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Labor Day is a time to recognize the hard work we all put in year-round. Why not get away for the weekend? Here are some helpful tips to save money while you relax, plus a look at Labor Day’s origins and some fun facts.
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Creating a romantic meal at home is a somewhat bigger challenge than your standard Monday-night fare. Especially if you haven’t yet cooked for this significant other — or, if you’re in a long-term relationship, haven’t cooked for them often. And especially when the occasion in question is Valentine’s Day.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to up to romance factor, either overtly (like aphrodisiac ingredients and candles on the table) or covertly (that valentine’s favorite dish). Cooking together can also be a ton of fun for a date.
Frugal Foodie recommends sticking to what you know, and what you know your sweetheart will like. Even the most intricate meal falls flat if the steak burns or your date turns out to be allergic to hazelnuts. Years ago, Frugal Foodie spent hours on an intricate Coeur a la crème dessert topped with strawberries only to find out her date simply hated the fruit. Needless to say, that did not go over well with either party.
We talked to chefs, home cooks and other relationship experts about their go-to date meals. Post your own tried-and-true recipes below, and then try these seven romantic-and-cheap options.
There are appetizers, main courses, desserts and even a next-day breakfast, all for under $10 to prepare. (Cost estimates are based on non-sale New York City supermarket prices. If it’s a cheap meal in NYC, we figure cooks in most other places in the country will spend even less. Prices are also adjusted for quantity: if a recipe calls for half an onion, you’ll probably find something to do with the other half. Finally, estimates don’t take into account basic ingredients you likely already have, like flour, olive oil or dried spices.)
Cost: $8.37 for half a dozen oysters, or $1.40 apiece.
Chef Michael Carrino, the owner of Restaurant Passionné in Montclair, N.J., suggests starting off your meal with this celebrated aphrodisiac. Open the oysters — he suggests two dozen Kushi, but the quantity and type is up to you. In a small bowl mix two tablespoons white balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon chopped garlic and an eighth of a teaspoon cayenne pepper. If desired, add a teaspoon of apple brandy, too. Using a whisk, slowly mix six tablespoons olive oil into the bowl and season with salt to taste. Garnish oysters with vinaigrette and peeled, finely-diced apples.
Cost: $5.36, or $2.68 per serving.
No need to load up on aphrodisiacs. “Simplicity is the most exciting and titillating aspect of any recipe,” says Lorne Caplan, a scent and aphrodisiac expert. His suggestions: use basil, ginger, vanilla or — in this case, strawberry. Top a mixed-green salad with candied walnuts, tangerine wedges and a bit of goat cheese. Drizzle a strawberry-based dressing (try Frugal Foodie’s here). “Go easy on this as the scent is key and can be overpowering,” Caplan says.
Cost: $7.20, or $3.60 per serving.
“I started dating a boy who dated a chef prior. No pressure there!” says Karralee Serra, who has been documenting her efforts at culinary improvement on “My Boyfriend Dated a Chef”. Serra used this recipe, scaled down for two, to step up her game. It worked. “There is nothing more wonderful than hearing, ‘I can’t wait to see what delicious thing you will cook on our next date,’” she says.
Cost: $9.86, or $4.93 per serving.
“The man had me with his pesto,” says Jill Mikols Etesse, the creative director for children’s app developer SmartyShortz, of her now-husband. His take on Martha Stewart’s dish scaled down for two, she says, is one of the few things he can cook – and what he makes her every Valentine’s Day. “I remember how I felt that [second date] evening,” she says. “It keeps me going.” As an added benefit, the recipe makes enough green sauce to use with other dishes for days on end.
Cost: $2.95 for about three dozen truffles.
Frugal Foodie and Mr. Foodie made a version of these Alton Brown truffles for their first Valentine’s Day together, subbing in already-on-hand Grand Marnier for the brandy. It’s been a tradition ever since, and we switch up the brand of chocolate and alcohol every time. Forgo the melon baller and hand-roll the truffles instead — it’s messier, but a lot more fun.
Cost: $3.25, or $1.63 per serving.
Intimidating? You bet. But Carrino promises that soufflé can be simple, too. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat the inside of four 6-ounce ramekins with the nonstick cooking spray, and then dust with a tablespoon of sugar. Chop four ounces of semisweet chocolate and combine with a half-cup heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for one minute and stir until chocolate and cream are full incorporated. In a separate bowl combine five egg whites and four tablespoons sugar and beat by hand until soft peaks are formed. After the chocolate mixture has cooled a bit gently fold it in to the egg whites. Spoon the batter into the ramekins and place in the refrigerator uncovered until needed. When ready, bake at 400 degrees on a cookie tray for 10 to 12 minutes or until the center does not jiggle. Dust with powdered sugar.
Cost: $3.16, or $1.58 per serving.
Romantic meals don’t stop at dinner, either. “My first love used to work the graveyard shift at the grocery store, so when he got off work it was breakfast time,” says San Jose, Calif., event planner Darlene Tenes, the founder of Hispanic lifestyle company CasaQ. Her Valentine’s inspiration often included his favorite French toast with mimosas.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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A $25 face mask may be cheap enough to make it onto a magazine’s “bargain” beauty buys list, but there are less expensive and more effective head-to-toe pampering products to be had in your fridge and pantry.
