High school and college life seem to revolve around homecoming for the first few weeks of school. This game lets each school show off what they have while allowing the students to pump up their school spirit and have a great time. The only problem with the event is it can often cost an arm and a leg, if you’re not careful. The best thing about homecoming is you can do a whole lot to help cut down the price, if you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease. Between DIY projects and cutting the corners on some aspects of the occasion, your student sized budget won’t falter. With these ten tips, you’ll be able to look and feel your best while cheering on your team and having the time of your life.

1. Reuse Dress
There’s lots of school dances to attend, so you may not want to blow all of your dance budget on such a minor occasion. Homecoming is more about the team spirit aspect of the occasion than the dressing to impress aspect, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first. Instead of blowing your budget on a brand new dress, you can easily make one of your old dresses into something new. There’s lots of ways to transform last year’s prom dress, or other dress into something amazing. May it be dying it to suit your school’s colors or adding a few features to transform the dress into something extraordinary. You may even want to combine a few of your old dresses to make on spectacular new one. There’s lots of sewing tutorials online if you’re concerned about this aspect. Of course, if you’re a freshman and don’t already have a dress or if you outgrew your old ones, then you might consider checking out thrift stores to see what you can find.

2. Mums
In many states, the mum is what truly shows off your school spirit. Generally, you buy your own or your date provides you with one. Of course, if you purchase a mum in the store, you could end up spending over $100. Even some of the smaller mums ring in a bit pricey, which may be hard for some budgets to deal with. The good news, is mums really aren’t that hard to make and the supplies are fairly cheap. You can easily special order ribbon with your team’s mascot, if you so choose, or you can simply use your team’s colors. Fake mums are always pretty cheap and can even be bought in bulk if you want to share the costs with friends. You can add just about anything to your mums too! Bells, whistles, pendants, the sky is truly the limit here. The good news is, all of these items are pretty cheap and you should be able to find them at any craft store or stores that are already selling mums. If you’re not sure where to start, there’s lots of tutorials online.

3. Skip the Salon
Between facials, manicures, pedicures, makeup and hair, your salon bill for homecoming can really skyrocket in a hurry. If you’re planning on going the whole nine yards with your hair and nails, then you may want to consider doing it from home. One of the easiest ways to do this is to actually have your friends come over before the big event, so you can help one another out. If you gather up a small group then you can easily eat, do nails and hair and ensure everyone looks their best before you all head out to the game. This is a great way to expand the experience of the occasion and will allow you to have a bit more fun. There’s lots of tutorials online for hair, nails and makeup. You may even work together to create custom homecoming looks that will leave the rest of the school jealous of your styles. There’s also many tutorials online that will help you transform your style into a more professional look, so everyone will think you went to the salon.

4. Volunteer
If you’re worried about the price of tickets for the game or dance, then you may want to see if there’s any ways you can volunteer your time at the school to get free admission. Sometimes, the school will offer a signup sheet for this, so make sure to keep your eyes open. Of course, if you make an appointment to talk to the guidance counselor then you can easily explain the situation and see if there’s anything you can do to help us. Usually, the school needs students to help sell the tickets, set up for the event, and clean up after the event as well as students to bring in and set up refreshments. If you’re lucky, you can snag a job for the dance and the game so you won’t have to spend a cent on this aspect of the celebration. Although you will be partially working throughout the event, you will still be able to experience the fun.

5. Go to an After Party
Most groups, or couples, like to get together after the game to go out to eat. Although this can be a great way to end a night, you may want to consider a cheaper alternative. An after party is a great way to extend the fun of the occasion without actually spending a penny. Generally, people will start talking about after parties a few weeks before the big event, so make sure to secure your invite before homecoming rolls around. This will allow you to skip out on the fancy restaurant that you’ll probably end up going to again for prom night anyway. After parties usually have food to spare and will give you the chance to mingle with people who skipped the whole homecoming extravaganza. It is also a great way to make more memories that will stick with you for years to come. Of course, make sure the party is responsible and won’t land you in trouble.

6. Eat Before
You may not believe it, but eating before you go out will actually save you quite a bit of money. Usually, the homecoming game starts later in the evening, which gives you plenty of time to grab a bite to eat before you head to the game. If you’re full when you make it to the big event then concession stand temptations won’t win you over as easily. Usually, the concession stand tends to be overpriced, which can leave your food budget hurting after a mere snack and drink. Plus, the food isn’t exactly the best for you and many of the snacks can actually leave you feeling hungrier than when you bought the snack, which will mean spending even more money. Not to mention, most of these messy snacks can get on your clothing which means you’ll lose rental deposits or clothing you own may be ruined for the big dance. If you can manage to avoid snacking at the game, then there will be plenty of finger foods to snack on when you get to the dance, which should be absolutely free of cost.

7. Join a Group
If you’re looking for a free way to get into the game then your answer could simply be joining an activity or club that is required at the game. Obviously, football players and cheerleaders already get into the game for free, but there’s other options if this isn’t your cup of tea. Band is another major group that helps make homecoming as amazing as it is. Of course, there are other behind the scene activities that will give you easy and free access to the game. If you’re interested in medicine, then joining sports medicine will do your transcript a few favors and will allow you to spend time at the games for nothing at all. It is also mandatory for many photography or journalism students to be at the game and dance, so grab your press badge and have some fun while adding to your extracurricular list. If you’re not sure which activities will help you out, then talk to your class advisor or a guidance counselor. You may be surprised as to which clubs can ensure you a seat at the big game and maybe even the dance.

8. Buy Tickets Early
A lot of homecoming games are open to the public, which means the prices will go up when you when you buy them at the ticket booth. Usually schools will offer you plenty of time to buy your tickets at the school, so make sure to take them up on this offer. Advanced tickets are usually discounted, which means you won’t be able to beat the deal. Of course, if you somehow manage to miss the ticket sales then make sure you show up to the ticket booth before the game begins. If you use your student ID then you may still be able to buy them at a reasonable price. If you’re not a student and wish to see the game then try going to the school to see if you, too, can grab an early deal. Some schools have even begun to post tickets online, which will make early purchases even more convenient.

9. Sell Collectibles
If you can’t find a way to save money on tickets and other homecoming expenses, then one of the best things you can do is channel your crafty side. There’s a lot of awesome things you can make to help boost your school’s team spirit. Luckily, most of the crafts are cheap to make too. You can easily make t-shirts, buttons, bracelets, signs and other simple crafts to sell to earn a little extra money. If you want to go all out then you might try wooden lawn signs or necklaces. Of course, you should check with your school to make sure it is okay to sell the items on campus, if not then try to find other places to sell them. Word of mouth can be one of the best ways to get the message across. You may also post online to help boost your sales. With any luck, you’ll have enough money earned to get yourself to the game or dance.

10. Skip the Photographers
It goes without saying that there will be a photographer at the school on the big occasion. Many people feel obligated to use this service simply because it is there, which won’t do your budget any favors. It’s a rare occasion that these photos turn out how you want them to, especially when you pay in advance. Thus, it’s wiser just to skip the trend altogether. Of course, in this day and age everyone has cameras that are pretty high quality, be it on a phone or actual camera. So, there’s no reason you can’t get your amazing photos without paying a cent. Usually, families will be busy clicking away at the beginning of the night, but you can also take turns with friends to make sure you all get a few awesome photos to help cherish the moment.

Homecoming is a special time that will allow you to make memories you’ll hold on to for years to come. Even though it may cost a bit of money, you should be able to avoid many of the costs so you can enjoy the occasion without worrying about the financial aspect. You may even be able to have a bit more fun without the added stress!

With the holiday quickly coming up, you may be wondering how you’re going to fit gift shopping and travel in your budget. Luckily, there’s a few great ways for you to find the best deals on airline travel without having to step foot outside of your house. Generally, airline tickets are the most expensive aspects of your budget because traveling, especially during this time of the year, costs an arm and a leg. With these quick and simple tips, you should be able to find the best deal for your household without losing hours of sleep and free time. So, rest assured, planning your holiday season out can be fun again thanks to these amazing savings on airline tickets!

1. Know Your Fees
If you’ve ever spent hours looking for the best price and then got a nasty surprise when you hit the book button, then you’ve probably been a victim of the numerous fees that airlines put on their tickets. There’s everything from sales tax to luggage fees added on to the actual price of your ticket, which can take your amazing price right back down to a price that is going to wreak havoc on your budget. A lot of these fees can’t be worked around, such as snacks and beverage fees. Even if you plan on skipping out this part of the flight, you still have to pay for it. Of course, baggage fees can be worked around, especially if you’re a light weight traveler. If you can manage to check in with only a carry-on, then you may be able to talk someone into refunding this price for you. Also, if your plans are solid, then you may want to see if you can waive the refund fee. Some airlines don’t even include this fee, so if you’re worried about the add-ons then book with a flight that doesn’t include it or will happily waive it for you.

2. Master Your Timing
You’ve probably heard it time and again that you have to be careful when you choose to book your flight. Basically, you always want to book at least 42 days in advance, which will help secure a lower price right away. After that, you should also consider the day of the week you want to travel. For instance, those traveling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday may be privy to the most discounts. Although if you want to save more you should aim for Tuesday or Wednesday, but Saturday does have its fair share of discounts considering most weekend fliers leave Friday and return on Sunday. Another thing to consider is the hours in which you may want to travel. Red eyes are going to save you more money, but you might to play around with timing to see if you can find a more money efficient swing shift.

3. Pack Light
Your baggage can say a whole lot about how much you’re going to spend at the airport. As mentioned before, if you can manage to get away with only packing a carry-on, then you’ll probably save a lot more on your airline than you even thought possible. Of course, this always means you have to make sure your carry-on actually works as a carry on. If you pack a bag that is simply too big, then you may end up having to check it, which means more fees. There are many different packing methods that can help you fit more into your suitcase or bag, which will allow you to skip the luggage aspect of your trip. Carry-ons also mean that you’re less likely to end up with lost luggage when your flight finally lands. Of course, if you know you’re going to be packing a bag then you might want to keep in consideration the size of the bag. Make sure you know how much you can bring along without being charged additional fees. In many cases this is around 50 pounds, but don’t be fooled because the pounds add up, especially if you’re traveling with more than one pair of shoes.

4. Show Up Early
Although showing up early won’t actually save you money, it will allow you to get a bit more comfort for your money. First and foremost, it creates a more relaxed process as you go check in, make your way through security and find where you will be boarding. This is especially true if you have kids or believe you’ll need to take extra time doing each of these activities. Plus, when you check in early, you end up getting a boarding pass that will allow you to take a seat earlier than others. This is especially nice if you like to sit in certain areas of the airplane. Plus, it will also allow you plenty of time to put your carry on away and get settled in the seat before taking off too. As you easily get on board with the flight, you’ll feel like travel will be smoother for the rest of the trip, which will make the hundreds you spend on the ticket seem a bit better. Plus, if you’re in the airport and checked in, you may not get bumped as easily as others.

5. Go In-Direct
A lot of people love a flight that goes from their location to the destination of choice in one big swoop. Sure, this is totally convenient and makes the frustrations of travel diminish slightly. On the other hand, it won’t help you save any money. In fact, it may cost you a lot more than if you chose a more in-direct path. Many airlines will actually offer you the chance to choose tickets with layovers or plane swaps. Some may even switch airlines out, which could mean a lot of hassle but if the savings are worth then it may not seem so bad. Of course, this could always be a great way to hang out in areas that you normally wouldn’t get to go to. For instance, many people love vacationing in Las Vegas, which is where many layovers occur. If you get a few hours to hang out and check out the Las Vegas Strip then it might make the trip seem more worthwhile. Plus, getting off a plane for a few hours is a great way to stretch out your legs and make you feel more comfortable about travel.

6. Clear Your Cookies
If you’ve ever spent a while on the computer looking for the perfect deal and then decide to wait to book the flight, then you’ve probably also noticed that the amazing deal is gone before you get the chance to confirm. This isn’t actually the case though. The deal is most likely still there in all its glory. The true problem is your cookies aren’t allowing you to see the deal anymore. This is a trick used my airline companies as it keeps you coming back looking for deals, while paying the extra money for a price you thing is long gone. Although this may seem like a totally rotten trick, it’s an easy fix. Next time you’re browsing for deals, make sure to clear out your cookies and you should be able to find the deal you’re looking for.

7. Bring Food
Airports are filled with lots of food that smells great. The only problem is, it costs two to three times more than you would spend on the food outside of the airport. Of course, you will probably get hungry during your travels though and most airlines aren’t offering meals anymore. Thus, the only way to frugally deal with the problem is to actually pack your own food. A simple sandwich or a bag of chips shouldn’t be hard to bring along with you in a purse, tote or backpack. You won’t be able to bring beverages past security, but there are ways to frugally enjoy drinks at the airport. Simply pack some tumblers with lids or water bottles. This will allow you to share a drink with family members or fill up your cups or bottles with water from the faucet. Even though it may not feel like you’re saving much from this trick, you may find after traveling without these items that you’re tempted to make more impulse buys.

8. Use Your Points
In this day and age, credit cards are a pretty common item to have. Although this may not help your debt out, it can bring some aid to your travel plans. A lot of credit cards tend to offer you points for the amount of money you spend based on the items you buy. This is a great way to help you earn money towards future flights. In fact, using your credit card on a flight is one of the best way to maximize the amount of points you earn. Thus, when you travel, you should see if your points can pay for miles off of your tickets. If you have a frequent flyer card then this is another great way to get back money on your flight. Before you know it, you should be able to plan a trip that won’t cost you a dime when it comes to transportation.

9. Research Airlines
Most people tend to seek out airline tickets from big name companies that do a lot of advertising. Although there’s nothing wrong with this, especially if you trust a company, you may actually be losing out on money by only searching these companies’ deals. There’s actually a lot of small companies that aren’t just reliable, but can save you a whole lot of money. Of course, many are regional and not able to take you as far, but if you’re looking for shorter trips then you’re in luck. You may want to look around and see if the airline is a good match for you. Simply call up your local airport and ask for a list of companies that are available. Then, simply do a bit of research. You should also check out reviews too, as this will give you a good indication of what you’re looking at in regards to service, prices and reliability. You never know, you may find a new favorite company to fly through.

10. Use an App
You guessed it, there’s an app for anything and everything these day and airlines aren’t an exception. There’s many apps to choose from as far as this industry is concerned, which will make your shopping worlds easier. Simply download an app that looks to fit your needs and you’re off. You can find apps that provide you with the hottest deals as well as those that allow you to find discounts by simply putting in basic information about your flight. Of course, you can’t forget the apps for your actual airline, which will allow you to check in early and keep up to date information on weather and your flight’s status.

Traveling is always filled with stress and financial worry, so try to make the best of it if you can. With these simple tips, you can easily find the best deals on the market so your little adventures can be even more exciting. Plus, no one wants to have to pay a boatload in fees when there’s so much holiday shopping to do.

