We've Got You Covered: Affordable Window Treatments

We’ve Got You Covered: Affordable Window Treatments

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

One of the most impactful features of a room is its window treatments. Whether designed to let in light or provide privacy – or a little of each, what covers your windows makes a big difference in a room’s look and usability. While they’re an important element to your home, it needn’t cost a lot to have stylish, appropriate window coverings.

While some window treatments can indeed be costly, many features of those pricey options can be replicated with more affordable materials. If you’re willing to apply some creativity and do-it-yourself time, you can create fashionable and customized window treatments at budget-friendly prices.

Here are some ideas for choosing and/or making lovely, customized, economical window treatments for your home:

Alternative window treatment options

Innovative materials for curtains, valances and rods
Instead of purchasing curtains per se, consider using other large pieces of fabric, such as tablecloths, bed sheets, towels or shower curtains. These less-traditional fabrics can make beautiful window coverings and are considerably less expensive than actual curtains. In fact, you may have the ideal item sitting unused in your linen closet, just waiting to be re-purposed. It may only take slight modifications or the right hanging solution to create completely unique and inexpensive curtains or valances.

A traditional curtain rod is only one solution; a curtain can be suspended from a shower curtain tension rod, a length of PVC pipe, a dowel, a tree branch…

Embellish existing curtains or shades
Using paint, appliques, buttons, sequins, ribbon, fringe or extra coordinating fabric, plain curtains, blinds and shades can be decorated, customized, revitalized and even expanded in size to match your window’s needs and your room’s decor.

Window film
This removable decorative film, usually made of acrylic, is attached to the window itself. It obscures view through the glass while allowing in light.

Glass etching
Etching is a process by which acid is used to create decorative opaque areas on glass. Etching is a permanent solution and obscures direct view through the glass while allowing light to pass through.

Keep these factors in mind when considering window treatments:

Practicality – There are so many attractive options; make sure the ones you choose fit the application. For example, window coverings in the kitchen should be easy to clean because of splashes and greasy accumulation. Treatments for bedrooms should take privacy and light-blocking into consideration.

Measurements – Measure carefully when purchasing or making window treatments because proper fit is crucial. Gaps will allow unwanted light to enter and look unattractive. Blinds, shades and curtains are available in standard sizes at considerably cheaper prices than custom sizes.

When buying or making curtains, it creates a particularly lush look to use two to three more panels of curtains than needed to span the window.

Cost of rods and mounting hardware – Remember to factor in the costs of those materials that will be necessary to install your window coverings. They can cause the cost of a window treatment to skyrocket if you don’t purchase wisely and/or find a creative solution.

Ability to self-install – As important as choosing or creating a beautiful window treatment is your ability to install it correctly. A crooked or uneven installation will make it look cheap. Try not to take on more than you can successfully accomplish.

Window treatments can make a room look stylish while providing a desirable amount of privacy or daylight. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to have great window treatments; it only takes some creativity, know-how and the willingness to do some of the work yourself.

Don’t miss our section on home coupons, where you may find promotions for window treatments from time to time. What creative window treatments have you done in your home?

Does a 10-Year-Old Need a $75 Money Gift?

by Miranda Marquit · 6 comments

My son just turned 10. He received some good, solid gifts from a variety of folks. He also received a few money gifts, in the range of $10 to $20. That makes sense to me. What I don’t understand is why one of his gifts was $75.

Does a 10-year-old really need a $75 money gift? It’s one thing to stick $75 into the 529 plan we have set up for him, and quite another to stick that cash into a card. One of the reasons that I had an issue (although respecting the generosity behind the gesture) was that my son’s thoughts immediately zoomed into riches untold, rhapsodizing about useless and expensive gadgets that he never really cared about before.

Some of that Money Goes to Savings

Of course, I was proud when, asked what he would do with the money by grinning givers, he said that the first thing that had to happen was that some of the money had to pay tithing, and some of it had to go into his long-term savings. I was glad that he recognized the importance of those actions.

Unfortunately, he then began babbling about all the expensive things he would buy with the money. Most of the things he listed can’t actually be bought with $75. But he’s 10, and his concept of what things actually cost is diminished. All he knew was that he ended up with what, to him, amounted to a massive windfall, and he began imagining riches beyond the dreams of avarice.

