Dog Walking Can Be Lucrative: Tip-of-the-Day #48


SNIFF OUT OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Walk dogs, babysit, even wash cars! There are a lot of ways to make cash under the table and in the convenience of your own neighborhood. Most mom and pop coffee shops have a bulletin board where you can post an ad complete with tear strips so people can take your name and number.

I know a few people who have made a viable business out of dog walking, even foregoing advanced degrees in favor of spending an afternoon in the park with some furry friends. And don't think dog owners don't pay up to have their best friend well cared for. Imagine getting between $10 and $20 a dog/per day (depending on where you live and what the going rates are) and multiply that by however many dogs you're able to take on at any one time. That's some serious dough!

According to many experts, dog walking is currently the fastest growing area in the professional pet care industry and it shows no sign of slowing down. More American households have dogs than ever before! Whether you have been dreaming of escaping the 9-5 grind, or just love dogs and want to work with them, you can take this growing industry by the leash and profit from it.

Expert Advice at a Premium: Tip-of-the-Day #47


BECOME AN EXPERT AT ANYTHING

Have you ever been deemed a "smarty pants"? How 'bout a "know-it-all", like it was a bad thing?? Did you know there are websites that pay good money for experts (like you) to answer questions? Surely you’re expert at something?!

Sites like JustAnswer.com are always seeking what they call “General Experts” and that means you can be a veterinary pro, car buying whiz, computer genius, etc.

It’s something to think about if you already spend a lot of time on the internet and if you’re a know-it-all on top of it!

After all, who couldn’t use a little extra expert cash, right? Don't sell yourself short!

Garage Sales Mean Business: Tip-of-the-Day #46


HOST YOUR VERY OWN GARAGE SALE

Take unwanted furniture, bedding or tchotkes off parents and friends and sell them at your garage sale!

Remember the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? It’s true! You’d be surprised how many people are trolling for a good garage sale on any given weekend.

I’d even be so bold as to suggest going to the Salvation Army/Goodwill, buying second hand goods there for a steal, then reselling them yourself at a markup. If you're a savvy saleswoman then you know the power of presence. You can sell anything when you put your mind to it!

Guaranteed you’ll be the envy of all your dog-walking friends because you will be raking in the dough without leaving the comfort of your driveway.

Story: I just sold two armchairs that were never my style and I’d frankly considered giving away, for nearly $1000!

Suggestion: If you do end up with a bunch of stuff you can't even give away, donate it for the tax write-off. Don't just kick it to the curb.

Mooch Much? Now's the Time: Tip-of-the-Day #45


LET GENEROUS FRIENDS PICK UP THE TAB THIS TIME

You may be used to picking up the tab when out on the town, or going dutch at the very least, but if someone offers to pick it up next time around, let them!

Everyone gets down on their luck at one point in life or another – you know you’ve taken a friend to lunch or dinner on your dime, so let them do the same for you!

There’s no pride lost in letting someone else take care of you for once. I’m not suggesting you go hog wild and order the lobster when you know the meal is covered, but order normally and be a gracious recipient to a kind offer.

Those saved dollars will add up!

Suggestion: Always send a handwritten thank you note when someone graciously pays for your meal - email is not personal enough in this situation.

Get Vigilant with Vegetables: Tip-of-the-Day #44


DON'T LET YOUR VEGGIES GROW UP TO BE GARBAGE

Make soup! One of my dearest friends taught me how to make an extremely simple and delicious vegetable soup from all the veggies that are on their last leg.

Just pick up some vegetable or chicken stock (Knorr makes a great one in dehydrated bouillon cubes), add it to the specified amount of water, throw in all your veggies and in about an hour you have a steamy, wonderful, nutrient-rich soup on your hands!

It’s perfect for mid-day snacking (for the calorie conscious) and also helps stretch the life of those veggies that otherwise would have gone to waste.

Throw a little pasta in there and some chicken or beef and you've just made a protein-packed meal the whole family can eat.

Eating Right at the Right Price: Tip-of-the-Day #43


NOT ALL FROZEN FOODS ARE PRICED EQUALLY...

I’m not condoning the consumption of frozen food over fresh produce...but if you’re like me, you eat frozen lunches at work (when you have a job) and/or at home when you’re lazy or counting calories.

Well, my dear friend introduced me to a new line of frozen foods (new to me anyway) carried by Safeway called “Eating Right.” They are exactly like Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers, only a fraction of the price.

At Safeway, you can buy five Eating Right meals for ten dollars (that's $2 a piece)! I generally go in and buy ten or twenty at a time and just keep my freezer stocked. I augment the sub 300 calorie "dish" with carrot sticks or a healthy green salad...and believe it or not it is actually quite filling. (I'll pop a bag of Paul Newman's own light butter popcorn mid-afternoon if I'm still hungry).

Merely pointing out that frozen meals don’t have to cost as much as the hot foods at Whole Foods! You can pay less and get the same Pasta Primavera and Chicken Enchilada you've come to count on. Just sayin'.

More Beer For Your Buck: Tip-of-the-Day #42


MAKE YOUR OWN BEER FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME!

Sound strange? Maybe. But you can make beer at home and spend far less than you would, buying it at the store. Plus, it will give you one more thing to brag about at parties! ;)

Not a beer fan? You can also make hard cider and root beer too!

For less than $40, your home microbrewery will produce approximately 2 gallons of great tasting beer in as little as 14 days. It's the perfect starting point for beginning and intermediate brewers alike, and, the best part is that each kit is completely reusable and includes everything you need to brew your first batch of beer.

Beer Kit Basics

• Brew Keg Fermenter (2 GAL), complete with lid and tap assembly
• Brew Pack Refill, includes everything needed to make one batch of beer
• 8 Plastic 1-Liter bottles with caps
• 8 Labels w/MR.BEER® logo
• Brewing with MR.BEER® Book
• Easy to Follow Instructions

I just like the idea of being able to make liquor at home (in something other than my bathtub).

Comcast Gives McAfee Away: Tip-of-the-Day #41


COMCAST CUSTOMER? GET FREE MCAFEE SOFTWARE!

I just learned that as a Comcast high-speed internet subscriber I can log on to Comcast.net and get the all-new McAfee® Security Suite completely FREE!

It's an all-in-one, comprehensive, easy-to-install solution - and a $120 value! Included FREE with your Comcast High-Speed Internet subscription, there are absolutely no strings attached.

It's not something Comcast is advertising for some strange reason, so you have to do the homework yourself but it's worth it! Just go to Comcast.net, log in (and if you can't remember your log in or haven't yet registered you'll be prompted through), click on "security" in the top left navigation and then easily download the McAfee .exe install driver to your desktop. It's easy.

Apparently there's a new virus being released tonight, so if you don't have anti-virus software on your computer now, it would be a good time to install it.

Not a Comcast Internet customer? You can also get a McAfee internet security suite at Amazon for under $25! Go!

Avoid Boredom Binges: Tip-of-the-Day #40


STOP EATING OUT OF BOREDOM

If you’re at home more (due to unemployment or otherwise) don’t eat out of boredom.

It’s all too easy to find yourself wandering into the kitchen for a snack because you have nothing better to do. But in effect you end up having to buy more food because you’re going through it faster!

Things you can do besides eat when you’re not hungry:
1. Groom (yourself or your pet)
2. Read a good book
3. Catch up on your recorded TV shows
4. Watch your Netflix movies
5. Call a friend
6. Look into getting a job
7. Make something (jewelry, a photo calendar, etc.)

You’ll save money on groceries and you'll save calories from unnecessary food intake!

Lose a Few Gym Memberships: Tip-of-the-Day #39


CONSOLIDATE YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIPS

Do you have a gym membership dedicated to spinning, one for body sculpting and one for kickboxing? Learn to live with less and get your exercise from just ONE gym. Then you can augment that outlet with other things like Exercise TV (I have a friend who works out to it every day and loves it) or spend more time outside – go for power walks!

Would you believe at this very moment I know several people who fit the bill outlined above?

Not only do they have three memberships, but they're not using them! Two of the memberships charge monthly whether they go or not and one charges on a drop in basis.

Out of pocket that’s a hard cost of $160 - $320 that could easily be scaled back to $60.

