1

3 FRUGILLIONAIRE 500 Fabulous Ways To Live Richly And Save A For une BY FRANCINE JAY Frugillionaire: 500 Fabulous Ways to i!e Ri"#ly an$ %a!e a Fortune Co&yrig#t ' 200( by Fran"ine Jas)ie*i"+ ,ublis#e$ by An-a ,ress. /e$0or$ NJ 1***2an-a&ress2"o34 All rig#ts reser!e$2 No &art o0 t#is boo) 3ay be re&ro$u"e$ or trans3itte$ in any 0or3 or by any 3eans. ele"troni" or 3e"#ani"al. in"lu$ing &#oto"o&ying. re"or$ing or by any in0or3ation storage an$ retrie!al syste3. *it#out &rior *ritten &er3ission 0ro3 t#e "o&yrig#t o*ner. e5"e&t 0or t#e in"lusion o0 brie0 6uotations in a re!ie*2 i3it o0 iability78is"lai3er o0 Warranty: 9#e in0or3ation in t#is boo) is &ro!i$e$ 0or in0or3ational &ur&oses only. *it#out any *arranty o0 any )in$2 It is sol$ *it# t#e un$erstan$ing t#at t#e aut#or an$ &ublis#er are not engage$ in ren$ering legal. 0inan"ial. 3e$i"al. or ot#er &ro0essional ser!i"es2 I0 legal. 0inan"ial. 3e$i"al. or ot#er e5&ert assistan"e is re6uire$. t#e ser!i"es o0 a "o3&etent &ro0essional s#oul$ be soug#t2 9#e aut#or an$ &ublis#er s#all #a!e neit#er liability nor res&onsibility to any &erson or entity *it# res&e"t to any loss or $a3age "ause$. or allege$ to be "ause$. $ire"tly or in$ire"tly. by t#e in0or3ation in t#is boo)2 Co3&any an$ &ro$u"t na3es 3entione$ #erein are t#e tra$e3ar)s or registere$ tra$e3ar)s o0 t#eir res&e"ti!e o*ners2 9#e 3ention o0 a "o3&any or *ebsite in t#is boo) is not an en$orse3ent o0 t#e "o3&any or *ebsite. or t#e in0or3ation or ser!i"es it &ro!i$es2 Rea$ers s#oul$ be a*are t#at *ebsites liste$ in t#is boo) 3ay #a!e "#ange$ or $isa&&eare$ sin"e t#is boo) *as *ritten2

Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 01 Food Dining On A Dime, And Saving At The Supermar et 1 !ut On "our Chef#s $at % Coo for an arm&
3 o!e t#ose le0to!ers : Eat less 3eat 5 %a!or seasonal &ro$u"e ; <et 0rien$ly *it# t#e 0ar3ers = <ro* your o*n !eggies > Eat brea)0ast at #o3e ( Cut $o*n on "on!enien"e 0oo$s 10 ,ass on &re&a")age$ ser!ings

'( Trac &our food spending Chapter 0% $ome )*penses Slashing +tilit& Costs And Shrin ing "our ,ills '- Small Is ,eautiful

: (2 C#allenge your &ro&erty ta5 assess3ent

Chapter 0. $ome D/cor Creating A St&lish $ome On A Shoestring 0. Sell &our clutter 1%( 1o shoeless Chapter 0' 2 1arden 1ro3ing 4ush, 4o35Cost 4andscapes 1%- 6ater onl& 3hen necessar&
12> Water *isely 12( ?se $ri& irrigation 130 Ca&ture e5"ess *ater 131 /in$ your #oses 132 Was# "ars *it#out *asting *ater 133 Be 0rugal *it# 0ountains 13: 8o it by #an$ 135 ?se a &us# 3o*er 13; <i!e u& your la*n 13= 8o your o*n yar$ *or) 13> Fin$ 0ree &lants in your neig#bor#oo$ 13( Fin$ 0ree &lants online 1:0 <ro* 0ro3 see$s 1:1 %a!e see$s 1:2 ,lant sel0@see$ers 1:3 <ro* 0ro3 "uttings 1:: In!est in &erennials 1:5 Ano* your +one 1:; C#oose nati!e &lants 1:= ?se re"y"le$ "ontainers to start see$s 1:> ?se re"y"le$ "ontainers to #ol$ &lants 1:( Fertili+e *it# grass "li&&ings 150 Fertili+e *it# "o3&ost 151 /a)e your o*n 3ul"# 152 ?se natural &est "ontrol 153 Bar$s"a&e *it# re"y"le$ 3aterials 15: <o solar 155 <et to )no* gar$eners 15; Rent. s#are an$ borro* tools 15= Buy use$ tools 15> Care 0or your tools 15( %#o& en$@o0@season sales 1;0 En-oy &ubli" &ar)s 1;1 ?se "o33unity resour"es

Chapter 07 2 Fashion Dressing To The 8ines On 8e*t To 8othing 1(% 8ever pa& retail

1(3 <o 0or sil!er instea$ o0 gol$

Chapter 0( 2 ,eaut& Sta&ing 1orgeous On A ,udget 10' 6ear sunscreen ever& da& %10 1et &our beaut& sleep Chapter 0- 2 )ntertainment 9I: )n;o&ing Arts And Culture On The Cheap %%0 1o to music school concerts
25( Colunteer

Chapter 0< )ntertainment 9II: $aving A ,last 6ithout ,rea ing The ,an %(0 Thro3 a non5dinner part& .01 =omance &our partner Chapter 00 2 Transportation Saving >one& 6hen "ou#re On The >ove .0% Ta e public transit .'1 Drive safel& Chapter 10 2 Travel =oaming The 6orld 6ithout A Trust Fund .'% ,e &our o3n travel agent .<- Ta e a ?sta&cation@ Chapter 11 2 Finance >anaging "our >one& And >a ing It 1ro3 .<< Don#t bu& 3hat &ou can#t afford '%0 Start an emergenc& fund Chapter 1% 2 Children =aising $app& Aids On A !int5SiBed ,udget '%1 $ave a bab& sho3er '70 Consider a college savings plan Chapter 1. 2 $olida& Dec ing The $alls 6ithout 1oing Into Debt '71 1ive love from the itchen
:52 <i!e gi0ts in a -ar :53 <i!e an e5&erien"e :5: <i!e your ti3e :55 <i!e so3et#ing s3all but $e"a$ent

; :5; <i!e so3et#ing #an$3a$e :5= <i!e &#otos :5> <i!e 0a3ily #eirloo3s :5( <i!e a beauty sa3&ler :;0 <i!e "#il$ren t#e gi0t o0 0inan"ial se"urity

'<0 Coin in communit& celebrations Chapter 1' 2 !hilosoph& Thin ing 4i e A Frugillionaire
:>1 Be a D3insu3erE :>2 Fo"us on *#at you #a!e :>3 Re$e0ine su""ess :>: oo) $o*n t#e la$$er :>5 o*er your e5&e"tations :>; E3bra"e t#e "on"e&t o0 Dgoo$ enoug#E :>= 8onFt s&en$ to i3&ress :>> 8onFt 0ollo* t#e #er$ :>( 8onFt &ur"#ase a &ersona :(0 Fo"us on a&&re"iation. not $e&ri!ation :(1 /a)e $o or $o *it#out :(2 A!oi$ a$!ertising :(3 <i!e yoursel0 so3e s&a"e :(: 9#in) be0ore you s&en$ :(5 i!e belo* your 3eans :(; i!e si3&ly :(= ess stu00 e6uals less stress :(> ess stu00 e6uals 3ore 0ree$o3 :(( En-oy *it#out o*ning 500 DBeE instea$ o0 DbuyE

In roduc ion
Are you 0rustrate$ *it# your 0inan"esG 8ro*ning in $ebtG Hr -ust *on$ering *#ere your 3oney goes ea"# 3ont#G YouFre not aloneI A0ter t#e 3ortgage. "ar loan. ta5es. tele&#one. 0uel. ele"tri"ity an$ *ater bills. t#ereFs o0ten little le0t o!er in t#e 0a3ily bu$get2 Yet a$s e!ery*#ere be")on us to buy ni"er #ouses. ne*er "ars. #otter ga$gets. #i&&er "lot#es. better 0urniture. bigger tele!isions. 0an"ier #ouse*ares an$ 0iner 0oo$s2 9#atFs a lot o0 &ressure on your &ay"#e")I /ust you be a 3illionaire -ust to 3a)e en$s 3eetG Not i0 you rea$ t#is boo)I For #erein lies t#e se"ret to 0inan"ial &ea"e an$ #ar3ony: #o* to be"o3e a 0rugillionaire2 ?nli)e 3illionaires an$ billionaires. 0rugillionaires arenFt $e0ine$ by t#e nu3ber o0 +eroes in t#eir net *ort#. or t#e #aute "outure in t#eir "losets2 9#ey $onFt #a!e &ersonal assistants or &ri!ate &lanes2 9#ey $onFt su33er in t#e Ba3&tons. *inter in t#e islan$s. or 0ly to ,aris 0or t#e *ee)en$2

= Juite t#e "ontrary: 0rugillionaires 3aster t#e art o0 0rugalityKli!ing ri"#ly *#ile sa!ing a 0ortune2 9#ey 3a)e t#e 3ost o0 t#e 3oney t#ey #a!e. an$ treasure t#ose t#ings t#at 3oney "anFt buy2 9#oug# t#eyFre a$e&t at "utting "osts. t#eir li!es are not about $e&ri!ation2 In 0a"t. t#e a&&re"iation *it# *#i"# t#ey a&&roa"# ea"# $ay brings t#e3 *ealt# beyon$ 3easure2 An$ t#e best &artG Be"o3ing a 0rugillionaire is easier t#an you t#in)I You $onFt nee$ to *or) 2:7=. #it t#e lottery. or #o&e 0or a big in#eritan"e2 An$ it "ertainly $oesnFt in!ol!e any ris)y in!est3ents or get@ri"#@6ui") s"#e3es2 All it ta)es is a ne* &ers&e"ti!e an$ a 0e* goo$ #abits2 ItFs not a 6ui") 0i5 $iet. *#ere you star!e your $esire to s#o&Konly to in$ulge later in a 3assi!e s&en$ing bingeI Nor $o you #a!e to &in"# &ennies as te$iously as you *oul$ "ount "alories2 ItFs 3ore li)e a$o&ting a /e$iterranean $iet: 3a)ing *ise "#oi"es t#at gra$ually a$$ u& to a genuine li0estyle "#ange2 Be"o3ing a 0rugillionaire is li)e sli33ing $o*n your 0igureKor in t#is "ase. 0attening u& your ban) a""ountK*it#out e!er 0eeling unsatis0ie$2 YouFll sa!or li0e *it# ne* gusto. *#ile sa!ing 3ore 3oney t#an you e!er i3agine$I %oun$s &retty great. $oesnFt itG But #o* on eart# $o you $o itG W#en you set out to sa!e 3oney. itFs #ar$ to )no* *#ere to start2 You 3ay #a!e t#e best o0 intentions. but la") t#e te"#ni6ues2 Well. t#is boo) gi!es you 0i!e #un$re$ o0 t#e3Kall 0ool&roo0 an$ 0abulousI You *onFt 0in$ ser3ons about reusing baggies or buying $ay ol$ brea$L t#e 0o"us #ere is on 0un2 9#ese ti&s s#o* you #o* to slas# e5&enses. *#ile en-oying t#e e5&erien"e2 WeFll start o00 in C#a&ter 1 *it# a sub-e"t *e all lo!e: 0oo$I WeFll $is"uss #o* to $ine on a $i3e. *#ile still en-oying $eli"ious. nutritious 1e!en gour3etI4 3eals2 9#e "ost@"utting te"#ni6ues "o!er e!eryt#ing 0ro3 "oo)ing at #o3e. to #itting t#e to*n 0or $inner an$ "o")tails2 Fro3 &i"ni"s to &otlu")s. youFll learn "reati!e *ays to &are e5&ensesK*#ile 3a5i3i+ing your eating &leasureI WeFll also e5&lore #o* to sa!e at t#e su&er3ar)et. in"lu$ing *#y you s#oul$ bring your "ou&ons an$ "al"ulatorKbut not your )i$sKto t#e store2 An$ youFll see #o* a 0e* si3&le "#anges in your eating #abits "an sa!e you t#ousan$s o0 $ollars ea"# yearI C#a&ters 2 an$ 3 are $e!ote$ to #ousing2 ItFs one o0 our biggest e5&enses. an$ t#ere0ore a gol$en o&&ortunity 0or sa!ingI YouFll learn #o* to "ut your #eating an$ "ooling "osts. &ull t#e &lug on energy lea)s. an$ lo*er your *ater bills2 WeFll also "o!er #o* to sa!e on insuran"e. an$ get t#e best !alue 0ro3 &#one an$ internet &lans2 9#en *eFll #a!e so3e 0un $e"orating our abo$es. an$ see #o* 0rugillionaires 3a)e t#eir #o3es t#eir "astlesK*it#out )ing@si+e bu$getsI 9#e $esign te"#ni6ues. 8IY &ro-e"ts an$ #ouse"leaning ti&s $etaile$ #ere &ro!i$e all t#e )no*@#o* you nee$ to "reate a stylis# #o3e on a s#oestring2 WeFll go out$oors in C#a&ter :. an$ learn #o* to gro* beauti0ul gar$ens *it#out s&en$ing a lot o0 green2 YouFll get great a$!i"e on "o3&osting. "onser!ing *ater. an$ "#oosing an$ "ulti!ating &lants 1in"lu$ing #o* to get t#e3 0or 0reeI42 ,ut t#ese ti&s into &ra"ti"e 0or a lus# lan$s"a&e t#atFs lo*@3aintenan"e an$ lo*@"ost2 In C#a&ter 5. itFs our turn 0or a 3a)eo!erI Frugillionaires are anyt#ing but 0ru3&y: 0in$ out #o* t#ey $ress to t#e nines on ne5t to not#ing. an$ al*ays 3anage to stay in style2 YouFll learn #o* to in!est in !ersatile &ie"es t#at are rig#t 0or you. your 0igure. an$ your li0estyleKan$ buil$ a 0as#ionable *ar$robe *it#out s&en$ing a 0ortune2 C#a&ter ; #el&s you get t#e 3ost bang 0or your beauty bu")2 8onFt s&en$ anot#er $i3e on 3ira"le "rea3s until youF!e rea$ t#roug# t#is se"tion2 YouFll get great i$eas 0or lu5urious.

> 8IY s&a treat3ents. an$ learn #o* &ro$u"ts li)e oli!e oil an$ ba)ing so$a "an #el& you stay beauti0ul on a bu$get2 WeFll also $etail so3e 0ree. all@natural *ays to i3&ro!e your a&&earan"e an$ #ealt#Kso youFll be gorgeous an$ ri"#I WeFll brea) 0or so3e 0rugillionaire@style entertain3ent in C#a&ters = an$ >2 8onFt *orry. t#ereFs no )arao)e in!ol!e$K-ust so3e 0un@lo!ing ti&s 0or soa)ing u& so3e "ulture. getting your groo!e on. an$ ot#er*ise #a!ing a blast *it#out brea)ing t#e ban)2 W#et#er youFre an art lo!er. 3o!ie bu00. or 3usi" 0an. youFll 0in$ sa!!y te"#ni6ues to get your 0i5 on t#e "#ea&2 9#is se"tion also o00ers a treasure tro!e o0 i$eas 0or 0ree. an$ lo*@"ost. re"reational a"ti!ities2 YouFll be a3a+e$ at #o* 3any *on$er0ul *ays you "an entertain your guests. your )i$s an$ yoursel0K*it# little nee$ 0or your *allet2 9rans&ortationKan$ #o* to sa!e *#en youFre on t#e 3o!eKis t#e to&i" o0 C#a&ter (2 In"lu$e$ are gas@sa!ing ti&s to "ut t#e "ost o0 your "o33ute. as *ell as so3e !aluable a$!i"e on sele"ting. 3aintaining an$ insuring your auto3obile2 WeFll also e5&lore alternati!e 3et#o$s o0 transitKan$ t#e &ossibility o0 eli3inating your 0uel 1an$ "ar4 e5&enses entirelyI C#a&ter 10 s#o*s you #o* to tra!el t#e *orl$ *it#out a trust 0un$2 It #as tons o0 ti&s 0or tourists on a bu$get: 0ro3 s"oring t#e best $eals on 0lig#ts an$ #otel roo3s. to sa!ing on $ining. transit an$ sig#tseeing "osts2 YouFll learn #o* 0rugillionaires li!e li)e lo"als *#ile on !a"ationK s&en$ing less. an$ en-oying a ri"#er. 3ore aut#enti". e5&erien"e2 C#a&ter 11 isnFt about $e"laring ban)ru&t"yKbut #o* to a!oi$ itI 9#is se"tion is a 0itness &rogra3 0or your 0inan"es2 9i&s on s#o&&ing. ban)ing an$ in!esting *ill #el& you #one your 3oney s)ills an$ &u3& u& your sa!ings2 YouFll learn #o* to tra") e5&en$itures. use "re$it *isely. an$ gro* your net *ort#2 Bee$ t#e a$!i"e #erein. an$ youFll be on t#e 0ast tra") to early retire3ent2 I0 you #a!e "#il$ren 1or &lans 0or t#e34. t#en C#a&ter 12 is re6uire$ rea$ing2 It gi!es you all t#e ti&s you nee$ to raise #a&&y )i$s on a &int@si+e$ bu$get2 Fro3 out0itting a nursery 0or a ne* arri!al. to $ealing *it# $ay "are. $ia&ers an$ $an"e lessons. youFll 0in$ &lenty o0 lo*@"ost *ays to nurture your little ones2 An$ *it# any lu"). t#eyFll gro* u& to 0ollo* in your 0rugillionaire 0ootste&sI In C#a&ter 13. *eFll $e") t#e #alls. *it#out going into $ebt2 By reining in "osts. an$ gi!ing t#ri0ty 1yet t#oug#t0ul4 gi0ts. youFll a!oi$ a 0inan"ial #ango!er "o3e January2 But 3ore i3&ortantly. youFll "a&ture t#e true s&irit o0 t#e #oli$ay seasonKby s&en$ing ti3e *it# 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily. rat#er t#an s&en$ing 3oney2 WeFll 0inis# u& in C#a&ter 1: *it# so3e 0rugillionaire &#iloso&#y2 9#ese last t*enty ti$bits are t#e 0oun$ation o0 our 0rugal. yet 0abulous. li0estyle2 W#y sa!e t#e3 0or t#e gran$ 0inaleG %o t#eyFll stay 0res# in your 3in$ as you set 0ort# on your &at# to &ros&erityI Rea$y to get starte$G Fi!e #un$re$ te"#ni6ues 0or sa!ing a 0ortune are at your 0ingerti&sI ,i") an$ "#oose t#e3. sli"e an$ $i"e t#e3. 3i5 an$ 3at"# t#e3 into your o*n &ersonal 0or3ula 0or 0inan"ial su""ess2 9#oug# t#eyFre organi+e$ into "ategories. t#ereFs no nee$ to 0ollo* t#e se6uen"e2 Rea$ t#e boo) 0or*ar$s. ba")*ar$s. u&si$e $o*n. one ti& a $ay. or all at on"e2 Feel 0ree to s)i& aroun$ to your #eartFs "ontent2 But abo!e all. $onFt $elay: you *onFt get any ri"#er until you turn t#e &ageI

!ha" er # FOO$ $inin% on a $i&e' and Savin% a he Su"er&ar(e # )u on your che*+s ha

Fatten u& your *allet *it# so3e goo$. ol$@0as#ione$ #o3e "oo)ingI At t#e a!erage restaurant.

( youFll s&en$ about M20 &er &erson to "o!er entrNes. be!erages an$ ti&2 A$$ starters. al"o#ol an$ $essert. an$ t#e bill rises 6ui")ly2 In "ontrast. you "oul$ 3a)e a $eli"ious $inner 10or t#e *#ole 0a3ilyI4 0or less t#an t#e "ost o0 an a&&eti+er2 I0 youFre not 6uite at #o3e in t#e )it"#en. get a basi" "oo)boo) to learn t#e 0un$a3entals2 %tart *it# t#e si3&lest re"i&es. an$ ta")le 3ore "o3&le5 $is#es as your "on0i$en"e gro*s2 En-oy e5&eri3enting. an$ $onFt *orry about &er0e"tionL as long as your 3eal is e$ible. "onsi$er it a su""essI

, !oo( *or an ar&y

We )no* #o3e "oo)ing is #ealt#y an$ "#ea&L but so3e nig#ts *e $onFt #a!e t#e ti3e. or energy. to start 0ro3 s"rat"#2 9#e solution: &re&are 3eals in large bat"#es. an$ 0ree+e 0or t#e *ee)2 Bat"# "oo)ing "onsoli$ates your &re& *or) an$ "leanu& into one session. sa!ing &re"ious ti3e on busy e!enings2 YouFll also sa!e 3oney by &ur"#asing ingre$ients in bul)2 I0 youFre really a3bitious. "oo) a 3ont#Fs *ort# o0 3eals at on"eL youFll 0in$ &lenty o0 re"i&es on *ebsites. an$ in "oo)boo)s. $e!ote$ to t#e to&i"2 Wit# rea$y@to@#eat 0oo$ *aiting in t#e 0ree+er. youFll be 3u"# less te3&te$ to s&lurge on ta)e@out2

- Love hose le* overs

8onFt $es&air *#en your 0a3ily lea!es 0oo$ on t#eir &latesL be t#an)0ul youFll #a!e less "oo)ing to $o to3orro*I Frugillionaires )no* t#at last nig#tFs $inner is t#e "losest t#ing to a 0ree lun"#2 Bro*n bag it t#e ne5t $ay. or 0ree+e an$ ser!e as a si$e $is# later in t#e *ee)2 By t#e sa3e to)en. $onFt be s#y about as)ing 0or a $oggie bag at a restaurant2 Ba!e le0to!ers *ra&&e$ u& to go. an$ get e5tra 3ileage 0ro3 your $ining@out $ollars2 Just be sure to label t#e "ontainers in t#e 0ree+erL youFll be relu"tant to eat *#at you "anFt i$enti0yI

. Ea less &ea
%las# your gro"ery bill by eating less 3eatI Instea$. try less@e5&ensi!e. &rotein@ri"# alternati!es li)e to0u. eggs an$ 0is#2 For a #ealt#y. *ell@balan"e$ $iet. su&&le3ent *it# 0ruits an$ !egetablesL *#ole grains li)e oat3eal. barley an$ bro*n ri"eL an$ nuts an$ legu3es li)e beans. lentils an$ "#i")&eas2 Re$u"ing your 3eat "onsu3&tion #as i3&ortant #ealt#. as *ell as 0inan"ial. bene0its2 A less "arni!orous li0estyle is asso"iate$ *it# lo*er 0at inta)e an$ "#olesterol le!els. an$ 3ay re$u"e t#e ris) o0 #eart $isease an$ "ertain ty&es o0 "an"erK3eaning signi0i"ant sa!ings in 0uture 3e$i"al "ostsI

5 Savor seasonal "roduce

I0 you buy to3atoes in January. youFll &ay $early 0or t#e3 to be s#i&&e$ aroun$ t#e globe2 ,ur"#ase 0ruits an$ !egetables in season instea$L t#eyFre "#ea&er. 0res#er. an$ so 3u"# tastierI Not#ingFs 3ore $eli"ious t#an "orn. blueberries an$ *ater3elon in su33erL a&&les. s6uas# an$ &u3&)in in 0allL oranges. "#estnuts an$ turni&s in *interL an$ s&ina"#. sno* &eas an$ stra*berries in s&ring2 Eating seasonally is not -ust 0rugal. but -oyous2 ItFs a *on$er0ul *ay to "elebrate natureFs bounty. an$ gi!es us so3et#ing to loo) 0or*ar$ to all year roun$I

/ Ge *riendly 0i h he *ar&ers
%a!e 3oney on 0ruit an$ !egetables by s#o&&ing at t#e 0ar3ersF 3ar)et2 %in"e t#e &ro$u"e is gro*n lo"ally. trans&ortation "osts are lo*L an$ *it# no 3i$$le3en to 3ar) u& &ri"es. youFll &ay 3u"# less t#an you *oul$ at t#e gro"ery store2 W#atFs 3ore. t#e 6uality o0 t#e 0oo$ is to&@not"#. an$ t#e a3bien"e sure beats t#at o0 a su&er3ar)etI Join a C%A 1Co33unity %u&&orte$ Agri"ulture4 &rogra3 0or a stea$y su&&ly o0 0ar3@0res# 0are2 For a 0i5e$ &ri"e. youFll re"ei!e a *ee)ly bas)et o0 &ro$u"e an$ ot#er goo$sKli)e organi" 3il). eggs. "#eese. #erbs an$ #oney2 ItFs a terri0i" !alue. an$ a *on$er0ul e5&erien"eI

1 Gro0 your o0n ve%%ies

10 A!oi$ &aying 0or &ro$u"e altoget#er. by &lanting a !egetable gar$enI I3agine #o* *on$er0ul it *oul$ be to &i") 0res# lettu"e. to3atoes. egg&lants or &e&&ers 0or t#e e!eningFs $innerKall 0ro3 your o*n ba")yar$I You $onFt nee$ a"res o0 0ar3lan$ to get starte$L a s3all &at"# o0 soil. or a 0e* "ontainers. *ill $o2 %ee$s an$ starters are ine5&ensi!e. an$ "an &ro!i$e a bounti0ul #ar!est 0or your )it"#en table2 ,eruse boo)s an$ *ebsites on !egetable gar$ening to learn #o* to "ulti!ate an$ "are 0or your &lants2 Hr #ang out at your lo"al 0ar3ersF 3ar)et. "#at u& t#e !en$ors. an$ get s&e"i0i" ti&s 0or your region an$ "li3ate2

2 Ea brea(*as a ho&e

Frie$ egg san$*i"#es an$ -elly $onuts are #ar$ on your *alletKan$ your #ealt#I %)i& t#e 0ast 0oo$. but $onFt s)i& brea)0ast2 Instea$. *a)e u& t*enty 3inutes earlier. an$ eat it at #o3e2 %tu$ies s#o* t#at &eo&le *#o eat a #ealt#y brea)0ast "onsu3e less 0at an$ "#olesterol o!er t#e "ourse o0 t#e $ay2 9#eyFre also better able to "ontrol t#eir *eig#tK*#i"# "an lo*er #ealt#"are "osts $o*n t#e roa$2 W#ile youFre in t#e )it"#en. 3a)e your o*n "o00ee as *ellL use a tra!el 3ug i0 you &re0er to $rin) it on@t#e@go2 9#is si3&le #abit "an sa!e #un$re$s o0 $ollars ea"# yearI

3 !u do0n on convenience *oods

,ro"esse$ 0oo$s sa!e &re&aration an$ "oo)ing ti3e. but gi!e you !ery little bang 0or your nutritional bu")2 9#eyFre &ri"ey. an$ o0ten 0ull o0 so$iu3. &reser!ati!es an$ saturate$ 0ats2 Bo*e!er. itFs not al*ays &ra"ti"al to "oo) e!eryt#ing 0ro3 s"rat"#2 9#ere0ore. itFs best to be strategi" *it# "on!enien"e 0oo$s: use 0ro+en !egetables *#en 0res# is out o0 season. or "anne$ sto")s an$ sau"es *#en you $onFt #a!e ti3e to 3a)e your o*n2 But $onFt buy 0la!ore$ noo$les. 3i"ro*a!eable $inners. an$ &re&a")age$ &eanut butter an$ -elly san$*i"#esL t#ese ite3s are -ust as easyKan$ "ertainly 3ore e"ono3i"alKto &re&are yoursel02

#0 )ass on "re"ac(a%ed servin%s

9#ose 100@"alorie sna") &a")s are "uteKbut t#eyFre not a goo$ !alueI In ter3s o0 unit &ri"e. s3all. &re&a")age$ ser!ings are o0ten signi0i"antly 3ore e5&ensi!e t#an Dnor3alE si+es2 It "an "ost $ouble t#e &ri"e 1or 3oreI4 to #a!e your "oo)ies. "ra")ers or trail 3i5 $i!!ie$ u& 0or you2 W#y &ay a &re3iu3 *#en you "an $o it yoursel0G I0 you #a!e &roble3s *it# &ortion "ontrol. buy t#e 0ull@si+e &a") an$ $i!i$e it into +i&lo") bags or &lasti" "ontainers2 9#at *ay. you "an en-oy t#e "on!enien"e o0 a &re@3easure$ a3ountK*it#out t#e e5tra "ostI

## For%e he 4ins an 5 *ood

Instea$ o0 instant oat3eal an$ 3inute ri"e. buy bul) oats an$ un"oo)e$ ri"e2 9#eyFre signi0i"antly "#ea&er. an$ 3u"# 3ore nutritiousI Hl$@0as#ione$ rolle$ oats "oo) in 3inutes on

11 t#e sto!eto&. or in t#e 3i"ro*a!eL a$$ 0la!or *it# bro*n sugar. "inna3on. raisins or $rie$ 0ruit2 YouFll not only sa!e 3oney. youFll a!oi$ t#e s*eeteners. salt an$ &reser!ati!es in instant &a")ets2 arge bags o0 un"oo)e$ ri"e are anot#er e"ono3i"al "#oi"e2 In!est in an ele"tri" "oo)er 0or no@0uss &re&aration: si3&ly rinse t#e ri"e. &la"e it in t#e "oo)er. a$$ *ater. an$ &ress t#e button2 By t#e ti3e you &re&are t#e rest o0 t#e 3eal. your ri"e *ill be rea$y to eatI

#, )u on your ba(er+s ca"

9#e ne5t ti3e you nee$ a birt#$ay "a)e. brea)0ast s"ones. or bat"# o0 "oo)ies 0or t#e ,9A. resist t#e urge to run to t#e store2 /a)e your o*n instea$I For 3a5i3u3 sa!ings. ba)e 0ro3 s"rat"#L 0lour. sugar. 3il) an$ butter are 3u"# less e5&ensi!e t#an &a")age$ 3i5es an$ rea$y@to@ba)e "on0e"tions2 Consi$er 3a)ing your o*n brea$ as *ellL t#e aro3a o0 a 0res#@0ro3@ t#e@o!en loa0 is *ort# t#e e00ort aloneI Be"ause t#ey #a!e no &reser!ati!es or arti0i"ial ingre$ients. #o3e@ba)e$ goo$s are #ealt#ier an$ tastier t#an store@boug#t ones2 An$ t#ey 3a)e *on$er0ul. *ell@re"ei!e$ 1an$ ine5&ensi!e4 gi0tsI

#- $esi%n your o0n rail &i6

9rail 3i5 is a great. on@t#e@go sna"). but buying it &re&a")age$ "an be e5&ensi!e2 Fortunately. itFs "#ea& an$ easy to 3a)e your o*n. an$ your 8IY 3i5 *onFt #a!e t#e a$$e$ salt an$ sugar o0 "o33er"ial !arieties2 Best o0 all. you "an 0ill it *it# your 0a!orites. an$ lea!e out *#at you $onFt li)e2 I$eas 0or ingre$ients in"lu$e *alnuts. "as#e*s. al3on$s an$ &e"ansL $rie$ "ranberries. a&ri"ots. "#erries an$ gingerL granola. raisins an$ sun0lo*er see$sL an$ $ar) "#o"olate "#i&s 1in 3o$erationI42 ,a")age in s3all "ontainers or +i&lo") bags. an$ en-oyI

#. $esi%n your o0n cereal

Co33er"ial brea)0ast "ereals "o3e *it# #ig# &ri"esKan$ &reser!ati!es. sugar an$ so$iu3 in e!ery s&oon0ulI 8onFt &ay 0or t#e s&raye$@on !ita3ins. 0an"y &a")aging an$ &ri"ey a$!ertising "a3&aigns o0 na3e bran$ !arieties2 /a)e your o*n. #ealt#ier !ersion 0or a 0ra"tion o0 t#e "ost2 Buy large bo5es. or bul) 6uantities. o0 &lain granola. 0la)es. or &u00e$ ri"eL a$$ your 0a!orite nuts. see$s. an$ $rie$ 0ruits to taste2 %tore in seale$ "ontainers 0or 3a5i3u3 0res#ness. an$ en-oy a $eli"ious brea)0ast e!ery 3orningK0rugillionaire styleI

#5 !u ou he candy

Can$y an$ sugary sna")s &ut a $ent in your *allet. an$ a bulge in your *aistlineI 8onFt *aste #ar$@earne$ $ollars on a bo5 o0 e3&ty "alories2 9o get t#e 3ost !alue 0ro3 your 0oo$ bu$get. 0o"us on ite3s t#at &ro!i$e nutrition. sustenan"e. an$ t#e 0uel your bo$y nee$sKnot a 3out#0ul o0 sugar. "#e3i"als an$ &reser!ati!es2 /oney s&ent on 3ass@3ar)et "an$y buys little

12 3ore t#an "olor0ul &a")aging an$ "le!er a$!ertisingL your bo$y $eri!es no bene0itKan$ 3u"# &otential #ar3K0ro3 its "onsu3&tion2 %atis0y your s*eet toot# *it# a &ie"e o0 0ruit instea$I

#/ $ilu e7

Fruit -ui"e is e5&ensi!eKan$ 0ull o0 "alories an$ sugarI %tret"# it 0urt#er by $iluting it *it# *ater2 %tart out *it# =5O -ui"e an$ 25O *ater. an$ a$-ust gra$ually to a 50750 3i52 YouFll "ut your -ui"e e5&en$itures in #al0. an$ 3ay e!en &re0er t#e taste2 9#is 0rugillionaire te"#ni6ue #as &arti"ular bene0its 0or "#il$ren2 By $iluting t#eir -ui"e. youFll re$u"e t#eir "ra!ings 0or s*eet $rin)s. an$ $e"rease t#eir sugar an$ "alorie inta)eKt#ereby lea!ing roo3 0or 3ore nutritious 0oo$s2 For e!en greater sa!ings. s)i& t#e -ui"e entirely an$ buy *#ole 0ruits instea$2 9#eyFre less "ostly. an$ #a!e 3ore 0iber an$ nutrientsI

#1 8a(e a &enu

It ta)es a little ti3e an$ e00ort. but &lanning 3eals is a &ro!en 3oney sa!erI Be0ore your ne5t s#o&&ing tri&. sit $o*n *it# &en an$ &a&er an$ 3a)e a 3enu 0or t#e *ee): in"lu$e brea)0ast. lun"#. $inner. sna")s an$ be!erages2 I0 it #el&s. )ee& a $atabase o0 3eals on your "o3&uter. or *rite t#e3 on in$i!i$ual in$e5 "ar$s2 9a)e a 6ui") in!entory o0 your &antry an$ re0rigerator. an$ 3a)e a list o0 nee$e$ ingre$ients2 ,lanning a#ea$ &re!ents o!erbuying. re$u"es *aste. an$ ins&ires e00i"ient use o0 0oo$Kli)e stret"#ing a single "#i")en o!er se!eral $i00erent 3eals2 An$ *#en you )no* *#at youFll 3a)e 0or $inner. youFre less li)ely to sto& 0or ta)eoutI

#2 Sho" 0i h a lis

8o you e!er run into t#e gro"ery store 0or t*o or t#ree t#ings. an$ *al) out *it# t*entyG %o3e*#ere bet*een t#e 3il) an$ bananas. you $is"o!er a "art0ul o0 t#ings you $i$nFt reali+e you Dnee$e$IE %u&er3ar)ets are $esigne$ to &ro3ote i3&ulse buying2 Big#@3argin. brig#tly &a")age$ ite3s are "le!erly $is&laye$ to "at"# your eye an$ e3&ty your *allet2 A!oi$ t#e te3&tation by 3a)ing a s#o&&ing list at #o3e. an$ sti")ing to it *#en you get to t#e store2 Instea$ o0 bro*sing. s#o& *it# laser@s#ar& 0o"us: 3a)e a beeline 0or *#atFs on t#e list. an$ youFll lea!e t#e store *it# your bu$get inta"tI

#3 Sho" less o* en

A!oi$ i3&ulse buying at t#e gro"ery store by s#o&&ing less o0ten2 9ry as *e 3ig#t to resist t#e3. a 0e* "on!enien"e 0oo$sKan$ ot#er unne"essary ite3sK3anage to snea) t#eir *ay into our "arts ea"# ti3e *eFre t#ere2 9#e 0e*er !isits *e 3a)e. t#e less *eFre sub-e"t to te3&tationL an$ t#e 3ore 3oney *eFre able to )ee& in our *alletsI Re$u"e s#o&&ing tri&s by &lanning 3eals a#ea$ o0 ti3e. an$ 3a)ing a $etaile$ list o0 *#atFs nee$e$2 Eli3inating last@

13 3inute runs to t#e su&er3ar)et sa!es on gas as *ell as 0oo$Ka $ouble blessing to your ban) a""ountI

,0 Sho" solo

I0 &ossible. go solo to t#e su&er3ar)etI 9#e 3ore 0a3ily 3e3bers t#at tag along. t#e 3ore stu00 t#at en$s u& in your "art2 C#il$ren are &arti"ularly sus"e&tible to "le!er 3ar)eting te"#ni6ues2 9#eyFre easily "a&ti!ate$ by t#e brig#t "olors an$ "artoon "#ara"ters on "an$y. "ereal an$ ot#er i3&ulse ite3s. an$ *ill use all 3anner o0 &ersuasion to get you to &ur"#ase t#e32 A$oles"ents an$ teens *ill li)ely a$$ bu$get@busting "on!enien"e 0oo$s to your bas)et2 E!en s&ouses *ill sli& in so3e e5tras. an$ itFs 3u"# #ar$er to say DnoE to t#e3I %#o&&ing alone is 0aster. 3ore e00i"ient. an$ sa!es lots o0 3oney at t#e "#e")outI

,# $on+ sho" hun%ry

W#en our sto3a"#s are gro*ling. e!eryt#ing on t#e s#el!es is 3ore enti"ingKe!en 0oo$ *e nor3ally *oul$nFt buyI /ar)eters are *ell a*are o0 t#is. an$ use "le!er te"#ni6ues to sti3ulate our a&&etites: &leasing aro3as at t#e store entran"e. $e3onstration tables *it# tasty ti$bits. an$ 3out#@*atering $is&lays o0 brea$. 3eats. "#eeses an$ ot#er 0res# 0are2 %#ore u& your $e0enses by gro"ery s#o&&ing a0ter a 3eal2 At t#e !ery least. #a!e a 6ui") sna") be0ore #ea$ing to t#e store2 W#en your sto3a"# is 0ull. your #ea$ is 0ree to 3a)e 3ore logi"al &ur"#asing $e"isionsI

,, 9uy %eneric

8onFt &ay e5tra 0or a bran$ na3e or &retty &a")ageL t#e 0oo$ insi$e is all t#at "ountsI 9#e logo on t#e "ontainer 3ay be t#e only $i00eren"e bet*een t*o "ans o0 beans. "artons o0 -ui"e. or bo5es o0 "ereal2 %in"e 3any 3anu0a"turers 3a)e store bran$s as *ell as na3e bran$s. t#e &ro$u"t is o0ten i$enti"alL yet t#e generi" !ersions "an be u& to 50 &er"ent "#ea&erI Rea$ t#e labels an$ "o3&are ingre$ientsL youFll be sur&rise$ at t#e si3ilarities2 Fa3ous bran$s get eye@ le!el s&a"e. so loo) on lo*er or #ig#er s#el!es 0or t#ese bargains2 YouFll e!en 0in$ generi"s o0 organi" an$ gour3et ite3sI

,- Use cou"ons 0isely

Cou&ons "an sa!e you a goo$ "#un) o0 "#ange. as long as you use t#e3 *isely2 Be*are o0 t#ose t#at are a$s in $isguise. te3&ting you to buy &re3iu3 bran$s an$ &ro"esse$ "on!enien"e 0oo$s2 Just be"ause t#eyFre a $ollar o00. $oesnFt 3ean t#eyFre a goo$ !alueI E!en *it# a "ou&on. na3e bran$s 3ay still "ost 3ore t#an store bran$sL $o t#e 3at# to 3a)e sure youFre getting a goo$ $eal2 9o "o3e out a#ea$. use "ou&ons only 0or ite3s you *oul$ #a!e

1: boug#t any*ay2 %a!e "li&&ing ti3e by going $ire"tly to 3anu0a"turersF *ebsites. an$ &rinting out "ou&ons 0or t#e &ro$u"ts you use2

,. Sho" by uni "rice

%#o& by unit &ri"eKt#e "ost &er oun"e. &oun$. liter. or ot#er unit o0 3easureKan$ youFll get 3ore 0oo$ 0or your 3oneyI /any stores &ro!i$e t#is in0or3ation alongsi$e t#e &ri"e. #el&ing you 3a)e easy "o3&arisons bet*een $i00erent si+es2 I0 yours $oesnFt. *#i& out your "al"ulator an$ $i!i$e t#e ite3Fs &ri"e by t#e a3ount in t#e "ontainer2 For e5a3&le. i0 a 0i!e@&oun$ bag o0 sugar "osts M3200. t#e unit &ri"e is M02;0 &er &oun$2 I0 t#e ten@&oun$ bag "osts M5200. itFs only M0250 &er &oun$Ka better bargainI But bigger $oesnFt al*ays 3ean "#ea&er. so be sure to "#e") t#e unit &ri"e be0ore #auling #o3e t#at su&er@si+e$ -ar o0 s&ag#etti sau"eI

,5 9uy in bul(:i* i 0on+ %o o 0as e7

%u&&ose youF!e "#e")e$ t#e unit &ri"e 0or a "ertain ite3. an$ $eter3ine$ t#at buying in bul) *ill sa!e you 3oney2 Ne5t as) yoursel0 t#is 6uestion: *ill I be able to eat. $rin). use or ot#er*ise "onsu3e t#is ite3 be0ore it s&oils or goes to *asteG ItFs not a bargain i0 you *in$ u& t#ro*ing #al0 o0 it a*ayI ?nless you #a!e a big 0a3ilyKor a !ery #earty a&&etiteK&lay it sa0e an$ sti") to non@&eris#ables *#en buying in bul)2 %to") u& on toilet &a&er. "anne$ goo$s. ri"e. &asta an$ beans i0 t#e &ri"e is rig#tL but re0rain 0ro3 buying *are#ouse 6uantities o0 brea$. 3eat. eggs. "#eese or &ro$u"e2

,/ 9ro0n ba% your lunch

Consi$er t#is: i0 you go out to lun"# 0i!e ti3es &er *ee). at a "ost o0 M5@M10 a $ay. youFll s&en$ a *#o&&ing M1300@M2;00 o!er t#e "ourse o0 t#e yearI Instea$. $o as 0rugillionaires $o: bring your o*n lun"# to *or). an$ &ut t#at e5tra t#ousan$ 1or t*oI4 into your ban) a""ount2 /a)e a san$*i"# or sala$ at #o3e 0or a 0ra"tion o0 *#at youFll &ay at a restaurant or $eli2 Hr "oo) a larger &ortion 0or $inner. re0rigerate t#e le0to!ers. an$ en-oy a $eli"ious 0east o0 &asta. "#i")en. or !egetables t#e ne5t a0ternoon2 W#en you gi!e u& t#e 0ast 0oo$ an$ lun"#es out. bot# your *allet an$ *aistline bene0itI

,1 9rin% your o0n snac(s

8onFt let *or)$ay 3un"#ies gobble u& your &ay"#e")L bring your o*n sna")s. an$ a!oi$ t#e !en$ing 3a"#ineI 9#ose little bags o0 &ret+els. "oo)ies an$ "#i&s "o33an$ a #e0ty &re3iu3 Ko0ten t*i"e t#e gro"ery store &ri"e2 You "an slas# t#is e5&ense by &lanning a#ea$: buy e"ono3y si+es o0 your 0a!orite treats. an$ &a") a $ayFs &ortion in a +i&lo") bag2 Better yet. s)i& t#e -un) 0oo$ an$ o&t 0or 3ore nutritious 0are li)e yogurt. ra* !eggies. "ra")ers an$ "#eese. or

15 $rie$ 0ruit an$ nuts2 ItFs a #ealt#ier *ay to 0en$ o00 #unger. *#ile )ee&ing your *allet ni"e an$ 0ullI

,2 9rin% your o0n bevera%es

Instea$ o0 buying be!erages 0ro3 !en$ing 3a"#ines an$ "on!enien"e stores. bring t#e3 0ro3 #o3eI ItFs 3u"# 3ore e"ono3i"al to buy so$a. -ui"e an$ *ater in bul) t#an by t#e bottle2 ,ur"#asing by t#e gallon or "ase "an yiel$ signi0i"ant $is"ounts in ter3s o0 unit &ri"e2 ?se "ou&ons. or s#o& at *are#ouse "lubs. 0or e!en greater sa!ings2 ItFs also a goo$ i$ea to "arry a reusable bottle. an$ re0ill it 0ro3 larger "ontainers at #o3e2 9#at *ay. you "an buy be!erages in t#e 3ost e"ono3i"al si+es. *#ile en-oying t#e "on!enien"e o0 &ortable ser!ings2

,3 En;oy alcohol in &odera ion

i3it your al"o#ol inta)e. 0or t#e sa)e o0 your 0inan"es an$ your #ealt#2 I0 youFre a 0re6uent $rin)er. "ut your "o")tails to on"e a *ee). or #a!e one glass o0 *ine instea$ o0 t*o2 ItFs easier to re$u"e your "onsu3&tion t#an 6uit "ol$ tur)eyL an$ *#en you $o in$ulge. youFll en-oy it 3u"# 3oreI It also &ays to be a$!enturous *#en s#o&&ing 0or *ine: e5&lore lesser@)no*n labels 0ro3 aroun$ t#e *orl$. an$ youFll 0in$ e5"ellent bottles un$er M102 An$ *#en youFre out on t#e to*n. re3e3ber t#at bar tabs an$ ti&s a$$ u& 6ui")ly2 I0 you alternate "o")tails *it# so$a or *ater. youFll sa!e 3oneyKan$ 3aybe your re&utationI

-0 <uench your hirs 0i h 0a er

8rin)ing *ater is one o0 t#e best t#ings you "an $o 0or your bo$y. an$ your ban) a""ountI Water is t#e i$eal be!erage 0or )ee&ing your t#irst 6uen"#e$ an$ your insi$es #y$rate$. an$ *eFre e5tre3ely 0ortunate to #a!e a "lean. on@$e3an$ su&&ly o0 it "o3ing 0ro3 our 0au"ets2 9a)e a$!antage o0 t#is *on$er0ul resour"eKitFs signi0i"antly "#ea&er. #ealt#ier. an$ )in$er to t#e en!iron3ent t#an &ro"esse$ an$ &a")age$ be!erages2 9#e re"o33en$e$ eig#t glasses o0 ta& *ater a $ay "osts aroun$ M1 &er yearKabout t#e sa3e &ri"e as a single so0t $rin)I

-# Re*ill 0a er bo les

W#en *eFre on t#e go. *e o0ten rely on bottle$ *ater to )ee& us re0res#e$2 9#e &roble3: itFs e5&ensi!e to buy. an$ 3u"# o0 t#e &lasti" en$s u& in lan$0ills2 Fill reusable bottles *it# ta& *ater instea$L itFs 3ore e"o@0rien$ly. an$ "an sa!e you #un$re$s o0 $ollars &er year2 9a& *ater in $e!elo&e$ "ountries is ty&i"ally "lean an$ sa0e to $rin)L i0 "onta3inants are a "on"ern. use a 0iltere$ &it"#er or 0au"et atta"#3ent2 Not rea$y to gi!e u& bottle$ *ater entirelyG At least a!oi$ t#e single ser!ings2 Buy t#e largest "ontainers &ossible. an$ re0ill your reusable bottle2

-, =alve your res auran habi

1;

9#ereFs no $oubt about it: $ining out is e5&ensi!e2 9#e less *e $o it. t#e 3ore *e sa!eK but *e $onFt *ant to $eny oursel!es all t#e &leasures in li0eI Co3&ro3ise. an$ "ut your restaurant !isits or ta)eout nig#ts in #al02 I0 you usually eat out t*i"e a *ee). re$u"e it to on"eL i0 you "urrently in$ulge -ust on"e a *ee). 3a)e it e!ery ot#er2 Just li)e t#at. youFll #a!e a 0uller *alletK*it#out 0eeling "o3&letely $e&ri!e$2 In 0a"t. instea$ o0 being routine. going out 0or a restaurant 3eal *ill 0eel li)e a s&e"ial o""asion2 YouFll loo) 0or*ar$ to it *it# ent#usias3. an$ sa!or t#e e5&erien"eI

-- S(i" he a""e i>ers:or &a(e he& a &eal

A&&eti+ers 3a)e big 3oney 0or restaurantsL s3aller ser!ings 3ean #ig#er &ro0its 0or t#e3. an$ less !alue 0or you2 9o tri3 $o*n your "#e"). 0orgo t#e3 entirely2 /ost entrNes are large enoug# to satis0y your #unger *it#out t#e a$$e$ e5&ense. an$ "alories. o0 a starter2 Hr. i0 t#e restaurant $is#es out generous &ortions. or$er an a&&eti+er as your 3ain 3eal2 %ala$s in &arti"ular "an ser!e as lig#t. #ealt#y entrNes2 Furt#er3ore. $onFt or$er 3ulti&le "ourses -ust to e5ten$ t#e lengt# o0 your $ining e5&erien"eL eat a little 3ore slo*ly instea$I

-. Share an en r?e

9#e ne5t ti3e you eat out. s#are an entrNe *it# your $inner &artner2 Restaurant &ortions #a!e gro*n substantially o!er t#e years. an$ "an be se!eral ti3es larger t#an re"o33en$e$ ser!ing si+es2 E!en i0 you s&lit a 3eal. youFre unli)ely to lea!e t#e table #ungryI W#ile itFs #u3an nature to 0inis# t#e 0oo$ on your &late. youF$ &robably 0eel -ust as satis0ie$ *it# a s3aller a3ount2 I0 you really *ant to in$ulge. s#are an a&&eti+er an$ $essert *it# your &artner as *ell2 YouFll en-oy a *on$er0ul 0eastK*it# #al0 t#e "alories. an$ #al0 t#e billI

-5 S(i" @or shareA desser

You )no* t#e saying: a 3o3ent on t#e li&s. 0ore!er on t#e #i&s2 A restaurant $essert ser!es u& a $ouble *#a33y: it &lu3&s u& t#e bill as *ell as your bo$y2 o*@"ost ingre$ients li)e sugar. 0lour an$ butter 3ean #ig# &ro0it 3argins 0or restaurants2 9#atFs *#y t#e *aiter s*oo&s in *it# t#at te3&ting tray o0 s*eets a0ter your 3ealI I0 you #a!e t#e 0ortitu$e. *ait until you get #o3e an$ #a!e a &ie"e o0 antio5i$ant@ri"# $ar) "#o"olate2 Alternati!ely. or$er one $essert 0or t#e tableL 3ost are large enoug#. an$ ri"# enoug#. to ser!e se!eral &eo&le2 A 0e* bites *ill usually satis0y your s*eet toot#I

-/ 9BO9

1=

For big sa!ings. 0re6uent restaurants t#at let you bring your o*n bottle o0 *ine2 Al"o#ol is a 3a-or &ro0it 3a)er 0or $ining establis#3ents. an$ t#e 3ar)u& on *ine lists is staggering: ty&i"ally 200 to 300 &er"ent &er bottle2 Buying *ine by t#e glass is e!en 3ore e5&ensi!e2 Fortunately. t#e BYHB "on"e&t is &o&ular a3ong as&iring restaurateurs. as it allo*s t#e3 to brea) into t#e business *it#out t#e e5&ense o0 a li6uor li"ense2 W#en you &atroni+e t#ese s3aller. in$e&en$ent eateries. youFll not only sa!e 3oney on al"o#olL youFll en-oy a 3ore uni6ue "ulinary e5&erien"eI

-1 Try he house 0ine

E!en i0 your $inner s&ot is not BYHB. you "an still sa!e 3oney on al"o#olKby or$ering t#e #ouse *ine2 In t#e &ast. #ouse *ines *ere o0ten "#osen by &ri"e rat#er t#an 6uality. an$ t#ere0ore not #ig#ly regar$e$2 But t#ese $ays. t#eyFre "onsi$ere$ &art o0 a restaurantFs i3ageL an$ 3ost &la"es *onFt ris) t#eir re&utations by ser!ing a &oor one2 %o33eliers ta)e &ri$e in t#eir sele"tions. see)ing *ines t#at are #ig# in 6uality. reasonably &ri"e$. an$ "o3&le3entary to t#e "uisine2 As) 0or a taste be0ore "o33itting to a "ara0eKt#en $rin) a toast to your sa!ingsI

-2 Use res auran cou"ons

%tret"# your $ining@out $ollars *it# restaurant "ou&onsI Eateries o00er t#e3 to attra"t ne* "usto3ers an$ $ru3 u& business $uring slo* &erio$sL loo) 0or t#e3 in lo"al ne*s&a&ers an$ a$ 3ailers2 You "an also 0in$ great $ining $eals on t#e internet2 Restaurant2"o3. 0or e5a3&le. sells "erti0i"ates 0or &arti"i&ating establis#3ents at $ee& $is"ounts2 At t#e ti3e o0 t#is *riting. you "an &ur"#ase a M25 !ou"#er 0or only M10 1so3e restri"tions a&&ly42 Just &ay 0or it. &rint it. an$ ta)e it to t#e restaurant2 First $ates asi$e. itFs a great *ay to a!oi$ lea!ing 3oney on t#e tableI

-3 =ave a *ancy lunch

8ying to try t#at ne* 0our@star restaurantG A!oi$ t#e sti")er s#o") by going 0or lun"#I 9#e &ortions are s3aller. an$ t#e 0are lig#ter. 3eaning 3ini3al *aste an$ le0to!ers2 Better yet. t#e at3os&#ere is usually less stu00y. 3a)ing 0or a 3ore rela5ing e5&erien"e2 In 0a"t. it 0eels 0abulous. an$ a little $e"a$ent. to in$ulge in a 0an"y lun"#L no one *ill sus&e"t 0rugality as your 3oti!ationI ?se t#is strategy t#e ne5t ti3e youFre "onsi$ering a s&lurge at so3e "ulinary #ot s&ot2 W#en you $ine li)e a 0rugillionaire. you "an eat *ell *it#out brea)ing t#e ban)I

.0 Revive he los ar o* "icnic(in%

,i"ni"s are a 0abulous *ay to eat DoutEK*it#out t#e restaurant e5&enseI 9#ey e!ol!e$

1> 0ro3 3e$ie!al out$oor ban6uets. an$ *ere a 0a!orite &asti3e o0 Euro&ean royalty2 E3bra"e t#is gran$ tra$ition. an$ organi+e an outing o0 your o*n2 Your &i"ni" 0are "an be as si3&le as brea$. "#eese. oli!es an$ 0inger 0oo$2 %an$*i"#es an$ sala$s are also easy to &a"). trans&ort an$ eat *it# a 3ini3u3 o0 0uss2 Alternati!ely. 0i5 an entire 0east to en-oy al 0res"oL -ust be sure to )ee& 0oo$s a&&ro&riately #ot or "ol$ to &re!ent s&oilage2 I0 you $onFt *ant to "oo). 3any gro"ery stores o00er &re&are$ 3eals t#at are &i"ni"@&er0e"tI

.# =ave a "o luc( dinner "ar y

Forgo t#e restaurant. an$ in!ite 0rien$s o!er 0or a &otlu") $inner &artyI As) e!eryone to bring a $is#. an$ ser!e t#e "ontributions bu00et style2 Assign ea"# &erson a "ategory in a$!an"e Ka&&eti+er. entrNe. si$e $is#. or $essertKto ensure an a&&ro&riate !ariety2 A t#e3e &ro!i$es "onsisten"y an$ in"reases t#e 0un: so3e i$eas in"lu$e "o30ort 0oo$. "#il$#oo$ 0a!orites. an$ et#ni" "uisine 1li)e In$ian. C#inese or Italian42 A &otlu") is not only less e5&ensi!e t#an going out 0or a 3ealL it gi!es e!eryone a "#an"e to s#o* o00 t#eir "ulinary s)ills. an$ s#are t#eir 0a!orite re"i&esI

., =ave coc( ails a ho&e

Bar tabs a$$ u& 6ui")ly *#en youFre out *it# 0rien$s 0or "o")tailsI <rab so3e si5@&a")s o0 beer. or bottles o0 *ine. an$ &arty at #o3e instea$2 8onFt *orry about 0ull@s"ale "ateringL set out a si3&le s&rea$ o0 brea$. "#eese. "ra")ers. "#i&s. &ret+els an$ ot#er sna")s2 Conne"t your i,o$ to t#e stereo 0or "#ea& entertain3ent. an$ en"ourage guests *it# 3&3 &layers to -oin in &ro!i$ing t#e 3usi"2 ItFs a great *ay to so"iali+e *it#out t#e "ro*$s. bar tab or ti&sI Just re3e3ber to be a res&onsible #ost. an$ 3a)e sure nobo$y $rin)s an$ $ri!es2

.- Li&i he la es

A $aily latte 0ro3 t#e "o00ee s#o& is a big bu$get@busterL t#at M3 a $ay a$$s u& to o!er M1000 a yearI I0 itFs t#e e5&erien"e you sa!or. "ut $o*n your !isits to on"e a *ee)2 Being a 0rugillionaire isnFt about $e&ri!ation. but a&&re"iation: *#en t#e !isits are no longer routine. youFll sa!or t#e3 as a s&e"ial treat2 I0 t#e "o00ee is *#at you "ra!e. in!est in a #ig#@6uality 3a"#ine an$ 3a)e your o*nKitFll &ay 0or itsel0 in no ti3e2 Hr s#are t#e "ost o0 one 0or t#e o00i"e *it# latte@lo!ing "o*or)ers. an$ ta)e turns buying t#e beansI

.. $ine 0i h clo h na"(ins

i3it your use o0 $is&osable &ro$u"ts. su"# as &a&er na&)insL itFs li)e t#ro*ing your "as# in t#e tras#I 8ine *it# "lot# na&)ins instea$L t#eyFre "#ea&er in t#e long run. an$ 3a)e your table loo) li)e a 3illion bu")sI You "an &ur"#ase t#e3 ine5&ensi!ely 0ro3 $is"ount an$ $ollar stores2

1( Better yet. 3a)e your o*n. using re3nants 0ro3 t#e 0abri" store or 3aterial you #a!e aroun$ t#e #ouse2 %i3&ly 3easure t#e &ie"es. "ut into s6uares. an$ #e3 t#e e$ges2 9#ey len$ an elegant tou"# to your $ining roo3. an$ #el& you sa!e 3oney *it# styleI

.5 Fire u" he %rill' and (ee" your cool

E!eryone lo!es a barbe"ue. an$ using t#e grill "an slas# your utility billsI By "oo)ing out on *ar3 su33er nig#ts. youFll a!oi$ turning on t#e o!en. #eating u& t#e #ouse. an$ running t#e air "on$itioner to "ool it $o*n2 An$ youFll #a!e a blast &re&aring. an$ eating. your $inner al 0res"oI You "an also )ee& your "ool by using toaster o!ens. "ro") &ots an$ 3i"ro*a!es in *ar3 *eat#erL t#ey #eat only t#e 3eal. an$ not t#e *#ole #ouse2 Alternati!ely. ser!e u& "ol$ 0oo$s on #ot $ays: san$*i"#es. sala$s an$ 0ruits are lig#ter. 3ore re0res#ing su33er 0are t#at *onFt raise t#e te3&erature in your )it"#en2

./ Trac( your *ood s"endin%

ItFs easy to 0orget about t#ose $eli"ious lun"#es an$ ta)eout $innersKt#en *on$er *#ere your 3oneyFs goneI But t#ereFs a sure@0ire *ay to stay on bu$get: *rite $o*n *#at you s&en$2 ?se a noteboo) or "o3&uter s&rea$s#eet to re"or$ 0oo$@relate$ &ur"#ases. be t#ey 0ro3 su&er3ar)ets. restaurants. "on!enien"e stores or !en$ing 3a"#ines2 ist e!eryt#ing. no 3atter #o* s3allL in"lu$e t#ose bottles o0 *ater. bags o0 "#i&s. an$ your $aily &astra3i san$*i"#2 At t#e en$ o0 ea"# *ee). re!ie* your e5&en$itures2 W#en itFs all in 0ront o0 you. youFll see e5a"tly *#ere you "an tri3 t#e 0atI

!ha" er , =O8E EC)ENSES Slashin% U ili y !os s and Shrin(in% Bour 9ills .1 S&all is beau i*ul
Frugillionaires )no* t#at a bigger #o3e isnFt ne"essarily better: *#o *ants to s&en$ all t#eir ti3e $usting. 3o&&ing an$ !a"uu3ing t#ousan$s o0 s6uare 0eetG We #a!e 3ore 0abulous t#ings to $oI 9ra$e $o*n to a s3aller #ouse or a&art3ent2 YouFll #a!e less "lutter. less to 3aintain. less to "leanKan$ 3u"# 3ore 0ree ti3e2 In 0a"t. youFll be sur&rise$ #o* 3u"# 3oney you sa!e *#en you #a!e a s3aller s&a"e2 YouFll not only $e"rease your utility bills. youFll lo*er your o!erall s&en$ingKbe"ause you "anFt &ur"#ase t#ings *#en you #a!e no &la"e to &ut t#e3I

.2 $o i yoursel*
9#e ne5t ti3e so3et#ing brea)s aroun$ t#e #ouse. sa!e so3e 3oney an$ 0i5 it yoursel0I Atten$ *or)s#o&s at #ar$*are stores to learn basi" s)ills an$ be"o3e 0a3iliar *it# t#e tools o0 t#e tra$e2 For &ro-e"t@s&e"i0i" instru"tions. "onsult boo)s on #o3e re&air or sear"# t#e internet2 %tart *it# easier tas)sKli)e 0i5ing a lea)y 0au"et or un"logging a toiletKan$ ta")le bigger -obs as you gain e5&erien"e2 I0 you #a!e t#e ti3e an$ in"lination. try a #o3e i3&ro!e3ent &ro-e"t li)e &ainting. *all&a&ering. installing 3ol$ings. or re&la"ing &lu3bing or lig#ting 0i5tures2 YouFll a$$ !alue to your #ouse. *it#out t#e "ost o0 a "ontra"tor2

.3 $o "reven a ive &ain enance

/aintain your #ouse an$ a&&lian"es to a!oi$ "ostly re&airs in t#e 0uture2 Follo*ing are a 0e* *ays to #el& )ee& your #o3e in ti&@to& s#a&e2 Ins&e"t your BCAC 0ilter 3ont#ly. an$ re&la"e i0 ne"essaryL "lean your "lot#es $ryer !ent regularlyL an$ !a"uu3 t#e "oils o0 your re0rigerator t*i"e a year2 Re3o!e $ebris 0ro3 gutters an$ $o*ns&outs. an$ 3a)e sure t#eyFre *or)ing &ro&erly to )ee& *ater a*ay 0ro3 your 0oun$ation2 Ins&e"t your roo0. an$ re&la"e $a3age$ s#ingles be0ore lea)s o""ur2 Bire &ro0essionals to "#e") your 0urna"e an$ 0ire&la"e on a yearly basis2 An$ $onFt 0orget to "#ange t#e batteries in your s3o)e an$ "arbon 3ono5i$e $ete"torsI

20

50 See he li%h
Re&la"e tra$itional in"an$es"ent lig#t bulbs *it# "o3&a"t 0luores"entsKan$ sa!e big bu")s on your ele"tri" billI Co3&a"t 0luores"ent lig#t bulbs 1CF s4 use about =5 &er"ent less energy t#an in"an$es"ent ones. an$ last about ten ti3es longer2 9#ey also &ro$u"e less #eat. #el&ing you sa!e on #o3e "ooling "osts2 CF s are a!ailable in a !ariety o0 si+es an$ s#a&es to 0it al3ost any lig#t 0i5ture2 9#ey "ost 3ore t#an tra$itional bulbs. but &ay 0or t#e3sel!es 6ui")ly in re$u"e$ energy bills2 9#eyFre &arti"ularly "on!enient 0or #ar$@to@rea"# 0i5tures. sin"e t#ey sel$o3 nee$ re&la"ingI

5# Turn do0n he her&os a in 0in er

Consi$er t#is: 0or e!ery $egree you lo*er your t#er3ostat. you "an sa!e 0ro3 1 to 3 &er"ent on your #eating bill2 %et your t#er3ostat at ;> $egrees Fa#ren#eit *#en youFre at #o3e an$ a*a)e. an$ lo*er it *#ile at *or) or aslee&L turning it $o*n 10 $egrees 0or eig#t #ours "an slas# your #eating "osts by 10 &er"ent2 W#ile youFre sa!ing 3oney. stay *ar3 li)e a 0rugillionaire: &ut on your "o+iest s*eater. en-oy a #ot "u& o0 tea. bun$le un$er e5tra blan)ets. or snuggle u& *it# your s*eet#eart2 An$ *#en t#e sno* is 0alling. or *in$ #o*ling. be e!er so grate0ul 0or t#e roo0 o!er your #ea$I

5, Turn u" he her&os a in su&&er

I0 you #a!e "entral air "on$itioning. use a si3ilar strategy in su33er: set your t#er3ostat at => $egrees Fa#ren#eit *#en youFre at #o3e. an$ turn it u& *#ile youFre a*ay2 8onFt )ee& your #ouse so "ol$ t#at you nee$ to *ear a s*eater in JulyI %a!e 0urt#er on "ooling "osts by installing "eiling an$ *in$o* 0ans to "ir"ulate air t#roug#out t#e #ouse. an$ an atti" 0an to e5#aust *ar3 air to t#e out$oors2 In s&ring an$ 0all. o&en t#e *in$o*s instea$ o0 turning on t#e A7C2 An$ in t#e $og $ays o0 su33er. beat t#e #eat in true %out#ern style: si& an i"e$ tea or 3int -ule&. an$ "at"# so3e "ool bree+es on t#e &or"#I

5- Ge a "ro%ra&&able her&os a

Buy a &rogra33able t#er3ostatL itFll sa!e you a bun$le on utility bills. an$ &ay 0or itsel0 in no ti3e2 You "an set $i00erent te3&eratures 0or $i00erent ti3es o0 t#e $ayKli)e *#en youFre at #o3e. at *or). or aslee&2 9#at *ay. you *onFt #a!e to re3e3ber to a$-ust it yoursel02 Best o0 all. you "an #a!e it turn u& t#e #eat an #our be0ore you *a)eK3a)ing it 3u"# easier to get out o0 be$ on "ol$ *inter 3ornings2 /ost #a!e se&arate *ee)en$ 3o$es. so youFll rarely nee$ to 3a)e a 3anual a$-ust3ent2 Wit# a &rogra33able t#er3ostat. you "an 3a5i3i+e your "o30ort. an$ your sa!ings. *it# nary a se"on$ t#oug#tI

5. $od%e dra* s

,lug t#e air lea)s in your #o3e. an$ youFll lo*er your utility bills2 9#e areas aroun$ $oors an$ *in$o*s are notorious 0or letting "ol$ air enter in *inter. an$ air "on$itioning es"a&e in su33er2 9est 0or $ra0ts by #ol$ing a lit "an$le near sus&e"t lo"ationsL i0 t#e 0la3e 0li")ers. youF!e 0oun$ a lea)I ?se "aul) or *eat#er stri&&ing to 0ill any "ra")s or #oles. an$ seal aroun$ *in$o* an$ $oor 0ra3es2 %to& air0lo* un$er $oors *it# $ra0t $o$gers an$ s*ee&s. an$ insulate *in$o*s *it# #ea!y "urtains. blan)ets or &lasti" 0il32 Ele"tri"al outlets "an also lea) "ol$ air

21 into your #o3eL seal t#e3 *it# 0oa3 gas)ets. *#i"# are ine5&ensi!e an$ easy to install2

55 Add insula ion

A$$ insulationKitFs one o0 t#e 3ost e00e"ti!e *ays to re$u"e energy "osts2 Insulation sto&s #eat loss in *inter. an$ #eat gain in su33er. #el&ing to 3aintain a "o30ortable te3&erature insi$e your #o3e2 %tart in your atti". *#ere installation is easiest an$ usually results in t#e greatest sa!ings2 An R@3> insulation !alue 1about 12@15 in"#es t#i")4 is "o33only re"o33en$e$L "ol$er "li3ates re6uire 3ore2 Re$u"e #eating an$ "ooling "osts 0urt#er by insulating your base3ent or "ra*ls&a"e. an$ insi$e your *alls2 An a$$e$ bonus: so3e states an$ utilities o00er ta5 "re$its an$ rebates 0or &ro&erly insulate$ #o3es2

5/ Lo0er your 0a er hea er+s e&"era ure

Your *ater #eater uses energy to 3aintain a "onstant te3&erature: t#e lo*er t#at te3&erature. t#e lo*er your energy "osts2 A""or$ing to t#e ?2 %2 8e&art3ent o0 Energy. you "an sa!e 3 to 5 &er"ent 0or e!ery 10 $egree $e"rease in *ater te3&erature2 C#e") t#e t#er3ostat: t#eyFre o0ten set to 1:0 $egrees Fa#ren#eit by $e0ault. *#ile 120 $egrees Fa#ren#eit is su00i"ient 0or 3ost #ouse#ol$ use 1so3e $is#*as#ers re6uire #ig#er #eat. so "onsult your 3anual 0irst42 A lo*er te3&erature also re$u"es t#e $anger o0 s"al$ing. an$ slo*s "orrosion in your &i&es2 W#en youFre a*ay 0ro3 #o3e 0or an e5ten$e$ &erio$. turn t#e *ater #eater to its lo*est setting. or turn it o00 "o3&letely2

51 Insula e your ho 0a er hea er

I0 your *ater #eater tan) is *ar3 to t#e tou"#. *ra& it *it# a s&e"ial insulating blan)etL t#eyFre &re@"ut. ine5&ensi!e an$ a!ailable at 3ost #ar$*are stores2 %o3e utility "o3&anies e!en sell an$ install t#e3 at lo* "ost2 Insulating ele"tri" *ater #eaters is &retty straig#t0or*ar$L -ust 0ollo* t#e instru"tions "are0ully. an$ be sure not to "o!er t#e t#er3ostat2 <as an$ oil@0ire$ *ater #eaters &resent a greater "#allenge. be"ause o0 t#e 0lue an$ &ilot lig#tL &ro0essional installation is usually re"o33en$e$2 9#e 8e&art3ent o0 Energy esti3ates t#at insulation "an sa!e : to ( &er"ent in *ater #eating "ostsK*#ile &ro!i$ing you *it# ni"e. #ot s#o*ersI

52 Use ener%yD and 0a erDsavin% a""liances

W#en itFs ti3e to re&la"e ol$ a&&lian"es. sele"t energy@ an$ *ater@e00i"ient 3o$els 0or big sa!ings2 ENER<Y %9ARKa -oint &rogra3 o0 t#e ?2 %2 8e&art3ent o0 Energy an$ t#e En!iron3ental ,rote"tion Agen"yK#el&s you 3a)e s3art "#oi"es by i$enti0ying &ro$u"ts o0 su&erior e00i"ien"y2 oo) 0or t#e DENER<Y %9ARE label *#en &ur"#asing re0rigerators. "lot#es *as#ers. air "on$itioners. $is#*as#ers. boilers. 0urna"es. lig#ting. "o3&uter e6ui&3ent. #o3e

22 ele"troni"s an$ 3ore2 9#ese a&&lian"es use 10 to 50 &er"ent less energy an$ *ater t#an "on!entional 3o$els. an$ "an $ra3ati"ally lo*er your utility billsI

53 $o *ull loads

Al*ays $o 0ull loa$s o0 laun$ryKyouFll sa!e *ater. &o*er. 3oney an$ ti3eI ,artial loa$s use t#e sa3e a3ount o0 energy as 0ull loa$s. an$ "an also *aste *ater2 9#is $oesnFt 3ean you s#oul$ o!erloa$ t#e *as#erL -ust s"#e$ule your laun$ry so youFll run as 0e* "y"les as &ossible2 %u"# &lanning also re$u"es *ear an$ tear on your 3a"#ine. in"reasing its li0es&an an$ $e"reasing t#e nee$ 0or "ostly re&airs2 8o t#e sa3e *it# your $is#*as#er: sti") to 0ull loa$s 0or t#e 3ost e00i"ient use o0 energy. *ater an$ $etergent2 I0 your $irty $is#es are 0e*. *as# t#e3 by #an$ an$ sa!e t#e ele"tri"ity2

/0 Wash o0els less o* en

BereFs an i$ea t#at *ill sa!e you 3oney an$ ti3e: *as# bat# to*els less o0ten2 9#ey really $onFt nee$ laun$ering on a $aily basisL youFre "lean *#en you use t#e3. a0ter allI <i!e yoursel0 an$ your utilities a brea). an$ let t#e3 go t#ree to 0our $aysKor e!en a *ee)Kbet*een *as#ings2 But ta)e note: t#is strategy *onFt *or) i0 t#e to*els are &ile$ on t#e bat#roo3 0loor2 Bang t#e3 i33e$iately a0ter use 1an$ instru"t 0a3ily 3e3bers to $o t#e sa3eI4. so t#ey $ry t#oroug#ly an$ stay 0res#2 9#is si3&le #abit *ill lessen your laun$ry. lo*er your bills. an$ lig#ten your *or)loa$I

/# $ry 0isely

Air@$rying laun$ry is bestKbut not al*ays &ra"ti"al $ue to t#e *eat#er. or ti3e "onstraints2 W#en you use your $ryer. try t#e 0ollo*ing ti&s to sa!e energy an$ 3oney2 8o 0ull loa$s rat#er t#an &artial ones. sin"e t#ey use si3ilar a3ounts o0 energy2 Run 3ulti&le loa$s one a0ter anot#er to ta)e a$!antage o0 resi$ual #eat2 ?se t#e 3oisture sensor instea$ o0 t#e ti3erL it 3onitors t#e #u3i$ity in t#e $ru3. an$ turns o00 t#e 3a"#ine auto3ati"ally *#en "lot#es are $ry2 Clean t#e lint 0ilter a0ter e!ery loa$. to i3&ro!e e00i"ien"y an$ re$u"e t#e ris) o0 0ire2 An$ *#en t#e sun "o3es outK#ang u& your "lot#eslineI

/, AirDdry dishes

et your $is#es air@$ryKitFs one o0 t#e si3&lest *ays to slas# energy bills2 I0 your $is#*as#er #as one. use t#e Dair@$ryE settingL i0 not. s)i& t#e D#eat@$ryE "y"le an$ turn it o00 a0ter t#e 0inal rinse2 H&en t#e $oor an$ &ull out t#e ra")s. to let air "ir"ulate t#roug# t#e "ontents2 It "oul$nFt be any easierI Just be sure t#at $is#es are "o3&letely $ry be0ore &utting t#e3 a*ay. as sta")ing t#e3 *et en"ourages ba"teria gro*t#2 Air@$rying ta)es a little 3ore ti3e. but no e5tra

23 e00ort2 YouFll sa!e ele"tri"ity. 3oney. an$ t#e en!iron3entK*it#out li0ting a 0ingerI

/- )ull he "lu% on ener%y lea(s

W#en you turn o00 #o3e ele"troni"s. you e5&e"t t#e &o*er to sto& 0lo*ingKbut t#atFs not al*ays t#e "aseI 9ele!isions. stereos. 8C8 &layers. "o3&uters. )it"#en a&&lian"es an$ "ell &#one "#argers "ontinually $rain ele"tri"ity. -ust by being &lugge$ into t#e *all2 9#ese little lea)s 1or D&#anto3 loa$sE4 "an a$$ u& to big bu")s on your ele"tri" bill2 For 0rugillionaires. itFs se"on$ nature to turn o00 t#e lig#ts *#en lea!ing a roo32 8o t#e sa3e *it# unuse$ $e!i"esI /a)e it easy to D&ull t#e &lugE by grou&ing 3ulti&le ite3s onto &o*er stri&sL t#at *ay. you "an sa!e 3oney *it# a si3&le 0li") o0 a s*it"#2

/. !on rol e6 erior li%h s

8onFt lea!e e5terior lig#ts burning all $ay an$ nig#t2 ,ut t#e3 on ti3ers instea$. an$ &rogra3 lig#ts to turn on an$ o00 at &re$eter3ine$ #ours2 %o3e 0i5tures in"lu$e 1or "an be 0itte$ *it#4 &#oto sensors. *#i"# auto3ati"ally s*it"# lig#ts on at $us). an$ s#ut t#e3 o00 at sunrise2 For e!en greater sa!ings. install out$oor lig#ts *it# 3otion sensors2 9#ey a"ti!ate only *#en 3o!e3ent is $ete"te$K&ro!i$ing sa0ety an$ se"urity. *it#out illu3inating t#e entire &eri3eter o0 your #o3e2 Finally. e5er"ise restraint *it# orna3ental lig#tingKor turn it on only *#en youFre outsi$e to en-oy itI

/5 $on+ le he 0a er run

8onFt &our 3oney $o*n t#e $rainKturn o00 t#e *ater *#ile brus#ing your teet#I ItFs a si3&le "#ange in routine. but t#e "u3ulati!e e00e"tKt*i"e a $ay. e!ery $ayK"an 3ean big sa!ings on your *ater bill2 <et t#e *#ole 0a3ily on boar$ 0or 3a5i3u3 i3&a"tL itFs a *on$er0ul #abit 0or "#il$ren to learn2 %a!e *#ile you s#a!e *it# a si3ilar te"#ni6ue: use a little *ater 0or *etting. turn it o00 *#ile lat#ering. t#en on again only to rinse2 /iss t#e ba")groun$ noise *#ile &er0or3ing your $aily ablutionsG 9urn on so3e 3usi" instea$ o0 t#e 0au"etKitFs 3ore 0un. 0rugal. an$ en!iron3entally@0rien$ly2

// Go 0i h he lo0D*lo0

Install a lo*@0lo* s#o*er#ea$L itFs goo$ 0or t#e &lanet. an$ your *allet2 W#ile tra$itional s#o*er#ea$s use 5 to > gallons &er 3inute. lo*@0lo* !ersions use 225 or lessKsa!ing se!eral gallons o0 *ater ea"# 3inute o0 your s#o*er2 But *aitKt#ereFs 3oreI War3 s#o*ers re6uire gas or ele"tri"ity to #eat t#e *aterL *#en you re$u"e t#e a3ount o0 *ater. you also re$u"e your energy use2 9#e result: t*o bills slas#e$ *it# one si3&le $e!i"eI o*@0lo* 0i5tures are rea$ily a!ailable at #ar$*are an$ #o3e i3&ro!e3ent stores. an$ easy to install2 Wit# t#e latest

2: te"#nology. you *onFt e!en 0eel a $i00eren"e in *ater &ressure2

/1 Shor en your sho0er

A""or$ing to t#e En!iron3ental ,rote"tion Agen"y. 1= &er"ent o0 our in$oor *ater use is $e!ote$ to s#o*ering2 I3agine all t#ose $ro&s as &ennies. going $o*n t#e $rainKan$ sa!e t#at 3oney by ta)ing s#orter s#o*ersI Cut t#e3 $o*n to 0i!e 3inutes by 0o"using on t#e tas) at #an$: *as#. s#a3&oo an$ rinse2 %a!e e5tra rituals li)e s#a!ing. brus#ing your teet#. or singing an aria 0or *#en t#e *ater isnFt running2 I0 you lose tra") o0 ti3e *#ile lat#ering u&. set a )it"#en ti3erL or &lay a single song on a C8 &layer. an$ try to 0inis# be0ore itFs o!er2 %in"e s#o*ers a""ount 0or roug#ly t*o@t#ir$s o0 *ater #eating "osts. youFll also lo*er your energy bill2

/2 8a(e *auce s *ru%al

%a!e gallons o0 *ater ea"# $ay by e6ui&&ing 0au"ets *it# lo*@0lo* aerators2 Install t#e3 in your )it"#en an$ bat#roo3s. an$ youFll *aste 3u"# less *ater *as#ing #an$s an$ $is#es2 About 2 to 5 gallons o0 *ater 0lo* t#roug# stan$ar$ 0au"ets ea"# 3inuteL lo*@0lo* aerators $ra3ati"ally re$u"e t#is rate2 For 3a5i3u3 e00i"ien"y. "#oose aerators o0 1 gallon &er 3inute or less2 ,i") t#e3 u& ine5&ensi!ely at your lo"al #ar$*are storeKinstallation is a sna&. an$ t#ey &ay 0or t#e3sel!es in no ti3e2 YouFll not only sa!e 3oney on *ater. but also t#e energy use$ to #eat itI

/3 !hec( *or s eal h lea(s

ea)s $onFt al*ays #a!e a telltale D$ri&2E 9#ey "an stay be#in$ t#e s"enes. stealt#ily *asting your *aterKan$ your 3oneyI Fortunately. you "an "at"# t#ese "ul&rits *it# a si3&le test2 9urn o00 all 0au"ets an$ *ater@using a&&lian"es li)e sin)s. s#o*ers. $is#*as#ers. "lot#es *as#ers an$ s&rin)lers2 C#e") your *ater 3eter: i0 t#e #an$ is 3o!ing. t#ereFs a lea) in t#e syste32 I0 itFs still. note t#e &osition2 Re0rain 0ro3 *ater use 0or 30 3inutes. t#en return 0or a se"on$ rea$ing2 I0 itFs t#e sa3e. youFre in t#e "learL but i0 itFs 3o!e$. youF!e $is"o!ere$ a lea)2 9o &in&oint t#e &roble3. "#e") 0au"ets. toilets an$ a&&lian"esL or &i") u& t#e &#one an$ "all a &lu3berI

10 Fi6 lea(y *auce s

8onFt let a lea)y 0au"et $rain your *alletI 9#e 3ost "o33on "ause is a *orn@out *as#er. o@ring or "artri$ge t#at si3&ly nee$s to be re&la"e$2 ItFs a re&air 3ost 0rugillionaires "an $o t#e3sel!es. *it#out &aying a &ro0essional &lu3ber2 %i3&ly s#ut o00 t#e *ater su&&ly to t#e sin). &lug t#e $rain. an$ $isasse3ble t#e 0au"et #an$leL as you re3o!e &arts. 3a)e note o0 t#eir or$er. so you "an &ut it ba") toget#er2 %ee &lu3bing re&air boo)s an$ *ebsites 0or $etaile$ instru"tions2

25 I0 youFre unsure *#at nee$s re&la"ing. ta)e t#e entire asse3bly to your lo"al #ar$*are store2 9#eyFll #el& you $iagnose t#e &roble3 an$ 0in$ t#e rig#t &arts2

1# Tes *or oile lea(s

I0 you #a!e #ig# *ater bills. sus&e"t a lea)y toilet2 8onFt assu3e all is *ell -ust be"ause t#e 0loor is $ryL t#e &roble3 isnFt al*ays ob!ious2 9#ereFs a si3&le test you "an $o to 3a)e sure your 3oney isnFt goingP*ell. you )no* *#ereI Re3o!e t#e "o!er 0ro3 t#e tan). an$ a$$ a $ye tablet or 0oo$ "oloring to t#e *ater insi$e2 9#en let t#e toilet sit. unuse$. 0or #al0 an #our2 I0 any $ye$ *ater 3a)es its *ay into t#e bo*l. you #a!e a lea)y looI For ti&s on #o* to 0in$Kan$ 0i5 Kt#e 0ailing &art. "onsult t#e internet. a #o3e re&air boo). or your 0a!orite &lu3ber2

1, Ge a lo0D*lo0 loo

Re&la"e your ol$er toilet *it# a lo*@0lo* 3o$el. an$ youFll see t#e $i00eren"e in your *ater billI /ost toilets 3a$e be0ore 1((: use 325 to = gallons o0 *ater &er 0lus#L lo*@0lo* "o33o$es. on t#e ot#er #an$. use -ust 12; gallons or less2 9#e sa!ings a$$ u& ea"# tri& to t#e looI ,oor@&er0or3ing early 3o$els ga!e t#ese DgreenE latrines a ba$ ra&L but t#eyF!e "o3e a long *ay sin"e 0irst intro$u"e$2 I3&ro!e3ents in $esign an$ te"#nology. su"# as $ual@0lus# an$ &ressure@assiste$ syste3s. ensure a su""ess0ul an$ satis0ying 0lus#2 8o your resear"# be0ore 3a)ing a &ur"#ase: you "an 0in$ toilet &er0or3an"e ratings an$ re!ie*s on t#e internet. an$ in "onsu3er 3aga+ines2

1- 8a(e ba hs a lu6ury

9#e En!iron3ental ,rote"tion Agen"y esti3ates t#at *e use about =0 gallons o0 *ater 0or a 0ull bat#. !ersus 10@25 gallons 0or a 0i!e@3inute s#o*er2 9#atFs all *ell an$ goo$Kbut so3eti3es *e -ust nee$ a ni"e soa)2 In$ulge o""asionallyKrat#er t#an regularlyKan$ youFll a&&re"iate it all t#e 3ore2 9o 3ini3i+e *ater *aste. &lug t#e $rain as soon as you turn on t#e 0au"et2 9#e initial "ol$ *ater *ill be broug#t u& to te3&erature as t#e 0lo* be"o3es *ar3er2 Fill t#e bat# #al0@0ull. or -ust enoug# to i33erse your bo$yL a$$ bubbles to gi!e t#e illusion o0 a 0uller tub2 W#en you 3a)e bat#s a lu5urious treat. you "an still sa!e 3oneyKby s)i&&ing t#e s&aI

1. !u he cable

8ro& t#e e5&ensi!e "able. 0iber o&ti" or satellite tele!ision ser!i"esKan$ &ut your 3oney. an$ ti3e. to better useI You *onFt 3iss 3u"#: ne*s is rea$ily a!ailable on t#e internet. an$ 8C8s "an be rente$ 1or borro*e$ 0ro3 t#e library4 *#en youFre in t#e 3oo$ 0or a 3o!ie2 I0 youFre not rea$y to go "ol$ tur)ey. "ut ba") to basi" ser!i"e *it#out t#e &re3iu3 "#annels2

2; YouFll *aste a lot less ti3e 0li")ing t#roug# stations. only to $is"o!er t#ereFs not#ing goo$ on2 ?se t#e ti3e a0ter $inner to rea$ a boo). #ang out *it# your 0a3ily. or ta)e a *al) instea$2 DReal li0eE is in0initely 3ore interestingI

15 9undle u"

%a!e 3oney by &ur"#asing tele&#one. tele!ision an$ #ig#@s&ee$ internet ser!i"es 0ro3 t#e sa3e "o3&any2 %u"# Dbun$le$E $eals ty&i"ally "ost 3u"# less t#an &ur"#asing t#e3 in$i!i$ually2 Just be a*are t#at so3e &a")ages are li3ite$@ti3e o00ersKso )ee& an eye on your bill at t#e en$ o0 t#e &erio$2 I0 it rises substantially. s#o& aroun$ 0or anot#er &ro!i$erL "#an"es are. youFll be able to get a "o3&etiti!e rate t#roug# a $i00erent "o3&any2 But gi!e your original &ro!i$er a "all be0ore you 3a)e your 3o!e2 9#ey 3ay o00er you anot#er year at t#e sa3e &ri"e. si3&ly to )ee& you 0ro3 s*it"#ing2

1/ Slo0 do0n your in erne service

I0 you $o little 3ore on t#e internet t#an "#e") your e3ail an$ sur0 t#e *eb. $onFt &ay e5tra 0or lig#tning@s&ee$ ser!i"e2 /any broa$ban$ &ro!i$ers o00er tiere$ &ri"ing 0or $i00erent s&ee$sL try a slo*er one. an$ see i0 you noti"e t#e $i00eren"e2 You 3ay not 3in$ *aiting a 0ra"tion o0 a se"on$ longer 0or your 3essages to $o*nloa$. an$ you "an sa!e u& to M20 a 3ont#2 I0 youFre not online o0tenKan$ youFre blesse$ *it# t#e !irtue o0 &atien"eK"onsi$er $o*ngra$ing to $ial@u& ser!i"e2 ItFs slo*. but itFs "#ea&L an$ i0 you $onFt 3in$ seeing so3e a$s on your s"reen. you "an e!en get it 0or 0reeI

11 !u he "hone *rills

9a)e a "lose loo) at your &#one bill: are you &aying 0or 0eatures you $onFt use or $onFt nee$G /any &a")ages are bun$le$ *it# "aller i$. "all *aiting. "all 0or*ar$ing. t#ree@*ay "alling. !oi"e 3ail an$ 3ore2 YouFre bille$ 0or t#e3. *#et#er you use t#e3 or notI Call your &ro!i$er. an$ as) t#e &ri"e o0 a basi". no@0rills tele&#one line2 I0 one 1or 3ore4 o0 t#e e5tras is i3&ortant to you. see i0 itFs "#ea&er to buy a la "arte2 An$ i0 you 3ainly use your "ell &#one. stri& your lan$line to t#e boneL youFre unli)ely to nee$ t#e &re3iu3 ser!i"es2

12 8a(e calls over he in erne

I0 you #a!e a reliable broa$ban$ "onne"tion. "onsi$er using CoI, 1Coi"e o!er I,4 0or tele&#one ser!i"e2 9#is te"#nology "on!erts your !oi"e to $igital signals an$ sen$s t#e3 o!er t#e internetL to use it. youFll nee$ a "o3&uter. a$a&tor or s&e"iali+e$ &#one2 CoI, &a")agesKo00ere$ by "o3&anies li)e %)y&e an$ ConageKare ty&i"ally 3u"# "#ea&er t#an "on!entional &#one &lans. &arti"ularly 0or long@$istan"e "alls2 In 0a"t. you "an o0ten tal) to &eo&le on t#e sa3e

2= net*or) 0ree o0 "#argeI 9#e $ra*ba")s: CoI, &#ones 3ay not "onne"t $ire"tly to (@1@1 e3ergen"y "enters. an$ *onFt *or) $uring internet an$ &o*er outages2 9a)e t#ese issues into a""ount be0ore re&la"ing your tra$itional &#one ser!i"e2

13 Use *ree .##

8ialing :11 0or $ire"tory assistan"e is e5&ensi!eKusually aroun$ M1@M2 &er "allI %a!e 3oney by loo)ing u& nu3bers in t#e &#one boo). or on t#e internet. instea$2 I0 youFre on t#e roa$. use 0ree $ire"tory assistan"e ser!i"es li)e 1@>00@FREE@:11 or 1@>00@:11@/E9RH2 9#e "at"#: youFll #a!e to listen to a 0e* a$s be0ore re"ei!ing your in0or3ation2 <oogle. t#e internet sear"# engine. o00ers 0ree :11 business listings at 1@>00@<HH<@:112 9#e nu3ber you re6uest is sent by te5t 3essage. an$ t#e "all is auto3ati"ally "onne"te$2

20 Use "re"aid "hone cards

I0 you 3a)e long $istan"e "alls only on o""asion. "onsi$er using &re&ai$ &#one "ar$sKit 3ay be 3ore e"ono3i"al t#an &aying 0or a 3ont#ly ser!i"e2 Car$s are ty&i"ally a!ailable in M5. M10. M20 or M50 in"re3ents. an$ are !ali$ 0or a "ertain a3ount o0 tal) ti3e 13easure$ in 3inutes42 9#eyFre easy to use: si3&ly "all t#e toll@0ree a""ess nu3ber. enter t#e ,IN nu3ber &rinte$ on t#e "ar$. t#en $ial t#e &#one nu3ber to *#i"# you *ant to "onne"t2 ,er@3inute rates are usually !ery "o3&etiti!eL -ust be sure to sele"t a "ar$ *it# no "onne"tion or 3aintenan"e 0ees2 ,re&ai$ "ar$s are &arti"ularly use0ul 0or Dbu$getingE long $istan"e "osts. an$ a!oi$ing sur&rises on your &#one billI

2# Lose he landline

8o you #a!e enoug# "ell &#one 3inutes to "o!er all your lo"al an$ long@$istan"e "allsG I0 t#e ans*er is yes. $ro& your lan$lineI Wit# ta5es an$ 0ees. a basi" line "an "ost M20@M30 ea"# 3ont# 1not in"lu$ing long $istan"e4L t#atFs #un$re$s o0 $ollars &er year in &otential sa!ingsI Ht#er a$!antages to t#e "ell@only li0e in"lu$e less ris) o0 3issing i3&ortant &#one "allsL 0ree$o3 0ro3 tele3ar)etersL an$ t#e ability to )ee& your &#one nu3ber *#ere!er you 3o!e2 9#e one $ra*ba") is t#e inability o0 (@1@1 res&on$ers to &in&oint your lo"ation *#en you "allL t#e Fe$eral Co33uni"ations Co33ission is "urrently a$$ressing t#is issue2

2, Revie0 your cell "hone "lan

Re!ie* your "ell &#one bills. to 3a)e sure your &lan gi!es you t#e best bang 0or your bu")2 Consi$er $o*ngra$ing i0 you #a!e lots o0 le0to!er 3inutes ea"# 3ont#2 Hr. i0 you o0ten e5"ee$ your allot3ent. t#in) about u&gra$ingKit 3ay be 3ore e"ono3i"al t#an &aying "ostly o!erage 0ees2 oo) into 0a3ily &lans i0 3ore t#an one 3e3ber o0 your #ouse#ol$ "arries a

2> &#oneL a$$itional lines "an be a$$e$ 0or as little as M10 &er 3ont#2 You "an also sa!e 3inutes. an$ 3oney. *it# in@net*or) "alling: sign u& *it# t#e sa3e &ro!i$er as your 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily. an$ you 3ay be able to tal) to t#e3 at little to no "ostI

2- Ge a "re"aid cell "hone

I0 you use your "ell &#one in0re6uentlyKor )ee& it only 0or e3ergen"iesK"onsi$er a &re&ai$ &lan2 Regular &lans ty&i"ally "ost bet*een M30@M;0 &er 3ont#L i0 you $onFt use all t#e 3inutes. you lea!e 3oney on t#e table2 Wit# &re&ai$ &lans. you &ay only 0or t#e 3inutes you use. an$ si3&ly &ur"#ase 3ore *#en you run lo*2 ,er@3inute rates are ty&i"ally #ig#er. so t#eyFre not 0or t#ose *it# t#e gi0t o0 gab2 But i0 you $onFt 3a)e 3any "alls. su"# &lans "an yiel$ signi0i"ant sa!ings2 Ht#er bene0its: t#ey $onFt re6uire a "re$it "#e"). an$ you *onFt nee$ to *orry about long@ter3 ser!i"e "ontra"ts2

2. $ro" he da a "lan

8ata an$ entertain3ent &lans "an a$$ M10@M50 &er 3ont# to your "ell &#one billL 6uestion i0 you really nee$ t#e32 /ust you be able to sen$ e3ail an$ bro*se t#e *eb *#en a*ay 0ro3 your #o3e or o00i"eG Is it *ort# t#e e5tra 3oney to *at"# !i$eos. &lay ga3es. or listen to 3usi" on your &#oneG I0 so3e 0eatures are ne"essary 0or *or). see i0 your e3&loyer *ill &i") u& t#e tab2 Ht#er*ise. "al"ulate #o* 3u"# youFll sa!e *it#out t#e3Kan$ t#en $e"i$e #o* i3&ortant t#ey are2 I0 youFre unsure. $ro& t#ese e5tra ser!i"es te3&orarily to see i0 you 3iss t#e32 You 3ay e!en 0in$ so3e serenity in being less D"onne"te$IE

25 Sho" around *or ho&eo0ner+s insurance

W#et#er youFre loo)ing 0or a ne* &oli"y. or re!ie*ing your "urrent one. s#o& aroun$ 0or t#e best rate on #o3eo*nerFs or renterFs insuran"e2 As) 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily 0or re"o33en$ations. or see) #el& 0ro3 your stateFs insuran"e $e&art3ent2 You "an also get $etails on &ri"ing an$ "usto3er ser!i"eKan$ 0in$ out an insurerFs re&utation 0or #an$ling "lai3sK0ro3 "onsu3er gui$es an$ insuran"e agents2 An$ $onFt 0orget t#e internet: online 6uote ser!i"es 3a)e it easy to "o3&are o00erings 0ro3 $i00erent "o3&anies2 %#o&&ing 0or insuran"e 3ay not be t#e 3ost en-oyable tas). but it "an 0ree u& #un$re$s o0 $ollars 0or 3ore &leasurable &ursuitsI

2/ Raise your deduc ible

Re$u"e your insuran"e bill by raising your $e$u"tibleL you 3ay be able to sa!e 10 to 30 &er"ent o00 your "urrent rates 1as) your insurer 0or $etails42 9#e $e$u"tible is t#e a3ount o0 3oney you 3ust &ay to*ar$ a loss. be0ore your insurer "o!ers t#e "lai32 For e5a3&le. i0 your #o3e in"urs M1000 *ort# o0 $a3ageKan$ you #a!e a M250 $e$u"tibleKyour insuran"e &ays

2( only M=502 9#e #ig#er your $e$u"tible. t#e lo*er your &re3iu3s2 Just 3a)e sure you #a!e enoug# 3oney in an e3ergen"y 0un$ to "o!er t#e $e$u"tible a3ountL you *onFt sa!e anyt#ing i0 you #a!e to &ay it *it# a "re$it "ar$I

21 9e a loyal insurance cus o&er

/ost "o3&anies o00er $is"ounte$ rates i0 you "onsoli$ate your insuran"e &oli"ies *it# t#e32 Buy your #o3e an$ auto3obile "o!erage 0ro3 t#e sa3e insurer. an$ you "an sa!e 5 to 15 &er"ent on &re3iu3s2 8o t#e 3at#. an$ !eri0y t#at "o3bining &oli"ies "osts less t#an &ur"#asing t#e3 0ro3 se&arate "o3&anies2 %taying *it# t#e sa3e insurer 0or a nu3ber o0 years "an also &ay o002 %o3e "o3&anies re*ar$ long@ter3 &oli"y#ol$ers *it# lo*er &re3iu3sL ot#ers grant $i!i$en$s to t#eir "usto3ers i0 t#eyF!e e5&erien"e$ strong 0inan"ial &er0or3an"e. or a less@t#an@ e5&e"te$ nu3ber o0 "lai3s2

22 Revie0 your riders

%tan$ar$ #o3eo*nerFs &oli"ies $onFt al*ays &ro!i$e 0ull "o!erage 0or #ig#@!alue &ossessions. su"# as -e*elry. art*or). ele"troni"s an$ "o3&uters2 You "an &ur"#ase e5tra insuran"e 0or t#e3Kto "o!er t#e0t. $a3age. or lossKin t#e 0or3 o0 a ri$er 1also "alle$ an en$orse3ent or 0loater42 Re!ie* your ri$ers &erio$i"ally to 3a)e sure youFre not &aying unne"essary &re3iu3s2 %o3e ite3s. su"# as 0urs or "o3&uter e6ui&3ent. 3ay #a!e $e&re"iate$ *it# age2 Ht#ers 3ay #a!e been sol$. or gi!en to 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily2 Ben"e0ort#. try t#is 0rugillionare strategy: $onFt buy as 3any !aluables2 YouFll sa!e on bot# t#e &ur"#ase &ri"e. an$ insuran"e "ostsI

23 Secure your ho&e

A$$ sa0ety an$ se"urity 0eatures to your #o3e2 9#ey not only &rote"t your 0a3ily an$ i3&ro!e your &ea"e o0 3in$. t#ey sa!e you 3oney on insuran"eI /any "o3&anies o00er $is"ounts i0 you e6ui& your #o3e *it# a burglar alar3. 0ire e5tinguis#er. s3o)e $ete"tors an$ $ea$bolt lo")s2 YouFll lo*er your &re3iu3s e!en 3ore by installing a #o3e se"urity syste3 *it# e5ternal 3onitoringKt#e )in$ t#at auto3ati"ally "alls t#e &oli"e or 0ire station *#en t#e alar3 is triggere$2 %u"# syste3s "an be e5&ensi!e. t#oug#L be sure to as) your insurer *#at ty&e 3eets t#eir re6uire3ents an$ earns you t#e largest $is"ounts2

30 !onsider insurance 0hen house hun in%

I0 youFre in t#e 3ar)et 0or a ne* #o3e. in"lu$e insuran"e "osts in your $e"ision &ro"ess2 9#e 3aterials 0ro3 *#i"# a #ouse is built a00e"t t#e &re3iu3: youFll o0ten get a &ri"e brea) 0or less 0la33able substan"es. li)e 3asonry *alls an$ 3etal roo0s2 Fin$ out #o* t#e age o0 t#e

30 #ouseKan$ its ele"tri"al. &lu3bing. an$ BCAC syste3sK*ill i3&a"t t#e insuran"e rate. an$ "onsi$er i0 youFll #a!e to u&gra$e su"# syste3s to obtain a$e6uate 1an$ a00or$able4 "o!erage2 <eogra&#y is anot#er i3&ortant 0a"tor: insuran"e "osts are signi0i"antly #ig#er in areas &rone to 0loo$ing. eart#6ua)es or ot#er natural $isasters2

3# Revie0 your "riva e &or %a%e insurance

en$ers re6uire &ri!ate 3ortgage insuran"e 1,/I4 0or #o3e loans greater t#an >0 &er"ent o0 a &ro&ertyFs !alue2 ,/I &rote"ts t#e ban) s#oul$ you $e0ault on your loanKbut itFs an e5tra e5&ense 0or youI W#en your #o3e e6uity rea"#es 20 &er"ent. re6uest t#at t#e &oli"y be "an"elle$ i33e$iately2 ,aying t#e &re3iu3 0or e!en one e5tra 3ont# is a *aste o0 your 3oney2 Aee& an eye on your loan a3orti+ation table. so youFll )no* *#en youF!e re&ai$ 20 &er"ent o0 t#e &rin"i&al2 I0 youF!e $one 3a-or i3&ro!e3ents. or your #ouse #as a&&re"iate$ in !alue. "onsi$er #a!ing it re@a&&raise$L you 3ay #a!e earne$ enoug# e6uity to $ro& t#e ,/I2

3, !hallen%e your "ro"er y a6 assess&en

You 3ay be able to sa!e big 3oney by "#allenging your &ro&erty ta5 assess3ent2 For a su""ess0ul a&&eal. youFll nee$ to s#o* t#at your #ouse #as been o!er!alue$2 YouFll #a!e a strong "ase i0 "o3&arable #ouses in your neig#bor#oo$ #a!e lo*er assess3ents. or i0 t#e assessor #as 3a$e errors in e!aluating your &ro&ertyKli)e o!erstating t#e s6uare 0ootage. or nu3ber o0 be$roo3s an$ bat#s2 Resear"# &ubli" &ro&erty re"or$s. or enlist t#e #el& o0 a real estate agent. to gat#er su&&orting $ata2 ItFs *ort# t#e e00ort to learn t#e a&&eals &ro"ess in your "o33unityL it 3ay be easier t#an you t#in) to sa!e #un$re$s 1or e!en t#ousan$s4 o0 $ollars ea"# yearI

!ha" er -

=O8E $E!OR

!rea in% a S ylish =o&e

31

on a Shoes rin% 3- Sell your clu er

I0 you #a!e stu00 you ne!er use. no longer *ant. or are -ust &lain tire$ o0 loo)ing atKsell itI YouFll gain s&a"e in your #o3e. an$ "as# in your *allet2 I0 you #a!e a large 6uantity o0 lo*@ &ri"e$ ite3s. #ol$ a yar$ sale2 In"rease t#e tra00i". an$ 0un. by in!iting neig#bors to -oin you2 9o unloa$ 3ore uni6ue. "olle"tible or !aluable "asto00s. turn to t#e internet: try online "lassi0ie$s 1su"# as Craigslist2"o34 or au"tions 1li)e eBay2"o342 You "an e!en sell use$ boo)s. C8s. 8C8s an$ ot#er goo$s t#roug# retail giant A3a+on2"o32 %ur0 t#e *eb to 0in$ out *#at your stu00Fs *ort#. an$ t#en $e"i$e i0 youF$ rat#er #a!e t#e "as#I

3. Ge crea ive 0i h your *urni ure

Your #o3e $oesnFt nee$ ne* $esigner 0urniture to loo) 0abulousI In 0a"t. a *ell@e$ite$ 3i5 o0 !intage. #an$@3e@$o*n an$ re&ur&ose$ &ie"es is 3u"# 3ore interesting t#an a sterile s#o*roo3 loo)2 Hl$ trun)s 3a)e *on$er0ul storage an$ "o00ee tables2 A $resser "an be reuse$ as a bu00et or si$eboar$2 A$$ a set o0 legs to turn an ol$ $oor. or &ie"e o0 "ounterto&. into a stylis# $es)2 E!en 3il) "rates "an 0un"tion as boo)s#el!es. 9C stan$s an$ en$ tablesL "o!er t#e3 *it# 0abri" 0or a $e"orator loo)2 9o stret"# your bu$get 0urt#er. in!est in &ie"es t#at $o $ouble@ $uty: li)e slee&er so0as. or tables an$ otto3ans *it# built@in storage2

35 E&brace *urni ure 0i h a "as

Furnis# your #o3e 0rugally *it# &re@o*ne$ &ie"esI For terri0i" bargains. try t#ri0t s#o&s. "onsign3ent stores. an$ garage salesKor e!en t#e si$e*al)s on bul) tras# $ayI You "an also 0in$ "#ea& 1an$ 0ree4 0urnis#ings onlineL bro*se Craigslist2"o3 an$ Free"y"le2"o3 0or lo"al o00erings2 An$ $onFt 0orget to alert 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily to your nee$sL 3ost &eo&le #a!e a &ie"e or t*o t#eyF$ be #a&&y to &ass along2 9o s&ru"e u& ol$er ite3s. a$$ a 0res# "oat o0 &aint or stylis# #ar$*are2 %e"on$#an$ so0as an$ "#airs "an be re@u&#olstere$. or sli&"o!ere$. 0or a bran$@ne* loo)2

3/ Si on he *loor

Instea$ o0 s&lurging on so0as. lo!eseats. re"liners an$ "#airsKsit on t#e 0loorI ItFs t#e nor3 0or 3any "ultures aroun$ t#e *orl$2 %i3&ly toss aroun$ "us#ions 0or e5tra seatingL youFll set a 3ore rela5e$. bo#e3ian 3oo$. an$ 0ree u& 0loor s&a"e 0or ot#er a"ti!ities2 You 3ay e!en be able to $ine at your "o00ee table. an$ 0orgo in!esting in a table an$ "#airsL -ust loo) to

32 Ja&anese #o3es 0or ins&iration2 I0 youFre *orrie$ about guest seating. )ee& a 0e* 0ol$ing "#airs store$ a*ay 0or *#en you #a!e !isitors2 YouFll lo!e t#e in"rease$ 0un"tionality. an$ un"luttere$ loo). o0 your s&a"eI

31 Use 0ha you already o0n

,ass on t#e &ri"ey $N"or. an$ a$orn your #ouse *it# *#at you alrea$y o*nI 9o arrange your stu00 artisti"ally. use a 0a!orite te"#ni6ue o0 interior $esigners: grou& li)e ite3s toget#er. instea$ o0 s"attering t#e3 t#roug#out a roo32 A ro* o0 glass bottles or sta") o0 !intage boo)s &a")s 3ore !isual &un"# t#an solitary ite3s2 ,ersonal 3e3entos 3a)e &arti"ularly "#ar3ing $is&lays: "reate !ignettes *it# your gran$3ot#erFs "#ina. 0at#erFs &i&es. "#il$#oo$ ite3s. tra!el sou!enirs. or ot#er senti3ental )ee&sa)es2 ItFs 3ore beauti0ul. 3eaning0ul. an$ 0rugal t#an store@ boug#t $N"orI

32 8i6 hi%h and lo0

A beauti0ul #ouse nee$ not be 0ille$ e5"lusi!ely *it# e5&ensi!e $esigner &ie"es2 E!en $e"orators an$ "elebrities &re0er to 3i5 #ig#bro* ite3s *it# $is"ount store treasures an$ 0lea 3ar)et 0in$s2 It 3a)es a #o3e 3ore interesting. an$ re0le"ts t#e style an$ "reati!ity o0 its o*ner2 I0 you *ant. s&lurge on one ite3 t#at *ill be t#e 0o"al &oint o0 a roo3Ksu"# as a so0a. be$ or s&e"ial &ie"e o0 art2 9#en use less e5&ensi!e &ie"es to 0ill out t#e $N"or2 I0 you sti") to a "ertain t#e3e. style or "olor &alette. itFll all *or) toget#erL an$ you *onFt 0eel li)e you li!e in a stu00y s#o*roo3I

33 Go chea" and chic

oo) 0or "#i" &ie"es in unli)ely &la"es. an$ sa!e a bun$le a$orning your #o3eI E5&ensi!e bouti6ues arenFt t#e only &ur!eyors o0 stylis# $N"or2 I)ea is a *on$erlan$ o0 lo*@"ost. *ell@$esigne$ 0urniture an$ a""essoriesL an$ bu$get retailers li)e 9arget. /ars#alls an$ 9J /a55 o00er $ee& $is"ounts on interior a""ents2 %#o& #o3e i3&ro!e3ent "enters 0or lig#t 0i5tures. $e"orati!e #ar$*are. s#el!ing an$ *in$o* treat3ents2 YouFll 0in$ ite3s nearly i$enti"al to t#ose in s&e"ialty stores an$ "atalogsKat 3u"# lo*er &ri"es2 C#e") out "ra0t su&&ly outlets 0or bargains on bas)ets. !ases. 0ra3es. "an$les an$ 0loral arrange3ents2

#00 S eal so&e ideas

<et a $esign e$u"ation on a $i3e. by bro*sing #o3e $N"or 3aga+ines an$ "atalogs2 ItFs a *on$er0ul. lo*@"ost *ay to learn basi" $e"orating te"#ni6ues: li)e #o* to "o3bine "olor an$ te5ture. lay out 0urniture. $is&lay "olle"tions an$ arrange s#el!es2 %o go a#ea$ an$ be a "o&y"atL -ust $onFt buy t#e e5&ensi!e $esigner goo$sI ?se t#e i3ages as a gui$e. an$ *or) *it# *#at you

33 #a!eKor "an a"6uire on t#e "#ea&Kto "reate a si3ilar loo)2 /aga+ines regularly 0eature t#e *or) o0 t#e #ottest interior $e"orators2 %teal t#eir i$eas 0or your o*n #o3e. an$ youFll bene0it 0ro3 t#eir "reati!e geniusK*it#out #a!ing to &ay t#eir "onsultation 0eesI

#0# !han%e he bac(dro"

Your #o3e is t#e stage on *#i"# your $aily li0e &lays out2 Instea$ o0 a$$ing 3ore &ro&s. "onsi$er "#anging t#e ba")$ro&I A "oat o0 &aint is t#e easiest. "#ea&est an$ 3ost $ra3ati" *ay to trans0or3 a roo32 9o sa!e ti3e an$ 3oney. a&&ly "olor on one a""ent *all rat#er t#an all o0 t#e32 I0 you &re0er *all&a&er. a bor$er or 3ural "an #a!e t#e $esire$ e00e"tKat less "ost t#an "o!ering t#e entire roo32 A$$ ar"#ite"tural interest by installing "ro*n 3ol$ings. or $e"orati!e tri3 aroun$ *in$o*s an$ $oors2 A si3&le ba")groun$ "#ange "an be t#e 3ost e00e"ti!eKan$ 0rugalK*ay to s&i"e u& your s&a"eI

#0, E6"lore *ru%al *loorin% o" ions

Won$ering #o* to re&la"e t#at ol$ s#ag "ar&et or linoleu3 tileK*it#out s&en$ing a 0ortuneG 9#e solution $e&en$s on *#at lies beneat#2 Bar$*oo$ 0loors "an be e5&ose$ *it#out t#e e5&ense o0 re0inis#ingL si3&ly "o!er roug# s&ots *it# 0urniture or t#ro* rugs2 ,ly*oo$ "an be &ainte$ in soli$ "olors. &atterns or artisti" e00e"ts2 I0 you &re0er "ar&et. &ur"#ase re3nants instea$ o0 *all@to@*allL t#eyFre o0ten large enoug# to "o!er an entire roo3. an$ "an be "ut to si+e *it# a utility )ni0e2 Hr "#e") out t#e ne* "#oi"es in la3inate 0looring an$ !inyl tiles: t#ey gi!e your 0loors t#e loo) o0 *oo$. "era3i" or stone. *it#out t#e e5&enseI

#0- Go na ural

et /ot#er Nature #el& $e"orate your #ouseI Instea$ o0 buying 3ass@&ro$u"e$ seasonal ite3s. go outsi$e 0or ins&iration2 9a)e a nature *al). an$ see *#at beauti0ul 0reebies you "an "olle"t2 A$orn your #o3e *it# a"orns. &u3&)ins. an$ "olor0ul lea!es in 0allL an$ e!ergreens. #olly. an$ &ine"ones in *inter2 8is&lay 0res# an$ $rie$ 0lo*ers in s&ring. an$ seas#ells an$ orna3ental grasses in su33er2 For a 0res# loo) in )it"#en an$ $ining areas. set out a bo*l o0 brig#tly "olore$ 0ruit 1li)e a&&les. oranges or le3ons42 Hr 0ill glass "ontainers *it# ro")s an$ &ebbles to "reate 3o$ern. organi" $N"orKon a 0rugillionaire bu$getI

#0. Ge cra* y

%)i& t#e store@boug#t $N"or. an$ 3a)e your o*nI Wit# a little "reati!ity. you "an beauti0y your #o3e on a s#oestring bu$get2 Fill a glass bo*l *it# "olore$ 3arbles. or 0loating !oti!es. 0or a so&#isti"ate$ "enter&ie"e2 ,aint or $e"ou&age tiles 0ro3 t#e #ar$*are store. an$ use t#e3 to gi!e ne* li0e to a tire$ tableto&2 Buy un0inis#e$ ite3s 0ro3 "ra0t su&&ly storesKli)e

3: bo5es. !ases. bas)ets. or "an$le#ol$ersKan$ "usto3i+e t#e3 to 3at"# your $N"or2 I0 youFre s#ort on s)ills. or la") ins&iration. bro*se t#roug# "ra0t 3aga+ines an$ *ebsitesKt#eyFre treasure tro!es o0 i$eas. instru"tions an$ tutorials2

#05 $ecora e 0i h *abric

E!en i0 you "anFt se*. you "an still $e"orate *it# 0abri"I YouFll 0in$ &lenty o0 instru"tions on t#e internet 0or no@se* &illo* "o!ers. table"lot#s. runners. &la"e3ats an$ 3ore2 ?se iron@on ta&e. or 0abri" glue. to 0inis# e$ges an$ a&&ly $e"orati!e tri32 Cel"ro. or gro33ets an$ ribbon. are no@0uss alternati!es to button#oles 0or "losures2 You "an e!en reu&#olster $ining "#airs easily an$ "#ea&lyL all you nee$ is 0abri" an$ a sta&le gun2 Just be "are0ul not to blo* your bu$get on e5&ensi!e te5tiles: buy $is"ounte$ re3nants. or use be$ s#eets an$ 0abri" &aint2 A$$ tassels. "or$ an$ 0ringe 0or a lu5urious. $e"orator loo)2

#0/ 8a(e your o0n cur ains

Buying *in$o* treat3ents 0or your #o3e "an "ost a s3all 0ortune2 But i0 you "an li!e *it#out 0rills. 0loun"es an$ ot#er 0ri&&ery. itFs easy 1an$ ine5&ensi!e4 to 3a)e your o*n "urtainsI First. 0in$ a &ie"e o0 0abri" you li)e. an$ "ut it to t#e a&&ro&riate si+e2 9#en "reate a #e3 at t#e botto3. an$ a ro$ &o")et at t#e to&. by se*ing a si3&le straig#t stit"# or using iron@on ta&e2 Alternati!ely: 0ol$ a &retty s#eet. table"lot#. or s"ar0 o!er a "urtain ro$. or #ang it u& *it# $ra&ery "li&s2 I0 you $onFt *ant to s&ring 0or #ar$*are. atta"# t#e 0abri" $ire"tly to t#e *all *it# u&#olstery ta")s2

#01 8a(e your o0n headboard

Create a loo) o0 lu5ury in your bou$oirKby 3a)ing a gorgeous u&#olstere$ #ea$boar$I %ele"t a 0abri" to 0it t#e 3oo$: li)e "asual "otton. ro3anti" sil). 0un)y !inyl or 0a)e 0ur2 YouFll also nee$ a QR &ie"e o0 &ly*oo$. 2R t#i") 0oa3. an$ batting or 0iber0ill2 /a)e a san$*i"# *it# t#e 0abri" rig#t si$e $o*n. t#en t#e batting. 0oa3 an$ boar$ on to&2 Wra& t#e 0abri" an$ batting aroun$ t#e &ly*oo$. an$ se"ure to t#e ba") *it# a sta&le gun2 ?se 0lus# 3ounts 1#ea!y $uty &i"ture #angers4 to atta"# t#e 0inis#e$ #ea$boar$ to t#e *all2 %ear"# t#e internet 0or "o3&lete instru"tions an$ $esign ins&iration2

#02 8a(e your o0n duve cover

Fres#en u& your be$roo3 $N"or *it# a ne* $u!et "o!erI But instea$ o0 &aying big bu")s 0or a $esigner s&rea$. sa!e 3oney by 3a)ing your o*n2 oo) 0or lo*@&ri"e$ linens at $is"ount stores an$ *#ite sales. an$ buy t*o 0lat s#eets t#e sa3e si+e as your ol$ "o30orter2 ,la"e t#e rig#t si$es o0 t#e s#eets toget#er. an$ se* straig#t lines $o*n t#ree si$es2 9urn insi$e out. an$

35 atta"# "losuresKli)e sna&s. buttons. Cel"ro. or gro33ets an$ ribbonKto t#e 0ourt# si$e2 Insert your ol$ "o30orter. an$ a$3ire your 0rugillionaire #an$i*or)2 YouFll slee& a lot better *#en your be$$ing $oesnFt brea) t#e ban)I

#03 Sli"cover i 7

Instea$ o0 buying a ne* so0a. s&ru"e u& your "urrent one *it# a sli&"o!erI %li&"o!ers are 3u"# less e5&ensi!e t#an reu&#olstery. an$ #el& gi!e #an$@3e@$o*ns a "#i" 3a)eo!er2 9#eyFre a!ailable in a !ariety o0 "olors an$ styles. to 0it "ou"#es. re"liners. "#airs an$ otto3ans2 I0 youFre on a tig#t bu$get. se* your o*n. or use ine5&ensi!e 0lat s#eets: -ust tu"). &in an$ sta&le to se"ure2 9ie $e"orati!e "or$ing aroun$ t#e botto3 0or a 3ore 0or3al loo)2 %li&"o!ers "an also $ress u& 0ol$ing "#airs 0or entertaining. an$ &rote"t your u&#olstery 0ro3 "#il$ren. &ets an$ ot#er *ear an$ tear2

##0 E6"and your close s"ace

Fro3 a $esign &ers&e"ti!e. t#ereFs not#ing *orse t#an stu00 *it#out a &la"eKit "lutters our #o3es. our 3in$s an$ our souls2 ,are $o*n *#at you "an. an$ )ee& t#e rest out o0 sig#t by e5&an$ing your "loset s&a"e2 9#ereFs no nee$ to #ire a "ontra"tor. or buy an e5&ensi!e ar3oireL si3&ly stret"# a "urtain along one *all. or a"ross t#e "orner o0 a roo32 Atta"# a ro$ or tra") to t#e "eiling. an$ #ang *it# 0abri" t#at rea"#es to t#e 0loor2 Be#in$ it: set u& s#el!ing or 3il) "rates. a00i5 "u& #oo)s to t#e *all. or )ee& a ra") 0or #anging "lot#es2 ItFs a great *ay to "reate e5tra storage s&a"e on a tig#t bu$getI

### Li%h u" your li*e

<oo$ lig#ting is not only &ra"ti"alL itFs a lo*@"ost *ay to en#an"e t#e loo) o0 a roo32 /a5i3i+e natural lig#t $uring t#e $ay 0or a brig#t. o&en. airy 0eel 1an$ a lo*er ele"tri" billI42 For e!enings an$ o!er"ast $ays. use la3&s to "reate a "o+y glo*2 ,ur"#ase t#e3 ine5&ensi!ely at $is"ount retailers. t#ri0t stores. or garage sales2 For a "usto3 loo): &aint t#e base. an$ $e"orate t#e s#a$e *it# sten"ils. &resse$ 0lo*ers. or a &attern o0 #oles2 An$ 0or "ounterto&s. s#el!ing. an$ "losets. &ass on t#e &ri"ey #ar$@*ire$ 0i5turesL try bu$get@0rien$ly. battery@&o*ere$ lig#ts instea$I

##, $ecora e 0i h "ho os

A #ouse a$orne$ *it# &ersonal &#otos $elig#ts its in#abitants. an$ t#eir guestsI C#annel your inner "urator. an$ arrange your &i"tures li)e *or)s o0 art2 <rou& si3ilar t#e3es li)e an"estors. "#il$ren. nature. tra!el or s&e"ial o""asions2 /ount t#e3 in si3&le. i$enti"al 0ra3es. to #ig#lig#t t#e i3ages *it#out $istra"ting 0ro3 t#e32 For a so&#isti"ate$. #ig#@art style. s"an

3; t#e &#otos into your "o3&uter. an$ "on!ert t#e3 to bla")@an$@*#ite or se&ia tones2 Alternati!ely: sele"t one s&e"ial i3age. su&er@si+e it. an$ #a!e it &rinte$ on "an!as 0or a *on$er0ul gra&#i" &un"#2

##- Use illus ra ions

8onFt s&ring 0or e5&ensi!e art*or) to -a++ u& your *allsL beauti0ul illustrations "an be #a$ 0or ne5t to not#ingI ,rint &i"tures 0ro3 t#e internet. or tear t#e3 out o0 ol$ "alen$ars2 Cintage boo)s #a!e gorgeous i3ages o0 bir$s. lan$s"a&es. 0lo*ers. botani"als. &eo&le. &aintings an$ ar"#ite"ture2 Buy t#e3 "#ea&ly at se"on$#an$ boo)stores or yar$ sales. or borro* t#e3 0ro3 t#e library2 I0 you $onFt *ant to 1or "anFt4 tear out t#e &ages: &#oto"o&y t#e &i"tures. or use your "o3&uter to s"an an$ &rint t#e32 Cluster si3ilar sub-e"ts in 3at"#ing 0ra3es. or #ang t#e3 0ro3 bin$er "li&s naile$ to t#e *all2

##. Fra&e your collec ions

?se 0ra3es an$ s#a$o* bo5es to $is&lay s3all ite3s youF!e "olle"te$2 For best results. grou& si3ilar &ie"es t#at !ary in si+e. "olor or $etail: anti6ue buttons. broo"#es. an$ )eys are goo$ e5a3&les2 Alternati!ely. use &resse$ 0lo*ers an$ lea!es. or ot#er gi0ts o0 natureL t#eyFre absolutely 0ree. an$ #a!e lo!ely artisti" a&&eal2 ,ost"ar$s. greeting "ar$s. &laybills. 3at"#boo)s. an$ &ie"es o0 &retty 0abri" are also suitable 0or 0ra3ing2 Cignettes t#at "o33e3orate s&e"ial o""asionsKby "o3bining. 0or instan"e. a *e$$ing &#oto. s*at"# o0 go*n. an$ 0lo*ers 0ro3 t#e bri$eFs bou6uetKare &arti"ularly "#ar3ingI

##5 S"ruce u" your (i chen

8onFt ta)e on $ebt to re$o your )it"#enL s&ru"e it u& *it# so3e 0rugillionaire te"#ni6uesI For e5a3&le. gi!e "abinets a 0a"eli0t instea$ o0 re&la"ing t#e32 All it ta)es is a "oat o0 &aint. an$ so3e ne* #ar$*are: 3o$ern #an$les an$ &ulls u&$ate t#e style *it# 3ini3al e5&ense2 Hr re3o!e "abinet $oors altoget#er 0or an o&en@s#el0 loo)L itFs a great *ay to s#o* o00 &retty "u&s an$ &lates2 ?se tile 0ro3 t#e #ar$*are store to "o!er an ol$ "ounterto&. or "reate a "#i" ba")s&las#2 You "an e!en trans0or3 your out$ate$ sto!e. $is#*as#er or re0rigerator *it# s&e"ial a&&lian"e &aintI

##/ Sho0case *unc ional i e&s

A$orn your )it"#en *it# t#e t#ings t#at belong t#ereI Bo*ls o0 "olor0ul 0ruit an$ !egetables. 0or instan"e. loo) gorgeous on your "ounterto&2 <lass -ars 0ille$ *it# &asta. beans an$ nuts. or ro*s o0 s&i"es in slee) "ontainers. "reate a 3o$ern gour3et loo)2 /ount &retty &lates on t#e *alls. an$ use "eiling ra")s to $is&lay attra"ti!e &ots. tools an$ ot#er i3&le3ents2

3= For an air o0 Fren"# ,ro!en"e. #ang bun$les o0 la!en$er an$ ot#er #erbs u&si$e $o*n to $ry2 %#o*"ase your "ulinary ite3s *it# style. an$ youFll #a!e a beauti0ul )it"#en on a 3ini3al bu$getI

##1 9eau i*y your ba hroo&

You $onFt #a!e to s&en$ big bu")s to #a!e a beauti0ul bat#roo3I Create a lu5urious loo) 0or less. *it# a 0e* si3&le "#anges2 ,aint t#e *alls *#ite. or a lig#t "olorL it 3a)es a s3all roo3 loo) larger. brig#ter. an$ airier2 You "an also use &aint to "o!er unattra"ti!e tile 1in areas t#at $onFt get soa)ing *et4. an$ to 0res#en u& "abinets 1itFs "#ea&er t#an re&la"ing t#e342 Instea$ o0 &aying a "ontra"tor to e5&an$ t#e bat#. "reate 3ore elbo*roo3 *it# a "ur!e$ s#o*er ro$2 Re$u"e "lutter on s#el!es an$ "ounterto&sL an$ a""essori+e *it# *#ite to*els. 0res# 0lo*ers an$ "an$les 0or a s&a@li)e a3bien"eI

##2 Go lar%e scale

9#in) big *#en it "o3es to $N"or. an$ you "an 3a)e a bol$ state3ent on a s3all bu$getI Bang a 6uilt. ta&estry or area rug on your *all to "reate gra&#i" an$ te5tural interest2 Hr sta&le a large &ie"e o0 0abri" onto a &ly*oo$ 0ra3e. an$ $is&lay li)e a &ainting2 Alternati!ely. $i& 0abri" in li6ui$ star"#. an$ s3oot# $ire"tly onto t#e *allL t#e star"# #ol$s it in &la"e. an$ itFs easy to &eel o00 *#en you *ant a "#ange2 For a 0res#. 3o$ern loo). &aint a large "an!as *it# an abstra"t "olor *as#2 ?se sten"ils to a$$ ins&irational *or$s 1li)e D o!e.E D8rea3.E or DBelie!eE4. or sil#ouettes o0 lea!es an$ 0lo*ers2

##3 Go &odern

%o3e o0 t#e 3ost 0as#ionable #o3es in t#e *orl$ "ontain t#e least a3ount o0 stu00I Instea$ o0 )ni")@)na")s an$ a""ent &ie"es. t#ey 0eature slee) lines. neutral "olors. an$ lots o0 e3&ty s&a"e2 Fortunately. t#is su&er@so&#isti"ate$ style "an be re&li"ate$ *it# little e5&ense: si3&ly "lear all sur0a"es o0 "lutter. an$ )ee& 0urniture an$ a""essories to a 3ini3u32 As 0or $N"or. less is 3ore2 Natural ite3sKli)e a single or"#i$. "luster o0 bran"#es. or bo*l o0 &ebbles Kloo) &arti"ularly beauti0ul in su"# a s&are setting2 Wit# a 3ini3alist 3o$ern style. t#ereFs no nee$ to buy stu00 to D0illE your roo3sK3a)ing it a !ery "#i" *ay to sa!e 3oneyI

#,0 !hoose a he&e

W#en youFre $e"orating a roo3. "#oose a t#e3eL itFs a great *ay to "reate a $esigner loo) on a bu$getI It "an be as si3&le as sti")ing to a single "olor. li)e "ool blues. sunny yello*s. or 0iery re$s2 Hr "#annel t#e style o0 a &arti"ular region or "ulture: Asian. /e$iterranean. ,arisian an$ %out#*estern are &o&ular "#oi"es2 ,erio$s in #istoryKsu"# as t#e Ci"torian Era.

3> Roaring 9*enties or Fabulous Fi0tiesK"an also ser!e as ins&iration2 A t#e3e &ro!i$es !isual "onsisten"y. an$ "an trans0or3 a #o$ge&o$ge o0 #an$@3e@$o*ns an$ t#ri0t store 0in$s into a s3art an$ stylis# roo3I

#,# Ro a e your d?cor

9#e )ey to a beauti0ul roo3 is to )ee& it *ell@e$ite$2 8onFt 0ill e!ery noo) an$ "ranny *it# t"#ot"#)es. )ni")@)na")s an$ ot#er $N"or2 Instea$. gi!e "enter stage to a 0e* s&e"ial ite3s2 In tra$itional Ja&anese #o3es. 0or e5a3&le. only one or t*o $e"orati!e &ie"es are $is&laye$ at a ti3e2 9#eyFre t#e 0o"al &oint o0 t#e roo3. an$ are ty&i"ally "#osen a""or$ing to season2 ?se t#e sa3e i$ea in your o*n #o3e2 C#oose a #an$0ul o0 ite3s to e5#ibit. an$ store a*ay t#e e5tras2 Rotate your $N"or t#roug#out t#e year2 9#at *ay. youFll al*ays #a!e a 0res# loo). *it#out #a!ing to buy anyt#ing ne*I

#,, Save on cleanin% su""lies

8onFt "lean out your ban) a""ount in or$er to "lean your #o3eI ?se t#e 0ollo*ing ti&s to get s&ar)le on a s#oestring2 Buy "leaning solutions in larger si+es or "on"entrate 0or3L "#e") t#e unit &ri"e to be sure itFs a bargain2 C#oose an all@&ur&ose or 3ulti@&ur&ose "leaner. rat#er t#an nu3erous s&e"ialty &ro$u"ts2 %ele"t store bran$s instea$ o0 na3e bran$s. an$ buy on sale or *it# "ou&ons2 ?se reusable $ust "lot#s an$ 3o&sL t#eyFre "#ea&er. an$ 3ore e"o@0rien$ly. t#an $is&osables2 /a)e "leaning rags out o0 ol$ "lot#ing an$ to*els2 An$ "ertainly $onFt *aste 3oney on a #ouse)ee&erL s"rubbing your 0loors is goo$ 0or your soulI

#,- !lean 0i h ba(in% soda

Instea$ o0 s&lurging on e5&ensi!e "leansers. )ee& your #ouse#ol$ s&i"@an$@s&an *it# ba)ing so$aKitFs "#ea&. non@to5i" an$ in"re$ibly !ersatile2 9#is si3&le substan"e $eo$ori+es. &olis#es an$ re3o!es stains *it#out #ars# "#e3i"als or 0ragran"es2 Wit# a little *ater. it be"o3es a gently abrasi!e s"ouring &o*$er t#at "an be use$ on &ots an$ &ans. tubs an$ s#o*ers. sin)s. "ounterto&s an$ ot#er sur0a"es2 Ba)ing so$a is also an e00e"ti!e $rain "leaner. an$ "an be 3i5e$ *it# Bora5 to 3a)e $is#*as#ing $etergent2 9o neutrali+e o$ors: &ut an o&en "ontainer o0 it in your re0rigerator. s&rin)le it on "ar&et be0ore !a"uu3ing. or a$$ it to your laun$ry2

#,. !lean 0i h vine%ar

W#ite !inegar is anot#er natural. ine5&ensi!e. #ouse#ol$ "leaning *or)#orseI It )ills ger3s an$ ba"teria. an$ "an be use$ on al3ost any sur0a"e2 Fill a s&ray bottle *it# e6ual &arts !inegar an$ *ater. to 3a)e a glass "leaner t#at $oesnFt lea!e strea)s2 ?se t#e sa3e solution on tubs an$ tilesL it re3o!es. an$ in#ibits t#e gro*t# o0. 3ol$ an$ 3il$e*2 ?n$ilute$ *#ite !inegar

3( "leans toilet bo*ls. sto!eto&s an$ "ounters2 You "an e!en a$$ #al0 a "u& to your laun$ry to )ill ba"teria. neutrali+e o$ors an$ so0ten "lot#es2 9#e !inegar s3ell 0a$es as it $ries. but you "an a$$ a 0e* $ro&s o0 essential oil 1li)e la!en$er or "itrus4 0or a 3ore &leasant s"ent2

#,5 !lean o* en
%a!e 3oney by "leaning regularly an$ o0tenI Al*ays 3o& u& s&ills an$ treat stains i33e$iatelyL youFll use less "leanser. an$ eli3inate t#e nee$ 0or ultra@strong s&e"ialty &ro$u"ts2 Clean )it"#en sur0a"es 1in"lu$ing t#e sto!eto&4 a0ter ea"# 3eal. an$ *i&e $o*n bat#roo3 sin)s an$ "ounters be0ore going to be$2 Was# $irty $is#es rig#t a*ay. an$ s"ra&e 0oo$ 0ro3 &lates be0ore setting t#e3 in t#e sin) or $is#*as#er2 Aee& roo3s 0ree o0 garbage. an$ !a"uu3 or s*ee& t#e 0loor on a regular basis2 W#en you "lean li)e a 0rugillionaireKby in"or&orating a little #ouse)ee&ing into your $aily routineKit "osts you less. an$ $oesnFt see3 so 3u"# o0 a "#oreI

#,/ Go shoeless
9a)e a "ue 0ro3 t#e Ja&anese. an$ re3o!e your s#oes at t#e entran"e to your #ouse2 Foot*ear $rags in all )in$s o0 $irt an$ gri3e. re6uiring 0re6uent s*ee&ing. 3o&&ing an$ !a"uu3ing2 Instea$. go s#oeless *#en youFre in$oorsKitFs #ealt#ier. 3ore sanitary. an$ sa!es *ear an$ tear on "ar&ets an$ 0looring2 An$ itFs 3u"# 3ore "o30ortable to &a$ aroun$ in so")s or sli&&ersI <uests *ill ty&i"ally 0ollo* suit *#en t#ey see t#e 0a3ilyFs 0oot*ear line$ u& at t#e $oorL 0or t#ose *#o $onFt. )ee& 3ats at ea"# entran"e to re3o!e $irt2 A$o&t t#is si3&le #abit. an$ youFll #a!e a signi0i"antly "leaner #ouseK*it# 3u"# less e00ort an$ e5&enseI

!ha" er . GAR$EN Gro0in% Lush' Lo0D!os Landsca"es #,1 Wa er only 0hen necessary
W#en it "o3es to yar$ *or). a little *ater "onser!ation goes a long *ayI Instea$ o0 running s&rin)lers on a regular s"#e$ule. *ater your la*n only *#en ne"essary2 <rass only nee$s about one in"# o0 *ater &er *ee). in"lu$ing rain0all2 I0 your la*n is t#irsty. itFll ty&i"ally s#o* lig#t green &at"#es. an$ *onFt s&ring ba") *#en you ste& on it2 A!oi$ o!er@*ateringL it not only *astes 3oney. it &ro3otes t#e gro*t# o0 0ungus an$ ot#er la*n $isease2 ?se a )it"#en ti3er to re3e3ber to turn o00 t#e s&igot2 An$ i0 rain is in t#e 0ore"ast: s)i& t#e s&rin)lers altoget#er. an$ let /ot#er Nature $o t#e *or) 0or youI

#,2 Wa er 0isely

You "an lo*er your *ater billKan$ still #a!e a lo!ely la*nK*it# a 0e* s3art strategies2 First. 3ini3i+e t#e a3ount o0 *ater lost to e!a&oration2 Water early in t#e 3orning. *#en te3&eratures are "ooler an$ *in$s are "al3L an$ a$-ust s&rin)ler #ea$s to e3it large $ro&s instea$ o0 a 0ine 3ist2 %e"on$. *ater longer. but less 0re6uently. to &enetrate $ee&er into roots2 %et your la*n3o*er to "ut t#e grass about 2 S to 3 S in"#es #ig# to #el& )ee& in t#e 3oisture2 An$ t#ir$. &osition s&rin)lers to a!oi$ *asting *ater on your si$e*al). street or $ri!e*ayL better yet. #an$@*ater *it# a #ose2

#,3 Use dri" irri%a ion

%a!e big 3oney by installing a $ri& irrigation syste3Kit uses u& to 50 &er"ent less *ater

:0 t#an "on!entional s&rin)lers2 E"o@0rien$ly an$ e00i"ient. $ri& irrigation $eli!ers t#e rig#t a3ount o0 *ater to your &lantsF roots. slo*ly an$ stea$ily. *it#out loss to *in$ an$ e!a&oration2 It also eli3inates &u$$les an$ runo00. an$ )ee&s your &lants an$ soil #ealt#ier2 Fle5ible &i&e an$ 0ittings 3a)e 0or easy. lo*@"ost installationL sear"# t#e internet 0or $o@it@yoursel0 instru"tions an$ tutorials2 Auto3ate t#e syste3 *it# a ti3er. an$ youFll #a!e a beauti0ul yar$K*it# 3u"# less *or). *orry. an$ *ater *asteI

#-0 !a" ure e6cess 0a er

9#in) o0 all t#e *ater t#at runs 0ro3 your ta&s *#ile youFre *aiting 0or it to *ar32 Instea$ o0 letting it go $o*n t#e $rain. 0ill so3e "ontainers to *ater your &lants2 E5"ess *ater 0ro3 #ouse#ol$ "#oresKli)e rinsing $is#es or boiling &astaKis i$eal 0or use on la*ns an$ non@ e$ible greenery2 Ca&ture e!en larger !olu3es o0 *ater by installing a rain barrel un$er your gutter syste32 ,ur"#ase a )it 0ro3 a #o3e i3&ro!e3ent or gar$en "enter. or rig u& your o*n *it# instru"tions 0ro3 t#e internet2 ?se t#e *ater "olle"te$ 0or lan$s"a&ing. *as#ing your "ar. or rinsing $irty tools an$ boots2

#-# 8ind your hoses

8onFt let lea)y #oses $rain your ban) a""ountI E6ui& t#e3 *it# auto3ati" s#ut@o00 no++les so t#at *ater 0lo*s only *#en nee$e$. rat#er t#an "ontinuously2 C#e") t#e3 o0ten to see i0 t#eyFre $ri&&ing *ater. an$ e5a3ine "ou&lings an$ 0ittings 0or lea)s2 An$ by all 3eans. $onFt lea!e running #oses unatten$e$L t#ey "an &our out #un$re$s o0 gallons o0 *ater in only a 0e* #oursI W#en youFre 0inis#e$ using a #ose. turn it o00 at t#e ta&. an$ "lose t#e s&igot tig#t2 8is"onne"t #oses 0ro3 *ater sour"es *#en t#ey *onFt be use$ 0or an e5ten$e$ &erio$ o0 ti3e2

#-, Wash cars 0i hou 0as in% 0a er

%a!e *aterKan$ 3oneyKby *as#ing your "ar only *#en ne"essary2 A goo$ rainstor3 3ay be all t#atFs nee$e$ to rinse a*ay $irt. $ust an$ $ebrisI I0 you "anFt lea!e t#e -ob to /ot#er Nature. 3ini3i+e *ater *aste by using a bu")et o0 soa&y *ater instea$ o0 a #ose2 Be a true 0rugillionaire. an$ 0ill t#e bu")et *#ile *aiting 0or ta& *ater to *ar3 1li)e *#en youFre $oing $is#es. or ta)ing a s#o*er4L or use *ater you "olle"te$ *it# a rain barrel2 Bring out t#e #ose only a0ter youF!e s"rubbe$ your "ar an$ are rea$y to rinseL 3a)e sure itFs out0itte$ *it# a s#ut@o00 no++le. so you "an "ontrol t#e 0lo* an$ s&ray2

#-- 9e *ru%al 0i h *oun ains

9#ereFs not#ing 3ore soot#ing t#an a burbling 0ountainKuntil your bu$get s&rings a lea)I 8e"orati!e *ater orna3ents "an $o a nu3ber on *ater an$ energy bills2 W#en "#oosing a

:1 0ountain. loo) 0or one t#at 3ini3i+es *aste by re@"ir"ulating *ater2 %a!e e!en 3ore by sele"ting a 3o$el t#at runs on solar &o*erL itFll "ost 0ar less to o&erate t#an one t#at re6uires an ele"tri"al sour"e2 I0 you alrea$y #a!e a tra$itional. non@"onser!ing 0ountain. you "an still en-oy itK-ust $onFt lea!e it running all $ay an$ nig#t2 9#in) o0 it as a s&e"ial lu5ury. an$ turn it on only *#en youFre outsi$e to a&&re"iate itI

#-. $o i by hand

?se a broo3 to s*ee& si$e*al)s an$ $ri!e*aysL "leaning t#e3 *it# a #ose *astes #un$re$s o0 gallons o0 *ater2 9#e runo00 "an also sen$ &ollution into lo"al bo$ies o0 *ater2 %)i& t#e lea0 an$ sno* blo*ers. tooL e!ery ti3e you use t#e3. you #a!e to &ay 0or t#e gas or ele"tri"ity to &o*er t#e32 9#eyFre also e5&ensi!e to &ur"#ase. 3aintain an$ re&air2 Instea$. "lear lea!es. sno* an$ $ebris 3anually2 %*ee&ing. ra)ing an$ s#o!eling are great *or)outs 0or t#e u&&er bo$y. an$ a &ro$u"ti!e *ay to burn "alories2 You 3ay e!en eli3inate t#e nee$ 0or a gy3 3e3bers#i&I

#-5 Use a "ush &o0er

E3bra"e t#e retro "#ar3 o0 t#e ol$@0as#ione$ &us# 3o*erL itFs goo$ 0or t#e en!iron3ent. as *ell as your *alletI ,us# 1or reel4 3o*ers are lig#t. 6uiet an$ non@&olluting2 9#eyFre "#ea&er to &ur"#ase t#an gas an$ ele"tri" 3o$els. an$ sa!e you a bun$le in o&erating "osts2 Wit# a &us# 3o*er. you *onFt nee$ to s&ring 0or gas. oil. e5&ensi!e re&airs or &ri"ey re&la"e3ent &arts2 9#e only 3aintenan"e it nee$s is &erio$i" bla$e s#ar&ening. *#i"# is easy 1an$ e"ono3i"al4 to $o yoursel02 Wit#out t#e noise an$ to5i" 0u3es. 3o*ing t#e la*n is a &leasant a"ti!ityKan$ a 0antasti" *or)outI

#-/ Give u" your la0n

%a!e 3oney on *ater. 0ertili+ers. "#e3i"als an$ 3aintenan"eKby gi!ing u& your la*nI 9#ere are 3any attra"ti!e alternati!es to a 3ani"ure$. Dgol0 "ourseE loo)2 Wil$0lo*ers. nati!e grasses an$ groun$ "o!ers &ro!i$e beauti0ul. lo* 3aintenan"e lan$s"a&es2 /i5 in areas o0 ro"). gra!el or stone tile to a""ent t#e !egetation2 Alternati!ely. re&la"e so3e o0 your grass *it# a gar$en2 By gro*ing so3e o0 your o*n 0ruits an$ !egetables. youFll re$u"e your gro"ery. as *ell as your la*n "are. bill2 I0 youFre not rea$y to eli3inate t#e la*n entirely. try $o*nsi+ing itL youFll s&en$ less on its u&)ee&. an$ #a!e 3ore ti3e to en-oy itI

#-1 $o your o0n yard 0or(

8o your o*n yar$ *or) an$ $ouble your sa!ings: you *onFt nee$ to &ay 0or a lan$s"a&ing "re*. or a gy3 3e3bers#i&I /o*ing t#e la*n is a terri0i" "alorie burner2 9ri33ing

:2 t#e #e$ges an$ $igging in t#e gar$en *or) a !ariety o0 3us"les. an$ are 3u"# 3ore 0un t#an Nautilus e6ui&3ent2 YouFll en-oy being out$oors. an$ #ar$ly reali+e youFre e5er"ising2 %o *#en /ot#er Nature $u3&s a loa$ o0 lea!es on your la*nKor a 0oot o0 sno* on your $ri!e*ayK $onFt #ire #el&2 <et out your ra)e or s#o!el. an$ be grate0ul 0or su"# a beauti0ul 0itness o&&ortunityI

#-2 Find *ree "lan s in your nei%hborhood

Instea$ o0 &aying retail at your lo"al gar$en store. s"out out sour"es o0 0ree &lantsI 8ri!e aroun$ your neig#bor#oo$ on tras# $ayL youFll o0ten 0in$ #ealt#y greenery a3ong t#e lan$s"a&ing D$ebris.E an$ &otte$ &lants $is"ar$e$ on t#e "urbsi$e2 Conta"t lan$s"a&ers. an$ as) i0 you "an #a!e &lants t#eyFre tearing out 1youFll sa!e t#e3 on $u3&ing 0ees42 /a)e a si3ilar re6uest o0 lo"al nurseriesL t#ey 3ay be *illing to gi!e you ol$ sto") *#en "learing t#eir s#el!es 0or 3ore !ibrant in!entory2 An$ $onFt 0orget to "#e") "o33unity resour"es. as so3e to*ns o00er 0ree trees to resi$ents as &art o0 t#eir beauti0i"ation &rogra3s2

#-3 Find *ree "lan s online

oo) 0or 0ree &lants along t#e $igital su&er#ig#*ayI Free"yle2"o3 an$ Craigslist2"o3 are *on$er0ul sour"es 0or obtaining greenery at no "ost2 Bro*se t#roug# t#e o00erings. or &ost a re6uest 0or so3et#ing s&e"i0i"2 For best results. 0o"us on *#atFs abun$ant in your region. instea$ o0 see)ing out tren$y or e5oti" s&e"i3ens2 <ar$eners are a generous lotL *#en t#inning t#eir be$s. t#ey lo!e to gi!e e5tras to 0ello* ent#usiasts2 Just be sure your re6uests are a&&ro&riate to t#e season. an$ gra"iously o00er to #el& *it# $igging 1or ot#er labor4 in return2

#.0 Gro0 *ro& seeds

<ro* your gar$en 0ro3 see$sKt#eyFre a 0ra"tion o0 t#e &ri"e o0 starter &lants2 ,a")ets usually "ost less t#an a $ollar. an$ you "an &i") t#e3 u& 0or &ennies *#en t#eyFre on sale2 8onFt *orry i0 you la") e5&erien"eL t#e see$ &a")age is &rinte$ *it# $etaile$ instru"tions. in"lu$ing t#e best ti3e to &lant. an$ t#e a3ount o0 *ater an$ sunlig#t re6uire$2 %tart your see$s in$oors. a 0e* 3ont#s be0ore &lanting season. an$ trans0er t#e DbabiesE outsi$e a0ter t#e last 0rost2 <ro*ing 0ro3 see$ re6uires so3e &atien"eL but itFs 3u"# "#ea&er. an$ gi!es you a *on$er0ul sense o0 a""o3&lis#3entI

#.# Save seeds

%a!e see$s 0ro3 your 0lo*ers an$ !egetables. an$ you *onFt nee$ to buy any t#e 0ollo*ing yearI Wat"# "are0ully as t#e bloo3s on your 0lo*ers 3ature an$ 0a$eL *#en t#e &etals 0all o00. youFll see t#e bulging see$&o$2 9#e i$eal ti3e to #ar!est see$s is *#en t#eyFre 3ature

:3 an$ $ry. but #a!enFt yet 0allen to t#e groun$2 et "olle"te$ see$s $ry 0or se!eral $ays on a 0lat sur0a"e. t#en store t#e3 in a "ool. $ar). $ry &la"e 1su"# as an airtig#t glass -ar. or &lasti" bag insi$e t#e re0rigerator42 Consult a gar$ening boo). or t#e internet. 0or s&e"i0i" a$!i"e an$ te"#ni6ues2 You "an e!en sa!e see$s 0ro3 store@boug#t 0ruits an$ !egetablesI

#., )lan sel*Dseeders

,lant 0lo*ers t#at so* t#eir o*n see$sKli)e !iolas. &o&&ies. lar)s&ur. 0orget@3e@nots. 3arigol$s. +innias an$ sun0lo*ers2 Your gar$en *ill gro* 0uller ea"# year. *it# no a$$itional *or) or e5&enseI 9#e 0lo*ers 3ust $ry in or$er 0or t#eir see$s to 3ature. so allo* late season bloo3s to go to see$ rat#er t#an D$ea$#ea$ingE t#e3 1re3o!ing t#e3 *#en t#ey 0a$e42 %el0@ see$ers re6uire !irtually no 3aintenan"e. an$ attra"t bene0i"ial inse"ts to your gar$en2 Just &lant t#e3. sit ba"). an$ let nature ta)e its "ourse2 YouFll be re*ar$e$ *it# beauti0ul ne* bloo3s year a0ter yearKabsolutely 0reeI

#.- Gro0 *ro& cu in%s

E5&an$ your gar$en at no "ostKby gro*ing ne* &lants 0ro3 ones you alrea$y #a!eI Wit# a &air o0 &runing s#ears. ta)e "uttings 0ro3 your 0a!orite s&e"i3ens2 Root t#e3 in *ater. or a s3all &ot o0 soil 1"onsult gar$ening boo)s or *ebsites 0or &lant@s&e"i0i" instru"tions42 Aee& "uttings *ar3. 3oist an$ out o0 $ire"t sunlig#tL you "an use &lasti" bags to "reate a #ig#@ #u3i$ity. green#ouse@li)e en!iron3ent2 Hn"e t#eyFre roote$. t#ey "an be trans&lante$ into t#e gar$en2 For 3ore !ariety. s*a& "uttings *it# 0rien$s. neig#bors an$ ot#er gar$enersI

#.. Inves in "erennials

<ar$en li)e a 0rugillionaire: in!est in &erennials. instea$ o0 s&lurging on annuals2 Annual &lants bloo3 0or -ust a single season. gi!ing a s#ort@li!e$ burst o0 "olor to your yar$2 ,erennials. on t#e ot#er #an$. "ontinue to 0lo*er year a0ter year2 E!en better. t#ey 3ulti&ly o!er ti3e: in$i!i$ual &lants "an be $i!i$e$ about e!ery t#ree years2 ItFs a *on$er0ul *ay to 0ill ot#er areas o0 your yar$. *it#out s&en$ing a $i3e2 9ra$e e5tras *it# 0rien$s an$ neig#bors to "reate a lus#. !arie$ gar$en at 3ini3al "ost2 ,erennials 3ay be a bit 3ore e5&ensi!e u&0rontKbut t#ey &ay beauti0ul $i!i$en$s $o*n t#e roa$I

#.5 Fno0 your >one

%ele"t &lants a&&ro&riate to your areaFs D+oneLE t#eyFll #a!e a 3u"# better "#an"e o0 sur!i!ing t#e *inter2 9#e Bar$iness Tone /a&. &ublis#e$ by t#e ?nite$ %tates 8e&art3ent o0 Agri"ulture. $i!i$es Nort# A3eri"a into ele!en "li3ate +ones base$ on a!erage annual 3ini3u3 te3&eratures2 Fin$ your region on t#e 3a&. an$ 3a)e note o0 t#e +one in *#i"# it 0alls2 W#en

:: &lanning your gar$en. rea$ &lant tags an$ see$ &a")ets to see i0 t#eyFre suite$ to your "li3ate2 Ano*ing your +oneKan$ "onsi$ering ot#er 0a"tors li)e rain0all. *in$. #eat an$ #u3i$ityK*ill sa!e you t#e 3oney. an$ 0rustration. o0 trying to gro* a &al3 tree in /innesotaI

#./ !hoose na ive "lan s

C#oose &lants t#at are nati!e to your areaL t#eyFre #ar$ier t#an e5oti" s&e"ies. an$ 3u"# less e5&ensi!e to 3aintain2 Nati!e &lants t#ri!e on natural rain0all. an$ are able to *it#stan$ regional te3&erature e5tre3esL on"e establis#e$. t#ey re6uire no *atering or 0ertili+ing2 Furt#er3ore. t#eyFre usually inse"t@ an$ $isease@resistant. so youFll #a!e little nee$ 0or &ri"ey &est "ontrol &ro$u"ts2 In"or&orating t#ese lo*@3aintenan"e. $roug#t@tolerant &lants into your yar$ is "alle$ 5eris"a&ing2 ItFs an e"o@0rien$ly 1an$ 0inan"ially@sa!!y4 *ay to lan$s"a&eI

#.1 Use recycled con ainers o s ar seeds

W#en gro*ing &lants 0ro3 see$s. youFll nee$ s3all "ontainers to get t#e3 starte$2 But $onFt buy t#e3 0ro3 t#e gar$en storeKloo) aroun$ your #ouseI ItFs a *on$er0ul o&&ortunity to re"y"le egg "artons. 3argarine tubs. so$a bottles an$ yogurt "u&s2 Was# t#e3 t#oroug#ly. an$ saniti+e *it# a solution o0 blea"# an$ *ater2 /a)e $rainage #oles. 0ill *it# soil an$ &la"e on a *ater&roo0 trayKol$ "oo)ie s#eets or D$is&osableE ba)ing &ans *or) ni"ely2 You "an e!en "ra0t little &ots 0ro3 ol$ toilet &a&er rollsL -ust "ut in #al0. t#en 0ol$ in t#e en$s to 3a)e t#e botto3 1one roll *ill 3a)e t*o &ots42

#.2 Use recycled con ainers o hold "lan s

8onFt &ay big bu")s 0or 0an"y &ots an$ &lantersI Anyt#ing t#at "an #ol$ $irt an$ $rain *aterKli)e &lasti" bu")ets. 3il) -ugs. "o00ee "ans. "olan$ers. bas)ets. bo5es or ol$ bootsK 3a)es a 0ine #o3e 0or your &lants2 8ri!e t#roug# your neig#bor#oo$ on tras# $ay to s"ore so3e 0reebies2 Hr "onta"t lan$s"a&ing "o3&anies an$ &ubli" *or)s $e&art3entsL t#ey usually #a!e lots o0 e3&ty "ontainers a0ter 3a-or &lantings2 9ry Free"y"le2"o3. Craigslist2"o3. t#ri0t s#o&s. garage sales an$ $is"ount stores as *ell2 Re3e3ber. your &ots $onFt #a!e to be 0as#ionableL itFs *#atFs gro*ing insi$e t#e3 t#at "ountsI

#.3 Fer ili>e 0i h %rass cli""in%s

9#e ne5t ti3e you 3o*. let t#e grass "li&&ings 0all as t#ey 3ayI 9#eyFre a ri"# sour"e o0 nitrogen an$ ot#er nutrients 0or your la*n2 For best results: 3o* *it# a s#ar& bla$e *#en t#e grass is $ry. an$ set t#e bla$e #eig#t to &ro$u"e "li&&ings o0 less t#an an in"#2 You "an also bag "li&&ings 0or use in your gar$enL t#ey &re!ent *ee$ gro*t#. )ee& in 3oisture. an$ su&&ly t#e soil *it# nutrients as t#ey $e"o3&ose2 <rass "li&&ings are a *on$er0ul organi" alternati!e to store@

:5 boug#t 0ertili+ers. an$ &ro3ote t#e #ealt#y gro*t# o0 your la*n. your &lants an$ your ban) a""ountI

#50 Fer ili>e 0i h co&"os

%a!e 3oney on 0ertili+er by "o3&ostingI Co3&ost is a $ar). "ru3bly substan"e 0or3e$ by t#e $e"o3&osition o0 !egetable 3atter an$ &lant *aste2 It enri"#es gar$en soil by retaining 3oisture. an$ #arboring bene0i"ial ba"teria an$ eart#*or3s2 You "an 3a)e your o*n "o3&ost 0ro3 lea!es. t*igs. "uttings. grass "li&&ings. &ine nee$les an$ ot#er yar$ D*aste.E as *ell as )it"#en s"ra&s li)e !egetable 3atter. "o00ee groun$s an$ eggs#ells2 %ee t#e internet 0or instru"tions on #o* to layer an$ stir t#e 3aterials2 Co3&osting is t#e 0rugillionaire *ay to 0ertili+e: it )ee&s tras# out o0 t#e lan$0ill. an$ 3oney in your &o")etI

#5# 8a(e your o0n &ulch

/ul"# is a blan)et o0 3aterialKorgani" or inorgani"Kt#at &rote"ts t#e soil aroun$ &lants an$ trees2 It $eters t#e gro*t# o0 *ee$s. &re!ents erosion. an$ &ro!i$es nutrients 0or &lants as it brea)s $o*n2 It also s#iel$s soil 0ro3 t#e *in$ an$ sun. re$u"ing e!a&oration an$ retaining 3oisture2 %a!e 3oney by 3a)ing your o*n 3ul"#. instea$ o0 buying it 0ro3 gar$en "enters2 %#re$$e$ lea!es. grass. bar). sti")s. &ine nee$les an$ *oo$ "#i&s are all e00e"ti!e 3ul"#ing 3aterials2 Consult gar$ening boo)s or *ebsites to learn *#i"# substan"es are best 0or your &arti"ular &lants2

#5, Use na ural "es con rol

Forget t#e "#e3i"als. an$ use natural &est "ontrol in your gar$en2 Bo3e3a$e s&rays t#at "o3bine $is#*as#ing li6ui$ *it# ot#er ingre$ientsKli)e !egetable oil. "ayenne &e&&er or garli" Kare e00e"ti!e inse"t re&ellants2 %ear"# t#e internet 0or 0or3ulas a&&ro&riate to your nee$s2 9#e best $e0ense against &ests. #o*e!er. is a goo$ o00ense2 In your gar$en. in"lu$e &lants t#at #ost bene0i"ial bugsL t#ese. in turn. *ill &rey on &ests2 For e5a3&le. &lant 3arigol$s a3ong your !egetablesL t#eyFll attra"t inse"ts t#at eat a&#i$s2 ItFs 3u"# less e5&ensi!e 1an$ sa0er 0or t#e en!iron3ent4 t#an buying &esti"i$esI

#5- =ardsca"e 0i h recycled &a erials

Bar$s"a&ing $oesnFt #a!e to "ost a 0ortuneI %ee) out 3aterials to re"y"le an$ reuse 0or &at#s. *al)*ays. *alls. bor$ers. 0en"es an$ arbors2 Co3b your neig#bor#oo$ 1or sear"# Free"y"le2"o3 an$ Craigslist2"o34 0or ol$ bri")s. "on"rete blo")s. &a!ers. ri!er ro")s an$ railroa$ tiesL t#eyFre o0ten $is"ar$e$ *#en #o3eo*ners re$o t#eir lan$s"a&ing2 Wit# a little "reati!ity. t#e &ossibilities are en$less: you "an 3a)e green#ouses 0ro3 ol$ *in$o*s. buil$

:; trellises 0ro3 *oo$ an$ *ire. an$ "ra0t ben"#es 0ro3 $is"ar$e$ $oors2 Bro)en &lates. &ots an$ tiles 3a)e lo!ely $e"orations. es&e"ially *#en arrange$ into art0ul 3osai"sI

#5. Go solar

8e"orati!e lig#ting a$$s beauty. "#ar3 an$ ro3an"e to your out$oor s&a"e2 You 3ay be less en"#ante$. #o*e!er. *#en you see your ele"tri" billI %a!e energy. an$ 3oney. by re&la"ing tra$itional illu3ination *it# solar &o*ere$ lig#ts2 9#eyFre ine5&ensi!e an$ easy to install. an$ "an be use$ to line &at#*ays. bor$er &atios. an$ a""ent your gar$en2 %olar &o*ere$ lig#ts re6uire no *iring: t#e sun "#arges t#eir batteries $uring t#e $ay. an$ $ar)ness sensors s*it"# t#e3 on at nig#t2 YouFll ne!er #a!e to re3e3ber to turn t#e3 on or o00K3a)ing t#e3 lo*@3aintenan"e. as *ell as "ost@e00e"ti!eI

#55 Ge o (no0 %ardeners

/a)e 0rien$s *it# ot#er gar$enersL t#eyFll &ro!i$e you *it# 3ore in0or3ation about lo"al gro*ing "on$itions. an$ nati!e !arieties. t#an youFll e!er 0in$ in boo)sI 9#eyFll also be #a&&y to s*a& see$s. "uttings an$ &lants *it# you. an$ *ill li)ely &ro!i$e you *it# &lenty o0 greenery *#en t#inning out t#eir be$s2 Consi$er tea3ing u& to 3a)e -oint or$ers 0ro3 "atalogsKyouFll get bul) $is"ounts an$ sa!e on s#i&&ing "#arges2 Won$ering #o* to 0in$ 0ello* green t#u3bsG Join a gar$ening "lub. get a &lot in your "o33unity gar$en. or si3&ly stri)e u& a "on!ersation *it# a &lant@lo!ing neig#borI

#5/ Ren ' share and borro0 ools

You $onFt nee$ a garage 0ull o0 tools to be a great gar$enerI ItFs !ery satis0yingKan$ 0ar less e5&ensi!eKto *or) *it# basi" #an$ i3&le3ents2 All it ta)es to get starte$ is a s#o!el. #oe. 0or). ra)e. s&a$e. #ose an$ *atering "an2 As your gar$en gro*s. you 3ay 0in$ nee$ 0or a 3ore s&e"iali+e$ ite3L i0 itFs so3et#ing you *onFt use o0ten. rent or borro* instea$ o0 buying it2 Alternati!ely. organi+e a tool s#are in your neig#bor#oo$. an$ use t#e 0un$s "olle"te$ 0ro3 3e3bers to &ur"#ase a s#are$ set o0 e6ui&3ent2 ItFll sa!e e!eryone 3oney. an$ en"ourage a *on$er0ul sense o0 "o33unity an$ "a3ara$erieI

#51 9uy used ools

<ar$en tools $onFt stay s#iny an$ ne* 0or longL so *#y &ay e5tra to buy t#e3 t#at *ayG ?se$ tools are o0ten great !alues. as *ell@3a$e ones "an last t#roug# generationsL loo) 0or t#e3 at t#ri0t stores. au"tions. an$ garage or estate sales2 El$erly or a00luent "o33unitiesK*#ere gar$ening is a "o33on #obbyK"an be a treasure tro!e o0 se"on$#an$ e6ui&3ent2 ItFs also *ort#*#ile to bro*se t#e listings on Free"y"le2"o3 an$ Craigslist2"o3L 3any &eo&le gi!e a*ay

:= yar$ an$ gar$en su&&lies *#en t#ey 3o!e2 An$ )ee& your eyes &eele$ on tras# $ayKyou 3ay 0in$ so3e *on$er0ul 0reebies on t#e "urbsi$eI

#52 !are *or your ools

%a!e 3oney by &ro&erly "aring 0or gar$en toolsL *it# goo$ 3aintenan"e. you 3ay ne!er nee$ to buy re&la"e3entsI /a)e it a #abit to "lean your tools a0ter e!ery use2 A si3&le rinsing *ill *as# a*ay $irt. *#ile soa& "an be a$$e$ to re3o!e 0ertili+er "#e3i"als2 8ry t#oroug#ly *it# a to*el. an$ *i&e 3etal &arts *it# an oily rag. to &re!ent rustL i0 any $e!elo&s. re3o!e it i33e$iately *it# steel *ool or a *ire brus#2 Aee& *oo$en #an$les s3oot# by san$ing an$ rubbing *it# linsee$ oil2 %#ar&en tools regularly *it# a #an$ 0ile or s#ar&ening stone to ensure t#eir 3a5i3u3 &er0or3an"e2

#53 Sho" endDo*Dseason sales

For terri0i" sa!ings on la*n an$ gar$en su&&lies. s#o& en$@o0@season sales at nurseries. gar$en "enters. su&er3ar)ets an$ $is"ount stores2 Retailers 3ust "lear out t#e "urrent seasonFs sto") to 3a)e roo3 0or t#e ne5t. so t#ey slas# &ri"es to 3o!e 3er"#an$ise o00 t#e s#el!es2 ItFs a great o&&ortunity to get &lants. trees. see$s. tools an$ ot#er lan$s"a&ing 3aterials at $ee& $is"ounts2 YouFll also 0in$ bargains on &erennials t#roug#out t#e su33er. as stores re&la"e &lants &ast t#eir &ea) *it# a 0res# bat"#2 You 3ay #a!e to *ait anot#er year 0or t#e bloo3s. but your &atien"e *ill be $uly re*ar$e$I

#/0 En;oy "ublic "ar(s

I0 youFre a &lant lo!erKbut s#ort on ti3e. 3oney or yar$ s&a"eKget your greenery 0i5 at t#e lo"al &ar)I ,ubli" &ar)s are a *on$er0ul *ay to en-oy t#e gi0ts o0 /ot#er Nature. *it#out li0ting a 0inger or s&en$ing a $i3e2 an$s"a&e "re*s )ee& t#e3 in ti&@to& s#a&e. an$ 0ull o0 seasonal bloo3s. 0or your !ie*ing &leasure2 ItF$ be i3&ossible to 3at"# t#e gran$ s"ale. an$ ri"# !ariety. o0 su"# &ubli" s&a"es in your ba")yar$L you 3ig#t as *ell lea!e it to t#e e5&erts. an$ en-oy t#e 0ruits o0 t#eir labor li)e a 0rugillionaireI For 3ore e5oti" s&e"i3ens an$ "reati!e $is&lays. !isit your lo"al #orti"ultural gar$ens2

#/# Use co&&uni y resources

9a)e a$!antage o0 agri"ultural resour"es o00ere$ by your "o33unity2 %o3e 3uni"i&alities gi!e out 0ree 3ul"# an$ "o3&ost as &art o0 re"y"ling &rogra3s. *#ile ot#ers #ol$ *or)s#o&s to &ro!i$e in0or3ation on nati!e &lants an$ lo"al gro*ing "on$itions2 Resi$ents "an obtain &lots in "o33unity gar$ens. an$ in so3e to*ns. 3ay e!en be able to s"ore so3e 0ree treesI Furt#er3ore. ea"# state #as an o00i"e o0 t#e nation*i$e Coo&erati!e E5tension %yste32 9#is &rogra3 o00ers soil testing an$ ot#er ser!i"esL su&&lies in0or3ation on 0rost $ates. $iseases an$ &estsL an$ #as traine$ !olunteers a!ailable to ans*er gar$ening 6uestions2

!ha" er 05 Fashion $ressin% o he Nines on Ne6 o No hin%

:>

#/, Never "ay re ail

8onFt &ay 0ull &ri"e 0or $e&art3ent store "lot#ingL itFs "ertain to be on sale in t#e near 0utureI Instea$. &lay t#e *aiting ga3e: *at"# 0or a$!ertise3ents an$ "ou&ons. an$ t#en "ongratulate yoursel0 *#en you sa!e 30 &er"ent on t#at ne* s*eater2 Alternati!ely. "#e") t#e ra")s at stores li)e Ross. /ars#alls an$ 9J /a55KyouFll 0in$ $e&art3ent store bran$s at $ee& $is"ounts2 An$ i0 you see so3et#ing on sale 0or *#i"# you re"ently &ai$ a #ig#er &ri"e. ta)e t#at re"ei&t to "usto3er ser!i"e: 3any stores *ill re0un$ t#e $i00eren"e *it#in a "ertain ti3e &erio$2

#/- 9uy vin a%e

For beauti0ul "lot#es t#at are easy on t#e bu$get. t#in) !intageI Consign3ent s#o&s an$ !intage "lot#ing stores are a treasure tro!e o0 0inely tailore$. "lassi" &ie"es2 Aee& an eye out 0or ite3s 3a$e in Italy. Fran"e. Englan$ an$ t#e ?%AL t#e 0abri". "onstru"tion an$ 0inis#ing is o0ten o0 a #ig#er 6uality t#an *#at youFll 0in$ in to$ayFs $e&art3ent stores2 Ba") in t#eir $ay. t#ese "lot#es *ere "onsi$ere$ in!est3ents an$ 3a$e to last years 1i0 not $e"a$es42 I0 you #a!e a *ea)ness 0or #ig#@en$ labels. s#o&&ing !intage *ill sa!e you a "onsi$erable a3ount o0 3oneyL itFs 3u"# 3ore a00or$able to be t#e se"on$ o*ner o0 a $esigner &ie"eI

#/. Sho" e9ay

/any &eo&le #a!e &er0e"tly goo$ "lot#es in t#eir "losets t#ey ne!er *earL an$ t#eyFre yours 0or t#e bi$$ing on eBay2"o3I Hnline au"tions are a great sour"e o0 gently@use$ na3e bran$ "lot#ing2 %o3e &ie"es #a!e ne!er e!en been *ornL loo) 0or DNW9.E *#i"# 3eans DNe* *it# tags2E H00erings nu3ber in t#e t#ousan$sL narro* your sear"# by bran$. "olor. si+e or "lot#ing ty&e to sa!e ti3e2 9#ereFs no $ressing roo3. so it #el&s to be 0a3iliar *it# t#e si+ing o0 your 0a!orite labels2 Be0ore you bi$. as) t#e seller 0or s&e"i0i" 3easure3entsKan$ 0in$ out *#et#er you "an return t#e ite3 i0 it $oesnFt 0it2

#/5 Or%ani>e a *ashion s0a"

<et toget#er *it# so3e 0rugillionaire 0rien$s 0or a "lot#ing s*a&I Ba!e e!eryone bring a 0e* ite3sK"lot#es. #an$bags. an$ ot#er a""essoriesKt#eyFre no longer *earing2 %et u& a little Dbouti6ueE in t#e "orner o0 your li!ing roo3. an$ $is&lay t#e goo$s on a table. s#el0 or &ortable "lot#es ra")2 /i5 "o")tails. ser!e #ors $Foeu!res. an$ let e!eryone $o so3e Ds#o&&ing2E At t#e en$ o0 t#e nig#t. stage a 0as#ion s#o*: "lear a &at# in t#e "enter o0 t#e roo3. &ut on so3e 3usi". an$ #a!e ea"# &erson *al) t#e run*ay to s#o* o00 t#eir ne* 0in$sI

#// 8i6 and &a ch colors

Buy "lot#es in "olors t#at 3i5 an$ 3at"#. an$ stret"# your 0as#ion $ollars 0urt#er2 C#oose a base li)e bla"). gray. )#a)i or bro*n 0or *ar$robe sta&lesL t#ese s#a$es gi!e you t#e 3ost 3ileage out o0 &ants. s)irts. suits an$ s#oes2 A$$ "olor *it# s#irts. s*eaters. ties. s"ar!es an$ a""essories2 Aee& to a "ertain "olor &aletteKli)e &astels. &ri3aries. -e*el or eart# tonesK0or 3a5i3u3 !ersatility2 A!oi$ #ues t#at $onFt go *it# anyt#ing else in your "loset2 It $oesnFt

:( 3atter i0 t#at "#artreuse to& is on saleL itFs not a goo$ !alue i0 you #a!e not#ing to *ear it *it#I

#/1 $ress i u"' dress i do0n

9#e best !alues in your *ar$robe arenFt t#e least e5&ensi!e &ie"es. but t#e 3ost !ersatile2 W#en youFre "onsi$ering a "lot#ing &ur"#ase. t#in) about #o* o0ten youFll be able to *ear it2 Can t#at s*eater go 0ro3 *or) to $inner. an$ also loo) great *it# -eans on t#e *ee)en$G I0 so. it earns a &la"e in your "losetI %)i& t#e se6uins an$ s*eats#irts. an$ any ot#er ite3s t#atFll be Dtoo $ressyE or Dtoo "asualE 3ost o0 t#e ti3e2 Instea$. buy &ie"es you "an $ress u& or $ress $o*n. $e&en$ing on t#e o""asion2 9#e 3ore out0its you "an 3a)e 0ro3 a 0e* gar3ents. t#e 3ore 3oney youFll sa!eI

#/2 9uy classic

Buy si3&le. "lassi" "lot#ing. an$ youFll al*ays be in style2 A basi" bla") s)irt. )#a)i trouser. *#ite s#irt or *ool "oat "an ser!e as a *ar$robe sta&le 0or years2 W#en you sti") to ite3s t#at stay in 0as#ion. you eli3inate t#e nee$ to s#o& ea"# seasonKt#ereby sa!ing a substantial a3ount o0 "as#2 Furt#er3ore. youFll ne!er run t#e ris) o0 loo)ing $ate$. or being "aug#t in last yearFs D3ust #a!e2E 9#in) about it: you "oul$ *ear t#e sa3e bla") &ants to *or) 3ulti&le ti3es a *ee) an$ no one *oul$ noti"eL but try t#at *it# a ru00le$. leo&ar$@&rint to&. an$ youFll li)ely raise so3e eyebro*sI

#/3 $on+ be a *ashion vic i&

Hne season s)inny &ants are in 0as#ion. an$ t#e ne5t itFs *i$e@leg trousersL 3ini@s)irts. t#en 3a5i@s)irtsL e3&ire *aists. t#en $ro& *aists2 An$ o0 "ourse. t#ereFs al*ays t#e DItE bag an$ t#e DItE s#oeKseen on a #an$0ul o0 DItE girls an$ out o0 style ten 3inutes later2 Fas#ion tren$s 3o!e at t#e s&ee$ o0 lig#tL youF$ go bro)eKor at least $ee& into $ebtKtrying to )ee& u& *it# t#e32 Instea$. ignore t#e 0as#ion 3e$ia. an$ in!est in &ie"es t#at 0latter you an$ 0it your li0estyle2 8onFt s&en$ a #ar$@earne$ &ay"#e") on so3et#ing t#atFll be DoutE 1an$ t#at youFll 0eel ri$i"ulous *earingI4 in -ust a 0e* 3ont#s2

#10 Accessori>e

/a)e t#e 3ost o0 a li3ite$ *ar$robe by a$$ing a""essories2 9a)e a "ue 0ro3 0as#ionable ,arisians. an$ use "#i" a""entsKli)e a stran$ o0 &earls. "olor0ul bag or "#un)y bra"eletKto li!en u& si3&le. "lassi" "lot#es2 W#y $ro& M200 on a ne* out0it. *#en you "an s&i"e u& an ol$ one *it# a M20 s"ar0G %ti") to basi" sil#ouettes an$ neutrals 0or your D"oreE *ar$robe. an$ "#oose #an$bags. s"ar!es. belts an$ -e*elry to a$$ "olor an$ &i++a++2 C#anging your a""essories is a great *ay to u&$ate your loo)Kan$ s#o* your sense o0 styleK*it#out blo*ing your bu$getI

50

#1# Ge a %ood *i

Buy "lot#es t#at 0it. an$ youFll sa!e a ton o0 3oney on tailoring2 Not all labels are 0lattering to all bo$y ty&es: so3e "ater to t#e "ur!y. *#ile ot#ers are built 0or boyis# 0igures2 Fin$ t#e bran$s t#at 0it you best. an$ youFll 0eel "o30ortable an$ "on0i$ent in your "lot#es2 8onFt be te3&te$ by ite3s t#at al3ost 0it. e!en i0 t#eyFre on saleL t#e "ost o0 alterations "an a$$ a &retty &enny to t#e &ur"#ase &ri"e2 An$ by all 3eans. $onFt buy "lot#es in s3aller si+es as an ins&iration to $ietL re*ar$ yoursel0 *it# so3et#ing ne* a0ter youF!e $ro&&e$ t#e &oun$sI

#1, Learn 0ha *la ers you

earn *#i"# "olors an$ sil#ouettes 0latter you. an$ youFll a!oi$ *asting 3oney on *ar$robe D3ista)es2E 8eter3ine i0 you loo) best in 0itte$ or 0lo*ing "lot#esL straig#t lines or so0t "ur!esL "re*. ballet. or !@s#a&e$ ne")lines2 Consi$er *#et#er slee!eless. s#ort@slee!e or U@ slee!e to&s 0latter your ar3s. an$ i0 itFs better to s#o* your legs or #i$e t#e32 9#in) about *#i"# "olors "o3&le3ent your s)in tone. an$ *#i"# ones *as# it out2 9#en s#o& a""or$ingly: &ur"#ase &ie"es t#at &lay u& your assets. an$ a!oi$ t#ose t#at a""entuate 0la*s2 No 3atter #o* 0as#ionable an ite3. itFs not a goo$ buy i0 itFs *rong 0or youI

#1- Sho" ou o* season

%a!e a bun$le by s#o&&ing 0or s*eaters in June. an$ bat#ing suits in H"toberI W#en retailers nee$ 0loor s&a"e 0or ne* in!entory. t#ey o00er last seasonFs 3er"#an$ise at $ee& $is"ounts2 ,ie"es t#at sol$ 0or a &re3iu3 a 0e* 3ont#s ago are su$$enly in t#e bargain binK 3ar)e$ $o*n 50 &er"ent or 3ore2 Buy t#e3 no*. an$ s6uirrel t#e3 a*ay 0or ne5t year2 For best results. 0o"us on "lassi" "lot#ing. an$ a!oi$ tren$y ite3s t#atFll loo) out$ate$ by t#e ti3e you *ear t#e32 9#is 0rugillionaire te"#ni6ue is a great *ay to buil$ a 0abulous *ar$robe at ro") botto3 &ri"esI

#1. $on+ buy i because i +s on sale

Just be"ause so3et#ingFs on sale. $oesnFt 3ean itFs a bargainI Clot#es are a goo$ !alue only i0 you *ear t#e3 o0ten2 I0 you *oul$ #a!e ne!er "onsi$ere$ t#at &ur&le !el!et -a")et at 0ull &ri"e. $onFt buy it at #al02 C#an"es are. itFll sit in your "loset. unlo!e$ an$ un*orn. 0or years to "o3e2 I0 you s&en$ M100 on a &air o0 &ants. an$ *ear t#e3 on"e a *ee) 0or t*o years. t#atFs only M1 &er *earKa terri0i" !alueI Hn t#e ot#er #an$. t#at 0u"#sia 3ini@s)irt you boug#t on sale 0or M:(Kan$ *ore only on"eKis a *aste o0 3oney2 Better to #a!e a 0e* *ar$robe sta&les. t#an a "loset 0ull o0 barely@use$. bargain@base3ent $u$s2

#15 $on+ buy 40ish5 clo hes

51

Resist t#e te3&tation to s#o& 0or your D0antasyE sel0Kt#e one *#o atten$s "o")tail &arties. #its t#e gy3 ea"# 3orning. or is ten &oun$s t#inner2 Fan"y $resses. e5er"ise *ear an$ s)inny "lot#es *onFt trans0or3 you into a $i00erent &ersonL t#eyFll -ust sit t#ere. un*orn. re3in$ing you o0 *#at you are not2 %)i& t#e D*is#E "lot#es. an$ "elebrate your real sel0 instea$: "#oose out0its t#at 3a)e you 0eel "o30ortable. an$ suit your "urrent li0estyle2 ,ur"#ase "lot#es in t#e si+e you *ear no*L get t#e "ute yoga &ants a0ter you sign u& 0or "lassL an$ buy t#e ball go*n *#en t#e bla") tie in!itationFs in #an$I

#1/ Re&e&ber he 20G,0 rule

A""or$ing to t#e >0720 rule 1ot#er*ise )no*n as t#e ,areto &rin"i&le4. *e *ear 20O o0 our *ar$robe >0O o0 t#e ti3e2 9#at 3eans t#e 3a-ority o0 our "lot#es languis# in our "losets. rarely *orn2 We "oul$ #a!e &ut t#at 3oney in t#e ban). an$ #ar$ly noti"e$ a $i00eren"e getting $resse$ in t#e 3orningI 9#in) about *#i"# ite3s "onstitute your 20O: itFll li)ely in"lu$e t#at gray suit. bla") s)irt. *#ite blouse or na!y s*eater you *ear on"e a *ee)2 9#e ne5t ti3e youFre "onte3&lating a &ur"#ase. "onsi$er i0 t#e ite3 *ill be in your D0a!orite 20E or Dun*orn >02E In!est in t#e 0or3erKan$ s)i& t#e latterK0or big sa!ingsI

#11 Sho" your close

Instea$ o0 going to t#e 3all. #a!e a s#o&&ing s&ree insi$e your o*n "loset2 You li)ely #a!e "lot#es in t#ere t#at #a!enFt seen t#e lig#t o0 $ay 0or 3ont#s 1or e!en yearsI42 9a)e e!eryt#ing out an$ try it onKyouFll 0in$ at least one or t*o ite3s to bring ba") into regular rotation2 ,er#a&s youF!e lost a 0e* &oun$s. an$ so3et#ing t#at $i$nFt 0it be0ore is su$$enly -ust rig#t2 Hr 3aybe your *i$e@leg &ants or bo#e3ian to& is ba") in 0as#ion t#is season2 8onFt buy anyt#ing ne* until youF!e s#o&&e$ *#at you alrea$y o*nL you 3ay be able to &ut toget#er a Dne*E loo) *it#out s&en$ing a $i3eI

#12 Se li&i s

%a!e 3oney by setting li3its on t#e nu3ber o0 "lot#es you o*n2 I0 your "loset is alrea$y stu00e$. $onFt buy anyt#ing ne* until so3et#ing *ears out2 Hr. i0 you ten$ to buy too 3any ite3s o0 t#e sa3e ty&eKli)e s)irts. s#oes. or blousesK"a& your "olle"tion at a "ertain nu3ber2 8onFt bring #o3e t#at ele!ent# &air o0 s#oes. 0or e5a3&le. until itFs ti3e to re&la"e one o0 t#e ot#er ten2 Your "loset. an$ your *allet. *ill breat#e 3u"# easierI ,ri"e li3its are anot#er o&tion: $e"i$e t#at youFll ne!er s&en$ 3ore t#an a set a3ount 1say M1004 on a single ite3 o0 "lot#ing. an$ $onFt try on anyt#ing t#atFs out o0 your Dbu$get2E

#13 8a(e a clo hin% inven ory

52

Be0ore you buy anot#er &ie"e o0 "lot#ing. 3a)e an in!entory o0 *#at you #a!e2 E3&ty t#e entire "ontents o0 your "loset. an$ *rite $o*n ea"# ite3 as you &ut it ba")2 Hrgani+e your list into "ategoriesKso you "an see -ust #o* 3any s#irts. s*eaters. &ants an$ s#oes you a"tually o*n2 ItFs easy to 0orget about &ur"#ases on"e you tu") t#e3 a*ayKan$ s#o")ing to $is"o!er you #a!e t*enty@t#ree blouses. or t#irty &airs o0 s#oesI /a)ing an in!entory is a great *ay to reali+e you $o #a!e enoug#2 9a)e t#e list *it# you *#en s#o&&ing. an$ youFll be 3u"# less li)ely to s&en$ #ar$@earne$ "as# on a t*enty@0ourt# blouseI

#20 Si&"li*y your shoes

Ai") your s#oe@buying #abit. an$ a$$ #un$re$s 1i0 not t#ousan$s4 o0 $ollars to your botto3 line2 Fro3 no* on. &ur"#ase only 0oot*ear t#atFs !ersatileL 3a)e it earn a &la"e in your "loset by *or)ing *it# a !ariety o0 out0its2 Classi" bla") &u3&s. 0or e5a3&le. stret"# your s#oe $ollar 3u"# 0urt#er t#an li3e@green stilettos2 Resist t#e urge to s&lurge on i3&ra"ti"al. un"o30ortable or single@o""asion s#oes. no 3atter #o* "ute or se5y t#ey 3ay be2 %ti") to neutral "olors an$ basi" styles@li)e 0lat. &u3&. boot. san$al. an$ $ressy #eelKan$ strut to t#e ban) *it# your sa!ingsI

#2# Re urn i

%o3eti3es *#at loo)s great in t#e $ressing roo3Kin 0lattering lig#t an$ Ds)innyE 3irrorsK#as 3u"# less a&&eal a0ter you bring it #o3e2 You $onFt #a!e to li!e *it# your 3ista)esI I0 you boug#t t#e ite3 re"ently. an$ #a!enFt *orn it. return it2 /ost stores let you bring ba") un*orn "lot#ing 0or a reasonable ti3e &erio$ a0ter its &ur"#ase 1usually 0ro3 30 to (0 $ays42 Just be sure to )ee& your re"ei&tsL ot#er*ise. youFll #a!e to a""e&t t#e lo*est 3ar)$o*n &ri"e2 An$ $onFt "ut tags o00 ne* "lot#ing until you 0irst *ear itKyou 3ay "#ange your 3in$ in t#e 3eanti3e2

#2, Ge cash *or your cas Do**s

I0 you #a!e "lot#es you $onFt *ear lur)ing in your "loset. unloa$ t#e3 0or "as#I Na3e bran$ an$ $esigner &ie"es sell &arti"ularly *ell t#roug# online au"tions li)e eBay2"o32 %na& &#otos an$ set your starting &ri"e. t#en sit ba") an$ *at"# t#e bi$s roll inI Alternati!ely. ta)e gently *orn. stain@0ree gar3ents to a "onsign3ent s#o&2 9#eyFll &ut your "lot#es on t#eir ra")s 0or a "ertain ti3e &erio$Kusually 30. ;0 or (0 $aysKan$ youFll re"ei!e a &er"entage o0 t#e &ur"#ase &ri"e 0or any t#at sell2 8onate t#e le0to!ers to "#arity. an$ ta)e t#e *rite@o00 on your ta5es2

#2- Wash and 0ear

53

Be*are o0 "lot#es t#at re6uire &ro0essional $ry "leaningL t#e "ost o0 laun$ering t#e3 o!er se!eral years "an e5"ee$ t#e &ur"#ase &ri"eI A!oi$ t#is e5tra e5&ense by &ur"#asing ite3s you "an &ut in t#e *as#ing 3a"#ine2 I0 you alrea$y o*n D$ry "lean onlyE gar3ents. you 3ay be able to *as# t#e3 by #an$L "onsult t#e internet 0or 0abri"@s&e"i0i" instru"tions2 Alternati!ely. obtain a #o3e $ry "leaning )it "onsisting o0 "leaning s#eets an$ $ryer@sa0e &lasti" bags2 It 3ay not eli3inate tri&s to t#e $ry "leaner. but "an "ertainly re$u"e t#eir 0re6uen"y2

#2. $o less laundry

8o less laun$ryI W#o $oesnFt li)e t#e soun$ o0 t#atG ItFs a 0a!orite 0rugillionaire strategy 0or sa!ing ti3e. energy an$ 3oney2 /any "lot#es $onFt nee$ to be *as#e$ a0ter ea"# *earL si3&ly air t#e3 out by #anging on a "#air. "lot#es ra"). or ba") o0 a $oor2 9#ereFs no sense in laun$ering so3et#ing t#at isnFt a"tually $irtyI ?se t#e Dsni00 test.E or &resen"e o0 stains. to $eter3ine *#en itFs ti3e 0or a "leaning2 YouFll not only slas# your *ater an$ energy bills by running t#e *as#er an$ $ryer less o0tenL youFll also &rolong t#e li0e o0 your "lot#es. an$ #a!e less nee$ to s#o& 0or re&la"e3ents2

#25 Give your clo hes so&e TL!

/a)e your "lot#es last longer by ta)ing goo$ "are o0 t#e32 Hne o0 t#e best *ays to sa!e 3oney is by getting t#e 3ost *ear &ossible out o0 "lot#es you alrea$y o*n2 %o3eti3es itFs -ust a 3atter o0 "o33on sense: $onFt *ear your sil) blouse or sue$e s#oes i0 you )no* itFs going to rain. an$ $onFt s&ort t#ose ne* *#ite &ants at your )i$Fs so""er ga3e2 A little &re!entati!e 3aintenan"e also goes a long *ay: 0i5 little tears be0ore t#ey be"o3e big ones. an$ treat stains be0ore t#ey turn stubborn2 A little &lanning. 3en$ing an$ 9 C "an &reser!e your *ar$robe 0or yearsI

#2/ Learn o &end

Hur great@gran$&arents *oul$ #a!e ne!er $is"ar$e$ a so") *it# a #ole. or a s#irt *it# a 3issing button2 %u"# ite3s *ent straig#t into t#e 3en$ing &ileI Follo* t#eir lea$. an$ learn to 3a)e t#ese s3all re&airsL youFll e5ten$ t#e li0e o0 your "lot#es. an$ re$u"e t#e nee$ to re&la"e t#e32 You $onFt e!en nee$ a se*ing 3a"#ineL a si3&le nee$le an$ t#rea$ *ill $o2 Borro* a basi" se*ing boo) 0ro3 t#e library. as) so3eone #an$y 0or #el&. or sear"# t#e internet 0or easy tutorials on #e33ing gar3ents. re&la"ing buttons an$ 0i5ing tears2 In!ite o!er so3e ot#er 0rugillionaires. an$ #a!e an ol$@0as#ione$ 3en$ing &artyI

#21 Learn o se0

5:

I0 you #a!e t#e ti3e an$ interest. you "an sa!e a s3all 0ortune by 3a)ing your o*n "lot#es2 %e*ing isnFt ro")et s"ien"eL a #un$re$ years ago. al3ost e!ery *o3an )ne* #o* to $o it2 ItFs so3et#ing o0 a lost art in t#is era o0 3ass &ro$u"tion. but *it# &ra"ti"e an$ &erse!eran"e. you "an begin se*ing basi" gar3ents in s#ort or$er2 ,i") u& a boo) on se*ing te"#ni6ues. an$ &ur"#ase an ine5&ensi!e 3a"#ine to get starte$ 10in$ bargains on Craigslist2"o3 an$ in t#e "lassi0ie$s42 For your 0irst &ro-e"ts. use DEasyE &atterns t#at are s&e"ially $esigne$ 0or beginnersL t#eyFre a great *ay to buil$ s)ills an$ "on0i$en"e be0ore ta")ling 3ore "o3&li"ate$ styles2

#22 Ge shoes re"aired

An ol$ &air o0 s#oes is li)e a goo$ 0rien$Ka "o30ortable. 0a3iliar &art o0 your $aily li0e2 Instea$ o0 t#ro*ing t#e3 a*ay *#en t#ey start to *ear t#in. ta)e t#e3 to t#e re&air s#o& an$ #a!e t#e3 resole$2 By t#e sa3e to)en. $onFt toss &u3&s i0 t#e #eel "a&s 0all o00L t#ey "an be re&la"e$ 0or as little as M52 %u"# s3all. ine5&ensi!e 0i5es sa!e big bu")s o!er buying bran$ ne* &airs2 Furt#er e5ten$ t#e li0e o0 your 0oot*ear *it# a little &re!entati!e 3aintenan"e2 ,olis# s#oes regularly to &rote"t an$ "on$ition t#e leat#erL an$ 3a)e it a #abit to "lean o00 $irt. an$ bu00 out s"u003ar)s. be0ore &utting t#e3 a*ay2

#23 Ren *or&al0ear

ItFs "o33on 0or 3en to rent tu5e$osL but $i$ you )no* *o3en "an rent 0or3al*ear as *ellG ItFs 3u"# 3ore &ra"ti"al t#an s&en$ing #un$re$s 1or e!en t#ousan$s4 o0 $ollars on a go*n youFll *ear only on"e2 Not only *ill you sa!e on t#e &ur"#ase &ri"e. youFll a!oi$ t#e "ost an$ #assle o0 "leaning. 3aintaining an$ storing su"# a 0ragile gar3ent2 An$ unli)e rental "ars. t#ereFs no logo on t#e $erriere to announ"e t#at youFre borro*ing itI Rental ser!i"es o00er a !ariety o0 0or3al attire. in"lu$ing $esigner suits. "o")tail $resses. &ro3 $resses an$ bri$al go*nsKso you "an be t#e belle o0 t#e ball. *it#out brea)ing t#e ban)I

#30 Wash clo hes in cold

For big sa!ings. *as# "lot#es in "ol$ *ater2 Beating t#e *ater a""ounts 0or 3ost o0 t#e energy "onsu3e$ *#ile *as#ingL eli3inate t#e #eat. an$ youFll slas# your energy bills2 9#e "ol$ setting is su00i"ient 0or all but t#e $irtiest loa$s o0 laun$ry2 It also )ee&s your "lot#es loo)ing ne* longer. as #ig# te3&eratures "an s#rin) 0abri"s an$ 0a$e "olors2 ?se a "ol$@*ater $etergent. an$ &re@treat stains. 0or best results2 %a!e e!en 3ore by re&la"ing your ol$ *as#er *it# an ENER<Y %9AR 3o$elKt#ey use about 50 &er"ent less *ater an$ energy t#an stan$ar$ 3a"#ines2

#3# AirDdry clo hes

55

Air@$ry your laun$ryL itFs su&er@easy. e"o@0rien$ly. an$ absolutely 0reeI Banging a "lot#esline is no 3ore a "#ore t#an loa$ing t#e $ryer. an$ it #as a retro "#ar3 t#at 3a)es you *ant to sit on t#e &or"#. "#at *it# your neig#bors an$ si& le3ona$e2 W#atFs 3ore. air@$rying "lot#es )ee&s t#e3 in better s#a&eL t#e roug# an$ tu3ble o0 3a"#ines "an "ause snagging. 0raying. s#rin)ing an$ *earing o0 sea3s2 It also re$u"es *rin)les. an$ eli3inates stati" "ling2 I0 t#e *eat#erFs un"oo&erati!e. $onFt $es&airL retra"table "lot#eslines an$ $rying ra")s are a!ailable 0or in$oor use2

#3, Fa(e he *a&ily ;e0els

You $onFt #a!e to s&en$ a 0ortune to get a little blingI 8ia3on$ si3ulants li)e "ubi" +ir"onia gi!e you a lot o0 0las# 0or your "as#2 ab@"reate$ rubies. sa&&#ires an$ e3eral$s are "#e3i"ally i$enti"al to t#eir natural "ounter&arts. but signi0i"antly less e5&ensi!e2 Fau5 &earls a$$ a tou"# o0 elegan"e to any out0it. an$ are al3ost i3&ossible to $istinguis# 0ro3 real ones by sig#t2 In 0a"t. t#ey *ere 0a!orites o0 bot# Ja")ie Hnassis an$ Co"o C#anel. t*o o0 t#e 3ost stylis# *o3en o0 t#e t*entiet# "entury2 %o 0eel 0ree to 0a)e t#e 0a3ily -e*elsL youFll sa!e serious 3oney. an$ 3ost &eo&le *ill be none t#e *iserI

#3- Go *or silver ins ead o* %old

I0 you #a!e a t#ing 0or baubles an$ bangles. buy sil!er -e*elry instea$ o0 gol$KitFs a 0ra"tion o0 t#e &ri"e2 9#e 3etalFs lo* "ost gi!es $esigners an$ artisans t#e 0ree$o3 to be "reati!e. *it#out 0ear o0 3a)ing a "ostly 3ista)eK3a)ing sil!er &ie"es not only a00or$able. but o0ten 6uite uni6ue an$ stylis#2 oo) 0or a D(25E sta3& to 3a)e sure an ite3 is sterling 1(225 &er"ent &ure4 sil!er2 9o &re!ent tarnis#. store sil!er -e*elry out o0 $ire"t sunlig#t. in s3all "lot# &ou"#es or +i&lo") bags2 ?se a "#e3i"al solution or &olis#ing "lot# to re3o!e any $is"oloration t#at $e!elo&s2

!ha" er /

9EAUTB

5;

S ayin% Gor%eous on a 9ud%e #3. Wear sunscreen every day

A&&ly suns"reen e!ery $ay o0 t#e yearKitFs t#e single 3ost 0rugal. an$ e00e"ti!e. beauty treat3ent a!ailable2 ?CA an$ ?CB rays 0ro3 sunlig#t "ause t#e 3a-ority o0 &re3ature s)in aging. in"lu$ing *rin)les an$ bro*n s&ots2 9#ey brea) $o*n "ollagen. "reate 0ree ra$i"als. an$ obstru"t t#e s)inFs ability to re&air itsel0 naturally2 ,rote"t yoursel0 against su"# $a3age by using a basi" suns"reen. or %,F 3oisturi+er. on a $aily basis2 9#is si3&le #abit *ill sa!e you substantial 3oney in t#e long runKby eli3inating t#e nee$ 0or e5&ensi!e "rea3s. &otions an$ ot#er anti@aging treat3entsI

#35 Rela67

%tress a!oi$an"e is an essential &art o0 a 0rugillionaireFs beauty regi3en2 %tress is &ro@ in0la33atory an$ &ro@aging: it "an aggra!ate t#e s)in. in$u"e 0lare@u&s o0 a"ne an$ rosa"ea. an$ "ause #air loss an$ brittle nails2 ItFs also res&onsible 0or a #ost o0 serious #ealt# &roble3s2 Relie!e stress by a!oi$ing t#e ten$en"y to o!er@s"#e$ule. re$u"ing unrealisti" e5&e"tations o0 yoursel0 an$ ot#ers. an$ getting &lenty o0 e5er"ise an$ rest2 I0 you a&&roa"# ea"# $ay *it# a lai$@ ba"). &ositi!e attitu$e. youFll sa!e a 0ortune on beauty an$ 3e$i"al treat3entsI

#3/ <ui s&o(in%

Juit s3o)ingI Not only *ill you eli3inate t#e e5&ense o0 "igarettes. youFll rea& enor3ous #ealt# an$ beauty bene0its2 %3o)ing "auses ba$ breat#. staine$ teet# an$ &re3ature *rin)ling2 %to& no*. an$ youFll be re*ar$e$ *it# s3oot#er s)in. 0res#er breat# an$ a *#iter s3ile2 YouFll also a!oi$ a sle* o0 3e$i"al &roble3s an$ t#eir asso"iate$ "osts2 Your ris) o0 #eart atta") $ro&s *it#in t*enty@0our #ours o0 "essation. an$ your bloo$ 0lo* an$ breat#ing i3&ro!e *it#in $ays2 In a 0e* years. your ris) o0 stro)e an$ "oronary #eart $isease 0alls to t#at o0 a nons3o)er2 Ai") t#e #abit A%A,KyouFll sa!e your loo)s. your 3oney. an$ &ossibly your li0eI

#31 E6ercise ou doors

5= 8it"# t#e e5&ensi!e gy3 3e3bers#i&Kes&e"ially i0 you $onFt use it regularlyKan$ e5er"ise in t#e great out$oors2 /ot#er Nature o00ers a !ariety o0 aerobi" a"ti!ities t#at are in0initely 3ore s"eni". interesting an$ 0rugal t#an a 0itness "lub2 Bea$ outsi$e. an$ run. *al). #i)e. bi)e. s)ate or ro* your *ay to 0abulous #ealt#I YouFll lose *eig#t. rat#er t#an 3oneyL an$ t#e 0res# air *ill $o *on$ers 0or bot# your &#ysi"al an$ 3ental *el0are2 Join an organi+e$ a"ti!ityKsu"# as a running "lub or so0tball tea3K0or an a$$e$ sense o0 "a3ara$erie an$ 3oti!ationI

#32 Ta(e a daily 0al(

9a)e a bris). 30@3inute *al) e!ery $ayL itFs a great *ay to stay 0it *it#out s&lurging on #ealt# "lubs an$ $iet &ills2 %tu$ies s#o* t#at a $aily *al) #as tre3en$ous bene0its 0or your bo$y: it #el&s relie!e stress. 3anage *eig#t. an$ "ontrol bloo$ &ressure2 It also buil$s bone an$ 3us"le strengt#. lessens art#ritis &ain. an$ $e"reases t#e ris) o0 #eart atta") an$ stro)e2 Furt#er3ore. t#e 0res# air an$ &#ysi"al a"ti!ity *ill i3&ro!e your slee&. an$ in"rease your o!erall sense o0 *ell@ being2 ItFs a3a+ing #o* su"# a si3&le. en-oyable routine "an alle!iate so 3any ail3entsKan$ 3a)e you 0eel li)e a 3illion bu")sI

#33 $on+ believe in &a%ic

Cos3eti" "o3&anies &ro0it by selling us #o&e in a bottle2 9#ey s&en$ 3illions ea"# year #a*)ing lotions to s3oot# out our *rin)les. erase our age s&ots. an$ 3a)e us loo) t*enty years youngerL an$ &otions t#at &ro3ise t#i")er #air. 0uller li&s an$ longer las#es2 %u"# "lai3s. #o*e!er. are o0ten unsubstantiate$2 W#en you #an$ o!er #ar$@earne$ 3oney 0or a tiny -ar o0 3ira"le goo&. no results are guarantee$2 1I0 t#e stu00 really *or)e$. *eF$ all loo) li)e su&er3o$elsI4 Better to sa!e t#e "as#. an$ o&t 0or &ro!en #ealt# an$ beauty boosters: li)e suns"reen. e5er"ise. a #ealt#y $iet. &lenty o0 *ater. an$ a goo$ nig#tFs slee&I

,00 Sho" he dru%s ore+s beau y aisle

9#e ne5t ti3e you nee$ a beauty 0i5. s)i& t#e 3all an$ #ea$ to t#e $rugstoreI Big# &ri"es $onFt al*ays 3ean #ig# 6uality2 W#en you &ur"#ase $esigner "os3eti"s. youFre &aying 0or &retty bottles. 0an"y &a")aging an$ &ri"ey a$ "a3&aignsKnot ne"essarily results2 In 0a"t. so3e $rugstore ite3s regularly out&er0or3 t#eir $e&art3ent store "ounter&arts in "onsu3er stu$ies2 8onFt be a0rai$ to 3i5 t#ings u&: i0 youFre relu"tant to gi!e u& your #ig#@en$ 0oun$ation. balan"e your bu$get *it# an ine5&ensi!e blus# or eyes#a$o*2 <i!e bargain bran$s a "#an"e. an$ youFll be gorgeous an$ ri"#I

,0# Use hal* a %lob

5> ?se #al0 t#e a3ount o0 lotions an$ &otionsKan$ get $ouble t#e bang 0or your beauty bu")I %tret"# s#a3&oo. "on$itioner. bo$y *as#. toot#&aste. 3oisturi+er an$ *rin)le "rea3s by $oing t#e -ob *it# a s3aller glob2 YouFll li)ely 0in$ t#at lesser a3ounts are e6ually e00e"ti!e2 ItFs also a goo$ i$ea to s)i& t#e su&er@si+e bottles. unless t#e sa!ings are signi0i"antL t#eyFre #ar$er to "ontrol. an$ en"ourage 3ore generous use2 Anot#er *ay to e5ten$ #ig#@en$ "rea3s. &er0u3es an$ "os3eti"s is to use t#e3 e!ery ot#er $ay. alternating *it# a less e5&ensi!e $rugstore bran$2

,0, $o your o0n &anicures and "edicures

I0 *e "an #ol$ $o*n $e3an$ing -obs. )ee& our #ouse#ol$s running s3oot#ly. ta)e "are o0 t#e )i$s. $o #o3e re&airs. an$ *#i& u& $eli"ious 3ealsK*eFre "ertainly "a&able o0 $oing our o*n 3ani"ures an$ &e$i"uresI In 0a"t. *aiting 0or your nails to $ry is a great o&&ortunity 0or a little rela5ation2 8onFt let &er0e"tionis3 $eter youL -ust stay bet*een t#e lines an$ youFll be 0ine2 ?nless youFre a #an$ or 0oot 3o$el. no one *ill noti"e a 0e* 3inor 0lubs2 For e!en 3ore 0un. #a!e 0rien$s o!er 0or a D/anis an$ ,e$isE &arty. *#ere you s#are your 0a!orite &olis#es an$ $o ea"# ot#erFs nailsI

,0- =ave a s"a day a ho&e

A $ay at t#e s&a is a *on$er0ul e5&erien"e. but it "an be !ery e5&ensi!eI Fortunately. 3u"# o0 *#at *e lo!e about itKt#e &ro$u"ts. a3bien"e. an$ "#an"e to rela5K"an be re&li"ate$ at #o3e 0or little to no "ost2 %"#e$ule so3e ti3e 0or yoursel0. an$ set t#e at3os&#ere *it# "an$lelig#t an$ soot#ing 3usi"2 In$ulge in a long bubble bat#. gi!e yoursel0 a 3ani"ure an$ &e$i"ure. an$ *#i& u& a #o3e3a$e 0a"ial2 You "an 0in$ re"i&es on t#e internet 0or a!o"a$o. oat3eal an$ yogurt 3as)sL "itrus an$ "#a3o3ile astringentsL an$ salt. sugar. an$ *alnut s"rubs2 A Ds&a $ayE is e!en 3ore rela5ing *#en you $onFt #a!e to &ay 0or itI

,0. Go o beau y school

I0 you #a!e a si3&le #air$o. or -ust nee$ a tri3. s)i& t#e salon an$ go to beauty s"#oolI %tu$ent stylists nee$ &ra"ti"e. so training s"#ools o00er 0ree 1or lo*@"ost4 "uts to *illing &atrons2 8onFt be ner!ous: instru"tors are usually &resent. an$ stu$ents ta)e "are to $o a goo$ -obK t#eyFre being gra$e$. a0ter allI Rela5. be gra"ious. an$ lea!e a ti&L treat t#e3 as &ro0essionals. an$ youFll get 6uality ser!i"e in return2 Beauty a"a$e3ies also gi!e ine5&ensi!e 3ani"ures. &e$i"ures. 0a"ials an$ ot#er treat3entsK&ro!i$ing a great *ay to get a s&a e5&erien"e on t#e "#ea&I

,05 Ge a *ree &a(eover

I0 youFre &lanning a big nig#t outKor -ust *ant to in$ulge a littleKget a 0ree 3a)eo!erI

5( Cos3eti" "ounters "o33only o00er t#e3 as a *ay o0 3ar)eting t#eir line2 9#ereFs usually no obligation to &ur"#ase t#e &ro$u"tsL i0 t#ere is. it s#oul$ be $is"lose$ be0ore#an$2 9ry to *or) *it# a 3a)eu& artist rat#er t#an a sales asso"iate: t#eyFre 3ore e5&erien"e$. an$ are usually &ai$ an #ourly rate instea$ o0 a "o33ission 13eaning less &ressure 0or you to buyI42 C#at *it# t#e artist *#ile t#eyFre *or)ing t#eir 3agi"L youFll &i") u& so3e great ti&s you "an use at #o3e2

,0/ E6*olia e 0i h a 0ashclo h

Instea$ o0 s&lurging on 0a"ial s"rubs an$ salon treat3ents. e50oliate *it# a $ry *as#"lot#I 9#e roug# te5ture sloug#s o00 $ea$ s)in "ells. lea!ing you *it# a 0res#. #ealt#y glo*2 I0 your s)in is $ry or sensiti!e. be gentle: lig#tly &at t#e *as#"lot# on your 0a"e in s3all "ir"les2 For nor3al s)in. you "an e5ert a little 3ore &ressure. an$ use u&*ar$ stro)es to li0t o00 $ea$ s)in &at"#es2 Re3o!ing ol$. $a3age$ "ells e!ens out s)in tone an$ sti3ulates "ellular rene*al2 YouFll gain a ra$iant. 3ore yout#0ul "o3&le5ionKt#e 0rugillionaire *ayI

,01 9eau i*y 0i h ba(in% soda

Ba)ing so$a &ro!i$es anot#er ine5&ensi!e an$ e00e"ti!e *ay to e50oliate s)in2 Its 3il$ly abrasi!e te5ture re3o!es $ea$ s)in "ells. *it#out t#e irritating e00e"ts o0 #ars# "#e3i"als2 %&rin)le so3e into your #an$. t#en a$$ enoug# *ater to 3a)e a &aste2 Wit# your 0ingerti&s. rub t#e 3i5ture gently onto your s)in in a "ir"ular 3otion2 Rinse *it# *ater. an$ a$3ire your ne* ra$ian"eI Ba)ing so$a is a beauty *or)#orse: it "an be use$ 0or toot# brus#ing. #an$ "leansing. 0oot soa)ing. #air "are. an$ e!en as a $eo$orant2 You "an also a$$ it to your bat# to so0ten s)in. or soot#e it"#ing an$ irritation2

,02 Re&ove &a(eu" 0i h baby 0i"es

8onFt *aste 3oney on &ri"ey 3a)eu& re3o!ersL baby *i&es $o a 0ine -ob. at a 0ra"tion o0 t#e "ostI 9#ey "an #an$le big 3esses. yet are gentle enoug# 0or $eli"ate s)inK3a)ing t#e3 &er0e"t 0or "leaning your 0a"e2 In 0a"t. t#eyFre a 0a!orite o0 3o$els. 3o!ie stars an$ tele!ision an"#ors. *#o regularly use t#e3 to ta)e o00 #ea!y stage 3a)eu&2 For best results. buy #y&oallergeni". uns"ente$ *i&esL t#ey "ontain only *ater. aloe an$ !ita3in E. *it# no #ars# ingre$ients to irritate s)in2 I0 you 0in$ t#e3 to be larger t#an nee$e$. "ut t#e3 in #al0L youFll re$u"e *aste an$ stret"# your $ollar 0urt#erI

,03 Wash your *ace 0i h honey

Be s*eet to your s)in. an$ gi!e your 0a"e a #oney *as# on"e or t*i"e a *ee)I Boney is antiba"terial by nature. an$ reno*ne$ 0or its #ealing &ro&erties2 It tig#tens &ores an$ 3oisturi+es s)in. an$ is belie!e$ to #el& treat an$ "ontrol a"ne2 Wet your 0a"e *it# *ar3 *ater. 3assage

;0 *it# a tables&oon o0 ra*. un&ro"esse$ #oney. an$ rinse *ell2 Hr. a&&ly t#e #oney as a 3as): s&rea$ a t#in layer o!er your 0a"e. an$ let it sit 15@20 3inutes be0ore *as#ing it o002 Your s)in *ill be so0ter an$ s3oot#er. *it#out t#e e5&ense o0 a"ne *as#es an$ 3ira"le "rea3sI

,#0 Use 0i ch ha>el as a oner

Wit"# #a+el is a great bu$get alternati!e to "os3eti" "ounter toners2 ItFs natural. gentle an$ al"o#ol@0ree. an$ *onFt $ry out s)in li)e "#e3i"al@base$ 0or3ulas2 ,la"e a s3all a3ount on a "otton ball or "os3eti" roun$. an$ *i&e a"ross your 0a"e a0ter *as#ing2 It re0res#es your s)in. *#ile re3o!ing e5"ess oils. i3&urities an$ $ea$ "ells2 It "an also be use$ to treat bruises. s*elling an$ in0la33ation2 oo) 0or *it"# #a+el in t#e s)in "are or 0irst ai$ se"tion o0 &#ar3a"ies an$ gro"ery stores2 It $oesnFt loo) 0an"y. but it tones your s)in 0or a songI

,## S ea& your *ace

<i!e yoursel0 a *ar3 stea3 0a"ialKit un"logs &ores an$ 3oisturi+es s)in2 First. "lean your 0a"e t#oroug#ly. an$ tie ba") your #air2 9#en boil a &ot o0 *ater. an$ re3o!e it 0ro3 t#e #eat2 /a)e a tent o!er your #ea$ *it# a to*el. an$ &osition your 0a"e about 12 in"#es abo!e t#e bo*l2 Close your eyes an$ rela5 0or 5@10 3inutes *#ile t#e stea3 *or)s its 3agi"2 9#e $ee& "leaning re3o!es $irt an$ ba"teria. an$ #el&s "lear u& &i3&les an$ ble3is#es2 For a 3ore lu5urious e5&erien"e. a$$ #erbs su"# as &e&&er3int. la!en$er or "#a3o3ile to t#e boile$ *ater2

,#, En;oy an oa &eal *acial

Hat3eal 3a)es a 0rugal. yet 0abulous. 0a"ialI It #as a *on$er0ul "al3ing e00e"t on t#e s)in. re$u"ing irritation an$ in0la33ation2 Its &oly3ers an$ &roteins also 0ig#t $ryness. *#ile #el&ing to buil$ u& your s)inFs natural $e0enses2 In"or&orate it into your beauty regi3en by using it as a 3as): si3&ly 3i5 $ry oat3eal an$ *ater into a &aste an$ s&rea$ it on your 0a"e2 et it $ry. t#en rinse *it# *ar3 *ater2 It re3o!es $irt. oil an$ i3&urities. an$ restores your s)inFs 3oisture balan"e2 ?se on"e a *ee) 0or best resultsKan$ get a beauti0ul "o3&le5ion on a bu$getI

,#- Fi%h ble&ishes 0i h ea ree oil

No 3atter #o* *ell *e treat our s)in. *e all 0all !i"ti3 to t#e o""asional &i3&le2 A"ne "rea3s an$ 3e$i"ations "an be 6uite "ostly. #o*e!er. an$ t#eir #ars# ingre$ients "an 0urt#er irritate s)in2 9ry tea tree oil instea$KitFs an ine5&ensi!e. natural antise&ti" t#at )ills ba"teria *it#out "#e3i"als2 9ea tree oil e00e"ti!ely relie!es 3inor s)in irritations. an$ "lears u& ble3is#esL -ust $ab a s3all a3ount on t#e in0la3e$ s&ot. in t#e 3orning an$ at nig#t2 Its antiba"terial an$ anti@0ungal &ro&erties also 3a)e it an e00e"ti!e treat3ent 0or 0oot o$or an$ ba$ breat#2

;1

,#. Give hands and *ee a s"a rea &en

a!is# your #an$s an$ 0eet *it# a lu5urious. 3oisturi+ing treat3entK*it#out going to t#e s&aI 9#e ne5t ti3e you *as# $is#es. "oat your #an$s *it# a t#i") layer o0 lotion an$ $on a &air o0 late5 glo!es2 9#e glo!es retain t#e #eat. an$ t#e *ar3t# o0 t#e *ater #el&s t#e lotion absorb into your s)in2 By t#e ti3e your sin) is "lear. your #an$s *ill be so0t an$ sil)y s3oot#I <i!e your 0eet a si3ilar treat: be0ore be$. s&rea$ lotion or &etroleu3 -elly o!er t#e3 an$ "o!er *it# so")s2 ea!e on 0or t#e nig#t. an$ *a)e u& t#e ne5t 3orning *it# 0abulous 0eetI

,#5 Use olive oil all over

Hli!e oil is anot#er lo*@"ost. natural substan"e *it# 3yria$ beauty bene0itsI %oa) your 0ingers in a *ar3 bo*l o0 it to so0ten "uti"les an$ strengt#en nails2 /assage onto elbo*s an$ )nees to s3oot# a*ay roug# &at"#es2 A$$ to your bat# to so0ten s)in. an$ $ab a $ro& on $ry or "#a&&e$ li&s2 Hli!e oil is also an e00e"ti!e 0a"ial 3oisturi+er. 3a)eu& re3o!er an$ #air "on$itionerKan$ "an e!en be use$ in &la"e o0 s#a!ing "rea3I Be sure to buy t#e De5tra !irginE !ariety. as t#e D&ureE an$ Dlig#tE ty&es are lesser gra$e oils t#at #a!e been "#e3i"ally &ro"esse$2

,#/ 9uy &ul iD as(in% "roduc s

%tret"# your beauty bu")s *it# 3ulti@tas)ing &ro$u"tsI For e5a3&le. buy a 3oisturi+er *it# suns"reenL youFll a!oi$ #a!ing to &ur"#ase t*o se&arate ite3s. an$ youFll also sa!e ti3e in t#e 3orning2 9inte$ 3oisturi+ers eli3inate t#e e5&ense o0 0oun$ationK0in$ one *it# an %,F. an$ youF!e #it t#e -a")&otI Ht#er $ouble $uty 0a!orites in"lu$e s#a3&oo an$ "on$itioner "o3bos. tinte$ li& bal3s. #air an$ bo$y *as#es. an$ rouge 0or "#ee)s an$ li&s2 Co3bine *it# *or)#orses li)e ba)ing so$a. oli!e oil an$ &etroleu3 -elly. an$ "o!er all your beauty nee$s on a s#oestring bu$getI

,#1 $o yo%a

Forget t#e 0a"eli0ts. Boto5 an$ anti@aging &otions: rela5 a*ay *rin)les *it# t#e &o*er o0 yogaI 9#e $ee& breat#ing e5er"ises release tension 0ro3 your 0a"e. 3elting a*ay "len"#e$ -a*s an$ 0urro*e$ bro*s2 9#ey also re$u"e stress an$ an5iety. lo*er bloo$ &ressure an$ relie!e &ain2 I0 you "anFt get to a "lass. try so3e 3e$itation at #o3e2 %it in a "o30ortable &osition. *it# your ba") straig#t an$ ga+e 0or*ar$2 Breat#e slo*ly an$ $ee&ly. "lear your 3in$. an$ rela5 ea"# &art o0 your bo$y. 0ro3 your #ea$ $o*n to your 0eet2 8o t#is 0or ten 3inutes ea"# $ay. an$ youFll loo) 1an$ 0eel4 ten years youngerI

,#2 $rin( "len y o* 0a er

;2

%tay #ealt#y an$ beauti0ul by $rin)ing eig#t to ten glasses o0 *ater ea"# $ay2 Water 3a)es u& t#e 3a-ority o0 our bo$ies. an$ is essential to a !ariety o0 0un"tions li)e $igestion. absor&tion an$ "ir"ulation2 It "arries nutrients to our "ells. an$ 0lus#es i3&urities an$ to5ins 0ro3 our syste3s2 8rin)ing *ater #el&s 3aintain 3us"le tone. lubri"ate -oints. an$ lessen t#e "#an"e o0 )i$ney stones2 It also #y$rates s)in. 3aintaining its elasti"ity an$ gi!ing it a natural. #ealt#y glo*2 Best o0 all. t#is 0abulous 0rugillionaire beauty regi3en is !irtually 0reeI

,#3 Ge your beau y slee"

9#ey $onFt "all it beauty slee& 0or not#ingI <etting &lenty o0 rest ea"# nig#t is one o0 t#e 3ost e00e"ti!e *ays to i3&ro!e your o!erall #ealt# an$ a&&earan"e2 YouFll a!oi$ bloo$s#ot eyes an$ $ar) "ir"les. an$ your s)in *ill loo) s3oot#er an$ 3ore ra$iant2 ,ro&er rest also in"reases your energy. alertness an$ "on"entration2 9o get t#e re"o33en$e$ eig#t #ours o0 slee& ea"# nig#t. a!oi$ large 3eals. al"o#ol an$ "a00einate$ $rin)s be0ore be$ti3eL eli3inate lig#t an$ noise 0ro3 your be$roo3L e5er"ise $ailyL an$ 3aintain a regular slee& s"#e$ule2 <o to be$ early. an$ *a)e u& gorgeousI

!ha" er 1

ENTERTAIN8ENT @IA

En;oyin% Ar s and !ul ure on he !hea" ,,0 Go o &usic school concer s

;3

8onFt let your &assion 0or Ba"# blo* your bu$getL go to 3usi" s"#ool. as a s&e"tatorI %tu$ents training 0or 3usi" "areers nee$ li!e &er0or3an"e &ra"ti"e. so s"#ools o0ten #ol$ 0ree "on"erts to attra"t an au$ien"e 0or t#e32 9i")ets 0or s#o*s at t#e &restigious Juilliar$ %"#ool. 0or e5a3&le. are usually a!ailable at no "#arge2 ItFs a great o&&ortunity to en-oy an e!ening o0 o&era. or"#estra. "#oral or "#a3ber 3usi" by u&@an$@"o3ing starsKbe0ore t#ey #it t#e &ro0essional "ir"uit2 %ti") to *ell@res&e"te$ or "ollege@a00iliate$ institutions 0or to&@not"# talentL or ta)e t#e )i$s to a lo"al "#il$renFs re"ital 0or a 0un nig#t outI

,,# En;oy &usic al *resco

9#ereFs not#ing 3ore lo!ely t#an a sy3&#ony un$er t#e starsPes&e"ially *#en you $onFt #a!e to &ay 0or itI %u33er is t#e season o0 0ree out$oor "on"erts: 3usi"@lo!ing 0rugillionaires #a!e t#eir "#oi"e o0 "lassi"al. -a++. ro"). reggae. "ountry. s*ing. 0ol). blues an$ 3ore2 <rou&s gi!ing al 0res"o &er0or3an"es range 0ro3 s3all "o33unity ense3bles. to t#e &ro0essional or"#estras o0 3a-or "ities2 9#e Ne* Yor) ,#il#ar3oni". ,#ila$el&#ia Hr"#estra. an$ Boston ,o&s. 0or e5a3&le. tra$itionally stage 0ree su33er s#o*s on a gran$ s"ale2 C#e") lo"al &a&ers an$ "ultural *ebsites to 0in$ e!ents in your area2

,,, Ge rush ic(e s

o!e t#e t#eater. but #ate t#e #ig# &ri"esG For a Broa$*ay e5&erien"e on a bu$get. get last 3inute ti")etsI Bo5 o00i"es o0ten release a li3ite$ nu3ber o0 $ee&ly $is"ounte$ ti")ets an #our or t*o be0ore a &er0or3an"e2 9#eyFre only a!ailable 0or sele"t s#o*s. so "#e") *it# t#e !enue 0or $etails2 Hbtaining su"# Drus#E ti")ets. as t#eyFre "alle$. re6uires so3e &atien"e an$ 0le5ibility: youFll usually nee$ to *ait in line. an$ you *onFt be able to "#oose your seats2 But youFll be re*ar$e$ *it# t#e "#an"e to see your 0a!orite &lay. 3usi"al. o&era or balletK0or a 0ra"tion o0 t#e &ri"eI

,,- 9uy a season subscri" ion

W#at "oul$ be 3ore 0abulous t#an sa!ing 3oney. *#ile su&&orting t#e artsG I0 youFre an a0i"iona$o o0 t#e or"#estra. o&era or ballet. "onsi$er &ur"#asing a subs"ri&tion to t#e entire seasonL itFs 3u"# "#ea&er t#an buying in$i!i$ual ti")ets 0or ea"# s#o*2 %a!ings "an range 0ro3 20 to 50 &er"entKan$ 3ay a$$ u& to a 0ree &er0or3an"e or t*oI As a bonus. subs"ribers are usually o00ere$ t#e best "#oi"e o0 seats. 0irst a""ess to &o&ular s#o*s. an$ t#e ability to e5"#ange ti")ets i0 a s"#e$uling "on0li"t arises2 C#e") your lo"al touris3 o00i"e or "ultural allian"e 0or s&e"ial $eals an$ $is"ounts on subs"ri&tion &a")ages2

,,. 9e an usher

;:

<et your "ultural 0i5 0or 0ree by be"o3ing an us#erI /any t#eaters. or"#estras an$ $an"e trou&es o&erate on tig#t bu$gets. an$ rely on !olunteers to #el& *it# &re@ an$ &ost@&er0or3an"e $uties2 I0 youFre *illing to &ass out &laybills an$ #el& ti")et #ol$ers 0in$ t#eir seats. youFll re"ei!e 0ree a$3ission to t#e s#o*2 ItFs also a *on$er0ul *ay to 3eet &eo&le *it# si3ilar interests. an$ su&&ort your lo"al arts "o33unity2 Call your 0a!orite t#eater or "ultural "enter to in6uire about !olunteer o&&ortunities2 Just t#in): you "oul$ en-oy an entire season o0 &er0or3an"es *it#out s&en$ing a "entI

,,5 Su""or co&&uni y hea er

%u&&ort t#e arts in your #o3eto*n by atten$ing lo"al t#eater &ro$u"tions2 9#eir ine5&ensi!e ti")et &ri"es let you en-oy t#e t#rill o0 a li!e &er0or3an"e *it#out brea)ing t#e ban)2 Furt#er3ore. in s3all !enues e!ery seat is a goo$ oneL it sure beats #a!ing an obstru"te$ !ie* at t#e ba") o0 a Broa$*ay t#eaterI %tay a0ter t#e s#o* an$ 3ingle *it# t#e a"torsL you 3ay e!en be able to ta)e a ba")stage tour2 Alt#oug# not &ro0essional. t#e talent is usually goo$ an$ t#e 0un 0a"tor #ig#Kes&e"ially "onsi$ering t#at Cleo&atra 3ay #a!e "ut your #air. or /a"bet# $eli!ere$ your 3ail. earlier t#at a0ternoonI

,,/ A end co&&uni y even s

Bit t#e so"ial "ir"uit by atten$ing 0ree e!ents in your #o3eto*nI /any "o33unities s&onsor *ee)ly 3o!ie nig#ts t#roug#out t#e su33er. s#o*ing 0ree 0il3s in an out$oor setting2 Ht#ers stage "on"erts an$ &lays. or #ost "ra0t 0airs an$ arts 0esti!als2 Wor)s#o&s. le"tures. rea$ings an$ $is"ussion grou&sK0or bot# )i$s an$ a$ultsKare also &o&ular o00erings2 Fin$ out *#atFs #a&&ening in your to*n on its *ebsite. in t#e lo"al &a&er. an$ on "o33unity bulletin boar$s in libraries an$ go!ern3ent o00i"es2 %&i"e it u& a little by D"ras#ingE t#e e!ents o0 neig#boring to*nsL $onFt *orry. all are *el"o3eI

,,1 Use he universi y

9a)e a$!antage o0 t#e art. "ultural an$ e$u"ational a"ti!ities o00ere$ by lo"al "olleges an$ uni!ersities2 /any learning institutions &ro!i$e 0ree a""ess to t#eir libraries. 3useu3s an$ galleriesL ot#ers s&onsor le"tures. *or)s#o&s an$ &oetry rea$ings2 %o3e e!en o00er a$ult@ learning an$ "ontinuing e$u"ation &rogra3s 0or a no3inal 0ee2 %tu$ent art e5#ibits. an$ 3usi"al an$ t#eater &er0or3an"es. are a great alternati!e to &ri"ey &ro0essional s#o*s2 YouFll en-oy so3e *on$er0ul entertain3ent. an$ "at"# an early gli3&se o0 so3e rising stars2 W#atFs 3ore. t#e "a3&us e5&erien"e *ill re3in$ you o0 your o*n stu$ent $aysK*#en 3oney *as ne!er essential to #a!ing 0unI

,,2 9e an early bird

;5

First@run 0li")s "an be #ar$ on your 0inan"esL sa!e 3oney by seeing t#e 3atinee2 D8inner an$ a 3o!ieE 3ay be t#e nor3. but 0il3@lo!ing 0rugillionaires re!erse t#e or$er: "at"# t#e 3o!ie 0irst. an$ t#en go out to eat2 A0ternoon s#o*s are generally less e5&ensi!e t#an e!ening onesK an$ less "ro*$e$ as *ellI Cultural institutions also re*ar$ t#e early bir$: 3usi". t#eater an$ $an"e "o3&anies gi!e $is"ounte$ 3atinee &er0or3an"es. an$ so3e 3useu3s o00er re$u"e$ 1or 0ree4 a$3ission on "ertain 3ornings2 In6uire about t#ese s&e"ial rates. an$ get your entertain3ent Do00@&ea)E 0or 3a5i3u3 sa!ingsI

,,3 9uy ic(e s in bul(

I0 youFre a 0il3 bu00Kor #a!e a large. 3o!ie@going 0a3ilyKsa!e big bu")s by buying ti")ets in bul)2 %o3e t#eaters o00er generous $is"ounts 0or !olu3es o0 0i0ty ti")ets or 3ore2 Arrange a -oint &ur"#ase *it# 0rien$s or neig#bors i0 you *onFt use t#at 3any yoursel0L or suggest t#e i$ea to your "#ur"#. "o3&any or "#il$renFs s"#ool2 Just be sure to "#e") e5&iration $ates an$ any restri"tions: you 3ay #a!e to *ait a *ee) to see ne* releases2 You "an also buy $is"ounte$ 3o!ie !ou"#ers 1usually in &a")s o0 0i!e or ten4 t#roug# *#olesale "lubs. an$ organi+ations li)e t#e A3eri"an Auto3obile Asso"iation 1AAA42

,-0 Fno0 your discoun s

W#et#er youFre seeing a 3o!ie. going to a 3useu3. or s&en$ing t#e $ay at t#e +oo. be a*are o0 any a!ailable $is"ountsI /ost &la"es o00er re$u"e$ a$3ission to senior "iti+ens. stu$ents an$ "#il$ren. so ta)e a$!antage o0 it i0 you 1or anyone in your &arty4 6uali0ies2 Ceterans. 3ilitary &ersonnel an$ t#eir 0a3ilies. an$ 3e3bers o0 "lubs li)e t#e A3eri"an Auto3obile Asso"iation 1AAA4 are also "o33only eligible 0or lo*er rates2 Be &re&are$ to s#o* a&&ro&riate i$enti0i"ation at t#e bo5 o00i"e or entran"e gate2 8is"ounte$ ti")ets 3ay e!en be a!ailable t#roug# your &la"e o0 e3&loy3entKas) your #u3an resour"es $e&art3ent 0or $etails2

,-# Holun eer in a &useu&

I0 youFre a 3useu3 bu00 on a 3ini3u3 bu$get. "onsi$er !olunteeringI 8onate a 0e* #ours o0 ti3e ea"# *ee) to your 0a!orite institution2 8uties range 0ro3 greeting !isitors an$ ta)ing ti")ets. to assisting *it# "leri"al an$ "uratorial tas)s2 You 3ay e!en be"o3e a 3useu3 gui$e. "on$u"ting tours o0 t#e &er3anent "olle"tion an$ s&e"ial e5#ibitions2 W#ile you *onFt re"ei!e 3onetary "o3&ensation. youFll li)ely en-oy 0ree a$3ission. an$ #a!e t#e uni6ue o&&ortunity to learn *#at goes on be#in$ t#e s"enes2 oo) into si3ilar o&&ortunities at +oos. &ar)s. a6uariu3s. #istory "enters an$ botani"al gar$ensKor any*#ere else t#at suits your interestsI

,-, 9eco&e a &e&ber

;;

I0 you atten$ a "ertain 3useu3 regularly. "onsi$er buying a 3e3bers#i&L it usually in"lu$es 0ree a$3ission. an$ &ays 0or itsel0 in no ti3e2 Esti3ate #o* o0ten youFll go. an$ $o t#e 3at# to "o3&are your "ost &er !isit to t#e regular entran"e 0ee2 Also "onsi$er ot#er 3e3bers#i& &er)s. su"# as re$u"e$@&ri"e ti")ets to s&e"ial e5#ibitsL in!itations to *or)s#o&s. o&enings an$ e5"lusi!e e!entsL an$ $is"ounts in t#e 3useu3 s#o& an$ "a0N2 You 3ay e!en be able to bring guests *it# you at no e5tra "#arge2 ItFs a great *ay to en-oy t#ose Can <og#s in CI, styleKon a 0rugillionaire bu$getI

,-- Eavesdro" on a our

W#en youFre in a 3useu3. an$ a tour grou& enters t#e galleryKlinger a *#ileI 9#e !oi"e o0 a tour gui$e "arries *ell t#roug# 6uiet s&a"esL you "anFt #el& but o!er#ear t#eir "o33entary on an"ient Egy&tian arti0a"ts or I3&ressionist 3aster&ie"es2 I$le near a neig#boring $is&lay. an$ en-oy t#e 0ree e$u"ation2 Alternati!ely. rent an au$io tourL youFll re"ei!e #ea$&#ones or a listening $e!i"e *it# &rere"or$e$ in0or3ationKat 3u"# less e5&ense t#an a &ro0essional gui$e2 I0 you #a!e an i,o$ or 3&3 &layer. e!en better: you "an $o*nloa$ 0ree &o$"asts o0 tours 0or 3ost 3a-or sites an$ 3useu3s2

,-. Go 0hen i +s chea"

A little &lanning "an sa!e you a lot o0 3oney on entran"e 0ees to 3useu3s. &ar)s. +oos. gar$ens an$ 3ore2 /ost "ultural institutions o00er 0ree or $is"ounte$ a$3ission 1or as) 0or a s3all $onation in lieu o0 a ti")et4 on "ertain $ays2 Conta"t in$i!i$ual 3useu3s 0or $etails. an$ &lan your !isits a""or$ingly2 %ign u& on t#eir *ebsites to re"ei!e e3ail ne*sletters an$ u&$ates. *#i"# o0ten in"lu$e in0or3ation on s&e"ial $eals2 YouFll also 0in$ "ou&ons in lo"al &a&ers an$ 3ailers. es&e"ially $uring o00@&ea) &erio$s2 Alternati!ely. atten$ *it# so3eone *#o #as a 3e3bers#i&Kt#ey "an usually bring 0ree guestsI

,-5 Hisi s&aller &useu&s

I0 you nee$ a $ose o0 "ultureKor -ust an interesting *ay to s&en$ t#e a0ternoonK!isit a s3all 3useu3 or #istory "enter2 9#eyFre rarely "ro*$e$. an$ t#eir entran"e 0ees are a 0ra"tion o0 t#ose o0 larger. 3ore 0a3ous institutions2 %u"# 3useu3s ty&i"ally s&e"iali+e in ni"#e to&i"s. li)e Alas)an art. %out#ern "uisine. silent 0il3s. early A3eri"an te5tiles. railroa$ tra!el or 3inor league baseball2 %o3e "elebrate &eo&le an$ e!ents o0 #istori"al signi0i"an"e. su"# as ,#ila$el&#iaFs Betsy Ross Bouse an$ t#e 9e5as Ci!il War /useu32 Ht#ersKli)e t#e <iant %#oe /useu3 in %eattleKare -ust &lain 6uir)yI

,-/ Hie0 ar in "ublic buildin%s

;=

You $onFt #a!e to &ay stee& a$3ission 0ees to en-oy great art2 %o3e lo!ely "olle"tions are $is&laye$ in &ubli" buil$ingsK0ree 0or t#e !ie*ingI Fe$eral buil$ings #a!e a long #istory o0 #ousing i3&ortant &aintings an$ s"ul&ture. *#ile "ity #alls an$ state o00i"es o0ten s#o*"ase t#e *or) o0 lo"al artists2 9#e lobbies o0 large "o3&anies are also *ort# a &ee)L so3e boast i3&ressi!e "olle"tions in t#eir "or&orate #ea$6uarters2 An$ $onFt 0orget "#ur"#es an$ "at#e$rals: t#ese #ouses o0 *ors#i& are treasure tro!es o0 beauti0ul 1an$ o0tenti3es 0a3ous4 religious *or)s o0 art2

,-1 Hie0 ar ou doors

A!oi$ 3useu3 a$3ission 0eesKby ta)ing your lo!e o0 art out$oorsI /ost 3a-or "ities 1an$ so3e s3aller ones4 #a!e *on$er0ul "olle"tions o0 &ubli" s"ul&ture2 9#ese *or)s range 0ro3 statues o0 #istori"al 0igures to 3ore abstra"t. "onte3&orary 0or3s2 Ht#er $is&lays are 3ore e&#e3eral in nature: $uring a t*o@*ee) &erio$ in 2005. 0or e5a3&le. t#e 0a3ous artist C#risto a$orne$ Ne* Yor)Fs Central ,ar) *it# =500 sa00ron@"olore$ gates2 Consult t#e internet. or your lo"al touris3 o00i"e. 0or gui$es to o&en@air art in your areaL an$ )ee& an eye on "ultural listings 0or s&e"ial out$oor installations an$ ot#er te3&orary e5#ibits2

,-2 Go o church

For a ri"# "ultural e5&erien"eKat absolutely no "ostKgo to "#ur"#I 9#e ar"#ite"ture o0 "at#e$rals. synagogues an$ 3os6ues is o0ten 6uite s&e"ta"ular. an$ t#e art*or) insi$e "an ri!al t#at o0 3useu3s2 YouFll be able to en-oy ornate s"ul&ture. gorgeous staine$ glass an$ 3agni0i"ent &aintings. *it#out &aying an a$3ission 0ee2 <o one ste& 0urt#er an$ atten$ a ser!i"eL itFs a uni6ue o&&ortunity to e5&erien"e t#e tea"#ings an$ "ere3onies o0 a 0ait# $i00erent 0ro3 your o*n2 C#ur"# 0airs "elebrating t#e "ongregationFs "ultureKli)e ,olis#. Russian or Hrt#o$o5 <ree)K"an also be a lot o0 0unI

,-3 Go 0ine as in%

For a 0rugal $ate. or 0un a0ternoon *it# 0rien$s. !isit lo"al !ineyar$sK3any o00er 0ree *ine tasting to &ro3ote t#eir &ro$u"ts2 YouFll li)ely get 6uite an e$u"ation 0ro3 t#e !intner. as t#eyFre usually &assionate about *ine an$ lo!e to "#at *it# !isitors2 W#en a glass is &oure$ 0or you. #ol$ it u& to t#e lig#t an$ a$3ire its "olor2 Aerate t#e *ine *it# a gentle s*irl. t#en &ut your nose o!er t#e ri3 an$ breat#e in its aro3a2 Finally. ta)e a si& 1not a gul&I4 an$ sa!or its taste. sensation an$ 0inis#2 9o en#an"e your e5&erien"e. "onsult t#e internet 1or boo)s4 be0ore#an$ 0or *ine basi"s an$ tasting ti&sI

