Archive for the ‘Freebies’ Category

4 Ways To Save During An Economy Crisis By Volunteering or Working Off Enrollment Fees Instead of Paying For Summer Camp

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

With summer comes lots of idle time for kids. That’s why summer camps are so great. They offer children an opportunity to do and explore. However, along with these great activities usually comes a pretty hefty price tag. Summer camps can cost upwards of $400 per week! Even the cheaper ones will run a family $100 per week with only a 10% discount for multiple children. For 3 kids to attend, that would $280 per week for 5 half-day sessions. Yikes!

During an economy crisis like we are currently experiencing all over the world, parents may have to get a little creative with their summer plans for the kids. Volunteering is one way that a family can experience a great saving. Cost-conscious parents may be able to use their skills in a way that will allow their kids to go to camp and, possibly even get a few extra dollars in their pockets! Here’s how:

Summer Program Committee or Board Member - All summer programs have to be organized. Use your skills to help with the planning by volunteering or working in an administrative capacity, as a program curriculum developer, or on the Fundraising or Supply committee to help the program to buy for cheap all of the supplies that they will need. Any program can appreciate someone willing to work to save the camp money!

Be a food service volunteer. You could play a large role in helping the camp to save money by using frugal recipes or finding ways to get donations or buy for cheap snacks and other foods. Summer camps have a lot of children to feed, and being able to get discounts at any point can amount to a huge financial saving.

Volunteer, or possibly take a paid position, as an instructor. This could potentially be one of the most lucrative opportunities that you will have. Some camps will pay people to teach the children a variety of skills. You could take a hobby like arts and crafts, or concrete business computer skills and parlay those into possibly a paid position with the camp, while still enjoying having your children to attend for free!

You could be a “camp taxi”. By offering to carry children to and from camp, either as a camp employee or just to help those in your immediate area to get to and from safely, you could either raise enough money for your own children to go to camp or they could potentially go completely for free!

Your kids’ summer doesn’t have to be fun time lost during this economy crisis. Think outside of the box this year and let your skills work for you and your family. Not only will you enjoy the saving and the kids will enjoy the fun, but the program that you work for will appreciate your frugal recipes and resourcefulness when they realize that they have also saved money because of you!

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How To Save On Kids Shoes During An Economy Crisis

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Kids outgrow shoes at an incredibly fast pace. From day to day those little feet are quickly turning into much bigger feet. Regardless of the name brand, most parents know that their child may not get a real “wear” out of the shoes because you just never know when those little toes will stretch out. Even more so in an economy crisis when things are much more expensive. What can a parent do to keep up with the seemingly ever-growing peds of their children? Try these tips for saving. Cost cutting parents will find these extremely helpful during this economy crisis:

Be a frugal fashionista and don’t be afraid to ask! Of course you are not the only person that has a bunch of “barely used” kids shoes that your child has outgrown. Parents that you know are experiencing the same thing. Ask the people that you know about those shoes. You may just luck up and get some of those fancy and name brands that you don’t want to buy, totally free!

Host a shoe swap. This is something that you can do to get the kids involved. They can even send out little invitations, fashioned as shoes of course. Have the families come together and watch as everyone has fun letting their kids try on and swap shoes. The cost of this type of an event, a few bags of chips and a few pitchers of homemade iced tea!

Let the frugal fashionista in your come alive at a thrift or consignment shop. Find loads of shoes that you can buy for cheap at your local thrift or consignment shop. With these deals, you can expect to spend as little as $1 per pair! If you go the consignment route, then, you could actually get the shoes for FREE just by bringing some of your other stuff and selling them to the store for store credit.

Buy shoes after the holidays. Often, stores will have loads and loads of shoes available after Christmas and Easter. Always buy shoes off season. For instance, buy the sandals in the Fall and the boots in the late Winter or early Spring. That’s when the shoes are usually discounted up to 75% off.

If you absolutely must have the shoes, try to buy them when the store offers a Buy One, Get One deal. Then, you can at least get 2 pairs of shoes for the price of 1! Also, look for coupons in your Sunday paper. Many large department stores will offer coupons in their weekly sale circular. These can often be combined with other specials that they may have going on.

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3 Fun Strategies For Getting Toys During This Economy Crisis

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Kids love to play and as parents, it’s our job to make sure that they have what they need. That includes toys! Of course, kids don’t always have to have the most popular or greatest “so-called” toys out there, but they do need toys for learning, creativity, and of course, lots of great fun. In an economy crisis, buying toys may seem a little wasteful for some, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are three ways to exchange, buy for cheap, and get for free lots of toys for your growing child:

Host a toy exchange with other parents! This is not only fun, but it’s also one of the best budget saving ways. Save money by not having to pay out lots of cash for toys that your kids will only enjoy for the moment. Other parents know what it’s like to dish out money on pricey toys, only for kids to spend a few minutes enjoying them. With a toy exchange, kids can get the toys that they like without the parents having to pay! During this economy crisis, families need to take advantage of all opportunities for saving, cost-cutting, and spending less.

The set up for a toy trade party is simple. Either use a big open place, like a park, school, or community area that can be used for free. Everyone will tote their toys and, together, the adults will organize all of the games and gadgets. Let the kids use buckets, baskets, or backpacks to hold their “new” stuff. Parents sit back and enjoy watching the kids “shop”.

Set realistic toy budgets and always try to catch the deals. Do your best to avoid paying full retail price for any toys. One of the best ways to buy for cheap is to set yourself a toy budget that will help you to stay on pace, financially, when you are out shopping for toys. Dont’ just think you will find everything at the dollar store. Those toys are not always the “best” buy because they are cheaply made and may not be the safest choice either. Just look for sales and grab those opportunities for saving, cost comparing, and chances to buy for cheap.

After each holiday, such as Christmas and Easter, many stores put toys on sale for up to 60% off of the original retail price. That is the perfect time to buy for cheap for birthdays, family days, and other times when you will need toys. Expect to get great buys for next to nothing during those sale seasons.

The other “must-do” for any frugal fashionista that wants to save on toys is to browse your local thrift store and all of those garage and yard sales. From the gently used to the completely new, you will find toys as cheap as 90% off of the regular retail prices.

Get toys for free! Yes, you can get toys for free. Try going the consignment route! Take some of your gently used stuff to a local consignment shop, where they will give you store credit or cash for your old stuff. Then, you simply take the money or credit and get some more toys either from the consignment shop or by using your cash elsewhere. Thus, your child gets “new” toys completely free!

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Tons Of Things For Free

Monday, April 13th, 2009

You’re going to love hearing this…There is a plethora of services and stuff that you can still get without paying one single penny! It’s true. Despite the economy crisis that persists around the world, there are things to be found that are 100% free for those that seek them out. With spending decreasing in most sectors, it has become evident that people are very conscious of where their money goes.

Completely free internet access! While most people are paying $50 or more for internet service, you could be the recipient of free internet service through a company called NetZero. They provide up to 10 hours of 100% free internet service per month. It’s not broad band, it’s the old dial-up system, but it works! This works even better if you are only an occasional user.

2. Free furniture and other stuff! The first place to look for free furniture is in your local newspaper. Often there is a section that is dedicated to items worth $50 or less. These are often just give always that people advertise to clear out space in their homes or after they have graduated from college and no longer need the items. Two other great places to find lots of free stuff online are Craigslist.org and Freecycle. On these websites, people can post anything that they want to give away. Whether you find your great deal in the newspaper or through one of these two internet sites, always remember to be safe. Never go to retrieve anything alone. Plus, remember that time is of the essence and deals go very quickly. So, as soon as you see it, make contact and make plans to pick the item up. This is one time that you should not dawdle.

3. Free meals! If you have a family, you know the value of taking advantage of “free kids meals” or “kids eat free” offers. They do still exist, though not as bounteous as in times past. Search online, keep an eye out for deals in your local newspaper, and always check a restaurant’s website. Another way to get free meals for yourself and your companion is to sign up for restaurant email clubs. If you don’t want the emails coming into your “regular” email account, then set up a “FREE” one, yet another great freebie, through a service like Yahoo, Google, or MSN. Then, use that free one to retrieve all of the free dinner deals that your stomach can handle!

Truth is, life feels better, even in an economy crisis, when you know that you can still get something for nothing! Enjoy!

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Spend $0 on Wii games - download wii games

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Playing every nintendo wii game without paying a cent is every gamer’s dreams. Luckily, its not very far fetched.

Wii download sites have been offering unlimited lifetime download memberships for a very small one time fee. Usually this runs about $49.95. Compare that to the price of the last Wii game you threw your money on.

These wii download sites don’t only chop gaming costs to nothing, they also provide easy access to the amazing features of the Wii.

All different types of wii media are included with a subscription to a wii download site. That includes music, movies, Tv shows and software, all in addition to the games.

The most popular wii download sites post the newest releases for download usually within days, sometimes even hours, of a new release. Since the download times on the best sites are extremely fast, I’m usually the envy of my friends, playing the top game within a few hours of its release.

As a big fan of classics, the oldschool games need to be in there for me to be happy. They’re all there as well, and can be downloaded with the click of a button.

You may have been asking yourself how you will get your wii to play burned games. Install a mod chip? I think not. Mod chips are a thing of the past. These sites give their members all the software and very easy to use step-by-step instructions to be able to play burned wii games. Its all software so you won’t need to take a screwdriver or hammer to crack open your beloved wii. And don’t worry, its not complicated.

With all the Wii download sites out there right now, its important to research the product you plan to buy. There are sites which focus mostly on wii media. In my opinion, media is just a bonus, so make sure to find a good site that has a huge game archive and fast download times. For more information about the most popular wii download sites, this Wii download review might be good to check out.

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Getting Free Gift Cards with no Strings Attached

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

With the multitude of online scams and wild goose chases online you have to be careful. I want to tell you that there are a few ways to get free stuff online that are actually legitimate.

Most of these require very little time and no money. If you follow my advice, you can stop wasting time with things that don’t work and take advantage of real proven ways to get free gift cards and save money also.

The number one way is to join some of the free online coupons sites out there. The people that run these types of websites have sifted through the junk and found the real offers.

Anyone who looks at these deals will soon reap the rewards of having this information. You can print out many of these deals and coupons, and een get grocery items for free. You can sometimes get rebates that make drug store and restaurant foods free also. An example of things we get free like this all the time is toothpaste. I have not paid for toothpaste in 5 years.

A good way to get the real scoop on free gift cards is freebie forums. These places are chock full of the latest places to get free items, big discounted coupons, and even gift cards. You can sometimes even get back more than you spent.

If you join some of these forums and groups you will find tons of fresh deals that are updated daily. Many of these offers are not advertised and you would not be able to find them offline.

Join these forums if you really want the inside scoop on all the deals and free stuff. You will save so much time and research hours. It is well worth it to get free gift cards and merchandise.

Decorate Kids Room The Easy Way

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

Are you decorating your child’s room? Then you’ll know it’s one of the greatest joys of having a child. Picking out the theme, deciding upon colors, shopping for furniture and accessories - it’s all very enjoyable - and the most wonderful part of decorating the room is that you’re also bonding with your child! However, parents sometimes are wrong in using a very basic theme and minimalist furniture. You don’t want your child to be unhappy with the room, do you? And you don’t want the room to be devoid of character? So sit down with your child and discuss ways to characterize the room with personality. Imagination and creativity are the two basic tools you need!

One major way to add personality to a room is by deciding upon a nice theme that will show vitality and creativity. With many different kinds of themes available for boys’ and girl’s rooms, there are various ways you can play around with the kid’s room decor. Once you select the theme, reinforce it through wall murals, wall decals and kid’s wall stickers. Select your furniture carefully- choose items that will go with the theme and make sure you’re choosing the furniture wisely. Go for good brands, if possible, do some research to find out about the latest trends in construction and use of materials.

Ensure that you’ve made a good buy. Remember to use nice vital colors - perhaps nothing adds character and personality to a kid’s room decor better. The feeling you get from colors can change your mood dramatically - depending upon the colors used, your child will feel energetic and full of vitality or soothed. Nowadays, walls can be painted virtually any color under the sun, so if your son wants to paint his entire room green because he likes the color - don’t pooh-pooh him. With a little creativity and imagination, and perhaps use of textured paint, the room would look fabulous!

Discover your own and your child’s personal style, as well as your child’s likes and dislikes. Use items of your son or daughter’s liking. If he likes bicycles, have kid’s wall stickers of bicycles on a certain area of the wall. If she likes clowns, go for a wall mural of clowns. Really, anything’s possible! Think about what inspires you, and what inspires your child. Pay heed to your child’s suggestions, and give them priority- after all, it’s your child’s room. Add more spirit and atmosphere to the room by having a bulletin board in one corner, to pin-up and display your kid’s creative artwork. Display photo-frames, and framed pictures around the room - to enhance the sense of personal touch. Frame pictures of the family, of pets, even of his or her friends. And you can help build your child’s self-esteem by keeping a picture of your child in the rooms!

Do a little experimentation for a unique and stunning look. If you can go for beanbags and cushions, why go for boring styles of furniture? If you can get lamps in many different styles and colors, why go for plain looking lamps? Look around, do some window-shopping, do some research, give your child a free hand too, and you will find out exactly what you both will like. With more effort towards creativity and imagination, your kid’s room decor will be a beautiful one- that exudes personality!

To learn more about these eye-catching, easy-to-use and affordable products visit site: http://Create-A-Mural.com.
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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

Snack and Save

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Children have to eat. Parents have to feed children, and for the most part, they enjoy doing it. That being said, it costs money to fulfill that obligation. Actually, feeding your children could be one of the costliest ventures of your life. Spending a lot on snacks can quickly amass to small fortune if parents aren’t penny wise with their buying.

It is only natural for parents to want their children to have the best and be happy. Here are a few ways to give them what they want without breaking the bank:

1. Take advantage of the “season”! Whether or not you celebrate the year end holidays, you can still take full advantage of all of the great money saving opportunities. In late September or early October, many restaurant chains such as McDonalds and Wendy’s offer discount coupons for Halloween. They usually offer the coupons for free items such as an apple pie or Frosty shake in books, or sheets, of 8-12 coupons. The cost of these coupon packets is $1. So, you could potentially get 12 snack items for your children at a cost of only $1. This is a huge deal because if you bought each item without using the coupon, it would cost you about $15!! The other wonderful thing about these coupons is that, although they are offered around Halloween, most of them do not expire until December 31st of the offer year.

2. Surveys pay! Every time you splurge and get something to eat at many restaurants such as Burger King, or regionally local eateries such as Sonics, you may find a request, on your receipt, for you to complete a survey regarding your visit. These surveys pay out in a big way. Many of them offer a “buy one, get one free” offer or money off of future purchases. While, yes, they do keep you coming back, they also keep you saving. Look at it this way; you may want to spend an afternoon out with your child. Instead of paying for two hamburgers, you pay for one but get two!

3. Use coupons…all of the time! There are so many great deals available in your Sunday paper, online, or even in the supermarket aisles. Coupons are one of the best ways to save money on just about anything. Truth be told, not only will you see savings, you will probably get tons of free snacks for your family. Many stores double manufacturers’ coupons. Watch the weekly sale papers or visit your favorite store online to view the weekly specials. Cull your coupons, organize them, and use them when there are deals on the snacks that you and your family want.

You don’t need a mint to feed your children if you just employ a few cost saving tactics. If you stay abreast of the sales and coupon offerings, your family can enjoy a deliciously rich lifestyle for less!

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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

Really Free Stuff

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Here’s an announcement that everyone will love to hear. Some things in life are still free!! 100% free for all of us. With so much economic distress in the world, many have had to change their life style and personal expectations. People’s budget’s are smaller and their spending less because they are in survival mode. Times are tough and every little bit helps.

1. Free internet service still exists! There is a company called NetZero that offers up to 10 hours of free internet service per month. If you are not an avid internet user, this could work really well for you. Regular internet service can cost upwards of $50 per month. It’s dial-up instead of broad band, but for the less-than-regular net user it’s definitely worth looking into.

2. Free furniture and other stuff! The first place to look for free furniture is in your local newspaper. Often there is a section that is dedicated to items worth $50 or less. These are often just give always that people advertise to clear out space in their homes or after they have graduated from college and no longer need the items. Two other great places to find lots of free stuff online are Craigslist.org and Freecycle. On these websites, people can post anything that they want to give away. Whether you find your great deal in the newspaper or through one of these two internet sites, always remember to be safe. Never go to retrieve anything alone. Plus, remember that time is of the essence and deals go very quickly. So, as soon as you see it, make contact and make plans to pick the item up. This is one time that you should not dawdle.

3. Free meals! If you have a family, you know the value of taking advantage of “free kids meals” or “kids eat free” offers. They do still exist, though not as bounteous as in times past. Search online, keep an eye out for deals in your local newspaper, and always check a restaurant’s website. Another way to get free meals for yourself and your companion is to sign up for restaurant email clubs. If you don’t want the emails coming into your “regular” email account, then set up a “FREE” one, yet another great freebie, through a service like Yahoo, Google, or MSN. Then, use that free one to retrieve all of the free dinner deals that your stomach can handle!

So, for those that needed a little cheering up and consolation, here’s a list of stuff that you can actually afford and enjoy, this list of stuff will really help you enjoy life to the full!

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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

WELCOME and Start Saving Money on Daily Expenses!

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Alexandra VrugtDear Reader,

Welcome to my blog with tips and idea’s on saving money and managing on less. We’re living in tough financial times. A lot of people have lost their jobs, cars and in some cases even their homes. Some people are luckier. But what everyone has in common nowadays is that we all have to make our dollars stretch. Making ends meet is becoming tougher every day!

Bills keep coming in; mortgage, car, credit cards, loans, electricity, gas, water, phone, internet, insurance, health care, household expenses, etc. The continuous stream keeps coming – for every one!

I’m in the same problem as everyone. At least it’s nice to know you’re not alone J… Fortunately I have a lot of friends who are struggling as well. We got together and shared our money saving tips to help each other. And WOW, some of my friends came up with GREAT ideas! I’ve collected these ideas in an ebook called “15 Top Ways to Save Money”. During these times we have to stick together so I’m offering this book to everyone who’s interested in saving money (and who isn’t) for FREE.

Go to my website www.makeendsmeetonline.com where you can download this great book on how to save money on every day expenses. Check it out  – and start sleeping better at night!

If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to post them. I look forward to hearing about your money saving experiences!

Take care!

Alexandra

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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.