Category: Popular Thrifty Tips

Have you been wondering how you can cut costs and still look fabulous?

Being fashionable without breaking the bank can be a challenge. The key to being fashionable on a budget is knowing what to spend money on and what to avoid purchasing.

Here are some tips that will show you how to be fashionable on a budget.

1. Take It Easy With the Trends

While trends will make you look more fashionable and hip for the moment, they have one obvious flaw.

They don’t last.

The fact that they are so fickle means that you have to be conservative about what trends you buy into. Following clothing trends is never a good idea when you are on a budget.

If you have a footwear fetish and tend to buy a lot of shoes, you should train yourself to stick with the classics, such as black pumps with varying heel lengths.

However, not all trends are bad. The best kinds of trends are the ones that involve cheap jewelry, hats, and scarves. Trends of this kind keep you looking very fashionable but won’t be so painful to discard once they are out of season.

2. The Little Black Dress and More

You have probably heard it said time and time again, that every woman should have a little black dress.

Here are some tips for buying this classic, so that you will always look fabulous:

• Make sure it flatters your figure. This may require some digging and extra cash but it’s well worth it.
• Stay away from black dresses that have patterns. Patterns often take away from the timelessness of the dress.
• Avoid black dresses that have a trendy design or cut. These won’t stand up to the test of time.

Remember, you want this dress to be your go-to dress for many occasions, so it should always be simple yet classic.

The next item that you should invest in is a pearl necklace. If you can splurge on real pearls then that’s great because you will have them for years.

If you can’t afford to splurge, then you can just get fake ones, since they often look as good as the real ones.

The next wardrobe must have, is a pair of black shoes. A pair of plain black pumps with a three-inch heel is timeless and classic.

The combination of the little black dress, pearls and black pumps are a must-have when you are learning how to be fashionable on a budget.

3. Pick the Right Colors

There is nothing worse than choosing the wrong colors for your clothing.

Choosing the right colors for your clothing will greatly enhance your look.

Some colors may not work for you and it’s important to accept it, so that you won’t make fashion mistakes.

This means that you should only buy clothing in colors that brings out the beauty of your complexion, the color of your eyes and the shade of your hair.

4. Make the Right Investment

Clothing sales where you can get cheap clothing in bulk may seem like a dream come true.

However, the most important question you should ask is: Are these items good quality?

If you are not sure, then don’t spend your money. It makes no sense to buy cheap clothing that falls apart as soon as you wash them a few times.

It is better to invest in more expensive items that last longer. This doesn’t mean that cheap items are always poor quality, sometimes you will get a good deal.

However, when you purchase these clothing, feel the fabric thoroughly and try to stretch the cloth. Fabric that is thin and feels flimsy should be avoided.

Knowing how to be fashionable on a budget sometimes means you have to spend more.

5. Buy Used Clothing

If the idea of buying thrift store clothing conjures up images of people wearing rags and walking barefooted, you are not alone.

However, you might be surprised that the trendsetter you are admiring from work or school is actually wearing used clothing.

Thrift stores, as well as consignment shops, are great places to buy brand name clothes that are just like new at significantly lower prices.

If you are short on cash and need something exquisite for a special occasion, then don’t rule out thrift stores and consignment shops.

6. The Changing Season Is Your Friend

If you want to truly save, then buy your clothes when a season is ending. Buy the clothing you will wear next summer at the end of the present summer season.

Buy the clothes you will wear next winter at the end of the present winter season.

By now you should be getting the idea.

When the season is about to change, stores are in a mad rush to clear the season’s clothing.

This means you will often get a discount and the closer it gets to the end of the season, the higher the discounts often become.

7. Mix and Match Effectively

Pairing a top or a bottom with different items in your wardrobe can make it look like you have a completely new outfit. This is one of the key skills you must master when learning how to be fashionable on a budget.

Try pairing a top you have always worn with a pair of pants, with a skirt instead.

Try wearing a jacket over a dress instead of wearing the dress on its own.

Accessorize these mixed and matched pieces with a scarf or chain to get a different look.

8. Take a Thrifty Friend With You

If you have a tendency to overspend, it is a good idea to take someone with you to hold you accountable and keep you on track.

Next time you go shopping, tell your accountability partner how much you have budgeted to spend.

