How to Buy a Safe and Affordable Car Seat

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 3 to 14 years old.” If you’re like most families in America, your child will take several trips via car almost every day of their life, so it’s crucial to not take any shortcuts with their safety.

Many parents do not realize that car seats come with expiration dates (typically 5-7 years from date of manufacture). While some will argue that this is to encourage parents to trash perfectly good car seats, the truth is that the plastics and fabric used to manufacture car seats can degrade with time and exposure to the elements and are not guaranteed to hold up in a crash. Car seat technology is also improving every year and some outdated car seats are no longer considered safe. Seats that have been in accidents are generally considered no longer safe for use and should be destroyed.

Is it okay to buy a second hand car seat? Basically, you should never buy a used car seat from somebody who isn’t as invested in your child’s safety as you are. Never buy a used car seat from a stranger, only very close friends and family members who you can rely on to tell the truth about the seat’s history.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind before buying or accepting a car seat:

Do check the car seat’s expiration date to make sure that it’s within dates. This is printed on almost every car seat, although the location varies by manufacturer. Check the manufacturer’s website to find out where it should be on your model. Be aware that some clearanced-out seats might have a shorter time until expiration as they’ve been in the warehouse for some time; this is could be a concern if you are purchasing a seat that can conceivably be used until your child is four or five.

Make sure that it will fit properly in your vehicle (this goes for a new seat, too). While all car seats approved for sale in the USA meet standards, not every seat will install properly in every car. Car-Seat.org has an active forum where many experienced car seat safety technicians can help you narrow down your choices (note: not every poster is a certified child passenger safety technician so be sure to ask about qualifications before taking advice).

Speaking of certified child passenger seat technicians (CPST), it’s worth the time and small fee to find one who can teach you how to properly install and use your new car seat. The NHSTA has a tool that can help you find a certified CPST and/or a local car seat inspection event.

Don’t assume that the most expensive car seat will automatically be the safest choice for your child and vehicle. Do check Consumer Reports safety ratings for the car seat(s) you are considering (note: many public libraries have accounts that you can access for free if you are not a subscriber). All current car seats will meet minimum safety ratings – the most important thing that you, as a parent, can do to ensure your child’s safety is to properly install the car seat and use it correctly each and every time your child is in the vehicle.

If you can afford the initial investment, look for convertible car seats that have higher weight limits for rear-facing (some go up to 40 lbs rear facing) and forward facing (some will allow children to sit harnessed forward-facing up to 70 lbs). The AAP now recommends that infants ride rear-facing until 2 years of age, which is well beyond the point most children will have passed the 20lb rear-facing limit that some seats have. A seat with higher weight limits will be a larger up-front investment but can save you the hassle and expense of buying a replacement when your child meets the weight limits. It might seem strange to those of us who were children when car seats were not common, but any children now ride in harnessed seats until kindergarten (or even beyond if they are small for their age).

If you are unable to afford a car seat, know that there are options to get a free car seat for your child. In most areas, you can call 211 to be connected to social service agencies in your area who can help. Your health insurance provider or Medicaid program might also have a program that can assist you in getting a car seat.

Do know that most auto insurance policies will provide you with a new car seat if yours are damaged in an accident or are stolen. Contact your insurance agent to verify coverage before you need it and what documentation you’ll need if you ever need to make a claim.

Buying a car seat can be expensive, but it’s one cost that new parents can’t afford not to make. There are many other ways to save on your children stuff. Even a lower-priced car seat can save your child’s life if installed properly and used correctly each and every time.

Appliance Purchases: Know the Energy Guide and Save Money

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Buying new appliances can be confusing. Most come with so many features that it’s difficult to choose among different brands and models. Besides such factors as the product’s features, appearance, size and performance rating, there’s the matter of its energy consumption to consider. Over the life of an appliance, this factor can be one that matters more than any other because it equates to the amount it will cost to operate.

A strong indicator of the amount of energy an appliance will use is prominently displayed on those bright yellow (yet somehow easily disregarded) Energy Guide stickers attached to new appliances. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these appliances are required to display Energy Guide labels:

clothes washers
dishwashers
refrigerators
freezers
water heaters
window air conditioners
central air conditioners
furnaces
boilers
heat pumps
pool heaters

What is an Energy Guide?

The information displayed on an energy guide label identifies the specific product, its main features and an estimate of its yearly electricity use. The number displayed prominently near the center is an approximation of the appliance’s operating costs over the course of a year. Since it bases that dollar amount on a standard rate of use, the appliance’s energy consumption and the national average cost of energy, your actual cost could vary depending upon your use and local energy cost. The Energy Guide puts that amount in perspective by showing it where it appears within the high-to-low range of operating costs of similar models. Because that yearly cost figure is calculated by the same criteria on all similar appliances, it provides another useful bit of information to use when comparing models to purchase.

Energy costs are updated on Energy Guides every five years. Bear in mind, rather than a guarantee of your actual energy cost, the Energy Guide provides a standard by which to compare one appliance to another, enabling you to factor-in energy cost into your purchasing decision.

EnergyStar – An Extra Measure of Energy Efficiency

One more thing you may see displayed on an Energy Guide label is a blue Energy Star logo. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy dedicated to promoting savings on on energy costs and protecting the environment by encouraging energy efficient products and practices. Products which have met specific energy-saving standards are eligible to bear an Energy Star label. Among those products are major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics and even home improvement/replacement products.

The Energy Star website, explains how products become Energy Star rated:

Products can earn the ENERGY STAR label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR product specifications. EPA establishes these specifications based on the following set of key guiding principles:
Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
Qualified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
If the qualified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.
Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.
Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.

There’s more to a wise appliance purchase than the initial outlay. Using energy efficiency as a determining factor in appliance purchases makes good sense. Energy efficiency is good for more than the environment – it’s good for our budgets.

Do you take note of the Energy Guide information when purchasing appliances?

10 Easy and Delicious Ways to Serve Cabbage

by Tracy · 6 comments

If you’re of German or Irish descent, you might have grown up eating cabbage on New Year’s Day for good luck. Cabbage is also an old-timey slang term for the green stuff many of us want this year, U.S. dollars.

Unfortunately, many of us grew up associating cabbage with a cooked into submission until it became a sulfur-smelling sludge or overly sweet and gloppy slaw and are hesitant to eat it to this day. That’s a shame, for while it might not guarantee us good luck, cabbage is one of the best bets for your food dollar, nutritionally speaking. It’s not uncommon to fit it for less than a dollar a pound and it can sometimes be found for as little as 20 cents a pound.

Cabbage is packed full of nutrients and fiber. Plain green cabbage is the most common in American grocery stores and the least expensive choice, but savoy, red cabbage and Napa are also fairly easy to find and not that expensive. Some grocery stores will gladly split a large head in half for singles or small families; however, a cut head of cabbage can last a week or so in the fridge, so don’t let the prospect of having to buy an entire head scare you off.

There are literally thousands of different recipes for using the various kinds of cabbage available online, from slaws and salads, to pilafs and casseroles, to stir fries and soups. Cabbage is a great way to add filling and tasty bulk to a recipe without resorting to adding a lot of empty carbs. Here are a few ideas for incorporating more delicious, nutritious and affordable cabbage into your diet.

1. Try using shredded cabbage instead of iceberg lettuce in tacos, sandwiches and salads. Not only does it stay crisp and crunchy longer, it is offers more nutrients. Cabbage leaves can also be dunked into boiling water to soften a bit and then used as low-carb sandwich wraps.

2. You aren’t limited to just mayonnaise based slaws, try many of the vinaigrette based recipes for a tangy and refreshing change.

3. There is evidence that the probiotic lactobacilli found in fermented cabbage dishes like sauerkraut and kimchi are great for digestion and your immune system. Making your own is a great choice, since many commercially developed brands are pasteurized, which destroys these helpful bacteria.

4. If you are trying to cut back on carbohydrates in your diet, like rice and pasta, try using shredded and lightly sauteed cabbage as a “bed” for your meals. This works particularly well for meals with an Asian or Eastern European flavor profile.

5. Red cabbage contains more anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients than other varieties. Try braising it with apples and a bit of apple cider vinegar for a pleasingly sweet and sour side dish.

6. Combine mashed potatoes and cooked cabbage to make Colcannon, a traditionally Irish dish. This can be a good use for leftover mashed potatoes and combined with a bit of ham, can be a warm, comforting one-dish meal.
7. The cabbage soup diet is fails as a sustainable way of living, but that doesn’t mean that cabbage isn’t a fantastic addition to your vegetable soups and stews. Try adding it towards the end so that it retains a bit of texture and doesn’t overwhelm the dish.

8. Making stuffed cabbage is time-consuming, but there is no reason that you can’t layer the ingredients like a lasagna instead of doing individual rolls. Look for recipes that use lentils for all or part of the meat for a whole lot of nutrition for not a lot of money.

9. Almost every culture has their version of stuffing cooked cabbage into a dough of some sort. From Eastern European runzas to Asian egg rolls. Try making a huge batch, par-cooking and freezing on wax-paper lined baking sheets so that they stay separate. Once frozen solid, they can be transferred to large freezer bags so that you can pull out just enough for a quick supper or lunch.

10. Don’t overlook how delicious and easy plain steamed or sauteed cabbage is for weeknight dinners. With a dab of butter or olive oil and seasonings to compliment your main dish, it’s an affordable, easy choice for weeknight cooking and can easily fit into your regular rotation of vegetable sides.

How Do You Choose Between Tablets and E-Readers?

by Gina Blitstein · 2 comments

Did you get what you really wanted for the holidays? Perhaps you received some gifts you’d like to return. Perhaps you received some gift cards that are burning a hole in your wallet. In any case, you may find yourself back in a store, with some money to spend on yourself.

If you’ve been thinking about treating yourself to one of those popular pieces of personal electronics called e-readers or tablets, here’s some information to help you choose the one that’s right for you.

First, some definitions. While the two devices started out as totally different entities, as the technology evolves, their functionality is becoming less distinct. While you can read on either device, here are the major differences between e-readers and tablets:

E-readers

Quite simply, these are portable, electronic books. They’re primarily made to replicate books and feature “electronic paper” technology that makes them easily viewed, even in bright light. Because they’re not backlit, there is no glare on the “pages” and text displays crisp on the screen.

While some e-readers access the Internet for the purpose of downloading books and reading materials, they’re primarily uni-taskers. Rather than being designed for browsing the Internet like a computer, their strong suit is that they provide an affordable, portable means to facilitate reading and a long battery life. Some e-readers offer a color display which is preferable for reading magazines or illustrated books.

Sony Reader, Nook and Kindle Touch are names you’ll see when shopping for e-readers. Simple, straightforward e-readers can be purchased for less than $200. Kindle offers “Special Offers” versions of their devices which display advertising on their home screen, at significantly lower prices.

As new models come out, many e-readers are adopting more “tablet-like” functionality, making the differences between the two devices less distinct.

Tablets

These devices are like mini-computers, usually with a touch interface and a large viewing screen. These devices run programs and are equipped with a browser for accessing the Internet, allowing you to receive email, listen to music, watch videos and, of course, read. They’re portable multi-taskers that facilitate the consumption of information from the Internet. The two major tablets at the present time are the iPad and the Kindle Fire.

Because of all that functionality, some tablets can cost upwards of $700. While many tablet models cost far less than that hefty price, you’ll pay a premium for the ones with more storage and with both 3G and wi-fi capability.

Consider these factors when choosing a tablet:

Amount of data you plan to store on the device – The more it stores, the more it costs.
Your need for 3G connectivity – 3G connects like a cell phone and will pick up a signal wherever you are. Wi-fi works like a computer and must connect to a wireless network to access the Internet.
Your existing technology – Many tablets may have versions of the same programs as you’re already using on your smart phone or computer, which will allow you to share apps and data among devices.

What device is right for you? First, determine what you plan to use it for. Some people specifically choose an e-reader so they can focus specifically on reading without the distractions presented by other features. Others appreciate the array of options available in a tablet.

Like with any purchase, getting what you need without extemporaneous “bells and whistles” is the wisest choice because you’ve put your money into the features that are most useful to and desired by you. Knowing what’s available is the best way to pick the best device for you.

What device best serves your needs?

Merry Christmas: What are You Grateful For?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

In a couple of days, many of us will celebrate Christmas. The holiday season, as it falls at the end of the year, is a great time to reflect on what you are grateful for. Before you open presents — and especially before you get ready to head out for the after-Christmas sales — take some time to think about what you have.

While it is fun to receive presents, and exciting to get new things, it is also important not to lose sight of what you already have, whether what you have are material possessions or less tangible things like family and health.

How Gratitude Helps Your Finances

Gratitude is an essential part of frugal living. Gratitude can even improve your finances. Here are two of the ways that having a grateful attitude can help your financial situation:

No need to buy lots of stuff: Purchasing things costs money. Sometimes, it costs lots of money. When you are grateful for what you already have, there is less desire to buy more stuff. While receiving new things can be fun, gratitude can help you avoid making it your main focus. The less you buy, the less you spend — and the more frugal you can be.
No need for more space: Not only does buying stuff cost you money, but storing it costs you as well. You might have to buy a bigger house to keep it all, or you might need to pay for a storage unit. A small house often costs less to maintain than a large house, and the extra cost of a storage unit can be a drain on your frugal finances. If you are grateful for what you already have, the desire to fill other spaces with more things diminishes.

Gratitude can take your focus off things, and the want for more things, and put it on less costly items.

Stepping Away from the Consumerism

Christmas has become very consumeristic in nature. Sometimes, it is worth it to step away from all the consumerism and commercialism and focus on something other than material possessions. Heath, family, friends, talents and experiences are things that can provide you with satisfaction in your life. They contribute to a sense of well-being that doesn’t necessarily revolve around things.

While there is nothing wrong with enjoying the gift aspect of Christmas, it can be helpful for your pocketbook, and your emotional well-being, to step back, and not make the material portion of Christmas your main focus. Enjoy the gifts (especially the giving of gifts), but don’t obsess over them. Becoming too obsessed with things can easily lead to the abandonment of a frugal and fulfilling lifestyle in favor of one that requires you to buy and buy — usually without ever having enough.

Hopefully, you will have a very Merry Christmas, and that you are planning for a prosperous and Happy New Year. But, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, it might be worth it to ground yourself, and to remember to be thankful for what you have.

7 Free Resources to Help You With Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Fit and Healthy

by Tracy · 0 comments

Year after year, millions of people make a New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy. Lucky for our pocketbooks (and the other popular resolution: save more money) there are abundant free resources available to help you meet your goals and live a healthy, active life.

1. Lose It! Offers a free and easy way to set daily calorie goals and track your progress. You can enter your data online via the Lose It! website or download the free app to your Android or iPhone smart-phone. Calorie counts for thousands of commonly eaten foods (including restaurant meals and commercially prepared foods) are available to make it simple to calculate your daily caloric intake. You can also easily see how many calories you’ve burned by doing one of the hundreds of different exercises that Lose It! has data for.

If you are looking for support, Lose It has a social feature where you can share progress and goals via social media or with friends who are also members. The website also features a forum where active and motivated members share tips, tricks, advice and encouragement.

2. My Fitness Pal is very similar to Lose It! with the added benefit of having over 1 million food items in their calorie database. My Fitness Pal also offers a very easy to use recipe calculator that makes it easy to find out how many calories are lurking in your family favorites.

3. Spark People is another free website that helps members keep track of calories and exercise while offering encouragement and motivation. Spark people offers more lifestyle and health articles and resources than the two sites above and also has an extensive library of exercise demonstrations to help make working out at home easier.

4. Fitocracy is free but invite only at this point (you can request an invitation on the site and/or ask all of your friends and acquaintances via social media). It is more focused on weight training than weight loss and is a wonderful resource for those who want to increase their strength, flexibility and stamina this New Year.

5. Google Recipe Search is a free and easy way to search for new, healthy recipes based on the ingredients you have at hand and desired calorie count per serving. You can save time and money by using up the food in your fridge and pantry instead of running to the store with a list every time you want to cook. It’s also a good way to learn how to incorporate unfamiliar frugal and nutritious foods into your repertoire.

6. Quit Net provides instant motivation to quit smoking with the money and lifetime saved calculator located prominently on the home page. You can find free advice, support and encouragement that will help you quit smoking for good this time.

7. Many churches and community centers offer free or extremely low cost gym facilities. Often, you do not even have to be a member to join, although in many cases you will have to fill out a short registration form and possibly pay a nominal fee before being allowed to use the facilities. Along with various exercise equipment, many of these facilities also offer free or low cost exercise classes (some also include child care), sports leagues and open court times for basketball or racquetball. Many of these programs are not advertised, so ask around to find what resources are available in your community.

And remember to check out the 24 hour fitness coupon codes too if you want to join a gym without paying full price for the membership.

Improve Your Credit — You Never Know When You Might Need It

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

One of the most important aspects of your personal finances is your credit. Your credit is basically a snapshot of your financial habits. Financial service providers, from lenders to insurers, look at your credit in order to determine what type of risk you represent.

Not only does this mean that you should regularly check your credit report, but it also means that you should make an effort to improve your credit score. You may not need a loan, but you never know when you’ll need your good credit for a better insurance, to be approved for a new cell phone service, or even to get a job (although employers are only supposed to look at your credit report, and not your credit score).

Improving Your Credit

The best thing you can do to improve or maintain your credit is to make all of your bill payments on time and in full. If you make your minimum payments on time, it shows that you are responsible and that you meet your obligations, and that is the most important part of your finances — at least when it comes to borrowing.

Other ways that you can help boost your credit include:

Pay down some of your debt so that you are using a smaller percentage of your available credit.
Keep some of your older card accounts open longer so you have a longer credit history.
Avoid new credit inquiries for a few months. If you take your time between credit inquiries that can help you avoid taking a hit to your credit score.

Another technique is to check your credit report for errors. Some errors can be large enough to impact your credit score negatively. If this is the case, you need to have those errors fixed. Once those mistakes are corrected, you should see an improvement in your credit score.

Maintaining a Good Credit Score

You want to maintain a good credit score, since it will help you enjoy better interest rates on loans, saving you money, and it will also allow you access to other money-saving opportunities, such as balance transfer credit cards, lower deposits on some rentals, and lower insurance rates.

Anymore, your credit score isn’t just used by lenders. Because it’s a convenient numeric representation of some of your financial activities, your credit score is being used by more financial service providers. It’s important that you recognize this, and that you plan accordingly. Don’t neglect your credit report just because you don’t think that you will need a loan anytime soon. Remember that your credit score affects other decisions about your financial situation, and that you really do need to keep up with your credit situation.

It may not be fair, but it’s the way things work in finances. Unfortunately, financial service providers want a quick and easy way to make decisions, instead of just getting to know you. As a result, it means that the three-digit number is becoming more important. It’s easy to make a decision based on a number, than on individual circumstances. And that means you always need to be ready with good credit.

Water, Water Everywhere – But is it Tasty and Affordable?

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

It would be great if everyone could go to their tap and dispense reliably tasty water. There’s no more economical way get that precious compound known as H2O to drink, but the truth is, tasty drinking water straight from the tap isn’t as common as you may think.

Americans enjoy generally good quality drinking water, thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act. We can also consult our local water supplier for details about the water that comes into our homes. That being said, tap water can be perfectly drinkable (free of harmful bacteria) and still have an unpleasant taste due to mineral deposits.

While many folks opt for the pricey option of bottled water, others utilize filtration systems to make their tap water taste better. If you’re among those who want to enjoy the taste of the water that comes into their home, here’s some information to help you make a wise decision about water filtering.

Filtration

Water filtration is a general term for any filtration system or process that filters out particles and/or pollutants from water. Types of water filtration include:

Activated Carbon Filters – Carbon filters improve the taste of water by removing cloudiness, chlorine and odors. They’re available in a variety of products, including units that attach to the faucet and in refrigerator pitchers. Water passes through activated carbon which traps certain particles. The size of the pores determine a filter’s effectiveness, so consult its micron rating. Better activated carbon filters are layered with spun fibers, which enhance their filtering effectiveness by trapping even smaller particles. Carbon filters lose their effectiveness over time, so it’s important to replace them regularly.

UV Light Units – These systems utilize ultraviolet light waves to reduce harmful bacteria and chemicals in water. They’re available in whole house or point-of-use units and can be pricey to install.

Reverse Osmosis – This is a highly-effective filtration process that uses osmotic pressure to remove certain elements from water.

Distillation – Distilled water is considered the safest for drinking. The distillation process involves heating tap water until it is evaporated into steam, followed by condensation which returns water that is pure and free from contaminants, minerals, pollutants or bacteria. While some people find distilled water tastes the best, others find it to lack the very minerals that give water its refreshing taste.

Water distillers are affordable electrical appliances which make water safe to consume. Distillers vary by manufacturer so read reviews before purchasing. Additionally, the distilling process is time-consuming, so make sure to get a unit that corresponds with your rate of use.

Softeners

Another term you’ll come across when researching water quality is “water softeners.” Water containing an excess of minerals is referred to as ‘hard.’ When those minerals are removed, it is said to have been softened. The purpose of water softening is to improve the effectiveness of soaps and detergents which don’t perform well in hard water. While it’s true that water softening will remove potentially bad-tasing minerals, its purpose is not to improve the taste of water.

Purification

Water “purification” is a term that is often associated with the topic of filtration. Strictly speaking, entirely “pure” water would be totally free from all bacteria, microbes, toxins, microorganisms, sediment, chemicals and other contaminants. Most filtration products and systems do not remove all of those – they remove some, which makes the water more pleasant tasting.

There’s no need to hit the (water) bottle! You can have tasty water from your own tap by choosing the appropriate filtration system for your particular water’s components.

How do you filter your drinking water affordably?

Should You Take Advantage of Skip a Payment Programs?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

During the holiday season, some lenders offer the chance to skip a loan payment. The advertisements for these types of programs talk about having more money for the holidays. And, indeed, skipping your car payment can provide you with a little extra cash flow. However, before you decide to jump at this offer, consider the costs.

No Break from the Interest

While you might get a break from making the loan payment, it’s important to realize that you won’t get a break from the interest. Even though you aren’t making a payment, the interest continues to accrue.

In fact, you are likely to end up paying more in interest. This is because many of these skip a loan payments add the payment back on as part of the loan. The missing payment is capitalized, and you end up paying more in the long run. At the very least, you end up with a slightly longer term. If you make it a habit to skip a payment, though, it can all add up, year after year, with the extra interest.

You should also watch out for fees associated with skipping the payment. Some lenders charge a fee of between $10 and $35 for the skip a payment program. The fee, of course, is usually added to the total on the loan and you are likely going to be required to pay interest on that amount.

