Gender reveal parties are one of the hippest trends with new parents. However, throwing one of these parties could leave your baby budget in the hole if you’re not careful. Between special ordering cakes and keeping everyone entertained, you may find your gender reveal party costs more than you realized. There are a few ways you can enjoy the same fun without spending a fortune though. With these ten tips, you’ll be ready to wow your guests, and maybe even yourself, with a huge gender reveal that will let the world know what your bundle of joy is. So choose a party that will leave you rejoicing the gender of your baby without stressing out the budget.

1. Pick a Side
One of the best ways to keep your guests entertained is to actually make them choose sides. People love debating over whether or not they’re right, which will bring laughs to the party. You can ask your guests to show up in pink or blue clothing to see who is on which side. This type of game can help you separate guests for other games too. Another way to have fun with this is to have people carry balloons for their choice in gender. The correct balloons can be released after the gender or taken home as a party favor. You may even have people give reasons as to why they believe it is a specific gender. Of course, you may not like all of the answers you receive, so if you don’t have an open sense of humor then you may not want to open up this can of worms!

2. Make Your Own Cake
When it comes to a gender reveal party, the gender reveal cake can be pretty expensive. It all depends on the type of cake you choose for your party, but most can cost a pretty penny. The best option is to make your own cake. This isn’t as hard as you think though. You can easily do it with your favorite cake batter, food coloring and icing. Simply mix up the food coloring with a basic white cake batter and bake it like you normally would. Then cover it in the frosting of your choice and make sure the cake is entirely covered. You can also follow the same recipe with cupcakes if you want to keep things simple, or if you have more than one gender to reveal. You can take on your own recipes too, including adding your cream filling and other clever ideas. Of course, if you want to wait to know the gender then ask a trusted friend or family member to help out. The job shouldn’t be hard and will be the highlight of the party.

3. Use Balloons
Revealing gender doesn’t have to be all about the cake though. In fact, if you’re looking to keep away from sweets during your pregnancy, or you just want to show off the baby’s gender in a new way, then there’s a whole lot you can do with balloons for fairly cheap. One idea is to buy a lot of black balloons. You will have to make sure they aren’t see through when blown up though. Fill these balloons up with the confetti of your child’s gender and let everyone have a blast popping them. You can also make a wall full of balloons. Fill some up with regular confetti and then add a couple with the gender of your baby. Then, let people pop the balloons using darts. The person who hits the balloon with your child’s gender in it, wins by being the honorary person who shared the news. You might also find large cardboard boxes and fill them with balloons with your child’s gender. When the box is opened, the balloons will float to the ceiling or the sky. This is probably one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reveal the gender of twins. There’s many other things you can do with balloons too, so browse around online or use your own creativity.

4. Hold a Raffle
Everyone loves to join in on the chance of getting a prize, which is why raffles are a great way to add to the fun of your party. There’s a whole lot of ways you can have fun with a raffle at a gender reveal party. For starters, you can hold one for the gender itself, but you’ll have to find a lot of cheap prizes for this one, because more than one person will win. Another idea is to hold a raffle for anyone who brings diapers to the party. This will allow you to stock up, even before the game is repeated at your baby shower. With any luck, you won’t have to purchase many diapers at all. Of course, one of the most competitive raffles is having the group guess the actual birthdate, day of the week, weight or height of the baby. This raffle will have to be for a future prize, but many people really get into guessing.

5. Functional Decor
You shouldn’t run out and spend a fortune on decorations with a new baby on the way. Instead, take this time to buy a few of the basics and use them as decorative items. For instance, if you grab some baby bottles and fill them with candy, confetti or beads then you’ll have a cute look that can be used when baby finally arrives. Pacifiers are also a great decorative idea as they can be hung from the ceiling or placed on tables for a cute look. Even soft baby toys will do the trick! Of course, you’ll probably want some of the classic party decor around too. So, try to find solid colored streamers, table clothes and other supplies that can be used for parties in the future.

6. Go Through Predictions
If you were dying to know your baby’s gender before your doctor was able to tell then you probably know there’s a whole lot of predictions that can be found on the internet. This is a great way to keep your guests entertained before you actually reveal the gender of your baby. In fact, you may want to ask your guests what gender they believe the baby is before and after you go through the predictions, just to see if anyone changes their minds. The predictions can be a lot of fun to go through anyway. From spinning your wedding ring over your belly to doing some simple math for the Chinese gender predictor, you’ll find people will have a blast trying to sort out which gender you’re having. When it’s all said and done, compare your results to the gender the sonogram revealed and see how close they really were.

7. Onesies
When it comes to having fun at a party, nothing gets the creativity going like making your own onesies. You can ask your guests to bring a blank onesie along, or you can buy them in bulk to make life easier. This activity will help keep people busy for quite a bit longer than games and other activities. However, you will have to be choosy as to when you plan this activity. If you’d like to keep your child’s clothes more on the gender neutral side of the spectrum, then you might play the game prior to the gender reveal. This will allow people to think outside of the box and come up with ideas that are more personal. However, if you don’t care about little princess or Mr. Fixit references then plan the activity once the gender is known. This will give you a chance to bulk up on baby clothes before your due date too.

8. Finger Foods
There’s no need to go all out when it comes to food for your gender reveal party. Sandwiches are always a great idea to keep people happy and you can cut them into cute shapes or smaller pieces, so they will be seen as snacks rather than a full meal. If you’re feeling ambitious, then a fondue station is typically a crowd pleaser. You can set up cheese and chocolate to appease everyone with an assortment of cheaper items to eat with dip. Vegetable platters are also an easy choice and will help promote you to eat healthy as well. Of course, stork and other baby inspired cookies are also a hit if you have the time to make them. There’s lots of great recipes online too, but try to go easy on yourself as you already have a lot planning to do.

9. Advice Book
New parents could always use a little advice, but sometimes its best given when the parent feels like they need it the most. Thus, an advice book might be a great way to help out a new parent while keeping guests busy at the reveal party. You can always wait to do this activity after the big reveal though as it might come in handy to have gender related potty training tips or even tips for the days when your bundle of joy begins to date. Either way, parents will love swapping stories as the book gets passed around to help out a parent-to-be. The group can even work to decorate the book, which will help make the project even more exciting for everyone involved.

10. Invitations
A lot of people go all out on invitations when it comes to their parties. They’re cute, fun to fill out and will make everyone excited about your party. However, they also cost a lot of money to mail out if you have a long list of guests and buying them can cost a fortune too. The invitations sold in stores usually only come in small bundles as well, which means spending more to get the number you need. Instead, you may want to consider sending out e-vites. You can still find cute cards to send out, but they won’t cost you a penny. Another option is to set up an event on social media and invite people this way. This will also make it simple to find out who has RSVP’d for the event. Word of mouth is another great option that won’t cost you a cent.

Having a gender reveal party can be a great way to celebrate your baby and its gender with family and friends. This amazing experience can be emotional for all involved, which is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. These memories don’t have to be laced with the burden of finances though thanks to these simple tips that will keep your party on the frugal side, without skipping out on the fun.

Oktoberfest celebrations are already popping up all over the world, so it may be time for you to see if there’s any Oktoberfest fun happening in your neck of the woods. This holiday is a great way to get in touch with German ancestry while trying new beers, sausages and pretzels. The only problem is this celebration can often come with a pretty high price tag. Depending on the Oktoberfest you attend, you could find your wallet a lot smaller if you’re not already looking for ways to cut the price. These ten simple ideas will allow you to find the perfect way to make your Oktoberfest celebration a lot more fun and a lot less taxing on your budget.

1. Look for Discounts
When it comes to local activities, like Oktoberfest, there’s usually a strong community backing which will work in your favor. For instance, many local businesses will work with the festival to help you save some money. You may be able to get a few dollars off of your ticket by eating at your favorite pizza place, for example. Perhaps, your local grocery store may host a raffle to give away free tickets, or at least provide you with coupons with your purchases. There’s also the option of trying to win tickets from the radio station. As long as there is a local event to be had, you should find some discounts to keep you happy. Usually, these discounts are for ticket price alone, but some local breweries might pass out coupons for free tastings of their beer.

