DadTrends » Money

Gift Ideas for Frugal Graduates

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:39:15 +0000

To get the best financial start in life, many new graduates try to be as frugal as possible. If you know a graduate who is trying to pinch every penny, it’s nice to get them a graduation present that makes it easier to do so.

You don’t have to buy cheap gifts to make a frugal graduate happy. Instead, you should choose gifts that make it easier to live frugally. It’s an important distinction, and you may be at a loss when it comes to finding the right gifts. The following ideas are sure to help.

Entertainment Subscriptions

The graduate in your life may have canceled his cable subscription in order to save money. He probably won’t turn down a one-year subscription to Netflix or another entertainment service, though.

If the graduate you know likes to watch movies or listen to music, you might consider paying for a yearly subscription. It’s something that he wouldn’t buy for himself, but it’s sure to be greatly appreciated.

Dehydrators and Canning Kits

Graduates who have vegetable gardens are always looking for ways to make the most out of the veggies they grow. Canning things like tomatoes is a great way to save money, and it’s a lot of fun too. There are several canning kits out there, so you might want to get one for the graduate in your life.

A dehydrator is another great option. It can be used to dehydrate fruits, veggies and meats so that they can be enjoyed later. When great deals on meats and produce hit the store, those items can be purchased and dehydrated for enjoyment later. It’s a practical and frugal gift that the grad in your life is sure to love.

Compost Buckets

To live as frugally as possible, it’s important not to waste a thing. Many frugal people enjoy composting their food scraps and using the compost in their gardens. A compost bucket is a nice option because it can be used to store scraps until they can be taken out to the compost pile. It’s also something that a frugal person probably wouldn’t buy for himself, so he is sure to be thrilled when he is presented with one.

Gas Station Gift Cards

There are no two ways about it: Gas is expensive. Many frugal people try to commute by bicycle whenever possible, but most people need vehicles at least some of the time.

You can do your part to reduce the cost of filling up by giving the grad in your life a gas station gift card. Just make sure to get a card for a gas station that’s convenient for her.

Coupon Book

Keep your eyes peeled for those large coupon books that make the rounds every year. They are typically packed with coupons for local restaurants, stores and movie theaters. Frugal graduates usually try to avoid going out as much as possible because it’s so expensive, but everyone needs to have fun from time to time.

With a nice coupon book, the graduate in your life will feel less stressed about enjoying an occasional night out on the town.

Do-it-Yourself Machines

Treats like ice cream and cappuccinos can really add up over time, so frugal types tend to steer clear of ice cream shops and cafes. Why not give your graduate a do-it-yourself machine? There are machines out there that make ice cream, yogurt and other delicious treats.

Espresso machines are somewhat expensive, but making cappuccinos and espressos with them isn’t. A bread machine is another worthwhile option to consider. With the right machine, a frugal graduate will be able to make a wide range of tasty treats at home.

Warehouse Store Membership

Warehouse stores like Costco are a frugal person’s dream come true. However, penny-pinching types are often reluctant to splurge on the yearly membership fees. If there’s a warehouse membership store near where your graduate lives, buy her a membership. She is sure to get plenty of use out of it, and he’ll save a lot of money too.

As you can see, gifts for frugal graduates aren’t necessarily cheap. They are simply designed to help people live as frugally as possible. The frugal grad in your life is sure to be tickled by any one of the preceding gifts, so consider buying him one.

How to Save Money on Moving

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:19:21 +0000

There are no two ways about it: Moving is expensive. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to spending vast amounts of money during your move. By taking the appropriate steps, you can often get away with spending a lot less.

As with so many other things, enjoying a less expensive relocation is all about planning and patience. The willingness to do a lot of the work yourself helps too. Learn a few excellent strategies for saving money while moving below.

Sell or Donate Unneeded Things

The fewer belongings you have, the less expensive your move is going to be. With that in mind, you should do what you can to unload unneeded things in the weeks and months leading up to your move.

As far as nicer (unneeded) things go, you should try to sell them. You can use the money that you earn to finance your relocation. These strategies won’t just save you money; they will make your move easier and allow you to get a nice, fresh start at your new place.

Get Free Boxes

People are often taken aback by how expensive fresh, new cardboard boxes can be. After all, the only time they’re generally needed is during a big move. Before you fork over a bunch of money for moving boxes, try to find as many free ones as possible.

Solicit friends and relatives for unneeded boxes. Check with local stores to see if they have any handy, too. Don’t forget to check sites like Craigslist and FreeCycle. People are often anxious to unload their old boxes after moving. When your move is complete, you can return the favor.