Welcoming a new child into your life can be exciting and stressful. Whether you have nine months to plan or you’re waiting for adoption papers to go through, the process of planning out a nursery can add a lot to the stress factor of your new addition. From cribs to toys, there’s a lot to work out before your baby enters the home. Luckily, there are a few simple ways you can create your child’s nursery without spending an arm and a leg. It may take a big of effort, but before you know it, your nursery will look like a million bucks without actually costing it. These ten tips should help you start your new adventure off on the right foot.

1. Sign Up For a Registry
If you’ve never been a parent before then you’re about to fall head over heels for the baby registry. This is especially perfect it you’re planning a baby shower as it will allow people to shop for items you actually need so you don’t end up with a lot of things that will go to waste. Basically, a baby registry is a wish list of items that you’d love to have for your baby. You can register at many different stores for free, so you won’t have to spend any unnecessary money. Some websites, like Amazon, will even allow you to combine all of your registries on one site, which will save your friends and family a whole lot of time when they’re shopping for you. When you share your registry with others, they will be able to see just what you need. If a person chooses to buy something from the list then it disappears, so you won’t have to worry about duplicates. Then, when everyone is finished shopping, you can see what you have left over so you’ll know exactly what you need. It’s a great way to start out and will help your family support your needs more efficiently.

2. Shop Second Hand
When it comes down to it, second hand buys and hand-me-downs are going to be your best friend, especially if you’re on a tight budget. If you can, ask friends and family if they have items you can buy before you go shopping, especially if you know they took great care of their items. If you’re out of luck here then you may want to start checking out your local thrift stores. There should be lots of items to choose from, but you should always inspect baby furniture very carefully, especially when it comes to a crib. Cribs should be carefully inspected for secure hardware that won’t falter when your baby is actually inside the crib. If the crib is disassembled when you look at it then ask if it can be assembled before purchase. If, for whatever reason it can’t, then walk away. Consignment shops are another great place to look if you have a more flexible budget, as you should be able to find some higher end items. Of course, yard sales are also a must, but make sure you do check out the items before you buy them. Also, make sure you clean everything thoroughly, especially toys and bedding, before you use it.

3. Keep the Future in Mind
It’s easy to fall into the mindset that your new addition is going to be small forever. However, in only a few short months, your little one is going to be moving around on their own. Moreover, in a couple short years they’re going to need their own dresser and a toddler bed. So, when you shop around for your child’s furniture you should always try to buy items that can be transformed into furniture for the future. For instance, a convertible crib is one of the best ways to go for a new addition. This actually allows you to start out with a basic crib that’s perfect for newborns. As the baby grows you can lower the mattress to prevent any late night crib escapes or the potential of your child falling out of the crib. Then, when they’re ready, the crib transforms into a toddler bed with ease and later can even be used as the frame for a child’s bed. Another idea is to use a basic dresser for your child’s changing table. You can easily buy an inexpensive changing mat for the top, which will keep baby secure. Then, as the child ages you can use the dresser for clothing and other storage.

4. DIY Accessories
A lot of people will spend a small fortune on accessories for the nursery, which isn’t really necessary. Although decorations are important to stimulate the baby’s mind, it is never necessary to go out and buy a lot of items you don’t really need. For starters, art work is simple of make at home and will make you feel like you had a bigger part in your baby’s nursery’s designs. For instance, you can easily create stenciled artwork with the baby’s name which always looks cute above their crib. Also, if you have a specific theme in your nursery then you can print out images and frame them, for instant artwork that won’t cost a bundle. Also, stamping is quite popular in nurseries today. You can quickly by a package of sponges and cut them into shapes likes ducks, rabbits or anything else that comes to mind. Then grab some paint and let the fun begin. Mobiles are another popular item for nursery’s and usually keep your baby happy during the early waking moments. There’s many tutorials on these, so you can choose exactly what your baby will see. Also, quilting is a great craft to try out while you’re waiting for your baby to arrive. You can easily make them a special quilt that they can treasure for ages, which won’t cost you a lot either.

5. Unfinished Furniture
If you’re trying to save money without sacrificing style, you’ll learn to adore unfinished furniture. Many baby stores will sell this at a lower price because, well, it’s not finished. When you buy an item like this then you’re going to end up doing a lot of work on the project to get it ready for baby. Sometimes, the wood won’t be finished, so you’ll have to seal, stain or paint the item yourself. This may be the fun part of the job though as putting the item together can be a major headache. All the same, you will have saved a whole lot of money by doing this, which will make it worthwhile. Of course, the hardest part of all may be working up the motivation to get things done before the baby arrives.

6. Use Items From Home
Before you go shopping for your nursery, you may want to take a step back and see which items you already have in your home. You may be surprised as to how many items you have that can be transformed into items for the nursery. For starters, if you have a dresser that isn’t in use then give it a new paint job, grab a changing pad and voila, you have a great new changing table that offers plenty of storage. Small shelves are also perfect for baby’s early books, toys and even diaper supplies. Simply add baskets and you’ll gain even more storage for the items. Another big ticket item is a chair for the nursery, generally people choose glider rockets to help soothe the baby, but if you’re trying to save money then simply reupholster a chair that you already have to suit the nursery.

7. Shop Frugally
It’s hard to refrain from buying pricey items when it comes to shopping for your baby’s nursery. It’s even harder if you have a theme picked out and you want to stick with it at all costs. However, there are ways to keep your shopping frugal, so you don’t have to worry about going over budget to suit your needs. Bedding can easily be bought inexpensively. Try to stick with simple colors that will match with your theme and you can begin to buy signature themed pieces, rather than having everything themed to suit your needs. Also, try to look for generic items whenever you can. Name brands can cost an arm and a leg for the simplest of things, so keep it simple and you’ll reap some major benefits.

8. Skip the Accessories
A lot of people want their nursery to be ready the moment the baby makes his or her way into the world. This isn’t really necessary though. Yes, you’ll need the crib and the changing table for the baby as they come home, but a lot of the other things aren’t exactly on the must have list. As your baby grows, you can buy these items in stages, which will help save you money at first. Also, you don’t need to buy a lot of the extras, which people will push on you. As long as you have the basic needs for your baby you’ll be fine. The other stuff can be weighed in if you see it befitting of your child, because every baby is going to be different and may require different things.

9. Subtle Decor
Sometimes, people get so excited about their new addition that they spend a small fortune on paint jobs and artwork for their baby. In the early months of your child’s life, their vision isn’t exactly going to be up to par with yours, and they probably won’t care about the art on the wall until they’re a bit older. So, try to keep things subtle if you can. You should try to avoid gender based painting as well because you never know if you’re going to be surprised when your baby finally shows up. Rather, it may be easier to keep the walls the color they are and decorate the room when your child’s interests and personality begins to shine through. Of course, you can always settle for cheaper art and homemade crafts until this day comes. Although it may be hard to wait, you’ll be glad when you won’t have to repaint the room as often!

10. Shop Around
Just as with any other shopping extravaganza, when it comes to your baby, you should always shop around. There’s a lot of stores that will present their items as good deals, but often enough the deal isn’t as hot as they make it out to be. Sometimes, the stress of shopping for your baby can get to you too, which may have you want to stop and buy something that isn’t worth the cost. Thus, it may be wise to download some shopping apps before you begin your journey. This will allow you to input the item you’re looking at to see if it is actually a good deal. Often, you may be surprised that others stores will offer it at a much lower price. You may even want to check online for larger items, because most online stores now offer free shipping on items over a certain amount of money.

Your child’s nursery will become the first space they can call their own, but this doesn’t mean you have to go overboard with spending. There’s a few simple things you can do to keep you budget flourishing while creating the perfect place for your baby to come home to.

Next week is officially the beginning of autumn, which means it’s time to start planning all of the fun you can have with your family this season. Although keeping entertained during the autumn months can be relatively tough on the budget, there’s lots of ways to work around the cool weather to have some frugal fun. Between natural wonders and inexpensive indoor activities, you’re sure to find the perfect way to keep everyone happy during this transitional season. So, get out your planning book and check out these family friendly activities that will keep the entire household as busy as a bee no matter what the weather looks like.

1. Go Harvesting
One of the best things about autumn is there are so many harvests going on. Apple orchards, pumpkin patches and vineyards are all ready for the pickings. Luckily, many farms, vineyards and orchards are willing to open up their doors to allow people to enjoy their harvest. Generally, there is an admission fee if there are activities going on, so you may want to plan around this if you’re trying to save money. However, the activities are usually on the cheap side and can provide an entire day, or weekend, of fun for the whole family. Pricing tends to be a bit different depending on the harvest too. For instance, if you’re planning on going to an orchard then you will probably get the option to pay for the items you buy based on weight. Of course, even the smaller bushel options will leave you with a lot of apples, which will cut down on your grocery bill and will allow you to make some delicious treats for the whole family. Pumpkin patches usually require you to pay by pumpkin, so if you’re looking to save money then set restrictions with the kids before they choose the biggest pumpkin they see. Of course, this will also allow you to serve some treats if you make sure to hold on to the inside of the pumpkins when you make your jack-o-lantern. Last but not least, vineyards tend to be a bit pricier and more adult friendly, due to wine tasting, but you should still be able to get the kids to pick an abundance of grapes at a great price. They may even have the opportunity to squish grapes for juice or wine.

2. Scavenger Hunt
Autumn is a great time to come up with a scavenger hunt for kids of all ages. There’s lot of leaves falling and animals scurrying about, which proves to make great tasks for kids to find and identify. If you can, create a broad list so that kids can enjoy working on their scavenger hunt throughout the season. Of course, you should also organize hikes and nature walks to help them out. When they bring home their items, such as leaves, twigs and rocks, make sure to provide them with the resources they need to identify the items. These can easily be found online and will help get your child on the right track when it comes to learning how to research. You can even save some of the items for crafting later on, which will kill two birds with one stone. If you’re not sure how to plan out your scavenger hunt there’s plenty of pre-made lists online that can be customized by your region. You can even find ideas for children that are very young. This idea is prefect for homeschoolers too!

3. Invent a Game
When it comes to bonding, nothing works quite like brainstorming. This autumn, you should gather up the family and have everyone work together to invent a family game. Everyone can pitch in ideas for rules and strategies, which will make the game feel like a tradition in the making. The game can be based around indoor or outdoor recreation, so you can work around the weather in your region. Board games are some of the more challenging games to invent, but they can still be very inexpensive. With a little poster board, index cards and buttons, you should have everything you need to craft the game. Trivia games are also lots of fun and will allow each family member to put in their expertise, so everyone can learn more about each other. Of course, keeping active is also important, so you might want to think of games that can be played indoors or outdoors that can keep the family moving. These can range from dance offs to games that use balls or nets. The object is to create a strong team, which will ensure your family will be able to stick together and have some fun.

4. DIY Costumes
Halloween is rapidly approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about this year’s costume. Sure, buying the costumes may be easier, but it certainly won’t save money. Not to mention, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of presenting your own costume that you put a lot of work into. So, next time the weather warrants a day inside, you may want to start brainstorming ideas. You can even look around the house to see if you can plan something out of the items you already have lying around the house. If not, then thrift stores and discount craft shops should help you find your way to the perfect costume. Plus, if you start your projects very early, you’ll be able to add more to the design, which may even earn your costume a few awards.

5. Go to A Festival
Autumn is the perfect time to get together with friends and family and enjoy one of the numerous festivals. From harvests and homecoming to Halloween and Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance you’ll find a festival every few weeks that you can enjoy. Many community ran festivals are low cost, which makes them a great option to enjoy yourself on the weekend. Some may even be free, especially when it comes to holiday fun. If you really want to get involved in your community then you could even volunteer to run a booth or help out with organizing the event. Generally, these festivals are filled with music and games. Of course, it is hard to forget one of the most iconic festivals of the season, Oktoberfest. Although many of these festivals aren’t family friend there are some that cater to a family environment, which would be a great way to teach the household about cultural elements while enjoying some delicious food.

6. Start a Thankful Cornucopia
Autumn definitely brings an abundance of reasons for appreciation and happiness. From the cooler weather to warm holidays shared with friends and family, this season is sure to bring a lot of reasons to be thankful to mind. Thus, you may want to work with your family to start your Thankful Cornucopia a bit early. If you’ve never made one before then you’re in for a real treat. Basically, you gather up supplies to make a special cornucopia. This can be made from paper mache, recycled material, clay, or even can be weaved. If your family is up for the task, everyone can even make their own individual cornucopias. These items make perfect decorations for the season, so you’ll even be able to save on how much you spend on seasonal décor. When the cornucopias are made to your standard, the family can place a thank you message into it whenever something pops into their head. When Thanksgiving rolls around, the cornucopia can be passed around as each person draws out a slip of paper and reads it aloud.

7. Bake
Would it truly be autumn without turning up the heat on the oven and giving in to your sweet tooth? I didn’t think so! So, why not let this autumn be the perfect time for you to teach the kids how to whip up some of their favorite treats. Of course, you should always organize the tasks based on age and maturity level, but as long as you keep a close eye on things, you can easily have everyone in the kitchen helping out with something special. If you’re feeling ambitious, you and your kids can come up with your own special recipe. This will help everyone bond together as you work to try out new flavors and combinations. You never know, you may just create the next household favorite. Of course, you can also begin plans for baking items for holiday gifts. Pies can easily be frozen, so you can bake in bulk for Thanksgiving dinner. Also, with all of the baking going on, you shouldn’t have to keep the heat in your home turned up, which will cut down on some of your heating costs.

8. Start a Book Club
Curling up with a book on a cold and blustering day is certainly rewarding, so why not share the joy with friends and family. If you’re feeling a bit bored during the season then see if anyone wants to join you for a book club. It doesn’t matter if they’re near or far because you can always use social media to organize meetings and discussions. If you’re not into organizing everything then your community should have a lot of book clubs to choose from. Of course, you don’t have to begin a book club outside of the house. Instead, you can begin one with your family. Simply have each member pick a book and gather once a month to share the story. You may even use a reward system to get the kids on board, so they will develop a taste for leisure reading.

9. Celebrate Leaves
If there’s one thing that autumn has a lot of, it’s definitely leaves. So, why not use this to your advantage. You can print out a list of leaves from your region and have everyone in the household collect one of each. The person that wins can get a special prize. Or, you can use all of the leaves in your yard to get crafty. There’s tons of things you can make with them, which will save you money and reduce the amount of raking you have to do. For starters, a reef or banner made out of leaves is always a great way to spice up your autumn décor. You may also want to spray paint your leaves golden or silver and hang them from the ceiling. If you’re looking to make gifts then consider adding leaves to a candle or pressing painted or preserved leaves between two pieces of glasses. There’s lots of crafts to try out, so browse around until something strikes your fancy!

10. Walk
When it comes to walking, there’s no better season than autumn. Sure, you may get sprinkled on every now and then, but that’s nothing rain boots and an umbrella can’t solve. Walking is one of the best ways to keep fit too, especially as the snow and icy months rapidly approach. This will allow you to get a better start to the cold and flu season as well, because walking will help boost your immune system. You only have to schedule walks for 30 minutes to an hour a day to keep up with your health, but you could also plan the walk to last a couple of hours as you try out new paths. Try taking a camera or your favorite music along to make things even more fun.

