Save money by saving energy

The great thing about summer is that it is hot. This means less energy spent on heating and cooking, yet more energy spent on cooling. Let’s see how we can save some money (and become more green and frugal!):

1. If you can’t do without fans and air-conditioners, use them wisely: adjust the air conditioning throughout the day to meet your needs. And of course, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.

2. Replace filters in your air conditioner – this will make it work more efficiently and thus spend less energy.

3. Cook outside: getting your whole family together for evening barbecue will be both fun and refreshing experience for your relatives. Make it your new family tradition and you will notice how much closer you become!

Image by oskay

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While you can now chose from numerous innovative gadgets, the good news is that you can make even better things yourself.

Do-it-yourself is an awesome option if (1) you have no money to buy gifts, (2) you have plenty of unwanted stuff at home you want to recycle, (3) you love unique things, (4) you enjoy doing things with your own hands, (5) you are eco-friendly…

Well, there are plenty of reasons you may want to consider the following tips:

1. Recycle a Phone Book into a Pen Organizer

An awesome, simple and genius way to make use of an unwanted phone book: it won’t take you more than a few minutes to make it! (via chicaandjo.com)

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This year’s Father’s Day is this week – North America and UK residents are celebrating it on June, 21.

Thus it is quite clear you are browsing the web searching for some unique and creative gift ideas to make your dad happy.

So this post is all about Father’s Day Shopping: show your fathers your love and support with these gifts:

1. Well… “The Future is Perfect” Mug

If you have not much money for the present but want to cheer up your dad, this gift will do both! An excellent choice in a bad economy (via men.style.com):

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Do you ever lose control over your shopping? Or do you ever wish you hadn’t bought something? Here’s the actionable guide on how to become a smart and frugal shopper.

1. Maintain Daily, Weekly and Monthly Shopping Lists

Saving money requires strategy, and having a shopping list is a pertinent step in your strategy. Taking a shopping list to the store helps prevent buying useless junk. If you go in with a definite idea of what you need, not what you want, then you are more likely to be able to discipline yourself to stick to your list.

Professional budgeters suggest making your grocery list according to the layout of the store, to avoid “danger” areas, like the junk food aisles.

2. Pay in Cash

Making purchases with cash makes it easier to be realistic about how much you can spend. Credit cards allow you to fool yourself into thinking you have more money than you actually do. Budgeting gurus advise consumers to freeze their credit cards in a huge block of ice, so you will only use it in the case of real need.

The idea of picking a huge block of ice or melting it with a hair dryer might be all the incentive you need to leave that card alone and wait until you actually have the cash to buy what you want. Read the rest of this entry »

I am not even sure this post requires any introduction. Saving money is the topic everyone is eager to research. It is hard to earn money (especially now!) and no one wants to waste it. How to buy more and spend less – this is what the post is going to be about.

1. Take Advantage of Coupon Codes Directories and Communities

There are plenty of sites aggregating hundreds of online and printed coupon codes. All you need is to choose one (or several) of them and learn how to follow it effectively.

Here are just a few recommended tips and resources: Read the rest of this entry »

It is hard to find such a limited in functionality, yet such a wide-spread and popular device as a toaster.

The only thing it does is burning a slice of bread – but have you ever seen a kitchen without it?

However like any other ordinary thing, a toaster has a long history and can be innovated in multiple things.

So let’s just let’s see what we have never expected from an ordinary toaster: let’s explore state-of-the-art toasters:

State-of-the-Art Toasts:

“Tell me what you feel” toaster: get your morning toasts express your emotions (via target.com):

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According to statistics (pdf), back in 1997 roughly 60% of prices were of $.9 nature. Walking through the mall, I see this is (more than) true for today.

That said, the tactic is widely used and no secret for anyone.

So how do you react to that 9.99-pitch? Does it effect your rational thinking making you believe that 9.99 is way better than 10?

We seem to see those prices all over the stores, can it still be working?

In reality, the odd pricing has become so well-spread that consumers get irritated by it. Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve discussed how to save money numerous times. Why not see how to spend it for a change?

Luxury things you may want to have are numerous. But what about those you never want or need?

Here are most expensive things you would buy only if you had already bought everything else in the world.

Most Expensive Dog Collar: Amour Amour

Amour Amour dog collar from I Love Dogs Diamonds.

Price: ~$1.8 million

Luxury details: crocodile leather, platinum and 52 carats of hand-set diamonds, including 1600 diamonds with a seven-carat, brilliant cut center diamond. At $3.2 million each, only

Why you don’t need it: OK, this thing does look luxurious. But it will never make your pet happy! Why bother?

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What can be less ordinary than a shopping bag you take with you when going to the mall?

You know me, I love when ordinary things are turned into something creative and innovative – and shopping bags are no exception!

So today I am listing the examples of most creative and awesome shopping bags that are aimed to spread an idea and communicate the company’s message.

Part of your style:

Karl Lagerfeld mask bag is both stylish and genius:

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Consumers are easily manipulated because:

• they are bad at math;
• they shop with their heart rather than their head.

This means you might be wasting your money (that is not so easy to earn) because you are being manipulated.

Do you think this is fair? Would you like to be sure you are spending your money because you want, not because someone wants you to? Do you want to save?

Then let’s learn which tricks sellers may be using to manipulate your shopping behavior. Read the rest of this entry »