DIY Life

The Sunday paper and a pair of scissors: that's how I've traditionally gotten grocery coupons. Technology is changing that, though. There are new ways to save money using computers and cell phones, among other things, to access deals on everyday grocery items. Here' s a quick primer:

Printable coupon websites are a great way to access new savings. Use these sites to download and print paper coupons. Popular sites include Coupons, Smart Source, Red Plum and Wow Coupons. Make a point of checking once a week for the brands you regularly buy.

Next stop, bookmark sites like Retail Me Not and Coupon Cabin. In addition to printable coupons, these sites identify coupon codes redeemable at specific websites. Use the codes for discounts or free shipping on your online purchases. Like printable coupon sites, they are totally free to use. (Yes!)

The problem with big box hardware stores like Lowe's and The Home Depot is that (outside of their garden centers) they are still catering to tradesmen when half their customers are actually women. Tired and grumpy women.

Each time I shop at either one (and, no, I have no preference), I leave asking myself: why can't these hardware behemoths be more like Target, Walmart, or similar mega-stores, where shopping is fun ... or at least easier. How so, you ask? Read on! Here's my list of requests for Lowe's and Home Depot execs:

1. Bring in door greeters and maps so we customers don't waste time walking (and walking and walking) up and down the aisles searching for that certain essential dood-ad or trying to locate the bathrooms. Would it be so hard to install mall-style store directory kiosks, stocked with printed store layout leaflets?

If you're a coupon-clipper, you'll know the challenges:

• how to keep those bits of paper, plastic, and cardboard from taking over your purse or the drawer in the kitchen,
  
• and how to develop a system that ensures they get used before they expire.

The super-helpful people at Tipnut have put together a list of suggestions that pretty much guarantee you'll find the system that will work for you, whatever your organizational style -- or lack thereof! You like the casual efficiency of envelopes? You can do that! You prefer an accordion file or a wallet, a card file or a binder? It's all there!

I consider myself a frugal person. When it comes to buying anything new, I check my local thrift stores or shop on eBay to see if I can get the item cheaper. It seems that the only time I decide to spend too much money is when I go to the grocery store hungry.

Besides clipping coupons and going without a night on the town with my husband, I wondered what else I could do to step up my frugality. Lynnae over at beingfrugal.net asked her readers to send her their frugal tips on surviving when money is tight and dollars need to be stretched. Her readers came through in a big way, so she compiled a list of 168 frugal tips to survive a recession.

From saving money on grocery shopping, utilities, transportation, and clothing to saving money on miscellaneous necessities, Lynnae breaks down the great tips her readers have offered into nine categories. While not all the tips are feasible for everyone, there certainly are tips that everyone will be able to utilize.

[via: Curbly]

Score points this Valentine's day with something truly romantic, original and best of all, homemade. Handmade gifts aren't always received with the excitement that we imagine. Sometimes they are a total flop. So, what differentiates the gift that she calls all her friends to brag about from the one that gets tucked away in the junk drawer?

I think that all romantic DIY gifts should pass a three-point check:

1. Is the gift personal?
   Even if beautiful, something that could have easily made it into a Secret Santa exchange probably isn't going to blow her away. It should be obvious that this gift was made just for your special someone. Personalizing it with a name or picture is the obvious choice. More subtle: try incorporating an inside joke, or choosing a theme using project elements that have significance for the two of you.
   
   
2. Did the gift take time to make?
   She said she'd like something homemade. You raided the kids craft cupboard and made a card. She's not impressed. Are you surprised? The more time and planning that goes into the gift the more you'll get out of it. People love knowing that they were thought of, and taking the time and energy to plan ahead for a handmade gift shows that you truly wanted it to be something special.
   
   
3. Is it really any good?
   We only make a big deal out of poorly painted, ceramic ashtrays when they come from our children. While some failed projects can still be appreciated for the romantic intention, there really isn't room for the ugly, the tasteless, and the poorly crafted ones. Don't knit him a toque out of leftover yarn in colors you know he'd find hideous and then expect him to wear it proudly because it was made with love. Think seriously about what your significant other would like. If you want it to go on display, consider how it would work with their current decorating scheme.

With these three guidelines, I've put together a list of romantic DIY Valentine's day gifts. Some are old favorites-- tried, tested, and true for generations of lovers. Others are new and inventive, but they are all incredibly romantic and sure to make him or her putty in your hands. Follow me through the break and I'll share them with you.

By the time August rolls around I am usually so frazzled from June and July that shopping for school supplies seems like a welcome, bright light at the end of a very long tunnel. As we load up the basket with binders and mechanical pencils, I envision mornings of dropping off the kids and returning home to a silent house where I will sit in blissful peace and drink a cup of coffee without the stomping sounds of my children's feet ringing through the air. As a result of my end of summer stupor, I often ignore the prices and willingly pay almost anything for supplies.

This need not be the case. If you have a straight head on your shoulders as you shop for markers and pens, the tab needn't be a bank breaker. A few ideas to keep in mind as your roll your basket through the aisles will help:

• Shop around. Just because one store offers great deals on some items, they will often have higher on other items you need as well. With a bit of planning and research you can see if other stores offer other needed stuff at better prices.
• Recycle! The chances are pretty good that when you son cleaned out his desk at the end of last year, there were odds and ends that can be reused. Not only does this help your pocketbook, but it sends a great message of recycling to your kids.
• Coupons. Sometimes a coupon can be combined with an in store special and the result is a low price and a pleased parent.

With all the money you save shopping for school supplies, you can either treat yourself to something special or just enjoy the silence after the school bus has rolled away from the curb. Happy shopping!

How many times have you gone up to the ATM -- to get $20 -- only to get a receipt that says insufficient funds. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather the person behind me in line didn't realize that I'd just hit financial rock bottom. Not only is that embarrassing, but it's a good sign that your not saving any money what-so-ever. Possibly it's you just don't know how.

If you've already tried everything, give these a go. I found 5 simple ways to save money, from Gomestic, that you may not have thought about.

1. Coupons: While some people think that coupons are a hassle to use, when you begin to use them on a regular basis you will be surprised at how much you can save. I have personally witnessed people who were able to save $50 or more on a grocery bill simply using coupons they found in a $2 newspaper. Saving $50 on a regular basis will make a big difference on your bank account in the long run.
2. Shop for discounts: You will be surprised at what you can find. Many people think paying full price means they are getting a better product, but this is not always the case. For example, I have purchased many clothing items from flea markets, ebay and other such sites that offer extraordinary savings and people have given me plenty of compliments. I have several skirts I purchased for only $10...that's right $10 and I have received more compliments on them than I can remember. If you take the time to search, you can find incredible products at inexpensive prices.
3. Exercise for free: Yes, sometimes joining a gym or organized exercise group can be fun, but depending on the cost, you can save a large amount of money by exercising for free. Take a walk or jog around your neighborhood. You do not have to worry about any additional cost except for the cost of your workout clothes and your shoes. And, if you want some variety, you can make one time purchases on a bike, roller blades, or any other type of exercise product that you can utilize again and again. You can lose weight, have fun, and save money all at the same time.
4. Eat healthier: Purchasing the makings for salads at grocery stores and healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables are relatively inexpensive. When you eat healthier you don't get sick as often and, thus, you save significantly on medical bills, prescriptions, and remedying a health issue you could have easily avoided.
5. Search for free leisure activities: You will be surprised at all the fun things you can find to do that are absolutely free of cost to the public or cost very little. For example, during Christmas time Long Beach, California holds a light parade that features a long strip of neighbors who collaboratively decorate their homes to the nine's and have everything from Disneyland-like battery operated animated figures on their lawns to real live ornately dressed carolers signing to passersby. It is quite an extraordinary experience and it is completely free to the public.

Making small changes (as simple as these) will help you save a significant deal of money in the long run. You work hard for your money. After all, the next time you get in line for the ATM, you'll want to be able to get money out.