If you are traveling domestically to your vacation destination, there are a couple of places that you want to stop at first before you even get started with the fun. Visiting these important places will save you money. The Visitor’s Center Most vacation destinations have a visitor’s center. Find out where yours is and make your first stop there. At the visitor’s center, you can pick up coupons, vouchers and other discounts for restaurants and area attractions. You can also pick up extras, such as free maps of the area. Engage the person behind the desk in conversation, and you … Continue reading →

Camping can be a fun way to have family bonding time while reconnecting with nature. While camping is traditionally less expensive than many other forms of family vacation, the costs can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. Camping gear, fees and even training classes can turn an inexpensive choice into one that costs more than you planned. Join a Club There are many different camping clubs available throughout the country that are associated with private campgrounds. Become a member, and you can save 10 percent or more each time that you stay. These campgrounds often come with extra amenities. … Continue reading →

Getting there may be half the fun, but it is probably also half the cost. Gas prices these days make up a big chunk of the vacation budget when you plan a road trip. Here are some ways that you can save money on gasoline and stretch your dollars. Get Your Car in Shape A well-running car can save you money because it tends to use less gas to go the same milages as a car that is not optimized. Some areas to check on your car include oil level, proper tire inflation, working spark plugs and good quality tires … Continue reading →

Celebrating the Fourth of July can be both fun and frugal. Forgo the expensive shows and events and focus on those activities that could be had cheaply. Take Advantage of Freebies Many local and chain businesses are giving away free items to celebrate our Independence Day. You can take advantage of this to score some great freebies, from sanwiches, to cake to ice cream. Keep our eyes and ears open for these opportunities. Here is one to get you started. On July 4, 2012, Starbucks is giving away coffee. Make a New Tradition You can choose to save money by … Continue reading →

Enjoy your summer vacation without spending a lot of money on souvenirs. You don’t have to skip them altogether. Just use the following tips that will allow you to bring home the goodies without going into debt. The Penny Press Most popular locations, including Disney World, have pressed penny machines. For 51 cents, you can use the machine to press a design into a penny. Usually, there are several designs to choose among, and the pressed pennies are fun to collect. You can even purchase a special book to keep them in place, or make one of your own. Local … Continue reading →

Valentine’s Day decorating can be a lot of fun. Who doesn’t love all of the hearts in their colors of red and pink. It is just the thing to brighten up a drab winter month, celebrate your love of your special someone or your family and bring a little cheerfulness into your home. Another great thing about decorating for Valentine’s Day is that is a a fun activity for the kids to do, too. Children love cutting out hearts, adding glitter and all of the other activities associating with decorating for Valentine’s Day. You can also have fun surprising a … Continue reading →

You can make Valentine’s special without spending a lot of money on candy and trinkets. It really is the thought that counts, and you can make those thoughts shine and stand out this Valentine’s Day. In this age of mobile media, texting, Facebook and email, a long lost art can be revived to make a really special gift. I am talking about the love letter. But wait. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of writing a love letter from scratch. Instead make the letter whimsical with the use of conversation hearts. Conversation hearts are the little heart-shaped candies that come … Continue reading →

With some of these creative ideas, you’ll be able to get Valentine’s gifts for all of the sweethearts in your life. Make it fun and frugal. Valentine Gifts for Kids Sneakers with fun designs are in demand for girls right now. If you don’t want to spend $50 on one of these types of sneakers, make them yourself. Purchase an inexpensive pair of tennis shoes or other plain sneakers on sale. Then using fabric markers, add some fun Valentine’s designs. To make them really special, add the child’s name as well. Create a little card craft kit. First check with … Continue reading →

Celebrate and ring in the New Year without breaking the annual budget. Here are some great ways that you can have fun and party like the prices were in 1999. There are plenty of inexpensive options for having a frugal New Year’s Even, whether you like to have a wild time out or just stay close to home to celebrate. Balloons are generally very inexpensive, especially if you skip the helium and just blow them up yourself. Check out the dollar store for colorful balloons and then put them everywhere: tied to the furniture or just all over the floor. … Continue reading →

You know all of those little extra pieces of wrapping paper that are too small to use? Do you save them anyway? I do. I always feel guilty throwing them out, but it is very rare for me to find that I have presents small enough to use them. Most of the presents under our tree are for the kids, so they tend to be larger and usually made out of plastic, not small like jewelry. Then there is the time after the gift are unwrapped. What do you do with all of that leftover gift wrap that winds up … Continue reading →