Money-saving Tips for Back-to-School Shopping

Though it seems like summer has just started, it is not too soon to begin thinking about back-to-school shopping.  Beginning this task early will ensure that you are able to get organized, take advantage of coupons and sales and will allow you to spread out your spending through the summer. We have detailed some fantastic money-saving tips to help you spend less and get more for your money.   

Get Organized

The number one problem with overspending on school supplies is lack of organization.  Have you ever gone to the grocery store on an empty stomach only to come home with more than you intended?  It works the same with back-to-school shopping.  Before you head to the store, take a detailed inventory of any items from last year that will work for this year.  Have your kids sort through their clothes and shoes and determine the essentials needed to begin the year.  

Make a List

Now that you are organized, make a list and stick to it!  Most schools offer detailed supply lists of required items.  In addition to these supplies, your child will need a good backpack, lunch box and tennis shoes.  Check your inventory of items from step one and cross off anything that you already own.  Remember that the school supply list is a starting point for your child.  Depending on his age and classes, he might require a graphing calculator, PE clothing, or a specialty item for an elective class.  Add all of these items to your list.

Determine Your Budget

Back-to-school shopping can be quite expensive, so it is necessary to determine your budget before you purchase even one pencil.  Prioritize your list and estimate the cost of all of the supplies.  If the cost of the supplies is greater than your budget, you will be able to purchase top-priority items first.  Often supply lists include supplies used throughout the entire school year.  Since some of them will be used later in the year, you will be able to delay those purchases until necessary.

Shop the Sales

Beginning as early as July, major retailers begin their back-to-school sales.  In fact, some of the best deals happen when most people have not even begun to think about school shopping.  Start planning early and watch the weekly ads in your area.  You will be amazed at how much you will be able to save.

Combine Coupons with Sales

One of the great things about coupons is that they are valid even during a store sale.  Historically, manufacturers produce coupons for common school supplies throughout the summer.  Print them off or cut them from your local newspaper and then hang on to them.  When you locate a great sale, use your coupons at the same time.  This can save you hundreds of dollars, depending on what supplies are required for your child.  

Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekend

Many states offer a tax-free weekend or tax-free shopping days specifically for back-to-school shopping.  The special often includes school supplies like pens, pencils and paper and likely also includes clothes.  Additionally, most retailers will schedule store sales, coupons and other incentives during this tax-free time.  If your state allows, this is a great time to purchase big-ticket items like computers and textbooks. Let’s be honest… most people do not want to think about back-to-school shopping during summer.  However, those months will go by much faster than you think.  Start early and plan your schedule for the summer.  You might even be done when others are just starting!

dislaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Holy Craft. Thank you!

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Get Joanna Gaines fashion style for less

I blame it all on my recent visit to Waco, Texas. I am now obsessed with HGTV's Fixer Upper. You too? Seems like it since y'all {see what I did there?} about blew up the internet reading the exclusive Fixer Upper interview with a client on season 3. The reason I even knew about Fixer Upper is because I had a few people stop me and tell me that I looked like Joanna Gaines. One person clarified and said, I think it's because you guys have the same style. I will take that as a compliment because I love Joanna's style, but I think what they meant is that we seem to have the same neutral wardrobe. It's funny because I buy at least 90% of my clothing at garage sales or thrift shops {you can read more about how to buy second hand clothing and saving on clothes for the whole family}. 

So, I decided to peek in my closet and see if I could find similar items and then I went to my favorite on-line thrift shop ThredUp to see if I could pair up the same style for a fraction of the cost so that you can get Joanna Gaines style on a budget.

I started shopping at ThredUp after using a referral code. I was able to get $10 off my first purchase, so I shopped, and found a $10 dress that I ended up getting for free. It was so much fun! I have a referral code just for you so that you can get $10 off your first purchase. If you buy something under $10, your purchase is free.  That's how I shop. 

