Fuel prices have been hovering at record levels around the United States for the past few weeks. Now is a good time to review the best ways to improve your gas mileage and save money at the tank. I scoured dozens of websites and read hundreds of tips — these are the best of the bunch.
Save Money With Your Vehicle
Purchase a fuel-efficient car The best way to save money on gas is to drive a fuel-efficient car. It’s probably impractical to replace your current car for something that costs less to run, but if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, keep fuel economy in mind. Consumer Reports has several lists of fuel-efficient vehicles:
A list of the most fuel-efficient cars they’ve tested (CR loves the Toyota Prius)
A list of fuel-efficient SUVs
A list of cars that combine fuel efficiency and performance
This calculator from fueleconomy.gov allows you to compare the cost difference between two vehicles based on their MPG.
Keep your vehicle well maintained A car in poor running condition will use more gas than one that has been tuned up. According to this checklist at Advance Auto Parts, a dirty air filter can reduce gas mileage up to 20%. They also note that spark plugs in poor condition can reduce gas mileage up to 12%.
Be wary of gas-saving products The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns that most gas-saving products are bogus: “Be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small.” Consumer Reports says, “Don’t waste your money.”
Keep tires properly inflated Underinflated tires aren’t just dangerous — they devour fuel economy by as much as 25%! (I know this from experience — whenever I notice a drop in MPG, my tires are usually low.) Overinflated tires aren’t efficient, either. Also keep your tires balanced and in alignment.
Save Money by Thinking Ahead
Find the best prices Use the web to research the lowest prices in your neighborhood. For example, GasBuddy.com is “a network of more than 179+ gas price information websites that help you find low gasoline prices.”
Buy gas from a wholesale club Some Costco or Sam’s Club stores offer their members discounts of up to ten cents per gallon on fuel. Our local Safeway store gives us a three-cent discount on gas after we spend a certain amount on groceries. (Though we’d have to drive 25 miles to find a place to use it!)
Alter your commute time If possible, schedule your trips and errands for times when traffic is lighter. In an insanely detailed article, Omninerd found that commute times varied widely depending on the time the author left the house. If your company allows it, try coming in earlier or later in order to avoid rush hour.
Optimize your travel Consolidate trips: If you know you have to buy groceries, take your clothes to the dry cleaner at the same time, and then drop little Johnny at soccer practice. Combine multiple trips into one.
Lighten your load Carry only the bare necessities — don’t haul things in your trunk. “For every extra 250 pounds your engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in fuel economy.” [via Bankrate]
Reduce drag About half of your vehicle’s energy is expended overcoming air resistance. (The other half is expended in acceleration.) Reduce your car’s workload — remove anything that might cause drag: luggage racks, bike racks, ski racks, etc,
Save Money at the Pump
Buy gas on Wednesdays “Gas prices are statistically the cheapest on Wednesdays, but this is only true over a large number of days. It won’t be true every week.” Gas prices often jump before holidays, too. [via WikiHow]
Don’t go out of your way to save a few pennies on gas If it’s convenient to shop at a cheaper place, do so. If not, don’t. On a ten-gallon fill-up, saving five cents a gallon only nets you fifty cents. My car costs about 36 cents per mile to operate. It doesn’t make sense for me to go a mile out of my way to find cheaper gas.
Buy gas during the coolest times of the day “During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind – gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to ‘volume of measurement’.” [via HowToAdvice.com]
Use the right octane level for your car Using premium gasoline in an engine designed to run on regular doesn’t improve performance. Even some vehicles that call for higher octane fuels can run on regular unleaded, though with some loss of performance. (Check your owner’s manual.) You can save money by using the lowest octane rated gasoline that your car will tolerate.
Don’t top off your tank Trust the auto-shutoff. Overfilling can lead to wasted gas.
Be sure your gas cap is tight “Improperly seated gas caps allow 147 million gallons of fuel to vaporize every year in the U.S.” [via Advance Auto Parts]
Use a gas credit card I don’t like credit cards, but the best gas rewards credit cards can be a good way to save a few cents per gallon. Just be sure to pay off your balance at the end of the month!
The Nut Behind the Wheel
Drive at a constant moderate speed Edmunds.com found that the best way to improve fuel efficiency was to accelerate slowly and to brake over a longer distance. Aside from purchasing a new vehicle, this is the single most effective step you can take to reduce your costs. According to fueleconomy.gov: “As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.”
Use cruise control If you’re like me, your driving speed tends to fluctuate. Cruise control takes the human element out of the equation and keeps driving speeds steady. It’s the easy way to drive at a constant moderate pace.
Don’t idle Turn off your engine if you’ll be idling for more than thirty seconds. Starting your vehicle does use a burst of fuel, but not as much as allowing the engine to idle too long.
Anticipate stop signs and lights Plan ahead. The less you have to stop, the better your gas mileage. Make it a game to catch all of the green lights. Laugh at the other guy as he sprints from red to red.
Keep your cool Most people claim that it makes more sense to use air conditioning on the highway and to roll down the windows in city traffic. It’s commonly claimed that either method is going to reduce your fuel economy by about 10%. But according to research performed by found, there’s no real difference between driving with the windows down or using the air conditioner. Consumer Reports obtained similar results:
Air conditioning uses about 1 mpg, but safety (and comfort) increase with use. Opening windows made no significant difference in our gas mileage.
Do what works for you. (But please: don’t run your air conditioner with the windows open.)
Drive less!!! Walk. Ride your bike. Take public transit. Carpool. Combine errands. It’s obvious, but easy to forget: the less you drive, the less you’ll spend on gas.
Additional Resources
For more information on fuel economy, check out the following sites:
What are your favorite tips and tricks for saving money on gas?
It is safe to say that purchasing a home is quite possibly the single largest investment most consumers will make during their lifetime. So, it is natural for them to be a bit cautious, ensuring they understand all the market nuances before making an offer on a home.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some buyers purchase on impulse without checking the current market conditions, often times costing themselves money or purchasing the wrong property in the process.
When you are ready to start looking for a new house (after getting pre-approved and choosing an agent to represent you), it is a smart idea to do your due diligence to determine if the local market favors buyers or sellers.
Buying a home during a seller’s market is not ideal but it is still possible to get a great deal if you know what you are looking for and have patience in the process.
As a reminder, a seller’s market is one where there is 5 months (or less) of available inventory for consumers to choose from. Obviously, the less homes available, the fewer options both buyers and investors have. It can also mean a lot more competition for the existing properties as there are less homes to pick from. It is simple supply and demand!
In this guide, we will explore some of the strategies buyers should employ and provide essential tips on how to find the right home in a seller’s market.
Get Ready To Buy
The easiest way to lose out on the home of your dreams is to not be adequately prepared to purchase a home when you start actively looking for a property. You can avoid that concern by getting your finances in order quickly.
Start talking with a mortgage broker, lender, or financial institution before you hit the pavement to go look at homes. Getting a loan pre-approval will show you your loan ceiling (how high of a mortgage you qualify for) and will also tell sellers that you are serious about buying a house.
Once you have your pre-approval, your agent should be able to provide a list (many are automated) of all the properties that meet your search criteria.
In many instances, they can provide a drill-down to a specific home style, price point, particular amenity (i.e. pool, 3-car garage, acreage, etc.), school district, and a host of other key features that may be important to you.
The more specific your list is, the less time you will waste looking at properties you have no interest in, and the faster you will be able to check out the houses on your short list that interest you the most.
View Homes As Quickly As Possible
When there is a high demand for homes, do not be the buyer who waits until the weekend to view those properties. The faster you can see the home, the better chance you have of getting it contracted.
If you wait, others may are also interested in it and the property may already be off the market by the time you get around to seeing it.
As always, ensure you have an agent that represents you assist with all your real estate needs, including getting educated on anything you do not completely understand or need more clarification about.
When you can, have your agent schedule a visit as soon as the home is available for showings. This is especially important, critical even, for houses where the viewing times are limited.
Getting in quickly for a preview could be the difference between writing an offer on the house and continuing your search because another buyer beat you to it.
Eliminate Buyer Drama
When there are more buyers than homes to choose from some consumers can become overly aggressive. It is understandable that low inventory makes for a more competitive marketplace but you need to do everything in your power to steer clear of conditions that drive bad behavior and poor decision-making.
With the potential for bidding wars, above list price offers, cash proposals, and no/low home contingencies, you can easily get caught in a minefield without a solid exit strategy.
For instance, the vast majority of buyers will be looking for a good deal that includes a decent location and a home that is in reasonably good shape. The competition to see these homes can cause some buyers to act rashly when the same homes are being previewed and viewing overlap is occurring.
To the best of your ability, remove yourself from any situation where an altercation may occur, and you will minimize the risk of making a hasty decision to “beat the competition”.
Avoid Overpaying
Home prices often go up slightly during a seller’s market because the supply of homes is limited.
Whenever possible, buyers need to remove as much emotion as possible from their purchasing decision to ensure they do not get into a bidding war or rationalize why it is a good idea to pay beyond what the home is worth, especially if that amount is over the appraised value.
Remember, overpaying today could backfire as the market could become a buyer’s market by the time you get ready to sell.
This is why it is critical to have a buyers agency agreement to work with a real estate agent who understands the local market. Your agent can advise you on the price and provide other relevant information about the community as a whole.
They can also provide tips and information about similar homes in the area that have recently sold or are up for sale.
Once you find a home you want, do not rush into making an offer, even at the risk of losing the home to buyers who are willing to make a quicker decision. Re-look all the numbers and have patience through the process.
You may find you will get the home you want at a price you are comfortable with. When ready, always make a strong offer that will pique seller interest and perhaps get the home before others have an opportunity to bid.
Do Not Ask For Special Treatment
When there is minimal inventory, it is not always a good idea to put too many demands on sellers. This is especially true if the home is getting a lot of activity.
When the market is calm, it is normal for buyers to ask for various appliances like washers and dryers, refrigerators, lawn mowers, etc. as a sort of “freebie” with the home purchase.
You should not apply the same principle in a seller’s market because the odds are stacked in the seller’s favor. If there is more than one offer, you can bet the sellers will take the one with conditions that are most favorable to them.
Often times that is the offer without stipulations so keep that in mind when considering what to ask for as a condition of purchasing the property.
Negotiate In Good Faith
Savvy home buyers will attempt to negotiate for a lower price and favorable conditions any chance they get. You can expect sellers to use their leverage to get the most money for the home they can while giving up fewer concessions.
Being able to bridge the gap and find common ground will help the negotiation process go much more smoothly.
Some of the ways you can accomplish this are to avoid haggling over inconsequential items, determining if the items on your must-have list are really worth potentially losing the home over, ensuring you make a fair offer upfront (fair does not always mean your best offer, but a low-ball offer will typically get you nowhere, especially in a fast paced sellers market), and learning to compromise on issues that appear to be slowing down progress (i.e. closing costs, high cost maintenance/upgrade items, and closing dates).
Buying In A Sellers Market Parting Shots
Buying in a seller’s market is not an ideal situation. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to make it through the home purchase process without much fanfare and still buy the home of your dreams!
If you have a little patience, avoid being bullheaded, and keep your wits about you, the chances of getting conditions and a price favorable to you go up dramatically.
By following the tips provided above you will give yourself every opportunity to turn the home buying experience into a positive one that nets you exactly the type of property you are seeking.
Respect and adhere to the advice your buyers agent provides, while staying within your financial means, and the process of buying a home in a sellers market becomes much less daunting to navigate. Happy house hunting!
From the age of 21, interior designer Veronica Valencia has worked behind the scenes on more than 500 home makeover shows. But at long last, she’s in the spotlight of her own HGTV series, “Revealed.”
On her show, she renovates homes to highlight the homeowner’s heritage, heirlooms, and family history, setting the stage for some extremely emotional makeovers.
To learn more about how she got her own show and what viewers can learn from it, we spoke with Valencia about some of her fondest memories, what it was like raising her kids on a TV set, as well as her top tips for making any home feel more like, well, home!
You’ve been involved with a lot of renovation shows, but this is your first as the star! How did this series come about?
I’ve been in the design makeover world for 15 years, I started on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” when I was 21. And basically, I am a trained interior designer, but the majority of my career has been doing behind-the-scenes design work for television.
So this has kind of been my upbringing. I feel at home on a television set doing makeovers. I love the fast pace. My team on “Revealed” is the same team that I met when I was 21. I’m 37 now. I met them on the road, and we just all fell in love with each other.
The show started because I just got really ballsy when I was pregnant. I asked the network executives to give me a shot at my own show.
I said, “I know I can do it. I do all your shows behind the scenes; you know what I can do.” And so now we’re here.
The show is all about family background. What got you interested in designing with heritage in mind?
I come from a very big Mexican family, and we were proud of who we were. But I grew up in Woodland Hills and went to school in Calabasas in a predominantly white neighborhood. And I sometimes felt different.
I wasn’t ashamed of my background, but I wasn’t shouting from the rooftops that I’m Mexican. But I think it wasn’t until I became a mom that I realized how important it is to be proud of your roots. I want to instill that pride in my kids.
How do you honor your heritage in your own home?
My husband and I are bicoastal. In our New York home, we have a lot of African masks. My husband is Black and Irish. And a lot of these masks are from his travels to Ghana. So that’s something that’s really important to us.
We also have his grandmother’s Irish china. I’m all about using and living with your heirlooms. Like, that china doesn’t get brought out just on holidays—we use that every day. We use that to have a slice of pizza. I don’t just want to bring it out on special occasions. And I like being surrounded by my husband’s background. I know when he’s eating soup out of a bowl or having pizza on the china, he’s thinking of his grandma. And having these masks displayed, even if it’s just on a small wall, seeing those and being surrounded by those and our children growing up and seeing those, I think that is super important.
