Once the Thanksgiving leftovers make it to the fridge and you manage to somehow hide all of your Black Friday shopping from the kids, it may be time to consider this season’s holiday tree. Although every family has their own special tradition for the tree, just about everyone loves to save money on the tree itself as well as decorations. Luckily, there’s many ways you can transform your tree into a beautiful and festive decoration without having to spend a small fortune on it. These ten tips will have you create the tree of your dreams, which is sure to boost the holiday spirit in your home and bring good tidings to all of your guests.

1. Go Plastic
If you’re planning on buying a holiday tree this season then you might want to stray away from the real trees, if you plan on saving some money. Plastic trees are a great option if you don’t want to have to keep sinking money into a tree year after year. Generally, plastic trees can cost a bit, if you can’t find a sale. But, there’s usually lots of sales to choose from. If you have to buy a tree prior to the holiday then you may want to shop around to find a deal on last season’s trees. Usually, these won’t vary in style much, so you should be able to find something you adore. Although it may be hard to do this in stores, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a sale online. Of course, many stores will offer great deals on plastic trees throughout the season, so shop around but don’t settle if you want to get more for your money. If you have a tree for this year, but you want a replacement then hold out. You can easily find a fantastic deal on a tree at a great price after the holiday season. You may also want to consider buying a pre-lit tree, so you won’t have to spend money on lights too. Plastic trees will last for years, so remember you’re making an investment, so you don’t have to stress about the price tag as much. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the fee to haul the tree away. Not to mention, plastic trees are better for the environment!

2. Shop Later
A lot of families simply prefer the beauty of a real tree during the holiday season and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, if you want to save money, then the key is to shop at the right time. It’s very tempting to make your way out to the tree lot as soon as it opens, but this isn’t a great idea if you want your tree to remain beautiful on Christmas Day. Depending on your climate and the type of tree you get, you could end up with a fire hazard before the holiday even arrives. The best thing you can do is try to push your shopping a little later. The selection may not be as good, but you’ll find a tree that will last a little longer. Also, when you do buy your tree, make sure to give it plant food and water to ensure it will keep up as long as possible. If you’re paying to cut your own tree down then drying out shouldn’t be a problem. Go a week or two before the holiday and your tree should look amazing for the big day.

3. DIY Tree
If you want to save even more money on a tree then don’t buy one at all. You can easily make one that suits your personality and your budget. For instance, one fun way to create an amazing tree is to use tomato cages. Simply arrange them into the shape of a classic tree and then wrap pine garland or even colorful garland around the cages. You can then decorate it to suit your family’s interests. If you have a very small amount of space or you’re just looking for a very cheap way to make a tree then create yours out of colored paper and pin it on the wall. You can do this with all sorts of paper too to ensure the tree suits your style. Some students have even made their trees out of Post-It notes. Other students and bookworms enjoy making trees out of books. It’s very easy to do and looks cute too. Of course, a natural and easy idea is to bring in a tree branch and decorate it. It’s simple and beautiful!

4. Paper Ornaments
When it comes to actually decorating the tree, one of the best and cheapest ways to have a little fun is by using paper ornaments. This is a very vague concept because it allows you to reach for the stars. For instance, you can easily print out portraits of the family and hang them on the tree using ribbons. Another crafty idea it to have the kids draw and cut out ornaments to put on the tree. This will really make the kids feel like they helped out too, which is always great. The adults in the family can write small messages about their year, good tidings and anything else that comes to mind. Of course, paper snowflakes are always a classic option that will bring fun to the entire family. You may also consider making paper chains to add to the charm.

5. Spice Up Plain Decor
Chances are you, you can find a big container of simple, colored ornaments at your favorite department store. Even dollar stores should have these items at a great price. Sure, you may want some of the bulbs on the tree to be simplistic, but you may also want to add a bit of pizzazz too. These ornaments are great to add stuff to though. For instance, you can have the kids draw on them using paint markers. Another option is to roll them in glue and then roll them in feathers or glitter. If you like a little sparkle then put rhinestones on your ornaments. Your imagination is the limit here. Also, you may want to try to find clear bulbs as these are great for customization. Simply take off the top of the bulb and slip in glitter, pictures, tinsel and anything else that comes to mind. Before you know it, your tree will look outstanding with very little money spent on it!

6. Natural Decor
Mother Nature provides us with a lot of items that can be transformed into beautiful decorations throughout the year. The holiday season is no exception and can help your family bond as you decorate the tree. One of the more common things to do for natural decor is have the family seek out pine cones. This is a great way to start up a scavenger hunt that will save you a lot while still allowing the kids to have fun. Once you have the pine cones then paint them, add glitter or whatever else comes to mind. You can even turn them into adorable little characters. There’s lots of other holiday things you can do with natural items too. For instance, you can easily string up popcorn and other food items to create natural garland. Twigs are also easy to come by any time of the year. With a little paint, glitter and imagination they can become gorgeous decorations. You can also add a natural touch to purchased ornaments. For instance, add some pine needles to a clear ornament for a look everyone will love.

7. Recycled Ornaments
In the season of giving, you can use your decorating skills to give back to Mother Nature. You may start by going through your recycling to see what you can use. Scratch paper can be shredded to create craft supplies for all of your ornaments. An old light bulb can be transformed into a penguin or reindeer with just a touch of paint. You can also make your own reindeer using the corks from the wine you had at Thanksgiving. Toilet rolls are great for making wrapped candy ornaments as well as other fun items, like a decorative birdhouse. Also, if you have bottle caps lying around the house then you’ll have a blast transforming them into snowmen, Santas and reindeers. Apart from the craft supplies you use on this project, you shouldn’t spend a penny.

8. Toys
Another great option for the holiday tree is to have kids pick out some of their toys. Then, place them on the tree for a great style that will even impress Santa Claus himself. Items like dinosaurs, Barbies and even cars can be festive and fun for the kids. It will also allow them to show their personality during the season. Of course, when it comes to placing toys on the tree, you may want to make sure they’re toys the kids rarely ever want to play with. Old toys, perhaps from their younger years, are probably going to be your best options because, like clockwork, the moment the toy is on the tree, the child will most likely want to play with it again. Also, if the child insist on putting a favorite toy on the tree then you may keep it towards the bottom, so the child can easily gain access.

9. Thrift Store
If you love vintage Christmas trees or ornaments then the thrift store is the place to go for your holiday shopping. Most stores will have an abundance of items during this time of the year, so you should have an easy time finding a wide assortment of items. Of course, you may not get items that are in the best of states, but a lot of thrift store items are perfect to refurbish or to give your own special touch. When it comes to buying Christmas trees from thrift stores, you may want to ask around to see if you can look in the box and possibly even assemble the tree before you buy it. This will help save you money as you won’t waste your time on a tree that doesn’t actually function. Generally, you should be able to see if ornaments are broken, but you might want to give them a quick glance over before you make the final purchase.

10. Clearance
Of course, if you’re looking forward to buying items for your tree or the tree itself, then the best time to save is right after the holidays. As soon as Box Day arrives, stores will be busy putting their items on clearance. This could mean drops as high as 80%. However, when it comes to these sales you have to be fast and make sure you’re at the store before everything disappears. Stores will continue to discount for days after the holiday too, so as long as you find the sales in time, you should get the best possible deal. You may also want to surf the net for great discount items throughout the off season.

Your Christmas tree doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune. With these ten tips you should be able to decorate your tree with ease without having to take away from your Christmas fund. With a few simple techniques to save you big time, you may find that the holiday tree is one of the most frugal aspects of the season.

As November slowly transforms into December, you may be trying to figure how you can give your children a great Hanukkah without spending a bundle on gifts. With the true meaning of the holiday the concentration of the celebration, it’s often hard to find gifts that will last the full length of the holiday. Frugality is a big need during the cold season, so splurging on gifts can leave you in a bind. Luckily, there’s a lot of amazing items out there that will make your kids feel amazing without totally spoiling them. So, this Hanukkah, you can make the season more about the religious aspect of the holiday and less about the gifts thanks to these big money saving ideas.

1. Coupon Book
If you’re looking to bring a smile to your kids’ faces this holiday then a coupon book will be a great option that won’t cost you a thing, at first anyway. The best thing about chore books is you can customize them to suit each child. You can decorate the coupon book to suit your child’s interests, the holiday, or to suit each specific coupon. Of course, if you want to keep things simple then you can easily just write out the coupon, which might work better for teenagers anyway. The coupons can include a wide assortment of things. For instance, for younger children it can include an extra 30 minutes of TV or videogame time. Older kids may like a day where they can skip chores or have a friend spend the night. Another great option is to offer a date with mom, dad or both parents. This will give the kids one on one time whenever they feel they need it the most. You can also make the coupons family oriented by adding in a few coupons to pick a movie out of turn on movie night or to pick the game on game night.

