Frugal Living

It's always nice to escape reality by watching a movie. Whether you are a fan of action, comedy, romance, or horror, movies can provide an escape from everyday life. Some people like to see movies in the theaters while others are deterred by the high ticket prices and opt to wait to see movies on DVD. Do you see movies in the theater? Or do you prefer to wait until they come out on DVD? Why? Tell us if you see movies in the theater and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card! Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets. Mandatory Entry: Post your answer in the comments below For extra entries (1 per action): Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, and leave a comment on this article telling us you did, or Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it....

I'm not the biggest Valentine's Day fan. It's not that I hate love, but I do hate all of the expensive things people are expected to do to express that love. And personally, I fail to see how a gold-script card and box of chocolates (or worse — a poorly made stuffed bear holding a heart) from the drug store is the proper expression of something as profound as loving another human being. But I'm not a total sourpuss — I just think that there are more personal, and definitely more frugal, ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. That's why I chatted with Marketplace Money host Tess Vigeland over the weekend about wonderful and cheap V-Day celebrations. Plus, many of these great gifts and celebrations can be pulled off last-minute, if you happen to be reading this on February 14 You can listen to or read the segment online, and check out my super-easy recipe for awesome chocolate truffles. Are you celebrating a frugal Valentine's Day? Share what you're doing in the comments! ShareThis Written...

For the last five years, I've been traveling the world full-time, and for less money than I've ever spent (and I'd wager less money than most people would spend) to live in one place. My worldly possessions fit into one bag (just larger than carry-on size) and a backpack containing my laptop and computer gear. This small entourage (weighing less than 45 pounds in total) comes with me as I wander around the world, sometimes quickly, but mostly slowly. (See also: Housesit on Your Next Vacation) In 2011 alone, I traversed 13 countries and over 45,360 miles. Sounds pretty expensive, huh? What if I told you it wasn't? What if I told you that both 2010 (a similarly busy year of travel) and 2011 cost me just over $17,000 (including some major non-travel related purchases)? Would you believe me? Believe it. (Here's proof, with a full breakdown of where I went and how much it cost: My Cost of Full-Time Travel in 2011). How to Keep Your Travel Costs Low Of course, I could travel for way more...

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on how to fly for free, tips to reduce your grocery budget, and how to save money on things you need. Top 5 Articles How To Fly For Free — To travel for free, volunteer to get bumped from your flight or complain to the airline. [The Digerati Life] 5 Quick Tips to Reduce Your Grocery Budget — Reduce your grocery budget by shopping alone and looking for discounted meats. [Not Made Of Money] How to Save Money on Things You Need — To save money on things you need, learn to do basic home maintenance tasks on your own. [The Frugal Toad] Where Did That Credit Card Go? — If your credit card gets lost or stolen, the first thing you should do is report it to the card issuer. [Bucksome Boomer] 18 Ways To Inspire Everyone Around You — Want to inspire everyone around you? Focus on building your character. [Marc and Angel Hack Life] Other Essential Reading Budgeting for Summer Vacation — Start budgeting for summer...

The pantry sweep out and the freezer sweep are almost complete. I’ve emptied the freezer and it will be making its way to its new home here in Dayton tomorrow. And I’m almost finished clearing out the “back shelves” where I store most of my stockpile items and non perishable pantry items. My goal is [...] Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsThree Cheese Spaghetti Bake – $5 Dinner ChallengeDutch Oven Pulled Beef with Onions – $5 Dinner ChallengeBuffalo Chicken Blue Cheese Enchiladas

This series is brought to you by TurboTax Federal Free Edition. As a job hunter, you know that networking is often essential to finding a new position. You may have already called your old boss or sent your résumé to the neighbor who is a human resources manager. But you know more people than you realize. Tap your hidden network of contacts, which can help you on the path to landing a great position in many ways: Alert you to job openings or potential opportunities Explain areas of responsibility and duties associated with various functions and job titles, and how these fit within the organizational structure Provide recommendations, either on paper or via LinkedIn Enlighten you on attributes desired by the hiring manager and team members Offer you a position or introduce you to someone who can Advise on how to navigate the candidate screening and selection process. Take a moment to consider who you know in these networks: School Contacts Your initial list of school contacts will most...