And here in Los Angeles, I have my grandmother’s tortilla maker. It’s in our kitchen. And I only make tortillas a couple of times a year with my grandma, but that’s something that’s really important.
It’s all about the little things: something that’s special that reminds you of where you come from and gives you a sense of belonging.
What was your favorite part of filming ‘Revealed’?
Behind the scenes, we had so much fun. I mean, these are my real-life best friends. So this was crazy. I feel like we had so many pinch-me moments. We would just turn around and look at each other, like, “This is wild. Like, what is happening right now?” And my husband works behind the scenes, so viewers will see him and my family in a couple of scenes every episode.
My son, Hunter, literally grew up on the set of “Extreme Makeover.” That boy feels so comfortable with camera guys, directors, he would help paint. So he’s in the show. I don’t know what scenes ended up in the final edit, but he is such a ham.
Did you have a favorite project of the season?
I redid my best friend’s house, which was so incredible. Lauren has been my neighbor since we were babies. She was the one who enrolled me in interior design school after high school. I was a softball player and I hurt my arm, so I didn’t know what I was going to do after high school. Meanwhile, Lauren was going to design school and wanted to carpool so she secretly enrolled me. And I was like, “What do you mean? What is that?” And then the first week, I was obsessed and loved it.
And then Lauren actually joined the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team as Paige Hemmis‘ assistant and she sent in my resume. So she’s the one who got me into design, got me into television. So then it all came full circle. She needed to redo her home, and I got to make over my best friend’s home. So that was very emotional.
Do you have any tips for homeowners who want to renovate their house?
I just hope the viewers are inspired to just make their home beautiful. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Just focus on making a beautiful moment and on creating a memory of your home. And that could start with the family conversation. Hopefully, I can inspire people to incorporate more family into their homes.
What do you do for clients who don’t know, or don’t connect, to their heritage?
There are a lot of families like that! We had an Indian family on the show, and it turns out, records of ancestors and where you come from in India are hard to find. It was impossible to track down their ancestors.
So in that instance, I really focused on who they were in their upbringing: what makes them think about family, what home means to them.
I had one client who was Jewish, and Shabbat dinners and cooking were so important to their family. And so I just focused on that. So it really wasn’t as much about their ethnicity or where their ancestors came from. But it was really about what made them feel at home. Challah bread, that could literally inspire an entire kitchen design.
So I think that it’s about incorporating your heritage and culture into your home, but also about incorporating that individual family’s values and really diving deep into that.
Looking to build a solid base of business from a specific area in your market? Real estate farming is a strategy you should consider, and today’s guest, Bill Sohl, is an expert on it. Listen to this podcast and learn how Bill went from a small geographic farm to one that targets over 40,000 luxury properties. Bill also shares where most Realtors should start with farming, offers his top tips for success with direct mail, and explains why real estate agents must differentiate themselves in order to succeed.
Get 10+ hours of mastermind-level content 100% FREE. Register at Carrot.com/Rockstar today!
Listen to today’s show and learn:
About Bill Sohl [3:56]
About real estate farming [5:10]
Wowing potential clients in your farm [9:06]
Why agents must differentiate themselves [15:10]
Tips on postcards and mailers [16:38]
A system for scaling with mailers [20:24]
How to know when it’s time to grow [26:17]
Costs to consider with direct mail [28:25]
Bill’s experience at the first Real Estate Rockstars Mastermind [30:28]
Finding value in the Real Estate Rockstars podcast [36:35]
Connecting on a deeper level with seminar speakers [37:32]
One thing you must include on your postcards [43:56]
Giving value to get leads [45:27]
Start small to ensure your success [47:11]
Bill’s advice for new real estate agents [48:56]
Where to find and follow Bill Sohl [51:09]
Bill Sohl
Bill knows that buying or selling your home can be one of the most important transactions in your lifetime. Whether you’re just starting out, trading up, relocating, or making a lifestyle change, you can count on Bill to go above and beyond the call of duty to make your deal a success. In addition to being a Realtor®, Bill is a licensed general contractor and a Certified Home Luxury Marketing Specialist. He is able to provide superior service, and pay attention to every little detail, simply because he has intimate knowledge of every step in the process. Bill’s expertise also provides an impressive networking team to help his clients have the best experience possible when it comes to buying or selling a home.
Related Links and Resources:
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
If the national media is any indication, more people are embracing the notion of buying used clothing from thrift stores and consignment shops. Last week, USA Today ran a story describing how secondhand stores are reaping the benefits of recession:
As Americans look for ways to cut spending, they are scooping up bargain clothes, accessories, toys and furniture once owned by someone else.
“We’re sorry about the economic situation, … but it is a good time for our industry,” says Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops. Three-fourths of resale stores said they had higher sales in September and October, compared with the same period last year, according to the trade group. The average sales increase was about 35%.
According to the article, 70% of adults surveyed last summer say that buying used is now more socially acceptable than it was a decade ago. Buying used has always been socially acceptable to me. I got in the habit of shopping at thrift stores during high school. It was the only way I could afford to add to my wardrobe. For the past 20 years, buying used has been a natural part of my shopping routine.
Kris and I are fortunate that Portlanders generally embrace the thrift-store ethic, and that we live near a highway lined with used clothing shops. (It’s actually more convenient for us to buy our clothes from thrift stores than any other source!) Here are some of our best tips for buying second-hand clothes:
Set a budget. This is difficult at first — you don’t know how much things cost. But eventually you’ll be able to tell yourself, “I’m going spend $20 today”. It becomes a game to see how much you can buy for $20.
Discard your prejudices. Some people consider thrift stores and used clothing shops nasty dirty places. Some are. Most aren’t. Explore your neighborhood. Find a shop or two that you like, and you’ll be hooked.
Go with a friend. It’s good to have a second opinion. Your friend may have an eye for what looks good on you — and vice versa.
Try things on. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers and even by eras. (Today’s clothes have looser fits.) But go in knowing your general size and measurements. Note that some places don’t have dressing rooms, so it’s smart to wear a modest thin layer in case you need to strip down in the aisle.
Examine each item thoroughly. It sucks to get home to find your new shirt has a hole in the pocket. Or that the slacks you thought were a steal actually have a broken zipper.
Check washing instructions. You don’t want to pay $3 for a silk blouse if you’ll never dry-clean it.
Use the tags as a guide to find quality brands you like, but don’t limit yourself. Sometimes a brand you’ve never heard of can yield a favorite piece of clothing.
Think layers. Maybe that shirt with a stain on the sleeve has a great collar for wearing under a sweater. For $3, you can afford to buy a single-purpose shirt.
Use thrift stores as a way to diversify your wardrobe. Buy colors and styles on which you normally wouldn’t spend much. Wear the new clothes a few times to see how you like them, and to gauge the reaction of others.
