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: Defending Frugal!!

Welcome back to The Frugal Files!! I love giving my thoughts about this subject I love so dearly!! I appreciate this platform to share ways to improve our lives without destroying our wallets. We can live a fabulous and fulfilling life that is frugal. In fact, because we‘re frugal, is the reason we can have a full life.

Last week we went deep into our issues with holding on. This week I want to combat some of the thought patterns I’ve encountered while on this journey of frugaliciousness. These are words spoken in conversations about living frugally and embracing frugalness. There are many things where the phrase, “it’s not for everyone” might apply, but frugal living is not one of them. Even the most wealthy people can be, and in some cases are, the most frugal. For some, it’s the reason they stay wealthy.

I’ve learned in my journey, that’s it’s not a “thing I do”, it’s a way of life; who I am. So with that, let me get to the objections and I will give you my take on them as I defend FRUGAL!!

Let’s start with the simplest objection: “I don’t know how.” Okay, I get it, but before you learned to ride a bike, drive a car, use the internet, pay your bills…you didn’t know how. LEARN how. It’s your journey, go at your own pace. The library has information on every subject known to man and so does the internet. In fact, the greatest thing about the internet is that you’ll discover someone else in this big ol’ world wanted to learn it too and when they did, they shared. Read blogs (you’re here right?), grab a few books, watch videos. You’ll be on your way to learning in no time.

One of my favorite excuses is “It’s too much work.” I find that interesting because people “work” everyday. Why are people completely content with working at a job that benefits someone else, but not willing to invest time to benefit themselves and their families? I don’t get it. If you put in the time, you’ll reap the rewards long term. For instance, learning to save in a retirement fund now, will keep you from experiencing total financial hardship later.

Just like the last, another favorite is “I don’t have time.” I hear this almost daily. People say they love how I save money, love the deals I post; awesome for me…as if they can’t do the same thing. Oh, they don’t have time. So instead they make time to spend more. I guess they have time to work overtime; to pay more on every trip to the market, every vacation and every drive to family’s house. Listen, saving money is time consuming, however it’s an investment in YOU and your family. Do yourself and them a favor and learn how to coupon and look for deals. You don’t have to become an extreme couponer, but taking a little time upfront to save in the long run is not too much to ask. You can incorporate the entire family, since everyone benefits.

Then there’s this variation of “I want the best” and “I want what I want”. Who says you can’t have the best or what you want? I have a bachelor cousin who is super flashy. He loves his cars and electronic toys and golf. As spendthrift as he is, do you think he turned down the Groupon link I gave him for a 56% discount off 18 holes for two (that included the cart rental) at a country club? I think not!! See, it’s not about being cheap and not enjoying life. It’s about enjoying it while spending less!! That’s proof it can be done.

This last objection is absolutely hilarious to me because someone tried to use psychology and my OWN words against me for argument’s sake. I don’t have to tell you they lost the argument…but I digress. You all know I am very big on affirmations and speaking positively about our lives. I love and believe the Brian Tracy quote: “Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true.” Because of this mindset, I avoid poverty-laced words about my life and finances. I often urge others to do the same.

When people say they’re broke, I respond, “and so it shall be.” You can’t speak lack and expect abundance. So when this person asked, facetiously I might add, “Isn’t being frugal a poverty mindset?” I actually laughed out loud, to which I responded with a wink, “so are you saying I need to spend more in order to be wealthy? That doesn’t make sense.”

Even though lack may be the reason for becoming frugal, it doesn’t mean that your mindset is one of poverty. It means that you may have limited resources and you are simply being a good steward over the resources you do have. Learning to be frugal and using those resources become not only a way to save, but a way toward increase in your life. There is NO objection or excuse to make me leave this frugalicious life. It’s in me and you can put it in you.

So people can say whatever they want because frugal is my friend that I’ll defend ‘til the end. It’s been a good friend to me and I love learning more about it, introducing it to others and watching our circle of friends grow exponentially!!

Until next time!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: The Extreme Coupon Beginner

Hey frugalicious ones!!

I'm so anxious to share my weekend adventures to you!! If you're connected with me on Facebook, then you know about the buzz!! If not, join me for daily tips, articles, blogs, and freebies!! Frugalicious Diva

My newest pleasure: COUPONING!! It's my goal to master it this year. My parents used coupons when I was a child (and still do), but somehow the practice was lost upon me. In the last five years, I've used them occasionally, no real savings. The game has changed folks!! It's VERY serious now, especially since the reality show Extreme Couponing has aired.

I'll admit, I was skeptical and I didn't want to take time to do it. I've watched the show and while I marvel at the tremendous savings, I couldn't help but think those folks needed to go down the hall and sign up for Hoarders. Really, who needs three lifetime supplies of Q-tips? Why would you add on to your home to house an enormous stockpile when you live alone? I just didn't understand. There were sometimes those people who donated their items, which is good, but I still wasn't convinced.

Then, for some reason, I got the unction to explore this; after all, I am the Frugalicious Diva. How could I pass up the opportunity to save money? So, it became my mission for 2012 to delve into the life of an Extreme Couponer. I searched for coupon classes and found three; two for a cost and donation and a free one. It was a bonus the first class I found was being taught by Extreme Couponing All Star Joni Meyer-Crothers. She has been featured on the popular show four times and has a fifth show coming up!!

I attended her class this weekend and my life is forever changed. Her simple advice to anyone getting started was to 1) get a coupon binder, 2) start gathering coupons and 3) find a coupon blog to follow. Her blog is Free Tastes Good for your reference. The beauty of following is the blogger does all of the work. They find the sales, the deals and most of all; the free stuff!! I can tell you first hand, my coupon binder overwhelms me, but thanks to a new friend I also found in my search, it's organized and ready to use. Check out I LUV 2 COUPON for great ways to save!!