Take them along with you and have them help you to stick to your budget.

How to Be Fashionable on a Budget: Closing Thoughts

If you would like to save money, then you know that one of the key traits you must master is discipline.

Having the discipline to stick to a budget and consciously choose to hunt for bargains will help you stay fashionable without breaking the bank.

If you would like to learn more about how to save, you’ll absolutely love our frugal living tips.

Your family’s growing, and you couldn’t be happier. But having a child is a huge financial commitment, just as it is an emotional one. Knowing how to prepare for a baby financially before you enter parenthood is key to enjoying your new blessing without so much stressing.

Research shows that the average family in the United States will spend about $12,000 on baby-related expenses during their infant’s first year.

Translation: As much as we love babies, they certainly aren’t cheap. We’ve compiled a guide on how to prepare for a baby financially and manage your new family budget.

Let’s get started!

How to Prepare for a Baby Financially: Understand Health Insurance

One of the most important moves you can make to prepare financially for baby is to ensure that you have a good grasp of your medical insurance coverage and anticipate your costs accordingly.

After all, giving birth to a child is costly even if you’ve got insurance.

The earlier you forecast your anticipated costs, the more prepared you’ll be for the medical bills that will ensue.

Also, start looking ahead of time for a pediatrician who is within your medical insurance network. Your new baby will need to see this doctor within the first week after he or she is born.

And don’t just trust the clinic to tell you that it is within your network. Call the insurance company yourself to double-check. You don’t want to get hit with unexpected charges for going outside of your network.

Budget, Baby!

Surrogate mothers enjoy the benefit of being paid to get pregnant for other couples. For instance, they can earn $43,000 or more — easily an annually salary — based on their individual circumstances.

But if you’re having a baby for yourself, you may experience the opposite effect: You may lose your yearly salary if you decide to stay home.

This is why it’s so critical that you create a post-baby budget before the baby comes. This will give you an idea of how his or her arrival will impact your finances.

If you decide to stay home, can your household truly absorb the loss of your income? If not, would a day care service in your area be affordable, or could a relative watch your bundle of joy at no cost?

Figure out these answers right away by doing the math. Then, act like these charges are in effect today so you’ll have an easier transition to life with a baby tomorrow.

Save

You may have spent the past few years trying to pay off debt. That’s great, but with baby on the way now, it’s time to step on the brakes.

In other words, stay on top of your minimum debt payments, but quit putting extra money toward your debt. Instead, put it in your savings account for emergencies that might crop up during your pregnancy or after the baby is born.

Then, once you’ve confirmed that both mom and baby are healthy, you can keep moving forward with your debt-payoff plan.

How I Can Help

I offer a wide range of tips and advice about how you can save money. Why pay more when you don’t have to?

Contact me to learn more about how I can help you to enjoy a fuller bank account and thus a fuller life long term.

At the last count, there were more than three hundred thousand fitness apps available to choose from. They’re great motivators and the ultimate ‘grab and go’ accessory for busy people on the move.

Let your fitness app become your new gym buddy. Think of the amount of time you’ll save by not having to travel to a health club to do your workout. And no more expensive monthly fees either.

Spoilt for choice? On your marks. We’re here to give you the lowdown on ten of the best workout apps for women over fifty.

1. My Fitness Pal

Two things are going to help you lose weight and keep trimmer for longer. Firstly you need to exercise several times a week. Next count the number of calories you eat and keep a record of them.

This app has a food database that holds more than 5 million items. It also has a bar code scanner. That makes it simple to keep a food diary whether you’re in the supermarket or at home or in a restaurant.

You can also import healthy and creative recipes. You can sync the app with other tools like the Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale or the Fitbit Aris smart Scale. These will measure your weight loss and body mass index too.

2. Map My Walk 

Walking at a brisk pace is a great way to keep in shape. This app uses the GPS in your smartphone. It’ll then work out routes for you and keep a record of the ones you choose.

As well as telling you how fast you walked and for how long, it’ll also let you know how many calories you’ve used. Your history is safely stored so you can measure your progress. Other variations are Map My Run and Map My Ride for cyclists.

3. Fitbit

This is another multiplatform app that lets you track the exercise you take, your diet and weight. It has a great extra feature that monitors your sleeping habits. That helps build a complete picture of your fitness level.

There are add-on Fitbit devices you can buy to track all your movements. You can also sync all your data with other computers. There’s even a way to compete with friends who have Fitbit accounts too. 

4. Yoga Poses

This app will show you two hundred and fifty different yoga poses. They all come with video demonstrations. You can modify some of them if you’re just starting out. The app gives you details on how each pose can benefit you.  

It’s a great app if you prefer learning by yourself and in the comfort of your own home.

Learn more here about another great yoga app as well as more apps that are going to teach you new skills and fitness techniques. 

5. Endomondo

This is a great social fitness app and will let you monitor your fitness and health stats. It’ll track your running routes, the distances, durations as well as your calorie intake. It can also monitor your favorite activities from kayaking to hiking.

The app can help to analyze your current performance and give you recommendations to help you improve. Let your phone become your personal trainer. You can connect with other users with instant messaging too.

6. 7 Minute Workout

This fitness app is incredibly popular. You can lose weight and keep fit with quick workouts that are easy to follow.

You have a choice of twelve high-intensity bodyweight exercises. Each takes thirty seconds and there’s then 10 seconds of rest time in between. It combines cardio and strength training but you won’t need any special equipment. 

7. Pilates Anytime

This is great if you’re new to pilates and want to really drill down into the moves.  A series of videos carefully explains things. It gives you that bit of extra time that you might not get in a group setting.

If you’re already a Pilates genius, then you can select one of two and a half thousand classes. Firm favorites like foam roller workouts and basic mat routines are included.

8. GymGoal

If you bring weights into your workout you can help to retain and build muscle, flexibility, and strength. These are real benefits as we begin to age. Adding extra protein to your diet will help your muscle develop with this type of exercise.

This app is going to teach you the correct form for lifting weights. That’s going to decrease the likelihood of injury. A library of workouts can also be accessed. These can be modified to suit your ability and aims.  

9. Couch to 5K Running App

This is a great app for people who want to start running at a gentle pace. There’s a nine-week program that includes three thirty minute sessions each week. There are four different virtual coaches to choose from. 

The app alternates running, walking and resting. As you progress, the exercise periods increase and the resting time decreases. It’s a really effective way to develop a passion for running.

Remember to pack in the carbs early on the day. You’ll need them when you progress to a half marathon or marathon!

10. You Are Your Own Gym

The best selling book by Mark Lauren forms the basis for this app. His bodyweight exercises were used by him to train the most elite levels of the U.S. Special Operations. 

There are over two hundred bodyweight exercises to choose from. You can get into great shape with as little as thirty minutes of training a day.  You will be guided you every step of the way. There are high-quality demonstration videos.

The warm-up and cool down videos come free. You can purchase the circuits, timed sets and ladders packs separately. They’re available at three different difficulty levels.

Our 10 Best Workout Apps for Women over 50

It’s no time for excuses. You’ve now got some of the best workout apps for women over fifty on the market. It’s time to start building up a sweat the easy way and without those expensive gym fees.

Visit us here for more money saving health and fitness tips. You’ll soon be looking and feeling great without breaking the bank. 

Somewhere between 40 and 50 percent of the people who get married in the U.S. end up getting divorced at some point. Many of them go on to date other people once their divorces are finalized.

Dating after divorce can be difficult to do, though, especially if you were married for a long time. So if you’re planning on getting back out there in the dating world following a divorce, there are some things you should do to prepare yourself for it.

Here are 10 things to keep in mind for your first date after divorce.

1. Make Sure You’re Ready to Start Dating Again

The first thing you should do before dating after divorce is take a good, long look in the mirror and decide if you’re definitely ready to date again.

There are some people who try to rush right back into the dating world following a divorce. And often times, they’re simply not ready for everything that comes along with trying to find a connection with a new person.

There is no set time as far as when you’ll be ready to date again. But you shouldn’t feel pressured to dive headfirst into dating if you don’t think you’re 100 percent prepared for it.

2. Find the Right Person for Your First Date

If you decide that you’re ready to tackle divorced dating, the next step will be to find the right person to go out on a date with you. The last thing you want is for your first post-divorce date to be awful because you chose the wrong person to go on it with.

It’s impossible to eliminate all the risk associated with trying to find a date. But you can do it by asking friends or family members to hook you up with someone who might be right for you.

That doesn’t mean you have to try and land Prince Charming on your first attempt at dating. But it does mean you should be a little selective and choose someone who, at least in theory, could be compatible with you.

3. Talk to Your Kids About Your Date Before It Happens

If you have kids, dating after divorce can be especially tricky. You may have gone to great lengths to help your children cope with the divorce itself, but dating someone else is a whole new ballgame.

If you intend to start dating again, sit down with your kids and explain to them why you want to date. They’ll be a lot more open to it when you talk to them about your intentions.

4. Use Your Date as an Excuse to Pamper Yourself

One of the best parts about dating after divorce is that it gives you an opportunity to pamper yourself.

You can go out and get your hair and nails done for your date and not feel bad about doing it. You can also treat yourself to a massage or a facial so that you feel your best when your date picks you up.

5. Dress Your Best for Your Date

If it’s been years since your last official date, you might not know exactly what to wear. Dating attire has gotten a lot more casual than it used to be in many instances.

Don’t let this deter you from dressing your best for your date. You should already be planning on getting your hair and nails done, so why not complete the look by putting on a dress that makes you look fabulous?

6. Pick a Place Where You’ll Feel Comfortable for Your Date

As your first date after divorce inches closer, you’re probably going to start feeling nervous. Those nerves are only going to grow in intensity over time.

Take some of the pressure that you’re feeling off yourself by picking a place for your date where you’ll feel the most comfortable.

That might mean choosing a more relaxed restaurant that will allow you to get to know someone while surrounded by a bunch of other people. It might also mean going to a movie where you won’t have to spend two hours talking to someone you don’t know.

Pick a place where you know you’ll be at ease. It’ll allow you to enjoy your date rather than feeling like you’re on pins and needles all night long.

7. Come Up With Icebreaker Questions to Ask

Some people don’t have any problem sitting down and asking questions to someone they don’t know. If you fall into that category, you probably don’t need to spend much time thinking about questions to ask prior to a first date.

But if you’re the type of person who doesn’t know what to ask on a date, come up with some sample questions beforehand. These questions might include:

• “Where did you go to college?”
• “What do you do for work?”
• “What kinds of things do you enjoy doing on the weekend?”
• “Who is your favorite NFL team?”
• “What’s the last really good book you read?”

You might even consider sitting down with a friend and giving your icebreaker questions a test run. You could find that it’s not as hard as you think to carry on a free-flowing conversation with someone when you have questions in mind.

8. Be Open to Talking About Yourself

When you’re on a first date, you don’t necessarily want to dominate the conversation. But you do want to prepare to talk about yourself for at least part of the date.

Think about the things that you’re comfortable sharing on a first date as well as the things that you would rather keep to yourself. It’ll allow you to open up to your date without going too overboard.

9. Avoid Talking About Your Divorce

If you’ve been divorced for a few years now, your divorce might not even come up in the course of a conversation on a first date.

But if your divorce is still a relatively new thing, you might be tempted to bring it up on your first date. Try not to do it!

You could give your date the impression that you’re not over your divorce. You could also drudge up feelings of anger and frustration and bring them into your date.

You can casually mention that you’re divorced at some point and let your date know you have kids if you’d like. But don’t get too much deeper than that on a first date.

10. Try Not to Expect Too Much From Your First Date

No matter how good a first date might go, remember: It’s only a first date!

When dating after divorce, there are some people who scare off their dates by trying to get too serious too quickly. It’s best to take things slow and allow them to develop over time rather than rushing right into a relationship.

If you have a great time on a first date and you would like to go on a second date, send signs that make that clear. By simply letting someone know you enjoyed their company, you’ll put a second date on the table and give them the chance to make the next move.

Dating After Divorce Can Be a Rewarding Experience

Initially, dating after divorce can be very overwhelming. It’s not easy to go from being married to dating again.

But once you’ve been on a few dates, you’ll enjoy the connections that you make with new people. You’ll also increase your chances of finding someone that you want to get to know better.

Read our blog for additional tips on dating, being a better mother, running your household more effectively, and more.

Ginseng is an herb that people have used for centuries for its many health benefits. It is very popular in the United States and worldwide for treating headaches, premature aging, stress, digestive problems, and more.

The plant can be used in a variety of ways. You can use the roots to make tea. Or You can buy it in powdered form or as a supplement.

Anecdotal evidence shows ginseng can help boost your immune system and help with chronic fatigue and insomnia. Researchers are studying the herb for its effect on cancer cells.

For centuries, people have used ginseng as a natural way to treat many health problems. Let’s take a look at 10 proven health benefits of using ginseng.

Increase Your Energy Level

People have long used ginseng to fight fatigue and boost their energy levels. It helps your body use oxygen efficiently during physical activity.

Many scientists believe it helps regulate metabolism which results in increased energy levels. It’s an energy amplifier.

Many people feel it enhances their mental activity and helps them think clearly. Instead of coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks, try ginseng to get you through a long day at work.

Hsu’s Ginseng is a good choice. It will enhance your energy without the side effects of caffeine.

Enhances Cognitive Ability

The sharper your thinking, the better you perform in your daily life. Drinking coffee or energy drinks may offer a temporary boost, but the effects do not last.

The antioxidants in ginseng enhance cognitive function and improve focus and concentration. If you find yourself tiring mentally during the day, some ginseng tea or a supplement may be for you.

Helps With Type 2 Diabetes

Although there isn’t a cure for Type 2 Diabetes, studies show that the Ginseng plant is helpful in reducing the harmful effects of the disease. It helps lower blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

This doesn’t mean you won’t need your diabetes medication. Ginseng, along with your medication, may prevent sudden fluctuations in your sugar levels.

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about adding ginseng to your health routine.

Helps With Weight Control

Ginseng is a natural appetite suppressant. Taking it on a regular basis is good for your metabolism and will gradually help you eat less.

Going on starvation diets can damage your health and your metabolism over time. And diet pills are dangerous and have serious side effects.

Ginseng works naturally to let you lose weight at a gradual pace. If you are using it as an appetite suppressant, you still need to eat a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight.

You can add this herb to your tea, use it in salads, or incorporate it into your favorite healthy recipes.

Boosts the Immune System

For centuries, people have used ginseng to prevent and treat illnesses. It strengthens the immune system which protects you from viruses and infection.

Studies suggest that this herb may improve the effectiveness of the flu vaccine and help control flu symptoms. You can add two teaspoons of the crushed root to a liter of water to boil for 20 minutes.

Drink 1 glass in the morning and one at lunch for a boost. This is especially helpful when you are sick with the cold or flu.

Improves Sexual Performance

Many consider ginseng to be a strong aphrodisiac that can improve male sexual performance. Some men with erectile dysfunction choose to use the herb instead of prescription medication to treat the problem.

This is not a cure for the problem. You should not stop taking any prescriptions without talking to your doctor.

But if a ginseng supplement can help improve your libido or improve your symptoms, it may be worth a try.

Reduces Anxiety

Ginseng is a natural stress reliever. Many people suffer from anxiety on a daily basis but do not want to take addictive medications to control it.

For some, this herb offers a sense of calm and relief. It also enhances alertness which can help you get through the day with less stress and worry.

It’s a safe and natural herb, so if you suffer from anxiety, it may be what you’re looking for.

Good for Your Skin

Healthy blood flow is essential for healthy skin. Ginseng stimulates blood flow which is great for your skin.

It’s also good for dry skin. Regular use, along with a good skin care routine, helps keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.

Many women want to use natural products to care for their skin. And using ginseng is an all natural way to improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Helps Lower Blood Pressure

A busy, stress-filled life combined with a poor diet is a recipe for high blood pressure and heart disease. Ginseng may help improve circulation and cardiovascular function.

Although this is a natural herb, if you have a heart condition, you should consult your doctor before taking it. If your doctor gives the okay, you may want to try a ginseng supplement in combination with your prescribed medications.

Possible Cancer Benefits

Ginseng contains natural compounds that may reduce the chances of developing certain cancers. These compounds interfere in the formation of blood vessels in some types of tumors.

This could be helpful in preventing cancer as well as treating it. This is not a cure for cancer.

But researchers are studying the effects of ginseng on prostate and other cancers, and the results are promising.

Live Your Best Life

A healthy lifestyle can enhance your life in many ways. Eating right, exercising, and taking natural supplements like ginseng can lead to better health over time.

Be sure to check out our website and other helpful blogs.