Looking for a festive way to make your child’s lunch for Valentine’s Day tomorrow?  Check out all these cute ideas over on Lisa Storms. Valentine’s Lunch- Lunchbox Inspiration was first posted on February 13, 2012 at 10:00 am. Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsValentine’s Lunch- Lunchbox InspirationButterfly Pretzels- Lunchbox InspirationGrab and Go Snacks- Lunchbox Inspiration

I’ve shared this past week on SCJohnson.com some simple and easy ways to make Valentine’s Day special without having to spend “extra money” or “extra time”…two things we don’t seem to have a whole lotta these days! LOVEly Brownies Hearty Pop-Eyes What do you call these? Eggs in a Nest? Toad in a Hole? I’m [...] Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsConvenient Cinnamon RollsFrozen Hot Chocolate- Sweet Winter TreatDenise’s Marvelous Meatballs – Bulk Cooking Recipe

A lovely bouquet of flowers is one of the most common Valentine's Day expenditures. Flowers really are a luxury item — they aren't something that most people buy regularly. This is partly because floral arrangements are so expensive — even the less-than-perfect arrangements that you get from your local grocery store. If you plan on buying flowers for your significant other this Valentine's Day, there are ways to spend less and still get a beautiful bouquet. (See also: 14 Valentine's Desserts That Hit the Sweet Spot) Avoid the Premade Arrangements If you need to save some serious money this Valentine's Day, then you actually need to avoid the pre-made arrangements at your local grocery store (or online!). Florists are ready weeks ahead of time with pre-made floral arrangements for Valentine's Day, the cost of which can run the gamut from reasonable to bank-breaking. If you can afford a professional florist, by all means, splurge on a bouquet that will knock the socks off your lover....

New printable coupons available... Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsFreebies for Valentine’s DayPepperidge Farm + More Printable CouponsWeekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List – 2/13

Tomorrow, Americans will buy somewhere in the ballpark of 200 million roses for their Valentine’s sweethearts. Except for Feb. 14th, most of us don’t really think about flowers. I’ll buy the occasional bouquet for a birthday party or a school … Continue reading →

My husband and I are in the midst of a major home remodel, and we're faced with big tasks such as tiling new bathrooms, installing flooring, putting up new walls, and rerouting plumbing. Such challenging tasks can seem overwhelming, and I've found that doing a few easy one-day DIY projects gives me a sense of accomplishment. When I'm able to significantly improve my home in one day or less, I feel as if we're making progress, and that encourages me to stick it out for the long haul. Even if you're not overhauling your entire home, some of these easy DIY fixes can freshen up and update your home with minimal effort. One of these projects can be a fun family activity for a Saturday, and everyone gets to enjoy the results. (See also: Upgrade Your Home Decor for Less) 1. Make No-Sew Curtains Getting rid of old plastic blinds and installing fresh new curtains is a quick fix that makes your home so much cozier and up-to-date. You can easily make your own custom, no-sew curtains using fabric...

This is a guest post from Jerrold Mundis, author of the classic How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously [here's my review]. Mundis is a writer and financial therapist. The final book in his trilogy on personal money is Making Peace with Money. His website is Mundis Money. You [...]

Chances are very good that it's not the money we are after, but to be happy. Yet, many of us mistakenly chase the elusive idea of "having more money" and we end up working endlessly while we sacrifice our happiness to reach this goal. If you want a good motto to live by, it should be this: The journey IS the reward. Here are five things you can do this year to increase your happiness. (See also: Big List of Things to be Happy About) Make Only One Goal The start of the year also marks the favorite time to make new goals, but we often make so many that we end up not reaching any. There's no shame in making just one goal and meeting it. The satisfaction of a job well done is so fulfilling. Aim to Improve a Tiny Bit Many high earners will tell you that they aren't happy with their income. This is because they are already used to the amount of money that they are making. Everything is all relative. In order to feel happy, make improvements. And it doesn't even have to be related to making...

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on cheap Valentine's Day ideas, mistakes people in debt make, and cheap ways to relieve stress. Top 5 Articles 30 Ridiculously Cheap (and Creative) Valentine's Day Ideas — This Valentine's Day, make cookies and cupcakes at home instead of going to the bakery. [PT Money] 10 Mistakes People in Debt Make — One big mistake people in debt make? Thinking they deserve everything even if they can't afford it. [OnBetterTerms Blog] 7 Cheap Ways to Relieve Stress — Relieve stress the cheap way by beating a pillow. [Money Talks News] 5 Easy Things You Can Do Now To Save Money Each Month — To save money each month, pay your bills on time. [Credit Sesame] How to Protect Your Smartphone from Identity Theives and Hackers — Protect your smart phone from hackers by being wary of public Wi-Fi networks. [Moolanomy] Other Essential Reading 6 Things Your Boss Doesn't Want To Hear — Don't tell your boss a task is...

If you're looking to stir up a little extra love and romance this week, might try these simple, but tasty, meals for your husband. (Or husbands, for your wives!) Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsWeekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List – 2/6Weekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List – 1/30Weekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List – January 23

It seems like every year there is something I decide I want to grow in my garden only to discover I am a couple months late to get started.  In the past season this was brussel sprouts, I had grand visions of growing them this winter only to discover I should have started the seeds [...]

Most of the gardeners love to grow carrots because of the low-maintenance efforts. However, you need to pay some attention one week after sowing the seeds. Carrots need some specific soil conditions in order to be healthy and tasteful. Therefore, before sowing the seeds and also after the seed germination, you need to check the [...]

This guest post from Matt Kepnes is part of the “reader stories” feature at Get Rich Slowly. Some stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks from all levels of financial maturity and with all sorts of incomes. You can read more [...]

Get ready for some great freebies in honor of Valentine's Day... Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsMega Swagbucks Friday – 2/10Pepperidge Farm + More Printable CouponsRestaurant Coupon: $5 off at Logan’s Roadhouse

Super cool gardening resource I wanted to share this weekend! Sprout Robot tells you what seeds you need to be planting and when…just enter your zip code and find out which seeds you need to get into the dirt! Sprout Robot – Seed Planting Calendar was first posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:00 am. Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsSetting Up a Planter Box – Square Foot GardeningLate Season Garden UpdateSavory Slow Cooker Chicken and Butternut Squash – Grow. Eat. $ave.

Which drugstore has the best deals this week on food?! Find out... Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsDrugstore Food Deals – Week of February 5Drugstore Food Deals – Week of January 29Drugstore Food Deals – Week of January 22

Swagbucks is giving away thousands of Swagbucks today...this Mega Swagbucks Friday! Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsPepperidge Farm + More Printable CouponsNatural & Organic Deals for FebruaryLand O Lakes + More Printable Coupons

Get Food on the Table, free for life! Yep, that’s right…I’m super excited about this! Just use the coupon code FEBFREE to take advantage of this deal! Happy Meal Planning! FREE FOR LIFE! Food on the Table Meal Planning Service was first posted on February 10, 2012 at 1:15 pm. Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsFree e-Book from Vine Sleuth – Dinner & Wine for $20 or LessWeekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List – 2/6Weekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List – 1/30

You know what. There are just some days when all I want for lunch is that. An ooey, gooey, melt in your mouth stacked grilled cheese sandwich. Stacked? Yes. Stacked. While my mom wasn’t the greatest in the kitchen, she knew how to make a mean, mean grilled cheese. She didn’t hold anything back when [...] Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsHurst Beans Handmade Clay Pot – GiveawayHurst Beans Handmade Clay Pot for Cooking Beans – GiveawayFood Allergies on a Budget – Win $100 & $50 Amazon Gift Cards!

Have you always wanted a Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity, but never made it there?  Check out this wonderful recipe from Picky Palate and enjoy that same delicious taste at home! Frozen Hot Chocolate- Sweet Winter Treat was first posted on February 10, 2012 at 10:00 am. Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsHot Fudge Pudding Cake- Sweet Winter TreatPeanut Butter and Honey Popcorn-Sweet Winter TreatPeanut Butter Cup Krispies- Sweet Winter Treat

This post is from staff writer April Dykman. I love Valentine’s Day. I know many people don’t — they think it’s a commercial holiday that makes people feel obligated to drag themselves to the pink and red grocery aisle and sort through an explosion of cellphone-wrapped chocolates, candy hearts, hideous stuffed animals, and $4 cards. [...]

Find out what coupons will be in this Sunday's coupon insert...if there are some hot coupons, you might want to pick up a few extra newspapers! Related Recipes, Coupons and DealsRecently on FoodAllergiesOnABudget.com…Pepperidge Farm + More Printable CouponsRestaurant Coupon: $5 off at Logan’s Roadhouse

If you haven't made your Valentine's Day dinner reservations by now, don't bother. It's not worth it because: 1. there aren't any tables left at your favorite restaurant at this late date, and 2. why spend money on a romantic night out when you can have an even more romantic night in? To get the private party started, here are 14 (relatively) inexpensive recipes you can make at home. You know what they say — the best way to one's heart is through the stomach. (See also: Valentine's Day on a Budget) 1. Valentine Pizza Papa John's usually sells heart-shaped pizzas around Valentine's Day — and I'm sure there are other pie makers who do the same thing — but you don't have to order in when you've got this homemade recipe for Valentine pizza. The dough calls for fresh rosemary, which is a nice touch, and once it's made you shape three equal half-inch-thick portions into a heart shape. When the dough is ready, spread on the sauce sauce, sprinkle on the cheese, and add your favorite toppings....

Most rewards programs try to get you to spend money. Wouldn’t it be great if a program actually rewards you for saving money instead? That’s the innovative idea behind SaveUp, a free program that rewards consumers with SaveUp credits when they do something good, like adding money to their savings accounts or paying off their debt. The credits can be used to win a ton of cool prizes, like a new Prius, a Hawaii vacation, or a life-changing $2 million jackpot. At Wise Bread, we’re all about giving you the best financial tips to live large on a small budget. So now, why not get rewarded for all your hard work and have a little fun at the same time? That’s why Wise Bread and SaveUp have teamed up to help you stay motivated with your 2012 financial goals. SaveUp is giving away $1,000 exclusively to Wise Bread readers and 200 free bonus credits to anyone who join SaveUp via Wise Bread. How to Enter: We have three different prizes ($500, $400, $100) for three different contests. You can enter...