Even professional aestheticians and stylists turn to household staples like lemons, baking soda or yogurt when it’s time to clear skin of acne, soften rough patches or keep teeth sparkling. “What better way to achieve a natural glow, then from natural products?” asks Lily Morgan, the founder of Lily Organics Fresh Skin Care.
Post your own tips below, and try these beauty uses for common household goods:
* Scott-Vincent Borba, the author of “Skintervention: The Personalized Solution for Healthier, Younger and Flawless Looking Skin,” suggests mashing an avocado with the oil from one vitamin E soft gel, a dash of cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of honey. Apply the anti-aging mask in a thick coat all over face and neck for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with damp washcloth.
* Gently rub the inside of an avocado peel on your face, says Morgan. Leave the residue on for about 20 minutes for a moisturizing mask.
* Pour a quarter-cup of baking soda in a cold bath to relieve sunburn, Morgan says.
* Jan Patterson, a nurse in Cotati, Calif., makes homemade toothpaste with the contents of two Myrrh capsules, a quarter-cup baking soda, two lid-fuls of hydrogen peroxide and mint or another flavor extract to taste. Mix until fluffy, and then store in a covered container.
* Make a firming mask from a beaten egg and a tablespoon of baking soda, Borba says. Brush mixture onto face and let dry for eight minutes, and then gently wash off with warm water. “Egg yolks are high in skin-nourishing vitamins A, D, and E as well as firming protein,” he says. “Baking soda will tighten and kill bacteria.”
* Mix a tablespoon each of baking soda and raw sugar for a pore-opening scrub, Borba says. Rub gently onto your face, and leave until your skin begins to tingle, at least 30 seconds but no longer than five minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Brunettes can give their hair color a lift with coffee, says Sheri D. of Sé Mō Hair. Make a strong pot of black coffee, then let cool. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the warm coffee on. Work it through and leave in for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water, condition and style as usual.
A true DIY spa treatment: place slices on eyes to de-puff and lighten dark circles, says Sucheta Rawal of “Go, Eat, Give.”
To remove hard-water deposits from hair and add shine, Sheri D. uses an egg-oil mix. Separate one egg, and pour an ounce of olive oil over the yolk. Mix. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the egg mixture into your hair, using a large-tooth comb to help distribute it. Leave on for five to 10 minutes. Shampoo your hair again, condition, rinse and style as usual.
Use a mix of honey and milk as a cleanser to ease acne-prone skin, Morgan says.
* Applying diluted lemon juice to acne-prone skin can help. Morgan says it can act as an antiseptic.
* “Cut a lemon in half and rub the open part on your heels to remove stains,” says Judy Woodward Bates, The Bargainomics Lady.
* To add oomph to light-colored hair, Sheri D. suggests making a strong pitcher of lemonade – water and lemon only, no sugar or honey. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the lemonade on. Work it through and leave in for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water, condition and style as usual.
* Fill a mesh bag full of dry oatmeal, Morgan says. Rub your face with the bag for a gentle exfoliation.
* For Borba’s clarifying mask, stir together a cup of lukewarm water, a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of chocolate syrup and a cup of oatmeal. Apply the mix to face for 15 minutes. “Lightly scrub the mask off is circular motion to ‘buff’ away dead surface skin cells,” he says.
* To ease sunburn, Morgan recommends applying a compress of cold skim milk mixed with oatmeal.
* Actress Vida Ghaffari says she uses olive oil as a conditioner. “I have to often get my hair styled and it’s the only thing that conditions my hair in the LA elements,” she says. “I put it in my hair a couple of hours before I wash my hair as sort of a pre-conditioner. It’s a bit oily, so I wear comfy clothes I don’t worry about.”
* Mix a quarter-cup with a cup of vanilla sugar for a body scrub, says Megan Moriarty of Savor: The Food Agency.
“Many people don’t know that a very common baking ingredient, Crisco solid, can be used as a moisturizer on very dry heels, elbows, knees, as well as around dry, cuticles,” says Risi-Leanne Baranja of “Palacinka Beauty Blog.” In a thin layer, it can also work well as an overnight facial moisturizer.
* Mix a half cup of plain yogurt with a half-cup cornmeal and a quarter-cup grapefruit juice, says Joanna Vargas, the founder of Joanna Vargas Salon, Skin Care Sanctuary in Manhattan. Cool in the fridge to thicken, and then use as a face scrub.
* For a hydrating mask, Vargas mixes a half-cup of plain yogurt with half an avocado and a quarter-cup honey. Apply with a sea sponge.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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peer-to-peer lending).
Looking for a quick definition? Keep the one below in mind.
The sharing economy is a peer-to-peer lending system, often facilitated by online platforms, that allows individuals or small companies to share goods and services with one another.
To better understand the sharing economy, it’s helpful to see how it fits into the bigger picture of novel industries that are disrupting traditional ones.
The on-demand economy is a name for the new suite of services most people have available with their phone. “On-demand” refers to the fact that, with just a few taps, swipes, and a credit card, there are many goods and services immediately available to consumers.
For instance, let’s say you need groceries delivered — there’s an app for that. A fleet of gig-working delivery drivers (more on that next) is ready on demand to bring you the bread, almond milk, and kale that you need ASAP.
