Whether you’re planning ahead for the holiday season, or you just love a glass of wine after a hard day, you may wonder if there’s anything you can do to save money on your beloved beverage of choice. Wine can be a pretty expensive drink to consume, especially if you have pricey tastes. Luckily, there are a few ways you can easily cut the costs of your wine expenditures without having to give up on your favorite drink. Between prepping for the holidays and simply kicking back and relaxing, you’ll be ready to enjoy your glass of wine even more when you realize you didn’t have to spend a small fortune on it. So, don’t let the price of wine detour your love of it, with these tips you’ll get right back on budget in no time.

1. Join a Club
When it comes to enjoying wine, a club is one of the best ways to do so. Luckily, there’s lots of different clubs that can help you save lots of money on your favorite wines. For starters, warehouse clubs are very simple, and often cost effective, to join. These clubs tend to offer extraordinary deals on a variety of wines. You’ll probably even save more when you purchase the wine in bulk through these warehouses. You can also join an actual wine club. A lot of these clubs will send you great offers on wine each month, so you won’t have to pay full price on many of the bottles that you buy. You may even get free passes to some wineries or samples sent to you in the mail. Wine clubs often hold meetings too, which could offer you a chance to network to find greater deals. Last but not least, you want to join a club that offers a subscription service. These will actually send you a bottle or more each month for a standard fee. Usually the bottles are worth more than you pay for the subscription, so you end up saving big time.

2. Consider Second Labels
Wine shopping usually begins by checking out the brands we know we love, right? Sometimes, these brands are less than favorable when it comes to the price tag though. However, what a lot of people don’t know about their favorite brands of wine is that many actually produce a second label. These are wines that are made from the leftover grapes from their more popular brand of wine. These second labels wines only cost a fraction of the price and can taste exactly the same or incredibly similar. So, next time you’re feeling a little down in the dumps because your favorite brand costs an arm and a leg, you may want to check to see if the line offers a second label. Usually, your favorite wine or spirits store should have a list on hand, but if not you may have to do a little research of your own to see if you can find something similar. You may be surprised as to what you find and how much you enjoy it.

3. Shop Locally
If there’s one good thing that came from the hipster movement, it’s definitely the shopping locally motto. This doesn’t mean you have to do this to be hip and trendy, but, rather to save yourself a bit of money. To break things down, when you shop wine that comes from other countries or areas within the country, you’re going to be paying for a little bit of the shipping and import prices, which can really add to the price of the bottle. Local wines won’t have this fee tacked on, so they should be more affordable. Of course, there’s other reasons to shop locally too. For starters, you’re going to be getting wine that was made with fresh ingredients. Plus, with all of the work that bees do for local produce, the quality of the wine will be better for your system. You should also consider how much shopping local does for your community’s economy, which actually reflects back onto savings in other shopping areas. Finally, if you shop in local wineries then there’s a high chance you’ll be able to find a great bulk deal on wine.

4. Look for Discounts
Saving money on wine, requires a lot of shopping know how. When you want to buy wine, especially if you’re looking to shop in bulk, then you’re definitely going to want to shop around to see if you can find any special sales, discounts or coupons on your favorite brands. Of course, one handy thing to know is that wine sales actually drop during the autumn months. With grape season practically over, wine should be coming into stores in abundance, so it may be time to stock up whenever you see a good price. Of course, keep in mind that the prices won’t last until the holiday season, so hurry and get what you need now. Since prices drop in the autumn, you may want to keep an eye on stores that sell your favorite wines, just in case the price dips enough to warrant a purchase. You can usually keep an eye on a variety of stores at once by using a special shopping app. Of course, you should always keep an eye on the clearance bins in your favorite stores too, to see if anything you enjoy has made it onto the shelf.

5. Buy in Bulk
If you really love wine and drink it more than on special occasions then bulk buys are about to become your best friend. Wine can always be bought cheaper in bulk purchases, which is why you should always consider buying your favorite wines this way. When you shop online, the price difference is going to be more obvious as most sites will try to get you to buy in bulk from the beginning. Thus, you may want to take to some of your favorite websites to begin with. Of course, before you buy too many bottles of the same wine, you may want to test it out to make sure it’s something you enjoy drinking, unless you plan on passing it out as a gift. Boxed wine is already, technically, a bulk purchase; however, you can easily purchase these boxes in bulk too, which will come in handy for large celebrations.

6. Go Wine Tasting
If you love wine then there’s one thing you should do to save money on your favorite bottles. That is, enjoy a wine tasting trip. There’s lots of places to enjoy wine tasting, so you probably won’t have to look far to find a place that suits your needs. In short, wine tasting allows you to experience new wines which could help you find or expand the range of wines you generally buy. This, in itself, allows you to choose wines that will suit your budget. You may even be able to find a wine that tastes better or similar to your favorite wine for a whole lot less. When you try out a larger variety of wines, you’ll also become more knowledgeable which will allow you to make wise decisions on your purchases. Also, you may able to buy your favorite wines from the tasting in the winery store. If you want to save even more money then you may want to explore Groupon, or other social media coupon pages, to help you find an extraordinary deal on your wine tasting experience.

7. Shop Around
Shopping for wine can be tough, but accepting the first price you see on your favorite wine is usually a no-no. In this day and age, there’s probably 5 different stores selling the same brand and most of them are going to be competitive to the penny. Instead of simply purchasing the first bottle you see, take to your favorite shopping app to see if you can find a better deal on the product. If the store you’re in does price matching then you’re ready to go, but if not you may want to spend your money at another location. Of course, there’s lots of options that don’t mean you have to shop locally. In fact, if you’re not in a hurry to drink the wine then you may want to take your shopping experience online. You can usually find some of the best deals here, which will save you a lot of money in the long run.

8. Keeping a List
If you’re a list maker then you should have no problem with this one. Basically, when you try a wine out you should always write down the name on a list that shows your favorite wines as well as wines you couldn’t bear to drink. In life, we try a whole lot of new things so it’s a common mistake to buy a wine we hated twice, or to forget the name of a really good wine that we’d love to have again and again. By making a list, you’ll always know what you should and shouldn’t buy. For your convenience, try adding the list to your phone, but make sure to keep a hardcopy just in case your tech fails you. Having the list on hand will also help wine sellers make recommendations to you that will suit your taste buds and your budget.

9. Know Your Wines
One of the major problems that people run into when they’re shopping for wines, or even serving them, is lacking basic knowledge of the drink. Often, people don’t like a wine because they’ve paired it with the wrong foods. By knowing exactly what you’re serving and how to accent the meal, you’ll find that your wine shopping abilities have increased immensely. This will not only help you shop more frugally for wines that don’t cost an arm and a leg, but you’ll also be able to appreciate wine a lot more and help your guests enjoy an extraordinary wine experience. Don’t worry, you don’t have to take a class to understand how to use wine. In fact, there’s lots of charts and tutorials online to assist you in your planning.

10. Make Your Own
Wine is definitely an art form and if you love to drink it you’ve probably found that each is worth the price you pay. However, if you’d like to further your wine experience while saving some money then you may want to consider making your own wine. This hobby is growing steam as more people have taken to the life of artisan crafts, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding the supplies you need to make the wine you’ve always dreamed of. The best thing about making your own wine is you typically make it in bulk, so you shouldn’t run out of supplies any time soon. You can also use old recycled bottles to store your homemade wine, which will help save you even more money on supplies. After you try your homemade wine, you’re sure to appreciate the process a lot more and may even find that your wine tasting experience has a bit more gusto than it did before. Plus, your homemade wine makes a great gift for the holidays and will even cut down on your party budgets.

Wine is a great way to relax with friends and family, but it also has a lot of amazing health advantages. So, you should never have to worry about your wine budget sending you over the edge. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your glass of wine even more, which never hurts.

Labor Day tends to mark the transformation from care free summer to the business of autumn. Thus, it’s no surprise that many people go a bit overboard when it comes to spending on this three day weekend. From last minute vacations to hitting all of the major sales, there’s definitely attractions that can cause your budget to fail if you’re not careful. Of course, there are ways you can save money during this holiday though. From preparations to frugal outings, you can make Labor Day the perfect holiday to prepare for all of the busy months that will soon be headed your way. So, get ready to make this upcoming 3-day weekend fun, frugal and beneficial.

