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Why My Family Stopped Giving Christmas Gifts

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The holidays are right around the corner, and Christmas shopping is in full swing. While you may find yourself deep into Christmas shopping, have you ever stopped to consider if you really have to give holiday gifts? In the past few years, my family decided to stop giving each other gifts. Here is why my family stopped giving Christmas gifts and what we do instead.

 

Why We Stopped Doing Christmas Gifts

I come from a fairly large family. There are six of us in my immediate family, and most of us are married. Once you factor in gifts for one another, spouses, and nieces and nephews, Christmas gifts quickly became expensive and tiring.

The final straw was when me and two other of my siblings moved away from our home state. If we want to come home for the holidays, it requires us to purchase a plane ticket. And if we have a spouse, it’s double the price to make it back to celebrate with family! Not to mention, the cost of boarding our pets and renting a car (since our hometown is not near an airport). If we can make it home for Christmas, it can easily cost $1,000. That’s the price of a mini vacation!

Now, with a family of 11 people, assume we each spent $50 on everyone’s gift. That’s $550 in just gifts. Add that on top of the price of travel, and it quickly became expensive.

And when you live far away, cost isn’t the only factor. You also have to consider how you will get the gifts to our family. Sure, you can try to stuff as many as you can in your suitcase. But that isn’t realistic. Of course, you could always ship gifts, but then you have to worry about wrapping gifts when you get there, or just not wrap them at all. It just added a lot of stress to us as a family!

Finally, my family realized the end of the year is busy for all of us. We are all busy at work, planning to travel, and trying to plan for the next year. Buying Christmas gifts just added to the stress, when really, all we wanted was to spend time with one another.


Alternatives to Christmas Gifts

In lieu of Christmas gifts, my family puts that money aside and takes a family vacation together once a year. It’s a great way to experience something new with all of us and form less-rushed memories together!

And while we don’t do holiday gifts, we did decide to prioritize birthday gifts instead. That way, we can truly celebrate one person on their special day versus buying gifts for everyone at once. And even then, most of our gifts are for experiences, such as classic car rentals, gift cards to a fancy restaurant, or tickets to a play.

If you haven’t considered alternatives to Christmas gifts, I highly recommend it. For us, the absence of gifts makes our holidays more focused on what’s truly important – spending time together as a family and celebrating together.

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Frugal Recipes to Try When Money Is Tight

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Frugal Recipes For Tight Budget

Your food budget probably takes up one of the largest percentages of outgoing money each money. Therefore, if you can reduce your food spending then you can improve your savings. As a result, it makes sense to look for frugal recipes for a tight budget if you want to start saving money quickly. By arming yourself with a long list of recipes you love, but that are made from ingredients that don’t cost you a lot of money, you can do yourself a huge financial service.

Frugal Breakfast Recipes for a Tight Budget

Sticking to meals that are only one or two ingredients is a surefire way to save money on meals. Breakfast is one of the easiest meals that you can do that with. Buttered toast, a bowl of oatmeal, yogurt with berries, and scrambled eggs are all examples of simple meals that you can enjoy for breakfast without spending very much money. But for those times when you want something a little bit fancier and yet not expensive try these recipes:


Low-Cost Lunch Recipes

One of the best ways to save money on lunch is to eat dinner leftovers from the night before. A sandwich or wrap is always another smart choice.

However, that’s not always appealing. Luckily, it’s easy to find frugal recipes for a tight budget that are more than satisfactory for lunch at home or on the go. Here are some top choices:

    • Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich. Get a Panera-style lunch sandwich at a much lower cost using this recipe.
    • Homemade Chili Dogs. Use this recipe to serve tummy-filling chili dogs to eight people for less than $10 total. And if you have kids at the table they might be satisfied with just a no-bun, no-chili hot dog for lunch which will save you even more money.
    • Rice and Beans. This recipe will fuel you with energy for the rest of the day.
    • Vegetable Soup. Don’t just open a can of soup and heat it on the stove. Instead, make this homemade version and reheat it when you’re ready for a warm lunch.

