Laundry seems to be a never ending cycle that keeps you on your feet each and every day. Although it’s pretty easy to come to terms that you’re always going to have laundry to do, it might not be as easy to deal with the constant money it forces you to spend. However, if you’re looking to cut down on house expenses, this is one of the best elements to be frugal with. There’s a lot of tips and tricks that can make your laundry experience cost you next to nothing which will give back to the household without forcing you to sacrifice too much extra time!

1. DIY Detergent
When it comes to laundry it’s never good to feel that empty container of laundry detergent. Supplies to keep your clothes fresh and clean aren’t always on the cheap side, especially if you’re on a budget. Often, even generic brands can cost too much or they leave your clothes covered with detergent residue days after washing them. Keeping up with detergent and softener can be too much to ask at times, so your clothes suffer and end up feeling uncomfortable or less than perfect when you wear them out. This could lead to you wanting or needing to purchase new clothes, which means throwing even more money down the tube. One of the best things you can do is create your own laundry detergent. There’s a lot of copycat recipes online as well as those you may enjoy better than the store bought stuff. You can even create your own special scents using different oils, which may even have people asking for your laundry secret. Another great option is to use vinegar rather than softener. If you only use a small amount it won’t leave a lingering scent, plus it’ll get your clothes cleaner and will make them feel soft to the touch!

2. Use Cold Water
It’s a common idea that hot water is the best way to get things clean. In some senses this is true, but when it comes to your laundry you’re usually safe running your clothing on the cold cycle. The cold cycle will actually help you out in a lot of different ways. For instance, this cycle uses less power as it doesn’t have to process hot or warm water, thus enabling it to get the job done with water that’s readily available. The cold cycle also won’t cause your clothing to shrink like the hot cycle will which means your favorite items can be worn again and again. Finally, washing colored items in cold helps preserve the color so they’ll look newer much longer. Also, soaking stained clothing in cold water can help remove the stain before it sticks to the fabric. This trick alone will save you lots of money on clothes, special treatments and the number of times you have to run an article of clothing before it looks clean!

3. Larger Loads
Many people don’t like to put a lot of clothing into the washer or dryer so they spend all day working on half loads of laundry. This if often because people believe their clothing may not get clean if they’re putting too many items in the washer at once. Most of the time, this isn’t the case. Of course, there are limits and usually your washer will let you know when a load is simply too large to process but a lot of the time you’re good to go. Larger loads of laundry can help you save money in a variety of different ways. For instance, the less loads of laundry you end up doing, the less power you’re going to save so your bill won’t be quite as high. You may not believe it, but you’ll also save on laundry detergent when you choose to use larger loads. Sure, you will need to use more soap, but this extra amount won’t add up to the amount you’ll end up putting in each separate load. When the clothes are washed they may also take a little extra time in the dryer, but once again not as much as a separate load. In the long run, you’ll also save so much time using this technique that you won’t want to go back to your small loads of laundry ever again.

4. Home Remedies
A lot of people lose some of their favorite clothes because their expensive store bought stain remover isn’t doing the trick. This can mean wasting more money on clothes, which is great in theory but when you get your credit card statement in the mail you may not be singing the same tune. Rather than spend a fortune on getting rid of stains or replacing things ruined by them, do a little research and find some home remedies that will make your life amazing. If you’re having trouble getting blood out of something then soak it in cold water and hand soap. Is your child’s soccer uniform covered in grass stains that just won’t give in? Then use a simple combination of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. If grease is a major problem in your household then try using chalk or baby powder to get rid of the problem. There’s an abundance of ways to get rid of the all too common yellow stain so you may want to look around to find one that suits ingredients you already have in the home. Another simple home remedy to cut out bleach is to wash with baking soda instead. Finally, cut down on static and your use of dryer sheets by using a tin foil ball. You can reuse it as many times as you want too!

5. Spot Treatments
Spending money at the dry cleaners is one way many people lose out a lot of money on their laundry. Some clothes just can’t be washed at home though and if they’re pricey you probably don’t want to run the risk in the first place. You don’t have to run your clothes to the dry cleaner every time you wear them though. Rather, use a simple spot treatment to get out any stains that may have happened during the day. Usually simple water will help keep the clothes clean, but you can also look up the type of material to see if anything else is recommended. If you have a heavy coat or denim clothing then you may want to skip washing them as frequently. These items are meant to be worn more than once, so take a spot treatment to stains between washing. If the clothes seem to have an odor then use a spray to help freshen them up until the next time you wash them!

6. Laundry Bags
The sock monster seems to work 365 days a year, which can be a problem if you’re always having to buy socks. Socks aren’t the only items that end up going missing in your machines though, so take precautions using laundry bags. These can be bought just about anywhere or you can think out of the box and use your common household items as a laundry bag. Simply stick your smaller items in the bag and enjoy receiving them when the laundry is finished. This is a pretty helpful way to end the painstaking labor of sorting socks too, as if you put all similar socks together, it’ll be like folding straight from a grab bag! Another great thing about laundry bags is they’ll help prevent delicate clothing, like lingerie, from getting ripped in the washer or dryer which will also save you a pretty penny!

7. Shorter Cycles
Unless you’re washing some heavy duty items that haven’t been cleaned in years, you probably don’t need to wash your clothing on the heavy duty cycles. Aim to use the shortest cycle on the machine, especially if you’re only washing your clothing. This will cut down on the amount of energy and water you use each time you run a load which translates into more savings for you. Shorter loads don’t just apply to the washing machine though. Rather, you should definitely always use shorter cycles for your dryer too. This won’t just save you money, but it may prevent your clothes from shrinking. It may also keep some of your graphic t-shirts from getting messed up in the process of drying. If you’re worried about your clothes not getting dry enough then toss in a dry but fluffy towel into the mix. This will help soak up the extra moisture, thus allowing your clothes to get dry faster. Also, if you plan on doing some ironing then don’t dry the clothes all of the way. The leftover moisture will help make your job ironing faster.

8. Hang Clothes Out
Washing your clothes by hand may be a little much, especially if you have more than laundry to do during the day. However, letting Mother Nature dry your clothes for free won’t take more than a couple of minutes of your time. If you have a backyard then hang up a clothes lines and enjoy your energy saving dryer. It may take several hours for the clothes to dry, but you won’t have to lift a finger during that time nor will you have to pay for all of the energy a machine would use. If you don’t have a yard then string up clothes on the balcony or create a clothesline over your bathtub. If you leave the fan in the bathroom on it will also help get your clothes dry faster. Although this is a great option, you may want to keep an eye on the weather forecast as high winds or rain may force you to rewash your clothing.

9. Energy Efficient Machines
Of course, if convenience is more your cup of tea then energy efficient machines are right up your alley. Although these machines were once expensive, they are rapidly becoming very affordable which is good news for consumers looking to save money on every day bills. These machine efficiently clean your clothing using less energy, water and laundry detergents which means you save all across the board. Before you know it, the savings alone will have paid for these machines. The best thing is, a lot of the time you may even be able to find a tax deduction if you’ve purchased an energy efficient washer or dryer during the tax year!

10. Keep Machines Clean
Believe it or not, but keeping a machine clean is your ticket to more savings. One of the most common things to clean is the lent trap. This alone will cut down on the energy you use every time you dry your clothing. Of course, there’s more than just the lent trap that needs to be cleaned. Throughout the year you should check the hook ups to both the washer and the dryer to make sure they are clean. This is especially important for the dryer as it could cause a fire if too much lent builds up. It’s very easy to do, but if you’re not sure where to start then you can easily look up a tutorial online. You should also clean inside of the washer. Sometimes clothing or other items that end up in the wash can get lodged inside which may cause damage. Some machines may even grow mildew which isn’t safe for your family. Clean machines are well running machines, so they should last longer if you take good care of them.

Laundry is a part of everyone’s life. There’s no getting around dirty clothes so you might as well learn the best way to save some money on cleaning them. With these simple tips you’ll find laundry isn’t as expensive or time consuming as you once thought it to be!

In just a few short weeks the Easter Bunny will be hopping down that bunny trail with treats for all the good boys and girls. This doesn’t mean it’s time to go into panic mode though! There’s still time to get your baskets together and looking great for the big day. Although Easter baskets can be a fun way to celebrate the holiday, they can also really add up in price which doesn’t do your budget any favors. With a few tricks you should be able to provide your children with a fun Easter Basket that doesn’t leave you in a bind when it comes to the rest of the holiday. So, get ready to capture some happy smiles, because these tricks will make your baskets the most frugal and fun yet!