1. Book Your Winter Vacation
Although you may have been hoping for a last minute vacation, there’s one thing you can do that will save you big time in the future. That is, get your winter vacation booked and ready to go. Generally, you want to book months ahead of time, so waiting until Labor Day is generally a bit of a stretch; however, the airline, hotel and rental deals offered during this time are often too much to pass up. You should be able to get airfare at an incredible price which will cut down on your getaways price substantially. You should make sure to splurge on tickets that can be cancelled or rescheduled though, just in case your time off of work is canceled for whatever reason. Hotels and rental companies will also have plenty of deals for this holiday weekend, so make sure to book while you can to ensure you have a place to stay and a car to drive during your getaway. With all of the bookings taken care of, you won’t have to worry about saving up money for your trip, which could help make the next few months a lot easier.

2. Go Back to School Shopping
It doesn’t matter if your child has already gone back to school or if they’re scheduled to return after the holiday, because the Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to grab all of the missing school supplies your student needs. Although back to school sales may be over, Labor Day sales will more than compensate for this and may even offer your substantially lower prices on the goods you need. Plus, a lot of back to school items will have already been moved into the clearance section to help make way for the holiday décor that will be heading to the store in just a few short weeks. School supplies shouldn’t be the only thing on your agenda though. Clothes should take a price drop during the holiday thanks to the sales, so don’t be afraid to hold off shopping until then. Last but not least, you may want to check out items you know you’re going to need during the school year. For instance, sandwich bags, sports supplies, cold remedies and crafting items. If you can, see if your area is having a tax free weekend around this time, it will add to the savings immensely, if they are!

3. Get the House in Order
There’s a whole lot of things that need to be done around the house before winter makes its way through. However, finding the time to do them probably isn’t going to be the easiest thing to do. Thus, you may want to spend time working on the home during the Labor Day weekend. There is bound to be lots of sales on cleaning supplies and home repair items. This will allow you to get through the list of cleaning and repairs that should be done before the cold weather arrives. While working on the home, you may want to consider adding a fresh coat of paint to freshen the home up, or redecorating a teen’s room to make it more study efficient. Now, is the perfect time to go through old items and host a yard sale to help earn some extra money or to make up for your back to school shopping. Of course, you’ll also want to prepare the lawn for the falling leaves that should be arriving in mere weeks. Also, clearing out the gutters and inspecting the roof are also wise ideas.

4. Visit National Park/Beach
Chances are, the weather is still on the warmer side in your area, which makes Labor Day weekend a great time to plan a trip to enjoy the great outdoors. Try to choose a park or a beach near your home to save on money. Most beaches tend to be on the free side, which will help keep your budget in check while you enjoy a few last minute days of summer. If you pack food and water for the day and stay busy in the water and sand, then you should be able to enjoy the trip for next to nothing. During this holiday weekend, a lot of national parks should be offering free or low cost admission to the park, which will help make your holiday plans even more frugal. With the price of admission reduced, you should be able to enjoy the weekend without spending a lot of money. Apart from beverages and some food, you should be good to go. If you can, plan a camping adventure complete with fishing and gathering. Everyone will get their fix for nature before the weather turns to snow and ice.

5. Plan Extracurricular Activities
If there’s one thing that autumn brings which often ends up causing a lot of headaches, it’s definitely the countless extracurricular activities that the kids get into. There’s no doubt, sometimes we over extend ourselves which causes frustration as well as loss of money. So, before all of the school madness begins, you may want to sit down and talk to the kids about the activities they’d like to participate in. If the activities are purely school related then you can easily make a schedule to make sure everyone’s activities won’t clash and cause you to rush from one end of town to the next. If the activities aren’t school related then you may have to budget in the price as well as the schedule. If you can keep activities to a maximum of two, then you should be looking at an easier schedule as well as a friendlier budget.

6. Know What to Buy
Labor Day sales are pretty tempting, which can cause your budget to turn upside down if you’re not careful. Of course, there are a few ways to avoid spending way too much though. One, is to know exactly what you should be buying during this sale. The new fashion line for autumn clothing will be out in full force, so many stores will concentrate on moving some of this stock. So, this is definitely the time to upgrade your wardrobe and make sure everyone in the family has what they need to stay nice and warm as the temperatures drop. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stay away from clothing clearance racks either. In fact, if a store has a discount on clearance too then now is the perfect time to catch up on next summer’s shopping. This holiday weekend is also the perfect time to buy children’s toys, which could help you stock up for the holiday months. You should avoid electronic sales though as Black Friday is around the corner, unless you see a deal that’s too good to refuse.

7. Host a Potluck
It may be some time before you can get your family and friends together for a meal cooked outdoors, thus Labor Day is the perfect time to host a sendoff barbeque for the summer months. With school, work and bad weather striking, barbeques are almost off limits until next spring, so ask everyone to help with foods by raiding their pantries and freezers for their leftover summer foods. This will help everyone make room for autumn foods and will ensure you have plenty to eat when for your party without forcing people to spend a lot of money. As far as fun and games are concerned, you can easily start up a game of football or any other sport that sets the mood. You may also want to put on a movie or plan the party around the premiere of a TV show. Of course, board games and crafts are always a cheap way to keep the home under budget.

8. Visit the City
Whether you live in or near a city, you may want to take a break from the everyday grind and experience what the city has to offer. Generally, cities will host a variety of activities that are frugal for the Labor Day holiday. From concerts in the park to free parking days by the boardwalk, your city is sure to be filled with fun for the whole family during this 3 day weekend. Apart from community activities, many museums will drop the price of admittance to a low or free charge, which will provide you with hours of fun. Amusement parks are also a big deal during the holiday, so if your nearest city has a few then you may want to see what deals they’re offering. You should check online to see if there’s any hotel deals that will allow you to get out of the house for a night, so you can have more fun on your mini-vacation. Finally, if you’re traveling to the city or in the city then try a gas app to help save even more money.

9. Volunteer
If you missed out on volunteer opportunities during the summer months, then you may want to try to get some good deeds in before the autumn months. There’s always lots of help needed during this holiday because many people would prefer to take a last minute vacation or need the days off to help get their family ready for school. So, soup kitchens, food pantries and other need based charities are sure to welcome you in with open arms. You might also want to see if a program like Habitat for Humanity has any projects going on in your area. If you can’t find any activities then offer to help out a disabled or elderly neighbor with their yard or home. You can even pick up trash in a local park or see if you can plant trees or other foliage in a barren area.

10. Recuperate From Summer
Summer time can be filled with action, but so is autumn and winter. So, if you haven’t had a chance to kick back and relax then Labor Day may be the time to do it. Try to clear your schedule for the weekend, or at least the day so you can do nothing at all. It may be hard but a day of lounging around and watching TV could be in order to help keep your mental health up for the busy months. If you can, try to get the family to join in on a board or card game. You can even play the kids’ favorite video games with them. Of course, playing sports with family and friends is another relaxation friendly activity, as is reading a book. Whatever you choose to do, try to keep it as stress free as possible.

Labor Day is the perfect time to catch up on everything that needs to be done in the home. From cleaning and repairing to getting the kids ready for school. With these ten tips, you should be able to feel the joy of the holiday without spending a small fortune to celebrate it.

Writing a book is a challenge filled with frustration, grief, joy and stress. Of course, if you’ve just finished writing your first novel then the stress aspect is probably haunting you, right? Trying to figure out what to do with your novel is one of the hardest aspects of the process. From self-publishing and traditional publishing to just putting it away for a rainy day, this process can be daunting. If you’ve decided publishing is the route to take then you may have to be prepared to jump through some major financial hoops. Don’t give up though, because if you know a few tricks of the trade then you should be able to get your book selling in a very short amount of time.

1. Get an Editor
If you want to save money on publishing then this is one of the best things you can do. Why? Because you’re human and there’s no way you can catch every mistake or inconsistency in your novel. If you’re wondering how this saves money then you have to look at the different forms of publishing. If you’re going a traditional route then there’s a good chance the publisher will send the book back for edits before actually sending it to their professional editor for a final look through. This can be costly and time consuming as you’ll have to keep printing and mailing the new manuscript, unless the publishing company is a bit more modern than other publishers. If you plan on self-publishing then you’re going to want your book to look its best. This will help with your reputation as a writer as it will with the reputation of the book. When it comes to self-publishing, your reputation and reviews are going to be what helps you the most when getting sales. So, splurge a little on the editor to help make a whole lot of difference. You can even ask family, friends or a student to help out for a little less than you’d ask a professional. To save even more money, you can join a peer-review group to get free help on a weekly basis.

2. Talk to an Author
If you really want to walk the walk, then you should talk the talk with an author that has already been there and done that. Before you have a conversation with the author make sure you write down questions and concerns, so you won’t forget anything. If your plan is to self-publish then you should try to find an indie author to help you out. This actually isn’t a difficult task because there are so many to choose from online. There’s lots of forums and blogs dedicated to indie writers, so do some simple browsing around until you find someone that can make a difference. Traditional publishers may be more of a challenge, but there’s still a lot of these writers available that are willing to help. One great place to try is a writing convention. Generally, most authors won’t charge you for a quick chat, so you should be ready to move on to the next step without having spent a dim.

3. Research
Before you decide on anything, a little research is in order. You may actually be amazed as to how many websites are available to help you learn how to get more out of your publishing experience. From websites dedicated to saving you money to blogs with self-publishing tricks that will set your mind to ease, the web is filled with advice just for your needs. The only problem with research in this topic is there is a lot of information to sift through. So, unless you’re ready to bury your nose in tips, you may want to specialize your search a little. All the same, all of the tips online should help you find the right method for your book, as well as several different ways to avoid the high costs of publishing. If you’re going on the traditional publishing route, then you’ll be happy to find there’s lot of trips to prepare your book for the process, which can make publishing this way go a little faster.

4. Start with an E-Book
If you want to self-publish your book then one of the first things you should do is start your book out as an e-book. You can easily format the book on your own with basic tutorials, so there’s no extra fees for this process. Once your book is put into the e-book format then you can easily sell it on your own, or use a specialized website to help you out. For instance, there’s many programs like SmashWords which works with indie authors to not only get their book published, but to also draw in a market for it. The program will put your book into a genre list, so that people can browse around and hopefully purchase your novel. Generally, these programs are free to use, but they will take a portion of your profits to help pay for the service. Amazon is also another popular place for indie writers to sell. Generally, you do very little work here too and Amazon takes their cut of the profits to help pay for the service. Of course, if you have your own store then you will obviously gain all of the proceeds and will have better knowledge of the traffic your book is pulling in.

5. Make Your Own Book Cover
They always say, never judge a book by its book its cover, but in all honesty, most people do. So, you want to have a cover that speaks to your audience while doing your book some justice. When it comes to covers, you can pay someone a pretty penny to do it for you, but they may not be able to grab the concept you were going for. Not to mention, you’re out the money for the cover that could go for other areas of the publishing process. Luckily, in this day and age, making a book cover can be easy and totally free. There’s actually online programs that can help you out for free, which comes in handy if you’re not experienced with many of the programs. Of course, if you have knowledge of Photoshop or other editing software then your cover could be a masterpiece awaiting publishing in no time at all. You may even want to make a few covers and have people vote on them to see which attracts more eyes.

6. Shop Around for Printing
If there’s one item that’s probably going to cost you a bundle, it’s printing. So, if you do decide to take your book from digital to tangible, you may be in store for some major charges which will hit your budget hard. All the same, there’s a few ways to save money on just about everything. Looking around for printing companies is probably one of the best routes to go. You should check out the pricing per page/per word as well as potential discounts, such as bulk buys, and coupons. Many companies will offer a wide variety of book options too, so you can always choose one of the cheapest options, if that’s available. Last but not least, you may want to look into printing companies that will only print the book when ordered. This will avoid large stacks of unsold books since many people mostly shop digitally now.

7. Get Online
Book publishing won’t be complete with a little promotion action though. One thing you should do when you’ve published your book is start creating social media pages for advertising. You can contact people who have liked similar books this way and you can appeal to fans who may be more likely to share your novel with their inner circle. Social media is now one of the top ways to advertise because it hits such a wide audience and allows so many people to learn about your book while widening your reach. Keeping up with these accounts will also look good to fellow writers, which can help with your much needed networking connections.

8. Host a Giveaway
One way to truly get your book noticed is to give it away for free. No, I don’t mean you don’t have to charge for the book. Simply set up a giveaway and have fans win a copy or two of your e-book. Generally, when you choose to do this with an e-book you won’t really lose out on money. Many websites, such as Good Reads, will host your giveaway and will even draw potential fans to the book. When your giveaway is over, there’s a great chance the winner will reward you with a book review, which could help boost sales even more. If you’d like to further your giveaway process then ask fans to share the giveaway for a chance to win! This is truly one of the easiest ways to advertise without spending a dime! Not to mention, you may peak the curiosity of those that didn’t win, who may potentially buy your book.

9. Ask For Reviews
When it comes to publishing, a lot of people feel embarrassed to ask for reviews from people. At the end of the day, reviews are one of the main ways your novel is going to get noticed, so don’t be afraid to get out there and get your reviews rolling in. For starters, you can ask friends, family or book fanatic acquaintances to lend a helping hand. Usually, people in your inner circle will be more willing to leave behind a review for you. Of course, when people do begin to purchase your book, you can easily send them a formal request to leave a few words about your novel. A lot of book lovers will do this anyway, but when a writer reaches out to someone, then a review is more than likely going to be written. Of course, if you’re having no luck here you can always browse around for reviews you particularly like. Then, you can email the reviewer about reviewing your novel, if you’re willing to give them a free copy in exchange.

10. Go Traditional
Sometimes, going the traditional publishing route is the only way to go. This is due to the fact that there’s very little cost on your end. In fact, one of the only major costs will be sending in your manuscript to publishers. Usually if you include a SASE, you can resend manuscripts that are returned. Of course, some publishers will accept emails now, which is great news for your budget. Traditional publishing also means you don’t have to pay out of pocket for an ISBN and other hidden costs. Plus, all of the problems with advertising and promotions won’t be yours to bear as the publishing company will take care of it all for you. Plus, you will never have to worry about the cost of printing out your book, which can leave you spending thousands of dollars with no promise of getting a return on your investment. Of course, you may end up earning less from your book, but it will make initial fees a walk in the park.

Publishing a book is probably one of the more stressful things you can go through for both your psyche and your budget. There are a few ways you can combat the costs though, which may make the process seem even more incredible for you. With a few simple tricks, your book can be shining on the shelves in no time at all, which will mean you can kick back and enjoy the feeling of being a published author.

If you live in a region that is affected by a drought then you’re probably trying to do everything in your power to save on money without remodeling the entire home to save on water. Of course, even if you’re not in a drought, you may still be looking for simple ways to cut down on the amount of water you use on a daily basis. Keeping water consumption low doesn’t just help out the environment, but it can take a huge burden off of your monthly utility bills. All the same, many people tend to run into dead ends when they’re dealing with water conservations. Here’s a few quick ways that don’t take a lot of lifestyle changes that will significantly drop your water usage.

1. Dishes
When it comes to sending water down the drain, doing the dishes is one of the biggest culprits around. A lot of people believe that washing dishes by hand can actually save more water than running the dishwasher. This isn’t true in the slightest, especially if you have a more modern dishwasher. Typically, these dishwashers allow you to use a fraction of the water you would by running your dishes under the faucet. If you’re not sure if your dishwasher is up to code, then it may be time for a replacement anyway. This will help you save on water and electricity by getting the dishes clean the first time. You should also try to scrape food off of dishes rather than rinsing them as this sends even more water down the drain. You should also wait to do dishes until the dishwasher is full to help maximize the water being used. Of course, if you do have to do dishes the old fashioned way, then run water into a basin and clean this way. The trick is not to steadily run water during the process of washing as it will send gallons down the drain each time you do dishes.

2. Stop Leaks
It’s not always obvious when there’s a leak in the house, but there’s some tricks you can use to keep your home from dripping water. One way to combat leaks from happening is to have an inspection done at least once a year on your home. Often, your insurance company will offer these inspections at a low cost or free, so make sure you know what your policy covers. Another way to keep on top of leaks is to monitor the home carefully. If you notice water damage in the area then take care of it straight away as it will help save you money on your water bill as well as home repair bills. Of course, as soon as you notice the leak you should take action. Grab a bucket and allow the leak to flow into the bucket so the water doesn’t go to waste. You can use this water for other things, such as watering your garden or flushing the toilet. Also, if you notice a big difference in your water bill, then there’s a good chance you have a leak. If you can, fix the leak yourself as soon as you can, but if not, don’t hesitate to call in help.

3. Washer
Your laundry habits can be another major culprit when it comes to your water usage. One of the best things you can do is upgrade to an energy efficient washer. Of course, you should also make sure it is a front loading machine because this will help save you even more money and water. Although it may seem pricey to upgrade, you’ll notice the washer will pay for itself after you see how much your water bill actually is. If you don’t have a front load washer then chances are you aren’t just wasting water, but you’re also probably causing severe damage to your clothing. If you’re not ready to make the change though then there are still a few things you can do. For instance, running the laundry on quick wash will cut down on the water usage. Also, making sure the washer has a full load before you wash clothing will also help out. Finally, washing the clothes on cold will cut down on more unnecessary laundry bills.

4. Toilet
The toilet is your other major water guzzler. Part of this has to do with your habits and the other has to do with the way the toilet is made. Luckily, both of these things can be altered to help you save on water. For starters, if you can upgrade your toilet, you may want to consider getting a low flow toilet. This cuts down the amount of water you will use each flush, so you don’t have to worry about using too much. If you can’t afford an upgrade then one simple hack is to add a full water bottle into the basin of your toiler. This will help cut down on the amount of water your toilet uses each flush. Of course, if you’re worrying about the plastic over time, then you can use a brick instead. If you find your family is flushing all of the time then you may have to enforce a rule that will have the family only flush occasionally. During one major drought, the if it’s yellow let it mellow rule came to be, which helped many families use less water during the trying period. You should also use blue dye to make sure there’s no leaks in your toilet.

5. Shower/Bath
This region of the bathroom is where most of your water is going to be lost. We all love our soothing showers and baths, but at the end of the day, you’re not going to want to do this if you’re trying to conserve water. If you limit your shower to only a few minutes you should save a lot of water, but if you’re looking to save more then you may want to go to a more drastic level. For instance, many countries actually don’t run water the entire time they shower. Instead, they rinse off then turn the water off. From there they soap up and then turn the water back on to rinse. If you don’t want to do this then you may to try out a low flow shower head. This will do a lot of the work for you. If you’re taking a bath then don’t fill the bathtub all the way up as you don’t really need this amount of water. When it comes to kids you can bathe them together if it’s age and gender appropriate.

6. Kitchen
Of course, the dishes aren’t the only water waster in your kitchen. There’s lots of ways you can save in the home, which will ensure your water consumption will go way down. For starters, if you draw your drinking water from the tap, then try to fill up a pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. This will help the water stay cold, so you’re not tempted to run the tap until your water reaches the temperature you desire. Another common thing people do is thaw meat by running it under hot water. This is a definite waste of water and could leave your water bill hurting if you do it too many times during the week. Instead, place the meat in the refrigerator overnight, so you don’t have to worry about thawing it out the next day. If you tend to use hot water a lot in the home then it may be wise to install an instant water heater on your kitchen faucet. This will give you instant access to the right temperature, so you never have to wait for the water to get warm while running it down the drain.

7. Piping
Keeping up with your home’s pipes is actually one of the best ways to ensure water stays frugal in your home. You should monitor your piping at least once a year to make sure everything is in working order and won’t leave you dealing with a major repair bill. Many people can monitor the piping on their own, but if you’re not comfortable with it then ask a friend who is or shop around for the lowest inspection price. With your pipes secured, you can avoid leaks which hike up the bill. You should also consider insulating your pipes. This actually helps warm the water up faster, so you won’t end up running the tap a long time before the water reaches its desired temperature. Insulated pipes also don’t freeze as easily, which means you won’t have to deal with pricey repair bills in the winter.

8. Heating/Cooling
The way you choose to heat and cool your home can make a huge difference when it comes to your water bill. The first thing you’ll want to do is avoid water to air systems as much as possible. These pull water from the home to help keep the air cool, which means your water bill is going to skyrocket, especially if you’re dealing with a drought. If you can, try to find an energy efficient system that isn’t too pricey. These are becoming more common, so you won’t have to worry about looking too hard before you find the perfect match. Of course, if you can’t find a good system then try to avoid using your heating and cooling whenever it isn’t necessary.

9. Collect Rain
When water is scarce, you probably don’t want to see any go to waste, right? So, when it rains, make sure you’re ready to collect the water so you can use it around the home. There are many specialized basins that will help you collect rain water and store it for quite some time. These can be pricey though; however, they are very easy to make on your own by simply opening up a barrel. You can also use basic buckets and bowls to collect water and store it other basins. Of course, you may want to check to see what the rules are about collecting rain in your area. Some places it is actually illegal! However, if you can collect the rain then you’re all set to use the water for your garden, lawn, toilet or other household needs.

10. Forget the Yard/Lawn
If you’re dealing with a drought then you’re probably not very happy with the way your lawn looks. Although many places do allow you to keep up a food garden, your lawn is going to have to be sacrificed. There are some alternatives to the classic lawn though. If scientists in your area believe the rain is going to be scarce for years, then you might want to look into tilling up the lawn. You can replace the grass with decorative rocks or mulch, or you can add in desert plants that will add a natural look to your yard without all of the watering. These plants are usually inexpensive and your local greenhouse can usually give you a lot of information about the variety of plants you can choose from.

Droughts don’t have to cause you to spend more money on resources. With these tips, you should be able to cut down on the amount of water you use so your bills won’t be through the roof. Even if you’re not working with drought prices, these tips will help you add to your green living lifestyle, while also cutting down on your utility bills.

With summer peaking, there’s no question that dry weather is a huge risk to your home. With many areas of the country already fighting off bad wildfires, it may be time to make sure your family’s fire safety system is in working order. For many, coming up with a fire safety kit and plan can be costly and thus keeps getting put off. However, if fire does strike in your area, you may be glad you took the time to get your supplies ready to go. These ten tips won’t just help you decide what’s mandatory for your home, but will also help you keep your fire safety supplies and preparations as frugal as possible to ensure your budget won’t suffer.

1. Maintain Fire Alarms
Whether you’re sleeping or awake, a smoke alarms can be your first line of defense against a fire. They alert you the moment smoke is present in the home, so you have the time to put out the fire or get your family out safely. A lot of people tend to take their fire alarms for granted though. Although they can last awhile without maintenance, this isn’t really a risk you should take. One way that people go wrong when it comes to fire alarms is not having enough in the home. It is best to have a minimum of one fire alarm per floor of an average sized home. However, you may want to aim to place them in each room and hallway to be safe. You must allow routinely check them to make sure they are working properly. This can generally be done once a month, so you don’t have to stress over it every single day. A fire alarm should be replaced every ten years as many will stop working with age. You should always keep fresh batteries in the alarms too. For convenience, you may want to switch them out whenever you do your monthly check.

2. Be Cautious in the Kitchen
The kitchen is where most fires occur, which means it’s always best to take precautions whenever and wherever you can. For starters, working with the stove means standing at the stove whenever it is on. It’s tempting to run to the next room to grab something or to lose your concentration by talking on the phone. However, sticking with the stove while it is on is very important, especially when there are children around. You should also always double check to make sure the electric or gas is off on the stove or oven. This will ensure no major problems can happen, which could become disastrous and it will help you save on your bills. If your kitchen has a lot of appliances in it, then it may be wise to unplug then whenever they’re not in use. This will help cut down on the amount of power they use and will prevent any sparks from occurring when you’re least expecting it. Last but not least, you should always know how to put out common kitchen fires. It is amazing how many kitchen fires begin when someone tries to put out a grease fire with water.

3. Inspect the Home
This is a very key element to ensuring your home isn’t going to catch fire when you least expect it to. A lot of the inspection you can do yourself, if you know what you’re doing. Basically, you should try to check out your radiators, behind the dryer and water heater as well as anywhere else that may be dusty and hazardous. Usually, if you contact your insurance company, they will be more than happy to send someone out to do an inspection because it saves them money in the long run. All the same, this hired service should check everything including the obvious areas, like the radiators, as well as your fireplace and areas you may not typically think to check.

4. Maintain Cords
You may not believe it, but cords can be a huge problem when it comes to fires in your home. We tend to over burden sockets, twist up the cords and hide them behind furniture, which are all ways to increase the chance of a fire due to cords. You can easily reduce the chance greatly by using a surge protector. This allows you to plug more items into one socket, while also controlling the way power flows through the items. You should try to avoid putting any pressure on cords as well. Especially when it comes to cords stored in areas in which you cannot carefully monitor them. Sometimes, the wires inside of the plastic casing become exposed, which could easily set an item of furniture alight. The best thing you can do is organize cords, which is simple to do with twist ties or other organizational items. Also, make sure to mend or throw out cords that are exposed and potentially dangerous.

