Frugal Web: Bits and Pieces and Questions

Frugal Web: Bits and Pieces and Questions

Since being downsized by my fulltime job and relying on my part-time job, I have signed up for health insurance through my part-time job only to find out that dental is not included in medical insurance options. Since I don't want a year like I had in 2009 when I had to get 2 crowns, I have been keeping up with the brushing and flossing but have yet to get to a dentist in almost a year for a cleaning.

However, I am signed up for Groupon(aff.) and have found a few deals that have spoken to me, such as some museum tickets that were 56% off and the Denver Post subscription and then this  dental exam, x-ray, cleaning and teeth whitening kit for $29. I had to make the appointment for 3 weeks out, which really isn't that bad. I have yet to bite into the idea of picking up dental insurance and after this appointment I will be closer to deciding if I should get it or not.

Question 1: Any perspective from you all on the dental insurance?

After receiving a sample deodorant from Secret and using it once, the sample product fell apart with the top half breaking off from the bottom. Since the trial period wasn't what I hoped I decided to write to them and see if they would send another sample out to me. They responded with, "Thanks for contacting Secret, Dawn.
I'm sorry about your experience with our Secret Clinical Strength Sample. We'd love to make it up to you, and since you provided your name and postal address, I'm sending you something in the mail I hope you'll enjoy.  You should receive it within the next 2-3 weeks.
I hope you'll find it was worth the wait! "

And after waiting a week, I received a regular size deodorant instead of the sample with a few coupons. Well worth the 2 minutes to email them.  I have yet to have a poor experience writing a company. It worked with the chocolate bars, the cracked slow cooker and others. I don't do it often, but I try to make the email as factual and helpful as possible while in the end giving my name and address, since I presume they will be so kind as to reward me for my unique and thoughtful insight. {wink}

Question 2: What are your experiences writing companies? Better results writing or calling them?

I've told you before how much I love my library, especially the now defunct bookmobile. My counties libraries, which there are 7 of them have some wonderful resources, 3 of the libraries are within a 15 minute drive to me.  Next Saturday they having free admission to hear a harpist and flutist play and they have a free class on Biz Start-Up Basics offered by the local chamber for two hours.

They also have teamed up with Freegal and offer 3 free music downloads a week to add to my work out and bedtime music list. I realize that not all libraries do the same things, some less and other more. But I am very thankful for the little things that they offer to make my life a bit more pleasant.

Question 3: What about your library are you appreciative of?

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Organizing the Money, Bills and Tools

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5 Obstacles to Financial Fitness

5 Obstacles to Financial Fitness

You want to be financially fit. You know all about buying generic and what needs to be done to start a budget. You know what is involved in starting your retirement fund and how much to sock away. You can even picture a future with fewer stresses and possibly an early retirement.

So why aren't you on the road to that frugal success you read about?
Simply put, there are life issues that block that path to financial fitness and I want to spotlight 5 of them below.

1. It's A Bother

It's a pain in the arse having to keep tabs on everything you buy. Not only that, it may very well be in our DNA to try to take the easiest route possible and tracking spending doesn't seem very easy. In your mind you think that it is a waste of time with no immediate results, if any and your eyes rolling is the physical manifestation of that thought.

flickr/cc - Brian Forbes

The solution: Think about something in your current financial state that makes your life difficult. Are you staying awake at night because of bills? Is the thought of taking a sick day off from work causing you pain in your neck and shoulders? Focus on the negative situation you are in now and convince and inspire yourself to change, to make your life better by any means necessary.

2. It Takes To Long

Just like wanting to make life less painful, we also want to make life a pleasure, with immediate gratification the easiest way to get that result. This may have served you well while you had the money to toss at every whim but lately things responsibility and bills have laid claim to every penny you own and even those you will earn in the future.

The solution: Extra spending on impulse items or grabbing the credit card to feel better is not the answer. There are other ways to stimulate your self-gratification center of the brain. Find an activity in your area that is free or minimal in price and partake in them regularly.

Recently I was watching at the local park as guys were flying model planes around and got into a conversation with a man who knew quite a lot about each model plane that went up. I asked if he had one of his own. His answer was that he didn't have the money for these planes but he participated in the local club as a volunteer and that allowed him to be around them and help them oil or fix up planes on occasion and that was satisfactory for him.

You can retrain your brain to see the free events around you and crave those pleasures while keeping your money safe.

3. Way To Busy

Let's face it, it isn't uncommon these days to talk with neighbors and co-workers and find out they have a 2nd or 3rd job on top of raising a kid or two. We are so busy that when doctors suggest we get 7-8 hours of sleep to keep us healthy, we laugh out loud. This fast-paced, constantly going schedule certainly is a good enough reason to not worry about being financially fit. Besides, when things slow down, then we can take a look at the retirement plan.

flickr/cc -andryone

The solution: Prioritize what is really important in life. If you are a perfectionist, it's time to let go of that standard and remove a few commitments from your schedule so that you are able to continue on a healthy financial path and won't be running this fast-paced life for the next 20 years or more. Remind yourself that taking care of your financial health is a way to take care of your physical health as well.

