Sweet Frugal Life

Being Frugal Doesn't Make Life Any Less Sweet

  • Start Here
  • Free Downloads
  • Frugal
    • Frugal Living
    • Budgeting
    • Travel
    • Gift Ideas
    • Good Deals
  • Parenting
    • Money Education
    • Holidays
    • Crafts
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Dinner
    • Cleaners
  • Recipe Book
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

How To Save Money On Your Universal Orlando Vacation

August 5, 2022 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.

cheap universal studios vacation - universal studios orlando on a budget

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!).

  • Related:  Our Budget Friendly Disneyland Vacation

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.

  • Related:  The Best Budget Travel Tips

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.

  • Related:  Family Trip To San Diego

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:

  • Water ponchos
  • Sunscreen
  • Pain reliver
  • Lanyard
  • Cooling cloth
  • Motion sickness meds
  • Etc.

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!

  • Related:  20 Free Things To Do In New York City

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.

Pin For Future Reference

easy ways to save money at universal orlando - frugal universal studios tips

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

June 9, 2022 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.

  • Related:  50 Fun Summer Activities For Kids

 

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.

  • Related:  12 Products Worth Buying To Save Money In The Long Run

 

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

 

Pin For Future Reference:

best deals at dollar tree - what to buy at dollar tree

dollar tree deals - must buys at dollar tree

 

I hope you enjoy the best deals at Dollar Tree!

 

Where to Buy Cheap Prom Dresses

May 9, 2022 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!

affordable prom dresses - cheap prom dresses for sale

 

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:

  • Deseret Industries
  • Savers
  • Goodwill
  • Runway Fashion
  • Platos Closet

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!

  • Lulus
  • JJ’s House
  • ASOS
  • Shein
  • Amazon (yes!  believe it or not, Amazon has a huge variety of affordable prom dresses!)

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!

prom dress store - rental prom dresses

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:

  • Poshmark
  • ThredUp
  • Mercari
  • Ebay

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:

  • Ross
  • TJ Maxx
  • Marshalls

 

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!

 

Pin This Article For Future Reference:

where to get cheap prom dresses - budget friendly prom tips

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

7 Simple Ways To Get Your Budget Back On Track (for good this time!)

April 20, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to fix a broken budget.

Struggling with a broken budget???  We have all been there, and I’ve definitely been there more times then I would like to admit!  It might have happened because we gave into spending temptations to many times, or perhaps we let lifestyle creep sneak in.  Or, there could have been a lot of unexpected expenses arise.  There are so many reasons why we go over budget, it happens to everyone!  Going over budget is normal, not great, but normal….but only if it happens occasionally.  If you are looking for ways to fix a broken budget, I’ve got you covered!  Keep reading for 7 simple ways to get your budget back on track (for good this time!).

how to get your budget back on track - how to fix a broken budget

How To Get Your Budget Back On Track

It is possible to fix a broken budget!  Follow the steps below to get your budget back on track once and for all!

1.  Stop Unnecessary Spending

The first step you need to take to get your budget back on track is to put a pause on all unnecessary spending.  This doesn’t mean you cant pay your bills or buy food.  It means that you will only spend money on things that are necessary for living.  But, things like entertainment. going out to eat, home decor, etc. should be completely stopped.

There are so many ways to enjoy life, without having to spend money.  Try a few new easy recipes at home, enjoy some at home date nights, and be creative about finding things for free!

  • Related:  How to Have a Successful No Spend Month

2.  Track Your Spending

If you aren’t already tracking your spending, now is the time to start!  Tracking your spending is one of the most important (but easily skipped) steps to fixing a broken budget.  Writing down every purchase that you make will hold you accountable to your purchases, making it much less likely for you to impulse shop.  

I recommend taking time every single day to write down what you bought that day.  Then compare your purchases to your budget to make sure you are staying within your goals.

3.  Use Cash Envelopes

Anything thing that really helps me fix a broken budget is to start using cash envelopes.  The cash envelope system is really fairly easy to use!

First, look through your budget to determine the amount of cash you have left to spend for the rest of the month.

Next, you will need to go to the bank and take out that exact amount of cash out of the bank.  Divide the cash into different envelope categories.  Once your envelope is empty, you literally can not buy anything else (no cheating!).  I explain more about how cash envelopes here.

And, yes, you CAN use cash envelopes for online purchases!  I explain exactly how to do so in the video below!

 

4.  Give Yourself A Reward

I’ll let you in on a little secret about me…..I love to reward myself!  It motivates me to work hard and reach my goal.  Whenever I start struggling with my budget, I set up a reward system to help me stay focused on my money goals.

Choose your reward by thinking of something fun, but frugal, that you would enjoy getting.  I love to reward myself with a treat from my favorite pastry shop or by buying myself a new small piece of jewelry.

Set up your reward system in a way that will help you get back on track with your budget.  For example, if you go 10 days without splurging on any unnecessary spending, then you can treat yourself to your small reward.

5.  Return Recent Purchases You Don’t Need

Do you have any recent purchases that you regret buying?  Or perhaps that you don’t regret, but know deep down it wasn’t the best decision to buy?  Return these items to the store ASAP!  This is the quickest and easiest way to fix a broken budget caused by impulse spending.

