Sweet Frugal Life

Being Frugal Doesn't Make Life Any Less Sweet

Road Trip On A Budget

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to save money on a family road trip.

My family and I are currently in the process of preparing for a spring break road trip.  We are so excited to spend quality time together and look forward to visiting a few sights, like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and more!  Traveling by car can be a very frugal way to sight see, but like any vacation, expenses will add up quickly.  Today I’m sharing a few tips to help you road trip on a budget.

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Budget Friendly Road Trip Hacks

I am a huge proponent of the fact that you can still have FUN, enjoy life, and live on a BUDGET.  It’s possible!!  Planning a vacation around a road trip is a great way to have fun without spending a lot of money.  However, expenses can add up on, even when traveling by vehicle. 

So, here are a few ways you can save money on a family road trip…so that you can spend your hard earned money in other ways.

1.  Plan Ahead

One of the most important parts of road tripping on a budget is to plan ahead.  I suggest planning for your road trip a few months in advance (or as soon as you decide to travel).  There are a lot of factors to consider when making a good road trip plan.  Don’t forget to include: 

  • Making a budget (don’t forget to include gas, food, attractions, and miscellaneous)
  • Researching/planning places to eat, sleep and things to do
  • Meal planning/prep for foods you will pack and make yourself
  • Looking over the best route for driving

As you are making your road trip plan be sure you plan as frugally as possible using the tips below.  Give yourself enough time to research and plan ahead so that you will be able to find the most affordable options and frugal hacks.

How To Save Money on Road Trip Food

There are many ways to save money on road trip food.  Below are a few of my favorite hacks!

2.  Pack Your Own Food

One of my favorite parts of road tripping is the food.  There is just nothing better than munching on snacks, while listening to a good audiobook, and watching the scenery go by!  To save money on road trip food is important to pack as much as you can from home.

Buying food from gas stations and restaurants will get expensive fast.  And most tourist grocery stores will have higher prices than your local grocery store.  However, if you plan ahead (remember that little planning tip we already talked about 😉 ) and pack your own food in the car, you will be able to save a lot of money.

Here are a few of our favorite food to pack on a road trip:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Carrot sticks
  • Deli sandwiches
  • Bagels with cream cheese
  • Peanut butter sandwich
  • Granola bars
  • Muffins
  • Pita wraps
  • Nuts
  • Jerky
  • Popcorn
  • Pretzels
  • Yogurt
  • Salad

3.  Skip Restaurants & Eat At The Grocery Store

Ok, hear me out on this one!

If you don’t love the idea of packing your own food for your budget friendly road trip, then consider stopping at grocery stores along the way to eat your meals, rather than stopping at restaurants to eat.

You can get delicious, high quality food at grocery stores, with much lower prices than you would spend at a restaurant.  We love stopping at grocery stores for foods like deli sandwiches, friend chicken, fresh fruit and salads.  Try it, you just might like it!

4.  Stay At An Airbnb

Staying at an Airbnb is an easy way to save money on food expenses.  Most Airbnbs will give you access to a full kitchen, making it possible to cook all of your own meals, instead of eating out.

However, make sure to look at all of the hidden costs when booking an Airbnb to ensure that you really will be saving money.  The cleaning and extra fees can really add up, which means that sometimes it isn’t always the cheapest option!

5.  Stay In A Hotel With A Microwave/Fridge

You don’t have to book accommodations with a full kitchen to cook your own meals.  A hotel room with a microwave and fridge will provide all that you need to whip up a few easy meals.

Here are a some of the meals my family likes to eat in our kitchenette hotel room:

Breakfast:

  • Muffins
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Fruit
  • Cereal
  • Oatmeal

Lunch & Dinner:

  • Mac and Cheese
  • Sandwiches
  • Bagels with Cream Cheese
  • Fruit
  • Protein Drink
  • Salad
  • Cup of Noodles

6.  Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

Avoid spending money on water bottles by packing your own reusable water bottle and filling it up with free water where available! 

I personally love this Stanley dupe water bottle.  It has a lot of really cute colors and great reviews.

7.  Eat Out For Lunch Instead of Dinner

If you do decide to go out to eat for a few meals, make sure to eat out for lunch instead of dinner.  Most restaurants will offer a cheaper menu during lunch hours, so that you can get the same product for a better price.

8.  Stay somewhere with a free breakfast

Make sure to always book a hotel that offers a free breakfast.  A free breakfast will give you one less meal you’ll have to pay for during the day.  Take advantage of the free breakfast by filling up so you can eat lighter for your other meals.

9.  Split A Meal

A great restaurant hack to save extra money is to order one meal and split it between two people!  This gives you two meals for the price of one!  You could even decide to eat half of your meal and then save the other half for lunch the next day!

10.  Take Advantage of Happy Hour

Many restaurants offer discount prices during happy hour.  It’s easy to do a quick google search to find restaurants nearby that participate in happy hour.  Plan your meals around those times and restaurants for the best discounts.

 

How to Save Money On Sleeping Accommodations

Taking your time and using patience is the best way to book budget friendly sleeping accommodations.  There are deals available…but it takes a little bit of searching and research!

11.  Shop Around For Sleeping Accommodations

Prices for the same hotel can differ on each website.  Make sure to take your time comparing multiple websites to find the best deal.

Next, call the hotel directly to ask if they can offer you an even lower price than what you found on the website.  Often if you call the hotel directly they will give you an even better deal than you found online.

Another option for finding good hotel deals is to use a bidding website, such as Priceline.  We used Priceline when booking a hotel for our trip to New York City and ended up staying in a beautiful hotel, with a fantastic room and in the perfect location….and it was a great price!

Make sure to book your hotel using the Rakuten cashback app!  It will often give you an extra 1-10% cashback on your hotel stay.

12.  Consider Camping

If you are really wanting to save money on overnight stays, you might want to consider camping somewhere.  Camping can be a much cheaper than a hotel room, especially if you already have your own camping equipment.

You could camp while sleeping in your car, or pack along a tent and sleeping bag to set up.  My kids love to camp and any chance we get to do it into a fun family adventure.  Camping is a great way to see new places while enjoying the fresh air.

13.  Stay With Friends Or Family

Another super cheap way to save money on lodging is to ask friends or family if you could stay with them for a night.  They will love being able to catch up and host their loved ones!  

Make sure to bring a nice thank you card or fresh flowers to show your gratitude!

 

How To Save Money On Entertainment

Try to have some fun while on your road trip!  My family loves getting to enjoy some of the fun things each of our destinations has to offer.  Fortunately, there are so many fun and free things you can do while traveling which makes frugality easy!  I’ve listed a few ideas below for your road trip on a budget!

14.  Visit Free Attractions

Road trips are a great way to see more of the world, and a lot of that can be done for free!  Look for free museums, zoos, or road side attractions that you can stop and visit.  Your family might also enjoy going on a hike, picnic, or playing in a nearby lake.

Talk to locals, and do some online research to find the best free attractions in the places you’ll be visiting.  You just might be surprised at how many you find!

15.  Get A National Parks Pass

An annual National Parks Pass is only $80!  There are so many fun and interesting things to see and do in our national parks, that $80 investment can bring a lot of fun and memories to your road trip.

There are also a few frugal hacks to purchasing a national parks pass, you can read all about them here.

16.  Use Coupons

When planning activities for your road trip, be sure to look into any coupons available.  I like to find coupons using Groupon, searching on google, or checking local facebook groups.

17.  Free Audiobooks

Listening to audiobooks is a great way to pass time while driving.  And guess what?!?!  You don’t have to spend any money to listen to audiobooks!  There are so many free resources out there for your enjoyment!  Be sure to check out my full list here:  Free Audiobook Resources.

 

How To Save Money On Gasoline When Road Tripping

One of the bigger expenses when it comes to a road trip is paying for gas.  As fuel prices keep climbing, consumers continue to look for new ways to save money.  Here are a few tips that might help.

18.  Drive Smart

The first way to save money on fuel is to drive smart!  Smart driving will help you get the most out of your car mileage.

Slightly changing the way you drive can make a big difference on your fuel consumption.  Slamming on your breaks or speeding up quickly will hurt your gas mileage.  Instead, try to get into the habit of accelerating and braking slowly and gradually.  It really does make a difference!

You’ll also find yourself saving money by driving at a decreased speed.  Driving at a speed of 65 mph is a good rule of thumb to get the best gas mileage.

19.  Use Upside Cashback App When Getting Gas

I’ve recently started using the free GetUpside app and loving it!  All you have to do is download the app and you will be able to see the gas offers in your area.  Choose the offer you want, the offers I’ve received have been anywhere from 15 cents/gallon – 1 cent/gallon cashback. After you select the offer you want to redeem, just go fill up with gas and scan your receipt into the GetUpside app.  It’s all really easy!  I’ve been using it for about a month and have earned $10 already!  Yay!

