Do you have leaves changing color in your area?  If so, you have found a bargain decoration.  Collect a bagful of leaves of various colors.  Make sure that the leaves are dry and have no insects on them.  (There’s no need to add any new “pets” while decorating.)  Choose a decorative bowl or two that you already own and fill each with leaves.  Larger bowls can be used as centerpieces.  Smaller bowls can be used on endtables or can be clustered as a centerpiece.

Does your family eat winter squash?  Hopefully, the answer is yes because this produce can start as a decoration and end as part of a meal.  Whether your family prefers butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash, this vegetable can be used as a centerpiece for your dining room table or breakfast counter.  Set the squash atop a colorful placemat or cloth napkin, and you have a multi-purpose item.

Do you own trick or treat buckets?  Don’t just save them for Halloween night.  They can be used as decorative pieces on end tables, counters, and more.  Add a battery-powered votive to add a little glow after dark.

Make your home festive by using resources that already are available to you.  If you have other simple suggestions, please share them with us.

So the term, sale, catches your eye? It does mine too, yet do you know exactly what it means? Sale means that you will be able to buy selected items at reduced prices. There are many types of sales, including:

Fire sale – items supposedly in a fire or when a seller is facing bankruptcy.
White sale – sale on household linens.
Clearance sale – sale to reduce inventory.
Going out of business sale – a sale of all of assets, including stock and even shelving.

You need to be careful, though, as some business will misuse these terms to entice you into the store. For example, you may see a sign in the window of a furniture store that says, store closing. You immediately think that you will be able to buy that new couch at a great price, so you enter the business, and begin looking at what’s available. Upon further investigation, you realize that the sign seems quite old, like it has been hanging for a while…what gives? Then, in small print you see the words, for re-organization. In essence, this store used a tricky play on words to get you to stop, even though they really weren’t going out of business.

Another play on words has begun creeping into many stores. Have you seen the signs that read, 75% off? Many times I’ve been tricked by these placards that actually state in tiny lettering up to…as in Up to 75% off. Usually, only one or two items seem to be marked with the deep discount, while most of the others have been only marked down 20%.

Retailers rely on other terms/phrases as well:

Closeout – a sale of all remaining inventory of a certain item.
As is – the item is flawed in some respect, and when you purchase it, you agree to take it in the shape it is in at the moment.
All sales final – watch out; if you buy this item, you will not be able to return it for any reason.
Last chance – these words are more ambiguous, as I’ve seen them refer to expired food items, as well as seasonal clothing.
Special purchase – another phrase that can be murky…does it mean that the item is being offered at rock bottom prices, or does it just mean that you are lucky to be able to buy this special purchase?

Bargain hunters beware…understand the words that indicate reduced prices, but don’t be suckered in by how some retailers manipulate the words basically as a “bait and switch” sales technique.

Before looking into buying any books at all, there’s one very important step: talk to upperclassmen who have taken the course about the necessity of a textbook for that particular course. By talking to an upperclassman who has taken the course, a student can figure out how dependent a teacher is on the use of the textbook. The syllabus could hinge on the textbook, or the textbook might just be supplemental material. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on the book based on the necessity of the book for the course, and if you think it will be useful to have the book on your bookshelf in the future.

The many alternatives to simply buying a new textbook include:

• Borrowing – Some students like to keep their textbooks, but don’t mind lending them to friends for a semester or two. If you can take good care of books, and don’t write on the pages, chances are that you can “get” your textbooks by borrowing them from friends for free.
• Sharing – Is your roommate taking the same course? Split the cost of whatever textbook you end up purchasing and share the book. Lay down some ground rules so the sharing is fair.
• Renting – Many Web sites that sell textbooks now offer the option of “renting” a textbook. Sometimes, this means that you get the eBook, which saves you the weight of a book, but doesn’t always save you as much money as you might expect.
• Buying a used text book – Buy a book off a friend, or ask students if there are organizations around campus that sell used books.
• Buying an older edition – Sometimes it seems like no one has the textbook you’re looking for, because your professor asked you to buy an edition of the book that was recently published. More often than not, these changes are insignificant for the purpose of learning, and you can simply buy the old version. Cross check a few pages/problems with the newest edition to see how they compare.

If you do have to buy a textbook at full price, it’s not the end of the world. You can resell it later (try to do this ASAP, before the teachers start asking for newer editions), if you are not interested in keeping it on your shelf.

Many times, people think that estate sales only offer furniture like the example mentioned above; however, they offer much more than that. They usually have bargains galore – everything from clothing to dishes to collectibles. Some of my most recent finds include: Haviland china, Mexican postcards, Jackson 5 records, and even a German candy dish.

I realize that estate sales might not be for everyone. This is because usually the owner of the items has passed recently, and family members may be present during the event. I’ve found interacting with them a positive experience. It not only gives them a chance to talk about their loss, such as relating that “Aunt Betty” loved to travel the world, or that “Dad” had been collecting trains since he was a child, but I also learn about the history of the items I am interested in.

Another positive is that these sales also allow people to buy items they normally wouldn’t be able to afford. For instance, a few years ago I stumbled upon the estate sale of my former high school English teacher. What an honor to go through her collection of quality books and to purchase a few for my own collection. I also bought a set of gorgeous dishes (enough for 12 settings).  Luckily the books and dishes only cost $25.00!  Even better than saving all that money was knowing that my beloved teacher, the woman that sparked my love of words, used the items.