Frugal Dinner Recipes for a Tight Budget

Dinner is usually the most expensive meal of the day. Oftentimes, that’s because we dine out. However, it can get expensive even at home. Making smart choices about the dinner ingredients that you use will go a long way towards reducing your food spending when you’re on a budget. Here are some frugal recipes for a tight budget that will satisfy you at dinner time:

  • Barbecue Chicken on the Grill. Affordable cuts of meat that you can grill for flavor are good options for those non-vegetarians on a budget. This recipe serves six.
  • Beef Brisket. Eating meat isn’t always the most affordable way to go with dinner but if you prefer it then this is a good recipe option.
  • Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice. Or skip the chicken for an even more affordable vegetable fried rice dish.
  • Easy Roast Prime Rib. This recipe doesn’t just save you money but it also saves you time. It takes ten minutes to prepare then the oven does the rest of the work.
  • Grilled Flank Steak. If you enjoy eating steak but don’t want to spend too much money then ask your butcher about getting some flank steak. It’s a tasty alternative to more expensive cuts of beef. Generally you can get one-and-a-half pounds for this meat for under $7. Here’s a recipe that will serve six people for that prices.
  • Honey Glazed Ham. Like the Prime Rib recipe above, this is a meal that you can prepare quickly then do other things while the oven cooks it for you. It serves a whopping twelve people. Therefore, its one of the frugal recipes for a tight budget that you can bookmark for holiday meals.
  • Ramen Noodle Dishes. Of course, you could really save money and get the 50-cent soups but that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about three different recipes for high-quality, extra-tasty, very satisfying homemade ramen noodle dishes that are also very affordable to make at home. These are also healthy dishes with one vegetarian option.
  • Shrimp Scampi Pasta. You can almost always make pasta dishes on a budget. If you see a discount on shrimp then make the purchase and use this recipe for a wonderful low-cost dinner.

Snacks, Sides, and Appetizers

Sometimes you just want to have a quick snack. A simple apple or handful of nuts will often do and can be your most affordable option. However, sometimes you want something a little bit more special. For example, you might want frugal snack recipes when you’re on a tight budget but still want to impress someone who is coming over to your home. Or you might want a cheap snack that you can bring to a gathering. Here are some good choices.

  • Beer Battered Fish: Although you can actually use this recipe to make dinner, it’s a particularly good option for making an appetizer or side dish for large groups of people.
  • Classic Deviled Eggs: Make half a dozen terrific and tasty deviled eggs for less than five dollars when you use this easy recipe. This is a Labor Day or holiday gathering favorite.
  • Honey Glazed Carrots. Make these in a slow cooker. You can serve up to ten people with this recipe.
  • Potato Salad. Potatoes are among the most filling frugal ingredients that you’ll find for any meal. Stock up on them and use them liberally throughout your cooking. This potato salad recipe will give you a unique snack, suitable to take to any group gathering. Moreover, it costs about $1 per serving. You can’t beat that!
  • Stuffed Mushrooms. Mushrooms are a simple food that can be dressed up with good stuffing. They are often affordable, and they work well as sides or appetizers for any meals. Make one dozen of them with this recipe.

Frugal Dessert for a Tight Budget

If you want to save money on meals then you should skip dessert. In fact, when dining at a restaurant, it is almost always best to skip drinks and dessert if you want to reduce your bill. But of course sometimes we want a little treat. You can use these frugal dessert recipes to enjoy that treat on a budget.

  • Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding. What a yummy option that will impress anyone you offer it to.
  • Chocolate Ice Cream. Ice cream is a popular dessert for all ages. Learn how to easily make your own.
  • Oven-Baked Smores. Who doesn’t love Smores? And you don’t even need a campfire to cook them. This recipe will cost you less than $10 to make. Nevertheless, it will provide dessert for fifteen people. Moreover, cooking and enjoying it will delight you.
  • The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Simple chocolate chip cookies are a surprisingly satisfying dessert. Make six dozen of them with this recipe! Of course, you can cut the recipe in half to make fewer cookies and save more money.

What are some of your favorite frugal recipes on a tight budget? Share in the comments!