All of a sudden, his rather modest goals for his money became insufficient, and discontent reared its ugly head. Realizing that he wouldn’t be able to buy all those things immediately put him in a foul mood. (We discussed reality after he had thanked his benefactors and got off the Skype chat.) He became grumpy when he began to understand that $75 wouldn’t cover what he thought it would.

I realized that he was happier with the $10 and $20 gifts he had received from others than he was with the $75. He knew exactly what to expect with those amounts. He knew how to parse them down, and understood the way they would work with his goals. However, the $75 was more than he was ready for.

What Does a 10-Year-Old Buy with $75 Anyway?

Really, I wasn’t sure what a 10-year-old would buy with that money anyway. He’s 10. We buy his clothes, and if he gets a more expensive item, it’s usually for his birthday, or for Christmas. There’s no real reason for him to have so much cash in hand. It’s hard to tell an excited child that almost all of that money has to go into savings. He got it as a gift. So he doesn’t want to use it to buy needs, and I worry that forcing him to put most of into savings will turn his love of his savings account to resentment.

For now, we’ll just try to balance it out, and show him how the money, even after tithing and savings, can help him finish reaching his goal for something he’s had his eye on for a long time.

What do you think? Do children need big money gifts?

Clearing the Clutter: Junk or Treasure?

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary to “lighten the load” and clear out some of that stored stuff, you may find yourself overwhelmed with what to do with it all. The items squirreled away in attics, basements and other storage areas are put there for any number of reasons – very few of them evident to the ‘lucky’ people in charge of eventually dispensing of them. Some of it is probably junk that has simply not been discarded for one reason or another. Some of it may be useful or a good candidate for repurposing or donating to a worthy cause. Other items may have sentimental value. But what about the category of stuff that may have actual value? How do you know whether you have items that are worth keeping as collectables or selling to someone who will appreciate them?

Does it have value as an antique?

One type of value an item could have is as an antique. According to a dummies.com article, “The Five Signs of a Valuable Antique,” look for these factors to determine whether an item has potential value as an antique:

Rarity – Such factors as, how many were made originally, how many are still in existence and unusual qualities, will determine how rare the item is. Basically speaking, the rarer, the more valuable.

Aesthetics – Simply put, visually appealing items have greater value on the antiques market.

Desirability – A particularly subjective factor, this has to do with individual taste, perceived relevance and current trends. No matter how old something is, if no one wants it, it’s worth nothing.

Authenticity – Basically, is this the real deal? Is it really as old as believed and not a recent reproduction? Was it made by a renown manufacturer? Is it made of authentic materials?

Really Great Condition – Obviously, the closer to its original condition an antique is, the more it’s worth.

Does it contain valuable materials?

Another way to determine the worth of an item is to investigate the materials from which it’s made. Say you find metal bookends or a necklace. While they may not qualify as antiques, they may contain precious metals or stones that increase their value and desirability. Take items you think may be made of valuable materials to a pawn shop or jewelry store where knowledgeable folks can appraise them. Since it’s a shop-owner’s business to acquire items at the lowest possible price and resell them at the highest possible price, you’d be well-advised to get multiple appraisals before selling to make certain you get the best price.

Would someone pay for it?

Yet another consideration is the item’s desirability to the right party. A mint-condition leather jacket may be the wrong style or size for you but to someone else, it may be a highly desirable item for which they’d gladly give you a few dollars. Rather than donating or throwing away such high-priced, desirable items as formal wear, musical instruments, working appliances and other household items in fine condition, consider advertising them for sale.

Clear out the clutter and get the most from what you have in storage. By all means, keep what has use and/or sentimental value to you. Donate that which will most benefit those in need. If it has value, though, determine that value and try put it into the hands of someone who’ll both appreciate it and give you a fair price for it. There may be treasure up there in the rafters but you’ll never know unless you take the opportunity to find out!

How do you tell junk from treasure?

Think Before You Throw: 4 Benefits of Recycling

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Environmental consciousness is important to both preserving and caring for the planet as well as for you and future generations. While there will always be waste, there are some things we all throw away which could be either recycled or revived, often to benefit ourselves as well as those who are less fortunate. Here are five benefits of making recycling a part of your lifestyle.

Recycling benefits the planet, the environment, and your personal health & safety. Everyone knows that recycling keeps more waste out of landfills, creating a less ‘trashy’ environment for everyone, but we don’t often think about the trickle-down effect of keeping unnecessary toxins and chemicals from gradually seeping into our air, water, and food supply. The cleaner we keep our planet, the better our health and well-being.

Recycling worn-out or unused items can benefit those in need. You might be surprised to discover there are many charity organizations that utilize recycled products. Here are a few items commonly collected.

Bikes. Bikes for the World is an organization which collects unused bicycles (an estimated 15 million are thrown out each year) and matches them up with people who need cheap transportation.
Shoes. Athletes, particularly runners, go through a lot of shoes, an item which is normally thrown away. Organizations such as Recycled Runners collect and donate shoes to those, especially in third-world countries, who need footwear. Another more recent trend is the actual recycling of used shoes into new footwear by organizations like Reuse-a-Shoe.
Eyeglasses. Your old eyeglasses can vitally improve the lives of the needy who can’t afford to buy them. Donate them to organizations such as The Lions Club, New Eyes for the Needy, or OneSight.
Old Bedding. Consider donating old rags, towels and blankets to animal shelters, which are in constant need of animal bedding.

Hosting or participating in swap organizations or events can be inexpensive and mutually beneficial. Items you’ve failed to sell or aren’t sure where to donate can often be exchanged through local swap meets or online organizations such as FreeCycle. Your trash is often another man’s treasure. What’s more, you may find items you’ve been wanting for free.

Recycling can pay, literally. In some areas of the country, recycling is taking on a new level. Participants who sign up for the RecycleBank program receive a bar-coded bin for their weekly recycling. Recycling earns you points which are translated into purchasing power at participating retailers such as Target, Whole Foods, Starbucks, and more. The more you recycle, the greater your spending power. Although this program is currently limited to areas of the East Coast, it’s popularity indicates it will probably expand quickly throughout the rest of the U.S.

Putting a little extra effort into recycling or finding new homes for your unwanted possessions is well worth the reward of a cleaner and safer environment, helping the needy, and potentially furthering your spending ability. Hopefully these tips will help you begin or expand your recycling practices and begin to see the benefits.

Are Membership Savings Programs Right for You?

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Do AARP, AAA and other membership-based purchasing “collectives” offer effective ways to save? When considering membership savings or “subscription” programs that cost money to join, remember that when you pay to save, you’re starting off with a savings deficit of the amount of the subscription. The time – and purchasing – it will take you to recoup that initial outlay and the total savings you’ll eventually enjoy are the major factors to think about when paying for the privilege of saving.

These programs – and membership warehouse stores for that matter – rely on group purchasing power to secure savings for everyone. You pay to join the group which provides you access to members-only discount pricing and other, hopefully valuable, benefits. While many of these programs can provide significant savings and offer worthwhile perks, make certain there’s actual value in them for you before buying into their persuasive marketing.

Bear these factors in mind when considering the purchase of a subscription or membership:

Relevance to your circumstances – Take all variables into consideration so as to make sure that the benefits they offer have relevance for you. If your actual expenses are low in a certain category to begin with, an offer of a percentage savings may prove of minimal value. Are there state regulations that will prevent you from taking advantage of the savings or benefits offered? Are the savings and benefits available where you live? A 10% savings at a shoe store or restaurant chain that doesn’t exist in your neck of the woods is not a useful benefit to you. Neither is insurance if you have that provided by your employer or have negotiated a good rate with your own personal agent.
Compare savings and benefits – Don’t take their word just because they claim they offer cheaper prices. Do your research to make certain that the services or merchandise offered really is less expensive than you could find elsewhere without paying for a membership. Can you get equivalent pricing by being vigilant about shopping sales or using coupons?
Avoid duplication – As an example of duplicated savings, both AARP and AAA offer vehicle insurance and discounts on vision care and travel. Choose memberships which offer the most unique benefit to you to avoid paying for more individual memberships than necessary. Many warehouse clubs offer the same – or very similar – products so join the one you prefer rather than paying to be a member of every club in town.
Membership overload – While the savings offered can sound mighty tempting – and the membership fees seem generally inexpensive – buying multiple memberships, with high hopes of mega-savings, is probably unrealistic. And remember, you need to recoup the membership fee to begin experiencing any savings at all.
Real vs idealized savings – Claims of savings are very persuasive to the frugal among us. Even if you choose your memberships carefully, taking your individual needs, circumstances and preferences into consideration, you still need to actually use the benefits. Remembering to look to these organizations for savings when the time comes to make a purchase is another piece of the savings puzzle. You need to remember to take your membership card with you, know what establishments offer discounts and/or benefits and actually use the services to which you’re entitled to maximize their value to you. Otherwise, you’re merely paying for the idea of savings and never really experiencing it.

Memberships can save you money, so long as you choose them realistically, see value in them for yourself and actually follow through and take advantage of the savings and benefits.

What memberships save you money and provide the greatest value?

Should You Use Layaway?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Now is good time to begin your Christmas shopping, since it can help you spread out your budget. If you are concerned about spending a lot on gifts this year, one of your gift giving strategies can be to use layaway.

Since the recession, layaway has been making a comeback. Before the financial crisis, many stores had stopped offering layaway; with credit cards there was no need for layaway. However, more stores are offering this alternative, since consumers have been more reluctant to use credit in recent years.

Advantages of Layaway

The biggest advantage of layaway is that you have the chance to pay for your purchases a little bit at a time. It helps your budget, since you can stretch out the payments. As a result, it’s possible to make purchases more affordable — often without paying interest.

Layaway provides a way for you to reserve gifts for your children as well, without waiting. Parents concerned about whether or not their child’s present will be sold out can put it on layaway and reserve it for later. (Of course, if everyone decides to reserve the same popular toys, you might not be able to get what you want.)

You have more time to pay off your purchases, and you don’t have to go into debt. For the most part, as long as you make your payments on time, you don’t have to worry about losing your purchases, and you can save money in interest.

Concerns about Layaway

Even though layaway can work well for many, there are concerns about the process. Every store has its own rules and requirements for layaway, and it’s important that you understand the situation before you sign a layaway agreement. Some of the things to consider include:

Time requirement: Many layaway programs won’t just let you keep making payments for a long period of time. A significant number of them have a time limit, usually no longer than eight weeks, although some programs are as short as four weeks, and some give you as long 12 weeks.
Fees: In some cases, layaway programs charge fees. There might be a small program fee charged at the beginning (but usually less than you would pay in interest if you used a credit card).
Other charges: Make sure you understand the other charges that you might incur as part of the layaway program. If you cancel, you might need to pay a restocking fee, which can be as high as 20% of the purchase price.
Missed payments: Watch out for missed payments. Read the agreement to find out what happens. In some cases, if you miss a payment, your purchase will be re-stocked, and the fee might be deducted from any refund you are due.

Make sure you find out about the program before you decide to use layaway. This way, you will know what you are getting into. Weigh the pros and cons of the layaway program in question. Make a plan to pay off your purchase within the required time period so that you don’t run into problems.

5 Ways to Save While Throwing a Great Harvest Party

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Fall is a great time for parties – Halloween, costume parties, harvest parties, and of course, Thanksgiving. While it’s rewarding to throw a great party that your friends and family talk about for months to come, it usually entails a large amount of unplanned spending which can quickly derail your bank savings account or max out your credit card. Planning ahead and following a few of these tips can help you throw great parties without feeling financial stress.

Make your own food and decorations. If you’re expecting a large number of people at your party, it can be tempting to take the easy way out and purchase pre-made food, snacks, and drinks. Making your own food using recipes that are easy to modify to larger batches will save you a ton of money and give your guests more topics for conversation at the table. I don’t recommend trying new recipes for large events without testing them ahead of time on a smaller scale. You’ll be wasting both time and money if your new recipe doesn’t turn out.

Decorations are a little trickier, especially if you’re not a crafty person, but you can try:

Enlisting the help of a craft-saavy friend
Borrow books and magazines with fall decorating ideas and how-tos
Keep it simple. After all, if you have great entertainment, food, and fellowship, no one will notice if the décor is a bit lacking.

Pick a theme and ask guests to bring a dish to share and swap recipes for. Not only is this a fun way to learn more about people, their tastes, and their cooking abilities (or lack thereof), it lightens the financial burden to you as the host without appearing cheap or stingy.

Shop at the dollar store. If there’s anything a dollar store does well, it’s party supplies. Most dollar stores stock a good variety of themes and colors for your party supplies as well as inexpensive but fun party favors. And, if you’re feeling really inspired, you can get creative with some of the odd but cheap items often found in dollar stores and add some unique flair to your party.