,.0 Go o boo( readin%s

;>

For a 0rugal nig#t out. atten$ a boo) or &oetry rea$ing at your lo"al boo)store2 %u"# e!ents are #el$ to #el& aut#ors &ro3ote t#eir latest *or)L a$3ission is generally 0ree. an$ t#ereFs no obligation to buy t#e boo) 1unless. o0 "ourse. you *ant to #a!e it signe$I42 9#ey o0ten in"lu$e a 6uestion@an$@ans*er session. &ro!i$ing uni6ue insig#t into t#e *riterFs ins&iration an$ te"#ni6ues2 ItFs a *on$er0ul o&&ortunity to 3eet *ell@)no*n aut#ors. or $is"o!er t#ose t#at are u&@an$@"o3ing2 C#e") your lo"al boo)storeFs ne*sletter or "alen$ar 0or a s"#e$ule o0 e!ents2

,.# A end ar o"enin%s

En-oy a so&#isti"ate$ nig#t on t#e to*nK0rugillionaire styleKby atten$ing art o&enings at lo"al galleries2 9#eyFre usually 0ree to t#e &ubli". an$ o0ten ser!e "o3&li3entary *ine an$ "#eese2 Best o0 all. t#e "ro*$s an$ "o")tail &arty at3os&#ere &ro!i$e t#e 0ree$o3 to bro*se. *it# no &ressure to buy2 For e!en 3ore 0un. &arti"i&ate in lo"al Dart *al)s2E 9#ese e!entsK $uring *#i"# all t#e galleries in a "o33unity o&en to t#e &ubli"Kare ty&i"ally #el$ on"e a 3ont#2 %&en$ t#e e!ening 3ingling *it# ot#er ent#usiasts. a$3iring t#e *or) o0 lo"al artists. or -ust #anging out an$ 0eeling t#e !ibeI

,., A end !$ release "ar ies

I0 you lo!e to see li!e ban$sKbut are on a tig#t bu$getKatten$ C8 release &arties2 9#eyFre &ro3otional e!ents. so t#ereFs usually no "#arge 0or a$3issionL so3e e!en in"lu$e "o3&li3entary re0res#3ents2 8onFt *orry i0 youF!e ne!er #ear$ o0 t#e ban$. or are un0a3iliar *it# t#e genreL itFs a great "#an"e to e5&an$ your 3usi"al #ori+onsI You 3ay $is"o!er a ne* 0a!orite. or "at"# so3e 0uture stars be0ore t#ey #it t#e big ti3e2 E!en i0 you $onFt be"o3e a 0an. youFll en-oy t#e &arty at3os&#ere. an$ #a!e a *on$er0ul ti3e 3ingling *it# 0ello* 3usi" lo!ers2

,.- Find a *es ival

Festi!als are a 0abulous sour"e o0 0rugal entertain3entI Celebrate t#e "#anging seasons *it# #ar!est 0esti!als in 0all. #oli$ay 0esti!als in *inter. 0lo*er 0esti!als in s&ring. an$ 0ruit 0esti!als in su33er2 You "an en-oy 0ree or lo*@"ost &er0or3an"es at 3usi" an$ t#eater 0esti!alsL a$3ire t#e *or) o0 lo"al artisans at "ra0t 0airsL an$ &lay "onnoisseur at *ine. beer. "#eese an$ "#o"olate tasting e!ents2 Atten$ et#ni" 0esti!alsKli)e Iris#. Italian. C#inese or A0ri"anKto e3bra"e your o*n "ulture. or learn about anot#er2 9#ey 0eature tra$itional 0oo$. 3usi" an$ $an"ing. an$ are o&en to &eo&le o0 all ba")groun$sI

,.. Hisi he coun y *air

;(

For a $ayFs *ort# o0 entertain3ent. ta)e t#e 0a3ily to t#e "ounty 0airI ItFs "#ea&er t#an an a3use3ent &ar). an$ o00ers a *i$e range o0 attra"tions: "arni!al ri$es. &ri+e ga3es. li!esto") s#o*s. &etting +oos. "oo)@o00s. "ra0t $is&lays an$ 3ore2 i!e "on"erts an$ ot#er &er0or3an"es are o0ten #el$ in t#e e!enings2 %a!e 3oney by &ur"#asing ti")ets in a$!an"e. or atten$ing $uring $ays 1or #ours4 *#en a$3ission is $is"ounte$2 I0 &ossible. ta)e &ubli" transit to a!oi$ &ar)ing "#arges2 /ini3i+e 0oo$ an$ $rin) "osts by eating a large 3eal be0ore you lea!e. &a")ing sna")s or &i"ni" 0are. an$ bringing your o*n bottle to re0ill at *ater 0ountains2

,.5 En;oy a "arade

E!eryone lo!es a &ara$eL t#eyFre 0las#y. t#eyFre 0un. an$Kbest o0 allKt#eyFre 0reeI YouFll 0in$ &lenty on ta& near any 3a-or #oli$ay. li)e Ne* YearFs 8ay. %t2 ,atri")Fs 8ay. t#e Fourt# o0 July. abor 8ay. Ballo*een. 9#an)sgi!ing an$ C#rist3as2 Co33unities also organi+e t#e3 to #onor 0ire0ig#ters. &oli"e o00i"ers. s&orts 0igures an$ 3ilitary &ersonnelL to "o33e3orate t#e anni!ersaries o0 #istori" e!entsL an$ to "elebrate !arious "ultures an$ et#ni"ities2 9#e 0loats. $rill tea3s. 3ar"#ing ban$s. &o3@&o3 s6ua$s an$ "#eering "ro*$s ensure you an$ your 0a3ily *ill #a!e a 0abulous ti3eK*it#out s&en$ing a $i3eI

,./ See he *ire0or(s

Fire*or)s $is&lays are so3e o0 t#e best 0ree entertain3ent aroun$I 9#e *#ole e5&erien"e is a t#rill: being outsi$e a0ter $ar). t#e e5"ite3ent o0 t#e "ro*$. t#e a3a+ing &yrote"#ni"s an$ t#e "ras#ing boo3s t#at a""o3&any t#e32 Fortunately. "o33unities e3bra"e -ust about any "#an"e to stage a s#o*: Ne* YearFs E!e. /e3orial 8ay. t#e Fourt# o0 July. abor 8ay. #o3e"o3ings. s&orts e!ents. 0esti!als. "on"erts. gran$ o&enings an$ 3ore2 Hn t#e ne5t o""asion. ta)e along a blan)et an$ &i"ni" bas)et. an$ 3a)e a 0un 1or ro3anti"4 nig#t o0 itI

,.1 !heer on local s"or s ea&s

8onFt &ay s)y@#ig# ti")et &ri"es. to su&&ort t#e s)y@#ig# salaries o0 &ro0essional s&orts tea3sI Atten$ a lo"al s&orting e!ent instea$: a #ig# s"#ool 0ootball ga3e. 0or e5a3&le. is 0ree 0un 0or t#e *#ole 0a3ily2 It o00ers t#e e5"ite3ent o0 li!e s&orts. &lus a "o33unity at3os&#ere t#at "anFt be 0oun$ in a 0i0ty t#ousan$@seat sta$iu32 For a #ig#er "aliber o0 &lay. "#e") out t#e at#leti" &rogra3s o0 lo"al "olleges2 Consi$er yoursel0 &arti"ularly lu")y i0 you #a!e a 3inor league tea3 in your area2 9#ese &layers are -ust one ste& a*ay 0ro3 t#e 3a-orsKbut ti")ets to t#eir ga3es are a 0ra"tion t#e &ri"e o0 t#e &rosI

,.2 Wa ch ou door races

=0 I0 youFre a s&orts 0an on a bu$get. atten$ out$oor e!ents *it# 0ree a$3ission li)e 3arat#ons. boat ra"es an$ bi)e tourna3ents2 9#ey "o!er large areas. an$ usually o""ur on &ubli" streets an$ *ater*aysKso itFs ne5t to i3&ossible to "#arge s&e"tators a 0ee2 9i")ets 3ay be re6uire$ 0or gran$stan$ areas. but you "an en-oy t#e e!ent -ust as *ell 10ree o0 "#arge4 any*#ere else along t#e route2 C#oi"es range 0ro3 "#arity runs. to &ro0essional e!ents 0eaturing to&@not"# at#letes2 8onFt #esitate to try so3et#ing ne*: a "y"ling. s"ulling or $ragon boat ra"e is an interesting an$ e"ono3i"al alternati!e to a $ay at t#e ball&ar)2

,.3 9uy season "asses

I0 you 0re6uent "ertain re"reational 0a"ilities. buy season &assesKt#ey "an yiel$ signi0i"ant sa!ings o!er single ti")ets2 9o 3a)e sure youFre getting a goo$ $eal: $i!i$e t#e total "ost by t#e nu3ber o0 ti3es you e5&e"t to !isit. an$ "o3&are to t#e regular a$3ission &ri"e2 %eason &asses are ty&i"ally a!ailable 0or i"e rin)s. s)ating rin)s. bo*ling alleys. 3iniature gol0 "ourses. +oos. s)i resorts. s*i33ing &ools an$ a3use3ent &ar)s2 In a$$ition to unli3ite$ a""ess. &ass #ol$ers o0ten en-oy ot#er bene0its su"# as $is"ounts on 0oo$. 3er"#an$ise an$ guest ti")ets2 I0 youFre !a"ationing at a t#e3e &ar) li)e 8isney Worl$. &ur"#ase a 3ulti@$ay &assL itFs usually 3u"# "#ea&er t#an &aying t#e $aily rateI

,50 Windo0 sho"

For t#e *ell@$is"i&line$ 0rugillionaire. *in$o* s#o&&ing "an be a lo!ely. lo*@"ost *ay to s&en$ t#e a0ternoon2 9#e allure o0 s#o&&ing lies 3ainly in t#e t#rill o0 t#e #untL in 0a"t. t#e e5"ite3ent o0ten $issi&ates 6ui")ly a0ter a &ur"#ase is 3a$e2 %o s)i& t#e buying &artKyouFll #a!e -ust as 3u"# 0un. an$ "o3e #o3e *it# a 0uller *alletI 9#in) o0 it li)e a 3useu3 tri&: an o&&ortunity to a$3ire t#e beauty an$ $esign o0 *ell@"ra0te$ ob-e"ts. *it#out t#e &ossibility 1or &ressure4 o0 o*ners#i&2 It $oesnFt "ost anyt#ing to loo)L -ust lea!e your "as# an$ "re$it "ar$s at #o3e to a!oi$ any te3&tationI

,5# 9ro0se *lea &ar(e s

A 0lea 3ar)et or anti6ue s#o* "an &ro!i$e #ours o0 0ree entertain3entKas long as you $onFt bring your *alletI %u"# e!ents 0eature a $i!erse array o0 interesting !intage goo$s2 You "an *#ile a*ay t#e ti3e a$3iring t#e "ra0ts3ans#i& o0 anti6ue "#airs or t#e #ues o0 9i00any la3&sL bro*sing t#roug# ol$ 3aga+ines. &#otos an$ &ost"ar$sL or re3inis"ing o!er t#e toys an$ lun"#bo5es o0 your "#il$#oo$2 Cen$ors are usually #a&&y to s#o* o00 t#eir treasures. an$ "#at about t#eir sub-e"ts o0 e5&ertise2 %in"e youFre not t#ere to s&en$ 3oney. you "an si3&ly rela5 an$ en-oy t#e e5&erien"eI

,5, =ave *un on he *ar&

=1

i!e t#e rural li0e 0or a $ayKon a lo"al 0ar3I /any o&en t#eir 0iel$s an$ or"#ar$s to t#e &ubli". letting !isitors #ar!est t#eir o*n a&&les. stra*berries. blueberries. &u3&)ins. an$ ot#er 0ruits an$ !egetables2 9#e e5&erien"e is !astly 3ore entertaining t#an going to t#e gro"ery store. an$ a great *ay to tea"# "#il$ren t#at 0oo$ $oesnFt gro* on su&er3ar)et s#el!es2 YouFll not only #a!e a ball &laying 0ar3er. youFll en-oy t#e $eli"ious 0ruits o0 your labor: 0res#ly@&i")e$ &ro$u"e is 3u"# tastier. an$ #ealt#ier. t#an 0oo$ t#atFs s#i&&e$ aroun$ t#e globe2

,5- Hisi a *ac ory

9a)e a be#in$@t#e@s"enes 0a"tory tourKitFs a 0as"inating *ay to s&en$ an a0ternoonI /any "o3&anies o00er *al)t#roug#s o0 t#eir &lants. an$ $e3onstrations o0 t#eir 3anu0a"turing te"#ni6ues. to !isitors2 You "an *at"# e5&erts buil$ &ianos. $istill *#is)ey. &rint ne*s&a&ers. blo* glass. "#urn i"e "rea3. or bre* beerL or see 0irst@#an$ #o* "rayons. guitars. 3otor"y"les. toot#&aste or -elly beans are 3a$e2 Best o0 all. 3ost tours are 0a3ily@0rien$ly an$ 0ree o0 "#arge Kso3e e!en in"lu$e "o3&li3entary sa3&les at t#e en$I 9o 0in$ o&tions in your area. si3&ly sear"# t#e internet or "onta"t your lo"al touris3 o00i"e2

,5. )eo"le 0a ch

oo)ing 0or so3e lo*@)ey. no@"ost entertain3entG %it on a ben"# an$ *at"# t#e *orl$ go byI ,eo&le *at"#ing is a 0as"inating *ay to &ass t#e ti3e. an$ a &ar). &ubli" s6uare or "ity street a00or$s &lenty o0 a"ti!ity on *#i"# to 0o"us your attention2 I0 youFre intereste$ in 0as#ion. obser!e t#e out0its o0 &assersbyL t#e uni6ue stylings o0 e!ery$ay &eo&le are in0initely 3ore interesting t#an a run*ay s#o*2 Hr e5er"ise your "reati!ity. an$ $rea3 u& stories 0or t#ose you be#ol$Ki3agine *#o t#ey are. *#at t#ey $o. an$ *#ere t#eyFre going2 9ra$e tales *it# a &artner 0or $ouble t#e 0unI

,55 Ride he sub0ay

For a 0rugal a$!enture. ri$e your lo"al train or sub*ay to an un0a3iliar station2 Your transit e5&erien"e is li)ely li3ite$ to one or t*o sto&sL *#y not see *#at interesting sig#ts t#e ot#ers #ol$G ,i") &la"es at ran$o3. or !enture out to t#e ter3ination &oints o0 ea"# line2 18o so3e resear"# be0ore#an$ 0or sa0etyFs sa)eL itFs not 3u"# 0un to set 0oot in a "ri3e@ri$$en areaI4 %tations are o0ten lo"ate$ in bustling to*ns an$ business $istri"ts. &ro!i$ing a *on$er0ul o&&ortunity to bro*se t#e s#o&s. !isit a "a0N. an$ soa) u& t#e at3os&#ere o0 t#e lo"al 3ain streetI

,5/ Go birdD0a chin%

=2 For so3e 0rugal 0un. try bir$@*at"#ingI Hbtain a 0iel$ gui$e 0ro3 t#e library. an$ borro* a &air o0 bino"ulars 0ro3 0rien$s or 0a3ilyL i0 you "anFt 3anage t#e latter. your o*n t*o eyes *ill $o -ust 0ine2 Be0ore !enturing out. learn about t#e $i00erent s&e"ies. an$ )no* *#ere to 0in$ t#e3 in your boo)L you *onFt #a!e ti3e to 0li& t#roug# #un$re$s o0 &ages be0ore t#at <ol$en@ *inge$ Warbler 0lies a*ayI W#en youFre rea$y. #ea$ out to your "#osen lo"ationK&ar). 0orest or your o*n ba")yar$Kan$ si3&ly *at"# an$ listen2 9ry to i$enti0y t#e bir$s you see. using "lues li)e s#a&e. si+e. &lu3age. be#a!ior an$ "all2 ItFs "#allenging at 0irst. but gets easier an$ 3ore re*ar$ing as you gain e5&erien"eI

,51 Go le erbo6in%

etterbo5ing is an en-oyable out$oor a"ti!ity t#at o00ers t#e t#rill o0 a treasure #unt. at little to no "ost2 ,arti"i&ants #i$e *ater&roo0 bo5esK"ontaining a logboo). rubber sta3& an$ o&tional goo$iesKin re3ote &la"es. an$ &ublis# "lues to t#eir lo"ations on t#e internet2 Bunters $e"i&#er t#e "lues an$ sear"# 0or t#e bo5esL a 3a& an$ "o3&ass. or #i)e in t#e *oo$s. are so3eti3es in!ol!e$2 ?&on un"o!ering a bo5. t#e 0in$er re"or$s #is $is"o!ery by sta3&ing a logboo). or in so3e "ases. 3a)ing an entry on t#e a&&ro&riate letterbo5ing *ebsite2 ItFs great entertain3ent 0or bot# "#il$ren an$ a$ultsI

,52 Wal( *or chari y

,arti"i&ate in a "#arity *al)KitFs a 0abulous *ay to s&en$ t#e $ay. *#ile raising 3oney 0or a goo$ "auseI E!ents su&&ort a range o0 &#ilant#ro&i" ai3s. 0ro3 $isease a*areness an$ 3e$i"al resear"# to so"ial issues an$ #u3an rig#ts2 %o3e re6uest a s3all $onation or registration 0ee. *#ile ot#ers as) you to sign u& "or&orate or in$i!i$ual s&onsors2 I0 youFre at#leti"ally in"line$. "onsi$er a 3ore "#allenging run. 3arat#on or bi)e ri$e2 YouFll not only #el& t#e "#arity o0 your "#oi"eL youFll stay in s#a&e. an$ a"#ie!e &ersonal 0itness goals. *it#out t#e e5&ense o0 a gy3 3e3bers#i&I

,53 Holun eer

8onate your ti3e to a *ort#y "auseKyouFll be 3u"# ri"#er 0or t#e e5&erien"eI Colunteer &ossibilities aboun$: you "an ser!e 3eals at a sou& )it"#en. *al) $ogs at an ani3al s#elter. buil$ #ouses 0or lo*@in"o3e 0a3ilies. tea"# "o3&uter s)ills to seniors. &ro!i$e "o3&anions#i& to t#e #ouseboun$. 3entor inner@"ity yout#Pt#e list goes on an$ onI 9o 0in$ out #o* you "an #el&. "onta"t national non&ro0its or "o33unity organi+ations2 Alternati!ely. use an online ser!i"e li)e Colunteer/at"#2org: in&ut your lo"ation an$ interests. an$ youFll re"ei!e in0or3ation on o&&ortunities in your area2

=3

!ha" er 2

ENTERTAIN8ENT @IIA

=avin% a 9las 0i hou 9rea(in% he 9an( ,/0 Thro0 a nonDdinner "ar y

Entertain on a s#oestring by t#ro*ing a non@$inner &artyI Bost your gat#ering $uring 3i$@a0ternoon. "o")tail. or late@nig#t #ours to a!oi$ t#e e5&ense o0 &ro!i$ing a 3eal2 I0 you li3it 0are to sna")s an$ #ors $Foeu!res. or "o00ee an$ $essert. youFll slas# your re0res#3ent bu$get2 9#is 0rugillionaire strategy is &arti"ularly e00e"ti!e 0or *e$$ings an$ ot#er large e!ents2 By &ur"#asing &re@&re&are$ 0oo$. an$ ser!ing it bu00et style. youFll eli3inate t#e nee$ 0or 0ull "atering ser!i"es2 ,lan t#e 3enu so t#at 3ini3al &lates an$ utensils su00i"e. an$ youFll also "ut t#e "osts o0 renting table*are2

,/# 9e your o0n $I

I0 youFre #osting a &arty. sa!e big bu")s by s)i&&ing t#e li!e ban$ or $is" -o")eyI Instea$. "onne"t your i,o$ or 3&3 &layer to your s&ea)er syste3. an$ be your o*n 8J2 %ear"# your "olle"tion 0or 3usi" a&&ro&riate to t#e 3oo$ an$ o""asionL 0or 3ore !ariety. &ur"#ase a$$itional songs online2 At aroun$ M1 &er song. you "an buil$ a &arty@*ort#y &laylist t#atFs *ell *it#in your bu$get2 I0 t#e !enue is large 1li)e a ban6uet #all4. you 3ay nee$ to rent a 3ore &o*er0ul soun$ syste3L #o*e!er. it *ill still be 3u"# "#ea&er t#an #iring &ro0essional entertain3entI

,/, =os a &ovie ni%h

=: Re"reate t#e e5"ite3ent o0 going to t#e 3o!iesKin your o*n #o3eI Bosting a 3o!ie nig#t is 0rugal. 0abulous. an$ loa$s o0 0un2 Rent a 8C8. an$ in!ite an au$ien"e o0 0a3ily. 0rien$s an$ neig#bors2 /a)e &lenty o0 &o&"orn 1t#e aro3a is &art o0 t#e e5&erien"eI4. an$ en"ourage atten$ees to Dsnea) inE t#e "an$y an$ be!erages o0 t#eir "#oi"e2 8i3 t#e lig#ts an$ turn u& t#e soun$ 0or 3a5i3u3 3o!ie a3bien"e2 I0 you $e"i$e to 3a)e it a regular e!ent. &i") a t#e3e 0or t#e u&"o3ing *ee)Kli)e a$!enture. ro3an"e. "o3e$y or *esternKan$ ta)e 0il3 suggestions 0ro3 &arti"i&ants2

,/- =os a TH "ar y

In!ite 0rien$s o!er to *at"# &o&ular e!ents on tele!isionKitFs a 0rugal alternati!e to #itting t#e to*nI 9#e &ossibilities are en$less. an$ in"lu$e s&orts "#a3&ions#i&s an$ all@star ga3es. 3o!ie an$ 3usi" a*ar$s s#o*s. &ay@&er@!ie* e!ents. &oliti"al $ebates. an$ t#e &re3ieres an$ 0inales o0 &o&ular tele!ision series2 /ini3i+e re0res#3ent e5&ense by as)ing guests to bring sna")s 0or t#e bu00et table2 For a little 3ore 0un. en"ourage atten$ees to $on a&&arel. or bring &ro&s. a&&ro&riate to t#e t#e3e: -erseys an$ &ennants 0or s&orts nig#ts. glit+ an$ gla3our 0or t#e Hs"ars. or &oliti"al &ara&#ernalia 0or $ebates an$ ele"tion returns2

,/. )lay %a&es

oo)ing 0or a lo*@"ost *ay to entertain guests. or )ee& "#il$ren o""u&ie$G Bring out a $e") o0 "ar$s. or an ol$@0as#ione$ boar$ ga3e2 An a0ternoon o0 bri$ge. &o)er. ru33y or go 0is# $oesnFt "ost a $i3eL use "#i&s. instea$ o0 3oney. *#ere *agering is in!ol!e$2 I0 youF!e 0orgotten #o* to &lay. "onsult t#e internet 0or instru"tions an$ rules2 A %"rabble or /ono&oly boar$ "an also &ro!i$e #ours o0 en-oy3entL $ig it out. $ust it o00. an$ let t#e 0un beginI Alternati!ely. try &arlor ga3es li)e 9*enty Juestions or "#ara$esKt#ey #a!e a *on$er0ul retro a&&eal. an$ are suitable 0or all ages2

,/5 $ance7

,ut on so3e 3usi" an$ $an"eI W#en it "o3es to entertain3ent. t#ereFs not#ing 3ore 0rugalKor 0unKt#an "utting a rug *it# your 0a!orite &artner2 It li0ts your s&irits. burns "alories. an$ re3in$s you #o* *on$er0ul it is to be ali!e2 Ba!e a blast learning tra$itional $an"es li)e t#e *alt+. "#a@"#a or tangoL 0or ste&@by@ste& instru"tions. "onsult t#e internet. or borro* a boo) or 8C8 0ro3 t#e library2 I0 your lo"al "ollege or "o33unity "enter o00ers lo*@"ost $an"e "lasses. sign u&2 ItFs a great *ay to stay 0it. 3eet interesting &eo&le. an$ 3aster so3e ne* 3o!esI

,// En;oy bein% a ho&e

Consi$er #o* 3u"# you s&en$ on your #ouse. in"lu$ing 3ortgage or rent. &ro&erty ta5es.

=5 utilities. 3aintenan"e. 0urnis#ings an$ $N"or2 ItFs li)ely a si+able "#un) o0 your earningsKso you 3ay as *ell s6uee+e so3e entertain3ent !alue 0ro3 itI Instea$ o0 going out 0or $inner. a 3o!ie or ot#er "ostly a"ti!ity. en-oy so3e re"reation ti3e at #o3e2 %it on t#e &or"# an$ rea$ a boo). #a!e a rela5ing soa) in your tub. or "url u& on t#e "ou"# an$ *at"# a 8C82 ,lay ga3es *it# your )i$s. 3a)e a #o3e@"oo)e$ 3eal. or -ust lounge in t#e ba")yar$ an$ listen to t#e bir$s2 Your #o3e is your "astle. so #a!e so3e 0un Dstaying inIE

,/1 =ave a 4noDs"end5 0ee(end

C#allenge yoursel0 an$ your 0a3ily to a Dno s&en$E *ee)en$. an$ youFll reali+e t#at #a!ing 0un $oesnFt re6uire 3oneyI Bang out in t#e ba")yar$ or a lo"al &ar)L bring a &i"ni" lun"# i0 you s&en$ t#e $ay out2 Rea$ boo)s. &lay ga3es. or *at"# 8C8s you alrea$y o*n2 9a)e a long *al). a long bat#. or a long na&2 /a)e ea"# 3eal an e!ent: ta)e &leasure in t#e entire &ro"ess. 0ro3 &re&aring t#e ingre$ients to sa!oring t#e results2 C#an"es are. youFll be -ust as #a&&yKan$ "ertainly ri"#erKt#an i0 youF$ s&ent t#e *ee)en$ in restaurants. 3o!ies or t#e 3allI

,/2 9e a %ood nei%hbor

Instea$ o0 going s#o&&ing on *ee)en$s. #ang aroun$ your neig#bor#oo$I C#at *it# t#e 0a3ily $o*n t#e street. or in!ite o!er t#e "ou&le t#at -ust 3o!e$ in2 Assist t#e el$erly *o3an ne5t $oor *it# a $i00i"ult #ouse#ol$ tas)2 ItFs a 0rugal. an$ 0ul0illing. *ay to &ass t#e ti3e2 W#atFs 3ore. your e00orts *ill &ay $i!i$en$s: goo$ neig#bors are #el&ing #an$s *#en youFre in nee$. an$ *at"#0ul eyes *#en youFre a*ay2 I0 youFre #a!ing trouble 3eeting &eo&le. organi+e a blo") &arty2 <et &er3ission 0ro3 your to*n. &ass out 0lyers announ"ing t#e e!ent. an$ &lan an a0ternoon o0 neig#borly 0unI

,/3 Love your library

Fall in lo!e *it# your libraryI 9a)e a$!antage o0 t#e a3a+ing !ariety o0 boo)s. 3aga+ines. C8s an$ 8C8sKall 0ree 0or t#e borro*ingI I0 you $onFt see t#e title youFre loo)ing 0or. -ust as): 3ost libraries are &art o0 "ounty net*or)s an$ *ill trans0er boo)s bet*een bran"#es2 Fill out an Interlibrary oan Re6uest to obtain 3aterials 0ro3 outsi$e t#e "ounty syste32 /any libraries no* #a!e t#eir "atalogs online. so you "an bro*se 0ro3 t#e "o30ort o0 your o*n #o3e2 W#en you 0in$ a boo) youF$ li)e to borro*. -ust "li") to re6uest itKitFll be #el$ at your lo"al bran"# 0or &i")@u&2 Bo*Fs t#at 0or "on!enien"eG

,10 Love your library &ore

9#e library isnFt -ust 0or borro*ingL it "an also &ro!i$e #ours o0 0ree entertain3entI %&en$ an a0ternoon bro*sing t#e "olle"tionL so3e institutions #a!e in"re$ible a3ounts o0

=; re0eren"e an$ resear"# 3aterials2 /any also stage e5#ibits o0 art. rare boo)s or #istori"al $o"u3ents2 I0 you -ust *ant to rela5. grab a sta") o0 3aga+ines an$ a "o30y "#air. or sur0 t#e internet2 Cisit libraries in neig#boring to*ns 0or !arietyL you 3ay not be able to borro* 0ro3 t#e3. but you "an "ertainly en-oy t#eir resour"es 0or t#e $ay2 Wit# all t#ey #a!e to o00er. libraries are truly a 0rugillionaireFs &laygroun$I

,1# Say no o ne0s"a"ers

%a!e your 3oneyKan$ so3e treesKby "an"eling your ne*s&a&er subs"ri&tionI /ost &ubli"ations &ut t#e sa3e "ontent on t#eir *ebsites. so *#y &ay 0or so3et#ing you "an get 0or 0reeG You "an e!en sign u& to re"ei!e #ea$lines by e3ail. or brea)ing ne*s on your 3obile &#one2 ,lus. on t#e internet youFre not li3ite$ to your lo"al $ailyL t#ousan$s o0 &a&ers are a!ailable. 0ro3 all o!er t#e *orl$I %a3&le t#e international &ress 0or a $i00erent 1an$ o0ten enlig#tening4 &ers&e"ti!e on $o3esti" an$ *orl$ e!ents2 I0 youFre relu"tant to $it"# t#e &rinte$ &age entirely. start by &aring $o*n to a %un$ay@ or *ee)en$@only subs"ri&tion2

,1, 8ini&i>e &a%a>ines

/aga+ines )ee& us u&@to@$ate on t#e to&i"s t#at interest usKbe t#ey business. s"ien"e. &oliti"s. 0as#ion. s&orts or #o3e $esign2 Bo* "an you sa!e "as#. *#ile staying "urrent on your 0a!orite sub-e"tsG %)i& t#e subs"ri&tions. an$ !isit t#e *ebsites o0 your 0a!orite &erio$i"als instea$Kin 3ost "ases. youFll be able to rea$ t#e sa3e arti"les 0or 0ree2 Alternati!ely. $ro& by your lo"al libraryL you "an &eruse "urrent issues in t#e rea$ing roo3. or borro* ba") "o&ies 0or #o3e2 I0 0a3ily an$ 0rien$s #a!e subs"ri&tions. as) 0or t#e 3aga+ines t#eyF!e 0inis#e$ rea$ingL t#eyFll usually be #a&&y to &ass t#e3 alongI

,1- S0a" boo(s' !$s and $H$s 0i h *riends

8i!ersi0y your boo). 3usi" or !i$eo libraryKby s*a&&ing *it# 0rien$s an$ 0a3ilyI 9#e ne5t ti3e you s&y an interesting to3e on your sisterFs boo)s#el0. as) to borro* it instea$ o0 &ur"#asing your o*n "o&y2 H00er so3et#ing 0ro3 your o*n "olle"tion in return2 Hr arrange a tra$ing syste3 *it# one or 3ore 0rien$s. an$ regularly &ass along 0inis#e$ boo)s to ea"# ot#er2 A 3e$ia &arty "an also be 0un: #a!e e!eryone bring a sele"tion o0 C8s or 8C8s to s#are *it# t#e grou&2 Ea"# guest &i")s a 0e* to ta)e #o3e. t#en returns t#e3 at t#e ne5t get@toget#er2 ItFs a *on$er0ul *ay to stret"# your entertain3ent $ollarsI

,1. S0a" boo(s' !$s and $H$s online

E5&an$ your o&tions 0urt#er by s*a&&ing boo)s. C8s an$ 8C8s onlineI Nu3erous *ebsites o00er tra$ing ser!i"esL enter Ds*a& boo)s onlineE or Ds*a& 8C8s onlineE in your

== 0a!orite sear"# engine 0or a "o3&re#ensi!e list2 For best results. sign u& *it# a &o&ular site li)e %*a&tree2"o3 or &a&erba")s*a&2"o3Kt#e larger t#e 3e3bers#i&. t#e greater t#e tra$e &ossibilities2 ist t#e ite3s youFre *illing to gi!e. an$ t#ose youF$ li)e to re"ei!eL so3e sites arrange a $ire"t s*a&. *#ile ot#ers use a "re$it syste32 9#e ser!i"e is 0ree o0 "#arge. so your only e5&ense is s#i&&ingL use ?%,% /e$ia /ail 0or t#e "#ea&est rates2

,15 Ren $H$s *ro& (ios(s

Rent 3o!ies 0or M1 a nig#t 0ro3 sel0@ser!i"e )ios)s li)e Re$bo5Kt#ey $is&ense 8C8s li)e a !en$ing 3a"#ine2 %i3&ly 0ollo* t#e instru"tions on t#e tou"# s"reen to 3a)e your sele"tion. s*i&e your "re$it "ar$. an$ retrie!e your 3o!ie2 A0ter youF!e en-oye$ it. -ust return it to any o0 t#e "o3&anyFs )ios)s2 %o3e ser!i"es e!en let you bro*se t#eir sele"tion online. an$ reser!e your "o&y in a$!an"e2 9#ese e00i"ient. e"ono3i"al 3o!ie 3a"#ines "an be 0oun$ in su&er3ar)ets. "on!enien"e stores. &#ar3a"ies an$ 0ast 0oo$ restaurants2 Rent an$ return 8C8s *#ile running ot#er erran$s. an$ you *onFt e!en use e5tra gasI

,1/ Ren $H$s online

I0 you *at"# a lot o0 3o!ies. an online subs"ri&tion ser!i"e 3ay be less e5&ensi!e t#an your lo"al !i$eo store2 Co3&anies li)e Net0li52"o3 o00er 8C8 rentals 0or a 3ont#ly 0ee2 %ele"t 3o!ies on t#eir *ebsite. an$ re"ei!e t#e3 in t#e 3ailL &re&ai$ en!elo&es are su&&lie$ 0or sen$ing t#e3 ba")2 %o3e titles are e!en a!ailable 0or i33e$iate !ie*ing on your &ersonal "o3&uter2 9#is D$igital $eli!eryE o&tion eli3inates t#e &#ysi"al 8C8Kan$ t#e #assle o0 &i")ing it u&. $ro&&ing it o00. or 3ailing it ba")KentirelyI %ubs"ri&tion rates !ary by rental !olu3eL $o t#e 3at#. an$ "#oose t#e 3ost e"ono3i"al &lan 0or your nee$s2

,11 Sur* he in erne

I0 youFre alrea$y &aying 0or internet a""essKor "an obtain it 0ree o0 "#arge at a library or *ireless #ots&otKta)e a$!antage o0 its re"reational !alueI YouFll 0in$ &lenty o0 *ebsites t#at let you &lay ga3es. *at"# !i$eos. or listen to 3usi" to your #eartFs "ontent2 Ne*s&a&ers. 3aga+ines Ke!en entire boo)sKare a!ailable online 0or your rea$ing &leasure2 You "an also &arti"i&ate in $is"ussion 0oru3s on your 0a!orite sub-e"ts. an$ "#at *it# 0ello* ent#usiasts on al3ost any "on"ei!able to&i"2 An$ i0 you en-oy &erusing t#e o&inions. e5&erien"es. an$ ran$o3 t#oug#ts o0 ot#ers. t#ereFs no s#ortage o0 blogs to )ee& you entertaine$I

,12 Lis en o "odcas s

E5&lore t#e *on$er0ul *orl$ o0 &o$"astsKt#ey o00er unli3ite$ #ours o0 0ree entertain3entI ,o$"asts are $igital au$io 0iles t#at "an be $o*nloa$e$ 0ro3 t#e internet. an$

=> listene$ to on your "o3&uter or 3&3 &layer2 Bun$re$s o0 t#ousan$s are a!ailable. on a *i$e range o0 to&i"s: ne*s. s&orts. &oliti"s. te"#nology. arts. "ulture. language. 3usi". s"ien"e. religion. tra!el. 0oo$ an$ 3ore2 Anyone *it# a 3i"ro&#one "an &ublis# a &o$"astK0ro3 in$i!i$uals to 3a-or 3e$ia outletsKso t#e !ariety is enor3ous2 %ubs"ribe to a series. an$ ne* s#o*s *ill be auto3ati"ally $o*nloa$e$ to your "o3&uter as t#ey be"o3e a!ailable2

,13 $o0nload *ree lec ures

Bo* *oul$ you li)e to atten$ &oetry or &#iloso&#y "lasses. or se3inars taug#t by t#e brig#test t#in)ers o0 our ti3e. at absolutely no "ostG You "an. by $o*nloa$ing "ollege le"tures 0ro3 t#e internetI ,re3ier uni!ersities li)e Yale. Bar!ar$. /I9 an$ %tan0or$ o00er a"a$e3i" 3aterials. !i$eo le"turesKan$ in so3e "ases. entire "oursesKonline2 9#eyFre 0ree o0 "#arge. an$ a""essible to anyone *it# an internet "onne"tion2 You *onFt re"ei!e "re$its or a $egree. but youFll en-oy a 0abulous learning e5&erien"eK*it#out t#e stress o0 ta)ing notes. "ra33ing 0or e5a3s. or &aying tuitionI

,20 S ar a blo%

%tart a blog. an$ s#are your interests. e5&ertise an$ o&inions *it# t#e *orl$I A blog 1s#ort 0or DWeb logE4 is a &ersonal *ebsite on *#i"# you *rite regular entries about a &arti"ular to&i"2 You "an &ro!i$e "o33entary on "urrent e!ents. "#roni"le your *eig#t loss e00orts. or *a5 &oeti" on t#e -oys o0 raising )i$sKt#e &ossibilities are en$lessI Co3&anies li)e Blogger2"o3 an$ Wor$&ress2"o3 o00er 0ree *ebsites an$ so0t*are. enabling you to get u& an$ running in 3inutes2 W#atFs 3ore: you "an e!en #ost a$s on your blog. an$ earn a little e5tra in"o3e to*ar$ your 0rugillionaire goalsI

,2# Wri e in a ;ournal

oo)ing 0or an ine5&ensi!e #obbyG %it $o*n *it# &a&er. &en an$ your o*n t#oug#ts2 Journal *riting is t#e a$ult !ersion o0 t#at $iary you )e&t in t#e si5t# gra$e2 9o get starte$. -ust *rite $o*n *#ate!erFs on your 3in$K*#et#er itFs e5istential 3usings on t#e 3eaning o0 li0e. or *#at you #a$ 0or brea)0ast2 8es"ribe t#e *eat#er. your $ayFs a"ti!ities. or your "urrent 3oo$. an$ 0eel 0ree to go o00 on tangents as t#ey arise2 Write as regularly as &ossibleKit lo*ers stress. an$ "an #el& you i$enti0y an$ *or) t#roug# $i00i"ult e3otions2 It 3ay e!en sa!e you on t#era&y bills $o*n t#e roa$I

,2, Wri e a le er

Write so3eone a letterI In t#is age o0 e3ail an$ te5t 3essaging. itFs a real no!elty to sen$ a &ie"e o0 ol$@0as#ione$ "orres&on$en"e2 Be0ore you begin. ta)e a 0e* 3inutes to &lan *#at

=( youFll sayKitFs #ar$er to D$eleteE a #an$*ritten line t#an a ty&e$ one2 9ell t#e re"i&ient about re"ent e!ents in your li0e. re3inis"e about ol$ ti3es. or -ust let t#e3 )no* youFre t#in)ing about t#e32 I0 you &re0er. *rite letters you $onFt inten$ to 3ailKto &eo&le *#o are li!ing or $e"ease$. 0a3iliar or 0a3ous. real or 0i"tional2 For e5a3&le. &en your t#oug#ts on &oliti"s to Abra#a3 in"oln. or as) t#e Bu$$#a 0or "areer a$!i"eI

,2- Wri e a "oe&

Entertain yoursel0. an$ e5&ress your "reati!ity. by *riting &oetryI %tart by "#oosing a t#e3e. be it an o$e to s&ring 0lo*ers. a "on0ession o0 lo!e. or a &ersonal re!elation2 Write $o*n *or$s an$ &#rases $es"ribing your sub-e"tL t#en arrange t#e3 in tra$itional &oeti" 0or3. su"# as sonnet. li3eri") or #ai)u2 ?se te"#ni6ues li)e r#y3e. 3eter an$ alliteration. or si3&ly *rite in 0ree !erse2 I0 youF$ li)e so3e 0ee$ba")Kbut are too s#y to s#are *it# 0rien$s or 0a3ilyK-oin an online &oetry grou&2 You "an &ost your *or) 1signe$ or anony3ous4. an$ re"ei!e a$!i"e an$ o&inions 0ro3 0ello* bar$sI

,2. S(e ch' doodle or dra0

For #ours o0 0ree 0un. grab a &en"il an$ &a&er an$ start s)et"#ingI oo) aroun$ your #ouse or gar$en 0or ins&irationK0ruit. 0lo*ers an$ &eo&le 3a)e goo$ sub-e"ts2 You "an also $ra* 0ro3 &#otos or 3e3ory2 I0 youFre lig#t on te"#ni6ue. borro* an intro$u"tory boo) 0ro3 t#e library. or sear"# t#e internet 0or tutorials2 Hn"e youF!e learne$ t#e basi"s o0 s#a$ing. &ers&e"ti!e an$ 0or3. youFll be able to ta")le t#ree@$i3ensional ob-e"ts *it# "on0i$en"e2 I0 not#ing else. try so3e s*irls. "urls an$ 0ree0or3 &atternsL $oo$ling "an be !ery rela5ing. an$ $oesnFt "ost a $i3eI

,25 Read a %ood boo(

Curl u& *it# a goo$ boo)I Re@rea$ t#ose "lassi" *or)s o0 literature you stu$ie$ in #ig# s"#oolL youFll 0in$ you #a!e a greater a&&re"iation an$ un$erstan$ing o0 t#e3 as an a$ult2 I0 you &re0er non0i"tion. &i") u& so3e to3es on #istory. tra!el. &#iloso&#y. or *#ate!er suits your interests2 %a!e 3oney by borro*ing 0ro3 t#e library. s*a&&ing *it# 0rien$s. or buying se"on$#an$L *ebsites li)e A3a+on2"o3 an$ Bal02"o3 o00er &lenty o0 use$ "o&ies2 A "rease on t#e "o!er or note in t#e 3argin $oesnFt 3a)e it any less rea$ableI W#en youFre 0inis#e$ *it# t#e boo). resell it online to re"ou& your "osts2

,2/ Ge cra* y

/a)e so3et#ing by #an$KitFs 0un. 0rugal. an$ a great "reati!e outletI C#oose a "ra0t t#at in!ol!es si3&le. ine5&ensi!e 3aterials. so you $onFt s&en$ a 0ortune on su&&lies2 9a")le t#e art

>0 o0 origa3i. 0or e5a3&le. *it# e5tra s"ra&s o0 &a&erL &ra"ti"e "alligra&#y *it# a s)et"#&a$ an$ &enL or )nit a beauti0ul s"ar0 0ro3 a single ball o0 yarn2 ,illo*s "an be se*n 0ro3 le0to!er 0abri". an$ &ot&ourri 3a$e *it# $rie$ 0lo*ers an$ #erbs2 Borro* boo)s 0ro3 t#e library. or sear"# t#e internet. 0or i$eas an$ instru"tions2 Cra0ting is not only a rela5ing #obbyKt#e 0ruits o0 your labor 3a)e *on$er0ul gi0tsI

,21 Tac(le a "u>>le

,ass t#e ti3e *it# a "#allenging &u++leL youFll gi!e your 3in$ a *or)out. an$ your *allet a restI 9#ousan$s o0 "ross*or$ an$ su$o)u &u++les are a!ailable 0ree o0 "#arge on t#e internet2 ,rint t#e3 out. or "o3&lete t#e3 onlineL so3e sites e!en ti3e #o* 6ui")ly you "an 0inis# t#e32 Jigsa* &u++les are anot#er absorbing a"ti!ity2 Hbtain t#e3 se"on$#an$ 0ro3 garage sales an$ t#ri0t stores. or "o3&lete t#e3 in "ybers&a"e: 3o!e t#e &ie"es *it# your 3ouse. an$ 0it t#e3 toget#er. rig#t on your "o3&uter s"reenI 9ry anagra3s. $oublets. "ry&togra3s. ri$$les an$ ot#er brainteasers 0or 3ore 0rugal 0un2

,22 )lay "ho o%ra"her

<rab your $igital "a3era. an$ &lay &#otogra&#er 0or a $ayI oo)ing t#roug# t#e lens trans0or3s your &er"e&tion: youFll see ne* beauty in your surroun$ings. an$ noti"e "olors. &atterns an$ $etails t#at &re!iously es"a&e$ your attention2 Wal) aroun$ your neig#bor#oo$. an$ "#oose interesting 0oliage. ar"#ite"ture or ot#er sub-e"ts to s#oot2 9a)e as 3any &i"tures as you li)eL *it# $igital te"#nology. t#ereFs no nee$ to *orry about &ro"essing "osts2 ?se *ebsites li)e Fli")r2"o3 an$ %#utter0ly2"o3 to s#are your sna&s#ots *it# 0rien$sKor t#e *orl$K0ree o0 "#argeI

,23 Learn a *orei%n lan%ua%e

Instea$ o0 s#o&&ing in your leisure ti3e. learn a ne* language2 ItFs easier on t#e bu$get. an$ better e5er"ise 0or your 3in$. t#an $e"i$ing *#i"# s#oes to buyI 9#e library is an e5"ellent sour"e o0 intro$u"tory boo)s an$ C8s. an$ youFll 0in$ "ountless tutorials. &o$"asts an$ &ra"ti"e $rills on t#e internet2 W#et#er youFre ta")ling Fren"#. Italian. Russian or %*a#ili. loo) 0or a "o33unity grou& to &ra"ti"e your "on!ersation s)ills2 You "an also -oin online $is"ussion 0oru3s to "#at. an$ "on-ugate !erbs. *it# 0ello* stu$ents2 Just i3agine #o* youFll $a++le your 0rien$s by or$ering sus#i in 0la*less Ja&aneseI

,30 Learn a ne0 s(ill

%&en$ your s&are ti3e li)e a 0rugillionaire. an$ learn a ne* s)illI I0 youF$ lo!e to be able to )nit. &i") u& so3e nee$les an$ &ra"ti"e your stit"#es2 I0 you $rea3 o0 tra!eling to ,aris.

>1 $e!ote so3e #ours to stu$ying Fren"#2 Boo)s on languages. "ra0ts an$ ot#er #obbies are rea$ily a!ailable at your lo"al library. an$ youFll 0in$ internet tutorials on a &let#ora o0 &ursuits: ba)ing brea$. $oing yoga. 3a)ing soa&. &laying "#ess. gro*ing or"#i$s. ta)ing &#otos. *riting 3usi" an$ 3oreI I0 you learn better in a grou&. "#e") out your lo"al "ollege or "o33unity "enter 0or 0ree or lo*@"ost "lasses2

,3# Ioin a discussion %rou"

Join a lo"al $is"ussion grou&KitFs a 0rugal *ay to e5&lore your interests an$ 3eet ne* 0rien$sI %u"# grou&s organi+e aroun$ a &arti"ular to&i". su"# as boo)s. #ealt#. in!esting. "ra0ting. 0il3s. *eig#t loss. religion. 0rugality. &oliti"s. &arenting or "areer $e!elo&3ent2 9#ey usually "on!ene on a regular basis. &ro!i$ing you *it# t#e o&&ortunity to e5"#ange in0or3ation. obtain su&&ort. or &ursue your #obby *it# li)e@3in$e$ in$i!i$uals2 %o3e e!en organi+e outings an$ 0iel$ tri&s relate$ to t#e sub-e"t o0 interest2 Fin$ grou&s in your area by sear"#ing *ebsites li)e /eetu&2"o3. or bro*sing "o33unity bulletin boar$s an$ "alen$ars2

,3, Learn a &usical ins ru&en

earning to &lay a 3usi"al instru3ent "an be a !ery 0rugal en$ea!orI 9#ereFs no nee$ 0or to&@o0@t#e@line e6ui&3ent *#en youFre -ust starting outL use$ guitars. !iolins. "ellos an$ 3ore "an be #a$ on t#e "#ea&2 %ear"# Craigslist2"o3 an$ Free"y"le2"o3. an$ youFll 0in$ so3e 0abulous bargains an$ 0reebies2 In 0a"t. &eo&le are o0ten #a&&y to gi!e a*ay ol$ instru3ents to ent#usiasti" stu$entsI C#e") out "o33unity "enters 0or lo*@"ost lessons. or go onlineK!i$eo tutorials 0or &o&ular instru3ents are &lenti0ul2 Hn"e youF!e learne$ t#e basi"s. -oin an in0or3al 3usi" grou& 0or 0urt#er &ra"ti"e an$ &ointers2

,3- Ioin a &usic %rou"

8ust o00 t#at !iolin. or *ar3 u& t#ose !o"al "#or$s. an$ -oin a lo"al 3usi" grou&I You $onFt nee$ a $egree 0ro3 Juilliar$Kor any*#ere else. 0or t#at 3atterKto &arti"i&ate in your "o33unityFs or"#estra2 /usi"ians o0 all le!els are generally *el"o3e. an$ au$itions rarely re6uire$2 C#ur"# an$ lo"al "#oirs are great o&tions 0or t#ose *#o "an "arry a tune2 I0 youFre s#y about &er0or3ing be0ore an au$ien"e. get so3e &ra"ti"e 0irst in an in0or3al setting: 0in$ a grou& t#at 3eets regularly to &lay &o&ular tunes an$ 0ol) songs 0or t#eir o*n en-oy3ent2 %i3&ly s#o* u& *it# your instru3ent an$ -oin t#e 0unI

,3. Ioin a s"or s lea%ue

%&en$ your %atur$ays s#ooting #oo&s or &laying so0tball. instea$ o0 s&en$ing 3oneyI Re"reational s&orts leagues 0o"us on 0un. rat#er t#an "o3&etition. an$ &ro!i$e a great

>2 o&&ortunity to so"iali+e an$ stay 0it2 C#e") lo"al gy3s an$ "o33unity "enters. or sear"# online. to 0in$ tea3s in your area2 Alternati!ely. loo) 0or D&i") u&E ga3es. *#ere anyone "an s#o* u& an$ &layL t#eyFre i$eal 0or t#ose *#o "anFt 3a)e a 0ull@season "o33it3ent2 As) aroun$ your *or)&la"e as *ell: 3any "o3&anies &arti"i&ate in s&orts leagues. or organi+e at#leti" a"ti!ities 0or e3&loyees2

,35 En;oy he %rea ou doors

For so3e 0abulous. 0rugal re"reation. go outsi$eI Bea$ to t#e &ar) an$ toss aroun$ a Frisbee. or s&en$ an a0ternoon "oo)ing out an$ rela5ing in your o*n ba")yar$2 You "an also #i)e. bi)e. s)ate. 0is# or "a3& at little to no "ost2 Hr si3&ly &ass t#e ti3e *it# a leisurely stroll aroun$ your "ity or neig#bor#oo$KitFs 3ore interesting 1an$ "ertainly "#ea&er4 t#an going to t#e 3o!ies or t#e 3all2 Hbser!e t#e $etails o0 #ouses. gar$ens an$ &ubli" s&a"esL noti"e *#i"# trees. &lants an$ 0lo*ers are in bloo3L or stri)e u& a "on!ersation *it# t#ose you 3eet along t#e *ayI

,3/ Ta(e a na ure 0al(

9a)e a nature *al)KitFs a re*ar$ing e5&erien"e 0or your 3in$. bo$y an$ soulI Cisit a &ubli" &ar). *il$erness trail. arboretu3 or gar$en. an$ o&en your senses to all nature #as to o00er2 %tu$y t#e bar) on t#e trees. t#e lea!es on t#e &lants. an$ t#e bloo3s on t#e 0lo*ers2 isten to t#e "all o0 t#e bir$s. t#e "ra")le o0 lea!es un$er0oot. an$ t#e soun$s o0 s"urrying *il$li0e2 Breat#e in t#e 0res# air. an$ sa!or t#e s"ent o0 blosso3s. 0oliage an$ soil2 YouFll en-oy a lo!ely a0ternoon. get so3e *on$er0ul e5er"ise. an$ gain a rene*e$ a&&re"iation 0or li0eKall *it#out s&en$ing a $i3eI

,31 Ride your bi(e

You li)ely s&ent 3any #a&&y #ours as a )i$ ri$ing your bi)e aroun$ your neig#bor#oo$2 Well. get out t#e t*o@*#eeler. an$ re"a&ture t#at "#il$#oo$ -oyI 9#ereFs no nee$ to set any s&ee$ or $istan"e re"or$sL si3&ly 3ean$er t#roug# t#e streets an$ en-oy t#e s"enery2 Hr. atta"# a bas)et or &anniers to your bi)e an$ run so3e erran$sKitFs "#ea&er. an$ 3ore &leasurable. t#an $ri!ing2 I0 you $onFt "urrently o*n a bi)e. you "an 0in$ a bargain@&ri"e$ one on Craigslist2"o3. t#roug# t#e "lassi0ie$s. or at garage an$ yar$ sales2 o"al bi)e s#o&s o0ten "arry a se"on$#an$ sele"tion. an$ "an also #el& out0it you *it# a #el3et an$ ot#er gear2

,32 Go *or a s0i&

%*i33ing is a great *or)out 0or t#e #eart. lungs an$ 3us"lesKnot to 3ention a lot o0 0unI You $onFt nee$ to -oin a "ountry "lub to get into t#e *aterL 3any "o33unities #a!e &ools

>3 a!ailable to resi$ents at little or no "ost2 9a)ing a $i& in a la)e. or t#e o"ean. is anot#er 0rugal o&tion2 Alternati!ely. 0in$ a gy3 *it# a &ool. an$ obtain a trial 3e3bers#i&L youFll be able to use t#e 0a"ilities 0ree o0 "#arge 0or a s#ort &erio$ 1usually a 0e* $ays to a *ee)42 I0 all else 0ails. 0in$ a 0rien$ *#o belongs to a s*i3 "lub. an$ tag along as a guestK-ust be sure to return t#e 0a!orI

,33 )lay in he "ar(

W#ile a*ay t#e #ours &laying in t#e &ar)Kit $oesnFt "ost a t#ing. an$ 0ills your entire being *it# -oyI ,reten$ youFre 0i!e years ol$ again. *it# no "are in t#e *orl$ but to run aroun$. laug# an$ #a!e 0un2 Ri$e on t#e s*ings. roll in t#e grass. or 0roli" *it# your $og2 9oss a Frisbee *it# 0rien$s. or &lay "at"#. tag or #i$e@an$@see)2 ItFs a *on$er0ul *ay to 0orget your *orries. an$ en-oy li0e li)e a 0rugillionaire2 I0 you #a!e )i$s. -oin t#e3 in t#eir a"ti!ities instea$ o0 *at"#ing 0ro3 t#e si$elinesL youFll #a!e a blast. an$ 3a)e so3e &ri"eless 3e3oriesI

-00 S ar%a>e

W#at "oul$ be 3ore *on$er0ul t#an an e!ening o0 starga+ingG It not only 3a)es 0or a ro3anti" $ateL it "an &ro!i$e 0rugal 0un 0or t#e *#ole 0a3ilyI Be0ore !enturing out. learn *#at to loo) 0or in your lo"al nig#t s)y: borro* an astrono3y boo) 0ro3 t#e library. or "onsult t#e internet 0or "onstellation gui$es2 9#ereFs no nee$ to obtain a teles"o&e. as &lenty o0 stars. &lanets an$ gala5ies are !isible to t#e na)e$ eye2 For t#e best e5&erien"e. "#oose a "lou$less e!ening. an$ a lo"ation *it# as little a3bient lig#t as &ossible2 I0 you ti3e your outing $uring a 3eteor s#o*er. you 3ay e!en s&ot so3e s#ooting starsI

-0# Ro&ance your "ar ner

%&en$ a s&e"ial e!ening *it# your signi0i"ant ot#erI You $onFt #a!e to go to a 0an"y restaurant to en-oy a ro3anti" nig#tL $i3 t#e lig#ts. turn on so3e 3usi". an$ set t#e 3oo$ at #o3e2 8ress u& as i0 youFre #itting t#e to*n. an$ 0lirt li)e itFs your 0irst $ate2 9a)e &leasure in &re&aring a 3eal toget#erL "oo)ing as a "ou&le "an be a sensuous e5&erien"e. an$ a &o*er0ul a&#ro$isia"2 8ine slo*ly by "an$lelig#t. t#en to& o00 t#e e!ening *it# so3e 0rugalKan$ 0abulousK0un in t#e be$roo32 A nig#t o0 &assion $oesnFt "ost a &enny. an$ itFs a great in!est3ent in t#e #ealt# o0 your relations#i&I

!ha" er 3

>:

TRANS)ORTATION

Savin% 8oney When Bou+re on he 8ove -0, Ta(e "ublic ransi

Be a 0rugillionaire *it# your o*n "#au00eurKby ta)ing &ubli" transitI Ri$e t#e bus. train or sub*ay an$ let so3eone else $o t#e $ri!ing2 Instea$ o0 0ig#ting rus# #our tra00i". youFll be able to sit ba"). rela5 an$ en-oy t#e s"enery2 ,ass t#e ti3e by "at"#ing u& on a no!el. "#atting *it# a 0ello* &assenger. or listening to so3e 0a!orite tunes2 Conta"t your lo"al trans&ortation aut#orityKor loo) on t#eir *ebsiteK0or in0or3ation on s"#e$ules. stations an$ ti")ets2 Not only *ill you sa!e a 0ortune on gas an$ &ar)ingL youFll also gain so3e *on$er0ul rela5ation ti3eI

-0- As( abou "ublic ransi incen ives

/any "o3&anies o00er subsi$ies. or 3onetary "o3&ensation. 0or e3&loyees *#o ta)e &ubli" transit to *or)2 9#is bene0it is ty&i"ally ta5@0ree. an$ is $istribute$ in t#e 0or3 o0 &asses. !ou"#ers or "as#2 Alternati!ely. you 3ay be able to $e$u"t &ubli" transit "osts 0ro3 your &ay"#e") in &re@ta5 $ollars2 ,aying your "o33uting "osts t#is *ay re$u"es t#e a3ount o0 your 0e$eral 1an$ so3eti3es state an$ lo"al4 in"o3e ta52 As) your e3&loyer or lo"al transit aut#ority about a!ailable &rogra3s2 You "an also "onta"t t#e A3eri"an ,ubli" 9rans&ortation Asso"iation. or !isit Co33uterC#oi"e2"o3. 0or 3ore in0or3ation2

-0. Ge a ransi "ass

I0 youFre a regular ri$er o0 3ass transit. sa!e 3oney on ti")ets by &ur"#asing a &assI %o3e &asses "o!er a "ertain nu3ber o0 ri$es at a $is"ounte$ rate2 Ht#ers allo* unli3ite$ tri&s o!er a *ee)ly or 3ont#ly ti3e &erio$2 ,asses in t#e 0or3 o0 reloa$able Ds3art "ar$sE let you &ur"#ase a$$itional ri$es *it# a $ebit or "re$it "ar$2 %o3e e!en #a!e an Autoloa$ 0eature. *#i"# auto3ati"ally to&s u& t#e "ar$ *#en t#e balan"e 0alls belo* a "ertain t#res#ol$2 Fin$ out *#at )in$ o0 $is"ount &asses your lo"al transit aut#ority o00ersL t#en $o t#e 3at# to "#oose *#atFs best

>5 0or youI

-05 !ar"ool o 0or(

Car&ool to *or) *it# "olleagues *#o li!e in your area2 I0 youFre going to sit in rus# #our tra00i". you 3ay as *ell #a!e "o3&anyI 9a)e turns being "#au00eur. or s#are gas an$ 3aintenan"e "osts *it# t#e &ri3ary $ri!er2 Establis# a ti3e s"#e$ule. an$ 3a)e sure all &arti"i&ants #a!e ea"# ot#erFs "ell &#one nu3bers2 YouFll nee$ to be able to "onta"t ea"# ot#er &ro3&tly i0 so3eone "alls in si") or ta)es t#e $ay o002 I0 ne"essary. loo) outsi$e your "o3&any 0or 0ello* "ar&oolers: *ebsites li)e eRi$e%#are2"o3 an$ Car&ool"onne"t2"o3 3at"# ri$ers base$ on *or) s"#e$ules an$ lo"ations2

-0/ Ioin a car share

I0 you use your "ar in0re6uently. get ri$ o0 it altoget#er an$ -oin a "ar s#are &rogra32 ,o&ular in urban areas. "ar s#aresKli)e Ti&"arKlet 3e3bers rent "ars by t#e $ay or #our2 9#e "ars are $istribute$ t#roug#out 3etro areas in $esignate$ &ar)ing s&a"es2 %i3&ly go online to reser!e oneL t#en use t#e )ey or s3art "ar$ 1&ro!i$e$ *#en you sign u&4 to unlo") t#e $oors an$ $ri!e a*ay2 <as an$ insuran"e are in"lu$e$ in t#e rates2 I0 you only nee$ a "ar 0or o""asional erran$s. it 3a)es 3ore sense to borro* t#an o*nKyouFll sa!e tons o0 3oney on registration. insuran"e. 3aintenan"e an$ &ar)ing "ostsI

-01 9eco&e a oneDcar household

%las# your 0a3ilyFs e5&enses by be"o3ing a one@"ar #ouse#ol$I YouFll eli3inate t#e "ost o0 &ur"#asing. leasing an$ 0inan"ing a$$itional "arsL an$ youFll also sa!e on ta5es. insuran"e. registration. re&airs an$ 3aintenan"e2 All it ta)es is a little &lanning: "ou&les "an arrange t#eir s"#e$ules to ri$e to *or) toget#er. or one "an 0in$ an alternati!e 3et#o$ o0 trans&ortation 1li)e bi)ing or &ubli" transit42 ?se a s"#ool bus ser!i"e 0or )i$s. or arrange a "ar&ool *it# ot#er &arents2 I0 you "anFt get by *it# one "ar *#ere you li!e no*. 3a)e it a goal 0or t#e ne5t ti3e you 3o!eKan$ "#oose a lo"ation t#at 3a)es it &ossibleI

-02 !o&&u e o**D"ea(

%a!e 3oney. ti3e an$ 0rustration by "o33uting o00@&ea)I 9ra!eling *#en roa$s are less "ongeste$ re$u"es *ear an$ tear on your "ar. an$ in"reases your 0uel e00i"ien"y2 ,ubli" transit ti")ets are also usually less e5&ensi!e $uring non@"o33uter #ours2 I0 itFs o)ay *it# your e3&loyer. start your *or)$ay an #our or t*o earlier 1or later4 to a!oi$ rus# #our tra00i"2 Hr as) i0 you "an *or) t#e 0irst. or 0inal. #ours o0 ea"# $ay 0ro3 #o3e2 A 0our@$ay s"#e$ule is anot#er o&tion: *or)ing ten@#our s#i0ts 1instea$ o0 t#e usual (@to@54 a!oi$s &ea) tra00i" ti3es. an$

>; eli3inates an entire $ay o0 $ri!ingI

-03 Teleco&&u e

9ele"o33uting "an 3ean big sa!ingsI I0 your e3&loyer allo*s it. *or) 0ro3 #o3e one or 3ore $ays &er *ee)2 YouFll re$u"e your gas. &ar)ing. 3aintenan"e. insuran"e. an$ &ubli" transit "ostsL an$ youFll also sa!e on sna")s. "o00ee an$ lun"#es out2 I0 you *or) 0ro3 #o3e o0ten. you "an e!en "urtail your s&en$ing on &ro0essional "lot#ing 1an$ $ry "leaning ser!i"es4I 9o trans3it $ata an$ stay in tou"# *it# t#e o00i"e. youFll nee$ a "o3&uter. &#one line an$ #ig#@ s&ee$ internet "onne"tion2 %ee i0 your e3&loyer *ill "o!er so3e o0 t#ese #o3e o00i"e e5&ensesL i0 not. you 3ay be able to $e$u"t t#e3 0ro3 your in"o3e ta5es2

-#0 !o&&u e by bi(e

ea!e t#e "ar at #o3e. an$ &e$al to *or) instea$I ItFs better 0or your *allet. t#e en!iron3ent. an$ your #ealt#2 YouFll sa!e substantial 3oney on "ar@ an$ "o33uter@relate$ "osts2 In a$$ition. youFll burn a ton o0 "alories. buil$ u& your leg 3us"les an$ get a great "ar$io!as"ular *or)outK*it#out t#e e5&ense o0 -oining a gy3I Hbtain a bi)e on t#e "#ea& t#roug# Craigslist2"o3. Free"yle2"o3. t#ri0t stores an$ garage salesL or as) 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily i0 you "an borro* one t#eyFre not using2 Re3e3ber to *ear a #el3et an$ &ra"ti"e sa0e bi)ing te"#ni6ues. an$ youFll arri!e at your $estination 0it. 0lus# an$ 0abulousI

-## Wal(

8onFt ta)e your "ar on s#orter erran$sKta)e a stroll instea$I Wal)ing is terri0i" e5er"ise: it #el&s you lose *eig#t. "ontrol bloo$ &ressure. an$ re$u"e t#e ris) o0 #eart atta"). stro)e an$ $isease2 It also lo*ers stress. strengt#ens bones an$ tones 3us"les2 YouFll not only sa!e 3oney on gas or &ubli" transitL youFll re$u"e 0uture #ealt# "are "osts. an$ your legs *ill loo) 0antasti"I Wal)ing to t#e store also )ee&s your s&en$ing in "#e"). sin"e you "anFt buy 3ore t#an you "an &#ysi"ally "arry #o3e2 Feel &arti"ularly 0ortunate i0 youFre a "ity $*eller. sin"e you "an a""o3&lis# -ust about anyt#ing on 0ootI

-#, Ge a scoo er

Be trVs "#i". an$ tra$e in t#at gas@gu++ler 0or a s"ooterI oo) to stylis# resi$ents o0 ,aris. Ro3e an$ ot#er Euro&ean "ities 0or ins&irationL t#eyF!e use$ s"ooters 0or years to beat #ig# gas &ri"es2 9#eyFre &er0e"t 0or s#ort "o33utes an$ lo"al erran$s. an$ &ay 0or t#e3sel!es 6ui")ly in 0uel sa!ings2 It ta)es only a 0e* $ollars to 0ill t#e tan). an$ 3ost 3o$els get about =5@100 3iles &er gallon2 Best o0 all. t#eyFre 0un to $ri!e. an$ easy to 3aneu!er an$ &ar)2 %o #o& on your Ces&a. an$ 3otor aroun$ to your #eartFs "ontentKbeing a 0rugillionaire "an be !ery 0as#ionableI

>=

-#- !onsolida e errands

Bo* o0ten $o you !isit t#e $ry "leaners in t#e 3orningL run out later 0or 3il)L t#en 3a)e an e!ening $ri!e to t#e !i$eo storeG Wit# a little &lanning. you "an sa!e 3oney on gas by "onsoli$ating erran$s into one tri&2 %i3&ly )ee& a to@$o list *it# you in t#e "arL t#at *ay. you "an ta)e "are o0 e!eryt#ing at on"e *#ile youFre out on t#e roa$2 An$ to re$u"e t#ose De3ergen"y runsE to t#e gro"ery store. &lan your 3eals an$ 3a)e a list be0ore you go s#o&&ing2 For 3a5i3u3 sa!ings: run erran$s $uring your $aily "o33ute. an$ s"#e$ule your sto&s in t#e 3ost e00i"ient or$er2

-#. $rive a s&aller car

W#en it "o3es to "ars. t#in) s3all 0or big sa!ingsI 8it"# t#e s&ort utility !e#i"le. an$ $o*nsi+e to a "o3&a"t2 %3all "ars are lig#ter an$ 3ore 0uel@e00i"ient t#an t#eir larger "ounter&artsKletting you $ri!e 3any 3ore 3iles on ea"# gallon o0 gas2 9#eyFre also easier to #an$le. an$ less e5&ensi!e to &ur"#ase an$ 3aintain2 A$!an"e3ents in $esign an$ te"#nology #a!e in"rease$ t#e "o30ort. &er0or3an"e an$ sa0ety o0 "o3&a"t !e#i"les2 Just be sure to "#e") out "ras# test ratings 0or t#e 3o$el youFre "onsi$ering. an$ in!est in 0eatures li)e stability "ontrol an$ si$e@i3&a"t airbags2

-#5 Lose he lead *oo

8ri!e slo*er to sa!e 3oney on gasI Resist t#e urge to &ut &e$al to t#e 3etalK0uel e"ono3y $ro&s signi0i"antly at #ig#er s&ee$s2 Win$ resistan"e in"reases e5&onentially o!er 55 3&#. 3a)ing t#e engine *or) #ar$er to 3aintain t#e "arFs !elo"ity2 9#ere0ore. t#e 0aster you $ri!e. t#e 0e*er 3iles &er gallon youFll getKan$ t#e 3ore gas youFll use to rea"# your $estination2 For 3a5i3u3 sa0ety an$ sa!ings. stay in t#e rig#t lane an$ sti") to t#e s&ee$ li3it2 YouFll lo*er your stress. your 0uel "osts. an$ your ris) o0 getting a ti")etI

-#/ $rive a a cons an s"eed

8it"# ba$ $ri!ing #abitsKt#eyFre $etri3ental to your *allet an$ your sa0etyI Jui") a""eleration an$ #ar$ bra)ing in"rease *ear an$ tear on your "ar. an$ re$u"e 0uel e"ono3y2 A!oi$ aggressi!e 3o!es. li)e s&ee$ing u& to &ass "ars. t#en -a33ing on t#e bra)es *#en tra00i" slo*s2 An$ $onFt ta)e o00 at one sto&lig#t. only to s"ree"# to a #alt at t#e ne5t2 %tri!e to be a s3oot# o&erator instea$: a""elerate an$ $e"elerate gra$ually. an$ 3aintain a "onstant s&ee$ *#ene!er &ossible2 Anti"i&ate lig#ts so you "an "oast to a sto&. an$ use "ruise "ontrol on #ig#*ays to re$u"e 0uel "onsu3&tion2

-#1 !hec( your ire "ressure

>>

Aee& your tires &ro&erly in0late$L youFll i3&ro!e your gas 3ileage. an$ sa!e 3oney at t#e &u3&I C#e") t#e &ressure on a regular basis. i$eally *#en tires are "ol$2 All you nee$ is a si3&le tire gauge. *#i"# "an be &ur"#ase$ ine5&ensi!ely at your lo"al auto &arts store2 Re3o!e t#e "a& 0ro3 your tireFs !al!e. an$ &ress t#e gauge 0ir3ly onto t#e ste3 to sto& t#e 0lo* o0 air2 Note t#e rea$ing. an$ "o3&are to t#e re"o33en$e$ ,%I 1usually *ritten on t#e si$e o0 t#e tire42 A$$ air i0 ne"essary. an$ re&la"e t#e "a&2 9#is si3&le &ro"ess sa!es gas. in"reases sa0ety. an$ re$u"es *ear@an$@tear on your tires2

-#2 !han%e your air *il er

8e"rease your 0uel "osts by "#anging your air 0ilterI A "arFs air 0ilter )ee&s $irt. bugs an$ ot#er i3&urities out o0 t#e engineK&rote"ting it 0ro3 $a3age. an$ allo*ing it to o&erate at &ea) e00i"ien"y2 W#en t#e 0ilter is "logge$. t#e engine 3ust *or) #ar$er. an$ 0uel e00i"ien"y is $e"rease$2 /a5i3i+e your gas 3ileage by "#e")ing your 0ilter regularly an$ re&la"ing it *#en $irty2 Ba!e a lo"al 3e"#ani" &er0or3 t#e *or) at your ne5t oil "#ange. or "onsult your "arFs 3anual 0or $o@it@yoursel0 instru"tions2 Ne* air 0ilters are ine5&ensi!e an$ rea$ily a!ailable at auto &arts stores2

-#3 Li%h en your load

<i!e your "ar a 3ini3alist 3a)eo!er. 0or 3a5i3u3 0uel e00i"ien"yI I0 you #a!e a trun) 0ull o0 tools an$ s&orting e6ui&3ent. or a ba")seat stre*n *it# toys. boo)s an$ ot#er sun$ries. itFs ti3e to "lear out t#e "lutter2 ugging aroun$ e5tra *eig#t re$u"es your "arFs 0uel e"ono3y2 I0 you lig#ten t#e loa$. youFll i3&ro!e your 3ileage an$ lo*er your gas "osts2 An$ $onFt 0orget about t#e roo0 ra"): it not only *eig#s you $o*n. it a00e"ts your "arFs aero$yna3i"s2 Re3o!e it *#en itFs not in use. instea$ o0 lea!ing it on year roun$2

-,0 Sho" *or %as online

You "anFt buy your gas onlineKbut you "an "ertainly s#o& aroun$ 0or t#e best $ealsI C#e") out *ebsites li)e <asBu$$y2"o3 t#at 3onitor t#e "ost o0 0ueling u& in your area2 %i3&ly ty&e in your +i& "o$e. an$ obtain t#e lo"ations o0 t#e least e5&ensi!e stations2 %ear"# along t#e entire route o0 your "o33ute. so you "an &lan a#ea$ 0or t#e "#ea&est 0ill@u&2 9#at *ay. you *onFt nee$ to "ruise aroun$K*asting ti3e an$ 3oneyKloo)ing 0or t#e best &ri"e2 But re3e3ber: no 3atter #o* lo* a stationFs &ri"e. itFs no bargain i0 itFs 3iles out o0 your *ayI

-,# Ge a %as reba e credi card

>(

Frugillionaires lessen t#e &ain at t#e &u3&. by getting re*ar$s *#en 0illing t#eir tan)sI /any "re$it "ar$s o00er rebate &rogra3sKli)e 1 to 5 &er"ent "as# ba")Kon gasoline &ur"#ases2 9#at "an a$$ u& 6ui")ly *#en &ri"es are #ig#I Rea$ t#e 0ine &rint to 3a)e sure t#e o00erFs a goo$ $ealL an annual 0ee or #ig# interest rate "an "o3&letely *i&e out any sa!ings2 An$ by all 3eans. &ay your balan"e in 0ull ea"# 3ont#2 It $oesnFt 3a)e sense to sa!e a 0e* $ollars on gas. an$ t#en &ay interest on it2 %)i& t#e "re$it "ar$s altoget#er i0 your lo"al station o00ers $is"ounts 0or "as#2

-,, 8ain ain your car

Aee& your "ar in ti&@to& s#a&eKyouFll e5ten$ its li0e an$ a!oi$ "ostly re&airs2 9une@u&s. oil "#anges an$ ot#er routine 3aintenan"e #el& &re!ent 0uture brea)$o*ns2 Ba!e 0lui$s. belts. 0ilters. batteries an$ bra)es "#e")e$ regularlyL "onsult your o*nerFs 3anual or a 3e"#ani" 0or re"o33en$e$ ser!i"e s"#e$ules2 ItFs 3u"# less e5&ensi!e to 0in$ 1an$ 0i54 s3all &roble3s be0ore t#ey be"o3e big ones2 Aee& *ritten re"or$s o0 all 3aintenan"e an$ re&airs. as t#eyFll ai$ in $iagnosing any trouble t#at arises2 <i!e your "ar a little 9 C. an$ youFll be re*ar$e$ *it# years o0 reliable ser!i"eI

-,- Find an hones &echanic

/any o0 us #a!e no i$ea *#atFs going on un$er our #oo$sL *e rely on auto s#o&s to 0i5 our "ars an$ bill us 0airly2 %#ort o0 8IY. t#e best *ay to sa!e 3oney is to 0in$ an #onest 3e"#ani"I As) 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily 0or re"o33en$ationsL t#eyFll be 6ui") to sing t#e &raises o0 "o3&etent. trust*ort#y in$i!i$uals2 9#en buil$ a relations#i& *it# your 3e"#ani" be0ore your "ar brea)s $o*n. by ta)ing it in 0or regular tune@u&s an$ oil "#anges2 %o3eone *#o &er0or3s routine 3aintenan"e on your "ar *ill be 3ore 0a3iliar *it# it. an$ better able to $iagnose 0uture &roble3s2

-,. Wash your o0n car

8onFt &ay 0or a &ri"ey "ar *as#L itFs 3ore 0rugalKan$ 0abulousKto $o it yoursel0I <rab soa&. s&onge an$ a bu")et o0 *ater. &ut on so3e 3usi". an$ #a!e a blastI W#ile youFre at it. *as# your s&ouseFs "ar tooL little a"ts o0 )in$ness &ay #uge $i!i$en$s2 I0 youFre an a&art3ent $*eller *it#out a""ess to a #ose. 0in$ a sel0@ser!i"e "ar *as# in t#e area2 For a s3all 0ee. youFll get soa&. *ater an$ *a5 0ro3 an auto3ate$ 3a"#ine2 Hr )ee& an eye out 0or "o33unity@ an$ "#arity@s&onsore$ *as#esL t#eyFre "#ea&er t#an a &ro0essional "leaning. an$ your 3oney *ill go to a goo$ "auseI

-,5 Sho" s&ar *or a ne0 car

(0 I0 youFre in t#e 3ar)et 0or a ne* "ar. a little resear"#Kan$ a little #agglingK"an sa!e you big bu")sI Be0ore you #it t#e s#o*roo3. 0in$ out t#e !e#i"leFs in!oi"e &ri"e2 In t#eory. t#is is *#at t#e $ealer &ays 0or t#e "arL but *it# #ol$ba")s an$ in"enti!es. t#eir "ost is usually e!en less2 %tart your negotiations at t#e in!oi"e 1rat#er t#an sti")er4 &ri"e. an$ you "an sa!e t#ousan$s o0 $ollars2 I0 you &re0er. negotiate by &#one. 0a5 or e3ail: "onta"t all $ealers#i&s in t#e area. &ro!i$e s&e"i0i"s on t#e "ar you *ant. an$ as) 0or t#eir best &ri"e2 9#is strategy &uts you in "ontrol. an$ eli3inates t#e &ressure o0 t#e sales 0loorI

-,/ $on+ buy a s a us car

A "ar is a 3eans o0 trans&ortation 0ro3 ,oint A to ,oint B2 ItFs notKas 3ar)eters *oul$ #a!e you belie!eKa sy3bol o0 your su""ess. re0le"tion o0 your &ersonality. or e5&ression o0 your inner3ost soulI 8onFt 0all !i"ti3 to 0an"y a$!ertisingKa D$esignerE "ar "an be a real $rain on your ban) a""ount2 Not only $o lu5ury !e#i"les #a!e #ig#er &ri"e tags. t#eyFre 3ore e5&ensi!e to ser!i"e. 3aintain an$ insure2 An$ t#eyFre also 3ore li)ely to be stolenI Instea$ o0 *asting your #ar$@earne$ $ollars on a #oo$ orna3ent. &ur"#ase t#e least e5&ensi!e. 3ost reliable "ar 0or your nee$s2

-,1 9uy a used car

Ne* "ars $e&re"iate ra&i$ly in t#eir 0irst 0e* yearsKsa!e all t#at 3oney by buying a use$ one instea$I Bro*se listings in t#e "lassi0ie$s. on Craigslist2"o3. or on s&e"ialty sites li)e Auto9ra$er2"o32 W#en you 0in$ a &ros&e"t. or$er a CARFAW re&ort on its CIN nu3ber to "#e") t#e title. a""i$ent #istory an$ insuran"e "lai3s2 I0 &ossible. ta)e it 0or a test $ri!e. or #a!e a 3e"#ani" loo) it o!er. be0ore you buy2 You "an also &ur"#ase a &re@o*ne$ "ar t#roug# a $ealers#i&: 3ost auto3a)ers sell D"erti0ie$E use$ "ars t#at #a!e been t#oroug#ly ins&e"te$ an$ re&aire$2 YouFll e!en re"ei!e a *arrantyI

-,2 8ind hose &"%s

C#oose a "ar *it# goo$ gas 3ileage. an$ youFll rea& t#e re*ar$s 0or years to "o3eI I0 youFre s#o&&ing 0or a !e#i"le. 3a)e 0uel e00i"ien"y a to& &riority2 C#e") t#e 3&g rating o0 t#e "ar youFre "onsi$ering. to see #o* 3any 3iles you "an $ri!e on a single gallon o0 gas2 Wit# t#is in0or3ation 1an$ so3e $etails on your $ri!ing #abits4. online "al"ulators "an #el& you 0ore"ast t#e 3ont#ly. or yearly. gasoline e5&ense2 9#eyFll e!en s#o* you #o* 3u"# youFll sa!e by "#oosing a 3ore 0uel@e00i"ient 3o$el2 At to$ayFs gas &ri"es. #ig# 3&g ratings are se5ier t#an s&oilers an$ sunroo0sI

-,3 )ay cash *or your car

(1 I0 you #a!e e5tra sa!ings earning lo* interest. "onsi$er &aying "as# 0or your "ar2 YouFll sa!e t#ousan$s o0 $ollars in 0inan"e "#arges. an$ be able to negotiate a better $ealI 9#in) you "anFt a00or$ itG /a)e your "ar 0it your bu$get. not t#e ot#er *ay aroun$: i0 you $onFt #a!e t#e $oug# 0or a bran$ ne* "on!ertible. settle 0or a use$ se$an2 I0 you 3ust ta)e out a loan. s#o& aroun$L lo"al ban)s an$ "re$it unions o0ten #a!e "#ea&er rates t#an "ar $ealers#i&s2 9o 3ini3i+e 0inan"e "#arges. 3a)e t#e largest $o*n &ay3ent &ossible. an$ get t#e s#ortest ter3 you "an a00or$2

--0 $rive your car *orever

Buying a "ar is a blo* to your ban) a""ountL a!oi$ t#e 0inan"ial i3&a"t by $ri!ing your "urrent one as long as &ossible2 Big#@3ileage !e#i"les "an be 3ore e5&ensi!e to 3aintainL but itFs "#ea&er to s#ell out M1500 0or a re&air. t#an M15.000 0or a re&la"e3entI 9#e #ig#er $e&re"iation. insuran"e an$ 0inan"ing "osts o0 a ne* "ar are e!en 3ore reasons to )ee& your ol$ one going2 9o lengt#en t#e li0e o0 your auto. gi!e it goo$ "are an$ $ri!e it only *#en ne"essary: s)i& t#e long roa$ tri&s. ta)e &ubli" transit *#en &ossible. an$ $o lo"al erran$s on 0oot or by bi)e2

--# !onsider insurance cos s

W#en s#o&&ing 0or your ne5t "ar. 0a"tor into your $e"ision t#e "ost o0 insuran"eKt#is re"urring "#arge *ill a00e"t your 0inan"es 0or years a0ter t#e &ur"#ase2 Narro* your sele"tion to a "ou&le o0 !e#i"les. t#en "onta"t your insuran"e agent 1or go online4 to obtain rate 6uotes 0or ea"# "an$i$ate2 ,re3iu3s "an !ary *i$ely. $e&en$ing on t#e 3a)e. 3o$el an$ year o0 t#e "ar2 I0 all else is e6ual. "#oose t#e one t#atFs "#ea&est to insure2 In your 6uest to be a 0rugillionaire. you 3ay #a!e to 0orgo t#at re$ Italian roa$sterKbut youFll #a!e a bigger ban) a""ount to bolster your egoI

--, Sho" around *or car insurance

,ut your s#o&&ing s)ills to use. an$ 0in$ t#e best $eal on "ar insuran"eI It 3ay not be as 0un as buying a ne* #an$bag or stereo syste3Kbut itFs signi0i"antly 3ore re*ar$ing2 An$ itFs not as #ar$ as it soun$s: all you nee$ is a "o3&uter. an$ a 0e* 3inutes o0 s&are ti3e2 9y&e D"ar insuran"eE into your 0a!orite sear"# engine. an$ youFll get lin)s to all t#e 3a-or insurers2 /ost &ro!i$e instant online 6uotes a0ter you 0ill in a s#ort 6uestionnaire2 9o sa!e e!en 3ore ti3e. try an in$e&en$ent site su"# as Insuran"e2"o3. *#i"# lets you "o3&are rates 0ro3 3ulti&le "o3&anies *it# a single online 0or32

--- Revie0 your car insurance

(2 ,erio$i"ally re!ie* your "ar insuran"eKre"ent "#anges in li0estyle an$ $ri!ing #abits "an 3ean re$u"e$ rates2 I0 youF!e gotten 3arrie$ in t#e &ast year. entere$ into 3i$$le age. or i3&ro!e$ your "re$it rating. you 3ay be eligible 0or lo*er &re3iu3s2 A s#orter "o33ute. garage &ar)ing. or re"ent 3o!e to a Dsa0erE neig#bor#oo$ "an also net you so3e sa!ings2 W#en itFs ti3e to rene* your &oli"y. "#e") "o3&etitorsF rates to 3a)e sure youFre getting a goo$ $eal2 <o $ire"tly to ea"# "o3&anyFs *ebsite. or use an in$e&en$ent site to "o3&are o00erings2

--. !hoose a hi%her deduc ible

o*er t#e "ost o0 your "ar insuran"e by "#oosing a #ig#er $e$u"tible2 9#e $e$u"tible is #o* 3u"# 3oney you 3ust &ay out o0 &o")et. a0ter an a""i$ent. be0ore your "o!erage )i")s in2 A3ounts ty&i"ally range 0ro3 M100 to M2000Kt#e #ig#er t#e $e$u"tible. t#e lo*er your &re3iu32 Be0ore you raise yours. 3a)e sure you #a!e enoug# "as# in an e3ergen"y 0un$ to "o!er t#e #ig#er a3ount2 ?n$erstan$ t#at i0 you #a!e a M1000 $e$u"tible. an$ your "ar su00ers M>00 in $a3age. youFll #a!e to &ay t#e entire e5&ense2 But i0 t#e insuran"e sa!ings are substantial 1as t#ey o0ten are4. it "an be *ort# itI

--5 $ro" e6 ra covera%e on older cars

8ro& "ollision an$ "o3&re#ensi!e "o!erage on ol$er "ars. an$ sa!e a bun$le on insuran"e &re3iu3s2 Collision "o!erage &ays 0or $a3age *#en your "ar #its. or is #it by. anot#er !e#i"le2 Co3&re#ensi!e "o!erage is 0or non@"ollision $a3age li)e t#e0t. !an$alis3. 0ire an$ se!ere *eat#er2 Buying t#ese o&tions 3ay not 3a)e sense i0 your "ar is ol$er. &ai$ in 0ull. an$ #as a lo* resale !alueKbe"ause t#e insuran"e "o3&any *onFt &ay 0or $a3ages e5"ee$ing your "arFs !alue2 For e5a3&le. i0 your "arFs only *ort# M1000Kan$ you #a!e a M1000 $e$u"tibleK$onFt &ay 0or t#is e5tra "o!erage. as you *onFt re"ei!e any "o3&ensation2

--/ !onsolida e insurance "olicies

Insure all o0 your 0a3ilyFs "ars on t#e sa3e &oli"y. an$ youFll li)ely re"ei!e a 3ulti&le !e#i"le $is"ount2 9#e sa!ings "an be signi0i"antKu& to 25 &er"entKso be sure to as) your agent about it2 /ost "o3&anies also o00er 3ulti@line &oli"y $is"ounts: youFll 6uali0y 0or a re$u"e$ rate i0 you buy bot# your auto3obile an$ #o3eo*nerFs 1or renterFs4 insuran"e 0ro3 t#e sa3e 0ir32 In 0a"t. t#e 3ore business you $o *it# a &arti"ular insurer. t#e 3ore youFll be re*ar$e$L t#ere0ore. you 3ay *ant to "onsi$er "onsoli$ating li0e. business an$ liability &oli"ies as *ell2

--1 As( abou insurance discoun s

Insuran"e "o3&anies o00er !arious $is"ounts on auto3obile &oli"iesK0in$ out *#i"# ones you 6uali0y 0orI I0 you #a!enFt #a$ an a""i$ent or 3o!ing !iolation in t#e last t#ree years.

(3 you 3ay be eligible 0or a goo$ $ri!erFs $is"ount2 <araging your "ar. installing an anti@t#e0t $e!i"e. an$ $ri!ing a "ar *it# "ertain sa0ety 0eaturesKli)e airbags an$ antilo") bra)esK"an also *in you lo*er rates2 %o3e insurers *ill re$u"e your &re3iu3 i0 you et"# your "arFs CIN nu3ber on t#e *in$o*s2 For a$$itional sa!ings. in6uire about grou& $is"ounts 0or any organi+ations you belong to. an$ en"ourage teenage $ri!ers in your #ouse#ol$ to get goo$ gra$esI

--2 $on+ "ay *or unnecessary covera%e

Re!ie* your "ar insuran"e &oli"y "are0ully. to 3a)e sure youFre not &aying 0or unne"essary "o!erage2 8ro& t#ose o&tions youFll li)ely ne!er use. or "oul$ a00or$ to &ay out o0 &o")et2 You 3ay not nee$ to*ing "o!erage. 0or e5a3&le. i0 you belong to t#e A3eri"an Auto3obile Asso"iation 1AAA4. or i0 your ne* "ar in"lu$es roa$si$e assistan"e un$er t#e *arranty2 8oes your &oli"y in"lu$e "o!erage 0or "ar rental "ostsG ,ass on t#is o&tion i0 you #a!e a se"on$ "ar you "an useKor a""ess to ot#er trans&ortationK*#ile your !e#i"le is in t#e re&air s#o&2

--3 Avoid ins all&en *ees

%a!e 3oney by &aying your entire insuran"e &re3iu3 at on"e2 /ost "o3&anies "#arge a ser!i"e 0ee 0or $i!i$ing t#e total "ost o0 a &oli"y 1*#i"# ty&i"ally "o!ers a si5 or t*el!e 3ont# &erio$4 into 3ont#ly install3ents2 9#ese 0ees "an a$$ se!eral $ollars to ea"# &ay3ent2 I0 you "an a00or$ it. &ay your &re3iu3 in 0ull to a!oi$ t#is e5tra "ost2 Alternati!ely. as) i0 your insurer o00ers an auto3ati" ban) $ra0t &rogra32 Install3ent 0ees 3ay be *ai!e$ i0 you #a!e &ay3ents $e$u"te$ $ire"tly 0ro3 your ban) a""ount2 YouFll also a!oi$ t#e #assleKan$ "ostKo0 *riting an$ 3ailing "#e")sI

-.0 I&"rove your credi score

/any insurers "onsi$er "re$it s"ores *#en "al"ulating &re3iu3s2 Fairly or not. t#eir "o3&uteri+e$ algorit#3s asso"iate #ig#er "re$it ratings *it# lo*er@ris) in$i!i$uals2 9#ere0ore. t#e better your "re$it. t#e less youFll &ay 0or "o!erageKan$ !i"e !ersa2 I3&ro!e your ris) &ro0ile. an$ sa!e 3oney. by *or)ing to raise your "re$it s"ore2 Re$u"e "re$it "ar$ balan"es. an$ al*ays &ay bills on ti3eK-ust one late &ay3ent "an $a3age your rating2 H&en ne* a""ounts only as nee$e$. an$ "#e") your "re$it re&ort regularly 0or errors2 /anage your 3oney li)e a 0rugillionaire. an$ youFll be re*ar$e$ *it# lo*er &re3iu3sI

-.# $rive sa*ely

An a""i$ent. s&ee$ing ti")et or ot#er 3o!ing !iolation "an &ut a #uge $ent in your ban) a""ountI Not only *ill you #a!e to &ay t#e 0ines in"urre$KyouFll also be #it *it# #ig#er

(: insuran"e rates2 A!oi$ 0inan"ial 1an$ &#ysi"al4 &ain by $ri!ing *it# "aution. an$ obeying all tra00i" rules2 8onFt tailgate. s&ee$. or run re$ lig#tsL an$ $onFt $ri!e *#en $ro*sy. $run). or ot#er*ise i3&aire$2 Re0rain 0ro3 $istra"tionsKli)e eating. te5ting. or tal)ing on a "ell &#oneK *#ile be#in$ t#e *#eel2 <o one ste& 0urt#er. an$ ta)e a $e0ensi!e $ri!ing "ourseL youFll learn !aluable te"#ni6ues 0or a""i$ent &re!ention. an$ 3ay re"ei!e an insuran"e $is"ountI

!ha" er #0

TRAHEL

Roa&in% he World 0i hou a Trus Fund -., 9e your o0n ravel a%en

9a)e "#arge o0 your tra!el &lans. an$ "ut out t#e 3i$$le3anI Wit# an internet "onne"tion. an$ a little leg*or). you "an sa!e a bun$le on 0ees an$ "o33issions2 9ra!el *ebsitesKli)e Hrbit+2"o3. E5&e$ia2"o3 an$ Botels2"o3K#el& you 0in$ t#e lo*est &ri"es on 0lig#ts. "ar rentals an$ a""o33o$ations2 9y&e in your $ates an$ $estination. an$ see *#at $eals t#ey #a!e to o00er2 Be "ertain to rea$ t#e 0ine &rint. an$ un$erstan$ t#e "an"ellation &oli"ies. o0 s&e"ial rates an$ &a")ages2 For best results. "#e") out online re!ie*s by 0ello* tra!elers be0ore boo)ing a #otel. "ruise or tour2

-.- )lan 0ell in advance

,lan your tri& *ell in a$!an"e to se"ure t#e lo*est air0areKes&e"ially i0 your tra!el $ates arenFt 0le5ibleI 9ry to &ur"#ase your ti")et at least t#ree *ee)s be0ore $e&artureL t#e &ri"e "an rise e5&onentially in t#e $ays lea$ing u& to t#e 0lig#t2 Reser!e international 0lig#ts e!en earlierL

(5 t#eyFre 3ore li3ite$ in nu3ber. an$ 0ill u& 6ui")ly $uring &o&ular tra!el ti3es2 I0 t#e 0are $ro&s in t#e 3eanti3e. so3e airlines *ill reissue your ti")et an$ gi!e you a "re$it !ou"#er 0or 0uture tra!el2 %u"# re0un$ &oli"ies are usually not a$!ertise$. so "#e") your "arrierFs *ebsite. or "all t#eir "usto3er ser!i"e line. 0or $etails2

-.. 9e *le6ible 0i h your "lans

Frugillionaires s"ore big sa!ings by being 0le5ible *it# t#eir tra!el &lansI C#e") t#e 0ares 0or t#e t*o $ays be0ore. an$ a0ter. your i$eal $e&arture $ateL t#e $i00eren"e in "ost 3ay sur&rise you2 %o3e tra!el *ebsites let you sear"# 0or 0lig#ts in a 3ulti@$ay *in$o*. 3a)ing it easy to &lan bot# legs *#en t#e 0ares are "#ea&est2 You "an also get a lo*er ti")et &ri"e by 0lying on less &o&ular $ays. an$ $uring less &o&ular ti3esKli)e a We$nes$ay nig#t at 11:00 &32 An$ i0 youFre *illing to 3a)e a "onne"tion or t*o. you "an sa!e #un$re$s o0 $ollars o!er 0lying $ire"tI

-.5 Find las D&inu e bar%ains

I0 youFre really 0le5ible. ta)e a$!antage o0 last@3inute bargains2 In or$er to 0ill t#eir 0lig#ts. airlines release e3&ty seatsKat ro") botto3 &ri"esKa 0e* $ays be0ore $e&arture2 YouFll sa!e lots o0 3oney i0 you "an lea!e at a 3o3entFs noti"eI Fin$ t#ese 0rugal 0ares on airline an$ tra!el *ebsites. or sign u& 0or e3ail noti0i"ations to get t#e3 $eli!ere$ to your inbo52 For e5tra 0un. let t#e &ri"e $eter3ine your $estination: grab t#e "#ea&est 0lig#t. an$ #a!e a s&ontaneous *ee)en$ in t#e "ity *#ere it ter3inatesI %ear"# t#e *eb. an$ youFll also 0in$ last@3inute !a"ation &a")ages. "o3&lete *it# a""o33o$ations2

-./ Use al erna e air"or s

W#en you boo) a 0lig#t. $onFt auto3ati"ally "#oose t#e largest air&ort in t#e area 1or t#e one "losest to #o3e4 as your &oint o0 $e&arture2 You "an o0ten 0in$ less e5&ensi!e 0ares by broa$ening your sear"#2 C#e") t#e "ost o0 0lying out o0 all t#e air&orts in your regionL it 3ay be "#ea&er to lea!e 0ro3 one t#atFs s3aller. or in anot#er "ity2 I0 t#is "#ange o0 itinerary re6uires a train ri$e. longer $ri!e. or a$$itional &ar)ing e5&ense. "onsi$er t#ese 0a"tors *#en "o3&aring air0ares2 All else being e6ual. t#e sa!ings 3ay be *ort# a little in"on!enien"eI

-.1 Si%n u" *or e&ail aler s

%ign u& 0or e3ail alerts. an$ be t#e 0irst to )no* about s&e"ial tra!el $ealsI W#y *aste ti3e sear"#ing 0or bargains. *#en t#ey "an be sent straig#t to your inbo5G Register *it# t#e *ebsites o0 3a-or airlines an$ #otel "#ains. to re"ei!e auto3ati" noti0i"ations o0 lo* 0ares an$ s&e"ial rates2 %ites li)e 9ra!elo"ity2"o3 an$ E5&e$ia2"o3 let you s&e"i0y $estinations o0 interest. an$ "onta"t you *#en great $eals "o3e u& on air0are. a""o33o$ations an$ !a"ation &a")ages

(; 0or t#ose &la"es2 ItFs li)e #a!ing your o*n tra!el "on"ierge. absolutely 0ree o0 "#argeI

-.2 9oo( a "ac(a%e

%o3eti3es buying a !a"ation &a")ageKt#at in"lu$es bot# air0are an$ a""o33o$ations Kyiel$s greater sa!ings t#an boo)ing your 0lig#t an$ #otel se&arately2 Aee& an eye on tra!el *ebsites: aggregators "o3bine !a"ant seats *it# !a"ant roo3s. an$ sell t#e3 toget#er at $ee&ly $is"ounte$ rates2 C#e") *it# airlines as *ellL t#ey o0ten &artner *it# #otels 0or s&e"ial &ro3otions2 %o3e &a")ages e!en in"lu$e "ar rental an$ a$3ission to &o&ular tourist attra"tions2 Just re3e3ber. t#e best bargains are 0or last@3inute $e&arturesL so #a!e your bags &a")e$ an$ be rea$y to goI

-.3 Ga&ble *or your roo&

?se blin$@boo)ing sites li)e ,ri"eline2"o3 an$ Bot*ire2"o3 to get great $eals on #otel roo3s2 9#is is one situation in *#i"# a little ga3bling "an really &ay o00I Bot*ire lets you )no* t#e "lass. lo"ation an$ &ri"e o0 a!ailable roo3s: 0or e5a3&le. a 0our@star #otel in 9i3es %6uare 0or M1(( &er nig#t2 You *onFt 0in$ out t#e na3e o0 t#e #otel until a0ter you boo) it2 ,ri"eline o&erates si3ilarly. but also allo*s you to 3a)e an o00er: "#oose t#e #otel "lass an$ lo"ation. an$ na3e t#e &ri"e youFre *illing to &ay2 I0 your o00er is a""e&te$. t#e reser!ation is 3a$e. an$ t#e $etails o0 t#e #otel are re!eale$2 I0 youFre 0le5ible. itFs a 0un an$ 0rugal *ay to 0in$ a roo3I

-50 $on+ *ollo0 he cro0d

W#en it "o3es to tra!el. it &ays to 3ar"# to a $i00erent $ru33erI 9o sa!e 3oney. 0rugillionaires go *#ere t#e "ro*$s arenFt2 Botels in 3a-or "ities are 3ost e5&ensi!e $uring t#e *ee). *#en t#ey "ater to business tra!elers2 Boo) your stay 0or t#e *ee)en$ instea$L &ri"es are slas#e$ *#en t#e roa$ *arriors "lear out2 Resorts. on t#e ot#er #an$. attra"t a Fri$ay t#roug# %un$ay "ro*$L &lan your !isit 3i$@*ee) 0or 3u"# lo*er rates2 <et t#e best air0are $eals by 0lying at un&o&ular ti3es. li)e late *ee)$ay nig#ts or early %atur$ay 3orning2 YouFll also #a!e a better "#oi"e o0 seatsI

-5# Travel in he o**Dseason

<et #uge $is"ounts on 0lig#ts. a""o33o$ations an$ !a"ation &a")ages. by tra!eling in t#e o00@season2 8uring slo* &erio$s. airlines an$ #otels slas# &ri"es to 0ill !a"ant seats an$ e3&ty roo3s2 9a)e a$!antage o0 t#eir $es&eration. an$ sa!e 50 &er"ent or 3ore o00 t#e regular "ost2 I0 &ossible. a!oi$ tra!eling $uring #oli$ays an$ su33er brea)s. *#en youFll &ay &ea) ratesL try t#e less e5&ensi!e Ds#oul$erE seasons. li)e %e&te3ber7H"tober an$ /ar"#7A&ril. instea$2 Ca"ation in t#e $ea$ o0 *inter 0or e!en greater sa!ings2 As an a$$e$ bonus. 3useu3s an$ tourist sites *ill

(= be 0ree o0 "ro*$sKan$ 3ay e!en o00er re$u"e$ a$3issionI

-5, Ta(e day ri"s

Air0are an$ #otel roo3s ta)e t#e biggest bite out o0 your !a"ation bu$get2 Eli3inate t#ese e5&enses. by ta)ing $ay tri&s instea$I Fabulous tra!el $oesnFt #a!e to in!ol!e 0ar@0lung $estinationsL loo) in your o*n region 0or interesting attra"tions2 E5&lore nearby sites o0 #istori"al signi0i"an"eL !isit 3useu3s. +oos an$ botani"al gar$ensL or ta)e a #i)e on a *il$erness trail2 Consult a 3a& 0or i$easKan #our or t*oFs $ri!e 3ay &ut you in a !ibrant "ity. a la)e0ront resort or a national &ar)2 Alternati!ely. ta)e a bus or train to your $estinationL 0ares are usually 6uite reasonable. an$ you "an rela5 en routeI

-5- !o&&une 0i h na ure

Forget t#e &ri"ey resorts. 0an"y restaurants. an$ o!er&ri"e$ t#e3e &ar)sK"o33une *it# nature instea$I National an$ state &ar)s are easy on t#e bu$get: a$3ission is generally ine5&ensi!e. an$ so3eti3es e!en 0ree o0 "#arge2 9#e e5&erien"e. #o*e!er. is &ri"eless: youFll en-oy &ristine bea"#es. lus# 0orests. 3iles o0 #i)ing trails an$ s&e"ta"ular !ie*s2 ,a") a &i"ni" lun"#. an$ en-oy it in a gorgeous natural setting2 For a longer geta*ay. "a3& 0or a 0e* nig#ts un$er t#e starsL you "an bring your o*n tent. or rent a "abin at !ery reasonable rates2 ItFs 3ore 0rugalKan$ 0unKt#an boo)ing a #otel roo3I

-5. Si%n u" *or loyal y "ro%ra&s

%tret"# your tra!el $ollars 0urt#erKby being a loyal "usto3erI I0 you use a &arti"ular airline regularly. sign u& 0or its 0re6uent 0lyer &rogra32 YouFll earn a "ertain nu3ber o0 &oints 0or e!ery 3ile you tra!el2 9#ese "re$its a""u3ulate in your a""ount. an$ "an be e5"#ange$ 0or ti")ets. u&gra$es an$ ot#er re*ar$s2 C#ain #otels o00er si3ilar &rogra3s. re*ar$ing 0re6uent stays *it# a 0ree nig#t2 Rea$ ter3s an$ "on$itions "are0ully. an$ un$erstan$ t#e rules an$ restri"tions 0or re$ee3ing your &oints2 For ti&s on getting 3a5i3u3 !alue 0ro3 loyalty &lans. "#e") out *ebsites li)e Fre6uentFlier2"o3 an$ Flyer9al)2"o32

-55 Ge a ravel re0ards card

%ign u& 0or a "re$it "ar$ t#at re*ar$s you *it# tra!el 3iles2 W#ene!er you 3a)e a &ur"#ase. youFll earn &oints to*ar$ air0are. #otel stays an$ "ar rentals2 Just i3agine: e!ery bag o0 gro"eries. an$ gallon o0 gas. *ill get you a little "loser to t#at Ba*aiian !a"ationI Rea$ t#e 0ine &rint "are0ully *#en sele"ting a "ar$2 I$eally. "#oose one *it# no annual 0ee. an$ 3ini3al bla")out $ates an$ restri"tions2 9#ese "ar$s o0ten #a!e #ig# interest rates. so &ay o00 t#e balan"e in 0ull ea"# 3ont#L ot#er*ise. t#e 0inan"e "#arges "oul$ e5"ee$ t#e !alue o0 your re*ar$sI

(>

-5/ As( *or discoun s

8onFt be s#yKto get a $is"ount. so3eti3es all you nee$ to $o is as) 0or itI Call t#e #otel in *#i"# youF$ li)e to stay. an$ re6uest a re$u"e$ rate or 0ree e5tra nig#t2 Hr i0 you arri!e *it#out a reser!ation. negotiate *it# t#e agent be#in$ t#e "ounterL t#eyFre usually aut#ori+e$ to gi!e lo*er rates at t#eir $is"retion2 et t#e3 )no* i0 a "o3&etitor is o00ering a 3ore attra"ti!e $ealL t#ey 3ay 3at"# itKor better itKto get your business2 Your "#an"e o0 su""ess is greater *it# s3aller. in$e&en$ent #otels. but e!en t#e big ones *ill ben$ on &ri"e in or$er to 0ill !a"an"ies2

-51 As( *or u"%rades

W#en you "#e") into a #otel. as) 0or an u&gra$eKit only ta)es a 3inute. an$ t#e *orst t#eyFll say is no2 Hn t#e ot#er #an$. you 3ay se"ure a larger roo3 or an o"ean !ie*I It #el&s to arri!e late in t#e $ayL i0 suites are still uno""u&ie$. "ler)s are 3ore li)ely to gi!e t#e3 a*ay2 Be &leasant an$ &olite *#en 3a)ing your re6uest. an$ let t#e3 )no* i0 youFre "elebrating a s&e"ial o""asion2 ?se t#e sa3e strategy *#en 0lying: as) t#e "ounter agent 0or an u&gra$e to business or 0irst "lass2 I0 seats are a!ailable. your *is# 3ay be grante$. es&e"ially i0 youFre a 0re6uent 0lyer *it# t#e airline2

-52 Use &e&bershi" discoun s

8o you belong to t#e AAA. AAR, or ot#er national organi+ationG I0 so. 3a)e sure you tell t#e ti")et agent *#en 3a)ing tra!el reser!ationsI /e3bers#i& in "ertain grou&s "an garner $is"ounts on #otel roo3s. "ar rentals an$ a$3ission to tourist attra"tions2 /any #otels also o00er s&e"ial rates 0or 3ilitary &ersonnel. go!ern3ent e3&loyees an$ t#ose *#o *or) in t#e tra!el in$ustryL be &re&are$ to s#o* &ro&er i$enti0i"ation *#en "#e")ing in2 I0 youFre a business tra!eler. as) 0or t#e #otelFs "or&orate rateL youFll usually 6uali0y e!en i0 youFre sel0@e3&loye$2

-53 Use children+s discoun s

I0 youFre tra!eling *it# little ones. ta)e a$!antage o0 any $is"ounts 0or *#i"# t#eyFre eligibleI ,lane seats 3ust be &ur"#ase$ 0or "#il$ren o!er t#e age o0 t*o. but 3ost airlines o00er re$u"e$ 0ares 0or &int@si+e$ &assengers2 In0ants "an usually tra!el on a &arentFs la& 0or 0ree2 /any 3a-or #otel "#ains let )i$s un$er eig#teen stay 0ree. an$ so3e restaurants &ro!i$e $is"ounte$ 1or "o3&li3entary4 "#il$renFs 3eals2 8e&en$ing on t#eir age. )i$s 3ay also 6uali0y 0or 0ree or $is"ounte$ a$3ission to 3useu3s an$ tourist attra"tions. an$ lo*er 0ares on &ubli" transit2

-/0 Slee" under he s ars

((

%)i& t#e roo3 ser!i"e. an$ go "a3&ingKitFs a bu$get@0rien$ly *ay to !isit so3e o0 t#e 3ost beauti0ul areas o0 t#e "ountry2 Ca3&sites are &lenti0ul in &o&ular $estinations. an$ are o0ten lo"ate$ -ust $o*n t#e roa$ 0ro3 &ri"ey resorts2 %o3e are 0ree. *#ile ot#ers "#arge a s3all 0ee 0or ea"# nig#t you stay2 Costs *ill $e&en$ on *#et#er youFre using a tent or re"reational !e#i"le 1RC42 8onFt be inti3i$ate$ by t#e i$ea o0 Droug#ingE it: 3any sites &ro!i$e a3enities su"# as #ot s#o*ers an$ "lean restroo3s. an$ so3e e!en #a!e "abins. yurts an$ ot#er a""o33o$ations 0or rent2

-/# S ay in a hos el

%tret"# your tra!el bu$get by staying in a #ostel. instea$ o0 a #otel2 In t#e &ast. #ostels "atere$ al3ost e5"lusi!ely to young. single ba")&a")ers. &ro!i$ing $or3itory@style a""o33o$ations an$ 0e* a3enities2 Fortunately 0or 0rugillionaires. ti3es #a!e "#ange$2 /any #ostels #a!e u&gra$e$ t#eir 0a"ilities to attra"t ol$er tra!elers. an$ &ri!ate roo3s are o0ten a!ailable 0or "ou&les an$ 0a3ilies2 9#ere are usually 0ull )it"#ens on site. *#i"# "an $rasti"ally "ut $o*n your $ining e5&enses2 Best o0 all. #ostels #a!e "o33on lounges *#ere guests "an so"iali+eKa00or$ing you a *on$er0ul o&&ortunity to 3eet &eo&le 0ro3 all o!er t#e *orl$I

-/, S ay in a bed and brea(*as

A be$ an$ brea)0ast "an be a great bu$get alternati!e to a 0ull ser!i"e #otel2 Rates are ty&i"ally lo*er. an$ t#e o*ners 3ore *illing to negotiate t#e3L an$ a 0ull 1an$ usually #eartyI4 brea)0ast is in"lu$e$ in t#e &ri"e2 BXBFs range 0ro3 0ull@si+e inns. to &ri!ate #o3es *it# a 0e* roo3s 0or rent2 Bat#roo3s 3ay be en suite or s#are$ *it# ot#er guests2 Be sure to "#at *it# t#e &ro&rietors $uring your !isit. as t#eyFre usually *on$er0ul sour"es o0 )no*le$ge about t#e area2 9#eyFll gi!e you a$!i"e. 3a)e re"o33en$ations. an$ $o 3ore to 3a)e your stay en-oyable t#an *ill 3ost #otel "on"iergesI

-/- S ay 0i h *riends or rela ives

9#e 3ost 0rugal a""o33o$ations o0 all are t#e #ouses o0 0rien$s an$ relati!es2 I0 t#eyF!e in!ite$ you to stay. a""e&t t#eir o00erKyouFll sa!e a 0ortune on #otel "ostsI Arri!e *it# a s3all gi0tKsu"# as 0res# 0lo*ers. a 0ruit bas)et or a ni"e bottle o0 *ineKas a to)en o0 your a&&re"iation2 An$ *#ile youFre t#ere. re3e3ber to be a gra"ious #ouseguest: )ee& your roo3 ti$y. #el& *it# t#e "oo)ing. an$ o00er to $o t#e $is#es2 Free lo$ging $oesnFt in"lu$e 3ai$ ser!i"eI A0ter you lea!e. 0ollo*@u& *it# a t#an) you note2 et your #osts )no* you en-oye$ t#eir "o3&any. an$ e5&ress your gratitu$e 0or t#eir #os&itality2

-/. Ren a condo or house

100

i!e li)e a lo"al: rent a "on$o3iniu3 or #ouse on your ne5t !a"ationI 9#ese a""o33o$ations are usually rente$ by t#e *ee) or 3ont#. an$ "an be 0ar 3ore e"ono3i"al t#an a 0ull ser!i"e #otel2 ,ri!ate #o3es are &arti"ularly "ost@e00e"ti!e 0or 0a3ilies an$ grou&s. eli3inating t#e e5&ense o0 3ulti&le #otel roo3s2 YouFll lo!e t#e "on!enien"e o0 #a!ing laun$ry 0a"ilities an$ a )it"#en. an$ "an sa!e a 0ortune in 0oo$ "osts by &re&aring your o*n 3eals2 As) a tra!el agent about a!ailable o&tions. or sear"# online 0or s#ort@ter3 rentals2 For t#e best $eals. s)i& t#e 3i$$le3an an$ $eal $ire"tly *it# t#e o*nerI

-/5 S0a" your house

<et 0ree a""o33o$ations *#en you tra!elKby s*a&&ing your #ouseI Borro* t#e #o3e o0 anot#er 0a3ily. an$ len$ t#e3 yours in return2 ItFs easy: register online *it# a *ebsite li)e Bo3eE5"#ange2"o3 or Bo3e in)2org. an$ &ost &#otos an$ $etails o0 your abo$e2 Bro*se t#roug# t#e listings in your 0a!orite $estinations. an$ *#en you s&ot a &otential "an$i$ate. "onta"t t#e3 an$ &ro&ose a s*a&2 /ean*#ile. &eo&le *#o see your &osting 3ay re6uest to tra$e *it# you2 Hn"e you 0in$ a 3at"#. get to )no* your &artner by tele&#one or e3ail2 Iron out t#e $ates an$ $etails. an$ sign a #o3e e5"#ange agree3ent 1see sa3&les online42

-// S ay ou side he ci y

Big. e5&ensi!e "ities "o3e *it# big. e5&ensi!e #otel &ri"esI YouFll &ay a &re3iu3 to stay in t#e "enter o0 t#e a"tion2 Consi$er a #otel on t#e outs)irts instea$. about 10@15 3inutes 0ro3 t#e $o*nto*nL rates *ill be signi0i"antly lo*er2 Just 3a)e sure trans&ortation "osts *onFt *i&e out your sa!ings2 A""o33o$ations on a &ubli" transit lineK*it# bus. train. trolley or sub*ay ser!i"eKare i$eal2 E!en ta)ing ta5i ri$es into t#e "ity 3ay be 3ore "ost@e00e"ti!e t#an lo$ging t#ere2 I0 &ossible. a!oi$ lo"ations t#at ne"essitate "ar rentalL itFs a #assle to $ri!e. an$ e5&ensi!e to &ar). in 3ost 3a-or "ities2

-/1 Use ho el shu le services

/a)e use o0 your #otelFs s#uttle ser!i"e to sa!e 3oney on trans&ortationI 8onFt s#ell out big bu")s 0or a ta5i to t#e air&ortL 3any #otels run t#eir o*n s#uttle bus. on a regular s"#e$ule. to an$ 0ro3 t#e ter3inals2 9#e tri& is usually 0ree o0 "#arge 0or #otel guests2 %o3e s#uttles &ro!i$e ri$es to tourist attra"tions as *ell. or run a loo& t#roug# &o&ular sig#ts2 9#e latter "an be a great *ay to DtourE t#e area *it#out t#e e5&ense o0 a gui$eI 8e&en$ing on t#e e5tent o0 t#eir route. an$ nu3ber o0 sto&s. t#ey "an e!en be an alternati!e to &ubli" trans&ortation2

-/2 Use "ublic ransi

101

Ri$e t#e railsKan$ t#e buses. sub*ays. trolleys an$ 0erriesK$uring your ne5t tri&I /any "ities are *ell ser!e$ by &ubli" transit. an$ so3e o&tionsKli)e t#e *aterbuses o0 Ceni"e. an$ street"ars o0 %an Fran"is"oKare tourist attra"tions t#e3sel!es2 Fa3iliari+e yoursel0 *it# t#e net*or) be0ore you rea"# your $estinationL 3a&s are a!ailable online. in gui$eboo)s an$ t#roug# tourist bureaus2 C#oose a #otel near a &ubli" transit sto& 0or 3a5i3u3 "on!enien"e an$ sa!ings2 YouFll eli3inate t#e "osts o0 ta5is. rental "ars an$ &ar)ing. an$ e5&erien"e t#e "ity li)e a lo"alI

-/3 Ge a ouris ransi "ass

Ri$ing &ubli" transit sa!es you 3oney *#en tra!elingL getting a tourist &ass sa!es you e!en 3oreI As a sig#tseer. youFll "o!er 3u"# 3ore groun$ t#an t#e ty&i"al "o33uterKan$ buying in$i!i$ual train. bus an$ sub*ay ti")ets "an a$$ u& 0ast2 A tourist transit &ass gi!es you unli3ite$ ri$es on a "ityFs trans&ortation net*or) 0or a "ertain &erio$ o0 ti3e 1li)e one $ay. t#ree $ays or a *ee)42 9#eyFre not only "ost@e00e"ti!e. t#ey 3a)e na!igating an un0a3iliar transit syste3 less inti3i$ating2 You *onFt #a!e to *orry about $e"o$ing 0are s"#e$ules in 0oreign languages. or being "aug#t *it# t#e *rong ty&e o0 ti")etI

-10 E6"lore on *oo

A 0rugillionaireFs 0a!orite *ay to e5&erien"e a to*n or "ity is by *al)ing its streets2 9a5is an$ tourist buses are e5&ensi!e. an$ )ee& you re3o!e$ 0ro3 t#e a"tion2 /a)e your *ay to restaurants. 3useu3s an$ tourist attra"tions on 0oot instea$2 <i!e yoursel0 &lenty o0 ti3e. an$ ta)e in all t#e sig#ts. soun$s an$ s3ells aroun$ you2 Bro*se t#roug# t#e s#o&s. grab a sna") at t#e 3ar)et. "#e") out t#e ne*sstan$s an$ rest in t#e &ar)2 ItFs 3u"# 3ore interesting to be &art o0 t#e "ro*$. rat#er t#an a s&e"tator2 ,lus. youFll $is"o!er all t#ose *on$er0ul little &la"es you ne!er rea$ about in gui$eboo)sI

-1# Sho" around *or car ren als

W#en boo)ing a rental "ar. s#o& aroun$ 0or t#e best $eal2 9#e sa3e "o3&any 3ay o00er $i00erent rates t#roug# $i00erent sour"es: "all t#eir >00@nu3ber. "#e") t#eir *ebsite. an$ "onta"t t#eir lo"al o00i"e to 0in$ t#e lo*est &ri"e2 9ra!el *ebsitesKli)e E5&e$ia2"o3 an$ 9ra!elo"ity2"o3K3a)e it 6ui") an$ easy to "o3&are o00ers2 %i3&ly enter your $ates. &i")@u& lo"ation. an$ "ar &re0eren"eL in an instant. youFll re"ei!e a list o0 rental agen"ies an$ rates2 9o sa!e a$$itional 3oney. loo) 0or "ou&ons an$ s&e"ial &ro3otions. an$ as) 0or any $is"ounts 1su"# as AAA or AAR,4 0or *#i"# you 6uali0yI

-1, 9e savvy abou car ren als

102

I0 you rent your "ar at t#e air&ort. youFll usually &ay a &re3iu3K"#e") t#e rates at ot#er lo"ations be0ore 3a)ing your reser!ation2 9#e sa!ings 3ay be *ort# a s#ort tre) to anot#er 0a"ility2 Co3&are $aily an$ *ee)ly rates as *ellL it 3ay be 3ore "ost@e00e"ti!e to rent a "ar 0or t#e *ee). e!en i0 you only use it a 0e* $ays2 Rea$ t#e 0ine &rint. an$ "#e") i0 0ees are i3&ose$ on early returns2 An$ 0inally. $onFt 0orget to 0ill t#e tan) be0ore you $ro& t#e "ar o00L 3ost agen"ies "#arge a #e0ty &ri"e &er gallon i0 you bring it ba") e3&tyI

-1- $on+ buy unnecessary insurance

W#en you rent a "ar. t#in) t*i"e be0ore ta)ing t#e e5tra insuran"eKit 3ay be unne"essary2 Rental !e#i"les are o0ten "o!ere$ un$er &ersonal auto &oli"iesL "#e") yours. or "onta"t your agent. 0or $etails2 You 3ay also re"ei!e "o!erage 0or "ollision an$ t#e0t i0 you &ay 0or t#e "ar *it# your "re$it "ar$2 Hn t#e ot#er #an$. you 3ay be better o00 *it# t#e rental agentFs insuran"e i0 you #a!e a #ig# $e$u"tible on your o*n &oli"y. i0 an a""i$ent *oul$ in"rease your &re3iu3. or i0 youFre renting in a 0oreign "ountry2 9o 3a)e t#e 3ost "ost@e00e"ti!e "#oi"e. $o your #o3e*or) be0ore arri!ing at t#e rental "ounterI

-1. Use AT8s *or *orei%n currency

W#en youFre tra!eling abroa$. $onFt lose a 0ortune "on!erting your $ollarsI E5"#ange $es)s are )no*n 0or un0a!orable rates an$ #ig# "o33issionsL an$ "#anging 3oney at #otels. restaurants an$ retail stores *ill "ost you e!en 3ore2 Instea$. use A9/ 3a"#ines 0or your 0oreign "urren"y nee$s2 9#ey "#arge a 0air e5"#ange rate. an$ are *i$ely a!ailable in 3ost to*ns an$ "ities2 9o 3ini3i+e ban) "#arges. use no@0ee A9/s *#ene!er &ossible. an$ *it#$ra* t#e 3a5i3u3 a3ount allo*e$2 Just be sure to *ear a 3oney belt. so youFll #a!e a se"ure &la"e to stas# your "as#2

-15 8a(e e6chan%e ra es 0or( in your *avor

9#e "urrent e5"#ange rate "an #a!e a #uge i3&a"t on your !a"ation bu$getI W#en t#e $ollar is strong. o!erseas tra!el is a bargainL your 3oney goes 0urt#er *#en s#o&&ing. $ining an$ boo)ing #otels2 A *ea) $ollar. on t#e ot#er #an$. *ill gi!e you a serious "ase o0 sti")er s#o")2 W#en &lanning your ne5t tri&. 3a)e e5"#ange rates *or) in your 0a!or2 I0 t#e $ollar is *ea) against t#e Euro. but strong against t#e Argentine &eso. s)i& Bar"elona an$ #ea$ to Buenos AiresI You "an also "o3e out a#ea$ 1*#en t#e $ollar is 0alling4 by boo)ing &re&ai$ "ruises an$ !a"ation &a")ages2

-1/ Read ravelers+ revie0s online

103 9o get t#e 3ost bang 0or your tra!el bu"). get ti&s 0ro3 0ello* touristsI YouFll 0in$ t#ousan$s o0 in$e&en$ent re!ie*sKon #otels. restaurants. attra"tions an$ 3oreKon *ebsites li)e 9ri&A$!isor2"o3 an$ 9ri&Conne"t2"o32 9#e a$!i"e is 3ore #onest an$ #el&0ul t#an anyt#ing youFll rea$ in a tra!el bro"#ure2 I0 you #a!e s&e"i0i" 6uestions. &ost t#e3 to t#e &ubli" 0oru3sL youFll re"ei!e ans*ers 0ro3 e5&erien"e$ tra!elers an$ in@t#e@)no* lo"als2 8o your resear"# be0ore#an$. an$ youFll be less li)ely to *aste your 3oney on a ba$ 3eal. a $u3&y roo3. or an o!er&ri"e$ tourist tra&I

-11 Use cou"ons and "asses

oo) 0or $is"ounts to &o&ular tourist sitesK*#y &ay 0ull &ri"e i0 you $onFt #a!e toG 9ouris3 bureaus "o33only o00er "ou&on boo)s an$ !ou"#ers 0or lo"al attra"tions2 C#e") t#eir *ebsites in a$!an"e o0 your tri&. or !isit t#eir o00i"es *#en you arri!e2 I0 you &lan to $o a lot o0 sig#tseeing. "onsi$er &ur"#asing a tourist "ar$ or &assKyouFll get re$u"e$ 1or 0ree4 a$3ission to 3useu3s. lan$3ar)s an$ ot#er 3ust@see s&ots2 Ri$es on &ubli" transit 3ay e!en be in"lu$e$2 Be &arti"ularly !igilant 0or bargains in t#e o00@seasonL &ro3otional $eals aboun$ $uring slo* &erio$sI

-12 $o hin%s ha are *ree

,ass on &ri"ey tourist tra&s. an$ $o t#ings t#at are 0reeKt#e best tra!el e5&erien"es $onFt re6uire a$3issionI %trolling t#e streets o0 an un0a3iliar "ity "an be 3ore interesting. an$ en-oyable. t#an s#u00ling t#roug# stu00y 3useu3s2 A$3ire t#e art an$ ar"#ite"ture o0 lo"al "#ur"#es. an$ bro*se s#o&s an$ bouti6ues to see regional #an$i"ra0ts2 I0 youFre in a 0oreign "ountry. &o& into a gro"ery storeL *an$ering t#e aisles "an be 6uite entertainingI For 3ore lai$@ ba") sig#tseeing. #ang out in &ar)s an$ &la+as *#ere lo"als "ongregate. an$ -ust sit ba") an$ ta)e in t#e s"eneI

-13 )ac( li%h

9#e #a&&y tra!elerFs best se"ret is &a")ing lig#tI Not#ing ruins a !a"ation 0aster t#an #a!ing to $rag aroun$ a #ea!y suit"aseKor &ay e5tra 0ees 0or it at t#e air&ort "#e")@in2 %o3e airlines assess #e0ty "#arges 0or e5"ess. or o!er*eig#t. luggage2 %a!e 3oney by bringing -ust one bag. an$ &a")ing only t#e essentials2 C#oose !ersatile "lot#ing t#at *or)s 0ro3 $ayti3e to $inner. an$ &lan to *ear ea"# &ie"e a 0e* ti3es2 A "lot#esline an$ s3all &a")et o0 $etergent ta)e u& 3u"# less s&a"e t#an a 0ull *ar$robe2 Wit# 3ini3al baggage. youFll 0eel 0ootloose. 0an"y 0ree. an$ rea$y 0or anyt#ingI

-20 !ha 0i h he locals

10: Instea$ o0 &aying 0or a tour gui$e. 0rugillionaires as) lo"als 0or a$!i"eI /ost resi$ents are #a&&y to #el& out !isitors. an$ *ill e3bra"e t#e "#an"e to *a5 &oeti" on t#e "#ar3s o0 t#eir #o3eto*n2 In6uire about t#eir 0a!orite &la"es to eat. $rin) an$ #ang out2 C#an"es are. youFll "o3e a*ay 0ro3 t#e e5"#ange *it# in!aluable )no*le$ge: li)e *#ere to 0in$ t#e li!eliest nig#tli0e. best sli"e o0 &i++a. or 0irst@rate es&resso2 Re"o33en$ations by t#ose in t#e )no* *ill usually be reasonably &ri"e$ an$ 0ille$ *it# lo"alsK3a)ing 0or an aut#enti". bu$get@0rien$ly e5&erien"eI

-2# $o0nload 0al(in% ours

9a)ing a *al)ing tour is a *on$er0ul *ay to e5&lore a ne* "ityKan$ all t#e in0or3ation you nee$ is a!ailable 0ree o0 "#arge on t#e internetI 9y&e t#e na3e o0 t#e "ity an$ D*al)ing tourE into your 0a!orite sear"# engine. an$ youFll 0in$ &lenty o0 itineraries 0ro3 *#i"# to "#oose2 9#ey 3a& s&e"i0i" routes to *al). an$ &ro!i$e in0or3ation on t#e sig#ts youFll see along t#e *ay2 ,rint out a "o&y to ta)e *it# you on your tri&2 You "an also $o*nloa$ au$io tours. an$ listen to t#e3 on your i,o$ or 3&3 &layer as you e5&lore your $estinationL itFs li)e #a!ing your o*n &ersonal gui$eI

-2, !hec( ou local even lis in%s

For 0rugal 0un *#ile tra!eling. a$$ so3e lo"al 0la!or to your itineraryI /ost "ities &ublis# a *ee)ly &a&er *it# entertain3ent listings. "ultural a"ti!ities an$ ot#er #a&&enings in t#e area2 /any e!ents are 0ree o0 "#argeKan$ 0ree o0 touristsI Consi$er yoursel0 lu")y i0 t#ereFs a 0air. 0esti!al or 0ar3ersF 3ar)et in to*nL youFll be able to e5&erien"e t#e "ulture o0 t#e region. an$ en-oy so3e interesting 1an$ ine5&ensi!e4 street 0oo$2 In t#e e!enings. loo) beyon$ t#e #otel bar 0or nig#tli0e: atten$ a &oetry rea$ing in a Fren"# "o00ee#ouse. an out$oor 3o!ie in an Italian &ia++a. or a "on"ert in a Ciennese "#ur"#I

-2- )ac( your o0n snac(s

W#en tra!eling by "ar. &lane or train. sa!e a bun$le by bringing your o*n sna")sI Con"ession stan$s at air&orts. an$ "a0N "ars on trains. "#arge #e0ty &re3iu3s 0or t#eir ite3s2 A granola bar. or bag o0 "#i&s. "an "ost $ouble t#e gro"ery store &ri"e2 An$ $onFt "ount on getting 0ree 0oo$ in@0lig#tL so3e airlines no* 3a)e you &ay 0or your &eanutsI Fill your "arry@on bag *it# your o*n 0areKli)e "ra")ers. san$*i"#es an$ &rotein barsKan$ eli3inate t#is e5tra e5&ense2 ?se a si3ilar strategy on roa$ tri&s: instea$ o0 sto&&ing at 3ini@3arts. sto") u& on 3un"#ies be0ore starting outI

-2. Hisi he %rocery s ore

105 ,ut t#e lo"al gro"ery store at t#e to& o0 your tra!el itinerary. an$ youFll sa!e big bu")s o!er t#e "ourse o0 your !a"ation2 %to") u& on 0ruit. sna")s an$ be!erages 0or your #otel roo3L in"lu$e &eris#ables i0 you #a!e a s3all re0rigerator or )it"#enette2 YouFll be 3u"# less li)ely to rai$ t#e 3ini@bar an$ ra") u& s)y@#ig# "#argesI I0 in a *ea) 3o3ent you "onsu3e a M; bo5 o0 "an$y. run to t#e store an$ try to re&la"e it be0ore t#e #otel sta00 noti"es2 But be 0ore*arne$: t#e latest 3ini@bar te"#nology uses in0rare$ sensors. an$ auto3ati"ally bills your roo3 t#e instant an ite3 is re3o!e$I

-25 )icnic

8ining out "an &ut a #uge $ent in your tra!el bu$getL sa!e so3e 3oney by #a!ing &i"ni"sI Cisit t#e lo"al 3ar)et to asse3ble your 3eal2 Fruit. bagels an$ yogurt are a 0rugal alternati!e to a brea)0ast bu00et. *#ile san$*i"# 0i5ingsKli)e brea$. "#eese. s3o)e$ sal3on or sli"e$ 3eatsK3a)e a satis0ying lun"#2 Bro*se t#e &re&are$ 0oo$s se"tion 0or a bu$get@0rien$ly $inner2 A0ter youF!e &ur"#ase$ your &i"ni" 0are. 0in$ a &i"tures6ue &la"e to en-oy it2 9a)e t#e o&&ortunity to eat al 0res"o in t#e s#a$o* o0 a 0a3ous lan$3ar)Kli)e t#e Ei00el 9o*er. Ro3an Coliseu3. or %tatue o0 iberty2 ItFs less e5&ensi!e. an$ a lot 3ore 0un. t#an sitting in a stu00y restaurantI

-2/ $ine ou a lunch

I0 you li)e to try out restaurants *#en you tra!el. !isit t#e3 0or lun"# instea$ o0 $innerI %in"e 3i$$ay 3enus are usually si3ilar to 1but less e5&ensi!e t#an4 e!ening !ersions. itFs a great *ay to sa3&le t#e "ulinary $elig#ts o0 a region *it#out blo*ing your bu$get2 /any establis#3ents e!en o00er lun"# s&e"ials. *#ere youFll get a t*o@ or t#ree@"ourse 3eal. *it# be!erage. at a 0i5e$ &ri"e2 Furt#er3ore. t#ereFs -ust so3et#ing 0abulous about #a!ing a long. lu5urious lun"# in t#e 3i$$le o0 a *or)$ayL it really 3a)es you a&&re"iate being on !a"ationI

-21 Ta(e a 4s ayca ion5

A!oi$ t#e long lines at air&ort se"urity. by ta)ing a Dstay"ation2E %&en$ your ti3e o00 in t#e lu5ury o0 your o*n #o3e: slee& late. linger o!er t#e ne*s&a&er. an$ ta)e long bubble bat#s2 <et bagels. 3u00ins an$ &astries. an$ 3a)e your o*n brea)0ast bu00et2 E5&lore your #o3eto*n *it# t#e eyes an$ ent#usias3 o0 a tourist: a$3ire t#e ar"#ite"ture. bro*se t#roug# t#e s#o&s. !isit t#e 3useu3s. an$ $ine in t#e restaurants2 I0 youFre 0eeling out$oorsy. &it"# a tent an$ "a3& out in t#e ba")yar$2 A Dstay"ationE *ill sa!e you a bun$le in tra!el "ostsKan$ you *onFt #a!e to *orry about *#at to &a")I

!ha" er ##

10;

FINAN!E

8ana%in% Bour 8oney and 8a(in% i Gro0 -22 $on+ buy 0ha you can+ a**ord

ItFs t#e si3&lest a$!i"e in t#e *orl$. but #as a &o*er0ul e00e"t on your &ersonal 0inan"es: $onFt buy *#at you "anFt a00or$2 Write it $o*n. "o33it it to 3e3ory. an$ say it o!er an$ o!er again *#en youFre out s#o&&ing2 9#ereFs not#ing 0abulous about being in $ebt. or struggling to 3a)e &ay3ents on an i3&ulse &ur"#ase2 9#e &leasure o0 a"6uiring t#at ne* $ress. so0a or tele!ision 6ui")ly 0a$es *#en you #a!e to 0in$ a *ay to &ay 0or it2 9#e ne5t ti3e youFre te3&te$ by a s#iny ne* *#atFs@it. ta)e "ontrol o0 t#e situation2 Instea$ o0 &ulling out t#e "re$it "ar$. *ait until you #a!e t#e "as# in t#e ban) to &ay 0or itI

-23 Flash he cash

9o #ol$ onto 3ore o0 your #ar$@earne$ $ollars. "ut u& your "re$it "ar$s an$ use only "as#2 9#is 0rugillionaire strategy *ill sa!e you a bun$le in 0inan"e "#arges. an$ &ut t#e bra)es on your s#o&&ing #abitKbe"ause *it#out "re$it. you "anFt s&en$ 3ore t#an t#e 3oney you #a!e2 ,aying *it# &lasti" is 0ar too &ainless2 %in"e t#e bill $oesnFt "o3e until t#e en$ o0 t#e 3ont#. it 0eels li)e youFre getting so3et#ing 0or 0ree2 ,aying *it# "as#. on t#e ot#er #an$. 3a)es t#e transa"tion 3ore Dreal2E W#en you #a!e to #an$ o!er goo$ ol$ greenba")s. you 3ay t#in) t*i"e be0ore 3a)ing t#e &ur"#aseI

-30 $on+ han% ou a he &all

I0 youFre trying to sa!e 3oney. $onFt #ang out at t#e 3allKt#e te3&tation is -ust too greatI W#atFs so e5"iting about *an$ering t#roug# ra")s o0 "lot#ing. or s#el!es o0 ele"troni"s. any*ayG It $oes not#ing 0or your 3ental or &#ysi"al *ell@being. an$ "an be $o*nrig#t $angerous to your 0inan"es2 Instea$ o0 0re6uenting retail stores in your leisure ti3e. go to t#e &ar). art

10= 3useu3. or lo"al "o00ee s#o&2 <et in!ol!e$ in "o33unity a"ti!ities. !olunteer 0or a goo$ "ause. or s&en$ t#e a0ternoon *it# 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily2 YouFll #a!e a 0uller *allet. an$ a 3ore interesting li0eI

-3# Free>e your credi cards:li erally

I0 youFre relu"tant to "ut u& your "re$it "ar$sKin "ase you nee$ one to rent a "ar. reser!e a #otel roo3. or a$$ress a true e3ergen"yKtry 0ree+ing t#e3 instea$2 Fill a s3all "ontainer *it# *ater. i33erse t#e "ar$1s4 insi$e. an$ &la"e it in t#e 0ree+er2 In s#ort or$er. your &lasti" *ill be tra&&e$ in a blo") o0 i"eKan$ sa0ely out o0 rea"# i0 youFre #ea$ing to t#e 3all. or s#o&&ing on t#e internetI 9#is te"#ni6ue sa!es you 3oney by &utting a $a3&er on i3&ulse &ur"#ases2 W#en you 0eel t#e $esire to 3a)e one. youFll #a!e to *ait a 0e* #ours 0or t#e "ar$ to t#a*L *it# any lu"). t#e urge to s&lurge *ill 3elt a*ay in t#e 3eanti3eI

-3, Fee" a s"endin% diary

I0 you *on$er *#ere your 3oney goes. start a s&en$ing $iary2 Re"or$ e!ery &ur"#ase you 3a)e. along *it# t#e &ri"e. in a noteboo) or "o3&uter s&rea$s#eet2 In"lu$e e!ery e5&en$iture. no 3atter #o* s3all or insigni0i"ant it see3sKt#ose bri$ge tolls. 3aga+ines. an$ bottles o0 *ater a$$ u&I 8i!i$e e5&enses into "ategories 1so you "an &in&oint &roble3 areas4. an$ "al"ulate your totals at t#e en$ o0 ea"# 3ont#2 YouFll 6ui")ly learn *#ere you nee$ to "ut ba")2 In 0a"t. you 3ay e!en 0in$ yoursel0 s&en$ing lessKto a!oi$ t#e #assle o0 *riting it $o*nI

-3- 9e a borro0er o* hin%s' no &oney

ItFs al*ays better to borro* an ite3. t#an borro* t#e 3oney to buy itI W#et#er you nee$ a se*ing 3a"#ine or a "ir"ular sa*. re0rain 0ro3 running to t#e storeKas) 0a3ily 3e3bers i0 t#ey #a!e one to len$2 Instea$ o0 buying e5tra &lates 0or your u&"o3ing $inner &arty. borro* so3e 0ro3 your ne5t@$oor neig#bor2 An$ i0 youF$ li)e to 0il3 a s&e"ial e!ent. $onFt &ut a "a3"or$er on your "re$it "ar$Ksee i0 a 0rien$ *ill let you use t#eirs2 Return all ite3s in goo$ "on$ition. an$ be e6ually generous *it# your o*n &ossessions2 Re3e3ber: borro*ing 3oney "osts 3oney. *#ile borro*ing t#ings sa!es itI

-3. Go on a s"endin% *as

%ele"t a s&e"i0i" ti3e &erio$Kli)e a $ay. *ee). or 3ont#Kan$ go on a s&en$ing 0ast2 8uring t#is ti3e. $onFt buy anyt#ing but ne"essities. li)e basi" 0oo$ an$ toiletries2 Fin$ "reati!e *ays to 3eet your nee$s. an$ 3a)e $o *it# t#e t#ings you alrea$y #a!e2 YouFll be a3a+e$ #o* 3u"# 3oney you sa!e. si3&ly by staying out o0 t#e storesI In 0a"t. you 3ay e!en 0eel a sense o0 relie0 *#en youFre not Dallo*e$E to s#o&2 As your resol!e buil$s. try a 3ore a3bitious

10> "#allenge: re0rain 0ro3 buying &arti"ular ite3sKsu"# as ne* "lot#es. #ouse*ares. or ele"troni" ga$getsK0or an entire yearI

-35 Ioin %rou"s *or su""or

W#en youFre trying to )i") a s&en$ing #abit. turn to ot#ers 0or su&&ort2 %ee) out lo"al $is"ussion grou&s on your to&i" o0 interestKbe it !oluntary si3&li"ity. 0inan"ial &lanning. $ebt re$u"tion. "ost@"utting. or re"o!ering 0ro3 a s#o&&ing a$$i"tion2 Consult /eetu&2"o3. or "o33unity bulletin boar$s. to 0in$ 3eetings in your area2 Alternati!ely. sear"# 0or su&&ort on t#e internet2 Hnline $is"ussion 0oru3s on &ersonal 0inan"e an$ 0rugalityKli)e %i3&le i!ing2net an$ <etRi"#%lo*ly2orgK"onne"t you *it# )in$re$ souls2 ,ost 3essages. re&ly to ot#ers. an$ 0in$ strengt# an$ ins&iration in t#e !irtual "a3ara$erieI

-3/ Save u" *or 0ha you 0an

%a!e u& 0or your ne5t big &ur"#ase. instea$ o0 buying it on "re$it2 W#et#er itFs a ne* "ar. a $is#*as#er or a $esigner #an$bag. 3a)e $o *it#out it until you #a!e t#e "as#2 8onFt &ay interest 0or instant grati0i"ationI W#en you 0igure in 0inan"e "#arges. youFre a"tually o!er&aying 0or t#e ite3K-ust 0or t#e &ri!ilege o0 #a!ing it i33e$iately2 Instea$. *ait until youF!e a""u3ulate$ t#e 3oney in t#e ban)L it 3ay ta)e *ee)s. 3ont#s or e!en years2 By t#at ti3e. you 3ay not e!en *ant t#e ite3 any3oreL an$ in t#at "ase. you "an "ongratulate yoursel0 on #o* 3u"# you sa!e$I

-31 Fno0 your ne 0or h

Ano* your net *ort#KitFs t#e )ey to ta)ing "ontrol o0 your 0inan"es. an$ be"o3ing a 0rugillionaire2 %it $o*n an$ $o t#e 3at#: your net *ort# is si3&ly your assets 1*#at you o*n4 3inus your liabilities 1*#at you o*e42 A$$ u& all your "as#. sto"). bon$s. "erti0i"ates o0 $e&osit an$ ot#er li6ui$ assets. as *ell as t#e "urrent !alue o0 any real estate or !e#i"les you o*n2 %ubtra"t 0ro3 t#at a3ount all your $ebts: 3ortgages. "ar loans. stu$ent loans. #o3e e6uity loans. "onsu3er loans an$ "re$it "ar$ balan"es2 9#e resulting 0igure is your net *ort#2 I$eally. it s#oul$ be &ositi!eKan$ t#e bigger t#e betterI

-32 8ind your ne 0or h

Consu3&tion is t#e nu3ber one obsta"le to &reser!ing. an$ gro*ing. your net *ort#L )ee& t#is in 3in$ *#en "onsi$ering a &ur"#aseI Ea"# ti3e you buy so3et#ing. you #a!e to $ra* $o*n your sa!ings 1$e"rease your assets4 or ta)e out a loan 1in"rease your liabilities4 to &ay 0or it Ksa"ri0i"ing so3e o0 your net *ort# in t#e &ro"ess2 As) yoursel0 i0 t#at M150 "as#3ere s*eater. or M5000 #o3e t#eater syste3. is *ort# t#e negati!e #it to your 0inan"esKor t#e e00ort itFll ta)e

10( to "li3b ba") out o0 t#e #ole2 You 3ay $e"i$e t#at itFs 3ore grati0ying to #a!e a bigger ban) a""ount. t#an t#e ite3 un$er "onsi$erationI

-33 )ay yoursel* *irs

9o )ee& 3ore o0 your &ay"#e"). &ay yoursel0 0irstI Your sa!ings s#oul$ "o3e o00 t#e to& o0 your earnings. not 0ro3 *#atFs le0t o!er2 ,i") an arbitrary a3ountKsay 10 &er"ent o0 your in"o3eKan$ &ut it in t#e ban). or :011)4 a""ount. ea"# 3ont#2 9reat it as anot#er bill t#at si3&ly 3ust be &ai$Kon &ar *it# your rent. utilities. ta5es an$ insuran"e &re3iu3s2 Better yet. 3a)e it auto3ati": set u& $ire"t $e&osit to 3o!e t#e 0un$s straig#t into sa!ings2 I0 you ne!er see t#e 3oney. you *onFt be able to s&en$ itL itFs a si3&le. &ainless *ay to a"#ie!e 0inan"ial se"urityI

.00 Enroll in a .0#@(A "lan

Join your "o3&anyFs :011)4 &lanKan$ #a!e &lenty o0 green 0or your gol$en yearsI Hn"e enrolle$. re6uest to #a!e a &ortion o0 ea"# &ay"#e") $e&osite$ $ire"tly into your :011)4 a""ount2 You *onFt #a!e to &ay ta5es on t#is 3oneyKor *#at you earn 0ro3 in!esting itKuntil you *it#$ra* it at retire3ent2 As an a$$e$ bonus. your "o3&any 3ay 3at"# your "ontributions: 3eaning t#at 0or e!ery $ollar you &ut into your a""ount. your e3&loyer 3ay a$$ anot#er $ollar. u& to a "ertain &er"ent o0 your in"o3e2 9#ese 3at"#ing 0un$s are 0ree 3oneyKso "ontribute enoug# to get t#e 3a5i3u3 a3ountI

.0# !onsider a Ro h IRA

Consi$er o&ening a Rot# IRAL itFs anot#er *ay to sa!e 0or *#en youFre ol$ an$ grayI A Rot# IRA $i00ers 0ro3 tra$itional retire3ent a""ounts in se!eral *ays2 /ost i3&ortantly: your "ontributions are not ta5@$e$u"tible li)e a :011)4. but your 3oney "an be *it#$ra*n ta5@0ree at retire3ent age2 In ot#er *or$s. instea$ o0 getting your ta5 brea) sooner 1*#en you "ontribute your 3oney4. you get it later 1*#en you *it#$ra* it42 9#ere0ore. as long as "ertain rules are 3et. t#e in!est3ent earnings in a Rot# IRA *ill ne!er be ta5e$I Consult your a""ountant 0or "o3&lete $etails. an$ to $eter3ine t#e best sa!ings strategy 0or your &ersonal situation2

.0, Inves in inde6 *unds

%to")@&i")ing is #ar$ *or)L *#o #as t#e ti3e. an$ in"lination. to &ore o!er balan"e s#eets an$ 6uarterly re&ortsG E!en &ro0essionals #a!e a #ar$ ti3e "#oosing *inners: t#e !ast 3a-ority o0 3utual 0un$s un$er&er0or3 t#e o!erall 3ar)et2 In!est in in$e5 0un$s instea$L t#ey get ri$ o0 t#e guess*or). an$ gi!e you instant $i!ersi0i"ation o!er a *i$e range o0 sto")s2 In$e5 0un$s are $esigne$ to 3irror t#e 3o!e3ent o0 an entire 3ar)et. li)e t#e %X, 500L so i0 t#e 3ar)et goes u&.

110 you 3a)e 3oneyI Furt#er3ore. be"ause t#ey use a buy an$ #ol$ strategy. t#eir 0ees are 3u"# lo*er t#an regular 3utual 0un$sK&ro!i$ing an e5tra boost to your returnsI

.0- Use an online discoun bro(er

9ra$e sto")s. bon$s an$ 3utual 0un$s onlineL youFll 0orgo t#e a$!i"e o0 a 0ull@ser!i"e bro)er. but sa!e a 0ortune in "o33issions an$ 0eesI 9#is $o@it@yoursel0 3et#o$ is &arti"ularly "ost@e00e"ti!e 0or s3all. straig#t0or*ar$ transa"tionsKli)e &ur"#asing 100 s#ares o0 WYT sto")2 /any $is"ount bro)ers e!en &ro!i$e a""ess to re&orts an$ resear"# tools. to #el& you 3a)e 3ore@in0or3e$ $e"isions2 Hne *or$ o0 "aution: $onFt auto3ati"ally "#oose t#e bro)er *it# t#e lo*est 0ee@&er@tra$e2 In6uire about a""ount 3aintenan"e 0ees. an$ 0in$ out i0 you 3ust 3aintain a 3ini3u3 balan"e 1or 3a)e a "ertain nu3ber o0 tra$es4 to 6uali0y 0or $is"ounte$ rates2

.0. Au o&a e your inves &en s

8onFt try to ti3e t#e 3ar)etKauto3ate your in!est3ents instea$I 8ollar@"ost a!eraging is a si3&le te"#ni6ue. in *#i"# you buy a 0i5e$ $ollar a3ount o0 a "ertain in!est3ent on a regular s"#e$ule2 For e5a3&le. you "an set u& your bro)erage a""ount to buy M100 o0 a "ertain in$e5 0un$ e!ery 3ont#2 Your 3oney buys 3ore s#ares *#en t#e &ri"e is lo*. an$ 0e*er *#en t#e &ri"e is #ig#2 9#is strategy s3oot#es out t#e e00e"ts o0 3ar)et !olatility on your &ort0olio2 An$ be"ause itFs auto3ati". it )ee&s you 0ro3 3a)ing e3otional in!est3ent $e"isionsKli)e being Da0rai$E to buy *#en t#e s#are &ri"e is 0alling. or buying too 3u"# *#en t#e 3ar)et is #ig#2

.05 9uy &unici"al bonds

%a!e 3oney at ta5 ti3e by in!esting in 3uni"i&al bon$s or bon$ 0un$s2 /uni"i&al bon$s are $ebt obligations 1IH?Fs4 issue$ by state or lo"al go!ern3ents. usually to raise 3oney 0or &ubli" &ro-e"ts2 ?nli)e "or&orate bon$s. t#e interest earne$ on 3uni"i&al bon$s is e5e3&t 0ro3 0e$eral ta5es2 An$ i0 t#e bon$ is issue$ by t#e state in *#i"# you li!e. you *onFt #a!e to &ay state ta5es on it eit#erI 9o $e"i$e *#et#er youFre better o00 buying ta5able or 3uni"i&al bon$s. youFll #a!e to "onsi$er bot# t#e yiel$ o0 t#e bon$ an$ your ta5 bra")et2 %&ea) *it# your a""ountant. or sear"# online 0or 0urt#er $etails2

.0/ Si%n u" *or an online ban( accoun

Earn 3ore interest by ban)ing onlineI 9#e interest on tra$itional "#e")ing a""ounts ranges 0ro3 little to noneL a0ter all. ban)s 3ust 3aintain t#ose 3arble lobbies. an$ &ay tellers to #an$le your transa"tions2 Hnline "#e")ing a""ounts eli3inate t#at o!er#ea$. an$ t#ere0ore o00er 3u"# #ig#er rates2 Wit# an online a""ount. you "an &ay your bills an$ "#e") your balan"es *it#

111 a "li") o0 t#e 3ouseL $e&osits an$ *it#$ra*als are 3a$e t#roug# t#e 3ail or an A9/2 You "an also establis# an ele"troni" lin) bet*een your online an$ tra$itional a""ounts. an$ easily trans0er 3oney bet*een t#e32

.01 Avoid overdra* *ees

Ban)s "#arge big 0ees *#en you o!er$ra* your a""ountL a!oi$ t#e3 *it# goo$ re"or$ )ee&ing2 Write e!ery transa"tionK"#e"). $e&osit. *it#$ra*al or $ebit "ar$ &ur"#aseKin your register as it o""urs2 W#en your ban) state3ent arri!es ea"# 3ont#. $ouble "#e") all entries against your "#e")boo) an$ 3a)e sure t#e balan"es 3at"#2 W#en you )no* e5a"tly #o* 3u"# 3oney you #a!e. youFre 3u"# less li)ely to boun"e a "#e")I Hnline ban)ing ser!i"es 3a)e it e!en easier to stay u&@to@$ate on a""ount a"ti!ity: you "an "#e") your balan"es regularly. an$ set u& e3ail alerts to noti0y you *#en t#ey 0all belo* a "ertain a3ount2

.02 Avoid AT8 *ees

?se A9/s li)e a 0rugillionaire. an$ sa!e a bun$le in transa"tion 0eesI Al*ays use your o*n ban)Fs 3a"#ines *#en 3a)ing a *it#$ra*alL ot#er*ise. you "oul$ be #it *it# #ea!y "#arges2 Aee& t#is in 3in$ *#en o&ening an a""ount. an$ "#oose a ban) t#at #as 1or belongs to4 a large A9/ net*or)K&re0erably one *it# 3a"#ines *#ere you li!e. *or) an$ s#o&2 I0 you $onFt #a!e a""ess to a 0ree A9/. re$u"e your nu3ber o0 *it#$ra*als 1an$ t#e a""o3&anying 0ees4 by ta)ing out a large a3ount o0 "as# ea"# ti3e2 Alternati!ely. as) 0or "as# ba") *#en 3a)ing &ur"#ases *it# your $ebit "ar$2

.03 )ay bills online

,aying bills online is not only "on!enientKitFs also "#ea&erI YouFll sa!e &ri3arily on &ostage "ostsL t#at #an$0ul o0 sta3&s ea"# 3ont# a$$s u& o!er t#e "ourse o0 a year2 YouFll also re$u"e 1or eli3inate4 your nee$ to buy "#e")s 0ro3 t#e ban). an$ en!elo&es in *#i"# to sen$ t#e32 Furt#er3ore. online &ay3ents are 0aster an$ 3ore reliable2 9#ey *onFt get lost or $elaye$ in t#e 3ail. 3eaning less "#an"e o0 late 0ees an$ &enalties2 You "an e!en set u& your a""ount to &ay re"urring billsKli)e your 3ortgage. "ar &ay3ents an$ utilitiesKauto3ati"ally2 9#at *ay. youFll ne!er run t#e ris) o0 0orgetting oneI

.#0 $on+ carry a balance

%#ore u& your 0inan"es by &aying your "re$it "ar$ bill in 0ull ea"# 3ont#2 W#en you "#arge an ite3 an$ "arry a balan"e. *#ate!er you buy "osts a *#ole lot 3ore: youFll not only o*e t#e &ur"#ase &ri"e. but also all t#e interestI As 0inan"e "#arges a""u3ulate. youFll sin) e!en $ee&er into $ebtK3a)ing it in"reasingly $i00i"ult. i0 not i3&ossible. to get your #ea$ abo!e

112 *ater2 9o a!oi$ t#is terrible 0ate: ne!er &ut anyt#ing on a "re$it "ar$ unless you "an &ay o00 t#e balan"e at t#e en$ o0 t#e 3ont#2 9#en instea$ o0 $ro*ning in $ebt. you "an 0o"us on buil$ing your *ealt#I

.## As( *or a lo0er in eres ra e

Call your "re$it "ar$ "o3&any. an$ as) t#e3 to lo*er your interest rate2 YouFll sa!e #un$re$s 1i0 not t#ousan$s4 o0 $ollars in 0inan"e "#argesL an$ t#e lo*er t#e rate. t#e 0aster youFll be able to &ay o00 your $ebt2 All it ta)es is a &#one "all. an$ a 0e* 3inutes o0 your ti3e2 9#e *orst t#ey "an say is noKan$ i0 t#ey $o. try again in a 0e* 3ont#s2 YouFll #a!e a better "#an"e o0 su""ess i0 you #a!e a goo$ "re$it #istory. an$ #a!e been 3a)ing &ay3ents on ti3e2 9ell t#e3 youFre t#in)ing o0 trans0erring your balan"e to anot#er "ar$L t#ey 3ay grant your re6uest in or$er to )ee& your business2

.#, Sho" *or a lo0er in eres ra e

9a)e a$!antage o0 t#e "o3&etition a3ong "re$it "ar$ "o3&anies. an$ s#o& aroun$ 0or a lo*er interest rate2 Wit# a lo*er rate. youFll &ay less 0or 0inan"e$ ite3s. an$ s&ee$ u& $ebt re$u"tion2 9#e sa!ings "an be *ell *ort# t#e ti3e an$ resear"#2 But be*are o0 lo* intro$u"tory rates t#at are !ali$ 0or only si5 to t*el!e 3ont#sL i0 you "anFt &ay o00 your balan"e in t#at ti3e. 3a)e sure you )no* t#e rates at e5&iration2 I0 youFre aggressi!ely &aying $o*n your $ebt. )ee& an eye out 0or 0O interest balan"e trans0er o00ers2 W#en youFre not &aying interest. all o0 your &ay3ent re$u"es your balan"eK3a)ing your $ebt $isa&&ear 3u"# 0asterI

.#- Say no o annual *ees

8onFt "arry "re$it "ar$s *it# annual 0eesL itFs li)e t#ro*ing your 3oney a*ayI Ban)s 3a)e enoug# &ro0it on 0inan"e "#argesL you s#oul$nFt #a!e to &ay 0or t#e D&ri!ilegeE o0 using t#eir "ar$2 9#eyFll &ro3ise you &er)s. &restige an$ &riority ser!i"e. but "#an"es are. you *onFt get enoug# o0 t#ese De5trasE to 3a)e it *ort#*#ile2 Be es&e"ially "are0ul *it# re*ar$s an$ lo*@ interest rate "ar$s. as a yearly "#arge "an "o3&letely *i&e out any bene0its2 I0 you #a!e a "ar$ *it# an annual 0ee. "all u& t#e ban) an$ as) t#e3 to *ai!e itKt#eyFll o0ten "on"e$e. to )ee& you as a "usto3er2

.#. Ge a re0ards credi card

A re*ar$s "re$it "ar$ "an be a boon to your bu$getKi0 use$ *iselyI You "an earn tra!el &oints an$ airline 3iles. get $is"ounts at your 0a!orite stores. sa!e 3oney on gas. an$ re"ei!e "as# ba") on your &ur"#ases2 But i0 t#e &ro3ise o0 re*ar$s enti"es you to s&en$ 3oreKor i0 you alrea$y "arry a balan"eK0orget itI Re*ar$s "ar$s o0ten #a!e #ig# interest rates. so 0inan"e

113 "#arges *oul$ erase your bene0its2 9o "o3e out a#ea$: "#oose one *it# no annual 0ee. use it only 0or &ur"#ases you *oul$ #a!e 3a$e any*ay. an$ &ay o00 t#e balan"e in 0ull ea"# 3ont#2

.#5 8ain ain a %ood credi record

W#en it "o3es to borro*ing. youFll sa!e a lot o0 3oney i0 you #a!e a goo$ "re$it s"ore: t#e #ig#er your rating. t#e lo*er t#e interest rates youFll obtain on your loans2 /aintain a goo$ #istory by 3anaging your 0inan"es res&onsibly: $onFt boun"e "#e")s. o!er$ra* your a""ounts. or e5"ee$ your "re$it li3its2 An$ 3ost i3&ortantly. al*ays &ay your bills on ti3e2 Co3&anies re&ort 3isse$ an$ late &ay3ents $ire"tly to "re$it bureaus. so sen$ at least t#e 3ini3u3 a3ount i0 you "anFt &ay in 0ull2 I0 you ignore your ele"tri" bill. 0or e5a3&le. itFll "ost you 3ore to 0inan"e a "arI

.#/ 8oni or your credi re"or

Your "re$it re&ort a00e"ts your borro*ing "ostsKso 3onitor it regularlyI Colle"tion agen"ies an$ "re$it bureaus 3a)e 3ista)esL itFs not un"o33on 0or so3eone elseFs 3ortgage. or $elin6uent &ay3ent. to s#o* u& un$er your na3e2 Worse yet. you 3ay be a !i"ti3 o0 i$entity t#e0tL t#e 0aster you $is"o!er it. t#e less $a3age *ill be $one2 Ea"# o0 t#e t#ree 3ain re&orting bureausKE6ui0a5. E5&erian. an$ 9rans?nionKare re6uire$ by la* to &ro!i$e you *it# a 0ree annual "re$it re&ort2 Hbtain yours on t#e internet at ***2annual"re$itre&ort2"o3. or by "alling 1@>==@322@>22>2 %&rea$ your re6uests o!er t#e "ourse o0 t#e year to )ee& a "lose eye on your re"or$s2

.#1 Evalua e your a6 0i hholdin%

It 3ay 0eel 0abulous to get a big ta5 re0un$Kbut itFs not 0abulous to gi!e ?n"le %a3 an interest@0ree loanI 9#at 3oney s#oul$ be *or)ing 0or you all year instea$: earning you interest. buying your gas. &ur"#asing your gro"eries. an$ &aying o00 your $ebt2 I0 you get a big "#e") at ta5 ti3e. "onsi$er re$u"ing your *it##ol$ingKt#atFs t#e &er"entage ta)en out o0 your &ay"#e") ea"# 3ont# an$ sent to t#e Internal Re!enue %er!i"e2 9o "#ange it. sub3it a ne* For3 W@: to your e3&loyer2 ?se t#e *or)s#eets t#at a""o3&any t#e 0or3. or t#e *it##ol$ing "al"ulator at ***2irs2go!. to "o3&ute t#e "orre"t a3ount2

.#2 9an( your bonus or raise

<etting a raise is a *on$er0ul t#ingL su$$enly youFre 3a)ing 3ore 3oney 0or *or)ing t#e sa3e a3ount o0 #oursI It "an be te3&ting to s&lurge on a "o!ete$ ite3. or in"rease your stan$ar$ o0 li!ing: &er#a&s you #a!e your sig#ts set on a ni"er "ar. a bigger #ouse or a $rea3 !a"ation2 But "onsi$er t#is: instea$ o0 a"ting ri"#er. be ri"#er2 Ban) your bonus instea$ o0

11: running out to s&en$ it2 et it earn interest. an$ generate e!en 3ore *ealt#2 Wit# ea"# raise in &ay. in"rease your 0inan"ial se"urity instea$ o0 your s&en$ingKan$ youFll be on t#e roa$ to a 3u"# earlier retire3entI

.#3 9uild 0eal h 0i h 0ind*alls

%o3eti3es li0e re*ar$s you *it# an une5&e"te$ *in$0allKli)e a bonus 0ro3 your e3&loyer. a "as# gi0t 0ro3 a relati!e. or a ta5 re0un$ 0ro3 ?n"le %a3L a lottery *inning. an in#eritan"e. or a rebateL or a M20 bill you 0in$ on t#e si$e*al)2 No 3atter *#at t#e sour"e o0 t#ese *in$0alls. o&en a se&arate ban) a""ount to "olle"t t#e32 Instea$ o0 s&en$ing t#is D0oun$E 3oney. use it to &a!e your &at# to 0inan"ial 0ree$o32 8e$i"ate t#e a""ount to sa!ings 10or retire3ent. a #ouse. or your "#il$renFs "ollege 0un$s4. or use it to &ay o00 e5isting $ebt2 ItFs an e00ortless *ay to buil$ your *ealt#I

.,0 S ar an e&er%ency *und

8onFt let une5&e"te$ e5&ensesKor a te3&orary loss o0 in"o3eK$erail your 0inan"es2 %tart an e3ergen"y 0un$: itFs t#e 0rugillionaireFs best $e0ense against un0oreseen re&airs. 3e$i"al bills an$ layo00s2 %a!e enoug# 3oney to "o!er at least t#ree to si5 3ont#s o0 li!ing e5&ensesL t#atFll ta)e "are o0 s3all e3ergen"ies. an$ go a long *ay to*ar$ #el&ing you *it# larger ones2 Aee& t#ese 0un$s in a li6ui$. F8IC@insure$ a""ount2 %u"# &re&aration "an sa!e you 0ro3 #a!ing to &ut t#at ne* trans3issionKor your gro"eries. i0 youFre lai$ o00Kon a "re$it "ar$2 A!oi$ing $ebt in su"# situations is t#e )ey to 6ui") 0inan"ial re"o!eryI

!ha" er #,

!=IL$REN

Raisin% =a""y Fids

115

on a )in DSi>ed 9ud%e .,# =ave a baby sho0er

I0 youFre e5&e"ting a "#il$. a baby s#o*er is a great *ay to a"6uire all t#e ne"essitiesK 0ro3 booties to bassinetK*it#out brea)ing t#e ban)2 ItFs usually organi+e$ by a "lose 0rien$ or 0a3ily 3e3berL but i0 you )no* about it in a$!an"e. $onFt be s#y about as)ing 0or s&e"i0i" ite3s2 ,ut t#e e3&#asis on &ra"ti"al gi0ts. li)e a stroller. "ar seat. bottles an$ $ia&ersL t#eyFll be 3u"# 3ore use0ul t#an sil!er s&oons. stu00e$ ani3als an$ a "loset 0ull o0 "ute out0its2 I$eally. register 0or essentials *it# a national retailerKitFs "on!enient 0or guests. &re!ents $u&li"ate gi0ts. an$ guarantees youFll get e5a"tly *#at you nee$I

.,, 9orro0 baby i e&s

Be0ore you s&en$ big bu")s on a baby ite3Kli)e a "rib. stroller. bassinet or #ig# "#airK as) 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily i0 t#ey #a!e one you "an use2 /any a &lay&en is stas#e$ a*ay in atti"s an$ base3ents. D-ust in "aseE anot#er little one "o3es alongI %ee i0 you "an borro* ite3s t#at are "urrently not in ser!i"e2 You "an also 0in$ su"# &ro$u"ts at t#ri0t stores. yar$ sales. an$ on Craigslist2"o3L sin"e t#eyFre only use$ 0or a 0e* years. t#eyFre o0ten in great "on$ition2 8onFt "o3&ro3ise on sa0ety. t#oug#L 3a)e sure all ite3s 3eet "urrent stan$ar$s an$ regulations. an$ #a!e not been sub-e"t to any re"alls2

.,- Furnish 0i h 0ha you have

ItFs e5"iting to out0it a nursery 0or a ne* arri!alKbut $onFt go bro)e be0ore t#e baby "o3esI oo) aroun$ your #ouse 0or 0urnis#ings be0ore you #it t#e storesL an unuse$ $resser. boo)s#el0 or table "an o0ten be &resse$ into ser!i"e2 <i!e t#e &ie"es a 0res# "oat o0 &aint so t#eyFll "o3&le3ent ea"# ot#er. an$ blen$ into t#e roo32 %a!e e!en 3ore 3oney *it# so3e 8IY $N"or: 3a)e a 3obile. se* your o*n "urtains. or &aint a "ute 3ural on t#e *all2 Re3e3ber. your baby *ill be none t#e *iser i0 #is "rib $oesnFt 3at"# #is "#anging tableL an$ #eFll be 3u"# better o00 *it# 0rugillionaire &arents t#an 0an"y 0urnitureI

.,. 9uy &ul iD*unc ional *urni ure

%tret"# your baby bu$get by in!esting in 3ulti@0un"tional &ie"es2 A "on!ertible "rib. 0or e5a3&le. "an sa!e you 3oney by gro*ing along *it# your "#il$2 A0ter a""o33o$ating your ne*born. it trans0or3s into a to$$ler be$. an$ later be"o3es a t*inKeli3inating t#e nee$ to &ur"#ase a$$itional 0urniture o!er t#e years2 Just be sure to "#oose a "lassi" style t#at your "#il$

11; *onFt outgro*2 Consi$er ot#er ite3s t#at also $o $ouble $uty: li)e $ressers *it# built@in "#anging tables. an$ &lay&ens t#at 0un"tion as bassinets2 9#e longer 1an$ 3ore o0ten4 an ite3 is use$. t#e better t#e in!est3entI

.,5 Save on dia"ers

9#e &ri"e o0 $ia&ers "an gi!e ne* &arents so3e serious sti")er s#o")I Buy t#e3 in bul) 0ro3 *are#ouse an$ $is"ount stores to s#a!e a 0e* $ollars o00 ea"# &a")2 You "an also sa!e by "li&&ing "ou&ons. *at"#ing sales "ir"ulars 0or *ee)ly &ro3otions. an$ signing u& 0or s&e"ial o00ers on $ia&er "o3&aniesF *ebsites2 Consi$er store bran$s as an alternati!e to na3e bran$sL t#eyFre o0ten 3a$e by t#e sa3e 3anu0a"turers. but are 3u"# less e5&ensi!e2 An$ $onFt #esitate to as) 0or $ia&ers as gi0ts. 0or your baby s#o*er an$ ot#er o""asions2 <ran$&arents. 0rien$s an$ relati!es *ill be #a&&y to obligeI

.,/ Use clo h dia"ers

Clot# $ia&ers are gentle on your babyFs botto3Kan$ your botto3 lineI 9#eyF!e "o3e a long *ay sin"e gran$3aFs ol$@0as#ione$ &re0ol$s. an$ are en-oying ne* &o&ularity as an e"ono3i"al an$ e"o@0rien$ly alternati!e to $is&osables2 9#e ne* generation o0 "lot# $ia&ers 0eatures 0itte$ styles. Cel"ro stri&s. lea) &roo0 "o!ers an$ 0lus#able linersKgreatly i3&ro!ing t#eir &er0or3an"e. an$ 3a)ing t#e3 easier to "#ange. 0asten an$ laun$er2 <i!e "lot# a try: t#e sa!ings o!er $is&osables "an be 6uite signi0i"ant. es&e"ially i0 t#eyFre &asse$ $o*n to 0uture siblingsI

.,1 9reas *eed

Breast0ee$ your baby. an$ sa!e a 0ortune on 0or3ulaI Breast 3il) &ro!i$es all t#e !ita3ins an$ nutrients your "#il$ nee$s. an$ also #el&s to strengt#en #er i33une syste32 It "an &rote"t your baby 0ro3 $e!elo&ing gastrointestinal &roble3s. res&iratory illnesses. ear in0e"tions an$ allergies 13eaning less $o"tor bills later on42 Breast0ee$ing 3ay also i3&ro!e your o*n #ealt#K0ro3 s&ee$ing *eig#t loss. to re$u"ing t#e ris) o0 so3e ty&es o0 "an"er2 I0 youFre returning to *or) an$ "anFt nurse $uring t#e $ay. in!est in a breast &u3&L t#at *ay. your baby "an get all t#e bene0its o0 your 3il). *it# t#e "on!enien"e o0 a bottle2

.,2 Save on *or&ula

%a!e on baby 0or3ula *it# so3e sa!!y s#o&&ing te"#ni6uesI Join baby "lubs s&onsore$ by 0or3ula 3anu0a"turersL t#eyFll sen$ you 0ree sa3&les. an$ "#e")s 0or t#eir &ro$u"ts2 Buy in bul) at *are#ouse storesKlarger si+es "an substantially lo*er your "ost &er oun"e2 Wat"# t#e %un$ay "ir"ulars 0or sales an$ "ou&ons. an$ sto") u& *#en your 0a!orite bran$s are $is"ounte$2

11= Alternati!ely. "onsi$er generi" 0or3ulaL it 3eets t#e sa3e F8A stan$ar$s as na3e bran$s. but is 3u"# less e5&ensi!e2 You "an also sa!e by &ur"#asing &o*$ere$ !ersionsL t#eyFre less "on!enient. but "#ea&er t#an rea$y@3a$e2

.,3 8a(e your o0n baby *ood

9#ose little -ars o0 baby 0oo$ are "ute an$ "on!enientKbut also 6uite "ostlyI 9ry 3a)ing your o*n instea$L itFs substantially "#ea&er. an$ #ealt#ier 0or your tot2 W#atFs 3ore. you "an a$-ust t#e te5ture to suit your babyFs nee$s. an$ a!oi$ t#e sugar an$ &reser!ati!es o0 &re&a")age$ 0are2 Fres# 0ruits an$ !egetablesKli)e "arrots. &eas. s*eet &otatoes. a&&les. &ea"#es an$ bananasKare e"ono3i"al an$ easy to &re&are2 ,uree a0ter "oo)ing *it# a 0oo$ &ro"essor or blen$er. an$ 0ree+e e5tra &ortions in an i"e "ube tray2 YouFll 0in$ &lenty o0 re"i&es. an$ $etaile$ instru"tions. on t#e internet2

.-0 Fle6 your 0or( schedule

%las# your $ay "are e5&enses *it# so3e "reati!e s"#e$uling2 As) your e3&loyer i0 you "an *or) 0le5ible #oursL a 0our@$ay *or)*ee) o0 ten@#our s#i0ts. 0or e5a3&le. eli3inates an entire $ay o0 "#il$"are "osts2 9ele"o33uting is anot#er o&tionL -ust be sure t#at you "an $o your -ob *#ile )ee&ing an eye on -unior2 I0 a &art@ti3e salary is su00i"ient. e5&lore t#e &ossibility o0 -ob s#aring 1an arrange3ent in *#i"# one 0ull@ti3e &osition is s&lit bet*een t*o e3&loyees42 You "an also re$u"e your $ay "are nee$s by staggering s"#e$ules *it# your s&ouse2 9#ese strategies not only sa!e you 3oney. t#ey gi!e you e5tra ti3e *it# your "#il$I

.-# As( *a&ily o babysi

I0 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily o00er to babysit. ta)e t#e3 u& on itI <ran$&arents in &arti"ular *el"o3e t#e o&&ortunity to s&en$ 6uality ti3e *it# t#eir gran$"#il$ren2 Arrange 0or t#e3 to loo) a0ter your tot one $ay a *ee) *#ile youFre at *or)Kor 3ore o0ten. i0 t#eyFre *illingI Be gra"ious. an$ o00er to &ay 0or t#eir ser!i"esL i0 t#ey a""e&t "o3&ensation. itFll still be "#ea&er t#an a $ay "are or nanny2 9#is 0rugillionaire strategy is a *in@*in 0or t#e *#ole 0a3ily: it sa!es you 3oney on "#il$"are "osts. *#ile gi!ing your little one so3e s&e"ial ti3e *it# &eo&le *#o a$ore #i3I

.-, Share a nanny

Bal!e t#e "ost o0 a nannyKby s#aring #er *it# anot#er 0a3ilyI In Ds#are "areE arrange3ents. a nanny ten$s to t#e "#il$ren o0 t*o 0a3ilies at on"e. usually alternating bet*een t#eir #o3es on a $aily or *ee)ly basis2 ItFs a great *ay to &ro!i$e your "#il$ *it# a 0ull@ti3e "areta)er. *it#out #a!ing to 0oot t#e entire bill yoursel02 oo) aroun$ your *or)&la"e or

11> neig#bor#oo$ 0or a &artner 0a3ily2 I$eally. your &arenting !alues s#oul$ be si3ilar. an$ your "#il$ren "lose in age2 I0 you #a!e trouble 0in$ing a 3at"#. ta)e your sear"# onlineL &ost your re6uest on Craigslist2"o3. or !isit *ebsites s&e"iali+ing in nanny net*or)s2

.-- Enroll your child in "reDF

I0 your s"#ool $istri"t #as a &re@)in$ergarten &rogra3 0or t#ree an$ 0our@year@ol$s. sen$ your little s"#olar o00 to t#e "lassroo3I ,re@A &rogra3s go a ste& beyon$ $ay "are. &ro!i$ing a"ti!ities to buil$ &#ysi"al. e3otional an$ "ogniti!e s)ills2 %u"# early e$u"ation "an &ositi!ely in0luen"e your "#il$Fs so"ial $e!elo&3ent an$ later a"a$e3i" a"#ie!e3ent2 9#an) your lu")y stars i0 you li!e in a "o33unity *it# 0ull@$ay &re@A. as it "an greatly re$u"e your "#il$"are "ostsL e!en a #al0@$ay &rogra3 "an yiel$ signi0i"ant sa!ings. an$ a s3arter )i$I

.-. Trade babysi in% services

9ra$e "#il$"are $uties *it# a 0rien$. neig#bor or 0a3ily 3e3berL youFll be able to en-oy a $ate nig#t *it# your s&ouseKor so3e 6uiet ti3e aloneK*it#out t#e e5&ense o0 a babysitter2 8esignate one e!ening a *ee) to alternate *at"#ing ea"# ot#erFs "#il$ren: 0or e5a3&le. you ta)e t#eir )i$s t#is Fri$ay nig#t. an$ t#eyFll ta)e yours t#e ne5t2 /a)e it a regular routine. an$ youFll ea"# en-oy t*o D0reeE nig#ts &er 3ont#I YouFll lo!e being able to s&en$ an e!ening out 1or in t#e bubble bat#4 *it#out #a!ing to #ire a sitterL an$ t#e "#il$ren *ill loo) 0or*ar$ to t#eir &layti3e toget#erI

.-5 )ar ici"a e in a oy s0a"

W#en it "o3es to &layt#ings. a "#il$Fs s#ort attention s&an "an $o a nu3ber on your ban) a""ount2 Instea$ o0 buying anot#er bauble. organi+e a toy s*a& *it# ot#er &arents2 Bol$ a 3ont#ly get@toget#er. to *#i"# ea"# 0a3ily brings a 0e* gently@use$ toys2 ,ut all t#e "ontributions in a &lay area. an$ let t#e )i$s 3a)e t#eir o*n sele"tions2 YouFll "lear t#e #ouse o0 your "#il$renFs "asto00s. an$ t#eyFll be t#rille$ to get so3et#ing Dne*IE %o3e "o33unities an$ "#ur"#es #ol$ su"# e!ents 1on a larger s"ale4 $uring t#e #oli$ays. &ro!i$ing a great *ay to $o your C#rist3as Ds#o&&ingE *it#out s&en$ing a $i3eI

.-/ Encoura%e your (ids+ crea ivi y

Instea$ o0 buying 3ore toys. engage your "#il$ren in "reati!e &ursuitsI 8ole out &a&er an$ "rayons. an$ &ro!i$e a little instru"tion to get t#e3 starte$: as) t#e3 to $ra* a &i"ture o0 t#eir #ouse. t#eir 0a3ily. t#eir 0a!orite ani3al. or *#at t#ey *ant to be *#en t#ey gro* u&2 En"ourage ol$er "#il$ren to "o3&ose songs. *rite stories or &oe3s. or $esign $an"e routines2 For a *ee)en$Fs *ort# o0 0rugal 0un. #el& your )i$s 1an$ t#eir 0rien$s4 stage a &u&&et s#o* or &lay2

11( Not only *ill t#ey #a!e a blastL t#eyFll learn a !ariety o0 s)ills t#atFll ser!e t#e3 *ell beyon$ t#eir "#il$#oo$ yearsI

.-1 Love hose handD&eDdo0ns

Ai$s outgro* "lot#ing at lig#tning s&ee$. so $onFt *aste your 3oney on &int@si+e$ "outure2 Instea$. use #an$@3e@$o*ns 0ro3 ol$er siblings as 3u"# as &ossible2 In 0a"t. i0 youFre &lanning to #a!e 3ore t#an one "#il$. s#o& s3art: s)i& gen$er@s&e"i0i" $esigns. an$ buy basi"s t#atFll be a&&ro&riate 0or a 0uture little brot#er or sister2 %u&&le3ent your "#il$Fs *ar$robe *it# t#ri0t store 0in$s. $is"ount store bargains. an$ gently@*orn $onations 0ro3 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily2 8onFt *orry about 0as#ionL your ty)es *ill be 3u"# #a&&ier in t#ri0ty t#rea$s. t#an 0ussy out0its t#ey nee$ to )ee& "leanI

.-2 Give (ids a clo hin% bud%e

W#en )i$s are ol$ enoug# to "#oose t#eir o*n attire. it "an 3ean big trouble 0or your *allet2 ?se t#e o&&ortunity to tea"# t#e3 0is"al res&onsibilityKby establis#ing a "lot#ing bu$get2 %et a 3ont#ly s&en$ing li3it. or 3a)e t#e3 &ay 0or non@essentials 0ro3 t#eir allo*an"e. gi0t 3oney. or &art@ti3e -ob earnings2 YouFll be sur&rise$ #o* 6ui")ly t#ey be"o3e 0rugal s#o&&ersKor 0in$ "reati!e *ays to 3eet t#eir nee$sI Your teen. 0or e5a3&le. 3ig#t $e"i$e to s#are "lot#es *it# a 0rien$L t#eyFll $ouble t#eir *ar$robes. an$ #a!e a great ti3e s*a&&ing t#eir 0as#ion 0in$s2

.-3 Give u" he *as *ood

8onFt 0ee$ your "#il$ren 0ast 0oo$ an$ &re&a")age$ sna")s2 9#eyFre #ig# in sugar. so$iu3. 0at an$ &reser!ati!esKan$ !ery lo* in nutrition2 W#y *aste goo$ 3oney on e3&ty "aloriesG <i!e your )i$s a #ealt#y #ea$ start in li0e by ser!ing t#e3 0ruits. !egetables an$ *#ole grains instea$ o0 burgers an$ 0ries2 H&t 0or #o3e3a$e trail 3i5 an$ granola bars o!er &otato "#i&s an$ "an$yL an$ &ro!i$e *ater as a be!erage. rat#er t#an so$a or sugary -ui"e2 9#ese *#oleso3e "#oi"es are not only "#ea&er t#an "on!enien"e 0oo$sL t#ey re$u"e your "#il$Fs ris) o0 $e!elo&ing obesity. $iabetes an$ ot#er 3e$i"al &roble3s2

..0 )ac( your (ids+ lunches

Ca0eteria 0oo$ "an be e5&ensi!eKan$ #it@or@3iss *#en it "o3es to nutrition2 9#e 0rugillionaire solution: 3a)e your )i$sF lun"#es at #o3e2 %an$*i"#es. &asta sala$s. !egetables an$ 0res# 0ruit are e"ono3i"al an$ #ealt#y alternati!es to stan$ar$ s"#ool 0are2 <et your "#il$ on boar$ *it# bro*n@bagging it. by 3a)ing it a s&e"ial treat: 0o"us on t#eir 0a!orite 0oo$s. an$ as) 0or t#eir suggestions2 Cut 0oo$ into "ute s#a&es an$ bite@si+e$ &ie"es to a&&eal to younger

120 "#il$renL an$ &a") e5tra sna")s li)e &ret+els. "ra")ers an$ raisins to )ee& ol$er ones a*ay 0ro3 !en$ing 3a"#ines2

..# !u your (ids+ hair

9#e "ost o0 )i$sF #air"uts "an really a$$ u&L s)i& t#e salon. an$ tri3 t#eir lo")s at #o3eI ItFs not ro")et s"ien"e. an$ re6uires little in ter3s o0 e6ui&3ent2 In 3ost "ases. a &air o0 #air$ressing s"issors *ill su00i"eL ele"tri" "li&&ers are #an$y 0or boys *it# s#orter "uts2 Just re3e3ber to &ro"ee$ slo*ly. an$ "ut a little at a ti3eL you "an al*ays ta)e 3ore o00. but you "anFt &ut it ba")I Consult boo)s on t#e sub-e"t 0or instru"tion. or *at"# !i$eo tutorials on t#e internet2 At t#e !ery least. youFll learn to $o so3e si3&le 3aintenan"e. an$ e5ten$ t#e ti3e bet*een &ro0essional !isits2

.., 9uy secondhand s"or s eJui"&en

Hut0itting )i$s 0or organi+e$ s&orts "an be e5&ensi!eKes&e"ially "onsi$ering #o* 0ast t#ey outgro* t#ingsI %#o& at stores t#at s&e"iali+e in se"on$#an$ s&orting goo$sL youFll sa!e 3oney. an$ 3ay e!en re"ei!e "as# or "re$it 0or your use$ gear2 You "an also s"ore so3e great bargains on Craigslist2"o3 an$ eBay2"o3. an$ at t#ri0t stores an$ garage sales2 Alternati!ely. &arti"i&ate in a s"#ool@ or "o33unity@s&onsore$ De5"#ange $ay.E an e!ent $uring *#i"# outgro*n s&orts e6ui&3ent is tra$e$ a3ong &arti"i&antsL s)ate s*a&s are &arti"ularly &o&ular in yout# #o")ey leagues2

..- Share chau**eur du ies

8ri!ing )i$s to s"#ool. ballet. so""er an$ &iano lessons "an 3a)e you 0eel li)e a &art@ti3e "#au00eurL an$ 0illing t#e tan) "an be toug# on your *alletI %a!e ti3e an$ 3oney by organi+ing a "ar&ool *it# ot#er &arents in your area2 8i!i$e res&onsibilities by a"ti!ity or $ay o0 t#e *ee). an$ 3aintain a regular s"#e$ule to a!oi$ "on0usion2 /a)e sure all &arties #a!e ea"# ot#erFs "ell &#one nu3bers in "ase o0 e3ergen"ies or s"#e$ule "#anges2 9#e 3ore 3e3bers in your "ar&ool. t#e greater t#e sa!ingsL but e!en i0 you alternate *it# one ot#er &arent. youFll still "ut your gas "osts in #al0I

... 9e he eacher

Intro$u"ing )i$s to ne* a"ti!ities is i3&ortant to t#eir $e!elo&3entL but $an"e. )arate an$ 3usi" "lasses "an be e5&ensi!e2 Nurture t#eir interests *it#out going bro)eKby being t#e tea"#erI YouFll 0in$ internet tutorials on al3ost any sub-e"t i3aginableL &i") u& t#e basi"s. an$ &ass t#e3 along to your "#il$ren2 Hr -oin 0or"es *it# a grou& o0 &arents. an$ #a!e ea"# one tea"# a s&e"ial D"lassEKli)e singing. ba)ing or banging on t#e $ru3s2 9#at *ay. t#e )i$s "an try a

121 !ariety o0 #obbies. *it#out t#e e5&ense o0 a 0or3al instru"tor2 I0 your "#il$ s#o*s &ro3ise in a "ertain &ursuit. t#en "onsi$er &aying 0or &ro0essional lessons2

..5 Thro0 *ru%al bir hday "ar ies

9#ro* 0rugalKbut 0abulousKbirt#$ay &artiesI <oo$ ol$@0as#ione$ 0un $oesnFt #a!e to "ost a 0ortune2 YouFll s"ore big sa!ings i0 you s)i& t#e &ri"ey !enues. an$ #ol$ t#e e!ent in your o*n #o3e or gar$en2 9o "reate a 0esti!e at3os&#ere. gi!e t#e &arty a t#e3e: li)e &rin"esses. &irates. "o*boys. ani3als. tro&i"al islan$ or outer s&a"e2 /a)e your o*n $e"orations. an$ use your "o3&uter to $esign an$ &rint &ersonali+e$ in!itations2 ,ut toget#er goo$ie bags *it# "oo)ies. "an$y. an$ a s3all toy or 0a!or you "an buy in bul)2 9#e )i$s *ill #a!e a blast. an$ youFll stay on bu$getI

../ Raise li le savers

9ea"# your "#il$ren to sa!e 3oney at an early age. an$ youFll start t#e3 on t#e roa$ to 0inan"ial su""ess2 I0 you gi!e t#e3 an allo*an"e. or &ay t#e3 0or "#ores. s#o* t#e3 #o* to sa!e a &ortion o0 t#eir earnings2 ?se a "ute &iggyban) 0or little onesL *#en t#eyFre ol$er. ta)e t#e3 to t#e ban) to o&en t#eir !ery o*n sa!ings a""ounts2 E5&lain to t#e3 t#e $i00eren"e bet*een D*antsE an$ Dnee$sE so t#eyFll un$erstan$ #o* to 3a)e *ise s&en$ing "#oi"es2 Abo!e all. set a goo$ e5a3&le: your )i$s s#oul$ *itness you $e&ositing your &ay"#e") an$ sa!ing 0or &ur"#ases Krat#er t#an s*i&ing your "re$it "ar$ an$ struggling to &ay billsI

..1 Li&i adver isin% e6"osure

C#il$ren arenFt born "onsu3ersL t#eyFre naturally "ontent *it# *#at t#ey #a!e2 %o *#y all t#e s"rea3s an$ tears in t#e "ereal aisleG A$!ertising2 Eli3inate t#is one ele3ent 0ro3 t#eir en!iron3ent. an$ youFll #a!e #a&&ier. #ealt#ier an$ 3ore serene )i$s2 /ar)eters )no* t#at "#il$ren #a!e a strong in0luen"e on t#eir &arentsF &ur"#ases. so t#ey bo3bar$ t#e ty)es *it# a$s 0ro3 a !ery early age2 Aee& your )i$s out o0 t#eir rea"# by turning o00 t#e tele!isionL en"ourage t#e3 to rea$. $ra*. or &lay outsi$e instea$2 9#e 0e*er "o33er"ials t#ey see. t#e less 3oney itFll ta)e to satis0y t#e3I

..2 Enlis your (ids+ hel"

C#il$ren 3ay not #a!e to *or) t#e 0ar3 any3ore. but t#ey "an still &ull t#eir *eig#t on t#e 0rugillionaire #o3estea$I As) ol$er )i$s an$ teens to #el& *it# "#ores aroun$ t#e #ouse. su"# as "oo)ing. "leaning an$ babysitting younger siblings2 9#ey "an also len$ a #an$ *it# seasonal tas)sKli)e 3o*ing t#e la*n. ra)ing lea!es. or s#o!eling sno*2 8e&en$ing on your &ersonal situation. you 3ay or 3ay not "#oose to "o3&ensate t#e3 *it# an allo*an"e 0or t#eir e00orts2

122 Eit#er *ay. t#eyFll learn !aluable s)ills an$ a sense o0 res&onsibilityL an$ you *onFt nee$ to &ay outsi$e #el& 0or t#ese ser!i"esI

..3 Ta(e advan a%e o* a6 brea(s

8onFt 0orget your little $arlings "o3e A&ril 15L t#ey "an earn you a #e0ty brea) on your ta5esI ?n"le %a3 allo*s &arents a !ariety o0 $e$u"tions an$ "re$its 0or t#eir o00s&ring2 /ost are base$ on in"o3e le!el. so "o+y u& *it# t#e ta5 "o$eKor "onsult your a""ountantKto 0igure out *#at you 6uali0y 0or2 ,otential brea)s in"lu$e "#il$ ta5 "re$its an$ e5e3&tionsL a $e&en$ent "are "re$it 0or "#il$"are e5&ensesL an a$o&tion "re$itL an$ $e$u"tions 0or "ollege tuition an$ stu$ent loan interest2 Big#er@in"o3e ta5&ayers 3ay bene0it 0ro3 8e&en$ent Care Fle5ible %&en$ing A""ounts 18CF%As4. *#i"# allo* &arents to set asi$e &re@ta5 $ollars to &ay 0or "#il$"are "osts2

.50 !onsider a colle%e savin%s "lan

Wit# tuitions on t#e rise. itFs ne!er too early to start sa!ing 0or "ollegeI Consi$er enrolling in a state@s&onsore$ D52(E &lan2 Earnings in t#ese a""ounts are 0ree 0ro3 0e$eral in"o3e ta5Kan$ in 3any "ases. state ta5Kas long as *it#$ra*als are use$ 0or tuition. roo3 an$ boar$. an$ ot#er 6uali0ie$ #ig#er e$u"ation e5&enses2 Consult a 0inan"ial a$!isor to $eter3ine i0 a D52(E &lan is rig#t 0or you2 Assets in su"# &lans "an re$u"e 0inan"ial ai$ eligibility. so you 3ay *ant to a""o3&lis# ot#er goalsKsu"# as &aying o00 "re$it "ar$s. &ur"#asing a #o3e. or sa!ing 0or retire3entKbe0ore "ontributing to one2

!ha" er #-

=OLI$AB

$ec(in% he =alls 0i hou Goin% In o $eb

123

.5# Give love *ro& he (i chen

E!eryone $elig#ts in a gi0t o0 ba)e$ goo$sI W#et#er itFs bro*nies. "oo)ies. "u&"a)es or brea$s. so3e lo!e 0ro3 your )it"#en is sure to &lease2 An$ best o0 allKitFs bu$get@0rien$lyI /a)ing t#ese $eli"ious treats at #o3e is signi0i"antly less e5&ensi!e t#an buying t#e3 at t#e store2 ItFs &arti"ularly "ost@e00e"ti!e i0 you #a!e a large gi0t list: youFll sa!e 3oney an$ ti3e by buying ingre$ients. an$ ba)ing. in bul)2 ,a")age t#e3 in lo*@"ost tins. or &a&er &lates *ra&&e$ *it# "ello&#ane. an$ tie *it# a "olor0ul bo* 0or a 0esti!e tou"#2 Re"i&ients *ill re3e3ber your )in$ness. e00orts an$ "ulinary &ro*ess long into t#e 0utureI

.5, Give %i* s in a ;ar

Bo3e3a$e 3i5es in glass 3ason -ars are a 0a!orite 0rugillionaire gi0t i$ea2 9#ese "reati!e "on"o"tions &ro!i$e t#e re"i&ient *it# all t#e ingre$ients nee$e$ to *#i& u& a tasty treat2 ayer beans. lentils. $rie$ !egetables an$ seasonings 0or a #earty sou& 3i5L 3ulti@"olore$ noo$les. #erbs an$ s&i"es 0or a &asta $is#L 0lour. ba)ing so$a. sugar an$ "#o"olate "#i&s 0or "oo)iesL or "o"oa. sugar. &o*$ere$ 3il) an$ 3ars#3allo*s 0or #ot "#o"olate2 %ear"# "oo)boo)s. or t#e internet. 0or &lenty o0 i$eas an$ re"i&es2 9o 0inis#: to& t#e -ar *it# a seasonal 0abri" or ribbon. an$ a00i5 a $e"orati!e label *it# "oo)ing instru"tions2

.5- Give an e6"erience

<i0ts "an brea). *ear out or be tosse$ asi$e in a 3atter o0 3ont#sKor 3o3entsI 9#e 3e3ories o0 a *on$er0ul e5&erien"e. on t#e ot#er #an$. "an last 0ore!er2 9#in) o0 so3et#ing your re"i&ient *oul$ lo!e to $oKrat#er t#an #a!eKan$ arrange an a"ti!ity t#at suits t#eir interests2 9a)e an artsy nie"e to a gallery o&ening. or a s&orts@nut ne&#e* to a baseball ga3e2 %ign u& a lo!e$ one 0or an intro$u"tory 3usi" lesson or "oo)ing "lass2 9reat a 0rien$ to a nig#t at t#e t#eater2 E5&erien"e gi0ts "an be as 0rugal as t#ey are 0un: sear"# aroun$. an$ youFll 0in$ &lenty o0 0ree a"ti!ities. $is"ounte$ ti")ets an$ lo*@"ost "lasses to 3eet your nee$s2

.5. Give your i&e

<i!e t#e gi0t o0 your ti3eKitFs 3ore !aluable 1an$ *ill be 3ore a&&re"iate$4 t#an anyt#ing boug#t in a storeI H00er to babysit 0or a 0rien$Fs )i$s. so s#e an$ #er #usban$ "an #a!e a nig#t out2 8o #ouse#ol$ "#oresKli)e 3o*ing t#e la*n. *as#ing t#e *in$o*s. or 3a)ing re&airs K0or el$erly &arents or relati!es2 Hr s#are your s)ills an$ e5&ertise: $o so3eoneFs ta5es. 0i5 t#eir "o3&uter. gi!e t#e3 a 3assage. or tea"# t#e3 #o* to "oo)2 For a 0or3al 0louris#. &resent

12: t#e re"i&ient *it# a #an$3a$e "ou&on or "erti0i"ate 0or your Dser!i"es2E A gi0t o0 your ti3e "osts you absolutely not#ingL but to t#e gi0tee. itFs &ri"elessI

.55 Give so&e hin% s&all bu decaden

%3all in$ulgen"es 3a)e *on$er0ulKan$ 0rugalKgi0tsI C#oose an ite3 t#e re"i&ient *oul$ a&&re"iate. but *oul$nFt s&lurge on #ersel02 A s3all bo5 o0 gour3et "#o"olates. -ar o0 organi" &reser!es. or bottle o0 #ig#@en$ oli!e oil *ill $elig#t a "onnoisseur *it#out brea)ing t#e ban)2 %o3e $e"a$ent &astries 0ro3 a lo"al ba)ery are i$eal 0or so3eone *it# a s*eet toot#2 <i!e a 0rien$ in nee$ o0 &a3&ering so3e bat# salts. artisan soa& or a lu5urious #an$ "rea32 Fo"us on 6uality. not 6uantityKt#e s3aller t#e a3ount. t#e 3ore s&e"ial it see3s2 A$$ so3e &retty &a")aging 0or an elegant tou"#I

.5/ Give so&e hin% hand&ade

A #an$3a$e gi0t is 3u"# 3ore s&e"ial t#an a store@boug#t oneKan$ your only "ost is 3aterialsI <et "reati!e: &aint a &i"ture. *rite a &oe3. or 3a)e your o*n orna3ents2 I0 youFre #an$y *it# nee$le an$ t#rea$. se* a &illo* "o!er or "os3eti" "ase2 Hr )nit s"ar!es. #ats an$ 3ittensL t#eyFre *inter #oli$ay 0a!orites t#at are es&e"ially "#eris#e$ *#en 3a$e by a lo!e$ one2 You "an also &ur"#ase lo*@"ost !ases. bo*ls an$ bo5es 0ro3 "ra0t stores an$ "usto3i+e t#e3 *it# &aint2 <et t#e )i$s in!ol!e$. tooL itFs a great #oli$ay e5&erien"e. an$ tea"#es t#e3 t#at t#e best gi0ts "o3e 0ro3 t#e #eartI

.51 Give "ho os

For a 0rugal. 3u"#@treasure$ gi0tKt#in) 0a3ily &#otogra&#sI Fin$ an ol$ &i"ture o0 your &arents to "o33e3orate t#eir anni!ersaryL gat#er "#il$#oo$ sna&s o0 your sister to "elebrate #er 30t# birt#$ayL or gi!e a 0rien$ a "ute "an$i$ s#ot you re"ently too) o0 #er t*o@year@ol$2 9o a""u3ulate 3aterial. tote along a "a3era to &arties an$ 0a3ily 0un"tions2 Hr rea"# out to relati!es *it# ol$ 0a3ily &#otos. an$ o00er to s"an t#e3 into $igital 0or3at2 YouFll not only &reser!e #istory. youFll buil$ a *on$er0ul i3age library 0or 0uture gi0t@gi!ingI 9o &resent t#e &i"tures: &ut single &#otos in 0ra3es. an$ 3ulti&les in 3ini@albu3s2 Burn "olle"tions onto a C8 or 8C8 0or 3ore te"#@sa!!y re"i&ients2

.52 Give *a&ily heirloo&s

Boli$ays. birt#$ays an$ s&e"ial o""asions are a great ti3e to &ass $o*n 0a3ily #eirloo3s2 Not only $oes it sa!e you 0ro3 #a!ing to buy a gi0tL itFs a "#an"e to gi!e senti3ental &ie"es to t#ose *#o *ill a&&re"iate an$ en-oy t#e32 In 0a"t. t#e &resentation o0 su"# a treasureKbe it an ol$ broo"#. !ase or set o0 "#inaKo0ten 3a)es t#e o""asion all t#e 3ore s&e"ial2 Alternati!ely: i0

125 youF!e re"ei!e$ su"# ite3s. an$ t#eyFre not to your taste. "onsi$er gi0ting t#e3 to siblings or relati!es *#oF!e a$3ire$ t#e32 YouFll &ro3ote 0a3ily #ar3ony. sa!e 3oney. an$ $e"lutter your #ouse o0 un*ante$ &ossessionsI

.53 Give a beau y sa&"ler

Cos3eti" "ounters lo!e to gi!e out 0ree sa3&lesKa""e&t t#eir generosity. an$ stas# a*ay t#ese goo$ies 0or t#e #oli$aysI Colle"t all t#e 0reebies you "an. an$ 3a)e a beauty bas)et 0or so3eone on your gi0t list2 Fin$ a "ute but ine5&ensi!e "ontainer. an$ 0ill it *it# all t#ose #ig#@ en$ #an$ "rea3s. eye s#a$o*s. li& bal3s an$ lotions youF!e a""u3ulate$ o!er t#e year2 8onFt 0orget t#e 3ini@&er0u3es: gat#er t#e3 toget#er into a little library o0 s"ents 0or a 0ragran"e 0anati"2 Asse3bling su"# beauty sa3&lers is a *on$er0ul *ay to gi!e #ig#@en$. lu5ury &ro$u"ts Kat little or no "ost to youI

./0 Give children he %i* o* *inancial securi y

C#il$ren en-oy si3&le &leasures. an$ $onFt re6uire &iles o0 &resents to be #a&&y2 In 0a"t. t#ey o0ten get 3ore en-oy3ent 0ro3 a gi0tFs &a")aging t#an t#e ite3 insi$eI Instea$ o0 s&en$ing all your 3oney on t#ings t#eyFll 6ui")ly tire o0. 3a)e an in!est3ent in t#eir 0uture2 Buy -ust one or t*o s&e"ial gi0ts. an$ "ontribute t#e rest o0 t#e bu$get to t#eir "ollege sa!ings a""ounts2 En"ourage gran$&arents an$ relati!es to $o t#e sa3e2 9#e #oli$ays *ill #a!e a 3u"# 3ore &ositi!e i3&a"t on t#eir li!es. &ro!i$ing t#e3 *it# a strong 0inan"ial 0ootingKrat#er t#an t#ousan$s o0 $ollars *ort# o0 $is"ar$e$ toysI

./# ReD%i*

W#en you re"ei!e a gi0t t#atFs not to your taste. gi!e it to so3ebo$y elseI Re@gi0ting )ee&s &er0e"tly goo$ ite3s out o0 t#e lan$0ill. an$ &er0e"tly goo$ 3oney in your &o")et2 Just 0ollo* a 0e* si3&le rules *#en &assing on your un*ante$ &resents2 First. 3a)e sure t#e ite3 is a&&ro&riate 0or t#e re"i&ient. an$ si3ilar to *#at you *oul$ #a!e boug#t t#e3 in a store2 %e"on$. re@gi0t outsi$e t#e so"ial "ir"le 1an$ &re0erably t#e region4 o0 t#e original gi!er2 An$ 0inally. $onFt re@gi0t so3et#ing youF!e alrea$y use$Ksen$ t#at gently@*orn s*eater to t#e t#ri0t s#o& instea$2 I0 an ite3Fs too ris)y to re@gi0t: sell it on eBay2"o3. an$ use t#e &ro"ee$s to buy so3et#ing ne*I

./, !rea e a holiday bud%e

Rein in #oli$ay s&en$ing by setting a bu$getKan$ sti")ing to itI All too o0ten. *e use t#e Ds&iritE o0 t#e season as an e5"use to s&lurge. an$ 0igure *eFll *orry about t#e bills t#e 0ollo*ing year2 Be0ore t#e "ra+iness starts. $eter3ine t#e $ollar a3ount you "an a00or$ to s&en$ *it#out

12; going into $ebt2 8onFt be a0rai$ to set t#e bar lo*L 0rugillionaires "an #a!e *on$er0ul #oli$ays 0or un$er M1002 ist all e5&en$itures 1li)e gi0ts. $e"orations. 0oo$. &arties an$ tra!el4 an$ $e"i$e e5a"tly #o* 3u"# youFll allot to ea"#2 W#en you #a!e a &lan. youFre 3ore 3in$0ul o0 your 3oneyKan$ 3ore li)ely to sa!e so3e o0 it 0or t#e Ne* YearI

./- 9uy %i* s 0i h cash

In t#e e5"ite3ent o0 #oli$ay s#o&&ing. itFs easy to lose tra") o0 #o* 3u"# youFre s&en$ingKes&e"ially *#en using a "re$it "ar$2 %*i&ing t#e &lasti" see3s so &ainless. until t#e bills "o3e $ue in January2 ,ay *it# "as# instea$. an$ youFll be a"utely a*are o0 e!ery $ollar you &art *it#2 9o sti") to your bu$get: 0ill an en!elo&e *it# a &re$eter3ine$ a3ount. an$ 3a)e all &ur"#ases 0ro3 t#is single stas#2 9#at *ay. youFll be 0or"e$ to sto& s&en$ing *#en t#e *ell runs $ry2 9#is syste3 en"ourages "are0ul &lanning an$ 3in$0ul s#o&&ing. an$ lets you start t#e Ne* Year *it# 0inan"ial &ea"e o0 3in$I

./. 8a(e a %i* lis

%#o& *it# a listKitFs a &o*er0ul *ea&on against o!ers&en$ing2 Be0ore you e!en set 0oot in a store. outline all t#e &eo&le 0or *#o3 youFll buy gi0ts. $eter3ine t#e a3ount you &lan to s&en$. an$ $e"i$e e5a"tly *#at youFll &ur"#ase 0or ea"# &erson2 ?se t#e internet to brainstor3 0or i$eas. "#e") retailersF in!entories. an$ 0in$ t#e lo*est &ri"es2 W#en itFs ti3e to s#o&. buy *#atFs on your list an$ not#ing 3ore2 9#is $eliberate. le!el@#ea$e$ strategy not only )ee&s you on bu$get. it #el&s you gi!e 0rien$s an$ 0a3ily a&&ro&riate. t#oug#t0ul gi0tsKrat#er t#an *#ate!er you "oul$ get your #an$s on in t#e last@3inute rus#I

./5 Sho" hrou%hou he year

%a!e 3oney. an$ your sanity. by &ur"#asing gi0ts t#roug#out t#e yearKinstea$ o0 at t#e last 3inute2 9#e #e"ti" &a"e o0 t#e #oli$ays ta)es a toll on your *allet. as *ell as your ner!es2 W#en youFre $es&erate 0or a gi0t. itFs #ar$ to be "ost@"ons"ious an$ "onsu3er@sa!!yL youFre 3ore li)ely to o!ers&en$. -ust to get your s#o&&ing $one2 Instea$. )ee& an eye out 0or gi0t@*ort#y ite3s $uring t#e rest o0 t#e year. an$ buy t#e3 *#en t#eyFre on sale2 %tore t#e3 in a $e$i"ate$ &la"e 1li)e a bo5. or "loset s#el04. so t#eyFre easily 0oun$ "o3e t#e #oli$ays2 9#is lai$@ba") a&&roa"# to gi0t s#o&&ing brings bot# serenity an$ sa!ingsI

.// !o&"arison sho" online

I0 youFre loo)ing 0or a &arti"ular gi0t. go online to 0in$ t#e lo*est &ri"eL itFs 0aster an$ easier t#an $ri!ing all o!er to*n2 Wit# *ebsites li)e ,ri"e<rabber2"o3 an$ 3y%i3on2"o3. you "an $eter3ine *#i"# store #as t#e best $eal in a 3atter o0 3inutes2 %ear"# 0or a &arti"ular

12= &ro$u"t. an$ t#e site lists all t#e retailers t#at #a!e it in sto")Kalong *it# t#eir &ri"es2 /a)e t#e &ur"#ase online. *it# a 0e* "li")s o0 your 3ouseL or 3a)e note o0 t#e nearest bri")@an$@3ortar outlet2 You "an e!en sign u& to re"ei!e e3ails *#en t#e &ri"e o0 an ite3 $ro&sI

./1 =ave a %i* e6chan%e

Arrange a gi0t e5"#ange. an$ gi!e your #oli$ay bu$get so3e breat#ing roo3I Buying &resents 0or t#e *#ole 0a3ily "an 6ui")ly $rain your ban) a""ount2 Ba!e e!eryone $ra* na3es instea$. so t#at ea"# &erson buys only one gi0t2 Aee& t#e results se"ret until t#e e5"#angeL itFs 0un to s&e"ulate on D*#o #as *#o.E an$ a$$s e5tra e5"ite3ent to your #oli$ay s#o&&ing2 Be sure to establis# a s&en$ing li3it to )ee& t#ings in 3o$eration2 9ry t#e sa3e strategy *it# large grou&s o0 0rien$s an$ "o*or)ers2 ItFll sa!e e!eryone a lot o0 ti3e an$ stress. as *ell as 3oneyI

./2 Se a s"endin% li&i

<i0t gi!ing on a bu$get $oesnFt #a!e to be stress0ulL in 0a"t. it "an be great 0unI Agree *it# 0a3ily or 0rien$s on an arbitrary s&en$ing li3itKsu"# as M5. M10 or M25 &er &erson2 9#e lo*er t#e a3ount. t#e greater t#e "#allengeKan$ t#e 3ore entertaining t#e results2 YouFll #a!e &lenty o0 laug#s un*ra&&ing a banana *#en your 0a3ily #as set a M1 bu$getI For t#e ulti3ate in 0rugality. try a Dno@s&en$E #oli$ay: gi0ts 3ust "o3e 0ro3 &ersonal &ossessions. or ot#er*ise be 3a$e 1or a"6uire$4 0ree o0 "#arge2 YouFll lo!e t#e "reati!ity it ins&ires. an$ t#e 0esti!e s&irit t#at ensuesI

./3 Ge everyone on board

W#et#er itFs &lanning a gi0t e5"#ange. setting a s&en$ing li3it. or eli3inating &resents altoget#er. itFs i3&ortant to 3a)e sure t#at e!eryoneFs on boar$2 C#anging #oli$ay tra$itions "an be a sti")y *i")etL #ee$ t#e 0ollo*ing a$!i"e to s3oot# t#e &ro"ess2 First. &resent your &ro&osal early in t#e year. be0ore anyone #as begun t#eir s#o&&ing2 %e"on$. gi!e it a &ositi!e s&in: 0o"us on 0un as *ell as 0rugality. an$ e3&#asi+e t#e i3&ortan"e o0 s&en$ing ti3e toget#er o!er t#e e5"#ange o0 gi0ts2 An$ t#ir$. be *illing to "o3&ro3iseL re"ogni+e t#at s3all "#anges in t#e rig#t $ire"tion "an ease your 0a3ily into ne*. 0rugal tra$itions o!er ti3e2

.10 !u do0n on he cards

%a!e 3oney. an$ t#e en!iron3ent. by "utting $o*n on #oli$ay "ar$sKt#e !ast 3a-ority *in$ u& in t#e tras# any*ayI %tart by &aring $o*n your list: sen$ greetings only to t#ose *it# *#o3 youF$ truly li)e to )ee& in tou"#2 Consi$er a letter. or s#ort &#one "all. instea$KitFs 3u"# 3ore &ersonal. an$ sure to be a&&re"iate$2 For t#e "ar$s you $o sen$. try re"y"ling t#e ones you re"ei!eL "ut o00 t#e #al0 *it# t#e i3age. an$ sen$ as a &ost"ar$ t#e 0ollo*ing year2 Hr go !irtual.

12> an$ eli3inate t#e "ost o0 "ar$s an$ &ostage altoget#er2 Ele"troni" greetings "on!ey t#e sa3e senti3ents. *it#out all t#e *asteI

.1# Reuse %i* 0ra"

8onFt sen$ beauti0ul gi0t *ra& to t#e lan$0illI Instea$ o0 tossing it in t#e tras#. sa!e it 0or 0uture &resentsL si3&ly *ra& on a roll an$ se"ure *it# ta&e2 Reusing *ra&&ing &a&erKas *ell as ribbons. bo*s an$ ot#er $e"orationsKis goo$ 0or bot# t#e en!iron3ent an$ your bu$get2 I0 you 3ust &ur"#ase &a&er. "#oose soli$ "olors 1li)e sil!er. gol$. blue or *#ite4 t#at *or) 0or a !ariety o0 o""asionsL or buy ine5&ensi!e bro*n )ra0t &a&er. an$ $e"orate *it# 3ar)ers or sta3&s 0or a &ersonal tou"#2 Alternati!ely. *ra& gi0ts *it# 0abri"L it loo)s gorgeous. an$ "an be reuse$ a$ in0initu3I

.1, =i "os Dseason sales

%#o& rig#t a0ter a #oli$ay 0or t#e best $eals on "ar$s. *ra&&ing an$ 0esti!e $e"orations2 Nobo$y *ants Ballo*een ite3s on No!2 1. C#rist3as orna3ents on 8e"2 2;. or Calentines on Feb2 15Ke5"e&t 0rugillionairesI A0ter a #oli$ay. stores #a!e le0to!er in!entory an$ little $e3an$. an$ 3ar) $o*n seasonal ite3s $ra3ati"ally to "lear t#e s#el!es2 %na& t#e3 u& at $ee& $is"ounts an$ store t#e3 a*ay 0or ne5t year2 9#is si3&le strategy "an sa!e you as 3u"# as =5 to (0 &er"ent o!er t#e retail &ri"e2 %#o& $is"ri3inately. t#oug#. an$ buy only *#at you truly nee$L no 3atter #o* lo* t#e &ri"e. useless "lutter is ne!er a bargainI

.1- $ecora e 0i h na ure

%)i& t#e &ri"ey. store@boug#t orna3ents an$ $e"orate *it# nature instea$I You $onFt #a!e to s&en$ a $i3e to $e") t#e #alls: si3&ly loo) outsi$e 0or ite3s an$ ins&iration2 For e5a3&le. gat#er &ine"ones to 3a)e a lo!ely "enter&ie"e: &ile t#e3 into a bo*l. an$ s&ray *it# gol$ or sil!er &aint 0or an elegant tou"#2 %&rea$ e!ergreen bran"#es a"ross your 3antle. or s&ru"e u& your table *it# s&rigs o0 #olly2 %tring &o&"orn an$ "ranberries into garlan$ 0or a 0esti!e yet 0rugal tree tri33ing2 ?sing natural 3aterials not only sa!es you 3oney. it gi!es you greater a&&re"iation 0or t#e beauty. an$ bounty. o0 t#e seasonI

.1. $ecora e 0i h "ersonal i e&s

et your seasonal $N"or re0le"t t#e true -oy o0 t#e #oli$ays: t#e "#an"e to gat#er *it#. an$ a&&re"iate. 0a3ilyI 8e"orate *it# ite3s t#at #a!e &ersonal 3eaning. rat#er t#an e5&ensi!e $esigner &e$igrees: li)e #eirloo3 orna3ents. ol$ &#otogra&#s. an$ greeting "ar$s 0ro3 0rien$s an$ relati!es2 9#ey gi!e a sense o0 *ar3t#. tra$ition an$ 3eaning to your "elebration2 For a &arti"ularly $elig#t0ul e00e"t. as) "#il$ren in t#e 0a3ily to "reate s&e"ial art*or) 0or you to

12( $is&lay2 9#eir %anta $ra*ings an$ &a&er "#ains are in0initely 3ore "#ar3ing t#an $e&art3ent store baublesI

.15 $ress u" %eneric d?cor

Wit# a little "reati!ity. you "an gi!e your #ouse a #oli$ay 3a)eo!er *it#out setting 0oot in t#e stores2 ?se t#e ite3s you #a!e on #an$. an$ gi!e t#e3 a 0res#. seasonal tou"#2 9#e sa3e bas)et. 0or e5a3&le. "an #ol$ 9#an)sgi!ing gour$s. C#rist3as e!ergreens. or "olor0ul Easter eggsL si3&ly tie *it# a ribbon in an a&&ro&riate "olor2 ?se a si3ilar 3et#o$ to $ress u& generi" bo*ls an$ !ases2 Your 3oney goes 3u"# 0urt#er *#en you buy ite3s t#at *or) 0or 3ulti&le o""asions: li)e a si3&le *#ite &late *it# a gol$ ri3. instea$ o0 one e3bla+one$ *it# rein$eer an$ #olly2 ItFs not only e"ono3i"alKitFs also 3ore elegantI

.1/ 9orro0 i e&s *or en er ainin%

I0 youFre entertaining a large grou&. but are lo* on #ostess su&&liesKborro* t#e3I W#y blo* your bu$get on e5tra ite3s t#atFll only gat#er $ust $uring t#e yearG Your 0rien$s. 0a3ily an$ neig#bors are "ertain to #a!e ser!ing &lates. sil!er*are an$ 0ol$ing "#airs t#eyFll be #a&&y to len$2 You 3ay e!en be able to s"ore so3e te3&orary table linens an$ seasonal $e"orations2 8onFt *orry about 3is3at"#e$ &lates or unusual utensilsL an e"le"ti" style sets an at3os&#ere t#atFs 0un an$ 0esti!e. rat#er t#an stu00y an$ 0or3al2 You "an also aug3ent your 3usi"al sele"tion. by as)ing guests to bring t#eir 3&3 &layers or C8sI

.11 =ave a holiday "o luc(

9#e #oli$ays are a &er0e"t ti3e 0or a &otlu") &artyI As) atten$ees to bring t#eir 0a!orite seasonal $is#esKsu"# as "#il$#oo$ treats. se"ret 0a3ily re"i&es. or tra$itional #oli$ay 0oo$s 0ro3 t#eir "ultural ba")groun$s2 Ba!e t#e3 *rite s#ort e5&lanations on &la"e "ar$s. to $is&lay alongsi$e t#eir "ontributions2 %er!e bu00et style. so guests "an 3ingle *#ile t#ey sa3&le t#e o00erings2 E!eryone *ill lo!e t#e o&&ortunity to e5&an$ t#eir "ulinary #ori+ons. an$ learn about ea"# ot#erFs "ultures an$ tra$itions2 9#e best &art: itFll #ar$ly "ost you a t#ingI

.12 !elebra e si&"le "leasures

Celebrate t#e si3&le &leasures o0 t#e #oli$ay season at #o3eI Instea$ o0 going to t#e 3all. gat#er your 0a3ily aroun$ t#e #eart#: "o+y u& in blan)ets. 3a)e #ot "o"oa an$ en-oy t#e 0li")er o0 a 0ire2 %)i& t#e 3o!ies 1an$ ot#er &ai$ entertain3ent4 in 0a!or o0 ol$@0as#ione$ tra$itions: li)e singing "arols. roasting "#estnuts. an$ rea$ing "lassi" #oli$ay tales to t#e little ones2 In our #e"ti" li!es. so3e seasonal a"ti!itiesKli)e ba)ing "oo)ies. *ra&&ing gi0ts. an$ tri33ing t#e treeK"an al3ost see3 li)e "#ores2 But i0 *e slo* $o*n. an$ in!ite t#e *#ole

130 0a3ily to &arti"i&ate. *e "an 3a)e t#e3 into 0unKan$ 0rugalK#oli$ay e!ents2

.13 Ad&ire o her "eo"le+s d?cor

You $onFt nee$ to "o!er your #ouse *it# lig#ts. or your la*n *it# rein$eer. to get into t#e #oli$ay s&irit2 En-oy ot#er &eo&leFs $N"or instea$I /a)e it a tra$ition to *al) aroun$ your #o3eto*n. or $ri!e to a neig#boring one. to a$3ire t#e seasonal $e"orations2 %ee) out &arti"ularly 0esti!e streets an$ $e")e$@out #o3es 0or your outingL as) aroun$ your "o33unity. or "#e") lo"al &a&ers. 0or &ri3e lo"ations2 For an e!en 3ore 3agi"al e5&erien"e. !isit a &ar) or #orti"ultural gar$enK3any stage stunning #oli$ay $is&lays on a gran$ s"ale2 ItFs 3u"# 3ore 0un t#an being u& on a la$$er. an$ youFll get all t#e en-oy3ent *it#out t#e ele"tri" billsI

.20 Ioin in co&&uni y celebra ions

9#e #oli$ay season is t#e best ti3e o0 year 0or 0ree entertain3entI Co33unity "elebrations o00er &lenty o0 0rugal 0un. as *ell as t#e "#an"e to 3ingle *it# 0rien$s an$ neig#bors2 Atten$ t#e tree lig#ting in your to*nFs 3ain s6uare at t#e start o0 t#e season2 9#en ta)e your &i") o0 t#e &ara$es. &arties. &ageants an$ #oli$ay "on"erts t#at 0ollo*2 C#e") "#ur"#es. synagogues an$ your lo"al &a&er 0or e!ent listings. an$ youFll ne!er be at a loss 0or so3et#ing to $o2 Not only are 3ost 0esti!ities 0ree. t#eyFre also 0a3ily@0rien$lyK&ro!i$ing *on$er0ul o&&ortunities to "elebrate. an$ so"iali+e. *it#out t#e nee$ o0 a sitterI

!ha" er #.

)=ILOSO)=B

Thin(in% Li(e a Fru%illionaire

131

.2# 9e a 4&insu&er5

A$!ertisers. e"ono3ists an$ go!ern3ent o00i"ials $e0ine us as D"onsu3ers2E 9#ey en"ourage us to buy as 3u"# as &ossible. so t#ey "an line t#eir &o")ets. gro* t#e <8,. an$ get re@ele"te$2 9#at 3ay be goo$ 0or "or&orations an$ &oliti"ians. but not our o*n botto3 lines2 Be a D3insu3erE instea$Ka"6uire -ust enoug# goo$s to satis0y your nee$s. rat#er t#an s#o&&ing 0or its o*n sa)e2 /ini3i+e t#e role o0 "onsu3&tion in your li0e. an$ 3a)e your 3ar) on t#e *orl$ *it# your )no*le$ge. "reati!ity. an$ "i!i" &arti"i&ationKrat#er t#an your &ur"#asesI

.2, Focus on 0ha you have

9a)e a 0e* 3inutes an$ t#in) about all t#e t#ings you o*nL i0 youFre 0eeling a3bitious. get out &en an$ &a&er an$ 3a)e a list2 ItFs a bit o!er*#el3ing. isnFt itG /ost o0 us #a!e so 3u"# stu00. it see3s lu$i"rous to 0eel any sense o0 $e&ri!ation2 Yet 3ar)eters "onstantly turn our attention to *#at *e $onFt #a!e: t#ings t#at *e *ere &er0e"tly "ontent *it#out be0ore *e sa* t#eir a$sI 8onFt let t#e3 s*ay you into &arting *it# your #ar$@earne$ "as#2 W#en youFre te3&te$ to buy so3et#ing ne*. 0o"us on *#at you alrea$y #a!e2 Bee$ t#e *or$s o0 t#e 9ao 9e C#ing: DI0 you reali+e t#at you #a!e enoug#. you are truly ri"#2E

.2- Rede*ine success

We too o0ten e6uate su""ess *it# 3aterial a""u3ulation. an$ 0eel *e #a!enFt D3a$e itE until *e o*n "ertain status sy3bols2 %o *e set about a"6uiring t#e3K"re$it "ar$s in #an$Kan$ *re") our 0inan"es in t#e &ro"ess2 Follo* t#e 0rugillionaire &at# instea$. by re$e0ining your "on"e&t o0 su""ess2 Forget t#e /"/ansions. s&orts "ars an$ $esigner logos. an$ use your &ersonal !alues to 3easure your a"#ie!e3ent2 Raising a #a&&y 0a3ily. e5"elling at your -ob. i3&ro!ing t#e li!es o0 ot#ers. or li!ing *it#in your 3eans are 0ar better ben"#3ar)s o0 a""o3&lis#3entI

.2. Loo( do0n he ladder

/ost o0 us 0all so3e*#ere in t#e 3i$$le o0 t#e e"ono3i" "ontinuu3L t#ere are &lenty o0 &eo&le ri"#er t#an us. an$ &lenty o0 &eo&le &oorer2 I0 *eFre $is"ontent. itFs be"ause *e loo) only u& t#e la$$er. an$ "o3&are oursel!es to t#ose *#o #a!e 3ore2 For a balan"e$ !ie*. *e 3ust also loo) $o*nKan$ see #o* so3e &eo&le struggle ea"# $ay to sur!i!e2 Fro3 t#is &ers&e"ti!e. *e gain a true &i"ture o0 our &ros&erity2 W#en *e reali+e t#e &ri!ilege *e #a!e. *e "an turn our ga+e 0ro3 t#e #ig#er rungs. an$ len$ a #an$ to so3eone belo*2 It "osts a lot less t#an )ee&ing u& *it# t#e Joneses. an$ is in0initely 3ore satis0ying2

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.25 Lo0er your e6"ec a ions

E5&e"tations "ause all sorts o0 troubleKas *ell as unne"essary e5&enseI I3agine t#at your s&ouse gi!es you a $ia3on$ ring 0or your anni!ersary2 I0 you #a$nFt anti"i&ate$ su"# a gi0t. youF$ be absolutely t#rille$L but i0 youF$ e5&e"te$ a stone t*i"e t#e si+e. youF$ s&en$ t#e o""asion $o*n in t#e $u3&s2 E5&e"tations are t#e 0ine line bet*een a #a&&y an$ 3iserable li0e2 W#en t#eyFre set too #ig#K$ue to 3e$ia. &eers. or your o*n natureKyouFre sure to be $isa&&ointe$2 But *#en t#eyFre lo* 1or none5istent4. li0e isnFt nearly as tragi" *#en t#ings go a*ryKan$ all t#e 3ore 0abulous *#en t#ey *or) out *ellI

.2/ E&brace he conce" o* 4%ood enou%h5

A$!ertisers "on$ition us to t#in) *e nee$ t#e DbestE o0 e!eryt#ing: t#e 0astest "ar. t#e biggest #ouse. t#e #i&&est "lot#es an$ t#e latest ga$gets2 H0 "ourse. t#ese t#ings usually "o3e *it# t#e #ig#est &ri"e tagsI Instea$ o0 "#asing su&erlati!es. e3bra"e t#e "on"e&t o0 Dgoo$ enoug#2E You $onFt nee$ &ro0essional gra$e "oo)*are to 0i5 a ni"e 3eal. to&@o0@t#e@line s&ea)ers to groo!e to so3e tunes. or lu5ury s#eets 0or a goo$ nig#tFs slee&2 W#y &ay 0or &re3iu3 *#en DregularE *ill $oG Be #a&&y *it# *#at gets t#e -ob $one. an$ sa!e t#e Dbigger an$ betterE 0or your ban) a""ountI

.21 $on+ s"end o i&"ress

/oney s&ent to i3&ress ot#ers is usually 3oney *aste$2 Reali+e t#at ot#er &eo&le are too *ra&&e$ u& in t#eir o*n li!es to noti"eKor "areKi0 you #a!e a &ro0essional &e$i"ure. t#e latest $esigner out0it. or t#e "ell &#one $u -our2 A$!ertisers *ant us to t#in) *e li!e our li!es in t#e s&otlig#tL but in reality. !ery 0e* o0 us are t#e ob-e"ts o0 su"# ra&t attention2 ?nless youFre a "elebrity. 3ost &eo&le *onFt gi!e a #oot about *#at you o*n or #o* you loo)2 As 0or t#ose *#o #a!e not#ing better to $o t#an -u$ge *#at youFre *earing. $ri!ing or buyingKt#eyFre #ar$ly *ort# i3&ressingI

.22 $on+ *ollo0 he herd

Fas#ion 3aga+ines an$ 3ar)eters tout t#e ne* D3ust@#a!esE e!ery seasonKbe it t#e D#otE #an$bag. s)irt lengt#. "ell &#one or 3&3 &layer2 9#ey try to "on!in"e us t#at e!eryone else *ill be 0launting t#e latest. greatest an$ #i&&est stu00L an$ i0 *e $onFt #urry u& an$ buy. *eFll be le0t be#in$2 But "#asing tren$s is a 0oolFs ga3e: in -ust a 0e* 3ont#s. t#at o0@t#e@3o3ent ite3 *ill be yester$ayFs ne*s2 Instea$ o0 being a 0ollo*er. be true to your o*n style2 Buy t#ings to satis0y nee$s. not 0or t#e sa)e o0 no!elty2 YouFll sa!e #un$re$s 13aybe t#ousan$sI4 o0 $ollars ea"# yearKan$ a 0at *allet is al*ays in 0as#ionI

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.23 $on+ "urchase a "ersona

WeFre all guilty o0 buying t#ings 0or t#e li0e *e *is# *e #a$. or t#e &erson *eF$ li)e to be2 /aybe *e #a!e a "loset o0 un*orn e!ening go*ns. a library o0 unrea$ to3es. or a garage 0ull o0 unuse$ s&orts e6ui&3ent2 %o3e#o*. &ur"#asing t#ose ite3s $i$nFt 3a)e us t#e so"ialite. s"#olar or s&orts3an *e i3agine$I %#o&&ing 0or a $rea3 li0estyle is a *aste o0 3oneyL i0 your real li0e isnFt gla3orous. s)i& t#e bling2 By t#e sa3e to)en. $onFt let "elebrities in0luen"e your "onsu3&tion2 W#atFs a&&ro&riate 0or -et@setting a"tors 3ay not be t#e best "#oi"e 0or you2 Instea$ o0 i3itating t#eir style. "elebrate your o*nI

.30 Focus on a""recia ion' no de"riva ion

/ar)eters try to instill in us a sense o0 $e&ri!ationL t#ey *ant us to 0eel e3&ty an$ in"o3&lete *it#out t#e &ro$u"ts t#eyFre selling2 Be"o3e i33une to t#eir te"#ni6ues by "ulti!ating a strong sense o0 a&&re"iation2 W#en youFre grate0ul 0or all t#e little t#ings in li0eKa s&ring blosso3. a lo!e$ oneFs s3ile. or t#e *ar3t# o0 a 0ire on a *inter nig#tKyouFll reali+e t#e abun$an"e you alrea$y #a!e2 9a)e t#e ti3e to "#eris# t#ese 3o3ents. as t#eyFre 0ar 3ore !aluable t#an 3anu0a"ture$ goo$s2 W#en a "#il$Fs laug#ter or beauti0ul sunset 3a)es your $ay. youFll 0eel *on$er0ully ri"# *it#out s&en$ing a $i3eKan$ reali+e t#e true -oy o0 being a 0rugillionaireI

.3# 8a(e do or do 0i hou

In so3e &arts o0 t#e *orl$. itFs $i00i"ult to obtain basi" goo$s. let alone anyt#ing "onsi$ere$ Dlu5uries2E ,eo&le in su"# situations learn to 3a)e $o *it# *#at t#ey #a!eKor si3&ly $o *it#out2 Be si3ilarly resour"e0ul *#en you 0eel t#e Dnee$E to a"6uire a ne* &ossession2 Consi$er i0 so3et#ing you alrea$y o*nK&er#a&s altere$. retoole$. or re@&ur&ose$K "an ser!e as a substitute2 Alternati!ely. i3agine #o* your li0e *oul$ be in t#e absen"e o0 t#is ite3: *oul$ it "#ange 0or t#e *orse. or si3&ly go on as usualG I0 t#e latter. t#en $o *it#outKan$ sa!e your 3oney 0or 3ore &ressing nee$s2

.3, Avoid adver isin%

i3it your e5&osure to a$!ertisingL youFll be a3a+e$ #o* "are0ree. #a&&yKan$ ri"#K you be"o3eI W#en you $onFt )no* "ertain &ro$u"ts e5ist. you $onFt *ant t#e32 9#ereFs no reason to long 0or t#e3. no &ressure to buy t#e3. an$ no stress to &ay 0or t#e32 %u$$enly all t#ese D&roble3sE are eli3inate$ 0ro3 your li0eKitFs in"re$ibly liberatingI <o on an a$!ertising 0ast to see 0or yoursel0: "an"el subs"ri&tions to 3aga+ines. tune out tele!ision "o33er"ials. an$ install a$@blo")ing so0t*are in your internet bro*ser2 %a!ing is easier. an$ li0e 3ore serene.

13: *#en youFre not bo3bar$e$ *it# entreaties to Dbuy2E

.3- Give yoursel* so&e s"ace

ess is 3oreKt#ese t#ree *or$s "an "#ange your li0eI Instea$ o0 0illing your #o3e *it# ob-e"ts. an$ your ti3e *it# a"ti!ities. gi!e yoursel0 so3e s&a"e2 YouFll sa!e 3oney. an$ e5&erien"e a *on$er0ul sense o0 "al3 an$ serenity2 Ea"# e5traneous t#ing you eli3inate 0ro3 your li0eKli)e an unuse$ ite3. unne"essary &ur"#ase or un0ul0illing tas)K0eels li)e a *eig#t li0te$ 0ro3 your s#oul$ers2 YouFll #a!e 0e*er erran$s to run. an$ less stu00 to s#o& 0or. &ay 0or. "lean. 3aintain an$ insure2 W#en li0e is less "luttere$ *it# t"#ot"#)es an$ to@$oFs. you #a!e 3ore ti3e. 3oney an$ energy to en-oy itI

.3. Thin( be*ore you s"end

All too o0ten. *e let 3oney sli& t#roug# our 0ingers *it#out a 3o3entFs t#oug#tKan$ t#en *on$er *#ere our &ay"#e")s #a!e goneI Fro3 no* on. "are0ully "onsi$er ea"# &ur"#ase be0ore *#i&&ing out your *allet2 As) yoursel0 *#y youFre buying a &arti"ular ite3: is it be"ause it 3a)es you 0eel se5y. be"ause e!eryone else #as one. or si3&ly be"ause youFre bore$G Bo* 3any #ours *ill you #a!e to *or) to &ay 0or itG 8o you really nee$ it. or "an you li!e *it#out itG W#en you 6uestion D*#yE be0ore you buy. youFll in"rease your a*arenessKan$ $e"rease t#e a3ountKo0 your s&en$ing2

.35 Live belo0 your &eans

%&en$ less t#an you 3a)e. an$ your *orries *ill be 0e*I Banis# t#e notion t#at you D$eser!eE a big #ouse. ne* "ar or e5&ensi!e "lot#es2 Rat#er. be satis0ie$ *it# t#e s#elter. trans&ort an$ rai3ent you "an "o30ortably a00or$2 Instea$ o0 ta)ing on $ebt. 0in$ "reati!e *ays to 3eet your nee$s: get a roo33ate to #el& &ay t#e rentL o&t 0or t#e bus o!er an auto loanL s#o& se"on$#an$ rat#er t#an retail2 En-oy t#e "#allenge o0 sa!ing as 3u"# o0 your &ay"#e") as &ossible2 An$ i0 your in"o3e in"reases. resist t#e urge to Du&gra$eE your li0estyleL )ee& your e5&enses lo*. an$ youFll be *ell on t#e roa$ to ri"#esI

.3/ Live si&"ly

/a#at3a <an$#i sai$. D i!e si3&ly so t#at ot#ers 3ay si3&ly li!e2E Hur &lanetFs &o&ulation is gro*ing. an$ its resour"es are li3ite$2 W#en *e o!er@"onsu3e. *e ta)e 3ore t#an our 0air s#are Klea!ing less 0or ot#er &eo&le. an$ 0uture generations2 By li3iting our &ersonal "onsu3&tion. *e "an a!oi$ *asting t#e bounty o0 our eart# on 0ri!olous goo$s2 We 3ust also "onsi$er 3ore t#an t#e &ri"e tag *#en 3a)ing a &ur"#ase. an$ re-e"t ite3s 3a$e *it# e5&loite$ labor or e"ologi"ally #ar30ul &ra"ti"es2 No 3atter #o* "#ea&. itFs not a bargain i0 anot#er &ersonKor our &lanetKis &aying t#e &ri"e2

.31 Less s u** eJuals less s ress

9#in) o0 all t#e ti3e an$ 3oney usur&e$ by a single &ossession2 We &lan 0or it. resear"# it. an$ earn 1or borro*4 t#e 3oney to buy itL &ur"#ase it. trans&ort it #o3e. an$ 0in$ a &la"e to

135 &ut itL 3aintain. insure. an$ "lean it 1or aroun$ it4L an$ &ay interest on it i0 *e boug#t it on "re$it2 We &rote"t it 0ro3 t#e0t. 0i5 it *#en it brea)s. an$ &ay so3eone to 3o!e it *#en *e "#ange abo$es2 /ulti&ly t#at by a #ouse0ul o0 ite3s. an$ itFs e5#austing -ust to "onsi$erI 9a)e t#e easy *ay out. an$ buy less stu00: t#e 0e*er t#ings you o*n. t#e less #assle an$ e5&enseI

.32 Less s u** eJuals &ore *reedo&

,ossessions are li)e an"#ors2 9#ey tet#er us to our #o3es. be"ause 3o!ing t#e3 3a)es it a #assle to relo"ate2 9#ey bin$ us to our -obs. be"ause *e 3ust earn t#e 3oney to &ay 0or t#e32 An$ t#ey *eig# on our souls. be"ause e!en *#en *e tire o0 t#e3 itFs #ar$ to t#ro* t#e3 a*ay2 A!oi$ be"o3ing a sla!e to stu00. by o*ning -ust enoug# to 3eet your nee$s2 YouFll not only gain 0inan"ial 0ree$o3. youFll brea) t#e bon$s o0 "lutter2 W#en youFre not bur$ene$ *it# a &ile o0 &ossessionsKan$ t#e $ebt use$ to a"6uire t#e3KyouFll 0eel lig#t. liberate$ an$ 0ull o0 &ossibilityI

.33 En;oy 0i hou o0nin%

ItFs a -oy to !isit t#e /ona isa. but *e *oul$nFt *ant to ta)e #er #o3e2 It *oul$ be 6uite a #ea$a"#e to )ee& #er "lean. se"ure an$ &ro&erly $is&laye$K*eFll lea!e t#at to t#e ou!re. t#an) you !ery 3u"#I /a)e your li0e easier 1an$ less e5&ensi!e4 by 0in$ing si3ilar *ays to Den-oy *it#out o*ning2E For e5a3&le. !isit botani"al gar$ens instea$ o0 &lanting e5oti"s in your ba")yar$2 %*i3 in a "o33unity &ool instea$ o0 3aintaining your o*n2 Rent a !a"ation #o3e 0or a *ee) instea$ o0 ta)ing a 3ortgage on it2 YouFll o0ten get 3ore &leasure 0ro3 t#ings *#en you $onFt #a!e t#e res&onsibility o0 o*ners#i&I

500 49e5 ins ead o* 4buy5

You are no *#at you o*nKre3e3ber t#ese *or$s *#ene!er you 0eel t#e urge to s&lurge2 /ar)eters try to 3a)e s#o&&ing an integral &art o0 our li!esL t#ey en"ourage us to i$enti0y *it# t#e &ro$u"ts *e &ur"#ase. an$ s#o& as a 3eans o0 sel0@e5&ression2 But *#en *e be"o3e 0rugillionaires. a *on$er0ul t#ing #a&&ens: *e s#i0t our 0o"us 0ro3 DbuyingE to Dbeing2E We brea) t#e s&ell o0 "onsu3&tion an$ regain our 0ree$o3K0ro3 a$!ertisers. 0ro3 $ebt. an$ 0ro3 t#e rat ra"e2 But 3ore i3&ortantly. *e re$e0ine oursel!es: by *#at *e $o. #o* *e t#in). an$ *#o *e lo!eKrat#er t#an *#at *e buy2

13;