This weekend I ended up a two new shirts, a new purse, a new dress and a cute pair of Jessica Simpson heels. Sounds like a went on a shopping spree, right? Actually it was all free thanks to a clothing swap! A friend of mine organized the event as a way to clean out her own closets while getting a few “new” things in her own wardrobe at the same time. It’s a great way to update your clothing assortment while not spending any money. And the stuff I got was great– the J. Crew dress still had tags attached and the shoes had never been worn. If this sounds good to you, here are a few tips for organizing a clothes swap.

Clean Out Your Closets

You need to have plenty of “merchandise” to share. Clean out your closets and drawers. You may even want to go through your accessories like purses, jewelry and shoes. Collect it all and wash anything that needs it.

Invite Others

Send out a free invite via Facebook. Tell your friends to clean out their closets, too and bring everything to your place for a clothes swap. You may want to ask them to bring some snacks or drinks, so that it’s a festive night of fun.

Offer Hanging Space

My friend cleared off her dining room table so we could pile on clothes that were up for grabs. She also installed temporary hanging racks in her doorways so it was easier to look through items. Have a separate space set aside for accessories and shoes.

Set Out a Mirror

Make sure there’s a mirror nearby for checking out clothing selections. Have a place prepared so that guests can try items on if needed.

Have a Plan for Extras

Offer to take clothing that wasn’t chosen to the Goodwill or another charity drop-off. That way guests don’t have to worry about lugging their leftovers back home.

The awesome people over at C28.com offered to give our readers a chance to win one of two Christian t-shirts. We plugged the numbers into Random.org and winner was chosen. Congratulations to #13:

Erika Says:
January 27th, 2010 at 12:55 am

This is actually the first time I have seen your blog.I would love the woman’s shirt for one of my daughters who is going to be a missionary after she finishes college.

Erika, I know your daughter will love her t-shirt! I’m actually wearing the same one today and I love it! Thanks again to everyone who participated and don’t forget to stop by C28.com and do a little shopping for Valentine’s Day!

Are you blogger with a love for books? Christian publishing house Thomas Nelson has a new way to get free books. Just head to BookSneeze.com and sign up to be a book reviewer. You must have a blog in order to be eligible so that you can post your review.

All you have to do to become a review blogger and get free Christian books is request a title on their list of available books. Once you receive your book you must post the review on your bog along with a couple of links to the book’s Thomas Nelson product page and a link to a page that will let your readers preview the book.

Also, to comply with new rules from the Federal Trade Commission you have to be open about receiving a complimentary copy of the book. All you need to do is let your readers know that you got a free book for writing your review.

According to the website, top reviewers have received about 30 new titles absolutely free. So if you’re looking for a way to beef up your library and get your hands on some free books you may want to check this out.

I’m excited to announce a giveaway here at Out of Debt Christian. If you’re looking for a great Valentine’s gift or if you just want a new t-shirt for yourself, enter to win a t-shirt from C28.com. C28 Christian t-shirts are well-made, feature cool designs and help you display your Christian faith in a creative way. The company says it’s a ministry first and a store second, a commitment it proves by preaching the Gospel, encouraging prayer and supporting ministries.

Because Valentine’s Day is approaching, you have the chance to win your choice of two t-shirts. You can either win this men’s t-shirt featuring the words “A heart without love is a life without meaning.”

Or you can win this women’s t-shirt that says “Love will keep us alive. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” I received this t-shirt from C28.com and was very pleased with the fit– it’s modern, lightweight and well-made.

In order to win one of these t-shirts in time for Valentine’s Day, show us some love! Leave us a comment for one entry. To be entered a second time, subscribe to our feed and leave us a comment telling us you did that. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway and leave us a comment telling us what you tweeted. A winner will be selected randomly through random.org on Wednesday, February 3. Thanks for playing!

Disney is hoping to inspire one million people to volunteer in their communities. Kick start the new year by giving back to your community. Starting Jan. 1, 2010 if you volunteer a day of service, you get a free ticket to Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

To get started visit Disney Parks online. First, search and sign up to volunteer with a participating organization at the beginning of the year. Second, give of your time and volunteer and then receive a voucher to redeem your Disney ticket.

Disney is working with HandsOn Network, part of the Points of Light Institute. Points of Light is the largest volunteer network in the U.S. There are more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers which are community hubs for people to get connected  and get involved. Volunteering opportunities are available in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada and include many impact areas such as children and youth, religion, animals, hurricane relief and other areas that need assistance. HandsOn facilitates about 30,000 projects a month and includes more than 70,000 nonprofit, faith, education and community-based organizations. According to the agency’s website, it delivered more than 30 million hours of service last year.

Volunteer activities suggested by HandsOn Network: Visit seniors and play games with them, donate items to homeless shelters, clean up a park, participate in a local charity walk or help sort items at a local food bank.

And don’t forget you can also get a free ticket for your birthday!

The Bible is full of people who went on regular pilgrimages and adventures. There are certain tours and helpful hints on faith-based travel. There are many websites available to help you plan Christian trips, advice on raising money for missions and other opportunities.

Mission2Go: This site offers everything from how to fund a trip and a short-term mission packing list. It also has information on how to prepare spiritually through prayer, understanding your faith and your mental attitude.

206Tours: If you are interested in Catholic pilgrimages, take a look at 206Tours. The site describes pilgrimages as a personal invitation from God and a journey to a holy and sacred place. Trips listed on this website include Spain and Portugal, the shrines of Italy and Medjugorje, The Holy Land, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and others. On these trips professional Catholic guides are provided and Mass is attended.

Significant Living: If you are in your “Golden Years”, this one may be the right fit for you. It lists mission trips, other travel opportunities and discounted rates with a Christian focus.

Christian Travel Finder: Looking for help finding cruises and other vacations for Christian interests? This is a great resource for booking cruise tours that explore early Christianity and to book a visit to the Holy Land. A mission cruise, Cruise with a Cause,  is also coming in 2011.

See Jordan: This a one-stop shop to find tours and information about visiting Jordan. Click on specific links and you have tons of websites to help you book a vacation.

The Holy Land Experience: You don’t have to travel out the country to get a feel for the Holy Land. By traveling to Orlando, you can experience the Bible and way of living in ancient Jerusalem. It’s considered to be a living, historical, Biblical museum. Exhibits include The Great Temple, Jerusalem Street Market, Dead Sea Qumram Caves and many others.

Now that my husband and I live in a different state than our families we have to discuss Thanksgiving and Christmas travel plans in advance to get the best deals. Although our drive is only about 8 hours, lately we’ve been able to find some cheap flights (especially on Allegiant Airlines.) It made sense to fly instead of lose about two days with family because of being on the road. First, you may want to try and travel on alternate days. For example, heading to your destination the day right before and the day after is a no, no. Those are the busiest days. See if you can maybe head there one day earlier and stay one extra day to avoid the rush. Plus, that gives you more time with family and friends. Also, what about the old days when you had to talk to someone with the airline? Sometimes that can be beneficial as well.

According to a recent article by USA Today, the cost of flying home is cheaper this year than last. The article’s tips include:

You may want to consider traveling for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas. Fares seem to be a bit cheaper in November. Also, be flexible on your travel dates and watch out for bag fees. Try to carry on all of your luggage if you can. The article also says to try not to be too picky. If it seems like a good deal, go ahead and grab it.

Now that we’re not far away from Thanksgiving and Christmas there are a few websites you can visit to help you find some deals. But don’t prolong it much longer. Experts say to book now!

Travel Zoo: I found some deals on this site when I traveled abroad, but they also have plenty of flights within the U.S. They show “today’s top deals” and you can find fares from recommended sites.

Airfare Watchdog: See today’s fare by typing in your destination and all kinds of deals pop up. The site also keeps track of the Top 50 deals of the day.

Kayak:  At first I thought, wait  a minute. Isn’t a kayak used on the water? But this website deals with being in the air. Search hundreds of travel sites to find the best one for you. Just type in your city and your destination and see what might work for your budget and schedule.

Booking Buddy: This one is your friend and searches more than 140 travel sites. It can list anything from air flights to cruises and hotels to vacation rentals.

Of course, there are many more and these are just some of the highlights that I’ve heard experts discuss. Take a look and book as soon as you can. The holidays will be here before you know it.

It’s the first Friday of fall. Hopefully your weekend is full of fun plans, but even if it’s not here are some great freebies to enjoy!

Kids Eat Free at Boston Market: From now through the end of October Boston Market is letting kids eat free. Get up to two free kids’ meals with any $6 purchase. No coupon required.

Free Panda Express: Take this coupon into any Panda Express location today to get a free single serving of the Sweet Fire Chicken Breast.

Free Museum Admission: Saturday, September 26 is Museum Day which means you can download a free admission card that will get you in to hundreds of museums for no charge. Search for participating venues in your area.

Free Caramel Apple Dip: Get your free Marzetti Caramel Apple Dip for taking a 10-minute survey. Thanks to A Few Short Cuts for this one!

Free Uncrustables Sandwiches: According to Chief Family Officer, starting Monday Smuckers is giving away 80,000 free uncrustables sandwiches to folks who offer up their best after-school organizational tip.

It’s the first official day of fall. That may mean it’s time to put away the swimsuits until next year, but you may want to think twice about giving up all of your summer habits. Here are five summer habits that you should actually carry with you into fall.

Enjoying Simple, Low Cost Meals

Cooking in the summer can seem so simple– throw some hot dogs and corn on the cob on the grill and you’re good to go. Not only is this way of preparing food often less stressful, but it can also be very budget friendly. Keep this in mind as fall arrives. Just because cooler weather comes doesn’t mean you have to pack up your grill for good. Continue to prepare simple meals at home to save time and money.

Taking Advantage of Free Entertainment

Free entertainment seems so plentiful in the summer. Between free concerts and events, there is no need to spend money on entertainment. Chances are, there are still free functions that you can take advantage of. Check out your community website, the events calendar in the local newspaper and scan bulletin boards at a nearby coffee shop. There is still free fun to be had even though summer is over.

Visiting Natural Resources

No matter where you live, chances are you enjoy your natural surroundings more in the summer than just about any other season. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, the lake or a nearby park, this free fun isn’t just for when school’s out. Different seasons offer different benefits for visiting natural resources.

Exercising Regularly

It’s easier to exercise when the weather is nice, but keeping up this summer habit is important– especially when you consider that the holidays and all of the sweet treats that accompany them are coming up. Maintain your summer fitness regimen on into fall.

Using Sunscreen

Just because you’re packing up your flip flops doesn’t mean you should pack up your sunscreen, too. Even though it seems like the sun is more powerful in the summer, it can do damage all year. Keep wearing your sunscreen even when you pull out the sweaters and boots. You still have exposed skin that needs to be protected.

An article in Southern Living recently caught my eye. I have to admit the main reason was because it talked about the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, but it also lists travel deals and websites to help you explore major cities in different U.S. states and an international city.

St. Louis: To get a homerun with cheap tickets to a game, get there early. The first 275 fans at the ballpark pay only $11 for a pair of tickets. The city also offers several more free attractions such as the Gateway Arch and St. Louis Zoo – one of the only free zoos in the nation.One event that’s coming up is the 16th Annual St. Louis Art Fair Sept. 11-13. Explore St. Louis can also provide other ideas.

Nashville: This country music capital also provides a package deal to see the city. For $45 you can visit the Nashville Shores Waterpark, Nashville Zoo and the Country Music Hall of Fame. That saves you 40 bucks. Take a look at Visit Music City.

Along with logging onto city websites, City Pass allows you to choose from 11 cities to see their most famous attractions and bundle your tickets.

Houston: For those of you who my be new to this city, the pass is a good way to explore many attractions. For admission to the Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium and the Houston Zoo it only costs $39. This is a savings of $32, according to the article.

Atlanta: Purchasing a City Pass in this Georgia hot spot can earn you a savings of $67. Six locations can be visited for $69 including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and High Museum of Art.

Boston: The Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium and  local museums are on this city’s Pass for a mere $44.

San Francisco: This great West Coast city is also on the list and includes a Muni and Cable Car 7-day passport, San Fran Museum of Modern Art and a Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise. You can also get unlimited rides on those fun cable cars. All that for $59.

Toronto: How about a chance to also see an international city? Toronto’s five hottest attractions are on the list for this City Pass. Go and check out the Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, CN Tower, Ontario Science Center and the Royal Ontario Museum. It costs $53.69.

Along with your passes, a booklet is included with tips on transportation, best times to visit, maps and coupons for restaurants and shopping. Happy traveling!

You’ve probably heard of panning for gold and the California Gold Rush in the 1800s. But who would have imagined that it would be back on the rise this decade? According to the Gold Prospectors Association of America, it has seen a 20 percent increase in membership from last year. As the price of gold continues to skyrocket above $900 an ounce families across the nation are looking to panning for gold for a possible money-making vacation.

Here are some spots around the country for finding gold:

Gold Prospecting Adventures LLC in California is offering travel packages and has a Jimtown 1849 Gold Mining Camp. It takes you back in time to see how the 49ers lived and you can begin your own quest for finding gold. They also offer education courses and school programs.

At Big Thunder Gold Mine in South Dakota visitors can see how miners lived in the 1800s and you can try to find that coveted nugget of gold.

If you want to head to Colorado, there are plenty of spots to look for gold. Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge was founded in 1887 and allows you to look for gold in the Eureka Creek. It also has mine tours and other activities. Gold panning here is $9.95 per person.

You can find Cotton Patch Gold Mine and Campground in New London, NC for gold prospecting. Panning costs $12 for adults and $7 for children. That includes several two-gallon buckets. For some quick instructions on how to pan for gold go to GoldGold.

According to a report by a CBS news station in Denver, the recession is a cause of the influx of the modern day Gold Rush as people hope to make a little extra money. Estimates show that gold panning is up about 15 percent. But don’t expect to get rich quick. The reports says that professional gold panners make an average of $60 to $80 per day. However, every little bit of money helps even if it’s found in the streams of mountains.

When I first heard of traveling by RV, I just pictured Cousin Eddie from the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and how he parked his old RV in the Griswold family driveway. But now, as I meet more and more people with RVs, I see that they are a nice way to travel and affordable.

The National RV Dealers Association recently posted information about a study which found that RV vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations despite the increase in fuel costs. When you factor in the costs of hotels vs. campgrounds and restaurants vs. packing your own food, the study showed that you really can save money. For example, if a family of four travels from Phoenix, AZ to Napa, CA. with a folding camping trailer and stays at campgrounds, they would save 52 percent over the same trip taken by car, says the study. Campgrounds usually cost an average of $33 per night while hotels average $122 each night.

Another study found that one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households own an RV and those buyers are ranging in age from 35 to 75 years old. I’ve especially noticed several people in the Baby Boomer category, including my aunt, uncle and some neighbors of mine, begin to buy RVs. There are two main categories: motorized homes or towable RVs. Prices can range from $6,000 for a simple folding camping trailer to $400,000 for Class A RVs.

When buying or financing a recreational vehicle, there are several options. For many, the interest on the loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest. Earlier this year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made changes in federal income tax laws. Those who buy motor homes before the end of this year, can deduct the state and local sales and excise the taxes paid on the first $49,500 of the RV purchase price on their federal income tax.

For more information out this affordable way to travel take a look at the GoRVing website. It has tips on why you should go RVing, how to find dealers and campgrounds and includes ideas of new places to explore.

Did you hear about the incredible deal Jet Blue is offering? Me being a travel buff my heart started beating quickly as I read about the Jet Blue All-You-Can-Jet Pass. For just $599 you can enjoy unlimited travel for an entire month! I started thinking about where I would go (Chicago to see a friend, Seattle for a sister visit, California to see another friend and of course New York for a little shopping.) I called my husband, and told him all about it based on what I found on Jet Blue’s website:

About the Pass
* $599 for a month of unlimited travel, any available seat, domestic taxes and fees included, International and Puerto Rico taxes and fees not included
* On sale through Friday, August 21, 2009, or while supplies last
* Travel Dates: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 through Thursday, October 8, 2009
* Each flight must be booked no later than 11:59 p.m. MDT three days prior to the flight’s scheduled departure.
* Nonrefundable/nontransferable/no name changes permitted
* Customers who already have a flight booked during the pass travel period can pay the difference to upgrade to the pass by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), prompt 4.
* Each All-You-Can-Jet Pass is eligible for 35 TrueBlue points. Flights booked on the pass are not available for additional TrueBlue points.

To purchase an All-You-Can-Jet Pass:
Call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), option 4. You do not have to be a TrueBlue member at the time of purchase, but a TrueBlue number is required to book all flights.To join TrueBlue, click here; it’s free.
To book flights with your All-You-Can-Jet Pass:

* Before calling to reserve your flight, please visit jetblue.com to check availability and select flight times.
* Call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), prompt 4.
* Provide your pass number which is your original reservation number.
* Provide your TrueBlue number.
* You may only book one flight per city per day; if a violation of this policy is found, JetBlue will honor only the last booking made and cancel the customer’s other bookings from that city on that day.
* Each flight must be booked no later than 11:59 p.m. MDT three days prior to the flight’s scheduled departure.
* You can change/cancel flights for no fee with three (3) or more days notice; changes or cancellations to flight bookings made after 11:59 p.m. MDT three days prior to the flight’s scheduled departure will be charged standard JetBlue change/cancel fees.

To change or cancel All-You-Can-Jet Pass travel:
* Greater than three (3) days before a flight: $0 change/cancellation fees
* Less than three (3) days before a flight: JetBlue’s standard change/cancel fees apply

Right around the same time I negotiated a 20% discount on new insulation we’re having installed in our attic, a savings of $850. That was more ammunition for me to justify the $1200 expense of plane tickets. But the more I thought about it the more questions and concerns I had.
* Would I be able to book flights on the days I really wanted to travel?
* Could I get stuck somewhere?
* Who would watch my dog while I was jetting around the country?
* What kind of parking bill would I rack up at the airport since the nearest Jet Blue hub is 90 minutes away in Charlotte, North Carolina?

In the end I decided that while the deal was fabulous, Jet Blue will likely do it again if it goes well. I’ll wait and see what happens this time around and maybe I’ll snag a pass next time Jet Blue offers them up. Where would you go with an All-You-Can-Fly pass?

Just like bumper stickers, t-shirts often share funny, poignant messages about our times. Lately I’ve seen some great t-shirts dealing with money and the current state of the economy. Here are my five favorites:

This “Broke is the New Black” t-shirt is $24 from Urban Outfitters. So you can’t be too broke if you want one of your own.

This t-shirt says “I Bailed Out Wall Street and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt.” It’s a modern take on and old saying. Pick up yours at Cafe Press.

I’ve seen other takes on this gem as well. Instead of “But I’m in a Band” they say “But I’m Good Looking,” or “But I’m Happy.” Either way it’s funny. This one is available at SuperiorSilkscreen.com.

I’m not sure if this t-shirt is slamming the USA or just Americans in general, but it’s pretty relevant either way. Pick up yours at Urban Outfitters. It just happens to be on sale for $14.99.

Cheap is chic! And to prove it CrookedMonkey.com is selling all of their recession t’s at cheaper prices than the rest of their inventory.

Have you seen any t-shirts with great slogans about the recession?

According to a recent survey by American Express travel agents, people are being savvier travelers and keeping a close eye on costs due to tough economic times. My husband and I love to travel and have saved lots of money by using several websites and/or booking with certain companies.

Something that recently caught my eye was a video that shows you how to save even more money with Priceline. Joseph Sangl is a financial guru that attends my church and has pledged to help others with their finances through seminars, books and his personal blog. He’s created a great how-to video which shows Priceline users how to save more money when booking hotel rooms. Priceline also added a travel blog, The Travel Ekspert, which includes travel news, Q & A’s and special deals.

Some websites that I have personally used and benefited from include:

Travelzoo – This site includes Top 20 Travel Deals each week, best last minute travel packages, and specials for hotels and flights. We used this site to book a last minute trip to Paris in 2005 and got a terrific deal.

Gate1 Travel – This website offers a Build Your Own Vacation feature that allows you to choose worldwide destinations with information on airfare, hotel and cruiseship deals. This was also a site that helped us with our trip to Paris.

Dooley Vacations – If you’re looking for a vacation to Ireland, Scotland, the UK, London and Italy this group specializes on trips to these locations. We took a trip to Ireland Summer of 2006 and received a great package deal.

Of course always read the fine print when booking on these sites, but so far I’ve had some great experiences. People are also tapping into their frequent flyer miles and grabbing deals at the last minute – things that are there to help save you some cash.

Starting today, bargain hunters have a long way to go– 654 miles to be exact– to find what they’re looking for. The World’s Longest Garage Sale runs from August 6-9 and with the economy in a recession, turnout may be its biggest yet. The mega-treasure hunt runs through five states: Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama.

The 2008 World’s Longest Garage Sale was featured on HGTV. The show also offered up some tips for successful yard sale shopping:

1. Wear comfy shoes. It’s tough to cover hundreds of miles if your feet hurt.
2. Drink water. You don’t want dehydration to keep you from completing your bargain hunting.
3. Wear sunscreen. While the title of World’s Longest Garage Sale makes you think you’ll be under cover, much of it is outside in the sun.
4. Carry cash. Most vendors won’t take plastic. Plus it’s harder to negotiate if you don’t have cash on hand.
5. Bring a rolling case. It will help you transport purchases without having to lug them around.
6. If you see something you like, buy it. Chances are it won’t be there if you wait until later to snag it.

So what kind of bargains should you be on the lookout for? Old furniture that would be great with a little makeover, anything that can be fixed with paint, and collectibles that catch your eye. Make sure you try negotiating for a lower price. Most vendors are prepared to haggle with you.

Sometimes, you’ve got to spend some money to save some money. Here are three great programs that will cost you a few dollars today but could save you hundreds of dollars over the months ahead:

Everyone knows that AAA is the place to go for free maps and roadside assistance, but did you know that they have one of the largest discount programs in the world? AAA membership can help you save at over 150,000 hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers and other merchants nationwide. Membership is just $50 – $60 per year (depending upon what the AAA club in your state charges) and you can easily cover that cost with just one brief trip. I recently saved $30 per night on a week-long stay at a Marriott, so my $60 membership instantly provided me with $210 in savings!

The Entertainment Book certainly gets this concept, as their motto is, “More than pays for itself!” The book is packed with thousands of local coupons for restaurants, entertainment attractions, shopping, and travel deals. Most of the deals are either 50% off or 2-for-1 offers, so you’ll make up the $30 price with just one or two half priced meals or discount movie tickets. The Entermainment Book has a much more robust Web site than it used to, so just type in your zip code to instantly view savings opportunities that may be right around the corner from you. Plus, this is a great time to buy the book, since they will give you a 2009 book for free when you reserve your 2010 copy — an extra six months of savings!

Restaurant.com is a great way to shrink the bill at your favorite restaurant, or to bring down the cost at the new place you’ve been dying to try. You purchase discount gift certificates on their Web site, with prices generally $4 for a $10 certificate or $10 for a $25 certificate. There is a usually a minimum you need to spend in addition to the gift certificate amount, so check the terms offered by each restaurant, but this really is free money back to you. Their Web site also offers an easy way to find restaurants that participate in the program and you may be surprised by how many of your favorites are included — there are 25 participating restaurants within one mile of my house!

So you want to celebrate Independence Day with a little red, white and blue, but you don’t to spend much green? That is perfectly OK. There are plenty of places to get decorations that will show your patriotic side without having to spend much money or any money at all.

Print Off Flags

Did you know there are a bunch of websites that help you to print flags off your home printer? PrintOurFlag.com is one of those sites. After seeing a flag shortage after 9/11 the site began to offer printable flags. You can choose between several designs and sizes. If you want a jumbo flag you can print one out using multiple sheets of standard printer paper.

DIY Decorations

Feeling a little crafty? If the emphasis is on “little,” get some help from Twig and Thistle. They’ve got well-designed 4th of July templates to help you make matchbook covers, sparkler cards and straw flags to spice up your backyard party. The templates are free, but you’ll have to buy a few of the supplies.

Shop Sales

Head to your local craft store like Hobby Lobby for deep discounts on 4th of July decorations. Michaels also has several patriotic project ideas ranging from a 4th of July windsock to all-star patriotic cupcakes. Register to receive Michaels’ emails and you’ll get a 50% off coupon.

Use Fabric

Fabric can be an affordable way to add color to a party without spending much money. Get some assistance from Martha Stewart and create some star medallions to help decorate your backyard. You’ll be seeing fireworks long before the sun goes down.

While most of the time I try to offer valuable information and advice to the readers of this blog, sometimes I need a little of it myself. I am a bridesmaid in a wedding in early August. Last night I got an email from the maid-of-honor, a close friend of mine, planning out the two days of activities before the wedding. The more she started to talk about the cost of everything the more sick I felt. I started to add up what this wedding is costing my husband and I. You see, not only am I a bridesmaid, but my husband is the best man. He’s not even particularly close to the groom, but most of the groom’s family and friend are unable to attend the wedding for financial reasons. So here is a rundown the current expenses that I am aware of:

My dress: $130
My accessories: $30
Hotel for Three Nights: $300
Plane Tickets: $700
Total: $1160

We still haven’t been told what my husband will have to buy for his outfit, but I know they will not be renting tuxes. My guess is that we will be spending between $100-$150 on the outfits. Add to this total food, gas money for getting from the airport to the lake where the wedding is being held, and a gift and we are probably over $1500. The made-of-honor is planning a pre-wedding day of manicures, pedicures and parasailing. So here’s my question– the made-of-honor is asking us all to chip in to pay for the bride’s day of fun. She says it’s up to us whether we want to pay for ourselves to have manicures, pedicures and to go parasailing, which would add about $150 on to my expenses. I don’t really want to do it, but do you think it’s ok to just be an observer for the day? Or will it take away from the bride’s experience? We also aren’t sure whether my husband– who is technically the best man– is responsible for paying for any activities with the groom.

According to manners-guru Peggy Post, bridesmaids are not responsible for paying or participating in any pre-wedding activities. That actually seems a little harsh to me, but tell me what you think. I know for my own wedding we paid for everyone to have their manicures and pedicures because they were flying in from out of town. We also paid for their hotel rooms and I picked out $30 bridesmaid dresses from Target. But then again, I also know I am probably more frugal than the average person and because of that I am likely more sensitive about putting a financial burden on others. So go ahead– give it to me. Should I just fork over the money and forget about it? Or should I back off from participating in extra and expensive activities?

This weekend I threw my neighbor a baby shower. There were about 25 guests and everyone had a great time. I was a little nervous about how much the party would cost since the guest list was a little large, but I managed to pull it off for a little over $100 including food, decorations and games. Here’s how I saved money on this baby shower:

I threw the party at my house. We considered renting a space that would be large enough for everyone to be able to relax in an air conditioned space, but that would have cost about $100. So instead, we decided to throw the party in our backyard. We have a circle driveway that actually turned out to be a great party space with plenty of room.

I borrowed tables and chairs. Rather than rent tables and chairs, I borrowed four six-foot tables and about 25 chairs from neighbors. This saved me a lot of money. I also used a card table and another round table to hold gifts and food. I also borrowed some paper lanterns to hang from the trees.

I used what I had. When my expecting friend told me one of the colors for the nursery would be chocolate brown, I knew that had to be one of the party colors. Not just because I wanted to coordinate with the nursery, but also because that was one of my wedding colors. I knew I could use table cloths and some other decor items that I already had to help transform the backyard.

I took any help that was offered. A couple of guests offered to bring food and I gladly took them up on it. Also, rather than pay for expensive invitations I asked a graphic designer friend to make them for me. I took the file to a local printer and paid just $12 for all of them.

I shopped at a bulk grocery store. The day before the big event I hit up Costco. I bought flowers, hamburger and bottled water here to save money.

I got crafty. I knew the look I wanted to go for when it came to the tables. Rather than buy fancy center pieces I made some from a guide I found online. I also got a little help from Martha Stewart and made tissue paper pom poms to hang from the trees.

I planned and planned. The date for the shower was set for about a month so I got started right away. This helped me keep an eye out for the items I needed so that I could find them on sale or search for the best price. Waiting until the last minute can be bad for your budget.

Free ice cream seems to be pretty easy to come by these days. Here are a few offers to take advantage of if you’re looking for a little relief on a hot summer day.

Ben and Jerry’s: Starting today Ben and Jerry’s is offering buy one get one free sundaes on Monday’s through August.

Schwan’s: Schwan’s is taking $5 off orders with coupon code D5. Pick up a $4.99 ice cream treat like this six-pack of vanilla cones and your order will be free. You may have to pay $1 for delivery.

7-11: On July 11 (7/11) 7-11 is giving away Slurpees. Count down to the big day on their Facebook page.

Pinkberry: If you’re lucky enough to live near a Pinkberry, stop in on June 26 from 5-9pm to try out their new flavors for free. You’ll get a small cup of either coconut, passionfruit or tropical swirl.

Yoplait Whips: Apparently when you put Yoplait Whips in the freezer you end up with a delicious frozen treat. Try it for free by signing up here.

Showing dad you love him doesn’t have to require spending a bunch of money. Here are some ideas for a frugal Father’s Day.

Free Card: Head to Photoworks for a free photo Father’s Day card worth $2.95. Use coupon code LOVEDAD at checkout and make sure you take advantage of this offer before June 16.

Free Parks: Several national parks are letting you in for free during three weekends this summer. The first free weekend just happens to be Father’s Day weekend, June 20-21. Check out this list of participating parks.

Free Frozen Yogurt: Take dad to TCBY on Father’s Day for a free cup or cone.

Free Photo: Give dad a favorite photo. Either get a free 8×10 enlargement from CVS with coupon code FREE8×10 at checkout or get him a free photo book from Photo Books Etc. Just head to FreePhotoBookOffer.com and use coupon code PBE509 to get a free 20-page soft cover photo book.

Free Admission: If you live near Hershey, PA you may want to take dad to Hersheypark for Father’s Day. Head to CVS to get a coupon for free admission with a paid admission for dad.

Free Breakfast: Cook dad some of his favorite foods on Father’s Day. Bring him breakfast in bed or pack up a family picnic and head to a local park.

Summertime can be a tough juggling act for working parents with school age children. Finding the right care and activities can be expensive. The good news is that there are many day camps that can offer both at a price that you can afford and these day camps have benefits that you may not have thought about.

Unexpected Benefits of Day Camp

1. Tax credits and deductions – child care is one of those deductions that you may not get to use if your children are school aged. The good news about day camps is that if you are working while they children are at camp then the fees for the day camps could be deductible. Overnight camps do not qualify.

2. New friendships – many times the children will be teamed up with other children from different schools or different towns. This allows them to foster new friendships that they might not get outside of the day camp experience.

3. New skills – even when they attend day camps where you think that you know what they will learn they children often learn so much more. Many instructors teach character and discipline on top of the skills mentioned in the brochures.

Day camps could be the answer to your summertime blues.

Summer 2009 has arrived! Whether you’ve got kids home from school or it’s pretty much just a hotter version of your normal life, try making summer 2009 three months of frugal fun. Here are some fun activities that will have you saving and making money!

June

Organize a yard sale. Get some friends or neighbors involved to help offset advertising costs. Pick a Saturday when everyone’s available and spend a few days beforehand organizing closets and cleaning out the attic. You’ll raise some extra cash to help offset a summer trip or to put into savings.

Hit up your local swimming pool, water park or lake. Explore outdoor activities that cost little or nothing. Plan a tubing trip down a lazy river or visit nearby national parks.

Make sure your home is ready for the heat of summer by sealing up windows and doors. Hose off your AC unit to make it run more efficiently.

July

Host a frugal barbecue for the 4th of July. Ask friends to bring a dish to share and pick up a big batch of hot dogs.

Take in a Tuesday night baseball game and make sure to bring along a Kraft singles wrapper to get one ticket free when you buy one.

Anything that didn’t sell at the yard sale, post on Craigslist. Focus on the bigger items like furniture, collectibles and tools.

August

Stay cool by visiting local museums or galleries. Check out your local library for free summer events and activities. Take a new workout class at your local YMCA or community rec center.

Take an art class at your local art museum or craft store. Try scrapbooking some of your new summer photos.

Get ready for going back to school by giving your children’s outgrown clothes to someone who really needs them. Shop school supply sales and pick up extra for needy kids.

Summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax and fall in love with a good book. It’s also a great time to keep your kids learning through the summer months but helping them to get fired up about reading. Here are a few free programs that will keep you and your kids reading this summer.

2009 Barnes and Noble Summer Reading: This is a great way to keep kids reading this summer by giving them a great incentive: free books! Here’s how it works, the child chooses any eight books of their choosing to read. They write down their favorite parts in the free printable reading journal. Children bring their reading journal into a Barnes and Noble store between May 26 and September 7 and they’ll get a coupon for a free book!

Scholastic Summer Challenge: Kids can join in on the Scholastic Summer Challenge. Kids take a quick quiz to get sorted on a team. They’ll earn points by logging the minutes they read each day and at the end of the summer the winning team gets to vote on which Save the Children US program will receive a special donation in their team’s honor. That way kids get excited about helping others and reading!

Bethany House Book Reviewers: If you have a blog or a website sign up for free books from Bethany House. They’ll periodically send you emails about available books. You pick the ones that interest you and they’ll send you the copies. Once you’ve written the review just let them know. It’s an easy and fun way to get free books.

Tell Harlequin: If romance is more your thing, sign up for the Tell Harlequin panel. You’ll get free fiction in exchange for your opinions on books, covers and ideas.

Getting Out in the Sun? Put On the Sunscreen!

* Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 30 or higher. Those rated 15 to 30 block most of the sun’s harmful rays.
* Whenever possible, people should avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. standard time, or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving time).
* Keep in mind that protective clothing, such as sun hats and long sleeves, can block out the sun’s harmful rays.

There are some ways to get free or cheap sunscreen. But even if you can’t cash in on these deals, sunscreen is a great investment.

Banish Wrinkles and Protect Your Skin: Pick up a free sample of Garnier Ultra-Life Pro Deep Wrinkle Cream with SPF 20. That way you can reduce the appearance of the wrinkles you have and prevent new ones from showing up.

Save on Coppertone Products: Coppertone is offering $1 off coupons and $3 off coupons. I couldn’t get them to print properly but maybe you’ll have better luck!

Free Sunscreen for Indiana Residents: Planning an outdoor event? Get free sunscreen donated to your cause from Bloomington Hospital. You’ll have to fill out a request form, but up to 250 packets of sunscreen are available.

Free Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen: Get a free sample of either after-sun body butter or sunscreen from Hawaiian Tropic. We suggest the sunscreen.

Save on Aveeno Sun Products: Print off a $2 off coupon to save money on Aveeno sun care products.

Everyone thought Adam Lambert had in the bag. But last night it was newlywed, worship singer and college student Kris Allen that walked away the winner. According to Fox News, judge Simon Cowell was the only one who did not give Allen a standing ovation.

Allen’s pastor, Rick Bezet flew out to LA for the American Idol finale and spoke to reporters. He talked about Allen’s church, The New Life Church in Greater Little Rock. The congregation had been busy praying and voting for Allen to walk away the idol. They even organized a huge Idol viewing party where contestants were given free Chick-fil-a coupons if they stayed after the show to vote.

Some say Allen’s win could have something to do with the growing interest in Christian music. The Gospel Music Association reported that Christian/Gospel music sales were up 38 percent in 2008, reaching nearly half a billion dollars annually. Digital track sales were up over 37 percent.

But whether or not Allen’s faith played a part in his final victory, no one can deny that he has talent.

Image Courtesy of kwalk628

New York City is an amazing, beautiful and very expensive city. I just returned from spending nearly a week there and while just about everything in the city seems to cost more than it does where I live, we did manage to find some great deals! Here are a few of the best:

Rent an Apartment: It’s likely that your hotel stay will be the most expensive part about your trip to the Big Apple. To save money on lodging, but still have a great central location we rented an apartment from VRBO.com. It was a great experience and ended up being much cheaper than going with a hotel.

Don’t Park in Garages: Since New York City is only about a ten hour drive for us, we decided to drive rather than fly. Everyone warned us that it would be difficult and expensive to find parking, but actually it was easy and free! We stayed in the Upper West Side and found parking very easily on Central Park West. We had to move our car once because of street cleaning, but found another spot a few blocks away. Just make sure you follow the rules and move your car when the sign says or you could get a ticket or worse– get towed. If you park in a garage prepare to pay at least $30 a day.

Get Tickets to a Taping: We managed to score tickets to Letterman. It’s a great way to see a show for free! Try to plan ahead by searching for tickets to your favorite shows, like Letterman. Or if you don’t plan ahead, many shows hand out last minute tickets the day of the show, but you likely will spend more time waiting in line than if you had planned ahead. For a fun morning activity, head over to the Today Show plaza.

Take in the Views: Going to the top of the Empire State Building will set you back, but there are great free views to take in. Head to the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across to the other side. It’s free, a good workout and the views are beautiful!

Ride the Staten Island Fairy: The Staten Island Fairy is a free ride that takes you right by the Statue of Liberty. Just avoid rush hour when the commuters are on board.

Eat a Famous Cupcake: The cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery are amazing! And their only $2.50! They’ve also got great coffee and muffins if you’re looking for an affordable snack.

Enjoy a Cheap Lunch: New York City is known for it’s pizza. There are joints everywhere selling it by the slice. For less than $5 you can have a filling, and yummy, lunch.

What are your favorite low-cost activities in New York City?

It can be expensive and exhausting having company over for a gathering. With just a little preparation, some organization and some creativity you can have a great party that won’t cost a fortune and that you can actually enjoy.

Steps to Planning and Saving for a Party

1. Start cooking ahead of time. Freeze up appetizers, casseroles or desserts for easy fixing later on.

2. Think outside the box – or maybe in a box. Call a restaurant and see what they charge to deliver lunch in a to-go box.

3. Buy food that is on sale to use for your event. Buying in bulk or while items are marked down is always a great way to save.

4. Use crock pots to cook your dishes. Using the grill is also a way to make cooking more convenient.

5. Limit the guest list. Too many people in a small space will make the party less enjoyable for everyone.

6. Skip the alcohol. You will save a lot of money but you will also avoid any liability if a party-goer runs into problems after they drive away from your home.

A little time invested into planning a party will help save a lot of money along the way.

The world is full of amazing and free attractions and activities for the family. Taking a trip to the great outdoors can give you the ability to stretch your vacation budget to an extreme level and also allow you to see sites and have experiences that would be missed staying with the crowds.

Camping Alternatives to Save Money

1. State Parks around the country offer traditional and RV campsites for visitors at reasonable costs. The great thing is that you have access to bathrooms, showers and even electric outlets to help make your stay more modern. Costs can start around $10 for most locations. You may also have the option of renting cabins or on site tents so that you don’t have to invest in your own equipment.

2. National Parks offer camping sites for visitors to rent at a cost but many also offer FREE primitive camping. If you are not into the outdoors then this may not be the route for you but if you are up for a little (or lot) of adventure then it can be the perfect route.

3. Private campgrounds can be found through out the United States. Many of these are designed for RV’s but some also have tent camping options. These private campgrounds often have amenities like pools, play grounds and other traditional activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Taking to the outdoors may not be your idea of a vacation but it will give you the ability to stretch the vacation budget. Many parks through out the United States now offer accommodations at all levels so that you can “experience” the outdoor life without having to actually be in the outdoors.

I just went to Ireland last weekend to visit family. We were there for four days, but only spent about $50, not including our plane tickets. Despite not having spent much at all during our vacation, the trip was absolutely perfect. Here are five ways you can travel on the cheap.

Taking in the Natural Beauty is Free of Charge

1. Make Connections: We bought our tickets to Ireland using Buddy Passes since our neighbor works for Delta. This allowed us to purchase two tickets for less than the price of one. It is a little scary, because you only get on the plane if there are extra seats available. The first time we tried we didn’t get on. But when we finally did make it on board, we got to fly first class both ways. It wasn’t too shabby!

2. Enjoy Natural Beauty: Ireland’s amazing views and quaint towns also offer another perk– they are free to visit! By that I mean, try taking in your vacation destination’s natural beauty, the beaches, the sites, the hiking trails. It’s all free and a wonderful way to relax.

3. Look for Free Events: Just about every town has opportunities for free activities. For instance, if you happen to be traveling in the US during the first weekend of the month and you are a Bank of America card holder, check out the Museums on Us program. They’ve recently added nine new states to the mix where museum admission is completely free. Do a little research and find free venues to visit.

4. Skip Fancy Food: Cuisine is a big part of my vacations. I just love trying new dishes and the local staples. But it was also great to eat with my family members in their homes. It provided a great way to be a part of a genuine Irish meal– and it was free!

5. Find Free Souvenirs: Everyone wants something to remember their trips, a little keepsake that reminds them of their adventure. A few years ago when I went to Aruba I filled a bottle with some beautiful white sand. While in Ireland we collected some lovely smooth stones from the shore. These are free souvenirs that allow me to fill my home with items that spark memories from these amazing experiences.

Expenses are tight and most people are looking at cutting the family vacation to help make ends meet. Vacations can be very expensive, but with a little planning, a lot of research and some creativity the family vacation can also be very affordable.

Tips for Saving Big on the Family Vacation

1. Avoid the tourist hot spots and choose something off the beaten path.

2. Drive instead of flying.

3. Choose hotels that offer kids eat and stay free packages or ones that provide free breakfasts for the whole family.

4. Ask if you are eligible for any promotions, discounts or vouchers that the hotel might offer.

5. Look for package deals that include hotel and attractions (but only go for those that you would have purchased individually).

6. Make memories instead of buying stuff. Great pictures or a home-film of the experience will last longer than trinkets or t-shirts.

7. Talk to the children through out the process and included them in the decisions. It’s easier for everyone to stay in a budget if they know what that budget is going to be ahead of time.

There is no reason to skip out on the family vacation this year. It is possible to book a family vacation for around $700 or less. The key is to research, budget and follow through.

I’m all about cutting costs, but sometimes when it comes to bargain hotels you end up cutting out a lot of other things: clean quarters, safety and location. Rather than cancel your next vacation because of the high cost of lodging, why not try an alternative? Here are a few to consider:

AirBnB

You need an affordable place to stay and there are likely tons of people that need a little extra money. Why not help each other out by using AirBnB.com? You can search through 792 cities in 72 countries and find people with extra rooms. There are photos of the living quarters and reviews to read over. Nightly rates that are probably much lower than hotels in the area.

VRBO

If you don’t want to stay with strangers, you can also rent a place all to yourself. Peruse through thousands of rental properties at VRBO.com. This is a great alternative for families or groups traveling together. Plus the places will have a kitchen so you can enjoy home cooked meals even when you’re not at home.

Couch Surfing

Looking for something even cheaper? Try couchsurfing.com where the accommodations are free. It’s a great way to connect with locals and get an inside look at real life if you are visiting a new destination. All of the hosts must be verified, which is how the organization keeps the experience safe for travelers. And you can’t beat the price!

There was a time when it would be a breeze for me to plan a family outing for under $500. That was a time when I would prefer to cook the meals that we would be eating. That was also two children ago.

The third child takes more energy – I’m pretty sure that his body actually draws its energy from all of the life sources around him, but I haven’t been able to prove it. My lack of energy often means that I don’t want to cook at home, where I already have everything set up and laid out, so I know that travel and cooking is not an option.

Our pockets are not overflowing either. Thanks in part to the tightening economy. Instead of counting on cooking as a way to decrease the budget, I’m looking for specials. So far I’ve found a number of companies that are offering buy two – get one free type specials.

Homestead Cabins- in Pine Mountain, GA is offering a great deal (through February) but even after then the cost of the cabins is very reasonable.

Atlantis – not only do you get a great deal on your room, but you get a couple of free dolphin experiences as well (plus the kids stay free).

Hawaii – if you want to run away to the islands then this may be the perfect package for you.

These deals aren’t quite under the $500 mark, but some come close. The cheap family vacation may not be easy to find or to plan, but it is out there if you are willing to take the time to research before you travel.

The economy is down but that doesn’t have to hinder your vacation plans. Right now your vacation dollars can go farther than ever before.

1. Cruise ships are sailing with empty rooms. This is lost money that can never be found. Anything that you pay will be more than nothing so negotiate a price that will make your dream vacation a reality at a price you truly can afford.

2. Hit the hot tourist spots. The off seasons are traditional hard on tourist locations but the down economy has hurt them even more. Use these times to negotiate better rates, great packages or special amenities for when you travel.

3. Go abroad. The economy may be weak but the dollar is actually gaining strength in many world markets. Countries like Mexico and Iceland offer a strong exchange rate that can help you stretch your vacation budget.

4. Use what you have. Avoid putting vacations on credit cards or other credit situation. Keep your spending to the cash that you have and you will be able to enjoy your vacation guilt (and debt) free.

It may seem hard to imagine a vacation when money is so tight, but now could be the best time ever to plan that dream vacation for you or your family.