How does this differ from the sharing economy? When investors, economists, and consumers talk about the sharing economy, they are referring more specifically to services that facilitate sharing goods. It might not even be on-demand; for instance, if you’re part of a group of people who share power tools, you might not have access to the bandsaw you need until the person who has it now is done in 3 days.
The sharing economy and the on-demand economy have a lot in common, though, as they both allow peers to collaborate through the use of a third-party app. That brings us to another buzzword you might be hearing a lot about these days.
The gig economy focuses more on the workers’ side, rather than the consumer. For instance, both sharing economy services (like Airbnb) and on-demand economy services (like TaskRabbit), and even services that fall into both categories (like Uber), can be considered forms of gig economy work.
The gig economy consists of workers who operate on short-term contracts, performing jobs through an app-based service. When investors and economists talk about the gig economy, they’re usually talking about the transition in many sectors toward this sort of short-contract-based work.
The quintessential example is a service like Uber or Lyft. Rather than a full-time, wage-based job like taxi driver, many people are instead working part-time, contract-based, often precarious positions as ride-share drivers. That’s the gig economy in action.
We’ve already discussed a few types of sharing economy services, but what are a few more familiar examples? The answer is that there’s no set definition or criteria for what makes a service a part of the sharing economy. That said, there are a few examples that you’re probably familiar with:
As mentioned before, there’s no hard-and-fast definition or criteria — pretty much any service that allows people to help each other out can be considered a part of the sharing economy.
We’ve mentioned that the sharing economy is mostly facilitated by app-based services — but what are these apps? Chances are, you’ve probably already got a lot of them on your phone. Here are a few common sharing economy companies, and what they’re built for:
This is definitely not a complete list. Chances are, if you need some item or service, but don’t want to purchase it yourself, there’s a sharing economy solution out there for you. A simple Google search of “[What you need]” + “sharing app” will likely bring you tons of interesting options to consider.
Like anything, the sharing economy comes with plenty of pros and cons to consider. Before going all-in on using sharing apps, let’s take a look at some of the benefits and downsides that come along with the sharing economy.
Pros
Cons
Overall, for most people, deciding whether using the sharing economy makes sense will be an individual process. For some people, making money with side hustle apps might be a great way to spend some time and earn a little cash. For others, it might not make as much sense.
If you have a vacation home you don’t use often, it could totally make sense to rent it out to travelers who need a place to stay. Others might not want the hassle associated with cleaning the home and preparing it for the next guests — ultimately, it’s up to you whether participating in the sharing economy makes sense.
The sharing economy is a great way for peers to connect and share goods and services they have access to with people who are looking for access at a bargain price. It can include anything from sharing cars and power tools to peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding.
Here’s what to remember:
What options can the sharing economy open up for you? Research the ways that you can start using sharing apps today, and start saving (or making!) money.
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Pretty much everyone upped their spending on take-out food in 2020 – and for good reason. With restaurants closed for indoor dining and grocery stores experiencing unpredictable staffing and inventory issues, many consumers chose to order out for the majority of their meals.
Now that things are returning to normal, you may be wondering how to adjust your budget accordingly. We’ll walk you through how to determine the right amount to budget for take-out and dining, and give you some strategies to save money when ordering from your favorite restaurants.
It’s hard to give an exact prescription for how much you should spend on take-out because it largely depends on the specifics of your budget and financial situation. In general, your food budget, including groceries and eating out, should make up between 10 and 15% of your income. Families with multiple children may spend more than that, so don’t worry if your percentage exceeds the recommendation.
If you’re not sure how much you spend on food, go through your transactions for the past few months and calculate the percentage.
John Bovard, CFP of Incline Wealth Advisors said consumers who have no credit card debt and invest 20% or more of their income in a retirement account can spend 10% of their post-tax income on take-out.
Want to keep your takeout tradition but still feel like you’re spending too much? Here are some tips to save money when ordering out from your favorite restaurants:
Everyone knows that delivery fees add a huge surcharge to your total bill, but you might not realize how big the difference actually is. A New York Times article found that the same sandwich at Subway costs between 25% and 91% more when delivered, depending on the specific delivery app.
A $20 order could cost between $5 and $18.20 more if you get it delivered. The cost is generally higher during weekends and holidays.
Plan your take-out around restaurant specials. Follow restaurants on social media to see when they’re running discounts, like half-price oysters on Sundays or happy hour specials. When you’re picking up the food, ask someone behind the counter when the best deals are.
Restaurants often print coupon codes or discounts on their receipts, so don’t forget to check there.
Many restaurants and fast food places sell gift cards and often run special sales, like selling a $50 gift card for $45. This is especially popular during the holiday season.
Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club regularly sell discounted gift cards to popular chains. For example, you can buy $100 worth of gift cards to California Pizza Kitchen for only $80 at Costco, or $75 worth of Domino’s gift cards for only $65.
You can also buy restaurant gift cards online through GiftCardGranny or CardCash, which sell gift cards for up to 10% off.
Dinner is the most expensive meal of the day, so opt for breakfast or lunch if you’re eating out. If you get take-out a couple times a week, use one for dinner and the other for brunch or lunch.
Some restaurants have loyalty programs you can join with an email address or phone number, while others have an old-fashioned punch card system. Keep track of these rewards so you cash them out before they expire.