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12 Homemade Cleaning Product Recipes for Every Area of Your House

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With the prices of everything skyrocketing, making your own cleaning products can be an easy way to save money. In addition to saving money, most are homemade cleaners are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe for use around pets and children. They take very little time to make, so they don’t add to the workload. Friends and family members frequently ask for my homemade cleaning products recipes, so I’m sharing 12 of my favorites. I’ve tried all of these and found them to be at least as effective, if not more so than commercially prepared products.

Getting Started

Before you get started mixing things up, you’ll need a couple of spray bottles to hold your homemade cleaning products. You can get inexpensive bottles in the travel section of stores like Wal-Mart or Target, or you can use glass spray bottles like these on Amazon, which are reusable and come with labels.

You can also reuse spray bottles from commercial cleaners as long as you thoroughly clean them out to prevent unwanted chemical reactions. Be sure to label your bottles to prevent accidents.

You’ll also need some old rags, sponges, or cloths for scrubbing purposes. I use an old fashioned sponge for the heavy scouring work and microfiber cloths for cleaning surfaces like countertops. Microfiber cloths can be rinsed/washed and reused over and over, making them an inexpensive choice if you don’t like rags or old washcloths.

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12 Homemade Cleaning Products Recipes

Now that you’ve got your basic supplies, on to the recipes!

1. Window/Glass cleaner: Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can use a rag to wipe the glass, but a sheet of newspaper does even better.

2. Floor cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar into one gallon of water. Mop the floors as usual.

3. Countertops: Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe down countertops with a sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, scrub with baking soda.

4. Tubs/sinks: Straight baking soda works well for scouring away soap scum and mildew. Sprinkle it into the tub and add just enough water to make a paste. Then scour away. Spray the chrome with the countertop mixture (above) of vinegar and water then wipe down to make it shine. If you have heavy mold or mildew, straight vinegar sprayed directly on the affected area works well for loosening it.

5. Toilets: Sprinkle straight baking soda into the toilet and swish around with a brush. Let it stand for a few minutes, swish a final time, and flush.

6. Fabric softener: Pour 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser or add manually during the rinse cycle. This softens clothes, removes excess detergent and does not leave a smell behind.

7. Carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle straight baking soda on the carpet, using more in heavily trafficked areas or where pets stay. Vacuum after 20-30 minutes.

8. Powdered laundry detergent: Mix 5 cups soap flakes and 7 cups of Borax and shake well to mix the flakes and Borax. Store in plastic container or old laundry detergent box. Use 1/2 cup per load.

9. Exterior house wash: If you have vinyl siding, this cleanser will get rid of mold and mildew. Mix one quart of bleach per gallon of water in a hand sprayer. Add 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid (hand washing liquid such as Dawn or Ivory, not dishwasher liquid). The dishwashing soap just makes the mixture “sticky” so it will adhere to the wall long enough for the bleach to do the work. Spray on the walls and then rinse with a garden hose or light pressure wash.

10. Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/4 cup baking soda down the drain. Follow with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and plug the drain until the fizzing stops. Pour one gallon of boiling water down the drain to flush out the clog. Prevent clogs by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain once per week.

11. Dishwasher Rinse Aid: Pour distilled white vinegar into the rinse agent compartment and wash as usual.

12. Furniture Polish: Mix 1/4 cup olive oil or mineral oil with 4 tablespoons distilled white vinegar and 20-30 drops of lemon essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before using.

Homemade Cleaning Product Concerns

One of the concerns I often hear about the recipes that use vinegar is that the vinegar will leave a smell behind. Let me assure you that once it dries or runs through the rinse cycle in the washer, it no longer smells. One of the benefits of homemade cleansers is that most leave no scent whatsoever behind, so your home does not smell like a hospital. If you want to add some scent, you can experiment with essential oils such as peppermint or lemon. You can find these at health food stores, or places like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Another concern is that these cleansers don’t kill bacteria. Research has shown that vinegar does kill certain household pathogens, so if you want to disinfect without using harmful antibacterial chemicals, vinegar is a great choice. Tea tree oil is another great disinfectant and can be mixed with water and used on countertops and in sinks, tubs, and toilets to disinfect.

Helpful Tips and Warnings

As with any sort of cleanser, test your creations on inconspicuous areas to make sure there’s no discoloration, scratching, or other adverse effects. And two final words of warning: First, never use vinegar on natural stone such as granite or marble because it will scratch and pit the stone. Second, never mix bleach with vinegar because it will give off a toxic gas.

Using homemade cleansers is just as effective and much less expensive than using commercial cleansers. Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t hesitate to experiment with the concentrations and added scents you use to find what works best for you. Just remember to always test anything new before using it widely.

Do you make your own household cleaners? Share your tips in the comments below!

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Free (Or Nearly Free) Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year

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A lot of people ask me, “If you don’t watch TV and you choose to limit movies, clubs, restaurants, etc. in order to save money, what do you do for entertainment? Aren’t you bored?” I usually look at them, dumbfounded, because to me there is too much to do and boredom is never a problem. I have never struggled to find inexpensive or free entertainment.

However, I understand that those who are used to relying on “prepackaged” entertainment may have a problem at first identifying all the fun, free things there are to do in and around their communities. When I first turned frugal, I wasn’t aware of all the things I could do, but I’ve learned over time. So, for those who are looking for more free/inexpensive things to do, I offer this list:

Free Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year

1. Free museums. Some paid museums have free days, and some museums are always free. Call around to the museums in your area and ask. Some also sponsor free outings to local points of interest.

2. Read. The library is a great source of free books. Yard sales, flea markets, and book sales are great sources of very cheap books. Websites such as PaperbackSwap.com allow users to trade books just for the cost of postage.

3. Movies. Yes, I said movies. Some community groups, libraries, and museums show free movies. Many towns have a dollar theater that shows first-run movies cheap. Some libraries lend DVDs. You can also find DVDs for almost nothing at yard sales and flea markets (many times for a buck or two), and then you can resell or swap them for something new. Even renting with Redbox is much cheaper than going to the theater.

4. Take the kids to the community playground. You don’t have to go to a restaurant with a playground or a pay-to-play indoor park. Many communities have nice playgrounds that are free.

5. Go to the park. Whether it’s a park with a playground (see number 4) or a state park, there are lots of recreational opportunities at a park ranging from walking/hiking to picnicking to just sitting and reading or people watching.

6. Ride a bike. Depending on your area, a bike ride might be a good way to spend some time outdoors.

7. Go for a walk in your neighborhood. If you walk alone, it gives you some quiet time. If you walk with friends or family, and it’s a chance to connect while getting some exercise.

8. Get some friends together for a game. Gather your friends for a game of baseball, basketball, football, tennis, frisbee, or soccer game. Many communities have sports facilities that can be used by the general public when not in use for league play.

9. Live music. Some community groups and museums offer free concerts and some up, and coming bands play for free at local bars and clubs (with no cover charge). Look for open mic nights that attract up and comers.

10. Potluck or progressive dinners with friends. If you prefer something indoors, consider getting together for a meal.

11. Local theater. Some community players offer free performances to test a program before launching it on a paying audience. High schools and universities are also good sources of free theater.

12. Local historical sites, battlefields, or historic homes. Most are free, low cost or “request” a small donation.

13. Swim. Some communities offer free or low-cost public pools. Others are blessed with swimmable lakes.

14. Lectures. If you live near a university, free lectures are always offered on a variety of topics. Even without a university, many communities feature appearances by authors, actors, and others.

15. Free magazines. Check out the magazines at your local library.

16. City. Many communities offer tours for new residents or visitors. Most are free. Tag along, and you might learn something new about your area.

17. Art galleries. Many offer free showings.

18. The library. In addition to being a source of free books, most host free children’s programs and adult workshops on a variety of topics. Check their schedule for more information.

19. Craft events. Many craft sorts such as Michaels or AC Moore offer free classes and projects for both kids and adults.

20. The local bookstore. Many offer readings by authors or open mic nights for poetry or short fiction readings. Some offer story times for kids. You can also read magazines and books without making a purchase, although this privilege shouldn’t be abused.

21. Community festivals. Many communities have festivals such as spring flings, agricultural celebrations, music festivals, craft showcases, or celebrations of local heritage. Most are free to attend.

22. Parades. Christmas, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s day or local band days bring out parades including music and other performances.

23. Holiday celebrations. In addition to parades, many communities offer free activities such as fireworks on the 4th of July, egg hunts at Easter, or free New Year’s Eve parties.

24. Camp out. If you already have a tent and some sleeping bags, an overnight camp out at the local park or in your yard is a fun, inexpensive change of pace.

25. Church. If you’re religious, church can be a great source of free activities such as outings, exercise classes, crafts, and book groups.

26. The animal shelter. This is a great place to play with some animals without incurring the expense of owning one. Many shelters need volunteers to exercise the animals, so ask if you can help out. You’re doing something good for the animals and having some fun at the same time.

27. The zoo or aquarium. For more animal fun, try the local zoo or aquarium. Most are very inexpensive and many offer significant discounts to those who purchase memberships, good for more than one visit.

28. Board games, cards, and puzzles. These are inexpensive ways to pass an evening as a family. You can find lots of used games at yard sales and thrift stores, or maybe someone in your family has some that they are looking to get rid of. Even purchased new, these are inexpensive compared to the amount of entertainment you get out of them.

29. Take up an inexpensive hobby. Writing, poetry, origami, organizing the family photos, genealogy, certain crafts, etc. are all inexpensive ways to pass the time. Even cooking, while not always inexpensive, can be a frugal hobby because you get to consume the results of your labors.

30. Pick your own produce or cut your own Christmas tree. Yes, you have to pay for what you pick/cut, but you’d be buying food at the store anyway, right? Many pick your own places also offer other things like tram rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, crafts, holiday activities or performances by local groups.

31. The farmers market. Again, you have to pay for what you buy, but some farmer’s markets offer gardening classes, local performers, or holiday celebrations.

32. Public gardens. Most communities have public gardens where you can walk amongst the flowers and trees. Particularly stunning in spring.

33. Business tours. Some large companies offer free tours of their facilities, which can be interesting and might end with a free sample of the company’s products.

34. Free/low cost classes. Some community colleges or extension programs offer free classes or workshops. Even if you have to pay, the cost is usually small. Free classes or workshops are also available at some stores, such as home improvement classes at Home Depot or Lowes.

35. Minor league, college, or high school sporting events. These aren’t usually free (although some low profile college or high school sports offer free admission), but the cost is nothing when compared to major league sports.

36. Join a club. There are many clubs dedicated to all kinds of interests. Most offer free membership or nominal dues to cover operating expenses. Book clubs, Red Hat’s for senior women, clubs for people with or without kids, game clubs, sporting clubs, business clubs, are just a few examples.

37. Listen to podcasts. There are tons of good podcasts available for free. Some are funny, some are educational, and some are political. There are topics for every interest. Some are available on iTunes for free and others can be downloaded directly from websites that interest you.

38. Take the dogs to the dog park. If you have a dog park nearby, this is a good chance to get out and get some exercise and bonding time with your pet.

39. Don’t overlook the obvious attractions of your area. If you live near the mountains, you’ve got winter fun all sewn up — sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, etc. Same if you live near the coast — you’ve got fishing, beach trips, shell collecting and sandcastle building. Sometimes when you live near a natural haven for entertainment, it’s easy to forget what you have at your disposal.

40. Keep cheap entertainment on hand for the kids. Avoid rainy or snow day desperation by keeping things like coloring books, activity books, crayons, card games, craft ideas and supplies, DVD’s borrowed from the library or purchased cheaply, unread books, etc. on hand.

41. Go to the mall. No, not to shop (and be certain you can resist the temptation before you go or this tip’s worthless). Malls sometimes offer performances by school musical groups, they likely have a free indoor play area for rainy days, or you might see a fashion show. During holiday periods, you can visit Santa or the Easter Bunny. Some stores, like the Apple Store, offer free classes and instruction on their products. It’s a good place to walk if the weather is bad and people watching is always entertaining.

42. Recapture a little of your childhood with your kids. Catch fireflies in the summer, play on the swings, build roads to nowhere in the dirt, play in the sandbox, feed and watch the birds, collect rocks, etc. These simple pleasures are often overlooked in our electronic age, but they are fun for kids and low cost.

43. Yard sales and flea markets. Yes, if you buy you have to pay, but it’s entertaining and free to just look around. Sometimes there are even freebies to be had. If you have a need, you can score some great deals in the process.

44. Write a letter. Letter writing is a lost art in the age of email and cheap long distance, but it’s still fun to receive a handwritten letter from someone you care about. Write to a friend or family member that you don’t see often and update them on your life and just remind them that you care.

45. Free computer games. If you have high speed Internet access, there are a lot of free games available online. Just beware of viruses, spyware, etc.

46. Music. In addition to free concerts (#9, above) there is free music to be had that you can put on your iPod or burn to CD. iTunes offers a free download or two each week. Up and coming bands often post free songs on their websites so you can sample their wares. You can listen to many radio stations from other states or countries as free streaming broadcasts. Just remember to never illegally download or copy copyrighted music.

47. County or state fairs. Admission to many is free, while some charge a small fee. Once you’re in the gate, there’s usually no additional charge to walk the grounds and look at the exhibits or see the animals. Most only require that you pay extra for the rides and the food. If you skip the rides and pack a picnic lunch, this can be a free or cheap day out.

48. Video games. No, video game consoles aren’t cheap, but if you already have one and some games, you can pass many hours playing. Rent games or buy them cheap on the used market. If you have friends with different games or consoles, invite them over and play against them, or take your console to their house. It’s a great way to try different games and consoles while having some cheap fun.

49. The local arts center. Many communities have an arts center that hosts art exhibitions, offers art, dance or other classes, and has activities for kids. The offerings are usually ever changing and free or inexpensive.

50. The senior center. If you’re age appropriate, many areas have a senior center that offers free classes, outings, and activities just for your age group.

51. Know what you’ve already paid for. If you live in an apartment complex or housing development, you may have access to a recreation center with exercise equipment, games, game tables, movies, or areas in which you can host gatherings that your rent/dues pays for. Your development may also offer special activities such as pool parties or cookouts that are open to all residents. Make sure you keep abreast of any offerings that you’re already paying for and get the most out of them.

52. Volunteer for something you find fun. Maybe you can volunteer as an usher at a theater and see the performance for free. Or, consider volunteering at the senior center and playing cards with other people. Libraries are also great places to volunteer, plus you get to check out the new books before anyone else. Whatever you find fun can probably be turned into a volunteer activity.

The thing about free or frugal entertainment is that it isn’t always the most obvious choice. There likely isn’t a neon sign pointing you to the free museum like the one that’s pointing to the multiplex. You have to search out some offerings by looking in local papers or visiting local websites, but it’s worth your time. There’s plenty to do that’s free or low cost; you just have to accustom yourself to hunting out these jewels rather than automatically reaching for your wallet.

Do you have any free or nearly free ideas for entertainment? Share with us in the comments below.

Dorm Room Storage Hack-Amazing Products for More Space

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dorm room storage hack

In the US, there are approximately 20.4 million college students. While not all of them choose to live on-campus, many do.On average, the price of room and board at a public institution is $10,800 per year. At private colleges and universities, that rises to $12,210. In most cases, that gives access to around 100 square feet, and they may have to share that space.  In order to make the room better try a dorm room storage hack.

However, if you bring the right items along, any dorm room can be more comfortable. Finding ways to sneak in storage options is a must, and using the space wisely makes a lot of difference. With that in mind, here are a few amazing products that can make any college dorm room more livable.

Bed Risers

When you need to create storage space in a dorm room, bed risers can make a world of difference. These products go under each of the legs of the bed, lifting it off the ground.

You can find them in different heights, allowing you to choose a size that works best for you. Some even come with power outlets. Simply plug them into the wall outlet that sits behind the bed, and you can easily access the plugs.

After you select your risers, you can choose storage boxes that will fit into the space. You can find a variety of options, including under bed bins with wheels for easier access or foldable ones that are more convenient to store when not in use.

Door Organizers As a Dorm Room Storage Hack

Shoe organizers that hang on the door give you extra storage pockets without sacrificing floor space. They come with hooks that slip onto the top of the door and usually don’t interfere with the door’s operation.

Fabric versions are great if you need to store items discretely. Clear door organizers are ideal if you need to see everything stored in the pockets.

They can hold anything from shoes to toiletries to school supplies to snacks. Consider getting one for every door for maximum storage efficiency.

Command Hooks and Strips

Most college dorms have strict rules about hanging things on the walls. Many don’t allow nails or thumbtacks, and some even restrict standard tape.

Usually, the restrictions are there to ensure the students don’t damage the walls during their stay. However, if you need to store items on hooks or hang pictures, Command Hooks and Strips are usually allowed.

Command hooks and strips are available in a range of sizes, typically denoting different carrying capacities. You can hang hats, scarves, bags, and keys for the hooks, while the strips make putting pictures on the wall a breeze.

Plus, when you leave the dorm, they peel off the wall without damaging the surface, ensuring you can get your deposit back.

Bed Caddies

Most dorm room nightstands are small, and some don’t have one at all. If you need to keep items like your cell phone, glasses, or a favorite book near your bed, pick up a bed caddy.

These little pouches have a flap that fits between the mattress and the box spring. Once you set up the bed caddy, the weight of the mattress keeps it in place.

In most cases, you can add a few along the edge of the bed, giving you additional storage for small items.

You can also find bedside trays that attach to the frame. This can give you an extra surface for drinks and other items, just like a nightstand would.

Shower Locker

If you share a bathroom with a roommate and want to keep your toiletries in the bathroom secure, consider getting a shower locker. They stick to shower walls with suction cups and have internal shelves for additional storage.

Plus, they have combination locks on the door. This means your roommate won’t “accidentally” use your shampoo or other items because they can’t access them.

If your bathroom walls are entirely tile, you can actually put up a few. Then you can protect all of your personal hygiene items, ranging from your toothbrush to your razors to your face wash.

Wire Storage Cubes

Whether you need additional shelves in a closet or a way to organize items along an empty wall, wire storage cubes can be a great option. They come in pieces so that you can configure them in a variety of ways. Plus, putting them together is easy, usually not requiring anything more than a reasonably strong grip.

You can even set up the top row as baskets instead of shelves, allowing you to easily store items that might not sit upright on their own.

Silverware Organizer

Silverware organizers can do more than just hold forks and spoons. They are excellent for keeping desk drawers arranged, giving you sections for pens and pencils that prevent them from rolling around.

They can also work as jewelry storage, letting you keep necklaces and earrings separated. If you set one near the door on a table, it can make a great drop zone too. You can keep your keys and similar small items in different sections, so you always know where to find them.

Ultimately, all of the dorm room storage options above can help make a dorm room feel more comfortable. Consider giving them all a try, especially if you are sharing an incredibly small space with another student. This is another great dorm room storage hack.

 

Do you have a favorite dorm room storage hack? Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

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Discounts for Savvy Senior Shoppers

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Today, more than 108.7 million Americans are over the age of 50. And, out of that group, approximately 47.8 million of them are age 65 or older.

Once you reach age 50, you become eligible for a range of senior discounts. More of them become available as you get older, particularly by the time you get to Social Security’s current minimum retirement age of 62.

Whether you already qualify for senior discounts or are just planning for the future, taking advantage of the savings is a smart move. They can save you money on a range of purchases, helping you stretch your retirement dollars even further.

While requirements for a senior discount vary by retailer, some of the discounts are substantial. Here are some of the best available.

Movie Theaters

The vast majority of movie theaters, including major chains, offer ticket discounts to seniors. For example, AMC provides discounts to moviegoers over the age of 60. Regal Cinemas also use 60 as the cutoff. At Cinemark, the minimum age is 62, and the cost reduction is only available on specific days that vary by theater.

Many theaters allow seniors to pay matinee prices all day long. This can be a boon for movie fans, and you don’t have to do anything but show them a picture ID to qualify.

Even local theaters may offer discounts. If you don’t see one posted, then ask the cashier to let you know what is available.

Cruises

Seniors can also score discounts on a range of cruises to popular destinations. Carnival offers reduced room rates to travelers 55 and older, although the specific amount of savings may vary depending on the ship and destination, and not all cruises qualify — click here to see which ones do.

Royal Caribbean has a similar system: People age 55 and up can receive discounted rates, though typically only on specific trips.

Grocers

Some large retailers offer seniors some serious discounts, but only under specific conditions. For example, Fred Meyer takes 10 percent off of apparel, shoes, home goods, toys, auto, and garden purchases. Store brand groceries are also eligible, as well as many electronics purchases.

If you are 60 or older and shop at Harris Teeter for groceries, make sure to go on Thursdays. That way you can enjoy a 5 percent discount on your entire purchase. Hy-Vee offers a similar arrangement on Wednesday, but with additional restrictions including requiring you to have a senior discount card.

Retail Chains

Goodwill thrift stores have senior days about once a week — when people 55 and up save 20 percent. Precisely which day is senior day varies by location, so you’ll need to check with your local store to find out.

Kohl’s provides a 15 percent discount for anyone 60 or older on Wednesdays. All you need is a valid picture ID to qualify.

If you enjoy crafting, then consider shopping at Michael’s: it gives shoppers age 55 and older 10 percent off every day. Just present a photo ID when checking out and request the discount.

Pep Boys, the auto parts retailer and service shop, provides a 10 percent discount with an ID showing you are at least 55.

Restaurants

Denny’s and IHOB offer senior discounts through their senior menu. Typically, the meals are smaller than some of the other options, but they are pretty generous for the price. On top of that, Denny’s offers an AARP discount, giving you the chance to save even more.

National Parks

The national park system offers anyone who is at least 62 a lifetime pass for $80. This gives you entrance into any and every national park for the rest of your life, no additional payment required. The pass also gives you 50 percent discounts on amenities like camping spots and boat launches.

Public Transportation

Most public transit systems offer discounts to seniors. Usually, this makes bus and subway passes substantially cheaper.

In many cases, you don’t have to live in the area to qualify. This can be a great way to get around a city when traveling, particularly if you don’t want to drive in an unfamiliar area.

AARP Discounts

If you want to get access to a wider range of senior discounts, then it behooves you to join AARP; people age 50 and up are eligible for full membership, and those under that age can get associate memberships that still enable you to get all the discounts.

Joining does come with a cost, though it is fairly minimal. For your first year, if you sign up to auto-renew, you only pay $12. After that, it should cost no more than $16 annually, according to current prices.

However, by signing up, you can easily make your money back in discounts. Many restaurants, car rental companies, hotels, cell phone carriers, and retailers give AARP members a percentage off the cost of their services.

Glasses and Car Rentals

Typically, an establishment that offers an AARP discount will reduce the cost by at least 10 percent. However, some go much higher. For instance, Pearle Vision knocks 30 percent off a complete pair of glasses and 20 percent off of the price of contacts. You can also save up to 30 percent on Avis car rentals in some locations.

If you are open to ordering glasses online, Glasses.com knocks 25 percent off of their prices for AARP members for purchases over $200. If you spend less than $200, you still get a discount, but it’s lowered to 15 percent.

There are many, many more AARP discounts out there, too. Luckily, AARP tracks them all on its website, making it easy for members to make sure they can save as much as possible.

Plenty of Discounts for Savvy Senior Shoppers

You might be able to obtain plenty of other discounts just by asking around — if you’re at least 55, it doesn’t hurt to ask your favorite stores for senior discounts.

They’ll be able to tell you the requirements, including age minimums, shopping days, and whether you need to be an AARP member to qualify.

Readers, tell us about the best discounts you’ve found lately.

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