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How To Move On A Budget

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Moving can get very expensive. It may not seem like it at first, but things add up. There are some expenses that are inevitable in the moving process, but there are also other areas you could save a buck or two. Before you go all in, make sure you do the proper research to accurately compare which moving option is right for your budget whether you are looking to hire a moving company, or you are going to rent a van and do the moving. Here are some tips on how to save money on your move.

Reduce Your Load

Make sure that you get rid of the things that you do not want anymore before you move. You do not want to move things that are broken, no longer useful, or simply unused. You want to bring things into your new place that you use on a regular basis or that you cannot live without. To help you get rid of some of the stuff you do not need, consider hosting a garage sale or donate your stuff. The less stuff you have, the fewer things need to be moved.

Move During The Off-Season

Most people move during June or July during either the first or the last of the month, so any time other than those two months can be considered the off-season. No matter if you move items abroad or across town, talk with your movers if that is the option you went with. Ask them if you get any discounts for moving during an off-season. You never know! They may offer you a limited-time-only promotion because of it.

Book Early

Moving is not something that is spontaneous. If you want to save the most money as possible, you have to plan. Planning means booking your mover sooner rather than later. When you wait until the last hour to book a moving company, you run the risk of being charged higher rates. As soon as you know it is time to move, book those movers. You do not want to see money going down the drain.

Be Flexible

More than likely, you have a window of time for your movers to come, gather your things, and deliver it to you. Keep in mind that you should maintain an attitude of flexibility. Things happen and plans change all the time. If you re willing to work within their timeframe, take that as an opportunity to negotiate a lower rate. Maybe you are the one working on a tight time constraint. If that is the case, you want to make sure that your moving in, and moving out date works for everyone’s schedule.

Know How Much Things Cost

Knowing how much things cost upfront will keep you from falling victim to the nickles and dimes some moving companies can charge. Before you book anything, get clarification on what exactly your charges are coming from, what are some potential charges you should look out for, and if there are any additional fees that are attached to whatever services you paid for. When you have all this information, planning for those costs becomes easy.

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Raising A Baby On A Budget: 9 Awesome Tips To Get You Going

Being pregnant and raising a baby is an exciting time in life. Most people believe that they have to get every single one of the latest and greatest gadgets in babyhood, but it’s not the case. Babies need surprisingly little and you can easily raise one or two of them without as much as you think. Money shouldn’t be something that you panic about when it comes to raising children; and yet we all do it.

If you’re not used to living frugally, then raising a baby on a budget is a scary thing to consider. The thing is, we are all closer to bankruptcy than we are to being billionaires, and with the pandemic happening right now, people are losing their jobs left and right. You have to be able to adapt and while that is frightening when you’re a first-time parent, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world. Frugal living is just another adventure, and you’ll realize very quickly that your new baby doesn’t need too many things to make them comfortable. The things that they do need can be purchased cheaply, and there are plenty of ways you can manage on little to no budget at all. 

So, let’s take a closer look at 9 awesome tips that will get you going when it comes to raising a baby on a budget. The first piece of advice before we dive in, though, is not to panic. You have got this – no matter the circumstances.

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1. Don’t Buy Into The Hype

Swing seats and sterilizers, strollers that look like miniature tanks and expensive nursery furniture: you will face it all when you first realize you are pregnant. If you’re in a position where you have lost your job, then you’re going to notice ALL of the gadgets and gizmos geared towards parents more than anyone. Why? Well, we’re influenced by the creators – “buy this now, you need this for your child” at every single turn. You have to train your brain into not buying into the hype. You do not need a Rockit – a gadget that rocks the stroller for you – because you have a perfectly good set of hands. You do not need fifty bottles and a sterilizer because you have the ability to feed your child for free if you breastfeed. Diapers can be expensive, but if you invest in cloth diapers you can save a LOT of money. Being thrifty and living frugally is easy to do if you get past the advertising for all of the products that you don’t need.

2. Shop Smartly

For the things that you do need for a baby, it’s time to get onto Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Strollers are expensive when you buy them from the store, but you can get over 50% off when you buy them second hand. Strollers do not need to be bought new, not when you can wash the liners and the bedding. The same goes for baby clothes. While you may shop for a few outfits and buy them yourself, babies only really need sleepsuits and onesies to be comfortable and warm. Buying these second-hand and washing them all through before the baby arrives will be cheaper and easier than buying everything new. You can even buy preloved cloth diapers and just buy the liners new to save some cash. If you’re smart about where you shop, then frugal baby shopping can and will happen. Make a list of everything you absolutely need (leave off cot bumpers, you do not need a pretty cot, you need a safe one!).

