Sunday, October 29, 2006

Fun Frugal Activities for Families - Take it Outside

Try saying THAT ten times in a row: fun, frugal families. :) But that's exactly what you're all trying to be - you're trying to take responsibility with your money, and likely pay off excess debt.

That doesn't mean that you can't have any fun! In fact, if you want to stick to your frugality goals, you'll need to come up with a list of family activities that ARE fun, but that also won't break the bank.

One of the greatest ideas is to get outdoors - go for a hike, a walk, a stroll around a lake. Go sledding when the snow starts to fall, or get outside to make a big snowman. Take the dog for a walk, but take one of your kids with you too, so you get a chance to really talk to them. Make a bonfire with friends, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Or, go for a drive in the country and take snacks or a picnic to enjoy when you arrive at your destination.

Get your family's ideas written down too, and create a Frugal Family Fun binder with ideas, recipes - whatever you need to come up with meaningful family activities when everyone wants to spend some time together. This way you'll be less likely to overspend. :) Enjoy!

Fun Frugal Activities for Families - Take it Outside

Try saying THAT ten times in a row: fun, frugal families. :) But that's exactly what you're all trying to be - you're trying to take responsibility with your money, and likely pay off excess debt.

That doesn't mean that you can't have any fun! In fact, if you want to stick to your frugality goals, you'll need to come up with a list of family activities that ARE fun, but that also won't break the bank.

One of the greatest ideas is to get outdoors - go for a hike, a walk, a stroll around a lake. Go sledding when the snow starts to fall, or get outside to make a big snowman. Take the dog for a walk, but take one of your kids with you too, so you get a chance to really talk to them. Make a bonfire with friends, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Or, go for a drive in the country and take snacks or a picnic to enjoy when you arrive at your destination.

Get your family's ideas written down too, and create a Frugal Family Fun binder with ideas, recipes - whatever you need to come up with meaningful family activities when everyone wants to spend some time together. This way you'll be less likely to overspend. :) Enjoy!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Yay - It worked! I got my credit card Interest Rate Lowered

Hey frugalites,

:) The last post I made was about how I called my credit card company and simply asked for a lowered rate. Well, it was a bit more complicated then that - I just mentioned that I had received a better credit card offer in the mail, and that if they couldn't lower my rate than I would have to switch credit cards.

Lo and behold, yesterday my interest rate was lowered by 6% AND they told me it should be lowered even more.

So, I highly recommend that you try this - just call your credit card company and get them to lower your interest rate. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars just by making a brief 5 minute phone call.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Reduce Debt Tips - Ask for a Lower Credit Card Rate

I've learned that one of the easiest ways to get a lower credit card rate is...simply to ask for it! Just call your credit card provider (major ones like Visa or Mastercard) and say something along these lines:

Hi, I'm calling today because I've recently received a lower interest rate credit card offer from _________________ (name of Company.) I would like to stay with you, but I need my interest rate to be lowered, or else I'll have to take this other offer.

It's really that easy! Last week I tried this method firsthand and was told that I would definitely receive a lower rate. Now, this is taking into account that the credit card is in good standing, and some other factors such as not just paying the minimum amount due on the card every month.

It's worth it to give this method a try -- post a comment if you try and DO get a lower credit cards interest rate!

Frugal Fun and Frugal Shopping: Use Canvas Reusable Shopping Bags

Here's a simple tip that is convenient for you and healthy for our environment. Try investing in a few good-quality canvas bags or sacks and then keep one tightly bunched up in your purse or car. It's an easy way to have a bag always at hand for groceries or other shopping, or just when you happen to find a great bargain at a garage sale and need an easy way to tote it!

For more ideas on homemade frugal crafts, visit http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/crafts.html

Frugal food: Make Your Own Hamburger Buns Recipe

HOW TO MAKE HAMBUGER BUNS
Submitted by Pat

1 3/4 cup. warm water,1/4 cup honey. 1/2 cup cooking oil. 3 pkgs yeast. 1 1/2 teasp. salt5 cups flour (all purpose). 2 eggs beaten.

combine water, honey,oil,and yeast. let sit 10 - 15 minutes. or untilbubbly.. stir in salt, flour. and eggs.Sshape intothe size of a hamburger buns you desire. Place on greased cookie sheetslet rise for 10 or so---- minutes. bake at 425 'for 10minutes. Let cool and split with knife..** Much better than store bought..!