons though. If you’re not interested in these things then you may want to learn some new dance moves, practice martial arts or begin a new craft like knitting or painting.

Autumn doesn’t have to be the time you spend more money than you should. There’s lots of great things to that will cost you next to nothing and help you appreciate the changing of the seasons. While the weathers cooling down and life is speeding up you may find these amazing activities will ensure you and your family stay entertained for cheap.

Canning season can be a great way to bond with your family while making your food storage escalate substantially for the winter months. From delightful jams to zesty pickles, you can make your pantry shine during the less than fruitful months of winter. This seemingly frugal activity can cost you a bundle if you’re just starting out though, which might detour you from trying it when you’re already on a tight budget. There’s a lot of ways you can make this hobby cost you less and less though. With a few frugal tips, canning might become your new favorite kitchen based hobby. Your family and friends will love your tasty treats too, so don’t let the initial cost scare you away from this exciting money saving activity.

1. Know What You Need
A lot of beginners tend to go for kits that have all of the essentials for anyone just starting out. These kits can be amazing, but aren’t exactly cost effective, so if you’re looking to save then skip this step entirely. Instead, with a little basic research you can find out all of the essentials that will get you going. For starters, you’re going to need mason jars in order to store your food. These can be found just about anywhere, so all you need to worry about is finding the best price. Before you purchase these items make sure that they are actually canning jars rather than decorative or simply used for beverages. You’ll also need lids and rings. Now, you can purchase reusable lids, but these can be pricey so you might want to stick to lids and rings until you’re sure you want to invest in this hobby. Lids need to be replaced every time you use them, so the cheaper you find them the better. You’ll also need a pot. You can easily use the stock pot you already have for this, rather than spending extra money on a canning pot. If you find all of these items at a low price then you should be well on your way to canning for around $30, which isn’t bad at all!

2. Go Second Hand
Getting your supplies used is one of the cheapest ways to start out on your canning adventure. Before you spend a penny ask friends and family if they have any supplies they’re not using. Many people will be happy to get rid of old supplies they may not be using, but some may charge you a small fee. If you can find the goods from the people close to you then you’re ready to go! However, if you can’t find anything then try to post on Craigslist with your request or seek out the supplies on Ebay. Another simple place to look is yard sales and thrift stores. With a little searching you might find your items for a lot less than you would buying them new. However, when you do buy or inherit used goods it is very important to examine the items to make sure there is no chips or cracks that could compromise your food.

3. Buy in Bulk
If there’s one hobby the requires bulk buying it’s definitely canning! Once you’ve gotten the hang of canning then you may want to build your supply with more cans of food. This is easily done by buying your jars in bulk. There’s a lot of craft stores that offer these items in big boxes, but you may have to take to the internet to fulfill your needs. A lot of the time you can easily find lids to your jars in bulk. This is always the most efficient way to buy them, even if you only create a few jars a year. Having them on hand will cut down on your yearly expenses for canning and will ensure you have the supplies you need when the need to can arises. You may also consider buying food in bulk. You can easily buy large batches of fruit from the farmer’s market or bulk stores like Costco and Sams. This will help you cut down on small purchases that end up costing you more and more as the season progresses.

4. Shop Around
Canning involves a little shopping around. Although you may think you’ve found a good deal at one store there’s probably something even better lurking at another store or online. A lot of stores will have sales on these items, especially if they’re not selling well in your area, so make sure to call around and ask before you make any purchase you might regret. When shopping for these items you should always check your local dollar stores. You may be surprised to find all of the supplies you need here for just a few bucks opposed to the larger amount you may have to pay at a department store. The internet might also surprise you when it comes to pricing! If you’re feeling a little lost with the shopping then you might check out a canning website. There’s a lot of clubs that talk about the best prices on supplies that could help you make the right move a lot faster.

5. Free Tutorials
Many people who begin to can feel like they should take a class, buy a DVD or a book to help them understand the basics that they need to start the process. This isn’t the case though! So, save yourself some money and stay away from these products. Rather than purchase an item to help out simply look online for free tutorials. There’s so many online that you may not know where to start. If you prefer reading what to do then try downloading a couple of simple tutorials online and go with the piece that makes the most sense to you. If you’re a visual learner then there are ample video tutorials on sites like YouTube. This will allow you to pause the lesson whenever needed so you can catch up with the process. There are even free online courses for canning that might help you become an expert in no time. So, browse around and find what works so you won’t have to waste time and money on expensive hobby classes or instructional books and DVDs!

6. Buy Supplies in the Winter
Canning season tends to last when there is an abundance of fruit and vegetables available. Thus, during the winter people tend to can a whole lot less unless they live in an area that flourishes throughout the year. So, during the winter supplies for canning can actually be a whole lot cheaper. This is largely because stores want to move them so you’ll luck out if you wait to shop during these times. Although this might not help you with canning this year, it can start you out on the right foot for the next season that comes along. However, if you still want to can this season then it won’t harm you to buy a few supplies to work with now. This will allow you to figure out if you like canning so when winter does come you can buy a lot more supplies for next time you get to can. As your canning hobby grows you can also use this off season to invest in more expensive items like a canning rack or those reusable lids you were looking at!

7. Find Recipes
One problem a lot of new canners run into is not having the recipes to make delicious canned goods. One batch of so-so food can turn off some new canners for good. So, make sure you have some recipes before you dive in. If you’re lucky a family or friend will pass down some recipes they’ve used for years, which is perfect especially if you’ve tried some of their canned goods and enjoyed them. There’s also a lot of amazing recipes online you can try. It might be wise not to make big batches of recipes at first. Instead, try a few you’re interested in and see how they turn out. If you enjoy them then keep the recipe, if not then toss is out and move on to the next one. This might take some exploration time on your part, but having recipes can help save on the culinary disasters just winging it might cost. Try to avoid purchasing recipe books though as there’s ample free online recipes to try before you spend money on such an item.