Do Your Own Packing

As tempting as it may be to hire someone else to pack your belongings, it’s just one more thing that adds to the cost of moving. The key here is to start packing early. There are sure to be many things that can be packed long before moving day arrives.

Try to use inexpensive packing materials like old newspapers as much as possible. Things like bubble wrap can really add up over time. Be as organized as possible. Label each box so that you will have an easy time unpacking later.

Get Multiple Quotes

Do-it-yourself moves are the cheapest options. If you go that route, you’ll need to rent a moving truck. Don’t just go to the closest truck rental company and choose the first one you see. Request quotes from at least three different places. The same thing goes for moving companies.

If you need to hire movers, solicit quotes from at least three of them. You’re sure to be amazed by the huge pricing differences that you will encounter. Don’t just base your decision on pricing alone, though. Read the fine print to ensure that you get the level of quality that you need.

Hire Friends and Relatives to Help on Moving Day

As long as you’re willing to return the favor yourself someday, you should try to round up as many friends and relatives to help on moving day as possible. If cash is tight, you could always try bribing them with offers of icy cold beverages and nice meals.

Plan Ahead to Save Cash

The people who get away with spending the least amount of money on their moves are the ones who plan everything ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute to make the necessary arrangements, you are going to pay dearly for it. Furthermore, waiting too long puts you at risk of not having the help or equipment you need when the time comes. Moving trucks are often booked solid for weeks in advance, and hiring a moving company at the last minute is just about impossible. In addition to saving money, planning ahead will make the experience a lot less stressful. Before you know it, you’ll be settled into your new home with money to spare.

Cash4phones: how to avoid the scam and get your money back

Ben Wakeling — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:24:10 +0000

This is not a post about parenting, so if that’s what you’re here for, then you’re better off looking at another post. Scroll down, you’ll find something. This post is about Cash4Phones, and how you can overcome their weedy little scams.

It’s a trap I should have seen coming – just a simple Google search would have revealed that Cash4Phones are nothing but a bunch of crooks, but I was in a hurry and didn’t do any research.

This is everyone at Cash4phones.

Cash4Phones have a very simple strategy: they quote higher than their competitors (Envirofone, Mazuma, etc.) for your phone, then email you to say that they’ve received your handset but due to ‘excessive wear and tear’ it has failed its inspection and they are therefore giving you a revised offer. To quote my own experience: they offered me £75 for my BlackBerry Bold 9700, then reduced it to £44. I know for a fact there wasn’t a scratch on the phone.

What they then do is give you five days to respond – if you don’t respond within five days they assume you’ve accepted their revised offer. They’re playing on the fact that most people can’t be bothered to complain, and therefore Cash4Phones get to keep your phone for a fraction of what it’s worth. And, if someone does complain, they either revise their offer up slightly or return your phone to you – at a cost of £4.95 to you.

After speaking to Zoe Robinson, someone I’ve known through social media for a while and who has a strong law background, it became apparent that what Cash4Phones does is inherently illegal.

A basic contract is all about offer and acceptance. Envirofone offers you a price for your phone, and – in sending your phone to them – you are accepting that offer. Cash4Phones’ terms and conditions are significantly different. They say that their quotation is a non-contractual quote, nothing more, and that in sending your phone to them you are making them an offer.

This is an unfair legal term, and under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999 they have to explicitly inform you of this at the point you accept their quotation in order for it to be legally and contractually binding. Just clicking ‘Confirm’ to state that you accept their terms and conditions is not enough – they have to negotiate this with you beforehand.

So, if you find yourself on the receiving end of Cash4Phones’ scam, here’s what you do:

Ring them on 0845 4601064 and quote your order number.
State that you reject their offer. They might, at this point, state that they’ll have another look at your phone as ‘sometimes their technicians make mistakes’. If you want them to do this, that’s fine, but state that you’ll accept nothing less than the asking price.
There’s no need to spout legal jargon at them just yet, but just mention that their T&Cs are invalid under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations.
They will say they’ll call you back the same day, but they invariably won’t. Wait until the next day before you call them back – by stating that you waited for their call which never came you can put more pressure on them.
They’ll come back to you with a revised offer. If you like it, accept it. If not, ask to speak to a manager and start quoting the Regulations. Say you’ve got a background in law, and they have three choices: Continue to offer a low quote and face the risk of court action; return your phone to you free of charge; or honour the original quotation. Chances are they’ll avoid the former, as they know that legally they’re at a huge disadvantage.
As and when they make you an offer which you accept, categorically state that if you do not receive the money within 48 hours you’ll be starting legal action. Many people on forums across the Internet have said that they’ve waited weeks for payment.