6.  Sell Clutter In Your Home

Another option for getting more money back in your pocket is to sell clutter around your house that you don’t need or use!  My rule of thumb is that if I haven’t touched it for a few months, it needs to go!

Use the money you earn from selling your clutter to get your budget back on track, don’t spend it on something frivolous, put it to use in a budget category that needs it.

  • Related:  10 Household Items To Sell For Quick Cash  

7.  Use An Accountability Partner

One of the best ways to get back on track with your budget is to find an accountability partner to help you reach your goals.  An accountability partner could be your spouse, a friend or everything in between.  Ask the person you choose if they will help hold you accountable to your money goals.  Share with them your desire to fix your budget and what you need to do to get there.

As you go about your day to day routine, make sure to check in with your accountability partner regularly.  Make sure to always call this person to help you when you get the urge to spend, they can talk you through your spending choices to help you make the one that will help your budget best!

8.  Focus On Your Goals

The most important things to remember is to stay focused on your goals.  Set a goal of where you want your budget to be, write it down and then hang it up somewhere so that you can see it regularly.  A bathroom mirror or phone lock screen are great options for this!

When you stay focused on your BIG goals, it’s easier to say “no” to the temptations that come along.

You Got This!

Please don’t beat yourself up for getting off of your budget.  Like I mentioned earlier, it DOES happen, and there IS hope for fixing it.  The fact that you are reading this article shows me that you want to stick to your budget and make it work.  

I know that through a little bit of work, some sacrifice and following these steps you can fix your broken budget!

 

Related Articles:

How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

How to Make a Zero Based Budget

How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck In 6 Steps

 

Pin this Article For Future Reference:

fix a broken budget - getting a budget back on track

Follow these simple steps to get your budget back on track, for good!

Best Side Hustles For Stay At Home Moms

April 5, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to earn money from home!

I have been so lucky to have been able to spend the past 16 years at home with my kids.  Being a stay at home mom is a job I always dreamed of, and I am definitely living my dream!  But, as my kids have grown older and I have had more free time, I have been looking for ways to earn a little extra income, without having to give up my time with my kids.  If you are in a similar situation at me, wanting to stay home with your kids, but are also wondering how to earn money from home, this article is for you!  I brainstormed a list of the best side hustles for stay at home moms, and I hope they help!

The best thing about this list is that these jobs are for anyone who wants to work part time out of their home.  Many of these can be done in the evenings or on weekends while you are still working a full time job.

This article contains affiliate links.  I will receive a commission off of purchases made through my links.

1.  Clean Businesses or Homes

A great way to make money as a stay at home mom is to hire yourself out to clean local businesses or homes.  Many businesses will need to be cleaned after office hours, which is perfect for stay at home moms because this mean you might be able to leave your kids at home with your husband once he gets home from work while you go clean.  This is also a good option for those needing to earn money after their day job is done.

You can easily market yourself on Facebook Marketplace, just post in a local group that you are available to clean and when.  There are also a few cleaning companies you could call and ask if they are needing another cleaner.

This is actually my side hustle.  I have been cleaning two AirBnb Rentals for the past year and actually really enjoy it!

I stick my earbuds in, listen to my favorite podcasts or a new book and clean away.  It’s good money and fairly easy work.  I’ve also been given permission to bring my kids with me, so I give them little jobs to help with and pay them for their help!  It’s been a great experience for all of us!

2.  Ebay Reseller

Do you like to thrift shop???  Why not turn that hobby into a part time job?  Look for brand name items at local thrift stores or garage sales and resell them on ebay.

Before buying anything remember to do a quick check on eBay to see how much money similar items are selling for, this should give you an idea of what is a good buy or not.

I’ve sold items here and there on eBay, but never consistently.  If you are interested in learning more, I found a fantastic article that can help get you started!

3.  AirBnb Hosting

I first learned about AirBnb Hosting from the lovely Jamie at Fly By The Seat of Our Pants.  Her family travels constantly, and they have learned to rent out their home using AirBnb while they are on vacation!  This has given them the ability to EARN money while they are on vacation!  I mean seriously, can it get any better than that????

I’ll be honest, when I first heard Jamie talk about letting strangers come stay at their house while they go on vacation, I was not on board.  But, the more I have learned from her, the more that I can see it is in fact a GREAT way to earn an extra income.  If you’re like me and have questions about how she makes it all work, check out her post Secrets of an AirBnb Host-FAQ of Renting our Home. She explains it all so well!

 

4.  VIP Kid

VIP Kid is currently one of the most popular work from home jobs, and for good reason!  The company is super easy to work with and hires most of their applicants!

This job sounds so fun because you get to sit at your computer while teaching English to kids in China!  If you are a teacher at heart, this is the job for you.

The best part is that all of the work is already done for you!  The lesson plans are all prepared, your job is just to teach it!

They do require you have some experience working with kids and a bachelors degree.  But!  It doesn’t matter what your degree is in!  (whoo!)

5.  Babysit Kids in Your Home

If you are already at home taking care of your own kids, why not offer to babysit a few other kids.  This is an easy way to earn an extra income, while doing what you would be doing anyways!