8. Shop in Season
Food is obviously a major part of canning and can be one of the most expensive aspects of the hobby if you’re not careful. To avoid going overboard on canning expenses you should always shop in season. Try to look online and see which fruits and vegetables you should be looking for during each individual season. You can also go on the pricing of your grocery store. If you tend to find items for cheap then they’re most likely in season and will provide you with a burst of nutritious flavor to work with. Shopping in season will also make buying produce in bulk much easier as you won’t have to worry about importing prices or high demand of the item.

9. Garden
Nothing is more rewarding than using your own home grown food to can. This can be one of the best ways to save money on your hobby as well as your grocery bills. Make sure to do a little research to figure out what items grow best in your climate. You may also want to consider growing seedlings indoors during the cooler months. There’s endless options to make a garden work in your home, so have a little fun with it. Whenever you have surplus food then look around for a recipe for it. This can make a delicious treat for the family during the colder months and may even encourage your family to eat healthier. The more you garden the more variety you’ll have to can and the more your budget will thrive!

10. Invest
After you’ve tried out canning for awhile you may want to consider investing in your hobby a little. If you enjoy canning and want to do it more often then items that make it easier will certainly make the hobby more fun for you. So, as you progress in your skills think about ordering the reusable lids or the special canning pot and rack. These items will allow you to make more of your canned goods without having to worry about the mess in your kitchen or the time it takes to can. Try to do a little research on the items that will make your canning hobby even better. You may even consider adding the items to your holiday wish list. As you begin to get more equipment you can stock your cupboards for times when your budget might be too tight to buy nutritious foods. You may also want to gift your jams and other treats as holiday gifts which will cut down spending during this tight part of the year!

Canning can be a great way to feel like a bigger part of your household’s food preparations. The delicious foods you create will help nourish your family and friends while making your shopping expenses go down immensely. So, don’t let the initial start up cost of the hobby keep you from buying what you need to begin. With these ten tips you’ll be ready to can your first batch of food in no time at all.

Dressing up for Halloween and Trick or Treating can be incredibly exciting, but decorating your home with plenty of spooking décor might make you take even more interest in the holiday. There’s a lot of ways to get decorations for your home during this fun holiday, but they can be way too pricey to suit your household’s budget. There are ways to create a creepy oasis without going overboard on the spending though. These ten tricks will treat you to a few ideas that will have your house looking haunted for the popular holiday. Now, you’ll be able to have even more fun as you plan out new ways to scare your trick or treaters while creating a scary vibe for those who dare to knock on your door!

1. It’s All About the Pumpkins
If there’s one thing that stands out about Halloween it’s definitely the pumpkin. This seasonal gourd shows up everywhere from costumes to the colors that represent the holiday. So, make sure you have plenty of these guys around the house. One of the most iconic ways to exhibit a pumpkin is to carve it into a Jack-o-Lantern. In order to save money on this decoration try to use a basic knife and spoon from home rather than buy a kit. You may also want to print out carving patterns rather than buying them. When you’re finished with the pumpkin save the seeds and you can make pumpkin seed treats for your party. If you’re not into cutting into the pumpkin then simply draw a face on it with markers. This will allow you to still be able to cook with the pumpkin once the holiday is over. To show off the face simply place a light under it for effect. You can also turn your pumpkin into a head for a scarecrow or other monster you may want to build. Of course, pumpkins look great on their own too if you’re looking for a more reserved look. Make sure to shop around before you make a purchase though!

2. Glow in the Dark Paint
When it comes to getting tricky with your décor glow in the dark paint can work wonders. For less than $5 you can create your own spooky decorations or you can amplify those you already have. To begin with, if you don’t want to buy fake webs then simply paint them on your windows. This will add a fun effect that isn’t visible in the daylight. You can also add secret messages for your trick or treaters that only show up in the dark. You may want to add hand prints that look like blood on the home. If you already have a lot of décor then cleverly add some paint to make things better. For instance, a little paint on your faux web, or just the spider, can make the decoration pop. It’s also great for skeletons and other pieces you’d love to make a bolder statement. With this paint you might not feel as compelled to put out as many decorations, which could stop you from going out and buying more. Before you get crazy with the paint you should double check that it washes away with water and you might want do a test strip to see what you’ll be working with!

3. Cardboard
Kids love it, cats love and you’ll love it when it comes to saving cash on your Halloween décor. You can work wonders with cardboard so let your imagination soar. One of the most popular items to make with it is tombstones. Simply cut you out the shape you’re looking for, slap on some paint and you’re ready to go. You can also make signs to direct trick or treaters to your haunted house or to creep them out if you plan on just leaving out a bowl of candy! You can cut out other shapes like ghosts or pumpkins that the kids can decorate. These can easily be placed indoors or outdoors of the home. If you’re really looking to get spooky try to trace out the outline of a werewolf, scared cat or moon. When you’re done flash a light on the cardboard causing it to cast a shadow on the home which will creep everyone out. You can find a lot more ideas online if you’re looking to make the most of your recycled cardboard this season.

4. Tissue Paper
Do you have a lot of tissue paper just laying around in your craft supplies? Use it! Tissue paper has a lot of uses during the Halloween season. One of the more common uses of tissue paper is to make ghosts. Usually you crumple a small wad of newspaper to use as the head. Drape the tissue paper over the newspaper and secure it with a string just under the head. Kids will love drawing little faces on the ghosts which can be hung up inside of the home, in a tree, or taped to the window. You can also create cute little pumpkins using tissue paper. There’s lots of different things you can do with this cheap craft supply so show off your skills for all to see. If you’re feeling lost there’s lot of ideas online so hurry and check them out! The best thing about these cute crafts is they can be saved for next year!

