The Frugal Free Gal

If you are trying to save money, then you’ll probably hear about the importance of having an emergency fund. An emergency fund is just that – a fund set aside for emergencies only. You never know when you’ll need to use the emergency fund (your car breaks down, your AC goes out, etc.) Whatever the reason, the money will be there if you set it aside for a rainy day. Many experts will say that it’s a good idea to save at least $1,000 in an emergency fund if you are starting out. Then, once that fund is set and you’ve paid off your debts, you can always add to it and create a solid emergency fund of up to 3-6 months expenses.

Funding your emergency fund doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are a few ways to build your emergency fund.

1. Earn extra income.

Find a second job or work a few side jobs. Work a few extra nights a week and add the extra money to your fund. You can even try babysitting, mowing lawns, washing cars, etc. Here’s a list of 5 Ways to Earn Extra Cash.

2. Sell your belongings.

Go around your home and start finding items that you and your family can live without. You’d be surprised with how much you can find. Then, either sell those items at a yard sale, online through eBay, or consign the items.

Related: 5 Easy Steps for Throwing the Perfect Yard Sale

3. Avoid Eating at Restaurants.

If you are in the habit of eating fast food on a regular basis, I challenge you to add up your restaurant expenses for one month. Then, try to cut that amount in half, or avoid eating at restaurants at all. Here are a few articles on dining out if you’d like to save on dining out.

Related: 5 Ways to Save Big When Dining Out

Related: How to Cut Back on Eating Out (and Save Money, Too!)

4. Set up automatic payments.

Treat funds going into an emergency fund “like a bill” and set up automatic payments from your checking account. You don’t have to add a lot, but start small, maybe $25 each month. Set the payments up automatically and have it go to your savings account each month. You can increase this amount if you’d like until your emergency fund is where you want it to be.

5. Cut your grocery bill significantly.

Food can be one of the highest expenses in your household. Create a budget for food and stick to it. Most food budgets I’ve seen run around $200-$400 per month for a family of 4. Use coupons to save even more at the grocery store.

Related: The Best Places to Find Online Printable Coupons

6. Shop at thrift stores instead of retail stores.

Thrift stores are a great place to find items you may need or want. Instead of paying full price for items at a retail store, shop at thrift stores. I actually buy the majority of my children’s clothes at thrifts stores, paying only $1.79 per item. This beats paying $10-$15 per item or more at the mall or other retail stores!

7. Start a No Spend Challenge.

Buy only the things you truly need during a no spend challenge. Here’s a list of free activities to take advantage of during a no spend challenge.

Having an emergency fund in place can certainly help on a “rainy day.” Start as soon as you can to get your emergency fund in place.

BONUS TIP:

Read more about Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps to saving money. It helped us GREATLY over the last few years. We became “gazelle intense” with our finances and paid off our debts. We are completely debt free!

Do you have an emergency fund in place? What tips would you add to the list?

One of the most popular pets in America, dogs are a natural favorite among young and old alike. Unfortunately, this love often comes at a price. According to americanpetproducts.org, Americans spend an average of $1,641 on their dogs every year between the toys, food, vet visits and everything else that dogs need. Thankfully, just because some people spend thousands of dollars on their pets every year does not mean that you have to as well. Here are seven ways to save on dog-related pet expenses that you can try today. Try one or try them all–your wallet will thank you.

7 Ways to Save on Dog Expenses

1. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs

Do you find yourself shopping at the same pet stores time and time again? Ask if they offer any sort of loyalty discount for shopping at their store. The sign up process is usually quick, easy and free, and you can start saving money right away. Do be careful about signing up for store credit cards or any type of program that requires you to spend a certain amount, however. You don’t want to pay more in fees or interest than you save by using the card or program in the first place.

2. Shop in Bulk

For dog supplies you go through quickly, particularly dog food, you may want to purchase in bulk, preferably when they are on sale. You can save yourself a great deal of time and money by purchasing large quantities less often than by grabbing the small bag every time you are about to run out. Check stores like Costco, Amazon and other online pet supply retailers to see what sorts of bulk discounts you can find. I personally love Chewy.com!

