Green Weddings 101

The following is a guest post by Sarah Parker.

If you just got engaged, congratulations! There are now many any important decisions to make such as the type of wedding you will have, and might I suggest going with a Green, Eco-friendly celebration. This option is becoming increasingly common among couples interested in decreasing their impact on the environment, without sacrificing style or elegance. The average cost of a wedding these days can run as high as $20,000, so go ahead and embrace the economic, social and environmental benefits that can make the big day easy and affordable. Your guests will be treated to a unique and meaningful experience and you will have the opportunity to plan more of a DIY-type affair.

Car insurance: Don’t get caught by the fine print – make sure you’re covered

photo by stupid.fotos

The following is a guest post from Confused.com.

How and Where to Buy a Dog Within Budget

photo by Kiwi NZ

The following is a guest post from Jane Warren.

New Social Media Sharing Application, StuffPal, Lets People Go Green Through Small Steps & Save Money

The following is a guest post about a new borrowing tool called StuffPal.

In today’s day and age most people have their own personal media library consisting of DVDs, books, and videogames. While most people tend to borrow and lend items among their network of friends, there really  hasn’t been an organized, systematic and simple way to manage the whole borrowing and lending process. And, there really hasn’t been a simple, efficient way to keep track of what items friends own either. Well, a new social media sharing application resolves these problems. StuffPal is a free online media sharing application that allows people to catalog and show off their collection of DVDs, books and videogames to their Facebook friends who are also on StuffPal.

Fireplace Savvy – Save Money and Be Safe By Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter

photo by Anathea

The following is a guest post by Stan Horst.

Responsible Couponing in a World Bombarded with Deals

The following is a guest post by Elaine Hirsch.

Scratch these Five Credit Card Mistakes off the List of Uses for Plastic

The following is a guest post by Odysseas Papadimitriou.

“It’s ok, everyone makes mistakes.”  While somewhat reassuring, you really don’t want to have this cliché lobbed in your direction because that could, obviously, only mean one thing:  that you made a mistake.  Of course, this trite message is true, and everyone does screw up on occasion.  The trick is limiting the frequency and magnitude of your mistakes.  One area of life in which you want to be particularly careful to avoid them is your finances.  Financial missteps can cost you money and credit standing, yes, but perhaps more importantly, they can lead to a great deal of stress.  So, with that being said, here are five common mistakes that people make with their credit cards and how you can avoid them.

Mistake: Using a No Preset Limit (NPSL) Credit Card or Charge Card

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

The following is a guest post by Carol Montrose.

If you’re looking for ways to scale back your budget, you might start thinking back to the good old days when your phone didn’t keep you on such a short leash and your bill for calling friends and family wasn’t sky high.  But in this day and age it seems like it’s practically impossible to live without a cell phone, especially if you use it in the course of your job.  So if you’d like to keep the mobile service you’ve come to rely on but without the additional fees that always seem to get tacked onto your monthly bill, then here are just a few ways to save some money while you talk and text to your heart’s content.  

The Frugal Online Shopper – Get What You Need Faster and Cheaper!

The following is a guest post from Melissa Cameron.

Being in my 30s, I’m young enough to have spent the better part of my life using computers at home, but I’m also old enough to remember the times before Internet connections, laptops and smart phones. That tenuous balance that I have between the industrial age and the technological age gives me, what I think is a fairly unique perspective.

I can truly appreciate the advances, and I don’t take them for granted the way my own kids probably will by the time they’re my age. My kids were weaned on a computer keyboard and held a mouse before they even held a pencil. I have a picture of my firstborn sitting on my lap, slapping the keyboard and having a great time on the computer at the tender age of three months old.

A Guide to Making Roman Shades

Photo by breezyjay

The following is a guest post by Kieron Casey.

Frugal Ways to Begin Saving Money on Groceries Today!

The following is a guest post from Melissa Cameron.

