The Frugal Files: Update Your Wardrobe the Frugalicious Way!!

Welcome back frugalicious ones!!

Hope it’s been a great week for you!! So, how’s the weather? Isn’t that how you might start off a new conversation? I know, a little old fashioned, but during this time, this question literally still applies to us. We’ve been having a very warm Fall and it seems that from day to day, we are not sure what to expect. So, let me ask you this? Have you changed out your seasonal wardrobes yet? I haven’t and I also haven’t taken our air conditioners out of the windows yet. We haven’t been using them, but it still just doesn’t feel like “it’s time”.

One thing it’s always time for though, is fashion. Frugal fashion and that’s what we’re chatting about today. I’m not going to point out sales or do any high end to low end scale matching, but I’m going to share some tips I’ve learned from one of my favorite (and local) stylists, honey like love, about how to stay stylish no matter what season it is.

These tips are easy to do, very affordable and will dazzle you up whether you are headed to your 9-to-5 or headed out to a Girl’s Night Out. The best thing about them is that you will have a great time shopping in your own closet and will rediscover your wardrobe for what it truly is…frugaliciously fabulous!!

Use Color!! Whether it’s a little or a lot, be sure to incorporate it into your wardrobe. I know many women have a closet full of black clothing, especially for the Fall and Winter, since history has shown many are encouraged to wear darker colors for these seasons. While that’s true, dark doesn’t always have to fall into the black/brown category. Discover colors like Tangerine, Golden tones, Grays and Chartreuse. Make your outfit stand out with a pop of color. Want more color selections with which to experiment?, Check out Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2012.

 



How do you use your color? Use it around your neckline to draw out the color of your eyes or make your lips pop. Add a little to your lapel, mix and match it on the top and bottom. Have a completely unexpected color in your high heels. All will tie in with your outfit and give you the confidence needed to strut your frugalicious stuff into your next meeting.

Mix & Match!! We hear this all the time right? It usually is referring to changing out your tops and bottoms (or similar sale items in a grocery store and coupon scenario). I concur here too, but will take it further. Not only can you where that top with pants, a skirt or a pair capris, you can also mix and match your seasonal pieces with your out-of-season pieces. Yes, that’s right. With the exception of flip flops, I propose that you can use pretty much any of your Spring and Summer pieces with your Fall and Winter wardrobe. You just have to know how to wear it.

Have a favorite boyfriend tee, sleeveless tank or romper pants suit? Add a blazer and keep it moving? What about your dress? Dress it up more with a cardigan. Next time you purchase a dress, be sure it’s at least a 3 season frock where you can wear in more than one season.

Use Accessories!! This is self-explanatory, but I promise you will NEVER get tired of this tip. Depending on your mood and event, the possibilities here are endless. You have your obvious accessories like jewelry, watches and hair adornments, but don’t forget about your belts, which when partnered with a jacket and pencil skirt, are fab-u-lous!! Also, eye shadow and lip color, leggings and patterns tights, brooches and handbags. Oh and scarves, one of my FAVORITE additions to apparel. Have you seen this video? 25 Ways to tie a scarf!! You will be dazzled and dazzle others with this creative fashionista’s tying tips.

 

So, how do you feel about walking into Winter now? Surely, you can with style right from your own bedroom!! Toodles and chat with you soon!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow Me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Teach Me How to Save, 8 Ways

Hey there frugalicious folks!!

People always ask me how to save and want me to teach them how to save. For me, it’s a loaded question, and unless they are looking to save in one particular way, it’s almost impossible to answer the question. For me saving money and being frugalicious is a way of life. It’s every moment of every day and it’s the thinking that I can live fabulously and pay less than fabulous prices.

One tip I can give anyone who ever asks me about saving is that I play games and attempt to trick myself. My basic saving rule of thumb is, “never pay full price”. Then I set out to experiment with that theory on everything I ever need or want. Here are eight ways that I “trick” myself into living a frugal life and saving in every direction I go.