20.  Use the Gas Buddy App

The best way to find which gas station will be the best deal is to download and start using the free Gas Buddy app to help you find the cheapest gas in your area.

It’s really easy to use!  Just download the app and enter in your location.  The app will then search to find the gas prices near you.  Scroll through your options until you find the best deal and use that station to fill up!

The prices will change and vary day to day, so check the app each time you need gas.

Other Ways To Save Money On Your Road Trip

Here are a few other ways you can cut costs on your next family road trip.

21.  Avoid Traveling During Holidays

Holiday travel tends to make prices in all areas increase.  If you can, try to plan your trips over non-holiday weekends.  This will save you money on gas, activities, and lodging.

22.  Pack instead of buy

Reduce the amount of items you will have to buy on your road trip by planning ahead and packing as much as you can.  Don’t forget to pack medication, band aids, all of the shoes you will need, jackets, and any other gear you think will be useful.

There is nothing worst than getting to your destination to realize you have to go to the store and buy something that you forgot to pack.

23.  Avoid Toll Roads

Toll roads are often an unexpected expense.  Make sure to plan your driving route to avoid having to pay these tolls. 

Use google maps to find the best non-toll road route.  This is easily done by clicking on the “avoid tolls” button in the “plan route” section.

24.  Invite A Friend

Inviting a friend on your frugal road trip is another great way to reduce costs.  Together you can split the cost of gasoline, lodging, and even meals at restaurants!  Plus, you’ll make countless memories!

 

 

In Conclusion

Don’t let frugality stop you from exploring and having fun.  Instead, have fun in a frugal way!  I hope these ideas help you to have an incredibly fun road trip on a budget!

 

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A road trip on a budget is possible!

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Spending Money

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Stop spending money by asking yourself these important questions.

You may or may not believe this, but….it’s true….I am a recovered shopaholic.  I use to go shopping every single day, buying everything and anything that caught my eye.  After years of money mistakes, I finally began to change my ways.  It took time, a lot of ups and downs, but I was able to overcome that shopping addiction.  A lot of the change came from learning to ask myself some important questions before spending any money.  These questions have made a huge impact on my life and spending habits, and I think they can help you too!

Asking yourself these important questions before spending money gives you time to pause and reflect so that you can make the best decisions for you and your finances.

Below are the questions I recommend you ask yourself before making a purchase.  Let me know if there are any other questions that you would add to this list!

1.  Do I need this?

The first question you should always ask yourself before making a purchase is, “Do I need this?”  Now, keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with buying things that we want, as a matter of fact it’s healthy to buy your wants occasionally.  But, if you are trying to cut back on spending money, it’s important to truly focus on buying your needs.

So, what is a need?

Needs are the items you absolutely have to have in order to live and survive each day.  Things like, shelter, food, transportation, etc. will usually fall under the need category.

If you determine that you don’t need the item, maybe consider starting a sinking fund so that you can come back and by it another time.

2.  Can I afford this?

The next question to ask yourself before spending money is, “Can I afford this?”  Look through your budget to determine if you have enough money saved and available to make the purchase.  If you will have to make the purchase using a credit card, then it is probably not a wise time to buy it.

Instead, make a sinking fund (which is like a savings plan) in your budget so that you can save up enough cash to purchase the item down the road.  Saying “no” in the moment, doesn’t always mean saying “no” forever.

3.  Will I love/use this for years?

Always consider the long term investment when you are spending money, if you are going to spend money on something, it should be something that you will love and use for years to come.  

True, most purchases will bring instant joy, but not all of them will keep you happy for much longer than that.

I’ve found that when I stop and think about how long I will actually enjoy something, I’m able to make much better spending decisions.

4.  Will buying this bring me closer to or further away from my big goals?

One of the questions that helps me the very most when I’m considering whether to make a purchase or not is to ask myself if buying the item will bring me closer to my big life goals or further away from my big goals.

I have big goals for my future, like I’m sure you do as well.  I want to help my husband retire early, pay cash for my kids to go to college, and provide an inheritance to my children.

When I am considering buying something I will usually ask myself something like, “Would I rather buy this TV or use that money to help me get closer to my goals?”  This question always helps me remember the big picture and puts everything into perspective.

Sometimes, you might rather buy the TV (or whatever it might be), and that’s ok!  But, always give yourself that moment to reflect on your goals before spending money.

5.  Could I buy this item for a lower price?

Maybe you have found something that you truly need/want/love more than anything, and are positive that you want to buy it.  Ok!  Go for it (as long as it’s in budget!)  But, before buying, take a few minutes to brainstorm some ways that you could buy that same product for less (because we all like more for less….right???).  For example, you might be able to:

  • Buy it cheaper at a different store
  • Barter for the item to get the price lowered
  • Borrow something similar from a friend
  • Buy it gently used on Facebook marketplace or a thrift store
  • Use a cashback app or store rewards program
  • Wait to purchase it when it goes on sale
  • Repurpose something you already own to be similar

The extra work it will take to find a lower price is always worth the extra effort for me!

6.  How often will I use this?

Be honest with yourself about how often you will actually use the item you want to buy.  Will it only be used a couple of times and then sit at the bottom of your closet?  Or will it be pulled out over and over for many years to come?

A few years ago I was POSITIVE that I wanted to buy a rice cooker.  We eat a lot of rice, so I thought if I had a fancy-schmancy cooker then it would make my life much easier.

Well.  I was wrong.

As it turns out, I like the rice cooked over the stove much more than rice from a rice cooker (whodathunk!?).

So, the rice cooker sat in my pantry for years, until I finally donated it.

If I would have taken a little bit more time to think about whether I would actually change my regular routine and get out an extra appliance to make rice, I probably would have realized that this is an item that wouldn’t be used very often.  And, I would have saved myself some money.

7.  How am I feeling right now?

Take a minute to reflect on what emotions you are feeling in the moment.  Try to determine if any of those emotions are the cause of you wanting to spend money.  Many times we will spend money because we are bored, hungry, stressed, or anything in between.

If you emotional spending is a common occurrence in your life, make sure to read my article:  How To Stop Emotional Spending for a few tips on overcoming this problem!

Once you focus on the emotion you are feeling in that moment, you will be able to decide if it’s your emotions telling you to make the purchase….or your logic.  I recommend making purchases based on logic!

8.  Could I use this money for something else?

Another important question to ask before spending money is, “Could I use this money for something else?”  It’s always important to be aware of your current needs so that you will know if you need to be spending your money on something else.   

For example:

  • Do you have debt you need to pay off?
  • Have you been contributing to retirement?
  • Are your sinking funds full?

These might (not always, but might) be better uses for that money….rather than what you want to buy at the store.

 

In Conclusion

Taking the extra time to ask yourself a few questions, instead of instantly buying the first thing that catches your eye will save you a lot of money.  I know it has saved me time and time again!  Be thoughtful with your spending, consider each purchase, and make the decisions that will best help you now and in the future.

 

 

Related Articles:

Purpose of a Budget

How To Stop Emotional Shopping

How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck In 6 Steps

 

 

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Make sure you ask yourself these questions before spending money!

 

 

 

Frugal Living Tips From The Great Depression

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

The best money saving tips we can learn from our grandparents.

I have many fond memories of sitting in my great grandmothers home while she shared stories with my family about living during the great depression.  She explained that growing up during this time taught her to always be frugal, even if it isn’t always necessary, it’s still a wonderful way to live.  Her example taught me so much about mindful spending, and I think everyone can learn many frugal living tips from the great depression.

I admire everyone who went through the depression, it was such a hard and difficult time for many people.  But, through that process they learned how to be creative with the things they owned, resourceful with their belongings, and prudent with their earnings.  They learned to never waste, and to always think long and hard before spending any money.

Today I’m sharing a few of their frugal tips, and I hope these tips can help you live frugally and save more money.  We can all be a little more frugal…even if it isn’t a necessity!

1.  Make Your Own Household Cleaners

It was almost unheard of to buy a household cleaning product at the store during the depression era.  Most households knew the basic ingredients to whip up their own cleaning recipe, they saved a lot of money simply by making their own.

The best part is that you probably already have every ingredient you need to make your own household cleaners. 

Check out a few of my favorite recipes:  Homemade Household Cleaning Recipes.

2.  Repurpose Materials

With money scarce during the great depression, most people tried to figure out ways to repurpose items they already owned, rather than tossing them aside.  

We can easily repurpose as well!  Here are a few suggestions of things in your home you can repurpose to use again:

  • Empty Milk Carton:  Clean out your milk cartons and reuse them to store water or as a mini garden greenhouse.
  • Egg Cartons:  Egg cartons are easy to repurpose as a planter for starting seeds, or as a way to organize beads or any other small items in the home.
  • Toilet Paper Rolls:  Toilet paper rolls make great crafts!  Check out these easy toilet paper roll crafts for some great ideas.
  • Glass/Plastic Containers:  Reuse your sour cream containers, mayo jars, and everything else in between for storing small objects.
  • Grocery Bags:  Turn your plastic grocery bags into trash liners for the small trash cans in your restroom.
  • Clothing/Bedding:  Don’t let your worn clothing or bedding to go to waste.  All you have to do is cut the cloth into small pieces and use them for rags!

3.  Eat At Home

Families rarely, if ever, went out to eat during the depression.  Money was just to tight to spend it on a night out.  Every meal was spent together, at home, enjoying food made from scratch. 

Cooking at home will make a huge difference in your budget each month.  Make sure to check out some of my quick, family friendly dinner ideas here.

 

4.  Trade Skills

Another common frugal living tip from the great depression is to trade skills with each other.  During the depression era, neighbors, friends and acquaintances were often bartering their skills with each other in an attempt to save money.

We can still follow this example today.  If you are great at photography, you could offer to take your neighbors pictures and in return they could donate a service to you, like teaching your kids a musical instrument, cutting your hair, or anything else you need that they can do.

5.  Make Do With What You Have

Something breaks? You don’t have the exact ingredient that you need?  Make it do!

If you can be content with what you already have, you will be much more likely to make it do, rather than spending on the “next big thing!”  I have two personal examples for you.

Example 1:

We spent years watching “everyone” around us switching from flip phones to smart phones. I would be asked regularly why I still used such an “old fashioned phone”. My answer? “Because this one still works fine.”

Of course I would have RATHER of been using a flashy smart phone with all those cool apps and emojis….but I was on a small budget, so the flip phone was all I needed.

Now, I’m not saying that you should get rid of your smart phones. What I am SAYING is that I want you tostart looking at what you have in your home differently.

Example 2:

Last year we wanted to update my 13 year olds bedroom, to give her more of a teenage room, and less of a young girl room. She had requested more coral and less yellow.

Our goal was to only use what we already had around the house all while giving her room a completely new look.

We made a tassel garland out of scrap fabric. She searched through old decorations that we had put in the storage room to find pieces she liked. We decided to paint over a yellow sign, but didn’t have any coral paint. So, we mixed pink with orange and came up with the perfect coral color.

Long story short: we MADE IT WORK! And, she now has a teenage room that she loves.

5 Ways to Make It Do

  1. Take good care of what you already own. Make rules like no shoes in the house, no jumping on the furniture, etc.
  2. Rearrange your furniture for a new look. Swap decor amongst different rooms to switch things up!
  3. Set a grocery budget and stick to it, no matter what. Make whatever you have in your pantry and fridge last for as long as you need to. 
  4. Keep your electronics in good condition and use them until they break, even if they are old and uncool.
  5. Stretch your meat further by using 1/2 the meat called in your recipe and substituting it with beans.

6.  Learn How To Sew

Sewing clothes was very common during the depression.  While, I’m not suggesting you need to start making all of your own clothes, I do recommend that everyone learns a few basic sewing skills.

Being able to sew on a button, hem a dress, or mend a rip will save you a lot of money and help you prevent waste.

7.  Have Fun For Free

I am so passionate about the ability to enjoy life, have fun, and make memories without spending any money.  Our great grandparents were excellent at this skill!

Here are a few ways you can have fun for free:

  • Play games (we love fish bowl)
  • Go for a walk
  • Read books from the library
  • Listen to music

Remember to be creative when trying to find cheap fun.  It’s out there!

8.  Hang Your Laundry To Dry

You will save a lot of money on electricity just by simply using your dryer less and hanging your clothes to dry instead.  An outdoor clothes line is the most traditional method to drying clothes.  However, you could also dry them in your house.  I really like this foldable laundry rack and I personally have this wall mounted drying rack in my laundry room.  It works great during the cold winter months.

9.  Learn To DIY

Another way to a lot of money is by learning to DIY.

I know the phrase DIY brings out a lot of different feelings to different people. Some feel excited and motivated (yay! hand me a hammer, I’ll show you how it’s done!). Others might feel a sense of panic and worry (what!?!? I’m not handy….I don’t know how to DIY!).

Do you WANT to learn more DIY but feel stuck or confused about where to start??? I understand! And guess what, learning to DIY is actually incredibly easy!

All it takes is a quick search on google, and a few minutes reading blog tutorials and watching YouTube videos.  That’s really it! It’s exactly how my husband and I have been able to successfully complete dozens of our very DIY projects.

Start small, go slow, and ask questions. You just might surprise yourself with a few new talents and a big savings in your budget.

10.  Grow Your Own Food

During the great depression it was common for everyone to have large gardens.  Not only was it necessary to grow your own food, it was also the way of life.

I believe that it is just as important to grow our own food today as it was back then.

We don’t have any control over grocery prices (and they just keeeeep on raising), so the more we can do to save money in the kitchen- the better!

If gardening scares you, don’t worry!  You don’t need to grow a lot of food to begin saving money.  Even a small window garden will help you lower grocery costs.  Here are a few of the easiest things to grow in your first garden.

11.  Preserve Garden Produce

Speaking of growing your own food, it’s equally important to understand how to preserve the food that you grow.  A freezer/pantry full of preserved garden produce is one of the best ways to save money all year long.

I taught myself everything that I know about canning and preserving using the Ball Book Of Canning and Preserving.  It is an amazing guide and resource and recommend it to everyone!

 

While you will need to spend money to buy canning supplies, this initial investment has paid off over and over for my family.

12.  Save Leftovers

I have to admit something to you.  I use to throw away all of my leftovers…..every last crumb.  When I first started dating my husband he would watch me in complete disbelief as I chucked my uneaten food down the drain.  “I don’t like leftovers,” I would casually say to him.

Well, I have learned a lot since then….much to the example of my husband.

Now, when I see leftovers I see the money that I spent buying that food…..and there is no way I am going to throw my hard earned money down the drain.

Be like new me, not old me and save your leftovers to use again!  

Leftovers can be:

I also love to freeze a lot of my leftovers in an ice cube tray for easy use later.  Try it!

13.  Cook From Scratch

Our great grandparents cooked almost everything they ate from scratch.  They avoided buying preprepared foods as much as possible, because they knew that they could make it for much less money.

We can follow this example by making our own bread, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, salad dressing, granola, pizza, lasagna, pancakes, tortillas, yogurt, coutons, muffins, BBQ sauce, and so much more!  The list is never ending.

If cooking is not something you feel comfortable and confident with, then start small.  Making pancakes in the morning is really easy!  Then work up to more difficult things….like baking bread.  

Also, keep in mind that you do not have to make every single thing from scratch to save money.  Choose a few staples you like to make, and be consistent with them.  Every little bit of frugal living will add up and save you money.

14.  Stretch Your Meals

Another important frugal living tip from the great depression is to be intentional about stretching your meals.  Sometimes all it takes is adding a can of beans to make one meal turn into two meals.  

Using simple methods to stretch your meals is a great way to cut your grocery costs.  Click here for more easy to follow tips to help your meals stretch further.

15.  Be Your Own Handyman

Skip hiring someone to do simple repairs and household maintenance.  Watch a few YouTube channels and learn how to fix it yourself!

Keep in mind that you won’t save money if the repair is done wrong, in those circumstances you might end up having to pay more to get it fixed.  So, do thorough research before starting any repairs/home maintenance yourself.

Here are a few fairly easy household maintenance ideas that I think *most* people can easily do themselves:

  • Paint walls
  • Patch drywall holes
  • Unclog drains
  • Change oil in car
  • Fertilize yard

The next time you are tempted to call a handyman, pause and ask yourself if this is something you can learn to fix yourself!  I bet you can!

16.  Give Something Homemade

During the great depression, most people didn’t have any extra money to spend on birthday or holiday gifts.  So, they made most of the gifts they gave to others.  I truly believe it is the thought behind a gift that means the most….and homemade gifts are my favorite because they take a lot of thought, time and love.

Check out this list of homemade Christmas gift ideas to help you get started!

17.  Ignore Fads

Our grandparents knew to ignore any trends/fads that would cause them to spend unnecessarily.  The fads come and go, and once they are gone all you’ll be left with is a pile of stuff you don’t need anymore and less money in your bank account (anyone remember the Beanie Baby era???).

Be mindful when you are spending your money and ask yourself if you are buying something just because everyone else is buying it….or if it’s something you will actually use, love and value for years to come.

 

 

18.  Use Electricity Sparingly

Did anyone else grow up with parents who were constantly reminding them to turn off the light???  It wasn’t just me was it????

