Category: Frugal Living Tips

Picture it: it’s really hot (or cold), so you start your car while you load the groceries in the trunk. As you finish up and close the trunk, you realize the minute it closes and the doors automatically lock that you’ve locked your keys in there and you’re locked out of your car. 

We’ve all been there. The good news is that it’s fixable if you know what to do. Keep reading to learn what to do so you can get in your car and get on your way. 

1. Stay Calm and Review Your Options

It’s easy to freak out when you lock yourself out, but try to avoid that. Remain calm and think about the options that you have. Do you have a spare key somewhere? Is there someone who can bring it to you? Do you have any services that can come and unlock the door for you? 

If you don’t have a spare car key, companies like Car Key Replacement LLC can make you a replacement key to have on hand. 

2. Try to Unlock the Door Yourself

This is probably easier with older cars. We’ve all probably seen the old wire hanger trick but did you know that you can unlock your car with a shoestring? Or a tennis ball? A screwdriver? A slim jim (no, not the convenient store snack!).

There are plenty of tools and methods out there that might work to get you back in your vehicle, but of course, use these at your own risk. There’s always the risk of damaging your vehicle if you try to unlock it on your own. 

3. Call Roadside Assistance

Many car companies offer roadside assistance for their vehicles. There’s often a sticker on your window with the contact information if you have it. Your car insurance might also offer this and even some credit cards provide roadside assistance.

Figure out whether you have any of this assistance before you start making calls because roadside assistance is typically free of charge. 

4. Call a Tow Company or AAA

If you don’t have free roadside assistance, calling a tow company or locksmith on your own is an option. Be prepared to pay a premium price for this and wait awhile, especially if it’s a particularly busy time. AAA is another option. Your AAA membership typically offers a certain number of calls per year with no charge other than your yearly membership fee. 

5. Break the Window 

This should be used as a last resort and only in an emergency situation, such as a baby or a pet being locked in a hot car. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also be expensive to repair. 

It’s not advisable to do it yourself either. If there is time, call 911 and emergency responders can safely break the window for you while keeping the occupants of the car safe.

If you do need to do it yourself, a hammer, screwdriver, or golf club could get the job done. The center of the glass is the strongest, so aim for the outer edges. You should also choose the window furthest away from the child or pet to minimize any glass getting on them. 

Final Thoughts on Getting Locked Out of Your Car 

A lot of times you can look back on getting locked out of your car and laugh, but it’s not so funny when you’re running late or it’s raining or cold out.  Hopefully, you remember these tips and can stay calm and collected while you figure out how to get back in. 

If you liked this post, check out some of our other posts on family life, business, and how to save and earn money! 

Private school for an elementary student averages $7,770 per year. For high school, that number climbs to $13,030 each year. How do those numbers fit into your budget?

You want the best education for your child. But you also need to pay your mortgage on time and keep food on the table.

How do you balance your regular budget demands with the extra cost of private school tuition? 

Luckily, you don’t have to give up all your comforts. But you may need to cut back in some areas.

Keep reading to explore eight ways to make private school more affordable.

1. Check into Financial Aid

Don’t let the sticker shock of private school cost scare you away from applying. Private schools offer financial aid to offset the costs.

Parents often think they make too much money to qualify for financial aid. That’s not always true. 

Your child may qualify for private school scholarships or grants to cover part of the tuition cost. That makes the remaining portion much more affordable.

It’s always a good idea to apply for financial aid even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. 

Some states offer scholarships and other programs to cover the costs of private school. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program is just one example. It covers private school costs for kids from low-income families.

You can learn more about financial aid options by visiting the websites of any private schools you’re considering. Check with your state’s department of education for state financial aid options.

2. Ask about Payment Plans

Worried you’ll have to cut a check for the full tuition cost when you enroll? Paying upfront often saves you a little on tuition. If you have the money, that may be the best option.

Most private schools offer payment plans if you can’t pay it all. This option lets you spread out the cost throughout the year. If you’re on a tight budget, the payment plan can make it more feasible to cover private school tuition.

Payment plans vary by school. Some offer a semi-annual plan to break the tuition into two payments. Others let you pay monthly for even smaller payments.

3. Cut Back on Spending

If the cost of private school doesn’t fit into your budget, can you cut back in other areas? You can’t eliminate your mortgage or other fixed expenses. But you can ease up on extra spending.