Comparison shopping. This is a game many people pay, and many salesmen pounce on you. Anyone that is trying to sell you something will always create a sense of urgency, that really isn’t a factor. They try to make you think it’s a factor, so they can get the sale. The fact is, you have plenty of time to shop, you can wait it out and the “hot item” is not going that fast. You want to know why? Because, if you want to buy it, they will have one for you to purchase. They always want the sale, but want you to think it’s urgent, so don’t fall for it. Take your time and do not give into the instant gratification. Chances are you can find a better sale or some discount.

Freecycle. This is kind of a comparison shopping trick for me too. Things I really don’t want to buy because maybe it’s a small thing or maybe just not in the budget this month. So many great things pop up on freecycle and sometimes you don’t even have to ask. I have found some great home décor items there. They were a little dusty, but were in great shape. Recently, I was at Savers looking for a pair of black shoes for work. Nothing fancy, just something comfortable in a basic black. I found a pair, but was not sold on them, so I didn’t purchase them. Then, that evening, a freecycler posted a “like new” pair of black, leather mules…in my size. I knew they were just for me, so I emailed them and I was able to pick them up the next day. They are perfect, just what I needed. Free!!

Bank Games. On the financial side, I keep my checkbook in check by fudging the numbers, but in a good way. First, I watch my bank account online daily, so at any given time, I know what I have. However, when I’m not online and I glance at my checkbook, it’s balanced off by $50. I use that amount as a buffer in my account, so that I’ll never get it down to $0. It helps keep it balanced knowing I always have a $50 cushion in there in case there’s a bank or purchase mishap like a double charge. It keeps stress levels down.

DIY. Many ask me all the time, what is "DIY"? It simply means "Do It Yourself" and when you live a frugal life, this is a staple in it. While I'm not opposed to paying for someone else's expertise when I just don't know what I'm, most times, I find I can get a better deal if I do it myself. "Myself" occasionally includes family and friends that will assist me in my goal.

There are so many DIY articles, videos, blogs including my own. I even did a DIY series a while back. Check out these links to read them: DIY Beauty, DIY Faces & Body, DIY Decor, DIY Cleaning I and DIY Cleaning II. There are plenty of ways to save by doing things yourself, if you just try.

Entertainment Tricks. I think with the stress of jobs, family and overall living, everyone is looking for an outlet and that's typically in the form of entertainment. Ways to save there is to rent movies from Redbox or even the library, play games you already have at home. Attend free events your local library, museum or university is sponsoring. What to see concerts or plays for free? Sign up or get hired as an usher. You get to meet great people, while ensuring you and them alike are thoroughly entertained.

Creative cooking. This is can be you cooking up some fancy vittles for a dinner party, but in this case, creative cooking means cupboard cooking; cooking what you have. My daughter would always whine that we didn't have anything to eat. It's because she'd already eaten up the easy snacks and things, but it is not my custom to go out and buy more of the easy stuff, when there's plenty of food on the shelves and in the freezer. Take an inventory of what you have and make a weekly or monthly menu. Mix and match meats, veggies and starches. Skip the meat occasionally and experiment with snacks. You might find that down deep, you're some kind of sous chef!!

Couponing and Sales. You all know this is my favorite savings tip. Make this your personal shopping mantra. If you want to buy something, find a coupon or coupon code to use on your transaction. Ask for a discount right at the counter. Buy something irregular or in the case of furniture or cars, purchase the display model. They can't charge you full price for it and it's often in really great shape. When grocery shopping, shop the stores with the best deals that will match with your coupons. Check out some additional Couponing Tricks of the Trade.

What ways can you teach yourself how to save? Where can you spend less? Set out to challenge yourself this week. Always ask yourself how you can get a better deal. Good luck to you and happy saving!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Hooray for a Frugal Homecoming!!