Our parents learned from their parents that the more electricity you use, the more money you will spend.

Turning off unused lights is one way to conserve electricity.  You can also:

  • Unplug appliances when not in use
  • Use LED lightbulbs
  • Lower your thermostat
  • Seal leaks around windows and doors

There are so many ways to save money simply by changing the way you use electricity.  For more ideas check out these two articles:  How To Save Money On Electricity During Winter and How To Save Money On Electricity During Summer.

19.  Use It up

During the depression families learned to use everything up, rather than letting it go to waste.  If they had a small amount of ketchup left in the bottle, they would use a small spatula or knife to get it out and use it.

Be mindful of not throwing away small amounts of condiments, shampoo, soap, milk, etc.  Find ways to open up the container and use every last drop.

20.  Avoid Disposable Products

Disposable products have become more popular over the years, but they are not great for the wallet (or the environment!).

Try to buy products that can be used over and over again and skip purchasing anything that only has a one time use. 

A few examples of this are to buy:

  • Hand towels instead of paper towels
  • Tupperware instead of sandwich bags
  • Dishes instead of paper plates

You will have to spend slightly more money to begin with….but it will save you big over time.

21.  Forage

Yes!  You read that right, foraging is a great way to save money on food.  And, it’s actually really fun too!

Scout out areas in your community or nearby that has wild berries or other plants growing and go forage.  Every summer my family drives to a nearby spot and spends a day picking huckleberries.  We freeze these huckleberries and use them all year.  

22.  Turn Off The Air Conditioner

I know this is a tough one….but most homes did not have air conditioners during the depression years….and they survived.  I’m sure it wasn’t easy…but they survived.

Try to keep cool instead by using fans, sitting outside in the shade, using cool washcloths, and keeping blinds closed during the hot part of the day.

If turning the air conditioner off completely feels to much for you, then try to increase the thermostat a few degrees so that you are using it less often.

23.  Conserve Water

And my last frugal living tip from the great depression is to conserve water.  You can conserve water by:

  • Wearing clothes multiple days (as long as they are clean!)
  • Follow the mantra:  “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.”
  • Brush your teeth in the shower
  • Take short showers
  • Fix leaky faucets

Sometimes all it takes is a few simple changes to start saving money.

In Conclusion

Who’s ready to implement these frugal tips from the great depression!  I know I am!  Pick one or two new money saving tips to start saving more money today.

 

Related Articles:

How To Live Frugally

Things Frugal People Dont Do

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How To Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Easy Ways To Get Free Amazon Gift Cards

I’ve been finishing up the last of my Christmas shopping the past few days.  And as I’ve been shopping I’ve been so grateful for all of my free Amazon gift cards I’ve been saving up during the year.  They help make Christmas much more affordable!

I get asked a lot about how to earn free amazon gift cards, and I decided it was time to share all of my favorite ways!  These hacks won’t make you rich, but they will help ease some of the financial burden you may feel.

Personally, I save up my Amazon gift cards all year to use for Christmas.  But, you could also use them to help pay for birthday presents, household expenses, back to school supplies, sports equipment, and everything in between!  

Sweet Frugal Life is a member of online affiliate programs.  I will be compensated for purchases and clicks made from links in this post.

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Amazon Gift Cards

Before we get into how to earn free gift cards, let’s discuss a few of the most commonly asked questions.  Because if other people have asked me these questions….then I’m assuming you are wondering the same thing!

Can you actually get free Amazon gift cards?

Yes!  You can!  I know that there are a lot of scams and to good to be true deals out there.  But, the hacks I’m sharing with you today are all totally 100% legit.  I’ve earned Amazon gift cards using each of these methods and can vouch that they work and are safe!

Does it take a long time to earn a gift card?

This really depends on which method you are using, and how often you are using it.  Taking surveys through Swagbucks or Pinecone will probably help you earn gift cards faster then the reward apps.  However, it can take a while to earn a significant amount of gift cards cash.  Remember that slow and steady wins the race!

How do I redeem my gift cards?

When you have enough points to cash out for a gift card all you will need to do is select an Amazon gift card from the reward section of each of these apps/websites.

You will then be given a 14 digit code.  To redeem the code simply log into your Amazon account, and click on Gift Cards.  You will then enter the gift card code.  The money will now be available to credit to your next Amazon purchase!  So easy!

Ways To Earn Amazon Gift Cards

There are many easy ways to get free Amazon gift cards!  I like to use a mix of options to help the savings add up quickly!  Here are a few of my favorite methods.

1.  Swagbucks

Swagbucks was the very first rewards website I ever signed up for many many years ago.  They offer many different options to help you get Amazon gift cards.  You can earn points, called Swagbucks, for watching videos, taking surveys, searching the internet, shopping online, and so much more!  You can then redeem these points for gift cards to Amazon.

Sign up for Swagbucks here and get a $10 bonus!

2.  Survey Junkie

Another great way to easily earn free Amazon gift cards is to take surveys using survey junkie.  It’s so easy to do!  Just sign up for survey junkie here and fill out a profile to have surveys matched to your interests.

You will then be offered surveys to complete.  This is the perfect activity for when you are standing in line, watching TV, or have some time to kill.  Each survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and pay on average around $1-$3.

Each of your completed surveys will earn you points, these points can then be redeemed for Amazon gift cards.

3.  Upside

Do you fill your car up with gasoline???  Then you should be using the Upside app!

Upside gives you cash back, which can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards, at participating gas stations.  Most days I am able to get 5-20 cents cashback per gallon, but if you sign up using this link and use coupon code AFF25 then you will get a bonus 25 cents cashback per gallon!

Make sure to read my full honest review of the Upside app here.

4.  Pinecone Research

I recently started taking surveys on Pinecone Research and have loved everything about it.  It’s definitely my favorite survey website.

After registering on the Pinecone website you will begin to receive emails inviting you to complete surveys.  The surveys are fairly easy to fill out and take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

You will be paid $3 for each completed survey which can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards.

5.  Ibotta

There are so many cashback apps that will reward you with free Amazon gift cards.  The app that I’ve been using the longest is Ibotta.  

Ibotta offers a huge selection of rebates.  I have earned cash back on a wide selection of products, including milk, apples, pantry staples, broccoli, beauty and household items.

One of my favorite things about Ibotta though is that they offer cash back on what they call “any brand” items.  For example, today they are having rebates on any brand of yogurt or diapers that you buy.  So you can buy your favorite brand, and get some money back at the same time.

Plus, they always offer a small cash back on “any item.”  So, I can buy anything in the store, and earn some money back.

Ibotta is super easy to use!

  • Just shop like you normally would.
  • Check the app for any rebates you earned.
  • Click on the qualifying items you purchased.
  • Scan your receipt.
  • Your cash back is instantly put into your Ibotta account.  Easy Peasy!

You can request your cash once you reach $20.  I usually get it deposited into my paypal account or redeem it for an Amazon gift card.

6.  Fetch Rewards

Probably the easiest app for earning Amazon gift cards is Fetch Rewards.   This app rewards you with points when you scan your gift cards, and then you can redeem the points for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, Sephora, Best Buy, restaurants, and more! 

How it works:

  • Download the free Fetch Rewards app
  • Grocery shop like you normally do
  • Scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app
  • You will automatically be rewarded points based on what you bought.

One of the best things about Fetch Rewards is that you can start redeeming your Amazon gift cards at only $3, and it is so easy to earn that first $3.

7.  Discover Card

Another easy way to get free Amazon gift cards is to use a Discover credit card.  With each purchase made on a Discover card you will earn cashback.  You can redeem the cashback as credit on your card, or you can use it to purchase items from Amazon. We allow this cashback to accumulate throughout the year and only use it to help us pay for Christmas.

  • BONUS!  You can get a $50 bonus when you sign up for a Discover Card and make your first purchase within 3 months.  Just make sure you pay it off monthly!

 

In Conclusion

Now that you know how to earn free Amazon gift cards, it’s time to start earning!  There are so many things you could do with some extra Amazon cash!

 

Related Articles:

The Best Cash Back Apps

How To Listen To Audiobooks For Free

Legit Ways To Earn Money From Home

 

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25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Cheap gifts for tweens.

Tween girls can be so hard to shop for!  They are growing out of the little girl toys, but not quite interested in the teen girl life.  Fortunately, I have you covered!  With a little bit of research, and discussion with my daughters I was able to make this list of 25 AMAZING gift ideas for tween girls all under $25.  Yay!

gift ideas for tween girls under $24 - what to buy tweens for Christmas

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Gifts for Reading

Many girls are interested in reading at this age.  Here are a few book ideas for tween girls.

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities is a very popular series for this age group.  Consider buying her the first book in this series, she is sure to love it!  The paperback is only $9.99.

 

Wreck This Journal

I absolutely love the concept of Wreck This Journal.  Each page gives different prompts of things you can do to the journal.  It literally gives the kids permission to “wreck” the journal. 

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

The Tail of Emily Windsnap is such a darling book!  Both of my daughters absolutely loved it; AND it is a series!  That is a huge win for me!  The paperback book is $5.89.

 

Tween Accessories/Jewelry/etc.

Tween girls are all about the accessories!  Here are a few fun ones they might love!

Slippers

Gifting slippers is so fun on Christmas!  You really can’t beat a gift that’s warm and cozy!  These slippers are so sweet and affordable.  I love all of the different designs to choose from. 

 

Claw Clips

Claw clips for hair are really popular right now with teens and tweens!  They are such a cute and fun way to put your hair up!  You can grab this 8 pack for less than $15!  Win!

 

Gel Nail Polish Kit

I bought my daughter a gel nails kit a few years ago and she uses it weekly.  Here is a great starter kit with 10 colors, and portable nail lamp.  

 

Caboodles

Caboodles are all the rage right now, and I love this caboodle.  A perfect place for tween girls to start organizing their makeup collection.  

 

Necklace

I adore this dainty initial necklace.  It would make such a special gift!  The necklace is a great price at $15.99.

MignonandMignon Gold Initial Necklace Initial Pendant Necklace Graduation Gift Personalized Necklace (M) - RCIN

 

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls Room

Tweens are at the age where they love decorating their room and putting their own personality in it.  Here are a few ideas she might love!

Felt Board

Felt Boards make for really cute room decorations for tween girls.  This felt board is only $21.95 and has amazing reviews!

Marquee Letter

Another really fun room decoration is this Marquee Letter Sign.  You can choose whichever letter you want for the initial and it’s less than $10!

 

Squishmallow

Squishmallows are cool no matter what age you are!  They are soft and adorable and so popular!  I personally love this pineapple squishmallow, but there are so many different designs to choose from. 

 

Lava Lamp

I always wanted a lava lamp as a young girl, and my girls have felt the same way. There is just something so relaxing about the colors in the lava lamp.  This Lava Lamp is so pretty!

Alarm Clock

Check out this adorable Alarm clock!  I love the retro look it has, and it includes other colors to choose from.  It’s currently priced at $12.99.

 

 

Educational/Craft Gifts

Are you looking for something educational or maybe a craft for your tween girl to do?  These make great gifts because they keep girls entertained, learning and busy…..without electronics!

Adult Coloring Book

If your tween loves to color, they might love this Inspirational Coloring Book.  I love that the pages are focused on building confidence and self worth, which is so important for tweens!  It’s very affordable at only $6.99!

 

Markers

Most tween girls love markers.  They use them for doodling, drawing, writing notes, calligraphy, etc.  Here’s a really cute set of metallic markers.

 

Lip Balm Kit

How fun does this Lip Balm Kit look?  It is a fun mix of science and glam, perfect for pre-teens.  The reviews are all really positive and would be a fun activity to do together.

 

Cookbook

American Girl just can do no wrong!  This American Girl Baking Cookbook is darling and looks so fun.  It would be a great way for tween girls to learn to bake.  You can get the hardcover for just $10.99!

Bead Kit

Here is a cute bead kit for making jewelry.  It has 4800 pieces with a variety of colors and designs.

 

Tie-Dye Kit

Tie dye is super popular among the young crowd!  Consider gifting the tween girl in your life a tie dye kit for Christmas.  Use your imagination when it comes to tie dye, it can be more than white shirts.  You can tie dye scrunchies, socks, hats, shoes, headbands, and so much more!

 

Piggy Bank

I think it is so important to teach kids how to save their money.  This pineapple piggy bank is so cute and would make saving fun!

 

 

Gifts for Fun

Girls just wanna have fun, right???  Here are a few gift ideas that your tween girl will love using daily!

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for girl parties or for anyone who loves to sing!  It is compatible with both android and iOS and it is only $14.99.

 

Gumball Machine

I always wanted my very own gumball machine as a kid.  This cute Gumball Machine comes with gumballs already stocked and has a fun spiral feature.

 

 

Sleep Over Party Game

This is a really fun party game for tween girls to play with their friends.  It can be played at a party, or just for fun!   You can buy it for $19.99!

 

Watch Ya Mouth Game

The Watch Ya Mouth Game is hilarious!  It’s impossible not to laugh while playing!  Tweens will love playing this with their friends and family.  It’s a great price at $19.99!

 

Throw Throw Burrito

Another fun game for tweens is the Throw Throw Burrito game.  It’s a fun, interactive game that keeps everyone laughing the entire time.

 

In Conclusion

There are so many things you can gift ideas for tween girls under $25.  Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!

 

Related Articles:

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

25 Gift Ideas for 5-7 year old boys under $25

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10

 

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Gift Ideas for 5-7 year old boys under $25

By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Cheap Christmas gifts for young kids.

My goal for giving gifts is to find good quality gifts that will be loved for years, without spending very much money.  I know it’s hard, but it is possible!  Today I found 25 gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys, all under $25!   I hope one of these ideas will be the perfect gift for your loved one!

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Book Gifts for 5-7 Year Old Boys

The ages between 5-7 are such magical times for young kids.  Many learn how to read and write during these years, and a whole new world is opened up to them through books.  Here are a few of our fave books for these ages.

The Monster At The End Of This Book

One of my very favorite children’s books is The Monster at the End of This Book.  This is such a fun, interactive story that brings a laugh with every turn of the page.  I have never found a kid who hasn’t giggled with every page turn during this book.  Plus, the price is fantastic at $2.98 for a hard cover!

The Book With No Pictures

The Book With No Pictures is another really fun book.  Each page is filled with silly words that “must” be read exactly as shown.  It’s impossible to read it without laughing, and it is worth the $9.90!  When I worked at my kids school library, this was always the book the students were fighting over!

Piggie and Gerald Book

You can honestly never go wrong with a Piggie and Gerald book!  They are so fun and loveable!  We spend hours reading them weekly.  The Let’s Go For a Drive book happens to be one of our faves and is a great deal for just $10!

Educational Gift Ideas

Education toys are some of my favorite gifts to give.  I love how they keep kids minds active and entertained at the same time!

Lego Gear Bots

Here is a fun and educational gift for 5-7 year old boys.  The LEGO Gear Bots combines the magic of legos and technic in such a creative way to help young minds build and learn.  This is a gift that is worth the frugal price!

 

Science Kit

Do you have a boy who loves science?  This Science Kit is just the ticket!  It can provide hours of fun for you and your son to enjoy together.  The price is right at just $12.92!

LEGO Chain Reactions Kit

Another fun education gift is the LEGO Chain Reactions kit.  It involves building, planning, and experimenting and teaches your little one how to build 10 different moving machines with all pieces needed included!  This is a great toy for helping kids learn, while they are having fun!  It is only $18.86!

How to Draw Book

Each of my kids have enjoyed these How to Draw books.  The shapes are all easy to draw and understand, making it perfect for a young beginner.  Plus, it only costs $4.99!  A great frugal gift!

Sport Gifts

I love gifting fun sport gifts to my boy.  Anything that keeps him active, and helps get the energy out is a great gift!

Over The Door Basketball Hoop

Maybe the boy you are shopping for loves basketball??  He might enjoy this fun Over the Door Basketball Hoop for a fun game of basketball in the house.  It is only $24.95 and comes with a foam ball!

 Soccer Goal Net

Another fun and frugal sport gift idea is this Soccer Goal Net.  It’s the perfect size for a basement soccer game or to take outside for extra practice.  And it is currently on sale for just $16.99!

Gifts for Play

We all know that boys love to play!  Here are some fun gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys, perfect for helping them to play!

Remote Control Car

Remote control anything is always a sure bet with young boys.  This Remote Control Stunt Car is extra special with lights, music and the ability to perform fun stunts and tricks.  It is a fantastic deal at just $21.95!!

Walkie Talkies

How fun would these Walkie Talkies be for your sweet boy?  My son loves using his walkie talkies with his friends to play “spy.”  It’s really the cutest ever!  The reviews are all fantastic and they are only $21.99.

 

Magformers

I absolutely love Magformers for kids!  Not only are they form to play with, but it’s also a great toy for encouraging imagination and STEM knowledge.  There are so many possibilities to create!  This is a small beginner set and only costs $23.70.

LEGO Set

When it comes to boys, you can never go wrong with a LEGO set, and the LEGO creator sets are extra fun because you can make multiple creations from the same set.  Here is a fun LEGO Dinosaur creator set perfect for young boys!  It’s only $11.99!