1. Recycle Baskets
A lot of families will go out and buy a new Easter basket for their children each year. This can be one of the priciest things you can do, especially when you consider most children will want to hunt eggs until they’re 11 or 12. That’s up to 12 baskets you’ll have spent money on which really adds up in the long run. Rather than shopping for a new one each year try to hold onto one that each child can use year after year. You can spend a little extra on a sturdier basket, or you may even want to go all out and buy a customized one. Of course, you don’t even have to spend a lot of money on one if you don’t want to. For instance, a simple pail or basket from the dollar store can work wonders or you can weave your own. Either way, make the basket suit your child’s personality so it will become part of their holiday memories. They may even want to pass their basket down to their own children in the future!

2. Homemade Treats
When the Easter basket rush begins you may be tempted to buy expensive candy bars and chocolate bunnies to put in your child’s basket. Although this is pretty convenient, it may not be the most frugal way to celebrate the holiday. Rather than spending a lot on candy your children probably get treated with all year, try your hand at making your own holiday treats. For instance, basic sugar cookies can easily be shaped into bunnies and eggs and then decorated with colored icing. You can also make Rice Krispy treats shaped like eggs. These are great because you can fill them with candies and decorate them with colorful icing. If you really love the idea of chocolate bunnies in your child’s basket then simply use a bunny cookie cutter to create your own. All you have to do is whip up your favorite chocolate recipe then pour the mixture into the cookie cutter and let it cool in the refrigerator. When it’s finished you can decorate it to make it personal or simply place it in the basket. There’s a large variety of other treats you can make, but if you’re not feeling creative check online for ideas!

3. Buy Stuff They Need
It’s fairly common to stuff Easter baskets with items kids want, which is fine as long as you set a limit for yourself. However, there is another great option to help cut down on this type of spending. That is, fill the baskets with items the kids are actually going to need! School supplies are always a great buy, so look around and find colorful pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers and other items that seem to be on your must buy list anyway. A lot of stores will offer Easter themed items for school supplies which may add the perfect look for your basket. You may also want to consider personal hygiene items such as a new toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste and soap. It may be a lot of fun to get creative with the soap by making your own. You can use Easter colors and use a cookie cutter or Easter mold to make it fit the theme. Finally, a pair of cute Easter socks or a new holiday T-shirt will also add a fun touch to your basket.

4. Shop Dollar Stores
When it comes to shopping for Easter you really can’t beat dollar store finds. There’s a lot of options to choose for in these stores and you usually won’t pay over a dollar for each item. One of the best things to buy here is bulk bags of candies. You can find little chocolate eggs and other Easter candies that can be split between your children’s baskets and your Easter eggs, which will cut down on spending. Plastic eggs are another great item to buy here so you’ll have enough eggs to fit in your child’s basket as well as extras for the Easter egg hunt later in the day. Small stuffed animals and other little filler toys and accessories are also great buys here as you can usually find plenty of toys that suit both boys and girls’ interests.

5. Homemade Coupons
One of the most frugal gift ideas is homemade coupons for the children. This will make things even more personal for your kids as you can create them to tailor to your child’s age and interests. For instance, for older children you may add in coupons allowing them 20 minutes extra of videogame or television time. Younger children may enjoy a coupon that ensures they’ll get to go to the park or stay at the park a bit longer than usual. Adding in a coupon that adds a sibling free date with mom and/or dad is another great option, especially if there has been a lot of sibling rivalry in the home lately. Another great choice for all ages is a coupon that promises the child their favorite meal. If you want to make the coupons even more fun than print them out and add an Easter Bunny official seal or use special handwriting to make it look as if the Easter Bunny has written them out just for your child.

6. Forget Easter Grass
Easter treats aren’t the only thing that empties your pockets. One of the worst things to spend your money on during this holiday is Easter Grass. Although it may not seem too expensive at first, once you buy enough to fill up 2 or 3 baskets your budget is going to take a slight hit. The bad thing about Easter grass it is almost impossible to save for the upcoming years. Once the kids make it outside to do their Easter egg hunt the grass slowly begins to disappear. Not to mention, if you have small children or pets then some of the grass may end up in their mouths which could do a lot of harm to the intestinal tract. Even if you don’t have pets, the grass that gets lost outdoors could be consumed by birds or stray animals which leads to even more problems. One solution for the grass is to take colored paper and shred it. This is easier to recycle and won’t end up making anyone sick if it doesn’t stay in your child’s Easter basket the entire day. Of course, if you’re planning a basket for a child that enjoys cheerleading then placing a pompom in the basket adds to the gift and will keep eggs from breaking.

7. Homemade Gifts
Easter basket gifts don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, making gifts can actually be one of the best ways to fill your child’s basket. There’s a lot of exciting treats you can make for Easter. One that is great for all ages is homemade play dough. You can even add some color to make it more festive for the holiday. This requires basic ingredients you probably have sitting around the home. To suit the holiday, you can present the play dough into Easter eggs or find a cute Easter canister at your local dollar or thrift store. You may also want to look up recipes for homemade silly putty, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Other homemade gifts are entertainment sets. For instance, you can buy some items in bulk and put them together to make a cute personalized set for each child. For instance, gardening sets are great for the holidays as are coloring or painting sets. These are all inexpensive to make too, especially if you have a printer than can print coloring sheets out! You may also want to get each child to work on a craft for their sibling. For instance, pet rocks (especially bunnies) are a great option, as are coloring pages with a special message. You can ask the Easter Bunny to pick up the items a week before Easter, so they can be placed in each child’s Easter basket!

8. Thrift Store Finds
You’ll be surprised as to how many amazing toys you can find at your local thrift stores. One of the best items to look for here is children’s books which add a nice touch to your child’s basket. Sometimes you may get lucky enough to find Easter books, but you’ll also be able to locate classic children’s stories. Toys are another great item to find here. Typically, most thrift stores have a bin of old kid’s meal toys that are perfect for fillers for the basket. Some stores may let you pick and choose while others will have the toys in a grab bag. If you’re on the hunt for a cheap Easter basket then this may also be the place to look!

9. Coupons
When it comes to saving for Easter, a coupon is the way to get some of your money back! Usually coupons for Easter will come out a few weeks early so make sure to keep an eye out in your local sales papers as well as online. You may also look for manufacturer’s coupons online if you have specific items you know you’ll need for the holiday. While you’re shopping, keep your eyes open as most stores will place coupons in the aisles or on the Easter treats themselves. These can save you up to a dollar on each item, so don’t miss out! You may also consider using coupons that aren’t Easter related in order to make Easter treats. For instance, a coupon for a plain white cake mix could be the start of a festive recipe at a fraction of the cost of the Easter themed item!

10. Shop Late
In order to make sure you spend less money next year, hit the stores as soon as Easter is over! Everything is going to go into the clearance bin so you can easily stock up. Some of the best items to get during this time are new baskets (if needed) as well as plastic eggs. These items are easy to store and are pretty much needed each and every year. You may also want to look for little toys as they may cost less than a dollar and will make great fillers for the upcoming years. Generally, you should be able to find little Easter bunnies, chicks and eggs in many forms and fashions. Stickers, stamps and other child friendly craft items should be a must have on the list too! Finally, items like cookie cutters and other molds are great to use for Easter projects that may help you fill up your child’s basket.

Creating the perfect Easter basket for your child doesn’t mean you have to go crazy with spending. There’s a lot of ways to enjoy making up your baskets that don’t involve spending too much. With these simple tips you should be well on your way to a basket that will make your child feel spectacular.

Passover is only a couple of weeks away, which means you may already be behind on shopping for the 8 day celebration. Don’t start stressing out though as there’s still plenty of time to get the savings you deserve for your holiday! Although many holiday items tend to skyrocket in price around this time of the year, there’s still a few ways you can ensure your meal won’t cost you a pretty penny. With a little shopping know how and discipline your Passover table will be filled with delicious items that will make the whole family enjoy the holiday even more! Better yet, each item on the table won’t force your family to go on a low cost diet for the rest of the month!

1. Shop Around
We all have our favorite market places, but when it comes to the holiday season you may want to break away from your routine and branch out to find the best prices. If you can, try to visit a few different stores and price items before you sit down and make a list of what you plan on preparing for your holiday. Of course, not everyone has time to do this and going from location to location may actually end up costing you too much in gas. So, if you have friends that also plan on celebrating then you can easily break the shopping up into sections. Each of you can take on a few stores in your area to see what store has the best prices. You can even break up the shopping to ensure that everyone gets what they need at the best possible prices. Of course, you can also take to apps to help find the same information. There are even apps that cater to kosher markets, so you can get everything done in mere minutes!

2. Bulk Shopping
When it comes to grocery shopping it’s no surprise that shopping in bulk can save you a whole lot of money. This is especially true when it comes to buying items like meat and flower. There’s no doubt that some of the items you’re going to need for your Passover meals will be better off bought in bulk, so take to your favorite wholesale store to get the best deal possible. If you’re not sure about spending extra on bulk prices then see if a few friends want to go in on the purchases too. You can split the cost between the group so that each of you actually save some money on the items you need to cook. These savings can go pretty far, especially when it comes to saving on the more expensive items on your list. With any luck, some of the items will actually carry over past the holidays so you’ll have less groceries to worry about when things go back to your normal routine.

3. Coupons
Shopping is always better when paired with coupons. Nothing says fun at the grocery store quite like saving a whole lot of money on items your household needs. Before you go shopping try to look in sales ads from your local stores as well as ads you may find on your favorite stores’ social media pages or websites. This should arm you with quite a few coupons to work with, especially when it comes to basic baking supplies and meat. Of course, if you’re looking for a lot of traditional Jewish and kosher foods then you may have to put a bit more work into it. Some manufacturers do offer coupons for their products but they’re not readily available to the general public. Simply look online to see if there’s any contact information you can find that will allow you to ask if there are any coupons available to you. Most companies will be happy to ship some coupons your way and, just for your efforts, you may begin receiving coupons from them regularly which means more savings for you!

4. From Scratch
It’s really tempting just to toss pre-made items into the basket in the grocery store. This is especially true when you know you’re going to be cooking for the holiday for the next eight or so days! Although the convenience of the pre-made or boxed foods sounds nice, you’ll save quite a bit of money by stepping away from these items entirely! Generally, when you add up the costs of ingredients you actually do save a lot of money when you make things from scratch. This is especially true when it comes to items you need to make in big batches. Although it may mean you’re going to spend more time working in the kitchen the savings will make you feel a whole lot better about the holiday. Not to mention, most of these pre-made foods are actually filled with additives that aren’t good for your family. These unnecessary ingredients don’t taste as good as naturally made food does either. So, you’ll be doing everyone a huge favor by skipping out on convenience and doing all of your cooking the old fashioned way!

5. Choose Menu Wisely
Just because it’s a holiday, doesn’t mean you have to go all out and purchase incredibly extravagant items. This can be very pricey and may leave you in a bind when the holiday is over. Luckily, with a little bit of editing to the menu you should be able to cut down some of the higher priced items and replace them with items that won’t cost you much at all. For instance, one of the easiest things to give up on is some of the higher priced salad dressings that are commonly used during the meals. You can quickly make up some of your own using basic ingredients. If you’re still looking for something similar to your pricier dressings then look online for copycat recipes as there will definitely be something online that can save you money. Cereals and meat dishes are another item to reconsider as the price tag per person will add up really fast. Instead, try using cheaper items such as eggs. You can do a lot of different things with them so they’ll suit your family for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You should also stick to produce that is in season. This will still provide you with delicious and fresh meals at a price that won’t make you cringe.

6. Learn Frugal Recipes
Planning a menu isn’t the only way to save money on your Passover meals. Knowing recipes that are delicious and frugal are a big part of the savings process. Although many Passover meals may seem expensive, you can easily find copycat recipes online that will help you cut out the high priced aspects of the meal. This may mean changing the flavor up a little bit but it’ll be worth it when your grocery bill doesn’t give you the cold sweats at night. There are also some recipes you can find online that are already incredibly frugal. These usually only take a few basic ingredients and if you spend some time practicing them they could be on their way to becoming a family favorite! Some of these recipes may even take you back to the roots of the holiday which will make your meal seem even more incredible!

7. Forget Your Usual Shopping List
Passover is going to span for eight full days, which means there’s no reason for you to shop for basic groceries during this period. This will actually save you a whole lot of money so you can enjoy the holiday without having to worry about having food money when the event is over. For instance, your family will be eating classic Passover dishes during this time, so there’s no reason to break out the Peanut butter and Jelly or to keep taco night enforced. Thus, foods you spend money on often won’t have to make it into your cart at all. The family will have to eat Passover meals and leftovers, thus ensuring no food has to go to waste. Another item to leave off of your shopping list is soda and luxury drinks. Your family can easily take a break from the sugary drinks during the holiday which will save you more money than you think!

8. Potluck
Remember, you don’t have to bear all of the work when it comes to Passover. In fact, one of the best ways to save money on your holiday is to host a potluck for your close friends and family. This will allow everyone to get together and enjoy the holiday even more as no one will have to spend a lot of money to enjoy their favorite Passover foods. You may want to ask guests to sign up for different foods so you don’t end up hosting a party with an abundance of one or two different dishes. Now, Passover is 8 days long so you may have to host a couple of events or you may want to go to another person’s Potluck event. This will still save you quite a bit of money though as you’ll always have leftovers to rely on during the days no one brings food or those in which you don’t visit another’s home! You may also be able to pick up a few secrets from an elder who has been cooking a certain dish for decades, which will make your future Passover celebrations amazing.

9. Avoid the Passover Section
Stores are great at marketing things for the holiday. They place food at eye level and mark up the prices so we feel like we don’t have any other option but to buy these certain foods. The trick is to avoid the holiday sections altogether though, especially during Passover as many stores don’t typically cater to these types of foods. Instead of shopping in this area try to look around for the foods in areas they’d typically be displayed. Usually, you’ll find the generic brands or cheaper items here which will help cut down on the price of your groceries. If you do have to go down the Passover section then keep your eyes low or high. Stores will put the cheaper items here as most people tend to go for items at their eye level. You should be able to get the same foods on these less popular shelves at a lower price.

10. Budget
One of the most important things you can do before shopping during a holiday is to set out a budget. Before you go shopping sit down and make a list of all the items you know you’re going to need for the meal. Then work with your finances to see how much you can actually spare for the meal. If you have a lot to spare then you may still want to cut your budget a bit short to see if you can save even more money. Before you step foot in the store make sure you have the budgeted money in the form of cash. This will help you stick to the budget, especially if you leave your plastic money at home. With only cash to check out with you’ll be really careful as to not get caught going over your budget in the checkout line. You’ll also be more aware of what you’re buying, its worth and whether or not you need it when you have less money on you!

Passover doesn’t have to be all about the money, especially if you’re planning a few big meals to celebrate. With these frugal tips you should be able to get the best possible deals on your food while ensuring your budget stays healthy. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying an amazing feast with friends and family!

It’s official, Spring is here! With all the flowers bursting to life, amazing smells on the cool breeze and rainy mornings you’re probably walking on cloud nine, right? Well, okay, I guess I did leave out the part about the sneezing, itchy eyes and other misfortunes that the season brings along with it. If you spend your mornings waiting for the news to announce pollen counts in your area then you’re probably also wasting quite a bit of money to maintain your allergy dilemma. There are a few ways you can stop the sneezing in its tracks right away though and, luckily enough, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. So put your wallet away and enjoy the season of life without carrying around extra tissues!

1. Consider Bedding
Believe it or not, but your bedding can contain a lot more allergens than you think, even if you do wash it all of the time. Dead cells as well as dust mites don’t just get into your sheets, pillows and blankets, but they also find a home in your mattress. This means you can still have an allergen attack after you put on fresh linens. One of the best ways to remedy this problem is to vacuum your bed often during the allergen season. This will help your mattress last longer to begin with, but will also ensure you get most of the problem taken care of before you put your sheets back on. You should still wash your bedding often during this season, especially your sheets, as this can cut down on allergens substantially. You may want to consider finding a milder soap though as some soaps can be more irritating to the nasal passage when you’re already fighting off allergens in the air. Another way to help out the problem is to buy a mattress and pillow covers. If you can find antimicrobial covers at a great price then you’ll be one step ahead of your allergies throughout the year!

2. Mold Inspection
Although dust and pollen are some of the more common allergens during spring time, mold is a pretty big culprit that can cause more damage than you think. If you can, hire someone to come look at the interior and exterior of your home to see if mold is becoming an issue. There are some companies that offer these services for free or a low cost so look online and see where you can find these services. You may also want to contact your insurance company to see if they can offer you a deal or at least cover the majority of the cost. If you can’t afford to do this then buy a home kit. It will give you a basic idea of what needs to be done and the actions you’ll need to take to get rid of the mold for good. You can buy products in stores to get rid of mold, but there’s also a lot of home remedies that are better for the environment and your budget. For instance, you can use vinegar, vodka or hydrogen peroxide to take care of most molds you’d find in the home.

3. Carpeting
You should pretty much consider your carpets to be a club house for allergens. Carpeting is nice and all, especially when it comes to regulating home temperature, but during the spring it’s an allergy attack waiting to happen. One of the best things you can do is vacuum it daily, but sometimes this won’t even help reduce the allergies in your home. If you have carpeting that is really old or in front of doorways then this could be a huge problem for your sneezing attacks. You may want to consider removing this carpet for good or at least replacing it. Old carpet has years of allergens just waiting to mess up your day while carpets in front of doorways easily latch on to the allergens when people walk in or outside. If you love your carpeting then consider keeping a hardwood or tile entrance way to reduce the problem. You may also want to consider deep cleaning your carpets once a month to bi-weekly. This can help out substantially and won’t cost you too much if you have your own machine.