Of all the monthly bills in our household, food is the one that has the ability to really break the budget. It’s a constant, it’s a necessity and it can be very expensive. As a mother of two that often also has my parents who live next door over for meals, saving on food is important.

I’ve learned to be very frugal over the years, while still keeping a full pantry and fridge. It isn’t always easy, but there are some tips I’ve gathered over time to ease the pain of the checkout counter.

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday today

Are you out running holiday errands? Remember that today is Small Business Saturday. Think twice before hitting big box stores and consider whether you can meet your needs at a local business instead! Odds are good you’ll find shorter lines and better service — and support your community’s economy.

Recent studies have found that local businesses return a much greater percentage of their revenues to the community. For instance, in a 2009 study:  

5 Easy Car Repairs Anyone Can Do (Even You)

The following is a guest post from Carol Montrose.

I’ve tried #1 and #2 below, and my car knowledge stops there — how about you?

Cheap tip of the day: Account review time!

If you’re like me, you scout around for the best deal when you make major changes in life, or every so often.

I did so about a year and a half ago when I re-bundled our Internet, phone and TV services. At the time, the service person suggested I call back in about a year to see if any new promotions applied to me.

Alert: Beware the real price of Amazon re-selling

photo by cdsessums

We’ve been doing some cleaning at our house, and I came across a sealed DVD movie the other day. As I recall, we purchased it as a gift and then found out the would-be recipient had already seen (and hated!) the movie. We already have a copy of the DVD. We should have returned it, but now it’s been lingering in our basement for years.

How to Save on Your Television Upgrade

The following is a guest post from Caroline Ruddy.

A note from Cheap: Don’t forget the power costs of a big TV. Get some guidance on the TV’s electricity costs here. And also don’t forget to factor in the cost of HDTV service if you have a high-res TV.

Last chance! Win a fair trade soccer ball!

Enter the contest here. Good luck!

Choosing the best frequent flyer program

If you’re a real cheapskate, you hardly ever want to pay the going rate for airfare! In fact, paying below market rate can make the difference between going on vacation or not. Our family experienced this first-hand this spring — the three of us flew from Denver to New York City for about $225 round-trip — total! We combined frequent flyer miles accumulated over several years, plus bonus miles for opening a new credit card (closed after the first year to avoid the annual fee). We used the minimum miles for a free flight by purchasing our tickets 6 months in advance. In fact, most of our fees came from the charges for transferring miles from my account to my husband’s so his account could pay for two tickets instead of one.

If you’re thinking about joining one (or more) frequent flyer programs, how do you choose? The folks at Deals.com have put together this infographic to help:

Soccer season is coming! Fair trade soccer ball GIVEAWAY

Giveaway time!!

Fall is approaching, and before cool weather arrives, kids will flood local parks and soccer pitches to take on the world’s game. But have you ever thought about what your children are kicking around out there? How would you like to see them booting a ball that is sustainably made and produced using fair trade tactics? That means it’s stitched up by adults only (no child labor), who earn fair wages — and the company is dedicated to donating all profits to nonprofit organizations. They are doing some cool stuff around the world, too — visit their blog to learn more.

Benefits of Owning a Hybrid (Infographic)

As I might have mentioned earlier this year, I bought a new hybrid vehicle last year. We just took our first road trip in the Prius and were thrilled to find that to drive 1,300 miles, we only had to fill up the tank twice … and the second fill-up has lasted us the rest of the drive home and through the next two weeks of driving at home. Amazing!

Of course, with the new fuel economy standards announced last week, by 2025, all cars will have to get 54.5 miles per gallon — just higher than the efficiency of my Prius. But meanwhile, if you’re on the fence, check out this infographic:

Economical Tips for Vegetarian Italian Cooking

The following is a guest post from Liz Krause of SimpleItalianCooking.com.

