It takes energy and maintenance to keep it functioning at peak efficiency.

But that can quickly spiral out of control and cost you a bundle if you’re not careful.

Running the air conditioning too much, using up too much electricity, and using too much gas are all common offenses that will add up quickly.

Let’s avoid all of that!  Here are 17 tips for lowering your home energy costs and keeping your bills at a minimum.

1. Get a programmable thermostat.

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, then you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to keep your heating and cooling expenses at bay.  These simple devices can be used to set the time and day when your temperature goes up and down.

How does that save you money?  Typically, most people will set the thermostat not to run while they are at work all day.    30 minutes or so before they normally get home, the thermostat kicks on and puts the temperature back to where you usually keep it.

In addition, a lot of people like to lower the temperature at night while they sleep.  This is another 8 hour stretch where you generally don’t need the house to be too warm or cool.

A simple digital thermostat can be purchased for less than $50 from Home Depot or a similar hardware store.  I installed one in my house in less than 15 minutes.

2. Run your air conditioning less.

In the summer time, it can be very tempting to want to run your air conditioning all the time.  But don’t.  It will hike your energy bill through the roof!

Instead, open the windows and use fans to try to circulate the natural air.  In addition, dress lighter.

3. Lock those windows.

Just because your windows are shut doesn’t mean they are not leaking heat.  We used to have this problem at our old house.  To really make them “air-tight” and keep from leaking the air in our house, you need to make sure they are in the locked position.

If you can still feel heat loss near them, consider buying some weather stripping to add to the bottom of the window that will create a seal.  A roll of weather stripping using costs less than $10 and can be cut & stuck easily.

4. Make sure your windows are energy-efficient.

Sometimes its the window itself that is leaking heat.  This is true of older homes or ones that might have been constructed cheaply.  Check your window brand and make sure its up to date with the latest energy rating.  If its not, consider what the cost would be to replace it.  You might also qualify for a tax break for making your home more efficient.

5. Use your stove in the summer and oven in the winter.

This simple cooking tip works naturally with temperatures of the season.  Using your oven in the summer will make an already hot house even warmer.  Using your stove in the winter will not add as much heat to the environment as the stove.  Take advantage of each.

6. Turn off the lights and electronics when you’re not using them.

My kids are guilty of this one.  I can’t tell you how often I find the lights or TV on in a room with no one in it.

7. Use LED or CFL lighting.

As your light-bulbs go out, switch them over to LED or Compact florescent lamps (CFLs) instead of regular incandescent light-bulbs.  Though they may cost a little more at first, they will use less energy and last you longer.

8. Turn off the other things you’re not using. 

For example: Even though your printer may be in standby mode, it could still be using energy.  Look around your house and see what else may be in standby mode.

9. Even better, unplug things you’re not using.

Unplugging things is an absolute great way to ensure they are not using any energy at all.

10. Or make life easy: Get an energy-smart surge protector.

These are “smart” power strips that shut off automatically when you stop using them.

11. Ask your service provider about a home energy audit. 

They may have suggestions to save you money that you may not have ever considered.

12. Be sure to change your furnace filters regularly. 

This will not only keep your furnace running more smoothly (i.e. costing you less money), but it will also be cleaner for the air you breathe.

13. Get re-usable furnace filters.

Believe it or not, throw-away furnace filters are not the only ones you have to use.  Many of them will also accept reusable ones that simply require washing every month or so.

14. Close off unused spaces.

No one needs heat in a place like the closet or basement.  Keep your doors closed at all times to reduce the square footage being heated.

If you have rooms in your house that no one uses, consider closing them off as well.

15. Make sure your roof and walls are properly insulated.

Though it will require some investment, getting your roof and walls up to the latest insulation code will prevent a lot less temperature loss, and could payoff before you know it.

16. Cut back at non-peak.

If you’re good with not using so much energy, consider signing up for a rebate with your energy provider in return for cutting power during non-peak hours.

17. Switch to rechargeable batteries.

Though not necessarily tied directly to your energy bill, having to buy batteries will definitely cut deep into your budget before you know it.  My kids go through them like toilet paper!  If you use a lot of batteries, consider opting for rechargeable ones.

Featured image courtesy of Flickr

The post How to Lower Your Home Energy Costs in 17 Simple Steps appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

20 years ago, they barely existed.  Now we can’t seem to go anywhere or do anything without them!

In fact, in a recent Gallup poll, 46 percent of people agreed with the statement “I can’t imagine my life without my smartphone”.  Wow ….

While cell phones arguably do a great deal to entertain us and make our lives easier, the price that comes along with owning one certainly does not.

Paying $100-$200 per month for a proper cell phone plan with the right amount of talk and data has unfortunately become the norm.

This is really sad because with the median incomes in the US barely moving over the past few decades, an expense as great as this one can really drain your monthly budget.

Talk about keeping up with the Joneses!  There’s so much pressure to get the latest $700+ gadget even though you’ve already got one that works perfectly fine.

We can do better!  Here are 19 creative ways how to save money on your cell phone bill every month and still stay just as connected as everyone else.

1. Simple: Don’t get one.

If you’re getting a cell phone because you want to talk to people and stay in touch, then know that you’ve got lots of choices.  Communication has evolved well behind using a telephone.  You can make as many calls as you want for free using Wi-Fi on your iPad, iPod, etc.

2. Consider pre-paid.

If your goal is to have a cell phone in case of emergencies, then consider a pre-paid option.  The phones are a whole lot cheaper and you can completely avoid paying monthly fees.

3. Use WiFi instead of a data plan.

Everyone needs more data these days.  With videos, photos, and Internet browsing, we all use a TON of data!  But the plans are still quite pricey.  To cut down on how much data you need in your plan, always use your home or free Wi-Fi instead of your data package.  If you’ve got dead spots in the house where your Wi-Fi is weak, a Wi-Fi extender will make a world of difference.  We bought one for less than $50 on Amazon, and it was a game changer!

4. Pick a plan that is realistic for your needs.

Unlimited cell phone packages cost a ton, and this is why smaller packages can look far more attractive.  But be careful!  If you go too low, you’ll end up paying a whole lot extra if you exceed your limits.

5. Know your limits.

To avoid paying more than you have to, make yourself and anyone else on your cell phone plan aware of when you’re about to reach your limits.  Most providers will text you if you get too close.

6. Avoid contracts.

With all the competition out there to get your business, there’s no reason to “lock-in” to any one plan for 24 months.  Keep yourself free to shop around so that you can always go for better deals.

7. Renegotiate your plan once per year.

New cell phone plan deals are constantly being advertised.  On top of that, most providers will offer to “match” another competitor just to keep your business.  At least once a year, call up your provider and see if there’s a better offer that you can transition into.