 Kids Tool Set

How cute is this Kids Tool Set?  My little boy just loves pulling out his toy tools and “helping” dad around the house.  Plus, it’s on sale for $23.99!

 

Night Vision Goggles

My son received these Night Vision Goggles for Christmas last year and absolutely LOVED them!  He was so cute playing “spy” with them.  They are only $13.99!

Nerf Gun

I’ve never met a boy who didn’t love a nerf gun and this Nerf Gun checks all the boxes; it has over 14,000 positive reviews and comes with 6 darts.  It could provide hours of fun for any little boy!  The price is right at just $18.34.

Hand Operated Drone

This hand operated drone is the perfect Christmas gift for boys!  It’s controlled through sensors by the move of your hand! 

 

Flexible Race Track

The Flexible Race Track is a FAVORITE in our house.  These tracks are easy to snap together and fun to change the design over and over.  It is a good price at $28.69!

 

Remote Control Robot

How fun is this Remote Control Robot??  The robot can be programmed to dance, sing, and do a lot of other fun activities.  It’s only $24.99!

Boogie Boards 

I absolutely love these Boogie Boards!  They are similar to a white board and chalkboard, but easier to erase and so much less mess.  We use them on car trips, during church, and for playing at home.  

Light Saber

The Star Wars craze is back, and not going anywhere anytime soon.  This double sided light up saber is perfect for a friendly duel.  So fun.

 

Transformers 

If you are a looking for a fun, budget friendly action figure for your boy, you might enjoy this Transformers toy.  It’s the perfect transformer for young boys because it’s easy to maneuver and transform.  You can buy it now at the excellent price of $16.99.

Games

My family loves all types of games!  Board games, card games, silly games!  You name it and we want to play it!  They are always fun gifts to give because they offer hours of family togetherness and laughs.  Here are a few favorites.

Spot It

Our Family LOVES the game Spot It.  I was really excited to find a Spot It Jr. for our little one.  This game is so easy to learn and play, and so addicting!  You can get it for just $9.99!

Spot It! JR. Animals

Connect 4

Connect 4 is a classic game, and for good reason!  It is fun to play and a perfect game for beginners.  Buy it now for only $9.88.

Exploding Kittens 

Honestly, Exploding Kittens is the perfect game for young boys.  It’s full of silliness and laughter!  You can get it for only $19.99.

In Conclusion

There are so many wonderful gifts you can give to the young boy in your life, without having to spend a lot of money.  I hope these gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys gave you some inspiration to finding that perfect present!

 

Related Articles:

25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls Under $25

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

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Christmas Gift Ideas For College Students Under $25

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Budget Friendly Gifts For Young Adults

Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas for college students under $25?  Well I have the list for you!  I’ve searched the internet and found the perfect list of gifts for young adults.  And do you want to know what the best part is????  Everything on this list is budget friendly!  You can buy your loved one something that they will need, love and enjoy….without having to break the bank!  Yay!

Sweet Frugal Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Essential Oil Diffuser

Alright, it’s no secret that dorm rooms can get a little smelly, so help a young college student out with an essential oil diffuser.  Not only will this make their room smell amazing, it will also help to alleviate a lot of their stress and other ailments.  This essential oil diffuser has great reviews and a great price!

 

 

Cell Phone Stand

Here’s a great budget friendly gift idea for college students under $25; a cell phone stand!  This is the perfect item for them to place on their desk while they are studying, or next to their bed when they just want to relax.

 

Laundry Basket

Most college students will need a laundry hamper to haul their laundry back and forth to the laundry mat.  This one is really cute and affordable, it comes in a lot of different colors and has great reviews!

 

 

Sleep Mask

Sharing a room isn’t easy, especially if you’re not use to it or have different sleep patterns from your roommate.  A sleep mask is the perfect gift to help your college student relax and get a good nights rest.  The entire dormitory will be jealous of this one!

 

 

Makeup Brushes

Honestly, a girl can never have to many makeup brushes!  I am absolutely in love with these rose gold brushes.  The set comes with 14 different brushes and has over 100,000 positive reviews!  This is a perfect gift for a young college girl.

 

 

Cell Phone Armband

If you are shopping for someone that likes to run, you might want to consider gifting them a cell phone armband.  This one even comes with an adjustable strap, key pocket and holes for headphones.

 

Adult Coloring Book

Coloring is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and pass the time.  You might want to gift your college student an adult coloring book and a pack of markers.  They’ll love getting to sit, color and relax during their free time.  You’re never to old for a coloring book and some markers!

    

 

College Cookbook

Most young adults are still learning how to cook and figure out how to care for themselves.  This is a great cookbook for college students!  All of the recipes can be made with 5 ingredients or less and are really easy to throw together.  The perfect gift for college students!

 

 

Wristlet Keychain

Here’s a trendy way for college kids to keep track of their room keys and school IDs.  I love the wristlet keychain and all of the many colors and designs you can choose from.  There is something for everyone!

 

 

Water Bottle

Another great gift idea for young adults is a water bottle.  They can carry it with them to class, to the gym, or wherever.  I love this water bottle because it does an excellent job at keeping the perfect temperature inside of the water bottle for hours and hours.  If you need to keep your drink hot-it can do that! But, if you want your drink to stay cold….it will do that too!  

 

 

Bluetooth Key Tracker

They will never lose their keys again with the Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker.  This tracker can easily attach it to their key ring to make sure they are never lost!  It’s a great gift for anyone, but especially those learning more about responsibility.

 

Sewing Kit

You might consider giving the gift of a sewing kit!  This will help them mend their clothes and learn how to be self sufficient in small repairs.  Here is the perfect sewing kit for emergencies.

 

 

Portable Charger

College students are often on the go, so buying them a portable charger will help them keep their electronics fully charged, no matter where they are.  This 2 pack portable charger has great reviews!

 

What Do You Meme Game

My friends and I loved to play big group games when we were in college.  The What Do You Meme Game is the perfect group game for this age group!  It’s seriously so funny!

 

 

 

Stress Balls

These stress balls are another great gift option to help alleviate stress.  They come in a three pack and I absolutely love that each ball includes a motivational saying.

 

 

Tool Set

I was given a small tool set when I was going to college and I LOVED it so much!  My roommates and I used it all the time around our apartment.  It was so handy.  I found a fantastic 39 piece tool set with great reviews and under $25 here!

 

Pillow Slippers

Most college students need some type of sandal to wear around the dorm and in the showers.  These pillow slippers are super popular right now and perfect for dorm life!

 

Throw Blanket

I love getting throw blankets for Christmas.  It’s such a fun way to brighten up a room, and you can really never have to many blankets around!  Here is a beautiful throw with multiple colors and styles to choose from. 

 

Dart Board

What’s a dorm room without a dart board?!?!?  This is the perfect gift ideas to help young adults have fun with their friends and roommates while away at school.  I found a fun magnetic dart board from Amazon and it is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment!

 

Personal Finance Books

Young adulthood is an important time to learn how to be responsible, care for yourself and prepare for a successful future.  I highly recommend gifting anyone at this age a personal finance book to help them get a jumpstart on their finances.  The Infographic Guide to Personal Finance is the perfect book to help anyone just starting out in life to understand personal finance better.  The graphics explains personal finance in very simple and easy to understand terms.  You can grab it here!

 

 

 

Portable Safe

Beings how most college dorms and apartments are public areas, with many people coming and going, it’s smart to have some type of protection from any potential theft.  This portable safe is the perfect gift to help keep their valuables safe while living away from home.  The reviews are great, and it’s portable…so perfect for bringing wherever they need to go.

 

Snack Care Package

You can never go wrong giving a college student food!  Consider buying them this food care package to help alleviate their late night snack cravings!  

 

 

Toiletry Bag

Another frugal gift idea for college students is a toiletry bag.  It will help them carry their toiletries to and from the bathrooms and for traveling back and forth between home and college.  I found a great toiletry bag you can get here, and it’s under $25!

 

Amazon Prime Student Membership

Give the gift that just keeps on giving!  I’m talking about an Amazon Prime Student Membership.  With this gift subscription your student will get:  free 2-day shipping, access to Prime music and video, unlimited photo storage and so much more!

 

Clip On Fan

I loved having a small fan in my bedroom while at college.  It helped me sleep better by giving some white noise and keeping the air moving.  Here are some budget friendly fans college students can clip on their beds.  You can even choose from a variety of fun colors!

 

 

In Conclusion

There are so many gift ideas for college students under $25!  In all honesty….money is usually tight for a young adult, so they are happy to receive ANYTHING!  You could even just give them a gift card or two!  Those were always some of my fave gifts when I was in college.  Remember, it is the thought that counts….not the price tag!

 

Check out my other gift guides:

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls Under $25

Cheap Gift Ideas for Teen Boys All Under $25!