Hey frugal folks!!

Thanks for joining me in The Frugal Files!! For many parents of pre-teens and teenagers, it’s Homecoming season!! You know what that means…football games, food, parades and partie are plentiful during this time!! It’s lots of fun for both the kids and their families!!

Just sending a word especially to the freshman parents, “Homecoming is not that big of a deal.” Let me explain. It’s a great time of fun for the students, especially when they are participating for the first time, but the focus should be on just that; everyone having fun. No need to tap out financial resources for one of Fall’s favorite traditions. It’s all about fun and it can be frugal!!

First, the football games. I’ve already addressed this topic in a previous blog: High School, Not High Priced. My best advice is joining the PTA and volunteering to work the concession stand. It’s usually in a spot where you can see the game, cheer for your team, and drink hot chocolate for free!! You “pay your way” by putting in the time. In most cases, your other children can do it too.

Organize your own tailgate parties with your kids’ friends or classmates and their families. If everyone is sharing the load of bringing snacks and blankets, it will be a great time for all involved. It’s a great way to get to know other parents that share many of the same burdens (and triumphs) as you do. There’s something very unique about the experience of having teenagers. As many children grow independent of their parents, this is a time to spend with them that all can enjoy. It’s family time, but also good, clean fun with their friends, which makes for awesome memories for their scrapbooks and yearbooks.

If you have a fall/winter sport athlete or band member, the other families who have these students become your extended family, especially during the active season. You’ll share the joy of attending the events, but also the fundraising aspect of it. I encourage you to work just as hard as your student does on those fundraisers. The time you spend helping them raise money, the less you’ll spend out of pocket for these activities. They help offset the costs of uniforms, instruments, tools and trips for the team.

Also, organize a weekly snack and dinner schedule and divide it among all team members. My daughter’s team did this and it works well because of all the weeks you might need to provide a snack or dinner before a game, your family will only be responsible for one, maybe two, but the schedule benefits ALL of the team members. It’s a win-win for all and a financial lifesaver!!

Now, the parties or dances. As a parent who has already experienced this, I promise…It’s not a big deal!! Homecoming is not nearly as important than say, Prom. Save your money for the big deals and use what you have for the small ones. From experience, my daughter’s homecoming dress was always a recycled wear; a dress she already had. I can’t really remember all the years (though I know I didn’t buy anything), but her sophomore year, she wore a dress she had from Jr. high. Her senior year, she wore a hostess dress from her Sweet Sixteen party. She had three outfits for that event and this one was the one she simply greeted her guests in. It was cute, comfortable and most importantly….already in her closet.

For your son’s, anything he’d wear to church is absolutely fine for Homecoming. A nice dress shirt with a tie and sweater vest and some slacks will do. If he likes suits, let him wear his favorite one, but renting one, should be out of the question. This time of year is more about fun than fancy, so save your dollars for the high school moments at will truly matter. If you do everything over the top for their freshman or sophomore years, what will they have to look forward to when they are seniors?

Lastly, there’s no need to spring for fancy dinners either. Have a home cooked meal and invite over your teen’s date to eat before they go. They will be satisfied and given the energy they need to boogie down at the dance. If they have a snack attack, they are covered because if they paid for tickets, then there’s going to be snacks and punch for them to eat while there. Side note: if you’re looking to chaperone, PTA is your answer there too. You can help provide and serve food or work the coat check (that was my job back then).

You see, there are so many ways to let your teen be a teen and have fun in a frugalicious way. As long as you’re focusing on the enjoyment of these events, they are not going to be concerned about how much it cost. Hope this helps all my Belles and families out there!! Have an awesome football season!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Couponing Tricks of the Trade!!

Welcome back frugalicious ones!!

This week in The Frugal Files we’re going to chat about some couponing tricks of the trade. I’ve now been a couponer for a little over nine months and it has really had an impact on my life. I post a lot of my deals and steals on my Frugalicious Diva Facebook Page, but I still don’t really consider myself an Extreme couponer, just a frugalicious diva who likes to save money.

Couponing has allowed me to try new foods, drinks and beauty products, learn how to clean and do things around my house both naturally and on my own and it’s also allowed me to get beaucoup free items; items that my family uses and items to share with family, friends and non-profit organizations. It really is a way of life and I’ve learned a great deal in this coupon journey. Today, I just want to share a few more of the tricks I’ve learned. So, let’s dive in. Here’s my semi-professional advice to those getting into the game.

1) Keep it Simple…and cheap. One famous couponing blogger gave this advice, as she does it herself. Buy ONE newspaper. Look through it and find out, based on the sales, which ones you will be using. Now, if you can get others to give you their coupons, then great, but otherwise, use a coupon clipping service. She chooses the coupons she’ll need for the sales and orders the coupons online. She suggests the following sites:

Coupon Dede, Klip 2 Save and The Coupon Clippers  

They are not selling the coupons, but you'll typically need to pay an administrative fee and shipping costs. For a nominal fee, you usually get 10-20 of the same coupons. It seems to work for many. I haven't ventured into this, as my family is small, but I've heard great things. I used my local couponing groups and we share coupons. I like it free.

2) Go Small. Oftentimes coupons have no size restrictions. In that case, the smaller items are typically the best way to get items super cheap or even free. Take a look in the trial size section of your favorite stores and see if you can get that product for free. Remember, those coupons are always floating out there, if it's your favorite item and you want more (because the small one runs out too quickly), then refer to #1 and use the clipping service to get more of that coupon. Free tastes and feels good!!

3) Rip off the store...coupons. That's right and it's not illegal. There are coupons throughout the store that you can literally rip or tear off the shelves. They are called Tearpads. They add great savings to your shopping trip and are most often Manufacturer's Coupons, which means you can use them at any store, not just the one you're in. So next time you're scanning the aisles, look for these frugalicious nuggets and go save.

4) Take advantage of others'...negligence. I used to think other people were so lucky to find money randomly and I never did. Now, at the grocery stores, especially, I see people drop or leave money just laying around all the time. If you're not a couponer, you may not recognize that coupons are indeed money, but they are. Sometimes people don't pay attention to the coupons that print along with their receipt and leave them behind. If you see them in carts or left at your register, take them and use them. After all, it's just money left on the ground.

5) Let your money make money. With or without coupons, you can make your money do just that on your shopping trip. Ever heard of a catalina? Well, get acquainted because this is free money to use again and again. This is when you purchase a certain quantity of a certain product and the store or manufacturer awards you for getting their product. They give money back to you to use at that store. If you're using coupons with your order, you're just sweetening the deal. The good thing about catalinas is that they often "roll", meaning you can do the deal over and over and keep getting more money to spend.

I usually let them roll 1-2 times and I take the last catalina to purchase items for which I have no coupons. In a recent cataliina run, I got my catalina items, used coupons, paid out a little and got back my catalina. Then I turned around and got brown rice, ketchup, cotton balls, eyeliner, nail polish remover and even ground turkey, ALL FREE!! You are certain to walk away with several items for FREE, which is the absolute best part!!

Glad to have learned these things in my coupon journey and even happier to pass them on to other frugalicious divas!! Let's save Belles!! Feel free to share your saving stories with me on Facebook and Twitter!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Last Minute Tips of Summer

Good morning folks!!

I apologize for the delay in my blog, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Juggling careers, kids and homes, plus trying to maintain Diva status…I know you Belles feel where I’m coming from and it’s not easy, but very possible!!

Anyway, let’s jump right on in. Last week, we talked about how we can save money with our children’s schedules, demands and priorities during the school year. This week, we’re talking last minute things to do before the season changes and we’re hit with a full fledged Fall and Winter season. We’re already getting a few nippy days, so it’s time to get in gear so we’re prepared.

Garage Sale – it looks like it’s just warm enough to have that last minute sale to clear out the old before packing it up for the winter. Choose a nice weekend and it is one last shot to rid yourself of old junk. Decide what you’ll get rid of and give it away or donate at the end of the sale. You’ll hopefully make a few bucks and have less to handle inside your home. When you’re finished, take this opportunity to switch out your fall/winter wardrobe. Launder your spring/summer clothes and put them away.

Frugal Tool Tip: Donate leftover garage sale items to a good cause and get a tax deduction slip to use against your taxes when you file next year.

Yardwork – the warm, sunny days are winding down, but it doesn’t mean we just let our lawns go by the wayside. It’s time to trim back those trees, so there will be less leaves and branches to be weighed down by snow. You don’t want the heavy branches to cause damage to your home or your neighbors’ homes. Also, get rid of your weeds, spray some weed killer and replace mulch if you need to. This will allow for you to keep down the weeds in the future and keep the ground covered and secured for the colder weather.

Frugal Yard Tip: Use a natural, cheap weed killer. Just heat up 1-2 bottles of vinegar (the 16 oz is good size), pour into a clean spray bottle and spray in areas where you want the weeds to be gone. Then lay the mulch to smother any that will try to come up.

Project Stockpile – it’s going to be cold soon, which means it’s time for heartier meals. Consider cooking in bulk and freezing for easy dinners for the entire week. The weather may begin to prolong rides home from a child’s practice, work or other extra curricular activities and you don’t want to waste money by stopping for fast food or take out every night. The better you prepare now, the easier it will be to ease into the weather change.

Frugal Stockpile Tip: The soup and hearty meal coupons are currently in rotation. Look for the sales to correspond with your coupons and start stockpiling food that will keep you warm in the winter and will limit your need to have to go out in inclement weather.

Get Your Tools – along with the seasons changing, your gear and tools change too. Now is the time to begin gathering and dusting off what you’ll need for the next several months. Get your rakes, shovels, rock salt, snowblowers, winterizer window treatment kits, storm windows (if you take them out) and tarps to cover cars, boats or in my case, patio screens. If you hire someone to take care of your winter lawncare, make sure you have their number on speed dial and they are ready to assist you when you call.

Frugal Tool Tip: Change your furnace filters. It’s a good idea to change them every three months (or even earlier if you have pets), so this is your reminder.

I hope these four tips will help make the transition to the next couple of seasons easier for you. We all have so many things to worry about, it’s always nice when we can be prepared. These tips are to keep down the stress in hopes you have a great Football season!! Shout out to our beloved Editor-In-Chief, Aja B. Stubbs, who LOVES her Jets!!

Until next time, stay Frugalicious!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: High School, not High Priced

Hey frugal folks!!

It’s that time again!! Today in The Frugal Files, we’re going to give parents some tips on how to keep the fall frugal even though the kiddies, big and small, are starting to get busy-bee lives. Where does that leave you as a parent? Running right along with them and you’re probably in the driver’s seat…literally.

The other day my cousin updated her Facebook status with the mixed emotions of pride and wide-eyed awareness that she is now the parent to a high school freshman. I chuckled as she came to this realization as I remember that moment of truth too. It’s one thing to have children at home that are in activities, have different styles and tastes for certain foods. It’s a completely different thing when one or more of those children reach the throne of High School kingdom. That is a completely different ball game, and sometimes that’s literal too.

We’re no longer talking pee-wee leagues, we’re now opening the conversation for reputations, dances, dates, high profile games, competitive extra-curriculars and debates, both at school and at home. This is just the beginning. Of all the things that can happen in high school, we’re going to focus more on the financial aspect of it.