2. Snacks
Kids love junk food, but it’s not always great to give it to them on a regular basis. So, instead of giving in to their cravings throughout the year, you can use the junk food as a special gift. This will not only make them happy, but will teach them that splurging on food is okay on some occasions but not all of the time. So, you may want to find out what kind of snacks your kids have been craving. From sweets like candy bars to savory items like chips, you can easily find enough treats to make a pretty amazing gift basket for one of the days of Hanukkah. You may want to include beverages into the mix to cut down on sugary drinks throughout the year. Of course healthy snacks are always a great idea too. Some children may even want special homemade items, which will make the gift basket even more frugal.

3. Books
When it comes to gifts, a book can go a lot further than most things in life. Even if your child isn’t a huge fan of reading, there should be something special you can get them that will make their day extraordinary. For instance, younger children may benefit from coloring books. You can follow their interests or even buy them based on the holiday. Educational books also come in handy, particularly with kids who love to explore new subjects. If you have a tween or teen on your hands then it might be great to purchase a diary or a book you know will help them get through the trying period of their life. Of course, you may not want to rule out literature here either. There’s lots of age old tales that will help your children grow to become better people. Of course, you could also follow trends, their favorite authors or even look around for books that are age appropriate at your local book store. The best thing about books is they’re not very expensive, so you won’t go bankrupt after shopping for the entire family.

4. Hanukah Games
One of the most fun elements of the holiday, in most kids’ views, is the Hanukah games. There’s a lot of games available that can be played with the family or with friends, which make kids really love the holiday. So, when you’re looking for gifts, you may want to take this into consideration. One great idea is to provide your child with a new dreidel. There’s lots of options when it comes to dreidels, so you can always work to make the gift as age appropriate as possible. Wooden dreidels are great for older kids if you’re sure they won’t end up losing them. If you’re crafty then you may even want to consider making your own dreidel to show your child their gift was made with love. These days, there’s also many Hanukkah games on the market, such as card games or even board games which might keep kids entertained. The more you look around, the more options you’ll find.

5. Hobby Items
If you typically buy your kids toys or other items that will simply be a passing craze then it may be wise to skip out on these items this year. Instead of blowing money on something that will more than likely be forgotten in a few years, you could always purchase a gift to help your child with a hobby they’re interested in. From catching bugs to playing an instrument, there’s a lot of special gadgets that will help your kids improve on their chosen hobbies. For instance, if you have a scientist in the making then a telescope or microscope may be in order. Musician may enjoy a new set of reeds, a music book or even an upgraded instrument. Artist might enjoy new paints or some canvas to help bring their masterpiece to life. Even athletes could use new shoes or supplies to help take their game to the next level. There’s lots of hobbies you can endorse, so look around to see if there’s items that will make the fun last for years longer.

6. School Supplies
Although the kids may pretend school is out forever during their winter break, it may be wise to use the holiday to help them restock the items they’ll need for the next semester of school. Sure, the kids might roll their eyes at first, but when they get back to school and realize how much their cool new backpack helps then they’ll definitely be a bit happier about the gifts. You don’t even have to concentrate on the obvious items. Instead, you might want to think out of the box. For instance, if your child is taking math then a calculator that’s faster or easier to use might be a great investment. You may even consider a new gym bag or special towel to make gym class a lot easier and more comfortable. Of course, the basics like customized pencils or special folders may also make this gift a treasure for your student. You may even want to consider buying school clothing items, such as a new uniform or a school approved jacket that your child has had his or her eye on.

7. Clothing
Apart from school clothes, your child may have a special look they’re showing off, which will make clothes a simple gift for the holiday season. Luckily, during this time of the year, lots of clothing items are on sale. This is especially true if you manage to catch Black Friday sales. If you have teens then it may be easier just to give them a gift card to buy a little something new to support their wardrobe. Of course, shopping for larger items like jackets, tops and pants don’t have to be your only option, especially if you’re on a budget. Socks and underwear are always a good buy and will help prevent you from having to buy when it’s not as convenient. If you are willing to splurge then now may be a great time to buy your child a new pair of shoes, especially if they will help your child get through the long winter months.

8. Heirloom Piece
Hanukkah is a great time to give gifts that come straight from the heart. So, if you have a piece that’s been passed down from generation to generation, then this may be the time to share it with your child. Of course, this is based on your child’s age and maturity level, so don’t pass down something valuable to you if you feel your child isn’t ready. Depending on the child’s age, an heirloom piece may be what gives the holiday its charm. It’s a perfect way to bring the connection to the holiday, so your child always associates it with family. If you don’t have an heirloom piece to pass down, then create one. When it comes down to passing an item down, it’s truly all in the story. You can easily come up with an item that means something to you, or brought you good luck. It’s a fun way to create memories too and will help your legacy live on.

9. Toys
Sometimes it’s hard to avoid giving out toys during the holiday, especially with holiday ads playing all of the time. This doesn’t mean you should go overboard on the toy buying though. Instead, come up with one toy you know your child will go crazy over and stick with it. If you want to make a wise purchase ask yourself how long the toy will last. Sometimes, it’s simply a passing trend, while other times your child has a genuine interest in the toy they’re asking for. If you do plan on buying toys for the kids then remember to shop frugally and intelligently. Always keep an eye out for sales to ensure you find the best possible deal on the toys you plan to purchase. Although most of the best price cuts will happen after Hanukkah is over, you may still find some awesome deals that will help out your budget. Also, coupons will certainly come in handy during this time of the year, so make sure to browse around online to see if you can find something that will help you out.

10. Chocolate
Gelt is a huge part of Hannukah, but it often is only used in games. Not to mention, sometimes the gelt you buy doesn’t taste all that great. So, you may want to consider using your skills in the kitchen to whip up some homemade gelt for the kids. This is a great gift that will show them just how much you love them. You can even use the golden coin shells from the gelt you buy to make it look more authentic. Of course, gelt doesn’t have to be the only chocolate gift available. You can also make chocolate into fun Hanukkah shapes that will suit the occasion. Of course, I’m sure the children will also appreciate their very own fudge or custom made chocolates that will drive their sweet tooth crazy.

Hanukkah is meant to be a holiday shared with friends and family, but sometimes the commercial aspect gets in the way. These ten gift ideas should help you cut down on the amount you spend on gifts this year, so you can bring the holiday back to its roots without disappointing the family. Not to mention, your budget will thank you for saving so much money during the shopping season.

Before you know it, winter is going to be barreling at full force with all of its fun weather. It may be wise to start thinking of a game plan for little activities you can do with the family or on your own, in order to keep everyone entertained when outside play isn’t exactly an option. Fortunately, when it comes to winter fun, lots of places love to host activities that are sure to be a hit with your whole family. The best thing is, many of these activities are actually free or a low cost, so you won’t have to worry about cutting down your budget for holiday feasts or presents. So, get out your day planner and let the fun begin because these ten ideas are sure to leave your family thrilled about the upcoming season.

1. Visit Santa
With the holiday season on its way, there’s sure to be a whole lot of malls hosting an event with Santa Claus. This can actually be one of the easiest outings for the whole family and will generally leave the kids in the mood for the holiday spirit. Sure, seeing Santa often means standing in line for quite some time, so you may want to consider bringing a care package with holiday coloring sheets or music players filled with your child’s favorite holiday songs. You can also skip out on some of the costs of this event by bringing someone along that can snap a quick photo of your child with Santa, because sometimes the photos offered at the mall are pretty pricey. If you’re not much of a mall-Santa family then you may want to check around your area to see if there is going to be a Christmas town or village open. These are usually filled with activities for kids and will allow the children to see Santa is a less stressful environment.

2. Check Out the Holiday Lights
Without fail, just before to just after Thanksgiving, people will begin to set up their holiday lights. So, make the décor a quick way to enjoy some time with your family. All you have to do is hop in the car and let the magic begin. You may even consider bringing along holiday inspired snacks and drinks while playing your favorite holiday music. There should be a list of light competitions circulating around the city, so you’ll be able to figure out which neighbors are competing. This should allow you to check out some of the best lit houses in the region, which will bring magic to the season. Also, you may want to see if your community or a nearby town or city plans to host a light show. Generally, you can drive through these shows for free, which will help you save even more money on your holiday adventures.

3. Go to the Snow
If you’re excited to celebrate the snow this season, but simply aren’t getting to see any then it may be time to bundle up the kids and head towards the crisp powdery fun. This, of course, will take some time and planning, but it’ll be worth it when you see your kids playing in the first snow of the season. Simply keep an eye on the region where you live and head out when you get news of snow. Of course, you should also know if you have a place to stay or if you can make it a mere day trip. Also, you should make sure you know the road conditions before you make any decisions. You obviously won’t want to drive into a blizzard and end up trapped in the city. It might be wise to plan to bring along a few things to use in the snow, so you can stretch the fun out. Of course, planning your trip will be even better if you know someone in the region or if you choose a park to play in during your snow fun.

4. Grab a Ski/Snowboard Class
If you get a lot of snow in the region, then you may want to add a snow sport to your summer activity. You may want to call around and see if any of the slopes in your area offer discounted days or offer classes to groups. This can be one of the biggest ways to save, as a lot of places with heavily discount a larger group. Of course, if you really want to save money then you may want to simply check out Groupon and see if there are lessons available there. Generally, you can find a great deal here and they often have many coupons available during this season, particularly during the holidays when business slows down a bit. You may even be able to rope a deal on a hotel or resort stay, which could make your getaway even more exciting. If you aren’t having any luck with discounts, then hire a student to teach you. You may be surprised by how much money you save!

5. Spa Day
Nothing will heat you up quite like a day at the spa. Of course, this probably isn’t a getaway for the whole family, but it is great for couples or anyone that simply needs a break. Try to shop around for deals on spas or even simple coupons on a massage or other spa activity. The great thing about spas is they will also warm you up, so you can feel even more comfortable after a long day. If you’re not having luck with any deals then you may want to take a step back and see what kind of spa you can organize in your home. There’s lots of great DIY spa things you can do for next to nothing in the home that will still warm you up and make you feel totally relaxed during your simple winter getaway.

6. Seek City Activities
When it comes to winter time, no one creates fun activities quite like the cities. Between parades and holiday themed décor, there’s no doubt you’ll find a bit of winter fun when you venture into the city. Generally, cities will come up with things to do such as ice skating. This can be a lot of fun for the whole family and usually doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Another great thing that many cities offer is free to low cost concerts, which will help bring joy to an afternoon or evening. Often, you can enjoy orchestrated music simply by taking a stroll in park. Of course, one of the more iconic things to do is enjoy a carriage ride through the beautiful seasonally decorated city. Christmas tree lighting as well as major caroling groups are also a huge part of the winter season in the city, so make a plan to commute to a nearby city or see what your own has to offer. There’s guaranteed to be lots of fun throughout the blustery months.

7. Cooking Class
The winter season is all about finding ways to keep your body warm and comfortable. So, why not grab a cooking class to learn exciting new tricks that will allow you to keep your family happy throughout the cold months. Cooking class often don’t cost a whole lot, so you can master some skills while the weather keeps you indoors without having to worry about your budget getting in the way. You can also come up with your own cooking circle if you don’t want to pay for classes. This would allow each person in the group to have a turn teaching everyone else in the group how to make a specific dish. This can easily be done for free, apart from the cost of ingredients, and will help you bond with your friends without having to plan around the weather. You can also bring your new dishes to home, which will help keep the house warm thanks to the oven and will warm up the hearts of your family.

8. Library Outing
Nothing says winter fun like snuggling up with a warm beverage and your favorite book. Of course, your local library is good for more than just providing you with a good book. Usually, libraries are filled with activities to help keep the community educated and entertained. However, a lot of the activities aren’t often advertised, so you may have to do a bit of looking around in order to find what you’re look for. Also, libraries are great about starting up programs when kids are out of school. So, you may want to see what they have in store for you and your family during the winter holidays. Best of all, these events are usually totally free, which means you can have a blast without worrying about your budget.

9. Green House/Botanical Garden
Step away from the winter madness by stepping into a green house or botanical garden. The best thing about these gardens is they’ll help you forget it’s actually winter time, if only for a few hours. You can usually get into a green house for fairly cheap. Many cities will have them in order to keep up with flowers and some produce during the cold season. Some green houses will even allow you to volunteer, if you’re a big fan of gardening. This could prove to be a great lesson for the family. Of course, you can always make your own DIY green house if you want to spend more time with flowers and plants. Botanical gardens are a bit pricey, but when you step inside of one you will be thankful. The beautiful flowers will make you feel like you’re stepped into a tropical client, which will help warm you up and entice your imagination.

10. Amusement Park
During the winter months, a lot of parks are in the off-season because of the weather and less tourist activity. So, this could be a great time to spend at your favorite amusement park, especially if you’re looking to save a bit of money. With the off-season, tickets generally decrease in price, which will mean you can get the whole family in for a lot less than you’d have to pay during other times. You also won’t end up spending as much on food or other items in the park. Not to mention, the lines for rides won’t be so frustrating, so you might get more enjoyment out of it. Of course, with the cold weather you may have to skip out on some rides. All the same, if you do choose a park in areas that generally don’t see a lot of change, such as California or Florida, then you shouldn’t have to worry about this at all. All the same, there are some rides that shine during the winter months. So, make sure to shop around to see if you can afford an exciting getaway for your family while the parks are still not as populated or pricey.

This winter, you don’t have to stay cooped up while the snow and wind moves around you. Instead, you’ll be able to have the time of your life with your friends and family. Your budget won’t have to get in your way thanks to these ten exciting winter activities that are sure to make everyone in your family feel excited that winter has finally approached.

With the holidays coming up, there’s a good chance you’re probably in a panic trying to get your home to look nice for all of your guests. Of course, you could simply want to treat yourself to fresh carpets. No matter what the reason, you’ve probably discovered that having nice carpets could cost you a whole lot of money if you don’t look in the right places. Don’t worry yet though! There’s actually plenty of ways you can help your carpets look amazing while saving some major money. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a simple cleaning or you want all new carpets, these ten tips will help you find the savings you need this holiday season.

1. Vacuum Often
It doesn’t matter how dirty or clean your carpets get, one key way to keep them looking great is to vacuum often. Try to work it into your routine at least once a week, so you won’t have to deal with your carpet looking old and overly used. When you don’t vacuum often, it allows dirt to embed in the fibers of the carpet. The longer you go, the more comfortable the dirt gets, which means the dirtier your carpet is going to look even when it’s clean. This is especially bad when you have lighter colored carpets, so try to keep up with the vacuuming if you can or purchase a robot that will do all of the work for you. One of the key times to vacuum is when you’ve freshly deep cleaned the carpets or you purchase new carpets. This not only helps you get in the habit, but will also keep the fresh fibers from being plagued with dirt, dust and anything else that finds its way on your carpet.

2. Use Rugs
When it comes to keeping things clean, rugs are a great option and they don’t have to cost a whole lot of money. You can find a cheap rug at most department stores, especially if you’re only looking for a simple design or solid color. The best thing about rugs are, they can easily and cheaply be replaced in most cases. So, if they end up stained or develop a smell then you won’t have to worry about hiring professional cleaners or hiring someone to install new rugs. If you’re getting brand new carpet then you might want to consider buying a new rug to simply help out when it comes to avoiding stains, especially when it comes to the Thanksgiving crowd. Of course, if you’re looking for a cheap way to hide your carpet then a rug is also the answer.

3. Move Furniture
Believe it or not, but getting in touch with your feng shui side might help you keep your carpet looking nice and neat. Organizing furniture is a great way to help make any room look new and fresh, but it’s especially good for your carpets. After having your furniture a certain way in the home, only specific areas of the carpet are exposed to the spill ranges and other potential stains your home faces. By simply moving around the furniture, you can expose carpet that looks fresher than ever. Plus, if you’re strategic in your planning, you can easily cover up old stains that may be eyesores. Rotating furniture every few months may not only help make your home look and feel more appealing, but may also help bring convenience to your home during the passing seasons. So, you may want to check out what feng shui options you can utilize to make this option work wonders for your holiday celebrations.

4. Anti-Stain Spray
If you have kids then you’ve probably heard of the power of anti-stain sprays, such as scotch guard. This amazing spray actually helps protect all sorts of things from stains, which means your items will look good for a lot longer, even with toddlers in the home! Another great thing about scotch guard is it makes things a lot easier to clean up because the spray doesn’t allow anything to soak into the carpet. The best thing about this spray is it actually isn’t all that expensive, so you can probably get the scotch guard on your carpet before the guests arrive, despite the holiday budget. Of course, if your carpet already has lots of stains then it could lock them in and it certainly won’t hide them from your guests. However, if you’re worried about guests causing more damage than this is the route to go. Scotch guarding your carpet will probably do the best work when used on new carpet though. Don’t worry, you won’t have to hire someone to come install it either. In fact, it’s totally easy to do on your own!

5. Know Your Stains
One of the best things you can do for your carpet is understand how to remove a wide assortment of stains. If you’re already on top of what’s going on with the carpet then there’s a great chance that you can totally avoid the stain becoming a permanent part of your carpet. For instance, if you find your child’s craft time was a little too intense and they somehow managed to get glue everywhere then all you need to do is moisten cotton or fabric with a little rubbing alcohol. This will allow you to get rid of the glue without leaving a trace. If your manicure wasn’t as easy going as you expected then use nail polish remover to remove whatever polish ends up on the carpet. Also, wine can be one of the worst stains, especially around the holiday. This can easily be cured with a mixture of water and dish washing detergent. If you have kids then you will probably also want to know some of the more complex stain solutions. For instance, kool aid! This favored kid beverage is great to drink, but will destroy your carpet. Luckily, a bit of white vinegar and water will help get this stain out of your life for good.

6. DIY Deep Clean
When it comes to giving carpets a newer look, without actually replacing the carpet, one of the best things you can do is give the carpets a deep cleaning. Now, this can cost quite a bit of money if you pay someone to do it for you. Between the cost of labor, the machine and cleaning supplies, you’ll probably end up with a price tag that might mean a few less desserts and sides at the Thanksgiving table. There is one really easy solution to this problem though. Do it yourself! You can easily rent a machine from a wide variety of stores, so make sure to look around and see who has the best deal. Of course, if you think you’ll need to clean frequently then you may consider buying a machine. There’s lots of great refurbished models on the market, but you may also find a good newer model at a great price or on sale. You don’t even have to stress about the cleaning solution as there’s lots of DIY recipes online, or you can follow coupons and sales. Generally, the cleaning supplies won’t set you back too much though.

7. No Shoe Policy
With the holidays upon us, you’ll probably have a lot of feet coming in and out of your house. Not to mention, the weather isn’t exactly the nicest during this time of the year, so your guests are probably dragging in snow, mud, dead leaves and a wide assortment of other potential carpet stains. So, if you’re looking to save your carpet, or at least help keep it cleaner then you may want to institute a no shoe policy in the home. Simply set up an area for guests to store their shoes and everything should be good. Of course, you may want to put down something to help keep the mud and other potential stains off of the entry way area. A cheap shower curtain or even a trash bag could help solve the problem. To promote your no shoe state of mind you may want to add a fun touch to the concept. For instance, you can have a wacky sock competition.

8. Find a Special
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on buying new carpet or just looking for a cleaning, because finding a special on your desired service is the best way to save some money. Luckily, around this time of the year, you should run into lots of special as everyone will be looking for an added boost during the holiday season. If you call up cleaners in your area and ask about their specials, you should be able to find the perfect deal for you. You may even be able to haggle a bit or have the business compete for your business. Carpet is the same story as many stores will host sales on new carpet. You may have to pay full price for some of the other materials and labor though, so if you’re not 100% satisfied with the deal try to hold off.

9. Know When To Buy
If you plan on actually buying carpet, you should keep in mind when to buy the product. There’s lots of times in the year when carpet is pretty pricey, so you want to avoid shopping at all in these peak periods. Even if there is a sale going on, the chances are you will save next to nothing in comparison to just waiting. Luckily, the holidays are a great time to shop for carpet. Most people have their budget going towards food, gifts and other items to celebrate the holidays. Thus, a lot of carpet stores are looking for the extra business to help keep them afloat during the dry season. If you plan accordingly, you may get a pretty amazing deal that will leave you amazed. Another great time to buy carpet is around Spring Break. While most people want to escape for the week, these stores will be lacking in business. Plus, with the weather a bit nicer, it might be a great time have your home installed with new carpet, so you can start fresh after the muddy winter months. You should avoid buying during the preholiday though. For instance, October and November are not a good idea because most people are in holiday preparation mode. Summer is also a terrible idea for new carpet as is tax season when everyone has an influx of money.

10. DIY Install
Of course, if you’re planning on buying new carpet, there’s one final step you can take to help keep the costs down. That is, install the new carpet yourself. This may feel pretty intimidating, but you don’t have to worry about it because it’s really not as hard as it looks. There’s plenty of tutorials online, so you can easily figure it out without having to go to great lengths. Plus, with video tutorials all over the place, you may find installing carpet is your new favorite, albeit expensive, hobby. All in all, this DIY project will help you feel like a bigger part of your home and will give you some major bragging rights over the holidays. Plus, you won’t have to stress over your budget as much.

Keeping your carpets fresh and clean is easier said than done. If you’re not careful then, before you know it, you could pour thousands into the carpets in your home. These ten simple tricks will help you on your way to keeping your home’s carpet looking outstanding whether it’s new or old!

The holiday season is one of the most popular times to buy jewelry, which could lead you to spend a lot more money than you expected. Whether you’re shopping for engagement rings or weddings bands for the upcoming season, or you simply want to get someone special one of the trendy items marketed during this period, there are a few ways for you to cut back on the amount you spend. With a little know how, you won’t have to fret over fine jewelry shopping. Instead, you can enjoy the anticipation of seeing the perfect reaction to your shimmering gift. So, get ready to shop because the holiday sales are sure to call your name soon.

1. Hand-Me-Downs
During the holidays, many believe the season is the perfect time to pop the question with friends and family around. It’s no wonder that engagement season begins during this period thanks to the warmth of the occasion. Weddings are also big during this time of the year for those who want to avoid the popular spring time rush, while still allowing for a little winter romance. Thus, you may want to take some time to ask a relative in your family for a hand-me-down ring. A lot of families love to pass rings down from generation to generation, in order to keep tradition in the family. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a ring for your fiancée, bride or groom as many families will be more than willing to help out. Plus, it may make the love of your life feel special knowing they received a ring with a story behind it. Of course, holiday parties are also a popular time to want to spend a little extra on vintage styles so you’ll look your best. You may want to take a little time out to ask family members if you can have, buy or borrow a specific piece that’s been in your family. This will help save you some money, while allowing you to look your best.

2. Shop Second Hand
There’s no rule saying jewelry has to come from a chain store, or that it even has to be new. It doesn’t matter what your shopping for as there are a lot of cheaper options when you look at thrift stores, pawn shops, yard sales, or auctions. One of the most common places to shop for pricier pieces of jewelry is probably the pawn shop as you’re going to find a lot of higher quality pieces there due to the nature of the store. Thrift stores may have a lot of options too, but you may not be able to find higher end items. Of course, auctions are always a great place for fine jewelry, but you have to know how to play your cards right if you want to win the piece at a lower price. If you’re just shopping for jewelry to wear to a party then try to stick with yard sales or thrift stores, as you should be able to find many pieces you can dress up with a few DIY techniques. You should always be aware of what you’re buying, no matter the store though as some people or businesses may try to pass off some items as gold or gemstones when they are merely imitations.

3. Clearance
It doesn’t matter what your favorite chain store is, they probably have a clearance section that can save you some big bucks on fine jewelry. Even department stores that sell fine jewelry will have a special clearance section that could save you quite a bit. Generally, the stores don’t advertise the clearance section in store because they won’t make as much money off of the items. So, when you go in to look around you might want to ask to see if they have anything in the section for you to look at. If you don’t want to look in store then go on their website. You may be surprised by the items they have on discount as well as the amount they’ve reduced the price. Of course, some of the items may have slight defects, but if they do they’re generally nothing you will notice with the naked eye.

4. Shop Online
You may not believe it, but shopping online for jewelry, especially engagement rings, can really save you a whole lot of money. Online jewelers can reach a larger market, which means they can afford to offer you a generous price on their items. Plus, most of these online stores offer exclusive deals, flash sales and promotions that cut more off of the price tag of their items. The best thing about shopping online for jewelry is you can feel free to browse around without having someone follow you around. You can also hop on another site to compare the price. Apart from the freedom to shop with ease, online jewelers can often offer you customized options to make your purchase even more personal to you. If you’re worried about shipping, then you’ll probably be pleased to know that most companies ship for free with insurance if a customer spends more than a specified amount of money. The only thing to be leery about is websites that you’re unfamiliar with. Make sure to look for reviews on the company before you take the leap and purchase a pricey item.