5. Remove Clutter
If you’re a pack rat, or you simply like to collect magazines or other paper items, then you may be putting your home at risk. Clutter of any form can help make a fire go from distinguishable to unfixable in mere seconds. Clutter can be anything too! From clothes to books. The best thing you can do is make sure the collectibles you have are in an organized area. For instance, books on a shelf are less likely to be hazardous opposed to old newspapers that have been drying out in the attic for the past 2 decades. If you have noticed a lot of clutter in your area then you may want to try to sift through some of your possessions to find out what exactly is necessary and what isn’t. You may be surprised as to how many of your items hold no meaning to you now. If you find a whole lot of items that you don’t want them start a yard sale as you may make some money out of your fire prevention plan! Also, make sure to recycle any items you don’t want that can be recycled. It will do the environment an even bigger favor.

6. Clean the Yard
Your yard can be a huge factor in a fire too. Toys and other clutter in the yard can be a fire waiting to happen, if you’re not careful. Try to make a point to pick up loose items in the yard every day, especially during the dry summer months. Of course, this isn’t nearly as big of a culprit as over grown lawns. You should always make sure to keep weeds and grass cut down low so that it is much harder for a fire to begin or spread into your yard. One way to really help eliminate this problem is to tear up the grass in the yard and replace it with decorative rocks. This will especially come in handy in areas that suffer from severe drought. If you don’t like the look of a yard without plants then you can easily add in a few plants that survive with very little water. Of course, you could just leave the tilled earth alone until it is okay to regrow your grass again.

7. Be Mindful
It’s actually remarkably easy to start a fire, so it’s important to keep in mind what you’re doing so that you can avoid any potential hazards. Smokers must always be on top of their game because they are constantly dealing with an item that could easily begin a fire every time they light a cigarette. If you do smoke, try to do it away from dry grass as it will help prevent any accidental ashes from starting a fire. Also, try to douse your cigarette butt in water before you put it in the trashcan or carelessly toss it on the ground. This should completely prevent a fire from occurring. Candles are another big problem when it comes to fires. You should always make sure they are completely out before you leave the room. Electronics are also surprisingly prone to causing fires. If they overheat and break they may cause a spark that will allow a fire to begin. Finally, before you hop in your car, make sure nothing is dragging the ground, as a simple loose chain hanging from a truck can spark a fire.

8. Talk to Your Kids
Letting your kids know the ins and outs of fire safety is one of the best things you can do. This will not only help keep your home safe now, but it will show them how to maintain safety as they grow into adulthood and have kids of their own. Of course, you never know, a little fire safety could lead to your child saving lives. This doesn’t just mean teaching your kids to not play with matches and other common household rules. You should sit them down and teach them what to do if a fire does start. Using a fire extinguisher or blanket is important for anyone old enough to operate it. Also, calling the appropriate numbers is a big lesson that every child should know. Last but not least, your child should know where the fire kit is kept in the home and your whole family should practice a fire escape route to help everyone feel a little more confident about potential accidents.

9. Have a Safety Kit
No home is complete without a fire safety kit to ensure accidents don’t become tragic. One of the most important items to have is at least one fire extinguisher. This should be kept in the kitchen, but you may want to consider having another, especially if you live in a home with more than one story. Your fire extinguisher should be kept up to date to ensure safety if an accident does occur. A fire blanket is another must for a few reasons. For starters, it’s an easy way to smother a fire in a hurry, especially if the fire isn’t big. More importantly, the blanket will also come in handy if someone in the house catches on fire. The blanket is a safe way to get the fire out as soon as possible. If you live in a house of more than one story then it may be wise to keep a ladder that reaches the downstairs readily available. They sell these ladders at a reasonable price or if you’re comfortable with making your own DIY rope ladder that would also suffice. Finally, you should have medical supplies to deal with burns until medical help can be contacted.

10. Utilize Insurance
Your insurance company can play a major key in fire safety. Before you sign on with a plan, you should always make sure they cover fire damage as you don’t want to have to fight a company when you’ve lost all of your worldly possessions. Apart from this coverage, you may contact them to see if they offer free or reduced price household inspections. As mentioned before, this is a crucial step in keeping your home fire free. Finally, you should also contact your insurance to see if they will issue you a fire safety kit, specifically a fire extinguisher.

When it comes to fire safety, knowing how to take care of the problem is half the battle. These ten tips will offer you easy and frugal suggestions to keep your home ready for potential fires as well as to help you prevent them from happening in the first place.

With the autumn months on their way, you may be looking for hobbies that will keep you entertained while outdoor activities aren’t as convenient. Piano is a great option for people of all ages and can help performances in school while also relieving stress. Unfortunately, the cost of a piano can be very intimidating for some budgets though. There are a few ways to get around the major costs, which will make your hobby seem even more realistic. With a piano in the home, you can avoid pricey entertainment charges while offering the family a new form of entertainment that will helps in many aspects of life. So, don’t let the price tag get you down because these tips will help you cut down on the big costs.

1. Go with a Keyboard
If you’re just toying around with the concept of a piano then you may want to take a step back and consider buying a keyboard instead. Keyboards are perfect for beginners as there is actually less keys than on a full sized piano. This will make getting the hang of the basic notes and chords a breeze. Keyboards are obviously smaller in size too, which means you won’t have to rearrange your life if you’re not ready to have it on display. Apart from the size of the board, you can also get one that is energy efficient or runs on batteries, which is perfect if you like to keep your energy bill low. When shopping for a keyboard price will probably be a big concern as you probably won’t want to splurge if you’re just starting out. If you look around and follow sales, you should be able to find one for less than $100. Thrift stores and second hand music stores may also have them for a bit less, so don’t be afraid to shop around. If the piano hobby doesn’t work out, these items are much easier to sell too, so you won’t have to wait some time to get your money back.

2. Buy Second Hand
Regular sized pianos do run quite a bit of money, but one way to combat this purchase is to look around for a used piano. There’s a lot of these on the market, so you don’t have to consider new models first. Flea markets are usually a great place to look as many people will sell off relatives’ antiques and items they don’t have room for here. Of course, that doesn’t mean that a regularly charity shop or even a yard sale won’t have them. You may even consider looking on your local listings, but make sure to properly look over any piano you may consider. If all else fails, you may want to take to the internet, but be warned that shipping prices can be astronomical. Another option is to try a piano store. Some will sell used pianos, but the prices may be higher than you’d like.

3. Rent
There’s no rule saying you have to go out and buy a piano right away. In fact, a lot of places will actually allow you to rent one so you don’t have to worry about the commitment if you’re not sure that a piano will be a hit in your home. To do this, you may want to call around local piano stores to see if they offer rentals to customers. You may only have a select few options to choose from, but it will still give you a chance to check out a model you’re interested in to see if it’s the right fit. If not, then you can always return the model and try out something else. Be careful though, as some companies may charge high shipping prices. You may also want to check to see if the store offers a rent to own policy, just in case you fall in love with the piano you rent.

4. Consider Options
Deciding to buy a piano is only the beginning of a long process. For starters, the first thing you need to know is if you’re going to want a digital or acoustic piano. This is where a lot of people get stuck because there’s lots of great benefits for both options. Acoustic pianos don’t actually draw in power from the home, which comes in handy if you’re looking to keep the cost of energy down. Although they don’t charge on a daily basis, you will have to pay to get the acoustic piano tuned at least twice a year unless you do the tuning yourself. Digital pianos, on the other hand, don’t really need a lot of maintenance, but they do draw power which is a problem for some users. Although they can easily be unplugged when not in use, if this is an issue. Of course, this decision may be hard enough, but if you do end up choosing an acoustic model, your choices are still incredibly open. For instance, you have the options of grand pianos, baby grand pianos or upright pianos. If you’re having trouble deciding do a little research. You may also want to take to a forum to get advice as other piano owners should be able to steer you in the right direction better than a sales person could.

5. Know What You Want
After you’ve considered your options, you may want to do shopping around online to see what options you have to work with. Although it’s always nice to see the piano in person first, going online can actually help you decide what direction you’d like to go in before you go to the piano store. This is crucial, especially if you’re going to buy a brand new piano. Usually, those who go into a store and aren’t sure what they’re in the market for end up spending way too much money due to the sales person trying to get them to choose the pricier items in the store. Having a strong hold of what you want will make it much easier to say no, so you don’t go over your budget.

6. Mind the Display
Pianos can be expensive if you don’t know how to care for them. However, a lot of this can be maintained simply by paying attention to the way you display your piano. It’s hard to resist placing your piano in that perfect spot of the home where you know everyone is going to be wowed by it. All though it may be aesthetically pleasing, there’s a whole lot that could be wrong about the spot in regards to your piano. One simple pointer is to keep your piano out of direct sunlight. This is due to the fact that sunlight will fade and possibly warp the piano’s appearance, thus causing you to lose out money on your investment if you ever do decide to sell it. Another major thing to keep an eye on is humidity and temperature. Ideally, the piano would be placed in a room that has an even temperature as fluctuations can cause damage to the wood and chords. You may want to consider buying a dehumidifier for the room too, as this will help combat humidity when it is at its worst.

