The saying goes that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” and with many women that rings true. There is even a stereotype idea that women judge a man’s worth based upon the size of the diamond when he proposes. Hopefully in this day and age most of us are able to see beyond that, into the value and beauty of less expensive or alternative engagement rings.
Other precious stones
A growing trend is the use of stones other than diamonds for an engagement ring. Not only does this usually cost less, it also reflects the personality of the bride and groom in a much more creative fashion. These rings may not be sold as engagement rings but rather just as regular rings. Or you could have a set made to your specifications.
One nice idea is to combine the bride and groom’s birthstones in a set to symbolize their togetherness. You can also choose a large colored stone and pair it with small diamond chips for a more traditional yet less expensive look.
Cubic zirconia
If the illusion of having a diamond is more important than actually owning one, then consider purchasing a cubic zirconia or other clear stone. These are often shinier and prettier than an actual diamond, for much less. One rule of thumb, though – don’t suggest or flat out lie about the type of stone. Many women have been dismayed to discover that their huge diamond was not what they were told it was, and that is not a good way to start a marriage.
Alternative styles of rings
An engagement ring doesn’t have to have a stone on it at all. Many beautiful rings are made out of gold or other precious metals with an intricate pattern on them. Or you could choose a plain band and have something carved into it – something special to the both of you.
Heirloom ring
Have you asked if you could pass along your grandmother’s or great-grandmother’s ring to your soon-to-be-bride? It is often a free or very inexpensive way of proposing to your beloved and carries much meaning behind it. Most women are overjoyed to wear a ring that means so much to her fiancé’s family. It is certainly a symbol of being brought into the family.
Shop for a bargain
If you insist upon a true diamond but just don’t have the budget for it, you may be able to find a great set at an online discounter, an antique shop, a pawn shop, or even at a jewelry store’s going-out-of-business clearance. Or consider an imperfect diamond or smaller diamond.
Move-up ring
Another alternative that was more common in generations past is to purchase the perfect ring with an imperfect stone and then replace the stone with a larger diamond for an anniversary some years down the road. This is a great option for someone just starting out in a career that promises a good income later on.
No matter what you choose, make it unique and perfect for you and your fiancée. Make sure your fiancée is on board with your choice before you pop the question, though. Perhaps hint around or wander through the jewelry isle of a department store a few weeks beforehand.
If she linger at the diamonds or exclaims about how beautiful the rubies are, then that is a clue to what your choices are. Or simply propose to her without a ring and give her the opportunity to help you shop for the perfect-for-her engagement ring.
If you’re a mom with a family to care for, you already know how much of your budget gets spent on food and cooking. In fact, this may be one of the biggest items in your budget. So, when it’s time to cut back on expenses, the kitchen is the first place many moms look to save money. Here are some kitchen tips to help frugal moms keep their budgets under control.
1. Don’t let food go bad. If you’re like most families, when you clean out your fridge and your cupboards, you probably end up throwing a lot of food away. It might be past its expiry date or already transforming into a different life form. This is a waste of food and money and it is easy to avoid.
If you keep your fridge and cupboards organized, you should be able to easily see what you have in stock. That will remind you to use it before it goes bad. As well, review expiry dates regularly. Then you can remember to use the item before it expires.
2. Don’t buy too much food. Some grocery stores will offer you discounts if you buy in bulk. However, that’s only a good deal if you’re actually going to use all the food you purchase. It is a common mistake to buy too much because it looks like you’re saving a lot of money. In the long run, you may be spending more than you need to on food you won’t use.
3. Make your own condiments. Condiments like salad dressings, seasonings, and sauces can easily be made at home. That can cut a lot out of your grocery bill. Look for recipes for dressings, salsas, chilli sauces, vinegar, marinades, and so on. They will probably be a lot healthier for you than store-bought ones as well.
