Easy (and CHEAP) ways to keep fun in the family!

In these harsh economical times, it’s easy to get down in the dumps about low cash flow. But it’s important to keep your head up and still make time to have some family fun. There are several ways to keep within a tight budget, while still showing the kids a great time.

1. Staying home for dinner and going out for dessert is a great way to save. If you really want to eat out, many family restaurants have nights where kids eat free or other discounts. In addition, sign up for a coupon book that contains all kinds of discounts for local eateries and other entertainment in the area. The Sunday paper usually contains lunch coupons, and if you don’t mind eating before the rush, you can save with early bird specials.

2. Instead of paying to see the latest big blockbuster, pick up movies that the entire family can watch from your local library or swap movies with friends to borrow for a few days. Make popcorn and other snacks to make it really special. If you want to enjoy that theater feeling, go for an afternoon movie or visit a $2 movie theater if it’s available in your city.

3. Forget about the expensive amusement parks or laser tag. Pack a lunch, take a football or Frisbee, and head out to a local park for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Beat the summer heat with a trip to the pool or other local watering hole. When the snow flurries start to fall, grab the inner tubes and head for the nearest sledding hill.

4. Set aside a specific day in the week to be game night. Have a special treat just for that evening. Whether its board games, card games, or a video game battle, this time can be great bonding that doesn’t cost you anything.

I DO... promise to save money and still have a great wedding.

With my upcoming weekend nuptial drawing nearer...and considering the average cost of a wedding in the United States is spiraling toward $30,000*, I’ve been inspired to provide some money saving tips for wedding costs. These days, couples are waiting longer to get married and relying less on parents to pick up the tab. And it’s never a good idea to begin a marriage with lots of debt. Luckily, there are a lot of great ways to have a beautiful ceremony, without breaking the bank.

1. Timing is everything

When it comes to saving money, the time you have your wedding can make a huge difference. Schedule your wedding during the off season, which is typically in the late fall and winter. There will be less competition from other couples for vendors, so they might be more willing to negotiate their prices. Having your wedding on any other day than a Saturday will also drive down costs.

2. Trim the guest list

One of the quickest ways to cut down on costs is to reduce the guest list. You’ll not only save catering expenses, but also on alcohol, invitations, and favors. Don’t invite anyone out of obligation, including distant relatives, coworkers, and high school friends. Also, consider limiting the number of people in the wedding party to save on gifts and wedding day attire.

3. Cut out some of the extras

Little things like, save-the-date cards, ceremony programs, and favors all add precious dollars to your final bill. Forgo all those extras no one will miss, so you can spend money on more important things, like the photography, the entertainment, and the food. Do you really want to cut out a videographer because you spent too much on monogrammed napkins and matchbooks? Choose (and spend) wisely.

4. Do it yourself

Another way to save money is to make some of the items yourself. Many computer programs exist to help you design and print your own invitations. Fabric and craft stores carry patterns and materials to make bridal veils, ring bearer pillows and flower girl dresses. Look for community colleges and centers for classes on flower arranging and make the bouquets and centerpieces yourself. You can keep your budget on track with just a little ingenuity and hard work.

Enlist your friends and family

Have talented friends? If they agree to it, recruit them to help out with your wedding! Does your fiancé have a friend who’s a culinary connoisseur? Ask if he or she will make your cake or help cater the wedding. Have a younger sister who is currently in cosmetology school? She can help with the bridesmaids’ hair and makeup. If you can’t think of anyone, try networking with friends, family, and colleagues. Even if one of your coworkers can’t get you their cousin’s band for free, they might be able to swing you a hefty discount.

*Reported by The Wall Street Journal

Reducing Your Utility Costs Has A Savings Benefit

During difficult financial times, we often begin to look out how we’re spending money. Cutting costs often means going out to eat less, wearing last summer’s wardrobe or settling for the generic brand. But you can also save a ton of money (and a ton of energy and water) just by paying closer attention to how you’re spending your time at home.

Replace conventional light bulbs with the new energy efficient light bulbs, they are four times as powerful and will last ten times as long.

Keep your thermostat set no higher than 68 degrees in winter and no lower than 70 degrees in summer (we have agreed on 72 degrees at my house). If you have ceiling fans, turn those on to increase air circulation throughout your home (this uses very little energy). In winter, every degree higher can raise heating costs by 3%. In summer, every degree lower can raise cooling costs by 6%.

Set your hot water heater temperature between 110 and 120 degrees. Having the temperature any higher is unnecessary and is wasted energy.

Stick to doing large loads of laundry which use about 21 gallons of water. Avoid doing several small loads, which each use about 14 gallons of water. By doing one large load instead of several small ones, you can save around 7 gallons of water. It might not seem like much, but over the course of a year, it will add up.

Don’t run the dishwasher unless it’s a full load and instead of using the heat cycle, let the dishes air dry.

Try taking shorter, cooler showers and if you just have to take a hot bath – try to limit it to once a week.