And that’s about it. Hope this helps!

Call Your Mother (Infographic)

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:14:25 +0000

Since Mother’s Day is coming up, I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to all the mothers out there and all the things they do for their kids. This graphic takes a playful look at some of the sacrifices average moms make in the interest of their children—for example, a new mom typically loses about three hours of sleep per night when they have a newborn. It also discusses other things we might not as readily thing of, like how many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches your mother may have made you by the time you reached high school (around 1,500).

Each mom is unique, but more often than not, our mothers have done more for us than we readily realize. I hope you enjoy this graphic, and that it inspires you to show some appreciation to your mom this Mother’s Day.

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The Root Of All Evil

Holmes — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

My kid’s getting kinda keen on the green, know what I mean?

Saving Money By Skipping Extended Warranties

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:39:09 +0000

Whether you’re purchasing consumer electronics, appliances, or even a new car, someone is probably going to try to sell you an extended warranty. These warranties often seem like great deals, but looks can be deceiving.

Extended warranties are a booming business for one reason: They make money for the companies that sell them. That’s why it’s so important to crunch the numbers before purchasing any type of extended warranty. In many cases, you’ll be better off just putting that money in a savings account.

The Economics of Extended Warranties

Companies that sell extended warranties are in the business of making money. Some estimates put the yearly revenues of the extended warranty industry at over $25 billion. Since those revenues are built on the backs of warranties and service contracts that failed to pay out as much as consumers put into them, it’s pretty clear that buying an extended warranty is a losing proposition. There are some circumstances where it makes some sense to buy one, but you’re usually better off skipping the extended warranty and saving the money.

Examine the Warranty

Some big ticket purchases are incredibly expensive to repair, which can make an extended warranty seem like an attractive option. However, it’s vital to look at the factory warranty before pulling the trigger. A lot of consumer electronics and appliances have generous factory warranties that cover any problems that an item might develop early on. Statistics show that if an item is going to need repairs, it will typically fail within the time period allotted by the factory warranty.

It’s also vital to determine whether or not an extended warranty actually provides coverage that the factory warranty doesn’t already offer. This is especially important if you’re in the market for a new car because OEM factory warranties are usually quite comprehensive. Some automakers offer up to 10 years of coverage on vital powertrain components, and others provide free service for a specific amount of time.

Look at the Failure Rates

Different items have varying failure rates, so it’s a good idea to look at some hard numbers before paying for an extended warranty. Some major appliances and consumer electronics have remarkably low failure rates, but extended warranty companies are more than happy to sell you coverage that you’ll probably never need. According to Consumer Reports, only 10 percent of all dishwashers ever require service, and digital cameras are similarly unlikely to fail. The failure rates of most other consumer electronics are even lower.

Computers are more likely to break down at some point, but about 70 percent of them survive without ever requiring significant repairs. You’ll typically be better off saving the money you would have paid for the extended warranty because it will probably be time for an upgrade by the time your computer fails. At that point, you’ll be able to dip into your savings account and apply that money toward your next purchase.

The Cost of Self-insuring

The basic concept of extended warranty coverage is sound. Repairs are often costly, and it can be tough to fit an expensive repair bill into an already strapped budget. However, you’re typically better off skipping the extended warranty and self-insuring. If you take the money you would have paid for the warranty and put it in a savings account, you’ll enjoy multiple benefits. The money will earn interest, and it will be available if you ever need to pay for repairs. It will also be available if the item you purchase never needs repairs, which isn’t the case with extended warranty coverage. If you pay for a warranty and never need it, that money is gone forever.

Extended warranty companies operate just like insurance companies. Some of the warranties they sell actually pay off for consumers, but the majority don’t. As a single consumer, you don’t enjoy that protection. However, there is a way you can turn the odds in your favor. Every time you have the option to purchase an extended warranty, you can put the money into a dedicated savings account. Since it’s highly unlikely more than a few of the items will actually break, you should always have more than enough to cover repair costs.

How to Save Money on Entertainment

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:20:11 +0000

You want to save money, but you also want to get out and have some fun. Traditional activities such as dining out, movies and concerts have become expensive.

Fortunately, you can enjoy a night out or an exciting weekend for little expense by exercising a little creativity. In fact, the times you remember most fondly will likely be those where you got together with family and friends and spent the least money.

Avoid soaring entertainment expenses and have more fun by taking advantage of the wealth of free or inexpensive activities in your own neighborhood.

Community Events

Sign up for a community newsletter that lists upcoming events. Many of these local events are inexpensive or free. Most communities feature indoor and outdoor festivities such as agricultural fairs, spring flings, craft fairs, music festivals and showcases of local heritage. Pack your own lunch or eat before you set out to save on food.

