Category Archives: money

How to Deal With Your Finances and Stay Sane

how to deal with your finances

Photo by Zach Klein on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachklein/54389823/)

Personal finance makes me want bury my money in mason jars and go back the good ol’ trade system. But I’m not a skilled digger and money makes the world go round. If you don’t learn about it, you’ll get screwed over by someone or some corporation that knows more about it than you do. Hashtag truth.

That’s why this year my personal goal has been to learn more about my money and to actually save it. Maybe that’s also why this year has been one of the most frustrating times of my life. 🙂 As I sat on hold with the bank yet again… I thought I’m going to lose it. I’m going to end up yelling at this poor person on the other end and I’m going to pull out all of my money. But I didn’t do that because over the last year I’ve learned some pretty good coping tools for money frustrations.

1. Prepare for phone calls
You may already know that a simple phone call to your service providers could help you to save money on all kinds of bills– cable, internet, maybe even rent! And don’t forget to call your bank to get overdraft fees and other outrageous bank fees leveraged too. Just make sure you always have a plan for the conversations, so they go your way. Above all, remain calm and prepare to walk away, if necessary. You don’t really need cable anyway. (Ramit Sethi from I will Teach You To be Rich has some great scripts for those difficult phone calls.)

2. Keep pictures of your end-goal in appropriate places
Do you get stressed about money when you are sitting at your desk and balancing your checkbook? Keep a picture of your end-goal on your desk. Do you get stressed just looking in your wallet for cash? (I do!) Keep a picture of your financial end-goal in your wallet. By having pictures of that dreamy financial end-goal in strategic places you’ll create a quick comfort, you’ll be reminded of the goal, and it might even curb your spending.

3. Remember that saving is a journey
Patience, in general, is so, so hard. It can be even harder with saving because we don’t see those immediate rewards. Buying your lunch can be so much easier and temporarily more rewarding than saving that $10. By changing your mindset about saving, and learning to recognize that even the littlest bits count, you’ll reach your financial goals much faster.

4. Break up your financial to-do list into manageable chunks
This is a life-tip, but getting super motivated and creating a giant to-do list of stuff to do can actually hinder your progress. Make your financial to-do list manageable by breaking it into smaller chunks. Complete one small thing on your list every day. Be happy that you completed something and avoid being paralyzed by the stress of too many to-dos.

5. Talk about it
For many, money is a taboo talking point, but ya need to get it out. Worrying about money but not talking about it is a sure-fire recipe for a heart attack. Find someone you feel comfortable talking to, whether it be a relative, friend or psychiatrist and let it out.

6. Practice affirmations
Affirmations can seem silly and maybe even a little narcissistic. But don’t discount them! Say an affirmation enough and you’ll start to believe it. (Here’s an example one: “Every day I am attracting and saving more money.” But my favorite affirmation of all time is this little girl’s affirmation. After I saw her video I started adding “I can do anything good!” to my affirmations.

7. Meditate or pray about it
Pray about your money issues, if you are into that. If not, meditate about it. Meditation has made me a calmer and overall nicer person. It’s given me clarity about my money issues that I would have never reached on my own. And the best thing about meditation? It’s free!

8. Recognize your triggers and avoid them
Just going into Target triggers my impulse to spend, so I avoid Target. If I must, must go I bring my husband along and tell him to monitor my spending. Recognize when your finance habits get out of control. Do your spending habits swirl out of control during the holidays? Try a handmade holiday instead. Do you spend a ton of money on beauty products? Find ways cut your beauty routine. Make it into a game if you must! Just avoid those triggers!

9. As my life coach, Suze Orman says, “People first, then money, then things.”
I love Suze Orman, not only does she give sound money advice, she’s also compassionate. I love her sign-off, “People first, then money, then things.” Once you have your priorities straight, your finances are much easier to handle.

So how do you deal with your finances and stay sane? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!

love,
melanie

 

 

Tips for Charitable Holiday Giving

Photo courtesy of Tracy Olson on Flickr.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Olson on Flickr.

Although I’d like to scream at most stores (and some people) that have had their Christmas decorations out since before Halloween, I can no longer deny that Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are just a day away! The holiday season is upon us, ya’ll.

