Summer is coming to a close, which means you’ll see a whole lot of amazing sales during the month of August. Between back to school days and end of summer events, you can save a whole lot of money during this month. However, there are some things that you might not get the best deal on during this month. Some retailers may even try to trick you into buying from sales that aren’t actually a good price. If you’re looking to get better deals on items this month, then you may want to hold out on these ten items.

1. Back to School Clothes
Many retailers love to jump on the back to school train, which often fools many people into spending a bit more on regularly priced items. Often, retailers will hike up the prices on clothing when their back to school line comes in, this allows them to cut the price slightly for their big sale. More often than not, this means you’re going to end up paying regular price for these items. This can help you get a few foundation items for your students, but your best bet is to actually wait until school begins. Usually retailers will mark clothes off more then since so many people have already finished off their shopping. Not to mention, many of the back to school sales will offer clothing meant for cooler weather. Your kids will probably not want to wear these items at first because the weather will be way too hot. So, it is safe to hold out until you find some great deals.

2. Smart Phones
With summer coming to an end soon, you probably have your eye on holiday gifts. If a smart phone is on your list to buy then don’t grab one this month if you can avoid it at all. Generally, smart phones release their new models in the autumn, which will give you some great options to choose from. Of course, the new releases also mean that the older models will take a price cut, which can help you save a lot of money too. You many also want to hold out until Black Friday sales, which tends to provide some of the best savings.

3. Toys
Since school is about to begin, toys might not be the first thing on your mind. This is a good thing because you won’t see a lot of great deals on toys. Since the holidays are right around the corner some retailers may even mark the price of toys up since they won’t be in high demand. You might get lucky to find deals on summer inspired toys, which is perfect for stocking up for next year. However, toy deals won’t begin until after Halloween has come and gone. The months of December and January are your best options for toys, but if you’re desperate you might find older model toys will be at a reduced price around the holidays, particularly during Black Friday.

4. Lingerie
There were a lot of great deals for lingerie during the summer months, but they should be coming to a close during the month of August. At this time, your best bet is to shop for swimming suits, as they should be hitting the clearance racks at this time. Your next option for sales on lingerie happens in December, which is perfect for the holidays. Of course, if you really need lingerie at this time, your best bet is to consider bundle deals as many stores are using these as an incentive for people to buy. You might also get lucky with some clearance items that are left over from the summer deals. It may take a lot of shopping around though, so waiting might be more appealing.

5. School Supplies
August is usually when Back to School sales begin, but this can be a bit deceiving. Often retailers will take advantage of customers through these sales though. Usually mark downs really aren’t very big, but customers feel they are because they are placed in a sales bin. Sometimes, retailers will mix regularly priced items in with the sales items, so people will automatically think they’re getting a great deal on everything even though they’re paying regular price. Dollar stores are one of the worst culprits when it comes to these deals. Often, they will offer the best price, but their product will have less of an item so you’re actually paying more for what you need. Most retailers will knock down the price of their back to school items in September, so if you can hold out you should.

6. Jackets
It would make sense to go ahead and grab a jacket for autumn or winter in August. Since fall fashion lines are already rolling out, you may find a few options that will suit your needs. However, you won’t be able to find deals on jackets at this time. Much like school clothing, retailers expect people to shop ahead of time, so they keep the prices relatively high. If you’re looking for a coat that suits fall fashion, you may not be able to fit it into a frugal budget until autumn has come and gone. These items tend to remain high until they are no longer fashionable, so if you absolutely need a coat now try for last season’s style or looks that always fit into today’s attire.

7. Appliances
Wedding seasons is starting to flame out, which means appliances are going to go up in price. New models will also be coming out soon too, which will mean you will have a whole new variety to choose from. After the fall release of appliances, you should be able to a find better deal on appliances of all sorts. Also, you might be able to find better deals when the back to school sales are over. Many retailers will mark up the price of these items to sell to college students for their dorms or new apartments. So, the extra items should hit the clearance shelf, which will help you find the best possible deal. If you’re headed to college, you may want to keep an eye out on some crucial items to help make you feel at home. Many appliances will also find great deals during Black Friday and Labor Day, so you might bulk up on gifts then.

8. Hunting Supplies
If you’re gearing up for hunting season, you may want to hold out until later. Hunting season is just a month away in some locations, which means many retailers will already have some of the gear you need out and ready to go. This is a ploy to get you to want to shop for the items at a higher price since most people want to be prepared. You might want to skip out on these items until Labor Day if you want to find a great sale. Of course, if you can wait until the end of the season to get new gear you will be a lot better off. There, you will find clearance items to help you save on quality items that won’t be too technically behind next year’s models.

9. Televisions
Televisions are a popular item to shop for all year long. However, August simply isn’t the time to do it. Luckily, there will be deals coming up in November when Black Friday rolls around. Of course, the best time to buy a TV is usually in January. This doesn’t mean it is too early to shop around to find out which TV you might want to purchase though. There’s lots of great models available, so it can really help you save more money if you know exactly what you need out of a television. This will also help you jump on deals on Black Friday, as you will already be aware of the price and features of models that you’ve been looking forward to buying.

10. Autumn Decor
As soon as school begins, many retailers begin to act as if autumn has already arrived. So, you will see a whole lot of autumn decor piling onto the shelves in the month of August. That doesn’t mean that it is the best time to purchase it though. You should wait until the season is in full swing before you invest in decorations. Of course, this doesn’t hold true for holidays though. You should try to avoid Halloween and Thanksgiving decor until the holiday is actually over. Every day after the holiday has passed tends to see better and better sales, so patience will bring savings. DIY items are always a lot of fun if you really want to get started on your autumn decor though!

August offers many savings worth checking out, but in many cases you will be better off waiting until later to make your purchases. These ten categories will cost you a bundle this month so make sure to exercise caution whenever you choose to shop for these items. Soon, there will be ample savings to help meet your budgeting needs.

If you’re headed off to college for the first time then you may be a little overwhelmed by how much everything costs. Textbooks can be one of the worst expenditures for college students. Books range in the hundreds of dollars in most cases, which can be a huge problem if you’re trying to keep your budget low. Luckily, there’s quite a few ways to avoid the book crisis for most colleges and courses. These ten tips should help you get through your first semester of college, without forcing you to hand over a good portion of your grant and scholarship money to textbooks.

1. Buy Used
When it comes to shopping for text books, you should try to buy your book used as often as you can. Sometimes, professors call for new editions, but more often than not you will find that most don’t care if you bring a used book to class. Used textbooks come at a fraction of the cost of the new books too, which is great for your budget. You can shop all over the place for these books too, including online stores like Amazon. As a matter of fact, you can grab some textbooks for just a few dollars online. Many used book stores will pop up right outside of college campuses too, so you shouldn’t have to go out of your way to find what you need. Many stores will even help you find the books you need based on your college courses.

2. Rent
Textbooks tend to take up a lot of space, especially when the semester is over and you don’t need them anymore. In most cases, you probably won’t touch these books again for years, which might make you feel some buyer’s remorse over the mandatory items you had to purchase. There is a new way to take care of your book needs without missing out on the money or forcing you to hold onto books you won’t be using again. That way is renting. There are many great rental websites to choose from, so look around and make sure the website satisfies your needs with their terms and they have the books you need. You can rent books based on a typical semester or for a year, if you’re in a course that progresses longer than most. The prices are incredibly low too and you won’t have to deal with fines as long as you treat the books with respect. You may even be able to rent books from your own college campus’ bookstore, so ask around to suit your buying needs.

3. Talk To Professor
Sometimes it is actually wiser to hold out on buying your books until you’ve spent time in the course you are taken. Many professors don’t actually require students to have a book on the first day, because it allows them to give specialized instructions as to what you need to purchase for their course. In many cases, the professor will grant permission to buy certain books and exclude others on the list. This can really save you immensely, especially if you won’t actually need some of the content that the school required. You can also use this time to ask a professor if you can use an older edition of the textbook. If there haven’t been major changes in the content, then many professors won’t mind. Older editions tend to cost next to nothing, which is certain to help you out. Some professors will even go the extra mile and pass out content if they have written their own textbook. This will allow you to avoid shopping altogether.

4. Share
Knowing people in your school can be a huge asset when it comes to textbooks, especially if they take the same course as you at a different time. You might want to get together in a club that is based around your major so you can get to know people who will be taking similar courses. If you meet someone you can trust then ask to split the price. Of course, you might want to get the deal in writing so if there are any problems you can solve them with the help of the staff. Sharing a book allows you to cut the price in half and may even allow you to find a study partner that can help you succeed. You will have to plan accordingly with this though, as you will need to share with someone that doesn’t have a conflicting schedule so you can pass off the book in a timely manner.

5. Consider Ebooks
Ebooks are one of the up and coming ways to enjoy textbooks at a lower price. Since there is no actual tangible copy, companies can’t charge you as much as they would for a physical copy of a book. This can help you rack up a few dollars in savings with each book. Of course, you have to make sure your professor will allow you to use your phone, tablet, laptop or e-reader in class. If this is the case then you’re good to go. You can find ebooks on many manufacture’s websites as well as typical websites that you can find textbooks books.

6. Use the Library
Believe it or not, but you can get away with not purchasing a book at all. Most libraries tend to have all of the text books that you need in stock. This means you can easily study in the library without actually having to own the book. Of course, this means you might have to actually wait for the textbook you need if someone else is using it. Some schools will even let you scan and print out important pages as long as you can pay for prints. This is a great way to help you study, work on required homework or simply prepare for open book exams. Usually, you can’t check out these textbooks so you might find yourself in the library more often than you would have initially planned on.

7. Shop Around
Buying textbooks is just like any other shopping experience though. You should always shop around before you take the dive and make your purchase. A lot of schools tend to push you to shop around at the student store, but this often leads you to spend more money. Take your time and look for the best possible deal. You may talk to your professor to see how much time you have to get your book too. If they’re in no rush, then you have plenty of time to buy online or to wait for your grant money to process so you can shop whenever you need to. This is one method that can save you big.

8. Free Textbooks
You might not have thought about it, but there are actually free textbooks out there. This can be enjoyed in a few different methods. For starters, you can get a scholarship that is designed to cover your textbooks alone. This can take a huge burden off of your shoulders. Apart from that, there are even students willing to give away old textbooks that aren’t worth a lot of money. You can check on classified websites and bulletin boards for these options. There are even websites that will provide you with free ebooks for some of the books you will need. You might have to do a lot of searching for these, but if you begin this process when you confirm your course load then you should have plenty of time to find what you need.

9. Buy Bundles
A lot of the time, a class will require you to buy an assortment of things. Many textbook stores will find out about these requirements and bundle up the books to help students out. These bundles are usually at a discounted price, which will come in handy. If you’re taking a literature course then buying the anthology you will need in a bundle is one of the wisest things you can do, because shopping for each separate book can add a lot to the price tag and can even prevent you from buying the wrong books. One of the best bundle purchases happens to be math, science and language books though. Many of these come with digital material that you will need to complete homework. However, these digital discs can cost a fortune on their own, so make sure your book comes with it.

10. Sell Old Books
When the semester is over, you may not want to hold on to your textbooks. Unless you feel you will need them for reference later on in the year or even in your career, then there’s no need to keep them around just to collect dust. So, as soon as you don’t need your book anymore, try to sell it. If you bought your book from the school store or even a used book store, it is important that you hold onto your receipts for the books you bought. You can use these to return the books later so you can get a little more money back. Of course, you don’t have to have these to sell your books, but you might not get as much back. The sooner you sell your books the better too. Of course, if you’re in no hurry then you might want to list them on Amazon or other book selling sites, which will eventually you give you a pay off. You can use the money you receive to help pay for the next batch of books.

Shopping for textbooks can be a huge headache, especially if you’re worried about the price tag of your shopping spree. With these ten tips, you should be able to save quite a bit of money on the books you need to succeed. This should allow you to stress less and find more excitement for your upcoming classes.

Your eyes play an important role in your everyday life. From keeping you entertained to helping you with everyday activities and safety procedures, you probably wouldn’t know where you would be without your eyes. This is why it is incredibly important to take care of them as much as you possibly can. Eye exams and procedures, as well as glasses and contacts can be pricey if you’re not careful though. Luckily, there are a wide variety of things you can do to save money while ensuring your eyes are well taken care of. So, don’t hesitate to put your eyes first, especially during National Eye Exam Month this August!

1. Know When to Get Exams
A lot of people tend to think they need to get an eye exam every single year. This isn’t really the case for most people with healthy eyes though. If you aren’t sure how often you should be getting an eye exam, check out some studies on the topic to help you figure out when you should have your next exam. Most of these studies are based on age, race and overall health. Of course, if you wear glasses or contacts already then you may have to go in more frequently. You should also make an appointment for an eye exam if you notice anything different going on with your eyes. This can help prevent a major problem in the future. Also, if a foreign object enters your eye then immediately go to the doctor to help get it flushed and make sure your cornea is not scratched.

2. Free Exams
Sometimes, an eye exam may feel like it will ruin your budget, which is why so many people put it off. There are actually many ways to qualify for free eye exams if you don’t have insurance that covers them. The elderly are one of the largest groups that this covers, which helps many prevent major issues that happen as aging occurs. A lot of students also go without health care for their eyes. Often, students can get a free exam from their university, so check in on this if you’re concerned about your eyes. If you have a membership to some warehouse clubs, they randomly give out free exams so keep up with your local store to find out when this happens.

3. Use Insurance
The best thing you can do to take care of your eyes is to make sure insurance covers everything. This may mean paying a little extra each month, but most companies don’t tack on huge fees for eye exams. Before going into your exam, make sure you call up your service to see what they cover. Usually, you can get away with getting an eye exam for less than few dollars on your part. A lot of insurance companies will cover contacts and glasses too; however, there are some limitations for this aspect of the insurance. They usually only pay for basic glasses with cheap frames and regular lenses. So, you may end up paying extra if you want a fashionable frame or thinner lenses. Of course, the insurance will help a little, so you won’t be stuck with the entire bill.

4. Invest in Sunglasses
You might think of sunglasses as a luxury item, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sunglasses actually play a major role in your health all year long. UV rays and harsh glares from sunlight can do a lot of damage to your eyes. So, wearing sunglasses can prevent this damage from becoming permanent. This is especially important if you have lighter eyes, like gray and blue. Some insurance companies will actually cover sunglasses, but check with your company before you make the investment. If you don’t want to worry with sunglasses then consider getting transition lenses for your glasses. This will help protect your eyes without forcing you to think twice about putting on a pair of shades. This is especially great for people who have to wear a prescription. Don’t forget to get sunglasses for your children too as they can also benefit from the protection.

5. Eat Well
If you want to cheaply take care of your eyes then one of the best things you can do is eat well. There’s lots of foods out there that can actually promote eye health, which can help you keep great vision or prevent diseases from occurring. Carrots are known to be good for your eyes, but there are other sources of healthy foods that can help out and provide you with delicious meals too. If you’re not one for fruits and vegetables, then you might want to check out vitamins that can help you. You might check with your optometrist to see what you need to keep your eyes feeling incredible.

6. Buy Bulk Glasses
Glasses can be a huge burden on your wallet if you are asked to wear them. Luckily, there’s a lot of ways to get around this problem. One of the best ways is to shop for bulk frames. A lot of stores in your local area often offer buy one, get one deals that can help save you huge on your frames. You may have to wait for certain stores to offer these deals, but more often than not you can find the bulk deals at one chain or another at any point in the year. Having more than one pair of frames is important anyway. You should always keep a backup pair of glasses close by just in case you wind up breaking your favorite pair. You should also try to refrain from using an old prescription as a backup if you can as this can cause more damage to your eyes. Plus, having more than one pair will actually help you feel fashionable and can freshen up your wardrobe at times.

7. Shop Online
You might find that buying glasses and contacts from brick and mortar stores or even your optometrist can cost a whole lot of money. There are other options when it comes to this though. For instance, there are a wide assortment of online stores that can offer you glasses for next to nothing. Glasses frames are the priciest aspect of wearing glasses in most cases, but online you can get them less than $20 in most cases. Even if you don’t trust these websites to cut your lenses, you can always simply by the frame and have the optometrist do it for you. Buying contacts online is also an easy way to save money. You can sign up for reoccurring deliveries or simply hop online and order bulk lenses whenever you run out. This makes life a lot more convenient and can help you save money that you’d never expected thanks to rebates.

8. Rest Your Eyes
One of the biggest mistakes many people make when it comes to their eyes is not taking breaks. Your eyes aren’t designed to look at screens all day, which means many people’s work environment isn’t exactly safe for the eye health. Doing this actually dries out your eyes, which can cause a wide assortment of problems. If you tend to spend a lot of time on the computer for work or pleasure then it is important to look away every 20 minutes. You should try to look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds in order to give your eyes a chance to rest. Of course, this is also true for books and phones, so make sure to follow the rules. You might do yourself a favor and spend a day or two off of technology whenever you can to help preserve the health of your eyes in the long run.

9. Mail in Rebates
Contact wearers can rejoice when it comes to saving money on their contact lenses. The internet has a lot of rebate websites that can give you refunds for buying the items you need on a daily basis. You might want to start by looking at the manufacturer of your lenses website to see if they offer any rebates or coupons straight away. You can also get lucky by checking out the website that you shop on. There are many other websites that can help you find the rebates you need to make wearing contact lenses seem like a drop in the bucket when it comes to your tight budget.

10. Shop Around
As always, the key to saving money when it comes to your vision is to shop around as much as you possibly can. You should start this when it comes to your optometrist. Prices are not even per doctor, so you can save money by choosing a doctor that doesn’t cost a fortune or one that actually offers bundled deals. Your next step is to shop around for glasses. You may think chain stores offer the best deal, especially if they’re connected to an optometrist, but most of the time this isn’t the case. Of course, prices can vary based on the styles you’re after, so you may have to try on a lot of frames before choosing the best deal. Finally, you may not want to stick to one store for contacts either, as many will actually fluctuate their prices after hosting a great deal.

Keeping up with your vision is incredibly important for your overall health and happiness. With these ten tips you can easily find the best possible ways to cut back on spending on this element of your health. Of course, you should also try to snag an appointment during National Eye Exam month if you truly want to save a bit more!

Mountain climbing is one of the best things to do in the summer months. This hobby is not only great exercise, but can teach you a lot about yourself. Although the activity is a lot of fun, it can cost you a small fortune if you don’t know how to approach the sport. Luckily, there’s many great ways to save a few pennies on your mountain climbing adventure. These ten tips should help you find a way to work the hobby into your budget, so you can get out and climb your first mountain on Mountain Climbing Day. In no time at all, you’ll reach great heights that are sure to make you feel incredible.

1. Clearance Gear
When it comes to mountain climbing, you don’t have to shop for all of the latest gear. This is especially the case if you’re just starting out on the hobby. Each year, top brands come out with new items that are essentially the same as the year before. Sometimes, they will have small advances, but it won’t be anything you’ll absolutely need on the climb. That is why you should choose to shop clearance gear whenever you can. This gear can be found in stores and on websites, so make sure to look around to find the best deals. You should be able to find everything you need on clearance, especially if you shop right when the new equipment is released. Buying clearance rather than used can also help stretch your money as the items are new and won’t force you to have to purchase again before you get your money’s worth.

2. Rent Gear
Of course, if you’re just trying this activity out then you probably won’t want to buy anything in order to participate. The best thing you can do is actually rent the equipment you need. This will allow you to explore the sport without having to invest in it. If you don’t like it then you’ve only lost a bit of money and if you do then you have an idea of what equipment you will need to get prior to mountain climbing again. Renting is better than borrowing too as rented equipment has to meet quality standards before it is given to customers, whereas borrowed equipment might not be the safest option.

3. Splurge on Footwear
One of the most important things for mountain climbing is your shoes. You are going to want a pair that suits your needs and fits comfortably. However, you also want a pair that is going to hold up to wear and tear while allowing you to count on them not to break while you’re climbing. Usually, you have to put some money into shoes like this, so make sure to look around and read reviews on products that might suit your needs. You will be out some money for your shoes, but the safety and comfort they will provide can save you a lot more money in the long run. If you’re having trouble picking shoes for your hobby then talk to someone that mountain climbs frequently or someone that works at a store that sells equipment, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

4. Climb with Experience
Mountain climbing isn’t a casual sport, even when it comes to the mountains that seem like they are just a steep hike. When you are new to mountain climbing, you should hire a trainer to help coach you through the process. This will allow you to be prepared if an emergency does arise, which can save your life in the future. Coaches tend to not run on the cheap side, but if you can join a group you may be able to save some money. Of course, if you know someone that is an experienced mountain climber then you may be able to work with them to show you the ropes. Of course, you should always take precautions, which is why a trainer is the best person to take you on your first run. They will be able to point out problems they see in your form and give you pointers to help avoid major mistakes.

5. Travel with Others
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to find a group of people who also love to go mountain climbing. Even as you gain experience and feel more confident on the mountain, you are still at danger in this activity. Having a group or even just one or two others with you can save your life if you find yourself in a pinch. They can also help prevent major accidents. Of course, you should find people you completely trust in order to make sure that you will be safe in their company. Always travel with first aid and ensure everyone in your group knows how to administer it. Taking care of injuries when they happen can help improve healing capabilities as well as unnecessary medical expenses due to infections. Apart from making the activity a group affair, multiple people should be made aware of your whereabouts before you go on your climb.

6. Start Simple
A lot of people have dreams of grandeur when it comes to mountain climbing. They want to hop on the biggest mountain and prove their abilities to the world. The best thing you can do for yourself during this time is to actually start small. Choose a local mountain to climb that is small and can be done in just an hour or so. This will allow you to work your body up to bigger mountains in the future. You can always set high goals for mountain climbing, but try to start tackling your small goals first. There are many mountains that are challenging for beginners that will still give you some awesome bragging rights.

7. Pack Well
Another key to having a successful and frugal mountain climbing trip is to know how to pack your bag. First of all, you will need all of the equipment to mountain climb in your pack. If you are missing some of the key supplies then you will have to turn back without ever getting to enjoy your climb, which is a big waste of money. There are other crucial things you will need though. For starters, you have to have enough water to get you through the day. If not, you will need to know how to find water and filter it for your safety. Mountain climbing burns a lot of calories too, so food is another must have item on your list. You will also need supplies to keep you cool and save you from the sun’s UV rays. Keeping a properly packed bag can help prevent injury, exhaustion and other medical difficulties that could leave you paying a lot in hospital bills.

8. DIY Snacks
A lot of people love to buy pricey items for snacks because they think they will give them more energy. However, these snacks tend to come with too many preservatives, sugars and other ingredients you don’t really need in your diet, especially if you’re burning a lot of energy. There are a lot of great recipes online that you can try out, which won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The great thing about these snacks is you can make them in bulk for even cheaper and keep them in your freezer until you are ready to hit the trail. Trail mix, energy bars and protein drinks are just a few of the options to choose from.

9. Know the Mountain
Before you head out on your mountain climbing trip, you can do a lot to help make your trip a success. Most people have maps up of mountains, so you can check out everything you need to know about your climb ahead of time. You can even look at pointers from other climbers to help make your trip a success. Some things you might want to look for are dangerous areas that you should try to avoid. You might also check out regions with water, if there are any. If you plan on scaling the mountain often then you may even want to make your own map, so you can keep track of your own little findings.

10. Count the Costs
Climbing smaller mountains shouldn’t break the bank if you plan on mountain climbing often. However, if you are setting your sights high then you may want to do a little research into the mountain you plan on conquering. Big name mountains, like Mount Fuji, can cost you thousands of dollars to climb. So, you should always make sure you are ready to tackle the challenge before you invest the money in the trip. Keep in mind, these high cost mountains are also very dangerous and could cost you your life if you aren’t highly trained. By keeping an eye on these expenditures, you will be able to balance your hobby with your budget more efficiently.

Mountain climbing is a great way to get in shape, have some fun and release stress. It is also a great way to lose money. With these ten tips, you should be able to start on your adventure without overdoing it in regard to money. Before long, you will be scaling mountains like a champion without spending too much money.

Pre-School can be one of the best things you do for your child’s education, but it can also be one of the most expensive things for your budget. Of course, choosing pre-school now can also save you lots of money down the road. When it comes to early education, you have a lot of options to choose from, so you don’t always have to travel down the expensive route if you don’t want to or can’t afford to. Although many parents begin looking for a pre-school before their child is born, you don’t have to put that much stress on yourself. Simply helping your child prepare for school can go a long way. So, check out these ten tips to ensure your child gets the education they deserve before they head off to kindergarten.

1. Low Income/ESL
One of the best options for families struggling to figure out how they are going to pay for pre-school is to actually consider asking the school for help. Most schools actually have programs for families who make less than a specified amount of money. These requirements also depend on household size too, so you could qualify even if you think you make too much money. The best thing you can do is try. This program also reaches out to children who do not speak English as a first language. Most schools want to begin teaching these students English as early as they possibly can. So, if this is the case in your home then you may even be able to get your child into pre-school at the age of 3. Contact your local school district for more information on this to see if you qualify for help.

2. Scholarships
If you have your eye on a high scale school for your child, but you don’t have the budget to follow through on your plan, then you shouldn’t give up hope. One of the best things about these schools is they often let in children on scholarships in order to help their own funding. So, you might want to fill out a scholarship application before you give up on the idea. If your child has special talents, is a legacy or meets other special criteria then you may also be able to get a scholarship for one of these schools. Sometimes, scholarships come in strange places too. For instance, some schools will take money off of your tuition if you shop at certain places and use the school’s rewards card. This can help knock down the price faster than you think.

3. Homebased Schools
You don’t have to look for larger schools to get your children a great education. Believe it or not, but there is probably a good number of home based schools in your own community. These schools are designed by people who do not want to host a large pre-school, and those that want to work from their own home. This allows your child to get more attention since these schools can only host a small number of children. The people who operate these schools are licensed and have taken early education courses, so make sure you check out credentials before you sign your child up. This is a great way to help your child adjust to going to school though. Since the environment feels more like a home, children won’t be as hesitant to adapt to their new surroundings. This will make learning come easier and will ensure your child feels happier.

4. Joy School
If you would like to take a more proactive stance in your child’s school then a < href="http://valuesparenting.com/joy-school/" target="_blank">Joy School might be right up your alley. This school is operated with you and a group of friends who have similar education goals for the children. The Joy School Program sends the information you need to help the students get on the right track for kindergarten. With this program, your student will be ready to take on the upcoming school journey and may even be ahead of the curve. They will also be able to socialize with other children, which is an important aspect to the pre-school adventure.

5. Shop Around
Reputation means a lot when it comes to a pre-school, but a lot of the time seeing the school for yourself and discovering how your child interacts there can change your mind. When it comes to choosing a school, the best thing you can do is shop around. This is even the case if you think you’ve found the perfect match. More often than not, you may choose to avoid the more expensive school because it doesn’t offer the things you need. Or, it offers the same criteria for a lot more money. Some schools may even work with you if you sit down with them and discuss your needs. So, don’t end up drawn into the pricey school, as there are many great community schools that can save you big time.

6. Homeschool
Sometimes, it is best to take things into your own hands, which can be the case with pre-school. If you have a child that is hesitant to begin school then homeschool could be a great option. Of course, there are many reasons to homeschool a child, which can range from personal needs to religion. No matter what the reason is, homeschool for pre-schoolers can be easy for the parent and the child. This also allows the parent to give the child a basis in other lessons that may not be taught in pre-school, such as languages. You can find lots of online content to help you on your journey, which can be accessed for nothing at all. You can also find pre-school requirements, curriculums and more to ensure your child meets every level of education before moving on to kindergarten. Homeschool is also great for children who may not meet age requirements for the pre-school year and must wait. This way, your child can be prepared for what will come their way in the upcoming year and will keep their mind active during their long wait.

7. Volunteer
These days, many schools are incredibly shorthanded, which can be a huge problem when it comes to keeping up with students, crafts and other aspects of the education process. So, if you plan on volunteering at your child’s school, you may be able to work on some savings. Before you sign your child up, try talking to the principle or financial office to see what they can do for you. Then, simply follow their volunteer plan and you should be good to go. This process will also give you a closer look as to how your child is interacting with others at school and how they are taking to their studies.

8. Prepare Child’s Readiness Skills
When it comes to saving money, you may want to make sure your child has some basic skills down before you send them to pre-school. This will allow your child the opportunity to get into more schools and may even allow them to go to a public school for free. Some schools might charge more for children who haven’t met certain skills, as it will mean more work for them. One of the major skills your child needs to have down is potty training. If your child can’t use the restroom and clean up after themselves then a lot of schools will not take them. The schools that do will certainly charge more because they will be working on caregiving rather than educating your child. Your little one should also have a decent grasp on motor skills. Work on coloring with crayons, using safety scissors and more at home to help develop these skills. Other than that, your child should also be talking well and should know how to write their name.

9. Short Days
A lot of parents look to send their child to school for the whole day. However, this can be pretty exhausting for a new student and they may not retain as much information. It also makes the transition from staying at home with a parent to spending most of their time at school a little harder. Full day schools also cost more money, which will put a bit of a dent in your wallet. Instead of doing this, simply look around for schools that will allow your child to go for part of the day. This is certain to help your child transition easier and will allow you to enjoy the last few days of your child not being a full time student.

10. Tax Credit
Many parents don’t have a choice when it comes to sending their child to pre-school. If your little one has to go in because you are working or are spending your time looking for work, then you may qualify for a tax credit. This tax credit usually falls along the same line as daycare charges, so make sure to talk to your accountant about your eligibility. This credit should help take care of the extra expenditures you make so that your child can go to pre-school.

Pre-school is an important part of your child’s life but you don’t have to feel pressured to go in a certain direction. These ten aspects of pre-school can help you find the right school for your child and your budget. This should help you get on the right track when it comes to your little one’s first educational experience.

Apart from diapering your baby, feeding your little one can be the most expensive aspect of having a new bundle of joy. Even if you’re breastfeeding, taking the next step into foods can add up. There are a lot of things to consider when feeding your baby as well. Your choices inevitably can make or break your budget, so it is important to consider your options before you make a decision. Luckily, there are ways around the high price of baby food, no matter which way you choose to feed your family. So, if you have a little one to feed, you might want to check out these ten ideas to save you a bundle on food.

1. Coupons
One of the easiest ways to save money on food of any kind is to use coupons. You may wonder how you can save a lot of money on coupons for baby supplies though. Many companies will readily send you coupons if you ask for them. Sometimes, this means actually emailing the company, whereas other times it means signing up for a rewards program. Many of these coupons can also be used as reward points too, which will entitle you to freebies. Many stores will even set out their own coupons for foods, which can help you save money on top of your other savings. This is certain to help cut back on your budget and ensure your child has plenty of food.

2. Don’t Over-Do It
Many people often spend too much on baby food, because they are actually over-feeding their child. This can be incredibly common, so if it’s happening to you then don’t stress as it is an easy fix. Guidelines for your child’s dietary needs can easily be found online. You can also talk to your pediatrician about what your child needs. Most children, particularly those under 6 months can survive on formula or breast milk alone. So, if you’re feeding this age group a lot of baby food then you already need to cut back. Other babies shouldn’t be going through several containers of food in a sitting, especially if they are under a year as formula or breast milk should still be a big part of their diet. You should also save any excess food you don’t use. This will help stretch the food further, so you won’t have to shop for food as often.

3. Use Your Blender
A lot of people will tell you that you need to invest in a special baby blender for all of your child’s homemade food. However, this certainly isn’t the case. If you already have a decent blender or food processor in the home then you are all ready to go. All you have to do is make sure the machine is cleaned well before you blend your child’s food. This is especially important in the early days when you are introducing your little one to new foods. Of course, you can even make things easier on yourself by just using a fork to mash up some of the items. Simply cook foods like squash, sweet potatoes, bananas and more then squish them up and you’re ready to go.

4. Freeze It
When it comes to making your own baby food, your best ally is actually your freezer. All you have to do is blend up your food and then deposit it into a container or even an ice tray for storage. This will allow you to shop more efficiently, so you can have a lot more flexibility with your child’s meals. This will also prevent your produce from going bad. Freezing foods allows you to food prep for an entire month in advance, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the extra work. Not to mention, it will allow you to give your child more variety every day of the week as you won’t have to worry about finishing off a container of food that you’ve already opened. Using an ice tray to freeze makes portion sizes a lot easier to handle too. All you have to do is thaw out a cube of what you need and you’re ready for your child’s meal time. You can even offer them more than one food, without worrying about overdoing it.

5. Ditch Pre-Made Foods
Many parents tend to opt for the pre-made baby foods to make life a bit easier. This can really add up when it comes to the cost of your child’s food though, especially as your little one relies less on breast milk and formula and more on food. These premade foods tend to also have other ingredients in them, so your child won’t purely get the item you want them to eat. This could lead to problems with some children. Worse of all, some baby foods even showed high levels of lead when tested, which could make your child gravely ill. Not to mention, this adds to the amount of items that you’re throwing away, which doesn’t help the environment.

6. Look Up Recipes
Making your own baby food might seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Luckily, with the internet, there are lots of great places to look if you’re curious about how to maximize your child’s nutrition. Many parents love to start blogs when there little one begins to eat, so they can share their amazing baby food recipes with the world. These can help maximize nutrients while teaching your child to eat vegetables at an early age. Your pediatrician and dietician are also valuable sources when it comes to whipping up baby food. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or recipes, if you’re really not sure where to begin.

7. Start Simple
Some parents want their children to dive into the world of food straight away. This can be a huge problem for your child’s present and future though. You should always start children off with stage one foods. These foods are less likely to cause an allergic reaction and are easy on your child’s developing digestive system. You should also only start your child on one food at a time. Each food should be given five to seven days before a new food is introduced. This will allow you to find out if your child is allergic to the item or not. This should help you gain a basis as to how your child can eat in the future. Foods that are high allergy should be introduced much later, this includes foods like strawberries and nuts. Ice cream, crackers and even juice should be delayed until much later too. This is especially true for items that contain cows’ milk as children should not be introduced to this until they are one year of age.

8. Buy in Bulk
When it comes to shopping, the best way to do is to shop in bulk whenever you can. This can really come in handy with formula as it is so expensive as it is. However, you can also benefit from buying produce in bulk too. Many warehouse stores will offer larger bundles of these items for less, so you can make baby food for cheaper than you’d expect. You might want to try your farmer’s market as well as many tend to offer foods for less. If you are using premade baby food then you can grab this in bulk too to save.

9. Go Generic
If you’re buying your child’s food in store then one of the best things you can do is try to keep it to generic brands. This is especially the case when it comes to formula. Not all formula is made equal though, so make sure you check on the ingredients before you make a purchase. You will also want to look at reviews to ensure other people have had success with the brand. Every child is different, so your baby may take to one generic brand and not another. Supplements and jarred baby foods are also great to purchase in generic brands. Just like with the formula, you may want to check out the ingredients before you choose to buy it. All in all, this could cut your budget in half.

10. Share Your Food
One of the biggest ways to relieve your budget is to actually share your food with your child. Of course, you won’t be able to do this until your baby is a little older, but once they have adjusted to different foods then you should be able to feed them items that you cook for yourself. This will cut down on food substantially, especially since you won’t have to make anything different for your child. This will also give your little one a wider range of foods to taste, which will help them develop an interest in more foods faster.

Feeding your child doesn’t have to put a huge dent in your budget. These ten tricks can really help you cut back on spending so you can enjoy putting the money towards other things. Before you know it, you won’t even have to worry about budgeting for extra food as your little one will be begging to try the items you make for yourself.

With everyone buzzing over Christmas in July, you’ll be overjoyed to find out that Amazon Prime Day is only a few days away. On July 11, Amazon will pull out the stops to try to recreate Black Friday several months before the holiday season begins. Although there’s been some speculation that deals will be a little iffy based off of previous years, many are also claiming that the deals with surpass the last two years by leaps and bounds. However, if you want to avoid missing out on the good deals and to avoid buying things you don’t really need, you may want to check out these ten categories above all others. You’re sure to find the deals you want, but remember to keep your budget in mind.

1. Phones
This Prime Day, you should be able to find a whole lot of deals on smart phones. Amazon already sells a wide assortment of phones to choose from, so you will probably have to base your shopping around brands that are participating in this sale. Of course, you are guaranteed huge sales on Amazon based phones. These phones are part of a 50% off feature that Amazon has opened up prior to Prime Day’s start. The only thing about these phones is you will have to see Amazon ads on a daily basis. The ads aren’t totally invasive though and if you’re a big shopper you will always be privy to great deals thanks to these ads. Amazon phones are unlocked too, so you won’t have to worry about your provider.

2. Amazon Products
There’s no surprise that Amazon products will be on sale during Prime Day. This encompasses a wide range of products too. For instance, if your Kindle is in need of an update then you can probably score a huge deal on the latest model during this time. You may even find deals where you get freebies on ebooks and more. The Fire Stick will be another product worth keeping an eye on. Apart from that, Amazon is sure to be pushing deals on their latest products like the Echo as these are still a pretty high price and in high demand. You might also want to keep an eye on refurbished items from these models, which should save you even more money.

3. Drones
Drones featured a lot of sales this past holiday season. Although it was considered a hot toy, it didn’t sell like many retailers thought it would. With the cold weather keeping people indoors, many just skipped this item in hopes of lower prices later on down the line. Amazon will be banking on this during Prime Day as you should see lots of deals on these drones. Of course, before buying these items, make sure you know the rules about them in your area. You might also consider the insurance, especially if you’re buying for an inexperienced flyer. Drones are simple to crash and many people find them frustrating and take measures into their own hands.

4. TVs
I know it has been said time and again, but this year is supposed to be the year for big TV sales on Prime Day. Of course, these deals are often hard to catch, so you might have to keep your eye on Amazon all day if you want to secure one of these bad boys. Make sure you sign up for updates on the items you’re interested in as deals like this tend to go lightning fast on sales days like this. Although you have to be speedy when it comes to these items, try to know the average price on the TV of interest. This will help you know if you’re actually signing up for a good deal or if you’re basing your purchase on excitement. You may also want to look into models you might want before Prime Day happens. This will allow you to get the features you need, since some deals won’t allow you a lot of time to read up all the fine print.

5. Unlimited Music
Music lovers will have to rejoice when it comes to this deal. Amazon is giving Prime members the chance to get four months of unlimited music for less than a dollar. This deal almost saves around $40, which is a pretty good deal if you listen to a lot of music on your phone and you hate commercials. Amazon’s music offers a wide range of choices in genres, artists, playlists and even radio stations. You can make your own playlists too, which is sure to help you get through your shopping spree on the 11th. This deal is already open to Prime members, so don’t wait to start your music subscription.

6. Audio Books
Audio books are a big trend this year and Amazon is ready and willing to follow it. Apart from already offering free audio books to members, during Prime Day members can get 40% off a membership for 6 months. That is a lot of time to catch up on audio books you’ve been longing to hear. This subscription is perfect for those who don’t have the time or motivation to read books, but still long to keep up with the classics or the best sellers. With an audio subscription, you can download an unlimited amount that work until your subscription is over. You may even want to look in on some of the best audio books of 2017, so you’ll know just where to start your audio book journey. This deal is already up and going, so you can start listening to books right away.

7. Movies
Amazon is great about having all the best movies for sell at a competitive price. Prime Day will offer some of the big ticket names at some of the lowest prices you will see. You should also keep an eye out for collections during this time too as Amazon loves to put these bigger items on sale on their big events. Apart from actually purchasing movies, you can stream the huge collection that Amazon already has to offer for Prime uses. These include popular movies and TV shows as well as Amazon originals. If there’s a movie you’ve been wanting to rent for a while then now is the time to do it too. Amazon is offering a $10 credit to anyone that streams on a new device during this event.

8. Power Banks
Right now, you can find power banks from a huge list of brands and retailers. The market is so saturated in them that people just want to sell them off. This is going to work to your benefit during the Prime Day event though as many brands will want a wide assortment of items gone. This is a practical purchase as well, as most people can use these for everyday use or even emergencies. Power banks are perfect for keeping phones charged during road trips too, so you might consider this purchase before your big vacation. Shop around for brands though, as you may find some have a higher quality than others.

9. Car Tech
According to a sales expert, this year is going to be the year of car tech sales for Amazon. Last year saw many deals on home tech, so you will see the same variety in car form. Try looking around for items like dash cams, which are important for the protection of your car and your own safety. Stereo systems are another big thing you’ll find for Prime deals, so if you’re looking for an upgrade this is the perfect time to do it. You’ll also find simple accessories like phone holders and storage for the car.

10. Home Surveillance
Another option you should definitely keep your eye on is home surveillance deals. This can be a big game changer for your family as you will be able to leave your home for work or even vacation without having to worry. These deals will cover full surveillance systems that include cameras as well as recording devices that can hold up to a terabyte or more of memory. One expert says that you may even see home cameras for as low as $66. These simple cameras are great if you want to keep an eye on packages or other things that happen at your front door. With these sales, you may start considering how safe your family is in your area as splurging on these items can’t hurt.

Amazon Prime Day can be a pretty exciting time for many who love to shop or find great deals on the things that they need for their lives. This Prime Day is set to have many deals that will leave you speechless. You shouldn’t let the excitement get to you though as there many items you simply won’t need. So, try to follow your budget when it comes to shopping and choose deals that will be worthwhile, like these ten products.

With the summer heat coming to a peak, you may not want to do much of anything. This is when a reading nook comes in handy for your home. Whether you love to read indoors or outdoors, there’s a reading nook that is just up your alley. The best news is you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money when it comes to a reading nook either. There are a lot of great ideas and tips that can help you find the reading that you’ve always wanted. So, get ready to add a little taste of paradise to your home when you try out one or more of these ten cheap reading nooks.

1. Recyclable Igloo
If you love to reuse items then this is one of the coolest book nooks you can create. This is especially great for children and may even inspire them to dive into more books just so they can hang out in their nook. All you need to get started on this task is hot glue and empty gallon jugs. Using these jugs will be more realistic because they are made of slightly transparent plastic and are a breeze to shape and glue. However, if you’re not looking for the traditional igloo style then you can always settle for oatmeal containers. These will even allow you to store some of your paperbacks, stuffed animals and other must-have nook supplies. Once you have enough to make your igloo simply glue it together and you’re all set. You can place pillows, blankets and portable lights on the inside to suit your comfort needs.

2. Blow Up Pool
When it comes to a book nook on the easy and the cheap, this idea is one of the best. Many children have blow up pools for the summer. However, if you wind up with one you’re not using then you may want to bring it inside. You can fill the pool up with blankets, pillows and stuffed animals to make it the ideal place to read. You may even want to place some shelves around it too. Kids will love diving into their comfortable reading nook for some time in an amazing book. The best thing about this nook is it can be moved from one location to the next with ease. You can even pull it out on the weekends and put it away on school days for added space. Of course, you can always take it back outside to use as a pool too. The options are pretty endless with this efficient nook.

3. Dr. Seuss style
If you have young readers then this can be one of the best ways to encourage them to hop into a book or two when they have some spare time. You can have a lot of fun with this type of nook too. One of the best ways to start is to take some old pool noodles and add colored duct tape to them to create the stripes that you often see on Dr. Seuss’s trees. Once this is complete you can take pom poms or a boa to create the top part of the tress. Place these next to a large bunch of colorful pillows and you’ll have the beginning of a cozy spot. You can also paint, print out or use decals of your child’s favorite characters from Dr. Seuss books. There’s lots of other ways to bring this reading nook to life, so check out some ideas online or channel your own inner Who.

4. Canopy style
This nook is great for anyone that loves a more formal look in the home. You can customize it for kids to create a princess inspired look or to add a camo touch to the room. Of course, this nook is also great for grownups looking to escape into a good novel. All you really need for this nook is a hula hoop or other circular device as well as fabric and something to hang the canopy from the ceiling. Once you have your canopy up, you can string lights to give it a whimsical effect. These lights should be closely monitored when used though and turned off whenever you are not in the nook. You can also deck it out with lots of pillows and blankets. If you want to spend more money on the nook then you may want to consider making the canopy larger and putting shelves inside of it. Of course, your creativity is the limit, so let your imagination soar.

5. Harry Potter Closet
Many book worms have fallen in love with the Harry Potter novels, which makes the Harry Potter closet concept one of the coolest ways to enjoy a reading nook. This idea may be limited to certain homes though as you need a space under a stairwell to do this. Of course, you can always improvise and use an old cabinet or simply set aside a cubby in the home to pretend with. Inside your closet room, you can add lots of magical aspects of the nook like wands, magical phrases and even some of the props from the books and movies. Try looking online for cheap items to add to the space. Of course, you will also want to deck out the space with colors from your Hogwarts house. You may even be able to find house specific decor to make you feel like you’re hanging out in your favorite wizarding school.

6. DIY Swing Chair
If you don’t have a lot of space to spare for a nook then you may want to consider lifting your nook off the ground. A swing chair can be one of the most soothing ways to enjoy a book and it looks great as a piece of furniture too. You can make one of these chairs indoors or outdoors as well, so you can stretch out your reading habits to suit your personal needs. There are many ways to make a swing chair though, so this concept is going to depend on what you’re looking for as far as your budget and style goes. Many of these chairs can be made with reusable items, like tires. Check online for tutorials and ideas, so you can get to swinging with your favorite book faster than ever.

7. Classic Blanket Fort
One of the cheapest ways to enjoy a reading nook is to go the old fashioned way. Most kids have made a blanket fort at one point or another, so use this same method to create a reading nook in your home. If you want, you can create the nook just as you did as a child, or you can use more sophisticated materials to make it look even grander. If you choose to make your fort using small shelves then you will already be one step ahead when it comes to the interior decor of the nook. You can also use LED lights and other fun portable lights to offer you enough reading light. Apart from that, this nook can be taken down in a moment’s notice and moved to another part of the home, if you so choose. It is also a great place for bonding with the whole family, especially if you work together to build the nook. Best of all, if you leave a mess inside this nook, no one will know the difference because the interior is entirely hidden. You don’t have to settle with a basic tent look either. You can also work with a teepee style or anything else that crosses your imagination.

8. Hammock
When it comes to relaxation, nothing says cozy quite like a hammock. This is why you should make your reading nook into a fun hammock, rather than pulling out all of the shots. This makes a great space for diving into a book as you will feel enclosed and away from the world around you. A hammock can be placed pretty much anywhere too, so you can base your location around the book you are reading. Best of all, hammocks are incredibly easy to make. You may not even have to buy anything to get your hammock up and ready for a reading session. You can even make one for the whole family, so everyone will have their own space to have an adventure or take a quick nap.

9. Homemade Corner Chair
This is probably one of the more common ways to enjoy a nook in your home. Usually, people find a vacant corner that isn’t often disturbed and set up a little area to read. You can do this with specialized chairs and shelves or items you already have lying around the home. Large cushions make great seats for these items, but you can also deck them out with cute items like pillows made from old t-shirts. One great idea for children is to use their old mattress crib for a book nook. You can use shelving or other old furniture to help shape the perfect space for your reader. There are many ideas to choose from, so work around your desires and your space.

10. Shaded Bench
Reading outdoors can be a lot of fun, especially when the weather is mild. You may want to consider setting yourself up a nice reading nook outside too. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a bench. You can transform an old and worn out bench into the perfect reading nook simply by adding a little shade to it. You can easily build a canopy for the bench, if you want to keep things simple. Of course, you can also set it up on a porch or in a shed to add even more privacy to your book nook. Don’t forget to deck out your bench with a comfortable cushion and other items that will encourage you to read.

Having a book nook can be one of the best things for your home. With a simple area to indulge in a book, you may be more than likely to meet your reading goals for the year. Best of all, your children will see you setting an example and may even feel inspired by the new space too. So, don’t let your budget get in the way of such an amazing place to spend time.

If you’re not a huge fan of the heat that July brings to the day, then you may find one redeeming quality about the month. That it, it’s actually National Ice Cream Month. This gives you a great reason to indulge in your favorite cool treat. Of course, you don’t have to spend a lot of money showing off your love for ice cream. There’s many ways to get more out this amazing celebration without harming your budget. So, get ready to have some fun with your dessert and maybe even try some new flavors, because this National Ice Cream Month is certain to go easy on your budget.

1. Free Ice Cream Day
Every year, free ice cream day takes place on the third Sunday in July. This year, you should mark your calendars for July 16 because you may spend the day sugaring up. Every year on this day, many restaurants go out of their way to serve free ice cream to their customers. In most places, you don’t even have to buy anything to receive your amazing freebie. Each year, Dairy Queen is known for giving away a free cone to each person that stops by. This is just one national chain though. You should also be able to find good deals in your own local ice cream community. Even if a store isn’t giving away larger ice cream treats, you may be privy to free coupons or samples of their products.

2. Clearance Machine
Since the summer heat is going to be hitting its peak soon, you may be able to find some exciting deals on ice cream machines. Usually, new models roll out around this time of the year, but you might not want to blow your money on these. Instead, check out the clearance section of your favorite department store, appliance store or even online shop. You should be able to find an older model that can do all of the same tricks for less money. You can even check out reviews before you buy to make sure your clearance item is going to be a dud.

3. Fruity Ice Cream
If you’re still on your beach body diet in July, don’t stress. You can still enjoy ice cream month by making a few substitutions. There’s many recipes online that will allow you to enjoy creamy treats with a fraction of the calories and fat. One of the best ways is to freeze some bananas. Once they are completely frozen toss them in your food processor and let it rip. You can enjoy just a plain banana flavor here or spice it up with vanilla extract, chocolate, peanut butter or anything else you have in mind. You can do the same thing with fruits like strawberries. This makes a great natural flavor, but you can toss in a little milk to help with the creamy factor. There’s lots of recipes for this online, so have fun with it.

4. Mason Jar
One of the easiest ways to make some no frill ice cream is to use a mason jar. All you need is some heavy cream, sugar and flavors to help make your treat out of this world. Simply pour the cream in the mason jar, add the sugar and flavoring and then shake it up hard for as long as you can. Once everything is mixed together, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later in the day. You can also make whipped cream this way. However, all you do for this is add the heavy cream and sugar. Toss the ingredients in the jar, shake and put it in the refrigerator. Before you know it, you’ll have the makings of a sundae that didn’t cost a fortune and isn’t filled with fake ingredients.

5. Ditch Dairy
For a lot of people, dairy causes a whole lot of discomfort due to lactose. There are ice cream alternatives out there that can help you enjoy your favorite treat without the pain. Of course, these items can cost a lot more at the grocery store, but if you look hard you may find a few that suit your budget. Luckily, there’s a lot of great recipes online that will help you whip up your own vegan ice cream at a low price. These ice creams usually use milk made from almond, cashews or even soy. No matter what your choice, you can find your favorite flavors to imitate. The best thing about cutting out the heavy cream or milk is that it also cuts the calories and some of the price. So, you can really keep to your diet while enjoying some of the delicious flavors you grew up loving.

6. Shop Sales
One of the best ways to save money on ice cream this season is to buy it at the grocery store. You are bound to receive lots of coupons in the mail or from your local store to help you save a bundle on this item. You should also see sales popping up that will help you try new kinds of ice cream thanks to the holiday. Of course, sometimes you just want to grab some ice cream from a shop. Luckily, you should be receiving coupons for many of these stores in the month of July, because stores love to bank on holidays. If you don’t find any coupons look on your favorite stores’ social media pages or websites and you’re bound to find a long list of sales or even some coupons to help you save money. If the store has an app, make sure to download it so you can get Buy One, Get One deals and other sales when you order online.

7. Buy in Bulk
In the summer time, ice cream is one of the best things to keep in your freezer. However, if you only shop for smaller cartons or boxes of your favorite treats, you will more than likely end up spending way too much and shopping way too often for this item. The best thing you can do is shop for the big tubs of ice cream. You can find these in many generic brands and they come in a wide variety of flavors that will suit the whole household. These tubs are great for making milk shakes, ice cream cones and anything else your family craves. There are also large boxes of your favorite ice cream treats. For instance, if you love premade ice cream cones, ice cream sandwiches or even creamy popsicles then you’re in luck here. This will also help keep your family satisfied so you won’t have to budget in desserts for quite some time.

8. Order Soft Serve
When it comes to eating ice cream at restaurants, there is usually a high price tag that might detour you from enjoying National Ice Cream month. Of course, there is one option that is usually cheap, fast and delicious. This tends to be soft serve. You can find it at many fast food restaurants as well as some ice cream shops, so you won’t have to go searching for it. This ice cream is incredibly easy and cheap to make in the store as the proper machine, so you can grab a cone of the ice cream for a dollar or less in most cases. Often, this is the type of ice cream that stores will be giving away on free ice cream day. It comes in many flavors too, so the whole family is sure to enjoy without spending a fortune.

9. Shop Off-Brand
There is one simple trick that will help you save a whole lot of money whether you’re shopping in the store or eating out. That is, shopping off brand. Chances are, if you’re shopping at a chain store you may not be getting the best deals possible. Try to check out local options to get some great discounts, especially if you’re a regular. When it comes to shopping at the grocery store, you’re sure to find better deals on off-brand items too. Not only will you be able to find a wide variety of generic options of your favorite brands, but you can get larger containers too. In fact, some off-brand supplies even produce large tubs of ice cream that will keep your family satisfied with their sweet treat.

10. Portion Control
National Ice Cream Month may sound fabulous, but it could leave you with a large overdose of sugar before the month is over. One of the best things you can do during this month to save money and improve on your health is to exercise portion control. With all of the great deals, you may want to have ice cream every single day. Even though you will be saving money, you still won’t be doing your budget a favor since the money you are spending will add up. Portion control will also help the ice cream that you buy in stores last longer. You may even be able to create a big enough stock of your favorite flavors to last you through the next few months. Of course, portion control is especially important if you want to stay healthy and not go into the autumn and winter months feeling bogged down from weight gain.

National Ice Cream Month is possibly one of the best aspects of summer, especially when you factor in all of the hot weather. These ten tips will help you get more for your money, so you can enjoy the month to its full potential. With any luck, you’ll come out of ice cream month having explored a variety of flavors and types of ice cream.