For people living on a budget, it is still entirely possible to create a home that appears elegant and high class without sacrificing your budget. One simple tip is to purchase frames in bulk in order to save money while showcasing art. Also, commit yourself to one unified palette, and embrace minimalist style. Put cherished details on display, and finally design your home in such a way that your … [Read more...]
Budget Backsplashes
Backsplashes can add the perfect splash of color and decoration to your kitchen. A backsplash doesn't have to cost you a fortune or a lot of hassle to add to your kitchen decor, either. If you're looking for good backsplash tips and ideas that will work on a budget, this article called "12 Inventive Ideas for a Budget Backsplash" posted on bobvila.com might be exactly what you need. The ideas in … [Read more...]
Budget Kitchen Makeovers
Do you wish you could change your kitchen's look but don't think you have the money? Kitchen improvement doesn't have to cost you a fortune. In fact, bobvila.com posted an article called "10 Total Kitchen Makeovers—and What They Cost", which could give you some inspiration for how you could make your kitchen over on a budget. Many of the makeovers costed less than $4,000. Sometimes it's just … [Read more...]
Budget-Friendly Decorating
If you're looking to decorate on a budget, you may be surprised how well you'd do shopping at Walmart. Walmart's prices often can't be beat, but does that mean that their products are low-quality, low-style and not worth buying? Not necessarily. This article from bhg.com lists and describes some trendy decor pieces that you can pick up from Walmart, including: Bookshelves Geometric rugs … [Read more...]
How to Garden on a Budget
Well, I don't know where you live, or what your winter has been like, but Mr. Sthole and I planted our garden last month and then got hit by the freeze for several days in a row. Needless to say, we lost our budding little plants and will have to start completely over. If you're trying to garden on a budget, Apartment Therapy has five tips to help you garden on the … [Read more...]
Low Cost Ways To Update Home Security
With the world as crazy as it is, home security is pretty much on the fore front of everyone's mind. But what do you do when money is tight and you still want to make sure your family and home are safe? Bob Vila gives you a few tips and tricks to help you upgrade your home security on a budget. Window Shades Install window and door shadesthat make it difficult to see if someone is home. … [Read more...]
Stretching Your DIY Budget
If you're an avid DIY-er you'll know first hand that crafting quickly adds up. Because of this you may find yourself having to split your projects between budgets, or putting them off completely. Here are some tips on how to stretch out your budget to help you complete those fun DIY projects when you want to. The best DIY projects are made out of hand me downs, thrift store or yard sale finds … [Read more...]
Frugality: The Facts and The Myths
In this day and age where frugality is almost anything but a choice, what are the myths that underlie this way of living? And more importantly what are the actually truths of living frugally? 1. People are frugal because they have no choice. This can be true for some, but most have just prioritized their spending. If you think of everything you buy in terms of how much of your time you've sold … [Read more...]
Watch Out For New Credit Card Fees
It looks like it’s becoming quite popular for stores to charge a fee if you want to give them your money via credit card. This seems crazy but last summer there was an antitrust settlement between merchants and Visa, MasterCard, and big banks about credit card interchange fees. These are the swipe fees merchants pay to the networks to process your payment when you buy something. Merchants now … [Read more...]
Behaviors That Can Destroy Your Financial Health
If you received a raise tomorrow, what would you do? Would you celebrate with a glass of wine? A dinner out? These are things you deserve for a job well done, but your new income shouldn't effect your current or long term spending habits. The problem is our minds think that we can and should spend any money that comes into our accounts. If we suddenly get a raise, we think we should be able to … [Read more...]