I’m not diving through a swimming pool full of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck (yet!), but I do find a way to give some of my mere wages to charity during the holiday season and throughout the year. I’d like to encourage you to do so too.

So how do you know if an organization is legitimate? How do you know where your donation goes? How can you make a difference? Here’s some of my tips to making sure your giving counts.

  1. Think about the things that mean the most to you.
    Do you have a big heart for animals? Has a teacher made a difference in your world? It’s time to get mushy and find an organization or organizations that aligns with your beliefs.
  2. Check to make sure the organization is a 501(c) tax-exempt nonprofit.
    The IRS database of nonprofits is difficult to navigate, so I’d recommend just downloading the zip file and searching for the organization by using Ctrl F. You can download the file here.
  3. No money? No problem.
    Charitable giving just isn’t a reality for some people. I get that. But many organizations not only need cash, they need the time of dedicated individuals. Consider dedicating your time, as well.
  4. Ask and give donations instead of gifts this holiday season
    Instead of gifts at our wedding, we asked our guests to donate to our favorite charity. It was one of the best decisions we made. It definitely made our wedding feel a lot less self-absorbed. Instead of yet another something that someone doesn’t need, consider making a charitable donation in their name. It’s pretty much like giving holiday cheer.
  5. Remember that you may be able to deduct charitable giving from your taxes
    Just keep a good, solid record of your donations and in April, you might be able to write them off!

Still stumped? Here are a few of my favorite charities.

  1. Your local Community College Foundation
    Community Colleges change the lives of people by giving them a higher education or a technical skill for a relatively low cost (or for free!). But unlike large universities, community colleges don’t have the alumni support base that large universities do to help offset costs. I donate to the community college I work at each month and I know that my small donation is helping to change the life of student.
  2. NPR
    NPR is another organization that I give to each month. I don’t have a television, so I rely on NPR to supply me with unbiased news on a daily basis. I’m also a sustainer, so I am entered into their trip drawings during their pledge drive. 🙂
  3. Heifer International
    Heifer International empowers families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity. You can donate livestock to international families or communities to help “bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty.” This year I’m giving a goat!
  4. Stronghold Society
    The Stronghold Society is the organization that George and I chose to donate to during our wedding. Their mission “is to inspire confidence, creativity, hope, and ambition for the youth of native and non-native communities… [And] encourage youth to take action to live a healthy life in mind, body, and spirit through the diverse means of skateboarding, arts, and creative movements.” It’s a beautiful mission and it blends George’s love of skateboarding and the arts with my heritage.

In this time of thanksgiving, please think about those who are less fortunate.

love and thanksgiving,
melanie

 

Handmade Holiday Challenge: Vanilla Extract

how to vanilla extractFirst up on my handmade holiday challenge we have (drumroll please!) vanilla extract! I know, it’s not super exciting, but it is actually a thoughtful gift for my mom. My mom is an excellent baker and cook. She has intuition in the kitchen like no one I’ve ever met. She could take some peanut butter and beef jerky and turn it into a four course meal.

The last time I was at home we popped into “William and Sonomas” (as she calls it) and I caught her buying a 12 dollar bottle of vanilla extract. I was worried that some baking kingpin was making her run all of his errands. A 12 dollar bottle of vanilla? That’s extortion.

vanilla extractAnyway, for Christmas I thought I’d make real vanilla extract for her gift. It’s amazingly easy and way cheaper than the William and Sonomas version.

Wash and thoroughly dry bottles with a tight fitting cap. I got these from Michael’s for $1.16 a piece! Split your vanilla beans with a knife and put them in the bottle. Pour bourbon, rum or vodka into the bottle. Swig a little of each. I chose vodka (left) and bourbon (right) for my extract. The vodka version shouldn’t have much extra flavor, but the bourbon will add a bit of smokiness to your baking. Rest in a cool, dark place for 1 month. Enjoy or gift!

Are you getting to work on your holiday gifts? Join my challenge and let me know about in the comments!

love,
melanie

 

How to Save Money on Clothing

How to save money on clothing

Picture courtesy of Joseph Brent on Flickr.

I used to be a total clothes horse. Whinny, whinny, neigh, neigh. Seriously, ya’ll, give me some hay and you could have called me Mister Ed. In college I’d live off Ramen noodles just to sustain my clothing addiction. It wasn’t a healthy situation– nutritionally or financially.