7. Keep it Clean
Another thing you may want to consider when it comes to your piano is how often you need to clean it. A lot of pianos need work done daily, but don’t panic, because it usually isn’t a whole lot of work! Generally, you want to keep your piano dust free, not just for appearance but because you don’t want the tiny creases of the keys to get blocked with dusty materials. You also want to make sure your keys are very clean. If you have ivory keys then this can be more of a challenge, especially since it’s a little harder to keep these from turning yellow. One of the best things you can do for your keys is to ensure your piano has a cover over them. A lot of pianos already come with this, but you may have to buy something if you choose an older model. The inside of acoustic pianos can be trouble to clean too and if you’re not certain what to do, you may have to hire a professional to do the job every few months.

8. Shop Sales
You may be surprised to know that there are sales for pianos, even though they may not be heavily advertised. Try visiting your local music store around a holiday that’s usually known for major sales; such as Labor Day, Memorial Day and Black Friday. You may be surprised as to how much you can get off the retail price of your piano this way. Of course, tax free weekends may also be a good time to get a great deal on your new piano as it will automatically prevent you from having to pay over the price tag. If you’re in the market for a digital piano then you may want to consider waiting until late August. This is when new models are being released, so you can get a better deal on something a little older and around your budget.

9. Free Sheet Music
Although the piano is definitely the most expensive item on the menu, you may run into a few problems that could make your budget go downhill after you make your initial purchase. Sheet music, for instance, can cost a small fortune in stores. There’s lot of books available, which will make learning new music a lot of fun, but when you consider the price you may only want to buy one or two pieces to save money. This can really be frustrating if you bore of the same practice songs every day, which may cause you or other family members to lose interest in the new hobby. Of course, if you want sheet music you don’t really have to look any further than the internet. There’s actually numerous websites that will allow you to download sheet music for absolutely nothing. These are usually classic songs too, which are very good for beginners and intermediate students, as well as advanced students looking for a challenge with more intricate pieces.

10. Free Lessons
Piano lessons are also a huge deal when it comes to the overall price of your new instrument. In short, you don’t have to really pay for these either. A lot of schools or clubs will offer free instructions after school to help kids benefit from the skills. However, if there’s no program like this in your area then have no fear! You can go online and find piano lessons for any skill range at no extra cost. Try to look on your favorite tutorial sites to see if you can find a set of lessons that suit your needs. You may need a different type of tutorial for everyone in the family, so you may have to do some looking around before you find the perfect match. You may even want to get together as a family to share what you learned and offer tips that you picked up while you were working on your personal lessons. This is a great way to peer-review which will bring comfort to the task and will make new players feel less vulnerable.

Having a piano is a great way to kill some time while adding a great hobby to your down time. With these simple tips you can greatly cut down on the price of your piano and everything that goes along with it. Now, you’ll be able to enjoy this amazing instrument without having to stress over the price tag!

From summer time to late autumn, the fairs are in full swing and ready to bring your family unforgettable memories! Of course, they’re also more than willing to take your money and lots of it. If you’re worried about getting your family to the fair this year then there are some things to consider before you buy your tickets and go. With a little simple planning you’ll be able to find the best discounts on your tickets and purchases before you even set foot on the fair grounds. So, stop stressing about this pricey event because with these tips you could walk out of the fair paying next to nothing for your amazing experience.

1. Buy Tickets Ahead of Time
One of the best things you can do when it comes to the fair is shop early. There’s a lot of reasons for this though. For starters, most of the time when you buy tickets before the fair you’ll get them for at least $10 cheaper. This is a great way to enjoy savings right away and it saves you time too since you won’t have to wait ages at the front gate for entrance. Also, some stores that sell tickets will actually help you cut down on the price when you purchase certain items in their store. If the items are something you need then you’ll be able to get one of the best deals. Some soda companies will also make special cans that can be turned in for a discounted price on a ticket. If you’re going to other events, such as a monster truck show or brew festival, both of which are usually attached to the fair, then you may be able to get a free ticket for the fair with your purchase. With deals like these you’ll wonder why you ever bought tickets at the gate.

2. Look for Discounts
When it comes to savings, you should actually do a little digging so you can ensure you’re going to save the maximum amount on your trip to the fair. The first thing you may want to look for is special days that will help your family save. For starters, most fairs will have a special evening dedicated to children, the elderly, military or first responders. You may want to check out which of these evenings will take off the most money, so you can maximize savings. Apart from the special night dedicated to these groups, you may also get a discount on your tickets, so make sure to ask whenever you make a purchase. Military and first responder discounts may depend on the store in which you buy them, so you might want to call around before you make your final decision. Of course, if your disabled, a member of a specific club or you intend to work at the fair, you may also find great discounts.

3. Go Early
One of the best things you can do for your family and your budget is to leave early for the fair. In the summer temperatures tend to rise pretty quickly, so if you head to the fair early enough, you can get a lot of the fun out of the way before the heat kicks in. This can be especially important at the height of summer, as if you’re out past 11 in the morning, you could end up feeling sick and tired due to heat exhaustion. Try to show up when the fair opens so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rides and outdoor games. Before the heat kicks in grab a bite to eat and then go inside. There’s usually a lot of things to see and so indoors and it will give the family a chance to wind down before heading home. Not to mention, if you show up early, you’ll usually beat the crowds which means more games, rides and activities without the huge lines.

4. Keep Hydrated
If there’s one thing you should do to make your time at the fair amazing, it’s definitely keep everyone hydrated. When it’s hot outside, you need a lot more water to keep your body going. This is especially true with the elderly and children. Without the proper amount of water, they could easily be at risk for a heat stroke. So, look ahead of time to see if you can bring your own drinks into the park. If so, carrying around a backpack of water bottles it shouldn’t be too difficult. You could also bring your own personalized reusable cups. If the cups have a filter then you can fill them up just about anywhere you go. If not, then you should be able to find a proper water fountain to suit your needs. If you have to buy drinks at the fair then consider purchasing a big cup. Usually stands will fill it up for water for free or you can pay a small refill fee. If you all share a cup, everyone should get what they need for a lot less.

5. Share Food
Although it’s a lot cheaper to pass up the food at the fair, it is often too tempting to do so. Some fair foods are one of a kind or are something you’ll only be able to buy once a year, so a lot of people are more than willing to hand over the money for these treats. Fair food is pretty pricey though, which can cause a big problem if you’re on a tight budget. The only saving grace about fair food is the fact that portions are actually really big. So, instead of wasting a small fortune on foods, try to find something the entire family is going to enjoy. Once you have your order, everyone can have a share of the dish. This won’t just cut down on money, big time, but it will also help prevent any major stomach aches while you’re outside. Considering most fair foods are fried or greasy, you’ll be glad you didn’t eat the entire corn dog or fried twinkie on your own.

6. Coupon Book
A lot of fairs will actually offer a coupon book for their customers. Sometimes these can be bought with your tickets, while other times they are offered by groups that are running fundraisers. All the same, they are generally priced fairly, so you shouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg on the book. These books come in handy in many different aspects. For starters, they will offer plenty of freebies. From refills to a game or ride, you’ll be thankful for your freebie when you’re running out of money. Sometimes, the coupon will allow you a freebie with the purchase of something, which works out great if you have children. One of the best coupons is for drinks and beverages, which are perfect when everyone begins to lose energy at the fair. You may even be lucky enough to get a major discount on tickets for some of the main events.

7. Concerts
One of the best things to do at the concert is to sit back and listen to music. Luckily, most fairs include concerts in the price of their tickets, so you can easily take this time to cool down and grab some food. Sometimes the concerts will feature local bands of famous covers bands which may strike your fancy. Larger fairs even manage to add a few big names to the ticket, but you should always try to be early for these concerts as they will fill up fast. When you settle down for the concert you may want to consider bringing a blanket. This is perfect for picnics, but it also makes a great place for little ones to lay down and nap while you enjoy the music. Of course, if they’re not of the napping age then let them use some of the goodies they got at the fair, such as a coloring books and crayon.

8. Freebies
Chances are, if you know where to look, you’re going to end up with a lot of freebies while you’re at the fair, which may make you feel a lot better about paying the admission price. Of course, you’re probably not going to get any of the freebies if you stay outdoors the entire time. Generally, outside usually has a few free shows, but apart from that the real action is either indoors or a specific section of the fair that’s dedicate to merchants. A lot of people will show up free sample of their goodies, special gifts and other items you can take home with you. The fair usually has a great petting zoo or educational areas for kids to learn more about agriculture, which is a lesson you may not be able to give them any other way. Last but not least, you’ll most likely be able to enjoy a local art show, which is a great way to get acquainted with local artists.