4. I Don't Deserve It

As odd as the idea may sound, sometimes we get it in our head that the personality we have is one of "work till you die" and if anything good happens to you, it must be a mistake. Think about times that you may have self-sabotaged your goal to get rid of debt or get started on the 401k plan. If you don't believe deep down that you deserve a life free of debt, a future where you have a savings, then you will never give yourself a chance to attain that goal.

The solution: First off, I believe that each one of us deserve a life without debt, no matter. I urge you to dig deep down and uncover those reasons why you don't think you do. This may be a "come to Jesus" or a "come to Jillian" moment. Once you conquer your feelings of unworthiness, getting a budget and a savings plan will become a much easier goal.

5. It's Really Scary

Failure is a real problem, it happens and it happens often. You be afraid to start for fear of failure but also afraid to start for fear of success. Even being successful at reaching a goal can freak you out because it means change, it means a new way of life - even if it is a change in the right direction.

flickr/cc - hozinja

The solution: As Zig Zigler has said, "Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." When you decide to get financially fit you will go through many changes a new way of spending, a new way of saving, a new way of looking at each dollar, a new way of shopping and a new self-image. Focus on the positive effects this new financially fit life will bring to you. Envision a better life everyday so that it goes from being a new and scary idea to a familiar and comfortable one.

41 Things Living Frugally Has Taught Me

41 Things Living Frugally Has Taught Me

Anytime frugality is brought up in a conversation, eventually the talk turns to those who are extreme in their frugality. I know that there are some things that I do that are too extreme for my co-workers and some things they do that are beyond the pale for me.

But frugality isn't about shocking your friends and family. Frugality isn't an extreme sport where there are winners and losers. It is a way to get from point A to point B, financially and as long as you are not hurting yourself or others in being frugal, have fun!

I thought I would list a few things I have learned from living frugally over the years:

1. Quality matters as much or more than price in most situations
2. Patience does pay off, and it can only be self-taught
3. Friends and family matter more than where you gather or what you eat
4. It truly is the giver and not the gift that makes the longer lasting impression
5. Cutting down on eating meat stretches my dollar very quickly
6. Water is the greatest benefit to body and wallet
7. When you start small, DIY projects aren't so scary

8. Laughing, exercise and talking are doubly beneficial; both free and healthy
9. Time is equal to or greater than money in most situations
10. Having another support you on your frugal journey is like being wrapped in a warm blanket
11. The library is the greatest resource, next to paved roads and emergency responders, for which I am happy to pay taxes for
12. Going for a drive to nowhere with a friend to talk and daydream is priceless
13. Warehouse clubs are both a godsend and an evil temptation
14. Nothing beats a beautiful day walking your dog barefoot in the grass (as you watch where you step)
15. Handing coupons over to a friend who appreciates them makes me feel good
16. Actions do speak louder than words, eventually people will pick up what you are talking about
17. Haggling isn't so bad once you get started
18. Vinegar and baking soda are invaluable products
19. Staycations can be quite fun for all involved

20. A hobby doesn't have to be expensive
21. Sometimes all you need for a bad day is a smile from a baby to forget
22. It is a great feeling to have more control over finances when you know what is coming in and going out
23. Picking through trash to find a gem is a great high
24. And decluttering could become just as addictive
25. Being proud of my frugality and speaking out about it has taught me that others can learn from me and I from them
26. You get along better with your partner when your debt isn't piled up and stressing you both out
27. There are more free activities in my city than I have time to do and that is very cool
28. Life is less stressful when you aren't worried about what others think because you have a goal and a plan
29. With a little time to be creative I can find ways around buying new
30. New doesn't always mean better. Old, antique, worn and used are good words as well
31. Being frugal can seem scary, but with little steps it is amazing what you can achieve
32. I really don’t need half the stuff that I think I want

33. Sitting out in the warm sun is the best vacation, whether the fish are biting or not
34. It's amazing what "sleeping on it" can do for a buying decision
35. Food portion control can save money and health
36. Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive
37. Homemade cafe mocha beats out all fancy coffees anyday
38. If you have the space, a stocked freezer or pantry is a thrilling sight to see
39. The value of asking myself "Do I need this?" is priceless for saving money
40. Being frugal has allowed me to help others more through financial means

Can you help me with the 41th one? 

What are some things you have learned living frugally?

