tchuntfr / Flickr

I share five must read blog posts about saving money every Friday.

Understanding your credit – What is good credit? Learn what your credit ratings and ranges mean. (MoneyCrashers)

Hilarious tax stories – CPA’s reveal tax writeoffs that didn’t work. Yup, someone actually tried them. (Bargaineering)

Budgeting solution – Hate planning? Here’s how to budget for those who don’t like to prepare in advance. (Wisebread)

Surviving a layoff – Find out what to do after losing your job. (The Digerati Life)

Nonfans win big – Here are 4 Super Bowl deals for non-football fans. (MainStreet)

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A baby nursery for less than $260!

Remember my post from October about looking for a pregnant Halloween costume? Well, the time has *almost* come. Here are nine ways I’ve saved money in preparation for parenthood.

• We compared the prices of popular baby gear on Amazon, Babies R Us, and Target to make sure we got the best deal on a car seat and other items we wanted to buy new. You’d be surprised which retailer was the cheapest!

• I stalked craigslist, Freecycle, and my local Mommy & Me consignment store to furnish our nursery, pictured above, for less than $260. I can’t believe how much used baby stuff is free or extremely cheap. Here are more places to look to avoid paying retail for baby clothesand gear.

• We cooked five dinners ahead of time and froze them, including turkey spaghetti, chicken corn chowder, and pork and hominy stew. I also made a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough, which freezes really well for up to a month. Everything but the turkey spaghetti recipe came from my favorite cookbook, America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.

• We considered using disposable diapers but the environmental and dollar cost convinced us to go with washable cloth diapers. We’re using the Gdiaper system and were lucky to find a huge stash of them at a garage sale for $.50 a piece!

• We planned family visits to get extra help cooking and cleaning, reducing our take out bill and sleep deprivation. Not sure if this will save us that much, but it will certainly be nice to have the company!

• We updated our budget to live on one salary, nixing a lot of luxuries we used to enjoy.

• We skipped a lot of baby gear money traps. It’s obnoxious how many manufacturers use parents’ fear to sell worthless crap.

• I bought most of my maternity clothes second hand from a local consignment shop, and found hot deals at Sears for new items. In one trip, I paid $133 for two pairs of pants, two sweaters, two bras, and three tops. That averages to $14.78 per item.

• We fully stocked our kitchen pantry and toiletry closet so we won’t have to pay full price if something runs out.

Anything else we should do before baby arrives?

EE Homepage / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Last year, my aunt underwent dental surgery that could have cost her thousands of dollars. The cheapest quote she got in the U.S. was $45,000. To get affordable health options, and save money, she sought out-of-country care. She told me she saved more than $20,000 when I told her about my dental emergency.

I was surprised to learn she’d had her teeth fixed because all I’d heard was that she’d gone on vacation to Mexico during the summer. I interrogated her over the phone.

“What did you get done?”

“Gum surgery and implants” she said.

“Ouch! Guess bad teeth run in the family. How did you pick the dentist?”

“I got quotes last time we went to see your grandma.”

“So how much did you end up paying in total with travel?

“The round-trip cost $500, which we already planned to pay to go visit. The bill was $24,250. Everything was $24,750.”

“What if there would have been complications?”

“That’s why we stayed over the whole summer just in case I had to go back. But everything went well. Plus the dentist studied and worked here [in the U.S.] so I knew he had experience.”

Things worked out well for my aunt. She didn’t have to worry about losing hours at work since she gets the summers off. Housing was also not a problem since she stayed with relatives. These are all things you must take into consideration because they will add to the expenses.

Would I travel to another country to get inexpensive dental or doctor care? I’m not sure. I guess it depends on the kind of care I needed. I wouldn’t do it to take care of a cavity or two. Normally, I’d jump at the opportunity to save that kind of money. But I’m hesitant to say yes because I’d be scared something would go wrong and I’d find myself in a country I know little about.

My aunt’s surgery went without a glitch, but if something had gone wrong her health and dental insurance from work wouldn’t have covered expenses. Since all her expenses where covered out of pocket, she would’ve had to fork over more money. Not only that, according to this NPR story, if something goes wrong in surgeries abroad there may not be much you can do. At least, in the states we have malpractice laws and medical standards that can help right a wrong.

Would you consider going out of country to get low-cost medical or dental care?

Urban Woodstalker/flickr

Do you know the main idea that separates people who live over-budget from those who live under-budget?