Pick up a set of light hand weights and medium hand weights and an exercise DVD and achieve the same work out from home. All it takes is twenty minutes (and an apple a day).

Drink Water More FREEly: Tip-of-the-Day #38


STOP BUYING INDIVIDUAL BOTTLES OF WATER

Do you stop to buy a new bottle of water every time you go to the gym? I’m guessing you’re dropping at least $2 each time. I know how good fresh, cold water tastes especially when you’re sweating hard for an hour, but imagine the money you’d be saving by filling up that same water bottle at least for a week.

Buy the new bottle on Monday, then fill it from the fountain (or your own filter at home) Tues – Fri. Make it a personal challenge if you have to.

You’ll save $8 a week (or more), $32 a month, and $380 a year!

Better yet, buy yourself a non-toxic plastic or stainless steel refillable drinking bottle and refill it to your heart’s content. You won't just be saving a hit to your pocketbook, you'll be helping to save the planet too.

Gift Cards Can Be Cumbersome: Tip-of-the-Day #37


EXERCISE YOUR GIFT CARDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Have a bunch of gift cards left over from the holidays? Re-gift them quickly or use them to buy merchandise for next year’s gifts!

In this economic downturn, a lot of companies are going under, expiring store-issued gift cards within a set amount of time and, worse, plain not honoring them.

Get out those cards and use them as soon as possible. Start what I lovingly refer to as a “gift cupboard” filled with generic gifts that can fit any occasion, any gender and any age. That way you’re always prepared when the occasion arises.

Why pressure yourself with last minute gift shopping anyway? Planning ahead saves money and a giant headache!

Plus, not using a gift card is like throwing good money away.

Tip: If you really must buy someone who "has it all" a gift card, then go with an organization you know isn't going under (like Amazon or iTunes).

Update! I just found out that you can sell or swap your gift card at PlasticJungle.com. You can also buy gift cards at a discount averaging 15 percent off the card's face value. Apparently there's no risk because PlasticJungle verifies the balance on each card. Nice find!

Bridge the Gap, Skip the Toll: Tip-of-the-Day #36


SKIP TRIPS TO COUNTIES WITH BRIDGE TOLL

Eliminate unnecessary trips to counties that require bridge toll. No joke. Beyond visiting someone in a hospital bed, there’s really no reason you can’t find exactly what you need right inside your own county.

If you simply must cross a bridge, see if you can convince a friend to go with you and get in the carpool lane, or pick one day a week by which you can tackle all of your to-dos in one trip.

It’s not rocket science but you’d be amazed how much money you’ll save by avoiding that extraneous trip.

In San Francisco for example, it costs $6 to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. When I worked in Marin County that was $30 a week! $120 a month!

Alternatively, take public transportation or ride your bike. We've already discussed the benefits of walking in another tip!

Pedicure Poor? Pick a Season!: Tip-of-the-Day #35


PICK YOUR MANI/PEDI SERVICE BY SEASON

In the winter, does anyone really see your feet? I would imagine that unless you live in Florida or Orange County, you are likely wearing black boots through March. That said, why bother getting costly pedicures when the only one appreciating them is your rubber ducky? Skip the pedi and just tackle your hands!

Conversely, in the summer when you are wearing revealing sandals, get your toes cared for and skip your hands. Keeping fingernails natural in the summer is perfectly acceptable and by choosing just one set of digits (either fingers or toes) you’re saving yourself at least $10 per visit to the salon on average.

Note: if you really feel much sexier with both hands and feet manicured at all times, enlist a girlfriend and paint each other’s nails for free!

Golden is the New Orange: Tip-of-the-Day #34


DITCH TANNING; SAVE YOUR SKIN AND YOUR MONEY!

If you’re still tanning in a traditional tanning bed (or even a spray booth for that matter) just stop. You’re spending a lot of money and time on a look that went out with George Hamilton.

You’re not going to get that sun kissed glow that Jennifer Aniston perfected! What you are getting is skin damage which may lead to cancer, and a giant hole in your pocketbook!