Used clothing stores are great for certain accessories. Why pay $30 for a new belt in a department store when you can get a better belt in your size for just $2? I like to shop at second-hand stores for hats. (Nice hats.)
Look for clothes new with tags. Sometimes unsold department store inventory finds its way to used clothing stores and thrift shops. You’ll generally pay more for these items, but not much.
If you won’t wear it, don’t buy it. You don’t save money buying a $3 shirt if it just sits in your closet for two years.
Wash clothes when you get them home.
Watch for sales. Used clothing stores (and thrift stores) run periodic specials. Our favorite local store just ran a half-off sale. The local thrift stores often have specials on certain items.
If you go to the same store often, ask when they rotate stock. Stores get new shipments regularly. Most also have extra stock in storage. If you become familiar with the owners, you might even ask them to keep an eye out for particular items.
Take your time. At normal clothing shops, everything is neatly organized. Not so at most thrift stores. When thrifting, it’s more important to be patient, to browse the racks methodically.
If buying used clothes becomes a habit, institute a “one in-one out policy”. Every time you bring home something new, get rid of something old. (Give it away, take it to a thrift store, or save it for a garage sale.)
Have fun! Buying used clothing can save you money. It’s also a fun way to kill a Saturday afternoon. At $3 an item, you can afford to be adventurous sometimes.
Another great thing about buying used is that you’re free to experiment a little bit more. It doesn’t hurt much to purchase a $5 cardigan sweater and then discover you’re not the sort for cardigans. On a recent shopping trip, for example, Kris picked up this garish pair of pants:
Kris thinks the pants are pretty hilarious. I do, too, but not in the same way. But what’s really surprising is the price tags. Check this out: these pants were originally priced at $288, but she picked them up for $8.99.
For many people, thrift stores offer an easy way to delve into frugal fashion. But most shops carry more than just clothes. If your budget is pinched, they’re an excellent place to find furniture, to pick up kitchenware, and even to find inexpensive entertainment. A large part of my personal finance library has been purchased from the local Goodwill (for about $3 per book).
Somehow Thanksgiving is already next week, and if like me, you’re hosting, you might be approaching panic mode. Well it’s not time to totally freak out – yet! Instead of sharing a tabletop idea with you this year because last year’s table still might be our favorite post of all time! we decided to tap one of our favorite experts for her ultimate Save Thanksgiving Day tips: Camille Styles!
Camille’s debut book, Camille Styles Entertaining is all about inspiring readers through the seasons with ideas for life’s big celebrations, as well as showing them how to infuse beauty into their daily lives through the food they make, the rooms they design and the outfits they wear. It’s packed with simple details and creative shortcuts that make everyday moments feel special (with 75 simple + seasonal recipes woven throughout.) As soon as my copy landed in the mailbox, I was immediately taking notes. I love her little creative ideas and DIYS like keepsake what I’m thankful for cards! that take Thanksgiving to a beautifully personal level.
I asked Camille if she’d share a few of her top tips with us. I’m thankful she didn’t disappoint!
My husband and I have been hosting Thanksgiving for both sides of our family since the first year we got married. Though we’ve had our share of hiccups (from faulty plumbing to a fried turkey that burnt to a crisp), each year gets a little more seamless, and yes, delicious. If you’ll be taking on hosting duties this year, never fear: I’ve made all the mistakes first, so that you don’t have to. Here are my favorite ways to honor tradition, put a fresh twist on the big meal, and avoid any disasters in the process.
1. Rethink your furniture arrangement to create more space. So your 4-person kitchen table won’t fit all the friends and family you’d like to seat for the feast? Consider moving the dining table into the living room, and extending it with folding tables that you can line up end-to-end and cover with a pretty autumnal tablecloth. It’ll make the dining table the unexpected focal point of the room, plus open up all kinds of space you didn’t know you had.
2. Try out a new color palette. For this year’s table design, I’m using a palette of indigo, earthy wood, organic greens and white, in lieu of the more expected autumnal oranges and browns. Then, to create a unified design, I’ll use table linens, dishes, serving pieces and flowers that fit into those color families. Sticking within a limited palette is the quickest way to make a major visual impact while keeping the details simple!
3. Think beyond the floral centerpiece. In the fall, I love to forage for beautiful leaves and interesting berries or acorns to incorporate into a centerpiece. Pomegranates, winter squash and pears also make unexpected additions to the table and are a modern spin on the iconic image of an abundant cornucopia.
4. Include a couple of menu items that can be served at room temperature. That way, you’re not scrambling to get every single item out on the buffet at once. I’ll make an appetizer like a cheese and meat board that can sit out unattended for a couple of hours during cocktails. Sides like a brussels sprouts salad and cranberry sauce are delicious at room temperature, so you can set those out first while you slice the turkey and keep the sweet potatoes warm in the oven.
5. Don’t strive for perfection. Hosting Thanksgiving does not require Martha-like perfectionism. This is a holiday that’s about counting our blessings, so ditch the pressure, stress, and unrealistic expectations and instead embrace an attitude that puts the focus back on having fun and creating great memories with the people you care about. Remember, your guests don’t want to be impressed – they want to be welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere to eat delicious food and savor great conversation!
We have so much to be thankful for, and a Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by family, friends and a bountiful feast will be the perfect way to count our blessings from the past year as we savor the present, deliciously.
And thankfully, Camille also gave us a super easy, but totally delicious appetizer idea for when that turkey inevitably needs another hour!
FIGS, BLUE CHEESE AND POMEGRANATE SEEDS ON ENDIVE LEAVES
From Camille: When I worked in catering, one of our most popular hors d’oeuvres was a luscious port wine–soaked cherry and blue cheese combo tucked into an endive leaf like a little boat. This is my autumnal version featuring figs and pomegranate for the most gorgeous color and a touch of exotic flavor. So many of my friends eat gluten-free diets these days, so this is a nice way to serve them a great blue cheese that doesn’t require crackers or bread. You can make these up to an hour before the party, and the hearty leaves will hold up as they sit.
INGREDIENTS 5 fresh figs, each cut into 4 wedges ½ cup balsamic vinegar 2 heads Belgian endive, leaves separated (smallest leaves reserved for another use) 2 ounces blue cheese (Stilton, Cambozola, or any creamy blue cheese), at room temperature and crumbled ¼ cup Candied Pecans (see sidebar), finely chopped ¼ cup pomegranate seeds ¼ cup honey
SERVES 8 Put the fig wedges in a small bowl and cover with the balsamic vinegar. Set aside and let macerate for at least 30 minutes (and up to overnight, in the fridge). To assemble, lay out the endive leaves on a platter. Use a small spoon to scoop about ½ teaspoon of blue cheese into each leaf. Top each with a fig wedge, sprinkle with pecans and a couple pomegranate seeds, drizzle with honey, and serve.
CANDIED PECANS ½ cup pecan halves ½ cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling Kosher salt Preheat the oven to 400˚F. In a small saucepan, combine the pecans, sugar, and 1 cup water; bring to a boil, and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pecans to a baking sheet. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar and kosher salt, then bake for 8 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly caramelized. Let cool, then serve or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
PS: I’ll be co-hosting Camille’s San Francisco book signing party with Caitlin Flemming on Thursday – we do hope you’ll drop by! Details HERE.
images by buff strickland courtesy of camille styles
As you’ve probably noticed, many people are traveling this summer. If that includes you, there are ways to save a bunch of money (and maybe a little sanity) while traveling this summer.
How can you navigate this high-demand travel environment while controlling costs and minimizing headaches?
Here are our top tips for travel this summer and how to overcome problems you might run into along the way.
Fly without breaking the bank
You’re not wrong if you think flights are more expensive.
Fares for summer travel have risen, sometimes dramatically, compared to both 2022 and 2019, according to data provided by the Airlines Reporting Corporation, a travel intelligence firm and ticket processor. The company says average fares were 9%-37% higher for the top 10 summer destinations, which include Yellowstone National Park and Hawaii. Flights are exorbitant to Europe this summer, too.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to reduce the cost of your flights.
Let the prices and availability decide your destination
If you want deals, this summer may be the one to let special offers inspire your next trip. Keep an eye on our flight deals, and book something that sounds interesting — either because of a good price or solid points and miles availability. The flexibility to go wherever the price is reasonable can lead to big savings.
Consider alternative airports
With prices on the rise, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports.
For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports. The New York City area has three. It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another before taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey, like flying into Philadelphia and catching a train up to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.
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Expand your search for awards when your first attempt strikes out if you want to avoid the highest prices this summer.
Use positioning flights
Positioning flights are not realistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport.
Can you get to your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago, for example? Would adding another flight to a different airport ultimately save you money or miles?
Just make sure you leave enough time between flights to avoid any unnecessary travel headaches.
Book a backup plan
If you can’t get the flight you really want, book an alternative trip with that same airline. Then, get on the standby list for the flight you really want.
Plan your itinerary so you’re at the airport in time to get on that other flight. You can also monitor other flights and take advantage of same-day change policies.
Use up your points and miles
Summertime is a great time to use up points and miles you were hoarding. One of our big pieces of advice at TPG is to earn and burn those airline and credit card points and miles. You’ll maximize the redemption value if you can use them when cash prices are high, especially if you can find a mileage deal.
Fly on a holiday
Have you noticed that flights the day before Thanksgiving are extremely expensive, but flights on Thanksgiving morning are often cheaper? That’s because everyone wants to get to their final destination before the holiday.
This phenomenon plays out during some summer holidays, too, so look to fly the morning of the holiday to see if that lowers the price. Flying on July 4 is cheaper, generally, than flying on July 3 or July 6.
Get a hotel at the right price — and place
The good thing about hotels is that there are usually a lot of options. The bad thing about hotels is that there are usually a lot of options.
Having multiple properties to choose from can sometimes make the process of picking one feel overwhelming. However, if you have a stash of points, you can use those to narrow the field.
Here are our tips for locking in the right hotel for your trip.
Instead of burning cash, consider using your points
Just like with flights, points redemptions can make a lot of sense when hotel rates are high. Do you have Chase or American Express points you can transfer to a hotel program? Or are you sitting on a bunch of Marriott Bonvoy points? Several of us at TPG like to transfer our bank points, like Chase Ultimate Rewards points, to World of Hyatt for otherwise-expensive hotels (like the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome).
Book early and use a flexible cancellation policy
Booking a refundable hotel that seems right while you finalize everything else may be the way to go, even if you’re not 100% certain you’ll stay at that hotel. Avoid “pay now” rates in favor of a room that you can change or cancel without fees. Many award bookings allow you to cancel up to a couple of days before check-in, but always double-check the terms.
Use your elite status
Some hotel programs set aside rooms for elite members or will bump non-elite guests in favor of those with status if all the rooms are booked. Taking this a step further, travelers with top-tier Globalist status in the World of Hyatt program have a concierge who can help reserve properties. Take advantage of these perks if space is limited.
Additionally, your elite status may be the key to money-saving perks such as waived resort or parking fees, free breakfast and complimentary lounge access.
Discover similar locations
If you don’t need to be in a specific location, this may be the time to change things up a bit.
For example, if you’re seeking time on the beach, consider the panhandle of Florida or even the coast of Alabama instead of Miami and other popular parts of South Florida. Think of places that seem similar but may have better pricing if you’re running into sky-high rates.
Book directly
Instead of booking a room through a portal or online travel agency, reserve one directly with the hotel. By booking directly, you’ll likely have access to more flexible terms, as hotel cancellation policies are typically more forgiving. Additionally, if something goes wrong, you’ll have an easier time changing your itinerary since you’ll be dealing with the hotel directly instead of a third party.
Consider alternative accommodations
If you can’t find hotels that work for you, consider vacation rental platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb, as well as hotel-branded vacation rentals like Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes and Accor-affiliated Onefinestay.
You can also go camping, glamping, stay in a “tiny home,” or rent a recreational vehicle for a few nights. There are even ways to use points to book vacation home rentals.
Score an affordable rental car
While not quite the same level of “car rental apocalypse” we saw in 2021, there are still some shortages of rental cars. There are already summertime sellouts happening in select leisure destinations. Hertz, as an example, is limiting one-way car rentals in Europe this summer due to supply constraints.
Even when vehicles are not sold out, demand (and prices) are still quite high, in part because car rental companies haven’t been able to completely replenish their fleets.
Planning ahead and leveraging your elite status can be the difference between getting a rental car and not getting one at all, according to Jonathan Weinberg, founder of AutoSlash.
Book first, plan later
Prices rise, and availability shrinks as you get closer to your travel dates. Take advantage of flexible car rental rules that usually provide a “pay later” option and book now, even if your plans aren’t finalized. Since car rental prices are up compared to pre-pandemic numbers, according to Weinberg, car rental prices may make or break some summer travel plans.
Use coupons or discount codes to save
If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn’t even know about.
Don’t despair if none of those reduced rates applies to you. AutoSlash can track prices and look for eligible coupon codes, too.
Leverage elite status
Having elite status with a car rental company can be the difference between getting a car and not — even if you have a reservation. That’s because cars are sometimes set aside exclusively for elite members.
Additionally, car rental program members can often skip the line at the counter and go straight to the lot, which can be what it takes to get one of the last vehicles. Luckily, you may already have a credit card that offers car rental elite status, which you could use to status match with other car rental loyalty programs.
Look beyond traditional companies and locations
Most people search for rentals at the airport with the standard companies. If you’re not finding good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte, Turo and Silvercar.
Consider a longer rental
If you have trouble finding an available or affordable rental car, try adjusting the rental period. Here’s an example of how adding one day to trigger a monthlong rental cut the price by about $3,000:
Just know you should plan to keep the car for the full rental period, as returning the car early has an inherent risk of the car rental company charging a fee or adjusting pricing back to the daily rate. However, this avenue can unveil better prices and expanded inventory.
Visit national parks for less and without the crowds
The busiest national park in 2021 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) saw 14.1 million visitors, according to statistics from the National Park Service. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska saw just 145 visitors in 2021.
While the major parks are undoubtedly busy, there are still parklands that are less frequented than others, though you’ll still want to plan ahead.
Here’s everything to keep in mind for a national park adventure this summer.
Book in advance
Many parks require advance reservations for campsites and lodging inside the park’s boundaries.
How far in advance you can book varies, but these limited reservations fill up quickly at the more popular parks. Find out when reservations open for the date you want, and plan to book as soon as possible.
Stay outside the park
You might be dreaming of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly, especially if you’re unable to pay for it with points.
However, just beyond the park, there’s probably a hotel where you can pay with points. For example, the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott points to spend.
Make reservations
Some parks limit how many people can visit on any given day. Others place limits on how many people can go on a particular hiking trail. Some locations even require you to enter a lottery to get a chance to visit.
Apply for these permits and lotteries as early as possible for a better chance of securing access.
Avoid ‘free days’
It may sound counterintuitive, but “free days” at national parks may not be the best time to visit, as they tend to be particularly busy.
Instead of visiting on a weekend, holiday or day with free admission, aim for an early morning in the middle of the week for more elbow room on hiking trails and at can’t-miss natural wonders.
Visit alternative parks
Given the sheer number of national parks, national monuments, state parks and protected areas in the U.S., there’s likely a parkland near you that isn’t regularly packed with people. In fact, there may even be a park that offers similar geography to the one you’re considering but with a slightly more remote location and, consequently, thinner crowds.
For example, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle, sees 4 million fewer visitors per year than the Grand Canyon.
Plan for maximum enjoyment with minimum stress
You may have all types of activities in mind for this summer: theme parks, a road trip to visit grandparents or even an isolated beach getaway.
To cut down on travel headaches and bank account woes for the many trips you hope to take, consider these helpful tips.
Visit amusement parks on weekdays
While summer is a peak travel season since kids are out of school, many parents are still working Monday through Friday, meaning weekdays are generally less crowded. As a result, visiting a theme park in the middle of the week and arriving early in the morning typically leads to shorter lines for rides and shorter waits at in-park dining venues. It may even help you score cheaper tickets and lodging.
Ditch major theme parks
Growing up in Ohio, I had easy access to Kings Island and Cedar Point — two great theme parks that didn’t require flying to Florida or California.
Do as my parents did when I was a kid and look for regional parks that provide a lot of fun without the hefty price tag. Getting tickets will probably be easier, plus you may not need to add flights or hotels to the list of expenses.
Book Disney reservations early
You still need actual reservations (not just tickets) for Disneyland and Disney World.
To avoid any unexpected surprises, lock in your reservation as soon as possible to guarantee access to your preferred park, as they can sell out.
Reserve airport parking in advance
If flights and airports are packed, you can expect full parking lots, too.
Reserving airport parking ahead of time can be the difference between having a spot and not — or paying extra for the premium or far-away lot. If you aren’t having any luck finding a space at the airport, try snagging one at an off-airport parking location that offers shuttle service to the terminals.
Take a road trip
When you fly, you may have to buy four tickets for your family. When you drive, you don’t have to put gas in four cars.
The price of gas has come down lately, and a road trip may be calling your name this summer. An added bonus: Driving your own car means you won’t need a rental car at your final destination.
Look for coupons and codes
You don’t usually see Marriott or Delta Air Lines on Groupon, but activities are definitely more prolific.
Watch for coupons, group deals or sales for activities you’re planning to do during your trip. From roller coasters to roller derbies, the internet offers all kinds of deals, midweek sales and discount codes for activities that can lead to big savings. AAA, AARP and other advocacy memberships can help here, too.
Buy gift cards on sale
This tip can apply to many areas of life, but it’s especially true for theme parks and other activities.
Your local supermarket, big-box store or office supply store may sell gift cards at a discount. E-commerce sites also sell discounted gift cards.
When buying gift cards, use shopping portals whenever possible and pay with a card that will earn maximum points. Once you have your gift cards in hand (or your email inbox), use them to purchase Disney tickets, a hot air balloon ride or whatever activity you’re hoping to enjoy while on vacation.
Consider a cruise
While we’ve written about sold-out theme parks and hard-to-come-by flight deals, you should know that cruises are not quite as expensive as many other types of summer vacation. You’ll often save money when you account for the costs of flights and hotel rooms for multiple nights. With a cruise, you could simultaneously unlock serious savings and avoid crowds.
Hunt for deals
Cruise deals are not as plentiful as they were at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. However, you can still find amazing deals on cruises. If you are flexible, sometimes cruise companies offer substantial deals on last-minute cruises if they have excess inventory (unsold cabins).
It’s not uncommon to see deals on cruises pop up, like this one back in March, but you need to act fast when you see them. Virgin Voyages has been offering some incredible deals this year, including a cruise for just 40,000 Virgin Atlantic points.
Look for bundles and packages
You may find that you can also save by bundling items. Search for deals on drink packages or onboard spending credits, or consider “kids sail free” options — even if the first number you see (the price for an adult) doesn’t look like a bargain right away.
Bottom line
Summer is here, and just like last year, prices and demand are through the roof.
It is possible, however, to avoid hordes of tourists if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. You may even be able to visit a popular destination without spending a fortune, having a 16-hour layover or coughing up all of your airline miles to get there.
Regardless of where you plan to go, flexibility is the best thing you can bring to your travel plans. You should book now (if you haven’t already) so you can make the most of your summer without breaking the bank.
With competition fiercer than ever, new agents need all the help they can get. On today’s podcast, we ask five real estate rockstars to share their top tips for brand-new agents. Tune in and find out what these successful Realtors wish they knew when they first started selling homes.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Why adaptability is essential right now [1:00]
Where to turn for the knowledge you need to succeed [1:51]
How to get started with video marketing [2:39]
Why frugality isn’t always good for business [4:58]
How to niche down for more deals [6:56]
Related Links and Resources:
Thank You Rockstars! It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email. -Aaron Amuchastegui
I spend almost nothing on clothes. According to Mint, I’ve spent $199.50 to clothe my family of five this year. They say the average U.S. household has spent $1258.62. That’s more than six times my spending.
It’s been years since I walked into a clothing store, tried on styles I liked and bought myself a new pair of jeans. That doesn’t mean I’m content to dress like a slob, or wear the same tried-and-true favorites season after season. I change up my wardrobe every few months with a huge shopping spree — from my friends’ closets.
The Clothing Swap
My friends and I hold clothing swaps at least once a season. We all clean out our closets of anything we don’t love that’s still in good condition. We get together and swap our cast-offs around. I’m a walking advertisement for the aphorism, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
A clothing swap is a win on several fronts, For example, it decreases clutter in your closet, and gives you a chance to freshen up your wardrobe for free.
I find the selection at a clothing swap is better than I get in most thrift stores. My friends’ tastes in clothes are fairly similar to mine, so I don’t have to wade through rack after rack of 1970s polyester blouses to get to the good stuff. The last swap I was at had an entire business wardrobe of designer-label stuff in my size, a lot of it still with the tags on. I also picked up half a dozen cozy, long-sleeved t-shirts and a pair of great jeans.
I feel free to experiment with my wardrobe. If something fits well but is wildly different from my usual style, I can take it home and see if I like it. If it sits at the back of my closet for six months untouched, I can just return it next time I go to a swap. No harm, no foul. With clothing swap finds, I’ve expanded my staple wardrobe from simple jeans and t-shirts to include a lot more adventurous skirts and dresses.
Clothing swaps are great fun. I’d much rather spend a morning hanging out with a group of friends chatting and laughing while we play dress-up than spend hours trolling a mall for the right ensemble.
I’ve heard these events called “naked lady parties”, but men can play this game, too. I’ve hosted swaps that were just for the ladies and swaps that were co-ed. Do what works for you.
Swapping is simple
Here’s how to host a clothing swap:
Find a space. If you’re hosting a small event for your friends, your living room is probably ample. If you want to make it bigger, church basements and community centers are often open to this type of thing.
Decide who to invite. Do you want it to be all women, or co-ed? Just your close friends, or a big group? Will your swap have a theme, like a fancy dress swap or a mother-daughter swap?
Make your announcement. Giving people a few weeks notice before a clothing swap is a good idea. You want to give your guests time to gather up their unwanted duds, and make sure they have open space on their calendars.
Set rules for what can be swapped. Decide what you want people to bring, and what should go straight in the Goodwill bin. A good first rule is that everything be clean and in good condition. You may want to prohibit donations of used underthings. Some swaps also exclude kids’ clothing, athletic wear or winter gear, just because there’s so much of it and the appeal is so limited.
Gather your supplies. You’ll want a ready supply of trash bags for people to take clothes home in. Also handy: sharpie markers and masking tape for making labels. Full length mirrors are a huge bonus. You may also want to put out some light snacks and beverages, in a separate room from where the swap is happening.
Collect clothing. Encourage people to drop off their donations a few days in advance, so that you have time to set up and sort the loot before the event starts. This helps cut down on chaos. People will bring clothes as they arrive on the day of the swap; it’s human nature to do these things at the last minute. But you can get a head start by taking things early and having piles already going when your first guests arrive.
Set up the swap. To help people find what they want, sort clothes into based on type. You’ll want a separate heap for shirts, t-shirts, pants, sweaters, jackets, etc.
Donate the leftovers. When the swap is over, take the leftovers to Goodwill, Planet Aid, or the charity of your choice. It’s best to have a couple of dedicated volunteers on hand to help with this. The job can be overwhelming for one person.
The best reward to hosting a clothing swap? You get first dibs on everything that comes in as you sort through the donations.
Final Thoughts
The biggest risk is bedbugs. Bedbugs are a nightmare to live with and nearly impossible to get rid of. They love to travel in clothes, but can’t survive the heat of a dryer. If you’re hosting a clothing swap, make a very firm rule that everything brought into the house be freshly cleaned.
Hosting a clothing swap is a great way to slash your clothing budget to almost nothing, and it’s a fun way to spend time with your friends. It’s also a way to live green. We don’t usually think of clothes as recyclable in the same way a soda can is, but clothing makes up 5% of the municipal waste in New York City. That’s a lot of clothes going into landfills.
Swapping your unwanted stuff decreases your demand for new manufactured textiles, which can be a drain on natural resources. It also helps keep more clothes out of landfills.
Got any more tips on how to host a clothing swap? Leave ’em in the comments!
For more clothing tips, also see How to Stop Buying Clothes You Never Wear and Embracing the Thrift Store Ethic: 18 Top Tips for Buying Used Clothes. Also welcome Lifehacker readers! Photo by iwona_kellie.
“How can I travel on a budget?” is one of the top questions we receive at TPG.
There’s no question that travel is expensive right now as millions satisfy the itch to travel more. Demand has been through the roof. Inflation and correspondingly high hotel, rental car and airline ticket costs have many would-be travelers throwing up their hands in frustration.
However, there are still many ways to save. In addition to using reserves of points and miles to book hotels and airfare, TPGers have many budget travel tips to help stretch your dollars when traveling.
Here are 22 ways to travel on a budget.
Use membership codes to save on car rentals
If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn’t even know about. A few examples from AARP include 30% off a car rental at Budget or Avis.
Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car
Look beyond traditional car rental companies and locations
Most people search for rentals at the airport with standard companies like Hertz and Avis. If you don’t find good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte, Turo and Silvercar.
Related: Delta and Turo launch partnership, allowing travelers to earn 2,000 SkyMiles on 1st rental
Check credit card merchant offers
Before booking your trip, review your credit cards’ special merchant offers. Multiple issuers offer this option (although American Express is a leader in the category).
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Every program works similarly: Log in to your card account online or through your banking app, review the offers available to you, add the ones you want and make a qualifying purchase using the card for which the offer is registered.
There are no promo codes to enter at online checkout or coupons to print to take to the register. There are likely offers you can activate that will provide discounts on dining, gas and entertainment.
Related: How credit card merchant offers can save you hundreds of dollars every year
Take advantage of free days at national parks
Every year the U.S. National Park Service sets aside several days when entry is completely free; options include Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, the first day of National Park Week in April, National Public Lands Day in September and Veterans Day in November.
Visiting a national park on one of the NPS’ free-entry days can save you up to $35 per vehicle at some of the most popular national parks, such as Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon.
Stay outside the national parks
You might dream of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly — especially if you can’t pay for it with points.
However, just beyond the park, there’s probably a hotel you can book with points. For example, you could stay at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone with IHG One Rewards points; the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spend.
Related: The best campgrounds, hotels and lodges near Yellowstone National Park
Download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app
If you’re a T-Mobile user, you’re in luck: This app is a major perk that will put money in your pocket just for checking your phone on Tuesdays.
To participate, download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, check the app on Tuesday and claim your discount code. We’ve seen weekly discounts on everything from rental cars to gas, hotels and theme park tickets.
Get discounted gas at Shell through the Fuel Rewards app
At TPG, we love to stack savings. The Shell Fuel Rewards app is a good one to pile on the discounts.
