Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts

Monday, May 19, 2025

The Art of DIY Savings

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The Art of DIY Savings: Creative Projects That Cut Costs

In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their dollar. One efficient method of doing so is by tackling do-it-yourself (DIY) projects that not just add personal flair to your space but also significantly cut down costs. Whether it's whipping up your own eco-friendly cleaning solutions or giving a fresh lease of life to an old chest of drawers, the potential savings are substantial.

Creating Your Own Cleaning Supplies

One of the easiest places to start saving is with homemade cleaning supplies. With simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can create a range of cleaners at a fraction of the cost of store-bought products.

Tutorial:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine 1 part water, 1 part vinegar, and lemon rind with rosemary sprigs for natural fragrance.
Cost Breakdown: A gallon of vinegar is around $3.49, and lemons can be bought for about 50 cents each. This solution costs less than a dollar per spray bottle.
Potential Savings: Save up to $5 per bottle compared to leading brands.

Repurposing Old Furniture

Instead of tossing out that worn-out chair or scuffed table, giving them a makeover can breathe new life into them and save you from splurging on new pieces.

Tutorial:

Chair Reupholstery: Choose a fabric, remove the old one, add some padding, and staple the new fabric over the frame.
Cost Breakdown: Fabric may cost around $10, and a staple gun is about $20, but it can be used for numerous projects.
Potential Savings: New chairs range from $50 to hundreds, making reupholstery a handy saving trick.

Creative Upcycling Ideas

Upcycling is taking something old and turning it into something new and useful, which saves money and reduces waste.

Tutorial:

Wine Bottle Planters: Cut the bottle carefully, sand the edges, and fill it with soil for a chic planter.
Cost Breakdown: Virtually free if using leftover wine bottles.
Potential Savings: Comparable planters can cost upwards of $25.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out The Art of DIY Savings. Have you ever embarked on your own DIY project? Any other DIY savings you would suggest? 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!

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Legal Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with a professional advisor before initiating any business venture.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Budget-Friendly Buys: Discovering Quality at Low Prices

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Budget-Friendly Buys: Discovering Quality at Low Prices

Everyone loves to find a great deal, especially when it means not sacrificing quality. But how do you know if you're truly getting the best bang for your buck? Here are some savvy shopping tactics that can help you score high-quality products without breaking the bank.

Read Reviews Like a Pro

Product reviews are like secret messages from people who've already bought what you're eyeing. They can tell you a lot about the quality and value of a product. Here's how to read them effectively:

Look for Patterns: If multiple reviews mention the same issue or praise, it's likely a reliable indicator of the product's performance.
Check Verified Purchases: Some platforms mark reviews from verified buyers. These tend to be more trustworthy since they confirm the reviewer actually bought the item.
Read the Extremes: Look at the best and worst reviews to understand the range of experiences. Just remember, some may be overly positive or negative.

Compare Prices with Precision

Before you hit 'buy', make sure you're getting the best deal out there. Price comparison is key:

Use Comparison Tools: Websites and apps can compare prices across different stores in seconds. Try tools like Google Shopping or apps like ShopSavvy.
Check Different Formats: Sometimes, buying in bulk or choosing a different size or color can save you money.
Consider Total Cost: Don't forget to factor in shipping fees and taxes. The lowest sticker price isn't always the cheapest option once these are added.

Leverage Discount Seasons and Clearance Sales

Timing can be everything when it comes to finding deals. Here's when to shop:

End-of-Season Sales: As seasons change, retailers often clear out old stock. This is a perfect time to grab clothes, shoes, and seasonal items.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These famous shopping days after Thanksgiving offer deep discounts on a wide range of products.
Back-to-School and Tax-Free Days: Many states have tax-free days to help with back-to-school shopping, which can also apply to other items.

Get Alerts for Price Drops

Don't miss out on sudden price drops. Set up alerts to stay in the loop:

Sign Up for Newsletters: Retailers often send special offers to their subscribers first.
Use Alert Services: Tools like CamelCamelCamel track prices on sites like Amazon and alert you when they drop.

Embrace Second-Hand Shopping

You can find barely used or well-maintained items for a fraction of the cost:

Visit Thrift Stores: Local thrift shops often have unique finds at low prices.
Shop Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay or apps like Letgo connect you with sellers of used goods.

Loyalty Programs and Coupons

Take advantage of loyalty programs and coupons:

Join Loyalty Programs: Earn points and get access to members-only discounts.
Clip Coupons: Check newspapers, store flyers, and online coupon sites for savings.

Smart Shopping Checklist

Keep this checklist handy when you're on the hunt for quality, budget-friendly buys:

Read through several product reviews, focusing on verified purchases.
Use price comparison tools to ensure the best deal.
Check for cheaper options in different sizes or colors.
Calculate total costs, including shipping and taxes.
Keep an eye on seasonal sales and special discount days.

By following these tips, you'll become a smart shopper who knows how to spot quality at low prices. Remember, a little research goes a long way in saving you money while still getting the products you love. Happy hunting!

Thank you for stopping by and checking out our Budget-Friendly Buys: Discovering Quality at Low Prices. 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!

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Thursday, August 11, 2022

8 Ways to Make Extra Money at Home

Check out all the Krazy deals we found for August.

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Krazy Deal Daze is more than money-saving just finding krazy deals and money-saving inspiration. You got to have money to spend, to cash in on those krazy deals.

Are you looking for a side hustle to make a little extra cash? Who isn’t, am I right?

What would you do with a little extra money each week? Pay bills? Buy groceries? Perhaps save it for a vacation or a deposit for a house?

Luckily, it’s never been easier to make extra money from the comfort of your own home!

Consider these ideas:

Become a virtual assistant. If you can copy and paste data, then you can easily become a virtual assistant. While some of the tasks involved may be more complicated than copying and pasting, most tasks will not need much skill or experience, yet can earn you a healthy amount if you find the right client.

● There are dedicated sites online, such as Upwork, where you can bid for virtual assistant jobs. You can also find work on social media if you keep your eyes open.

Sell on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. We all have things around our homes that we no longer want or need. Rather than leaving them to gather dust, you could list them for sale online.

● You could even buy from other sellers cheaply before relisting the items for a small profit yourself after you’ve clean up and repaired the items. Furniture flipping is a lovely side hustle.

Trade cryptocurrency. While cryptocurrency is still relatively new, there are still plenty of people online making money by trading Bitcoin or digital currency. To get started you can use this link to start your portfolio on Robinhood and get a free stock just for signing up. As with anything else you want to sell, the way to profit is to sell at a higher price than you bought it.

Sell services on Fiverr. If you have any skills, such as writing, design, or many others, you can offer your services on Fiverr or one of the many marketplaces online.

● Work may be slow when you first start selling on these sites, but once you start making sales and your reputation grows, you can start to make more money.

Start a blog. Do you have a particular passion or subject that you know a lot about? If you do, consider writing a blog. Whether your passion is dogs or fashion, if you can write about the subject, then your audience will grow.

● Before long you’ll be able to earn money from commissions from products you recommend or from accepting advertising, like Google Ads, on your site.

Social media management. Nowadays, most people and businesses have a social media presence. If a company wishes to reach their target audience, it’s important to keep posting content to their social media accounts. This is where you can come in and offer your social media management services.

● If you have any experience in growing a social media following, you can charge these companies to grow their channels for them.

Affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing involves creating content to promote various product offers and services. You receive a commission from any product bought from your affiliate link. You can promote these products on your blog or social media accounts.

● There are thousands of niches to choose from, with plenty of money to be made from selling in-demand products.

● You can find products to promote from marketplaces like Clickbank, Amazon, or JVZoo. You can also find many websites that offer affiliate programs for their products Amazon, ShareASale, Rakuten, and Impact to name a few.

Create online courses. This can also be a great way to make money at home by teaching others how to do any skill that you know. There are many ways to do this.

● You can create a digital product that you could sell, like an eBook.

● You could create a YouTube channel where you teach your skills to others. With YouTube, you may not make much money to start, but if you stick with it, creating new videos on a regular basis, then you could grow a following and create a passive income stream that could last for years.

● Create courses to upload to course marketplaces like Udemy, Teachable, Kajabi, or many more. You make money by selling access to your courses.

Basically, if you know how to do anything online or know more about a topic than the average person, you can monetize that skill or knowledge online.

Making money at home is certainly possible, and for some of the ideas, you need very little skill or expertise, making them suitable for just about anyone.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out our 8 Ways to Make Extra Money at Home. So which side hustle do you fancy? What other side hustles would you suggest? 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!

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

What You Can Do to Reduce the Energy Use of Your Home

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Let’s be honest here, we’re all struggling a little when it comes to household finances these days. The pandemic has taken a huge toll, and the impact it’s had on the job market doesn’t look like it’s going to go away anytime soon. In the meantime, it’s up to us to find ways to make our expenses fit our income. Reducing your energy bill can help, but only if you can find some ways to reduce the amount of energy you use. So what can you do?

Use Energy Efficient Appliances

So this one requires an upfront cost, but it’s one that can pay off if you’re able to swing it. Old kitchen and laundry appliances tend to be less energy efficient than the models of today. Part of this is due to increased inefficiencies that happen over time, while the other part of it is that newer appliances have been built with greater efficiency in mind. If your appliances are reaching the end of their lifespan, it’s time to start looking for newer, more efficient options. Once you have them, you can sit back and enjoy the extra savings you get just because the new appliances are using less power than the old ones.

Don’t Leave Things Plugged In

Ever heard of energy vampires? It’s the term that is used to describe things that get left plugged in and still pull electricity even if they aren’t actually being used. Phone chargers are a classic example of this. We tend to leave them plugged in all the time, regardless of whether or not we’re charging a phone. The problem is that the charger is still pulling electricity as long as it’s plugged in, regardless of whether or not a phone is charging. Unplugging appliances and electronics may not net you a ton of savings, but sometimes even a little savings here and there can help.

Add More Insulation

Your HVAC system probably has the greatest impact on how much energy you use in your home. The harder it has to work to heat or cool your home, the more energy it has to use to get the job done. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. One of them is to add more insulation to your home if you don’t have adequate insulation in places like your attic, walls, ceilings, floors, and more. Insulation allows you to maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home, preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain during the summer. This means your system won’t have to work as hard, reducing the amount of energy it uses.

Use Efficient Windows and Doors

Adding insulation isn’t the only way to maintain your home’s internal climate. Windows and doors can be major culprits when it comes to the loss of heat and cool air, especially if they aren’t energy efficient. That could cost you, literally. Energy efficient entry doors save money by reducing the need for heating and cooling. Energy efficient windows can do the same. If you aren’t sure if your windows and doors are a problem, you can always have a home inspection done. Some companies use infrared thermal scanning that can identify whether or not you have a problem in these areas.

Leverage Natural Light

Do you find yourself turning the lights on during the day? If so, you could be using energy unnecessarily. Natural light can go a long way towards lighting up your home. It’s free too, which means you’re saving money on the energy you aren’t using to light your home. Feel free to open up the curtains and blinds. Because natural light has mental health benefits, you may even find that your personal energy levels improve along with your energy savings in this area.

Get Smart

Have you hopped on the smart home bandwagon yet? If not, you could be missing out on some opportunities to reduce your energy use. Smart home technology allows you to control things like your home’s heating, electronic devices, and lights remotely, enabling you to maximize your savings opportunities. Remember how we said earlier that your HVAC system has a huge impact on the amount of energy you use? With a smart thermostat you can control the settings remotely, allowing you to adjust to more energy efficient settings while you’re away and then back to your comfort level when you’re getting close to home. Smart lights mean that you won’t have to worry about leaving the lights on again either. Reducing your energy use has never been easier.

Trimming a little here and a little there off of your expenses can make a difference when it comes to trying to stretch the income you have a little further. Finding ways to reduce the energy you use around your home is just one thing you can do to help cut costs. What are some of the money-saving strategies you’ve used in your household?

Read this next: How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity

Thank you for stopping by and checking out What You Can Do to Reduce the Energy Use of Your Home. Which suggestion was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? 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!

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Monday, January 10, 2022

Important Steps on the Way to Building a Custom Home

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If you’ve been getting ready to start building a custom home, you’ve come to the right place. There are a lot of different steps to take and things to decide when it comes to building a custom home, and it can feel pretty overwhelming at times. However, there are some very important steps that will provide the bones and structure for your home build journey. Here are the most important steps to consider as you’re getting ready to build your custom home.

Create Your Vision

First off, you need to create a vision for the type of home that you want to build. This could include anything from the exterior structure to the interior decorations to the land that the home will be built on. Make sure that you are collecting ideas from magazines, social media, and websites to give you inspiration for your vision. Bookmark ideas that you love and create a specific folder, physical or digital, full of elements that you want to include in your home. This will help you to know how to navigate the next steps of your home build journey, and it will guarantee that you end up with the dream home you’ve always wanted.

Find Builders

Next up, you need to find builders to work on your home build. If you are building your home in a development neighborhood, chances are that the business running the development already has a team of workers that will build your home. However, if you aren’t building your home in a development neighborhood, you’ll need to find those builders yourself. It can be helpful to hire an experienced contractor since oftentimes they have building teams that will work with them on their projects. Try to find a contractor that is experienced in the specific style and type of home that you are wanting to build. This will help you to work better on achieving the vision for your home.

Look into Financing

Once you’ve found builders, it is important to look into financing. Buying a property and constructing a home can be quite expensive, and most people need a mortgage or loan to get started. Make sure that you look into the different mortgages and loans available for people building homes so that you find a plan that will be affordable and convenient for you. Your home build will be so important to you and your family, so you want to make sure that you can keep up with your mortgage and/or loan payments as time goes by.

Buy a Vacant Lot

Now that you’ve figured out your financing and have a plan for paying for your home, it is time to find the perfect spot for your home build. You need to have land or a contract closing soon to start building your home. So, it is important to search for a vacant lot that fits within your budget and that is also in the ideal setting for your home vision. The price for lots can vary based on the surrounding area and the size of the lot. However, you need to prioritize what is most important to you. A half-acre lot that is near lots of convenient stores, restaurants, and schools, will probably be more expensive than a full-acre lot that is on the outskirts of town. So, take these elements into account as you’re looking at lots and determining how much you’d like to spend on your land.

Choose Your Layout

Once you have your lot, your contractor and builders will want to get working, so it is important to determine what you’d like the layout of your house to be. If you’re building in a development neighborhood, the owners will likely have a number of layouts that you can choose from to create your ideal house. However, if you’re wanting something a lot more customizable and personal, this can also be achieved outside of a development neighborhood. As you’re planning your layout, make sure that you take into account how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need as well as hosting and entertainment space. For example, if you have a large family and want to have them over often, you might want to choose an open floor plan for your kitchen and dining area. Your layout will determine the functionality of your home.

Choose Your Materials

After you’ve determined your layout and the builders have started working, it will be time for you to start choosing the materials that you want to use in your home. This can include everything from countertops to carpets to flooring to lighting to your home’s exterior. The truth is, there are a lot of choices that you’re going to have to make when it comes to the materials of your home build, which is why it is so important to have a vision for your home beforehand. Make sure that you prioritize the materials that really matter to you, so you’re not going over budget on everything.

Add Finishing Touches

So, your home is finally finished, the builders have vacated the area, and now you are left with the empty canvas of your home to decorate. Hopefully, you’ve left enough money in your budget for furniture and finishing touches. Fill your home with furniture, decorations, and accessories that make you happy and that are personal to your family, lifestyle, and interests. This will make your empty house build into a personalized home.

Now that you’ve read this article, you know all of the most important steps that will help you to achieve your vision for your custom home. Remember, if you feel like you need additional help on any of these steps, take some time to research and find specialists that can help you to accomplish your goals. Soon, you’ll have the custom home build that you’ve always dreamed of and your family will be able to enjoy that special space together.

Read this next: How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity

Thank you for stopping by and checking out Important Steps on the Way to Building a Custom Home. Which step was your favorite? What other steps would you suggest? 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:

Friday, January 7, 2022

How to Plan a Party on a Budget

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Every party host wants their guests to leave happy, satisfied, and let’s face it, impressed. But the cost of so many things that go into a party, such as food, beverages, decorations, and party rentals, can add up quickly. If keeping within your budget is important, don’t worry—you can plan a successful party and save money at the same time.

Make Simple Invitations

Small get-togethers require just a phone call or text, but for larger or more formal parties, invitations are in order. The trouble is, buying personalized and mailing invitations can be expensive. If the occasion allows, consider sending out digital invitations. Several websites and social media platforms offer free or low-cost digital invitations. You can design and personalize them online, and collect RSVPs when people respond. If you prefer printed invites or if a keepsake invitation is desired, such as for a special anniversary, you can also take advantage of low-cost websites that let you order printed invitations. Of course, you’ll want to plan ahead to leave extra time for shipping and mailing.

Focus on Free Entertainment

Kids don’t care if you hire an expensive character impersonator or rent an inflatable bouncer—they just want to have fun. For kids, that means being active and playing. If a kids’ party is being held outdoors, you can’t go wrong with classics like sack races or ball tosses. For the indoors, searching games and crafts can be fun.

Just like kids, grown-ups like games, too. Organize a bean-bag throw contest (called cornhole in some areas) and offer inexpensive prizes for other kinds of competitions. Instead of hiring a DJ, hook up some speakers and stream your own music playlist. This can even work at weddings with some planning.

Reuse Old Supplies

Every party seems to end up with surplus supplies like extra paper plates, napkins, streamers, or balloons. With a little creativity, you can repurpose supplies from a previous party and create new decorations. You can make paper flowers from leftover streamers or party napkins. Or, add a new color and braid streamers together for a fresh look.

For kids, leftover paper plates can be folded into baskets to use for party favor bags. You can also use paper plates for kids’ crafts and games. The backs of paper plates make a great canvas for drawing and coloring. Use scissors to cut holes in the plates, and they can be transformed into masks.

Buy in Bulk

Whether you shop at a big-box warehouse retail store or an online shop, buying in bulk can save you money. Food, decorations, and other party supplies can all be purchased in large quantities at discount prices. Frozen party foods like chicken wings, meatballs, and other finger foods are available in large boxes, for instance, which can save you both money and time. For a large party, buying napkins, paper plates, drinking cups, and other serving supplies are also less expensive at bulk shops. Multi-tiered stands can make food such as hors d’oeuvres and desserts look appealing. Toothpicks add detail to your food presentation that will impress people without breaking the bank.

Encourage BYOB

Drinks are expensive, especially beer, wine, and spirits. For more informal parties, it’s perfectly acceptable to request guests to bring their own drinks or contribute to the bar. You may ask directly by putting BYOB on the invitations, but there are also some fun ways to subtly encourage it. For an adult party, consider throwing a wine tasting or beer tasting party. Ask guests to bring their favorite wine or craft beer. Use plastic shot glasses to set up tasting flights and ask guests to rate and vote for their favorite. The winner can win an inexpensive prize, such as a bottle opener or corkscrew, and afterward, everyone shares the leftover beverages.

Make It Appetizers Only

Unless you’re not specifically hosting a dinner party, you may not need to serve a meal or a full buffet. Everyone loves finger foods, and an appetizers-only party can satisfy your guests’ hunger and save you money in the long run. By offering a wide range of appetizers, from vegetables to gluten-free desserts, you can also meet your guests’ varying dietary needs.

For informal parties, a simple browsing table will work, but if you want to ramp it up a notch, serve some more unusual foods and take some time with the presentation. Tapas and small plates are popular trends these days, and the appetizers-only theme is even being used for weddings.

Use Your Backyard

Moving a party outdoors has a number of advantages, and not just on your budget. Most people’s backyards can comfortably accommodate more people than their living rooms, so you can expand the invitation list. Outdoor parties also require less elaborate decorations: just add some lights or a few flowering plants. If rain is a risk, consider renting a tent or canopy. It can be much less expensive than renting a venue. A backyard party doesn’t have to be a kids’ party or barbecue. With the right touches, you can transform your backyard into a more formal venue. Many couples save thousands of dollars by hosting a backyard wedding.

Make It a Potluck

Family parties are often potlucks, and they’re usually a hit. Everyone looks forward to Grandma’s potato salad or Uncle Joe’s hot wings. But potlucks can be fun experiences for other types of parties, too. Start by choosing a theme, such as a specific cuisine or occasion. Part of the entertainment is getting to sample a variety of dishes. You can ask people to indicate what they will bring or assign people certain categories, such as appetizers, side dishes, salad, entrées, and dessert. You might also want to set a size or price range per item so that everyone contributes an equitable amount. Label the dishes and encourage tasting size portions.

A great party doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable. Whatever the occasion of the party, you can save money without forgoing anything needed for people to have a good time. With a little imagination, you can host a memorable event that doesn’t break your budget.

Read this next: Why Online Shopping is the Best Way to Shop

Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Plan a Party on a Budget. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? 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!

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