Here are areas where most families can cut back:

• Dining at restaurants less
• Skipping the movie theater in favor of a movie at home
• Replacing cable with low-cost streaming services
• Planning cheaper meals to cut grocery costs
• Waiting to replace furniture, vehicles, and other major expenses
• Taking cheaper vacations or skip a year or two
• Refinancing or consolidating debt to reduce payments

Not sure where your money’s going? An expense tracker can help you spot areas where you can cut back.  

4. Save on Uniforms

Tuition is only part of the private school cost. You’ll likely need uniforms and other equipment for your kids.

Ask if the private school offers a uniform swap program. These programs let you get free uniforms from other families whose kids have outgrown theirs.

If you know other families who go to the private school, you may be able to get old uniforms from them that no longer fit. Check local children’s thrift stores or garage sales for uniforms. 

Some schools have a specific uniform and retailer you have to use. Look for discount codes through those retailers. You might get a bulk discount for ordering multiples or a free shipping code for a large order.

Other schools have a general dress code, such as dress pants and a polo. Look for clothes that fit the requirements on clearance racks to save money.

5. Look for Discounts

We already talked about getting discounts for paying tuition in full. You may find a few other discounts if you ask.

One common private school discount is for families with multiple children. Many private schools offer a sibling discount for enrolling more than one student.

Even if you only have one child, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a discount. The school may offer discounts for other reasons. Some provide a tuition discount for school employees.   

6. Get Tax Breaks on Savings Plans

Educational savings plans help you grow your money for tuition. These investment accounts let you earn interest on your savings. They come with tax perks that can help you save money.

A Coverdell Education Savings Account works for elementary, secondary, and college expenses. Each child can have up to $2,000 in contributions every year. It won’t cover all the tuition, but it helps.

You can’t deduct your contributions on your income taxes. But the money grows tax-free in the account. 

Distributions are also tax-free in most cases. The distribution has to be less than the qualified education expenses to be tax-free. If it’s more than the expenses, a part of the earnings may be taxed.

A 529 plan is a way to save for private school tuition. You can choose your investment portfolio to help grow your money.

Each state runs its own 529 plan. The specifics and investment options vary. You can open a 529 plan in another state to take advantage of better terms.

Tax advantages happen a few ways. Some states offer tax benefits on your contributions. You might be able to deduct the amount from your state taxes.

If you withdraw the money for qualifying educational expenses, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on the earnings.  

7. Ask for Family Donations

Do your kids get way too many toys as gifts? Maybe the grandparents always ask for gift suggestions, but you don’t know what to say.

Why not ask them to donate toward your child’s education? It’s a practical option that helps you and your child. 

Some relatives like to give a physical gift other than cash. One option is to ask them to buy a uniform or two. 

8. Look for Other Money Sources

Still trying to figure out how to cover the costs of private school? We have a few more potential sources of money that may work.

If you don’t mind taking on some debt, you can take out a loan to cover the tuition cost. Check the terms of the loan, including the interest rate and penalties for paying off the loan early. Make sure you can afford the loan payments in your budget.

Another option is making extra money to cover the costs. Selling items you no longer need is one idea when you need money now to cover tuition. 

You can also take on a small part-time job. Ideas include babysitting, lawn care, rideshare driving, and running errands for people. Put any money you earn through these side gigs toward tuition.

Save for Private School Tuition Now

How are you saving for private school tuition? It can take a little creativity, but it is possible to work it into your budget.

Leave a comment to let us know how you afford the costs of private education! 

There are many exciting moments that happen in the course of pregnancy- revealing to your partner that you’re pregnant, feeling the baby kick for the first time, and seeing the results of the first ultrasound. 

But, out of all the exciting moments that come with pregnancy, undoubtedly, one of the most exciting moments is finding out the sex of your baby. 

Of course, you are going to love your baby whether they are a boy or a girl. But still, finding out the sex means you can start picking out clothes, making a list of potential baby names, and decorating their future bedroom. And, best of all, finding out the sex means you get to throw a gender reveal party!

Gender reveal parties are the perfect opportunity to share with your loved one the news about the sex of your baby. And, they’re a great way to have some fun and take your mind off of the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. 

But, how do you throw an awesome gender reveal party that your guests will love and that will have the baby kicking in excitement?

Check out this guide to learn how to throw a gender reveal party that is both fun and affordable. 

Throw It Outside of Mealtime Hours 

Typically, they say that when throwing a party, you are supposed to plan for a half a pound of meat for every guest. 

While that may not seem too ridiculous, that can quickly add up to months and months worth of diapers in pregnancy dollars. 

To save money on the food, we suggest throwing your gender reveal party outside of regular dining hour times. While times will vary according to your schedule, we usually find that the sweet spot is somewhere between 1-6pm. 

And, be sure to let your guests know that you’ll just be serving finger food. That way, they’ll know they should have a proper meal beforehand. 

Or, if you really want to save some money, you can turn the event into a potluck. Chances are, your friends and family will be more than happy to bring over some food to feed your pregnant belly!

Sips and Bits 

Whether you provide the food yourself or have your family and friends pitch in, you are still going to want some gender-revealed themed snacks and drinks- aka, refreshments that are blue and pink. 

If you’re on a budget, don’t worry about splurging on an elaborate seven-layer cake. There are plenty of treats that are affordable and simple that your party-goers will love. 

Here are a few quick refreshment ideas: 

• Blue and Pink Cake Pops: Cake pops are all the rage right now, and for a good reason. They are super easy to make and they make the perfect bite-sized dessert. 
• Blue and Pink Puppy Chow: Throw some powdered sugar, Chex cereal, butter, chocolate, and peanut butter together and you have the delicious, budget-friendly dessert that is puppy chow. And in some blue and pink food dye to make it party-themed!
• Lemonade: Pink lemonade couldn’t be easier to whip up. For a blue drink, consider Kool-Aid. 
• Colored Candies: If baking sounds like too much work, why not just buy candies that are already blue or pink? For example, you can load up on pink starbursts, blue M&Ms, pink Laffy Taffys, or blue Airheads. Or, grab a pink and blue marker and color in the lighter parts of the wrapper!
• Pink and blue cotton candy

Also, don’t feel like every food item you serve needs to be pink or blue. Having two or three color-themed items is plenty. The rest can be normal finger food. 

If you’re looking for more recipes, you can also check out this Gender Reveal Guide. 

The Decor 

Lively decor is what makes a gender reveal party truly festive. 

But, purchasing gender reveal party decor can quickly add up. That’s why we suggest DIYing your decor. 

And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a skilled artist to whip up some professional looking decor items. 

Here are some simple and affordable DIY decor ideas:

• Wrap blue and pink ribbons around white dollar store candles
• Use card stock and ribbon to create a gender reveal banner
• String blue and pink streamers all around your home
• Lay out white plastic tablecloths and sprinkle blue and pink confetti all over them

Or, you can also totally skip these ideas and throw your party outside and let nature be your decor. 

The Reveal

The reveal is undoubtedly the most exciting moment of the gender reveal party. 

But, a great reveal isn’t about the money you put into it- it’s about creating an element of suspense for your guests. 

Here is a few affordable gender reveal ideas that are also huge crowd pleasers:

• Pinata: Stuff a neutral-colored pinata with either pink or blue candy. If you want to make it really cutesy, stuff the pinata with pink or blue-colored party favors that the guests can then take home. 
• Balloons in a Box: Put pink or blue balloons in a box and then decorate the box however you want. Have your guests count down to release the balloons. 
• Paint War: As a future parent, you have a lifetime of messes coming your way. Why not start preparing for them now by having a paint war? Have your guests wear cheap, all white clothes, and then break out into a paint fight in the backyard for a good time.
• Smoke Fountains: Colored smoke fountains may seem like they’d cost a lot of money, but you can easily find them for as little as $15
• Silly String War: The same idea as a paint war, just a little less messy. 

As you can see, there are many simple reveal ideas out there that won’t cost you a fortune!

Are You Ready to Throw an Unforgettable Gender Reveal Party? 

As you can see, throwing a fun gender reveal party doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. 

If you have any questions about throwing an unforgettable gender reveal party, please let us know in the comments below. 

And, don’t forget about the baby shower! Be sure to put these baby toys on your baby shower wish list. 

 

 

 

y person who calls themselves a prepper often gets a weird look or a bad name. There are certainly those who have taken the idea to the extreme, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for an emergency. 

Threats to your family can come in many forms; financial problems, natural disasters or even possibly social unrest. 

If you lost your job or financial resources or your area was hit with a flood, tornado or blizzard would you and your family have the necessary supplies to survive? 

You can spend thousands on pre-made kits, but it may not have everything you need or contain many things you would never use. It is a much better idea to create your own prepping list based on the unique needs of your family. 

If you begin small and slowly build the supplies, you can create a stockpile of items needed to keep everyone close to you safe and fed without breaking the bank. 

Let’s take a look at how to start prepping on a budget. 

The Basic Survival Kit

Depending on whom you ask, a doomsday prep kit can consist of material to live off the grid indefinitely and even defend yourself militarily. 

The information provided here is more of a short term (2-3 month) stockpile of basic survival necessities. 

Everyone has a different idea of what they think is needed to survive, but there are some pretty basic supplies recommended for emergency prepping. 

Water

You must have clean drinking water. You may not feel the need to invest in a water purifier, but you should certainly invest in lots of bottled water. It is inexpensive, and there is no expiration date. There should also be a supply of water purification tablets on hand.

For calculation purposes, each person needs about two gallons of water a day. This is for both drinking and sanitary use as well. 

It is a good idea to have at least 30+ of the value packs of water. You should also have a few one-gallon containers. If your budget allows, you could even invest in a 7-gallon water container. You will have less waste pulling from this tank regularly. 

This supply can be built on and you can be assured of having plenty of water as it is used for so many things daily. With no expiration date, it will not be wasted even if no emergency arises.

Food

The food stored for emergency purposes will be mainly canned foods with a long shelf life that can be eaten on their own or mixed with others. 

You can stock up on these items when they go on sale at the grocery store. 

Depending on personal preference get several cans of vegetables, sliced potatoes, beans, tomato sauce, pasta sauce, gravy, ready to eat pasta, mac and cheese, and fruit. You should pick up instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, rice, and ramen noodles. You can also purchase meat in the form of canned tuna, chicken or roast beef.

Be sure to include energy bars and even vitamins in your food storage. The energy bars can be consumed quickly and provide a boost while the vitamins can supplement the nutrition that may be missing with pre-packaged, quick or canned meals.

While you are stockpiling, it’s ok to throw in some of the goodies you like as well. You should be able to find room for a few bags of candy and a couple of tins of cookies. 

Sanitary Items Needed for Prepping On a Budget

Building an emergency prep kit is more than just food and water. You will also need some sanitary supplies to keep things clean and reduce germs. 

The number one item you will need is toilet paper. It can be purchased fairly cheap, so stock up on it. 

You will also need baby wipes (or wet wipes), tissues, hand sanitizer, and bleach. Depending on your ability to wash dishes, you may need disposable plates and cups. If you plan to wash dishes, you will need liquid washing detergent. 

You will need to store an extra toothbrush and toothpaste along with a sewing kit and soap. If anyone in your group uses tampons, please stock up on them as well. Obviously, if there are babies, always have a stash of extra diapers and wipes.

It is a good idea to have some insect repellant on hand and also sunscreen just in case you are required to spend your time outdoors.

Emergency Items

Some of the items in this heading may not sound like emergency supplies until you need one. They do not all have to be purchased at the same time and you can make a list and buy them as they go on sale. If you enjoy yard sales, you might keep on the lookout for them there.

You will definitely need a manual can opener. If you have a multi-tool gadget, it probably has one, but a full-size version would be better especially with the possibility of many uses.

You should stock up on a supply of BIC lighters. Matches are also good to have, but they can get wet, so having a back up of lighters is a good idea. You can also purchase tea light candles. They don’t have a very long life, but could definitely come in handy. In addition, you should have at least one good flashlight, if not two, and have a separate supply of batteries just for the flashlight.

Speaking of batteries, have a stockpile of multiple sizes.

You should have a lock box for your valuables. This is not foolproof, but you never know if you may be huddled together with a group of other people. Most people band together in a crisis, but it is always a good idea to keep personal treasures or information locked away.

Duct tape is another important supply for your emergency kit. It has so many uses and is relatively inexpensive. You should also have a small hammer and a box of wood nails.

A small tent might be down on your priority list, but if your survival kit is coming along nicely and you want to add more items, a tent is a good option. You should practice putting it together when you are not under stress, and it should be one that folds into a neat and tight bundle in case you need to move.

If you have the room, you should start a firewood pile. Depending on your emergency, that may not be practical, but it is always a good idea to plan for as many scenarios as possible. The more prepared you are for any circumstance, the better you will fare overall.

First Aid Supplies

There is no way that you can create a first aid kit to handle everything you might encounter. The idea here is for basic supplies to treat common illness or accidents. Traumatic injuries or acute sickness will still need to be handled by medical professionals.

You should have a supply of Tylenol and Advil for pain and fever. You should also get some Benadryl or other allergy medicine along with some cold and flu meds.

You can purchase pre-packaged American Red Cross First-Aid kits which has something for almost any type of small injury. In addition, you can purchase extra bandages and antiseptic spray or cream.

A few Mylar thermal blankets are a great addition to your emergency kit.

Your first aid kit should also include all medications specific to the needs of you and your family. It may be difficult to accumulate extra prescription meds, but you should try. You could check to see if you can purchase in a three month supply. That isn’t fail-proof, but it might help.

There is also the option of putting in a refill as soon as the pharmacy fills it. That could provide a few extra doses each month that could be put away for emergency use. It is also a good idea to research natural remedies for problems within your family. It may not completely alleviate the problem, but it could help in the short term until the medicines could be taken again.

Having a stock of labels is also a good idea to help with safety. Anything that has an expiration date or presents any type of hazard should have a label. Most products have them, but if there is little light or in stressful situations, it would help to have an easy-to-read label.

In extreme emergencies, a gas mask may be needed or at least useful. There is also additional survival gear you can stock up on. For more information, shop this site.

Rotate Your Supplies

There will be some supplies in your kit that will last a very long time, but not everything. For those items that will expire or have a short shelf life, you should rotate them out.

If you buy food that your family already enjoys, you can switch that out every few months and replace with fresh. Medicines should also be rotated out to ensure all the active ingredients are still good.

Having an organization system for emergency supplies is also a great idea.

The Bottom Line

It is difficult to prepare for every scenario that can come up in an emergency. However, that is no reason not to put together a kit to use just in case.

Prepping on a budget is a doable project that everyone can get on board with.

The zombies may not be knocking down the door, but emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. Having the supplies needed for your family to survive in the short term just makes good sense.

We’re all familiar with the dreaded dental visits. The sound of drilling, the possible pain after a visit, and that gigantic needle filled with novocaine.

Whether it’s an abscessed tooth that needs attention, applying crowns or getting a root canal, the cost of oral surgery can be quite daunting, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Before you head to your dentist or oral surgeon, take a look at these five important factors that can play a big role in determining the final cost. 

1. A Tooth Extraction Can Cost You

To sum it up nicely, a tooth extraction simply means your dentist needs to pull your tooth or several teeth. While it seems simple enough, the cost can vary depending on a number of factors.

Most teeth extractions range anywhere from less than $100 to several hundred dollars per tooth. However, if your teeth are impacted, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity as well as other factors like your location.

2. Your Dental Insurance Matters

If you have dental insurance, it can cover the cost of a variety of services like cleanings and x-rays, but oral surgery can throw a wrench into the claims process.

Take a close look at your current dental insurance plan to make sure you’re covered for more complex procedures. If you have any questions, call your provider in advance to be clear or what you can expect will be covered.

A lack of dental coverage or a plan that doesn’t offer many benefits for oral surgery can leave you footing a hefty bill.

3. Location Can Affect the Cost of Oral Surgery

Believe it or not, where you live can have an impact on how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your oral surgery.

People who live in large urban areas might end up paying a lot more than someone who lives in a small rural town. Or, you may find dental costs are higher in less populated regions due to the lack of services available.

4. Complex Problems Equal Rising Costs

While most procedures are fairly cut-and-dry, there are a few factors that could make the cost of oral surgery go higher. Some of these include:

• Impacted teeth
• Wisdom teeth removal
• Cracked or fragile teeth that need removal or reinforcement
• Exposed root tips
• A dense jaw bone

Your dentist will easily be able to identify any unforeseen problems before the surgery begins. Ask them about potential rises in cost as the procedure progresses. In some cases, you might be able to opt for an alternative treatment other than oral surgery to keep your expenses lower.

5. Aftercare Adds Up

After your oral surgery, there are still a few costs to keep in mind. You’ll most likely get prescription medication for pain and swelling, and that cost will be heavily dependent on what your insurance covers.

If you end up dealing with problems like dry sockets or an infection, you’ll have to return to the dentist which will result in additional bills.

Be Dentally Diligent

By taking good care of your teeth and reading all of your insurance documentation, you’ll be better prepared to know the cost of oral surgery in advance.

For more information about managing your money including tips on saving on healthcare, be sure to visit our blog.