9. Ride/Game Pass
A lot of people go to the fair for one reason and that is, games and rides. Of course, these are some of the priciest things to do while you’re at the fair. With rides ranging over $2 a ride and games even more expensive, there’s no doubt that you could go broke at the fair if you’re not paying attention. Luckily, a lot of fairs will offer passes that can help you save a whole lot of money. You can buy these in advance or at the door, so make sure to ask whenever you get your tickets. Generally, you will get a special wrist band or card that shows just how many rides or games you can play. The fair usually offers a bulk price on these, so you won’t end up paying the same as you would per ride or game. This should help you get more fun out of your time at the fair without leaving you completely broke after trying out each ride or game.

10. Don’t Drive
If you’re local, driving your car to the fair can be one of the worst things you can do. For starters, you’re going to have to make it through traffic just to get to the fair, which is a huge tourist attraction. When you finally arrive, you’ll be asked to pay parking fees which can range from $10 and up. Even after paying for your parking spot, your journey isn’t quite over. Actually, the battle to find a parking spot has just begun, which could take a whole lot of time out of your day. Usually, the parking lots are packed, so driving around is only going to cost you more money by wasting gasoline. When you finally get a spot, you get to look forward to getting out of the parking lot and making your way through traffic, just to get back home. If you can, try to walk or ride bikes to the fair. Of course, public transit is always a great way to go that could save you a whole lot of money. Some fairs will even have shuttles, so it you’re looking to save you may want to find out where this service picks up and if it cost anything.

Hanging out at the fair is a great way to bond with family and friends. For generations, people have loved the rides, games, food and shows, so make sure you don’t miss out due to a tight budget. With any luck, you’ll be able to have a blast without having to worry about your spending.

August is here which means back to school, last minute vacations and a whole lot of other expenses that may leave you scrambling to get control of your household’s budget. Even though expenses may be high this month, there’s still a few things you can actually save money on, which may come in handy in the upcoming months. With a few savings to get you through this busy and fast paced month, you may receive a breath of fresh air for all of your hard working juggling the budget. So, take a look around your home and see if any of these items will help you save even more cash in the long run.

1. Linens
If your linen closest is looking a little bare then this is the month to stock up on items such as towels and sheets. This month is popular for back to school sales, which includes items for kids taking off for their first stay in a dorm room. You may see items like twin sized sheets on sale more than other items, but if you have children then this is a great time to stock up to ensure they have what they need to stay comfortable. This doesn’t mean that larger sheet sizes won’t also be on sale though, so make sure to look. Often, a lot of these items will make it to the clearance rack too, so don’t forget to comb over the area to see if you can find something that strikes your fancy. Of course, if you’re looking to save, don’t fall for a lot of the thread count gimmicks. Towels are another must have for this month. Generally, a good towel can cost an arm and a leg, but with the college dorm sales going on you can easily take to the sales rack and stock up your home. Of course, don’t forget to look for items like blankets and comforters too as they will also have some pretty amazing discounts.

2. Canning Supplies
Autumn is a great time for canning, so make sure you’re prepared for the abundance of delicious produce that is about to head your way. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should over look today’s produce either. Now may be the time to enjoy jamming your favorite berries and creating tasty tomato dishes. All the same, you’re going to need an abundance of canning supplies to take care of business. Now is definitely the season to buy them though. Canning isn’t as popular right now so a lot of the supplies will be on sale. You’ll definitely want to check out mason jar sets, but don’t forget other items like canning salts and a special pot. Buying these supplies on sale are a great way to start your family out on the savings, especially since the food will help you get through the winter.

3. Office Supplies
If your office is looking a bit bare then it may be time to stock up on some goodies in order to keep you running efficiently throughout the rest of the year. Since it is back to school season, you’re in luck. All of the paper, pens and minor accessories like post-its and paper clips will definitely be on sale to help you save the maximum amount of money. Of course, an office needs more than just these things to survive. Luckily, printers, ink and other major office buys will also have some major discounts that may entice you to buy. Of course, if you’re looking for these items, you may want to stop by your local office supply store. Many are actually having closing out sales, so you should be able to find what you need on clearance. This includes the desk and comfortable chair you’ve had your eyes on for some time.

4. Summer Apparel
Sure, summer is almost over, but that doesn’t mean the heat won’t be hanging around for a little while longer. Thus, when you’re shopping for school clothes, you may want to keep in mind that the summer heat is currently reaching its peak, so cooler clothes are going to be a must for a while. Of course, you can always shop ahead for next year too. Try buying a size or two bigger so that everyone will be able to have comfortable clothes the moment the heat returns. Luckily, summer clothes are already starting to hit the clearance racks, especially as back to school clothes move in. Everyone is getting ready to look their best for autumn, so the summer stock gets pushed to the side, which means even more savings for you. Try to stock up on shorts if you can because they’re always a must have for the entire family. Of course, you can also look for shorts that can double as gym clothes, especially for kids who must take in their own clothing for P.E. Also, you may want to consider swim suits and other summer must haves before the clothes leave the shelves entirely.

5. Seeds
If you’re planning a garden next season, or if you want to get a jump start on your autumn planting, then now is the time to pick up your seeds. August is actually when seeds are at their cheapest, so you should be able to find even the most expensive of seeds at an affordable price. Better yet, a lot of places will actually give away seeds, which will come in handy if you’re still on a tight budget. With the last of the summer harvests happening, seeds are readily available and often people have more than they can handle. You may want to check on local boards, like Craigslist, to see if anyone has something that you’d like. You may also look around to see if items like soil or containers for seedlings are also on sale. With any luck, you can find just what you need to make an impact on your garden as soon as the correct season rolls around.

6. Patio Furniture
The days of hanging out with friends and family on the porch aren’t over yet. Luckily, in August, you should be able to get the set you’ve had your eye on all summer. This month, patio furniture takes a huge dip in sales which is certainly going to make it even more enticing to replace your old and worn out set with a little something new. Usually, it is best to buy the set rather than individual pieces, but if it suits you to buy items separately you should still be able to get a great discount on each item you choose. Of course, it may be wise to grab some weather proofing items before you set your new furniture out as the dry season will soon be changing. Also, if you want to start next season off with a bang then you might want to consider leaving your new items boxed away and presenting them when the good weather strikes again.

7. Laptops
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Laptops are finally at a great price. Of course, with back to school sales come the great savings on laptops for all of the college newbies heading to their first year. So, now may be the time to start shopping around for the model you’ve had your eyes on. Make sure you browse through as many back to school sales as you possibly can in order to compare more prices. Also, you may want to download a shopping app which will help you figure out who has the best item. Sometimes, the app will even help you reserve the item so you won’t have to miss out on the awesome deal. If you’re coming up empty on laptop deals then don’t be afraid to hold out. This month usually brings tax free weekends, so keep an eye out for this major sales event. Also, some stores will begin Labor Day sales early, which will also offer big sales on laptops. Of course, make sure you’re getting the laptop that’s right for you in order to reap more advantages.

8. Winter Travel Deals
It doesn’t matter if you’re currently on your vacation or you just got home, right now is the perfect time to start booking your winter vacation. If you can secure time off at the office then try to get everything taken care of as soon as you can. This is especially true if you’re going to be staying at a ski lodge at some point during the season. The slopes generally open up in October, which, believe it or not, isn’t too far away! If you get a spot early in the season you may not have to worry about crowds, which will come in handy if you want to get the most out of your vacation. Of course, if a ski resort isn’t on your agenda you should still book soon. This is especially true if you intend on traveling during the holiday as some locations fill up insanely fast. Also, booking early for abroad locations is also a must so you can get all of your VISA information in. This is especially true when it comes to airfare, but always try to get a deal that allows you to change your flight without a fee.

9. Snow Equipment
You may be dreading the idea of shoveling snow already, especially after the amount the country got last year. However, if you want to keep ahead of the game and save some big money, then you might want to look into buying your snow gear in August. There’s lots of great deals on the items, especially since many companies are prepping to put out new models in the upcoming months. So, you should be able to find a lot of your must have items on clearance or sales aisles. One important item you should look for during this month is snow blowers. They’ll probably offer you the biggest savings, so don’t wait if you need one. Of course, you should also be able to find a lot of other items on sale too. Try to look for tire chains, ice scraper and items to help prevent slick surfaces on your sidewalks and driveways. Of course, if you plan on going the old fashioned way then a snow shovel is probably incredibly easy and cheap to find during this time too.

10. Summer Produce
Sadly, the summer produce is about to out of season, so now is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite items. Melons and many berries, for starters, will soon make a huge price leap which may make your budget grow too. Luckily, these items are incredibly easy to transform into other dishes so that you can make precooked meals for all of those busy school afternoons. You may also want to consider freezing a lot of the items so you can enjoy them throughout the year. You can easily place them in freezer bags, make them into pies or turn them into preserves to help stretch the summer supply further. Many of the summer fruits make great additions to holiday celebrations, so don’t forget to take that into consideration when you’re planning a budget. After all, the less you spend on your holiday meals during the holiday, the better off your budget will be.

Shopping in August is sure to leave you feeling great about everything you bought. You’ll no longer have to fear your shopping bills for this month since there’s so many amazing things to save on. With a little shopping know how, your experience may surprise you and keep your budget down in the upcoming months.

Every work day seems to start out the same way. A long and tedious commute that not only forces you to get out of bed sooner, but also robs you of your much needed free time. Of course, your entertainment time isn’t the only thing a commute can rob you of. Chances are, if you’re spending a lot of time in your vehicle during the work week, then you’re losing out on a whole lot of money too. Although it’s pretty hard to get around a commute, there’s some simple solutions that may help you save a whole lot of money simply by driving to work. Even though time can’t be saved, with a little extra money in the bank you may feel a bit better about each commute.

1. Keep Up With Maintenance
Everyone knows there’s a few things that need to be done to a vehicle in order to keep it street worthy. However, many people ignore this general knowledge or completely space it until it is too late. Believe it or not, but your routine maintenance can really change up your work commute. Making sure your tires are aired up properly is one of the best things you can do, not only for your vehicle but for your safety. When your tires aren’t aired up right you have a greater chance of dealing with a blowout when you’re on the road. It can also cause havoc on your gas mileage too, so try to do a quick sweep of the tires before you get in the car each morning. Another thing to keep track of is your oil changes. Running on bad oil is terrible for a car and could lead to greater problems down the road, which may cost a fortune to fix. There’s many other things to keep track of, but if you start out with these two you’ll notice major changes faster.

2. Use Gas Apps
There’s a pretty good chance that you have to stop to fuel up quite a bit, especially if your commute is on the long side. Instead of just pulling into any ole gas station, or your favorite brand name station, try to power up your cell to find the best gas prices around. There’s lots of apps that will actually pin point your location and tell you where to find the cheapest fuel within a certain mileage of your area. Some of the apps will even GPS route the location, so you don’t have to do anything but drive. This can really come in handy when you’re planning your route, as you can allot for time to stop or take a small detour for the fuel. Of course, make sure you do your planning before you get on the road. Playing with your phone while driving is not something you want to do, no matter the circumstance.

3. Telecommute
Recently, the telecommuting trend as come into play, which has really made a lot of employees happy. Today, more and more companies are picking up this practice in order to save money and to help their employees work more efficiently. The best way to start up telecommuting is to talk to your supervisor about it. If your company already has a program then you should be able to do this without a problem. Of course, if it isn’t something your company has tried before then you may have a bit of a wait time to see what their verdict is. If you do have this option, try to take advantage of it two or more times a week in order to cut down on the amount you have to commute. You’ll need a nice quiet place to work, but apart from that, your work day should be a little less stressful when you use this method. It’s even great for staying home with sick kids as it helps you avoid taking time off. All in all, this method is a great money saver for all parties involved.

4. Sneak in Errands
If you’re always busy, then you may want to sneak in some errands during your commute. This will not only save you a bit of time during your off period, but will also save on gas. If you have errands near your work place then you should take care any of these, within reason on your way to or from work. You may even get a few things settled during your lunch hour. This comes in handy because you don’t have to use the fuel you would normally use to complete the task during your off hours. Plus, it may give you a good reason to justify the commute when you’re feeling frustrated with the amount of money you have to spend to get to work each day.

5. Alter Driving Habits
You may not believe it, but one key factor to saving on money during your commute is to alter the way you drive. There’s lots of bad habits people pick up over time that actually cause you to use more fuel and do more damage to your car. One habit is putting the pedal to the metal. A lot of people love to speed to work and back home, so they can get their daily commute over. The only problem is, most cars don’t use fuel efficiently after they pass the 65 MPH mark. This should be the speed you try to travel on a regular basis, as it is both safe and will save you a couple of trips to the gas station. Acceleration is also a major problem for many. When people move onto the on ramp they want to go fast in order to merge. However, instead of building up to the speed, they accelerate so fast that they waste a lot of fuel. Another thing you can change about your driving habits is when you leave. Sometimes a few minutes can make a huge difference in regards to a commute. For instance, you may want to toy around with when you leave for a week or two. You may find it amusing that leaving a couple minutes earlier may get you to work a whole lot faster. Avoiding rush hour traffic by doing this can also cut down on the fuel you burn sitting around in traffic. Also, try to avoid using the air conditioner or heater when you can. You may be surprised by how much this helps.

6. Buy a Fast Trak
Most places in the country have Fast Trak passes now. Basically, this pass allows you to go in the carpool lane no matter how many people you have in the car with you. Of course, if you love to carpool then you don’t have to worry about the expense. Also, if you have a hybrid or electric car then you automatically get a pass to drive in this lane. However, for those who are simply looking to speed up commute times and save some money, the pass is well worth it. Typically the carpool lane isn’t packed, so you’ll get to drive with great traffic conditions the entire way to work. Also, a lot of carpool lanes go around detours, which could save you overall mileage. The big savings factor when it comes to the carpool lane is you’ll use less gas, overall. You’ll also end up on a road that isn’t going to do your tires in, which is an added bonus.

7. Carpool
If you live near people from work then it may be wise to get together and carpool as often as you can. It doesn’t matter how many days you do it, as even one day will cut down on expenses. If you have at least 3 other people to carpool with then there’s a good chance you’ll only end up driving to work once a week, which means huge savings on your end. Carpools are also great for getting in last minute work, or sleep, when you’re not the one driving. Of course, it could also help you bond in your work place so you don’t feel as bummed out on Monday morning when you get to work. One of the major bonuses of the carpool is you’ll get to take the carpool lane, as mentioned above. This cuts time and fuel off of each trip and will mean less worry while someone else is behind the steering wheel.

8. Take Public Transit
A lot of people stray away from public transit because they don’t really want to deal with the public first thing in the morning. Some people may feel that public transit takes too long too, which can be a problem in many areas. However, if you’re looking to cut money off of your commute then taking a bus, trail or trolley may be the way to go. Most locations will allow you to buy a transit pass, which will cut a great deal off your travel money when you commute this way. It may also give you a bit of time to relax each morning so you can enjoy a book, listen to music or catch up on some work you forgot to do the day before. If you’re not keen on riding the bus with a lot of people then you may want to see if your city offers public cycles. This new program will allow you to rent and return a bike for a great price, which is perfect for anyone whose commute isn’t too far.

9. Ask for Employee Programs
If you’re having problems keeping up with commuting prices then you may want to consider talking to your company about the issue. A lot of companies will have programs set up to lend a helping hand to employees that may need to make long distant commutes. Now, this doesn’t mean they’ll pay for your fuel every day, but often they will have a program that provides you with some relief, may it be adding a commuting grant to your pay or offering you a company gas card. Even if your company doesn’t offer financial help, they may be able to find you a ride if you’re having car troubles or help you find people you can carpool with. Some companies even have official carpool services which will allow you to head to work in a company vehicle with other employees.

10. Tax Deductions
Finding a way to rid you of some of your commuting debt may be frustrating. If you don’t have the time to look or follow up leads that may aid you, then a tax deduction might be the right thing to wait for. If you talk to your accountant, you may find that the government will refund some commute money if you qualify. Of course, this means you need to save all of your fueling receipts to prove how much you spent throughout the year. If you do receive the deduction then you can put this money towards a more eco-friendly vehicle or to help pay for gas for the following year. Of course, if you do purchase a hybrid car, electric car or motorcycle, then you may already have money coming back to you for your commuting purchase.

Traveling to and from work is pretty frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be costly either. There’s ways to work around the financial burden of commuting that can help you feel a little less burdened by the realities of getting to and from work. With these tips, you should be able to budget less of your paycheck for commuting costs and more for something you’d enjoy a bit more.