People who go over-budget do so because they think they must have NEW stuff. This often translates into buying at the highest price. Go to the mall and buy a new shirt. Top dollar. Go to the car dealer and buy a new replacement part for your car. Super top dollar. Go to the bookstore and buy a just published book. Very expensive.

Some people feel that it is “bad” or “uncool” or “low class” to buy recycled, used, or discounted. Well, if you are super rich and have money to burn, then, be my guest and buy retail. I surely want to go to your yard sales and I certainly don’t want to try and balance your budget.

People who live under-budget think new stuff is a waste of money. They would rather get used stuff and re-purpose it.

So where are the best places to get great re-purposed stuff? Here is my top 7 list:

1. Yard Sales – You just can’t beat a yard sale for great prices and wild diversity. I love the adventure of yard sales. Go to a family neighborhood for kid stuff. Go to an area with lots of artists for cool and unique items. Utilize Yard Sale Treasure Map to find the yard sales in your area.

2. Thrift Stores – You never know what kind of great buys you will get in a thrift store. I’ve seen designer suits for $9.95 and service-for-12 Noritake china for $29.95. It’s important that you check for nicks, tears, broken zippers, stains, etc. when buying at a thrift store. There is no returning. On the flip side, I love donating to my local thrift store. I get a tax deduction plus I know I’m putting treasures into someone else’s hand and out of the landfill.

3. Swaps - Find a swap, attend a swap, create a swap. Just swap! The best way to recycle and re-purpose and end up with new-to-you stuff. Many swaps have some sort of minimal entrance fee plus you need to bring stuff to swap. I’m hooked on swaps.

4. Your friends and/or co-workers – Have a closet clean out with your friend. Get your co-workers to swap clothing, books, electronics. It can be as simple as putting a basket in the office lunchroom for a book exchange.

5. On the curb of the sidewalk – I have found the most wonderful stuff on the curb. I’ve gotten a great light table for graphics, an end table and a treadmill. Keep the universe happy and put your cool stuff out on the curb for others to find.

6. Consignment stores – Not as good as a thrift store, but sometimes you can get GREAT deals on very high quality designer clothes for young and old.

7. Specialized consignment sales – Some sales, like the LA Kids Consignment sale specialize in public such as kids, plus size or sports equipment

Learn to love the re-purposed lifestyle and do what you REALLY want with the money you save. How do you re-purpose?

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Jasonwoodhead23/flickr

By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.

Per Southern California Gas Company, home heating is 65% of a residential gas bill during the winter months. (That’s what it said in my bill insert this month.) Wow! If that is true in Southern California, what is it in actual cold parts of the country?

With so much of your utility budget going toward keeping your home warm, anything that you can do to retain heat in your home or keep the heat from leaving is a money saver. Here are 5 tips that will help you to lower your heating bill:

1. Open your drapes when the sun is shining into the window. This allows the sun to heat your home. Close your drapes (the heavier the better) when the sun is not shining in the window. This will help to hold the heat in the space and keep it from literally going out the window. Follow the tips in the winterize your home video to keep those windows from being drafty.
2. Clean or replace the filters in your heating system. Ensure you do not have furniture or storage in front of your heating vents, especially if you have floor vents. Remember heat rises and it can’t rise if it is covered by your sofa.
3. Get an annual inspection for your furnace.  Yes, heating systems need to be maintained just like your air conditioner. An annual servicing of your furnace can not only save you money but it can also prevent a fire by cleaning out lint build-up and ensuring that your system is operating properly and efficiently. Per the Chicago Tribune, if your system is only 60% efficient, then that means that you are loosing 40 cents on every dollar!
4. If your health will allow, wear more clothes and lower the temperature a few degrees. Place lap rugs around your house so that you can place one over your legs or over your shoulders to keep you warm. If you are in Southern California… it’s time to take off the flip-flops and put on socks and shoes.
5. Wear a hat.  Remember how Scrooge had on a sleeping cap when he went to bed in every version of Charles Dicken’s Christmas classic? Scrooge was saving money by not heating his house. So, he wore a hat to keep him warm. You don’t have to be Scrooge to wear a comfy sleeping night cap. They really do keep you warm.

Hummm. All this writing about the cold is making me want a nice mug of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. Another great way to keep warm.

Time is almost out to win $175 budgeting software!

Today is your last chance to win a budgeting software package worth $175!!! One lucky winner will get a copy of You Need A Budget software, an hour of one-on-one coaching, the YNAB book, and their audio book!

So far only 55 readers have entered. Make this a Christmas present to yourself by entering no later than today, Dec. 19 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

YNAB will teach you how to get out of debt, save money, and stop living paycheck to paycheck. The personal finance software runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux so it’s easy to install and use. You can budget using the envelope system or download the companion iPhone and Android app. The best part is no forced upgrades or annual fees. Plus, YNAB offers totally free, education webinars almost every day.

To win the YouNeedABudget prize pack on BargainBabe.com:

• Join our freebie and deal email
• Like Bargain Babe on Facebook
• Share this post on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter @BargainBabe
• Like YouNeedABudget.com on Facebook
• Tweet “Win @ynab budgeting software on @BargainBabe http://bit.ly/uPLuTj”
• Follow @ynab on Twitter

Make sure to leave a comment for each entry so we know how many times you’ve entered! Can’t wait to get your hands on the You Need A Budget software? For a limited time, You Need A Budget is offering a 20% discount to Bargain Babe readers who buy the software through this link.

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Any other site posting this content is violating the DMCA. This is dedicated content. Want to reach tens of thousands of savvy spenders? Read our blog marketing page.

Win a $175 budgeting software package!

One lucky reader will win a copy of You Need A Budget software, an hour of one-on-one coaching, the YNAB book, and their audio book! This prize package is worth $175!

So far only 17 readers – gasp – have entered. This contest is for the taking! Enter by Monday, Dec. 19 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

YNAB will teach you how to get out of debt, save money, and stop living paycheck to paycheck. The personal finance software runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux so it’s easy to install and use. You can budget using the envelope system or download the companion iPhone and Android app.

The best part is no forced upgrades or annual fees. Plus, YNAB offers totally free, education webinars almost every day.

To win the YouNeedABudget prize pack on BargainBabe.com:

• Join our freebie and deal email
• Like Bargain Babe on Facebook
• Share this post on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter @BargainBabe
• Like YouNeedABudget.com on Facebook
• Tweet “Win @ynab budgeting software on @BargainBabe http://bit.ly/uPLuTj”
• Follow @ynab on Twitter

Make sure to leave a comment for each entry so we know how many times you’ve entered! Can’t wait to get your hands on the You Need A Budget software? For a limited time, You Need A Budget is offering a 20% discount to Bargain Babe readers who buy the software through this link.

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Any other site posting this content is violating the DMCA. This is dedicated content. Want to reach tens of thousands of savvy spenders? Read our blog marketing page.

My eye! Credit: Nieve44/La Luz

Are you having a hard time finding a great deal on a particular present?

Can’t think of what to buy for your _____?

Not sure where is the best place to buy a particular gift?

Struggling with how much to spend on a friend?

Unsure how to cross everyone off your list without going over budget?

Need help setting a Christmas and holiday shopping budget?

Let the Bargain Babe figure it out! Ask your question by leaving a comment and we will respond within 24 hours, if not sooner.

MCalatayud / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I was sitting in the dentist chair looking into the light when he told me exactly what I didn’t want to hear.

“You need a root canal.”

Ouch! The thought of having the dentist drill my molar was not as painful as wondering how much this was going to set me back.

I immediately began blaming myself. If only I hadn’t put off

going to the dentist, or had actually sat down to research and purchase insurance. I was going to get to it, eventually.

It just happened out of the blue. There was no pain. I was having toast and cereal for breakfast and felt a hard piece in my mouth.

“Eww, what’s in this cereal?”

I’ll spare you the yucky details. It was a piece of my molar. I found out after running my tongue and feeling a sharp edge.

After freaky out, I texted my dad. He directed me to go to the dentist.

“If it’s not that big, they’ll probably just patch it up,” he said.

That’s how my Friday morning started. By the end of the day, I was so thankful I had at least been diligent enough to put money away in an emergency fund.

So how much is it going to cost me? $1,400. Not bad considering the bill started at $2,800 for the root canal, two fillings and deep cleaning.

I managed to negotiate a lower price by offering to pay cash upfront. It also didn’t hurt that my little sister recently got her braces with their orthodontist.

This shrunk my emergency fund and left me feeling irresponsible. It also left me wondering if I should have taken the money from my budget or savings (as a form of punishment as a percentage is for fun) instead of my emergency fund.

You see, although necessary and urgent, I’m having doubt about whether it’s an emergency as there is no pain or blood just a lot of worrying and extensive Google searches about broken teeth and root canals.

Where would you have taken the money from?

Related posts:

Should I dip into savings to meet my budget?
Your question: Affordable health insurance options?
Cash v. credit: easier to save money with paper or plastic?

Keng Susumpow/Flickr

I love presents! I love waking up on Christmas morning to a tree drowning in presents. My family spends the day opening presents, watching movies, eating good food and talking to friends and relatives on the phone. Heavenly.

However, creating that pile of presents without breaking the budget and without gathering ANY credit card debt is a trick. A trick that I have pulled off for many years, by the way.

Here are my top 8 No Debt Santa Claus secrets:

1. Shop all year long. Yep, you start shopping the day after Christmas. Grab up those very last 90% off clearance wrapping paper and store it for next year. Christmas DOES come once a year whether you plan for it or not.
2. Determine a “secret hiding place” for gifts that you collect throughout the year. When my kids were little, I kept boxes in the attic. Now, everyone knows where the secret place is and agrees not to look.
3. Buy gifts for yourself and give them to someone else to hold onto until the holidays. I don’t know about you, but I really am the best person to buy gifts for myself. I know what I want and I am out shopping for everyone else. When I see something that I like that is a great buy, I snatch it up and give it to my daughter to store for me. Then, I “forget” about it until I open my gift. One of the advantages of this tip is that I don’t have to return my gift because it is already the perfect present.
4. Buy gifts at yard sales. I have gotten some of the very best gifts at yard sales. I bought a $200 beaded lamp for $20. My daughter and I were both there and so we both “forgot” about it.
5. Redeem credit card points for gift cards. I do not have credit card debt, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t use my credit cards. I pay off my cards in full when I get the bill every month and I use the points for gift cards. My family particularly likes the movie passes and book store gift cards.
6. Make homemade goodies to give as gifts. It is well known that I make chocolate covered pretzels during the holidays. My hubby’s co-workers have been asking for them all year. These are a great way to give a little something to many people without breaking the bank. I purchase the necessary ingredients throughout the year when I see them on sale.
7. Learn how to create unique gift wrapping. The fact is that you can get gift wrap and tags super cheap at the 99 cent store. I use gift bags with tissue paper quite a lot. However, along with keeping to one’s budget, you also want to have the holidays be a time of creating beauty and memories with your family. Making handmade gift tags is a wonderful activity to do with your kids. Teaching them how to wrap a beautiful present is a lifelong skill.
8. Find out what your friends REALLY want as a gift. Perhaps what you mom really wants from you is a mother-daughter day of baking, shopping or just taking a long walk. Maybe your best friend would love to have you coming and help her reorganize her closet. Perhaps you co-worker would like to have a lunch together to talk about something other than work. Many times the very best gift is just your time and attention. Don’t under estimate the value of YOU as the best gift.

What do you think? Did I miss something important?

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Jason Texter / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I recently read a story in the LA Times about Hallmark adding unemployment cards to its sympathy line. The cards are apparently a good way to show compassion, but to me spending $3 to $5 on a card is ridiculous! This got me thinking of five frugal ways to show your support for those going through a rough time.

Not surprisingly, Hallmark is not the only company getting in on the action. You can also buy layoff cards from online companies Zazzle Inc. and Greeting Card Universe.

1. Provide a survival kit – Share our job loss survival kit which includes everything from keeping your health care while unemployed to tax brakes for job hunters. This is invaluable information that may be missed when they’re too shell-shocked to think straight.
2. Help them network – Offer up your contacts to begin the process of searching for a job and mention any job opportunities you hear about. You can also help your friend prepare a resume and cover letter, and get ready for interviews.
3. Help them stay current – If you have skills that will help your friend stand out from other applicants, then offer free lessons. A former coworker of mine taught me the basics of InDesign when I was looking for a job. It was very helpful and it was much appreciated.
4. Give a care package – Heading to the grocery store to buy necessary seems like a better use of money than buying a card. Getting a week’s worth of groceries (or whatever your salary allows) is helpful. Don’t forget to use My Coupon Database to  keep the cost down by printing off grocery and drugstore coupons.
   
5. Take the Person to Dinner – Treating your pal to a meal helps him/her enjoy the pleasures that are often the first to go when money gets tight. You don’t have to break the bank! Save 25-45% off your bill with Restaurant.com. Not only will you enjoy a night on the town, but it will alleviate stress, or at least push it away for an hour or two.

How else would you help a friend? Would you buy a greeting card for someone who just got axed?

Are you a budget fashionista? Credit: Lance Shields/Flickr

Want to be on TV? Do you dress fashionably on a budget? A casting agent named John Lowe emailed me about a new show:

My name is John and I came across your fashion blog. I’m working on a new fashion show for a major cable network and I would love to chat with you about it! The show is geared towards girls that don’t necessarily live in the fashion meccas or have a lot in the bank but still find ways to dress high-end. Because everyone deserves to have the style and sophistication of Carrie Bradshaw.

He shared this info about the show. Note, I don’t believe he is looking for girls as young as the one pictured. I just thought it was a cute photo!

Who says shopping isn’t a sport?

Cornwell Casting is looking for individuals nationwide who live for fashion and the thrill of the sale!

Do you always look like you’ve just stepped off the pages of a magazine? Are you a fashionista who knows the latest trends, killer labels, and what looks fierce!

Do you buy clothes you don’t need or can’t afford just because they’re on sale? You have impeccable taste, live to shop and always give in to the temptation of a good deal.

You do the research, follow weekly ads and are the first in line at a sample sale. If this sounds like you or anyone else you know…we want to hear from you NOW!

TO APPLY:

Fill out an application at https://ccasting.wufoo.com/forms/sale-fanatics/ or email your name, contact info and photo to jlowe.casting@gmail.com.

Terry.Tyson / Flickr

This post was brought to you by SillyJokes.co.uk, the UK’s leading source of Halloween Costumes and Halloween Decorations.

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Before you trick or treat this year, there are nine things you can do to save money on Halloween and reduce stress. Starting now is the most important part to finding deals on Halloween decorations, costumes, and candy.

Decorations

1. Take inventory. Make a list of what you need. This year, I’d really like to find a deal on kitchen towels with pumpkin designs on them. I’m staying away from witches and goblins as I’ll be able to used these until Thanksgiving.
2. Make your decorations multitask. I was gifted a Halloween popcorn bowl a few years back that comes out every October to serve as a fruit bowl when we are not using it to hold our popcorn.
3. Grow pumpkins. If you have a green thumb and live in a warm area, there may still be time for you to grown your own pumpkins for Halloween. Keep in mind that it takes about 3 months to grow, so if they are not ready for Halloween you’ll have fresh pumpkins for your Thanksgiving pie. Seeds will cost less than $2. All you need is a few square feet of dirt and time to take care of them. If this is not an option, pumpkin sales will soon begin to sprout. Keep your pumpkin in a cool, dry place so they last.
4. Do it yourself. Need a center piece? Take your kids to a local park to find branches and pine cones and make your own Halloween centerpiece.

Costumes

1. Shop early and price compare before you commit to buying a costume. Bargain Babe shared Halloween coupons for costumes and will continue to do so. Make sure to check back often for the latest discounts.
2. Swapping costumes. Participate in National Costume Swap Day on October 8. Unless you rented your costume last year, it’s likely somewhere in your closet. Why not swap with a friend or stranger and let him/her enjoy it this year? This works well for small children who are growing, but don’t have sibling hand-me down costumes.
3. Do it yourself costume. If you’re a creative person, brainstorm ideas and start making a costume. You can also make your own bag or grab a pillowcase to hold your candy. In last year’s costume contest, readers suggested get ups for Bargain Babe, who took a reader suggestion and dressed like wild grape Halloween costume.

Candy

1. Hit the dollar store for the lowest prices, but don’t forget to comparison shop. If you live in LA, check out the candy stores downtown, which sell candy at wholesale prices.
2. On Halloween night, avoid greedy fingers and hand out the candy yourself. There’s nothing worse than running out of candy.
3.  You can opt for generic brands, but make sure the candy is as tasty. There’s no point in buying candy no one eats. Maybe this is just me, but I would rather get one really good candy than a bunch that I’ll throw away.

How are you getting ready for Halloween?

AMagill/Flickr

I spend a minimum of 30 minutes a week on my finances. Mine are more complex than a single person or two working adults with no children, so you may spend less. What do I do during this time?

1. Pay all my bills. I pay on time and so I save on late fees and keep my great credit score. If I can’t pay the bill yet because I am missing the funds, I write on the envelope the amount that is due and the due date. I make sure the bill won’t be late if I

   put it off til next week.

2. Read the fine print on my credit card (if I haven’t already). The bill and the inserts explain the rules of the game. Ignorance of the agreements will not keep you from being charged and liable. Also, there are sometimes events and rebates that are announced this way. I have gotten free low flow water shower heads from the water company because it was announced on the insert in my bill.
3. Update my check register to reflect all debits and credits. I don’t just say “check number 4321.” I make a note so that I know what I spent that money on. This comes in handy at the end of the year when I do my taxes. It also serves as a record that I paid for something. Now that there are a lot of electronic transfers, this could be the only record I have.
4. Balance my checkbook. I’ve have many people tell me that just go with the balance the bank says they have. Egad! Let’s just give the bank ALL of the power over your fiances. The truth is that the bank hardly ever makes a mistake. But the figure that the bank says is available doesn’t include all the outstanding checks that haven’t been cashed or deposits that haven’t cleared. I also find that when I balance my checkbook I get a better idea of what I have spent my money on.
5. Make sure my credit and debit card charges are legit. If I have a question about a charge, I call immediately to contest it. I keep a record of all the charges that I make on my credit cards. I allocate money to pay that bill when it arrives. When the bill comes, I check the charges against my list. Then I check off the ones that I have paid.
6. Be aware of how many checks I have left. Order new ones in a timely fashion to avoid rush charges, which are very expensive.
7. Order stamps online or by mail. This is super convenient if you never get to the post office. You can also buy them from the ATM machine, but you will pay more that way.
8. Read my utility bills carefully. Is my current usage in line with last years usage? This is a good way to see if you have a leak or if something is wrong with your meter. I file all my similar utility bills together so that it is easy to refer to them in this fashion.
9. Check my phone bill. If you have a family plan, this is a good time to see if the kids have ordered something without your knowledge or if they are using way more text messaging or phone time than you have allotted for them. Perhaps it is time to change your plan. Last month I discovered that the phone company added a service to my plan without asking me. I called and got them to take it off. If I hadn’t read the bill, I wouldn’t have known.
10. Once I have paid my bills, balanced my checkbook, and filed my papers, I take time to contemplate the future. What is coming up? A wedding? A vacation? A party? Have I set money aside to cover this expense? Take a look at your budget and see if it needs some tweaking. This is a great time to make changes since your current financial scene are clear to you.

How much time do you spend on your finances each week or month?

greenasian / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I’m shining the spotlight on eight college expenses that are a big waste of money – and not necessary. Don’t forget to check out our weekly back to school deals to save money on school supplies and other back to college money savers.

1. Printer - Most universities offer computer labs where your student can print their ten-page papers for free. All s/he needs is a flash drive to save the doc and transport it to the lab. Emailing yourself the doc as an attachment is even cheaper – free! Computer labs are open to all students, whether they live on or off campus.
2. Pricey cell phone plans – On campus students will end up using the school’s Wi-Fi so there is no need to pay for unlimited data in a cell phone plan.
3. Landline – If they have a cell phone, they can do without a landline. If your kid insists on a phone in their dorm or apartment, consider landline alternatives like Google Talk and Skype that are big money savers. Skyping with another Skype user is free, or buy a dedicated phone number for $30 a year. A YEAR! Free video chats are included.
4. Pets – Don’t bring Fido. Not only will your student neglect him, they probably won’t be able to legally keep him in the dorms. If they plan on living on their own, review all the expenses of having a pet. Budget for food, a leash, bed, vet visits, doggie bags, and more.
5. Microwaves, hot plates, toasters – Unless you know for sure your kid will have space and permission to bring small kitchen items, don’t buy them. A student on a meal plan won’t need one, and they are bulky to transport. I used to bring my frozen lunch to school all the time and used the microwaves around campus to warm up my food.
6. New textbooks – Shop around online to find used textbook deals. If your student has an iPad or other tablet, they can download his or her textbooks to stop lugging books around.
7. High-end computer – An inexpensive laptop or desktop will work just as well as an expensive one. Consider the likelihood that your student will forget, drop, or lose a laptop. Dorm theft is an issue, too. Shop around for the best computer based on your kid’s major. English major will need a basic word processing laptop, while film students will need a more powerful computer to edit projects, and engineering/architecture students may need a program like AutoCAD.
8. Cable TV – College is not the time to be siting in front of the TV. Cable TV is an unnecessary expense because students will be busy cramming for tests and making friends. To stop spending money on cable try other options like Netflix, Redbox and Hulu.