If you’re eating with a group of people, see if the restaurant offers catering, which may be less expensive than ordering individual entrees. Everyone will have to eat the same thing, but it’s a great way to save money.
Both local and national restaurants often have email newsletters you can join to get extra discounts. For example, my favorite Mexican restaurant is constantly sending me emails for 10 or 15% off take-out.
Create a separate label for these emails so you can sort through them before ordering take-out. You can also add reminders on your phone to use the discounts before they expire.
Many credit cards offer points or cashback when you dine out, and some let you cash in points for restaurant gift cards. Look up the rewards policies for your current credit cards to see which one you should use for restaurants.
Consider opening a new card if you don’t have a dining rewards card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2% cashback for dining and also comes with a year of DashPass, the DoorDash subscription service with $0 delivery fees.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders earn 3% cashback on dining, get a free year’s worth of DashPass and also have $60 of DoorDash credit for the first year.
Most dining rewards cards have an annual fee, usually around $95, so don’t open one unless the cashback rewards will exceed the fee. Some card companies will waive the fee for the first year, allowing you to see if you’ll earn enough rewards to offset the fee. Some rewards credit cards also let you cash in points for restaurant gift cards.
If you don’t have easy access to transportation, then ordering delivery may be your best option. In this case, consider signing up for a food delivery membership. DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats all offer a monthly subscription for around $10. Each subscription comes with free delivery and other specials.
Before you sign up, calculate how often you order out and see if a monthly membership makes sense. If you have a neighbor or roommate, consider splitting a subscription with them to save even more money.
Many of these services have a free trial period, allowing you to gauge how much you’ll actually use them. Choose the app with the largest number of restaurants you like.
Browser extensions like Rakuten provide cashback when you order from delivery sites like Grubhub and Seamless. Just click on the Rakuten button on the top right of your browser when you visit either of those sites. You’ll earn up to 11% cashback with eligible orders.
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For some consumers, treating Spot and Fluffy as members of the family extends to their diet. After all, if everyone else is getting homemade meals with organic ingredients, why shouldn’t they? It might be healthier than commercial foods — and cheaper, too.
Consumers have become more interested in preparing their own pet foods in recent years, due to both pet food recall scares and a human-diet emphasis on knowing what’s in the foods we eat, says Dr. Jules Benson, the vice president of veterinary services for pet insurance carrier Petplan. There are some economic interests, too, depending on what you currently feed your pet. A balanced, home-cooked diet for a 30-pound dog would cost $3.52 per day; $5.58 if you go organic. That’s two to four times the price of commercial dry dog foods of similar qualities, he says, but up to half the cost of commercial wet foods.
But making the switch isn’t as simple as dishing up a portion of the Sunday-dinner roast for your pet. “There is science behind what your pet needs,” says Dr. Benson. “These diets should be developed for your pet individually.” Home-prepared pet meals aren’t a good solution, or a safe one, for every family.
That means before you give homemade food a try as a significant part of your pet’s diet — and this step is vital — TALK TO YOUR VETERINARIAN. Don’t just go in and ask, “Is this a good idea?” either. Research some of the options, present what you’d like to do, and get their take on what works and doesn’t for your pet’s general health and any medical conditions. You might also seek a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist. (The American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition both recommend PetDiets.com and Balanceit.com as resources.)
Try these other tips to delve into cooking for your pet:
“Every Day with Rachel Ray” magazine runs a regular feature of recipes that both you and your dog can enjoy. Personal chef Lindsay Nixon uses lentils as the protein base for her dogs, and mixes in leftover vegetables, potatoes and brown rice from her own meals as well as a pet vitamin supplement. (The combo, she says, has cut her pet food bill from $25 per month for dry kibble to just $10.)
Not all foods people eat are good for dogs and cats, Dr. Benson warns. “Don’t feed them hot dogs, or anything we would consider junk food,” he says. “Just because dogs will eat it doesn’t mean it’s good for them.” Low-fat, lean cuts trump fatty bits, which are more likely to cause gastrointestinal problems. But good-for-us foods aren’t always good for them, either. Foods like grapes and onions should never be given to your pet, he says. (Check the ASPCA’s people food list of things that may be toxic, or cause some digestive issues.)
There’s no need to make all your pet’s food to see some savings or health benefits. You could scale back the amount of commercially prepared food you serve, and either top it with a homemade mix, or blend one in. Jenna Dreher, the chief executive of pet-care company Pet It Forward, tops her Great Dane Casper’s food with a soft mix of simmered sweet potatoes, carrots and apples, seasoned with a dash of cinnamon.
If you want to try these kinds of diets but don’t have the time to spend in the kitchen or are worried about getting the right balance of necessary foods, check out premade raw pet food like Primal Pet Foods, Nature’s Variety, and The Honest Kitchen. It’s not a money-saver, however: ThatMutt.com blogger Lindsay Stordahl’s looked at the options for Ace, her 67-pound black lab mix, and found that premade food came out to be $83 to $115 more expensive per month than versions she could make at home. “So far I haven’t done that because of the time commitment,” Stordahl says. “I can barely find time to shop for my own food.”
It’s not enough to give your dog or cat some chicken and rice every night, Dr. Benson says. You’ll need extra vitamins, which might be achieved through mixing in different vegetables and grains, a powdered pet-food supplement or other add-ins (like, oddly, human Tums) recommended by your vet. These add just a few cents to the bill, but many — like taurine powder for homemade cat foods — are essential, he says.
They’re a good entry point into homemade foods. Dreher makes these yogurt, apple and oatmeal treats for Casper: Mix two and 1/3 cups oatmeal, one cup French vanilla yogurt and two-thirds of a cup of apple sauce together in 1 bowl. Another of Casper’s favorite treats mixes two and 1/3 cups oatmeal, two mashed ripe bananas, one cup peanut butter and a half-cup chopped peanuts. For either recipe, spoon batter onto cooking sheet, keeping each drop the size of a bottle cap — an optimal treat size. Cook at 375 for 12-15 minutes.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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When it comes to farm-fresh produce, a little do-it-yourself — in the form of visiting a pick-your-own farm — can go a long way to saving you cash.
Pick-your-own farms (or U-picks, as they are commonly called) are those where the farmer sets aside fields for the purpose of allowing visitors to harvest their own produce. Typically, it’s weighed and sold by the pound, although plenty of farms go by container size, too. Available produce varies by farm and area, with picking starting as early as March for asparagus and ending when the last apples come off the tree in September or October.
Compared with the supermarket or farmer’s market, savings per pound at u-picks range from 20 percent to 50 percent, depending on the item, says John Slemmer, the founder of Pick Your Own, which lists u-pick locations nationwide. Generally, the more you buy, the better the price – making u-picks an especially good deal for people who want to make homemade jams, pickles, jellies and other preserves. (Frugal Foodie goes every year to get her favorite fruits: raspberries, strawberries and blueberries, freezing enough to enjoy year round.)
Trying a u-pick farm is also a great way to support local farms, many of which use sustainable or organic farming methods, says David Becker of Friend of the Farmer. You’re also getting a great product, because it was picked at the height of freshness.
Here’s how to get the best deal on a u-pick visit:
That gives you a chance to check prices and policies, as well as the condition of the fields. “They can get picked out pretty quick,” Slemmer says. Some fruits can ripen overnight, like strawberries, but others may take a day or two for enough to ripen to make a visit worthwhile. It’s also worth asking about any policies that might prove problematic — a few farms frown on bringing kids along, others may have a minimum charge for u-pick goods.
Mornings are best, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend, when crowds are bigger. Try to wait until the weather has been clear for a few days: some fruits soak up more rain than others, leading to a watery, bland taste, says Becker.
Nearby farms tend to be competitive with each other on price, so check several against each other and the going rates at your supermarket. Be sure to compare similar quantities and quality (especially if it’s organic). Factor in the cost to get there, too, with gas at an average $4 per gallon nationwide.
Some farms will offer them if you’re buying a substantial quantity say, a few bushels of apples to make applesauce, Slemmer says. Others will offer a deal on pre-picked “seconds,” the fruit that isn’t as pretty but just as tasty. Slemmer paid $6 a bushel for apple seconds last year, compared with the farm’s usual rate of $15 to $20.
Containers, that is. Farms sometimes provide big buckets, but more often hand over smaller containers for things like berries, Becker says. If your aim is to pick a lot, juggling several while simultaneously trying to pick gets frustrating fast.
Ask whether the farmer uses pesticides or fungicides, and how recently a field was sprayed, Becker says. Many farmers practice organic methods, but don’t have the substantial time and money it takes to get certified. It also depends on the crop. Blueberries rarely need chemical spray, but strawberries, apples and peaches often do, he says. It’s still fine to pick and buy that fruit, but knowing could dictate how much you decide to sample in the field.
Collecting enough fresh-picked fruits and vegetables can take a few hours in the field, so plan appropriately. Wear sunscreen and bring water. But there are other reasons to make u-pick a full day trip – more farms offer other free or cheap agri-tainment, like petting zoos, mazes and horseback rides.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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By now, you’ve surely heard of Amazon Prime. It’s the retail giant’s paid membership that’s best known for its speedy shipping services. Packages will arrive at your doorstep in two days max—or as soon as that night.
Catering to the subset of online shoppers who buy often and want their goods delivered ASAP, Amazon launched its Prime service in 2005. Paying $119 a year for free two-day shipping may not be a great deal if you don’t shop much. But that’s not all a Prime membership will get you. As well as the all-important free two-day shipping, Prime provides its members with one-day shipping for $3.99 free streaming TV and movies, and so much more.
Millions of people currently reap the benefits of Prime. If you’re one of them, or you’re considering signing up, the following tips will help you maximize the rewards. Read on to learn all about the wealth of offerings that Amazon’s paid membership gets you, and how to get the most out of your subscription.
The most widely known benefit of Amazon prime is, of course, its rapid shipping. Known as “Prime” shipping, this membership perk gets you free 2-day shipping on all eligible Amazon products. Prime members also have access to ultra-expedited, 1 day shipping on over 10 million items. Better yet, more than 3 million items qualify for same day delivery, as long as you meet Amazon’s $35 order minimum. A package ordered in the morning could arrive on your doorstep that night.