8. Use your affiliations.

Do you belong to a local credit union?  Are you an educator, student, or senior?  Use whatever affiliations or connections you have to get a discount.

9. Bundle your services.

For some companies like AT&T or Verizon, because they also offer home services, if you bundle your cell phone with their other offers, you might score another discount.

10. Skip buying the latest phone.

iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 7 … where does it end??  Buck the trend and resist the social urge to always have the latest and greatest cell phone.   Chances are that iPhone 4 or 5 you still have works just fine and gets the job done.  And best of all, like a used car, it’s probably already paid off!

11. Buy refurbished or last year’s model.

If you really want something new without spending full retail price, wait until its been out for a year or two, and then start looking for the deals.  Sprint one time had a “buy one get one free” deal on cell phones, and the timing worked out perfectly with my two kids.  Instead of spending $700+ on each kid, they each effectively got a brand new phone for half that price.

12. Skip buying second-hand.

I’d love to tell you that buying cell phones off of Ebay or Groupon works well.  But I still have yet to hear that this strategy works well for people.  Tread carefully.

13. Don’t lease your phone.

Leasing a phone is designed to keep you making a monthly payment for the rest of your life.  Just like leasing your car, you’ll spend a whole bunch of money with nothing to show for it in the end.  Even though the payments may be slightly less, don’t choose the leasing option.

14. Skip the insurance coverage.

Having some sort of coverage on your phone in case you drop your phone, break the screen, or lose your phone altogether might sound worth it.  But crunch those numbers and you’ll soon find out you’ll be shelling out a lot more money than you need to.  In fact, you could literally buy a whole other phone for the prices they charge!

15. Protect your phone.

Okay, you’re going to take my advice and skip the insurance coverage?  Good.  Now go get a nice phone case and screen protector or for your phone.  It’s the best protection you have against accidental damage.

16. Buy phone cases and screen protectors on Amazon.

I’ve seen phone cases for $60+ and screen protectors for $30+ at the phone store.  That’s WAY too much!  Do yourself a favor and hop on Amazon.  You’ll find a ton of much cheaper options.

17. Buy your headphones and chargers from Amazon too.

Did mention that part of the “Amazon Basics” line is cheap cell phone chargers and headphones?  Again, skip paying those ridiculous retail prices.

18. Skip apps that cost money.

There is almost always a free version of just about an app that will work just fine.

19. Avoid toll-free and 4-1-1 calls.

You’ve been warned: They are not free from your cell phone.

Featured image courtesy of Fiverr.

The post 19 Easy Ways to Slash Your Cell Phone Bill and Save More Money appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

Sure … there’s the obvious answer of not spending too much and getting yourself into debt.

But HOW you use your credit cards can affect you in so many other ways – some you might not even be aware of.

Your use of credit cards as well as other loans are the “tests” you undertake to see how creditable you are with your money.  In other words, the bank or financial institution is taking a risk by giving you a temporary loan, and they want to see how good you are at paying them back.  Hence, you are building a credit history.

Don’t take your credit history or credit score lightly!  Having a great record and a high score will give you access to loans for your house or car when you need them.  In addition, you may also get preferential rates.

Over time, all of these things can end up saving you a bunch of money.  For example, I’ve been able to refinance my home mortgage thanks to using credit cards wisely and building up excellent credit.  This in turn keeps my household budget intact so that I can put our income towards other goals such as retirement savings.

So with that said, here are 21 ways that being responsible with credit cards saves you money in the long run.

1- Only spend what you can afford.

Credit cards can make spending a breeze!  I absolutely love the convenience of using them.  All you have to do is “swipe”.  Plus, you never have to carry any cash on you.

… But perhaps this “ease” of use is what can also get us into trouble.  Credit card companies know that the easier they make it for you to spend, the higher your balance and more likely that you will rack up interest.  And then its payday for them!

Don’t do that.  Use your credit card responsibly by always spending ONLY what you can afford.

My rule is simple: If I couldn’t just simply pay for the item with cash, then I’m not going to buy it with my credit card.  Then that way when the bill comes, I know I can readily pay it off.

2- Never-ever let interest accrue on your credit card. 

Credit card interest rates and some of the highest interest rates that most of us (sometimes unknowingly) agree to.

Again, this is a point that’s worth repeating: “Interest” is how the credit card companies make their money.  It’s how they get paid!

They’re hoping you slip up – even if it’s just once.  Because if you do, then they will get 20 to 30% on the balance you owe.  That’s a lot of extra money to pay for things that you could have just paid cash for.

Therefore, don’t let it happen!  Make a pact with yourself to always pay the balance on your credit card in full each and every month.  No exceptions!

3- Build up your credit.

As we already mentioned: The byproduct of using your credit card responsibly is that it will greatly improve your credit score.

A great credit score will not only qualify you for certain major loans like for mortgages and vehicles, but it will also get you better interest rate too.  The last time my wife and I went to go buy a vehicle, we got a superior loan rate – thanks to the fact that we both have terrific credit scores.

So how do you do that?

Use your credit regularly, but not too much.  Keeping your card in your top dresser drawer is not going to help your credit history.  Instead, use it for your everyday purchases.  Just don’t go too crazy.  Most sites will recommend not exceeding more than 30% of your monthly limit.  So if your credit card limit is $10,000, keep your monthly balance under $3,000.

4- Take advantage of 0% rate offers.

Okay.  So maybe you’ve hit a few bumps in the road and accumulated a little bit of credit card debt.

What can you do about it?

One solution is to find a different credit card with a 0% introductory rate, and then consolidating your debt onto that card.  Once you do this, you can then comfortably pay off the debt in reasonably-sized chunks without the fear of continuing to rack up interest.

Just be sure to make sure you pay off the entire balance before the term expires.  Otherwise, you’ll be right back to where you started accruing more high-interest debt.

Also remember that even though the interest rate may be 0% for a limited time, there will still likely be a price to pay.  Usually there is some kind of transaction fee.

5- If you can’t consolidate it onto another card, consider a consolidation loan.

Sometimes consolidating your debt onto a 0% rate card won’t be an option.

When that happens, the next place you could turn to will be a consolidation loan.  Unlike the 0% credit card, the loan will likely be set to some nominal rate.  However, it should be much less than the high-interest debt your trying to pay down.

6- Don’t arbitrarily switch balances from card to card. 

As you get new credit cards with better interest rates, be careful not to casually transfer balances between cards.  Again – those transaction fees will pile on and really start to add up.

7- Pick cards with rewards that suit your spending habits.

One of the best things about spending responsibility with credit cards is the fact that you can rack up rewards – a TON of rewards if you’re really clever.