Coupons are not just in the Sunday paper either. You can print them online, get them via email and if you're really serious, you can purchase them online. Online clipping services and e-bay are good good ways to get coupons you might be missing for a small processing fee; usually shipping costs. I'm not there yet, so for now, I'll just ask friends and family for theirs. Another goal is build a pantry stockpile for my church. They feed people monthly, but the supply is low; a perfect way to give back. That's why I adore Joni. Her coupon ministry, Saving and Sharing for Christ's motto is "Pass the Blessing On"!! I agree, how can you not?

She taught us the world of store policies, which was an eyeopener. If you have a Kroger or a Giant Eagle in your area, understand they double coupons, sometimes up to 0.99. This means if you have a 0.75 off coupon, you get $1.50 off. That's frugalicious!! Walmart is a couponer's dream!! Not only can you use an unlimited amount of coupons, they also PAY any overage. So if your coupon amount exceeds the cost of the item, they will give you back the difference and NOT on a gift card, in CASH!!

Oh my, we've run out of time, but there's plenty to share. Next week we'll chat about last minute Valentine's Day plans, but we'll continue the following week!! Before you go, I wanted to share what I got FREE this weekend, with coupons. Check out My Frugalicious Weekend!! Kroger paid me 0.10 to walk out with 10 cans of diced tomatoes: great for my stockpile to make chili, spaghetti, soup and salsa. From Family Dollar, I was given three CoverGirl items: tweezers, travel tweezers and wide nail brush. Can we say frugalicious beauty? Lastly, Walmart gifted me with a pack of assorted BIC pens, plus my overage which was applied to the discounted Colgate toothpaste I purchased.

See, this is fun and more importantly FREE or very cheap. If you want to save money and keep your budget in check, be sure to check back with me!! Would love to hear your coupon stories on Facebook too!! Until then, enjoy your week!!

Frugalicious Diva

The Frugal Files: It's Tax Time!! Get Ready to File!!

Hey frugalicious ones!! It's tax time!!

By now, your W-2s should be rolling in, as they are to be made available to you by January 31!! So check your mailboxes and if your place of employment is savvy, check your email. It's time to get your taxes done!! The earlier the better, be it you get a refund or you owe. If it's the latter, you'll want the extra time to get your debt paid by the April 15 deadline.

*Note* For those gungho about filing and you did so already...there could be a delay in your refund, if you're expecting one of course. USA Today reported the IRS has installed new safeguards in their systems to prevent fraud, so taxes filed before January 26, will have to wait another week for refunds. Check here: Tax Refund Delays Sorry...

This week's blog isn't about how to file your taxes, because I'm no accountant, but I can share how to get ready to take care of your tax filing business. First, if you have a simple tax return, meaning 1-2 W-2s, then filing yourself should be an easy task. Here's a freebie I posted on my Facebook page for free advice from the friendly people at Turbo Tax. If you have a simple return, you can get started for free!!

As for getting yourself prepared for your preparer, let's get started. If you're expecting a complicated filing experience, then it's best to be ready so that it goes smoothly. You’ll need a file folder, paper clips and post it notes. Separate all your "stuff" into like item piles and label them. Everyone in your household should have their own pile.

Income

- All W-2s from each job worked in the previous year

- Check stubs from any other income received (self-employment, contract positions, jury duty)

- If no check stubs, then write down any additional income you received

Interest Statements

- All 1099-INT forms received, that reflects all interest made the previous year

*Note: if your interest was less than $10, most financial institutions won't bother giving you a form. Write it down if you like, but you probably won’t need it.

- Those with mortgages, put your Annual Tax and Interest Statement in this pile

Misc Forms

- If you have college students, don't forget to grab the 1098-T form. You should have received it in the mail.

If your child isn't that old yet, here's a link for other tax benefits, just for being a parent: 10 Tax Benefits for Parents 

- Large, out of pocket medical bills? You got it, create a pile for that too.

Investments

- Whether it's a 1099-R, 1099-DIV or other investment tax form, put it here. The IRS needs a record of what you invested and what you made on those investments.

- This paperwork includes your statements for 401ks, IRAs, mutual funds, etc.

Ask about a credit known as The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit or Saver's Credit. You may qualify.

Charitable Contributions

This is my FAVORITE pile and the biggest. All year you've been (I hope) donating to non-profits such as church, goodwill, and other tax-deductible 501c3 organizations. Now is the time to make them count. You should have been keeping track in your checkbook, marking the donation as TD (Tax Deductible) and if the organization is professional, they would have sent/given you a thank you note/tax deduction letter.

On a separate sheet of paper, list both cash and in-kind donations; donations done in goods and services. So your clothes and electronic donations, as well as your volunteer time count in your favor. So your pile should include:

- Receipts from all donations

Don't have a receipt, but wrote a check? Print/provide your returned check copy.

- Receipts from items you purchased for 501c3 organizations

Did you ship a donation or purchase food for a community service function? Receipts for that postage and grocery store run go here.

- Records of mileage used for non-profit organizations

Do you volunteer regularly? Track your mileage to and from there and add to this group.

Now that you're equipped with your paperwork, you're ready to file. The IRS is always helpful to the taxpayer, so check out their site to start. It's free!! IRS Free File

My tip for next year's filing: When filling out your deductions or withholdings for your check, read it carefully. A savvy, frugalicious belle will be sure to get her money when she earns it, instead of letting Uncle Sam borrow it all year long, not pay her interest and then give her back her own money later. Purpose to break even next year and get more money throughout the year, but if you MUST have a refund the good news is you can track it. Are you asking Where's My Refund? Ask the IRS.

Frugalicious Diva