Potluck Dinners

Assemble a group of friends, and hold potluck dinners at a different house each week. Assign the main course to the host, and have guests bring side dishes and desserts. It is easier and cheaper to buy food in bulk, especially if you pay attention to sales.

Add an activity that interests all of the guests, such as an after-dinner board game.

Movie Nights

Spring for soft drinks and popcorn, and invite your friends over for a movie night. Watch a DVD you already own, or borrow one from a friend. Many libraries offer a good selection of DVDs. Consider classic films and new releases, which generally appeal to a variety of tastes. If you are feeling creative, choose a theme and ask your guests to bring related snacks.

Game Night

Invite your friends over after dinner to play card or board games. Games, unlike concerts and movies, are great for encouraging conversation and laughter. Ask your friends and family to bring some favorites to expand your selection.

Offer games that both kids and adults will enjoy. Search yard sales and second-hand stores to find board games at a fraction of their original price.

School Plays and Concerts

Support your schools and enjoy some great entertainment by attending plays and concerts put on by local kids. Go with a group of friends, and make an evening of it. Admission prices are much lower than those for professional plays and concerts.

While the performances may be less polished, the enthusiasm level is likely to be higher, and you will all feel good at the end of the evening.

Libraries

Public libraries offer free entertainment to children and adults alike. Most public libraries feature summer story hours for children to promote reading. Many of these programs offer prizes, which may include movies passes and tickets to sporting events.

Adults can take advantage of books, digital e-books, magazines, newspapers, music CDs and movies. See if your library offers culture passes, which allow families to attend science centers and museums for free.

Free Days at the Museum

Museum admission can be expensive, so take advantage of discounted and free days that are generally offered once a month. Museum websites will tell you when these days are scheduled.

Pick-Your-Own Farms

Take your kids to a pick-your-own farm to get fresh vegetables and fruit at bulk prices. Picking starts in March for asparagus and runs through September or October for apples. Larger farms may offer hayrides, face-painting, tractor rides, petting zoos, storytelling and corn mazes.

Time your visit for the morning when it is likely to be cooler, and remember to bring a stroller for the little ones.

Letterboxing

Try your hand at letterboxing, a high-tech treasure hunt requiring only a notebook and stamp. Visit the Letterboxing North America website to print out clues to the location of a box hidden in a public location. The box will hold a logbook and stamp. You will mark the logbook with your stamp to show that you have found the box and then imprint your own notebook with the letterbox stamp.

Eventually, you and your family will have a notebook filled with the stamps of letterboxes you have found. Kids will benefit from outdoor exercise while developing map-reading and puzzle-solving skills, and everyone will enjoy the thrill of a treasure hunt.

Thanks For Your Applications

RyanGlass — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:25:47 +0000

Thanks again to everyone who applied for the 1st Frugal Dad Undergraduate Scholarship!

We will be poring over applications during the next month and will announce our 1st winner on June 1st, 2012 via blog post and email.

Also, be on the lookout here for the timeline and details of the second undergraduate scholarship within the next two weeks.

Thanks to Lisa for pointing out our error – now corrected!

Square Foot Gardening: How to Get Started for $50 (Infographic)

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:43:27 +0000

My 2008 post, How to Build a Square Foot Garden, was a big hit with other first time gardeners. Since spring is really just kicking into gear, I thought we’d revisit the square foot garden with a graphical step by step. Along with updated materials and construction diagrams, we’ve also added a plant list, extra tips, and some new options to try out. What’s great about square foot gardens is that they are such a warm and easy introduction to growing your own food. Here’s hoping our graphic brings out the gardener in you!

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The Great Disruption: The Future of Personal Tech (Infographic)

Jason (Frugal Dad) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:10:31 +0000

Nothing sums up technology quite like the old saying: “out with the old, in with the new.” Whether we’re happy about it or not, our technology changes at a breakneck pace. Yesterday’s tools quickly find themselves outmoded and ready for the bargain bin. Even though technology tends to replace itself, that doesn’t mean you should be hounding for the latest upgrade or, say, an iPhone with a new number after it. Frugal sense will tell you to get the most out of what you’ve already invested in.

Nonetheless, all technologies are eventually overcome by new innovations. In the business world this kind of tech is known as “disruptive technology.” Our latest infographic covers many of the crucial disruptions that have brought us to today’s tech. Such disruptions can be so radical that they dramatically alter a culture or society, even our everyday lives. Check out the graphic below. What technology has forever changed the way you go about things?

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