Getting New Clothing at the Thrift Store

Don’t want to buy your clothing at the thrift store because the idea of wearing used clothing makes you ill? What if I told you that not only can you find new clothing at your local thrift store, but you can find new designer clothing, and can even turn your thrift store shopping into a business. The biggest source of new clothing with tags at the thrift store are local and chain stores that donate substantial collections of new clothing in order to make room for the next season or style. For instance, Target generally makes large clothing donations to … Continue reading →

What Will Black Friday 2012 Be Like?

What kind of deals will you get this year for Black Friday 2012? How early will the stores open and will the bargains be worth fighting the crowds and the lack of sleep? Even though it is only September, some of the experts are already making their predictions. Gottadeal.com is reporting that things will mostly be the way that they were last year for Black Friday. The stores will be open early, some of them on Thanksgiving, as I already reported. There will be a handful of hot deals, but quantities will be extremely limited, making it unlikely for the … Continue reading →

The Temptation of Target

Why is it so easy to spend money at Target? It seems that whenever I go in there for one thing, I wind up coming out with several. This week alone, I have found myself visiting Target three times! I am getting way too comfortable in that store. I’m branching out to the point where I make a stop first at the Starbucks in the store for a small coffee. Yesterday, I ordered a medium one and actually contemplated feeding the kids at the in-store Pizza Hut Express. What is happening to me? I think I miss malls. I was … Continue reading →

2012 Black Friday Opening Times Released!

Although the kids haven’t gone back to school in my part of the country, yet, we can already look forward to Christmas shopping. That is because many stores have already released the 2012 Black Friday shopping times, that is the hours that the stores will be open on Black Friday. Black Friday is known as the busiest shopping day of the year. While we have traditionally seen stores opening with Black Friday deals at 6am, and some at midnight, it looks like a few will even be open on Thanksgiving itself. So if you really want to snag the best … Continue reading →

The Temptations of the Gift Shop

Yesterday, the extended family went out to a lavish theater production. The sets were amazing, complete with a huge animatronic whale, a “zillion” stars in the theater ceiling and plenty of live animals. Of course, there was the inevitable souvenir shops built into the theater lobby. This place was better than most. There were a few nice quality selections in different price ranges, and nothing was really overpriced. Still, we knew that our budget didn’t account for any additional spending at the gift shop. Sometimes those gift shops can be a real temptation. They are filled with colorful objects that … Continue reading →

Free Stuff for Teachers

Are you a teacher or do you know one? If so, you might want to keep reading. Now is the time for teachers (including homeschooling teachers in many cases) to take advantage of all of the freebies and discounts that are available. Many name brand stores are featuring teacher appreciation days this week. During a teacher appreciation day, teachers can come into a store and be showered with all sorts of free gifts, coupons and discounts on school supplies. Teacher appreciation days are a great way to help balance the budget, when you are a teacher and are faced with … Continue reading →

Striking the Balance Between Healthy and Cheap

As a mom, I have to strike a balance between making healthy choices for my family and making financially sound ones. That word, “balance” is key. While I want the best for my family, the best is sometimes out of financial reach. In order to stay health but be cheap, we employ the following strategies in our household. Know the Priorities There are some things that you can compromise on and some things that you can’t. Making sure that the kids get regular medical and dental care is top of the list, organic produce is good, a gym membership can … Continue reading →

June Bargains

This month, the month of June, offers some special savings on certain items. Review the list, and if you need to purchase any of these products, get them now, when they are at their lowest prices of the year. Outdoor sports equipment and clothing If you run, walk, or cross train, or are thinking about starting a fitness program, now is the time to get your sneakers or sports shoes. Focus on last years models for a huge discount. Sports bras, shorts, and other exercise clothing will also be on sale or on clearance. Last year, I picked up all … Continue reading →

Frugal and Natural Home Remedies

I love natural home remedies for everything from coming down with a cold to stomach cramps. These natural remedies can be pretty inexpensive, too. The next time you need to heal, grab the solution right from your own pantry. Chances are that you already have everything that you need on hand. Starting a Cold Who doesn’t dread that classic tickle in your throat, the swollen feeling that tells you that you are about to come down with a cold? To sooth inflamed tissues, loosen mucus before it takes hold and flush out irritants or bacteria that can make you sick, … Continue reading →

Saving Money When Shopping for a New Bed

It is time for my daughter to get a new bed. We spent on Saturday two weeks ago visiting a couple of stores and pricing out twin beds. The requirements for us were that the twin bed should be white, probably wood, have a headboard and a foot board, and be sturdy enough to carry her through until she leaves for college and maybe beyond. Going shopping online and in the retail stores was a real eye opener. We hadn’t shopped for a new bed for about eight or nine years. Since then, it seems, the quality has gone down … Continue reading →