Autumn is a great time to have fun and feel amazing about your life and Mother Nature. With these simple activities, you should be able to have some fun while keeping on a tight budget. This will ensure you’re able to spend more time with your loved ones without the added financial stress!

If you’ve been paying attention to the media lately, then you probably know an all new fall line has made its way to the runaway. Thus, you may be feeling the urge to put on your shopping shoes and buy a whole new wardrobe. This can be pretty pricey, especially if there aren’t a whole lot of sales going on, but there are a few ways to ditch the high price of fashion so you can enjoy your new looks without having to deal with the credit card bills caused by them. With these simple tips, you should be well on your way to enjoying a fashion savvy season that will make you proud of your shopping abilities.

1. Try On Clothes
Clothes shopping can be a challenge for a lot of people of all shapes and sizes. Most of the time, we tend to see something on the sales rack that we think will look outstanding but it turns out to look terrible when we finally get it home and wear it out. One way to remedy this dilemma is to actually try the clothes on at the store. Take a minute and make sure it fits your body well and is actually comfortable to move in. You might want to bring a friend along for a second opinion, so you don’t feel biased about the clothes. If you can’t bring a friend along then take photos of yourself in the clothes and text them to someone you trust. After trying on the clothes, wait a few minutes to make a decision. You may be surprised that you might not want it anymore after you browse around a bit. Plus, trying on clothes will actually limit the amount of shopping you can do because it will slow you down. Thus, you’ll end up spending less even if you do buy a lot of the clothes that you try on.

2. Split Purchases
A lot of stores now offer a coupon at the bottom of their receipts, which can help you save a whole lot of money. Usually, all you have to do is simply take an online survey and you’ll get a special code that could earn you around 20% or more off of your next purchase. Thus, it may make sense to buy different items at different times. For instance, if you have an eye on some cheaper clothing then you may want to go ahead and buy it and then return later to purchase the more expensive item(s) on your list. This will give you money back that can be used elsewhere on your budget. This will also help you decide if you really want to make the larger purchase, as sometimes when we walk away from an item the need to buy it goes away.

3. Go Vintage
You may be surprised as to which styles are in this season. In fact, there’s a whole lot 60s and 70s revival looks that will make you feel the flower power attire resting in the back of your wardrobe shout with joy. Grunge is also another look making a comeback, so all of those ripped up jeans and plaid tops you’ve been holding onto are sure to come in handy. Boho chic looks are still in style too, which opens you up to a world of possibilities. So, before you head out to do a little shopping, you may want to check out the items you already have hanging around the house. You may also want to check out your local thrift stores and consignment stores to see if there’s anything there you can find at a fair price. This will cut down on a lot of the big expenditures for new clothing, so you don’t have to stress your budget out too much.

4. Follow Sales
When it comes to shopping for clothes, waiting for sales is the best way to get things done. Generally, the fashion season will start out with a few sales in order to get people into the store so they can see just what’s up for grabs during the new season. This may be a good time to get your feet wet, but try to hold off until larger sales arrive. Generally, it is too warm to wear a lot of fall fashions anyway, so you may want to wait until holiday sales arrive. Of course, you should sign up for your favorite stores newsletters and text updates so you’ll be informed of when they will be having specific sales on the items you’ve had your eyes on. Keeping an eye on their website is also important. Sometimes, the store will have online exclusives that will save you big time. Plus, if the clothes arrive and don’t strike your fancy, they can be returned directly to the store for a simple refund.

5. Window Shopping
Window shopping doesn’t have to be reserved for the days that you’re broke. Instead, you should take to window shopping whenever you feel the need to spend money. This allows you to get a general idea of the styles you’d like to wear, without forcing you to commit to anything. Once you have a few looks that you’d actually like to spend money on you, you may want to look around to see if you can find similar items at another store for a lower price. This will save a bundle and will make you look amazing. Of course, window shopping also forces you to be patient about the things you plan to buy. You can stop and try things on, think on them and later, when you have the budget, you can buy them. Of course, one thing you should always do when you go window shopping is leave the money, in cash and card form, at home. This will prevent splurges that can get you into some major trouble.

6. Know Your Colors
Keeping up with this season’s colors and the colors that will actually look good on you are an absolute must. This will not only help you prevent buying clothes that don’t look good on you, but will help you make the most of the wardrobe that you already have. This season, the fashion world is showing off jewel colors as well as black, white and pink hues. For many, this means you’ll end up buying a whole lot of colors to play with, but will slide right back into your comfort colors after only wearing many of the clothing articles once or twice. This can be a huge waste of money, so make sure you know you’re going to want to wear the color before you jump into it. Trying the clothes on and asking a trusted friend’s opinion can help if you’re feeling uncertain. You never know, you may find the perfect color for you during your seasonal shopping adventures.

7. DIY Trends
With all of the throwback looks this season, it’s going to be easy to channel your crafty side to make fashion savvy styles that everyone will be envious of. Grunge is one of the easiest and cheapest DIY styles out there. You may want to start out with a pair of skinny jeans. You can easily make holes, worn areas or even add a touch of bleach to create the beat up look that made up this era. Plaid was a huge hit during the grunge phase, so you may want to take some old plaid and transform it into something irresistible. You can start by cutting the sleeves off of a top to create a fun vest that looks perfect with band tees. You can easily make a headband out of the scrap material, as well as a simple wrist band or a tie for your boots. The 60s and 70s are also great looks to DIY, simple headbands are a perfect thing to make to complete these looks. You can even make them with natural flowers if you’re feeling those kinds of vibes. Boho looks are as easy as pie too. One cute DIY is to add sparkling beads to a skirt for a look that will thrill you!

8. Use Rewards Cards
It’s hard to go shopping without having a sales clerk or cashier ask if you’d like to apply for one of their rewards cards. Although the repetition may be a hassle, there’s a good reason why you should fill out the basic form to enjoy the benefits of the card. Most of the cards actually take a percentage of the price tag off each time you shop. It may not seem like a lot at first, but savings are savings! Of course, some of the cards do offer even more benefits. For instance, many cards will actually store points each time you shop with the store, or chain of stores. These points can add up to offer you cash back on purchases or free gifts, which are never a bad thing, right? Of course, the cards do tend to add up, so you may want to have a special wallet for these cards that can be left in the car for whenever you decide to enjoy a day of shopping.

9. Rent Clothes
You’ve probably heard about the clothes rental craze that has been going on over the past couple of years. It may seem a little weird at first and if you haven’t already tried it then it may feel like a waste of money. However, once you do give it a shot, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised. Basically, you get to go through a wide selection of clothes and choose a few outfits at a time for a certain price. These clothes can be worn as long as you like and when you’re tired of them you can send them back and choose something else. Better yet, the clothes are professionally cleaned and maintained too, so everyone you know will think you’re always buying new clothes. This comes in handy with fading fashion trends as you won’t have to buy items to upgrade your wardrobe every few months. Rather, you’ll have them mailed to you. Of course, if you tend to fluctuate in weight or you plan on losing or gaining weight over the next few months, then this program is also great. You won’t have to go out and buy all new clothes because of the changes in your body. Instead, you simply update your size!

10. Broaden Your Horizons
When it comes to shopping this season, try to think beyond the season as often as you can. Instead of worrying about buying items simply for fall, look at each piece and think about how you can incorporate into your yearly wardrobe. There’s lots of pants and tops that can do this without a problem, so it won’t be a hard task. However, if there is one look that will only work for the season, then you might want to leave it on the rack and move onto something that will save you money. Another thing you should keep in mind is to look for signature pieces. If you can find one stand out piece of clothing that can be paired with other items, then you’re looking at a great style that will work wonders for you. This will also make buying accessories and shoes a breeze.