Last week I experienced another estate sale surprise. The owner of the items had been an elderly woman, and she had several designer tops that still had the tags on them. The best part – the tops fit me perfectly! I bought three to wear to work for $3.00. I knew I had made a great deal when even my teenagers complimented me on them.

So, if you decide to give estate sales a try, keep in mind the following tips:

1. Items can go quickly.
You have to realize that estate sale shoppers are serious shoppers. If you find an item you really want, buy it the first day, or it may be snapped up by someone else. Most of the time, items will not be “held.”

2. Sometimes bargaining works.
A few times I’ve asked for a small item to be “thrown in” with my other purchases, and it has worked. If you like to bargain, try it; it doesn’t hurt to ask for a price reduction as well.

3. Many estate sales offer items at half price the last day.
If you visit sales on the final day, you will usually increase your buying power tremendously.

To be truly budget conscious, you should be on the lookout for holiday gifts all year long; however, even if you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, you can begin grabbing some amazing deals at summer’s end and into early fall. If you think ahead, you can save hundreds of dollars on this huge expense.

Check out the following tips on what’s a steal:

Hostess Gifts

If you attend lots of holiday parties, you probably take gifts with you to show your appreciation to the host/hostess. Great ideas for these thank you gifts include:

1.  Freezer jam and fresh bread.

2.  Margarita or another “fun” drink mix, paired with festive glasses.

If you think these might work for you, you can find these items for pennies on the dollar at the end of summer. Stock up on freezer jam supplies as soon as they go on sale. (You will need containers and fruit pectin). You can also buy delicious fruit now, and freeze it for use later. If you make and freeze the jam in October, it will be ready to be paired with a reasonably priced loaf of bakery bread in late December. Yum!

You may also wish to snap up end of summer margarita or whimsical glasses while they are clearance priced. Think two glasses per hostess gift.  You will find drink mixes on sale during the end of August. If you check the expiration date, you can be assured that the mix will be fine until well after the holidays. Pair the glasses with the mix, and you will have a unique and appreciated gift.

Mom and Dad Gifts

If you are like me, you purchase several gifts for your parents to open at the holidays. And if you are also like me, you know what your mom and dad love!  For example, I know my dad likes to wear lightweight, V neck sweaters with no pockets; therefore, when I saw one on clearance last weekend for $6.00, I snapped it up. I also know that my mom loves Lane calendars, so at the Borders “going out of business sale,” I purchased a calendar for 40% off or $9.00.  Come Halloween, I plan to purchase chocolate for my dad – no, not the day before, but the day AFTER trick-or-treating.  Chocolate freezes quite well, and when repackaged, it serves as an inexpensive, yet much appreciated gift. Keep in mind what your parents like, and buy when it is on sale.

Children’s Gifts

Don’t forget to purchase summer clearance to use for children’s gifts.  Sidewalk chalk, balls, games…all are discounted at the end of the season, so why not stock up on items that could also work at holiday time? Here’s another idea, since many stores offer school supplies at such low prices, consider buying crayons, paper, glue, markers, and then pair with art paper for the budding Monet in your family.

When you think of warehouse club chains, three names come to mind: Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club. Which of these giants is the best of the bunch? Here’s an overview of the three businesses:

Costco- Based on total sales volume, Costco is the largest warehouse club chain in America, and it is the ninth largest retailer in the world. There are over 422 locations in the U.S., and more than 100 locations in other countries around the globe, such as Japan, the U.K., and even Australia. Most locations offer a “food court,” which also offers cheap prices, such as a quarter-pound hot dog and 20 oz. drink for just $1.50, the same price since 1985. An individual annual membership fee is $50.

BJ’s- BJ’s only operates in the East Coast states and in Ohio, so this business is not an option for everyone. It is the only warehouse club of the three to accept manufacturer’s coupons, which can give the prices at BJ’s a bit of an edge, though it all depends on what you’re buying. In case you were wondering, the B and J in the store name stands for Beverly Jean, a founder’s daughter. Membership at BJ’s also costs $50.

Sam’s- Sam’s Club is owned and operated by Wal-Mart. It ranks second to Costco in sales volume, though it has a greater number of locations (over 600 in the U.S. and a few locations in Brazil, China, and Mexico). A membership costs $40, slightly less than at the other two.

Some people say that Costco gives out better samples. Some say that they won’t become a member at Sam’s Club, because of its Wal-Mart ties. Meanwhile, others are a member at all three. Ultimately, these stores are quite similar. All three offer “rewards cash” if an additional annual fee is paid. If you are looking into a membership at one of these businesses, you might as well pick the one that’s closest to home. If the options are equidistant, it might be worthwhile visiting both stores to compare prices on items you are most likely to buy. It is also possible that one store offers an item that the other doesn’t offer; in-store selection varies in all three based on store location. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t a clear-cut winner among the three.

Last weekend at the Wisconsin location, I bought a long-sleeve sweater from Jones New York for only $6.99. Winter hangs on a long time where I live, so buying clothes for cold weather in the summer makes total sense. I also found a pair of black leather sandals at Bass outlet for only $13.00, as well as organic socks for $2.00 a pair. My final purchase was a make-up bag from Coach that was only $14.00. Since it’s my daughter’s birthday next week, I plan to surprise her with it.

My friend also found a deal on an item she wanted, a Coach purse. The bag she picked out was on clearance for 50% off, with an additional 20% off from a coupon we received when we walked in the door. If you know about Coach purses, you know that they are well-made, yet they are relatively expensive; however, she was able to snag the one she loved for only $80.00.