Recently I’ve been going over my spending habits for the last year. Yawn. I know, I’m super boring, but it excited me to know that I’ve cut down on my clothes habit substantially. How substantially? Well, I went from spending an estimated $1,500 a year on clothing to just $150. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Set priorities
    When I began budgeting and saving money this year, my biggest trick has been to set priorities. Before everything was a priority. Clothes, house, car, food– all equal weight. Now, I make saving for travel and retirement my biggest priority. I put very little money into my clothes budget (or any other budget for that matter) because I’d rather spend that money traveling.
  2. Assess what you have
    I used to buy the exact same black sweater over and over again. I would simply forget that I already owned 5 black sweaters until I assessed my closet. I weeded down all my unnecessary clothing items and I now keep a list of clothes I could actually use on my phone. That way when I’m out shopping, I know exactly what clothing items will round out my closet and which items I don’t need (no matter how cheap they might be.)
  3. Sell it or give it away
    During the closet assessment, be brutally honest. If you don’t wear those skinny jeans, sell them and move on. There’s a ton of different places that will buy gently worn items. There’s Plato’s Closet where I live, and most big U.S. cities have a Buffalo Exchange (which I love!). Often times the clothing exchanges will either give you cash (awesome!) or they’ll let you exchange your items for an in-store credit. If you are feeling charitable, you could also give your items away to your local thrift store and you may be able to get a tax deduction.
  4. Swap with friends or family
    Chances are your friends and family, like you, have a bunch of clothing lying around that they don’t wear. Grab some snacks and some wine and invite them over to swap clothing. If your friends and family aren’t all the same size that’s A-OK. Swapping accessories is just as fun. (See #11 below.)
  5. Swap online
    Have you all heard of Swapdom yet? It’s a relatively new online clothing swap and I’m super excited about it. I’m going to be put some clothes up there and let’s swap, mmmkk?
  6. Use coupons and watch for discount days
    I don’t coupon for food (here’s why), but I will coupon for clothing. There are coupons for clothes in almost every newspaper every Sunday (and sometimes on weekdays!). When I need an article of clothing, I’ll always check the newspaper coupons before I go. I’ll then go to the clearance section first to see if I can combine my coupon with a clearance item. I’ve actually “bought” clothing for free this way!
  7. Find a tailor
    Big secret: Most clothes patterns were not made with the average person in mind. Another big secret: There is no average body. Everyone’s body is different. I used to get totally depressed that every.single.pair. of pants I tried on didn’t fit my body type. But I got a great and inexpensive tailor and got over it. Tailors make clothes look more expensive because they alter the fit for your body. This is also great for when you found a clothing item that’s super cheap, but the fit is just slightly off.
  8. Learn how to sew
    Learning how to do basic clothing repairs, like sewing on a button, is really a life skill. Learn how to reattach buttons and sew up small holes and you’ll save your wardrobe.
  9. Buy higher quality
    One of the best pieces of knowledge I’ve learned is to recognize when a piece of clothing is a P.O.S.. You don’t have to shop at high price places to get high quality either. (I’ve actually bought a sweater at Target that have lasted a lot longer than a similar, much more expensive sweater from J.Crew.) Look at the seams and the thread. Is the thread insanely thin? Is there thread coming out of the seams? Are the seams single or double stitched? Are there extra buttons for repairs? What is it made of? If it looks cheap, it probably is cheap, keep walking, sister.
  10. Buy second-hand
    You might think this tip goes against the previous tip, but it totally doesn’t. Buying second-hand doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Being a patient thrift store shopper can pay off. If you aren’t as patient (sometimes I’m not) clothing exchange stores can be a good bet because they’ve already weeded through much of the junk.
  11. Look for timeless pieces
    Timeless pieces mean more bang for your buck because you can wear them much longer. Avoid trends and you’ll be able to wear pieces season after season. I always like to think would I fit in on an episode of Mad Men? If not, I don’t buy it.
  12. Learn to accessorize
    It sounds like a cliche ’80’s sitcom when I say this, but accessories can totally change the look of an outfit. You could wear the same black pants and white shirt for a week straight with different accessories and no one would ever notice. I may or may not be guilty of this…
  13. Ask for clothes as gifts
    Remember when you were a kid and clothes as gifts were the worst? Well, clothes as gifts are kind of the best now. To avoid Aunt Ethel buying you a Bill Cosby sweater, I’d suggest telling that loved one exactly what you want. (For Christmas, I’d love these of wool socks, please and thank you! No, really, I’d love those socks.) Even better, you could go shopping with them. Get in some bonding time and get exactly what you want!
  14. Use proper washing techniques
    Washing on cold with like-colors can preserve your clothes. Buttoning all your buttons and zipping all your zippers when washing can help too. And not only is line-drying more energy efficient, it’s also more gentle on your clothes. Win for nature.
  15. Shop with cash only
    Credit cards and Target are a dangerous combination for me. When I’m shopping at the Big T, I only carry cash. It limits me and I need those limits. If you need those limits too, try just shopping with cash.
  16. Ask about discounts
    Some well-known stores (J.Crew!) offer student discounts. Other give discounts for AAA members, state employees and birthday discounts. Just asking could save you enough for a mall pretzel.
  17. Borrow for a big event
    Weddings, a special night out on the town or a vacation can crush your clothing budget. I used to use every big event as an excuse to buy something new. No more. I now commit to wear something from my closet or borrow something, if necessary. No more buying clothes to wear once.
  18. Stay out of the stores
    This one is especially hard during the holiday season, but if you can, I’d recommend just staying out of stores. It takes away the temptation. Try my handmade holiday challenge and commit to making gifts this year.

How do you save money on clothing? Let me know in the comments!

love,
melanie

 

 

18 Ways the Library Can Help You Save Money

18 ways the library can help you save moneyIf you’ve been reading this blog very long, you know that by profession, I’m a librarian. If you haven’t been reading this blog very long, welcome! I’m glad you’re here. Pull up a chair and grab a cuppa, let me teach you something!

On a daily basis I’m surprised that many people wander into my library without knowing even half of the services we provide. With that being said, not all libraries are the same. Duh! Your library may not have everything I’m about to share (they might have more!), but it’s always helpful to ask what services your local library offers.

  1. E-Books
    E-books are one of our lesser known services. People often know that we carry print books, but they tend to forget that we also have a generous e-book collection. Most libraries are venturing out into e-book territory. Some even have access to Overdrive, a global distributor of e-books. Overdrive carries amazingly current titles and sometimes you’ll get the e-book before the print book gets on the shelf!
  2. Tax Assistance
    During tax season, many libraries will offer tax workshops or professional advice. Public libraries are great at offering this service.
  3. Workshops
    Most libraries offer some sort of workshops and programming. These programs can range from computer classes to gardening classes and everything in between.
  4. Videos
    People always seem shocked to know that our library checks out DVDs. We’ve got DVDs and occasionally even screen movies. Sometimes the movies screened at libraries are educational, but sometimes the movies are just for fun. And the best part is that the movies are free!
  5. Magazines
    When did magazine subscriptions get so expensive? I don’t know, but it’s a little out of control. Many libraries subscribe to a wide range of popular and scholarly periodicals. Some libraries will even let you take the magazines home for a limited time period!
  6. Interlibrary Loan Services
    Don’t think that your library is limited to just the books that it has on it’s shelf. Libraries work with each other to get you the books that you need. You won’t even have to visit the other library to obtain the book, the book will be sent to your home library! On a related note, in my state you can also walk into any public university and use their services because you pay for them with your taxes! Often university libraries have more money than public libraries or community college libraries (like mine). And more money equals more books!
  7. Makerspaces
    This is a new thing that some libraries are setting up in their facilities. Makerspaces are a place that people can go to tinker, fix and learn to create stuff. Makerspaces first started as places for people to tinker with technology, but I’ve also seen makerspaces that teach users how to sew or create woodwork. The possibilities are endless and this is a really exciting new aspect of libraries.
  8. Meeting Rooms
    Meeting rooms are nothing new for libraries, but they are a service that is often forgotten. Many libraries offer room usage for free or a very nominal cost. Some libraries even have event space for weddings, conferences or family reunions.
  9. Technology rentals
    Calculators, e-readers and laptops– libraries are venturing out and letting users check out all sorts of technology-related objects. Call your local library and check to see what they are  lending out today!
  10.  Out-of-the-box rentals
    Libraries have been known to check out some wild stuff. I’ve seen instances where libraries check out everything from gardening tools to gaming systems. The last library I worked at checked out art work!
  11.  Kid’s activities
    Public libraries are the best for kid’s activities. Story time, yoga for kids and all kinds of arts and crafts will keep those little ones busy long enough for you to browse the collection!
  12. Research help
    I would love to help you with your research questions. Please, just ask me! If you encounter someone at the reference desk, often times, research is their favorite thing to do. Most of my questions involve the location of the bathroom and I would love to help someone research something interesting. Heck, I’d love to help someone research something boring.
  13. Free Wi-Fi or Computer Use
    A home Internet connection is getting more expensive by the day. Seriously. When will someone put a cap on that?! Anyway, libraries offer free wi-fi and computer use. Even if you have your own computer and Internet connection, it’s nice to know that if something ever goes wrong, your local, trusty library should be able to help in that department. I’ve also known people to forgo paying for a personal Internet subscription and just use the library’s wi-fi.
  14. Copying and Faxing Services
    I think every library I’ve ever been to has a copier. Usually library copies are way cheaper than at a print shop too. Many libraries also having faxing services for a small fee. Much smaller than a big box printer, I guarantee it.
  15. Job Services
    With the downturn in the economy, many a brave library took job services onto their already overloaded plate. I’ve seen libraries with resume workshops. I’ve seen libraries partner with superb non-profits like Dress for Success to help women get the business attire they need. And I’ve even seen libraries host job fairs! Holy canoli. Libraries do it all.
  16. Legal Issues
    One of the most common questions I get at the reference desk (other than where is the bathroom?) is about legal issues. Many libraries respond to this by setting up a program to host a lawyer and answer legal questions for free. At the very least, your library should be able to point you in the right direction for legal help.
  17. Free Books to Keep or Books on the Cheap
    Libraries often host an annual book sale to weed out their old collections and gain a little profit for new books. Library book sales keep costs insanely low. Like anywhere from 10 cents to a dollar low. That’s cheaper than Amazon prices, people. At my library, we even have a book rack at the door where we give away (nice, new!) books that have been donated that we can’t use for whatever reason. For free.
  18. Genealogy
    Genealogy help is a growing trend in libraries and man, is it interesting. Oftentimes with your library card, you’ll be able to access expensive sites like Ancestry for free! Libraries also often have local history collections that can be helpful in the search for your own history.

I hope you’ve learned a little something-something today and will reach out to see what cool and interesting things your home library offers. Is that too Reading Rainbow-lesson-ish? I don’t care, call me LeVar Burton ‘cuz libraries bring it out in me. Let me know in the comments if your library offers something out of the norm!

love,
melanie

 

 

21 Ways to Save Money on Your Beauty Routine

Photo courtesy of Trostle on Flickr.

Photo courtesy of Trostle on Flickr.

My mom always says that you should spend money on your hair because, unlike certain clothes items, you wear your hair everyday. And while I think that may be true, I’ve also learned that I spend way too much money on beauty products. I wouldn’t bat an eye on a $100 Sephora trip because I was considering beauty items a “necessity.” But let’s get real people, beauty products aren’t a necessity. I don’t need them to live. (Even though I want them all!) Here’s 21 ways I’ve saved money on my beauty routine.

  1. Double-duty makeup products
    Use your lipstick as creme blush, use a dark eyeshadow to fill in your brows and use foundation on your lips to create a nude lip. The list goes on and on. Experiment and try to use your makeup in different areas on your face. Just don’t go out of the house if you end up looking crazy. This is one of my favorite tips because it also works when you forget something at home. And I forget something at home on a daily basis.
  2. Kitchen beauty products
    When my beauty budget has been tapped for the month, I scrounge in my kitchen for traditional food products that can also work as beauty products. I love to exfoliate with coffee grounds or a sugar and honey paste. It’s win-win-win. I’m using stuff I already have on hand, I sloughing off dead skin and I end up smelling fabulous. 
  3. Medicine cabinet beauty
    I’m a firm believer in the wonders of Pepto. It cures any kind of tummy issue. But did you also know Pepto-Bismol also works as a salicylic acid? Put a little on a cotton ball, smooth it over your face and rinse off when dry. It tightens your skin and reduces redness. So crazy.
  4. Recycle!
    I love M·A·C lipstick. Their colors are always so flattering and on-trend. AND M·A·C accepts returns of used packaging. By returning 6 M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics online, you’ll receive a free M·A·C lipstick of your choice. Read more about their program here.
  5. Bar soap
    I must admit using bar soap after using body wash for so long was difficult to get used to. Bar soap doesn’t lather the way body wash does, but I adapted to it and I’ve come to actually like it more than body wash. I doesn’t dry out my skin and bar soap is so much more economical.
  6. Makeup remover
    Makeup remover is an elaborate plot to steal your money. Seriously. Baby shampoo works wonders as a makeup remover. And to get that often sticky mascara off, Vaseline is a miracle. I even read somewhere that Vaseline helps your eyelashes grow. The jury is still out on that one, but it definitely takes my mascara off in a simple swipe.
  7. Mix it up
    Have you ever opened a new makeup package and put it on only to walk outside and find out that it’s the wrong color?! Ugh, this has happened to me far too many times. Some stores will take your makeup back even after it’s been opened, but if they don’t, consider mixing the wrong color with another color. It’ll make your makeup last twice as long. And you won’t have to throw away that wrong color. For example, I recently bought the wrong color foundation. Too dark, ugh! So, I bought another, lighter shade, mixed it with the dark shade and my foundation lasted me twice as long. And my mixed shade worked better with my skin tone, to boot!
  8. Drug store brands
    Did you  know L’Oreal owns and manufactures the drug store brand Maybelline and the department store brand Lancome? The formulas of their products are similar and may be exactly the same in some cases!
  9. Dollar stores
    Dollar stores are amazing for picking up beauty tools. Their cotton balls, makeup sponges and makeup brushes are super cheap. I recently forgot my makeup brush on a trip, bought one at the Dollar Store and I actually like it better than my usual $40 blush brush!
  10. Samples
    Good god, I love a good sample and beauty products are no exception. Most beauty stores will give generous samples of their products so you can try before you buy. Sites like Total Beauty will even send you free beauty product alerts when samples are available.
  11. Ombre trend or darker color
    Coloring your hair can get expensive– even if you go the DIY route. By dying your hair darker instead of lighter or embracing the ombre hair trend, you’ll spend less time and money on hair color. Last time I got my hair dyed darker at the roots and it’s projected to last four months, instead of the month and a half my lighter color lasted.
  12. Get more out of that mascara!
    When your mascara gets dry, don’t pitch it just yet. To get a little more out of a tube of mascara, stand it in a glass of warm water. It loosens up the rest of the product and gives you a few more applications.
  13. Reuse mascara brushes for eyebrow grooming
    Ok, I admit it. I have wild eyebrows. When I wake up in the morning, my brows are in 5 different directions and looking quite muppet-like. Using an old, cleaned mascara brush for grooming my eyebrows is one of my favorite tricks.
  14. Keep it clean
    Brushes last longer if you keep them clean. Plain and simple. And you don’t even need that fancy brush cleaner. Just rinse your brushes with warm water and clean them with a dab of baby shampoo.
  15. Squeeze it out!
    Get that last bit of makeup out of the tube by cutting the package open or dipping a brush into the container to get that last little bit. There’s always at tiny bit more in the container.
  16. Beauty schools
    I’m a big fan of the power of community college education. Many community colleges have cosmetology programs. Just recently I got a manicure for 5 dollars! There’s also cosmetology schools all over the country that provide all kinds of beauty services at a discount rate. The services are supervised by a seasoned professional, so your hair won’t be burnt to a crisp. Don’t be frightened by the prospect of a beginner!
  17. Use sparingly
    We almost always use too much product. I’m guilty of it too. It’s so easy to squeeze out a handful of shampoo and lather up. But did you know, you really only need about a dime sized amount of shampoo for short hair and a quarter-size dab for long? Wild, huh?
  18. Recap it!
    This tip may seem like common sense, but I can’t tell you how many times I forget to recap my face lotion and it dries out. By remembering to recap those beauty products, it creates a more sanitary environment and doesn’t allow your product to dry out.
  19. No ‘poo
    I’m a big fan of cutting down on hair washing. I only wash my hair once a week. Sometimes I even go longer, if it is looking particularly dry. Giving up your daily hair washing routine can be a scary proposition at first, especially if you work out a lot. But I’ve found that merely rinsing my hair after workouts works just fine. If you are really concerned about hair washing, you can  dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of water and use this mixture as a shampoo.
  20. Baby powder or rice flour as dry shampoo
    When my hair is looking a little flat, I grab the baby powder or rice flour and a makeup brush, then dust it into my hair’s part. Next, I brush it out and boom! Instant dry shampoo without the high cost.
  21. Keep Learning!
    Youtube is amazing for makeup tutorials. I learned how to do my makeup for my wedding from Youtube. Seriously. Gossmakeupartist’s channel on Youtube is amazing. I’ve learned so much from his videos. He uses a million products and brushes that you don’t need, but his application and knowledge is so valuable. And it’s free! Ain’t the Internet great?

What tips do you have for saving money on your beauty routine? Let me know in the comments!

love,
melanie

 

 

The Handmade Holiday Challenge

Gorgeous handmade socks by Hedgehog Fibres on Flickr

Gorgeous handmade socks by Hedgehog Fibres on Flickr

The average American adult is predicted to spend $786 this holiday season. That’s nutzo, ya’ll. And I must admit, I was one of those free-spending holiday nuts once too. But this year, no more. I’m no Scrooge, but I simply can’t spend the money I once did on the holidays. This year I’m giving myself a mere $100 budget to spend on gifts. How am I going to do it? Well, people, I’m getting crafty.

Why $100? Why not totally free? Well, crafts aren’t free unlike Pinterest leads us to believe. But handmaking gifts can save money if you’re smart about it. Even with $100 it’s going to be a challenge to get supplies. I’ve got a dozen gifts to give. (12 days of Christmas, 12 gifts, makes sense right?!) And there’s only so much time in the day.

Yes, I’m a nut to take on this challenge during the already stressful holiday season. But I’m a bag full of delicious holiday nuts, for sure.

Here’s the list of people I’m making something for:

  1. Mom
  2. Dad
  3. Sister
  4. Sister’s cat (weird, I know, but we always give our pets gifts in my family)
  5. Mother-in-law
  6. Father-in-law
  7. Niece
  8. Brother-in-law
  9. Sister-in-law
  10. Husband
  11. Friends
  12. Co-workers

In case you are curious, my mom usually buys the extended family gifts. (My grandma, aunts, uncles, etc.) So, I don’t have to worry about them. I’m also spending a little bit on charitable donations this year, but I won’t be taking it out of my craft fund.

Will you join my handmade holiday challenge? What’s the best handmade gift you’ve ever given or received? Let me know in the comments!

love,
melanie

Easy and Cheap Halloween Costumes from Halloweens Past

The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers

I love Halloween. I love all holidays, but if someone held a gun to my head and asked for my favorite holiday, I’d probably say Halloween. Can you imagine an attacker jumping out from a dark alley with a gun and asking you their favorite holiday? That’s ludicrous. And Halloween is a bit ludicrous, that’s why I love it.

Although it may be my favorite holiday, I still manage, without fail, to procrastinate making my costume. And I always make my costume. Because I’m cheap and I like to have clever costumes.

Last year, George and I scavenged our closet for our Blues Brothers costumes. Below are a couple more of my favorite costumes from year’s past. They’re all cheap and easy.

Voodoo Doll costume

Voodoo Doll costume

This voodoo doll costume was super easy. I made it a couple of hours before we had to go out. All you need is a burlap sack, hot glue, felt, pipe cleaners and pom pom balls. Then draw Xs over your eyes and stitches around your lips. Super easy and slightly scary to boot!

Cat Lady and Sugar Skull Costume

Cat Lady and Sugar Skull Costume

For my true self, I mean, Cat Lady costume, I just got a sweatsuit and glued small, stuffed cats and random bits of fur all over it. George also kindly painted a cat on my sweatshirt and wrote “Cats are people too” on it. Not only was this costume easy, it was also warm!

My sister, pictured right, just rummaged in her closet for random bits of scary attire and painted her face to look like a sugar skull. That costume is super easy too and spoooooky.

The Internet has a million easy and cheap costume ideas, it’s all in the execution. Before you go out to buy a lame, polyester costume check around your house and get creative. The best costumes are homemade.

What has been your favorite Halloween costume? Are you dressing up this year? Let me know in the comments!

love and spookiness,
melanie

 

 

How to Save Money at Your Local Fair

save money at fairIt’s fair season, ya’ll! The air is crisp and so are the dollar bills in my pocket. I love a good state fair as much as the next fellow, but I don’t love dropping my hard-earned cash. Here’s how I saved some money this year at the fair.

1. Check the website! Each fair is going to be different, but with the larger fairs, the “deals” will usually be published on the website. Deals could include free admission on certain days, discounted tickets if you buy in advance and free admission for children or seniors. The NC State fair has all of these deals!

2. Keep an eye out for free events. Our fair had free bluegrass music, tons of fascinating exhibits– like blacksmithing, beekeeping and pottery, and other super interesting educational events. The fair isn’t all rides and deep fried food.

gorilla girl3. Consider bringing your own food or sharing. Yes, the food is insane and often makes the trip, but it’s also crazy-expensive. Consider bringing your own food, bottles of water and sharing. Bottles of water were $2 at our local fair. That’s crazy town, people. Bring your own.

4. Buy a lunch pass. Not all fairs do this, but if you are just in it for the food, the NC State fair will let you purchase food on weekdays for free with a lunch pass.

5. Avoid parking fees. Lace on your tennis shoes and get ready to walk. Map out the closest free parking lot to the fair in advance and plan to walk. Nothing bums me out more than having to pay to park my car somewhere.

What other kind of tips do you have for saving money at your local fair? Let me hear ’em in the comments.

love,
melanie

How to Get Back on the Savings Bandwagon (After You’ve Fallen Off)

Savings BandwagonI haven’t been kind to my bank account this month. (Insert EEEK emoji here.) And I know, the month isn’t even close to being over yet. (Insert shocked emoji here.) I may or may not have fallen off the savings bandwagon and hit every rock, speed bump and pothole on the way. (Is there a wagon emoji?)

It’s been a difficult couple of weeks. I’ve had big projects and big stresses at work. I’ve used that as an excuse to dine out quite a few times, get my hair done and buy myself a few little gifts. At the time, I felt like I deserved it. Now I just feel guilty, disappointed and a little hungover. (Insert all applicable drink emojis.)

Towards the end of the month, George and I are going to a wedding and to Portland. I know it will be impossible to not spend anything for the rest of the month, but I’m determined to get back on the savings bandwagon. Here’s how I’m going to do it:

1. Relax: Overspending happens. It’s a fact of life. Some months I’m going to be looser with my money than others. If I relax and get over it, I’ll be able to learn from my mistakes.

2. Pat myself on the back: It might seem odd to be so kind to myself, but I’m improving. The old me would have just spent and spent until my balance hit $0.00 in my checking account. Then, I would have had to pull from savings to pay my bills for the rest of the month. At least I recognized that I was going down that old familiar road and corrected my habits before I did too much more damage.

3. Add “fun money” into the budget: One of the mistakes I’ve been making is that I’ve been so tight with my budget that I didn’t allow any fun. Too tightly budgeting has put extra stress on me and when I get stressed, it’s easy for me to have that all or nothing attitude.

4. Keep learning, keep researching: Learning new things is a big motivator in my life. Learning, more than anything, inspires me to keep moving and keep improving. To help me learn from my mistakes and learn more about money, I’ve checked out a few financial books from my library. I also participated in a recent professional development session about retirement hosted by my employer.

5. Prepare for next time: I’m going to have crazy days, weeks, months and years. I need to start preparing for those times. This weekend, I plan to freeze a few meals for extra busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook. I also plan to schedule a few blog posts so I don’t end up writing at 10 pm when I get home from work.

How have you climbed back on the saving bandwagon? How do you prepare for the busy times when savings takes a backseat? Let me know in the comments!

love,
melanie