3. Purchase Quality When It Counts

Do keep in mind that cheaper isn’t always a bargain, however. Purchase cheap dog food and you may find yourself with vet bills after a while. Purchase cheap dog toys and you may find yourself replacing them constantly. Don’t consider just the price when purchasing items for your dog; consider the value as well. Some things are worth spending a little more for. Check out the reviews on dog toys before buying!

4. Ask for Discounts

While the price of pet supplies is often non-negotiable, the cost of the services your pet needs can sometimes be negotiated, especially if you choose an individual provider or small business for your services instead of a corporation. The next time you take your dog for training, grooming or to the vet, don’t be afraid to ask if the price is flexible. You may be able to take advantage of a two-for-one or percentage off deal, or you may be able to get certain upgrades or extra services for free.

Related: 6 Tips for Saving Big on Pet Expenses

5. Request Free Samples

Are you considering choosing a new brand of dog food but you aren’t sure which type your dog will enjoy? Why not write a few dog food companies and request a free sample? While you probably won’t get a large amount of food this way, you can save yourself a fair amount by not having to buy several full sized bags to find the brand your dog likes. If you’d like to try a few new products, this is a great, low-risk way to get them.

Related: Freebies and Free Samples

Get a FREE visit at Banfield Pet Hospital!

6. Consider Dog Insurance

You pay for health insurance for yourself and your family. Have you ever considered purchasing health insurance for your dog? Every dog will need to visit the vet at some point, and you never know when that huge, unexpected expense will occur. Arm yourself in advance by looking into dog insurance, especially if you have reason to suspect that your dog may have health issues either now or in the future.

Related: 6 Ways to Save on Vet Bills

7. Start a Pet Blog

If you love dogs and dog products and want a great way to get tons of great, new products for cheap or free, you may even consider starting a blog about pets in general or dogs in particular. Oftentimes companies will send bloggers free products in exchange for their honest review. Grow a quality blog and you may just be surprised at how many free products and opportunities you receive.

8. Try Products

Sign up for a BarkBox subscription box for your dog so that you can have products sent to you to try. Every BarkBox has at least 2 innovative toys, 2 all-natural bags of treats, and a chew, curated from each month’s unique themed collection.

Your dog may be your baby, but that doesn’t mean that he needs to be as expensive as another person. Use these seven tips to keep your dog costs low and spend your days enjoying your dog–not working to afford him.

Are you looking for ways to save on cat expenses? While cats may not seem like terribly expensive pets to have, the costs can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. In addition to following the typical money-saving advice such as shopping around and using coupons, here are six more ways to save on cats that you may not have fully considered yet. Try them today–who knows who much you could save!

6 Ways to Save on Cat Expenses

1. Groom at Home

Keeping your cat clean and beautiful doesn’t have to require expensive trips to the groomers. Many basic cat grooming tasks can be done at home to save you money. These routine grooming tasks include brushing your cat’s teeth, cleaning her ears, bathing her, brushing her and trimming her nails. Here are a few cat grooming supplies that may help. If you are uncertain about how to do these things at home, ask your vet or watch carefully the next time you take your cat in to the groomer. You may pick up some valuable tips or methods.

2. Purchase Fewer Toys

While you will undoubtedly want to buy your cat a few toys, that doesn’t mean you have to go overboard. Instead of picking up a new toy every time you are out or for every special occasion, stick to a few classic toys your pet is sure to love and use time and time again. Make sure you purchase quality toys as well, so they will last a while.

3. Subscribe to Newsletters

Have you signed up for your local pet store’s newsletter or the newsletter of your favorite cat products companies? Some companies routinely mail or email coupons, special offers and information about upcoming promotions. Not only is signing up for these newsletters a good way to keep up-to-date on the latest products you likely want to know about as a cat owner, but it can be a great way to save big as well.

Related: 7 Ways to Save on Dog Related Expenses

4. Watch Portion Sizes

When you feed your cat, do you pay attention to how much you are serving or do you just quickly toss some food in his bowl? If you routinely offer your cat more food than he really needs, you are wasting money in two ways. First, you are spending more money on cat food than you need to, and secondly, you may be setting yourself up for big medical bills down the road if your cat becomes too overweight.

Just because your cat food comes in handy serving sized tins does not mean that that’s the amount your cat needs. Figure out what your particular cat needs in order to be healthy and feed him that amount instead. Find the perfect cat food for your cat. I have to order our cat food from Chewy.com each month because our cat is on a prescription food! 

Related: 6 Tips for Saving Big on Pet Expenses

5. Keep Your Cat Indoors

While some cats love to be outdoors, the truth is that letting your cat wander around as she pleases exposes her to several new dangers–and expenses. For example, your cat could get lost, which means you would have to spend time and money to find her. She may get a parasite or infection or eat something that makes her ill, which means that you would need to spend time and money at the vet. The safest and most frugal place for a cat is indoors. Consider a cat tree for your cat!

6. Work at a Pet Store

Lastly, if you have some spare time on your hands, you may consider getting a part-time job at a pet store. Pet store employees often get great discounts, which can significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on your pet. Plus, you may be able to get certain deals, freebies or other perks just for being an employee. Even if you only have a few spare hours a week, it may be worth your time to inquire if your local pet store is hiring.

Get a FREE pet visit at Banfield Pet Hospital! 

Related: 6 Ways to Save Big When it Comes to Vet Bills

Are you a cat owner? How do you keep your cat expenses affordable?

 

It seems as though true bargain hunters are always thinking ahead, which is no wonder stores are already trying to appeal to our Valentine’s Day needs! Chocolates, candles, flowers, it seems store fronts are chock full of these novelties, hoping to catch the early birds looking to score a deal. This year shop smart. There are many ways to not only save money on the sweet scents you buy, but to make them last longer too. Use these simple tricks to snag your sweetheart a bottle of his or her favorite scent for less and get the most smell goods for your buck!

1. Online Shopping Can be an Oasis

A prime way to find some of the best perfume prices is to search online. Search through review sites and online retailers to compare prices and find the best deals! Some sites offer top name brands at wholesale prices allowing you to really cash in on your savings. Sites I have used in the past are Amazon, The Body Shop, Walmart, Walgreens and other retailers. Don’t forget to search for coupon codes for any site you are shopping at to maximize your savings!

2. Be Picky About Retail Outlets

There are a number of retail outlets such as Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx that are carry a great selection of cologne products marked way below retail! These bottles are still beautifully gift boxed and come with shower gels and lotions as well. Perfect for gift giving! There are also discount perfume stores that reside in outlet shopping centers. These are worth checking out as they often carry lightly scratched or dented boxes for a fraction of the retail cost!

3. Watch out for Department Store Freebies

I do not think a department store is the best place to find cologne for sale, BUT department stores DO often run promotions that allow you to get a special free gift with your purchase. Depending on the gift this may make the purchase worth it. Fragrance companies usually beef up these promos around Valentine’s Day, so why not swing in and see what the offerings are? I have seen duffle bags, ties, even cuff links offered with a purchase. Some may even offer free gift wrap!

4. Take Care After the Sale

There are several measures you can take once the cologne has been opened to help preserve it longer. Even though cologne bottles look pretty (and are convenient) when placed on top of a dresser or counter, the sunlight that gets through the glass can weaken them. Keep cologne bottles in a dark place like a drawer instead. This storage spot should also be room temp or slightly cooler, as heat and humidity can also cause the cologne to lose its scent. Remind your recipient that pulse points are key! Applying cologne to clothing is wasteful because it will not refresh itself throughout the day. Cologne should go on pulse points such as the underneath of the wrists and under the jaw. It will last much longer this way and he will require less.

Related: How to Save Money on Beauty Products

Like any great bargain hunter, be willing to shop around a bit and you may be surprised at what you find! With the money you save you can also treat your sweetheart to that pink and purple polka dot teddy bear he had his eye on, or at least to a box of his or her favorite candy!

Find more money saving tips here.