SCFD free days

Planning your summer?  Check out this link.  Thanks to the Science & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) (and our tax dollars) many organizations in the Denver area offer free days.  It's a great way to experience Denver's attractions without paying for them! 

**Note:  Because of their popularity, these days can sometimes be quite crowded.  I once went to the zoo on a free day...and it WAS a zoo!  We actually turned around and went home.  The zoo is one place for me that it's worth paying.

Blinding Summer

Now that it is almost summer, here is a tip to beat the summer heat.  Keep blinds/curtains closed for windows that get direct sunlight.  The blinds will reflect the heat away from the window, keeping the interior of your house cooler.

In winter, do just the opposite, using the sun's warmth to help heat your house.

Switch to Bi-Yearly Insurance Payments

I'm not sure why, but for years we've paid our car insurance in monthly installments.  I guess it broke the cost down into easier payments.  However, the insurance company charges a $1 monthly service fee for it.  I finally got around to changing to bi-yearly payments, saving me $12 a year.  Want to do the same?  Make a call today to your agent.  Every little bit helps!

Scrap Paper

This is my scrap paper drawer.  It's filled with paper that's been printed on one side.  The paper comes from all places-- flyers, school handouts, non-needed homework, etc.--- all FREE.  We then use the unused side to print items that don't need to look very nice (like my Grocery Game shopping list).  My kids use it to draw pictures, practice writing, paint, etc.  I use it to jot down lists, map my garden, write down directions--- you get the idea.  It's a great way to save money and to recycle what you already have!

Frugality is the Latest Fashion!

On Yahoo! today there is an article about how more people are choosing to be frugal.  So now, being thrifty isn't just saving you money, it's the trendy thing to do!

Feel Great--- Donate!

This might seem counterintuitive for a thrifty blog, but I believe it is so important to donate to charitable causes.  There are so many benefits from donating:

• Most importantly, you get to help someone else.
• Helping others helps you feel good.
• It teaches you gratitude for what you have.
• It takes your mind off of yourself and your money...helping to realize that money isn't everything.
• It helps you spend less because you realize how good you have it.
• Surprisingly, there are financial benefits as well, and I'm not talking about tax deductibility.  Arthur Brooks, a noted economist, shared a study he did about how giving makes you more profitable.  And you don't need to be rich to enjoy the benefits of giving.  To learn more, read his speech here.

So donate today (your money, your items, your time) and help brighten someone else's day!!

Showers are Savers

Taking a short shower instead of a bath is a great way to save money and the environment.  Not only do you save money on gallons of water, but you also save money on the cost of heating that extra water.

I must be completely honest and say that I rarely follow this tip, although I should.  Baths are one of the few "luxuries" I allow myself!

Store Coupons

I failed to include in my Coupon 101 post an important thing about store coupons.  They can be used in combination with a manufacturer's coupon and an electronic (Cellfire) coupon.  This equals extra savings!!

'Tis The (Garage Sale) Season

Well... maybe not today with all the rain:-), but it is definitely garage sale season now.  Never been garage saleing before?  Not too sure you like the idea of buying used merchandise?  Let me  share some of the great reasons to become a garage saler.  (Yes, I know "saler" is not a word, but you get the general idea!)

1. Hit the right garage sale and you can find needed items at a fraction of the retail cost, often without much wear on the item.
2. It's kind of fun--like a treasure hunt.  "One man's junk is another man's treasure" right?
3. You are doing your part for the environment... just recycling someone else's stuff.
4. If an item breaks or wears out, you won't feel as bad because you paid a few dollars for it rather than a lot of money.  Less money down the drain!

My mom and I started garage saleing when I was young.  Loving antiques, we found treasures of china, silver, books, etc.  Inside one book we even found a handwritten letter from 1876!  (Unfortunately, we couldn't remember where we had bought it and so were unable to return the letter to the owners.  Sad!) Since marriage, we've found more practical items that were gently used:  crib ($35), wingback chair, kids' toys, wagon, rocking chair, etc.  It has saved us lots of money!

So, here are tips for the best garage sale experience.

1. Map out your intended garage sale route to maximize fuel efficiency.
2. Start early.  The best deals go fast!
3. Wear somewhat grubby clothes (decent looking, but ones that can get dirty).  Purchased items may need a little cleaning, plus it helps with bargaining.
4. Don't be afraid to bargain.  Almost everyone is willing to come down in price a little, if it means they can get rid of an item.
5. Don't be afraid of items that look a little dirty, but are in good shape.  Some good ol' soap and water and a Magic Eraser can do wonders!!
6. Carry cash...preferably in low denominations.
7. Have fun!

Over time, you'll learn which neighborhoods and houses have the best sales.  Garage saleing is a great way to save money!   (Just don't go overboard and buy tons of things you don't need just because it's such a great "deal.")

Community Spring Clean

Many communities offer FREE cleanup services during the springtime.  Search your city website for dates of when they provide free removal of large garbage items.  Usually it is only offered one day, so take advantage of it so you don't have to pay your garbage service for extra items.  Cities also often offer a free Hazardous Waste Collection day... again saving you from having to pay for hazardous waste removal.  Spring clean and save some green!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Growing up, my mom always had a large productive garden.  We'd grow tomatoes, squash, zucchini, onions, rhubarb, and other veggies with varying success.  We also had many fruit trees--cherry, plum, apricot, peach, apple.  Since my marriage, I've dreamed of having a similar garden, but it is yet to become a reality.  Our current backyard is tiny.  The only space suitable for a garden would be smack in the middle of the grass, which would not survive the rough housing and ball games of my boys.  I've attempted container gardening, without much success.  This year I'm looking into joining a community garden, but am unsure if I have the time to commit to it.

So, my question for you is, how do you garden?  What have you successfully grown in Colorado, particularly with containers?  Please share!!

Happy About Hand-Me-Downs

I hate clothes shopping---it's difficult with three little ones in tow, it's hard to sort through all the immodest clothes to find modest outfits that fit and are cute, and I hate paying $20 for a piece of clothing.  Enter hand-me-downs.  I'm incredibly blessed to have a sister-in-law who loves to shop and is close to my same size.  She gets the "thrill" of shopping, wearing an outfit for a year or two, then when she tires of it, she sends it my way.  She does the same thing with clothes for her sons and daughter, who are handily just a few years older than my children.  We LOVE hand-me-downs at our house. 

Now, you may not be as fortunate as to have a shopping-loving relative, but you can still spread the word that you welcome any and all hand-me-downs.  Many people would rather donate their gently used clothing to someone they know than to some faceless organization.  I have two neighbors that occassionally drop off their son's outgrown clothes, knowing that if I can't use it, I have friends with boys the same age as mine that would also welcome hand-me-downs.

Another option is to organize a clothing swap with your friends.  Make it a fun event where everyone brings clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry that they don't want anymore.  You can then "shop," coming home with a new wardrobe, without paying a cent!  Donate any leftover items to your favorite charity.