Shopping for fall fashions can be a whole lot of fun if you’re not stressing out about your budget. With these simple tips, you should find a few ways to improve the experience while allowing you to keep your budget happy. Without the financial worry, you’ll feel a lot more confident about your fall attire.

Autumn is a season filled with excitement and activities. Between the changing of the weather and the return of school, there’s a lot of things you should probably be working on before this season actually hits. In fact, if you update your honey do list before the cool weather settles in, you could end up saving a whole lot of money in the upcoming seasons. Don’t worry though, the items on your list don’t have to be pricey or time consuming. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make this list a must before the first leaf ends up falling in your yard. You’ll be grateful that you did!

1. Touch Ups
The last weeks of summer are the perfect to break down and give your home a little TLC because it will be months before this is going to be convenient again. You might want to start with pressure washing the house. This will help get grime and potential molds off it, but it will also bring a sense of pride back into the home. Once the home is washed, you might want to determine if it needs a new coat of paint or if it looks fine as is. Of course, you should also pressure wash the deck if you have one. If you haven’t already done so, you should weather proof it too. This is fairly inexpensive and will keep your nice wood looking good and staying strong for years longer. Another must have task is to caulk around the doors and windows. Sometimes, the caulking gets old which allows cool or hot air to leak into the home, thus raising your bills. You should also check out the roof to see if you may need to re-shingle before the cold and wet months set in. Last but not least, make sure you get everything out of your gutters. You’ll probably have to do this again, but if you give them a good cleaning prior to the cold months, you shouldn’t have to do it in the cold as often.

2. Clean Up Gardening Supplies
One thing you’ll want to do before the freezes hit, is to clean up all of the gardening supplies you use in the spring and summer. You might want to start with the water hose. Simply unhook and drain the hose to prevent it from being damaged from the cold weather. Hoses are usually easy to store, so this task shouldn’t even take up 10 minutes of your time. Once you have the hose unhooked, place insulated covers over your spigots. This helps prevent problems with your pipes and external damage to your home. Of course, you should always pick up basic gardening tools out of the yard, such as rakes, hoes, shovels and so on. These can quickly be buried in the snow, which won’t just damage the tool but could do some serious bodily harm to anyone that steps or plays on the tool.

3. Maintain Fireplace
Fireplaces are pretty much incredible. They bring a nice cozy feel to any home and can even cut down on your energy bills when the cold weather kicks in. Of course, they can also be incredibly dangerous if you’re not careful. Thus, you should use the last few weeks of summer to get your fireplace checked out and ready to go. Generally, there’s a few things you can look out for when it comes to your chimney but it might be better to bring in a professional to do the job for you. It really depends on who you hire when it comes to price range, but if you talk to your insurance company you should be able to get an inspection for free or a discounted price because it is preventive care. You should also take the time to clean out your chimney, and fireplace. There’s plenty of services for this, but if you want to save on some money then it isn’t as hard as you think. There’s even special logs you can burn to clean it for you throughout the cold seasons, so you won’t even have to worry about it after the initial cleaning. Before you light the fire, you should also make sure all of your safety equipment is up to date too.

4. Schedule a Home Inspection
Getting the home inspected once a year is actually a great way to save on your home insurance as well as repairs and overall monthly bills. Sometimes, your home insurance company will actually send one out to you for free, so make sure to discuss this with the company to see if this option is available to you. If so, then you’ve already saved a whole lot of money! If not, then make sure to shop around and base your decision on reviews. The inspection will make sure your home’s insulation is up to par so your home will stay warmer and cooler, depending on your needs. The inspector should also check out your radiator, heater and other cooling and heating devices. This not only makes sure everything is going to save you money throughout the year, but it will also keep your home safer than ever. This preventive measure can even help you catch problems that may take a lot to repair if you wait too long.

5. Lawn Care
Believe it or not, but mowing your lawn is actually one of the best ways to save money. This is largely due to the fact that mold easily develops on lawns that weren’t mowed down before the cold and damp weather set in. So, if you can, get in a couple more mows before the leaves begin to fall. It’ll make your spring cleaning easier and will also make leaf clean up a lot better too. While you’re outside, you may want to go ahead and trim down the trees. Ice easily develops on branches which could cause your tree branches to break and land on your car, home, or worse yet, a passerby. So, by getting rid of them your life will be a whole lot easier. They will grow back in the spring time, so don’t worry. Plus, you can use this wood to help heat the home during the cold months. Also, you may want to work on trimming down bushes too. Animals often hide in bushes in the winter, which could be unsafe for your home and the branches can develop mode and other problems. Finally, you might want to start working on plant covers for nights that are meant to freeze. If you have plants that live all year then simply placing a coke bottle over them could keep the plant thriving.

6. Update Emergency Kit
Although most of the time we don’t want to think about the bad things that could happen, the upcoming months do pose more of a risk. Thus, it may be a good idea to go through your emergency kit to make sure you have enough food and water to last a little while. This doesn’t mean you have to go through and spend a lot of money on items like emergency food. Rather, put back some extra canned goods, especially the items that your family doesn’t often use. You may even want to buy a couple jugs of water to add to the supplies. This will greatly improve your chances of survival in an emergency without forcing you to spend a lot of money. Another thing you should do is check out your first kit to make sure the supplies aren’t outdated or damaged.

7. Arrange the Closet
One of the best ways to cut down on the money you spend during this period of time is to go through your closet. First, you should pull out all of the summer clothing that can’t be incorporated into a colder weather wardrobe. This can easily be packed away for next summer or can simply be moved to the back of the closet if you have the space. Then, take a few moments to pull out all of your autumn and winter clothing. You may want to try these items on and see if you still feel the same about them as you did last year. If they work for your wardrobe then put them back in the closet, if not then donate them or sell them. There’s no need to add to clutter by keeping clothing you don’t actually want. Once you sort out what you need, grab the sweater and jackets that need dry cleaned and rush them to your favorite cleaners. This will help cut down on the wait and possibly the price because the dry cleaner may bring up prices when the cold weather sets in and everyone is scurrying to clean their clothes.

8. Plan Activities
One of the worst things about autumn is that it does cut down on the amount of time that the kids can play outside. Thus, you’re going to need to come up with some activities to keep everyone busy so you won’t be tempted to go out and spend money to make everyone happy. There’s lots of great crafts that everyone can do using very inexpensive items. The crafts could even be a great way to get a head start on holiday gifts for friends and family. You might also look up games online to see if anything suits your needs. Of course, pulling out the collection of board games that you already own is also a great way to keep the whole family busy. You may also want to look for activities that will keep everyone physically active because our health needs don’t pause because of the weather. Dance or exercise based video games are a great way to get some workouts in, but you may also want to try a few active games.

9. Buy Weather Supplies
Preparing for sleet and snow may be a wise idea before the weather actually hits. If you hurry to the store, you should still be able to get weather based supplies at a decent price, which will already cut down on your spending. You should always shop based on your region though. If you do get a lot of ice and snow then make sure you have supplies to salt your drive and walkways. You should also have the items you need to get rid of ice off of your car. Tire straps and chains are another must, so you don’t get trapped in one area if an unexpected storm hits. Of course, you shouldn’t overlook autumn supplies. For instance, you’re going to need more heavy duty trash bags to help with the falling leaves. You may also want to consider composting leaves, if you like to garden.

10. Upgrade Decor
Now is the perfect time to pull in all of your patio furniture and summer decor and bring out your autumn inspired supplies. Simply dusting off last year’s decor is always fun and will allow you to plan out your decor options. Of course, if you’re wanting to take a more natural route then you could easily make up a scarecrow using all of the fallen leaves in your yard. Simply setting out gourds is another easy option, as is making a wreath out of twigs and pine cones. Of course, it’s not too late to get low prices on autumn and holiday decor because the season is still a month away!

Autumn is a great time to get your home ready for the cold and busy season. With these ten suggestions, you should be looking at a comfortable season that will allow you to have some fun and save some money. So, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty before autumn arrives.

Learning a language can be a great way to broaden your horizons while improving your ability to travel, earn promotions in work and improve relationships with friends and family. Of course, picking up a new language is a whole lot of work which takes time, dedication and often, money. A lot of people shy away from the prospects of picking up a new language when they see how much language programs and tutors can cost. There is a lot of ways to work around the high prices of picking up a new language though. In fact, with the internet on your side, you should be able to find several different ways to learn a new language without having to spend an arm and a leg.

1. Apps
If you have a smartphone or tablet then you’re already on your way to picking up a new language. When you browse through your app store, you should be able to find an assortment of apps that offer lessons for foreign languages. Now, the key is to find one that actually allows you to learn for free. This won’t limit your choices by too much, but when you begin your search try to stick with the free range. One popular app is DuoLingo, which offers a multitude of languages for nothing at all. This app will even help translate the internet as you play, so people from all over the world can learn and enjoy the materials online that many of us take for granted. DuoLingo isn’t the only app on the block though, you should be able to find several that offer the same principles for free. These apps are great for anyone of a reading age too because they usually use games to help you pick up the vocabulary and grammar. Plus, they allow you to learn slowly and on your own time.

2. Software
Many people believe that software has to cost a pretty penny, so they disregard it before even looking around. Sure, Rosetta Stone is a very pricey software, but if you can get it on sale then you will have one of the best programs out there. Of course, there are other programs available that aren’t Rosetta Stone. These are usually much cheaper and have some of the same principles as the pricier software. These programs don’t offer you interaction with a teacher, but they do provide you with plenty of language games, vocabulary training and grammar lessons. If you shop around then you may be able to find some of these programs for around $20, which is probably one of the cheapest ways to learn a language. You may want to wait for major sales in order to purchase though and make sure you look at reviews on the software to ensure you’re not going to buy a dud.

3. Free Online Courses
Living in the age of information pays off, especially if you plan on learning a new language. There’s a lot of online courses that you can get for absolutely free. Most of the time, you don’t even have to sign up for the course to be able to do the work. Of course, sometimes this does mean you’ll have to buy a text book that follows the course, but this will be nothing in comparison to actually paying for the same course in a college or university. A lot of these online courses come from Ivy League schools too, which means you’re going to get a high quality education from the lessons. The only problem is, you won’t have exams or other activities to reinforce how much you have learned so you may need to find another way to evaluate your progress. All the same, you can find these courses by simply using a search engine, or by programs like Khan Academy or iTunes U. The BBC website is also a great place to look for language lessons.

4. Library
Your local library is always one of the best places to start when you begin learning something new. This amazing location has plenty of information on just about anything you can think of, so don’t think twice about stopping by to ask for a little help. Sometimes, libraries will have lists of resources to help you cheaply continue your language training. They may even have a list of free courses you can take within the community. Another great thing about libraries is they often have old textbooks that can help you through your studies. If not, there’s a good chance they can order a book or ask for an exchange from another library. The key is to actually sit down and talk to a librarian about your needs and goals, so they will know just what they need to do to help you out. If anything, you can always use their computers to study the language as many will have language software available.

5. Community College
If you’re already studying for a degree then you shouldn’t hesitate to add a foreign language to your course load. Foreign languages always look good on transcripts and if you’re receiving financial aid then you won’t have to worry about registering for the course. These are usually a requirement for most colleges, but they can also fall into the elective range if you’re trying to justify taking the course. If you’re not currently in college, then community colleges are probably the most affordable option when it comes to lessons in person. Depending on the community college, you shouldn’t have to spend too much money out of pocket to pay the course. There are scholarships and grants that you could qualify for simply by starting up a language course. Even some companies will help an employee enroll in language courses because this skill will benefit the company. If you’re really interested in picking up a language faster than this is probably the best way to go about it because you will receive feedback, exams and you’ll have a variety of other people to communicate with in the language.

6. Look For Freebies
It may surprise you how many free language lessons you can find in your very own community. If you’re not sure what language you’d like to learn then this could be a great way to figure it out. One of the first places you should look is your community center. Often, they will offer free English and Spanish lessons to help the community have a better understanding for one another. This is a great way to learn, especially if you’re looking to pick up a language that will make life more convenient. Another place to check out is churches. A lot of the time, a church member will volunteer to offer courses to members so they can progress in life. You may have to wait for an opening to join the group because they may be too far ahead of you to open up to a new student. Buddhist temples are also notorious for offering language lessons because many Chinese languages are becoming extinct due to the progression of Mandarin as a main language.

7. Buy Used Textbooks
If you’re a visual learner then buying a text book may be just what you need to learn a language. Luckily, you can find a whole lot of used textbooks online for an incredibly low price. The older the textbook is, the less you should pay for it, which could mean purchasing a book for less than $10. Of course, when you’re shopping around for a language textbook, you may want to look for one that has a software disc or companion website included because this will help you out with pronunciation and other skills that may be trying without an audio guide. The best things is, there’s plenty of places to shop or rent used textbooks, so you won’t have to search for long. You may even be able to find one in a thrift shop, which will save even more money.

8. Make Foreign Friends
One of the best ways to learn a new language is to make friends that speak the language you want to learn. With the internet filled with social media pages that help you meet new people, this shouldn’t be a problem. Try browsing around clubs that support your interests and make friends that way. Usually people are more than happy to speak their native tongue with you, especially if you’re just learning the language and want to improve. Of course, the internet doesn’t have to be your only options. There’s lot of ways to meet people who speak the language in your own community. Try joining a club based around the culture or language. This should help you meet others who speak the language, so you can chat. You can also stop by a restaurant or store that is part of the culture. Usually, you can talk with the owners, employees or even other customers in the language, if you’re lucky.

9. Use the Media
There may be more learning options than you think surrounding you. Sometimes, PBS and other educational channels actually show programs that are designed to help you learn a language. These can easily be recorded or you can tune in to the program as a scheduled lesson. Podcasts are also a huge deal when learning a language. These can be found based on interests or learning level. You may even want to check out YouTube to see if there’s any vlogs that might help you learn. Apart from that, movies and TV series are a great way to learn. You may want to try with the subtitles at first, but once you begin to get the hang of things turn them off. There’s a wide variety of magazines, newspaper and novels that can also help you learn. You may have to start out with children’s books but you’ll soon see yourself advancing!

10. Language Exchange
There’s a surprising amount of language exchange programs available to you. Like meeting new people, these programs help you find a pen pal that has similar interests and language goals. When the two of you are paired up, you may have to struggle a little to get over the language barrier; however, this struggle is one of the best ways to help you pick up a new language faster. When you get together, usually via a video chat, you can ask one another questions, show each other flash cards and even introduce new concepts. Before you know it, the two of you will be chatting a mile a minute in each language. These programs are great ways to find the support you need to keep trying at a language and may even make you a new friend out of the deal. There’s lots of these programs available, so make sure you find one that you feel comfortable with and that suits your budget. Of course, if you ever feel uncomfortable with your pen pal make sure to discuss it with the exchange program or follow the proper channels to report the person.

Learning a language is already going to be stressful, so eliminating the financial stress should put you back on the right track. With these simple tips you should find everything you need to learn and enjoy the language of your choice. So, prepare to broaden your horizons while saving a whole lot of money.