While at the Gulfport Premium Outlet last March, I purchased clothing and shoes for my college-aged son. He loves J.Crew, Sperry, and Polo Ralph Lauren, and that location had all the items he wanted. We bought shorts, T-shirts, socks, shirts, casual and dress shoes, and dress pants. Thank goodness the total cost was a fraction of what this shopping spree would have cost at the “regular” mall in his college town of New Orleans.

Now that it’s back to school time, you may want to consider visiting a Premium Outlet near you. According to the company website, these outlets are located on both coasts, in the Midwest, and in the South. The literature states that the company positions these malls near major US destinations, and they even have “Shop and Stay” packages available at most sites.

They also have special promotions throughout the year. Last week was their fall preview, as well as back to school sale. They will also host the following sales during the next few months:

September – Labor Day Sale
October – Columbus Day Sale
November – Veteran’s Day Sale
November – Day After Thanksgiving
December – Post Holiday Sale

Finally, they offer a VIP Club for those who want to save even more. If you join, you will receive coupons, special offers, and advance notice of sales. They also assert that VIP members receive inside information on favorite brands.

So, if you have the opportunity to visit a Premium Outlet Mall, I advise you to do it. You will find a variety of merchandise for a reasonable price. Of course there are still many expensive items, but even budget conscious shoppers (like me) can make their money stretch at these locations.

Start Little

It’s hard to decorate an apartment or a house, especially when you’re on a tight budget. So why not start small? Scour shops, flea markets, garage sales, pharmacies, and discount stores for small items you can display in your place. I found two wooden frames of an espresso cup and two chefs for only one dollar each. You can also buy cute little figurines to display on tables, windowsills, in front of the TV set, or anywhere they’ll fit.

DIY

Most of the time, it’s hard to find that one perfect thing, because it’s hard to find something that perfectly describes you in the dollar bin. So why not just make something of your own? Instead of hanging photo frames on your walls, put up a string on your wall. Have your favorite photos developed, or paint or draw on a small piece of poster paper, or use small posters or greeting cards with images you love. Use binder clips, paper clips, or ribbons to hang these images on the string.

The string you’ll need will depend on the clipping object you use. If you’re using binder clips, it might be best to use a thicker string, just so the photo and binder clip attaches exactly to the string. If you use paper clips or ribbons, you can use a thinner string, but make sure to protect your photo. You can glue the photo to another paper or board with room on the top, so you can attach the paper clip or ribbon to that part and not ruin the photo.

What do you think? What are your suggestions to add personality to your place?

We’ll be discussing more suggestions next week!

As many do across the nation, I rely on coupons, special promotions, and sales to make the most of every penny. But most of all, I guess you could say I am obsessed with everything “free.”

I do feel just a little sorry for my children who cringe every time I say I have a free coupon for a local restaurant or a local activity; however, I’m sure even they would admit that they enjoyed the free water park tickets to the “Water Park Capital of the World,” the Wisconsin Dells. Can you imagine? Five free tickets to a water park, valued at over $150.00!

Another local favorite has to be the 2 for 1 burger basket. Every Tuesday night, a local bar and grill features this promotion. No, we don’t go every Tuesday, yet when the kids have something else to do, my husband and I take advantage of this awesome deal! We figure that if we visit this restaurant a mere five times a year, we will still save close to $50.00.

Here are a few other free items I have taken advantage of in the past month:

1. Four packs (brand name) gum from a local salvage food grocery store, just for mentioning their promotional email.
2. Five tickets to a minor league baseball game – value $50.00 – courtesy of one of the players.
3. Two box seat tickets to a (different) minor league baseball game – value $20.00 – courtesy of a local promotion.
4. $20.00 worth of free items from Staples (office supply store) for turning in used ink cartridges.
5. $100 Epson printer (free after rebate).
6. Free food at Burger King…buy one, get one free coupons.
7. $10 Kohl’s Cash.

As you can see, the items I obtain for free are both big and small. I tell myself, though, that each dollar saved can be put towards something else. And the key is to not get “sucked in” by these promotions. For example, with $10 Kohl’s Cash in my pocket, I could have easily bought myself a new outfit, but I didn’t. I spent only the $10.00 Kohl’s Cash. That way I ended up with something I really needed, instead of something I wanted.

If you’ve never made it a mission to take advantage of free offers before, now is the time to start. Collect newspaper inserts, of course, and sign up for local stores’ emails. (For this purpose I have a separate email account, so I am not overwhelmed with the volume of messages).

Also, be sure to read your local paper, either a hard copy or on line, and listen to the radio to find out about local promotions.

On my family’s most recent vacation, my sister forgot her bathing suit. For the first few days of the trip, we were on the look-out for any store that might sell cheap, attractive bathing suits. When were strolling along the coast in Manly, Australia, we stopped by a surf shop. Normally, we wouldn’t even bother with such a store in that kind of location, but we had seen that they were selling their mix-and-match bikini tops and bottoms for half price, and thought the prices might actually be reasonable. Wrong. The bathing suits were $60, per piece; this means a full price bikini at this store would’ve been around $240! That’s about 10 times more than I’d like to pay for a swim suit.

In Perth, we finally found a decent selection of clearance-priced bathing suits. The sign said, from $29.95 and up, so I started scanning the racks for the ones that were actually that price and her size, which narrowed the selection down to about 5 choices. After she tried them all on, and found her favorite, we went to the cash register to pay and were told that the particular suit she had chosen was actually $50. Typical. My sister settled for her second favorite.

If you’re like me, and a bit tired of the whole bathing suit selection process, you will love SwimOutlet.com‘s Men and Women’s Grab Bag Swimsuits. Here’s how it works. You pick the basic style and size you want, and pay the cheap, listed price. Then, they pick a suit that meets your specifications and send it to you. It’s as simple as that, and these suits are cheap! (For example, a ClubSwim one-piece swimsuit was available for as little as $7.99). Why are these suits so inexpensive? The low cost has nothing to do with quality (which has received extremely positive reviews from buyers) and everything to do with the fashion season. The prints you will receive are from last year, but the quality is just the same.

The grab bag selection at SwimOutlet.com will save you time and money. The surprise factor is a bit of fun too, and you might find yourself with a new favorite suit that you otherwise wouldn’t even have picked out!

Here are a few items I scored today:

*Two free packs of Orbit gum. I signed up to receive my local store’s emails, and as a  reward, each time I go to the store, if I mention the latest email, they give me two packs at no charge.

*Hunt’s pasta sauce in dented cans – with no leaks or bulging seams – for .80 cents each.

*Two large boxes of Creamette pasta for .70 cents each.

*Del Monte corn, large can, for .50 cents.

*Light Progresso soups, $1.00 per can.

*Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup (huge can) for .75 cents each.

In total, I spent $9.76 for items that I know would cost me at least $17.00 at the local grocery store. What a bargain, right?

Unfortunately, in the two years that my local store has been open, prices have slowly gone up. I used to spend at least $20.00 a week on bargains, but now the owners have several items marked at the same price as the regular grocery store. In a way, I feel sorry for those who don’t follow prices as closely as I do, as they don’t realize that not all items, even in a salvage store, are a good buy.

In addition, I will admit that I hesitate buying food that is more than a few months past the expiration date.  From talking to my friend, a licensed health inspector, I know that expired food in cans, bottles, and boxes is still safe, it just may taste different. I also know in this economy, those expired foods are a godsend to people in my community who don’t have the income that I currently enjoy. It is a great option…for many people!

In truth, I am thankful for my little neighborhood bent and dent. I like saving money there, and I love going each Tuesday, delivery day, to see what unique and fun items have arrived. I also enjoy talking to the employees; one employee grew up with my mom, and three other employees have kids in the same school my child attends. The best part is they enjoy working at a store that helps so many people.

So, please consider going to your local salvage food store. I guarantee you will find a bargain, and you will probably make a new friend.

Parties abound in summer, including graduations, weddings, and baby showers. Shopping for these events can be costly, yet there are ways to make these kinds of celebrations not only affordable, but memorable as well. Try one or more of these budget friendly ideas for your next bash.

Graduation Party Decorations

Decorating for graduation parties held in your home can be very expensive if you don’t pre-plan or think “outside the box.” Since I knew my son would be attending college in New Orleans, I had a Mardi Gras theme for his party. I purchased colorful beads, feather masks, paper plates, napkins, confetti, and other accessories on clearance – after Mardi Gras ended in the spring. I saved a bundle, and my son loved the décor.

Think about your own special graduate…where is he or she going to school? What are his or her hobbies? When you branch away from traditional graduation party items, you invariably save money.

Wedding Treat Bags

Traditionally, the bride and groom give guests a small gift for participating in their special day. Long ago, inexpensive match books, imprinted with the names of the bride and groom, were the rage, but now couples can spend anywhere from $5.00 to even $15.00 per person on a variety of different mementos.

One way to save money, while at the same time pleasing your guests, is to make your own decadent treat bags. First you will need inexpensive (clear) party bags from the local dollar store. (They are approximately the size of paper lunch bags). I found 10 for $1.00. Next, purchase decorative stickers to match the theme of your wedding; I used gold hearts for mine. Then purchase curling ribbon in a color to match your flowers or the bridesmaid dresses. Finally, buy an assortment of good quality chocolates, including, dark, milk, and white (preferably when on sale).

To assemble, place the stickers one inch from the bottom of the bag in a uniform manner. Next, cut approximately four inches off the top, and fill the bag with the amount of candy you desire. Finish them by tying the bag with the ribbon.

I am sure your guests will love them, and you will love the price…under $2.00 per bag. Best of all, you can have diabetic candy versions available as well.

Baby Shower Show Stoppers

Balloons remain a baby shower staple. They don’t cost a lot, and they come in a variety of colors. If you conduct a quick search on the Internet, you will find a host of creative ideas for balloons. I found a cute, four foot tall balloon baby bottle that took the author approximately 45 minutes to make. Other ideas include a rainbow balloon arch, and even a balloon centerpiece. Scattering balloons on the floor near the present and/or food table also helps create a festive atmosphere. (Remember, balloons can choke a young child. You may not want to use them if you are expecting little ones to attend the shower).

Useful conversions: Right now, one Australia dollar (AUD) converts to about $1.06 USD. One kilogram is about 2.2 lbs. Regarding sizing for women, an 8 is typically the smallest size found in shirts or dresses, and it is equivalent to a small or a US 4, where as a 20 is a US 16. Shoe sizing is generally the same, but taking the time to try items on will be worth your time.

You might be surprised by the high cost of food in Australia. I was reluctant to dine anywhere at all, until I realized all the prices were the same – expensive. Australia might be a good place to start going on a diet. It’s easier to skip the soda that you usually order with your dinner if they’re charging $3 for a small glass. Bananas can currently be found at a frighteningly high $17.00 per kilogram. At a farmer’s market, the prices were cheaper, but my sister was still unsuccessful in an attempt to buy banana with 2 AUD in hand. Granted, the recent flood in Queensland might have something to do with those high prices.

Do you have a Costco membership card? My family was surprised to find out that there was a Costco warehouse not far from the center of Melbourne. It offers a wonderful view of the Southern Star, an observation Ferris wheel currently under reconstruction (pictured to the right).  By July, there will also be warehouses open in Auburn, NSW, and Canberra, ACT. We saved money by buying some produce and breakfast items there, so we would eat in a few times.

Another way to save money in Australia is by asking locals about the cheaper malls in the area. One family in Perth advised us to check out the Garden City Shopping Centre and the Hay and Murray street malls, but to only buy items when in the Harbour Town Shopping Centre. It was fun to experience all three, but Harbour Town was by far the cheapest for the same quality.

Getting souvenirs? We regretted buying a few boomerangs at a market in Perth when we saw how cheap they were at the Queen Victoria’s Market, the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere, in Melbourne. Buy your souvenirs there in Melbourne if you get the chance.

Most likely, you’ll end up spending at least $500, but there are a few methods that you can use to shave off costs. By taking these tips to heart, you may end up saving at least $100 on your purchases.

Buy Secondhand

If you go to a secondhand store that specializes in furniture, you may be surprised by the quality you find there. When people think of secondhand, they think of furniture that belongs in the dumpster. Believe it or not, a lot of secondhand furniture looks like new.

Despite looking like new, most secondhand furniture is sold for less than half of its original cost. Many shun people who buy secondhand furniture, but what’s so bad about buying new furniture for less than half the price? Why pay $500 for something when you can get it for $200?

Wait for the Holidays

Most of time, homeowners can put off buying new furniture for their home a little bit longer. Instead of buying a set of furniture for full price, consider waiting until certain holidays/events, such as Black Friday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. During these times, many furniture stores hold sales on their products. Sometimes, the discounts are as high as 50% off!

If it’s April and your furniture is in horrible condition, it might be better not to wait. But if you’re only one month away from a major holiday, by all means, wait.

Try Negotiating

During these bad economic times, many furniture stores are willing to negotiate with their customers if it means making a sale. If you really want a piece of furniture that you can’t afford, consider making a fair offer. Always ask for more off than what you really want. For example, if you want 20% off on a piece of furniture, ask for 25%. The more you ask for, the more room you have for negotiation.

Buying secondhand has many advantages. Due to the many benefits, some people make shopping at secondhand stores a hobby. These people love being able to get something for half, or sometimes a quarter of the price.

Save Money

The large amounts of money that can be saved is what attracts most people to secondhand items in the first place. You might find jeans that normally cost $25 at a secondhand store for the bargain price of $5. If you need to buy a new wardrobe for school or work, buying at secondhand stores can save you hundreds of dollars that could be better spent elsewhere.

Just Like New

When some people think of secondhand, they think of dirty, unusable items for very cheap. Many times, these secondhand objects have only been used a few times. Typically, these items are purchased by people who use it once, yet no longer want it after one use. Since they can no longer return it, they donate or sell it to a secondhand store.

You may think that this is untrue, but if you look in your garage or closet, you will find truth in this statement. How many times have you purchased something, only to never use it?  Usually, these things eventually end up at yard sales, auction websites, and you guessed it, secondhand stores.

Many people see no point paying $50 for something that has never been worn before, instead of paying $10 for something that has only been worn twice.

Thrilling Adventure

Some people love the thrill that comes with buying secondhand. It takes effort to find all the diamonds among the rough. Every item you see won’t be super cheap and like new. You will find some things that belong in the trash, but rarely. Believe it or not, you can find high-end items in secondhand stores (expensive clothes, furniture, kitchenware, basically things you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford).

Those who shop at secondhand stores are often seen as old-fashioned, but it’s really the opposite. That man or woman who’s always wearing fashionable, pricy clothing may shop at secondhand stores.

Environmentally Friendly

The state of the environment is a popular topic these days. As people become more educated about these matters, many are doing all they can to help heal the Earth. One way you can help the Earth is through secondhand items. Instead of being thrown away into already overflowing landfills, these things are being used a second time. If all things had two or even three owners during their lifetime instead of just one, there would be fewer landfills.

But, if you want to become a person who has control over his or her shopping habits, it is imperative to shop with needs in mind. Here is a way to think about the concept of needs. Basically, we all need air to breathe, food to eat, water to drink, and shelter from the weather. With those needs met, we then strive for safety and comfort. (Remember Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?)

Don’t worry, I’m not going to enter into a deep discussion concerning which needs are most important; the point I’m trying to make is that in order to stick to a shopping budget, think about satisfying basic needs first, then addressing your wants. It’s all about patience and discipline.

Consider the following case:

A college student receives $200 at the beginning of each month from his family for miscellaneous living expenses. Since his room and board are already paid for, his basic needs for food and shelter are already met. The young man has trouble budgeting money, and by mid-month, he always seems to be out of cash. What keeps getting in his way are his wants – clothes from “hip” stores, drinks during happy hour with friends, dinners out, concert tickets, etc.

The need-based answer to the problem:

As one learns how to better handle money, budgeting with needs in mind is helpful. For example, since the student has $200 to live on, he must prioritize spending. He has a place to stay, and food to eat and water to drink, so he needs to purchase personal care items and any medications first. Next, he needs to consider haircuts (unless he has a friend who can do the job for free). Since he is in school, he should place a high priority on the supplies he needs for class as well. Those are the true needs of a college student. After he purchases those items with the money allotted, he then can move on to satisfying his wants, such as an occasional concert or new clothes.

Victory over cunning advertisements, as well as the pressure in society to “keep up with the Kardashian’s” comes when one knows how to take care of his or her basic needs first.  After you learn how to control your spending with an emphasis on needs, it’s OK to sometimes give in to your wants.

No, I haven’t purchased a Sham Wow, but I do indulge myself now and again. And when I do make a purchase that satisfies a want – my heart’s desire – it feels like the well deserved reward it truly is.

Instead of choosing not to go on a vacation this year, you can adopt and get rid of a few habits that will help you save money. Although many people are turned off by the fact that they have to make slight changes to their lifestyle, they might be willing to do so for a few months if it means saving up enough money for the perfect vacation.

Create a Separate Savings Account

A lot of Americans have a savings account in which they regularly deposit money. A few months before a vacation, many use their savings account to store the funds needed for a vacation. Unfortunately, many people get an unexplainable urge to buy something expensive. When these people finally submit to the urge, money in a savings account is often the first to go.

Instead of putting money for a vacation into your main savings account, you should create a savings account that is solely for vacations. When you put a lot of effort into something and have everything organized, you are more likely to stick to something. With a separate savings account, you’ll be less likely to dip into those funds.

When you’re on the actual vacation, you’ll be less likely to go over budget as well. If you only put what you plan to spend in the savings account, you’ll know what you can afford to purchase and what you can’t. It’s impossible to go over budget if you only give yourself what you’re allowed to spend.

Involve Your Entire Family

A vacation’s cost can quickly exceed $1,000 to $2,000 when you have your spouse and two kids in tow. Instead of paying for the vacation all by yourself, you should encourage everyone who will be vacationing with you to save as well. For example, if you give your children an allowance, tell them to save for any extra stuff that they want to buy. Inform everyone about what they must save for to make the trip a success.

Automatic Transfers

Many people vow to save a certain amount of money each day, week, month, or year. Unfortunately, plenty of these people never get around to actually depositing the money into their savings account. If you can’t trust yourself to remember to save, you should set up an automatic transfer to do this without you having to lift a finger.

An automatic transfer of five dollars each day may not seem like a lot, but it will eventually build up into a large sum of money. Believe it or not, all those five dollar bills will amount to $1,825 by the end of the year.

It is true. An item that is $10 before a holiday can be $2.50 the day after. This realization made me eager to find other ways to take advantage of these tremendous savings. Here are a few ways I save money throughout the year.

1. Candy Extravaganza

After Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween I stock up on candy. For example, I found Lindt Lindor Truffles in large heart shaped boxes after Valentine’s Day for only $1.50 per package. Because they are individually wrapped, and because they don’t expire until the end of 2011, I bought and froze several boxes. I plan to re-package the candy in cute candy dishes for gifts. You may not realize it, but chocolate candies freeze well for several months. Because of this, I buy and freeze Halloween candy for use in Christmas stockings as well.

2. Crazy for Candles

Each holiday offers a plethora of candles. This is especially true for Christmas and Mother’s Day. After these holidays, I purchase several to use as birthday gifts. Contrary to what you may think, retailers offer candles other than holly berry or pine at Christmas. After New Year’s I was able to purchase vanilla scent Yankee candles for $2.50.

3. Luxurious Lotions

Another popular item at Christmas and Mother’s Day is lotion. I hit my local Walgreen’s for deals on these after the holidays. Think gift sets. Sure the set might be packaged in holiday specific wrappings, but when taken apart, the components can be re-purposed for birthday gifts. These lotions are great to have on hand for hostess gifts and for teacher gifts. Similar to chocolate, lotions have a lengthy shelf life. No worries about them “spoiling.”

4. Plush Pets

Many holidays revolve around plush pets. These bunnies, chicks, lambs are so cute that sometimes I buy them for birthday presents or to use as “toppers” on baby shower gifts. If you find a cute animal on clearance, see if you can remove any holiday specific items – such as a red, white, and blue ribbon for the 4th of July – and add a neutral ribbon.

5. Wonderful Wrappings

Each holiday offers wrapping paper and bows. When these items end up in the clearance bin, buy them for wrapping birthday presents. For example, I have a friend who relishes her Irish heritage. I often snap up St. Patrick’s Day decorative paper to use for her special day.

When children learn that “small is more,” it can be a highly empowering lesson that goes beyond counting coins.  For example, a small sized person is capable of great things, and a smaller sized plate can be healthier than a bigger (loaded) plate.  A small dog can bring as much enjoyment as a bigger dog, and a small home can contain as much happiness as a sprawling mansion.

One of the lessons that we are learning is to live within our means to become financially stable.  Our former mentality that “bigger is better” has moved to “right sizing” our lifestyles.  The valuable lesson for our children is that we can appreciate the higher value of having something smaller.  Money is an abstract concept that is becoming more concrete even in our adult lives.

“Small is more” is a great money lesson for children and adults – beyond the value of coins!

Candi Sparks is the author of  “Can I Have Some Money?” the children’s money book series and is a financial literacy consultant.  Her books are available on amazon.com and other e commerce websites.  She is on FaceBook and Twitter (Candi Sparks, author)

First, you need to make sure to have all the basics. Flour, oats, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, vinegar, shortening, and a variety of oils fit into this category. It is also wise to invest in a variety of spices beyond salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Of course, if you like to bake for your family, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts are great to have on hand.

Next, think in terms of side dishes. Potatoes, rice, noodles, and canned vegetables remain side dish staples. I also keep a wide variety of cooking soups in the cupboard as well to help with making both side dishes and main dishes. Other canned goods that round out a well-stocked pantry include different kinds of sauces, gravies, and olives (both green and black). I always have a supply of re-fried beans, salsas, enchilada sauces for Mexican themed nights. You will also need to have canned meats on hand – salmon, tuna, chicken, crab – whatever your family likes. These meats help make quick lunches and suppers when you run out of fresh or frozen meats.

I consider the refrigerator as an extension of my pantry. In the freezer I keep a supply of frozen meats, bread dough, vegetables, and berries. I also always have a variety of cheeses, fresh fruits, root vegetables, lettuces, eggs, condiments, sour cream, milk, juices and cream cheese on hand in the fridge. What really helps to save money is making note of your family’s favorite quick meals. Have the ingredients for these meals available at all times. If you do, you will be able to resist the urge to order out.

Save Even More

1. Use coupons – remember those available on the Internet.

2. Stock up when items are on sale.

3. Visit a discount grocer (no frills) and buy reasonably priced canned foods in bulk.

4. Plant a garden and freeze or can the produce.

5. Make sure to use items before they expire so you don’t waste any food.

6. Consider purchasing air tight containers to store sugars and nuts in – this reduces the negative effects moisture can have on these items.

7. Take advantage of free berries. In my area black raspberries grow wild. I usually pick 10 quarts each July and enjoy them for the rest of the year. (Careful – some berries are poisonous).

You’ve probably heard of Habitat for Humanity, the non-profit society that helps low-income people all over the world build their own homes, but you may not have heard of ReStores, the retail outlets where Habitat sells new and used building materials, appliances, and other home necessities. The stock consists of donations that aren’t needed for the society’s current building projects, and the money raised goes to fund its work.

Shopping at a ReStore helps a good cause, but does it save you money? I visited my local ReStore to find out. As with many secondhand stores, the answer is not always, but often.

After making my way to the ReStore, a “temporary” looking metal building in an industrial area on the edge of a residential neighborhood, I had to talk myself out of snatching up the free light fixture sitting on a table outside the front entrance. It was less ugly than the one we’ve got in our kitchen now, but only slightly.

Inside, the first thing that caught my attention was a bin full of brand new towel racks for $1 each. Encouraged, I went on to find:

• used refrigerators for as little as $100
• a complete set of oak kitchen cabinets for $450 – at Ikea you’d pay that much for a couple of linear feet of kitchen cabinetry
• snap stone tiles, boxes of 12 for $24.50 – elsewhere, this can run over $30 for a pack of five
• tubes of sealant, $1 each – the cheapest one in the hardware store is over twice that
• a few new clothes – $5 for a shirt
• a full set of used banisters for $125
• anti-bacterial wipes, $2.50 a box
• new ceiling fans, $47.50
• new table lamps, $30 – about half the hardware store price
• used medicine cabinets, $50
• a large used mirror in a wooden frame, $40

To sum up, prices at the ReStore are at least as good as elsewhere, and in many cases much better.  Though you’re less likely to find exactly what you want, the selection is fair. So if there’s a ReStore near you, it’s worth checking out the next time you need something for your home.

You may even find what you need free.

Shopping store liquidations can be overwhelming if you have never done so before. The following tips should help ready you for the experience.

1. No returns
Remember, the store is closing for good, so returns are not an option. If you are purchasing clothing, make sure it fits before you buy it. Also, if you want an item in an open box, determine if all parts are included. If something’s missing, you will not be able to return the item for a new one.

2. Price reductions
Each store handles price reductions differently, but for the most part, the closer to the actual “last day of sale,” the lower the price for the items. Most offer percentages off beginning at 25% and gradually moving to as much as 90% off.

3. Limited merchandise
Because the store is closing, you need to realize that the stock will not be refreshed. For example, if you really want that unique DVD collection, and there’s only two left on the shelf, it’s better to buy it now than to wait to see if the price falls any lower. On the other hand, if there are 50 sets left, it may be prudent to wait a few more days so see if the price falls again.

4. How much to buy
I’ve learned that I’ve never wished I hadn’t bought so much. In fact, I always kick myself for not buying more. For instance, a few years ago a local card shop folded. I bought an assortment of gorgeous wrapping papers, colorful bows, and refined thank you cards – all at 75% off. You probably can guess that the supply lasted only a few months!

5. Bait and switch
Be careful of stores who say they are going-out-of-business when they are not. Some stores will use this tactic as a way to drum up business!

My most recent “score” was while on vacation in New Orleans. While there I visited two Borders bookstores, and found books for personal use, as well as for gifts. I also bought greeting cards and CD’s. You might be able to take advantage of this opportunity as well, because on March 24th, an additional 26 Borders stores across the nation began selling off merchandise and store fixtures. Items now available include: “books in every category, including new releases, best sellers, textbooks, rare and collectible books and children’s books. There are also significant price reductions on thousands of music CDs, video DVDs and Blu-Ray, arts and crafts items, language learning systems, games, puzzles and more.”

A quick visit to the following website will let you know if there’s store closing near you.

When is it worth it to buy a book on saving money, instead of just getting it from the library? I’d say you should do it if you find one that has three or more ideas you haven’t already thought of yourself, AND:

• you’re not desperate — you just want to cut back.
• the book you want is checked out of the library and has multiple holds (lots of the moneysaving books in my local library are in this situation).
• it contains more than one set of useful instructions too detailed to memorize. (So Erma’s $12.95 cookbook might actually qualify.) If there’s just one set of instructions you need, write them down or make a copy of the page.
• you find a secondhand copy; just be sure the book isn’t out of date. If you buy it online, remember to figure postage into the cost.
• you’re sure you can’t get it as an ebook.
• you’ve read several reviews to get an idea what not to expect from it.
• you’re not calling an 800 number you saw on TV to order it.
• you’re sure you’re not buying the book to avoid doing anything else about saving money just yet — like maybe making a resolution not to buy non-essentials.

That said, there are a couple of moneysaving books I wouldn’t mind owning: Cheap Talk with the Frugal Friends, by Angie Zalewski and Deana Ricks, for ideas including recipes and What to Use Instead: A Handbook of Practical Substitutes, by Carol Ann Rinzler, for the times you can’t or won’t go out and buy yet another item.

Sometimes, that — not buying — is what it’s all about.

1- Pair Of Straight Leg Jeans

I think it’s fair to say that most wardrobes are never complete without a pair or two of jeans and straight leg jeans are a classic! Your perfect pair of denim will have a great fit and relaxed style.  Keep your look updated and try to purchase a pair in a medium to dark blue wash.

2- Cotton Tanks In Lots Of Bright Colors

You can wear denim with just about anything, but this spring it’s all about bold color.  Make this your most colorful season ever and wear a cute cotton tank in a fun color like orange, green, red, or yellow.

3- A Chic Pair Of Comfortable Walking Shoes

If you plan on spending your spring break exploring a new city or playing in a park, you’re going to need a pair of shoes that can withstand a lot of walking. You don’t need to spend $100 on designer sneakers when you could purchase a pair of simple tennis shoes? Comfy round-toe flats are also a good choice.

4- A Canvas Tote Bag

Leave your everyday work tote and carry a smaller canvas or cloth bag instead. All you need is something that has enough room for everyday essentials yet isn’t so large that it’s a burden to carry.

5- Small Floppy Hat

Protect your hair and your eyes from the sun with a small-brimmed floppy hat. With so many different styles, colors, and prints to choose from, you’ll easily find a chic hat that you love to wear.

I’ll admit… it takes discipline to hit the sale racks when your spirit is weary from cold weather and short days. I would much rather try on vibrant colored summer dresses and imagine myself strolling an outdoor farmer’s market than think about buying boots for trudging through the snow.

But the payoffs of one last winter shopping trip are worth it. Next fall, when you take the items you purchased now out of storage, you will pat yourself on the back for thinking ahead. The truth is – styles do not change dramatically from season to season. You can safely purchase items at the end of this season that will still be fashionable next winter. Most importantly, you can find high quality merchandise at rock-bottom prices.

Look for the following deals:

Clothing

1. Sweaters – Each winter season I make sure to have a variety of “staple” sweaters in my closet, including a black cardigan, and several V neck sweaters. These staples offer dozens of interesting work outfits with the addition of blouses, turtle necks, and luxurious scarves. Think about what staple sweaters would help you create the winter wardrobe of your dreams. Why pay $75 for a better quality sweater next fall, when you can purchase one for $10 this spring?

2. Slacks and Skirts – Just like winter sweaters, slacks and skirts can be purchased now for incredible prices. It is important to try on the items before you purchase them, because this late in the season you don’t want to think about the possibility of returns. Again, think about what you wear to work, and purchase those items. It takes time to search the racks for the right size, but it is well worth the pay off later.

Footwear

1. Heels, Flats, and Boots – It is helpful to anticipate what footwear you will need next fall by assessing the condition of your current selection of shoes and boots. Face it, good quality footwear is an essential element of style, and now is the time to fill in any “gaps” in your collection.

2. Slippers and Socks – It is also time to purchase dark color socks, fuzzy slipper socks, and slippers. The selection may have dwindled on lower quality items, but better quality slippers and socks remain on the shelves. Treat yourself to these necessities, ones that swaddle your feet in comfort on cold winter nights.

Accessories

1. Hats, Gloves, Scarves, and Mittens – By the end of the season, mittens may have no mate and hats and scarves may have “pulls” in the fabric, so beginning next year with a fresh set will boost your style.

2. Seasonal Jewelry – Holiday jewelry, including big, bold pieces, can accentuate plain sweaters and dresses, giving them a sophisticated look. Grab a few pieces now, for use at next year’s holiday parties; you won’t be sorry.

3.  Handbags – Incredible deals abound at this time of year on purses, especially designer bags.  The right handbag can make a stylish statement, so having an assortment can amp up your style.

This type of shopping trip works best if you make a list beforehand. Also, make sure you have at least a couple of hours to be able to search for those items. Most retailers want shoppers to notice full-price items, but end of season shopping calls for focus, focus on the incredible deals that will be a welcome addition to your unique and stylish wardrobe next fall.