3. Buy Chameleon Items

If you do have to invest some cash in certain items, then buy the items that will grow with your child. Strollers with a newborn carrycot often convert into pushchairs that face forward and last up to 18months and beyond. You can buy a cot bed instead of a cot and ensure that you have a toddler bed later on. You can even buy highchairs that will convert into booster seats for the dining table. These items are all often higher in cost than others, but that’s where you invest wisely. Ask friends and family to help you with these items – especially if they offer to buy a baby gift for you! All you have to ensure it’s that the items you buy fit health and safety regulations.

4. Coupon, Coupon!

Freebies are everything, and if you have the chance to get your hands on coupons for baby wipes and other hygiene products, linens and bulk-buying certain items, do it. There is nothing wrong with running as many coupons as possible. Ask everyone you know who doesn’t have kids to collect them for you, too. You can often buy the big-ticket items like cribs and strollers with coupons, and you can bring the retail price right down when you know where to shop. Don’t forget to bulk buy things like scented diaper sacks and washing powder, too, as babies are messy little things!

5. Breastfeeding

Okay, so this is a sensitive subject for a lot of women. The thing about breastfeeding is that the key is education. Many women give up feeding very early on, or they feel they have to supplement with formula so their baby gets enough food. With the right research, you will learn that milk comes in at day five and a newborn only needs colostrum (liquid gold) from you before that. Speak to your healthcare provider, but do as much research as possible about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. This way, you can be ready to pop the baby on the breast and save yourself a ton of cash in formula, bottles, and sterilizing kits.

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6. Start With What You NEED

There are very few things that a baby needs when they are born. They need something to wear, somewhere to sleep and a way to be transported. You can attend sling meets and get a cheap baby carrier, but be mindful of the type you buy. The Baby Bjorn carriers are not great for babies and their hips; you want one that will wrap the baby to you and put their legs in a frog position so that they’re not dangling with pressure on their pelvis. Buy what you need, and then when you can, buy what you want for them.

7. Look For Help

If you are blessed with a family of excited relatives who are itching to help, rope everyone in. Ask for meals to be made to store in the freezer and ask them to look into their churches and local charities for clothes, soft toys, and bedding. If you can get government help, then research that, too!

8. Be Humble, Accept The Freebies

Free samples are everywhere when you’re pregnant, and with them come some of the basics. You can even get free nasal aspirators and hats for your baby if you sign up with enough coupons and freebies. It’s okay to accept things for free – you’re not receiving charity.

9. Research Cheap Activities

A newborn baby does not need much in the way of activities and entertainment: you are a walking talking entertainment system for them. Playgrounds and most mother’s groups are free to attend, and reading programs are free at the library. You can meet up with friends for a picnic with your babies and you can even stroll around museums for free! Mostly, your baby just wants and needs you from the moment they’re born.

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5 Tips to Have Great Style on a Budget

Taking the time to focus on your style will help you enhance your looks and improve your confidence and self-image. Keeping up with the ever-changing fashion trends can be expensive, but having great style doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of cost-effective hacks to update your style and stay fashionable. To inspire you, here are five tips to have great style on a budget. 

1. Buy the basics

The first step to building a stylish wardrobe is to make sure that you have the basic clothing items to create a variety of outfits. Some essential clothing items include a pair of jeans, a white and black t-shirt, a little black dress, a crisp white blouse, and a pencil skirt. These staples should form the foundation of your wardrobe. Having these basics will ensure that you can create fashionable outfits all year round. You should also focus on buying items that are multi-purpose and can be worn at various events and times of the year. 

2. Visit thrift shops 

Thrift shops can be a treasure chest of one-of-a-kind clothing items and accessories. Purchasing items from thrift stores is an excellent way to support charitable causes and allows you to find some incredible bargains. Shopping at thrift stores is also far more eco-friendly as it helps to reduce the volume of carbon emissions associated with fast fashion. Overall, buying recycled clothing is a great way to help the environment, save money, and create a unique style that reflects your personality. 

3. Invest in accessories 

Accessories offer endless opportunities for clothes and have the power to elevate your outfits and express your style. It is worth investing in a few versatile accessories that can be worn with various outfits. This may include a classic leather bag, a statement belt, or a pair of chic sunglasses. Jewelry is another timeless accessory that can be worn with most outfits to create a more polished look. You can find a variety of great value online jewellery UK or visit markets and thrift shops to search for the best jewelry bargains. 

4. Look for clearance items

One of the easiest ways to reduce your clothing budget is by shopping at resale or outlet stores. Many clothes end up in these stores because clothing shops need to make room for new items when the next season arrives. This means that you can find fantastic quality pieces at low prices and take advantage of huge discounts. Many popular clothing stores also offer regular sales throughout the year, i.e. on Black Friday and Boxing Day. Take advantage of any sales and try to stock up on new items when discounts are on offer. 

5. Swap clothes with friends

Swapping clothes with your friends is a simple way to freshen up your wardrobe and style instantly. It will also mean that any unused items you have will be put to good use, rather than just remaining in your closet unworn. Host clothes swapping party and ask your friends to bring along some items that they no longer wear. That way, everyone can benefit from a revitalized wardrobe. 

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How Promo Codes Can Help You To Budget

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Budgeting is a big part of households across the world. Saving money where you can, you can then use the cash on a family holiday, presents for Christmas, for a date night, etc. There are many ways that you can do this – from adjusting your living costs to paying off your debt in monthly installments. But one way that might not initially come to mind is using promo codes. Now, you should be sensible when using promo codes – being careful to not overspend (which could result in damaging long term effects). But if you are sensible, you can reap the numerous benefits that come with them. 

Just make sure that when you do use them, you read the terms and conditions that come with them (which are usually visible in small print underneath the code). Some websites might also ask you to sign up to their website, which will send you the latest information about current promo codes and upcoming promo codes. If you want to stop these emails at any time, the website will, of course, have a link/box that you can click in order to opt-out of them. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews about the codes and ensure that you are aware of any expiration dates before trying to use them. Some of the codes are also only suitable for those spending over a certain amount of money – which shouldn’t tempt you to spend more than you can afford.

There are many companies out there that have online promo codes (an example of which being the sport’s merchandise vendor, Fanatics) that you can use with the click of a button. Offering a wide range of promo codes, from military discounts to student discounts, they are a great way of saving money. The promo code websites also include information about the company, shipping information and the type of products that they offer – a great addition that informs the customer on what they are purchasing.

How to tell if you can use a promo code

When heading to the checkout on a website, see if they have a ‘voucher code’ or ‘promo code’ box. If so, do a quick search on Google for promo codes. If they are a long-established company or even a new company, chances are, there will be a promo code that you can use. By using these promo codes you can save money that you would have spent on the products or on the shipping. One thing to remember with promo codes is that although they can help you to budget, you should make sure that you aren’t using the money that you have spent elsewhere. 

You can always save that extra money and put it towards something else – helping your finances in the long term. Of course, what you do with your money is completely up to you. But it’s important not to spend too much money online, meaning that you are short on rent or other living costs.

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Budgeting for Wedding Fun

When you’re planning your big day, you want all the fun, all the love, and all the celebrations but you don’t necessarily want to have to pay for all the costs.

Naturally, family members may want to help you out but all things considered, you would rather deliver a day to remember on a budget that doesn’t plunge you into debt for years to come. Is it possible to have a great wedding with minimal spend? Of course, it is and in this blog, we take a look at just how you’re going to do it.

Find Talent Locally

We’re not just talking about your wedding band through the AliveNetwork.com but all the skills your friends and family can offer you.

Got some budding young designers in the family? Why not let the junior members design your wedding invitations for a unique and fun flavor. Have them printed off rather than opting for a professional design, that will get used by hundreds of couples across the country, for a totally unique and time-saving set of invitations.

To save having to recycle hundreds of replies and envelopes, have your guests RSVP by email, setting up a separate email account if necessary.

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Venue

Traditionally, wedding receptions tend to get held at hotels or restaurants and if you’re hoping to party with quite a few of your nearest and dearest, it’s going to be pretty costly. That’s why a simple marquee in a field, with some borrowed or rented tables and chairs, is going to save you a bomb.

Go for unique table settings with flowers sourced from your own gardens and presented in reusable glassware such as mason or jam jars. Go shopping in your local flea market and pick up old fashioned teapots, cups, and saucers to create an English afternoon tea theme complete with homemade cakes.

Save money on catering with a huge hog roast and BBQ where guests can come and graze as often as they want, leaving you free to mingle and have fun with your friends and family.

Photographer

You could spend money on a professional photographer to capture your special day or provide instant cameras for your guests to capture candid shots. If you do know someone who’d be willing to take on the duties of the more formal captures then rope them in but don’t overload them.

You’ll want to spend a little more money on some things, a dress perhaps or a band for the evening, but when you’re not interested in trying to impress with an expensive venue or catering then something that reflects the character and personality of you both is far more fun and far more authentic. By recycling the glassware and crockery you’ll be keeping your waste to a minimum and save some money. Enjoy a day that feels relaxed, happy and full of love. 

Rather than feeling stressful, planning a wedding on a budget can instead be something of a welcome relief knowing you won’t break the bank and have money left over for a holiday to get over the fun and excitement of the best day of your life.

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Yes, You Can Have Fun On A Budget

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Are you feeling the strain of January already? Lots of people find that they are under a lot of pressure in January as their bank balances still haven’t fully recovered after Christmas and New Year. Their weak money situation coupled with the poor winter weather can make them feel very fed up with things. It’s certainly a big come down after all the Christmas festivities that have just been!

Because of the financial pressures that January puts on us, the majority of people try to save as much as they can so that they can get their finances on track as soon as possible. As a result, they often end up feeling glum for most of the month as they are on a very tight budget and can’t afford to spend money on fun activities and entertainment.

What would you think if I told you that it is still very much possible to have plenty of fun in January? Would you say I was crazy? Well, you might be surprised to hear that it is possible to have plenty of fun on a budget, no matter what time of year it is. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you do that. And yes – they will all work throughout the whole of January!

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Stay Local

One of the main reasons why going on fun days out and taking part in fun activities can become so expensive is because of all the travel involved getting to them. So, it’s a good idea to stick to local events if you want to try to save some money. Places that you can walk to are the best as you won’t need to spend any cash at all in getting there. If you do need to travel somewhere, it’s best to try to stick to public transport as it will be cheaper than driving. If you do need to drive, why not think about carsharing with some friends or relatives? You can then share petrol costs, which should bring the overall price down.

Enjoy An Evening In

Of course, you don’t always have to leave the house to have fun. You will be able to enjoy a lot of cheaper entertainment in the comfort of your own home. If you find out more from Optimum, you can learn about their great deals that can offer you streaming services, an internet connection, and TV packages for very reasonable prices. So you will then be able to spend plenty of nights on the sofa catching up with your favorite TV shows and movies. Don’t forget that there are also plenty of games consoles that can provide you with plenty of entertainment at home as well. If you have a favorite pastime or hobby, such as running, reading, or knitting, you might want to join some online message boards where you can chat with like-minded people. That could be another fun way to spend your evenings in.

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Take Cash, Leave Your Card At Home

Do you often end up overspending whenever you go for a meal at a restaurant or just a few quiet drinks at your local bar? If so, there is one way you can try to curb your spending. You just need to take the cash that you will need with you and leave all your bank cards and credit cards at home. Then once you run out of money, you will have to stop spending as there will be no way you can pay on the card or withdraw more cash out from an ATM.

Pay Your Own Way

One thing that can sometimes end up very expensive is splitting the bill in a restaurant or bar between friends. When splitting the bill equally, everyone pays the same amount and shares the cost evenly between them. This can be quite expensive for people who haven’t had as many courses or drinks during the meal, though. So, to make sure that you don’t end up paying more than your fair share, it’s always best to simply pay your own way and just pay for the food and drinks you ate. And then you don’t need to start panicking if one of your friends does decide to order a three-course meal!

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Take A Look For Vouchers And Coupons

If you want to go on a day out to a museum, theme park, exhibition, or something similar that you would need to buy tickets for, it’s always worth taking a look online to see if you can find vouchers and coupons. Sometimes, local newspapers print coupons for local attractions too, so you might want to flick through yours before you go. These coupons and vouchers can often offer you quite big discounts that can help you save on the overall entrance fee.

Book Tickets Online

As well as looking for coupons and vouchers for money off, it’s also a good idea to book your tickets online. If you book direct with the venue themselves, then you might find that you can take advantage of a discount. Most venues offer small discounts of about 10% for all online bookings. Even though it might not be the biggest saving ever, every little count! Of course, not every venue will offer online discounts, so it’s always best to double check this before you buy.

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Consider Vacation Alternatives

Are you dreaming of getting away from it all and yearning for a vacation? Worried that it will be too much for you to afford right now on your tight budget? Well, it could be possible as long as you look for some vacation alternatives. For instance, instead of booking an expensive hotel room, you might find that you can make significant savings by booking a room or holiday rental on a site like Airbnb. It could also be a good idea to look into booking flights with a budget airline. Even though you might need to transfer onto a different flight halfway along the journey, it could still be considerably cheaper.  

Say No If You Need To

Don’t forget that it is always perfectly fine to say no to someone if you need to. For instance, if a friend invites you out for a meal at an expensive restaurant that you can’t really afford, you don’t have to go if you can’t afford to. After all, you aren’t obliged to go. You might even want to suggest a cheaper restaurant. But don’t feel guilty about saying no if you have to. We all go through periods of unsteady finances, so I’m sure that your friend will understand if you can’t join them at this moment in time.

Get Into Nature

If you are looking for some completely free to do, you just have to step outside and explore everything that nature has to offer. Even though most of the national parks and some other recreational areas require visitors to pay to enter, there are still lots of areas of outstanding natural beauty that are free to visit. So, why not step outside and enjoy some of that fresh country air? You could go for a hike or bike ride. You might even want to pack yourself a picnic to enjoy in the fresh air.

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Look For Community Movie Nights

Do you think it’s time you got out there and started meeting some new people? If so, why not look for your nearest community movie night? There are lots of community centers and venues that put on movies on a biweekly or monthly basis. More often than not, these are free to watch. If there is an entrance fee, it will be very minimal and all profits raised will go back to help local community services. You’ll be able to meet with new people before and after the movie, and most of these nights often offer refreshments as well.

But Last-Minute Theater Tickets

Do you wish that you could afford the theater more often? Well, you might be able to afford tickets right now! You just need to look at buying them right at the last minute. Generally speaking, that will be the day before or the day of the show. Usually, theaters try to sell off all of the remaining tickets very cheaply just so they can fill the venue.

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Invite Friends Round For A Games Night

Want something else to do when you are enjoying an evening in? Why not get into board games! There are hundreds of different board games so I’m sure you will be able to find one that you are interested in. It could also be fun to invite all of your friends around for a games night. It will be very low cost as you just need to provide a few drinks and nibbles. If anyone wants to drink alcohol, they will bring their own so you won’t have to front that cost.

So, there you have it. Fun and entertainment don’t always have to be expensive! How will you entertain yourself this season?

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Clean, Fresh and Bright: Touching Up Your Home on a Budget

Maintaining a happy household can be pretty expensive at times; there is always a new cleaning product to invest in or a fashionable interior design statement to make. When you’re working with a small budget it can be very difficult to keep on top of the latest trends.

The truth is, keeping your home in good condition will save money in the long run. If you invest in cheap furniture then it is likely that you will have to replace it more often, which will cost you more over time. Here are a few ways that you can uphold your household without breaking the bank, from discount designer furniture and terrific tidying techniques.

Designer Discounts

Believe it or not, you can discover amazing designer furniture for just a fraction of the price, as long as you are looking in all of the right places. If you are a bargain hunting expert then you will probably know the best places to find discount designer products.

Check out these discounts for designers, from stunning dining tables to beautiful bed frames, you can truly have it all if you are looking in the right places. Buying high-quality furniture will ensure it lasts for longer so that you don’t have to keep investing in new bits and pieces every time something breaks.

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Keep it Clean

One of the best ways to maintain your household is to keep on top of the cleaning as often as you can. When dirt and grime build up over time it can be very tricky to reverse the damage. If you can do small daily jobs to keep on top of the cleaning duties you will soon be able to boast a perfectly maintained home all year round.

Good quality cleaning products don’t have to cost the earth either; you can probably find all of the ingredients you need to clean your surfaces, stainless steel and drains in your own cupboards. Use baking soda and boiling water to clear out a blocked drain and use a squeeze of lemon juice to bring a natural shine to your taps.

Get Creative

You can keep your home looking fresh and bright on a budget, by making your own home accessories. As the seasons change you could create a new addition for your home each week. One of a kind home decor is something every homeowner deserves to enjoy, so why not give it a try? Whether you’re creating the perfect candle arrangement or sewing your own design onto a pillow, you can use your creative flair to decorate your home little and often.

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Terrific Tidying

Keeping your home looking minimalistic and tidy will help you to enjoy it much more. You might find tidying up a huge chore, especially if you have little ones that seem to make a mess wherever they go. Invest in cheap and cheerful storage solutions to keep your home spick and span all year round.

Having a beautiful home doesn’t need to be expensive. As long as you know where to find good deals and how to create the illusion of a well-kept home, you will never have to worry about breaking the budget.

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