September brings lots of change for the entire household. As summer begins to cool down and slowly transforms into autumn, you may find a million things you want to purchase for the household. Luckily, September is also a great time for savings. Between Labor Day and other special sales, this month is a great time to save big on some of the must-have items for the household. Although September is a little bit on the hectic side because of school and work, when you see all of the amazing things you can save money on you’ll be pleased to make the transition from summer to autumn. This is especially true when it comes to your budget. So, make sure to take a few deep breaths and enjoy some frugal shopping during this lovely transition month because it’s all going to be warp speed from here!

1. Coffee
As the weather cools down, there’s no doubt you’re going to wanting your daily cup of Joe, or two, each morning. September brings good news for coffee loves because September 29 is actually National Coffee Day. So, what does this mean for you? Well, to put it simply, it means freebies and a whole lot of them! Many cafes and chains love to participate in this holiday because it brings in lots of business. So, take a look around and see which café near you is going to be giving away free cups of coffee on this day. You may also find that some of these cafes will offer discounts on their higher priced beverages, which may make your day even better. Of course, during this time, you should see discounts on coffee in stores, so don’t forget to shop around during this date. Remember, it may be more worthwhile to buy coffee beans than ground coffee, especially if you’re looking to maximize your savings.

2. Appliances
September is definitely the month for bringing in the new and getting rid of the old. This can be really good for you though! A lot of the old appliances in numerous stores will actually take a huge price decrease. By huge, I mean you could be looking at 70% off savings, which is definitely worth a purchase. Everything from refrigerators and stoves to washers and dryers should be on sell during this month. You may want to hold out and wait for the Labor Day sales to hit though. However, if you don’t find a sale that speaks to you then simply walk away. Some items will take further drops after the big sales so that the stores can make more room for the new stock. Of course, even if you don’t find the deal of your dreams then you might want to wait to see if Black Friday offers you a better deal, but you may miss out if you don’t look around to see if the prices suit your needs now.

3. Bicycles
The beginning of school is the perfect time to upgrade everyone’s bicycles. With plenty of decent weather still available, commuting to and from school or work can be one of the best ways to get some exercise and save on money. Bicycles are almost as low as they’re going to go, with the exception of huge sales, like Labor Day blowouts, so if you need a new one now is the time to do so. Of course, you should always know what you actually need out of bicycle before you purchase one. A little research will get you well on your way though. If you’re shopping for children then try to look for adjustable bikes that can be altered to grow with your child opposed to forcing you to buy a new one every few months. Now is also the perfect time to do a little holiday shopping if you think a bike might be on the kid’s grand list. If you can find one still in the box then you’re well on your way to taking care of some of the big budget items on your holiday shopping list.

4. Lawn Supplies
Well, there’s good news about autumn and that is, you’re almost done with all of the lawn work you had to sweat over in the summer time. Of course, another tid bit of good news is the fact that all of the lawn care supplies should be going on sale in the month of September. If you’re looking to upgrade your lawnmower so you can get in one more mow before the freeze then now is the perfect time. From ride on movers to the classic pull mower, you should be able to see some amazing deals that will start you out right when spring rolls around again. You should also look around for other gardening supplies you may need in the future. For instance, weed eaters and tillers should be ready to go to the clearance aisle this month too. Gardening supplies, including seeds and bulbs, will also be on sale. So, if you plan on growing some plants inside then now is the time to stock up.

5. Sunglasses
You may see sunglasses as a summertime buy and you won’t be alone on the matter. However, the facts are, you should always have sunglasses to keep your eyes protected from the sun. Even if there’s ten inches of snow outside, sunglasses are a must when it comes to eye care. So, the good news is, you can stock up on sunglasses for fairly cheap in the month of September. Since most people are summer time sunglass users, these items aren’t nearly as in demand in the autumn and winter months. Plus, by the time summer rolls around again, there will be an all new stock available to suit your fashion needs. Don’t just stop with new sunglasses though. If you happen to need a prescription then now is the time to get a custom pair cut for you. This will minimize the amount of time you end up using eyewear without a prescription, which is much better for your eyes. Or, it can help keep your eyes healthy if you happen to run out of contacts and need to wear sunglasses. You may also want to consider checking out transition lenses to help bring even more convenience to your life.

6. iPhone/iPad
September is a big month for a lot of people. This year, Apple announced that the new iPhone 6s will be released on the 18th of this month, which means you’ll either be turning in your old phone and buying the new one or you’ll probably be upgrading your old phone to something a bit newer. All of the older iPhones will be going on sale slightly before the release of the new phone begins, which will give you a good chance to upgrade before the line wraps around the block. Of course, this is also the perfect time to stock up for the holiday season as iPhones make great holiday gifts, especially for members of the household that aren’t quite ready for the latest items on the market. This is also a great time to check out the prices of tablets. Although a new iPad release isn’t happening now, that doesn’t mean it will be excluded from the sales events that lead up to the iPhone 6S release.

7. Cars
If your car is barely trucking along or you think you may want to check out a newer model, then you’ve waited until the right month to do so. September is all about the car sales for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Labor Day is notorious for getting cars out the door at an amazing price, which is why so many people choose to shop during this time of the year. Of course, there is a bit of a hidden agenda about these sales. Sure, they are celebrating a holiday, but they’re also helping car dealerships get rid of their stock so they can welcome in the newer models that will be released later in the month. Have no fear if you miss out on the sales though, generally as the release dates get closer, dealerships will keep marking down the cars to ensure they get them off the lot. This is a great time for you to swoop in and get a worthwhile deal. You may even get a few freebies to help you out!

8. Airfare
If you’re still shopping around for holiday airfare then September is probably the best time to buy. In fact, it may be your last chance before the holiday season begins. Most airlines will have a few deals, especially around Labor Day, but once this month is over, airfare is probably going to skyrocket because of the busy season. If you can, begin looking around for flights as soon as possible and try to see if any airlines are going to post spoilers about potential sales. If you can’t find good enough fair during the Labor Day sale then you might as well begin looking for the best deal possible. Of course, your options aren’t limited to planning for winter holidays, but you may want to look for refundable or exchangeable tickets for Spring Break.

9. Pool Equipment
Pools can be pretty pricey, especially during the primary swim season. Rather than waiting until next year to stock up on supplies, now is the perfect time to do it. Most items will be going on sale, so make sure to get your fill of cleaners, filters, tools, toys and anything else that may make your pool amazing next year. Of course, you may also want to consider getting some of the high dollar equipment now. For instance, if you’ve had your eye on a pool cleaner for some time then it may be affordable now. This will also help you get your pool in order before you have to prepare to winterize it. Of course, if you don’t already have a pool, then some of the large above ground pools should be on sale at this time. In fact, if you look around long enough, you may be able to find a large pool with a deck and all of the equipment at a price that is more than fair.

10. Luggage
Another great item for your future travel plans that will be on sale in September is actually luggage. You can find amazing brands and designs during Labor Day sales which will help make your travel plans a whole lot easier. Of course, if you’re looking to save a whole lot of money then you might want to consider buying lightweight luggage. You can usually find sets of suitcases that are well made and water resistant so you won’t have to worry about spending too much on luggage fees. It doesn’t matter what size items you’re looking for either. Generally, you can find plenty of models on sale and you may even get lucky and find a luxury set. Of course, to do this you might have to look around on the internet during the holiday.

September is a great time to save money, so you can allow your household’s budget to recover from summer before you run into the fast paced holiday months. With all of these amazing items to save money on, you should be ready to take on anything the upcoming months or year have to bring your way. So, take some time to relax because September pricing and these frugal tips will make sure you don’t spend too much.