4. Dehumidify
Humidity is one of the main reasons allergies act up. Let’s face it, there’s typically a ton of moisture in the air during the spring time so you’re not going to escape the torture any time soon. You can, however, fight back. One of the best things to do is install dehumidifying fans in your bathrooms. These are surprisingly cheap to find and will cut down on moisture in the rooms that have it the most. You may also want to put some of these fans in your garage as this can help reduce some of the moisture in the home. Finally, if you’re still having issues then you can easily find a dehumidifier for the bedroom or other living spaces. These can be found in most department stores and won’t cost a lot either. Simply fire it up when you’re sleeping and you may begin to feel better in no time at all.

5. Change Air Filters
It’s really easy to forget about your air filters, but keeping up with them can save you a whole lot of money and allergy relief in the long run. Typically, you should change them out every season, but a lot of people end up putting it off until a later day. This can be really bad when the pollen count begins to rise, as it means your home is going to be filled with allergens that will make the whole family miserable. Changing the air filter only takes a few seconds and won’t cost a lot either. You can usually buy bulk packs for a small price which will keep you stocked up for the full year. You should also consider changing the filters in your heating and cooling systems to as you may need to use one or the other and you don’t want their allergens spreading through the home!

6. Dust Often
Winter is typically one of the worst seasons for dust, but you may find your allergies react to it more during the spring time. This is why it’s important to dust often during this period, especially during early spring when winter’s dust may still be hanging out on picture frames and the like. You should try to dust two to three times a week if possible, but if you can’t make the time then once a week should be a firm rule. You can spend a fortune on dusting supplies, but there’s really no need to. In fact, a damp wash cloth can do most of the work for you. Just adding a little water to a cloth will help you grab more dust while preventing it from flying in the air and irritating your allergies even more. If you’re worried about the dust causing a problem then you may want to invest in an anti-dust spray that could help keep it off of your surfaces for a little longer.

7. Invest In Neti Pots
For generations, many cultures have used Neti Pots to help heal illnesses as well as ease allergy problems. Recently, they started to become popular in Western cultures again, which has helped many people get rid of allergies and other nasal problems for good. You can buy Neti Pots in a lot of different locations, so make sure you shop around to find a price that suits your budget. Some people even make their own Neti Pots with clay or by recycling similar items. The Neti Pot requires you to use warm water. Simply tilt your head and place the spout in one of your nostrils. The water will flow through the nostril and out the other, getting rid of toxins and allergens trapped in your nasal cavity. Make sure you follow the instructions for this remedy though! With a little luck, this natural process will soothe the sinuses so you can skip out on expensive remedies.

8. Change Your Diet
You’d be amazed at what changing your diet can do for your body’s immune system. With a few simple changes during the season you can actually enjoy more allergy relief than you would by popping a pill. Honey is one of the more common items people tell you to eat when you’re suffering from allergies; however, this is actually an old wives tale. Honey does do you a lot of good for your immune system, but it’s not your best option for allergy relief. Turmeric is actually one of the best ways to combat allergies and it offers you a wide range of food options to cook with it. Enjoying a variety of soups can also help with the problem. Generally, eating hot soups helps clear the nasal passage so you can breathe easier while getting plenty of nutrients. Eating enough fruits and vegetables will play a big part in keeping you healthy no matter what you’re facing, so do your immune system a favor and keep to the food pyramid where these items are concerned. You may also want to eat more chicken than beef as this has been proven to cut down on allergies throughout the year. There’s a lot of other food options to choose from, so do a little research to help find what works best for your diet!

9. Allergy Shots
A lot of people don’t want to get a shot for something as small as allergies, but they actually help. Unfortunately, they’re not as common as other shots, like the flu, so you may not be able to go just anywhere to get it. Try to have a conversation with your doctor about getting an allergy shot. A lot of the time, if your allergies are severe enough, they may actually suggest the option. Some doctors may send you to a specialist though, which could cost quite a bit of money. If this is the case, try to mention the shot to your doctor or ask to get a second opinion. With one shot you can eliminate your symptoms, which will cut back on the items you need to buy to keep your allergies at bay.

10. Bulk Medication
Natural remedies don’t always help us get the relief we need, which is why many people actually turn to medication to help out. There’s a lot of great brands out there that can help relieve most, if not all, of your allergy symptoms. If you can, get an appointment with your doctor to see which medications may help you out the most. You may also want to ask for a generic brand. However, if you know an over the counter medication is all you need then head to your local wholesale store to see what deals they have to offer. Most allergy medications, even generic brands, can be bought in bulk to save money. Even department stores offer these items in bulk, so don’t lose out on money by buying a single container. This is probably the best way to purchase the medication, especially if you need it for the whole family!

Allergy season doesn’t have to leave you in a fog, nor does it have to hog all of your rainy day funds. With a few simple tips you’ll find that taking care of your allergy problem is a lot easier than you think. With a little diet experimentation and a little elbow grease around the home, you may find your allergies will soon become a thing of the past!

Spring has finally arrived and even if it may not seem like it, it’s time to start thinking about your garden. It doesn’t matter if the birds are already chirping away or if there’s still a foot of snow in your yard, there’s something you can do to get your garden ready for the blossoming season. Prepping for a garden could mean throwing a lot of money into the hobby; however, there’s a lot of short cuts and money saving tips you can use to ensure your garden doesn’t cost you a small fortune. Better yet, with a little hard work, your garden may even put money back into the household!

1. Soil
Many gardeners will spend a lot of money on soil when there’s plenty in your own background. Typically your soil should be able to grow a pretty good variety of produce and flowers so don’t spend money on soil until you’re sure nothing will grow in your yard. One way to help keep your soil good is to rotate your crops as this helps lock in nutrients. One of the best plants to begin with is lettuce. Generally if you start the season off with this simple-to-grow produce then you’ll be ready to grow some incredible fruits and vegetables as the season progresses. You should also consider the space you have to plant in. A lot of people don’t think they can grow items in small areas which isn’t the case at all. In fact, you may be surprised as to how much you can actually plant in one area. However, you should make sure you know just how much space to use between each type of plant!

2. Composting
There’s a whole lot to love about composting! For starters, it can cost next to nothing to start your own personal compost at home. Browse around online to see if there’s materials you can use around the house to get you started on your new task. Once you’re ready to go start using some of your trash items, like banana peels and coffee grounds to get the compost going. There’s so many items you can use that you’ll notice a huge decrease in the amount of trash you’re producing each week. This in itself can be a major money saver, not to mention you’ll be doing the environment a lot of good by wasting less. Your new compost will also help prevent you from having to buy fertilizer. Rather, when you’re ready to start out your garden all you have to do is use what you’ve already created. There’s a lot of video tutorials online about composting, so don’t hesitate to start!

3. Plant Beds
If you’re looking to create a garden you can present to the world you may want to consider using flower beds. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend a lot of money on supplies. Instead, check out what you have around the house. Old wood, as well as thicker tree branches, worn down doors and shutters and even pallets can help make your flower bed idea a reality. With a coat of paint and a little elbow grease you’ll instantly fall in love with the flower beds you’ve created. Not to mention you can brag about how much work you put into them. Flower beds aren’t just for aesthetics though. If you have lower back pain then they can help you out with your gardening immensely. They may also help keep some small animals out of your plants. These amazing items can also help keep plants apart so you won’t have to worry about your eggplant overpowering another item!

4. Mulch
Living in a dry climate can be terrible on your plants and your water bill. Mulch is one solution worth looking into though. There’s many great reasons to use mulch, but if you’re looking to save money it can cut down on your water bill substantially. Every time you water your plants the mulch will soak up some of the water. Thus, when the heat kicks it up a notch the moisture in the mulch can actually help keep your plants thriving. The best thing about mulch is it’s not too hard to find for free or a low price. Try looking around the neighborhood to see if anyone is shredding broken tree branches. If they are they may be willing to hand over some of the chips for next to nothing. Make sure to haggle though as this could help you walk away with a better deal. You may also want to check your local listings like Craigslist, as some people simply want someone to haul away the chips. If you have no luck finding mulch this way and you can’t make it yourself then consider buying in bulk. Even if you don’t use all the chips this season they’ll be ready to go for the next!

5. Plant Wisely
When it comes to planting, you do have to be a bit on the strategic side. Don’t worry, usually all this means is you have to read the back of your seed packets. Make sure your climate meets all of the requirements before you plant as this will help increase the chances of your plants growing. Even if you don’t meet the requirements in early spring it doesn’t mean you should give up as planting in the summer or autumn could be a possibility. You should also consider what your family is going to eat when you choose what to plant. If you’re going to have a bunch of items springing up that no one is going to eat then chances are they’ll go to waste unless you can find someone to give/sell them to. You should also pick items that can be frozen or canned when they’re in abundance. This in itself will cut down on the grocery bill quite a bit. If you plan on feeding your family freshly grown produce often then learn how to succession plant so you’ll be guaranteed new items each week!

