Thrifty Alternatives to Bottled Water: A National Campaign

We've pinched and reorganized our household budgets. But we often overpay for commercially bottled water, which costs 3,000 times more than tap water. On an annual basis, the typical American consumer spends $1,400 on bottle water, versus 49 cents for the same amount of water from our kitchen faucet, according to the Center for a New American Dream, a nonprofit consumer group in Maryland.

Bottled water does not taste better, according to blind taste tests, and tap water must meet stricter safety measures. Therefore, New American Dream has just launched a national educational campaign designed to promote filtered water from the kitchen sink.

To help you calculate how much more you may be spending for bottled water, New American Dream provides a cost calculator at www.newdream.org/water. By plugging in how many bottles of water your family consumes each year and the retail costs of that water, you'll find out how much you could save by switching to filtered tap water.

Consider these numbers: A gallon of water from your kitchen sink costs about .002, which is less than one cent, based on the national average. In contrast, you'll pay --on average -- about $1.50 for a 20-ounce container of bottled of water. What's more, about 40 percent of the bottled water sold in stores, is actually just tap water, according to New American Dream.

Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives. For the home, there are filtering systems that include simple counter-top pitchers --for less than $20-- that filter water poured into the vessel and elaborate filters for the kitchen faucet. And when we're away from home, portable but reusable bottle filters enable you to filter water from faucets and drinking fountains.

Here are tips for saving money with do-it-yourself filtered water.

*Get a local report. Request a "Consumer Confidence Report," which measures contaminants in local water. Ask your local water company for a copy of that report or check online through the Environmental Protection Agency. A local water safety report will help you decide what type of filter is best for your home.

*Stay chilled. To avoid impulse or emergency purchases of water bottles, keep a stock of cold water in reusable, nontoxic bottles in your refrigerator. Stash extra reusable bottles in the family cars, backpacks and other practical locations.
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Ripped Off at Group Dinner: Splitting the Bill?

What do you do when the bill arrives during a group dinner? Do you split the bill evenly or whip out the calculator to figure out tax, tip and your portion of the tab?

Recently, about 10 couples gathered for a discount dinner at a high-end restaurant in Miami. For $36 a person, dinners received three courses: appetizer, main course and dessert. It was part of a special summer promotion.

A very frugal friend and her husband rarely go out to eat. But the opportunity to enjoy a high-end restaurant meal for $36 and meet with a group of friends lured them out of their normal menu of home-cooked meals.

During the meal, my friends ordered one glass each of the low-cost house wine. One couple ordered only water and others ordered expensive wine and vodka. When the tab came, a few of the couples insisted on splitting the bill, which was not a good deal for everyone at the table.

My friend's portion of the bill was roughly triple the amount she had budgeted for the evening.
At first my friend and her hubby were upset with their inflated bill. But then she realized that that the time spent with good friends was worth the extra expense.

What do you during group meals? What's the best strategy for dining out in a large group? Separate checks or a relaxed attitude?

I have some frugal ideas about dining out. To hear my ideas, please meet me at the Starbucks store at 29th St. & Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on August 11.
(Full details below.)

I'll share my favorite frugal ideas and offer free samples of iced coffee, plus more. I'll be chatting about my new book: The Frugal Duchess: How to Live and Save Money.

I'll also offer tips about how to spend less money for back-to-school/fall shopping.
Here's the official invite:

An Invitation!

You are invited to my Sip 'n Save book party at the Starbucks location at 29th & Park Avenue. The event features free samples of iced coffee.

Date: Monday, August 11, 2008
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: Starbucks @ 424 Park Avenue South
29th & Park Avenue
New York, New York

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Meet Me at Starbucks in NYC: Free Iced Coffee Samples & Money-Saving Ideas

Frugal uses for Starbucks? I have a few ideas: cheap dates, low-rent offices and free fertilizer for your garden.

To get the full list, please meet me at the Starbucks store at 29th St. & Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on August 11. (Full details below.) I'll share my favorite frugal ideas and offer free samples of iced coffee, plus more.


I'll be chatting about my new book: The Frugal Duchess: How to Live and Save Money. I'll also offer tips about how to spend less money for back-to-school/fall shopping.

Here's the official invite:

An Invitation!

You are invited to my Sip 'n Save book party at the Starbucks location at 29th & Park Avenue.
The event features free samples of iced coffee.

Date: Monday, August 11, 2008
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: Starbucks @ 424 Park Avenue South

29th & Park Avenue
New York, New York


"Award-winning journalist Sharon Harvey Rosenberg shares how she lives a life of high style without the stress of high costs or deprivation. In The Frugal Duchess of South Beach (DPL Press, $14.95), she chronicles her often hilarious journey of luxury living for less in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., while equipping readers with the tools they can use in their own cities." --Books & Books in Miami Beach

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Related Posts:

Fertilizer from Starbucks, Cheap Anti-Cellulite Cream & Other Uses for Coffee Grounds

10 Reasons Why I'll Work at Starbucks: Late Bloomers Guide to Saving: Pt. 3

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Shopping, Buying & Other Money-Saving Tips from eBay Expert

I enjoyed reading "eBay’s Guide to Financial Fitness." The money-saving tips were smart and include advice about using misspelled words to bargain hunt.

Here are the tips:

"First-Time Buyers


Never assume. Missing information in the item description? Don’t fill in the blanks; directly contact the seller before you commit to buying anything. Click on the “Ask seller a question” link from any listing to email questions and get more detailed information.

Research! You can find virtually any information you need online. Start by researching product information, reading reviews and checking the value of what you’re buying. The more you know, the more successful you’ll be.

Follow through. When you buy it, pay for it quickly to complete the transaction.

Use PayPal. PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay online. Beginning this holiday season, PayPal will provide you with unlimited coverage on your purchases.

Frequent Buyers

Hidden Gems. Find a great deal by using search terms with spelling mistakes (sometimes sellers forget to spell check their listings) or search for an item with the terms “outlet,” “liquidation” or “refurbished” to find a bargain.

Communicate. If something needs to be addressed during the transaction, contact the seller directly. The best way is to reach the seller is via email or, if a number is available, give them a call.

Analyze feedback. After you’ve narrowed down your search, check seller feedback and ratings for each item. Remember, give preference to the seller with the highest feedback score – it means they have the best reputation as a seller.

Don’t be afraid. eBay is set up to hold people accountable. If a problem cannot be resolved by contacting the seller directly, rely on eBay. To get more information, click on the Security and Resolution Center link located at the top of any eBay.com page and report your problem.

eBay Addicts

Be adventurous. If you’re comfortable and frequently use eBay to buy from one or two categories, consider exploring other categories to find new, unearthed items. For example, an antiques dealer can find great vintage items in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories category beyond just shopping in Collectibles.

Consider pre-owned. To save some cash, consider searching and purchasing used items. Review your search results to select the item that best suits your needs – chances are you’ll come across the perfect find at a great price.

Trade up. If you’re looking for a little extra cash to purchase the next must-have item on your list, all you have to do is sell an item on eBay. Voila! You’ve now recycled, cleaned house and earned money to purchase another great product.
Luxuriate! On eBay, you can find a range of high-end items, from consumer electronics to clothing and accessories. Be as specific as possible when searching for an item – include both the brand name and model number. You can also add in helpful search terms like “authentic,” “collectors,” “rare” or an era to help narrow your search."

--source: Jim “Griff” Griffith, eBay’s Dean of Education and author of “The Official eBay Bible,” has been the foremost education expert on eBay since 1996, when he was invited to join the company as its first customer support representative."
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Back to School with 'Zero-Waste Lunches'

With "zero-waste lunches" you could save lots of money and avoid dumping 67 pounds of waste into landfills this year. That frugal tip comes from the Center for a New American Dream. The money-saving and green-living tips from this organization include helpful links:

Budget-Saving & Eco-Friendly Lunch Ideas

• "Check out WasteFreeLunches.org for more facts and tips on greener lunches.
• No matter what’s on the menu, a zero-waste lunch starts with two ingredients: a reusable lunch container and a refillable water bottle.
• Instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil, switch to a washable sandwich wrapper—either buy one or make your own.
• Try buying in bulk to stock a lunchbox with healthy alternatives to commercialized single-serving foods. Find a food co-op selling bulk foods near you.
• Learn more about smarter lunches for you, your family, and your school on this Back to School Lunch page."

Source: Center for a New American Dream
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Consumer Reports: How to Bargain on Home Brokers' Commissions

Yes, you can get your real estate broker to accept a lower commission. That's the word from the September issue of Consumer Reports, which offers home sales tips and a survey on brokers fee.

Here's a news release they sent to me:

"HOME SELLERS CAN HAGGLE ON BROKER COMMISSIONS; PAYING LESS MAY NOT HURT SERVICE OR SALE PRICE -- CR

Many real estate brokers are willing to negotiate their commission rates with sellers who try to haggle, according to an exclusive survey from Consumer Reports September issue.

• Forty-six percent of sellers CR surveyed attempted to negotiate a lower commission rate.
• Roughly 71 percent succeeded.
• The survey also found that sellers who paid commission rates 3 percent or lower were just as satisfied with their brokers’ performance as those who paid 6 percent or more, suggesting that haggling can’t hurt.
• Respondents who paid extra, in fact, were more likely to say they had regrets about the selling process. Nearly one-third said they should have been more assertive in negotiating their agent’s fee.

Sales Tips for Home Sellers:

• Price it right. Homes sell most quickly if they are put on the market at a price that’s just a bit lower than those of similar homes in the area. Don’t waste time floating a high price out there just to see if you get a nibble. If you don’t get an offer in four to six weeks, drop the price 4 to 6 percent.

• Think round numbers. About 80 percent of people buying and selling homes today get information by searching online multiple-listing sites like Realtor.com, which is run by the National Association of Realtors. To conduct a search on that site, buyers specify a price range, beginning and ending with round numbers. So if you price your home that way, more people will see it.

• Pick the right improvements. You might want to update your kitchen or a bathroom for your own comfort, but don’t expect to recoup the project’s whole cost when you sell your home. In today’s market, you might get the best return if you spruce up the outside of your home by adding a wood deck, energy-efficient windows, or new siding. CR’s September issue has a list of the most popular home improvements and whether they pay off.

• Consider the type of listing. If you’re using a broker, there are two common ways to list your home: designating it as an exclusive agency listing, which means you have one broker but can still sell it yourself and save the commission. The second, an exclusive right-to-sell listing, means only the broker you designate can offer your home during the listing term (often six to 12 months), and you can’t sell it yourself.

• Interview more than one agent. Ask around for recommendations and meet with several possible candidates. They should clearly explain how they would market your property and describe how they handle open houses and newspaper and Internet advertising. Ask whether there will be any advertising costs, transaction fees, or other incidentals that you will be expected to pay.

Broker Fees & Services

Paying less [in fees] won’t hurt the quality of [broker] service. While some of the survey respondents who paid lower commissions got fewer services from their agents, the gap wasn’t significant. For example, 81 percent who paid 3 percent or less said the agent provided a competitive market analysis of their home, compared with 87 percent of people who paid 6 percent or more.

“Finding satisfying real-estate services shouldn’t be too hard. All the major chains and independent brokers scored very well in our survey,” said Amanda Walker, senior project editor, Consumer Reports, “So if you’re looking for an agent, shop by personal recommendation or commission split.”

Other Brokerage Fee Survey Findings:

• Eighty-two percent of respondents who sold with the help of an agent received $5,000 less, on average, than their original asking price.
• Almost all of the 17 percent who sold their homes without an agent said they received about what they originally asked.
• Sixty-six percent of Consumer Reports’ readers who used a real estate agent in buying a home paid an average of $5,000 less than the listing price, and the 34 percent of buyers who negotiated their own deals, without an agent, paid close to the asking price.
• Eighty-six percent of CR’s readers who put their homes on the market made a sale; only 8 percent of would-be sellers eventually gave up and took their homes off the market. (The rest were still trying to sell when the survey was completed.)

Consumer Reports’ September issue offers a complete real estate guide with helpful advice for selecting the right broker, and tips for buyers and sellers. Here are some highlights for sellers. For more survey results, helpful tips for buyers and sellers, advice on how to buy a foreclosed home and which home improvements matter most, the Consumer Reports September issue is available on newsstands August 5 or online at http://www.consumerreports.org/."

source: Consumer Reports

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iVillage: Top Books for the Summer

Welcome to readers visiting from the iVillage Weekly Top 10: Books for Style Mavens.

I am grateful my book, the Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save , was included on the iVillage list. Other titles include: Confessions of a Shopaholic, Strut in Signature Style and Daily Candy: A to Z. Check out the full list.

Special thanks to iVillage and writer Ysolt Usigan for including my book, a personal finance memoir with how-to-save money tips, on the list.

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How to Save Money on Hair Coloring (Sorry Jamie Lee!!)

My hair did not get the anti-aging memo and I'm not like the fabulous Jamie Lee Curtis , (AARP cover girl), with her blissed-out view toward her graying hair.

Honestly: I don't like my gray strands and it's not a black-and-white issue. I like gray hair on men. So hot! I admire women with all-silver hair. So hot! It's a silver-fox look that I hope to grow into, but in the here-and-now, I don't like my own washed-out mix of Elvira streaks and salt-and-pepper strands.

But how to color my head without going into debt or exposure to potentially cancer-causing dyes? How to wash out the gray without buying into the regular routine of harsh chemical touch ups, salon visits and expensive treatments? According to one magazine, one woman calculated that she has spent $65,000 on salon color hair treatments during a 25-year period. Imagine if she had used that money to finance a business or to pay off her debt.

In search of frugal, green-living solutions, I have tried coloring my hair with brewed coffee, which works fine, but does not provide long-lasting coverage of gray strands.

Money-Saving Option: Henna Hair Color

As a natural dye, I recently colored my hair with a black henna and I am pleased with the results. For less than $4.50 a treatment, I've restored my hair color. That price tag includes half a jar of Rainbow Research Henna (Persian Black), which cost $6.99, an ounce of apple cider vinegar and a bit of olive oil. I followed the directions and also added black brewed coffee to the henna mix (which was a muddy dark green). The directions include color tips for blonds and redheads using other formulas, herbs and hennas.

Here are the pros and cons of my DIY, vegetable-based hair color:

The Positives:

1. Authentic henna dyes are not harmful or expensive. (Watch out for the fakes or hennas with potentially dangerous additives.)

2. The color washes out or fades in a month.

3. You don't have to re-touch the roots.

4. Henna is an excellent conditioner for the hair.

The Negatives:

1. The process was very, very messy.

2. I had to leave the henna on my hair for 90-minutes. For better color, one woman recommends keeping the henna paste on your hair for up to six hours.

3. It was hard to wash the mixture out of my long, kinky-curly, coarse hair. I had powdered green plant bits in my hair for a long time.

But overall, I highly recommend a henna dye for anyone seeking a natural and safe alternative to commercial hair dyes. Not all of my gray was colored, which was fine because the process left me with a natural look that saved money and looked great.

Here are a few helpful articles on using natural henna to cover gray hair:

How to Color Gray Hair With Henna

New Technique Covers 100% Gray Hair - with Henna - PR.com

How to Color and Condition with Rainbow Henna

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30-Day Spending Ban & Other Links I Liked

What happens when we halt our spending machines for 3o days? That subject comes from Get Rich Slowly: Use a No-Spend Month to Become Mindful of Money. It's one of several personal finance links that caught my eye over the past week.

From My Two Dollars: Paying Off Debt And Saving Money Can Be Done At The Same Time.

From The Digerati Life: Reduce Your Grocery Bill With These Practical Tips

From Almost Frugal: Five Things You Should Not Spend More Money On

From The Simple Dollar: Overcoming a Habit of Lying to Yourself About Money

From Ceejay74's Personal Finance Blog: 2008/2009 goals
(Note: I enjoyed reading about CeeJay's money-saving budget.)

From Boston Gal's Open Wallet: Extreme Foreclosure: Harper Family of Georgia
(very interesting review of how one family landed in foreclosure)


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6 Financial Makeover Tips: Ideas for Making Sacrifices

These frugal living tips from Citibank actually make sense. My favorite is #6 (Creating Financial Sacrifices.)

"Personal finance author, director of Citi’s Office of Financial Education and money makeover expert, DARA DUGUAY offers these “Commonsense Considerations”* to begin tackling today’s financial emergencies:

1. Get a picture of your finances. The only way to do this is by creating a budget to see what money comes in and what money goes out.

2. Determine your monthly “fixed” and “variable” expenses. Now that you have a budget, it’ll be easier to see where you can save. When looking for ways to cut your expenses, start with your variable expenses first. You have more control over your grocery bill, your clothing allowance than over your mortgage, rent or car payment. But don’t overlook opportunities to lower your fixed expenses either. Minor reductions in everyday expenditures can make a big difference.

3. Don’t let your financial state send you into ‘Panic Mode.’ Stay calm and focused. An anxious state doesn’t help you plan or act rationally, especially during an emergency.

4. Pay down high-interest debt. You are much better off concentrating the majority of your money on paying down debt first, while still adding a lesser amount toward your savings.

5. Set up an “Emergency Fund.” Be realistic about what constitutes an “emergency.” Emergency savings will provide you with a safety net so that an unexpected life curveball won’t catapult you into a financial crisis. Look at it as a form of insurance. Evaluate what a true emergency is, i.e. having a car that won’t start is probably an emergency, but having a car that’s not this year’s model is not.

6. Make a “savings sacrifice.” Forgo the full-service car wash or play on the public tennis courts instead of joining a racquet club. When it comes to saving money, every little bit counts. These little savings can add up over the course of a month. For example:

SAVINGS SACRIFICE AVG SAVINGS PER MONTH

Dining in vs. Dining out
$300

Jogging outdoors vs. Gym
$60

Public Tennis Courts vs. Racquet Club
$70

Machine Washable vs. Dry Clean
$50

Packed Lunch vs. Buying Lunch
$200

Public Transit vs. Cab/Parking Fees/Gas
$300

TOTAL SAVINGS
$ 980

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Nix It or Fix It: How to Save Stuff from Landfills

"Fix it or nix it — Can you save it from the landfill?" That's the question (with frugal money-saving, green-living options) from the Center for New American Dream:


Their Answer:
Yes, if it's still useful for you or someone else (either whole or in parts). Sometimes, however, a newer product would be more efficient or cost-saving in the long run.

Many of our belongings end up in the trash prematurely. Get more information on green repairs around your home, and share your repair ideas with us on the Living Green Below Your Means blog.

Fix or Nix Examples:


Appliances: Find out how much energy you’ll save from replacing with an Energy Star efficient model. Put your old refrigerator to the test (and find recycling centers).


Ipods: These handy devices are frequently replaced when they break or become obsolete. The good news is you can send off your Ipod to be fixed, send it in to a takeback program, or use do-it-yourself tutorials to troubleshoot common problems.


Shoes: Find how to resole them, donate them, or repurpose them."

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Refund Demand: Cereal Lacked Berries!

My friend M.R. demanded a rebate! Her cereal -- Special K with red berries -- failed to deliver enough berries. After opening the box, she had a hard time finding any fruit.

Mixed in with the cereal, she counted only eight berries. Given the high cost of food prices, why settle for less than you are due. (We're all on tight budgets!) Based on that argument, M.R. -- a frugal gal -- called the company and spoke to a customer-service rep. As a result of that conversation, M.R. received a refund (a coupon for a free box of Special K). She was impressed with how the customer-service rep handled the situation.

How to Complain

M.R. followed a perfect map for filing a successful complaint. It's a strategy that I've used also.

• Define and Document your problem. M.R. counted the berries and used the actual number to give her complaint more validity.
  
• Look for the manufacturer's number: Frequently, the makers of a product are very willing to provide refunds or replacements for shoddy, inadequate or damaged merchandise. They want your return business and will take extra steps to make you happy. Look for the toll-free number on the package.


• Politely explain your problem: Respect, honesty and a calm tone will help you get your money back. In contrast, customer-service reps will be less willing to send you free coupons or a rebate if you are abusive on the phone.

Related Links:

Fine Whines: Crafting Complaints

Appealing to a Higher Shopping Power: Call the Manager

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Need a Second Job? Ideas & Strategies For Extra Money

Bartender? Seamstress? Tutor? Retail clerk? Those are a few of the second job ideas from CCCS that caught my eye. Here's the release:

'Katie Kozub of Cleveland, Ohio , earns extra income by bartending two nights a week. The flexibility allows her to spend time with family and she is able to pick the nights she works. Working parties and special events earn Katie more money. "The time goes by fast, you meet nice people, and it is a great way to earn extra money," said Kozub.

Kozub says each shift lasts three to five hours. "I earn a minimum of $120 extra, which is actually on the low end," she says. "The place is a nice bar connected to a restaurant and catering room, and is about 1 mile from my house. I have the option to work parties in the catering room, which brings me anything from $150 to $300 extra."


A second job can provide the income to make ends meet, jump start an emergency savings account, help reduce or eliminate debt, or provide the foundation for long-term goals, such as a child's college education or retirement.

Clients of CCCS offer their second job ideas to help consumers:

Use your talents - Take in sewing projects, tutor local students in math or other subjects, or use your love of cooking to make extra money. Offer to cook for co-workers for a fee or find a local construction site and seek permission to sell plates of food to employees. If you are an animal lover, offer dog walking or pet sitting services in your neighborhood.

Love the outdoors? - Make up and distribute a flyer offering to mow lawns in your neighborhood. If you are a sports lover, train to serve as an umpire or official at youth sporting events in your community. One CCCS client suggested stenciling house numbers on the curb for extra money. He suggests putting out a flyer and asking people to hang the flyer on their door on the day you will return. You can stencil even if they are not home and come back and collect payment. At $10 per house, you can easily earn $100 or more on a weekend morning.

Clean up at night and on the weekends - Many cleaning services have flexible evening and weekend hours for people interested in cleaning office buildings. If you prefer working for yourself, you might consider looking for a few clients and striking out on your own.

Retail flexibility and more - Retail work offers lots of flexibility for people who already have another job. You can look for work in merchandising, where you restock shelves after normal hours. Many inventory companies also use temporary and part time employees to conduct regular inventories of grocery stores and other retail outlets.

Love to shop? - Use your love of shopping as a mystery shopper or as a critic for movies, restaurants, or retail stores. Shoppers might also consider a second job at their favorite retailer. The discounts for staff at many clothing and other retailers can be considerable. Be careful that you don't spend your entire paycheck and more shopping for things you don't really need.

Benefit from the barter system - If you pay gym fees, perhaps you can get them waived by working a night or two a week at the front desk. Have lots of pets? Working at a veterinary clinic might get you discounted services for your furry friends.

Sell, sell, sell - Many clients offered stories about earning extra money by selling items on Ebay. Some seek items at local yard sales and shops to resell at a profit; others clean out items from their home. One family sells their used clothes to earn money for new clothes.

Go Green - Recycling can earn you extra money and you don't have to go dumpster diving to collect aluminum cans. Simply set up recycling boxes at your office and collect cans to be taken to the local recycling plant.

Work at home programs - Many jobs can be done from the comfort of your own home. Data entry, transcription services, billing, telemarketing, and data collection are all jobs that offer flexible hours and provide opportunities to earn extra income. When looking for jobs you can do from home, beware of programs that require you to pay a fee-they are not likely legitimate. Talk with friends and family members about opportunities they might know about for you to do projects from home.

Seek seasonal work - Whether it's working for a tax preparer in the spring or a retailer in November and December, seasonal work opportunities abound. These provide great opportunities to earn extra money without making a long term commitment to a second job.

Be creative - One client reported renting out driveway space to a neighbor that had too many vehicles. Others run errands for local seniors and provide babysitting services to families.

As economic challenges continue to loom, consumers are seeing food, fuel, and living expenses increase. Everything is on the rise-everything except incomes. "Salaries don't go as far as they used to for most families," said Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. "Many are only a paycheck or two away from financial disaster."

source: CCCS

What Would You Do With a $5,000 Bonus? A Friend Seeks Advice

A friend of mine recently received a $5,000 bonus for coming up with a money-saving idea that will save her employer $10,000 a year. Coming up with the idea -- a plan for cutting direct mail costs -- was easy. (She's smart and resourceful.) But finding a way to use the money is becoming more of a challenge and even sparking a small disagreement with a close relative.

After taxes, she had about $3,000 in cash. So far, she has used the proceeds to buy perfume, a replacement ring for her husband, a bottle of perfume and a restaurant meal. The rest: She plans to save for a house. She and her husband are newlyweds. And once the housing market settles down, they plan to purchase their first home.

I think she has a great plan for her found money: a little bit of splurging and a lot of saving. And I told her so. But an older relatives, however, has different ideas and is urging my friend to take the found money and find some big-fun: A blow-out trip or some other big-ticket purchase to celebrate the unexpected cash.

What do you think? Do you have advice for my friend? How would you spend extra money? By the way, she's current on all of her bills and very frugal.
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Beat the $600 Average for School Shopping: CCCS Tips

These are helpful school supply shopping tips from CCCS:

'According to the National Retail Federation, families will spend $594.24 on back to school purchases, compared to $563.49 last year.

"Families can expect to see rising costs on everything from uniforms and school clothes to supplies for their child and the classroom," said Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. "Advanced planning, careful shopping and a little research can go a long way in helping you stay within your budget."

• Make a budget and stick to it: Decide how much you will spend on school supplies ahead of time and, if possible, set aside the cash to avoid overspending. Use school shopping as an opportunity to teach your child about making choices by giving them a set spending amount to purchase some of the items they will need. They will learn that if they want the special folders, they may need to forego the fancy markers.
• Take inventory: Begin with a list of all back-to-school needs and expenses including supplies, equipment, clothing, and fees for sports, music and science labs. Next, check around the house for what your family already owns. Look for and reuse calculators, rulers, pencil sharpeners and anything else that is still in working condition. Last year's backpack may be just what is needed to start the new school year. In fact, wait just a few weeks after school starts and many backpacks and other accessories will be on sale for a fraction of the original price. Most students will not need entirely new wardrobes-just fill in the gaps with a few new outfits or uniform pieces. Well-maintained musical instruments and sports equipment are considerably less expensive than new ones.
• Plan your shopping: With gas prices at record levels, it may not pay to go to several stores to save a few cents on school supplies. Check the newspaper and online ads and map out your shopping plan to maximize you savings and stay within your budget.
• Shop at school: Many schools offer pre-packaged school supplies for students. Often coordinated by the PTA as a fundraiser, families can purchase supply packs from the school at costs comparable to what you would pay at a retailer. You will save time and gas by not having to shop, and your child's supplies will be waiting for them on the first day of school.
• Shop online and at discount retailers: Several national office supply stores are offering good online prices for school supplies. Look for free or inexpensive delivery. Outlet stores, big box stores and discount chains can save you money on uniforms and other school supplies. Check out your neighborhood consignment shops and thrift stores too. Some have designated space for school uniforms and you may get some great bargains."

Source: Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)

Queercents: How to Stretch Your Food Dollars

Ten tactics to stretch your food dollar! That's a new weekly series from Queercents, a personal finance blog. Topics include: "Don't Throw It Away: How to Properly Store Food So You Don't Waste Money,"
Here's a link to recent posts in the series. Written by Serena Freewomyn, the posts offers simple tips for making your food budget more flexible. Here's a preview of topics:

• Making Your Food Dollar Stretch: Rethinking Meat
• Amazing Grains: Getting More Bang For Your Buck
• Eat Your Broccoli: How Nutrient Rich Veggies Can Save You Money

Queercents is a personal finance blog serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The author of the series is an expert in food. Here's her bio:

Freewomyn has a degree in Women’s Studies from Arizona State University and attends the Le Cordon Bleu’s Culinary Management Program at Scottsdale Culinary Institute. A proponent of the “buy local” lifestyle, Freewomyn writes about her love of fresh produce, “I think the movement towards decentralized food is wonderful. It’s good for the environment and it reduces the factor of increased fuel costs that are driving up food prices. But the best part is that local produce just tastes better.”

Save $5 Bills & Other Favorite Links

Can you really save $12,000 by collecting $5 bills? One blogger successfully saved money with that strategy. That post and a few others caught my eye over the last week:

From Free Money Finance: Unusual Saving Method Nets $12k
(tip: save $5 bills!)

From Frugal Freedom: Stop Fighting Mother Nature-Go Native
(tip: save water, save money by purchasing native plants.)


From Wise Bread: Should your standard of living rise?
(main pt: the link between money & happiness.)


From Adult ADD And Money - 'Copy This! How I Turned Dyslexia, ADHD, and 100 Square Feet Into a Company Called Kinko's'
(tip: our faults can pay off!)

From Chief Family Officer: Drugstore Game Tip #1: Set up a reminder for rebates
(tip: organization helps you cash in on rebates.)

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Welcome NBC 4 (D.C.) Viewers

The topic of back-to-school sales was discussed during a recent morning show segment in which I appeared. Thank you to the production and anchor team at WRC-TV NBC 4 in Washington, D.C, which provided space and time for a fun discussion about frugal living.

Here's a link to the video.

Welcome to viewers from NBC 4 and special thanks to producer Natasha Copeland and anchorman Joe Krebs.

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Can We Skip Back-to-School Shopping? 3 Reasons to Cut Spending

It's a ritual. Back-to-school shopping is an annual event that costs us millions of dollars each year. But is it really necessary? Do we really need to buy so much stuff? Here are three reasons to cut or delay back-to-school spending:

1) Overstuffed backpacks. Over the years, I have purchased rulers, glue sticks, scientific calculators, compasses, notebooks and markers that my kids have barely used. In some cases, the items are not touched during the school year. That's because not every item on the back-to-school shopping list is really used or needed. My new strategy: Wait until the item is really needed for classroom assignments. Talk to other parents and teachers about what supplies are essential. I've actually had some parents warn me that one or another teacher will ask for supplies that are never really used. Or we've purchased items that kids could have easily shared across the aisles.

2) Shop at home. In May or June, kids come home with school supplies that may still be in good shape. Take inventory before you go out and buy a new box of markers, crayons or notebooks. You may have ample supplies in your own cupboard.

3) Wait for the fall clearance sales. Why buy a full wardrobe of fall clothing in August or September? Wait until the shopping rush is over and purchase fall clothing at a discount. Send the kids back to school in light-weight (summer) clothing that is super cheap now. If your kids wear uniforms, look for used or hand-me down uniforms. Some schools have a stock of gently used uniforms that are free or super cheap.

They Retired My Brown Bag & Still Gave Me the Rebate

Is there an expiration date on a brown paper bag? I'm not sure, but a cashier at a local market decided that my brown paper bag needed to be permanently checked out. To save money, I often bring my own paper bags to the store. The payoff: I receive a 10-cent, per-bag rebate. On a typical shopping trip, I've saved 10 to 30 cents by providing my own bags. I wrote about bag rebates in this post: Saving 10 Cents at the Grocery Store.

One bag had been through the checkout line several times. Signs of wear-and-tear were obvious. One of the paper handles was ripped and the bag was so worn that the paper felt like soft cotton. On the bag's final trip, the cashier shook her head and the lady behind me studied my bag with admiration.


"Now that's recycling," she announced, while laughing.


The cashier retired the bag, threw it into the trash and bagged my items in a new, crisp brown bag. The best part: I still received the dime rebate. But the whole episode made me think about the process of recycling. These are my questions:



1) How long can you recycle an item before the process becomes a) gross, b) unsafe or c)pointless?



2) Do aesthetics matter? Should the physical appearance of a shopping bag, bottle or container be a factor in our efforts to repeatedly use an item?



3) Should we care about public opinion? My beat-up paper bag could be viewed by others as either ridiculous or as a badge of honor. But why did I care about the cashier's opinion? Did it really matter that other people in line laughed at me?


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Time to Earn More & Other Posts: My Weekly Roundup

Here's a list of my favorite posts for the week:

From Think Your Way to Wealth: Why Making More Money Trumps Spending Less in the End

From Broke-Ass Student: Is Your Money Safe In The Bank?


From AllFinancialMatters: If You’re Going to Pay Extra on a Loan, Do it Sooner Rather Than Later

From The Simple Dollar: Why I’m Not Panicking - And You Shouldn’t, Either

From The Budget Fashionista: Eco-Friendly Dresses at eDressme.com

From This Writer's Wallet: Introducing… the College Money Network!




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The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
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Everyday Expenses & Housing Costs Ate Stimulus Checks

How did consumers spend federal stimulus payments? Basic expenses ate a big chunk, according to this poll from CCCS:


"Approximately $106.7 billion in stimulus payments will be made this year to 130 million households. The payments began on April 28 and are scheduled to be completed by mid-July. Rather than spend funds on new purchases, the survey also shows that some Americans are using the stimulus checks to make additional payments on their mortgage, car or other loans, and others are using the funds for home repairs.

A survey of 3,004 persons across the United States who receive financial counseling from a national nonprofit agency found that 29.4% used funds from their tax stimulus check to pay for everyday expenses, such as food and gasoline, while 20% said they paid down their credit card debt.

In addition, almost 5% of those surveyed said they utilized the funds to help them prevent foreclosure of their home or avoid bankruptcy. An additional 7.5% said the funds "give some more time to organize their finances and possibly avoid" these two scenarios.

In response to the question, "If you are facing foreclosure, will this check help you avoid foreclosure?" 3.5% responded "yes." An additional 5.1% of those surveyed, said the stimulus payment "gives some more time to organize finances and possibly avoid foreclosure."

Approximately 1.4% surveyed, said the funds would help them avoid bankruptcy, while 2.4% said the funds will allow them more time to organize their finances and possibly avoid bankruptcy.

The survey was conducted in late June by Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, which is part of a family of nonprofit agencies that provides credit counseling, as well as counseling to prevent foreclosure and avoid bankruptcy, to people in all 50 states. Of the 3,004 responding to the survey, 2,147 had received their check from the federal government.

"Many Americans are using the federal stimulus checks to help them get by and pay for everyday expenses," said Jessica Cecere, president of CCCS. "The extra money is providing them breathing room with their creditors, including those who want to avoid foreclosure and keep their homes."

Here are other findings:

• 7.8% said they would use the funds to make an additional payment on their mortgage;
  
• 9% said they would make an additional payment on another debt, such as a car payment or a student loan;
  
• Approximately 5.6% of respondents said the funds will be used to make home repairs;
  
• 2.5% said they would use the funds to pre-pay their property or income taxes for 2008.
  

Other survey findings include:
Approximately 82% of the people surveyed said they plan to save 20% or less of the tax stimulus funds they receive.

Asked to rate the state of their current financial situation on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the "most stressful," about 33.6% of respondents rated their situation a "1."

When asked, "What is your confidence level in the economy six months from now," 66% expect it to worsen and only 11% expect it to improve. The remaining people surveyed expect the economy to remain the same."

source: CCCS

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Welcome to Wise Bread Readers & Viewers from NBC-6, CBS 4/33 and Plum TV

Special thanks to Wise Bread and to writer Myscha Theriault for reviewing my book in a recent post. Here's the link to her review. If you are visiting my blog from Wise Bread: Welcome and please look around at the various posts.

Also welcome to television viewers from South Florida Today, where I was interviewed by anchor/reporter Trina Robinson. Here's a short description of the segment on NBC6 South Florida Today, which aired July 8, 2008

Thanks to Trina Robinson and producers of that show.

Here are links to other recent videos:

CBS4 Jim & Jade In the Morning on MY33 -- segment aired July 7, 2008

Special thanks to: anchors Jim Berry and Jade Alexander, who interviewed me. Thanks to the producers.

Plum TV - DayBreak Miami Beach. Thanks to production and anchor team at Plum TV

Special Thanks to Galena Mosovich Public Relations

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OK, OK: A Whine-Free, Turning-50 Birthday List: Frugal and Grateful

Did my turning-50 birthday "wish-list" sound like a complaint list? So sorry! It could easily be read as "50 Reasons to Whine" or "50 Things Missing From My Life." Hmmm!?! In fact, fellow blogger Father Sez left this comment:

"Happy Birthday, Duchess. You have not listed the 5,000 things you are grateful that you already have."


Thank you, Father Sez: I have, at least 5,000 reasons to be grateful, including my children. So here's the flip side of the birthday list.

1. Original: Good health and the continued good health of my loved ones

Grateful spin: I'm grateful for my good health and for the good health of those that I love. I can see, hear, jump, dance and write. I feel blessed.

2. A spa date at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne

I recently attended a business retreat at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne. After the formal workshop sessions, we were offered free chair massages, manicures or pedicures and a free makeover. I left the event feeling great and looking great.

3. Financial security

Due to new opportunities, including a full-time job with a non-profit organization, my personal finance outlook has improved. I've also started other initiatives that will help. I'm grateful for those opportunities.

4. Lower gas prices

The recent spike in gas prices has prompted us to talk more about public transportation, conservation and fuel-efficient cars. That's a side benefit.

5. More funding for public transportation and education

I am grateful that I have the right to vote and to lobby for community programs that benefit all. And as public transportation becomes more popular, more voters will support funding for mass transit.

6. Sailing lessons and a sailboat

I am grateful that I have friends with boats. I'm grateful that it's very affordable to rent a boat for the day through some of our public or private marine clubs and centers.

7. Peace & forgiveness from anyone I've upset, angered, annoyed, hurt...

Working on this and I'm grateful.

8. Daily yoga classes with my favorite trainers

There are several low-cost yoga classes offered in many neighborhoods. These resources include: community centers, public gardens, hospitals and area schools. There are also free exercise tapes available through the public library.

9. World peace

I can start by making peace in personal areas of conflict.

10. Hot, sweet Cuban coffee with cream every morning: A cortadito!

We make great coffee at home. Nearby markets sell Cuban coffee for 50 cents to $1.29 a serving and I'm grateful for delicious cheap coffee.

11. Time to see every game, play or after-school event featuring my children

I have been blessed to attend sooo many games. I'm grateful for every rebound, song and dramatic speech I've witnessed my children deliver. I'm grateful that I have children. I'm grateful that I have work-commitments that often take me away from my children because the money earned supports my family. I'm grateful that my new employer has very family-friendly policies.

12. Season tickets to Miami Heat games

There are super cheap tickets for $10-12 each. It's also great to listen to a basketball game on the radio or to watch a game at a sports bar with my sons. Additionally, I am grateful to friends who have "gifted" us with game seats from time to time.

13. Enough time and discipline to answer all comments on my blog --Time to write more posts and articles

I'm grateful to be blogging here and now. As my time-management skills improve, I will find more time to write.

14. Funds to pay back my parents for all of the support they have given to me and my children over the years.

I'm working on this. Meanwhile, I'm so grateful for their support and the support of my siblings.

15. More time to resume my (MFA) graduate-degree studies

It's never too late to earn a graduate degree. I'm so grateful for the semester that I spent reading and writing papers for a graduate program. And if I don't earn my degree until I'm 60 or 70, that's fine.

16. Makeup/cosmetics without preservatives and other harmful chemicals

Read the labels. Do your homework and don't spend money on products that could compromise your health. Thankfully there are websites and information about harmful cosmetics. More companies are also creating organic lines of personal care products.

17. An afternoon with Toni Morrison, Angela Davis and Oprah

I'm grateful for the Internet, which provides me with virtual mentoring sessions with those women and others.

18. Great sales for my book: The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well & Save.

The book party at Books & Books in Miami Beach was a success. Over 150 people showed up and I signed books for two hours. I'm grateful for every sale and I'm glad that my family and friends have purchased so many copies of my book.

19. Enough money to fund parenting workshops for teenage mothers

There are so many community programs that offer this service. Why not write a check? Even a small donation will help.

20. A new battery for my laptop

Order a darn battery and stop complaining.

21. A complete collection of Sex and the City -- I just started watching that HBO series

Order, borrow or check out clips on YouTube.

22. A copy of every movie adapted from a Jane Austen novel

I'm grateful for the library and the video store. I also enjoy all of the fan literary sites that offer creative versions and updates of Jane Austen tales.

23. To be debt-free

There are so many resources online, in the bookstore and in the personal finance network. Make a plan and stick to it.

24. Defensive driving lessons and the courage to finally start driving

I'm grateful for public transportation. I'm grateful that I have so many friends who drive.

25. A trust fund to launch a national billboard campaign in support of public transportation

During recent television and radio interviews, I've mentioned public transportation. I'm grateful for the opportunities.

26. A financial planning session with Warren Buffett

Go online. Use the Internet. Virtual mentoring is wonderful.

27. My own Frugal Duchess show on YouTube.

Don't complain. Don't wish. Just shoot, point and talk.

28. Teflon skin

Whatever.

29. Enough money to adopt or support at least five more children.

Start saving and be grateful for the children you have.

30. A weekly facial date.

I'm grateful that I have inherited great skin from my parents. The Internet has great resources for do-it-yourself facials and home spas.

31. To become very skilled at giving myself a french manicure

Thankfully, there are wonderful kits on the market. Invest and practise.

32. To be a better speller and proof-reader

I'm grateful: My new job forces me to be more detail-oriented. I'm learning to pay better attention. And thank goodness for spellcheck functions!

33. To be more patient with myself and others

Okay. It's a process.

34. To allocate 10 minutes a day for meditation, no matter how busy

I'm grateful for the daily planning programs on my computer. I will add meditation to the action plan.

35. To become a third-degree black belt in karate

I'm grateful for my limited martial arts training and I'm grateful for my newfound self-honesty, which prompts me to ask: Do you really want to spar, break boards and kick someone in the jaw? Do you really want to be a target?

Try tai-chi. Just chill out and forget the competitive parts of martial arts.

36. T0 get seven hours of sleep each night

Thank Goodness for Shabbas! During the weekly Sabbath, I nap a lot on Saturday afternoons. Also: I'm grateful that work and other creative opportunities keep me up late at night during the rest of the week.

37. To keep my house neater

I'm working on this.

38. To take a cruise to Alaska

Thank goodness for the Caribbean cruise I took two years ago with my parents and extended family to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday.

39. To let go of anger, depression and fear

I'm working on this. Thankfully.

40. To invest in stress-reduction classes

Ditto.

41. To be better about sending out thank-you notes

Thankfully, I recognize that this is a problem and I have been better about saying: Thank You!

42. To be completely honest with myself

Ditto.

43. To be better and quicker at detecting the big and small lies I tell myself

Ditto.

44. To be kinder to others

Working on this!

45. To eat ice cream every day without worrying about my weight

I'm grateful that ice cream remains a special treat. I'm grateful that I am no longer super skinny. I am grateful for size inflation because although I have gained 25 pounds since my twenties, (jumping to 115 pounds from 90 pounds), I still wear the same clothing size.

46. To have more children in my life.

I'm grateful for all of the children who are already in my life. I'm blessed.

47. To be more appreciative.

Grateful that I recognize this as a fault. Grateful to all who have pointed out this fault.

48. To bake my own bread and eat only organic food.

Grateful to have the resources to buy organic food. (I shop the sales.) I'm grateful to friends who have offered to bake bread with me.

49. To learn a few ballroom dances

Grateful for all of the times that I have waltzed with my dad. Grateful for all of the times I have danced around the house with my children.

50. To earn a spot on American Gladiator or Dancing With the Stars

Do I really want Crush to whip my butt on the Pyramid? Do I really want Helga to tackle me?

I don't think so. I'm grateful for the Internet, which enables me to watch some of my favorite shows online.

And if you've read this far: I'm grateful to you for listening to me.

Thank You!

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50 Wishes for My 50th Birthday

My 50th Birthday is Friday, July 11 and I'm assembling a wish list, including:

1. Good health and the continued good health of my loved ones

2. A spa date at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne

3. Financial security

4. Lower gas prices

5. More funding for public transportation and education

6. Sailing lessons and a sailboat

7. Peace & forgiveness from anyone I've upset, angered, annoyed, hurt...

8. Daily yoga classes with my favorite trainers

9. World peace

10. Hot, sweet Cuban coffee with cream every morning: A cortadito!

11. Time to see every game, play or after-school event featuring my children

12. Season tickets to Miami Heat games

13. Enough time and discipline to answer all comments on my blog --Time to write more posts and articles

14. Funds to pay back my parents for all of the support they have given to me and my children over the years.

15. More time to resume my (MFA) graduate-degree studies

16. Makeup/cosmetics without preservatives and other harmful chemicals

17. An afternoon with Toni Morrison, Angela Davis and Oprah

18. Great sales for my book: The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well & Save.

19. Enough money to fund parenting workshops for teenage mothers

20. A new battery for my laptop

21. A complete collection of Sex and the City -- I just started watching that HBO series

22. A copy of every movie adapted from a Jane Austen novel

23. To be debt-free

24. Defensive driving lessons and the courage to finally start driving

25. A trust fund to launch a national billboard campaign in support of public transportation

26. A financial planning session with Warren Buffett

27. My own Frugal Duchess show on YouTube.

28. Teflon skin

29. Enough money to adopt or support at least five more children.

30. A weekly facial date.

31. To become very skilled at giving myself a french manicure

32. To be a better speller and proof-reader

33. To be more patient with myself and others

34. To allocate 10 minutes a day for meditation, no matter how busy

35. To become a third-degree black belt in karate

36. Te get seven hours of sleep each night

37. To keep my house neater

38. To take a cruise to Alaska

39. To let go of anger, depression and fear

40. To invest in stress-reduction classes

41. To be better about sending out thank-you notes

42. To be completely honest with myself

43. To be better and quicker at detecting the big and small lies I tell myself

44. To be kinder to others

45. To eat ice cream every day without worrying about my weight

46. To have more children in my life.

47. To be more appreciative.

48. To bake my own bread and eat only organic food.

49. To learn a few ballroom dances

50. To earn a spot on American Gladiator or Dancing With the Stars

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Ask Your Boss to Underwrite a Bus Pass and Save $1,200 a Year

A friend of mine has found a way to shave at least $1,200 a year from her commuting costs. She now takes the bus and train to work, and her employer is underwriting a large portion of the fare.

Even if she paid full fare for public transportation, my friend would have saved plenty on her daily commute based on gas prices and maintenance costs for her car. But with her employer underwriting 50 percent of the monthly bus/train pass, her savings are greater.

Ask if your employer offers a discount on monthly passes or tokens for public transportation. Here's how one program works in my area: More businesses subsidizing Transit for employees.

In South Florida and other regions of the country, many employers are providing discounted commuter passes for buses and trains. The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates a tri-county commuter train in my area, provided me with the following comment about the recent spike in employer-sponsored transit passes:

"In June 2008, Tri-Rail’s Employer Discount Program signed on 1,233 new members and 118 new employers – a record ever since the inception of the program in 1992."

For years, I've traveled by bus and train. In a previous post, I featured my tips for traveling on public transportation: Excuse me, May I Sit Next to You? 6 Tips for Traveling on a Crowded Bus or Train

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I've written a book: a financial memoir with money-saving tips. Here's how you can buy my new book:
@ Amazon.com @ Barnes & Noble @ Borders @ Target.com

How I Failed to Land $22 Round-trip Tickets to DC

Drrr! For several hours last week, I was grounded in cyberspace as I tried to tap into super cheap tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Miami via Spirit Airlines. It was a sweet price: only $11.11 each way, with a list of restrictions and added costs.

I needed five round-trip tickets for a Frugal Duchess book signing party at Georgetown University on July 17th (6-9 p.m.) at the Alumni House at the corner of 36th & "O" Streets in Washington D.C. We're making a family trip of the event and I wanted to take my kids on a tour of GU, where I attended school from 1976-1980.

When I did the math, I figured that we could all fly on Spirit for under $200 with the special price, excluding extra fees for luggage, tax and breathing space. Ha!

No luck. My fingers were busy clicking, tapping and typing, but I was not able to land those cheap flights. The best deal I found was about $200 round-trip or just over $1,000 for all five tickets. My mother thinks that it was a bait-and-switch scenario and the $11 tickets were just a lure.

I'm not sure. I plan to call the company and get some answers. Meanwhile, the latest promo of discounts touts $48 and $24 savings off each ticket.

Here's the link and I wonder if other travelers have better luck.

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Here's how to buy my new book:

@ Amazon.com
@ Barnes & Noble
@ Borders
@ Target.com

ADD & Money Management: Weekly Roundup of Favorite Posts

Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, can have different effects on our lives and money. Due to fatigue, multitasking, overwork, hormones or other biological causes, many of us have varying degrees of ADD.

What's the impact of ADD on our finances? This post explores that issue: From Adult ADD And Money: Six Overlooked Reasons why you are struggling with your finances: Reason #6 - System Failure

Here are other posts that caught my disordered attention this week:

From The Simple Dollar: Seven Websites That Saved Me Money in the Last Week

From MoneyChangesThings: Meat as a Treat, not an Entitlement

From The Digerati Life: Lose Weight While Spending Less on Food and Exercise

From My Two Dollars Rice is Nice..And Cheap!

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