5. Wholesale
When it comes to shopping, you can save money on just about anything and everything if you can only buy if from a wholesale warehouse. Luckily, there’s quite a few wholesale jewelers both on and offline, which will come in handy for your shopping adventures. Before you go out shopping, try looking up wholesale dealers in your area to see if you can find one that isn’t too far away. You may be surprised that some of your bulk stores will carry wholesale jewelry, which will mean you’ll save more than you expected. Of course, if you have no luck locally, then online has a wide variety of wholesale websites that will give you the star treatment without the price tag. Of course, you may have to tailor your ideas to suit some of the wholesale items.

6. Skip Chain Jewelers
Usually, a lot of shopper’s first instinct tells them to start their journey at a chain store, largely because the name is well known and often well-advertised. Although this is a great way to check on prices initially and to get an idea of what you’re looking for, it’s probably not a great idea to purchase from this type of store. Generally, chains tend to mark up prices, even when they say they’re hosting a sale. Your best bet is to actually check out some independent stores in the area, so you can shop at a price that won’t break your budget entirely. Independent dealers are also generally more willing to help you out when it comes to meeting your budgeting needs. Some may even allow you to make payments on your jewelry or to put it on layaway.

7. Always Compare Prices
One of the major problems with jewelry shopping is you have to be sure to compare prices as much as you possibly can. Sometimes, you may come up with the same or close to the same price at many stores, but there’s a few occasions when you may find a deal that will knock your socks off. The key is to check out as many stores as you can in your area. You should also spend some time online seeing if there is a better deal or an item at a lower price that’s similar to what you want. If you love shopping apps then you can easily come up with a variety of prices simply by typing in or scanning an item. This is a great way to speed up the process, but looking around yourself is always more reliable.

8. Know What You’re Looking For
If you already have a general idea of what you want in your fine jewelry then you’ve already done yourself a world of good This will allow you to go into a store and not be coaxed into buying something more expensive or something you’re not interested in. If you can, bring in a photo of the item you want, so the jeweler can give you an estimate or at least help you out when it comes to finding something similar. It may also be wise to know what you’re looking for in a metal or stone. For instance, the weight of the metal is important as is the 4 C’s of a stone. These will help you save money while also helping you to avoid getting ripped off.

9. Hold Out For Sales
Sometimes, the best way to save money is to actually wait it out. A lot of the time, the piece you’re looking for won’t be at a great price until a sale rolls around. Luckily, this time of the year is filled with sales, so you should be able to find a lot of items at a price that won’t hurt your budget. Generally, most stores will hold special holiday clear outs which will offer a wide range of popular items at a reduced price. Although these prices may seem temping, you might want to hold out for the after holiday sales. These are perfect if you’re looking to purchase one of the seasonal items that are popular during the year. Generally, these items will hit the clearance sales after the holidays, so patience is sure to bring savings to your bank account if you can resist the temptation.

10. Know the Details
One of the best ways to keep your savings at a maximum is to know all of the details for the item you wish to buy. For starters, ring size is a huge must. If you’re planning on buying someone a surprise then there’s lots of ways you can figure out the ring size without tipping your special someone off. For instance, you may want to take a ring from their jewelry box and bring it into a store for measurement. If you’re shopping online then there’s a few ways you can figure out your size without having to set foot in a store. Another important thing to keep into consideration is allergies. Some people have adverse reactions to certain metals, which means you may want to look for an alternative or you might want to skip out on jewelry like earrings. Style is also something to consider when you’re looking at gifting a piece of jewelry. If you’re positive you know all of these things then you should be well on your way to saving money without having to worry about refund details.

Jewelry is such a huge part of the holiday season, which is why so many people overspend on these items each season. There are many ways you can avoid the huge price tag of shopping though. With these simple tips you should be able to avoid a lot of the problems that come with jewelry shopping as well as financial issues that burden the season.

Thanksgiving is upon us, which means you probably have a whole lot of shopping on your mind. This time of the year can be pretty rough on the budget, especially if you plan on enjoying all of the sales that hit on the day after Thanksgiving and the following Monday. Of course, there are a few ways you can avoid over spending or falling for deals that simply aren’t worth the time of day. With these ten tips, you should be able to figure out where you stand on these fast-paced holiday shopping events. Now, you can kick back and relax while making your game plan, thanks to your new shopping know-how that won’t leave you hurting the day after your shopping spree.

1. Make a List
One of the wisest moves you can make during this holiday season is to make a list and, yes, check it twice. If you have to, write down all of the people you plan to shop for and specific gift ideas that you’d like to get them. You can also do this list for household items you know you need. This will help you keep your eye on the prize when you actually make it into a store. You may want to make a rule for yourself that prevents you from straying from the list too. If you can hold on to the list while shopping it may help you from straying and buying items that you know you don’t need. Impulse shopping will be a lot easier to avoid too, since you already know what you’re looking for and you’ll be less likely to walk around aisles you don’t need to shop in. The list will also help you keep track of spending and who you still need to shop for so you’ll be ready for the second big day of shopping.

2. Know Your Sales
It doesn’t matter if you plan to attack the sales on foot or with your keyboard, one of the best ways to maximize your savings is to understand all of the sales that are happening. A few weeks prior to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you may want to start snooping around for hints at sales. Usually, social media pages will have lots of clues or outright advertisements letting you know what you can save on via the store. Joining newsletters is also a great idea if you want the insider scoop for each of your favorite stores. Of course, you should also tackle sales ads and hold on to ads you like so that you can plan around them. Simply knowing what you can buy where will help you get to the sale in time to enjoy the savings. It will also allow you a quick and painless way to compare prices without having to miss out on some of the best deals of the day.

3. Budget Well
It’s incredibly important to triple check your budget before you go shopping. You don’t want to over extend yourself during this season, especially with a big holiday feast already on your weekly grocery bill. Rather, make sure your budget is a healthy range, so you don’t have stress over bills or stretching food for the next few weeks. If you’re going Black Friday shopping then you might want to consider taking cash with you, unless you have card rewards. This will stop you from overspending because you won’t have any way to pay if you go over the budget. Cyber Monday will require you to use a bit of discipline though as the only option you have for shopping is via credit or debit card. However, simply knowing your budget will make you self-consciously shop frugally and will help you keep your eye on items you actually planned on buying, rather than flash deals you never even imagined you’d purchase.

4. Know When To Buy
Knowing is half the battle when it comes to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Each day has a wide selection of deals, but specific days cater to specific items. So, by knowing what to buy when, you can actually avoid the item on the day you know isn’t going to provide you with the best deal. For starters, if you have your eye on a new TV or laptop then you have two options to consider. If you’re fond of brand name items then you may want to hold out for Cyber Monday as they offer more deals on popular brands than Black Friday. On the other hand, if brand name doesn’t mean anything to you then Black Friday has some exceptional deals on non-brand TVs and laptops. If clothes are on your agenda then Black Friday is the place to be. You can find all of the best fashions on sale and, since you’ll be shopping in stores, you will have the chance to try on the items so you won’t have to make returns. If home appliances are what you need then Cyber Monday will bring the deals to you. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for large or small appliances, shopping online will get them to you for a lot less. Of course, if toys are your big deal then the deals are pretty much so-so on both days. You may want to hold out until 2 weeks prior to Christmas when toys take a price decrease. However, if you’re worried you’ll miss out on the “it” toy then go with your gut feeling.

5. Gather Coupons
Most stores will still accept coupons on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so don’t forget them when you go shopping. When it comes to couponing during these dates, you may want to look a few weeks prior to the big event. Of course, you should always pay attention to rules, restrictions and expiration dates so you can make the task a lot easier for the poor cashier that has to check you out during such a huge rush. One of the best places to look for coupons is manufacturer’s websites as these coupons often provide you with some pretty hefty discounts that can stack with the sale. You should also look online for special discount codes that are sure to cut down your price even more. If you’re military or are eligible for other discounts call up the store to see if there’s a special code you can use to get your discount. This will help you save even more without having to go to great lengths.

6. Be Leery of Websites
One of the big problems with shopping online is there are many stores that don’t offer secure purchasing and some that are flat out looking to rip people off. So, when you’re looking for deals on Cyber Monday, try to be as cautious as possibly. Generally, if there is a deal that is too good to be true then chances are it probably is. This is especially the case if you’re looking at a site you don’t recognize or that you’ve never heard of. Before you buy from a new shop, make sure to use the internet to research it. There’s a lot of websites that will offer reviews of various online stores, so make sure to poke around a lot of these sites. Generally, if a website is a scam it will pop up in your search engine right away, as there is a strong community of shoppers that want to prevent such an action from occurring to other shoppers. There’s also a few key things you should look for when it comes to any website that will help cut down on scams or identity theft.