6. Recyclables
Some of the best gardening accessories can actually be found in your recycling bin. As spring begins it may not stay at the right temperature at night, thus causing an unwanted freeze to pass over your young plants. Rather than letting nature take its course, take to your recycling bin and pull out an old oatmeal container or 3 liter bottles. Simply cut the top off of the bottles and place them or any oatmeal containers you have on plants that are already growing. This is especially good for plants like tomatoes. You can also go ahead and pull out any plastic straws you may have used lately. These make perfect support for vine plants. If you want to start your plants off as seedlings then consider using an egg crate, yogurt containers, smaller plastic bottles or oatmeal containers. You can cut off the tops of bottles as you did with the plant covers for a cheap and easy container. Just add soil to each of these items and plant whichever seeds you hope to get a fresh start on. If you plan to keep a plant in the container for a bit longer then consider using the larger oatmeal container. Finally, you can use newspaper to help fight weeds or to act as a form of mulch!

7. Collect Rain Water
A lot of states implement water bans during the summer, especially if you’re experiencing a drought. Not to mention, during the seasons when you’ll water more you’ll probably end up spending a whole lot more on your water bill. Luckily, there’s one simple solution that doesn’t cost you a whole lot of money at all. That is, collect some rain water. If you have some old buckets laying around the home then all you have to do is set them out whenever the forecast calls for rain. Once the buckets are full, find somewhere to store them and use them to water your garden whenever possible. If you love this idea then you may want to make an investment in some rain barrels. These are typically larger containers that are designed to capture and hold rain for longer periods of time. With this quick trick to help out your garden you’ll cut down on a lot of watering, which is also a huge benefit for the environment.

8. Second Hand Supplies
You’re probably going to need some basic tools to help you get your garden in order, but this doesn’t mean you need to hurry down to your local department or hardware store and go on a shopping spree. Rather, you may want to check around and see if there’s any second hand items you can get that will help save you a lot of money. One of the best things you can do is try your local thrift store as many people will donate some of their old tools when they upgrade to new ones. Here, you should be able to find some, if not all, of the beginner items you need to get the job done. If not, then look at your local listing to see if anyone is giving away or selling gardening supplies. You may also consider creating your own ad to see if anyone is willing to help out. Finally, you may want to ask friends, family and neighbors if they have supplies they’re willing to part with.

9. Pesticides
A lot of people choose to use pesticides in their garden to help keep harmful bugs out of their fresh produce. Although this is a good way to improve the way your plants grow, it can be harmful to you, helpful bugs, the ecosystem and your budget. This doesn’t mean you can’t use your own homemade pesticides to help remedy your pest problem. In fact, you can use a wide variety of items including vinegar or vegetables to help keep just about anything off your plants. You can even use beer to keep snails out of your garden! There’s a lot of different pesticide items to choose from so do a little research before you mix up a concoction. You should be able to find a lot of free information online which will help you find the perfect pesticide for your needs. In most cases, you can even find all the ingredients needed already in the home, which tacks on even more savings!

10. Join a Club
Gardening can be a lot more fun if you find a group of likeminded individuals to help make it a social occasion too! There’s lots of gardening clubs online and in just about every community so try to find one that suits your needs. When it comes to a gardening club you can actually save a whole lot of money and you may even make a little too! For instance, gardening clubs will help you stay interested in your garden so you won’t have to worry about it being overrun by weeds or insects when you don’t feel like tending to it. You will also be able to borrow or trade tools which means no more shopping for the items you don’t have. One of the best things about gardening clubs is many people will also trade seeds so you won’t have to order large packets of seeds you may not ever use. Finally, some clubs will even allow you to sell or trade your produce, which means you’ll have a better variety for your household meals!

Gardening is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise. With these simple tips you’ll not only feel great about your garden but you’ll put less money into it. With a little love and a lot of work, you may even be able to earn a little money off of your delicious and healthy produce!

Spring is filled with beauty and fun, but a lot of people may feel like they need to throw money into the season to make it exciting. There’s a lot of great ways to transform this season into savings though, and no, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside until summer! With a few simple tips and a little looking around you should be able to find some amazing things to do that make the entire family happy. These ten ideas should get you started on the right path, but the sky is the limit when it comes to this season so follow your instincts and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible!

1. Geocaching
More and more people are jumping on the geocaching bandwagon and there’s really no surprise as to why! This hobby is part hiking and part adventure and it doesn’t cost a cent! All you have to do is log on to a geocaching website and follow the coordinates. You may have to a lot of leg work for some locations and others may require quite a bit of looking around, but when you find what you’re looking for it’ll be a definite sense of accomplishment. The best thing is, you can plan on doing geocaching based on the amount of time you have. A small task can be done while you wait on another activity, or you can plan the day around your geocaching hobby. You never know, you may even end up finding a treasure on one of your hunts!

2. Kites
Kites have been a popular spring activity for decades, which is a big reason why you should keep the tradition going with your children. You can buy a cheap kite at most dollar stores or department stores, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on this hobby. You could also gather the kids together to work on building your own kites which will also make the activity a memory they’ll want to share with their own children someday. There’s a lot of free tutorials for this online and buying supplies shouldn’t cost you a lot of money. The best thing is, when you get your kite together you can fly it just about anywhere for next to nothing. Kites make great additions to a trip to the beach and are a good way to keep kids busy during a picnic!

3. Sports
Nice weather means it’s time to get reacquainted with sports again. Luckily, there’s a lot of variety that starts up in the spring so you can play just about anything you want! From soccer to golf, you may feel overwhelmed when choosing which outdoor sport you want to play each time you have free time. You may also feel overwhelmed by the price tag of some of the sports. Fortunately, a lot of schools will allow you to sign up your children for many sports at no price to you. If your school isn’t hosting sports teams then see if you can get a waiver to sign up your child for free at the local community center. Of course, there are also amateur teams for adults which will help keep you fit and entertained throughout the season. If you can’t manage to find a cheap way to join a team then make sure you enjoy the activities with your kids and plan playdates that allow them to get out and enjoy sports with their peers.

4. Scouts
One way to embrace the season is to sign your kids up for scouts. Again, there’s a lot of options here but they’re usually based on gender and age group. Generally, signing up for a scout does require a bit of money, but in most areas it tends to be affordable. You may also ask if there is a waiver to see if you can enroll your child for free. Some scouts will allow this, but some may still charge you for some items, such as uniforms. Many may ask if your child would like to participate in a fundraiser to help pay for their membership, uniform and badges, which is a great way to teach your child responsibility while also saving money on the activity. A lot of troops will allow your child to enter scouts for a reduced price if you volunteer to help out. This could mean leading meetings, accompanying the group on field trips or providing your child’s troop with snacks. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, these tasks will help you get out more too and may even become a great bonding experience for you and your children!

5. Pick/Build Bouquets
With all the April showers, there will be plenty of flowers which means you and your kids can enjoy decorating the home with their beautiful scent. If you’re growing flowers in your own yard then have the kids go out and pick their favorites. This activity is especially great for small children as they will generally want to pick the flowers anyway. Once the children have picked out their favorites find a vase and get to work. You may even consider asking the kids to make their own vase which won’t cost much if you make it out of clay! If you’re not sure how to start off your bouquet then look online. There’s an abundance of tutorials that can help you find the perfect steps to take in order to make your flowers look even more incredible. When you’ve created your masterpiece then use it to bring joy to your own home. You may even consider selling the bouquets or passing them out to friends and family as a gift. If you really want to make the children feel great, then prepare many bouquets and pass them out at a nursing home or hospital!

6. Volunteer Outside
As the spring weather begins to roll in, you may find the urge to spend as much time as possible outside with your family. However, you may also find that you run out of ways to entertain everyone. On the plus side, you’ll probably get a lot of outdoor chores accomplished but this work will probably run thin too! So, you may want to consider taking to the great outdoors to get some volunteer work in. There’s a lot of activities to choose from here. You can offer your services for building homes for the poor. You can pick up trash in a local park or at a school. You may even ask the community if you can plant some trees to help out the environment. If you have younger children then feed birds at your local pond or park with stale bread or crackers. You and your older children can also offer your services by asking to help elderly or disabled neighbors with their yards. Pulling weeds, gardening and mowing can help a lot of people keep their homes looking great when they’re having trouble getting outdoors without assistance.

7. Visit a Farm
One of the best seasons to see a farm is in the spring time! There’s a lot of new produce being planted and grown as well as the abundance of baby animals that are fun to watch. Try to see if any local farms are hosting tours for an affordable price. If you already know someone who owns a farm then this could be a great outing that won’t cost anything. Farms are great for children of all ages too. Younger children can help feed the animals and admire all of the newborns that are just starting to walk around. Older children can learn how food is grown and brought to the table, which is a valuable lesson that everyone should experience. You may also be able to secure horseback riding lessons or experience how farmers sheer sheep for their wool. The possibilities are endless on the farm which is why everyone should see how things are done!

8. Birds
Spring is filled with lots of birds chirping the day away. If you’re in luck you may even be able to catch some birds that don’t normally appear in your area while they’re migrating back home for the summer. One simple way to enjoy the birds is take out some binoculars and watch them. You may even want to photograph or draw some of them. To make things fun for the kids you can print out a list of birds, with pictures and have the children mark off which birds they’ve seen. Whoever has the most birds can get a special treat! You can also spend time spreading birdseed in your yard to ensure they all get plenty of food while they’re settling back in and tending to their eggs. Another fun task for kids is to build a birdhouse. There’s lot of tutorials online for a cheap houses or you can easily spend a little more money for a birdhouse that only requires a little work. You can also create a feeder for humming birds using sweetened water and a plastic bottle.

9. Go Camping
If you like to sleep under the stars then camping may be just what you’re looking for, especially if you have a bit of time off work. With the sunshine poking through you should be able to enjoy hiking and fishing without getting overheated or freezing. This can entertain your family for hours at a time, but if you feel they’re beginning to get bored try adding a scavenger hunt to the mix. You could also enjoy roasting food over a fire or singing traditional camp fire songs. These activities will cost you next to nothing which will help keep the family budget thriving. Before you go camping make sure you brush up on some of the rules involving extreme weather as often late nights could become risky, depending on the area you’re in. With a little know how though, your family can take a break from your fast paced lifestyle and get to know one another better by slowing down and getting some fresh air!

10. Browse Deals
Of course, spring does have a lot to offer that may cost you a pretty penny. Don’t let this discourage you too much though as there’s a lot of ways to work around a heavy price tag. For instance, logging into your favorite social media coupon page could lead you on several adventures that won’t just keep you entertained, but will also save you a bit of money on your spring time entertainment. For instance, if you’re looking for a fun date idea then sites like Groupon may help you book a group date at a vineyard hosting a wine tasting event. Family outings can be made even better too! For instance, spring time usually hosts hot air balloon rides, which is a fun activity that most kids would love to try out. Of course, you could also secure this coupon for a romantic getaway! There’s also a lot of education activities such as enjoying a honey making class or physical activities such as yoga and martial arts. No matter what you’re looking to do during the season, you should be able to get a lot of great ideas simply by browsing these special coupon sites!

Spring is a great time to get out there and try new things. With the weather on the fair side, for the most part, and all of the fresh and relaxing air, you may find yourself feeling happier than ever. The best thing is, with these great deals you won’t end up spending your rainy day funds!

Life costs money but it doesn’t have to cost as much money as you think it does. In fact, a lot of your everyday expenditures can be significantly reduced to help make your day to day living more lucrative. For many, it may seem difficult to cut corners in many areas of life, but when it comes to these 10 things, you may not even notice a change in routine. With a little bit of an adjustment you may find your savings account is growing even more day by day, which can help fund major purchases or leave you with a little extra money to send kids to college or enjoy a grander family vacation.

1. Coffee
It’s pretty easy to get into the routine of buying a fresh and delicious cup of coffee each morning. For some, it’s the caffeine boost and sugar rush that ensures work before noon is actually a possibility. Unfortunately, your sugary morning treat can cost you up to $6 a day per cup and isn’t doing you any favors in the calorie department. Instead of going out for coffee every morning you should try to make coffee at home. You can easily brew a delicious cup by grinding your own beans or using different brewing methods to see what you like. If you’re a fan of the frothed milk then all you need is a mason jar and microwave to achieve this delicious morning must-have. You can also buy special flavorings at a decent price that will make it feel like you did go out for your morning cup. By skipping out on the coffee you’ll not only save money, but you’ll cut down on mileage and gas as well as empty calories and an abundance of sugar. If you do have a problem with staying home every day then try to slowly cut down on the coffee runs. If you can limit it to once a week then you’ll be doing amazing. Of course, if you can’t give up on your coffee fix then save your cup. A lot of companies will give cheap refills. You may also be able to buy a special cup to receive the same benefit. You should also consider purchasing with a gift card as each time you load up the card you may get a discount or free treat. Finally, try hanging around the café at night or early in the morning to see if you can score free or discounted baked goods or coffee.

2. Basic Repairs
Stuff gets broken, it’s inevitable. That doesn’t mean you have to jump onto the yellow pages to find a repair person every time it happens. Before you freak out and spend lots of money on a basic repair you should consult the internet. A lot of the time someone will have posted a video or written tutorial that can allow you to get the job done for free or next to nothing. From big items like your computer or television to the small stuff like a computer mouse or changing a fuse, there’s no reason to spend hundreds on something you can do yourself. Most people check out Youtube first, but there’s a lot of other pages online that can help you out if you have no luck here. You may also want to check out the manufacturer’s page to see if they’ve posted something too!

3. Entertainment
When it comes to spending money, entertainment is where we’re usually willing to splurge the most. However, this can be one area where you can save a whole lot with a little know how. For instance, when it comes to cable you can end up spending a whole lot of money, but if you call in to cancel the service they’re likely to offer you a deal to keep you on board. Also, if you have a roommate then purchase cable using the newcomer’s special. When your special runs out, cancel and let your roommate do the same. You may also want to consider sharing wi-fi with a trusted neighbor as splitting the bill will save you a whole lot of money. If you have a smart phone and wi-fi then don’t use your minutes or spend more on a landline. Instead, use wi-fi calling whenever possible. If you love the movies then try to go early to receive matinee or twilight pricing. Finally, if you want to buy tickets for an event, but won’t be too bummed out if you miss it, then hold out. As the event draws closer the tickets will decline in price if they don’t sell out.

4. Gym
A lot of people don’t want to be frugal when it comes to a good gym; however, you can get a good workout without paying a cent in most cases. Most gyms, especially the big chains, will offer free passes that last anywhere between a day and a month. Simply sign up for a pass and you can enjoy a free workout throughout the time period. When your pass runs out then locate the next gym and do the same. This will allow you to try out different gyms which could lead to a better purchase later on. You could also skip out on the gym altogether and find free workout videos online to help you get the workout class without the price tag.

5. Haircuts
The hair salon or barber shop can really be a drain on your funds, especially if you have more than one person needing a haircut. Rather than spending a fortune, try to check out a student salon for a free or heavily discounted haircut. Most of the time you’ll get a top notch haircut that you’ll love showing off. Of course, you could also invest in hair scissors and clippers to get the job done yourself. This is actually easier than you may think and there’s an abundance of tutorials online that will help guide you through the process. Once you’re comfortable with doing your own hair you’ll wonder how you could bear to spend so much on a hair stylist before!

6. Price Matching
When it comes to shopping, nothing will make your savings account thrive quite like price matching. If you’ve never price matched before you’ll get the hang of it in no time at all. First, all you need to do is research which stores in your area do price matching. Then, shop around for the item you’ve been looking to buy. If the store that has the lowest sales price is out of stock or isn’t in your general area then take the ad to the store that price matches and ask for the discount. Some stores can do this right at the register, but a few may ask you to go to customer service. Once you know where you’re meant to go when it comes to price matching your job as a shopper will go a lot faster, not to mention you’ll save a whole lot on items you’d otherwise end up paying more for. The only key to this is you have to have the ad available, so always make sure to bring the sales papers with you or locate the price on your phone in advance.

7. DIY Cleaning Products
Do a lot of cleaning? Of course you do, which means you probably run out of cleaning supplies like they’re going out of style. This doesn’t mean you have to keep forking over the cash to get more though, especially when it comes to those expensive brand name products. Instead, check online to see if there’s a DIY soap you can use to get your home fully stocked on cleaning supplies. From dishwasher detergent to toilet cleaner you can find a little bit of everyone online. The best thing is, a lot of the ingredients you’ll find already in the home or they’re incredibly cheap to buy in store. A lot of the household soaps can be used from the same items too which means less spending on a huge variety of products. Each DIY soap is eco-friendly too, so you can feel proud you’re doing your part!

8. Quit A Bad Habit
Believe it or not, but your bad habit is costing you a whole lot of money. From smoking to shoe shopping, there’s always something in your life that can be altered to help you save money. Luckily, everyone is in the same predicament as you so there’s actually a lot of advice out there to help you transform a bad habit into a way to feel more empowered and save lots of money. Many people suggest slowly weaning yourself off of the habit, while many others proclaim you should kick it by going cold turkey. It is up to you to decide what works best for your physical and mental health. Science has proven that doing something every day for 30 days is a great way to build up a habit, so if you can replace your bad habit with something good you may find yourself feeling amazing in no time at all.