{ThredUp is a thrift store with limited quantities. I apologize in advance if any of these items may not be available when this post goes live}

Skinny Jeans + Boots + Neutral Top 

Look 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all about the skinny jeans and the boots. The neutral tops can be traded in and out for a new look every time.

Joanna's style

Meanwhile, in my closet...

navy blue half button {garage sale $1}ivory sweater {garage sale 50 cents}thin belt {clearance years ago $7.99}ivory t-shirt {clearance $14.99}skinny jeans {ebay can't remember the price}ivory blouse {garage sale $1}boots {Christmas present}

Get the look at ThredUP 

skinny jeans: Old Navy $8.99 {or free with referral code}boots: Steve Madden $28.99Look 1: Splendid short sleeve top $16.99Look 2: Cynthia Rowley long sleeve t-shirt $8.99 {or free with referral code}Look 3: Gibson Sweatshirt $17.00Look 4: Old Navy 3/4 sleeve button tunic $11.99skinny belt: Banana Republic $14.99

Dress + Jean Jacket + Boots

Look 5 is a dress with a jean jacket and boots

Joanna's style

Meanwhile, in my closet...

Jean Jacket: J Crew {garage sale $1}

White dress: Abercrombie {garage sale $1}

boots: Christmas gift

Get the look at ThredUp

jean jacket: Gap Denim $23.99

white dress: Divided by H&M $9.99 {or free with referral code}

boots: Steve Madden $28.99

Dress + Scarf + Boots

Look number 6 is a LBD {little black dress} paired with a scarf and you guessed it...boots!

Joanna's Style

Meanwhile, in my closet...

LBD: H and M dress, my first purchase on ThredUp I used a referral code so it was free!

green scarf: Goodwill outlet {pennies since you pay by the pound}

boots: Christmas gift

Get the Look at ThredUp

Dress: H&M casual $10.99

scarf: DKNY $17.49 boots; Steve Madden $28.99

T-shirt + jeans + boots

look 7 is super casual and can usually be seen worn with a baseball hat

Joanna's Style

Meanwhile, in my closet...

boot cut jeans: Ebay {can't remember the price}

grey t-shirt {garage sale 50 cents}

boots: Born my favorites! Glued together with Gorilla Glue because I can't find a replacement{garage sale 50 cents}

wide belt: Express {bought it in college 20 years ago!}

Get the look at ThredUp

Hudson jeans are my favorite! $33.49

Leather belt: Ann Taylor $11.49

Grey t-shirt: Merona short sleeve $4.99boots: Steve Madden $28.99

denim + denim + boots

Look 8 is denim on denim

Joanna's style

Meanwhile, in my closet...

Boot cut Hudson Jeans { Ebay}Denim shirt {garage sale $1}Bjorn boots {50 cents}

Get the look at ThredUp

boot cut jeans: Hudson $33.49

denim shirt: long sleeve button down Club Monaco $15.49boots: Steve Madden $28.99I had a ton of fun peeking around my closet and then shopping at ThredUp. I hope you did too. The best part of a neutral wardrobe is that it looks timeless and the pieces rarely go out of style. Don't foget to give ThredUP a try. I love shopping there. You can find so many great deals!Use this referral code to get $10 off your first $10 purchase.disclaimer: If you shop with the referral code, I will get a small credit for recommending the site to you. But I promise you, I wouldn't recommend something I didn't love 100%.

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20 Things Frugal People Do some tips and tricks that will save you money!

I'm cheap. You can call me frugal, thrifty or a good shopper.  Perhaps even a mindful consumer. If I had to pick a word to describe my spending style, I think I would like to be considered resourceful. According to the dictionary, frugal means sparing or economical with regard to money or food. I suppose that's a good word to describe how we chose to live.  And it's one most people can relate to.

I really like to live well on less.  That's sort of my motto.  We started out married with a newborn at the ripe old age of 20 and 21, part of being frugal came out of necessity. Next year, our oldest son is starting college, and well, we are going to be going back to working with a pretty bare bones budget. However, through the years, we have found out just how far we can push our budget without really feeling like we are missing out on anything.  We really do live pretty darn well on less. 