4. Cook from scratch. There are many convenience items available in the grocery store. However, you can cut down on expenses by cooking from scratch. Instead of relying on high-priced convenience items to save you time, you can manage your time in the kitchen better by planning ahead and cooking more than one meal at a time.
5. Eat what is in season. You can save money by choosing fruits and vegetables that are in season. They will be lower priced than other, off season, items. If you’re not sure what is in season, you can do some research or ask your grocer.
6. Eat what is grown locally. Because locally grown foods don’t have to be shipped, they cost less once they reach the store. You can even buy directly from local growers at farmers markets.
7. Try cooking meatless or vegetarian meals. Meats are often very expensive. One way to save money is by trying to cook more meatless meals. If your family isn’t ready to go vegetarian, you can start by having a meatless night once a week. Even that small step will cut down on your kitchen spending.
The kitchen is full of opportunities to cut back and save money. Following the above tips will help frugal moms keep their kitchen spending under control.
Families need to make money stretch as far as it possibly can. This can mean doing without unnecessary purchases, or budgeting for monthly expenses. If you find yourself struggling each month or living paycheck to paycheck, it may be time to give your family a money makeover. Giving your family a money makeover means finding the best deals for your money to make it stretch further. Here are some tips that will yield an effective money makeover.
* Find better deals on insurance policies. If you feel like you are paying too much for car insurance or health insurance, do some comparison shopping. Oftentimes people do not think that they can save, so they do not look for better deals.
Being comfortable with your current insurance agent is also a factor as to why people do not shop elsewhere. If you find a better deal with another insurance company, check with your current insurance holder and see if they will match the price. In a competitive market such as today’s, people are more likely to match prices to keep the business.
* If you do not already have a savings plan, it is time to start thinking about one. It’s a good idea to have a savings account that will sustain the household for three to six months if the unthinkable were to happen. You can build up your savings over time by putting a little of your paycheck away each pay period. Once you have your emergency fund, then you can focus on building upon that savings even more.
* Having a retirement plan is important because it is not feasible to work until death. Social security programs are running out of funds and may not be around when it comes time for you to retire. This is why it is especially important to plan ahead. Look into IRAs or other interest-yielding accounts to build up enough money to retire on. The sooner you start building up your retirement, the better.
You and your family stand to gain a lot by giving yourselves a money makeover. By shopping around for better insurance policies and building up a savings account for retirement and family emergencies, you are helping to ensure that your family is prepared for the future. Implement money-saving methods where possible and watch your nest egg grow.
Easy Strategies to Practice Self-Discipline and Frugality – Frugal Tips
Deciding to practice self-discipline and be frugal in your spending is one thing. Actually doing so is often quite another. Our old habits are hard to break. However, if you apply frugal strategies to your spending, you will find it easier to practice self-discipline and frugality.
Here are some easy frugal tips and frugal strategies to get you started:
1. Change your attitude about money. How you think about money determines the role it plays in your life. Stop thinking that you have to have the same things as everyone else. Instead, focus on what you really need instead of what you just want.
2. Recognize and be grateful for all the positives in your life. Changing your perspective can help you see the abundance you already enjoy, regardless of how much money you have to spend.
3. Take positive action. It can be tempting to make excuses about why you can never save any money, or why you can’t spend less than you already do. Instead of wasting energy complaining about it, focus on positive steps you can take. Can you do something to bring in some extra income? Do you have any unneeded items you can sell on eBay or Craigslist? This can give you a sense of control over your finances and a more positive outlook.
4. Learn to make and fix things yourself. Packaged foods and restaurant meals are convenient. However, they are an unnecessary expense and can quickly ruin your budget. You can learn how to make them yourself. You can also save money by making your own home-made cleaning supplies, specialty coffees, and many other things you buy. As well, learn to fix things around the house instead of replacing them when they break.
5. Comparison shop. If you’ve always shopped at one particular store for your favorite products, it may be time to do a little comparison shopping. Shop around for better deals. You may even want to check online and see if you can order your items for a better price. It might be time to try a less expensive brand as well.
6. Track your spending. Knowing exactly where your money is going will help you keep on top of your spending. Even small expenditures can add up over time. Track every purchase you make, no matter how small. You might be surprised to find how much money is really slipping through your fingers. Having to record each purchase will also help you maintain self-discipline in your spending.
7. Explore other options. Just because you’ve always done something one way, it doesn’t mean you can’t change your patterns. Do you need to drive to work, or could you save money by carpooling instead? Do you need the full cable package for your TV, or is this a good time to turn off the television and get the family outdoors? Looking at all your options will help you decide which are the best for you and will help you save money.
If you’ve decided to practice self-discipline and frugality in your spending, you will have many challenges to overcome. However, by applying some of the above strategies to your spending habits, you will find it much easier to follow through.
One of the best things about heading back to school is the shopping spree a few weeks before. Unfortunately, with many families struggling to make ends meet, this may be a pleasure for more prosperous times. What can you do to make sure your child is well dressed while not busting your budget this fall? Here are a few tips.
1. Sort through last year’s items – Pull out all of your child’s clothes and go through them. Items that still fit and are free from stains and tears can be repurposed for this year. Basic items are almost always in fashion and go well with newer updated items.
2. Use hand-me-downs – If you have an older child of the same sex, pass their clothing along to the younger sibling instead of tossing them out. Just like last-seasons items, keep only those pieces that are timeless, fit well, and are free from stains and tears. Make sure that the younger child doesn’t feel like they only get their siblings cast-offs, though. Take him or her for a special shopping trip to get a couple of extra-special pieces.
3. Bargain shop – From outlet stores to seasonal sales, there are always bargains to be had. Watch your local ads and sign up online for newsletters from your favorite stores so you will know when the sales are. You might even get some coupons out of it!
4. Plan ahead – Begin planning for your child’s school year clothing the winter before and it will be much less expensive to send them off with a full new wardrobe. Styles really don’t change too much from one season to the next, so if you purchase from end-of-season sales you could get three or four outfits for the price of one.
5. Buy used clothing – While your child might act like they are dying of embarrassment if they knew it, you can usually find some great pieces at second-hand stores and clothing trades. You might have to weed through a number of torn, stained or horribly-out-of-fashion items, but you are sure to find things like basic jeans, tank tops, t-shirts, turtlenecks, belts and possibly even barely-worn shoes.
6. Learn how to sew – Unlike many years ago, it is rarely cost-effective to purchase new fabric and create items from scratch. However, it is useful to have sewing skills for making alterations to good used clothing. It is even possible to convert a larger item into an entirely different garment if the fabric is good. It’s also fun to add whatever embellishment is the latest trend. From patches to sequins, a needle and thread can go a long way.
7. Splurge a little – If you can afford it, allow your child a set dollar amount, even as little as $20, to purchase one or two items that they adore and they consider “must-haves” for this year’s little fashionistas. This small splurge can make the entire back-to-school bargain hunting effort go much smoother and helps your child with their fashion self-esteem.
The bargain-conscious parent can be at peace with fashion-conscious kids with some planning and extra effort. It’s as simple as reusing items, buying bargains, and accessorizing with a few of the latest fashions. Your kids may not be ready for a runway, but they will be ready for the first day of school.
Whether you are planning on a cross-country road trip or just driving a few miles for groceries, the rising cost of gas, the dependency on foreign oil and the damage gas production and usage causes to our environment is something to think about. There is no way to completely reduce these problems, at least while still owning and using a gas-burning vehicle, but there are many ways to minimize them.
1. Top running condition – If your car is maintained at its optimum condition, including frequent oil changes, tune-ups and any necessary repairs, it will burn less gas. Make sure the gas cap is always tightly sealed and external trim is properly secured. The cost of these items could even be balanced out by the savings in fuel cost if you drive a great deal.
2. Good tires – Monitor the condition of your tires and replace them when they are starting to show wear. Even if they don’t show any problems, they should be replaced on a regular basis, depending upon the specifications of the tire. Make sure to maintain proper tire pressure as well; underinflated tires cause a huge waste of fuel.
3. Proper speed – Maintaining the speed limit is not only good for your safety, it’s good for your fuel efficiency as well. The optimum driving speed is around 55 mph, and every mile above 60 mph costs you.
4. Slow your stops and starts – Gunning the engine to hit 60 like a race car wastes gas, and waiting until you are upon a stop sign to stop pressing on the gas is not only dangerous but a waste as well. Always accelerate at a slow, even pace and anticipate stops by letting your car coast a while before you need to start braking.
5. Air conditioning – Whether or not to use the AC in your car should be dictated by the speed you are driving. When driving in town and making frequent stops, running the AC gets expensive due to the higher idling of your engine, so opt for windows down if possible. On the highway, however, having the windows down will create a wind-drag on your vehicle and have the opposite effect. It is best to keep all windows shut tightly and the AC running as low as is comfortable when driving at higher speeds.
6. Lighten up – Reduce the amount of weight in your trunk and on top of your car to reduce drag. Non-essential items in the trunk, such as sandbags, an old flat tire, canned goods or tools cause your engine to work harder and use more gas. If you aren’t specifically transporting the heavy items somewhere, then take them out. The same goes for items on top of your car. Remove luggage racks if possible, and do not use them to carry items unless there is no room elsewhere for them. Modern vehicles are designed to let the air flow smoothly over the car, but having items on top interrupts that flow creating a drag on the engine.
These are just a handful of the top things you can do to reduce your gas mileage. You can test out a variety of options for your car by keeping track of your habits and gas mileage or by installing a mileage meter. Learn more about ways to reduce your gas consumption through educational websites such as EcoDrivingUSA.com and DriveSmarterChallenge.org.
If you want to have control over your finances, a budget is essential. Knowing exactly how much money you have coming in each month and how much it will take to pay bills, buy the things you need and save a little, is the best way to prevent a financial meltdown. But it only works if you follow it closely.
Sometimes sticking to a budget is easier said than done. Everyone has a lapse every now and then, and while a couple of dollars won’t make a huge difference, it can add up when it happens repeatedly. This will throw off your budget, and it could leave you struggling to come up with the money for the things you truly need.
By planning ahead and avoiding impulse buying, we can beat the budget busters. Here are some tips:
* Pack your lunch instead of eating out every day. But don’t just slap a sandwich together. If you incorporate some variety into your lunches, you won’t be as tempted to indulge in fast food.
* Make your own coffee to take with you instead of stopping at the coffee shop. It’s much cheaper to brew it yourself, and a good insulated coffee mug will keep it hot for hours.
* Don’t go window shopping. The temptation can be overwhelming, making it hard to come home empty-handed.
* Go to stores only when you need something specific. Make a list and stick to it.
* When going on trips, buy all of the snacks and drinks you’ll need at the grocery store and bring them along. Prices are usually much higher at convenience stores.
* If possible, do your shopping without the kids. They have a way of finding something that they just have to have during any shopping trip, and it can be hard to say no. Try to shop while they’re in school, or have a friend or family member watch them while you shop.
* Avoid buying things just because they’re on sale. Finding things that you need and will use at a discount is wonderful for the budget, but making purchases that will do nothing but collect dust is a waste of money, no matter how good a deal you get.
* Institute a waiting period on non-essential purchases. When you see something you want or feel that you need (other than basic necessities), give yourself a couple of days to mull it over instead of buying right away. Once you’ve had the chance to think about it, you may find that you didn’t really need it after all.
Breaking the budget is an easy thing to do. But getting back on track can be much harder. If you plan ahead and think about purchases before you make them, you can save yourself some money and keep your finances manageable.
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