9. Food
Purchasing food is probably where a good portion of the pay check goes to, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, if you choose to eat at home most of the time then you’ll actually be saving a whole lot more money than you’d expect. For instance, skipping out on going to lunch with colleagues everyday can save you anywhere from $5 to $15 a day! That really adds up fast, especially when you have a variety of food at home to choose from. If you don’t want to miss out on spending social time with your co-workers then suggest a potluck once a week, or limit your eating out to one time a week or every other week. When it comes to food at home, try shopping open markets for produce and meats. You should also avoid buying a lot of processed foods as these tend to be bad for your health and aren’t entirely filling. You may also want to buy non-perishable items like rice and beans in bulk to help save money in the long run. Of course, growing your own produce or spending the weekends fishing may help save more than you think too!

10. Credit Cards
A lot of people get in a whole lot of trouble when it comes to credit cards. Rather than finding yourself buried in debt due to this piece of plastic try leaving it at home in a safe. Instead, take cash that you can afford to spend with you and utilize rewards card wherever possible. By not spending money you don’t have you’ll be much better off in the long run. Of course, it’s okay to use the card every once awhile, especially since it helps you build credit, but limit yourself to needs or items you know you won’t have a problem paying off. If your credit card is just too tempting then do yourself a big favor and submerge it in water. Then, stick the water in the freezer and forger about it. If you really want to spend money on the card then you’re going to have to wait for it to thaw out, which may lead you to forget about the impulse buy.

Every day living is a great way to find new ways to save a whole lot of money. Often, we don’t think about the impact of our daily routines on our budgets, but there’s a whole lot we can change that will give us more money than we can even imagine. These ten areas are only a select few, so try to take a step back and analyze your life to see what corners your future savings are hiding in!

Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to get to work on some Spring Cleaning. Although cleaning might not be on everyone’s to do list it’s a great way to start the season out fresh while also helping your household save a bit of money. For many though, spring cleaning means spending money on cleaning supplies, filters and maybe even tools to get some of the harder tasks finished up. You don’t have to turn this seasonal activity into something costly though. There’s lot of ways your spring cleaning can even end up putting money back in your pocket, rather than taking away from it. So, put on those rubber gloves and get to scrubbing because this season is going to be filled with squeaky clean savings.

1. Dusting
Dusting is probably one of the most disliked cleaning activities. It causes you to sneeze, can get pretty boring and the dust seems to always make a comeback no matter how hard you clean. You can make dusting go by a lot faster though which means you can move on to a more important task. To begin with, grab your favorite fuzzy socks and put them on. The fuzzier the sock the better! Now, as you walk around cleaning the rest of the house your socks will actually pick up the dust off your hard surfaces without you having to do anything extra. Fun, right? All you have to do is toss the socks in the wash and you’re ready to go. You can also use the socks to clean up high places you can’t really see, like the top of your doors or cabinets. If you have dusty lamp shades or other items that are made of fabric, then pull out the lint roller. This will take on the challenge in less than a minute! There’s more to dust than meets the eye though. Try to move around your big appliances to check out how much dust they’ve managed to collect. You can easily clear this out with a vacuum cleaner, so you won’t have to spend hours dusting away. This task alone will save the household a lot of money, especially when it comes to the refrigerator.

2. Reconsider Gadgets
Every home has the collection of gadgets that once seemed to be the coolest thing in the culinary field. From the snow cone maker to the electric wok, your kitchen may be pretty bogged down by items you stopped using after the first week of buying them. Instead of letting these gadgets sit around and collect dust while taking up your valuable kitchen space, you may want to reconsider if they belong in your kitchen. If you bought the juicer thinking you were going to go organic and make juice every morning, but haven’t touched it since week 3 then it may be time it leaves the kitchen. Gather up all of the devices you don’t use and try to sell them off. Ebay is a great option for this, but you can also try hosting a yard sale. If you’re not interested in selling them items then try donating them to charity for a tax dedication later on. The same can be said with electronics. There’s no need to have five different generations of a cell phone lying around the house. However, when it comes to items like phones and tablets you can easily trade them in to buy something newer.

3. Toys
Your kids’ toys can really begin to clutter up the house as the months go by. This is especially true if you pack up old toys and leave them in the basement, attic or other storage areas. Before you start your cleaning spree go through these areas to see if there’s toy you don’t want in the home anymore. If so, try donating them or putting them in a yard sale. You should also have the kids go through their toys to see if there’s anything in their rooms that are just taking up space (or preventing them from getting new toys). With all of the extras out of the picture you should be able to clean more thoroughly. Most kids’ toys are covered in germs so a good scrubbing is always a great idea. If you have toddler toys or action figures then put them in the dishwasher. Many other toys can be thrown in the washer or wiped down with antibacterial cloths. Before you put the toys back in the rooms make sure to sanitize the storage bins to help further the cleaning process.

4. Upcycle Organization
A lot of people spend a small fortune on organizational items when they’re cleaning up their home. However, many people don’t often consider the items that are just hanging out in their recycling bin. Rather than discard the items you may want to transform them into fun ways to keep your home in order. For instance, oatmeal containers and jars can be used for a variety of storage needs. Place paper clips, rubberbands, thumbtacks and other small office items into a jar and place the lid on it. This will help prevent spills and you can decorate each jar to suit your tastes. You can also use the jars for paintbrushes, pens and pencils. Oatmeal containers are also great for these items, but can be used for large items like yarn and crocheting tools too. If you have glass bottles lying around then use a glass cutting method to transform them into utensil holders, candles or a cute way to keep your bracelets organized. Even cereal boxes can be used to help keep papers organized, which could save you a lot of time!

5. Eliminate Grime
One of the main reasons homes look dirty is because of hard to clean grime. No one wants to spend hours scrubbing away at items that seem to not want to be clean. There’s some quick tricks to get just about anything clean though. For instance, if you have a lot of soap scum in your shower, or your toilet takes hours to clean then use vinegar and/or baking soda to get the job done. Leaving these natural items to do the work for you allows you to simply wipe the grime away and then admire your fresh bathroom. Placing vinegar in a Ziploc bag and placing it on your shower head with a rubber band will help clear out any hard water build up while giving it a sparkling clean look. This cleaning trick alone can save you a bundle on water too! If your stove burners never look presentable then place them in a Ziploc with ammonia overnight and then rinse them off. Finally, if you can’t get some of your pots, pans or casserole dishes clean then soak them in hot water over night with a biodegradable dryer sheet!

6. Forgotten Items
There’s a lot of items around the house we often overlook when it comes to cleaning. Unfortunately, not cleaning them could end up in a product that doesn’t work as it should or doesn’t last the average shelf life. One such item is the coffee maker. If you’re not careful these items can actually grow mold inside of them which could make you sick. Luckily, cleaning them is as easy as brewing one part water and one part vinegar. The vacuum is another item that must occasionally be cleaned. Try to remove hair from the coils and clean out dust particles from inside of the machine. You should also make sure to check that there is no dust or other grime on your appliances, such as the washer and dryer. These items should also be cleaned of hair and lent to avoid future mechanical issues. You may also want to run a special cleaner in your dishwasher to help keep things sanitized. You should also check filters in the home. This is a great time to swap out air filters as allergy season is right on track. Water filters in the refrigerator and other water dispensers should be checked and changed too!

7. Prevent Allergies
Speaking of allergy season! Spring cleaning is a great time to help your family avoid the trauma that is allergy season. One of the best ways to start on this process is to take any rugs in the home outside to beat them. Getting the dust off of your rugs the old fashioned way will help keep the dust count in your home down, big time. While your rugs are outside take the time to deep clean your carpets. Then, when you bring them back in vacuum or deep clean the rugs. The home will automatically smell better and you may notice a change in your family’s breathing. Another good idea is to take all of the linens off of the bed and give them a good wash. With everything off of the bed give it a good vacuum. This won’t just cut down on dust mites, but will also help keep your mattress fresh for much longer. Apart from linens, make sure to wash your pillows and larger blankets too as this should be done once a season anyway!

8. Clothing
Clothes can clutter up a closet which means you may end up paying more for heating and cooling costs, not to mention you won’t have room for anything new. Try to go through all of your clothes before you get too in-depth into the cleaning process. If the items don’t fit or you don’t like them then pass them down to someone, sell them or simply donate them. Clothes that are ruined or ripped can be turned into shorts or cleaning rags. If you have a lot of denim that isn’t appropriate to wear any longer then use it to sharpen your razors after shaving! You should also properly clean all of your winter gear and store it air bag or containers that won’t allow moths or other harmful bugs in.