2. Dress Up
It is becoming a huge trend for many Oktoberfest celebrations to honor those who are daring enough to come dressed up in traditional German attire. You may be able to get a discount on tickets at the door, beers and other items if only you’re willing to show off some lederhosen for the day. There’s even competitions for those that are best dressed, which could help you to win some big prizes if your costume is favored. With all of these options, why would you not want to dress up for the special occasion? You can find traditional German clothes sold online or in Halloween stores if you’re looking for a quick solution to the attire problem. However, the clothes aren’t incredibly hard to make either. With a little extra effort, you may find yourself walking away with some big prizes, so attempting to make your own costume could be incredibly fruitful. You don’t even have to be incredibly skilled with sewing as finding certain clothing items in thrift stores can lead you on the path of success.

3. Research Your Ticket
Purchasing Oktoberfest tickets can be one of the crucial stages to saving the big bucks. Most Oktoberfests offer a wide variety of different options, so don’t treat 2 the same way. Your ticket should let you know what is included in the price of admission, so make sure you get everything you paid for. Some tickets will include a free beer or two, some will offer samplings, while others won’t offer anything at all. If beer isn’t included in your ticket whatsoever, then you might want to skip out on the event if ticket prices seem way too high. If food is included in your ticket price then you’re doing pretty good too, but most of the festivals won’t add this in. A lot of Oktoberfests are offering VIP access now too, which could grant you early entrance, special beers and so on. Again, make sure to weigh in the value before you decide to jump on the VIP bandwagon.

4. Pace Yourself
A lot of people head to Oktoberfest because they want to get plastered as quickly as possible. This is probably one of the fastest ways to lose money on your deal. Usually, you only get a certain number of free drinks, so downing them straight away will leave you feeling pretty zapped for the rest of the event. It may even make you more likely to spend money on more beers, which won’t be priced fairly. The key is to pace yourself when drinking at the event, so you can experience the games and music before you’re three sheets to the wind. It will also make you less likely to get kicked out of an event if you drink and behave in a responsible manner. Not to mention, if the Oktoberfest is doing beer sampling, rather than full steins, then drinking quickly may leave you feeling terrible. Some of the beers ingredients don’t always hit the stomach well together. Thus, pacing yourself will allow you to plot out your sampling map, while also allowing you to get some food on your stomach.

5. Hydrate
So many people forget how wonderful water is when they begin to drink copious amounts of alcohol. However, water can really help prevent you from feeling like garbage mid-way through the festival or even the morning after. Sure, it may not feel cool to down a glass water at an Oktoberfest, but your body will thank you for doing it. A general rule of thumb is to drink one glass of water per glass of beer, so make sure you keep some bottles nearby if you plan on staying at the festival all day. Water will help you from getting too intoxicated too, which could save you from some embarrassing moments. Not to mention, it’s often not the chilliest in many areas during the September and October months, so you might want to keep some water on hand so you don’t get as dehydrated. Beer already dehydrates the body, but when you combine it with sitting under the hot sun then you could find yourself feeling pretty nasty.

6. Eat
Going to an Oktoberfest on an empty stomach can be one of the worst things you can do, especially if you plan on getting your money’s worth out of the ticket. Try to eat a heavier meal that will help soak up the alcohol when you begin to drink. Of course, you shouldn’t not eat during the festival as well. Greasy foods like sausages are one of the best items you can choose to pick up at the festival. Make sure to add on the sauerkraut and mustard too. You might consider grabbing a batch of fries, fired pickles, cheese sticks or anything else that may help you process the beer a little better. Believe it or not, pretzels aren’t really a safe bet when it comes to drinking food. They will be in abundance at the festival, but if you’ve been drinking some time then skip out on this fan favorite. You should also avoid sweets because they will super charge the alcohol and will leave you feeling like you’re ready to hit the sack.

7. Join Competitions
Most Oktoberfests are bound to have a competition or two during the event. This can be a great way for you to get a bit more out of your money. Usually, it doesn’t cost a thing to enter a competition, so if anything it will just add to the entertainment factor of the festival. There’s a wide range of competitions offered too. You may find one as simple as a costume contest or as difficult as traditional German dances or yodeling. Many will perform food or beer based competitions, so you might want to hold off on the food and drink before you find out what competitions you can sign up for. Another famous competition is holding up steins of beer. These can get pretty heavy, so you may want to do a little work out to train yourself a few weeks before the event.

8. Go For the Entertainment
One of the best things you can do to save money for Oktoberfest is to tell yourself you’re going for the entertainment. The beer and food will always be there, but if you see it as a cultural event you’re going to get more out of the entire event than if you go for beer alone. So, take a few minutes to check out the live music, cultural shows and games before you pull out the wallet to begin drinking. You may find that sipping on a beer while watching the show is a lot more fun than chugging beer after beer while you wait for a sausage you ordered. You may even learn something about German culture and history by sticking to this attitude.

9. Try New Things
When it comes to Oktoberfest, you may try to step out of you comfort zone as much as you possibly can. If you have a ticket that includes samplings, then go for the beers you haven’t had a chance to try or those that may be too expensive for you to purchase on a regular occasion. This will broaden your horizons and may even give you a new type of beer you’d like to start purchasing. You might even try to taste as many German import beers as you can to make the Oktoberfest complete. The same can be said with food though. Try to steer clear of the stuff you’d grab on a regular occasion. Instead, try out the delicious sausage with extra flavoring or the toppings you may have never thought would work for the meal. You may be surprised by how much you get out of the deal.

10. Designated Driver
It may be common sense to contact someone about acting as your designated driver, but many people would still rather catch a cab, which can really blow up the price of the event. Usually, cab companies will hike up the price if they know they’re picking up or dropping off at an event, so you may want to skip out on this. Not to mention, if the Oktoberfest is popular, you may have to wait some time for a ride, which could really be terrible if you’re not feeling well after the event. Designated drivers are more trustworthy and will ensure you get home safe and sound. You may want to offer the designated driver a little money to make the occasion better, or you might want make the deal sweeter by purchasing a sausage or pretzel for them. As long as you know you have a driver, then you’ll be ready to enjoy the celebration with a lot less worry and a little more money.

Oktoberfest is certainly a great time to celebrate German culture and heritage while having a little fun with friends and family. With a festival filled with so much beer and food, you could easily find yourself spending a small fortune if you’re not careful. However, with these ten tips you should be able to get more out of Oktoberfest than you ever even imagined.

Football season is in full swing, which probably means you have some exciting plans to go tailgating at some point during the season. Tailgating can be a great way to have a blast with friends and family, but if you have children with you it can bring new challenges to the table. Luckily, there’s a few ways you can help the children in your life have just as much fun tailgating as the adults do. For many, these forms of entertainment may seem to cost a bundle, but there are a few ways that will allow you to cut the cost of entertaining the kids, so you can make sure your entire tailgating budget stay below your limit.

1. Go As a Group
It may seem like common sense to form a group when you plan on tailgating, but many families still try to go it solo. This can be tough if you have children to entertain. Having a group of people you know and trust with you will obviously increase the fun, but it will also make it much easier to keep an eye on the children. With an entire village helping you out, everyone will be able to relax and have a good time. Not to mention, when you go as group there will probably be more children. This will help make your kids feel more welcome at the party and will allow them to have fun with their peers, rather than having to hang out with adults all day. Activities are much easier to plan in groups as well, so you should be able to come up more games to keep everyone entertained. Not to mention, if you choose to go potluck style, everyone can bring a little bit of food, which will save on the overall budget.