If a full time daycare feels like to much, consider just watching one child a couple of times a week.  I constantly see posts on Facebook Marketplace of parents wanting to find a part time sitter for their child.  Check there first!

6.  Blogging

Hello blogging! I fell in love with blogging last year when I decided, completely on a whim, to start this little blog.  I’ve always had a love of writing and being able to do that while being a full time stay at home mom felt like the perfect fit.

I’ve learned a lot over the past year and made a lot of mistakes at the same time.  But, you know what.  All of the ups and downs have been so worth it!  I love getting to do what I love from the comfort of my home.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about getting started blogging!  It’s a long road, made much easier with a support system.

  • Related:  How Do Bloggers Make Money

7.  Open an Etsy Shop

Do you love to craft or create?  Consider opening an Etsy shop to sell your handmade items.  We all have the ability to create something to share with the world.

Maybe your shop would be crafts, or jewelry.  It might even be graphic design or printables….the sky is the limit!  Spend a few minutes searching through Etsy to get some ideas for your own shop.

8.  Teach a Service

Do you have a skill you could teach to others?  I bet you do!

A few years ago I was a piano teacher (until I retired for personal reasons).  I loved having the ability to pick my own schedule and teach right out of my home.

What skills could you teach to others?  Maybe you could teach music, sewing, gardening, art, or cooking.

It would be fun to create a summer camp and focus on teaching for a few weeks straight if you don’t want to commit to something long term.

You could even teach through Zoom, Skype, etc.

9.  Photography

Do you like to take pictures?  Why don’t you turn it into a business!  All of the photographers I use are stay at home moms, and they are fantastic!

This side hustle will require some upfront costs as you invest in a camera and possibly some equipment.  But, it might be worth it if this is something you feel passionate about.

Do some research online and learn about what it takes to start a photography business to help you decide if this is the right fit for you or not.

10.  Refurbish Old Furniture

Refurbishing old furniture might feel a little daunting at first, but once you get going with it it’s actually really not that hard!!

Search thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales for old furniture and when you find a cheap price on a nice piece, snatch it up.

The trick is to look for the POTENTIAL!  Try to see beyond the yellow oak stain, the scratches and nicks and imagine the beauty the furniture could be.  Be sure to BARTER if you’re at a garage sale (always).

You can find hundreds of YouTube video tutorials all about how to refurbish old furniture!

Once you’re done fixing it up, list the item for sale, Facebook Marketplace works great, and enjoy the profit you’ll make!

I actually LOVE buying from people who have fixed up old furniture.  I love the look of it, but don’t like putting in the work.  So, you never know….I just might be your first customer!  😉

11.  Become a Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant is easy!  All you need is motivation and a computer!  Virtual assistants work from home while assisting companies with social media, blogging, editing, e-mailing and more.

This job is wide open to whatever the company needs from you to keep their business thriving.  I have heard SO many good things about being a virtual assistant, and have considered it myself!

If you are interested in becoming a virtual assistant, I recommend joining a few Virtual Assistant Facebook groups.  These will be a great resource for you to ask questions and network.

12.  Tutoring

There have been times (actually many, many times) when I would be willing to PAY someone to help my daughter with her math homework.  I just don’t do math!

If I knew of a stay at home mom who would be willing to tutor my daughter in this subject, that is a fee I would be willing to pay!  If you enjoy working with others and feel confident in a specific subject, this is a great way to earn extra money from home.

Consider signing up through a tutoring company, or hire yourself out online.  This is a great job for setting your own hours!

In Conclusion

I truly believe that with the technology we have there are so many side hustles for stay at home moms, or anyone wanting to earn an extra income from home.  Do some research, find the right fit for you and your personality, and then get started making money!

Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help!

 

Pin this article for future reference:

How to Earn Money From Home for Stay at Home Moms

side hustles for stay at home moms - work from home jobs

Related Articles:

Budgeting for Beginners: FAQ

What I have learned about living a sweet and frugal life on ONE income

The life lessons that taught me to budget for JOY while living in the present!

The best side hustles for stay at home moms!

How To Stop Emotional Shopping

March 3, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

9 Ways To Stop Spending Money When Life Is Getting Hard.

We’ve all been there.  We had a hard day at work.  Life is feeling stressful.  We are looking for something, anything to take our minds off of the worries of the world.  Soooo….we turn to shopping.  Anyone else see themselves in this scenario???  Just me???  It has taken me years to learn how to stop emotional shopping, and now I get to share what I have learned with you.

If you are unsure if you are an emotional spender or not, take a quick look at the list below.

You Might Be An Emotional Spender If….

  • You shop because you are bored.
  • Spending makes you feel fulfilled.
  • You feel guilty after shopping.
  • Shopping makes you feel happier.
  • You go over budget regularly.
  • You hide purchases from family members.

Do any of these sound like you??  Well, the good news is that you can kick this bad habit to the curb.  Today I am sharing how to stop emotional shopping!

stop emotional shopping - how to stop impulse spending

How You Can Stop Spending Money When Life Gets Stressful

Try one of these tips below to stop emotional spending.  I hope they help you like they have helped me!

1.  Identify Emotional Spending Triggers.

The first step to stop emotional spending is to find out what emotions are causing you to shop.  Once you can pin point the exact emotion, you will be closer to overcoming it.

The easiest way to identify your emotional spending is to pay attention to the feelings you have while shopping.  Are you shopping after a disagreement?  Do you feel jealous of someone and are trying to buy items to keep up?

Take notes of the feelings you find.  Write these down and start paying attention to the actions that follow each of the emotions.  When you find yourself at the store after feeling one of the emotions that you wrote down, stop yourself.  Remind yourself that what you are feeling will not be cured from spending.

2.  Shop With Cash

My number one secret to avoiding impulse shopping is to leave your debit card at home and shop with cash envelopes instead.  If the cash is gone, you can’t buy anything, problem solved.  The visual of using envelopes can make a big difference when it comes to impulse spending.

Cash envelopes can really help with emotional spending as well.  When the emotions start coming you might find yourself tempted to start shopping, however, if your debit card is stashed away and your cash is gone….you will have no money to spend!  Try it!!

3.  Stick to the List

Start getting into the habit of  making a shopping list.  If you shop with a list you will be much less likely to impulse buy other items.

The next time you want to go shopping, stop yourself first and make a list.  Write down exactly what you need to buy (need is the key word here).

Commit to only buying what is on the list and nothing else.  If you are feeling emotional this might be difficult to do, but stay strong.  Promise yourself a reward (free reward) if you can stick to your list all month.

4.  Find a New Coping Mechanism

We already identified your emotional spending triggers in step 1, now it’s time to find new ways to cope with these feelings.

If you are shopping because you are bored…..find a new hobby.  Something that will keep your mind stimulated and busy.  Maybe this could even be a hobby that will earn you money with these side hustle ideas.

Or maybe you shop when you are feeling a lot of stress?  Find a new stress reliever.  This might be exercising or a warm bubble bath.  Substituting a new stress reliever is a great way to stop shopping when stressed.

It doesn’t matter what you choose to help you cope, as long as you are finding something that doesn’t involve spending money.

  • Related:  10 Secrets to Spending Less at Target

5.  Make it Hard to Spend

Stores are really great at making it easy for us as consumers to spend money, which is great…..except for if you have a spending problem!  Another way to learn how to stop emotional shopping is to follow a few of these easy steps below to make it harder on yourself to spend money.

  • Leave the Debit/Credit Cards at home.

Just don’t even bring your cards with you.  If they are at home, you can’t use them….making spending much harder!

  • Delete Debit/Credit card info from store websites.

Take all of your saved credit or debit card info off of store websites.  Having to manually enter in the information each time you want to make a purchase gives you that extra moment to pause and decide if you truly need to buy it.

  • Keep your savings in a separate bank.

Transfer your money into a separate account or bank and make it harder to touch.  Keep your budgeted spending money in your checking account, while putting the savings and sinking funds into an account that is not connected to your debit card.  This makes getting the money out that much harder.

6.  Unsubscribe from Store Email Lists

There was a time when my email inbox was full of “50% off at this store” ads.  These sales were a huge spending trigger for me.  Especially during times when I was bored.  I would often find myself spending hours browsing this sale and that sale and before I knew it I had spent to much.

The solution?  I started unsubscribing from every store email I received.  It was no longer in my face tempting me during my boredom moments.

If you find yourself consistently spending through these sales emails….try unsubscribing.  It is so freeing!  If you don’t know the sale is happening, you won’t feel sad missing out on it!

  • Related:  10 Tips to Stop Impulse Shopping

7.  Distract Yourself

Find something to do that will distract you from emotional spending.

You might want to sign up for a class, read a new book, or find a hobby.  Choose something that will peak your passions and help you focus on something other than spending.

Starting this little blog has been a great distraction for me.  I am so busy typing and learning that I rarely have time to shop.  My bank account (and husband) thanks me….and all of you readers!

8.  Use the 48 Hour Rule

The 48 Hour Rule has saved me time and time again.  It’s simple to follow really.  When you find something you want to buy, but it is an unplanned purchase, WAIT for 48 hours before buying.

The 48 hours gives you time to decide if you truly want to buy the item and time to research if you can find a better deal somewhere else.

9 times out of 10 I realize I actually did not want to buy it in the first place.  But, sometimes, after 48 hours I go back into the store and buy it…..and there is nothing wrong with that!

Start living by the 48 hour rule….I promise you will thank me later!

9.  Find a Support System

All emotional spenders need an accountability buddy!  An accountability buddy will call you out on your spending mistakes, encourage you to stay strong and be there for you when you are feeling tempted.

When I have used an accountability partner we committed to calling each other whenever we were tempted to spend money.  This friend would then talk to me about the emotions I was feeling and help me find a different way to cope.  And, I would do the same for her.

I honestly never wanted to bother her…..so I really quit spending!!!  It worked like a charm!

Having someone who you will hold you accountable will help you stay within budget and stop unnecessary spending.

In Conclusion

I hope this helped you learn how to stop emotional shopping.  Pick a few of these suggestions and start implementing them today!  The sooner you begin working through these steps, the sooner you will have more money in your wallet!  You can do it, I believe in you!

Related Articles:

Fix Your Budget After a Day of Impulse Shopping

How To Save Money On Kids Clothes

The Best Frugal Living Tips You Need to Know

Pin this article for future reference:

how to quit shopping emotionally

quit emotional spending

Now you know exactly how to stop emotional shopping!  You can do it!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

March 2, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Crafts you can make using a toilet paper roll.

Are you looking for some easy toilet paper roll crafts for kids to do?  Because I have you covered in this article!

Start saving your toilet paper rolls because there are SO many fun creations you can make with them.  This list includes some amazing kid friendly toilet paper roll crafts.  Not only will you get to repurpose that toilet paper roll, you will also get to have fun crafting with your kids.

toilet paper roll craft ideas - easy crafts for kids

1.  Toilet Paper Roll Pirate

How cute is this toilet paper roll pirate from Two Kids And A Coupon?!?!  It’s the perfect craft for any pirate lover and will be easy to customize however you want!  All you need is a toilet paper roll, some craft paper and glue!

2.  Toilet Paper Seedling Pots

Get your kids excited about gardening with these Toilet Paper Seedling Pots from The Forked Spoon.  It will only take 10 minutes to put this craft together, and your kids will love getting to watch their seedlings grow in their homemade pots!

DIY Upcycled Toilet Paper Seedling Pots and Painted Stone Garden Markers

  • Related:  9 Easiest Vegetables To Grow In First Garden

3.  Butterfly Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Here’s a super fun toilet paper roll craft idea from Fun Money Mom perfect for preschoolers.  This butterfly toilet paper craft requires a few more supplies than some of the other craft projects, but it is still quick and easy to throw together.

4.  Toilet Paper Roll Pillow Box

I love these toilet paper roll pillow boxes!  What a fun, functional craft project for kids to make with a toilet paper roll.  They can use them to give gifts to their friends or store their special objects.  

5.  Toilet Paper Roll Princess Bracelet

Here’s a unique craft idea!  Use a toilet paper roll to make a princess bracelet!  The little girl in your life will love getting to decorate her bracelet to match her personality!

6.  Toilet Paper Roll Hedgehogs

Simple Every Day Mom has the most adorable toilet paper roll hedgehog template!  You will only need a few supplies in addition to the template and toilet paper roll to make your own hedgehog!

two toilet paper roll hedgehog crafts

7.  Marshmallow Shooter

We made these marshmallow shooters last summer and they were so much fun to play with!  You could make them using a patriotic theme like Big Family Blessings does, or customize them to fit your personality!

8.  Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder

Your kids will have so much fun learning more about birds with this easy toilet paper roll bird feeder craft from Honey and Lime.  It doesn’t take very much time at all to put together your bird feeder, so you can just sit back and enjoy watching the birds!

9.  Toilet Paper Roll Monster

Here’s another fun toilet paper craft idea for the kids!  Make toilet paper roll monsters and read the book to go with it!  It’s a great activity for teaching kids about emotions and how to handle the way they feel!

10.  Toilet Paper Roll Shaker Instrument

Start a family band with these toilet paper roll shaker instruments!  The instrument is made by filling a toilet paper roll with pasta and closing it off with masking tape.  Plus, the kids will get to decorate the outside however they would like!

  • Related:  At Home Preschool Activities

11.  Astronaut Toilet Paper Roll Craft

I love this easy craft idea!  The tutorial includes a free astronaut template for your kids to color and attach to the toilet paper roll.

12.  Toilet Paper Roll Dragon Blower

You can even use a toilet paper roll to make a dragon blower!  This is a great tutorial from Ruffles and Rain Boots about how to make a toilet paper roll dragon blower.  It is sure to provide hours of fun for your little one to run around with and watch the tissue paper blow.

13.  Snowman Toilet Paper Roll Craft

These snowmen toilet paper rolls are so cute!  Plus, they are a very simple craft project…..which to be honest are my favorite kind of crafts!  You can even make a whole family of snowmen to play with!

14.  Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks Stamp

Our family loves to turn toilet paper rolls into fireworks stamps.  Then, with a little bit of paint you can use the stamp to make a fun firework painting!

15.  Toilet Paper Roll Unicorn

Check out this adorable toilet paper roll unicorn!  It’s seriously the cutest thing ever, and so easy to make!  It’s sure to bring a smile to any little girls face!

16.  Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt with these toilet paper roll binoculars!  Go Places With Kids shares a full tutorial and adorable template to help you whip up a few darling binoculars for your kiddos.

17.  Toilet Paper Roll Rocket

If you make the astronaut that I shared earlier in this article then you must also make the rocket ship to go with it!  It’s so easy to make with a little bit of paper, cutting and gluing!

18.  Toilet Paper Roll Fairy House Luminaries

These Fairy House Luminaries are such a creative way to use up your toilet paper rolls.  I love the idea of setting a battery tea light inside!  So fun!

19.  Toy Car Storage Out Of Toilet Paper Rolls

If you have a car lover in your house you must make him a car garage out of toilet paper rolls!  It’s such a cute way to display your toy cars and use up some toilet paper rolls while you’re at it!

  • Related:  Easy Toilet Paper Pumpkin Craft Tutorial

20.  Feelings Learning Activity With Toilet Paper Rolls

Teach your kids about their feelings with this toilet paper roll learning activity/craft. It’s so important for young kids to learn how to handle all of their many feelings, and Two Pink Peonies teaches exactly how to do that with a few toilet paper rolls, markers, and paper.

21.  Toilet Paper Roll Pencil Case

Can you believe how awesome this toilet paper roll pencil case is?!?!  It’s such a genius way to repurpose toilet paper rolls.  You will have to put in some effort and patience to make the pencil case, but it is the perfect craft for summer to prepare for back to school!  Your kids will feel so proud bringing their very own handmade pencil case to school.

closed diy pencil case

22.  Toilet Paper Roll Fish

Kid Friendly Things To Do shares the cutest fish craft tutorial using a toilet paper roll!  I would love to make these in a lot of different colors!

In Conclusion

We all go through so many toilet paper rolls each week, so instead of letting them go to waste, try one of these fun craft ideas!  It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with your kiddos, without having to spend a lot of money!

 

Check Out These Other Craft Ideas:

Easy Craft With Nature Items: Nature Bookmark Tutorial

How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Poms

 

Pin For Future Reference:

toilet paper roll crafts for kids - how to repurpose toilet paper rolls

Enjoy these easy toilet paper crafts!

How To Save Money On Diapers

February 22, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Here are a few ways to get baby diapers for cheap!

If you have a baby (or have ever had babies) then you know that buying diapers can be a huge expensive.  I remember being a first time mom (back, many, many years ago) and I couldn’t believe how quickly we went through a box of diapers.  Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get diapers for cheap!  Here are a few tips for how to save money on diapers, I hope they help all you parents out there save some money!

How To Know When You Are Getting A Good Deal

First, let’s go over what a good diaper price is!  It’s so important for you to know the going rate of diapers, so that when you find a good deal, you will know it’s the best price! 

According to True Money Saver the current stock up price on diapers are:

Newborn: 13¢
Size 1: 14¢
Size 2: 16¢
Size 3: 19¢
Size 4: 22¢
Size 5: 25¢

The best way to compare current diaper prices is to calculate the price per unit.  A price per unit is the price that each individual diaper costs.

To calculate the price/unit you will divide the price of the diapers by the number of diapers in the box. 

For example, if you are buying a newborn size box of diapers that costs $47.07 and have 198 diapers in the box you would use this equation:

47.07 divided by 198 = 23

So the price/unit of the newborn box of diapers is 23 cents per diaper.  If you look at the stock up prices above you will see that 23 cents/diaper is a little high, and not a great deal.

Tips To Save Money On Diapers

Now that you know the best prices to watch for when buying diapers, let’s go over a few ways to get those much needed diapers for cheap!

1.  Shop Sales

One of the best ways to save money on diapers is to buy them when they go on sale.  

Here are a few tips for buying diapers on sale:

  • Baby sales typically happen between the months of February and September
  • Compare unit prices on diapers to know if the sale is actually the cheapest price (as discussed earlier)
  • Pair a coupon with a sale for the best deal
  • Scan receipts into cashback apps for rebates on diapers
  • Use the Flipp app to find weekly diaper deals

2.  Join Amazon Family

Did you know that you can get a 20% discount on diapers when you join Amazon Family through prime, and sign up for a diaper subscription??  Because you can!  Plus, you can even match the subscription discount with Amazon coupons for an even better deal.  And!  Prime membership always gives you free shipping!  This is a great deal for parents!

I’ve used Amazons subscription services a few times and love the convenience of them!  It’s so easy to set how often you want the products sent to you, and super easy to cancel when you don’t need the service anymore.

3.  Buy Generic

Store brand diapers are often much cheaper than name brand, but still a great quality.  Try a few different generic brands to find the ones that work best for you and your baby.  I highly recommend trying the Target brand!

Remember to pay close attention to price per unit to make sure the generic brand that you buy is cheaper than the name brands.

4.  Buy In Bulk

Another great way to get diapers for cheap is to buy them in bulk.  Again, calculate the price per unit when buying diapers, most of the time the bulk diapers will be cheaper, but not always.  It’s important to always double check!

Buying diapers in bulk is a great way to get name brand diapers for a much cheaper price.

5.  Use Coupons

One of my very favorite things to do is to pair a coupon with a sale.  This is the way to get your favorite items for dirt cheap!

Search regularly for diaper coupons to help you lower the price of your favorite brands (especially when you match it with a sale!).  You can find coupons on manufacturers websites, and coupon websites like coupons.com.

Another way to get coupons is by contacting the manufacturer directly and ask for them!  Send your favorite diaper brand an email asking if they have any free samples or coupons, and they will more than likely send you a few in the mail.  Yay!

6.  Try Cloth Diapers

I know (trust me, I know!), the idea of using cloth diapers is not always the most exciting option.  It requires a little more work and effort, but it can be a HUGE money saver!  According to this Forbes article, cloth diapers will save you around $1,000 in your child’s lifetime, that is a huge savings!

There is some expensive upfront costs for cloth diapering.  You will need to stock up on cloth diapers, but once you have your stock, the costs will go down significantly.

7.  Use Rebate Apps

Never, and I mean NEVER, throw away a receipt before scanning it into a few rebate apps.  Many of these apps give cash back on diaper purchases.  So, if you can, match a coupon with a deal, and then get a cash back rebate!  Cha-ching!  We’re talking big savings here!

A few of my favorite cash back apps for diapers are:

Fetch Rewards:  Fetch Rewards is so easy and quick to use!  All you have to do is scan your grocery receipt into the app and you’ll automatically earn points based on the products you bought.  Lastly, you can redeem your points for gift card to your favorite places!  Yay!

Ibotta:  Ibotta is another great rebate app that consistently offers cash back on diaper purchases.  To use Ibotta, select the store you shopped at, click on the items you bought, and then scan your receipt into the app.  You will be reward with cash back into your account within just a few hours.  Easy, peasy!

8.  Join Rewards Programs

Many of your favorite diaper companies (I’m looking at you pampers and huggies!) offers reward programs where you can earn points to use towards free diapers and other fun stuff.  If you are going to be buying diapers anyways, you might as well get rewarded for it, right?  Right!  

It is possible to save money on diapers!

I know just how stressful finances can feel when you are raising young kids, the expenses just never seem to end!  But, I also know that there are some tricks you can try to get diapers for cheap!  I hope this article helped answer some of your questions.

 

Related Articles:

Baby on a Budget: A First Time Parents Guide to Saving Money

How To Start A Babysitting Co-op To Save Money On Childcare

15 Baby Items You Dont Need

 

Pin For Later:

save money on diapers - cheap diaper hacks

how to save money on diapers - where to buy cheap diapers

How do you save money on diapers?  I would love to hear in the comments!

How To Get A Discount On Amazon Prime

February 10, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Tips For Saving Money On Amazon Prime!

Alright, the news is out and Amazon Prime has announced that they are raising their prices.  Starting on February 18, 2022, prices will increase from $119/year to $139/year.  As prices seem to be increasing all around us, hearing this extra price rise has been hard for many of us just trying to save a few bucks.  So, I did some research and found a few ways you can get a discount on Amazon Prime!

What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is a subscription service from Amazon that gives you extra perks, including faster shipping, free shipping, access to thousands of video streaming content, kindle books and free music to stream.

You can subscribe for a yearly fee or monthly.  The choice is yours and you can cancel at anytime!

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.

What is included in Amazon Prime?

I like to think of it as multiple services (books, music, movies, etc.) all wrapped into one.  Amazon Prime offers you:

  • Access to stream thousands of movies and tv series
  • Millions of ad-free songs available for streaming
  • Thousands of kindle books, magazines and more
  • Early access to prime deals
  • Unlimited photo storage
  • Free shipping
  • And much, much more!

How to get a discount on Amazon Prime

I know so many people who love Amazon Prime, and all of its many benefits, but the high price tag just doesn’t fit into their budget.  If you can relate to this at all, then you’re in the right place!

I have scoured the internet, researched everything on Amazon, and found a few hacks to help you get an Amazon Prime Discount!

  • Related:  How To Save Money On Gas

1.  Amazon Student

If you happen to be a student, then you qualify for an Amazon Prime discount through Amazon Student.  Anyone enrolled in a college or university, within the United States qualifies for the Amazon Student discount.

When you sign up for an Amazon Student account you will get 6 months of Prime for free!  At the end of the 6 month free trial, you can continue using Amazon Prime for a huge discount of just $6.49/month.

Amazon Student includes all of the prime perks, you will get the quick and free shipping, and the ability stream movies, music and more!

2.  Free 30-Day Trial

All new Amazon Prime customers can get a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial!  This is a great way to experience all of the amazing benefits of having prime, for free!  You can cancel your free trial at any time, so no need to worry about signing up for long term if you decide it’s not right for you.

There are rumors that have claimed that Amazon will offer the free 30-day Amazon Prime trial to anyone who had prime in the past, but haven’t used it for over a year.  It’s worth looking into if you are an old customer who cancelled a year or two ago!

3.  EBT Discount

Another great Amazon Prime discount to look into is for anyone with an EBT (Electronics Benefits Transfer) card.  This is a discount that isn’t as talked about as much as the others, but totally should be!

If you currently have an EBT card, then you can get an Amazon Prime membership for just $5.99/month.  That’s less than half the price of a regular membership!

4.  Amazon Household

If there are multiple people living in one household, you can all save a little bit of money by sharing Amazon Prime benefits through Amazon Household.  With Amazon Household you can share a Prime account with 2 adults, 4 teens, and 4 children.  If everyone chips in a few dollars each month, it’s a great way to get all of the Prime benefits for less!

Keep in mind though, that you will be sharing your payment methods with each other, so make sure you are comfortable with that before setting up Amazon household.

5.  Metro by T-Mobile

If you happen to be a T-Mobile customer on the Metro plan, you can get Amazon Prime for FREE!  It is probably not worth switching cell phone plans just to get this discount, but it is a fun perk you should know about it if you already have the plan.

In Conclusion

Amazon Prime is such a great service, and I have loved using it off and on over the years.  I hope that these suggestions can help some of you enjoy a discount on Amazon Prime!

Related Articles:

Frugal Cell Phone Provider; My Honest Tello Mobile Review

How to Save Money When Eating Out

How To Negotiate Your Bills

Pin For Later:

how to get amazon prime for cheaper - how to get amazon prime for free

cheap amazon prime - save money on prime video

I hope you are able to get a discount on Amazon Prime!

How To Negotiate Your Bills

February 4, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

How I negotiate my bills!

Do you want to save more money?  I am pretty confident that we ALL want to save more money.  Well, I am here to tell you that you can save money on your monthly bills today!  That’s right, most of us are paying to much on our monthly bills.  But, the good news is that you can easily negotiate bills.  All it takes is a little research, time and diligence.

Why Negotiate Bills?

There are so many reasons to negotiate your bills.  The most important reason for me personally is to have more money!  I’m always looking for places to scrimp and save.  I mean, who doesn’t want more money????

Imagine the things you can do with some extra money each month?

  • You could pay off your debt faster!
  • You could grow your sinking funds at a quicker rate!
  • You could spend that money on something FUN (because we all know bills are not a fun way to spend money…amiright????)
  • You could use that extra money to save towards your future.

There are so many possibilities.  The most important thing though is that you will have the extra money to choose to spend in the way that is best for YOU!  There is nothing better than that!

negotiate for lower bills - save money on bills

What Bills Can I Negotiate?

If you are wondering exactly which bills you can negotiate, I say all of them!  I like to follow the rule that it never hurts to ask!

You will never know if it’s negotiable or not if you don’t ask!  The worst thing that can happen is they will say “No.”

Here are a few bills I recommend you start with!  Each of these service providers are all well known of allowing negotiating.

Cable/Satellite TV

We personally got rid of our cable TV years ago, but if you haven’t made that cut yet you can try to get a better deal.  Most cable services will let you negotiate to a lower rate.  It’s worth the phone call!

During this phone call be sure to bring up how long you have been a customer.  If you have been devoted to the company for years they will be much more likely to give you a discount!

It’s also helpful to ask for any promotions they might have at the time.  Cable companies usually rotate different promotions throughout the year.  However, if they by chance don’t have one you qualify for, mention a promo their competitor might be offering.  Most cable companies will match a competitors deal, which is great news for all of us!

Credit Cards

Your credit card balance is your responsibility, however you can negotiate a lower interest rate!  A lower interest rate will mean paying that card off quicker and cheaper!  This is what we all want!

Credit card companies like to reward loyal and responsible behavior.  If you have been on time with your payments, tell them this!  Explain how many months you have been on time and then kindly ask for a lower interest rate.

  • Related:  How To Pay Off Debt Using The Debt Snowball or Debt Avalanche

Medical

Did you know that medical bills are negotiable?  Many people don’t realize this, but they totally are!

If you can pay your bill in full up front, ask for a discount.  Every single time I have asked, I have been told “yes!”.  This discount is usually between 15-25%.  Which can be a significant savings!

If you are unable to pay in full, ask for an interest free payment plan.  This is a great set up because you can pay your bill at your own pace, without having to pay extra in interest.

Internet

Negotiating your internet bills is easy and very similar to negotiating your cable/satellite bills.

When negotiating, be sure to ask for current promotions and mention the promotions their competitor is offering.

Another good strategy is to ask for a cheaper internet package.  This might mean slower internet, or less services.  But, if you need the extra cash it will be worth it!

Insurance Premiums

Negotiating your insurance premiums is another excellent way to save on your monthly bills.  Most insurance agents are willing to work with you on these bills.  Never be afraid to ask!  They want your business!  It’s their job to make you happy!

There are a few things I suggest to bring up during this meeting.  The first is to ask if you can pay once a year, rather than monthly.  Many companies prefer to be paid in one lump sum and will give you a discount if you pay this way.

The other suggestion is to ask your insurance agent for a bundling discount.  This means that you will “bundle” or group your insurances (life, home auto) together with one company.  You can almost always get a discount for bundling.

  • Related:  8 Ways to Save Money on Utilities This Winter

Bill Negotiating Tips

Negotiating does take a little bit of time and bravery.  It can be intimidating to call these companies up; so I am helping you out with a few bill negotiating tips.

Do Your Research

Be diligent with researching before calling up a company.  Research competitor prices, look over your bills to check your consistency on your payments.  Know what you are talking about before asking for a favor.  They will be much more likely to listen.

Be Polite

When negotiating it is important that you are firm and diligent in your requests.  However, you can be firm while also being polite and considerate.

The people on the other end of the phone are real people with feelings.  You will be listened to more if you are polite.

Be Willing to Leave

If you really want to lower your bills, you need to be willing to leave your current provider.  When you threaten to leave your current service provider, they will usually listen up and honor your request.

But, you have to mean it!  There is a chance they will say, “Ok, then leave.”  And you will need to be willing to live with those consequences.

Today’s Challenge

Make a list of all of your monthly bills.  Choose two of them to try to negotiate to a lesser amount.  You can do it!

If you find success with those two bills, negotiate another one!

Remember, the worst thing that will happen is you will be told “No.”

Liked what you read?  Pin it for use on even more bills!

spend less on bills - save money tips

how can i negotiate bills

how to negotiate my bills - lower monthly bills

It’s time to negotiate your bills!

Next Page »

Hello! I’m Melanie!

Follow me on social!

Want more frugal tips?

Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

Copyright © 2022 · Modern Blogger Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT