Aug 3 | Money Saving Tips
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
Signing up for Swagbucks is a great way to save money! Swagbucks is my internet search engine of choice because I earn points called SB, which I can then redeem for Amazon gift cards, Starbucks gift cards and even PayPal credit! Talk about a great way to purchase gifts or even every day essentials for free! I’m a huge fan of Swagbucks.
It’s completely free to sign up. So go sign up now, then I’ll tell you my top 9 tips to earn points called SB!
Tip #1 – Refer your Friends
Swagbucks has a great referral program. For each new person that you refer to Swagbucks.com, you will earn 10% of the referrals earnings. You will continue to earn 10% for as long as your referral is active on Swagbucks.com, with no maximum limit.
And while I’m at an advantage because I have a blog, you can still earn referrals if you have a Facebook page, Twitter account, or email address!
Start sending out invites to everyone you know. Here’s how:
- Once you have signed up for Swagbucks, go to “Invite Friends” located at the top of Swagbucks.com.
- Choose how you want to connect with them – Facebook, Email, Twitter, etc.
- Send out a request.
I recommend updating the status of your own Facebook Page with your referral code when you win Swagbucks or when you receive a gift card.
If people see you are earning free stuff, they’ll want in on the action too!
Tip #2 – Download the SwagButton
The SwagButton makes it faster to earn points (called SB). The SwagButton is an extension for Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. With the SwagButton, you will have access to all the earning opportunities Swagbucks has to offer. Earn for searching the web. See the coupons and special offers. And enjoy one-click access to Swagbucks TV, Games, Surveys, Coupons and much more. You will also be alerted when there is a new Swag Code made available.
How to Download the SwagButton:
- Log in to your Swagbucks account.
- Scroll down the Swagbucks homepage until you find “Quick Links” on the left side of the page.
- Then click on SwagButton from the list.
- You will then be directed to a page to add the button to your browser. I use Chrome so it gave me instructions for adding it to Chrome.
Tip #3 – Follow Swagbucks on Facebook and Twitter
Not only do you earn points for searching online, but there are always swag codes to be found that you can type into your account for extra points. (Log into your account then enter the code into the box that says “Swag Code” at the top of the page)
You’ll want to follow the Swagbucks Facebook Page because:
- Quite often there are codes that are Facebook exclusive that are put in plain sight on the Facebook Wall.
- If there is a code somewhere else, like on the Swagbucks Blog, other users will let you know.
You want to follow Swagbucks on Twitter because:
- When a Swag code becomes “live” you ‘ll know within a few minutes on Twitter because everyone tweets or retweets.
- Tips on how to earn more points
Tip #4 – Follow the Swagbucks blog
You want to follow the Swagbucks Blog because:
- Swagbucks releases codes on the blog as often as once a day.
Tip #5 – Watch Swagbucks TV
Find the “Earn” section on the left sidebar of the homepage then click “Watch”. You will earn a different amount of points depending on what you watch.
Although this may be tedious, if you’re doing something on your computer anyways, you could turn the volume down and still tinker away!
Tip # 6 – Do the Daily Polls
Click on the “Daily Poll” button on the left sidebar of the homepage. Take the Daily Poll and you’ll win one point. This isn’t the biggest reward out there. But it takes 10 seconds and every Swagbuck adds up!
Tip # 7 – Use Shop & Earn
Canadians can Shop & Earn! Every time you’re doing some online shopping, make sure to head over the Swagbucks homepage and click on the “shop” button on the left sidebar. Depending on the store you’re shopping at, you will earn a varying amount of points for every dollar you spend. (Currently you will earn 4 SB for every $1 spent online at Walmart.ca)
Tip # 8 – Join Team Challenges
Quite often, Swagbucks will put together team challenges. When you join a challenge, you will automatically be assigned a team and when you contribute a certain amount of points to your team, you will earn a bonus!
Tip # 9 – Swag Code Extravaganza
Another thing Swagbucks does quite often is they have Swag Code Extravaganzas! They will release about 6 swag codes throughout one day on their various social media and other platforms. The last extravaganza they had, if you collected all the swag codes, you would have had an extra 30 points for your account!
I hope this helps those of you that want to earn more! Swagbucks is a great way to save on the things you need! Happy earning!
This post includes affiliate links, and I earn matching Swag Bucks if you sign up with my link. Thanks for your support of this site!
See the other articles in this series, here.
Jul 29 | Money Saving Tips
One way to save big through the year is to ditch the disposable products that you use on a daily basis. (Or reuse them.) While our household hasn’t 100% ditched the disposables, we’re still pretty good at reusing the stuff we can!
Here are some ideas to help eliminate or reduce paper/plastic products that you may purchase on a regular basis. I wouldn’t try to eliminate all of these products all at once, just slowly reduce and eliminate them one at a time.
Paper Towels
I still purchase paper towel, but maybe once a year? It’s honestly for my husband. Ha! For big wet messes I like to use beach towels (or any dirty towel I have laying around.) Washcloths work great for cleaning windows or small messes.
Napkins
Well, we don’t really use cloth napkins, but those little baby washcloths sure come in handy for cleaning up my daughter. We also have a pile of napkins from restaurants in the drawer and car that come in handy. (since they’d be thrown out at the restaurant anyways, we take them home.)
Plastic shopping bags
I try to have my own reusable shopping bags on hand at all times, but sometimes I forget! Plus, if I’m being honest, I like to bring home plastic shopping bags once in a while to use in our garbage cans.
Sandwich/freezer bags
I’m the crazy lady who washes and reuses sandwich and freezer bags. (I can’t be the only one?) I’ll have them drying out all over the place in the kitchen. I don’t wash the really yucky ones though or the ones that had meat in them. Those get tossed. I actually had to purchase sandwich bags the other day and I was surprised at the cost! (I didn’t even have a coupon!)
Aluminum foil
We don’t use aluminum foil very often, but sometimes when we do, I can reuse it because it wasn’t touching any food. I just fold it up gently then pull it out next time I need some for grilling veggies or covering a cheesy lasagna!
Straws
I have switched from plastic straws to stainless steel straws over the last few years and we have been loving them! Most of them come with cleaning brushes so they’re really easy to keep clean.
I think by eliminating or reducing the amount that you use these items, you can save big through the year.
What disposable products have you eliminated from your home? What items would you like to eliminate?
See the other articles in this series, here.
Jul 13 | Money Saving Tips
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
I’m going to be honest with you and say it’s been a busy/disorganized season of our lives so we’ve been eating out a lot more than we should be 🙁 This is something I want to remedy because truthfully, it’s only because I’ve been “lazy” and frustrated with trying to please everyone’s taste buds. Ugh! Several years ago we decided eating out once a week for a cheap dinner was okay. But lately I’ve been finding we’re eating out once a week plus stopping midday for some lunch or even a treat at least once a week. That really adds up!
I’ve come up with several ways that I think will get our family back on track and eating at home more. I think these tips will help you eat out less too!
Menu plan
Since I’m being honest in this post, I’ve been completely slacking in the menu planning department. And this is huge for me because I’m such an advocate for planning a weekly menu! I know the benefits it has for my family, yet I’ve still been slacking.
I don’t find it difficult to plan a menu, I’ve been doing it for quite a few years, yet it has become a chore to me trying to please everyone. (And there’s only three of us right now!) A wise woman I know, who has many children, once gave me some wonderful advice. I was wondering how she managed to serve meals that her entire family would eat. She told me that she mainly tries to think of what her husband would enjoy. Make him happy and the kids will have to learn to like what’s put on the table. I loved that because I don’t want my children to be picky eaters and it takes the pressure off trying to please every single person! Which would ultimately end up with several different meals being made at each meal time. No thanks.
If you have troubles planning a menu, there are plenty of meal planning services out there like: eMeals, The Fresh 20, Once a Month Mom.
Use the slow cooker
I love my slow cooker. Most recipes I use don’t involve any precooking. Just plunk all the ingredients in the cooker, turn it on, and walk away while dinner is being made! Using a slow cooker in the hot summer months is especially great because it doesn’t heat the house up!
You’ll find many amazing slow cooker meals on Pinterest, in books from the library and even Googling slow cooker meals.
Freezer cooking
Another time saver is using your freezer to stash a whole bunch of freezer meals that you can pull out in the morning to thaw and have on the table just in time for dinner madness. I’m a big fan of setting aside some time to prepare as many freezer meals as I can, especially when I know a busy season is coming up. (a new baby, guests in town…etc.)
You will find an endless amount of freezer cooking ideas online, but I also have some articles you may enjoy:
Eat the Leftovers
We often have dinner leftovers that get pushed to the back of the fridge. But by making a conscious effort to eat the leftovers, we can really start to eat out less for lunch or dinner. Besides, leftovers are so easy! Just heat and serve!
Keep it simple
Who cares if you eat tacos every Tuesday or have pizza night every Friday? If your family enjoys it and it’s healthier than eating out, just roll with it! Keeping it simple, especially in busy seasons can be just the ticket to keep you from eating out more than you need to be.
Make treats at home
Maybe it’s just our family, but I find we’re going out for ice cream once a week, or Ice Capps. Especially on nights when my husband plays soccer. Sienna and I like to bring a treat if we’re going to be watching his game. One way we could save, is by making treats at home before we leave. It’s easy to whip up a delicious blended drink or even bring a bowl of ice cream with the ice cream I bought from the grocery store. I just have to be more diligent in trying!
Give yourself grace
One of the most important things, though, is that you need to give yourself grace. If you have the wiggle room in your budget to eat out and it’s something that your family enjoys, I encourage you to budget it in.
Plus, when it’s in the budget, there’s no guilt!. Maybe that means you can budget to eat out once a week, once a month, or every six months. Figure out what works for you and then do it and don’t feel guilty!
How do you eat out less? How often do you eat out? Is this also something you want to change?
See the other articles in this series, here.
Jun 29 | Money Saving Tips
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
How to Negotiate a Good Deal
Do you have friends who always seem to find great deals? Does it seem like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to land the deals they do? Well the trick is dealing smarter, not harder. Learning to negotiate a good deal can help you to save big bucks throughout the year. If you want to learn to negotiate a better deal whenever you purchase a product, take a look at these helpful tips below.
1. Do your research.
It’s best to go into a deal scenario well educated. If you know that item X can be purchased for a lower price at another store, this is excellent information to know. Know what the average retail price is of any product you are purchasing, so you know what you have to work with as far as price ranges.
2. Never disclose your budget.
Many times a salesman will ask you what budget you are working with when making a deal. Don’t tell them. They will still try to sell you at the higher end of budget. Instead, ask for your options to make a decision on. You are never obligated to disclose your budget, as it could actually hinder you from getting a good deal.
3. Don’t appear to be in a hurry.
If you appear to be in a hurry to purchase, it can be used against you. Instead, act as though you have all of the time in the world to make this decision. Make the salesman bring the good deal to you and attract your business.
4. Ask for a manager.
A manager may be able to give you a better deal than a floor salesperson. If you feel as though there is a better deal to be had, ask to speak to a manager. See if the price is firm by simply asking, “What is your best price on this? Is it firm?” and go from there.
5. Know your discount status.
Always ask if there is a discount for seniors, students, teachers, military, etc. It is always wise to ask the salesperson if they offer discounts AND if discounts can be stacked. For example, can you use your senior discount on top of a coupon or sale price? If so, the savings can add up!
6. Quote your competitors.
This is where it’s wise to go in educated as mentioned above. Knowing the price of the store’s competitors can make a huge difference. Quote these prices even if they are about the same or more, and ask if they can beat the price. Some retailers will not only price match but offer an additional discount as well!
7. Be polite.
You can catch more bees with honey! Always be polite, charming, and put on a smile. Be respectful of the salesperson and they are more likely to want to work with you and give you a great deal.
See how simple it can be to negotiate a great deal? Give these tips a try and see what savings you can score!
I’d love to hear what sort of deals you have received over the years thanks to some negotiating! Let me know in the comments.
See the other articles in this series, here.
Jun 23 | Money Saving Tips
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
Maybe you can relate, but every once in a while, I find we’re spending money left right and center. Bills need to be paid, groceries need to be bought (again) or a birthday party comes up.
June is an especially spendy month for us because on top of our regular expenses, we also have our house insurance, car insurance and property tax due. Ouch!
While we do have our finances under control and carry zero debt, it’s still nice to intentionally stop spending money for a time. I like to call this a No Spend Challenge.
That brings me to today’s post on 52 Ways to Save: Have a No Spend Day/Week/Month!
In the past, we’ve done several no spend months where we don’t spend any extra money for an entire month. Groceries and bills are the exception.
You don’t have to have a No Spend Month to see savings. Even setting aside one day a week can significantly help your bank account. Especially if you find yourself making several small purchases on a daily basis. (Those small purchases can really add up!)
If the idea of having a No Spend Day/Week/Month strikes fear, I know for a fact that it’s not so bad once you’re into a groove. You may even find your mindset changing about the way you view money!
I asked the wonderful people over at the Simply Frugal Facebook page what they like to do for fun that is 100% free. Here are their answers:
- Picnic in the park
- Read books (from the library or free kindle ebooks from Amazon)
- Sit at the Waterfront
- Hike
- Breathe
- Weed the Garden
- Take the dog for a walk to new places
- Visit the Farmer’s Market (free if you don’t buy anything!)
- Visit the beach
- Go for a bike ride
- Walk
- Sleep
- Enjoy the scenery
- Stargaze
- Backyard Camping
- Collect shells, rocks or beach glass
Related: 10 Things to Do Instead of Spending Money
As you can see, the options are pretty endless when it comes to having a fun day without spending any money. And if you ask me, that all sounds pretty relaxing and good for the soul. 🙂
Have you ever done a No Spend Challenge? How did it go for you?
See the other articles in this series, here.