2. Face Painting
Nothing boosts team spirit quite like painting up your face to show off your team’s colors. Of course, face painting is also a favorite among kids, which is why a simple face painting booth might help keep the little ones entertained while the adults hang out. You don’t have to do a whole lot in order to get the ball rolling on a face painting booth either. All you need is a table, some chairs and maybe a canopy if the sun is rather bright that day or if the weather is uncooperative. You can start the booth by having the kids mix up their own face paint. This is very inexpensive to do and is totally safe for the kids, so none of the other parents will have to stress out. Once this is done, the kids can take turns getting footballs, numbers, pom-poms or ever just colors painted. You may even want to work up a few stencils to make the job easier. Of course, for the kids who aren’t really ready to jump on the football bandwagon, you may want to have a few other stencils to appease them too. Once the kids are painted, you might want to offer them the chance to paint their parents for the big event too.

3. Design Shirts
Team spirt amplifies when you get to wear a shirt that shows off how you feel about your team. Making t-shirts is a great way to keep kids entertained too. Simply grab a few colored or white shirts to get started. You can pack t-shirt paint, permanent markers or whatever else you choose to help the children bring their team spirit to life on cloth. Once everyone is ready, let the kids get to work on slogans, team names, numbers and whatever else strikes their fancy. If you want to add some organization to the mix then try to get everyone to work on similar shirts, so the whole group can match. Once the children finish up with their own shirts they can start making them for the adults too. This activity may be one of the first you plan for though, as doing it early will give the shirts plenty of time to dry so they can be worn to the big game too.

4. Make Flags/Signs
Cheering on your number one team isn’t quite the same without an awesome flag or sign to draw even more attention to your cheers. Without a doubt, a sign or flag can be recognized from the stands, which may even get your group on the big screen at the game. You can use a variety of items for signs. For instance, rolled paper is perfect for huge signs that will be carried on days when the wind isn’t heavy. Poster board, cardboard and other basic supplies can be used here too. If you’re searching for a flag quality idea then use an old sheet for a huge flag or felt for individual flags. Once you have your flag or sign material, then let the kids get to work on painting cheers, numbers and other slogans. You may even be surprised by some of their creative ideas.

5. Bring a Football
If there’s one cheap and easy way to keep kids entertained during long periods of unscheduled time then it’s certainly a ball. If you’re in a parking lot that is slightly vacant or you are tailgating near a park, then you have the perfect way to keep the kids entertained for a few hours. You can come up with relay races, plays or even a simple game of catch with a football, which will bring smiles all around. With any luck, you may even be able to split into groups with kids and adults to host a full on game while the tailgating food is being prepared. This should help make tailgating a bonding experience that will make kids happy to participate every time. Of course, you might want to consider bringing an extra ball or two. Sometimes they go missing, get stuck in trees or you may have children of different age groups wanting to play.

6. Make Snacks
Another great way to keep kids busy involves asking them to help you out with some of the tailgating food. Snacks are an important part of the tailgating process, so you’ll want to have some creative ideas on hand to make everyone want to give your tailgating table a second look. You can base your snack time items on the age of the children helping you out. For instance, younger children might be better off mixing up colored icing and putting it on cupcakes or football shaped rice crispy treats. Older children can help with chopping or working with foods that have to be cooked. Of course, one easy idea for all ages is to have them decorate cookies. The fine motor skills needed will slow the children down, so you should be able to keep them occupied for some time.

7. Games
Without a few games on the agenda, you may as well say hello to tailgating chaos. Like the adults, children are going to want to be entertained, but they’re not going to be as satisfied with sitting around and talking. Games are a great option to help kids burn off some of that energy, while showing them that tailgating can be fun. One easy game to bring along with you is a beanbag toss. You can make one of these games yourself to save money, but you should also be able to find them in stores if you want to grab one on your way to the game. Since autumn is coming up, bobbing for apples might be a great option too and it will give the kids a healthy snack to munch on. Relay races are another fantastic idea too, especially since they will help kids run around before having to sit still for some time. You should be able to find tailgating ideas online or simply ask other families how they keep their kids entertained during the event.

8. Nap Zone
Nothing beats dealing with a two year old at a long football game when the toddler has missed out on a nap. Due to the excitement, they will fight sleep tooth and nail, which usually means working their hardest to drive you incredibly bonkers. This is why setting up a nap zone is incredibly important if you have younger children. The nap zone can be just about anywhere that you can lay a child down safely. You might consider bringing along a tent to making napping more appealing. You can also set up a fun bed in the back of a pickup truck. Just make sure an adult is always present since the sleep area will be open. In order to block out the sun you can use a simple canopy or build your own with a tarp. If one of the people in your group brought along an RV then this may actually be the best possible option, especially since you can monitor the temperature. After all of the entertaining, you may even feel tempted to hit the sack too, so you can make it through the rest of the game.

9. Locate Bathrooms
One of the toughest things about tailgating with children is the bathroom situation. If you don’t have an RV with a working bathroom, then you may find yourself making some emergency runs to fast food or convenient stores nearby. This, of course, usually means having to purchase something as well. The best way to remedy this dilemma is to drive around before you pick a space to tailgate. If there is an exterior bathroom at the stadium or even a park then you’re in a great place to tailgate with your children. However, if it’s going to be more than a couple minutes of a walk to get to the bathroom then you might be looking at a few accidents throughout the day. Some parking lots will luckily have port-a-potties too, but the wait in line can be ridiculous. If this is your only option then you may want to work on scheduling bathroom breaks to help prevent a problem.

10. Finger Foods
Even if you have the kids help you out with snacks, you’re going to want to have some finger foods on hand to help fight off hunger during the game. This doesn’t have to mean you should spend a fortune on portable snacks to keep your kids happy. Instead, have a little fun with it. For instance, you can make little sandwiches cut into footballs or football helmets. Another option is sliced fruit and veggies that can be laid out in a fun game day design. The classic snacks like chips will make things easy too, but you might consider baking your own. There’s many great finger food recipes available online too, so get creative with the snacks. These should help tide kids over until the main food event is finished cooking or until you can grab a hot dog at the game.

Tailgating with your children can be a world of fun, but there are some extra things you should keep in mind. With snacks, entertainment and a little extra attention to detail, you should be able to make tailgating weekends their favorite time of the year. These ten tips should help you find the resources you need to make the tailgating experience a success, without forcing you to dip into your budget.

With the crisp autumn air finally rolling in, it may be high time to start prepping for all of the autumn festivals and farm trips that are headed your way. These activities can really bring a whole new life to your autumn months, but they can also play a huge role in your budget too. There are a few ways that you can save money on your awesome trips without having to sacrifice too much of the fun. Before you know it, you’ll be knee deep in apples and prepping to cut into the first pumpkin of the season. So let the rush of autumn take you by the hand, because then ten pointers will keep your budget under control while you have a little fun.

1. Good Timing
Planning your trip at the right time can be one of the easiest ways to save money on farms in your area. One of the best things you can do is head to the farms before they are at their prime. Since there won’t be as much fruit to pick, the tickets generally are a lower price during this time. Not to mention, there will be less people there and the weather won’t be quite as chilly which could lead to an overall pleasing experience had by all. If you don’t want to miss out on the highlight of the fun then try to plan your trip on a weekday. The farms and festivals tend to get less business on these days and the crowds won’t overwhelm you while you pick your favorite fruits. Of course, you should also consider waiting to go to the farm until you actually need the fruit. This will help cut back on wasting food, which save money in the long run.

2. Look For Children’s Deals
When it comes to spending money on autumn activities, nothing can really beat the price of free. Luckily, many farms and festivals will offer free admissions to children of a certain age, which can come in handy if you have a large family or a tight budget. Sometimes, there are major discounts when it comes to children’s ticket prices as well as food and activities. When you seek out a festival or farm to visit, you may want to check out the options to see if you can find one with activities for children. Many farms or festivals will actually offer slides, bounce houses, rides and games that won’t cost you a thing for children. This can make the trip even more fun and will help take some of the burdens off of your shoulders.

3. Shop In Bulk
Buying apples and other fruit from the farms this season may cost you a lot more than you would spend if you went to the grocery store. However, there is one way to avoid the high prices here. Many farms will give you discounts if you choose to buy produce in bulk. Of course, doing this isn’t exactly for everyone. You shouldn’t buy in bulk unless you plan on sharing, donating or using the apples and other produce for various dishes. If you love apples, as well as other fruits, straight from the farm, then you may want to consider checking out some recipes. You can make jams, pies and other exciting dishes that can be frozen and used at a later date. This can even come in handy for the upcoming holiday season, as you’ll have plenty of delicious treats to give as gifts!

4. Skip the Food
Festivals and farms tend to have a whole lot of delicious food that they serve. This food can be incredibly tempting, especially if you’ve been at the farm for some time. From roasted meats to candied apples, it may be hard to resist buying a little bit of everything on sale at the farm or at a festival. This can cost you a small fortune though, because the food tends to be overpriced particularly if you have more than one or two people to feed. You may want to bring your own small snacks along with you to curve your appetite while you enjoy the scenery. This should help ease any tantrums the children may throw so you can spend your money in ways that would stretch a little further.

5. Shop Around
If you live near more than one orchard, pumpkin patch or festival then you have plenty of options that can help you save quite a bit of money. Rather than simply picking out one place to go to, you may want to get online or call around to see which place will save you the most money. Some places will give you a cheaper price while others may end up charging you less for the produce you pick. When it comes to festivals and some farms you may be able to find specials on certain days. This should help you get more out of your trip and may even inspire you to get out and visit more places thanks to all of the savings the specials will offer. Keep a look out for deals locally too, as some stores may give you coupons and other discounts if they are partnered with the activity.

6. Group Trip
When it comes to traveling to farms, you may benefit more from going on a group trip. Many schools choose to do this in the autumn, but your kids may miss out if they’re homeschooled. If this is the case then you might want to consider putting a homeschool group together, so you can let your child socialize while allowing them to explore the farm with others. Some farms won’t even open up to the public unless they’re working with a group, so this could land you the spot you want on one of the more relaxed weekdays. Even if you don’t want to plan the trip around a school outing then you may want to consider inviting friends and family to join your group. Often, farms will actually discount tickets for large groups so everyone can spend a little less while still having just as much fun, if not more.

7. Don’t Overspend
One major problem that often occurs when people go to farms or festivals is they quickly go overboard when it comes to spending. Many people want to buy way too much when it comes to the produce offered, which can lead to a lot of waste if you’re not careful. This can work out fine if you know exactly what you’re going to use the produce for, but if you’re just buying the produce to buy it then you may be looking at spending too much for not much at all. Many people will spend large amounts of money on large pumpkins they hope to carve for Halloween. However, they often shop way too early for these items. You should also wait as long as you can to carve your pumpkins or else the money you spent will go straight down the drain because the pumpkins will quickly begin to decay. When it comes down to it, simply don’t buy any more produce than you would at the grocery store, especially if you’re just planning on eating it based on your regular diet. You should also be careful when spending on decorations as some items can be overpriced, which will leave your budget in peril.

8. Take Your Own Pictures
So many people use the beautiful scenery at the farms or festivals as the perfect photo opportunity. This is a great concept, but many people follow this concept up by hiring a photographer to take the photos or using a photographer that works for the farm or festival. This can cost you a small fortune as many professional photographers can charge an arm and a leg, especially when it comes to destination sessions. Instead of doing this, you can easily come up with your own photos to celebrate the season as well as your family’s charm. You may find that creating the perfect poses isn’t as hard as it may look, especially since there’s a lot of inspiration and guides to help you along the way. You may even get more out of your own photos because you will be able to capture your family’s personality more efficiently.

9. Review Safety and Picking Techniques
When you head to a new area then you should always be prepared for anything that could go wrong. Before your children begin picking fruits then you may want to go over some guidelines with them first. For instance, ladders should always be held firmly and younger children shouldn’t be on them unsupervised. You should also never run in an orchard or pumpkin patch because there’s too many potential dangers. Apart from that, you may also want to review the proper ways to treat fruit when you are planning on picking it and taking it home. For instance, apples should never be thrown into a basket, but gently placed in order to prevent bruising. You should also look for certain signs to ensure you’re going to get the best apple out of the bunch.

10. Go For the Fun
There’s actually no law saying that you have to head to the farm or festival simply to buy things. Instead, you could just go to have a little fun. Most farms and festivals will have lots of entertainment to choose from and most of it won’t cost you a single penny. Make sure you research to find out which festivals and farms are actually going to be hosting games and events so you can plan accordingly. The less you see the trip as something for the orchards or patches then you may find there’s lots of fun to be had at the celebration that doesn’t involve money. Skipping out on the high fruit price tag could leave you paying almost nothing for the full autumn experience.

Spending time outdoors in the cool autumn air will be reward enough when you check out the farms and festivals this autumn. You don’t have to let these activities become too expensive for you to take on though. These ten tips should help you save some money, while making your own budget thrive in the crisp autumn air.

With school back in session and football season in full swing, your hometown is probably getting ready to celebrate homecoming. If you have a high school student or you tend to volunteer or work for the school then you may be asked to take part in the homecoming parade. If you’ve ever designed a homecoming float then you probably know they aren’t the cheapest things to create, especially if you’re working from scratch. There are a few ways to avoid the high prices of the float though, which should allow you to go all out without having to stress over the budget. With these ten float based ideas, you’ll enjoy coming up with your float because it will be less stress and more about the joy of celebrating the school’s homecoming.

1. Borrow a Trailer
One of the key components to a float is having something to put it on. This can be one of the priciest elements of the entire float, which will quickly become the basis of your budget. If you don’t have a trailer of your own, then borrowing one from someone is probably the best thing you can do. Try asking friends and family to lend a helping hand with this, but if no one you know has one then there are other means. You may want to put out a listing on the bulletin board at school or pass the word around that you’re in need of a trailer. Of course, before you commit to borrowing just a trailer you should make sure your vehicle can haul one. If not, you may need to borrow a vehicle too. Renting these items from a company can set you back hundreds, so make sure you start looking for someone to borrow the item from well in advance.

2. Use Recyclables
When it comes to creating shapes and decorations for the float, a lot of people will end up spending a small fortune. This is never a great idea, especially when you have all the supplies you need at your disposal. Try looking around the home to see if you have any recyclables that will come in handy. You can even take to the school to see what they have to offer. Even local businesses may be willing to lend a helping hand if you tell them what you need the supplies for. Once you have your recyclables, try shaping the cardboard into the shapes you need to make your float look amazing. You will be surprised how well some used cardboard and tape can be transformed into a float that will knock the parade’s socks off. You can also use items like oatmeal containers, cereal boxes and so on to create some of the hard to make shapes. If you really want to stand out then crushed bottles and cans can be strung from the back of your float in order to make some noise.

3. Channel Holiday Decor
If you’re looking for a little bling for your float then look no further than the holiday decor you use every season. You can use lots of lights to make your float come to life, which is sure to make everyone applause your float’s artistic style. If you can, try to find lights that suit your team’s colors to make the effect even greater. You can also ask if anyone has donations to help make your dream come true. You can use Halloween spotlights, fog machines and other fun items to make your float stand out. Don’t feel bad about using blow up decor either, especially if it pertains to your team or the team you will be playing against. If you’re looking for a cheap option then decorate with plenty of garland. If you don’t already have a lot of this holiday staple then grab it off a clearance website in advance. You’ll save a small fortune and your float will be filled with color.

4. Old Flowers
A lot of floats decide to use flowers to bring their floats to life. Although this is a beautiful way to make a bold statement, it is also one of the most expensive ways to do so too. Instead of ordering new flowers to get the job done, you may want to ask a florist if they have old flowers you can use. Sometimes florist will get bulk orders in for homecoming that never get picked up. You may be able to order these at a small discount to help save you money. Of course, sometimes florist will have a wide assortment of flowers they never sold, so if you’re not picky with colors or species of flowers then this is also a good option. If you’re lucky then you may even receive the flowers as donation. Although you may not make the quota you need there are a few ways to make the flowers look thicker on your float. For instance, you can use paper flowers to help with the design, or you can go all out and purchase fake flowers.