You can link it to other loyalty programs — including American Airlines AAdvantage, Giant Food, Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and more — to receive extra discounts. Also, if you purchase through Fuel Rewards, link to partner retailers such as Petco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Office Depot/OfficeMax and many others to save even more.
Don’t forget to use a credit card that gives bonus points or discounts at gas stations for even more savings. TPG likes the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees), which awards 3 ThankYou points per dollar at gas stations, and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which also gives 3% back at U.S. gas stations.
Related: These are the best credit cards for gas purchases
Save on theater tickets in New York and London
Check TodayTix for cheap Broadway and West End tickets if traveling to New York City or London.
The TodayTix app has discounted tickets to various shows available. Prices vary, but most of the top shows currently playing are available on the site and the app.
While not all shows are hugely discounted, TodayTix often runs no-fee promotions. Keep in mind that for some shows, you won’t be able to choose your precise ticket location. Instead, you will pick a section you’d like to sit in.
Related: On with the show! How to get a great deal on Broadway tickets
Save on entrance fees with Bank of America
Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of U.S. cities on the first weekend of every month just by showing their cards. It’s through the Museums on Us program that’s been going on for 25 years. It’s open to Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card holders.
Related: 5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card
Use your library card for museum entry
Another way to get free museum admission is with a library “lending ticket” — a program where libraries will lend museum passes for a set amount of time.
Also, check if your local museum’s membership comes with ROAM (a reciprocity program across North America). It’s an easy way to get maximum value from a regional (and usually less expensive) membership.
Take a free walking tour
Sign up for a free walking tour on your first day in a new city. It’s an inexpensive way to learn about the city and orient yourself.
Look online for options before traveling and sign up in advance if necessary. Then, all you need to do is show up with comfortable shoes and enjoy your free tour.
Although tipping is suggested, you’ll spend much less, even after generously tipping your guide, than you would with a standard tour option. You will likely also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you’re traveling alone or looking to make new friends.
If you’re interested in seeing what’s available on your next trip, Google the city you’ll visit and the phrase “free walking tour” to see what comes up.
Dine on the cheap with Seated
Here’s a fun one: The Seated app allows you to dine out and get paid for it.
The app rewards diners who sign up and eat at designated restaurants with cash they can redeem through gift cards. All you have to do is let the app know you’ll be dining at a location before you take a seat. You can also get gift cards for Uber, Amazon and Starbucks.
Fly on weekdays
Flexibility on which days you fly is one of the keys to getting the best airfare prices. Leisure travelers most commonly book weekend flights, while many business travelers fly on Monday. So, the midweek days — Tuesday and Wednesday — have lower demand and are often the best days to travel for lower prices.
Related: When is the best time to book airfare?
Book vacation packages
Airlines that bundle airfare and hotels as vacation packages can offer better deals thanks to their vast buying power and inventory. These bundles can offer savings of up to 40% off. Savings on business-class plane tickets and high-end hotels can offer some of the best deals.
Also, purchasing directly from the airline gives you a one-stop shopping experience. You can even add a car and activities to your trip at the same time. Plus, you’ll often be able to take advantage of special sales and bonus points and miles offers.
Related: Everything you need to know about saving money with vacation packages
Use a price monitoring tool
Airline fare monitoring sites such as Hopper and Google Flights ensure you get notifications when your trip’s best and lowest prices become available. Set up as many combinations as you’re considering, including different departure and return dates, so that you can get alerts for all possible fare reductions.
Be flexible on destination
If you’re not locked into a fall or winter vacation location (like you would be for a destination wedding or family reunion that you can’t change), try an alternative to find better prices. For example, consider subbing Quebec City in for Paris if you want Old World charm. For scuba diving enthusiasts, skip the expensive long-haul flight to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef and instead head to the second-largest barrier reef in the world in easy-to-access Belize.
Related: 5 key tools and tips for cheap airfare
Hold your deal
If you see a great deal but are not yet ready to book, hold it. For example, Hopper’s Price Freeze allows you to lock in the price of a flight for up to seven days to take more time to finalize plans before you book. Some airlines will also let you hold flights for a small fee. (Remember that all U.S. airlines, by law, allow you to hold and cancel a flight booking within 24 hours without penalty as long as you book more than seven days in advance.)
Re-price your flights and hotels
As long as you’ve booked a hotel, car or flight that can be canceled without penalty, you should make it part of your weekly routine to check for price drops. If you find a lower price, rebook. You can use these same rebooking strategies with points to make dynamic pricing work in your favor for hotel stays so you can save on award nights.
Related: How I saved 33,500 points on upcoming hotel stays
Consider alternative airports
With prices high, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports. For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports, while the New York City area has three, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. In Southern Florida, you could easily fly to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It works internationally too: Try Gatwick Airport (LGW) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR) when flying to London.
It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another city and then taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey. For instance, you could fly into Philadelphia and catch a train to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.
Use positioning flights
Positioning flights are unrealistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport. Can you reach your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago? Would adding another flight to a different airport save you money or miles? Just ensure you leave enough time between flights to avoid unnecessary travel headaches.
Related: Use positioning flights to get amazing deals
Use points and miles when appropriate
Since you are reading TPG, you may also want to earn points or miles through your everyday spending that you can use to pay for part of your trip. Some credit cards — like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card — can help you earn airline miles or hotel points that you can redeem directly with the airline or hotel. Cards such as the American Express® Gold Card earn transferable points you can redeem for travel or transfer to various travel partners.
If you have a stash of points and cash fares are high, it makes a lot of sense to use those points instead. For example, I recently priced a trip to San Francisco and found a flight over the Fourth of July weekend; it should normally cost about $400, but for this particular weekend, it was going to cost me at least $621. I used 46,000 Delta SkyMiles instead. While it wasn’t the best redemption in the world, it was better than shelling out all that cash. Most of those SkyMiles came from credit card spending on my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
Related: Why I’m keeping my Delta Reserve card even when I’m flying less
There are many strategies for getting the most out of your credit card. You’ll generally get the most value when redeeming for premium-cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. However, you may prefer to book economy award flights or lower-category hotel stays using your points to stretch your points further.
Join AARP
You can join AARP for discounts even if you are not retired. The advocacy group for older adults offers all kinds of cool discounts, including $60 to $200 off British Airways flights and 10% off Hilton hotels.
Related: How to use AARP discounts on travel
Bottom line
Spending a small amount of time researching the best ways to travel on a budget could easily make a dream trip, like a Paris vacation, more attainable.
It’s possible to take an excellent vacation on a budget. You just need to put in the time to plan your trip, budget your expenses, download a virtual wallet of money-saving apps and consider using points and miles to decrease your out-of-pocket costs.
Some of our top budget travel tips include shopping around, signing up for deal alerts through websites like TPG and using points and miles. Opening a credit card or two for the sign-up bonus once or twice every few years could make your trips even cheaper. Don’t forget to sign up for our daily newsletter, where we teach you how to travel better for less. At TPG, we make traveling on a budget easy.