I used to think, once children got out of diapers, it would be less expensive for them, especially if you were no strangers to hand-me-downs. I was naïve because though it may feel like less because you get in a groove, a student starting high school, is like starting the baby process all over again. Clothes and tastes get more expensive and the activities they take part in get more aggressive. So, how can you survive the inflation of a high schooler and in some cases, even a jr. high schooler? Let’s just take a look and see. I’ll share with you with I’ve learned, done and watched others do.

Join the PTA. What is that? It’s the Parent/Teacher Association. I recommend it for numerous reasons. One, you’ll get to know the culture of the school, which includes the administration, the teachers, the principals and other students. When you’re in the know, your student will most likely do better and when he/she does better, there’s an increased level of confidence and self-esteem. These are important during these years.

Another reason to add this organization to your own resume is the volunteerism and connections you get to the other parents. You learn what others are doing so your student can be connected, but when you log your hours to help the school, you get the perks. Instead of paying $5.00+ for football or basketball games, volunteer to work the concession stand, so you can watch the game (and eat) for free.

Carpool. Yes, remember those soccer Mom days? It’s time to revisit those, but at the next level. Many families now have two working parents, or working single parents. Another reason PTA is good, is for the networking. If your kids attend public school, many live around the same area, so work out a drop off/pick up schedule for school and school functions. Get to know your children’s friends AND their parents. It will make it easier to get them all here and there. It’s also about creating and maintaining that village that raises our children.

Here’s another idea, turn your parent network into a small couponing group. This is especially helpful if you have athletic or band students. They are forever needing snacks and the coaches can’t always take care of that, so as the parent group, pitch in and save on everyone’s pockets.

Think Second Hand. It’s time for dances and parties and such. It can get expensive if your child is popular or always wants to be the life of the party. My rule of thumb with my daughter, save the “big buck” stuff for Senior Year. It will mean more to them then and they’ll have something to look forward to. So, until then, go second hand. That can mean borrowing a dress or suit, wearing something they already have, using a dress or suit drive (which is more prominent around Prom time), or my personal favorite…Plato’s Closet. They are all things teenager and the best part is they can make a little money on the gently used clothing they no longer want.

So, my advice to parents of those hitting the high school scene is to keep it simple, use your resources and save where you can. I promise if you save now, you’ll be in better shape for those Sweet 16 parties and the ultimate party: Prom. Until next time, stay frugalicious!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Substitute to Save: At Home

Hey frugal folks!!

We're back for another Substitute to Save edition of The Frugal Files!! 

In your kitchen, there’s a great opportunity for you to use your substitution skills. So many things can be made there and you don’t have to buy the latest and greatest gadget to get the job done.

First, let’s talk about cleaners. On the market, there’s a spray for this and solvent for that, and of course someone decides to combine them all into what we know as a multipurpose cleaner. Let me confess, as much of an advocate as I am for natural household products, I will get some mild commercial cleaners if I’m getting them for free with my coupons. For instance, just this week, I got free air fresheners. I will certainly use them…in moderation.

Otherwise, get some vinegar (personally, I’ve been getting lots of this for 0.12 each or less), baking soda, and lemons. Add elbow grease and your appliances are clean, disinfected and fresh. No harsh chemicals for the kids or pets to get into and no coughing or gagging from the strong smells. Want some recipes on making your natural cleaners, check out goodies from the archives: DIY Cleaning I and DIY Cleaning II.

As for things in your home...You know that pinterest.com is a wonderful thing!! Such clever ways make life much more interesting. Yes, it’s fun, but warning to the frugalicious divas, some of the fun, kitchen gadgets are not happy to you wallet!! The creativity of the pins are marvelous and although I've been sitting on an invitation for months, I still find items on there fascinating. Some fun things I saw this week were a strawberry de-stemer, an avocado slicer, and a cherry pitter.

I have to admit I like these because I was just thinking about making a blended drink and adding the cherries I got (almost free) and anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE guacamole, so this would be handy. However, you can simply use a small knife to take out the stems, a straw to de-pit the cherries and just simply score the avocado (make criss cross marks) and turn it inside out, the pieces will simply fall out and you can scrape whatever is left.