7. Be Early
Black Friday shopping means setting your alarm clock for an absurd hour in order to make it to the store in time for deals. Generally, you need to be a few hours early if you want to actually get to a sale in time. This is especially true if you live in a larger city as competition for your sale may be a lot more intense. Sadly, being 15 minutes early to a sale simply won’t do it, unless the item is unpopular. So, if you’re looking to save make sure you know how early you need to be. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should ignore your health. Try to get enough sleep before going shopping. You should also eat and stay well hydrated. This will help keep your head in the shopping game, while allowing you to make wiser decisions that won’t cost you an arm and a leg extra.

8. Use Your Rewards Cards
Although it’s not always the wisest to shop on credit cards, you may want to do so if you have a card that offers you a lot of rewards though. Some credit cards will even boost up the points for holiday shopping, which may make spending the extra money on the card worth every penny. Of course, not every card is made equal so make sure you know which cards offer what before you end up spending a lot of money with them. You should also use your store rewards cards. These tend to function differently too, but they will offer you a little more incentive to shop. For instance, some of these cards will take even more money off of the final price of your cart. Other cards will give you points for shopping, so you can redeem them for more money later on.

9. Seek Out Free Shipping
If Cyber Monday is where you plan on doing quite a bit of money, then you might want to look around to see which sites will be hosting free shipping offers during the big event. A lot of stores automatically give you free shipping if you spend over a select amount of money, so you might want to keep this in mind while you’re adding to your shopping cart. Of course, not all websites will extend their generosity to free shipping during the holiday sales. In this case, you might want to look around to see if you can find a free shipping code for the website, which will help your savings flourish. Some sites will offer free shipping as part of their sale, so you won’t have to waste time looking for a way to save on your items purchased on these websites. Other websites, like Amazon, offer free 2-day shipping to their subscribers, which might come in handy if you’re planning on shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

10. Shopping Apps
Some stores like to take shoppers for a ride when it comes to their sales. A lot of shoppers will take the advertised price as good during these sales, but sometimes it isn’t the case. A shopping app can not only help you compare prices in a fraction of a second, but will let you know where you can find the best item. Some of these apps will even allow you to put a hold on an item, which could help you actually get the deal you want without forcing you to run to and fro with no guarantee of a reward. Generally, these apps are free, so you may want to download a few and see which ones suit your shopping style before the big shopping days arrive.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are huge when it comes to saving money on some major sales. However, it’s also easy to get out of hand with your shopping. These simple tricks should help you avoid overdoing it while helping you get the deal of your dreams on the busiest shopping days of the year.

With the blustering winds of November here, you know that winter is just around the corner. Of course, with the change in the weather forecast higher heating prices are sure to follow, which isn’t exactly great for your budget in the already financially tight holiday season. Of course, there are ways to bring some heat to your home without ever turning the thermostat on. These simple methods to avoid the high cost of your heater are pretty easy to follow and shouldn’t cost you much, if anything. Now, you can embrace the cold weather and find that the season of snow and ice doesn’t have to mean burning money just to stay warm.

1. Run the Dryer
Doing laundry, for some families, is an everyday occurrence. Even if you don’t find yourself loading laundry every day, you can still reap some benefits from the common chore. That is, of course, the joy of the dryer. Generally, if you run the dryer it tends to heat up any room in the house, which means you have a great space to hang out when you don’t want to spend three times as much to run the heater. So, when you’re doing laundry try to move the family into the area in which the machine is going. If you live in an apartment this shouldn’t be very hard, but larger homes may pose problems especially if the laundry area is located in the garage or basement. If you plan to use your dryer to heat up the home then you may want to add a little strategy into your chore. For instance, running a load in the morning could help heat up the home as everyone gets ready to prep for the day. Also, running another load at night when the home gets very cold again will help cut down on your desire to turn up the heat. Not to mention, you can always wash sheets before bedtime, so they’re nice and warm when it’s time to sleep. Also, drying jackets, school clothes and work attire in the morning will help everyone feel cozy first thing in the morning.

2. Bake
When it comes to the cold season, nothing says home quite like a nice baked meal or homemade desserts straight from the oven. Of course, the food is a delicious way to come together as a family, but the baking is another way to add a bit of heat to the home. Try to come up with a few meals that allow you to bake for dinner and breakfast, in order to give the home a little boost in the coldest portions of the day. You may also want to consider baking your own bread during this season. It will cut down on your heating bill as well as your grocery bill, which will help you save even more. You may even get the whole family involved in the baking to help make it a family event that will ensure everyone gets to enjoy the warmth. The warm foods you put on the table will also help warm up your family, which will help them feel more comfortable as the temperature drops.

3. Bring on the Layers
As the weather gets colder, you should try to embrace your fashion sense to help cut down on the heating bill. There’s no law that says you can’t wear more than one sweater, or even a jacket in the home, especially if it helps save you money. Kids will usually quickly embrace this idea, especially if you let them choose the clothing on their own. It may even help to add some warmer items to their dress up clothes. You may also want to consider onsie pajamas for the entire family. These are designed to keep the body as warm as possible and will improve your comfort levels. Of course, you may want to keep in mind that most heat escapes from the head and feet. So, a nice pair of thick socks, slippers or a beanie can really help keep your body feeling nice and warm.

4. Add Some Curtains
This year, you may want to think about boosting your décor for the winter months. Curtains are one of your best defenses against the outdoor cold. Of course, you may want to start looking for thicker drapes if you tend to have a lot of problems with drafts during the winter months. Curtains actually help block out the wind, which will add more heat to your home without costing you anything more than the curtain’s price. Darker curtains are great for this time of the year too. Basically, they tend to soak up the heat from the sun, which can be redistributed into your home. You may want to leave the curtains open on particularly sunny days, but if it’s cold, rainy or particularly windy, simply close the curtains and let them do their job. You won’t be disappointed.

5. Light a Fire
Lighting a fire to keep warm is pretty much a tale as old as time, right? So, why not utilize this timeless tradition to cut down on the amount of money you spend on heating. Sitting around a warm fire with the family is a great way to bond and share a comforting experience with everyone. Of course, you should keep a few things in mind when you do this. First, you should shut all the doors in the home to help maximize the heat into the main room. This will also help prevent other rooms in the home from growing unbearably cold. You should also consider saving money by finding cheap or free wood online. If you surf the classifieds for your area, you should be able to find a few people who will gladly give you their wood in order to get it out of their space. You can also use wood from your own yard, especially if you’ve recently trimmed the trees in your space. Don’t forget, you have to clean your fireplace from time to time too, in order to prevent fires from occurring.

6. Exercise
Your winter body doesn’t have to make its annual appearance, especially if you’re trying to save a bit of money this season. Rather than gaining a few pounds over the winter season, you might want to use this cold period to amp up your workout routine. With the cold weather working against you, one of the best ways to actually stay warm is to move your body. Thus, exercise will help you spike your temperature for longer than you think. You don’t have to do a full on workout every time you’re feeling cold though; however, you can help combat the heat by doing a few jumping jacks, pushups or sit ups whenever you’re feeling on the cold side. Some exercises are actually designed to help you stay warm though. For instance, the breathing work yoga promotes can warm up the body and leave you feeling more comfortable than you thought possible. If you’re feeling a bit tired though, meditation is another great alternative that will help you bring up your body’s comfort level.

7. Enjoy a Warm Beverage
There’s no doubt about it, having a warm beverage can do a whole lot for your comfort level when it’s cold outside. Thus, rather than spiking the heater up to a higher temperature, you may want to consider making yourself something warm to drink. Hot chocolate, coffee and black tea are some of the more common choices, but you can also use this season to help you benefit your health. For instance, rather than drinking cup after cup of coffee which is packed with caffeine, you can keep it lighter with green tea. Green tea will actually boost your metabolism, which will help you feel even warmer. You might also want to try hot lemon water. This low calorie beverage will help rehydrate you, but it is also amazing for your digestive health. If you’re feeling a little hungry then consider having some soup or stew in a cup. The warmth of the food will warm your insides while the cup will help bring heat to your hands, which will help out even more.

8. House Inspection
If you’re worried your heat is going straight out of the home, then you may want to consider getting a home inspection before the weather starts to get really bad. Sometimes, your insurance company or power company will send someone out, but if not you might want to browse around for coupons or to see who has the best price. The inspector will go over your insulation and make sure you don’t have a problem with your heater, fireplace or drafts in the home. You can do some of this work yourself if you’re worried about the cost of such an inspection. There’s even a lot of websites that will show you how to DIY some of the fixes, so you can save even more!

9. Hot Water Bottle
Sometimes, when it comes to staying warm, an old school trick is the best way to go. In order to avoid turning up the heater before going to bed, all you need is a hot water bottle to help regulate the heat in the bed. Simply add the hot water bottle to the bottom of the bed and enjoy the extra warmth it brings to your feet. Hot water bottles are generally pretty cheap at most stores and you can even find special ones to suit your children’s needs and interests. Of course, if you want to save even more money, there’s some awesome DIY hot water bottles that will make you want to craft a few for each room. Some of these can even be made without using a bit of water, which adds to your frugal way of life. You can even knit your own hot water bottle cooshie, to help bring even more comfort to your winter nights.

10. Rotate Your Fans
One thing most people do that costs them a lot in the energy department is forgetting to switch your fans’ rotation. Generally, you keep the fan on a counter clock wise setting in the summer because it helps circulate air while also cooling it down. This isn’t something you want when it’s pretty cold out though. By switching the fan to clockwise, you’ll still be able to circulate air, but the fan won’t cool the air down. Thus, the hot air that is in the air will be moved around the home, which will mean your heater won’t have to work as hard. This is sure to keep your power bills down and will make the house feel more comfortable when it comes to the breathability of each room.

Winter time doesn’t have to mean forking over lots of money to your electric or gas company because the heater needs to be on full blast. In fact, if you’re willing to put a little extra effort into your day, you may get away with no heating or the bare minimum on most of the winter days. This will not only help you financially, but will help reduce your carbon footprint, which is always a good thing. So, grab your favorite coat and hot water bottle and enjoy your homemade warmth.

With Thanksgiving only a few short weeks away, panic mode may be setting in if you’re still trying to get a party underway. Have no fret though, there’s still plenty of time to come up with an amazing Thanksgiving party that will leave your guests feeling the warmth of the season. Of course, if money is on your mind then there’s still no need to worry because you can still pull off an amazing holiday event without having to break the budget. With a few simple tricks and a little help from friends and family, your holiday party will have everyone enjoying themselves in no time at all. So, grab your favorite recipes and start planning, because these tips are ready to help you cut the costs!

1. Handcrafted Decor
If you’re a little short on decor this year then don’t run out and buy a whole bunch of items that will cut into your budget. Instead, let your creative juices flow and make your own. There’s lots of holiday crafts out there that don’t take a lot of time to make and they look like they cost you a small fortune. You can also put the kids to work on some of the crafts, which will make your home look warmer and more family friendly. Of course, you could kill two birds with one stone by allowing your guests to help you decorate. Before everyone shows up, put up a few simple items like leaves or foods to set the mood. Then, set up a craft table with a few different projects to try out. This is perfect for keeping the kids occupied and it will help you get your place decorated and ready to go before the feast makes its way to the table. You can even host a competition for the best crafts of the day. You won’t have to go all out on the price either. After all, only two people can break the wishbone and there’s always that last piece of pie everyone has their eye on!

2. Bring on the Potluck
One of the best ways to cut down on your holiday meal is to skip making everything for yourself. If you’re feeding a lot of people then this can really add up. Not to mention, it’s pretty time consuming! Rather than biting off more than you chew before the party even begins, try to ask people to bring their signature dish. If everyone can confirm something before they come then you can work around their dishes to make sure there is enough food to fill everyone up. Of course, this will also allow you to spend a bit more on the main course. Plus, with only your few items going in the kitchen, you’ll be able to baby the main dish to make sure it will blow everyone away when they try it. Potlucks are great in the sense that everyone gets a chance to share a piece of their tradition with the rest of the group, which makes for great stories that will entertain during the feast.

3. Shop Smart
One of the best ways to save during this holiday is to use your smart shopper skills. First and foremost, you should always follow the golden rule: don’t fall for the brand names. You can usually find a generic form of your favorite dressing, canned vegetables and so on, so you don’t have to spend the extra money on items that are overpriced. You should also pay attention to canned versus frozen items. For instance, frozen vegetables may seem like a great deal when you look at the price, but they don’t work for a lot of recipes. Generally, because the food is frozen they add more water to the dish, which could ruin some foods. Canned foods are usually only a few cents more, so make sure you know what you can and can’t use in regards to your recipes. Shopping around is another must when it comes to the holidays. Many stores will have different prices, so you might end up going to a few different places to get the best deals. In order to help you save time on this task you may consider buying a shopping app that will show you where your best options are, as well as if there is any available coupons.

4. Cheap Wine
If you plan on having alcohol at the event, you may want to keep the drinks limited to wine in order to save some money. Wine is one of the best beverages to buy if you want to save money because you can purchase it in bulk. For instance, there’s a lot of boxed wine that actually tastes great. Despite the stigma surrounding it, boxed wine is perfect if you’re serving a large group and will even allow you to afford a variety of wines to please your guests. You don’t have to limit yourself to boxed wine though. If you know of a cheaper wine brand that you enjoy then that may be the best road to take. Some stores will also offer amazing bulk deals on wine during this season, which could be an advantage too. However, if you’re not sure about the wine and the store doesn’t offer samples then you may want to skip out on the bulk deals just to be safe.

5. Serve Appetizers
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the amount of dishes you make can really add up, so if you want to cut down on the dishes you serve you might want to consider appetizers as a way to satisfy your guests’ appetites. Of course, appetizers are also great if your main form of entertainment is the holiday football game. This will allow everyone to stay happy, so you can concentrate on what’s going on in the kitchen. Appetizers are also great for kids that may be picky eaters. For appetizers, you can easily stick with your favorite party ideas, such as bread and dip or a veggie platter. There are lots of great Thanksgiving inspired appetizers too. If you’re looking for a more formal way to add an appetizer to the feast then soup is another option. You can serve soup as a first course to help fill up your guests before serving the main course. Soup is fairly inexpensive and can be stretched far.

6. Holiday Specials
Entertaining your guests doesn’t have to mean pouring lots of money into this aspect of the party. In fact, there’s a lot of holiday specials that are probably a part of the Thanksgiving tradition for many of your guests. For starters, in the morning the Macy’s Day Parade will captivate audiences of all ages until lunch time, which will give you time to spend in the kitchen. Thanksgiving is also known for the amazing holiday NFL games, which features a lot of favored teams. These games tend to start early and last until the evening, so you may be able to appease most of your guests for quite some time. For the kids, there’s also cartoon specials which seem to remain popular from generation to generation. It’s hard to forget the iconic dog show too, so you might want to see if anyone is interested before you set up a schedule. Of course, there should also be things to do in your hometown. For instance, you may have a parade, which could be a great gathering space for the party to begin or end.

7. Require RSVP
One of the hardest things about Thanksgiving is actually making enough food. With people coming and going, it’s tough to figure out how much you should make. If you make too much then you’ve clearly overspent and some of the leftovers will probably go to waste. If you don’t make enough then people will go hungry and may even be angry that you didn’t make enough to satisfy them. The best way to remedy this problem is to have people RSVP to your party. This will ensure that only your serious guests are going to be accounted for, so you’ll know how much to make. Even if someone does back out of the party after RSVPing, you won’t be out too much money. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using social media, or simply having your guests call or text to let you know if they are coming.

8. Skip the Disposables
Many hosts tend to opt for the cheaper paper plate and disposable items route because they think it will add to the convenience of the party. Ideally this would be okay, but after spending the money on the items you might be wondering if it truly was a good idea. Sure, it may seem cheap at first, but once the guests begin to eat things will shortly unravel. For example, most paper plates can’t hold up to the holiday foods, which means guests will have to use more than one plate, or their food may end up on the ground or table before they even get a chance to eat. Cutlery often poses a problem as the knives can’t cut through many of the dishes. Your guests will probably go through the tiny paper napkins like they’re going out of style too. So, you may want to just pull out your dishes and deal with the painstaking task of washing them. If you’re not sure you have enough dishes or cutlery, then ask around to see if you can borrow some, or try to find a great deal at a thrift store.

9. Pull Out the Games
If you’re low on ideas for entertainment then look no further than your game closet. Most guests will be more than happy to sit down and play a board game like they did when they were kids. If you have a lot of guests then it may be easier to set up a few different games and rotate. You can also do team games, like Pictionary or charades. If you don’t have a great selection for the kids then take to the internet. You can easily work up a game of pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs without having to spend a small fortune. Another great idea is to have a checker or chess competition, to keep everyone engrossed in the game. Last but not least, cards are always a good option because you can mix up the games to span throughout the afternoon.