Amazon delivers on its lofty 2-day shipping goal thanks to their enormous network of Amazon warehouses. These 50+ warehouses are placed strategically across the US. While anyone can start an Amazon business, only products that are fulfilled by Amazon are available in Amazon warehouses. These contain a stockpile of the most commonly ordered Amazon items and are staffed by employees who work around the clock to ensure your product is delivered in a 48-hour window.
When a Prime-eligible product is ordered, Amazon sources it from the nearest Amazon warehouse. It’s then packaged, placed on an Amazon truck, and delivered to your house by the deadline.
Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer—and it’s no wonder why. Amazon offers some of the most competitive shopping benefits and largest selection of items for sale in the world. Use the following tips to get the most out of the company’s benefits and reap the rewards of your membership.
A standard Amazon Prime membership costs $119 per year, or $12.99 each month if you’d rather pay in installments. However, in some scenarios, you may be able to get your membership at a discount—or even for free.
Prime shopping benefits extend beyond Amazon’s dot com site. Prime members get exclusive discounts when shopping both online and in-store at Whole Foods Markets.
Looking for a new wardrobe but hate the unknown of online shopping? Amazon’s Prime membership solves that problem with Prime Wardrobe. This service allows you to order clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories without paying upfront. Try on the clothes at home, send whatever you don’t want back, and only pay for the items that you decide to keep.
Every day, Amazon offers exclusive deals for Amazon Prime members. Prices are slashed in every single department—home and kitchen, electronics and accessories, toys, kids, babies, and more. Everything from digital cameras to lawnmowers can be found at reduced prices.
Plus, Amazon offers Prime members 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals, a promotion in which a limited number of discounts are offered on an item for a short period. Here’s the thing: you need to act fast to grab the discounts. Each deal is available in limited quantities, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Add the deals page to your bookmarks and sign up to receive daily deal emails.
The mother of all Amazon deals is Prime Day, a single day devoted to Amazon Prime deals. If you want to take full advantage of this once-a-year event, do your research ahead of time and make sure you have the best Prime Day credit card.
Long-time Prime user Mark Lindsey’s pick is camelcamelcamel.com, which provides price histories and sends email alerts when an item of interest is discounted. Other options include Honey, Timberfrog, and Price!pinx. Some of these services may be able to be installed directly into your Firefox or Chrome browser.
Amazon’s most recent foray is their takeover of the entertainment world with the introduction of Amazon Entertainment. Though its TV and moving streaming service was originally introduced in February 2011, it has grown exponentially in the past several years. It’s now a rival to media conglomerates like Netflix and Hulu.
Through Prime Video and Prime Video Channels, Amazon Prime membership offers free movie and TV streaming, complementary with Prime membership. Furthermore, Prime Video Channels allows you access to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and STARZ at between $4.99 and $14.99 a month, with no additional apps to download.
Not only does Amazon offer popular movies and TV shows (for instance, it’s the only place you can stream Lord of the Rings), but Amazon also produces original content available only with an Amazon Prime membership. Its in-house production company, known as Amazon Studios, was started in late 2010.
Amazon has a vast music library of tens of millions of songs. Prime members have access to a portion of these, available for listening on any Echo device, at no cost. Plus, Prime members get discounted rates on Amazon Music Unlimited—Amazon’s entire music library.
Gamers can benefit from an Amazon Prime membership, too. Prime Gaming gains you access to free games and in-game content every month. Plus, get a monthly Twitch channel subscription for free and exclusive promotions on new games. With Prime’s free release-date delivery, you can order and receive new video games by 7 PM on release day.
Prime benefits don’t stop there. Make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your yearly membership price with the following.
Did you know that Amazon was originally a bookstore? Amazon’s reading benefits hearken back to their bookstore roots. Prime Reading provides members with unlimited access to more than a thousand magazines, comics, eBooks, and more. You don’t need a Kindle to read these; they can be accessed on any device.
Plus, through Amazon First Reads, each Prime member can download one editors’ pick book each month before the official release date.
Prime members can share their accounts with one other adult, which means free membership for a person of your choosing. To sign them up, go to the Prime Membership management section of your Amazon account settings. Note that student and EBT/Medicaid members cannot share accounts with any other individuals.
The ability to make frequent small purchases and be assured of their swift arrival is a key benefit of Prime. Many a Prime user has been saved by the fast, free expedited shipping after remembering a birthday or anniversary in the nick of time. But for household products such as cleaning supplies and toiletries, it’s often cheaper to plan ahead and buy in bulk.
Amazon’s Subscribe and Save feature allows you to place a recurring order for an item and choose the frequency for its delivery. You’ll save 15 percent off the price and won’t have to worry about stocking up. As another veteran Prime user Mark Zembrzuski notes, “Nothing says you’re living the high life like coming home to 48 rolls of toilet paper.”
If you haven’t yet signed up for Prime, Amazon is currently offering a one-month free trial. To register, visit amazon.com/prime.
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Does it pay to be Internet savvy? Yes. In more ways than many people imagine. Sure, the Internet is a great way to research just about anything you could ever want to know about; and it’s an outstanding communication, marketing, and entertainment tool. But the Internet can also save you money. And we’re not just talking 10 cents off here and there. We’re talking free (and nearly free) stuff.
Want proof? Below, we’re diving into some of the best places you can find free or heavily discounted items. Keep reading for a comprehensive explanation or use the navigation links below to learn more about a specific tip.
Looking for a computer desk? How about a sofa, kids’ toys, electronics, office supplies, landscaping materials, or lumber? These are just a few of the hundreds of items listed in a single day in almost any city’s Craigslist free section. People are generally honest about the condition of the stuff they’re listing, and many have pictures, so you can see for yourself.
If you’re a “Mr./Ms. Fix-It” type, you’ll be in heaven. But even if you aren’t, you’ll be surprised at the kinds of things people are giving away. Look for the FREE listings under the “For Sale” section of your local Craigslist board.
Much like Craigslist, Freecycle is another site powered by the people and rooted in a belief that it is better to give items a second life, rather than filling up landfills and creating more stuff. Folks can list anything they have to give away, and others can browse the goods to find what they want. And, like Craigslist, you’ll find a ton of great free stuff through Freecycle.
Unlike Craigslist, Freecycle is run through local networks. This makes it a little more of a process to find and list items, but the advantage of this process is that it’s moderated, and people can communicate with the community at large. This reduces the likelihood of people listing garbage and describing it as treasure.
Besides those two websites, you can also look at Facebook neighborhood groups, Facebook marketplace, OfferUp, and other apps or websites where people are looking to offload whatever has accumulated in their garage.
Companies want you to take samples so that you’ll be incentivized to buy the full-sized product at a later point. Department stores and wholesale clubs offer samples in person. But if you can’t find samples, you can simply request samples from companies online.
Amazon Prime members can even buy sample boxes and get reimbursed with Amazon credit.
Costco and Sam’s Club are, of course, famous for their samples. And Trader Joe’s often opens some of its products for sampling purposes as well.
Coupons are a great way to not only get free stuff but also to get serious deals. They might be “old-fashioned” but you may be surprised by the savings with coupons. Besides coupons from stores or brands, there are also online databases like RetailMeNot, Honey, and Coupons.com. RetailMeNot and Honey even have helpful Chrome extensions that automatically scans potential discount codes when you’re on the checkout page for an online store. In turn, you get the peace of mind that you’re getting the best discount possible.
Books are already a wonderful free perk that libraries provide, assuming that you don’t rack up fees from forgetting to turn in your books on time. However, with a valid library card, you can also get access to different entertainment and education options as well. You might be able to see movies, rent games, check out audiobooks, attend community classes, receive free or discounted museum passes, and more. Visit your local library to see what free library services it offers.
If you fall into a certain category like student, healthcare provider, teacher, first responder, senior, military, or senior, there’s a good chance that you’ll get a discount at certain establishments. It never hurts to ask! In addition, it’s also a good idea to ask about any coupons that are available at retail stores. In many cases, retail workers will scan a coupon for you on your behalf — so make sure you’re nice!
It’s a lot less expensive for companies to retain old customers than it is to get a new one. For that reason, companies often invite you to join loyalty programs. These programs often give you special perks. For example, many stores will give you a birthday gift that might be a special discount, merchandise, gift cards, or free food.
The same idea can be applied to newsletters. You’ll often get a nice discount when you sign up for a company’s newsletter. And remember, you can always unsubscribe if your inbox is getting too full.
Does it pay to be a bit of a geek and figure out how to get free stuff? You bet it does. So, get your geek on, and fire up the laptop and get some freebies. And don’t forget, it never hurts to ask if you can get a discount if you’re at a store. The worst that can happen is they say, “No.”
If you have other examples of sites you use to get free or nearly free stuff, we’d love for you to share them in the comments section. Want to make the most of your money? Check out our article on how to become a better saver.
Matthew Toren is a serial entrepreneur (Co-founded YoungEntrepreneur.com), mentor, investor and award winning Co-Author of Kidpreneurs (Basic Principles of Entrepreneurship for Kids). He owns Blogtrepreneur.com and writes for Contently.com.
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When it comes to saving for the future, the most commonly asked questions are “what funds should I choose for my 401(k) or IRA?” and “how much should I save per month?”. If you’re like most people, you likely zero your focus in on the former. However, in the grand scheme of things, shifting your focus to how much money you should be saving per month is the smarter, more efficient way to build your funds.
Every month, some money is added to (or subtracted from) your 401(k) or IRA due to factors beyond your control. Your stocks go up or down. A bond fund pays a dividend. In short, market stuff happens and with every month, you add some money to your account. If the amount of money you add is bigger than the effect of the market fluctuations, then your savings rate becomes significantly more important than your investment performance.
Your savings rate is the amount of money you save every month expressed as a percentage or ratio of your overall (gross) income. The higher the savings rate, the more money you save per month. Your savings rate is often regarded as one of the most critical elements of your long-term financial planning. It’s also one of the few factors you can directly influence by making strategic choices. Ultimately, your personal savings rate can be one of the most telling percentages to account for when assessing your retirement savings success.
According to a 2005 Federal Reserve data report, the U.S. personal savings rate hovered between 2.5 and 3%. This rate is alarmingly low and indicates that it could take nearly 40 years of saving to equate one year of living savings in retirement. This past national average also signals back to the previous point— in 2005, more people were focused on building their retirement accounts than actually stashing away disposable income for future planning.
Using the savings rate formula is a simple three-step process:
This should include all non-retirement savings and your retirement savings for the year (including employer retirement contributions). This number could very well end up being negative if you had net debt rather than net savings for the allotted time period. For example, taking a withdrawal from any savings account or taking a loan from a savings account would be a reduction against anything you saved.
Add your total take home pay plus any pre-tax savings (including employer contributions).
Take your total net savings from Step 1 and divide it by your total income in Step 2. Multiply the outcome number by 100 to convert it to a percentage.
Example: You make $50,000 a year and you save $5,000 to your 401K. You had to withdraw $1,000 from your Roth IRA earlier in the year to pay for an unexpected expense but you added $500 back to your Roth IRA by the end of the year. Your employer also contributes $2,500 to your 401K for you.
Your net savings is:
$5000-1000+500+2500 = $7,000
Your total income is:
$50000+5000+2500 = $57,500
Your Savings Rate is:
$7000/57500 = 0.1217
0.1217*100 = 12.17%
From the state of the economy and fluctuations in market interest to age and wealth, there are a number of different factors that directly influence the savings rate.
Economic factors, such as economic stability and personal earnings, are critical for the calculation of savings rates. Intervals of extreme economic volatility, such as recessions and global crises, typically lead to a rise in investment as consumers minimize their usual spending habits in order to brace for an unpredictable future. However, on the opposite end, periods of exponential economic growth can also build optimism and trust that stimulates a comparatively higher percentage of consumption.
Income and wealth significantly affect the savings rate because there is a positive correlation between the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and savings. Generally speaking, low-income households tend to spend the majority of their income on everyday essentials and needs as opposed to wealthier people who can afford to stash away regular portions of their income toward saving for the future.
Shifts in market interest can also have an impact on the savings rate. Higher interest rates may lead to lower average spending and higher investment levels. This is a result of the substitution effect— being able to spend more in the future outweighs the revenue effect of retaining existing income earned from interest payments for most households.
To give a more concrete understanding of personal savings rate, let’s use a real-life example to better illuminate the purpose and meaning of this percentage. Say there are two people who work at the same job with exactly the same pay. One saves 5% and earns 10% annual returns while the other saves 10% and earns 5% annual returns. Based on the personal savings rate calculation, it will take over 25 years for the employee with the 10% return to come out ahead.
There are two key lessons here you can take away. First: on your first day of work, immediately save 10% of your gross pay and keep doing so forever. Mathematically, if you are employed and working for 45 years starting at age 20 and you consistently stash away 10% of your income, you’ll end up with enough money to retire comfortably.
The second lesson: if you hit the middle of your career and are still making avoidable investment mistakes like market timing, day trading, and performance chasing, consider changing your strategy. It’s a much more worthwhile venture to learn how to diversify your portfolio and keep costs and risk as low as possible to properly build a financially stable future.
Bolstering your savings rate is primarily about strategic budgeting, but there are a number of different elements to consider when creating a plan to improve your personal savings rate. Use the tips below to get a head start on building your savings rate.
It’s vital to examine your current budget and evaluate the areas in which you may be able to cut costs. Identifying these places where you can eliminate ensures that you have ample opportunity to dedicate more of your monthly income toward savings. Every dollar counts, so when going through your budget, be meticulous and intentional about any spending shifts to maximize your saving potential.
The best way to save more money is by making more money. Though that is far simpler said than done, there are a few easy ways you can increase your income without making any significant changes to your existing lifestyle.
Consider the following:
Instead of depending on yourself to remember to stash away a certain amount of money toward your savings account, introduce yourself to automated saving. One of the simplest ways to do this is by setting up automatic recurring transfers. The moment you get paid, a specified amount of cash will transfer into your savings account, no manual switching needed.
How many people do you know who started saving for retirement at age 20 and haven’t been unemployed, or taken a 401(k) loan, or gone off to India in search of themselves, before they hit age 65? In their 2011 retirement confidence survey, the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that 70 percent of Americans believe they are “a little” or “a lot” behind schedule. The best thing we can do to increase our retirement nest egg is to (snooze alert) save more and spend less. In attempting to do so, many turn to making various investment choices.
Investment choices are undoubtedly important, especially once you’ve accumulated a sizable chunk of savings. It can be fun, scary, and mysterious, and with the chance of earning a huge amount of money if you play your cards right, investing is downright attractive. But it goes without saying that making money is a lot more alluring than saving money. And that’s exactly why it’s so important.
By focusing on bettering your personal savings rate, you’ll enjoy the long-term benefits without any risk or chance involved. By stashing away disposable income for future planning, you can effectively escape the game of chance and gain the assurance you need in growing your own savings on your own terms. Also, money makes money – the more invested, the more you will make.
Last question: is it better for your 401(k) balance to go up because you’re saving more or because your investments are performing well? Or does it matter?
It matters. Improving your balance by saving more is better. Once you retire, you’ll be using your savings to pay expenses. The lower your expenses before retirement, the easier it will be to cover them from your nest egg. And when your savings rate goes up, your expenses (as a percentage of your pay) have to go down, right? Or, you can just increase your savings rate each time you get a raise to cover the difference.
Maybe the secret of a comfortable retirement isn’t about savings rate or investment performance: it’s about redefining “comfortable.”
Matthew Amster-Burton is a personal finance columnist at Mint.com. Find him on Twitter @Mint_Mamster.
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