Ah, vacation. That precious time where one can unwind, de-stress and re-charge.  As William James once said, “Every man who possibly can should force himself to a holiday of a full month in a year, whether he feels like taking it or not.” For most, a month is just not possible. However, with a little flexibility and planning it is possible to steal away for a three-day trip that is equally as beneficial.

If you are looking for last minute Memorial Day ideas or just need to grab a long weekend in the midst of summer this year, here are some tips to get you going on a fast and frugal 3 day getaway:

Location, location, location – The least expensive options will be closest to you. Get out a map and see what falls within a 3 hour radius from where you live. This will help cut costs on fuel and won’t eat up precious down time in the car.

Obvious choices would be the beach or mountains if you live close enough. But check for National Parks or camping sites nearby. Consider even staying in your own city, but in a downtown hotel with a pool.  Another out of the box possibility: swap houses with another family for the weekend. Maybe you have friends that would like the same opportunity to steal away

Activities – Once you nail down your destination, research what the least expensive options are for activities. Bring bikes, fishing gear, or check out local museums and free attractions.

One way to bring major impact to the trip: think of experiences your kids haven’t had. It’s amazing how exciting a trolley, shuttle or cab ride can be for little ones.  Or maybe this is the trip where they get to try a train, horseback riding or theater show (summer often brings free outdoor performances). See this post for other ideas.

Food – Since it’s a short trip, save money by packing your own snacks and possibly even easy breakfast or dinner options. Food costs can really run up the bill on vacation, so also check online coupon sites like Groupon and Living Social where you can find great discounts on restaurants. Super saver tip: pack a cooler full of water and drinks so you never have to overpay on those. 

Toss the Technology – Want to truly take a 3-day break from it all? Get the whole family to give up their phones, computers, and tablets for the trip. Have a morning and night check-in to be sure important calls aren’t missed but refuse to text, email, or phone back unless it’s an absolute emergency. 

Bring board games, playing cards, and art supplies. Watch as your family reconnects in conversation and imagination, both of which are completely free.

Vacations are not only fun, but necessary. Taking time to get away from it all keeps burnout at bay and even has health benefits. While we might think we can’t afford to, the truth is we can’t afford not to; and a fast and frugal 3 day getaway may be all we need.

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Graduation days are full of emotion: excitement, joy, pride and perhaps just a twinge of anxiety about the future. It’s a day that marks the culmination of four (or more) years of hard work, celebrated by friends and family alike who join together in support of the new graduate.

Gift giving is also a big part of graduation. And it can be difficult to find a great gift on a budget. Below are 10 options for how to make a big impact for only $20.

Graduation Gifts for the High School Graduate

1. Collegiate Gear – If you know where he or she is heading off in the fall give them something with the school’s name on it. From t-shirts to bumper stickers to coffee cups, most grads are thrilled to show off their choice.
2. Poster – Posters have come a long way, thanks to online retailers such as Allposters, who offer more than just the traditional band shot. Give your graduate an interesting art or photography poster or browse the motivational selection for some quotes that are sure to inspire.
3. Emergency Kit – When packing for college, students often forget the more necessary items like Band-Aids, Neosporin, and ice packs. If your grad will be driving a lot, get a kit for road emergency that includes a flashlight, jumper cables, and a poncho.
4. Journal – Blank journals are easily carried and used while away at school. Students find journals a comforting place to process their new experience of living away from home. Another terrific option is the One Line A Day memory journal (found here) that makes it easy to chronicle the college experience.
5. Care package – Want to really win over that graduate? Give a card at graduation that says “gift to follow” then mail a care package the first month they are away. Fill it with home made cookies, candy and a picture from home and you are sure to bring a smile to a homesick student.

Graduation Gifts for the College Graduate

1. A Tool Kit- Your graduate may be off to their own first apartment now and they will definitely need some basics: most starter kits have a hammer, wrench, screwdriver and pliers. Throw in some nails and screws and your grad can officially get handy.
2. Kitchen Kit – Chances are they have also graduated from ramen noodles now. Give them some tools to help build their culinary skills. Or gather a recipe box loaded with easy to make recipes they already love.
3. Book of Advice – Perhaps your grad could use a guide to managing money or she would enjoy the tips found in the bestseller, The Secret. For a more personal touch, why not fill a journal with advice and life lessons from friends and family?
4. Something Frivolous – Since everyone will be handing out a practical gift, stand out by giving your grad something fun. A table tennis set or cool iPod speakers are sure to get used and be appreciated on an uneventful night in.
5. Money – Maybe they have student loans or will need a new business wardrobe. Regardless, you can never go wrong with cash. Need some clever ways to give it? Check out this post for creative options.

High school and college graduations are a time for celebrating personal victories. Gift giving during these milestones is part of the tradition, but it needn’t be more stressful than fun. With these 10 choices, your graduate receives a personal gift that doesn’t blow your budget. Having your support and encouragement as they embark on new endeavors is really what matters most.

There is an old proverb, whose original source is unknown, that states, “ God could not be everywhere and therefore he made Mothers.” With Mother’s Day just around the corner now is the time to celebrate that important woman in your life.

If you’ve been busy, and haven’t found the perfect gift yet, never fear! These five ideas are affordable, heartfelt, and can be thrown together quickly, while still showing mom that it’s all about her on Sunday.

1.    Spa Day – What better way to show mom gratitude than with a little time to herself to get pampered? Look for last minute deals and gift cards at Spa Finder, where you can search for fitness, spa, and travel deals that she will love. Another option: make her a homemade scrub  with ingredients right out of the kitchen.

2.    Do Dinner - Most of us have done the breakfast in bed routine at least once.  This year, take it a step further and remove the meal planning from her list. Create a simple, healthy meal from what’s in the pantry. Grab the pasta, a can of sauce, sliced bread and toast it with garlic and butter, then throw her favorite veggies in a bowl for a salad. It’s a quick and easy way to create Mother’s Day spaghetti. Take it up a notch and turn it into a picnic outside in the backyard. Throw in her favorite desert and you’ve just scored a homerun!

3.    Try Her Hobby - Chances are your mom spends a good deal of time investing in your hobbies. Repay her by trying one of hers. Prepare a mini yoga session or spend the afternoon in her garden. Maybe she would enjoy a hike or family board game. Bonding over an activity she loves is sure to make her smile.

4.    Give Photos/Flowers – Moms treasure what is beautiful, and flowers and family both fall into that category.  Whether you order a beautiful bouquet or pick wildflowers from outside, the blooms will brighten her day.  And never underestimate the power of a good photo. Most moms melt at a cute picture of their kids, in any kind of frame.  Online retailers like Shutterfly are offering great discounts on a wide variety of photo gifts for moms.

5.    Handwrite Something – Take a deck of playing cards and attach 50 Things You Love About Mom to them or fill a small jar with slips of paper with loving messages and quotes for her.  Create a poem or write her a letter filled with favorite memories. Handwritten expressions of love are sure to go far.

The truth is, most moms appreciate any gifts for Mother’s Day, but the truly special ones are those that make memories.  Even if you’ve left the planning for the last minute or have a tight budget, these 5 ideas are sure to show Mom that she’s the star for her special day.

French novelist George Sand wrote, “there is only one happiness in life; to love and be loved.” What better way to symbolize when you have found that happiness than with a wedding? Weddings are joyous, celebratory, beautiful and sometimes, very expensive. But a gorgeous wedding need not break the bank. Here are the top 10 costs for, and ways to save money on your wedding.

1. The Venue – You can check for outside options such as farms, public parks or even someone’s stunning back yard. If you need to keep it indoors or need a larger space keep in mind the season. Rates drop drastically if you get married during off-peak times and picking ANY day other than Saturday can also reduce the price.
2. The Gown – The dress plays a starring role at any wedding and custom gowns can cost a fortune. Be on the lookout for other options: sample sales, ebay, vintage dresses or even consider selling yours afterward to recoup some of the expense.
3. Decorations – Get creative! Find a multitude of gorgeous, DIY decorations from places like Pinterest and other blogs.
4. Photos – You will want high quality photos, as this is a memory often revisited long after the event. Make a list of the top shots you want to capture. Then look for savings by booking well in advance, booking for only part of the ceremony (rather than the whole reception), and get your photos digitally. Another secret: find a reputable photographer and see if they have an assistant that shoots at a reduced rate.
5. Invitations – At one time, it was important that invitations be embossed. Thankfully, with online stores, such as Minted, modern invitations offer a variety of options with less expense. Minted also has wedding inspiration boards, so you can see what others have done. And you can get 3 free samples to see the quality they provide in person.
6. Food – Think outside the box for food. Try serving food tapas or family style and avoid lobster and crab for anything. Another money saving trend right now – skip the traditional giant cake and treat your guests to ice cream, cupcakes or mini deserts instead.
7. Drinks – Check with your venue to see if you can provide your own or save money by serving just one signature cocktail rather than hosting an open bar.
8. Music – Live bands are a big hit at weddings, but you can often find an entertaining DJ for a fracture of the cost. Or take the time to scout around for smaller, local bands that might be willing to do perform a lot of crowd-pleasing covers.
9. Favors – One easy way to cut costs: use small, potted plants for flowers, décor, AND favors for the guests. Or give your guests something handmade. For some truly inspiring ideas, check here.
10. Flowers – Buying what is in season can save you big bucks. Another tip: look for quotes from local growers. You can always find a coupon code to help with the cost.

Your wedding day should be spectacular, but it doesn’t have to be a financial burden to make it that way. Remember to have fun with it. A little planning, research and creativity can go a long way toward making your big day one you will cherish forever.

Photo: http://tinyurl.com/b6fgvma

You don’t need talent to vacation on a budget. All you need is a little motivation and bushel of TLC. Big budget vacations are grand, but we’re here to share how you can make a cost-effective vacation for the whole family decadent and memorable.  The first step is to take a deep breath, and let go of any expectations you’ve placed on yourself. Planning a vacation is fun! You’re preparing to relax, rest, and rejuvenate. The process should set the example for the great escape.

Get Back To Nature

Campsites are some of the most affordable places to stay, and they provide a back to nature adventure money can’t buy. Many campsites are free, and you don’t have to buy the latest gadgets and gear. If you don’t have a tent, borrow one from a friend or buy the basic model. Two basic tents (sleeping two persons) can run for as low as under $50. Find extra savings at Camping World.

Bag snacks and supplies – you can load up from places like Sams or Costco on sodas, water, jerky, and dry storage goods. Take a camera and notebook, and record your adventures. Leave the iPhones, iPods, and iPads behind. Look to campfire stories, nature walks, and old-fashioned books to entertain! Camping is the old fashioned way for a family to bond.

Put Your Thinking Cap On

Free and low cost activities aren’t hard to find, you just need to know where to look. Beaches, parks, museums, and science centers are the best places to start. Look at the chamber of commerce or visitor stations for coupons, sign up for Living Social or Groupon for wherever you are heading, and find out which local restaurants have kids eat free nights. If you go just before or after peak season, you’re guaranteed to save at least 30%!

Go Local

Staycations (having a vacation at home) can be fun too! You may think you’re familiar with your hometown, but have you ever tried to see it as a tourist would? Ask your kids to help you create fieldtrips to the most celebrated or renowned places in town. Picnics in the park, arts and crafts on your back deck, forts in the living room, and outings around town will turn your vacation in into a vacation win. They key to a truly great vacation isn’t just going somewhere exotic or by the ocean, it’s filling your days with carefree laughter and new adventures.

Budgets may shift your perspective landscape when choosing a location for your family’s get away, but they shouldn’t cost you fun. Keep in mind that your vacation is about spending time together, making memories, and growing closer. All the world is your playground, but the best place to be is always with the ones you love. The location is just a detail.

Bonus Tip

Save money on souvenirs and daily spending by setting a limit for each kid per day. Show your trust and make it fun! Give them the money so they can make their own decisions on what to buy.

You are already a superhero – juggling schedules, holding down a happy household and just generally getting things done. Does adding one more thing to your list sound like it could be the straw to break the camel’s back? It can seem like overload to tackle saving the planet too. But as Henry David Thoreau best said, “What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”

In celebration of Earth Day, we’ve come up with 5 easy ways that you can be both an Environmental Warrior and a Super Saver at the same time.

Get Growing

The increased cost of groceries doesn’t appear to be slowing, especially if you want to buy anything organic. Having your own garden can save you hundreds of dollars each year.  Even if all you have is a patio, you can use pots to grow a wide variety of plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and even lettuce. For a list of possible vegetables and detailed tips, read this great article by Better Homes & Gardens.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Although the broad acceptance and ability to recycle is new, the concept is not. During the Great Depression many household practiced recycling habits as a practical means to save money.  It’s really just finding new uses for things before you toss them: start seedlings in yogurt containers; donate old books or computers; print on both sides of your paper if possible.

You can also turn almost anything into a fun craft project with your kids (examples found at Spoonful: here).  Another important part of the recycling equation is to buy sustainable goods when possible, which are products that minimize impact on the environment from beginning to end. Companies such as Bambeco are committed to using recycled, renewable, and natural materials in their products.

Upcycle or Repurpose

Though technically a form of recycling, upcycling means the item finds new purpose and life in a form that doesn’t compromise its quality.  In other words, making something even better! And this practice is increasingly popular today with creative moms and handy husbands alike.  Examples include making a kite out of an old shower curtain, turning an old dresser into a kitchen island, converting an old t-shirt into a skirt. So, don’t toss that old sheet – think of new possibilities for it instead! Check out these cute possibilities.

Start a Swap

Want to get new clothes but not finding a shopping spree in the budget? Host a party where invitees each bring 3-4 items from their own closet. Each item brought is equivalent to one “swap”.  It also works for toys. Not only will you see the savings in your checkbook but a longer life is given to each item swapped.

Organize an Effort

Plan your own Earth Day activity and get a group of volunteers to help clean up a local park, river, or trail. Pack a picnic and enjoy a free day out in nature while giving back to your community.  It’s also an opportunity to go electronic free while hanging out with your family. If you are unsure where to start, check here for national organizations.

There a number of ways to get involved with the environment, and these are just a few options to help you get started. You, too, can be a superhero for our planet without being a villain to your pocketbook. Environmental activist and poet Gary Snyder has the final word today: “Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there.”

There is now 1 more great store featured on SelectAware.com where you can find coupons, promotions and deals for your next purchase. We’ll give you a rundown of each store below, including who they are and a link to their coupons and deals page.

See All Grad Shop Coupons

As always, if you have any suggestions or any comments or questions, let us know.

Source: Flickr CC by Travis S.

Ah, the many splendors of moving. As Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” We move less from curiosity and more from needing more or less room, being closer to work or near a new job, or simply because it’s time. But regardless, Disney was onto something about doors opening and new paths unfolding. The hassle is getting the boxes and furniture through those doors and up the path!

We’ve put together our top tips for organized, cost-effective, stress-free moving.

Get Organized

Go ahead and start planning several weeks in advance. Make a list of everything that needs to happen and prioritize when it needs to be done. Be sure you know when to contact the Post Office, utility companies, and schools. Start asking around for boxes, but don’t wait too long. Some stores are asked so frequently they only offer boxes once per week.

Don’t forget to check Craigslist.org for people trying to get rid of boxes. If you can’t easily find the supplies for free, get a good rate for them by shopping online with sites like SmoothMove – where you can build custom moving kits and find specialty boxes for wardrobes and mirrors.

Shop Around

Give yourself enough time to research the moving trucks and/or movers. Planning a move mid week and booking in advance can save you quite a bit. The more flexible you can be, the more likely you are to save money. If you are rolling up your sleeves to move everything yourself, look for a deal from trucking companies that allow you to drop-off your truck near your destination. You can find great deals for Budget moving trucks here.

Clear Out Your Clutter

Trucks and movers are based on the amount you have to move so it makes sense that you would want to purge just before you pack. Donate anything that can be used by someone else (and keep your donation receipt for taxes later) and have a garage sale to help offset costs of the move. Click here for some great tips for how to have a successful garage sale.

Smart Strategies

Don’t waste unnecessary money on things you will need immediately after the move. Go ahead and label some of the boxes “Me First” for light bulbs, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc. Moving is expensive enough as it is, so make every dollar count!

For fragile items such as dishes and collectibles, you can purchase bubble wrap and packing peanuts – or you can use kitchen towels, old newspapers and clothes to help protect anything breakable. Likewise, for oversized objects, like TVs, pack them tightly into the moving truck where they’ll be surrounded and supported by your other items.

Ask for Help

Obviously you can save big bucks by doing the heavy lifting on your own. If you have family or friends nearby, see if they can help in shifts or even a “power hour” to really knock it out. Offer up some baked goods or pick up pizza and popsicles to show your appreciation. As The Beatles said best, “We get by with a little help from our friends!”

While moving can feel daunting and time consuming, it is a process. Like everything else, with organization and great deals, it can be a smooth transition. Make it as fun as you can, don’t be afraid to see it as an adventure or even a workout, and always ask for help when you need it.

Source: Flickr CC bert_m_b

Ah, the daylight hours are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and the need to get outside is overwhelming. That’s right, Spring has finally sprung. Now it’s time to shift the focus from indoors to outdoors and dive into those plans for your yard. But before you start spending, take a look at these tips for ways that you can do the most with your dollars this year.

Assess Your Inventory

Try not to plan your next plant until you have a chance to investigate what you currently have. Landscaping without a plan generally leads to more impulse buying and plants are not inexpensive. Picking up even just a couple of small shrubs or some ground cover can add up quickly. Taking the time to look at your existing set-up and determine what you love and where you want it to go next will save you money in the long run. This is also a good time to check on anything you planted last spring to see if it needs to be moved for better drainage or light. Losing plants to poor planning is not only expensive, it’s frustrating.

Shop Smart

First, check your free options.  Try plant swapping in your neighborhood through a community forum or just asking some friends. If you aren’t in a neighborhood you can check Craigslist where people often post listings for shrubs and trees if you are willing to dig them up yourself.  If free isn’t available, start comparing prices. Many local garden groups host annual plant sales where you can score not only beautiful plants on the cheap but important tips for how to care for them. Nurseries offer a wide variety but can also be pricey so double check with your local big box home improvement stores. Home Depot carries coupons and the clearance sections can make a big difference. And don’t forget about online options. Websites and online nurseries can have special offers and make it easier to find certain plants.

Muchos Mulching

Mulching is an integral part of most landscaping or garden designs. Spreading mulch in your outdoor beds provides excellent weed control, insulates the soil, and helps feed the plants. Of course, it also goes a long way in the overall appearance of your landscaping. And the good news is that there are cost effective ways to get your mulch. Check with your city or municipality to see if they have free public compost sites where you can load up to a truck full of mulch for free. Some local tree trimming companies will put you on a list and even deliver to your door, although you may only get a timeframe rather than a specific date of when it would be available. You can even opt to use pine needles rather than traditional wood chips, which is a huge savings in cost without sacrificing anything in appearance.

DIY

Try seeds if you don’t want to spend as much on plants. You can even start them in cups indoors for a few weeks prior to planting so that you transfer them just before they sprout. For tips on the easiest ones to try, check out this post from Better Home and Gardens. Want to include planters in your landscape design, or maybe just add a few to the back deck? Centsational Girl recently did a nice round up of several DIY options as well as some inexpensive store bought selections.

Hopefully these tips will help get your spring season off to a frugal and productive start. Happy Planting!

Babe Ruth, or as we call him the Sultan of Swat, once said, “Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game.” Spring sets the stage for a great season of sports – from March Madness to team events, ‘tis the season to get in the game. If you have kids, or are a big kid at heart, this is also the time of year when warm weather means baseball bats, soccer balls, and hitting the track. It’s the time of year when new equipment, gear, and clothes must be bought, and can often send the piggy bank squealing. To keep on track with your budget, we’re offering our sports saving tips.

Affordable Team Sports

If your kiddos are playing team or rec sports and you’re on a budget, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and take charge of team uniforms. You can buy a bulk batch of t-shirts to decorate, or check out the great deals from Threadless and Café Press. If you’re crafty and looking for a great group project, use the bulk batch of t-shirts and buy iron on numbers and letters. Then let your kids and team tie-dye or handprint their own uniforms for an unforgettable team building exercise!

Recycle your Gear and Buy in Bulk

Hand-me-downs are great, but most gear wears out before it can be passed on. Stores like Play-It-Again-Sports sell gently used cleats and other gear at a fraction of the cost. They also sell slightly used apparel like shoulder pads and shin guards. Since both of these go under equipment, they’re a great deal that no one really sees. You might also keep in mind that there are sites where you can sell gently used gear too. Sell what you don’t need for the money to buy what you do! If you go through a lot of tape and socks, look to Costco or online stores for bulk purchasing. If your kids are on travel teams, consider going in with other families on a bulk order of balls, shin guards, or mouth guards. You’ll find even better deals with a coupon.

Community Sport

Desperately seeking sports without the budget for a league or team? Never fear! Neighborhood and community sports are an affordable and fun solution for any age group wishing for a sports team. Whether soccer, kick ball, flag football, or ultimate Frisbee is your game of choice, all you need is a pair of tennis shoes, ball or disc, and a few friends to call on. You can post a community flyer at your clubhouse, send out community emails or notices, and we guarantee you won’t be the only one looking for a great weekly game to get together.

March Madness

When the weather turns and you’re stuck inside due to a rainout, don’t get mad – just gather the family around one of the many great matchups from the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. These tournaments provide an opportunity for families to cheer together. It’s also a great example of how hard work, sacrifice and the will to win come together for the great teams that make a championship run. John Wooden – possibly the greatest basketball coach of all time – used sport to teach boys how to become men and leaders: pyramid of success.

Remember to take time to enjoy the moments as they pass, whichever athletics and adventures you choose. If a tight budget is your main concern, a little creativity goes a long way to help ease that worry. Then, there’s nothing left to do but gear up and play ball!