Make your own costume. If you’re hosting a costume or Halloween party, consider making your own costume instead of spending money on a cheap store-bought one that might not make it through the night, let alone be worth your investment of $20 or more. Check online by searching ‘costume ideas’ to find a look that suites your taste, and then look in your closet to see how you can imitate or modify it using items your already own. You might even be able to make use of some of the outdated clothing in the back of your closet by compiling a retro costume.

Entertain with the classics. Board games, especially trivia games, are great entertainment for large groups without breaking the bank. Try tweaking a classic game with variations based on the theme of your party for even more fun. Pick some great music, and you’ll be good to go.

Follow these tips and you’ll see that throwing a great fall party doesn’t have to be expensive for you in order to be fun and memorable for everyone.

Homemade Coffee to Buzz About

by Gina Blitstein · 1 comment

There’s no doubt that coffee is among the most popular beverages in America. According to the National Coffee Association, three-quarters of all adults drink coffee, 58% of them on a daily basis. “Coffee” however is a blanket term for hundreds of types of individual concoctions of various flavors and intensities, made from hundreds of types of beans by numerous techniques. We all have our favorite coffee: The one with just the right strength, boldness and roast to please our taste buds.

While it’s a lovely experience to sit in a coffeehouse sipping coffee made by someone else; or pick up a delicious, piping hot cup on our way to and from our daily destinations, it’s not always necessary to leave it to the baristas to get a tasty cup of coffee. All it takes is an investment in quality equipment and beans, a little time and some knowledge.

The following suggestions won’t yield professional results but they may help you enjoy your home brew more and avoid the temptation to run to the coffee shop for tasty – yet quite pricey – caffeine. Let’s make certain we’re using our equipment properly, buying the right beans and treating them right to make our own best cup.

Use Your Coffee Machine Properly

The two most popular types of at-home coffee makers in the U.S. – the drip and the French press – can produce perfectly delicious coffee.

Drip – A drip machine heats water to 195º to 205° F, then drips it through the coffee grounds. The hotter the water within that range, the brighter the coffee flavor will be. Use 1-2 tablespoons of medium ground beans for each 6 ounces of coffee desired. Drink the coffee immediately because allowing it to sit on the heating element will cause it to become bitter.

French Press (Also known as a “Plunger”) – This is an easy to use, manual coffee maker that brews heartier coffee than a drip machine. Use 1-2 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per six ounces of water. Add half the hot water (195º–205° F) and let sit. After three minutes, stir lightly (or for a livelier coffee, stir vigorously). Add the remaining hot water. Wait three more minutes, then plunge, pressing the grounds to the bottom of the beaker.

Choose Appealing Coffee Beans

Choosing beans that match your flavor preferences will help you make pleasing coffee at home. Coffee flavors are described by four major components:

Acidity – a brightness or pleasant sharpness
Body – how it feels in your mouth; weight; a description of its “oiliness” or “thickness”
Aroma – High quality beans have more fragrant oils that release a stronger fragrance when roasted.
Flavor – A flavorful coffee will remind you of other pleasant flavors, e.g., nutty, spicy, fruity, chocolaty, smoky or tangy.

It’s interesting to note that while you may prefer the taste of a dark roast coffee, caffeine is released in the roasting process so lighter roasts generally contain more caffeine.

Grind with Care

Grind your beans appropriately. If too much of the coffee bean is exposed to hot water during brewing, bitterness and harsh flavors will develop. Therefore, the longer the brewing method, the coarser the beans should be ground, so as to expose less of the bean’s surface.

For freshest-tasting coffee, grind your beans immediately prior to brewing. When storing, keep only the whole beans you’ll use in a week or the ground you’ll use in a few days in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Freeze the rest.

With some know-how, home-brewed coffee can be delicious while saving you money at the coffee shop!

How do you make tasty coffee at home?

10 Coupon Web Sites to Help You Save Money

by Miranda Marquit · 1 comment

One way that you can attempt to boost your savings is to use coupons when you make purchases. Thanks to the Internet, it’s possible to find coupons quickly and easily.

You can find manufacturers coupons that are good almost anywhere, and even find local coupons in some cases. It’s also possible to find promo codes that allow you to save money at checkout when you do your online shopping.

If you are looking for some great resources for coupons, here are 10 coupon web sites that can help you save money on purchases that you would make anyway:

Coupons.com: Search this site for coupons related to just about anything. From milk to cereal to toilet paper, it’s possible to get discounts on these common items. You can also find less common items on discount.
CouponShoebox.com: How can we not mention this site, CouponShoebox.com? We gather hundreds of coupons and promo codes that you could use to save here too so check them out from time to time.
eBates: You can earn gift cards for your favorite retailers as well as save money on what you purchase. Not only can you get regular discounts, but each time you use your eBates savings, you earn points that can help you toward free stuff.
RetailMeNot: Use this web site to find coupon codes, printable coupons that you can take into a brick and mortar store, and even find free shipping codes. It’s also helpful that you can find the grocery coupons really easily on this site.
SlickDeals: There are a number of deals that you can find on this web site. You can find deals local to your area. Additionally, you can easily find deals related to travel, HDTV, computers, and apparel. You can also find coupons for specific retailers, like WalMart, Amazon, and Kohl’s. It’s likely that you can find what you are looking for.
LivingSocial: If you are interested in daily deals, LivingSocial can help you save 30% to 75% on various items. However, a lot of your savings are limited. It’s important to stay on task and make sure that you are only buying what you will use.
Groupon: This is another daily deal site. You can get even bigger discounts when you do it together. But, once again, you need to be careful to ensure that you aren’t spending on items that you hadn’t planned on.
Fat Wallet: This web site provides you with information on the best deals of the day, as well as other discounts. Fat Wallet also helps you find cash back opportunities, and local deals. Also, find seasonal and holiday deals that are timely, no matter what time of the year it is.
SmartSource: Find printable coupons, as well as coupon codes. You can even find discounts on your pharmacy purchases.
Gilt: For those who are a little more interested in the high end items, Gilt can help. There are a number of sales that you can find on food and wine, as well as items for men, women, and babies. It’s not exactly the frugal option, though.

Four Lessons from a Couponing Class

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

I recently attended a coupon class for the first time, a step I was reluctant to take but for various circumstances was obligated to. So I resigned myself to sitting through a few hours of information I would find entirely useless to me. It’s not that couponing isn’t a great way to save money – the proof is there, in the receipts. But I didn’t think couponing was something I had the time or the need for at this season of life; after all, I work full-time and don’t have kids. We aren’t exactly pinching pennies, so trying to save money on groceries or household items isn’t a high priority.

But, to my surprise, the class presented couponing in a light I hadn’t seen it before, and I’d like to share a few of my new-found insights.

You don’t have to be a crazy coupon lady or a hoarder to take an interest in shopping smart and saving on items you already purchase. The class helped me break the stereotype I’ve carried about what a coupon clipper looks and acts like and my aversion to becoming one of them. Ordinary people can benefit from the use of sales ads in conjunction with coupons in order to save money and become a better steward of their resources without becoming greedy or an annoyance to others.

Couponing doesn’t take as much time or effort as you may think. Regardless of your place in life, being aware of store sales ads and using your coupons in conjunction with them is a smart way to use your resources wisely, and, surprisingly, only takes a bit of effort. Once you get a system in place, it becomes easy to match up coupons for items you use with store sales in order to maximize your savings and streamline your shopping trips, as well as never run out of anything again!

Hoarding is frowned upon; stockpiling is good. The class instructor actually discouraged hoarding. Sales and coupons tend to follow a seasonal, predictable pattern, so if you stay on top of them, you can get certain items for free every few months without hoarding. Hoarding is greed, and doesn’t do anybody good. Stockpiling on items you normally use when they are on sale or free is not hoarding, but planning ahead. As a responsible coupon user, stockpiling when items are on sale can enable you to share with others by

Donating to local food banks
Sharing with relatives
Making up gift baskets for new mothers or newlyweds

The best way to save is by utilizing all your resources. Buying newspapers for inserts and getting on mailing lists is a start, but other ways to save include printing online coupons, using electronic coupons and retail chain reward cards, emailing manufacturers for free samples and coupons for products you love, and joining a coupon club in your area. Some coupon clubs provide weekly spreadsheets of retail chain sales ads and match them up with coupons located in newspaper inserts or online to make shopping easier than ever.

Now that I have seen what responsible coupon using looks like, I am more willing to give it a try. After all, saving money on food and household items can mean extra money in the budget for discretionary spending and savings goals, and who doesn’t want that?

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