I've written a list of 20 things that frugal people do every day to save them money.

1. They don't buy souvenirs

We like to travel. While that isn't necessarily frugal, we think that spending money on life experiences, trumps being cheap. We see value in the experience, not in the cheap crap that you buy at the gift shop walking out. So no, my kids don't have a stuffed panda from the San Diego Zoo, or mouse ears from Disneyland, but that doesn't mean that they don't still have memories from those trips.  

2. They don't eat out often

The majority of our meals are eaten at home. I pack lunches for our whole family during the day, and at night we share a meal together. Eating out just isn't cost effective for our family now that we have what amounts to four adults {my daughter is 13, my son is 17} and one child.  Even a cheap dinner with a coupon at a fast food joint will set us back easily twenty five bucks, and it's inevitable that the kids will still be hungry.

3. They shop sales and combine coupons

I rarely buy something if it isn't on sale. It's even better though if I can find something on sale and with a coupon! That's when I stock up. If my kids ask for something that's not on sale at the grocery store, they know it's almost always a no. 

4. They price match

Most stores remain competitive by price matching. This requires a little bit of research, but with the ease of smart phones, you can usually do your research in the aisle of the store. Price matching saves me not only time, but money.

5. They combine errands

Gas prices are dropping {hallelujah!} but it's still important to combine your errands. I try to hit all the stores in one area at the same time not only to save on gas, but also to save on my time. My husband always tells me that my time is worth something. 

6. They shop around

I am not loyal to one store or another. I do have some favorite stores, but if someone asked where I did the majority of my shopping I couldn't narrow it down to only one store. In a typical week, I will go to three different grocery stores hunting down their loss leaders from the ads. The same goes for big ticket items. I always shop around before I make a purchase.

7. They know their limit

Early on in our marriage, my husband and I said that if we spent more than $50 on any item, we would talk to the other person before buying that item. That's when we really didn't know each other's spending style. I rarely purchase anything over $20 without seriously questioning my purchase and my husband just rarely purchases anything.  There is usually a dollar limit in my head that I have associated with most purchases.  

8. They do the math

I'm constantly doing math when I am buying something. Is it cheaper to buy the bigger size toothpaste or the smaller one or is the cereal by ounce cheaper at the grocery store or at Costco. I recently got a new iPhone and while the cost out of pocket is dang on expensive, the math worked out over the life of the phone and with our plan to save us money in the end. {you can read this post on saving money on cell phones here}, so we purchased the phone and found our own plan.  

9. They cut out cable

It drives my husband batty when I say that we don't have cable. We actually have very basic cable with only network channels. We also have Netflix streaming and a Tivo. You can read more about it here.  On average, we pay less than $25 for our entertainment budget {including movies} each month.

10. They have a full pantry and freezer

I buy in bulk when I find a good deal. I freeze bread and lunch meat and if I find a sale on meat, I stock up. Because I cook most of our meals, I like to have food on hand so I'm not rushing around trying to figure out what to make for dinner. 

11. They are selective spenders

We often put off spending and rarely miss the item we were tempted by. The best way to not spend money is to just not buy anything. It's like telling someone who wants to lose weight that the key is diet and exercise.  The same thing is true of saving money. You want to save money, then don't spend it!

12. They do the work themselves

My husband changes the oil in our cars. I clean my own house, we do our own yard work. If we can do the work ourselves, we usually chose that route.  I do love to treat myself occasionally with a coffee from Starbucks, but I can make it at home for far cheaper and I usually do that the majority of the time.

13. They plan ahead

Failure to plan is planning to fail. The biggest financial trap I've seen people get into is not planning ahead. This could be as long term as planning for retirement but it could also mean that you are planning ahead to avoid spending money. When the kids were little and we would be out and about, I would plan our trips around nap times and meal times. I didn't want to be stuck without food on hand for the kids and be forced to eat out. Planning ahead saves you money in the long run.