5. Take to the Streets
Your time in the parade doesn’t have to be all about the float either. If you feel as if you need to bring more life to your float then take it to the streets. Grab people to help you make your float stand out. You can have people skate or cycling beside the float with crazy costumes or even football or cheerleader uniforms. Adding bright flashing lights to people can also make your float send a bold message. Even asking people to carry balloons to pass out to children as you move down the parade street will make you a joy to see. The slightest add-ons to your float, like eco-friendly confetti will make a big difference in your presentation! The more excited the people on your float team are, the crazier your float will look, which is sure to make you one of the top displays if your float is being judged.

6. Motivational Music
When it comes down to it, your float can look like the Taj Mahal, but if there is a rival float that has inspirational music then chances are they’re going to get a bit more attention out of the deal. Luckily, it doesn’t take a whole lot to add some music to your float. One of the easiest ways to do this is to hook up better speakers to the vehicle and let the music rip. Try to choose classic football game music to help make the crowd go wild. If you don’t have better speakers then see if you can borrow them from someone or even as if you can check them out from the music department. Of course, if your float supports the band then you should already be covered when it comes to your musical needs.

7. Consider Weather
Since many homecoming games end up in the autumn months there’s a good chance you may have to battle the weather. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to give up on your float. Making proper preparations is an easy way to keep your float in the parade even when the rain decides to take over your homecoming fun. Adding a large tarp to the float will help protect your creation from the rain as well. All you need is some extra poles to help secure it. Of course, this may mean driving slower, so the tarp doesn’t catch a lot of wind. You should protect the people helping out with your float too. This is especially important if they’re wearing clothing they will need to be in all evening. One quick way to do this is to transform trash bags into tunics. This should fit most people and will allow you to save a lot of money.

8. Follow Your Theme
It’s incredibly easy for you to go overboard when it comes to your float, which is why you may want to plan ahead and come up with a theme to make sure you don’t stray too far from the path. One of the easiest ways to do this is to choose your theme based on the club or course that you are supporting. Try to pick something that will stand out while sending a message. For instance, if you’re supporting theater club then you can easily do a simple skit on your float to draw in the eye. This will cut lots of money from your projects budget and will ensure you get the recognition you deserve. Following a theme makes finding donated items a whole lot easier too as you’ll be able to find shops that will relate to your theme easier, thus making them more willing to help out.

9. Pass Out Items
Another way to get the message across without spending a fortune on your float is to pass out items. The crowd will find your float more memorable, especially since they will have a reminder of it whenever they look at the print out you shared. To save money, you can even print out flyers on recycled paper. The ecofriendly paper will make your group look great to the public too, which is sure to help your float gain some morale. Of course, passing out other items with the flyers will allow you make a bold statement too. For instance, you can buy poppers in bulk and pass them out to the adults in the crowd. These are perfect for the moment when your team wins the game. If you’re promoting a business then keychains, pens and other namesake items are a must. Of course, cheap candy is always a great idea and will win over children right away.

10. Run a Fundraiser
Paying for your float may not always be possible, so you may want to consider running a few fundraisers before you need to begin building your float. You can easily stick with the classics here or help make your dream float a reality. For instance, you can try car washes, bake sales and yard sales. If you’re promoting the art club then you may want to host an auction to help bring self-esteem to the students as well as earning some money for your float. You may even be able to convince some companies to run a fundraiser for you. This often means leaving out a tip jar to bring in collections, but every little bit will help you in your task.

Building the perfect float for homecoming can certainly give you a run for your money, but with these ten ideas you can easily find the best way to make it a reality. With any luck, your float is sure to make a commotion at the parade, which is sure to make you feel proud for your achievement and the frugal budget you used to pull it off.

Autumn is right around the corner, with winter stepping on its heels, which means it’s going to get harder to keep kids active. When it’s too cold for the little ones to get outside, we tend to settle for stationary play time and time spent loafing in front of the TV as a family. This can be a huge danger to their health though. Luckily, there are numerous ways to keep your kids active when the weather is blustery and it feels like they don’t want to do anything but play videogames. Here’s ten quick exercise ideas that won’t leave your budget spent, nor will it cause you to have to beg your children to get up and moving.

1. Childhood Yoga
If you do yoga then you already know the amazing health benefits it can have. If you don’t then there’s no better time to begin this amazing activity than with your children. Doing yoga together will help you all enjoy getting fit together, while teaching you peace of mind and patience. There are many yoga moves that are beneficial for children and have even been known to help with temperaments as well as behavioral problems. You can easily find a childhood yoga video online for free, so you don’t even have to worry about spending a penny. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with an infant or a teenager either, as there is a little something for every age group. Before long, the whole family will feel amazing and you’ll fall in love with the healthy path you have set them on in life.

2. Sock Skating
There’s nothing quite as fun as a day of skating with the kids, but when the weather is rough the only option you have is to go to a skating rink, which can be pricey. However, there is a great way you can skate indoors without using anything but a pair of socks. Most hard floors are slick as it is, so have your kids grab a pair of socks and have it. You may need to move around some furniture, but before you know it you’ll have kids sliding around the floor with the greatest of ease. You can even hold races or trick competitions to help them stay into the activity. If your kids are very young or clumsy, you may consider putting on some protective gear though, just to make sure there won’t be any major injuries when it comes to this fun game. While skating, kids will get their heartrates up and they’ll have to use their muscles to push themselves and their core to maintain balance.

3. Dance Party
Another easy and cheap way to get kids off the couch and onto their feet is to hold a dance party. All you need for this activity is plenty of space for your kids to move around and an awesome playlist. Before the party begins you may even ask the kids to help you pick what music they would like to dance along to. This will make them feel included in the activity, which will make them want to join in on the fun even more. If you’re extending the dance party to friends, family and neighbors then allow the kids to add some decorations to spice up the fun. You can even bring down a disco ball or other fun light to help set the mood. Most kids will love to dance without instruction, but if you have wallflowers or you simply want to make the exercise more aerobic then consider adding a few exercises to the choreography.

4. Basic Warm Ups
Although it may be hard to get kids to do basic exercises like pushups, pulls ups, squats and stretches, you may find that making it into a competition makes this a great indoor activity. You can easily set a goal for each child to meet for the end of the week and the child who completes the goal earns a special prize. If you don’t want to pass out prizes to every child each week then consider giving a prize to the child who can do the most in a specific area. This will motivate the kids to push themselves harder, so they can get more exercise in each day. Plus, if you have your children doing basic warm ups every single day then they should form the habit of doing them. This will come in handy later in life when they are busy at work and feel they don’t have time for the gym. Plus, it will also help out with their Physical Fitness exams in school, which always makes life a little easier.

5. Sock Fight
There’s no doubt, dodgeball is a timeless classic that will allows children of all ages to have a blast while getting to play ball inside. Although you may not want a P.E. class quality game of dodge ball going on in your living room, the concept is an intriguing way to help your kids get the exercise they need. You can easily choose one day of the month for the kids to have an epic sock battle. On this day, everyone can chip in to move around furniture, collect socks and then clean up the aftermath. Socks shouldn’t cause damage to your fragile items at home, nor should they cause injury to the children when they’re playing. If you don’t have enough socks to make the battle worthwhile then consider adding in nerf balls or smaller stuffed animals to the mix. Your kids will have blast playing together and it may even help improve sibling relationships while building muscles in the arms and burning calories.