However, to do this efficiently, you’re going to want to get a card that has rewards for the things you buy already.  For example: When I was in college, I found an offer for a credit card that gave 5% cash back on tuition fees.  Whenever my $4000 tuition would come due, I’d put the whole thing on the card.  (Why not?  I was going to write a check for it anyways.)  From that one transaction I’d earn $200 cash back.  Awesome!

There are credit cards with rewards points for literally any kind of spending category: Travel, groceries, gas, etc.  Check a site like Nerd Wallet to browse the latest offers.

8- Maximize your credit card rewards.

If you’ve got 5-star discipline when it comes to paying off your credit cards each and every month, then why not put as many of your everyday expenses on there as much as possible?  That way you will rack up points on everything you buy!

I’ve used this trick for years to completely maximize our rewards, and it’s worked like a charm.  Literally every purchase of $5 or more will go on one of my credit cards.

9- Auto-pay your bills with your credit card. 

I’ll even go so far as to pay off my other bills (like my home energy, cell phone, garbage, etc) with my credit card.  I was going to pay them off anyways!

Again – this technique only works if you plan to be 110% responsible and pay off your balance in full every month.  Slip up once, and those rewards will pale in comparison to the high interest you’ll soon owe.

10- Never pay for credit.

If a credit card has an annual fee, skip it.  There’s no reason to ever pay to have a credit card for everyday purchases.

The only exception to this rule is when you’re using an advanced rewards-gathering technique called credit card arbitrage.  This is where you get certain credit cards specifically based on the rewards they offer, even if they have annual fees.

For example: Once time I got a credit card from Chase that had a $450 annual fee.  Crazy!  I know.  However, the card came with 100,000 Chase points (worth $1,000 in cash or $1,500 in travel) and $600 in travel reimbursement.  We applied for this card because we were specifically planning to use it for an upcoming vacation we were planning.  So even though that ridiculous $450 fee seemed high, getting $2,100 in automatic rewards made it totally worth it.

11- Get your credit score for free.

When was the last time you saw your credit report?

If it’s been a while, don’t worry.  You don’t have to sign up for credit monitoring services or any nonsense such as that.   You can get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.

If it’s your credit score you’re more interested in knowing, you can also find out your credit score from MyFICO.com.  Keep in mind that sometimes certain credit cards will tell you your credit score for free.  For example, my Discover card reports my score every month in my statement.  Kind of a nice perk!

12- Fix any errors on your credit report.

When you do download your credit report, be sure to go through each line and look for errors or questionable entries.

Hey – mistakes happen!  Or worse, someone might be dipping into your pockets.  Either way, it’s going to work out badly for you.  So don’t take that!  Isolate the issues and report them to the agencies.

Again, improving your credit score will give you the opportunity to qualify for loans when you need them.  And you’ll get better rates than everyone else.

13- Don’t pay an agency to “fix your credit”. 

Ever heard those fly-by-night commercials of agencies that promise to fix your credit?  Guess what?  They can’t.  It’s just a total waste of your money.

You can’t just “pay” away your problems.  A firm can’t fix your problems.  When it comes to your credit, only you can fix it.  That means just stopping what you’re doing and being responsible with your credit from this point onward.

14- Don’t be so quick to close your credit cards. 

Okay … walk with me on this one.

If you’ve got credit cards that you’re not using, it seems pretty logical to just call up the company, cancel the account, and cut up the card.  Right?

Wrong.  It actually hurts you to close your credit cards.  Why in the world is that?  Because one of the factors that influences your credit score is how much credit you have available to you.  Therefore, when you close your accounts, you decrease your total amount of credit available.  And then your score goes down.

I know it seems very counter-intuitive.  But that’s the way this crazy credit score game works.

Despite this point, just make sure you cancel the ones with annual fees (in case you didn’t take my advice earlier).  Again – unless you’re using a super-advanced strategy to maximize your rewards points that includes a card with an annual fee, then cancel it.  You shouldn’t have to pay to have a credit card.

15- Minimize your credit checks.

Another factor that can drop your credit score and reduce your opportunities to get the best deals – the number of times your report is pulled.

Why is this perceived negatively?  Because if you’re always applying for credit, then you can create a perception of someone who needs the money really bad, and could perhaps be a risk.

So therefore, play it cool!  Never let anyone run a credit check on you until you are absolutely ready to buy.  This is particularly important when you’re shopping for a loan.

When I went to refinance our mortgage, literally everyone I called was chomping at the bit to run my credit report and get my application going.  Put the brakes on.  Don’t give anyone your Social Security number, and just tell them all you want is ballpark estimate.  This way your credit stays intact.

16- Don’t be tempted to use your credit card in an emergency.

If you’re in trouble financially, a credit card can sure seem like a quick and easy fix.  But DO NOT be tempted to do that.  Throwing unexpected emergency purchases on your credit card will be a fast way to rack up charges.  That means a higher likelihood that you will also rack up interest.  And you know where that leads you …

Don’t go down that road!  Instead, do what everyone recommends and start an emergency fund.  If you can save 3 to 6 months worth of income in your savings account, that would be ideal.  Even if you can just set aside $1,000, that’s still better than nothing.

17- Ask to lower your limit.

If you’ve got doubts about your own ability to keep your credit card spending to a minimum, do the smart thing – ask them to have your available credit limit lowered.  Just like a person on a diet throwing out all the junk food in their house, lowering your limit will help you to self-regulate how much you can spend.

18- Negotiate a lower interest rate.

If you think you might ever rack up interest, strike first!  Call your credit card company and see if they can lower your rate.  Your rates are not set in stone.  The company can make them whatever they want them to be.  Give it a shot and see what they can do for you.

One trick that might help leverage the situation is to let them know that a competitor’s card has given you a better rate.  Companies hate to lose their customers, and so they might be more willing to make an exception if you let them know.

19- Skip the cash advances completely. 

Cash advances are bad.  Just bad.  At rates like 30%, you should avoid them like the plague.

20- Don’t use those “free checks”.

Does your credit card company ever send you “free checks” in the mail?  If they do, rip them up!  These are just another way to trick you into the cash advance scam.  Don’t fall for that trap!

21- Never rack up late fees.

Just like interest, late fees are totally within your control and can easily be avoided.  Make your life easy by switching to automatic payments.  That way, you’ll never miss a payment ever.  I have all of my credit cards set to auto-pay, and it’s a total load off our shoulders knowing that they payments will always take care of themselves.

Featured image courtesy of Flickr

The post 21 Ways Being Responsible With Credit Cards Saves You Money appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

I unfortunately drive over 60 miles each way to my job every day (… it’s a long story why …).  For me, I rely on my car like its another set of legs.  If it stops working, then I’m not getting to work.  And that’s a problem!

As much as we tend to love our cars, they are really nothing more than a pile of steel and bolts.  They can be temperamental.  Occasionally, they don’t like to cooperate.

Make no mistake – They are mechanical machines that are certain to one day stop working.  Sometimes they can be really nasty and require thousands of dollars in repairs!  Argh!

This is why I strongly advocate NOT to put any more in your car than you have to.  Recognize its simply a tool to get you from A to B.  It’s a tool that you have to maintain if you want it to run in tip-top shape.

Here’s a few ways that you can do just to keep your vehicle running like a champ on as minimal of a budget as possible.

1. Don’t drive in the first place!

The less you drive, the better it is for your car.  But you can also extend this way of thinking to yourself!

If you’re going some place local, why not try walking or riding a bike?  Not only will you save some money on gas and put fewer miles on your car, but it will also be a cheap and easy way for you to get some more exercise involved.

2. Don’t buy a “status” car.

I get it: A solid black SUV with the fancy logo on the back.  It’s looks cool!

But here’s what’s not cool: The average auto loan is 5 years or 60 months.  So if you’re looking at a luxury vehicle that has a $60,000 price tag, the math works out to over $1,000 per month in payments!  Ouch!  That’s more than some people’s mortgage payments!

And worse than that – most cars lose an average of 63% of their value in 5 years.  Ask yourself honestly: Is this really the best way to invest $60,000?  Would you buy a stock that you knew for sure was going to lose 63% of its value in 5 years?  I think not!

3. Buy a used car instead of a new one.

Instead of buying a new car, purchase a used one.  Used cars have already depreciated, and so you’re buying it closer to its true value.

4. Buy used instead of leasing your car.

Leasing a car may seem (at times) like a good deal.  But look a few years down the road.  When the lease expires and you turn it back in, you’ll have nothing.  On the other hand, with the used car, you can drive it until it dies – payment free!

5. Know your car’s value.

Before you go shopping for a vehicle, if you plan to trade in your current one, make sure you know its value by looking it up on Kelley Blue Book.  That way you won’t get ripped when the dealership goes to make you an offer.

6. Get pre-approved with a credit union.

Most people finance their vehicles (unless you’ve got a briefcase of hundred dollar bills just sitting around ready to spend).  But where a lot of people get into trouble is when they take whatever finance offer they dealership makes them at the time of purchase.  Don’t do that!  Before looking or buying any vehicle from a dealership, get pre-approved at a credit union.  Generally they will have a lower interest rate and better terms than what the dealership is going to offer you.  I’ve done this trick several times and it saved a ton!

7. Don’t take the first offer.

Vehicles, whether new or used, are like anything else – the price is negotiable.  Whatever the salesmen offers you, ask for less.  Just do it.  You’ll be surprised at how often they are willing to work with you.  And if it shaves thousands of dollars off of your price tag, then more power to you.

8. Don’t buy insurance through the dealership.

Auto insurance is a topic all of its own.  When you’re at the dealership, don’t buy credit life or credit disability insurance through them.  You can find it cheaper from your regular insurance provider or another place online.

9. Skip buying a service contract or extended warranty.

An extended warranty may sound like peace of mind.  But usually when you dig into the costs, you’ll see that its’ not worth it.  Chances are you’ll never use it – or not enough to make it worth the extra expense.

10. Refinance your auto payments.

Just like your mortgage, you can always shop around for a cheaper rate; even after you made your purchase.  Again, I suggest looking to credit unions.  I’ve done this twice now and found them to have better deals.

11. Drive your car for as many years as you possibly can.

There’s no magic expiration date that say that after your car gets above 100,000 miles or is more than 5 years old that it must go.  For the best bang for your buck, keep your car as long as its working good.

12. Park your car inside.

Keep your car indoors (in the garage) as much as possible.  This will keep the weather and elements from corroding it.

13. Service your car regularly according to the manual.

This will keep your engine tuned and your car in tip-top shape.  Check the vehicle’s manual.  Towards the back there is always a recommended service schedule.

14. Find an auto service you trust.

I can’t stress how important this one is!

We all know stories and have seen the 20/20 hidden-camera specials about those places that charge you +$1,000 bucks for a part that should only cost $100.  Keep trying places where you feel you’re getting honest feedback, and you’ll avoid getting ripped off for every little thing.

15. Change your own air filters.

It’s really not that hard.  Usually you just open the hood and pop a new one in.  You can find a 3 minute instructional video for literally made or model on YouTube.

16. Change your own windshield wipers.

Again – this is another 5 minute job that an oil change place will happily charge you $30 to do for you.  New wipers just snap on and snap off.  It’s that easy.

17. Brake more gradually.

This will make your brake pads last longer.

18. Group your errands.

If you’ve got places to go, wait until you can combine your errands into one trip.  That way you won’t drive unnecessarily, racking up extra miles and wear-and-tear.

19. Commute to work with coworkers or friends.

Not only is this great way to save on driving, but it can also help you to make better friends with the people you work with.

Featured image courtesy of Flickr

The post 19 Creative Ways to Spend Less on Your Car Expenses appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

Cable companies are well aware of our cultural obsession with the television, and have responded by really sticking it to us in a very bad way.  In a recent article in Time, they reported that cable prices have increased by 4 times the rate of inflation over the past two decades.

4 times?  How ridiculous?  That’s really going to eat into the ole household budget!

The problem, however, is that we continue to keep on renewing our services every month with no end in sight, no matter what they charge – literally!

That is … until you read a couple of the suggestions that I’ve got in store for you.

Here’s how to pay less for cable and movies using 8 hacks that have saved me a ton of cash over the years!

1- Get the bundle

First off: Understand it’s in the interest of the cable companies to have you sign-up for as many of their services as possible.  These would be things like your cable, Internet and phone.

If you don’t believe me, just look at any of their introductory offers.  The best deal is pretty much always when you bundle (and keep) all three.

Why?  Because then you’re buying three services from them instead of one or two.

So therefore, play into their greed!  If you don’t already have all three of these services through the same provider, call them up and see what kind of deal they can give you if you make the switch!  With some of the prices I see advertised, consolidating them with one company will probably make the most sense.  Most packages will start at around $100.

Just make sure that 1) you don’t have to pay some enormous cancelation fee with someone else if you make the switch, and 2) that they can lock that rate for as long as humanly possible.  I’m talking 36 months if possible – ask and you shall receive!

2- Renegotiate your cable bill.

Cable companies love to play games with us to keep us hooked.

They start off offering you these wonderful introductory rates for 12 months.  Then, after a year once they’ve got you hooked, they increase your price – sometimes double what you were paying the first time!

Well, here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years about cable companies.  Similar to the cell phone companies, they HATE losing customers!  And they will literally do anything to keep you.

So if you’d like to continue keeping that wonderful promotional rate, here’s what you need to do:  Find an online offer from a competitor for approximately the same level of service.  Call up your cable provider and tell them that you’re thinking about switching.  Mention the competitor and their deal, and see if the representative can  match it or switch you back to the promotional rates.

If they can’t, then its time to play hard-ball!  Ask to be sent to the cancellation department.  Once you’re there, do the same thing with the second representative.  Usually this person is the last line of defense for the cable company before you’re really going to cancel, and they will be more apt to switch you back to the lower, cheaper rate.

I’ve used this trick for over a decade to get an incredible rate on my cable service, and its worked wonders!

Plus: Many times they will be willing to sweeten the deal by throwing in a few premium channels like HBO, etc.  How great is that?  Free Game of Thrones!

3- Switch to a “Skinny TV” package

If you only watch a minimal amount of TV or find yourself gravitating towards a few choice channels, then try calling your cable provider and see if you can switch to something many people are dubbing the “Skinny TV” package.

A Skinny TV package is where you pick a la carte only the channels that you really want.  Ideally, the overall price will be a lot cheaper than one of the medium-grade standard packages that most of us go for.  Fortune reports prices as low as $35 and $45 per month.  It’s definitely worth a look to see what your provider could offer.

4- Consider going Internet only.

If you find you don’t watch TV hardly at all (maybe except to watch the local news), then why not drop cable altogether?

With most newer TV’s being WiFi compatible, lots of people have decided to go “Internet only” when it comes to their entertainment.  And they say you never look back.

In terms of the news, most channels will now offer you a live stream direct from their website.  You can watch the news on your phone, tablet, or even WiFi TV.  That’s a heck of a lot cheaper than paying $100+ to keep your cable package.

Or another option would be buy an inexpensive indoor TV antenna.  No, these aren’t the “rabbit-ears” things you might remember from the 1980’s.  It’s a small box that looks like another cable box or router.  But it picks up local signals in your area and sends them to the screen.

5- Buy your premium shows individually.

I think most people can universally agree – the TV shows on premium channel cable are incredible!  Again – “Game of Thrones” anyone?  Need I say more?

The problem comes when you have to pay to upgrade your package to get HBO or some other similar premium channel.  Often times it can cost you an extra $20-$30 per month just to get this service.

So here’s another solution: Instead of paying for that service, why not just rent or buy the show through iTunes or another service?  Yes, you might have to wait a day or two.  But it will cost a whole lot less than whatever the cable company is going to charge you.

And if you’d really like to be frugal (and not explode from anticipation in the meantime), then wait until the entire season is available for download.  Usually as a bundle the price will be substantially lower per episode.

6- Watch more Netflix instead of cable.

Netflix has really taken the movie and cable industry by storm over the last decade, and this could mean very good things for you and your finances.  If you haven’t considered it already, think about whether or not Netflix could replace your cable TV needs altogether.

For one thing, if its movies you crave, then they’ve got a HUGE selection in their library of new and old movies that you’ll enjoy.  Pretty much anything you could imagine is in there, including most popular TV show series as well.

But when it comes to original TV shows, they’re not doing too bad in this department either.  With shows like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Stranger Things (… one of my favorites …), they’ve proven that they can be every bit as creative (or in my opinion sometimes better) than their traditional cable predecessors.

And for a price of about $10+ per month, that’s a whole lot of package for what you get.  Stack that up against the $100+ you’re going to spend on regular TV, and there’s almost no comparison.

7- Use Redbox to rent new movies.

When Netflix first started, they rose to popularity through their DVD by mail service.  You pick the movie you want and they would send it to you.  You could watch it anytime you wanted, and then send it back to get the next one on your list whenever you were ready.  You got all of this for one low monthly fee.

Unfortunately, sometimes life gets in the way of your movie / TV habits, and that DVD would sit on our entertainment center for 2-4 weeks before anyone watched it.  At a price of $10+ per month, that’s a pretty costly rental.

So instead, I discovered Redbox.  If you don’t watch movies that often, Redbox is a great alternative to renting the latest movies.  They currently only charge $1.50 for a DVD.  So if you’re only going to watch one per week, that’s still only $6.

Here’s something most people don’t know: After the first time you use Redbox, they email you like a crazy ex-girl/boyfriend trying to get back with you.  And those emails often contain coupon codes for free movies!

More often than not, I end up paying pennies to watch my movies through Redbox, and its awesome!

The one down-side: You do have to actually drive to the Redbox kiosk and get the movie.  So if its raining or snowing, that can be a bummer.  But you can also minimize the pain by doing everything online before you get there.  I have the Redbox app on my phone so that I can browse any kiosk in the U.S.  I can also do the entire transaction through my phone, so that when I do get to the kiosk I’m in and out in 15 seconds.  Brilliant!

8- Borrow movies from the library for free.

If you’d really like to do things on the cheap, then one of the best suggestions I can make is to look no further than your own public library.

In our town, I tried this and was blown away by what I found.  The library had a ton of brand-new, just released movies, and they were all available to check out for FREE!

Yes, the same movies that I would have paid $1.50 from Redbox or $10 with a monthly subscription to Netflix were waiting for me just down the street at the local library.  And all I had to do was go there and check them out for free.  What a terrific service!  I can’t really think of a better way to save money on something than to get it for completely free.

Featured image courtesy of Fiverr

The post How to Pay Less for Cable and Movies – 8 Very Effective Hacks appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

Valentine’s Day can be a fun time to celebrate the ones you love.  But it can also come at a pretty steep price if you’re not careful.

Unlike when we were all small children and exchanged those chalky candy hearts, the expectations when you’re an adult can be quite a bit different.  But they also don’t necessarily have to be.

If you’re stuck with what to do for your significant other this Valentine’s Day, then here are 9 tips that you can use to inspire your imagination without fearing a giant bill later on.

1- Talk about it.

You can save yourself a TON of trouble if you just do this one thing first: Ask your spouse “Are we getting each other anything this year?”  If the answer is a solid “no”, then congratulations.  You’re done.  For a lot of couples (especially ones that have been together a long time), this is a perfectly sensible arrangement.  If, however, you sense any skepticism or resentment about not doing for Valentine’s Day, then read on.  It sounds like you’re going to need to come up with something.

2- Take the first step.

There’s a lot of pressure on us to get things right on Valentine’s Day.  The right gift, the right food, the right outing, etc.  And though it can be fun to keep surprises from each other, we might inadvertently be torturing ourselves to make this whole thing out to be a bigger deal than it really is.  As you can guess, this can lead to spending a whole lot more money than you had originally planned or is necessary.  Instead, why not take the bull by the reins and say “I’ve got Valentine’s Day.  Just relax.”  That way you can comfortably plan something sensible without having to feel like you’re reaching for the stars.

3- Forget the usual gifts.

Flowers, chocolates, jewelry … all of these things are very nice and fun to receive.  But they can also cost an unnecessary amount of money – simply because its Valentine’s Day.  I’ve heard of people paying $79+ to have roses delivered.  Roses?  That’s a great gesture and all, but they are after-all just flowers.  Plus I’m sure both you and your significant other can think of a lot better ways to spend $79.  Instead, use your money to do something a little less cliché.

4- Make it all about them.

Whenever I’m stuck on gift-giving ideas for my wife, I can always default to a gift certificate to a spa day. Why?  Because it forces her to do something for her and her only.  In particular, I love gifting a massage.  A massage is like a puppy, and who doesn’t love puppies?  Ladies, don’t think this is just a one way street.  Guys also love massages too.

5- Do something you were going to do anyways.

Is there a place the two of you have been talking about going to lately?  Perhaps a show, shopping center, new restaurant or bar that you’d both really like to try?  Why not double-down and finally make it happen on Valentine’s Day?

6- Do something new together.

Maybe the two of you could take a class together on cooking, karate, aerobics, etc.  No matter what it is, don’t worry – it’s more about the goofy time you spent together as opposed to what you really got out of it.  Along those lines, I’d say the more ridiculous, the better!

7- Cook for each other.

If you’re like me and never, ever cook, what a memorable surprise it will be for your spouse to finally see you take charge in the kitchen and find out what the stove is for.  Word to the wise – there’s about a billion ideas on Pinterest for simple meals you can make.

8- Tell them what you’re really thinking.

Forget the card.  Why don’t the two of you put the kids together, snuggle up under a blanket, and really tell one another how you really feel?  By the way, a glass of wine (or two) can really help with this one.

9- Hold a scavenger hunt.

If you’re planning to stay home, why not have a little excitement?  Go around the house and hide things that are significant to the both of you.  Then create a map with clues.  What do you win at the end?  Well … that’s for you to decide.  Again, a few glasses of wine will really make this one more interesting.

Featured image courtesy of Fiverr

The post 9 Thoughtful Ways to Have a Great Valentine’s Day appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

But if you’re not careful, it can also be a really quick way to spend a whole lot more money than you were planning on spending in one evening.

When it comes to dinning out, here are 31 tips for spending less at restaurants.  Stick to these, and you’ll not only keep your expenses under control, but also have a full belly every time!

1. Don’t go out in the first place

Either minimize the number of times you go out to dinner, or simply don’t go out to eat at all.  No matter where you go, it’s all going to be ridiculously over-priced compared to what you could prepare on your own.

2. Use a gift card

Only go to places where you have a gift card to use.  You can always easily earn them with credit card rewards.

3. Get a discount

Don’t forget you can also buy discounts for local restaurants through Groupon, Restaurant.com, or Entertainment books.

4. Look for specials

Frequent places that offer coupons, weekly specials, or discounts such as “2 for $20” meals.

5. Kids eat free

Frequent places that offer “kids eat free” deals.  This can be a real win for parents with multiple kids who are already stretched thin on cash.

6. Make friends on Facebook

Friend your favorite restaurants on Facebook.  It’s an easy way to get exclusive deals that aren’t regularly advertised.

7. Get a birthday gift!

Happy Birthday!  Often your birthday will qualify you for a discount or a free item off the menu.

8. Set a budget

If you tell your party ahead of time we’re only allowed to spend (for example) $100 on eating out, then everyone will start making budget conscious decisions right from the get-go.

9. Never order soft drinks 

At some places soft drinks are already approaching $3 per glass.  That’s ridiculous when you consider how much it actually costs the restaurant.  If everyone drinks water instead (maybe with a little bit of lemon for some taste), a family of 4 over $12 from the total price when you consider the tip.

10. Never order alcohol

It’s well known that this is where restaurants make their biggest profit.  It will be FAR cheaper for you to buy it from the store and serve it in private at your home.

11. Watch your portion size  

Sometimes the half portion is all you really need.

12. Or, order enough for tomorrow

If you’re going back home, order the full portion and save the rest for lunch tomorrow.  Now you’ve just acquired two meals for the price of one!

13. Split it

Consider splitting a meal instead of everyone ordering their own.  Pizza is a good example of something the whole table can share and lower the price per person.

14. Skip the pre and post game

Skip adding an appetizer, salad, soup, or dessert to your meal.  The meal itself is likely a large enough portion size.

15. Watch out for “up-sells”

No, you don’t need mushroom and onions on top of your steak for $6 more.

16. Make an appetizer a meal

If you’re not feeling all that hungry, make your meal out of ordering just a cheaper priced salad or appetizer.  Sometimes the soup and salad combo is plenty to eat.

17. More bread please!

Eat at places that serve bread before the meal.  Bread will make you feel more full, and that will lead to you not eating your full meal and taking home leftovers for a meal tomorrow.

18. Eat a snack before you go

Eating something simple like an apple or granola bar will leave you feeling less hungry when you finally do make your order, and therefore you’ll get something more reasonable.

19. Try to eat mid-day between lunch and dinner

That way you get two meals for the price of one.

20. Conquer the buffet

If you’re really hungry, go for the buffet.  Sometimes it may not be the highest quality, but it will certainly be more economical.

21. Be a loyal customer

Check to see if the restaurant has a loyalty card.  This may (eventually) qualify you for some free food or discounts later on.

22. Look online ahead of time

If you know what restaurant you’re going to later, research the menu online ahead of time.  You’ll make better decisions than you will in the heat of the moment when its time to order.

23. Get up-scale fast food

Skip sit-down restaurants and instead go for up-scale fast food like Panera Bread, etc.  Not only does it usually cost less, but you also get to skip leaving a tip.

24. Consider take-out

Again, you skip the tip and the temptation to buy extras like drinks and desserts.

25. Go early in the week  

Restaurants usually offer better deals since these are generally low traffic days.

26. Eat during Happy Hour

Again, the deals are generally better to try to attract more clientele.  At one pizza place I used to go to, free pizza was served at happy hour.  Score!

27. Avoid the holidays

Restaurants know they can charge more on special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.

28. Max those credit card points

Be sure to pay using a credit card that gives you extra rewards when dining out.  There are tons of credit cards out there right now that offer 2 or more points for every dollar spent eating out.

29. Always double check your bill

Sometimes mistakes will happen!

30. Don’t leave an enormous tip  

You’re not a Rockefeller, and no one expects you to tip like one either.  Leave a reasonable tip of 18-20% and move on.

31. Make sure the tip isn’t already included  

Occasionally, you’ll get a sneaky server who won’t tell you they added in the tip already.  Look near the bottom of the bill for a line marked gratuity.

Featured image courtesy of Flickr

The post Going Out to Eat Tonight? Here are 31 Tips for Spending Less at Restaurants appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

But how does budgeting help save money exactly?  After-all, isn’t it just creating a list of your expenses and income?

On the surface, yes, it is.  But there’s a lot more to budgeting than just a list.

Budgeting is all about getting your finances organized and operating with a plan.  I can’t think of a professional business in the world that doesn’t operate with some sort of financial plan.  Why should your home finances be any different?

Just like someone who is on a proper diet trying to become more healthy, a good budget can help you to handle your money in a way that is within reasonable limits.  By giving them the attention they need, you start to become more aware of what’s going with them and what areas need improvement.

Here are 13 simple ways that you can use budgeting to turn yourself into a financial rock-star!

1. Start by understanding your own personal needs

It’s easy!  All you need to do is list out all your expenses at the bottom and all your income at the top.  Go through your last 6 months of bills, checks, credit cards, etc.  You can get started with something as simple as Microsoft Excel.  This will help you become aware of where your money is coming from and going to.

2. Make the budget for the entire year

Making a budget for just one month can be a big mistake!  An annual budget will do a much better job of keeping you on track.  It can capture unique and one-time expenses that you wouldn’t normally catch with an annual budget.  Plus its a very easy way to see how your cash will flow all year long.

3. Estimate and record

For each month, make two columns: One for much you intend to spend and the other for how much you really spent.  Start out the year with all projections.  As each month passes, delete the projection for that month and fill in how much you really spent.  This way you can easily “estimate” how much you’re going to spend this year and look for signs of trouble.

4. Set a Limit

Set specific category limits on what you can or should spend.  For example: Maybe only limit yourself to going out for dinner once per week.

5. Look for early warning signs of trouble  

Because we set our budget for a whole year with projections and all, will we fall short at any specific times throughout the year?  For example, when it’s back to school time or Christmas, will your cash flow fall short?

6. Be sure to plan for the unexpected

Surprises will happen!  Cars will start making strange noises.  Medical bills will cost more than you think.  Someone will go over on their cell phone.   You get the idea.  For this reason, I suggest having a line item called “Misc” where money can be set aside for these friendly little surprises.

7. End each month in the black

Only spend as much or less than what you earn (net of taxes).  Although this one may be obvious for some, it may not be for all.  If you spend more than you make, you’ll be heading for disaster.  Make sure that every month is planned for success.

8. Put any extra money to good use

If your budget shows you’ll have a surplus of money for the year, divert that money into something sensible.  This could be for anything that’s going to make a positive impact on your finances such as your savings, retirement, debt payoff, etc.

9. Build your emergency fund

The first thing I’d do with any surplus funds is to build up an emergency fund.  Emergency funds are a “must have” and will help protect you from racking up crazy interest expenses when you need the money the most.  Your emergency fund can be as little as $1,000.  However, most experts recommend that you build up at least 3 to 6 months worth of income.

10. Budget for free

There’s no need to spend money on fancy-pants budgeting software.  These days, everything is just a click or download away.  Use free apps like Mint or Personal Capital that will quickly scour your financial records and organize them automatically into very detailed reports that you can use to pinpoint where your problem areas are at.

11. Talk about your budget

Communicate regularly with other family members about the status of the budget; whether good or bad.  If something is a problem, the other people have to know about it in order to help you fix it.  To really make this whole saving thing work successfully, everyone has got to be on board!

12. Keep a list

Make a list of bigger purchases and buy only the things “on the list”.    This will help you avoid splurges that can quickly derail your good efforts.  I’ve been using this trick for years and it’s helped me to skip all kinds of distraction purchases.  If it’s not on the list, then its not a priority and we don’t need to get it.

13. Stick to the budget

A budget is only as good as the effort you’re willing to put into it.  If you diverge and get off track, then naturally there isn’t going to be any money to do the things you planned on.  Stay committed and disciplined, and your finances will thank you in the end!

Featured image courtesy of Fiverr

The post 13 Ways That Budgeting Will Make You a Financial Rock-Star appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

According to Fortune and Marketdata Enterprises, the U.S. weight loss market alone was valued at $64 billion in 2014.  That’s a lot of diet pills, work-out programs, and other things that unfortunately most of us probably didn’t use to the fullest extent.

Instead of handing over our hard-earned money, let’s have our cake and eat it too (bad pun for a health article) by doing these 23 simple tips for how to be more healthy and active.

1. Stop smoking! 

This is by far one of the best things you can do for your health … period!  Not only are cigarettes simply a total waste of money (costing as much as $12.85 in places like New York), but they literally destroy every part of your body.  If you do smoke, do yourself and everyone else a big favor by committing to quit.

2. In fact, stop or reduce all your bad or lazy habits.

If you like to sleep in, sit on the couch all day, never work out or move around at all, its time to change all of that.  Force yourself to do 5, 10, or 30 minutes of ANY exercise in the morning.  Choose to do something more active like going for walks or playing sports with your kids.  Any small step will count.

3. Skip the weight loss programs. 

Programs like Weight Watchers and others are good.  But be aware that you can skip the cost and do the same thing yourself by simply being mindful of what you’re eating.  Make conscious choices to make better meal and snack selections.

4. Instead, sign up for a free diet app.

A free app like My Fitness Pal can easily keep you on track with your goals and tell you everything you’ve ever wanted (or not wanted) to know about the food you’re putting in your body.

5.  Educate yourself.

How can you make better food and exercise decisions?  Educate yourself by taking an active interest in reading more about health and nutrition.  Not only does it benefit you, but it also is a valuable and free hobby to have.

6. Drink a lot more water! 

Oh, the benefits of drinking more water.  Not only is it healthier, but you’ll feel more “full” and feel the need to eat less.  Plus – it’s free at most places!

7. Take more steps! 

If you sit a lot at your job, force yourself to get up and go for a walk.  Go anywhere!  Around the perimeter, through the warehouse, .. anything to keep moving and get a few steps in.  Your waist will thank you.

8. Take the stairs.

That elevator can seem tempting in the morning.  But if you’ve got the option to take the stairs instead, go for it.

9. Stretch in the morning. 

Stretching is one of those simple things you can do right away in the morning to loosen up your muscles, which in turn will leave you with less aches and make you feel more energetic throughout the day.

10. Ride a bike instead of driving.

It’s amazing how many people will drive a car to a destination that is within 5 miles of their house.  If you’ve got a bike, take advantage of the opportunity by riding there instead.  You’ll get a good workout in and save money on your car.

11. Skip expensive gyms. 

These days with dozens of low cost options out there like Planet Fitness, etc. there’s no reason to pay anymore than you need to for a gym membership.

12. Check local options.

One big alternative to an expensive gym is to check to see if the local community center or university has any discount gym memberships.

13. Let your employer pay for the gym.

With healthcare being more and more forefront, a lot of employers are offering free or discounted gym memberships for their staff.  Check with your HR to see if such a discount exists for you.

14. If you’re not going to the gym anymore, cancel the membership. 

Let’s be real.  If you don’t use it, then cancel it and save the money.  You may be admitting defeat, but you’ll also free up those funds for something else.

15. Best option: Work out at home.

YES, you can not go to the gym and get ripped!  There are a ton of simple and basic exercises you can do all in the comfort of your own home that cost barely nothing.  If you don’t believe me, check out this awesome article from Mr Money Mustache.

16. Don’t pay for work out videos. 

Paying for workout videos is a thing of the past.  You can find thousands of good ones for completely FREE on YouTube and on demand cable services.

17. Use less accessories.

Working out doesn’t always mean hitting an expensive treadmill or +$1,000 workout machine.  Practice exercises that don’t require weights or accessories such as running or aerobics.

18. Buy your gear for less.

If you do require home gear, always buy it used from a Facebook garage sale or Craig’s List.  When we moved, we sold a lot of our stuff for a fraction of what we paid for it, and it was still in great condition.  As I’ll keep reminding you: Never pay full price for anything!

19. Learn a new sport.

One of the best ways to combine saving money, being active, and being more social is to learn a new sport.  You can do this easily by focusing on just the basic skills.  This is especially useful if your kids are in the same sport because it gives you something fun to do together.

20. Skip fancy workout clothes.

Don’t worry about having expensive workout clothes or gear.  Make the exercise the priority, not how you look while doing it.

21. Join a group. 

You’ll feel more accountable if participate with other people.

22. Work outdoors. 

How about working out AND being productive in a way that makes the house more beautiful?  A little bit of yard work like landscaping or raking leaves can be an excellent way to get all of your muscles going.

23. Take the kids to the park. 

You don’t always need roller-coasters and singing animatronics to keep your kids entertained.  Taking them to the local park is a great free way to let them have fun at the park.  Plus: You can run around and be active with them too!

Featured image courtesy of Flickr

The post How To Be More Healthy and Active Using These 23 Money Saving Tricks appeared first on 1,000 Ways to Save.

… oh yeah … those thousands of extra dollars that somehow sneak their way into your bills if you’re not careful.

These days, everyone wants to cash-in on your Christmas joy and find new ways to charge you for that big day.  However, it doesn’t have to be like that at all.

Here are 21 simple tricks you can use to spend less at Christmas, and focus on what’s really important!

1. Build your cash-stash throughout the year.

If you find yourself strapped for cash around Christmas, then do what I like to do.  Put $40 cash per week in an envelope.  This money will be specifically for Christmas presents ONLY!  By doing this, you’ll easily find yourself with an extra 52 x $40 = $2,080 by the time Christmas rolls around.  That should help relieve the financial burden!

2. Make a list.

It’s way too easy to get carried away buying a little of this and a little of that while you’re doing your Christmas present shopping.  To keep things better organized, make a list of presents for everyone you want to buy for.  Add a budget to each person and stick to it!

Don’t forget to mark off your list as you go.  That way you won’t “forget” that you bought something and do it twice.  (Yes, we’ve unfortunately done that before …)

3. Research Black Friday ads ahead of time. 

Black Friday might “seem” like the time to buy something.  But it’s really all hype.  Do your research ahead of time online and see if the things you’re after are really worth the hassle.  You might just save yourself a lot of trouble for nothing.

4. Consider waiting until Cyber Monday.

These days with online shopping, Cyber Monday has become more of a “thing” than Black Friday, and retailers know this.  You might be able to score a better deal on Amazon or some other cyber store than you could find at a normal store.

5. Skip name brands.

When it comes to clothes or certain toys, remember that most kids don’t care about name brand items.  You can buy them the cheaper off brand item and more than likely be just fine.

6. Give the gift with the gift receipt. 

There’s nothing worse than giving a gift that no one really wants.  If you’re unsure about a clothing size or type of toy, give the gift receipt with the item.  That way if they don’t like it, they can take it back for a full refund.

7. Give candy.

Need more “filler” in your gift bag?  Buy $1 boxes of their favorite candy.  It’s a cheap and fun way to make the present look bigger.

8. Give back.

Don’t be a Scrooge!  Remember the true meaning of Christmas.  If you can afford to, adopt a family or participate in Toys for Tots.  Not only is this a good thing to do, but you can also count it as a tax deduction.

9. Use a fake tree. 

Real trees cost approximately $50 (or more) per year.  Though they look nice, you can celebrate Christmas all the same with a plastic tree that you only have to buy once.

10. Get a second-had tree from Facebook or Craigslist.

People often up-grade their trees just like any other piece of furniture in their house.  When they do, that’s your time to cash in on a deeply discounted tree that only gets used once per year.  With new trees at the store retailing at $200 to $400, getting a slightly used tree for less than $50 is a steal!

11. Put your tree on a timer. 

Having the lights on your Christmas tree lite can be beautiful.  But if you leave them on for too long, it will cost you.  Save on electricity and buy a simple, inexpensive timer to turn them on and off automatically.

12. Use LED lights instead of the old-fashioned ones.

Just like your lights at home, you’ll use a lot less energy if you use LED instead of the old school lights.

13. Check Home Depot for light trade-ins.

Every once in a while, Home Depot (or other hardware) will offer you a discount if you bring in your old, non-working lights.  This way they can be recycled.

14. Scale back on the decorations. 

Though they can look nice, expensive displays (especially those with motors) can cost an arm and a leg in electricity to run.

15. Make your own ornaments.

Between Pinterest and your own creativity, you’ll be able to find all kinds of easy-to-do and fun crafts that will give your tree that touch of personality you need.

16. Make your own wreaths.

A well decorated wreath can cost you upwards of $50!  You can do a lot better than this by making one yourself.  Hit up Pinterest for some ideas and easy to follow directions.

17. Hang your cards.

Hanging your Christmas cards is an easy way to bring that touch of Christmas you want to bring to any spot in your house (like a door that is commonly used).

18. Decorate a pillow to look like a gift.

With a little bit of fabric and a simple bow, this is an easy way to make your living area look more festive.

19. Make your own Christmas centerpiece.

One easy decoration you can create on your own is to put pine-cones from outside or Christmas bulbs in a clear bowl or box.  This will create a nice festive centerpiece.

20. Make your own advent calendar.

Skip buying the over-priced advent calendar from the store.  Get an old drawer from a second hand store and fill it with goodies.  You can the kids can do this one together.

21. Dry off your lights.

After the season is over and you take down your outdoor decorations, make sure your lights are dry before you store them.  Boxing them up while they still have moisture on them will cause them not to work next year.

Photo credit: Canva

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