14. They don't buy things at full price

As a family we buy 90% of our clothing second hand. Most of it is stocked up during garage sale season {tips on how to buy second hand clothing for the whole family}, but for those items I don't buy second hand, I never buy something full price. I rarely tempt myself by even going to the mall, but if I do, the only racks that draw my attention or are even a consideration are the sale racks. You can see this post for more specifics on how we save money on clothing. 

15. They use the library

We make good use of our local library. We rarely spend money on books. I see great value in books, though if you are only reading a book once or twice, I don't see value in the price tag. We find book titles that we are interested in and put them on hold. This sometimes requires planning {see number 13}, especially if you are leaving on a trip and need a book or two to read on vacation. We also use their free local museum passes and schedule in the free events that occur at our local library.

16. They bring it from home

I have a fully stocked fridge at home, so we pack our lunch if we are spending the day at the museum. I have reusable water bottles with me in case we get thirsty. If I have something at home that I might need, I bring it along instead of buying it. 

17. They buy quality items

I would rather pay a little bit  more to get a quality item that doesn't need to be replaced as often as a lower quality item. This means that I know the quality brands and gravitate towards those when I make a purchase. This doesn't mean that I buy the quality items full price, this only means that I know which brands are higher quality and I focus on those if I can.  For instance, when I was looking for a new bike for my youngest son at a garage sale, I had a particular brand in mind because I knew that it was a higher quality item. This same rule applies when I am shopping for used clothing. I know my brands and buy higher quality items because even after they have been handed down multiple times, the clothing is still in good shape.

18. They cook from scratch

Processed foods are more expensive. While they are more convenient, they aren't healthier and they usually cost more. I rarely, if ever, buy processed foods. 

19. They use {and reuse} what they have

It's not uncommon to find a bottle upside down in one of our cabinets. We squeeze every last drop out of the toothpaste tube and aluminum foil and ziploc bags get washed and reused. We try to make the best use out of what we have before we replace it. That sometimes means being creative and doing things a different way than we planned, but it's best to use what we have on hand rather than spend money on something we don't need.

20. They join rewards programs

Getting the best price for something is almost always on my mind. We have a rewards credit card {that we pay off each month} that gives us cash instead of points so that we can spend the money on whatever we want. I have rewards cards at nearly every store I frequent so that I can get the best prices at checkout. We make the most out of the purchases that we do make, so that our spending dollar goes further.I'm constantly learning and would love to learn from you! Perhaps you have a tip or two that I didn't add to this list. I would love to hear if you have anything to add. In the meantime, making a little change here and there can save you big change in the long run! 

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Vintage tablecloth turned into Christmas tree skirt

I love Christmas! I love decorating for Christmas and I love unpacking my Christmas boxes every single year. Every year I add to the boxes with handmade ornaments like I featured all last week in my six days of handmade. Sometimes, I add big items, sometimes I add small items.

This year, one of the new items I added to my Christmas decor was a new tree skirt. But not just any tree skirt. It's a tree skirt that I made out of a pretty amazing vintage round tablecloth that we got from my husband's grandmother's estate just after she passed away this summer.

I actually see round tablecloths like this at garage sales and estate sales quite often, so in case you are like me, you can pin this or tuck this away and remember when garage sale season starts back up again to keep your eyes peeled for a round tablecloth to make a no sew Christmas tree skirt.

It took me under 5 minutes and I promise, there is really no sewing to make this tablecloth into a Christmas tree skirt. Want to see how?

This is the tablecloth that I started with. It feels like velvet on top and has these neutral pom poms already sewn all around the edge. It's pretty much perfect!

I laid my tablecloth out on the floor and was thankful for the natural fold lines that helped me find the center of the tablecloth.

Then I took one of my dinner plates and laid it in the center. I needed something to help me make my circle. I drew around the plate with a pen.