When it Might Make Sense

For some, however, skipping a payment might make sense — even with the added interest. If you are really in a tight spot, and the extra money could help this one month, skipping your loan payment through this type of program might be better than putting the money on a credit card, or getting a payday loan. Plus, it’s convenient since you don’t have to do anything but mail back your signature.

Make sure you carefully consider your options first, though. Run the numbers to see what makes sense for you. However, you need to realize that this deal isn’t going to remain for future months. Skipping the payment won’t fix long-term issues that you might have with money.

Avoid the Need for These Programs

One of the best ways to protect your finances is to avoid the need for these programs. Build up your emergency fund so that you are able to handle unexpected expenses. If you find that a $600 car repair makes it difficult for you to pay your bills during the month, and you are using a holiday skip a loan payment program to cover the shortfall, it might be a sign that you need an emergency fund.

Try to build a cushion into your finances each month, and consider cutting back on some of your more regular expenses. Reducing the money leaks in your budget can help you create a little more leeway in your finances.

Bottom Line

Holiday skip a loan payment programs can help you improve your cash flow for one month. However, it is important to realize that interest continues to add up, and there are fees you will have to pay.

12 Ways to Build an Emergency Fund This Year

by Tracy · 0 comments

If you don’t have one, an emergency fund should be your number one priority this year. While experts recommend having anywhere from 3-12 months worth of living expenses on hand, don’t get so overwhelmed by that number that you decide it’s not even worth trying. Even having a thousand dollars or so in a savings account is enough to prevent things like unexpected car repairs or an illness from snowballing into a disaster.

Here are 12 things that anyone can do to start building their emergency fund today.

1. Get a jump-start on your emergency fund by selling things that you no longer want or need. You don’t have to wait until yard sale season; Craigslist, eBay, Amazon and even just leaving flyers on bulletin boards will all work.

2. If you are eligible for an income tax refund this year, have it sent directly to your savings account. It’s tempting to spend it on something nice for yourself, especially if you’ve been living close to the edge all year long, but having money in the bank will enable you to get the long-term financial security you need.

3. Speaking of income tax refunds, if you did get a substantial one, it’s worth it to take a look at your exemptions to see if reducing the number will increase the size of your paycheck. This does mean you’ll forgo a large refund, but you’ll also have more money to work with each month so that you can save and avoid debt.

4. Look for opportunities to freelance or work odd jobs. Even if you only make an extra $85 each month, if you put it into savings you’ll have a thousand dollars by the end of December 2012. Read this article on how to earn extra money or this one that describes how to use your skills to find freelance work for useful tips and leads.

5. Take the time to craft a realistic budget. Savings should be a priority, not what you do with the money that is left-over. Consider paying into your savings account a bill like any other.

6. Learn how to plan a meal so that you can eat a good, healthy diet without wasting money.

7. Pack a lunch almost every work day and avoid the temptation to eat out.

8. Take advantage of everything that your public library has to offer. You can find everything from books that can help you manage your money to cookbooks that will help you make eating at home more fun to diy and car repair manuals. Many also offer free or cheap movie and video game rentals, classes and other services that are free to the public.

9. Look at services that you can cut or reduce. Cell phone service, data plans, high speed Internet, home phone service and cable/satellite television are some areas where many people can cut back with minimal negative effects. Remember that we also collect and share many cell phone coupons and broadband promotions here at CouponShoebox.

10. Set aside a few hours to do some comparison shopping for insurance. You could quite possibly save several hundred dollars a year by switching to a new insurance company. One caveat: be sure that you aren’t getting a lower price because you are buying less coverage. Always compare like with like.

11. Look at it as a challenge, not a sacrifice. Read this article on how to make saving money fun to get some good ideas on how to approach savings with a positive attitude.

12. Don’t give up if you can’t make everything work the first time. Life has a way of throwing us curveballs. You might find that an emergency eats up every penny or more in February or the price of food and gas rises much higher than you expected. The important thing is to not give up and continue doing the best you can. You will find that eventually you will build up an emergency fund and that savings becomes an automatic part of your life.

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