Things to Re-Use You Had No Idea You Could

Things to Re-Use You Had No Idea You Could

When I was growing up, my frugal-to-the-core mother was the master of “re-using.”  Now, first, I must say that I love my mother more than anyone on earth and my respect for her knows no bounds.  However, as a child, this whole concept of “Don’t throw that away!  You can RE-use it!” was first annoying and then just “not cool.”  Ironically, now a few years out of college and attempting to make ends meet, that concept has suddenly become “genius!”  If you’re in the mindset of save, save, save and you’ve got the whole recycled thing under your belt, fantastic!  But, I’d venture to say that even better than recycling sometimes, is simply re-using.  And, yes though it may have seemed annoying and uncool to my child-like/teen mind, this really isn’t nearly as terrifying as you may think.  It’s actually incredibly easy, and in some cases, fun!  So here goes, from my mom and from my own endeavors, is a Top 10 List of some easy things to re-use that you may have not considered before.

Flickr/CC - moonlightbulb

Teabags – one of my mom’s favorites.  She easily gets three cups from one tea bag.  Not going to drink that many cups in one day?  She puts hers in a glass dish and places in the fridge till the next time she wants a cup.

Tinfoil – another mom idea.  For used tinfoil that doesn’t come in contact with food, she simply refolds into a square when done and stores it until the next time she needs it.  She can make a roll of tinfoil last forever, people!

Coffee grounds – you can stop throwing them away!  And, no, I’m not going to tell you to make another pot of coffee, I’m too much of a caffeine addict for that.  However!  They do make an excellent addition to your compost bin for fertilizer.

Plastic bags – you can easily re-use all types of plastic bags: bread bags, sandwich bags, produce bags, etc.  If they’re clean, all the better, just fold up and store away, and if not, just wash in soapy water, rinse out and let dry.

Glass jars – these make great storage containers for leftovers!  If they’re airtight, you can even store dry goods like sugar, pasta, and flour in them.  I also use the “pretty” ones around the house for fun ways to hold pens and pencils and even toothbrushes!

Brown paper bags – hello wrapping paper!  Brown paper with a little red ribbon looks fantastically classy.

Egg cartons – ideal for starting seedlings if you’re a gardener.  Just cut off the lid, fill the cups with your favorite potting soil and go to it!  The best part?  Once your seedlings are ready, you can cut each cup out and plant the whole thing; the carton will disintegrate.

Food containers – think butter dishes and cool whip containers.  Wash out and use for storage (no more buying plastic Tupperware).  My mom always used hers for dishes for feeding pets outside.

Glass soda bottles – okay, disclaimer: I’m not promoting drinking soda!  BUT, if you’ve got some around, these make really fun flower vases.  You can also fill them with scented bath oils and salts and decorate with just a simple bow.  Great gift idea!

Greeting cards – save your Christmas cards this year (or any fun cards for that matter!), cut out the picture, (fancy scissors will make this even more unique) and place on matching cardstock.  Stamp or print out your saying of choice inside.  Now that beats $3.25 for a generic card doesn’t it?

Have some fun, pick the ones that work best for you, and see just what you can re-use that you might not have considered before.  Do you have some ideas I’m missing?  Please share, I’d love to hear them!

Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer from Montana who is very passionate about healthy cooking living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.  When not in the kitchen or working on her own writing, you can find her promoting green coffee for Coffee Home Direct.

A 2 in 1 New Year's Resolution

A 2 in 1 New Year's Resolution

flickr/cc - elisfanclub

The most common resolution for the new year relates to body image. Either people want to exercise more, eat healthier or reduce weight (which is a mix of the two). Another top ten is to reduce debt or save money. Did you know you can put these two resolutions together?

There is a way to both reduce debt/save money while also changing your body and here are my suggestions on just how to do that with links to previous posts I have written on them.

Remove soda pop from your diet - Not only can you lose at-least 15 pounds over the course of a year, but you can save money on dental bills as well as the money that originally went towards buying soda. Some ways to reduce your intake:
1. Gradually drop in amount, cutting in half what you drink each 2-3 weeks.
2. Replace with carbonated water, tea or coffee
3. Drink a cup of water before you open a bottle of soda. You may not want it then.
4. Each time you want a bottle of soda, remind yourself of the negatives (money, health)

Reduce your portion sizes - This is one I am working on still. It is amazing how full you can get on 1/2 cup of ice cream if you eat it slow, knowing that the amount in front of you is all you get. The financial advantage to reduced portion sizes is that now that 2 pounds of Pot Roast can last you longer than 2 days and you don't feel you need to buy them as often, thus saving money on groceries.