A few years ago in my attempt to become more health conscious, it was decided that my husband and I would no longer eat meat products. We never termed ourselves vegetarian, as we simply wanted meals without meat and never truly felt a moral or ethical conviction over the consumption of animals.

Fit For Life – Don’t Overthink It, Just Do It!

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

Like many people, I make (and break) yearly resolutions to get out and exercise more all the time. Good intentions start out well; I buy sneakers, a comfy set of workout clothes, maybe even a gym membership. I’d dive into a steady exercise program with resolve and determination. Then something (like life!) would interrupt my big planned schedule and I’d miss a workout.  Or maybe I found that I put on a pound instead of losing one and I got discouraged, flinging myself off the scale with “well, it didn’t work, why bother sweating!” or a rough equivalent.

In the end, I would self-sabotage myself right out of my resolution and into another year of feeling low on energy, out of breath on the stairs and panicking as summer arrives because I want to wear my favorite bathing suit at the beach. I feel lousy and like a failure.

Travel tip: Be SURE you get the best hotel price

Hello readers! I wanted to be sure you know about a travel tip that has worked BIG savings for me twice this year.

When you go to book a hotel stay, what do you usually do? I’m a relentless comparer. That means I usually check TripAdvisor for the best-rated, best-value places and check all the recent reviews to make sure they’re decent. (Nothing chaps my hide more than getting somewhere, knowing I’m paying for it, and being unhappy.) I often check several travel sites online as well. When I’m going someplace like my two most recent trips (to New York City and to Santa Fe, NM), I also often check the local Craigslist to see if any alternative accommodations are offering fantastic bargains.

Realistic Weight Loss: It’s About Time

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

Every year, I find myself racing to fit into a swimsuit. By racing, I mean dieting. By winter’s end, the weight is back and I’m fretting about summer again.

I’m tired of it. I’ve ping-pong dieted and setting unrealistic (and often unhealthy) expectations of myself one summer too many. This spring, I’m setting a trend for the future: realistic, smart, long-term weight loss.

Car Tips Guaranteed to Save You Cash

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

It is very expensive to keep a car running these days. And if you are about to have a teenage driver in your home, as I am, then you know that costs can mount up quickly. With impending costs such as car insurance, fuel and maintenance, I decided to check out car insurance tips online and other cost cutting measures with my teen daughter, Rose. Rose is the one who is about to become a new driver.

Below I’ve divided savings tips into four different categories. If you pay attention to each area, you’ll definitely save money. Honestly, although I first started my research because of my daughter, I discovered some things that I can do to cut back on expenses.

Beginning to Play the Piano Doesn’t Have to be Expensive?

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

Lately, it seems as if our household has mounting expenses. One thing that has taxed our budget is the fact that my eldest daughter, Rose, is starting to drive. Now my younger child, Matt, is asking that he be allowed to take piano lessons. I’m certainly open to the idea, but I wonder if Matt is interested in the piano as the result of his sister’s learning to drive. Is Matt  feeling some envy towards his sister?

This can certainly be the case. Over the years, he’s shown very little interest in music. Could this urge to tickle the ivories simply be a way to compete for attention? I want to give my younger kid the chance to play the piano, but I want to do so economically. I’d rather not spend a lot of money until I’m sure that he is truly interested in playing and not just wanting some extra attention.

For the Socially Conscious Investor, SRI Investing is Gaining Momentum

The following is a guest post from Forex Traders about socially responsible investing – a great way to plan for your future while protecting the future of others, as well.

Enjoying The Simple Things With Your Kids For Little Money!

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

Spring time brings warm weather and with it the urge to get outdoors and explore. Winter has its place: there’s skiing, sledding, snowball fights, but spring and summer means hiking, fishing, boating and camping for our family. If you are looking for an inexpensive activity that has big impact with your family – go on a fishing trip together!

Cabin fever reaches the breaking point just about the time the robins start arriving in the yard. That means it’s time to start putting away the winter gear and breaking out the warm-weather goodies. Gather up the kids, pack the mini-van and head for the lake.

Teen Drivers: Being Responsible for the Car and Costs

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

I have certainly been worried about my teen daughter, Rose, learning to drive. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the statistics and facts related to teenagers behind the wheel are frightening.

When I decided to do some research regarding auto insurance quotes I came across some important information concerning the costs and safety of teen drivers in their first year. My daughter, who is about to turn 16 years old, is mature for her age but she can also be impetuous, and she is inexperienced.

Raising Backyard Chickens: What You Need To Know

The following is a fabulous guest post by Mikki Hogan! I was thrilled to read this post because our city council is considering new rules that would let us have chickens with a super-streamlined permit process … fingers crossed (and yes, I already wrote to my councilwoman!)

When I first discovered I was the new owner of a flock of chickens I nearly froze in my tracks. After all I was a city girl born and raised who knew absolutely nothing about chickens.

Saving money when buying a computer

photo by Marcie Casas

The following is a guest post from Gregory Roldan.

Teen Drivers: Saving Money and Safety!

The following is a guest post by Melissa Cameron.

When my daughter, Rose, was first born I had envisioned her first steps, the first time she would be able to ride her bike without any help and her first time driving. I could not imagine any of them entirely and as each occurred, as she took her initial steps and found her balance while riding her bike, the thrills were palpable. With two down and one more to go, I found my fear mounting, especially as my daughter neared and then reached her sixteenth birthday.

My daughter has many admirable qualities. She’s certainly smart and quite mature for her age. But with those attributes comes a streak of over confidence and a bit of stubbornness. She has always been venturesome and independent, and Rose has been looking forward to getting her driver’s license for quite some time.

How to Make Your Own Scented Candles

photo by stevencunio

This guest post from Bailey Harris is a step-by-step tutorial to making your own scented candles. I’ve never tried it, but it sounds like a nice project to try now and put away for affordable, personal holiday gifts.

Cleaning out your garden shed the green way

photo by janetmck

The following is a guest post by Kieron Casey.

3 Simple Green Practices for New Home Owners To Save Instantly

The following is a guest post from Mariana Ashley.

While ideally any environmentally conscious home buyer would probably prefer  to build their own fortress from scratch, complete with all the bells and whistles—we’re talking solar panels, fortified insulation, bamboo flooring, and a vegetable garden in the back—the truth of the matter is that route is expensive.  Really expensive.  While not all of us have the funds to be able to covert our newly purchased home to an eco-friendly environment,  there are some small adjustments  you can make that can help you be green and save you hundreds of dollars come move-in day. The best part? No purchases necessary.

Denver Recycles now accepting clamshells

image from Denver Recycles

Way back in 2008, I scoured the Internet, seeking a place to recycle plastic clamshell containers. What I found: nobody recycled them. Well, times they are a-changing!

How I chose my hybrid Toyota Prius

Some of you might remember that quite a while back, I debated getting a second car, and at that time, our household decided against it. But last fall, our one-car situation came to a head, and I bit the bullet and bought another vehicle. My choice: a Toyota Prius. Last week’s guest post about choosing a hybrid vehicle reminded me to share my decision-making process and how it’s going now.

The decision-making process

5 Ways of Investing in a Cheaper, Cleaner Future

photo by Iburiedpaul

Happy Earth Day! It’s a great day to think about making one lasting change to make your life greener and cleaner — and maybe cheaper, to boot. Check out several ideas in this guest post from Kate Manning.

5 Tips to Get the Best Price on a New Hybrid Car

The following is a guest post from Ray T. Lewis.

We’ve all dreamt of driving a new car at one time or another. With the high cost of gas today, if you are considering buying a new car – get on the Hybrid bandwagon! Driving green is a great way to go. With the new models of cars now available and the knowledge you are contributing to eco-friendly driving.

10 Affordable, Eco-Friendly Easter Ideas

Easter is around the corner, and the aisles of grocery and discount stores are filling up with plastic baskets and plastic grass.

Myscha Therault at Wise Bread recently posted a list of 5 Affordable, Eco-Friendly Easter Ideas:  

What did Beverly Cleary teach you about frugality?

Today, April 12, is Beverly Cleary’s birthday. She’s 95! Happy birthday, Ms. Cleary.

I keep seeing the previous post on this blog (30 Great Books That Teach Kids To Be Green), and thinking about Beverly Cleary’s books.

30 Great Books That Teach Children to Be Green

The following is a great repost from OnlineClasses.org.

It’s never too early to teach kids to be green. From the moment they are born, kids impact the world, and the sooner they learn to be conscientious of the environment, the better. Learning about protecting the world can be fun, and these books make becoming eco-friendly a fun experience for kids.  

Why Communal Living May Still be a Good Idea after College

The following post is by Lauren Bailey.

When I was a college senior, one thing I fantasized about was having my own clean, tidy apartment, paying my own bills, not being strung by a financial umbilical cord attached to my parents. The day after graduating, I did some intense job searching from my parents’ home, and, luckily, within a month or two I found a full-time job that I loved. I quickly hopped on the single living bandwagon, found my own place, got some furniture, and reveled in the independence and privacy that living completely on your own affords. After years of living in dorms, having terrible roommates off-campus, and having to abide my parents’ rules under their house, I had had enough of living with others. Then, a year later, I realized in retrospect the benefits. Here are a few reasons why every newly independent college graduate should consider living with one or more people:

Tips for Ecological and Frugal Renovations

photo by MissNatalie

The following is a guest post from Drake MacDonald. He has a great take on the basics. Have you done a green renovation? Share your own tips in the comments!

Investing 101 – Portfolios for the Young & Broke

The following is a guest post from LaTisha D Styles.

If you’re a college student then you probably are broke. I know because I’ve been a college student for about 8 years. Hence the term ‘broke college student’. Students have to watch every penny, and their bank checking account is often flirting with a zero balance. We really don’t have cash to throw around or invest. But there are 3 really simple ways to start building a personal financial portfolio even if you don’t have much money to start with; and if you want to be a successful investor you have to start somewhere.

Begin with a budget
Most people who like to spend, including me, hear the word budget and start running. But a budget doesn’t have to be restrictive. To be a successful investor, your budget can be as simple as saving 10% of every dollar you make. I recommend you donate 10% as well and live off of 80% of your income.

10 Backyard Plants and Herbs You Can Use in the Home

Thanks to Bailey Harris for this great guest post! As with all advice about medicines — natural or synthetic — please do your own research and check with a doctor before using a product or plant.

Growing your own plants and herbs can be a very rewarding experience. Backyard plants can be used for cooking, cleaning, healing, beauty treatments, and more. Here are 10 plants and herbs that no backyard garden should be without.

Advice on ordering seeds

Melissa savoy cabbage

This post was written by Amy who writes the blog My Suburban Homestead, where you can find her writing about cooking, gardening, animals, parenting, and greener living.

 

HuffyHow: Birdy buffet (via Huffygirl’s Blog)

Looking for a new hobby that is good to nature and more interesting than you might think? (Hey, Jonathan Franzen is an avowed bird-watcher!) Check out this great blog post on how to feed the birds.

HuffyHow: Birdy buffet

Brr! Low-Cost Solutions to Heat Your Home

photo by Hans S

The following is a guest post from Mandy Woods about heating your home this winter. There’s lots of information in the Cheap Like Me archives about staying warm in winter, from our Weekend Winterizing project archives for tips, to an overview on saving on heating bills. Please share your money-saving methods in the comments section!

New Year’s Resolution: Frugal in 2011

photo by Andrew Petro

Happy New Year! Are you ready for 2011? It’s time to make those annual resolutions, and guest blogger Maria Rainier has some suggestions for you.