Then, I cut up one of the fold lines that was already in the tablecloth {if yours doesn't have the fold lines, you will need to iron them in to make this easier} and cut around the circle.

That's it! Now you have a tree skirt that you can use year after year.

For us, this tree skirt carries the memory of our Geigy and we are thankful for it this year since she isn't with us any longer.

Five minutes or less, that's all it takes! Next time you see a vintage round tablecloth, now you know what you can do with it. What kinds of Christmas keepsakes do you make every year?

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How to save hundreds of dollars at the salon and color your hair at home-a step by step guide

It all started when I was 15. I was out with my best friend shopping at Target with money to burn{those were the glory days!}. Somehow I ended up in the hair dye section and picked up a box. 

I was walking the aisles of my daughter's jr. high a few weeks ago and man, I'm telling you, that time of life is full of experimentation with one's looks.  So it's not surprise, that I started playing around and started changing the color of my hair.

I can remember only two times in my life that I have actually paid someone to dye my hair for me and each of those times I couldn't believe how dang on expensive it was. 

Now instead of experimenting with my look and changing the color of my hair, I am dying my hair to cover the grey. 

Either way, with 22 years of experience and probably thousands of dollars saved, I am here to offer my expertise and give you a step by step guide on how you can dye your hair at home. I promise, it's not that scary!

There are a few things that I splurge on. A good hair cut is one of them. I found a hair dresser that I love, and while I do stretch out my appointments with her as her prices continue to go up, I will no longer go to a walk right in place because, well, nobody has time for a bad haircut!

When I first started seeing Stacey she asked me who dyed my hair. I told her I did and she said "girl, keep doing what you are doing!"  So I have. She's had a few different shampoo girls, who have all asked me the same thing {and agreed with Stacey!}, so I know I must be doing something right. I have learned a few things through the decades and want to share them with you.

O.k. are you ready?

Start by heading to your nearest drug store. I'm not partial. I go to where ever has a sale AND a coupon. I don't like to pay more than $3 for a box of dye {and usually get it cheaper--sometimes free!} though even at full price, you are still saving yourself a ton of money over a salon dye job.

If you have hair longer than shoulder length you should probably consider buying 2 boxes of hair dye. I no longer make dramatic color changes, I just color to cover my grays, so I only used 1 box this time since I kept with my natural hair color.

You are looking for permanent hair color. It can get super overwhelming in those aisles, so take a deep breath and think of all the money you are saving!

I have tried lots of brands and no brand over another sticks out to me as being better.  They are all similar so you really can't go wrong.

Once you get home, make sure you have about an hour set aside. I know this seems like a ton of time, but think of all the time you spend at the salon. It takes me 15 minutes to drive to my salon, 15 minutes home and then the time in the chair...I'm practically making up time by doing this at home!

I have a special button down shirt I wear when I do my dye job. You will get messy. Especially if it's your first time. I pick up the throw rugs in my bathroom and make sure I have clothes on that I don't care if they get ruined. Anything you wipe up or drip on with your dye will get stained if not cleaned immediately. You may want to have a roll of paper towels handy for any clean up afterwards.

I have been doing this for so long that I rarely read the directions fully, but I do still glance at them. Your box will have gloves, dye , the activator and some conditioner or rinse included. I have never opened a box where the things weren't clearly labeled. 

You will almost always have to mix the activator with the dye. Pretend you are in chemistry class. It's fun. I always start by putting on my gloves. Read the directions on your particular dye. Once you pour the dye in, you will put the lid on, cover the tip with your finger and shake it up to mix it.

I always start at my part and then every quarter inch or so I make a line from the front of my head towards the back. Once you have covered the whole front of your head from one ear, over your forehead to your other ear, you are ready to get the back of your head.

I bend over and tip my head forward and using the same line technique from the base of my neck towards the middle I make a line of dye.  You don't want to rub the dye in, but you can pat it down so it isn't dripping with your other hand.

While your head is tipped over, pull your hair together and squirt the dye on your ends. There is no line pattern to doing this, you just want to make sure all of your hair has been covered.  This is when a second bottle of dye can come into play if your hair is long.

After I make sure all of my hair is covered with dye, I wrap my hair into a top knot on top of my head. It will stay in place without you needing to secure it. You just want to make sure your hair and the dye won't be touching your skin or anything else as you move around and wait for the dye to sit.
Look at the clock, start a timer, whatever you need to do to figure out how long you have until you can hop in the shower. All dye is different. This particular dye only needed to sit for 10 minutes. I start the clock as soon as I am finished with my last squirt.

I put the bottle of dye, the gloves and all the trash into the box that it came in and throw it away together. That way, you aren't leaving leaky bottles of dye in your garbage can. I may or may not know from experience.

You will have dye on your face and on your ears.  I've done this for lots of years and still can't figure out how I can be less messy. You just are. So take that paper towel or toilet paper or baby wipe, whatever, and wipe down your forehead {even if you don't see dye}, your ears {pay attention to the back and the folds of your ears} and your neck. The dye sort of shows up like invisible ink when you aren't expecting it and nothing says home dye job like huge splotches of dye on your skin for days.

I also take this time to look around on the floor or counter to see if I dripped. I almost always do. Wipe it up before it stains. It's as easy as swiping it with a wet paper towel.

All cleaned up? Now go grab a magazine and pretend you are at the salon. Just don't lean back on your couch!

Once your time is up, hop into the shower. Start by washing out your hair until the water runs clear. This sometimes takes a little while, but hang in there.  If you don't wash all the dye out, and rush before the water turns clear, you will come out of the shower and leave dye on your towels and clothes. Just be patient. 

I super duper love the conditioner that comes with hair dye. I don't know what it is, but that stuff is magical soft goodness that always leaves my hair in great shape. After your water runs clear, skip your normal shampoo/conditioner routine and only use the bottle that came with your dye. This will help set your color. It usually has to be left on for a few minutes, which is totally cool because you can take that time to wash your face, shave your legs, whatever.

Once you get out of the shower, style your hair as usual. 

Most people don't think they can get highlights from using a box dye, but check out those highlights. 

Some final last words:

Don't try making a huge dramatic change in color on your first time {like going from dark brown to blonde}. It may not work out well and will not leave you thinking you are capable of a home dye job. 

Promise me. One time I tried it and ended up with these tiger stripes. Not awesome.

You can totally do this and save tons of money. I dare you to give it a try!  And then report back and tell me how it went.  Even better, tag me {@holycraft} in an after photo on Facebook or Instagram. I would love to see it.

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Handmade cards made from something {free} you would never expect!

Do you ever see something and inspiration just strikes? That happened to me earlier this week on a coffee date with my littlest guy. We were literally standing in Starbucks and I immediately wanted to get home to start crafting.

I whipped up these handmade cards in a matter of minutes.  You wouldn't believe the {free} thing that inspired me to make them.

Just sitting there at the pick up window at Starbucks were these beautiful cards full of information about the different countries and blends of coffee that Starbucks is now offering.  But I couldn't quite see past the amazing design.

These bad boys are printed on heavy card stock and have these amazing gold foil detail on every single one. I sort of looked around questioning if these were really free, because quite honestly it felt like manna from the craft gods.

So I did what anyone would do and collected a few of each one. I ended up getting about a dozen cards because crafting, that's what.

I found matching scrapbook paper that I had in my paper closet and picked up this set of ivory cards and envelopes from Joann's {50% off!}.

The inside of each of these free cards is just begging to be cut out so that you can make your own statement.  So I did just that. I used my exacto knife thingie {I have no idea what they are called but I love them!} and carefully cut around the white advertisement space.

This is the point where I wish I had a Minc {if you don't know what it is, seriously check one out!} 
but I don't and really if I bought one just for this project it would sort of defeat the point of free cards dontchathink.