6. Relay Races
A lot of children really connect with relay races, which is why so many summer and school programs add them into the curriculum. Relay races don’t have to be all about the outdoors though as there’s many races you can try out indoors. For instance, you can have the kids compete or split up into teams. Then hide a few objects upstairs. Each round a child must run to find the object and come back before his or her competitor does. Other than that, you can set up easy to clean up obstacles that will allow your kids to work their muscles and cardio system in order to finish them. If you’re not sure where to begin with the relay races then have a look online. You should be able to find lots of creative ideas that may inspire many more of your own. You can also let the kids design their own relay races within reason. The more the kids do the races and participate in their creation, the easier it will be to get them up and moving.

7. Game Console
You probably don’t ever have to beg your children to get on their gaming consoles, so why not use this method of entertainment to help them get some exercise too? Most gaming platforms now create games that follow movements and help promote exercise, blatantly or on a more discreet note. You can find games for dancing, Zumba, martial arts, yoga and so much more. So, if you have a child who is already into a specific activity then you can go this route to inspire them to exercise more. Kids who love sports are in luck too. You can find really cheap games that will let them participate in bowling, hockey, tennis, soccer, golf and so much more. There are even games for kids who aren’t really into sports or specific workouts. For instance, kids can climb mountains, fly space shuttles and even tackle the rapids in an extreme river. Without a doubt, you should be able to find something for everyone.

8. Martial Arts
Ensuring that your children know how to protect themselves is pretty important, especially in this day and age. Martial arts is a great activity that can help burn off some energy, strengthen the body and teach disciple and self-protection. Sure, it may be wise to sign your child up for classes if you truly want them to learn how to protect themselves properly. Usually these classes won’t cost an arm and a leg and they take place indoors, so your child won’t have to give up the activity in the autumn and winter. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to get your kids to exercise then you can look up free martial arts videos online. This will teach your children a few moves while helping them get in some great exercise when they can’t run around outdoors.

9. Cleaning
The kids may not be too happy when you suggest they get up and help clean on a weekend, but this is one great way to kill two birds with one stone. On the plus side, the house will end up clean and organized and the children will have been on their feet moving all day long. If you can plan clean days once a month then your home shouldn’t need to go through the annual spring cleaning routine that takes up so much time when the weather is nice. Start on the easy side by having the kids do their chores and clean up their rooms from top to bottom. Once the house is on a cleaner note then add in tasks like organizing closets or going through old boxes of toys and clothes. You might even bring a little more feng shui into the house. Before you know it, your home will be clutter free and the kids will have burned off plenty of energy doing it.

10. Visit Activity Center
Sometimes, when it’s cold outside, it’s simply nice to get out of the house to avoid the feelings of cabin fever. An activity center is a great place to go to help your kids get in some exercise without forcing them to stay cooped up in your home all day. If you can try to get the kids to an activity center once a week, they should find exercise easier and more appealing. Places like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club provide plenty of low cost to free activities that will keep your children stay fit and entertained while the weather storms around them. You may even be able to simply let them have free time at the center to socialize and play actively with other children. This will show them that exercise can be fun and that loafing around isn’t always the best route to take.

Teaching your kids to love exercise can be really hard when the weather isn’t on your side. These ten ideas should help you find free to low cost ways to get the kids moving with little effort on your end. Before you know it, your home will be more active and everyone will feel healthier and happier, which could even help your home beat cold and flu season!

In this day and age, most communities in the USA and other areas of the world are struggling to keep water clean and drinkable. Add this on to the growing trend of carrying around bottled water and you may find yourself jumping on the very expensive bandwagon. Having water in the home is essential for your family’s health, but it can come at a huge price tag if you don’t know any tricks behind getting drinkable water at an affordable price. Luckily, there are a few ways to get around the high price of drinking water, so you don’t have to ruin your budget to keep your family hydrated. In a time when soda is cheaper than buying bottled water, you may want to check out a few of these ten options.

1. Tap Water
Some communities still provide clean and drinkable water than comes straight to your tap. However, before you simply trust the water from your tap you should do some research. Most people can tell if something is wrong with their water from the sight, scent or taste of it but sometimes it does take a bit more to make that judgement. If there’s no noticeable signs that your water might not be drinkable, you should look online for websites about the water in your community. Also making a few phone calls to the water company in order to put your mind at rest. If this still doesn’t answer all of your questions or suspicions, then there are water testing kits you can buy to check out the quality of your water. You may want to make a routine of doing this to ensure your family won’t drink tainted water that could cause them harm.

2. Say No to Plastic
Everywhere you go, someone is probably drinking from a plastic water bottle that they plan on disposing of once the water is gone. The water bottle trend has been going on for a few years now and it has created some major environmental problems in its reign of popularity. Plastic water bottles litter the ground and water supply these day and kill many animals per year. Many places don’t have recycling programs for the bottles and even locations that do offer them end up not meeting the quota of water bottles purchased. Apart from the environmental factors, some water bottles can cause you harm. If the bottle has BPA and is left in the sun, then you or a loved one could become ill from the water. Not to mention, keeping up with your family’s need for water can get pretty pricey when the bottles are concerned. So, if you can’t reuse the bottle then don’t bother buying it, it’s not doing anyone any favors.

3. Go Bulk
If you do decide to purchase water, then try to shop in bulk if you can. Most wholesale stores will allow you to buy huge cases of bottled water for the same price as a regular sized package at the store. This is great for emergency kits or when you won’t have access to water distributors. One of the best ways to bulk buy water is to do so in 5 gallon jugs. Most grocery and department stores will have empty jugs for sale, so you can fill them up at a community water station or a store. Some will even offer an exchange program so you can buy filled water bottles and return them for full bottles when they are empty. If one of your only options is to order from a service then it may be wise to order a large supply of water at a time, so you can take advantage of discounts and avoid having to have the service return often.

4. Filtered Pitcher
There’s lots of great ways to filter your water on a regular basis. One simple way is to use a filtered pitcher. This can be simple and is easy for the whole family to use. Filtered pitchers come in a wide variety of brands, so you can do a bit of research and find the perfect match for you. The pitcher simply requires you to pour water into the filter and enjoy cold and refreshing water that’s absolutely clean a few minutes later. All you have to do to maintain the pitcher is occasionally clean it and change out the filter every now and then. This is perfect for family meals or for hydrating after playing outside in the heat. You can even transport the pitcher for kids to use when they’re brushing their teeth.

5. Skip the Store
A lot of stores will sell larger jugs of water, or even gallon jugs that seem like a good price. Some will offer to refill jugs with their exchange program which is said to save you money. However, shopping in a store for your water will actually force you to spend 5 times or more money than what you should have to. Most stores will also have a refilling station outside. If not, there’s many individual areas that offer filtered water. You can usually get a gallon jug filled up for around a quarter and a 5 gallon jug for a dollar. This makes keeping the family hydrated a lot more efficient and can help calm your budget down after spending a small fortune on the store bought items.

6. Sink Filters
If your water is so bad that you can’t even cook with it then you may want to consider getting a sink filter. Most of these filters fit over your faucet and can be turned on an off to make life easier. The sink filters are perfect for every room in the house that has a faucet too, so you can enjoy clean water even when you’re brushing your teeth. The best thing about these filters is they make getting drinking water incredibly fast. You won’t even have to worry about plastic bottles or jugs once you have the faucet filter installed. The filters need be changed every few months and most brands will let you know when it’s time, so you can shop in advance. This method can save a whole lot of money too as you should only need to buy filters in order to keep up your water supply.

7. Home Filter
Sometimes, the water in some communities is so bad that people want to stop any of the water from getting into their home. This is where a home filter comes in handy. Usually, this requires a professional to come in to install the filter, so it can be a bit pricier than other options. However, it can be more worthwhile too. A home filter will allow your family to drink from any faucet in the house, which means the water is even safe for brushing teeth. This can be a big deal for your dental bills too as some water can cause major damage to the teeth. This filtered water is great for your skin and hair too. After a week or so of use, you may find that your hair feels lighter and healthier while your skin isn’t dried out and uncomfortable. Despite the fact that it may cost you more in the short term, a filter like this will add to your home and save you money in the long term so you might not want to second guess installing it if you can.

8. Reverse Osmosis
Another fantastic option is to get a reverse osmosis filter in your home. This is usually accomplished with a special filter that can be installed in your home and doesn’t cost a fortune. The process of reverse osmosis will take care of anything in your water that will cause you harm, which will allow you to drink straight from the tap without having to stress out over lingering problems. The system is generally easy to upkeep too, which will save you a whole lot of money in the long run. You can install this system throughout the entire home which makes all of the water safer to drink, cook with and maintain hygiene. All in all, this is one of your best overall options, especially if you’re worried about long term spending.

9. Community Centers
Most communities try to take care of their citizens, so if the water quality is poor in your area then you may ask around to see if there is a community water center. These centers offer filtered water for residents, which should keep your family hydrated without having to worry about the high cost of water. Some of the centers will offer the water for free, while others do charge a small amount for each fill up. All the same, this is one of the best ways to fill up your jugs, so you won’t have to stress over water charges. You may even be able to buy low cost water jugs and other supplies needed for your water at these centers. If there isn’t a water center in your community, you may try a community near yours. Even if it does mean traveling a little further, you’ll still get safer water for a lower price.

10. Reusable Bottle
If you’re always on the go and you like to stay hydrated, then you’ll definitely want to check out a reusable bottle. This can be a real lifesaver at school or on the job when you don’t normally have access to water. A reusable bottle is another must to take with you when you’re planning on working out as it will give you instant access to water to keep you cool and refreshed. The best thing about reusable bottles is they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can buy one or many to suit your needs. Reusable bottles won’t force you to constantly waste either, which makes them well worth the money. Not to mention, you can easily wash them and use them on a daily basis. Using reusable bottles will also help encourage your family to be more eco-friendly and better to their bodies. Plus, these bottles tend to be BPA free, so you won’t have worry about leaving them in the sun.

Hydration is one of the best things you can do for your body. However, with the prices of bottled water you can easily run your budget into a hole. These ten tips should help get you on the right track, so you can feel healthy and happy without blowing your paycheck on water. With any luck, any of these tips should work wonders to make sure your family has more than enough water to get by.

Although it’s nice to have a bit of relief from the heat when autumn begins, you may want to begin to worry about some of the things that can go wrong with your home in the upcoming months. With weather a bit wetter and icier during the autumn and winter months, you may find more damage around your home than you’d like. Luckily, there’s a few things you can do to prevent the weather from costing you a whole lot of money. These ten tips will allow you to check out some of the major causes of damage in and outside of your home, so you can cheaply make repairs or take proper precautions to stop the problem in its tracks. After checking out your home, you may find it a lot easier to enjoy the new cool air and beautiful foliage.

1. Roof Inspection
There’s nothing worse than a leaky roof, especially when it comes to your budget. This is especially true during the months in which it rains and snows more often. A leaky roof during certain months can lead to lots of damage that can cause you to have to leave your home or spend a whole lot of money for repairs. More often than not, it may even be impossible for workers to get to the damaged area, which can cause so much more damage. Thus, before the weather sets in it’s important to get your roof inspected. You can easily hire someone to do this, but if you don’t want to spend the money you can do it yourself. There’s lots of online tutorials that will show you just what to look for as well as how to fix loose shingles. By taking these precautions you’ll save your roof and so much more during the autumn and winter and you won’t have to stress about the damage all of the moisture can cause.

2. Weather Stripping
One of the worst things for your heating bills is actually your windows and doors. Before the weather gets too cold, you may want to turn off all fans and heating or cooling devices in the home. Once you’ve done this begin by feeling around the doors and windows in the home. If you feel any air coming through, then it may be time to invest in some weather stripping. This can be cheaply purchased and is simple to install on your own. You can also caulk around the area to help knock out some of the air flow. If you have a home with old windows then you might actually have to replace the wood around the area. This takes a bit more skill, so you may want to hire a professional. Of course, you can also look up tutorials for this job online and try it out for yourself.

3. Carbon Monoxide
During the winter, there are many dangers in the home that can cause your family harm. Carbon monoxide is one of the biggest factors you should consider. With the windows closed your family could be more at danger than during other times of the year. Not to mention, some older heaters could contribute to the problem. So, if you don’t already have carbon monoxide detectors in your home then now is the time to get them and install them in various areas of the home. Most of these detectors simply plug into the wall, so placing them in the home won’t take long at all. If you do have carbon monoxide detectors, then switch out the batteries and do a check to make sure they are working. This should help put your mind to ease while keeping your family safe.

4. Clear the Gutters
No one likes cleaning out the gutters, which often means it builds up and builds up. This can be a huge problem during the winter months as all of the debris can freeze over and bust your gutters. Not to mention, during the autumn months even more leaves are going to fall and wind up in your gutter. Thus, you may want to keep on the gutters while the weather still permits it. You can also use a chemical to help you keep your gutters cleaner for longer. Always be as safe as possible when clearing the gutters though. You should look at the trees near your home too to ensure they will not fall on your gutter and leave it damaged during the seasons that your home needs the drainage more.

5. Attic
When it comes to the cold months, you should take to your attic as soon as you can find the time. There’s a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your attic. The first is you should do is check for any signs of animal life. Rats, bats and you name it could be hanging out in your warm home, which could lead to some pricey problems later on. For instance, some animals can carry diseases, which can spread to the family. Animal feces and the possibility of the animal dying in the home can also cause problems that will create a stench in your home and could pass bacteria to the family. Animals tend to chew and can mess with your electrical. Of course, if there are animals in your attic then you may need to figure out how they got in as this could lead to some insight as to other areas that need to be fixed. Another thing to consider is what the insulation looks like in your attic. You may need to swap the insulation out in order to keep your home warm. Don’t stress out though as this shouldn’t cost a fortune and you can even do this on your own to save even more money.

6. Paint the House
A lot of people tend to think summer is the best time to paint a house because of the weather. However, you may want to push the new paint job off until it’s closer to the autumn months. A new paint job will make your home look warm and inviting for the holidays, which is sure to bring joy to your guests while also making your holiday décor look fabulous. There’s a greater reason to enjoy painting the house closer to the autumn months. With a new paint job your home will be protected from water damage, which will ensure you won’t have to spend thousands to clear it up when the wet months are over.

7. Wrap Pipes
One of the biggest causes of damage during the winter months is pipes freezing, but you can easily remedy this problem. One of the best ways to do this is to wrap your pipes if they’re outside or in your basement. You can do this simply with blankets and tape to help save on some money. You can also check out heating tape if you like a cleaner look. A burst pipe can leave your budget under water, so this is a crucial step to take when it comes to winter freezes. You can also leave your water slightly running on the coldest of nights to help prevent this from happening too.

8. Swap Filters
Since the home will be closed up most of the time, you may want to take this time to change out your house’s filters. You should start with the filters in the heater to ensure safety when you fire it up to warm up the home. This is also a great time to find a filter that will help reduce bacteria, germs and allergens in the home. This will not only help your family stay healthier, but it will also make your home feel more comfortable. Once you clear out the filters you should move on to your air purifier and humidifier. This will allow you to be prepared for a wide variety of illnesses that the kids pick up in school. If you have more items that require a filter, then work on it too. It’s must easier to keep track of filter changes by the season too, which will help keep your items function for longer.

9. Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Another item that is often overlooked is the faucets outside. It’s hard to think about the gardening supplies when the lawn goes into hibernation, but it’s important to take good care of this area too. Before the water gets cold you should unscrew and put away any water hoses you may have. Then you should drain the faucet and turn the nozzle tight to ensure no water will leak. If you can, you should cover the faucet itself, just like you would other external pipes. This will help prevent the faucet from bursting or simply breaking during the big freezes that occur during the cold months. You should also make sure your sprinklers are shut off for the duration of the season. If you have installed sprinklers in the yard, then turn the water off at the main valve. External sprinklers should be unscrewed from their water source and stored away.

10. Clean the Chimney
If you have a chimney, then you know how awesome it can be in the cold months. The fireplace provides a great source of warmth that will cut down on your power bills and bring a wonderful feeling to the home. Of course, if your chimney isn’t clean then it can lead to some major problems that could really cost you a whole lot of money. Minor problems would include slight damage to the fireplace itself, but you could wind up catching the home on fire if you’re not incredibly careful. Thus, getting your chimney cleaned is a crucial move in the winter time. You can hire someone to do this for a reasonable price, but you could also do it yourself. Of course, you can also keep your chimney clean by burning cleaning logs throughout the winter months.

Early autumn is the perfect time to get ready for the long months ahead. These ten tips should help you get your house in order, so you won’t end up dealing with repair bills when the snow finally leaves. Now, you can actually enjoy all of the amazing aspects of the season, rather than concentrating on the stress of the season.

It’s finally time to be finished up with the heat and welcome the crisp autumn air to our lives. Many people tend to use this rejuvenating time to get in a lot of shopping, particularly around the Labor Day sales. More often than not, this can lead to overspending, especially with the holiday season right around the corner. If you really want to shop this month, there are a few things you should concentrate on in order to maximize your money and make the most out of your shopping experience. With these ten tips, you’ll be ready to grab your shopping bags and stock up without dipping into all of those holiday savings.

1. Summer Attire
Although there’s still a few weeks of summer to go, you can probably find some awesome deals on this past season’s fashion musts. Generally, most stores will move all of their summer stock into the clearance bin by the last weeks of summer because they need to make space for the fashion trends that will be dominating in the autumn. So, don’t think twice about swooping in and grabbing a few items to make your summer wardrobe thrive. If you have children to shop for then try to grab items that are one and two sizes larger, so you’ll be prepared for when the hot water makes its debut again. Your kids may even be able to finish out the next few weeks at school in these clothes, or they can use them for layering later in the year when the weather is cold. Try to think out of the box when it comes to shopping for these items though, because you won’t be able to find them this cheap again until next summer is long gone.

2. Text Books
For most, college is already in full swing, which means you should be able to swipe some major deals on text books. Since the big rush is over many college bookstores are ready to unload the rest of their stock as quickly as possible. Your school’s bookstore is sure to offer some fabulous deals if you wait until the last minute, but this may take a bit of working with your professors to ensure you don’t lose grade points for your lack of supplies. Even used book stores will offer a better price on these books, which will come in handy since most offer incredibly low prices anyway. Many rental companies will also cut down on the price of your rental since you will technically be renting for a short period of time. You may need to act fast though, because some books end up disappearing rather quickly from these services.

3. Coffee
With the cold weather brings lots of people flocking to grab a warm cup of Joe to make life a whole lot better. Luckily, the month of September is one of the best times to shop around for coffee. Since flavors like pumpkin spice and gingerbread will be stocked and ready for everyone’s cravings, retailers will try to move some of the flavors that aren’t as popular during the autumn and winter months. This is a great time for you to swoop in and grab some beans or ground coffee that will satisfy your coffee urges without forcing you to head to the local cafe. Apart from awesome sales, National Coffee Day is on September 29 which brings a wide assortment of some awesome deals. You may want to do a little research for this one as you should be able to find free or heavily discounted coffee from your favorite cafes in order to celebrate the joys that are coffee. So, don’t miss out or you may find yourself feeling a little less warm when the crisp wind blows in.

4. Cars
If there’s a good time to buy a car, it is definitely during the month of September. You have two things working for you. The first thing is Labor Day sales, which offer some huge discounts on cars. Many new and used dealerships will mark down cars incredibly low during this three-day weekend sale, which will help you find the deal you deserve. Some cars can even be marked down by 19% or more, which is sure to help you meet your budget needs. If you’re lucky you may even be able to get a few freebies thrown in, so make sure to negotiate even though the prices are being discounted significantly. The second thing working for you is the fact that new car models will be rolling onto the lot in October. This means that even after the Labor Day sales are over, you will be able to find a great deal on models from this year or older. With a little shopping around, you’ll find a match for you at a price that your friends won’t be able to believe.

5. Wine
The vineyards will finish up their harvest soon, which means a lot of wineries are trying to push out some of their older stock in order to make room for the wines that have been fermenting since last year’s stock. This is great for you because it means you will be able to buy some of the older stock in bulk or individually. This is pretty much the best time for stocking up for the holidays which are right around the corner. If you go to a winery you may even be able to get a better deal out of the shopping spree as many wineries will be able to recommend certain items while offering deals on the spot.

6. Above Ground Pools
With the heat gone, all of those awesome summer toys are going to wind up on the clearance shelves too. This includes above ground pools. You can find a wide assortment, from the small kiddie pools to the large family sized pools, at an incredible discount. This will give you the perfect way to start summer out when next year comes along. Of course, you can also go ahead and set it up for the rest of this year if you tend to live in a warmer environment. This will make it easier to get your pool started up again when the weather warms up more. Apart from the pool itself, you should be able to find extra liners, chemicals and toys to go along with your new amazing purchase.

7. Patio Furniture
There’s nothing quite like sitting out on the porch or lawn with friends and family when the weather is nice. However, with unpredictable autumn rain headed our way, patio furniture is in a lot less demand. Thus, many retailers will be putting it on the clearance rack. You should be able to find some amazing styles that will suit your personality as well as your home. Most of these items are already weatherized, so you could always go ahead and set them up and enjoy them for the rest of the season. If you plan on just storing them then you will have something to look forward to when the weather warms up again. Some patio furniture actually looks like it could belong inside the home, so if you feel like thinking out of the box you could always use this for a little extra decor in an empty space. Your patio furniture may also come in handy during the holidays when you need extra places for people to sit.

8. Bushes and Plants
You might wonder how buying bushes and plants would be a great idea when the weather is about to start freezing over. The quick answer is simply because they are on sale right now because many people don’t want to plant during the later days of summer. However, there are lots of fabulous bushes and plants that can survive throughout the year. If you love evergreens, then now is the time to get them and plant. You’ll have beautiful landscaping as the weather changes, which is also pretty low maintenance. Before you go shopping for plants make sure you do a little research though, so you find the best options for your lawn and the climate you’re in. You may want to consider keeping some plants inside to liven up the decor.

9. Stoves
Your stove is about to see a whole lot of action. Form whipping up warm meals for the family on a cold day to whipping up huge feasts for the holidays. Luckily, the month of September is a great time for you to invest in a brand new stove with many models seeing discounts as high as 20-30%. Generally, this is because newer models hit the floor soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find something state of the art that is going to knock your socks off. Shopping for a stove during September can be a great way to save on some power in your home. There’s lots of great Energy Star models on the market, which are great for keeping that power bill low, so your budget doesn’t skyrocket. There’s many great models that aim to add even more protection to the home. For instance, some models don’t conduct heat when touched by a human hand. This is perfect for homes with children who are often curious about what is going on in the kitchen. There’s even some models that will help you know exactly when your food will be ready so you can plan more efficiently. Better yet, there’s stoves that will cook your meals faster, which is sure to be a help when you’re whipping up lots of dishes for the holidays.

10. Produce
With the month of September hosting both summer and autumn, you’re sure to find some amazing foods that will make your meals taste delicious. As summer ends, you’re sure to find exceptional deals on corn and other popular summer feasts, like squash. You will also see some amazing autumn produce coming in too, which is sure to drive your taste buds wild. This mixture will allow you to stock up on foods you may not be able to get at a great price for a while, so you might want to stock up and freeze or can some of the items to enjoy all year round. You may be surprised by how many items will be coming in and leaving this month, so make sure to look around at a variety of stores in order to find the greatest deals around.

September is one of the greatest months when it comes to shopping. The sales happening this month won’t just help make your household look incredible and function efficiently, but it will also allow you to save some major money. Between appliances, vehicles and food, you should be ready to take on the rest of the year and begin a new one on the best foot possible.