Now, about those other things at home. Here's a few items I feel are a complete waste of money because there are probably substitutes available right in your home. 

• If you have an abundance of binder clips, they double as chip clips. You can use them to fasten anything in a bag. No need to purchase those plastic things, even though some of them are cute!!
• Have knicks on your wooden furniture? No need for smelly shoe polish or an expensive refinish, use a marker in the same color. You won't even notice.
• Use your TV trays as a printer stand. Cover it with a small cloth to disguise it.
• Likewise, if you have a old bar stool, cover it with a nice piece of cloth and use it as a plant stand.
• Use your additional storage areas in the kitchen to store stockpile items, instead of buying expensive shelving units.

My last tip for today actually is paragraph worthy. While helping a friend pack, I noticed she had a covered bowl of garlic bread on the counter. No big deal right? When I asked what it was covered in, she bragged about these being the greatest thing since sliced bread...I can't remember the name (because I thought they were ridiculous), but after some research found they are similar to the Saran Quick Covers...yeah, they are SHOWER CAPS. If you really want to cover your counter food, do yourself a favor and get the 20 pack of shower caps for 0.99 instead of buying a box of 13 for some exorbitant price. If one doesn't feel secure, wrap it in two!! 

Hope you found this helpful and I would love to hear your Substitute to Save stories!! Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter and let's chat!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Substitute to Save: School Supplies

Welcome back all!! This month’s Frugal Files will include tips and tricks to substitute your way to saving. I know at restaurants the chefs prefer to prepare the dishes just how it's described on the menu, but we are all different, so we have different tastes. We make substitutions in every other part of our lives, so why not when it comes to our wallets? This month's series will give you ideas to save in other ways besides the traditional ones we see. We'll always find another way to save, so join with me in saying, "Substitutions please!!"

Many people feel they have to pay full price or even make unnecessary purchases in order to have certain things, but the truth is we can always find a deal or improvise with a clever substitution.

What is August typically known for? That’s right folks, it’s Back to School time!! That means it’s time to get those kiddies looking prim, proper and ready to get back to the learning environment. Do you need to get them a trim? Not to diminish the work of your current barber, but be sure to check out JCPenney because they are giving FREE haircuts for the kiddies. Do a search to see if there’s a JCP salon in your area. As long as they are in grades K-6, then they are eligible. Get your appointment booked today!!

This time last year, I challenged you to Hunt for School Supplies at home. Finding what you or your child needs right in your own home is the ultimate substitution. It keeps down the clutter, while you recycle and save money by using what was leftover from last year. No need to head out and try to beat the greedy shoppers who pile their buggies high, just because the supplies are "cheap" (or free) or pay high prices for items you already have (probably in duplicate I might add).

Another tip to save on book covers. It's an oldie, but goodie. Use the paper grocery bags instead. Cut them accordingly, wrap your books and allow your children to do their own artwork on it. Some people use the comics newpapers, but it's so flimsy, you'll be covering the child's book again next week.

If I could add anything to the Scavenger Hunt blog now, I would definitely include new found knowledge of the power of couponing. There are some phenomenal deals out there for glue, crayons, paper and even hand sanitizer. Check out the sales and deals at some of your favorite shopping places and find some corresponding coupons. Check out the websites for coupons too and get your additional savings:

Target - Coupons are available on the site.

Walmart

Walgreens

CVS

You are sure to walk away with free or very cheap items, a great way to start off the school year stress free.

Looking for clothes, then look for uniforms at a thrift shop. If it's a pretty basic dress code, then grab them some khakis and polos and be on your way. No need to buy expensive clothing; just make sure they are clean and comfortable. If you must shop retail, take advantage of sales and discounts. If a store is closing, that's even better. I got word recently that Payless' parent company Stride Rite is closing several of their stores. Although that's unfortunate for their business, it might mean a great deal on school shoes for the kids. Check it out and see what you can find.

That's all the tips I have for you today, but stay tuned this month for subbing to save for college students and in your kitchen!! Until next time, let's save!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Garage Sale!! Tips for Buyers & Sellers

Hey frugalicious ones!!

Welcome back to The Frugal Files!! Recently, I’ve been helping a friend prepare for an out-of-state move. Her biggest task: decluttering. She went through each room to remove items she didn’t want. Then after getting down to the nitty gritty, she found she was just a huge paper pack rat. She literally had binder after binder of “important papers” and “keepsakes”; things she that had traveled with her through 3 states.

Because you all know me, you know I was not going to let her take it all to another state. We went through every binder she had from two offices, several cabinets, the basement and her storage. We recycled; we shredded and found a recycling bin close to her home, which was a lifesaver.

In addition to paper, she had EVERYTHING in her home, even in duplicate. We organized it and used every resource possible to get rid of it. She freecycled a great deal, but when you have a lot of stuff and moving expenses, it makes sense to make a few extra bucks. How? The good, old Garage Sale. Today, I have tips for the Seller and the Buyer, so let’s begin.

As the Seller, you want to make as much as you can. This requires patience and planning. Most people think having a sale is as easy as throwing up a sign and sitting pretty, but there is so much more work involved.

First, name the sale. It’s just a garage sale right? Wrong. When people hear or read Garage or Yard sale, they look for bottom basement prices. If you don’t mind letting things for under $2-$3 with most items being 0.50, then those names are fine. If you want more money, purpose to use Estate or Moving Sale instead. Those names appeal to more than just the veteran thrifty that will haggle you about an item that’s a dime. Help the customer know what to expect from your sale.

Second, arrange your sale items neatly. If there are items in your sale space that aren’t for sale, remove them or cover them, so the buyer knows they are off limits. Also, messy sales do not typically yield big profits. Clutter causes people to not want to buy, so as annoying as it might be to re-arrange items after someone rummages it through, do it as a courtesy toward the next paying customer. Hang items up if you can, separate them by size and place like items together on your tables.

Third, advertise. Don’t just open up shop and rest on your laurels. Tell your neighbors, co-workers and family and tell them to pass it on. Post the information in your online groups, craigslist and the newspaper. Advertise early so people can prepare to come. A tip for multiple day sales: advertise each day individually. When people see signs for multiple days and miss the first day, they will assume all the good stuff was taken and may skip your sale altogether.

Another tip, if you live on a side street, post signs on the main street, then help guide the driver all the way to your sale with accompanying signs. Also, don’t be afraid of gimmicks. Note that you have bags and boxes for them. When advertising your great items, consider “Stuff-A-Bag” as part of your sale. Do you have a bunch of little items, but don’t want to bother with coins at your sale? Then put those items in one section and give people a bag or box. Give them a set price and tell them they can stuff whatever they can fit in their bag, from that area, for that price. It’s a great way to get rid of stuff and make guaranteed money.

For the Buyers, the rules are simple:

1)      Take a set amount of money in your budget for garage sales. Once the money is gone, you are done shopping.

2)      Do not buy items you don’t need just because it’s cheap. Only get it if you’re going to use it or give it as a gift within 30 days. This is not an opportunity for your to clutter up your house.

3)      Do not take children or people with poor spending habits with you. Just like in the grocery store, children will want everything they see, so to keep the tantrums at a minimum and to avoid overspending, keep them at home. Same goes for your clutterbug of a friend. Don’t take them if they will influence you to be a spendthrift.

As the Seller, once you’ve sold all you can, consider offering a Free for All on freecycle. They will come and clean you out and if they don’t, pack up the remaining items and drop them off at a thrift store. Don’t forget to grab your tax deduction slip!!

Happy Garage Sales to you!! Until next time…

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva