Krazy Deal Daze: Money

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Monday, June 21, 2021

Tips on How to Budget for a Great Summer

How to Budget for a Great Summer

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Tips on How to Budget for a Great Summer

Summer is such a wonderful time of year. The kids are out of school, the weather is nice, and there's a grand feeling of fun and excitement that comes with the season. With so many choices for recreation, however, you may find it challenging to fit everything you want to do within your budget. Thankfully, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy all the advantages of summer without breaking your bank!

Take in a Matinee

Many of the most exciting film releases of the year occur in the summertime. Many summers, you can see a new movie every week for the entire season. Seeing an afternoon showing offers a way to beat the heat and relax. You can see the latest releases and often pay half-price compared with an evening showing!

Some movie theaters such as Regal, Megaplex, Cinemark and AMC to name a few, offer summer specials for family-friendly movies, check with your local theaters to see if they offer any of these summer specials.

For even more savings at the movie theater, cut back at the snack bar. Your waistline will thank you, and so will your pocketbook. Your afternoon at the movies will be just as satisfying.

You can save even more with a movie rental subscription. That way, you can sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home and still enjoy an inexpensive evening of entertainment.

Take Advantage of Group Rates

Many theme parks and attractions offer a family package or discounts for groups of a certain size. Sometimes, you have to ask for the group rate. But if you're planning an outing with friends, you can stretch the money you save on a group rate and enjoy more of the activities that the summer has to offer.

Airlines and hotels frequently offer family or group rates for travel during the summer as well. If you're planning to travel this summer, shop around for the best bargains and save yourself some cash.

Think Local

In the summer months, many travel far away in search of adventure. In many cases, you can experience a similar adventure without venturing too far from your home. Save money on hotels, plane tickets, and baggage fees by exploring all that your local area has to offer this summer.

If you're not sure about what fun things are available in your area, try searching the Internet for your city's name and "tourism." You might be surprised to find that the adventure you seek is right in your own backyard!

Browse for Deals

Shopping around for the best deal is important when traveling this summer, but it can also save you money close to home. Stiff competition in your neighborhood could cause restaurants, diners, and attractions to offer great specials to steer you away from the competition.

Bowling alleys, golf courses, zoos, and many other fun summer activities often have summer deals for customers. If you invest a little time to search for these deals, your friends and family can often enjoy an outing together for much less than you would expect.

Know Your Limits

Summer offers many recreational choices. Sometimes, however, the best option is to say no. Your body needs rest, and so does your mind. Choose the activities that best fit your interests, and say no to the others. You'll experience more energy and peace within yourself while saving money at the same time.

Summer can be an expensive time of year, but it doesn't have to break your budget. By making wise choices with your money and slowing down a little, you can enjoy summer recreation and save money at the same time.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out our Tips on How to Budget for a Great Summer! What budgeting tips do you use? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

Have a great day!

Other Krazy Deal Daze Post You May Be Interested In:

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending

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Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending

At Krazy Deal Daze were not just about spending money on Krazy Deals!

In the event that your spending habits have you digging for pennies before the next payday, it might be time for a change. Unfortunately, running out of cash before payday, especially if you do it over and over, can cause a lot of undue stress that can negatively affect not only your pocketbook but your health as well.

However, all hope is not lost and you can reduce this stress and get back on track with your finances by reevaluating and altering your spending habits.

So how can you accomplish this?

Try these budgeting techniques:

1. Make a Master List. The first step to any well-thought-out action plan is to develop a list! So you’re going to start by making a list of all your loan payments and credit card bills. You’ll expand your awareness about the number of creditors you have, the total amount you owe, and the due dates of your monthly payments.

· On the list, have 5 columns: the name of the creditor, your monthly payment, the due date of each month’s payment, the amount of interest you’re charged, and the total amount you owe.

2. Add other monthly expenditures to your Master List. Next, list things like your rent or mortgage payment, grocery costs, gasoline costs, and anything else you pay monthly. Estimate the amounts for your cable, water, garbage, cell phone, and utility bills, using last month’s statements. Your Master List should reflect all your outgoing expenditures.

3. Establish priorities. Which bills do you see as the most important? Mark them in some way by highlighting or circling them.

· Don’t know what bill has the highest priority: A good place to start is your housing! Your rent or mortgage should always be at the top of your list. If you require transportation to get to your job, then I would personally have that as my second priority! If you can’t get to work, that can definitely hinder your ability to make the money to pay the bills.

4. Survey the remaining bills. In looking at these non-priority bills, you can most likely discover some areas in which you can lower your costs.

5. Examine frivolous expenditures. Are you spending $50 a week on fancy coffees? Do you stop after work for a few beers with co-workers two or three days a week? Are you going out to eat or ordering takeout more than two times a week? If so, consider the amount of money you spend on these sorts of activities. Which expenditures can you reduce? Which can you cut out completely?

6. Call your credit card and utility companies to request lower interest rates or payments. Make a notation on your Master List of the reduced rates and/or payments you receive. Also, note any companies that refuse to reduce your rates. Remember it never hurts to ask and the worst that could happen is they simply say no. Make the decision to stop using credit cards with high-interest rates.

7. Take decisive steps to reduce your expenses. For example, if you’re paying out $200 a month for premium cable channels and they are unwilling to reduce your bill (In my personal experience they have always reduced my bill when I call and ask for a lower payment), you have the power to cut your cable bill by removing the service completely.

8. Determine how you can bring in additional dollars. You could consider getting a second job. There are other money-making opportunities you could consider as well. Are you a crafter? Sell your crafts on Etsy. Do you have a lot of items around your house that you don’t use or need anymore? Host a yard sale or list the items for sale on a community marketplace site like Facebook marketplace. Use cashback apps and extension browsers such as Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, Honey, and Rakuten when shopping for necessities. Then, use the extra money you earn to pay off debts. Recognize you do have the power to change things.

9. Keep your Master List with you throughout the day. Each time you’re about to make a purchase, glance at the list and reflect on your bills and financial goals. Ask yourself if you truly need what you’re about to purchase. Allow yourself to feel proud about this new routine.

10. Record your thoughts and feelings about the changes you’re making. It’s a challenge to try to change something about yourself, and how you manage your finances is no different. Write down how you’re feeling about adjusting your spending habits. It also helps to write about your financial goals, why you are trying to pay down your debt, why you’re trying to save money, and what are the financial goals you’re working towards. Be optimistic that you can and will change your financial situation.

If you consistently find yourself running out of cash and struggling to pay your bills, vow to follow these strategies to change your spending behaviors. You have the choice to alter your financial habits in powerful ways. You can do it!

Thank you for stopping by and checking out our Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending! Which tip was your favorite? Any other tips you'd like to add? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

Have a great day!

Other Krazy Deal Daze Post You May Be Interested In:

Monday, August 14, 2017

Couponing Basics for Beginners - What you Need to Know

This post may contain paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising DisclosureStatement.

What's a coupon?

A coupon is a ticket or document that can be redeemed for a financial discount or rebate when purchasing a product. Customarily, coupons are issued by manufacturers of consumer packaged goods or by retailers, to be used in retail stores as a part of sales promotions.

Manufacturer coupons

A manufacturer coupon is a coupon issued by a manufacturer that offers a free item or a specific amount off the purchase price of one or more of a manufacturer's products. You will see "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on the coupon.

There are many sources of manufacturer’s coupons.

Manufacturer’s coupons may be used at any store that will accept them (which includes most grocery, drug, and nationally-based chain stores).

Stores accept manufacturer’s coupons as a form of payment at checkout as they will be reimbursed from the manufacturer.

Manufacturers put out coupons to entice you to buy their product.

Trusted coupon printing sites: Coupons.com, SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com

Manufacturer websites and their social media sites.

In-stores on specially marked displays as tearpad coupons or blinkie coupons.

In magazines and Newspapers.

Writing or emailing the Manufacturer.

YES! You read that last bullet point right! You can write a letter or email your favorite companies, and some will send you coupons? It’s a great way to get exclusive coupons that you won’t get in newspapers or online, and some will even send you FREE product coupons as a thank you for reaching out to them. No this method doesn't work 100% of the time, but when it does It's well worth it!

A few tips when writing Manufacturers:

Make your letter personal. Don't directly ask for coupons and no sob stories. Instead explain why you personally love their product.

Suggest improvements based off your experience with their product ie.. a new flavor, new packaging suggestion...etc. Companies want to know how they can improve their products for their customers.

Don't forget to include your FULL mailing information! They can't send you any coupons if they don't know where to send it..!

Sometimes they say no... But it's okay! Others will say yes and send you goodies, so don't get discouraged.

Store coupons

A Store coupon is a coupon issued by the store and can only be used at that store. The store is giving you the discount. Typically you will see the stores logo printed on the coupon.

Store coupons can only be used at the store they are intended for. There are some exceptions, some stores may accept competitor’s coupons. (Always check the stores Coupon Policy, still not sure ask an associate or store manager)

Store coupons normally have a short window of time to use them. The “good through” dates often coincide with weekly store ad cycles.

Store coupons sometimes will let you buy more than one item. For instance when a coupon reads “limit 4.” This means you can buy up to 4 of that item and get them at the stated coupon price with that single coupon.

Most stores allow you to stack a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon. (Always check the stores Coupon Policy, still not sure ask an associate or store manager)

Can be found in weekly ads, mailers, in store, Sunday inserts, online at retailers site, even Apps like Flipp.

So how do you tell the difference between a Manufacturer coupon and a Store coupon? Here are three simple things to look for on your coupons:

look at the description. If it says manufacturer’s coupon, then you know it is and should be able to be redeemed anywhere. (Sometimes there is a store name listed and this can make things confusing.) There are times when it may appear to be a store coupon, when it is not. So when in doubt, look further.
look for a redemption address. Store coupons do not need to send the coupon anywhere for reimbursement, so there will not be a remit to address listed. However, manufacturer’s coupons must have this data listed so that the store can get their money back.
Check the barcode. If you see a 4, that indicates that it is a store coupon, but if it shows a 5 that means it is a manufacturer’s coupon (even if it shows a store logo).

Coupons may only be used once. You may not buy ten of the same item and scan the one coupon multiple times. Stores are only reimbursed for the single coupon you scanned per one item.

You may only use one coupon per indicated items purchased. If you have two coupons to save $1 on one item, you can buy two of those items and use both coupons. The coupon will say “one coupon per purchase.” That means you may not use both coupons on one item. If you purchase two items then you may use two coupons.

Coupons may not be copied. Copying coupons is illegal. You can obtain multiples of coupons in legal ways like buying multiple newspapers.

Using a coupon on an item that is on sale or clearance. In some cases you can even use a coupon on an item that is on sale or clearance. It’s always a good idea to check the stores Coupon Policy before planning your trip. Still not sure ask an associate, store manager, or even call corporate.

Always read the wording of the coupon and ignore the picture! Manufacturer’s usually put a picture of their most expensive product on the coupon to make you think that is what you have to buy. If you read the terms of the coupon, it may say “save on ANY brand said product.” That means you can buy even the least expensive product and still save with the coupon!

Always read the fine print of every coupon! In most cases, you are able to use one manufacturer’s coupon per item purchased. That means that if you have four coupons that read “save $1 on 1 item” you should be able to buy four of said item and use all four coupons. However, some coupons have fine print that states things such as “limit 4 like coupons in a transaction,” “limit 1 per shopping trip,” and/or “limit 1 per customer.” Make sure you’ve taken the time to read through the fine print to avoid any surprises at checkout.

Check your coupons expiration date! Yes coupons expire, so always double check your coupons expiration dates before heading to the store. Again, you don’t want any surprises at checkout.

Know your stores coupon policy! Thankfully we have the wealth of the worlds knowledge at our fingertips, so put them to use when planning your shopping trips and research your stores coupon policy (I even suggest printing a copy an taking it with you, just in case there's any misunderstandings with their policy at the register) Knowing your local stores coupon policy will help you plan a successful shopping trip! Also check the policies frequently as they do make changes from time to time, so make sure to keep yourself up-to-date.

Just start off slow, start by collecting your coupons and familiarizing yourself with them. Once you’ve accumulated some coupons you can plan your first trip. Don't be in a hurry to build a stockpile, you'll have plenty of time to work your way up to that level. In the meantime, enjoy the process of learning how to effectively coupon and save money!

Commonly used couponing terms and abbreviations:

BLINKIES - In-store coupons near product, usually from a red blinking box.
BOGO or B1G1 Free - Buy One Get One Free.
CAT or CATALINA - Coupon that prints at the register after purchase.
CRT - Cash register tape, coupon that prints in store.
DOUBLE COUPON - Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value.
ECB - CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases.
FREE ITEM COUPON - A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free.
IVC - Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthly EasySaver Catalog ).
IP - Internet Printable Coupon.
MFG or MQ - Manufacturer’s Coupon.
MIR - Mail In Rebate.
MONEY MAKER- A term used when the final price after coupons, rebates, gift cards, and "on your next order" coupons falls below $0.00. When you earn back more than you pay out, it’s a moneymaker.
NED - No expiration date.
ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE- Fine print on most coupons states that a customer can only use "one coupon per purchase." That means you can use one coupon ($1 off one, for example) for every item purchased
OOP - Out of Pocket, in reference to how much “real money” you will pay at the register.
OYNO - On your next order.
P&G - Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
PEELIE - Coupon that you peel off the package.
PSA - Prices Starting At.
Q - Coupon.
RP - Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
RR - Register Rewards.
SS - Smart Source coupon insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
STACKING - Using a store specific coupon with a manufacturer coupon (most stores allow this).
TEARPAD - A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display.
TRIPLE COUPON - A coupon that a grocery store triples in value.
WYB - When You Buy.
YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary