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By Frugillionaire, on March 8th, 2010
 When it comes to fashion, the best buys are the most versatile. Stick to neutrals for shoes and handbags, for example, and you’ll stretch your wardrobe budget much further.
Think of all the outfits you could wear with classic black pumps—they go with just about anything. You’d never be able to match such versatility with lime green stilettos.
It’s the same with handbags. A simple bag in black, brown, or beige serves you well every day. Red patent leather, on the other hand, would be appropriate on far fewer occasions.
From now on, resolve to purchase only the most versatile accessories; make them earn a place in your closet by working with a variety of outfits.
It’s not always easy to resist impractical items—especially when they’re unique, sexy, or super-cute. But when the urge to splurge strikes, just remember: money in the bank will take you much further in life than gold-sequined ballet flats!
By Frugillionaire, on March 4th, 2010
 Drip…drip…drip… Leaks can slowly, but surely, drain the contents of your wallet.
Here are five ways to keep them from wasting your money:
1. Fix leaky faucets. The most common cause is a worn-out washer, o-ring, or cartridge that simply needs to be replaced. Learn how to do it with this great article from This Old House:
Fixing a Leaky Faucet | This Old House
2. Check for toilet leaks. Just because the floor is dry doesn’t mean that all is well. Use this simple dye test to make sure:
How to Test a Toilet for Leaks | Toiletology.com
3. Check for stealth leaks. Leaks don’t always have a telltale drip. Here’s how to use your water meter to uncover those of a stealthy nature:
How to Test for Water Leaks | AcmeHowTo.com
4. Equip garden hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles. When you’re finished using them, turn them off at the tap and close the spigot tight.
5. Check for faulty pipes. If your water bills seem high, and you haven’t detected a leak in your house, call a plumber or your water company to check for faulty pipes.
By Frugillionaire, on March 1st, 2010
 Have you ever been tempted to purchase those 100-calorie snack packs? They may be cute and convenient, but they’ll slim down your wallet even faster than your waistline!
The unit price of these small, prepackaged servings can be double or more the cost of the “normal” size. In essence, you’re paying someone to divvy up your cookies and crackers for you. (Which, when you think about it, seems like a ludicrous way to spend your money!)
Instead, buy normal (or economy) sizes of your favorite snacks. (Check the unit price to determine what’s the best bargain). Then simply divide them into ziplock bags or plastic containers.
You’ll have the convenience of a pre-measured, grab-and-go snack—without all the extra cost!
By Frugillionaire, on February 25th, 2010
 Instead of swiping your credit card at the garden center, used recycled materials to meet your landscaping needs!
Here are some ideas for giving old items new life in your garden:
1. Use yogurt cups, egg cartons, or pots made from toilet paper rolls, to start seeds.
2. Use buckets, milk jugs, coffee cans, boxes, and baskets as planters.
3. Use old bricks, concrete blocks, and pavers for hardscaping.
4. Make a greenhouse from old windows.
5. Build a trellis from wood and wire.
6. Craft a bench from a discarded door.
7. Make mosaics from broken plates, pots, and tiles.
8. Use old lumber or scavenged rocks to border beds.
Be creative. You’ll not only keep items out of the landfill; you’ll keep a lot more money in your wallet!
By Frugillionaire, on February 22nd, 2010
 In my book “Frugillionaire,” I offer 500 tips on living a frugal, yet fabulous, life. Tip #485 is “Lower your expectations.”
It may seem odd advice in our “shoot for the stars,” “fake it ‘til you make it” society. But expectations are a powerful psychological influence over our spending; and they can, indeed, spell the difference between financial security and crushing debt.
Expectations play a particularly important role in the milestones we share with our significant other: like becoming engaged, getting married, and buying our first house. High expectations surrounding these events can be a recipe for frustration, debt, and divorce. Temper them, however, and you’ll experience the same amount of happiness — at significantly less expense.
Let’s start with the engagement. You’ve met Mr. Right, and you’re starry-eyed and love-struck. Any day now, he could drop to one knee and pop the question. The problem occurs when you have certain expectations of the rock he’ll put on your finger. Pressure to produce a 1-carat stone, or spend two months’ salary, may very well result in a fiancé with depleted savings — or worse yet, massive credit card debt. Not the best way to start off your financial relationship together!
If, on the other hand, you remove the burden of expectation — by making it clear, for example, that the size of the diamond means little to you — you’ll be rewarded with a significantly richer partner.
Fast forward to the wedding. Your expectations for this day have been building since you were a little girl — they may involve a country club venue, elegant ice sculptures, and a guest list in the hundreds. But is it really worth being princess for a day, if it means taking on debt of royal proportions? Consider instead if all you expected was a simple ceremony with friends and family. You and your groom would instantly “save” tens of thousands of dollars, and start your lives on solid financial footing.