Anyway, I unearthed my stamps and my gold embossing powder and used the coordinating plain paper to fill the space I just cut out.

I love the end result and for nearly next to free, I have a set of 12 note cards I can use for just about any occasion.

Thank you Starbucks!Keep your eyes peeled at your local Starbucks for these cards.  Then go and make something. I'm sure inspiration will strike you too when you see them!

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5 things to stop wasting your money on right now

It's easy to get into spending habits and not even think that what you are doing is a waste of money. The new year is a great time to reexamine your spending habits and start making easy changes. I have five things that you can stop wasting money on and start putting some more cash back into your wallet.

1. Books

I'm an avid reader as you can see from my collection of "what to read" book posts {the search tab in my sidebar will pull up three pages of posts from my blog}, but I rarely buy a single book.  I frequent our library and enjoy their selection of books from children's titles to new bestsellers.  The bonus to borrowing from the library is that you don't start amassing clutter around your home in the form of already read books.  I also purchase books at garage sales, usually for a quarter a piece.  Let me also follow this up by saying that books are priceless.  Reading is an amazing gift, and there are times when I buy books, especially when they are books that get my kids excited about reading. As a book lover, I know that if I were indulging my book habit at the book store, I would be broke. Visiting your library for at least one or two of your book purchases each month would save you at least $20.  It's an easy way to eliminate this expense. 

2. fees

This is a broad one.  The fees I'm talking about could be fees that you pay in the way of ATM fees, overdraft/balance fees or fees that you pay for admission into the movies or museum.  I also lump credit card interest into this, because it's essentially a fee that you are charged by the credit card company for the use of their money to buy your things.  I'm a stay at home mom and have been for sixteen years.  I know the importance of getting out with the little ones.  I found great value in my zoo membership when the kids were little and then in the science museum membership as the kids got older, but I didn't find any value in the children's museum or the art museum membership and I will tell you why.  Both of those museums offered free days or passes from the library {seriously, if you don't frequent your library, you should!} that offered free admission.  In fact, several of our local museums offer free museum days that we have taken advantage of at one time or another.  Typically the price of a family membership is just a little bit more expensive than the cost of admission for our family.  If we are planning on using the membership passes more than twice in a calendar year, then the passes have paid for themselves.  We traveled to another state several years ago and were planning on going to their science museum while we were in town.  I looked into our science museum's reciprocal museum policy and found that our membership would be good at that state's science museum.  I've also done this with our zoo membership.  This has allowed free access into a different museum or zoo just by being a membership card holder at another location.If you are collecting banking fees due to ATM usage, overdraft or balance related issues, this is probably because you are just not aware of the policy.  Take a second to see what fees you are racking up, and make a strategy on how to avoid those fees.  This could mean switching accounts where you don't have to have a certain balance in your account, or simply using an ATM across the street vs the one that you have always gone to.  As for credit card interest, don't buy what you can't afford. Pay off the debt you have and start working at living a debt free lifestyle.

3. Extras and Upgrades

Some of us are in the moment shoppers. You find yourself at the cash register with a large purchase and the salesperson asks you if you want the store's upgraded warranty coverage.  Or, you order a new thingamabob from Amazon and you can upgrade your shipping for just a few dollars more and get your item a few days sooner.  These upgrades are burning a hole in your wallet.  I recently called our phone/internet provider and was told that I could upgrade to cable for just $20 more each month.  It seemed like a fabulous idea at the time, but after six months the rate went up by $100 and by that time most people have a hard time parting with their beloved channels that they would rather just fork up the money then get rid of their upgraded package.While our family doesn't eat out much  {typically once a month} I know that there are families that eat out far more often. I'm not going to tell you not to go out to eat {though that would save you some money} I will however warn you about over ordering. Do you really need an appetizer to go with your already large American size portion of food?  Do you really need to finish off the meal with a dessert?  And what about your drink order? I know that sometimes the drinks can add up to the same price as a whole entree.  Just be mindful of how you are ordering to help you keep the tab in check.

4. Overpriced Coffee

I live in the Seattle area.  There is a coffee shop on every corner.  I wasn't much of a coffee drinker when we moved here, but now the coffee shops are an easy meeting place so I became hooked. Though when I say hooked, I mean I treat myself to Starbucks at the most, once a week.  I have a friend who loves her drip coffee.  It sets her back less than two dollars and makes her happy.  I'm not talking about that coffee.  I'm talking about the fru fru coffee that costs $5 {or more} per drink. I'm totally guilty of this one and have worked out a few ways to help me, though I still need to find a cheaper drink alternative than my favorite caramel macchiato that costs me far too much! Like I said, I limit myself to a once a week stop at Starbucks. I will also ask for gift cards in exchange for payment.  I did a custom project for a friend and she asked how much I charged.  I told her to pay me with a Starbucks gift card.  There is something psychological in knowing that it's money from a gift card versus money from my own bank account.  If you do find yourself meeting at Starbucks or another coffee shop {those exist?} see if you can find a cheaper drink alternative. 

5. Trendy Clothing

I have never been a trendsetter, though I do like at least looking put together and from this decade. I find the best way to do that is to buy classic clothing. If you were to look in my closet, the color palate is mostly black, grey and white. Most of the items are from consignment shops or garage sales, and what I do buy new, is usually off the discount rack.   I find that with shopping this way, I am still able to be on trend without breaking the bank. If there is an item that is a bit trendier that I am into, then I try to find that item at a discount. This is usually when shopping the sale racks or shopping discount stores has it's benefits. If I really love an item, the price has to be right, especially if I know that the item just won't be in style the next season.Those are my top five items that I can see most people are wasting their money on. How do you do?Are you one of the wasters or are you a saver?

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Vintage Airplane Boys room week 5 One Room Challenge

Welcome back to week 5 of the Calling it Home One Room Challenge.For the past 5 weeks I have been working on completing a vintage airplane themed room for my 8 year old son Owen.In case you missed it you can catch up here:
week 1week 2week 3week 4Last week I showed you the vintage airplane blueprint canvas that I worked on.This week, we got the art hung on the walls and the room is starting to come together.

It all started with the poster frames that are seen flanking the window.

I bought those at a garage sale 2/$3 brand new.

They started out a pine wood color, I painted them blue like the rest of the furniture.

I found two vintage posters that I liked

{the New York one is actually paper from Cavallini I got for $4}

add added those to the frames.

I wasn't planning on keeping this United States poster, but my son loves it and it is his room.

 I didn't end up painting this dresser.

I have a few reasons why, 

{it was the first piece of furniture we ever bought as a couple...it's been in every nursery for each baby we have had...it's in good condition...I didn't think it needed to be painted.}

I found a Phonetics alphabet print on-line for free

and this vintage United airplane at a garage sale for $8 from an old Boeing employee.

The wire basket was $1 and it has a vintage fire bell, pen case and movie reel canister inside, all purchased second hand.

It's hard to see, but there is also a vintage copper airplane up there too that I got at a garage sale for 50 cents.

Next to the dresser, I placed a faux gasoline canister that I bought from Hobby Lobby for $35,

a Flying Pig vintage print I found on-line for free, Owen's scrap monster that he designed and sewed 

{details here}

and a few knick nacks, again, things I found at garage sales for less than a dollar.

The pallet backed bookcase is still one of my favorite things I have ever made.

And next to it are a pair of faux binoculars that I got at Home Goods for $19.

 On the opposite wall you will find Owen's bed and the newly mounted vintage airplane blueprint canvas.

I think it's really starting to come together don't you?

 From the hallway, this is the view into Owen's room after week 5.

There isn't much more to complete.However, my husband has big plans for a propeller that I am hoping get finished before next week.Stay tuned!Thanks for dropping in to see the progress.

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