Frugal

Great Ways to Save Money and Still Have Fun Too

July 26, 2020 By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

It sure seems like fun is in short supply these days. The news can be so depressing at times, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the state of the world today. We have to keep ourselves engaged and focus on the good, as difficult as that can be. Sometimes, we just need to take a breath and get away from it all. Having a fun time doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Savvy travelers know how to save on trips and short vacations, and there are other things you can do to brighten up your life. You have to keep your spirits up and plan some new experiences and adventures. It’s important for our mental health and our well-being.

Go Camping This Year

If you have been cooped up at home for weeks on end, it’s time to break out and have a weekend or a week in nature. The wide-open spaces and beautiful vistas of the great outdoors are the perfect antidote to being trapped inside four walls day after day. Nature can restore us and replenish us, and fill our souls with peace and joy. Camping trips are a great way to save money and immerse yourself in nature. There are lots of beautiful campgrounds for $20 or less a night and for that cost you can often get restrooms and showers too. Often there will be a lake, river or wonderful hiking trails nearby. Being able to sit by the campfire under a galaxy of stars is the perfect way to relax after a wonderful day.

Take Advantage of Subscription Box Offers

One of the best ways to add some fun in your life is to take advantage of subscription box offers. You’ll be able to sign up for boxes that are tailored to specific types of products or categories of goods that interest you. There are boxes for cosmetics, clothing, shaving and so much more. If you would like to raise your subscription box fun to the next level, you can actually get a medical marijuana subscription box. Your weed box will be delivered on a regular basis and will contains unique products and the latest in paraphernalia for smoking, grinding and rolling your medical marijuana. You may find that it quickly becomes your favorite subscription box.

Learn How to Be a Gourmet Cook

We all enjoy going out to a really nice restaurant and eating a wonderful meal. It’s a treat to taste amazing food that is artfully prepared. Now, with the pandemic, eating inside at a restaurant is not even possible in some states. It’s also a good idea to stay away from crowds whenever you can. Fortunately, you can now become a gourmet cook by training online. There are some amazing videos by top-notch chefs and local cooks that will take your through everything you need to know about food preparation and creating a beautiful meal. For ethnic cuisines, you’ll be able to learn directly from talented cooks who come from the different regions around the world.

5 Items Worth Spending Your Money On

July 22, 2020 By Trey LaRocca Leave a Comment

When trying to save, it is easy to go a little overboard. Sometimes, being too hesitant to spend leaves you even more broke than when you started. While it is important to be frugal, it is even more important to emphasize value. the idea isn’t just to spend as little as possible, it is to get the most value out of your money. This means knowing things worth spending your money on, and going for quality when the need arises. This can not only make your life better, but it can still increase your financial security. Spending a little extra on these items will save you some costly emergencies in the future.

Nutrition and Fitness

You only get one body, and you need to treat yours right. This means buying quality ingredients, and some tools to cook at home. Going out isn’t some cardinal sin of frugality, but it can put a damper on your finances and your health. Make sure you always have the ability to make something delicious and nutritious, and you’re never stuck going out because you have nothing at home. Also, get yourself a gym membership. Working out outside works if you’re on a really tight budget, but having somewhere to go and work on yourself is the best way to do it.

Tools

Having even the most basic tools handy can go a long way. Not only do they save you money on routine car and home repairs, but they can make sure these repairs actually get done. No more waiting until the very last minute to get your oil changed, fearing a big bill. You’ll have the tools, and the know-how, to get it done cheaply on your own.

Mattress

Sleep is such a massive part of your life. Not only do you spend almost one third of your life doing it, it also sets the tone for everything else you do. Your energy level, your mental health, and even your metabolism rely on getting quality sleep. You will be far less productive if you are stuck on that old spring slab you’ve been working with lately. Spend a little on a decent bed-in-a-box mattress online if you have to, and you’ll at least get a reasonably comfortable mattress for a great price.

Healthcare

Back to the old “you only get one body” subject; make sure you are getting regular check-ups at your doctor’s office. Take whatever health insurance you can get, or pay out of pocket. Either way, you should at least get a routine physical once a year to ensure you are in good health. The insurance will also save your butt in an emergency, so don’t consider it wasted money. even healthy people get injured, after all.

Vision

Living life without proper vision can lead to many issues. You can end up in a car accident, get stuck with headaches, or experience chronic eye strain if you work with a computer. If you feel you might need glasses, or your prescription may be a little outdated, get yourself a new pair.

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8 Money Saving Ideas You Should Use Now

June 12, 2020 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

There are countless lists of money saving ideas out there. Some of them are simple. Others are complicated. It truly is worth exploring all of them. Try them out and see what works for you. That said, here are eight of the simplest money saving ideas that you can start using today:

1. Cancel One Monthly Subscription

You probably subscribe to a variety of different things with monthly fees. For example, you might subscribe to streaming television shows, an online fitness membership, or a food delivery service. Cancel one of those things right now. Then automate your savings to transfer that same amount of money directly into your savings account once per month. You were already spending it so you won’t notice the sacrifice. Nevertheless, the savings will add up.

2. Reduce the Cost of One Monthly Bill

Once or twice a year you should renegotiate the price of your monthly bills. Consider your phone bill for example. Here are some ways that you might lower your phone bill:

Change your plan to a lower priced option.
Cancel extra services that you don’t use. For example, do you pay for international calling when you don’t need it?
Call your cell phone service provider and ask about current deals.
Switch to a new provider that offers a better rate.

If you’re ambitious about saving, try to cut back at least $5 of every monthly bill (cable, Internet, utilities, etc.)

3. Rethink Your Automobile

If you can go car-free, do it. You’ll make money by selling your car. You’ll save money by not spending on gas, insurance, and car payments. If you can’t go car-free, reduce your car usage. You might naturally be using your car less during shelter-in-place anyway. If you are, you might be able to get a discount on your auto insurance by changing your plan.

There are a lot of great money saving ideas when it comes to transportation. Sell the family’s second car. Trade your car in for a cheaper one that uses less fuel. Use rideshare apps or public transportation or ride a bike. Figure out what will work for you.

4. Cut Back on Screen Time

This is one of the best ways to reduce energy use at home which saves you money on your electric bill. Unplug all electronic gadgets and chargers for a period of time each day. Use low-energy settings when you do use screens. Reducing screen time is good for your mental health and your utility bill!

5. Declutter and Sell What You Don’t Need

Decluttering is another at-home activity that’s good for your mental health as well as your pocketbook. You can sell what you declutter. Put the extra cash in savings. There will be some items that you can’t sell. However, there are money saving ideas to use those items as well. Upcycle them, gift them, or swap them with others to save money.

6. Reduce Food Spending

Food is a large chunk of most people’s budget. If you can reduce your food spending, you can save a lot of money. Here are 50 ways to save money on food. Pick one or two and make that change today.

7. Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need

This is one of the most obvious money saving ideas out there. And yet, it bears repeating. Stuck at home and restless during quarantine, many people are shopping online more now than ever before. Think twice before you add an item to your online shopping cart. If it’s not a necessity, don’t buy it.

8. Use Coupons and Shop Around

If you do have to make a purchase, do it thoughtfully. Always look for a coupon or promo code. Shop around to get the best price. There are so many ways to compare prices and get discounts when shopping online. There really isn’t any reason to pay full price for anything!

What are your top three favorite money saving ideas? Share in the comments!

5 Artistic, Inexpensive Father’s Day Presents to Create

June 3, 2020 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

Father’s Day is coming up in a few weeks. Like almost everyone else, I’m cautious with my spending right now. However, I don’t want to let the day pass unnoticed. It’s important to me to feel connected with my loved ones right now. Gifts are one of many ways to do that. Therefore, I’m thinking about inexpensive Father’s Day presents that I can put together myself.

1. Heartfelt Handwritten Letter

I realize that things like this can come off as cheesy suggestions. However, every single time that I’ve written a heartfelt letter to someone, they’ve treasured it. Every time that I’ve received a letter – or even a meaningful brief card – I’ve treasured it.

Therefore, cheesy or not, this is one of my go-to gifts when I don’t want to spend money. It costs the price of postage and the time to write it. Investing that time is what makes it so personal and touching. Honestly, this is probably my top choice among the inexpensive Father’s Day presents I’m considering this year.

2. Single Framed Photo

I love to give photo gifts to people. I think that they capture so much. Often, I make elaborate scrapbooks. For example, after a family trip, I’ll typically make scrapbooks for everyone. They include photos as well as quotes we said, tickets to things we went to, and so forth.

However, you don’t have to create such an elaborate scrapbook to have a good photo gift. Sometimes I’ll simply choose a really great photo, one that evokes a specific shared memory, and print that out as a gift. I’ll frame it or I’ll have it printed on canvas to make it a little bit more special than a simple print. By using an affordable frame and/or promo code discounts on photo gift printing, I’m able to spend very little while creating something meaningful.

If I decide to choose this from among the inexpensive Father’s Day presents that I’m considering, then I’ll probably use a photo from my dad’s visit here a couple of years ago.

3. A Song or Poem

My dad and I both enjoy writing. We have extremely different writing styles but we respect each other’s work. It might be fun to try to write a song or poem in his style for a change. Or to write a poetic response to something he’s written in the past.

4. Shared Journal with First Entry Complete

Years ago my siblings and I had a shared journal. I would write an entry, then mail the journal to one of them. They would write an entry and pass it along to the other. It might be fun to start something like this with my dad. It’s something that we could keep doing all year long. I have a bunch of blanket journals here already, so I wouldn’t have to spend anything on that. I could create the first entry and pop that in the mail before Father’s Day.

5. FaceTime Phone Call

This feels a little bit like a copout. It’s “just a phone call” after all. However, all too often, I don’t give quality time and attention to family phone calls. I try. But I get distracted during the call. Or I feel emotional or reactive or something less than idea. A really good phone call where I’m totally focused on making the other person’s day can be a really powerful thing. I have a feeling my dad would be quite content with this choice if it’s the route that I decide to go. After all, presence is the most powerful present of all.

What are you doing for Father’s Day this year?

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Is Costco Gas Quality the Same as Exxon, Shell and Chevron?

May 25, 2020 By Trey LaRocca 105 Comments

Everyone loves Costco, right? They treat their employees much better than other businesses, and they have competitive prices on a wide variety of items. In fact, Costco is known for some of the lowest prices on gas. But what do these low prices mean when it comes to Costco gas quality?

Cheap Gas But What About Costco Gas Quality?

Costco gas prices positively cannot be beaten. Typically, this means that a company saves money by making a cheaper product. This can call into question the quality of Costco’s black gold.

When Costco is selling its gasoline for so much less than the competition, it’s natural to be skeptical and wonder if the quality is equal to brand-name gasoline such as Exxon, Shell, and Chevron. Most people want to know if Costco gas is good quality fuel, or if it might cause long-term damage to their fuel system.

Gas Quality Standards

First, it’s important to note that the government sets fairly stringent standards for all gasoline sold in the United States. When it comes to octane level and other specific gasoline characteristics, all gas is basically the same. The difference between the fuel that you buy at branded gas stations comes down to the detergents that are added to the gas.

Even with detergents, the government sets standards. The federal government has required since 1995 that all gasoline sold in the U.S. must contain a certain amount of detergent additives. These additives are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, and the amount of detergent which must be added to keep vehicle engines free from deposits is regulated. Costco gasoline meets all these requirements, despite being so much cheaper than surrounding stations. Just because you are saving money, that does not mean that they have skimped out, or skirted any regulations.

Is Costco Gas As Good As the Competitors?

So, Costco meets the minimum requirements, but is it still as good as other brand-name gasoline? A number of automakers made the decision that the U.S. government additive requirement wasn’t high enough for many cars. As a result, they developed a “Top Tier” standard. In order to meet the “Top Tier” designation, the fuel sold at the gas station must meet additive requirements higher than required by the U.S. government. Costco fuel meets this top-tier standard, so that just goes to show the value that you are getting.

While Costco’s gas isn’t the same as the other brands, that does not make it a lesser product. After all, if it was the same exact gas, Costco wouldn’t be able to set itself apart. Costco gasoline is practically equal to any other major brand gasoline. You should not notice any difference when filling up your vehicle at Costco as you would with any other brand. The only difference you should notice is a much lighter hit to the wallet.

Get Better Gas Quality and Save Money

If you aren’t sure that Costco gasoline is as good as another major brand’s, try this “gas hack” to save money. In most areas of the country, you can fill up at the Costco gas station, plus add quality fuel injector cleaner. If you add this fuel injector cleaner as recommended, you will still pay less for Costco gas and the fuel injector cleaner, than you would on gas alone at a major brand gas station. This, though, is more of a peace-of-mind improvement. Most mechanics will tell you that fuel injector cleaner really doesn’t do much, so maybe just enjoy the savings that come with your yearly membership.

In the end, there is nothing to suggest that Costco brand fuel is inferior to any other brands of gasoline. Don’t let the price alone dissuade you from filling up there, but we won’t judge if the long lines drive you away.

Do you fill up at Costco gas stations? What do you think about the gas quality?

Is the Costco Membership Fee Worth it?

Is a Costco Executive Membership Worth the Price?
Costco Gas Calculator: Will I Save Money Buying a Membership if All I Buy is Fuel?

Costco Return Policy

Costco Holiday Schedule

Costco Tires

Also, check out our articles for Target.

Target Christmas Store Hours

Target Holiday Schedule and Store Hours

(Photo courtesy of Adam Keys)

How Much Is Too Much Money in Your Savings Account?

May 14, 2020 By Trey LaRocca Leave a Comment

We have hammered into your brain at this point that you need to be saving. It is far too important to overstate that you have to have some sort of rainy day fund to ensure that you can stay afloat in hard times. For those who develop the skill and discipline it takes to save much more than they will need for an emergency, the location of that money becomes the main point of progress. Once you begin to see your savings go from 3-4 months-worth of expenses to a beginner retirement fund, that money needs to start growing outside of a traditional savings account. Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, mutual funds, and index funds are all places that will see more gains than your bank will give you, and the sooner you start one, the better. So, how much is too much money in your savings account?

Quantity

“Too much savings” is definitely not a problem. The issue comes when you have so much in your regular bank account that you are leaving gains on the table that could be found elsewhere. The point at which this becomes a noteworthy issue is different for everyone. A good rule of thumb is that if you can survive six months on your savings account balance, you have enough. Three-to-four months will serve just as well as justification for putting some cash elsewhere; six months is where I would say things are bordering on excessive. Once you can do that, it is time to start getting some tax-free gains elsewhere. This will ensure that you keep a cushy level of liquidity, but still maximize your wealth accumulation. This is vital in ensuring that you have a comfy retirement.

Quality

The question now is, “where should I put my money now?” Well, here is something you should’ve already been doing: Contributing the maximum amount to a 401(k) or Roth IRA that your employer will match. If you haven’t been doing this, you have literally been foregoing free money. Not to fret, just start doing it now. Not only does your money get matched by your employer, but it also gets withheld tax-free. This lowers your taxable income for the year (yay, lower taxes!). These are 2 separate ways you are already gaining money before the actual retirement account even starts doing its thing; that thing, by the way, is growing. With few exceptions, retirement accounts like these bring great, reliable gains to your money over time. This makes sure that your retirement is as comfortable as possible. Other options for those who want more manual control of their money (after you have maxed out employer match) are index funds, mutual funds, and individual stocks. My recommendation on those is pretty much told in the order they are presented.