Finally, let’s consider the biggest financial transaction of your life: buying a house. Expectations here can make or break you financially. If you envision yourself throwing dinner parties in a 4000-square-foot McMansion, anything less may feel like a disappointment — leading you, perhaps, to take on risky loans and live paycheck-to-paycheck. But if you want nothing more than a roof over your head, you’d be equally delighted with a modest bungalow. In the latter case, you’d not only have a warm place to sleep; you’d sleep much easier, knowing you can comfortably make your payments, and put money in the bank.
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big — just channel those lofty aspirations towards personal, civic, or spiritual development. When it comes to consumer-driven life events — particularly the major ones you share with your partner — lowering your expectations can put you on the path to marital, and financial, bliss.
By Frugillionaire, on February 18th, 2010
 Buying a car is a major financial transaction; it can dramatically decrease your savings, or increase your debt. Minimize the trauma to your net worth by heeding the following tips:
* Shop smart. Before you go to the showroom, find out the invoice price of the vehicle in which you’re interested. Start negotiations at the invoice price, rather than the sticker price.
* Skip the status car. Luxury vehicles cost more to purchase, service, maintain, and insure. Instead, buy a reliable car that gets you from point A to point B.
* Buy a used car. New cars depreciate at lightning speed—save all that money by buying a used one instead.
* Think mpgs. Choose a fuel-efficient car, and you’ll reap the financial rewards for years to come.
* Pay cash. You’ll save thousands of dollars in finance charges, and may be able to negotiate a better deal.
By Frugillionaire, on February 15th, 2010
 Here’s five fabulous ways to eliminate the need for pricey miracle creams and anti-aging treatments:
1. Wear sunscreen every day. UVA and UVB rays from sunlight cause the majority of premature skin aging, including wrinkles and brown spots.
2. Relax. Stress can aggravate skin, and cause flare-ups of acne and rosacea.
3. Quit smoking. Smoother skin is just one of a myriad of benefits when you kick the habit.
4. Drink plenty of water. It hydrates skin, maintaining its elasticity and giving it a natural, healthy glow.
5. Get your beauty sleep. Your skin will look smoother and more radiant, and you’ll avoid dark under-eye circles.
These simple habits cost you little to nothing; but they can have a more positive impact on your skin (and health!) than anything in a fancy bottle.
By Frugillionaire, on February 11th, 2010
 Looking for a little extra dough to pay your bills, or pay down debt? Consider liquidating some of your unused, or unloved, possessions.
Here are some easy ways to gain some space in your home, and cash in your wallet:
* Have a yard sale. Increase the traffic (and fun) by inviting neighbors to join you.
* Sell through Craigslist.com. Online classifieds are a great way to sell furniture, lawn and garden equipment, computers, and electronics.
* Sell through Ebay.com. If you have more valuable or unique cast-offs, online auctions may yield the best price.
* Sell through Amazon.com. Sell your used books, CDs, DVDs, and other items through the retail giant’s Marketplace program.
* Sell through a consignment shop. Consignment shops are a great outlet for gently-used, brand name clothing.
By Frugillionaire, on February 8th, 2010
 Would you like to have a stylish wardrobe, without spending a fortune? Frugal fashionistas swear by the following techniques:
1. Wait for sales. Never pay full price for department store clothing; it’s almost guaranteed to be on sale sometime in the near future.
2. Shop out of season. If you’re willing to buy a winter coat in June, or a bikini in October, you’ll be rewarded with big savings!
3. Buy vintage. Consignment shops and vintage clothing stores are a treasure trove of finely-tailored, classic clothing.
4. Shop eBay. Online auctions are a great source of gently-used, brand name clothing—at rock bottom prices.
5. Swap with friends. Trade clothing, handbags, and accessories with frugal friends. It’s a great way to double (or triple!) your wardrobe.
6. Swap online. Websites like Bigwardrobe.com help you trade clothes you’re not wearing for something “new.”
7. Shop your closet. Before you buy anything new, take a peek into the dark recesses of your closet. You may discover something you can bring back into regular rotation.
By Frugillionaire, on February 4th, 2010
 Property taxes are a significant part of a homeowner’s monthly budget. Challenge your assessment, and you may be able to save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each year.
To be successful, you’ll have to show that your home has been overvalued. Take the time to research public property records. If comparable houses in your neighborhood have lower assessments, you have a strong case.
You may also be able to use a falling housing market to your advantage. Enlist the help of a real estate agent to prove that market values in your area have declined in recent months.
Finally, check if the assessor has made any errors in evaluating your property. If they’ve overstated the square footage, or number of bedrooms or bathrooms, you may qualify for a rate reduction.
For further insight into the appeals process, and advice on how to proceed, check out the following articles:
How to Reduce Your Property Taxes | BusinessWeek.com
Challenge Your Property Tax Assessment | The Motley Fool
How to Fight Your Ballooning Property Tax | MSN Money
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