Next Saturday is Valentine’s Day, and with the economy in the tanker many people are looking for celebrating the day of love without spending a fortune. Fortunately Trent at The Simple Dollar has several good suggestions for celebrating cupid’s day on the cheap. Here are some of our favorites:
frugality
Your Brain Thinks 300 Cents Is Bigger Than $3
By 2.4.09
Perhaps you can use this new study to trick yourself into curbing your spending. Researchers found your brain interprets the difference between increasing from 3 cents 300 cents as being bigger than going from 3 cents to $3. So if you’re trying to talk yourself out of buying something that’s $200, visualize it it for a second as costing 20,000 pennies.
Newly Frugal Cut Back On Outsourced Services
By 1.21.09
People are cutting back from outsourced services and opting to do things themselves, like cleaning the house, walking the dog, making their own coffee, cutting their hair, or packing their lunch. Those who do say it saves money and gives a feeling of self-reliance. What have you started doing yourself lately that you used to pay people to do?
The Poverty-Stricken Masses Are Flocking To Libraries
By 1.11.09
Why waste precious cash at Borders and Barnes & Noble when you can go to the library for free? It’s a simple question that is causing traffic local libraries to spike as flocks of new patrons register for library cards. We’ve praised libraries before, but it takes a depressing recession to convince people that yes, even they could use an extra buck in their wallet.
Pre-Paid Cellphones Aren't Just For Losers Anymore!
By 1.7.09
Hey, did you know that people who don’t use their cellphone very often can save money by switching to a pre-paid cellphone plan? They’re not just for people who can’t get regular cellphones anymore! In fact, many smart, frugal people avoid contact hassles and save money by getting a pre-paid phone.
How Much Change Can You Find On The Ground? Over $1,000
By 1.5.09
Do you stop and pick up change that you find on the ground? No? Well, if you did — how much money do you think you could collect? Marketplace Money talked to some people who make change hunting a hobby — and they say every penny is worth stopping for.
How To Cancel Cable/Satellite TV Without Being Miserable
By 12.19.08
CNet has an article about a couple who saw the writing on the wall, recession-wise, and canceled their satellite TV package. Surprisingly, they are, in fact, still alive and not at all depressed.
America's "Cheapest Family" Wants To Teach You To Live "Debt-Free"
By 12.18.08
Meet Steve and Annette Economides. They are raising a family of 7 in Arizona on an annual income of about $44,000.
DIY ID Theft Protection
By 12.14.08
Do you want to be one of over eight million identity theft victims? No, but most of the services sold by “identity theft protection” companies you can get for free. Here’s how.
Man Extends Cleanser's Life By Putting Water In It
By 12.2.08
Reader Andrew would like everyone to know that he’s able to get 20 extra uses out of his Neutrogena skin cleaning face wash by dribbling a bit of water in the top. He writes, “The resulting soap isn’t much thinner than the original formula; it foams up and cleans just as well.” Congrats, Andrew. Now, if we can just get you to not buy the unnecessary metrosexual cleansing product in the first place then you’ll really be set.
I Lowered My Time Warner Bill In 4 Minutes, Just By Asking
By 11.25.08
Yet another success story for our “Just Ask To Pay Less Money” technique. Commenter tinyrobot was paying too much for Time Warner Cable, so he called them up and told them so. Now he pays less. It’s not a Thanksgiving miracle, you can do it, too.
The Crappy Economy Means You'd Better Learn To Love Canned Soup
By 11.24.08
You know who is making money despite the total eclipse of your 401k? Campbell Soup Company. That’s right. When you’re broke — you eat soup. But which soup should you eat?
Getting Crafty For Fun Holiday Frugality
By 11.13.08
Personal finance blogger JD Roth is on a mission to help us all save a bundle during the holidays. First he shared a ton of frugal Christmas ideas, and now he’s posted a list of 34 gifts you can make yourself. A few of our favorites include:
Save $1,000 In 30 Days?
By 11.4.08
Ramit over at I Will Teach You To Be Rich has thrown down a challenge. Can you save $1,000 in 30 days? He, like us, is annoyed with crappy frugality tips that will save you $1 a week, and promises to post decent money saving tips every day in November. If you follow them, he thinks you’ll be able to save $1,000 in 30 days.
How To Save $323.40 On Your Comcast Bill Just By Asking
By 10.29.08
Reader aishel says that he saved $323.40 yearly on his Comcast bill just by asking! Yes, it can be just that easy.
Americans Stop Buying Appliances… Except For Freezers
By 10.27.08
Consumer Reports says that despite an overall downturn in appliance purchases, one category is up 13% from last year. Freezers!
Top 10 Geeky IKEA Hacks
By 10.20.08
Lifehacker has 10 neat IKEA hacks. That’s right, toss the manual and start making your own cool Scandinavian-infused furniture mods. In particular, I enjoy the tutorials on making an Allen wrench drill bit and embedding scrap bowls into your counter top. I remember reading one time on the IKEA hacker blog about how you could “make” a couch by binding together a series of the same chairs with plastic ties. That was pushing the bounds a bit, but most of these are straight-up useful, especially if you’re a nerd.