Eating at home - Speaking of portion sizes, the plates of food given at most restaurants is amazingly large; we've all "rolled out" of our seats after eating too much. Staying home allows you to keep tabs on the amount of food you eat while saving money per plate. There are quite a few sites online where you can make the food at home that are offered in restaurants at a fraction of the cost. By googling {restaurant recipes} for a list of sites with copycat recipes, you can make your favorite dishes or breakfast platters.

Find free exercise options - From running stairs on your lunch break to parking the farthest at the grocery store to using the library or the internet for exercise ideas. Bodyweight exercises are considered one of the hot trends for this year and the awesome part of that means you don't needs any equipment except your body and what is already around your house!

If you enjoy the idea of getting out of the house there are some cheaper exercise options and then there is also the decision about whether gym membership is worth the cost. After going the free way and the cheaper way, I have found that paying money for a membership gets my fat ass to working out more often than going the cheap or free route, since I have nothing to lose. But to each their own.

Get sleep to save money - It helps you fight sickness, it keeps you less stressed, it reduces health-care costs and when you sleep you aren't eating and thus, you lose weight. Win, Win and Win! Best way to make yourself go to bed earlier - get a routine for yourself and set an alarm so you don't forget. If going to bed after the news is best for you, find a news program that is on an hour earlier so you can head to bed earlier. 

Just remember that resolutions are a new start and will take time to kick in. Don't look at it as a restriction or diet but as a new lifestyle for yourself. In 10 years your future self can look back on today and be thankful that you are healthier and saved money in the process.

What ways can you think of to both reduce weight while saving money?

added infographic update: Want to save money?  Start by losing weight!

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The Psychology Behind Grocery Store Design

TIP- If you want to shop without a crowd, Tuesdays are the least crowded day of the week, according to a study by Progressive Grocer

ENTRY:

Flowers- They enhance the image of a store, consumers walk in to something that is pretty, smells great and builds the notion of fresh. 

Produce- To create a tempting sensory experience. "Stores need to communicate to shoppers that produce is fresh or people won't buy anything." 

TIP- Reach to the back or top to buy the freshest. Buy produce during the week, since most deliveries are Monday through Friday.

Bakery- "The bakery gets your salivary glands going, this makes you feel hungry, and the hungrier you are the more you buy." 

TIP-Shop after a meal or have a snack before you go.

Grab-n-Go Items- To get back business lost to convenience stores.

Bank- To get more money in the hands of the shopper, so they will spend it. 

TIP- Set a budget before you shop or bring a calculator(I do this) to keep a running tally.

PERIMETER

Endcap displays- Product manufacturers pay for prominent "endcap" placement- on the ends of the aisles- to advertise a new or popular product. 

TIP- These displays don't always mean a discount, a lot of times, these displays are only new items or in season item.

"Retail-tainment"-Free sample stations, demonstrations and displays, slow you down while also exposing your to new products. 

TIP- To avoid unnecessary hunger-driven purchases, head right the the free samples if you arrive at the store on an empty stomach.

Deli/Coffee Bar- If you're hungry for lunch, you will shop in a hurry, but if you have lunch in the store you will stay and relax, thus going back to buy a little more.

Pharmacy- If you are filling a prescription, you need to wait, spend more time, and pickup another item to purchase. 

TIP- Drop off prescriptions before you start shopping to minimize idle waiting. If possible, call ahead with the pill order, so you can run in and buy it right away.

CENTER AISLE

General merchandise/canned goods- They draw the shopper deeper into the store and expose them to nonessential items along the way. 

TIP- Stay focused by making a list.

BACK OF THE STORE

Dairy products/eggs/meat- Stores typically put these items in the farthest reaches of the store to expose shoppers to the maximum amount of product on their "quick trip" so they will buy impulsively. 

TIP- Take eggs and milk from the back of the case for the freshest, older merchandise tends to be pushed forward.

Registers/exits- To turn waiting time into buying time. this is the most profitable area of the store.

TIP- Express doesn't always mean faster. Studies have shown that the wait in the "express" lane is almost identical to the regular check wait- 3minutes 11seconds.

Shelf Layout

Top-- Smaller brands, regional brands and gourmet brands. The top shelf is usually chosen by the store management. 

TIP- If you'd like your store to stock a particular item on this shelf, talk to the manager

Shelf 2/3 (going down)- Best sellers and other leading brands. This is the "bulls-eye" zone and the manufacturer's may have paid for this space. There's no advantage for the supermarket to show your the lowest-priced item in the most effective spot.

TIP- Look below the target zone for similar products for a lot less.

Kid's eye level- Products with kid appeal are here.

TIP- Leave the kids home if possible.

Bottom- Store and private label brands, oversize and bulk items. People who buy store brands will always hunt for them, so the supermarkets can place them out of the line of sight. 

TIP- Many times the same manufacturer that makes the branded product often make the store brand as well. And when buying bulk items, don't go overboard and end up wasting the food and money.