10. Stay Home
A lot of gatherings these days end with the group moving out to take a place in line for Black Friday shopping or Gray Thursday shopping. This can be one of the most expensive ways to end your Thanksgiving celebration. Generally, when people go out with friends they are more than likely going to spend more unless the group is there to support one another in not spending too much, which usually isn’t the case when it comes to the holiday sales. So, instead of calling it a night by prepping to shop, try to come up with a new solution for the season. For example, you could draw names for your upcoming Christmas party or you could take the time to share what you’re thankful for later in the party. There’s ample ways to entertain longer that will make your guests forget all about the crazed shopping that is happening around you.

Your Thanksgiving celebration doesn’t have to be a cause for concern this year. With a few frugal tips you should be able to find some amazing ways to keep everyone happy for a lot less than you think. Now, all you have to do is worry about the cooking because the financial burden should be put to rest.

The holiday season has finally approached us, which means the budget may need a bit of stretching if we’re going to get through November without overdoing it. From Thanksgiving feasts to Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, this month is filled with action that could leave your head spinning from all of the financial transactions. Luckily, there’s a lot you can actually save money on during this busy month too. In fact, if you play your cards right, your savings will be spent frugally so you can still celebrate your hard work and shopping skills when the month comes to an end. With these ten items on the top of your list, you’re sure to find the price tag you were hoping for whenever you get to the cash register.

1. Electronics
With Gray Thursday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, you’ll be pleased to know that electronics will be at their best price all month long. One of the best things to buy during this month is televisions. Everything from top of the line models to older editions will be on sale, but you’ll have to act fast as most of the deals are only until supplies run out. You should also check out deals on laptops too. With brand new designs coming out this year, you should be able to find an extraordinary deal on older models. Of course, phones, tablets and e-readers will also be on top of the sales list this season too, so if you’re looking for an upgrade make sure to keep up with sales so you can find the best deals. Gaming console bundles are already being released, but if you can hold out until sales day because they should take a price decrease. Of course, you may have to stand in line for a few hours to get this type of deal. Last but not least, you may want to look for items that aren’t exactly on the obvious list for electronics. For instance, SD cards, USB drives, external hard drives and so on, are usually priced well during this month.

2. Home Fragrances
The weather should be getting colder as the month progresses, which means you’ll probably have less fresh air to enjoy because the heater will mostly likely be on. Thus, home fragrances might be the best way to freshen up your home without costing a small fortune. Luckily, this month, home fragrances tend to be at their best price throughout the year. Sure, spring and summer fragrances should already be discounted or in the clearance bin, but they may have an even greater price reduction during this month. Autumn scents will also be moving out of the top seller bins as the month comes to an end, which means they will hit sale prices soon. You should also be able to find some great early release winter fragrances too, which will allow you to prep for holiday guests for less than you’d normally pay.

3. Christmas Trees
Although it may feel a bit early to think about Christmas Trees, you should start considering what you want to buy before you finish up your Thanksgiving dinner. Real Christmas Trees are actually at the best possible price right after Thanksgiving when they start making their grand appearance at grocery stores and special lots around your town or city. Although it might seem like the tree will die before the holiday season arrives, you can use special plant foods to help keep it vibrant until the big day finally arrives. You may want to know what to look for in a tree before you go shopping though. Remember, the closer to Christmas you get, the more your tree is going to cost. So, it might be wise to enjoy the nicer trees while they last because the price will be reasonable if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit a little early. Of course, artificial trees are another story. These trees will still be at a great price throughout the month of November because most people will be more preoccupied with going out to get the gifts for under the tree than the tree itself. This will also allow you to keep the tree in a box for a little while, so you can enjoy the rest of November without jumping ahead too much.

4. Wedding Dresses
Engagement season is coming up fast and wedding season follows right after, which is why November may be the perfect time to get your wedding dress. Generally, during this time of the year most bridal shops order an excessive amount of wedding dresses and other accessories to help prevent them from running out of stock during the busy season. So, if you plan your wedding right, you should be able to grab your dress now at the best possible price. It’s always a good idea to buy your dress several months ahead of time anyway, so you can make sure the alterations are absolutely perfect. Since it is the off-season for dresses, you should also have an easy time finding more styles. Plus, bridal boutiques will be less crowded so you can enjoy more space to check out new dresses as well as the full attention of the seamstress who won’t feel burned out due to the lack of business in the off-season.

5. Kitchen Essentials
November is a great month to buy anything and everything you might need for the kitchen. First and foremost, this month should automatically see price cuts on items like pots and pans or bakeware. Due to the weather being a bit colder, more people want to spend time indoors baking, which means these items will fly off the shelves if they’re a good price. So, if your kitchen is lacking anything, you should shop around now to see if the price suits your needs. This also makes it a great time to shop for friends or family that may be getting married. Their wedding registry should serve as a great guide, but if you know them on a closer level then you should be able to find something that suits their needs perfectly at a price that makes your budget happy. You don’t have to shop now though. If you keep an eye on prices they should remain the same after Black Friday. Thus if you want to wait until Gray Thursday, Black Friday or Cyber Monday then you may find even greater deals. If not, then the good price will remain the same when the shopping days are over.

6. Tools
With the cold winter moving in fast, you may be grateful for all of the tool discounts this month. This is a great time to stock up on items you’ll need to winterize your home or patch a roof that is leaking. You should check out lawn tools too, as it may be a great idea to trim your trees before the big freeze hits. You should also check out snow gear, so you can shovel snow and keep your home slip free while the weather creates potential danger after potential danger. Of course, this time is also perfect for when you want to check out some early holiday shopping deals. The tool lover in your family will be simple and cheap to buy for if you can get your purchases in this month. However, you may want to hold out until Black Friday to make larger purchases, as most stores will be able to offer huge discounts on some of the most popular items.

7. Toys
There’s no doubt, if you have kids then you may want to get your toy shopping in during the month of November. If you’re looking for one of this year’s “it” gifts then you may want to consider shopping as early as possible because they tend to fly off the shelves because it takes a while for most stores to replenish stock. Luckily, most toys will take a price reduction in the month of November, which will ensure you can get your toy shopping done under budget, in most cases. This is the perfect time to shop for smaller scale toys as they will be at the lowest possible price. Stocking stuffer items should be at a fabulous price too, so make sure you have everything you need before things go up in price in December. All the same, you might want to hold off on bigger ticket items if you’re willing to risk your chance of getting them. Generally, these “it” toys will be a great deal around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

8. RVs
Dream of taking to the wide open road with someone special? Well, November is the month to plan on buying an RV. Generally, this period of time is the off season for RVs because most people like to road trip during the summer months when road conditions are ideal. So, make sure to check out the deals to see if something strikes your fancy. You should be able to talk the salesperson down on the price too, especially if they’re desperate for a commission sale during the dry season. Although it may not seem ideal, you could still use your RV to travel during the holiday season to save a bit of money. Most RVs have a great heating system, so you will remain comfortable while traveling to see your loved ones. The purchase alone, could come in handy for mini-road trips or weekend getaways too, which will save on your vacation budget.

9. Blue Rays
If your movie collection is missing a few of your favorites, then you might want to use this month to help replenish your collection. It’s also a great time to think about shopping for movies for the holiday season as they tend to make great gifts. November sees a slight decrease in the price of most Blue Rays, including newer films. You may find that the older movies are where you will find the most savings though, but this could come in handy if you’re trying to upgrade your collection from basic DVDs to Blue Rays. Generally, older movies will range from $3 to $10, which will allow you to buy more than you ever expected. Of course, during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you should be able to find some pretty awesome deals on TV series or special edition movie collections.

10. Food
With Thanksgiving coming up this month, you may be happy to find out that some foods are a great thing to buy during this month. In fact, turkey, which is generally the main course, is best bought in the month of November. You might want to buy as quickly as you can though because as the holiday approaches prices will also boost. If you plan to repeat the dish for Christmas then make sure to buy two turkeys now. Seasonal produce is also in abundance this month. Food like kale, winter squash, apples, beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and pumpkin will all be cheap. Of course the month also sees some other tasty holidays. For instance, Deviled Egg Day is the 2nd, Bittersweet chocolate and almond day is the 7th, and Parfait Day is the 25th. Last but not least, sandwich day is the 3rd, so look around to see if you can find freebies or discounted sandwiches in your area.

November may be known as a month for spending and overindulgence, but there are also lots of ways to save money during this amazing month of abundance. With these ten shopping ideas, you should be able to find more joy and financial comfort during this chilly month. Now, you won’t have to feel as stressed when you plan out your holiday festivities and shopping sprees.