 

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Best Christmas gift ideas for college students under $25.

How To Save Money On Your Universal Orlando Vacation

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Tips for Universal Studios on a budget!

Our family recently got home from a fun vacation to Universal Studios Orlando.  We had so much fun spending the week together as a family, making memories, and riding all of the fun rides with our 3 kids.  One of my goals for this trip, and every trip we take, is to have a memorable vacation without having to spend a ton of money.  So, today I’m going to share exactly how to save money on your Universal Studios vacation!  I hope it will help each of you be able to take this trip, even if your budget is tight.

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Best Tips to Save Money On Your Universal Orlando Vacation

Any vacation will cost money, but there are some tricks you can do to lower the price a little bit.  Learn how to save money on your Universal Orlando vacation below!

1.  Stay At A Hotel With A Kitchenette

One of my best budget travel hacks is to book a hotel that has a small kitchen, or kitchenette.  This was a huge money saver for us!  We ordered groceries from Walmart and had them delivered to the hotel the first day that we arrived.  I also saw a lot of people using Amazon Fresh to get groceries delivered. 

Using our kitchenette we were able to eat all of our breakfasts and lunches in our room, and only ate out for dinner.

Hotel Breakfast Ideas:

  • Cold Cereal
  • Instant Oatmeal
  • Muffins
  • Yogurt
  • Granola
  • Fruit

Hotel Lunch Ideas:

  • Mac and Cheese
  • Sandwiches
  • Bagels with Cream Cheese
  • Fruit
  • Protein Drink
  • Salad
  • Cup of Noodles

2.  Book Discount Universal Tickets

When purchasing your Universal Studio tickets, make sure to buy them from a discount retailer, you’ll be able to get the best deals and a few added perks!  I bought our tickets from Undercover Tourist and was so impressed with the price and ease of the purchase.

A couple other discount retailers I recommend are Costco and Get Away Today (use code SWEETFRUGAL for $10 off your Get Away Today vacation package!).

3.  Split a Meal

Another great way to save money at Universal studios is to split a meal between two people, instead of buying one for each person in your group.  All of the meals that we had at Universal Studios were very large portioned, making it easy to buy one meal and split it two ways!

4.  Skip Park-To-Park Tickets

Universal Orlando sells two different types of tickets.  You can either purchase a single park per day ticket or a park-to-park ticket.  The single park per day ticket will allow you into one of the Universal theme parks each day.  The park-to-park ticket allows you to visit multiple parks in one day.

Now, I totally think the park-to-park tickets are convenient and fun, but I still recommend skipping buying them.  Why you might ask?  Well, first off each park is huge and can easily fill an entire day.  It takes a lot of time to get to each park, so we prefer staying and enjoying one park each day.  The amount of time it takes to walk around one park, and then walk to the next park, and then walk around the other park just doesn’t make much sense to me.

The second reason I recommend buying a single park per day ticket is because it is much cheaper than the park-to-park tickets.  You can see the exact same attractions for a cheaper price.  I personally don’t think it’s worth the extra money.

Now, honestly, I give this tip with a little bit of hesitation.  If you are a big Harry Potter fan, than paying the extra money *might* be worth it to you.  The only way that you can experience the Hogwarts Express ride is if you have a park-to-park ticket.  The Hogwarts Express was closed when we were there, and at first I was really sad about it, but now I don’t feel like we missed much by not riding on it.  We were still able to experience all of the other incredible Harry Potter attractions.

Another exception I would make to my advice of skipping the park-to-park pass is if you only plan to attend Universal Studios for one day.  If you only have one day for the park, buy the park-to-park….but if you are going to be there for multiple days anyways, then save yourself some money and purchase the single park per day passes.

5.  Visit During The Off Season

One of the easiest ways to save money on your Universal Orlando vacation is to plan your visit during the off season months.  The cheapest months to go to Universal Studios Orlando is in January, February, or September.  Not only will Universal Theme Park tickets be cheaper, but so will hotel rooms and many airfares.

6.  Skip The Express Passes

Another extra you can purchase is the Express Pass.  The Express Pass is in addition to your regular Universal Studios ticket.  This amazing pass gives you the ability to cut to the front of the line on almost every ride (all but two!).  It is a great way to save time, ensure that you can ride all of the rides, and stay out of the heat. 

I was jealous of every single person who was using the Express Pass, however I do not recommend you buy one…..and here’s why:

The Express Passes are really really expensive.  Like, more than double the cost of your ticket expensive.   Plus, I don’t think they are necessary!

We visited Universal Studios during one of the hottest, busiest times of the year….and we were still able to ride on every ride that we wanted to ride in.  Yes, we had to stand in long lines, yes it was hot….but we survived!  And saved a ton of money in the process!

Standing in long lines is not the most fun way to spend a day….but it doesn’t have to be a terrible thing!  To help make the experience a little more enjoyable make sure to bring a lot of water, a mist spray bottle, snacks and some fun games.  Before our trip I downloaded the Heads Up app onto my phone and we had so much fun playing it while standing in line.  We were even able to make a few friends this way!

7.  Fill Your Water Bottle At The Free Coca-Cola Freestyle Stations

One of my favorite Universal Studios money saving hack is to fill up your water bottle with ice water for free at the Coca-Cola Stations around the park.  These stations are available in multiple locations (you can find exactly where on the Universal app).

You can bring your water bottle into the park and fill it up for free with ice water at any of these stations.  Many of them even had free cups available for anyone who didn’t have a water bottle.  It’s a great way to stay hydrated while at Universal Studios, without having to spend money on drinks.

My kids loved using these collapsible water bottles, they were lightweight to carry around, and then pull out and fill up whenever we came to a freestyle station.

free water at universal studios

8.  Pack Food Into Park

Buying food inside of Universal Studios is expensive.  You will save so much money if you pack your own food into the park each day.  We like to pack a backpack full of snacks, sandwiches, and fruit.  This way we can bring it with us around the park and we don’t have to pay for a locker.

9.  Purchase Souvenirs Outside Of Universal Parks

Souvenirs are a fun part of traveling and visiting somewhere new.  We love bringing home a memento or two from our travels. 

The problem with souvenirs at Universal Studios, is that they are very expensive!

Fortunately, you can buy the exact same products (or very very similar) for much less if you buy them outside of the park.

For cheaper Universal souvenirs check out Amazon, Target and Walmart.  You can even buy an interactive wand on eBay for cheap…and use it to cast spells while at Universal Studios!  Turn around and sell it once you get home again!

10.  Choose A Hotel Off Site

You can find a lot of great hotel options within the Universal Resort.  However, if you are trying to cut costs, I recommend booking a hotel outside of the resort hotels.  You can find a lot of great value hotels on International Drive.

Just remember, when booking a hotel off site to add in the “extras” you will be paying.  These extras might include:  resort fees, shuttle bus, parking, etc.  I still think you can find good deals, even with these extras, but the extra costs can be a shock if it wasn’t planned beforehand……and we don’t like surprises when it comes to our pocket book!

11.  Buy Tickets In Advance

Universal Studios tickets prices tend to increase the closer it gets to a specific park date.  You will save much more money (and time!) if you buy your park tickets in advance.  I recommend getting them as soon as you decide to go, months in advance is best!

12.  Stock Up On Extras Before Traveling

You will get the best bang for your buck if you buy any miscellaneous items at home rather than waiting until you get to the theme park.  These extras might include:

Prices on these miscellaneous items increase drastically once you get to Orlando, with an even bigger increase if you purchase them inside the Universal Parks.

13.  Take The Bus

To save money on transportation try using the Orlando public bus system, instead of Uber.  Rides on the bus are only $2 each, or pay $4.50 to ride the bus for the entire day, such a good deal!  Look through the bus routes here to see if any of them will work for you.  It might be slightly inconvenient, but you can’t beat the price!

14.  Book A Hotel With A Free Shuttle

Many hotels near Universal Studios offer free shuttle service to the park.  When you are trying to find the perfect hotel for your family, make sure to check to see if they offer this shuttle service.  It can save you a lot of money in the long run.

15.  Utilize Free Universal Lockers

I don’t recommend purchasing a locker at Universal Studios.  Yes, it would be so very convenient, but it costs money, and we are trying to save money!  Right?  Right!

When preparing for a Universal day only pack items that can fit into a small backpack.  You can carry this backpack around with you and it will be allowed on most rides.  The rides that don’t let you bring a backpack are:  Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Men in Black, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Jurassic World Velocicoaster.

However, each of the rides that don’t allow backpacks will offer FREE lockers for you to store your backpack!  They are easy to use and completely free.  All you have to do is use your barcode from your ticket, or use a barcode pass issued to you by an employee within the ride.  This barcode will open and lock the locker door for you to use before and after the ride.

So, instead of renting a locker all day, keep your backpack with you and rent one for free when you need to!

In Conclusion

We had such a fun time visiting Universal Orlando this year.  We are huge Harry Potter fans and just loved drinking butterbeer, walking through diagon alley, and exploring all of the fun details of the park.  I hope that you are able to visit and that this article helped you learn how to save money on your Universal Orlando vacation.

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Have so much fun on your next trip!  I hope you have some good ideas about how to save money on your Universal Orlando vacation!

 

The Best Deals At Dollar Tree

By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

The best things to buy at the Dollar Tree.

I love shopping at my local Dollar Tree.  Not only are the items all affordable ($1.25???  yes please!), but they also have quality products!  However, the truth is that not all items sold at your local dollar store is a good deal.  We are often led to believe that because something is sold at the Dollar Tree, it MUST be the best price in town, right???  Well, this is not always the case!  Today I am going to share the best deals at Dollar Tree.  These are the items that you can always count on to be a better price than you can buy anywhere else.

Best Deals At Dollar Tree

The next time you are shopping at Dollar Tree, make sure to look for these amazing deals!

1.  Pregnancy Test

There is no need to spend a lot of money on pregnancy tests!  Just hop on over to your local Dollar Tree and pick up one of these tests for just $1.25.  They are just as accurate as the tests you can buy at the grocery store, but for only half the price!  Yay!

 

2.  Ovulation Predictor

Another great buy in the pregnancy sectioin is an Ovulation Predictor.  You can buy a big pack of these at Walmart for a good price, but the ones at Dollar Tree are still cheaper!

 

3.  Hair Scrunchies/Hair Ties

The Dollar Tree is a great place to buy hair scrunchies and hair ties!  They are not only affordable, but also super cute!  I love the huge selection available!

 

4.  Bleach

One of the best deals at Dollar Tree is their bleach.  For only $1.25 you can get a 96 oz. container of bleach!  That is a great price and I haven’t been able to find it cheaper anywhere else.

 

5.  Bandaids

If your kids are anything like my kids you probably go through a lot of bandaids.  Fortunately, you can buy them for a great price at Dollar Tree!

 

6.  Flip Flops

I love grabbing a few pairs of flip flops at the Dollar Tree every summer.  They are super cute and comfortable, plus it doesn’t matter if they break or get lost….because I spent less than $1.50 on them!

 

7.  Candles/Wax Melts

You really can’t beat paying less than $2 for a candle and a carton of candle wax melts.  Whenever you need to buy a candle, make sure to buy it at the Dollar Tree.

 

8.  Coloring/Activity Books

Dollar Tree has a huge selection of coloring and activity books perfect for kids.  I love to buy a few at the beginning of each summer to keep my kids entertained for the next few months.  The books are constantly changing and I love looking through the new selection regularly.

 

9.  Seasonal Items

Another great buy at Dollar Tree are the seasonal items.  Dollar Tree is wonderful at rotating through a large supply of seasonal toys, decorations, food and more.  It’s a great place to stock up on summer fun activities or stocking stuffers….and everything in between!

 

10.  Greeting Cards

The cheapest place to buy greeting cards is always at the Dollar Tree!  For only $1 you can get TWO greeting cards to give to your loved ones.  This is a great buy!

I also love to buy a package of blank note cards.  For $1 you get 6 blank cards, and can use them for any occasion!

 

11.  Gift Bags

The next time you are at Dollar Tree make sure to stock up on gift bags.  They are a fantastic deal and come in so many designs and sizes.

Want to know the best part of buying a gift bag???  It’s reusable, so the one time purchase can be used again and again!

12.  Sticky Notes

Another great buy at the Dollar Tree is the sticky notes.  I love using sticky notes for weekly planning and list making, so I always buy a package or two!

 

13.  LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are expensive, buy can save you a lot of money in the long run!  Buy your LED lights at Dollar Tree so that you can still get the long term rewards, without the high price tag.

 

14.  Nail Polish

I have two girls in my home who LOVE doing their nails.  They buy a lot of their nail polish at Dollar Tree because the prices are MUCH lower than at other stores.

 

15.  Picture Frames

Did you know that you can even buy picture frames at Dollar Tree?  Because you totally can!  I love buying picture frames at Dollar Tree because they are so cheap, and have a lot of different styles and sizes to choose from!  Yay!

 

In Conclusion

The Dollar Tree has so many great deals, especially the ones listed above!  I have been able to save my family a lot of money by buying each of these things at Dollar Tree, and I hope this article will help your family save money too!  That’s what I’m here for after all!

 

Related Articles:

Dollar Tree Pantry Organization Tips

Dollar Tree Easter Basket Ideas

How To Save Money On Diapers

 

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Where to Buy Cheap Prom Dresses

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Best places to get affordable prom dresses!

Last month my daughter and I started on a mission.  The goal?  To buy the “perfect” prom dress, without spending a lot of money.  The only problem???  My daughter was very picky about what she wanted.  Fortunately, after a few days of research and lots of dress try-ons, I’m so excited to share with you that we accomplished our mission!  We found an affordable prom dress, that my daughter LOVES!  Keep reading to learn exactly where to buy cheap prom dresses!

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Where To Buy Cheap Prom Dresses

It is possible to find the perfect dress….without spending a lot of money!  Find out how below!

Facebook Marketplace

The first place I recommend you begin looking for affordable prom dresses is on Facebook Marketplace.  This is a great place to start your search because many college and high school students love to sell their gently used formal dresses on Facebook!  You can easily found dozens of options, all for a really low price!

Thrift and Consignment Stores

Don’t forget to stop by a few of your local thrift and consignment stores.  They always have formal dresses in stock!  We loved a few dresses from Uptown Cheapskate, but unfortunately they weren’t the right size.  A few other stores I recommend you look at are:

Remember, when thrift shopping to keep an open mind.  Stains can come out, with the right treatment.  Dresses can easily be altered by a local tailer.  Look at the possibilities of what the dress can be, rather than how it appears on the rack.

Online Stores

There are a lot of budget friendly prom dress options online!  Once I started searching for them, I couldn’t believe all of the beautiful dresses we found, that were really affordable!  Here are some of the stores I recommend you look at!

At first, we were worried about buying an affordable prom dress, worried that it wouldn’t fit right or look like the picture.  But then we decided to buy 3 dresses online, all with a free and easy return policy.  This way she could try on a few different options to make sure one of them would work!

Rental Shops

You might want to consider renting a prom dress!  Renting is a very affordable option!  We actually ended up renting my daughters dress this year and are so happy about this decision!  The truth is, you will probably only wear that dress once!  So why spend a fortune on it, right?  Right!

Do a quick google search to check to see if there are any dress rental stores in your area.  We were able to find 3 within 30 minutes of our home.

Another option is to rent a dress from Rent the Runway.  This online rental store will allow you to get 4 items for just $70/month for your first two months.  I love this option because you can order 4 prom dresses, try on each of them, choose your favorite to wear to prom, and then send them all back…..all for only $70!  The best part?  You can cancel your membership whenever you want!  The dresses are all really high end, and $70 is a steal of a deal!

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Online Resale Store

Another great option of where to buy cheap prom dresses is online resale stores.  These are websites where sellers can list their gently used clothing for others to purchase for a fraction of the cost.  I recommend looking for prom dresses on:

Clearance Sections

Don’t forget to check the clearance rack at all dress shops!  It’s very common for stores to have a few, last season dresses marked down to a low price.  Your best bet is to plan ahead and shop the clearance racks right after prom, this will give you the biggest selection of dresses to choose from.

Your Friends Closet

Oh yes, I did just say to get a dress from your friends (or neighbor, or grandmas best friends great niece, etc.) closet.  Your friends, family and neighbors are a great place to find affordable prom dresses.

Ask around on Facebook, at church, etc. to see if anyone has some prom dresses sitting in their closet that they would be willing to let you borrow.  Most people are always happy to share!  It’s fun to see these beautiful dresses getting used, rather than collecting dust in the closet.

This might also be the perfect time to host a clothing swap!  All of your friends can bring their gently used prom dresses to swap!

Department Stores

Many department stores will carry prom dresses, especially during the spring.  When we checked the department stores, the dress prices were a little high…but they are cheaper than you will pay at a formal dress shop.  Department stores are the perfect place for a nice, new prom dress, that won’t break the bank.

Discount Stores

The next places I suggest you look for an affordable prom dress is at your local discount clothing stores.  Most of them will have a good selection of formal dresses to choose from.  I suggest shopping at:

 

In Conclusion

It is possible to find an affordable prom dress!  It might take a little bit of effort, but it is possible!!  Now that you know where to buy a cheap prom dress….happy shopping!

 

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I hope this article gave you some ideas about where to buy cheap prom dresses!

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