5. Use Nature
Nature can be pretty spooky on its own so get crafty with supplies you find in the yard. Leaves are one of the more essential items you can use to make your home pretty scary. One easy trick here is to rake up the leaves in the yard then add fake body parts to the outer edges. You could also have someone hide in the leaf piles to spook a few of the older trick or treaters. You can easily stuff old work clothes to create a scarecrow that will send the kids running. Tree branches are also pretty spooky if you know how to work their magic. Try building a creepy tree branch barrier for the trick or treater to pass through. You could also have someone sit in a tree and make fake branches move around. Rocks are also fun to work with. Although it may not be on the spooky side, you could have the kids decorate rocks like their favorite monsters. This is a fun bonding craft that looks great displayed in a window or sitting out on the porch.

6. Solar Lights
One of the major problems with Halloween decoration expenses is the price it adds on to the electric bill. This isn’t exactly good for your budget or the environment so try to avoid traditional lights and look for solar lights whenever possible. You may actually be surprised as to how many of these incredible decorations are on the market now. They’re not incredibly expensive either which makes them even more efficient for the home. Although you may not get a wide variety in stores, you can easily log on to the internet and do a quick search for locations or websites that sell these items. You’ll love Halloween even more once you have your amazing light show up. Your monthly bill won’t make you want to cry and you’ll have passed off an exciting look for the holiday, which is definitely a win win!

7. Discount Stores
If you really need to pick up a few items for your collection or you’re just starting out then try to skip out on the big name stores as much as possible. Instead, try looking around used or thrift stores to see if there’s anything you might like at an affordable price. One of the best places to look for cheaper items is dollar stores. These stores usually have basic items that will keep your home decorated at a price that won’t make you have to reconsider your budget for the month. Although you might not find big ticket items as these stores you will be able to grab spider webs, banners and other cute window decorations. Stores like Big Lots or Ross are great for finding the bigger items for less money. However, when you’re seeking out an item you should always do a little pre-shopping before you make your purchase. Try looking online or calling your local store to see which location has the best price for you!

8. Sales
Some stores may actually have sales during the Halloween season, but you shouldn’t count on these when shopping. If you do find a good sale then it might be a great time to buy items you’ve been wanting for awhile. However, you’ll always save the most when you wait until after Halloween is over. This is when all of the stores will put their Halloween goods on clearance so they can make room for other items next year. Although it isn’t going to help you for this Halloween, with the items you find at the clearance sale you’ll be ready to put on an amazing show for next year. You may also be able to find Halloween décor online throughout the year at a low price. These items are a great bargain, but act fast before the autumn months come back around and the prices are increased!

9. Print Outs
If you have younger children then you know coloring can make the household pretty peaceful for a few minutes. This Halloween you can easily enjoy printing out a few free coloring sheets for your children to work on. Once the kids have colored them and/or cut them out you can place them all over the home to make the inside just as festive as the outside. If you really want to get craft about the project bring out the glitter, string and other fun craft items for your kids to use. You may also want to consider printing out banners, signs and pictures that can be placed in your window or door. Another easy and fun idea is to print out Halloween characters. Your kids can color them, cut them out and then place them on popsicle sticks to create adorable puppets. You can encourage the kids to put on a puppet show for the whole family or they can even prepare for a grand appearance in front of this year’s trick or treaters!

10. Use What You Have
It is terribly easy to fall into the consumerism aspect of Halloween, but if you’re on a budget this can really mess you up. Instead of lurking down the Halloween aisle in stores try to avoid it and dig out all of the stuff you’ve used the past few years. If you’re unhappy with some items then give them a little makeover with a new paint job. You can also fix up broken items to make them look even scarier. Old Halloween masks from previous years can be used as décor too. You can use them as a scarecrow head or simply hang them up around the house. The important thing is to avoid shopping as much as possible. If you’re low on supplies then think out of the box. One of the spookiest looks for your home could be to utilize simple candlelight in the windows. The shadows in the home will look creepy without any effort on your part. You could also use your projector to screen a scary movie on your garage. You may want to consider making it family friendly though! There’s ample ideas out there that don’t actually involve buying anything new.

Decorating for Halloween can be lots of fun when money isn’t involved. With these tips you can find pleasure in creating your own decorations while keeping your budget in check! So, whether you’re aiming to scare or just wanting to have some fun, money won’t put a wrench in your Halloween plans!

Homecoming is a huge part of the high school experience and is celebrated at some colleges too. Although its a great way to come together with your peers and support your football team the price of attending homecoming can be pretty pricey. If you’re willing to make a few changes to your plans you can have the time of your life without hurting your budget though. With these ten simple tricks you can cut out the high expenses and put back some money for your next big dance. You won’t have to sacrifice a lot to make the evening special which will help you feel even more in the mood to share your team spirit! From the game to the dance floor, with these money saving tips you’ll be ready to make this homecoming event a year to remember.

1. Carpool
For many homecoming is a time of extravagance, which means going the whole nine yards and hiring a limo to drop you off at your destination. The only problem with this is, homecoming involves a game and a dance so you’ll have to spend a lot more money to show up in style. If you do plan on getting a limo then try to get as many people as possible in on the cost. This will allow you to spend a little since the cost of the evening will be substantially more. Of course, the alternative to the transportation dilemma is to carpool with friends. This will allow you to be able to come and go as you please without having to spend a whole lot of money. Try to get everyone to chip in for gas and parking and the evening should go on without costing you hundreds of dollars. The best thing about taking your own car is you can leave the game a little early to avoid lines at the dance, or you can stay a little later to help cheer on your team without worrying about the limo having to wait!

2. Used Dresses/Tuxes
Getting dressed up for the big night is one of the most expensive aspects of homecoming. New dresses and tuxes can set you back hundreds of dollars which won’t do your budget any favors. There’s a way around the high cost of your attire though. You can easily rent a suit or dress if you find something you like, but even that may cost more than its worth. Instead, before you go shopping ask your friends and family if they have a dress you can borrow for the big night. This is great when you have older siblings, cousins or even friends that may have gone to homecoming the year before. Make sure everything fits right before you head to the big event though. If you don’t have any luck with finding a borrowed outfit then look to your local consignment and thrift stores. Here you should find a wide selection of dresses that will make the night seem perfect. You could also check out online auction sites or consignment stores to see if there is anything you may want here too. This should probably be a last resort though as you will have to way for the item to arrive in the mail, so it may cut alteration time a bit short.

3. Accessories
Accessories can make your style go from great to amazing in no time flat, but you shouldn’t get carried away. Shoes are probably the most important thing you can get, but wait until you’re absolute positive which dress you will be wearing. You should also consider the style before you purchase. Homecoming involves a game and a dance, so you may want to refrain from buying heels because walking up and down stairs in them isn’t going to feel great after the first half an hour. If you can, try to borrow shoes from a close family member or friend. This will help cut down the cost of your expenses substantially. You might also look into buying a cheaper pair of shoes and adding a few DIY touches to them. When it comes to jewelry and other pieces try to keep it light. The best thing you can do is use items you already own or borrow from someone else. Of course, if you do want to buy something new then keep it on the cheaper side so you have more to spend elsewhere. Second hand stores are great for finding jewelry that doesn’t cost a fortune, so you may want to start your journey here.

4. DIY Mum/corsage
A lot of homecoming traditions call for a mum. This is widely popular in southern states, but if you don’t have to buy a mum then you’ll probably want a corsage. Both of these items can just you a lot of money if you’re not careful, but one easy way to avoid the huge price tag is to make it yourself. Corsages are a lot easier than the mum. Simply buy some of your favorite flowers or your dates and add them to a simple cardboard backing. You can buy all the supplies needed at a craft store or your local florists. Mums may be a bit more complicated, but don’t stress it now. You can easily pick up a real or fake mum at a craft store florists which will probably be the hardest part of the project. After you’ve picked your flower then try to pick up ribbon in your schools colors, bells and school spirit decals! All of these items can be found anywhere a mum is sold, a craft store or the internet. If you’re having trouble getting started then look online for tutorials, there’s lots of them!

5. Hair
There’s absolutely no reason to go out and spend a lot of money on getting your hair done for homecoming. This is one of the biggest expenses that isn’t necessary at all. Instead of having a professional work on your hair ask a parent, relative or friend that may be skilled in this area. Usually people are more than happy to help. This will also ensure you don’t have long wait periods before the party, so your hair will look amazing throughout the night. You could also invite your friends over for a hair party before you leave. Everyone can help out when it comes to primping and getting the perfect hair styles. You can even make a party of it with snacks and music. You’ll have so much fun doing this that it may actually become the highlight of the night. It will also make it easier for your carpool to disperse to the party without having to waste a lot of money on gas. If you do feel the need to get your hair done look for sales or coupons first, or head to your local beauty school.

6. Makeup
Makeup is another major expense you can cut from your budget if you need to save money. Try to use the makeup you have at home to create a look that will leave your date mesmerized. You can easily have a friend or family member do your makeup for you if you’re looking for the royal treatment. Of course, if you do want to go out there are other ways to get a makeover without the huge price tag. Try going to the local beauty school or look for coupons for this area of expertise. You may also want to consider going to mall to look for a free makeover. A lot of stores will offer these if you’re looking to buy makeup from them. This will help you find out the colors you should be working with. You may have to plan this out ahead of time, but most stores won’t have a problem helping you out on short notice. Of course, you will probably have to buy an item so make sure to take inventory of what you need before you go in.

7. Nails
You should avoid spending the money to have your nails done. Instead, make this part of your pre-party. You can easily color coordinate your nails with your friends at a price that won’t harm anyone’s budget. There’s a lot of department and discount stores that sale bulk boxes of fake nails. Try to get everyone to chip in on the purchase and add a few nail polishes with your school colors on them of finish up the expense. There’s a lot of fun tutorials online that can transform your nails into works of art at such a small cost. You may even want to splurge for some rhinestones to make your look even more spectacular.

8. Student Discount
Students have a great asset when it comes to shopping and that’s their student I.D. card. This simple piece of plastic can help take 10-20% off items you may need for your homecoming celebration. In order to save money on your services make sure to call around to ask who takes the discount. This will help narrow down your shopping search so you can easily find what you’re looking for at a price that won’t send your parents screaming. Discounts can be found across the board too. From getting hair and nails done to eating at a restaurant after the dance. With the student discount on your side your spending will significantly decrease. You may also be able to use this discount on the pictures taken at the school, so you can enjoy the memories you had at the dance for years to come. Most importantly, a student discount card will cut down the prices of your game and dance tickets so you can attend for much less.

9. Dine In
A lot of people love to go out to eat after the game and dance, but this can harm your budget if you’re not careful. A lot of restaurants will hike up the prices during special occasions or may just charge more for anyone wanting to dine at such a late hour. Instead of planning to eat afterwards try to dine in at home. You can easily do this before the game as you get ready for the night, or you can invite your group to your home for a little dinner after the party. When you cut out this unnecessary cost you’ll have more to spend on drinks and snacks at the game!

10. Shop Early
Looking for your dress, making reservations and finding tickets is a lot easier if you do a little early bird shopping. Generally, the day of homecoming is announced on the school calendar that you get the first week of school. As soon as you find out the date you should begin planning for your dress or tux. The earlier you shop the better the deals you’ll find as everything will still be out of season. Buying tickets early is also a major bonus. Usually purchasing tickets from the school will cut down the price as you usually have to pay a dollar or two more when you purchase them the day of the game. Since you will have to buy two separate tickets this will help you save even more money.

Homecoming is a great time to enjoy your friends, school and team so don’t let your budget ruin the experience for you. These tips can help you find the look you’ve always wanted without forcing you to do spend more money than you want. Now, all you have to do is worry about finding the perfect date and having the night of your life!

It’s hard to get noticed in the modern world if you don’t have a website to direct your clientele. However, if you’re not sure where to begin then you may be looking at a huge financial burden that might turn you off of advertising in the digital age. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to cut the costs of having your own website that won’t require you to be schooled in coding or a master in the art of digital technologies. These ten tricks will have you ready to show off your business in no time, which will help boost sales, get you noticed and keep your business competitive in the the modern world. So, get ready for your business to change as you pass out new cards showing your future customers just where they can find you on the world wide web.

1. Free Hosting
One important aspect to the whole website thing is who is going to host your page? This can get pretty pricey if you don’t know where to look, but there’s always great discounts out there if you’re willing to do a little research. A web hosting package allows you to place your website on a server, which enables others to look at it. Your server will determine a lot about your page so make sure to ask for advice if you aren’t sure you know what you need to keep your page running smoothly. Once you’re aware of what you need then take to the net and look around. There’s a lot of free hosting available if you’re not looking to take up a lot of space. This may be a perfect starter for a small business or personal web page that might not get a lot of visits each day. If you’re still feeling a bit lost as to what hosting you should choose then read reviews online and talk to people you may know that used a certain company. With the worry of web hosting out of the way you can take the money you would have spent here and put it back into your business!

2. Domains
Domain names may be more important than you think. The domain name makes it easy for your clients or fans to stop by your page without having to do an extensive search for you. Luckily, domain names aren’t as expensive as you may think they are. If you’re working with a small business or personal site then it may even be okay for you to use the domain name your hosting company provides you. Of course, with a free domain name you won’t get an independent name of your own. Rather, you’ll get a name that is also connected with your host. This normally isn’t a big deal but if you’re looking to appear more professional then it might be time to shop around for a cheap name. There’s a lot of companies out there that can provide you with a domain for just a few cents a month, but make sure you read the fine print. If you want to secure your name without a monthly hassle then you may want to pay in advance or find a package deal for your name.

3. Don’t Outsource Content
Most websites have a lot of content that needs to be put onto the page. Some companies or individuals will actually outsource this part of the process to a freelancer or a content company. This is fine if you don’t have the time but you do have the money to spend on the website. However, if you’re on a tight budget then write the content out by yourself. This process will ensure that you know exactly what your audience is going to read and may make you feel better about the entire process. If you’re worried about the content not sounding right then ask someone to look it over. Usually a friend or family member would be happy to do this so you won’t have to worry about spending any extra money on the process. Best of all, your customers or fans will be reading your words which makes their experience on your site even more personal.

4. Use Freeware
If you’re feeling like taking on a major role in your page and building it yourself then make sure to use as much freeware as possible. You can easily find the software you need by doing a simple search online and reading reviews. A lot of free hosting sites will also offer you a site builder that is easy to use, which could cut down on the overall price of your website. There’s also other software that will enable you to make a more successful page. For instance, you will need a word processor to create written content that is error free. You may always want to use a photo editing program so you can create your own banners, backgrounds and edit the photos you choose to place on your web page. There are many free programs like this online too and many you won’t even have to download! So, before you go out and buy expensive programs for your website’s creation consider the free alternative first!

5. Go Simple
A lot of people come up with grand ideas for their website which can be great. However, if you’re on a budget then you may want to cool your ideas down a little bit. Intricate designs take a web page builder longer to work on which means you’re already going to hand over more money than you would originally have to. These designs often tend to take up more space so your free hosting company might not be able to handle your page or if you pay for hosting you may have to pay for even more than you originally thought. Instead, try to go for a simple design. This will ensure your website runs smoothly and gets the message across without becoming too distracting. Simple designs are easy to edit and can be added onto whenever the mood arises. If you’re creating the site yourself then you may also be incredibly thankful for your simple choice.

6. Hire a Student/Amateur
Computer Science is one of the most popular majors in today’s educational system, so you shouldn’t have a problem hiring someone that is on the professional track but isn’t quite there yet. A lot of students will advertise their services on college campuses or even on listings like Craig’s List, so you shouldn’t have to do a lot of looking before you find someone to do the job. By hiring a student you’ll allow them a little work experience to add to their resume so they can find a job easier when they’re finished with school! You may also want to consider hiring a hobbyist to help with the job. Usually these amateurs do the job for the fun of it and won’t charge as much as someone who does it for a living. If you have a family member or friend that dabbles in web design then you may even be better off. Make sure to look at examples of work before making the hire though and offer to pay in stages just in case the job doesn’t go according to plan.

7. Plan It Out
One of the biggest problems many people run into when purchasing a website is their ideas. Yes, ideas are great but not when they stand in the way of the finished project. Instead of getting your web page off the ground without fully thinking it through sit down and write down all of your ideas. When you have everything down do a little planning. You may also want to take a couple of weeks to mull things over just in case you come up with something new or change your mind about certain elements. When you know you’re ready then do your hiring or start on the project yourself. If you hire someone then make sure to have a meeting where you throw ideas around. This will ensure you’re on the same page and will prevent you from throwing in new ideas when the project is almost finished, which will cause you to have to pay more.

8. Pay In Advance
When you’re looking at plans for your website you may want to see if there are any bulk deals you can buy into to save you a bit of money. Usually, your hosting company and domain company will have a series of packages that will take off a certain about of money if you pay them in advance. This can be a great way to start off you website without having to worry about additional prices over the next year or so. You may also want to ask your design and upkeep company for any upfront costs that may take off of your pricing. With these items off your worry list you can concentrate more on the business aspect of your store.

9. Social Media
If you’re not entirely sure about the whole website thing or you want even more coverage then social media can be your best friend. There’s a lot of social media websites to choose from so you can easily find one that reaches the audience you’re looking for. The best thing about most social media pages if they’re absolutely free until you get into the extra promotion add ons. Social media pages are simple to set up too, so you can easily work one up after in an evening. If you’re not big on setting up pages then you may want to consider getting another family member or friend to do it for you. It’s as simple as plugging in content where you need it and promoting the page in your business space. Social media is also a great place to hear what your customers or fans have to say about your business so you can easily work around their feedback. These pages tend to reach a wider audience as well, so as your loyal customers begin to follow and share your page you’ll start to see a boost in your sales and the amount of new customers your business gets each month.

10. DIY
If you know your way around the internet then don’t hold back. It may take a little more time to get your page live on the internet, but as you work through your page you’ll know you’re going to get just what you want. The more things you can do yourself the better off you’re going to be when it comes to finances. Try to take a few minutes at work to add to the website each day and in no time you’ll be ready to show the world your very own creation. Building your website from scratch will also give you a sense of pride that will show in the way you conduct your business in person. You may even be more willing to give it out to potential customers. The best thing about creating the website by yourself is you’ll know what you want to update and when, which will help save time and even more money. You can even customize your website around your hosting company, so you won’t have to worry about being shut down due to an oversized page.

Websites are a great way to show the world what you have to offer. When it comes to creating a great website you don’t have to be a computer genius, but you also don’t have to spend a fortune. With these simple tips you’ll be well on your way to showing your customers you have just what it takes to keep up with the modern world. You may even see a boost in your popularity and sales, which never hurts!

Keeping up with the fashion world can be time consuming and expensive. Between recuperating from the summer fashion season and trying to figure out what you need for this season, you may be wondering why you keep up with fashion at all! There’s a lot of ways to make the fashion season your friend though, so don’t give up on it just yet! With these ten tricks you’ll learn how to utilize what you have so you don’t have to spend too much on this season’s trends. There’s also a few suggestions that might help you spend a little lesson whenever you do go shopping. There’s no reason you fashion needs should send your budget out the window, so check out these tips and enjoy showing off your fashionista attitude throughout the season!

1. Layers
Rather than packing up your t-shirts and other light weight clothes, keep them out and layer them! Layers are a look that never goes out of fashion, so use the clothes you have waiting in your closest to make your style count. T-shirts make a great base layer for stylish button down shirts, they can also be worn under cardigans or baggy sweaters. If you’re feeling really cool then throw a t-shirt over a long sleeve or turtleneck and then add a light jacket. Tank tops are also great for these styles and will keep you a bit cooler in the early days of autumn. Sheer or light weight sweaters are also great for layering. These pieces look wonderful under a jacket or over a long sleeve blouse.

2. Reuse
When you’re in doubt it might be best to reuse some of the clothes you had last year or even this past summer. For instance, you can keep out those cute blue jean shorts that made you look great this summer. However, instead of simply wearing them out you may want to throw a pair of tights under them for a look that will turn heads and keep you nice and warm. Your favorite sundress is also a must have fashion piece for the autumn months. These can be dressed up with a pair of jeans and a simple cardigan for an autumn look that all of your friends will be jealous of. Style from later year can also be altered to suit this year’s trends, or can be worn as a signature piece to make your newer items stand out even more!

3. Men’s Wear
Believe it or not, but there’s a lot of men’s wear hitting the cat walk this season. This is good news for you though as husbands, boyfriends, friends, dads and even brothers have plenty of these items in their closet that never get worn. To start out this look try borrowing someone’s pea or trench coat. If you pair this item with a pair of boots and a skirt you’ll be ready to rock a savvy style that won’t cost you anything! The best thing about borrowing the boyfriend or husbands close is you’ll be comfortable all day and you’ll get a hint of his smell that will make you feel like home. You may also want to try borrowing a button down shirt. Tuck the shirt in, add a cute skirt or pair of leggings and you’re ready to show off a look no one can compete with! Although the baggy look might not be what you’re used to you may be surprised as to how cozy you feel while you’re out on the town. Of course, the savings are enough to celebrate anyway!

4. Signature Accessories
Everyone needs accessories to look great, but this season you’ll be able to really show off what you already have. The primary trends this year are diamonds, sapphires and bold pieces of jewelry, which are easy to find all over the place. However, if you already have these in your jewelry box then you don’t need to do any more shopping! Another key to remember while shopping for accessories is you should keep signature pieces in mind. That is, pieces that show off your personality while having a versatile use. When you can wear a piece of jewelry with anything then you’re doing good. This will ensure your money won’t go to waste! Try shopping at thrift stores and yard sales for these items as you should be able to find some cool vintage pieces at a price that makes you smile. With the bold looks of this season you may also want to keep in my that less is more. In many cases you should be able to get away with wearing only one piece of jewelry.

5. Stick with Functional
It’s very tempting to splurge on items we find visually appealing. For instance, the five different heels you bought last season that were only worn once. Let’s face it, when it comes to the fall a new pair of heels just isn’t going to last you from the cool days of October to the freezing temperatures of January. Instead of shopping for items that aren’t realistic for the cold you should look for items that will get your through the season. One example would be a pair of boots. Luckily there’s a lot of boots in fashion and they will last you all the way until late Spring when everything begins to warm up again. You should also consider sweaters that can be worn as an outer layer as the cool weather moves in and later on an extra layer of warmth between your coat and clothing. The more use you can get out of an item the more you’re going to get your money’s worth out of it. By judging items with these standards you’ll make a lot fewer frivolous choices and will instead have a wardrobe ready to last you over half the year!

6. Make Your Own
If you’re feeling crafty then you may already be ahead of the money saving game. Sewing is a great way to keep your fashion sense in check while saving quite a bit of money. Try to find bold prints at a great price, or look for the classic autumn colors or incredible blues. With these fabrics you should be able to create something that suits this season’s fashion trends while adding a fun touch that shows off your personality! If you’re not big on sewing then don’t worry, there’s still lots of accessories you can put together. Crocheting is one of the best ways to create hats, gloves, scarves and socks that will look wonder while keeping you warm during the cooler days. These items can easily be worn with today’s trends and some of the looks may actually suit some of this season’s fashion needs!

7. Sales
Of course, buying new clothes is always a refreshing experience, so don’t miss out on all of the trends just because of your tight budget. Instead of just giving up on shopping try to wait for a sale to find some of the best fashion pieces around. There’s a lot of sales that happen that we just don’t hear about it. One way to stay in the know is to sign up for your favorite stores mailing list. You could also call your local store once every week or so to find out if there are any sales going on. This will put you in the know so you can budget for the clothes you may buy during this time. You may also consider looking online as many stores will put up their surplus clothing before they put it on sale in the store. Following your local ads will also give you a general idea of when to do some shopping. Of course, if you’re looking to save big then you might wait for a big sale such as Black Friday. It might already be pretty chilly before this sale occurs, but you’ll be able to buy everything you don’t already have for the season during this major sale.

8. Stay Off Brand
It’s hard not to want to buy what the celebrities have on, but when your budget doesn’t exactly say A-lister its important to step away from those pricey brands. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to look as good though. Instead, try shopping at your local warehouse, discount store, or clothing department. There are a lot of stores that will sale clothing that looks exactly like what the celebrities are wearing, so you can look the part for so much less. There’s a lot of online blogs that are dedicated to finding a cheap alternative to some of the celebrity looks so browse around to see if you can find an off brand match for the style you’ve fallen in love with. With the lower prices you’ll also be able to splurge more, so you can easily get more clothes to fulfill your wardrobe needs.

9. Keep the Classics
One thing to concentrate on when you’re shopping is pieces of jewelry that are going to be in fashion year after year. This might seem hard, but think back to the last few seasons and work with the items that you’re still seeing in the stores. One great example is the pea coat. You can find this simple design in a multitude of colors and designs so its pretty safe its not going to go anywhere. This is a piece that you should be able to splurge on if you’re looking to buy a new one. You’ll get a lot more use out of it then other jackets that might be a one season only design. You can also shop this way with jeans and other items that you seem to continuously buy. You should especially invest in these items when you can get them for cheap as this will help save even more money. As the years progress as you collect more classic pieces you won’t have to do as much shopping each year because your wardrobe will have a great foundation.

10. Reward Programs
A lot of big name stores, and some small names too, offer a reward program that is absolutely free for your to join. You’ll want to do this as much as you can because you’ll get lots of amazing free things whenever you earn enough rewards. Many of these programs will send you special coupons and discount codes just for joining their rewards program so you have absolutely nothing to lose. However, the great thing about these programs is the rewards you can earn. As you shop for certain items you’ll get a number of points that go towards major discounts on your future purchases. Some stores will give you points for everything, while others will offer special points for items that they may be trying to sell more of. Usually you’ll be informed of this is the newsletter so you can shop accordingly. As you more items you could be looking for $30 to $50 off some of your items, which will go really far in your shopping excursions!

Autumn fashion should be a fun way to express yourself while keeping warm this cold season. However, if your budget isn’t up for the task you could end up feeling less than confident in last year’s styles. With these tips you should be able to make the most out of the clothes you have while saving more money on the clothes you want to buy. So, fashion can be a part of your life once again without making you stress out over the price tag of your new look.

With World Vegetarian Day and ample Vegetarian inspired competitions in the month of October, it might be helpful to learn how to be a vegetarian on a tight budget. Becoming vegetarian or vegan has a lot of expensive stigmas surrounds the lifestyle, but you can enjoy this way of living for very cheap if you know how to! There’s lots of ways to transform vegetarian meals into a healthy and delicious treats that will actually impress the family without having to pour out your wallet on specialty buys! There are quite a few ways to work around the vegetarian meal plan, so don’t hesitate to get started on this healthy diet. It doesn’t matter if you’re only a vegetarian for a day, month or the rest of your days because these tips will help with your overall grocery bill no matter your diet plan!

1. Bulk Buys
If you’re going to be eating a lot of produce the bulk buys are the way to go. It will cut down on the amount of times you have to go to the grocery store each week, which will save a lot on transportation and your time. Most bulk stores, like Costco, Sams and BJ’s Warehouse, will have plenty of produce on sale in large packages. Before you buy you may want to make out a few meal plans though so you don’t end up buying items you don’t actually need. If you’re worried the larger bags or produce may go to waste then create bags for each meal you’re going to make. Anything that is left over can be frozen for another meal plan. This will keep the food edible so you won’t have to spend more money later on. You may also want to split the produce with friends or family. Make a list of items you’d like and if you have the same plans the split the price tag and the food. It’ll cut down your budget significantly without having spoiled food left over!

2. Farmer’s Market
One of the best ways to find produce at a great price is to shop your local farmer’s market. If you don’t have one in your own town, then look online and see if you have one near by. Farmer’s markets are a great way to buy fresh produce at a price that won’t make you feel sick after shopping. The produce is fresh, comes from your area and best of all isn’t GMO. This means its all the more better for you, so you won’t have to worry about what you’re feeding your family. You can also find other items like honey, breads and oils at the market, which make a great addition to your vegetarian meals. Shopping at a farmer’s market is actually incredibly important for your body and your local community. Locally grown produce and harvested honey can help boost your immunity and reduce allergens, which is always a bonus. It also helps boost the local economy so your area will thrive!

3. Garden
If you’re a hobbyist then gardening might already be on your agenda, but those that don’t might want to pick up the art pretty soon. Gardening is a great way to relax, get some exercise and enjoy quality time with those you love. It’s also a great way to cut down on your grocery bill. If you’re planning on planting soon you may want to do a little research to see what can be grown outdoors in your climate. You may also want to find a way to plant items inside. It won’t take long before you’re completely enthralled with your very own garden. There’s a lot more to a garden then just having your own fresh produce in the home. You can base your meals around what’s blossoming in the garden which will take away a lot of the expense for your vegetarian diet. If you have extra produce then your friends and family will probably be more than willing to share in the tasty treats, or you could sale it at your local farmer’s market!

4. Avoid High End Stores
There’s a lot of stores out there that boast the vegan or vegetarian label that probably aren’t going to do you any favors when it comes to price. There’s also a lot of generic stores that will boost up the price of their groceries to support their high end name. This is especially true of stores that sale organic items. If you’ve ever walked into one of these stores then you probably know that you’ll want so many of the items despite the astronomical price. Try to refrain whenever possible though because the items are no better than groceries you’d buy anywhere else. Instead of falling into the trap head to your local discount store to find the items you need. You can usually get a good price and you may even get lucky and find something in the clearance section that will suit your meal plans for the night. If you’re looking for specific spices then you may want to visit an ethnic store instead. They generally have a larger selection and offer bigger packages for less money.

5. $1 a Pound Rule
When it comes to shopping on a budget try to keep the $1 a pound rule in mind. This will help you not spend too much money while you’re planning out your meals. Although it might not seem like much for the amount of food you’re getting it will stop you from buying items that may be over priced at the store. Another simple rule to follow is to not buy anything that the average person wouldn’t know what it is. This is especially true if you walk up to the check out counter and you have to explain to the clerk what it is you’re buying. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule! When you follow these rules you’ll notice you’ll save more and more every time you go shopping. The rule will become so second nature that you’ll easily pin point where you need to get your produce at every time you’re shopping. Sometimes it’s okay to splurge on an exotic item though, so don’t let your taste buds miss out.

6. Dry Foods
Produce isn’t the only important part of a vegetarian diet. There’s plenty of dry foods that also aim to to make your meals healthier and more delicious. The best thing about these dry foods is they’re usually incredibly cheap to buy so you can stock up on them without spending a small fortune. Items like rice, beans, oats and wheats are the perfect way to make your meals go so much further without raising the price of each meal. These products can be purchased in bulk at just about any grocery store and shouldn’t cost over a few dollars when it comes to your shopping bill. Dry foods may require a little more prep than just produce, but when you cook from scratch using these items you’ll know your family is getting the best possible meal every day.

7. Avoid Vegetarian/Vegan Marketed Foods
We’ve all seen them and might have even been curious about them. You know, the vegetarian foods that are meant to taste like meat, so you don’t have to change up the flavor or texture of your favorite meals. These items can be great for some people, but if you’re on a budget they’re probably a lot easier for you to skip then you realize. Typically these items in stores can cost a lot more than meat, so your bill will skyrocket before you know it. Unless you plan on going vegan you can still use dairy products in your foods, so don’t buy this stuff if you don’t have to. It’s actually not as good for you as you think it is and as mentioned its cost won’t help out either. Instead try giving tofu a try. There’s lots you can do with it and it doesn’t cost a lot. You could also just stick with the basics and avoid all the extra stuff, especially if you’re just on the vegetarian challenge!

8. Shop Seasonal
We all have out favorite fruits and vegetables that we wish we could eat all year long; however, this just isn’t the way the world works. Sure, you might see your favorite as you pass down the produce aisle, but if it isn’t in season you should keep on walking. There’s a few good reasons for this. The first, obviously, is when an item isn’t in season it’s going to cost a whole lot more. It has to be flown in from somewhere else in the world, which adds to the price tag and thus isn’t worth buying right this second. It’s also not going to be the freshest on the market. Different things grow at different times of the year for a reason, so follow Mother Nature’s cue and eat seasonal. You may notice a difference in your health and you’ll definitely notice a difference in your shopping receipt. Of course, if you hate waiting for some items to come back in season then buy them in bulk when they’re in season and freeze them for all those days you just have to have them.

9. Frequent the Freeze Aisle
So, fresh produce is great and all but it doesn’t always suit our current budget. Instead of always shopping in the fresh section you can mix things up by checking out what’s in the freezer section. Here, you may want to stock up on any big bag of vegetables you can find. These are perfect for side dishes and they work brilliantly in soups and stews. You should also look for big bags of fruit which makes great smoothies or pie fillings that are healthy for you and the family. Try to avoid the small steamer bags and mixed vegetable/stir fry bags as these are generally priced up. After buying a couple of frozen bags of food you should be stocked up and ready to go for numerous meal plans that are incredibly budget friendly price that doesn’t even come close to what you’d pay for fresh items.

10. Browse Recipes
If you’re knew to the world of vegetarian food then you probably aren’t aware of too many recipes that will make your taste buds go crazy. Luckily, with the tap of a few keys on the keyboard you can find a wide range of recipes that will make this whole vegetarian thing a whole lot easier. You can run searches based on ingredients, user reviews or difficulty levels, which will ensure you get just what you’re looking for. It may seem overwhelming at first, but just pick out a few things to try and go from there. You may also want to browse thrift stores or second hand book stores for other recipes books that might help out. If all else fails then take to your social media page and ask your friends and family what their favorite vegetarian meals are. By the time you get a hang of it all you’ll feel like a gourmet chef!

Bring vegetarian dishes to your table can really help with weight control, health and your financial budgeting, so don’t let the expensive stigma stop you from trying something new. With these easy tips you should be able to enjoy your shopping experience more while trying a few new dished that will impress your family and make you think twice about eating your vegetables.