9. Clean Electronics
There’s more germs than you think on your keyboard and phones, so don’t let them turn into a nasty cold. Cleaning electronics is pretty important and can not only help keep you healthier but may improve their life span. For instance, many desktop computers will collect dust which could make the system over heat a lot faster than it would normally. Also, allowing food and grime to sit on a keyboard could prevent the keys from working. There’s a lot of easy and cheap ways to clean your electronics so make sure to browse around before you spend a lot of money on expensive cleaning products.

10. Make Your Own Soaps
If you’re tired of spending a fortune for cleaning supplies at your local department store then spring cleaning is a great way to start making your own soaps. You can find a recipe for just about anything online which will help you save on everything from personal hygiene soaps to cleaning products. The best thing is, you can find most of the ingredients already in your home. If not, many of the products use similar ingredients so you shouldn’t have to buy a lot of extra items to create different batches of soap! With your newly found skill you should cut down on spending for these items to next to nothing and your home will look absolutely incredible!

Spring cleaning is a great time to make your home feel refreshing for the new season. With the cold weather moving out and the warm weather quickly taking its place you’ll be glad you took the time to try out these cleaning tricks. You may even find that some of them have helped cut down on spending, so you can put more towards that family vacation!

Can you believe St. Patrick’s Day is only a couple of weeks away? With the holiday rapidly approaching it may be time to start planning what you’re going to do to celebrate the Irish holiday. If you have kids then this may be a bit more problematic than other holidays. Most St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are based around adults and alcohol which makes finding a child friendly holiday event on a budget a bit of a needle in a haystack. Have no fear though as there is actually quite a bit you can do with your children to help them enjoy the holiday just as much as the adults. With these ten ideas you can put away your credit card and enjoy good quality family time this St. Paddy’s Day!

1. Check Out the Parade
Just as with all great holidays, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is an amazing experience for young and old. A lot of cities will host their own parade so this is something to look out for in your area. If you don’t live in a city hosting a parade see if one of your neighboring areas is doing so. It may be worth it to take a morning drive to see what the parade has in store for visitors. You may also consider looking around to see if there is any activity you can join that may put you and/or the kids in the parade. This will add extra magic to the experience and will give you something to do that makes the holiday stand out. A lot of scouts or other children’s programs may already have a spot in the parade, so make sure to keep up to date to see if this is something your children may qualify for. If there’s no parade in your area then try to find a parade on TV or stream one on the internet. It shouldn’t take a lot of browsing to run across one if not more parades that will keep the family entertained for an hour or two.

2. Make Green Clothes
You can’t go without green clothes on St. Patrick’s Day unless you want to spend the day running away from pinchers. Rather than going out and buying new clothes you can easily have some fun crafting your own green clothes. For starters, tie dye kits are a great way to have some fun with the kids and they’re incredibly inexpensive. However, if you don’t want to spend money on a kit then you can easily make up the dye on your own. Simply take some old shirts and have a blast making different designs! If you’re not sure how to go about tie dye designs there’s a lot of tutorials online that may be able to instruct you on how to make four leaf cloves designs. Another option is to use fabric paint to make your green clothes. This paint allows you to work on a variety of colored or white clothing so you have more options. Kids can paint on cloves, leprechauns, a pot of gold and cold coins amongst other design options. You can also use a series of household items as stamps for the clothing. For instance, if you slice a bell pepper in the middle it’ll create a fun clover design or you can use a slice of apple to create clover pedals.

3. Plant Clovers
Clovers are all over the place when you see St. Paddy’s Day décor, so why not plant some of your own? This is a great little project for most school aged kids and is pretty green too, so you’ll be able to have fun while doing the environment a favor. You’ll need to start out with a container to plant the clovers in. Jelly jars are always a great idea as are other glass or plastic items you may have in your recycling bin. If you don’t have any of these then simply cut a plastic water or soda bottle in half and use that. This is incredibly eco-friendly so you can give yourself a pat on the back for keeping Mother Nature healthy. If you want to make it more festive then head to your dollar store and buy mini flower pots, or see if they have holiday inspired pots. If you pick up the clay flower pots then these can be painted with festive designs which will make the project go even further. When you have your container ready fill it with soil from outside, or from a bag. Then, carefully root some clovers from outside and place them in the pot, or use clover seeds. Make sure to water regularly and place the clovers in the sun!

4. Green Foods
Usually kids aren’t too keen on green foods, but given it’s a holiday they may be on board! This is especially true when you transform some of their favorite snacks into green foods. For instance, turn your Rice Krispy Treats into a festive snack by adding a couple dabs of food coloring to the marshmallow mix. You may also consider adding the marshmallows from Lucky Charms to the mix to make it even more festive. You can do the same thing with sugar cookies. Once they’ve baked add green icing or holiday designs to the top. For beverages, try transforming apple cider into a delicious green treat. You can even make the cider at home to ensure it has less sugar. Green Jell-o is also a hit amongst kids and won’t take long to make! Of course, if you’re looking for healthier options then try green apples, celery, cucumber and broccoli with a dipping sauce. For a lunch time treat try whipping up a green pizza dough. Cover the pizza in cheese and then add basil leaves in the shape of clovers or bell pepper slices.

5. Pot of Gold Scavenger Hunt
Nothing keeps kids entertained quite like a scavenger hunt! While the kids are sleeping make them a list of clues that will lead them to a pot of gold. You can fill up the pot with a variety of candies, treats or even a couple of holiday inspired toys. Make sure to add chocolate gold coins to the pot too to make it feel more authentic. You may even consider using green foot prints to guide the children to the next clue, or let them know when they’re getting close. The kids will love looking for items and if you plan accordingly it could keep them busy for a couple of hours. If you have children of various age groups then you could create different hunts, or have the older children help out the younger children. This is a great activity for St. Patrick’s Day parties too, and will ensure kids have as much fun as the adults.

6. Share Celtic Fairy Tales
Although St. Patrick’s Day is about the saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, the holiday as become a giant celebration of everything Irish/Celtic. So, why not take this time to share some of the most memorable Celtic Fairy Tales with your children? You can choose the stories based on age group as some may seem frightening for younger children. However, there are stories that have been edited to suit any age group. If you don’t own any books on Celtic fairy tales then head over to your local library. They should have one if not more books on the topic. If you’re lucky they may even have a whole St. Patrick’s Day section which will make picking out a book a lot easier and more fun. If you don’t want to go to the library or can’t find what you’re looking for, there are many stories published online that you can print out and share with the family. Some of these stories have even been transformed into movies which may also add some fun to your evening.

7. Traditional Games
There’s a lot of games that we play today that derived from Irish games. For instance, baseball, bowling and chess have all been linked back to Ireland during the Middle Ages. So, you can connect with your roots and have the kids enjoy some of these activities. There’s also many other Irish games you can choose from. For instance, you can play a game of Corners which is a lot like Musical Chairs. You may also want to give the children a chance to try Hurling. Of course, you will have to base this game around the child’s age and strength, but it may bring a few hours of joy. If you don’t have a clue where to start, check online to see if there’s any ideas that strike your fancy.

8. Try River Dancing
This traditional Celtic dance is a lot of fun to watch, but is even more fun to try. Look around to see if there’s anyone in your community that offers lessons to get you and your family started. You may even see if you can find a Groupon or other social media deal to help with the price. If spending money on lessons is an issue then simply take to the internet. There’s a lot of great free streaming sources that will guide you through basic lessons. You can also watch videos of popular dances and try your luck with the steps. Although it may not be professional and it may not look great, the kids will have a blast simply trying. To make things even more fun try streaming Celtic music to dance to!

9. Fun Lessons
If you’re short on ideas then try transforming the holiday into a great learning experience for the kids. You can take the time to teach them about Ireland as a nation as well as their history and current affairs. You should also go into the meaning of the holiday so that children will understand why it is a day of celebration. Trivia games and flash cards are perfect methods for teaching the material, but you may also want to use some print outs. For instance, printing out a coloring page of the country could help children understand it better. Also, if you have traced your ancestry back to Ireland then this is a great time to talk about those relatives! This could be especially fun if you have pictures or other memorabilia for a show and tell!

10. Traditional Foods
Although green foods are a lot of fun, you may want to consider trying out a few traditional Irish recipes as a treat for the family. Look around online or in a cook book to see if there’s anything you’d be interested in making. If you choose a meal that offers smaller tasks then it makes a perfect learning experience for older kids. With the whole family working together in the kitchen, the holiday may bring even more meaning especially if you transform it into a family tradition. Once the meal is done have everyone sit down to try out the new dishes. You may find that the kids will be more open to try it if they helped you cook it. Not to mention, seeing parents try new things is a great step to help children follow suit. You may even want to share stories about what each of you learned during the day to help make the meal seem even more incredible.

St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be all about pinching and drinking. If you’re celebrating with kids this year then these budget friendly ideas will ensure you have the best holiday yet. You may even decide that the green holiday is more than just a cultural celebration but a great stress free holiday for you and your kids to learn and try new things as a family!