If you must look tan for an upcoming event or you simply “feel better” a subtle shade of orange, use a product that can be applied to your skin as lotion. I know some of the high end department stores carry streak-free, subtler solutions...but do your homework because there are some great drugstore alternatives as well. And, I uncovered a "top ten list" that's a favorite among sun worshippers!

Homemade Gifts Are Top Dog: Tip-of-the-Day #33


STOP BUYING GIFTS AND START MAKING THEM!

Cheesy as it may seem, it's true that nothing says “I took the time to think about you” like a photo calendar, music CD compilation, a jar of homemade jam, or even cleverly presenting something of yours that your friend has had her eye on and been coveting for a while.

It’s incredibly easy to pick up a gift card these days...or buy a bottle of cheap wine...but, remember when your mom used to tell you that it “means more when you make it”? She wasn’t kidding!

Taking the time in today’s fast paced world to make a gift yourself tells the recipient that you actually care about them enough to dig up old pics, a favorite soundtrack or a beloved sweater that grandma knit.

I like to surprise my friends with fun music mixes, complete with customized CD cover art (usually pics of us all having fun!). Everyone loves it, especially when the mix is comprised of current hits that would otherwise have cost them a dollar a download!

I know I love it when friends bring homemade cookies, jams, even breads during the holidays as hostess gifts. It takes time and energy to bake and (calories aside) you're getting a very thoughtful gift.

Sometimes the best things in life ARE free (or really inexpensive) and during a recession it is not only sweet to make something for someone, it's savvy.

You can create a 12-month photo calendar for instance pretty easily. You'll find templates on the internet you can download and use to print from home, if you have digital pics you can go to a site like Shutterfly or you can order a starter kit from Amazon and let them do the work for you!

eBay Makes Saving a Cinch: Tip-of-the-Day #32


BUY YOUR "MUST HAVE" INDULGENCES ON EBAY

You’d be surprised how many people are selling great looking jeans, barely carried handbags, even never worn jewelry!

The fact is, people’s size may change (unexpectedly), perhaps they are in the fashion industry and deem the merchandise “last season’s”, or maybe it’s a case of breakup blues and purging all things related to said relationship.

Whatever the reason for the displacement, it’s your gain. Before you go hunting down a very expensive pair of brand name jeans or a very cool purse you saw on a recent episode of Gossip Girl, go online.

eBay has both a bid and “Buy it Now” feature. And either way, you’re probably going to spend much less than at retail.

Suggestion: Don't start bidding on an item too soon - it just escalates the price and you end up paying more. Use a service called eSnipe to do the dirty work for you. You set your max and eSnipe goes in 90 seconds before the auction closes and bids for you. That way you aren't tied to your computer watching and waiting until the auction ends. God - that sounds exhausting just writing about it!

Alter Clothes and Cut Costs: Tip-of-the-Day #31


ALTER YOUR OWN CLOTHES AND CUT COSTS!

Are the new jeans you bought too long to wear without dragging on the street? I know that’s the “look” these days, but it means having to wash them far more often and it also tends to wear out the bottoms of your pants much sooner than expected.

Instead of paying a seamstress $20 or more to shorten them, do it yourself!

You can:
1. Leave them shaggy on the bottom for a very cute, shabby chic effect.
2. If you are looking for a “tidier” look, you can get hemming tape that irons on to the denim and gives a “just pressed” look.
3. You can add a button to either side of the pant leg and give your jeans a nautical theme by “hoisting them up” so to speak.
4. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, just move the hemline up yourself!

I bring this to the spotlight because I recently picked up some very inexpensive jeans (on super duper discount) and couldn't fathom paying more to alter them than I paid to purchase them! "Recessions" are a great time to get creative with your wardrobe and your own inner seamstress.

Enjoy the Sound of Savings: Tip-of-the-Day #30


SITES LIKE ITUNES SHOULD BE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

If you’re still buying an entire “album” every time your favorite recording artist is inspired to publish a “greatest hits” compilation, you’re cheating yourself.

Sites and services like Amazon and iTunes enable you to buy individual songs (not every song on the album is worth buying as you know) and download them straight to your computer where you can burn to disc or upload to the media player of your choice.

With so many options today (music downloads, file sharing, dj mashups and streaming audio) there’s really no need to buy records, DVDs, or dare I mention cassettes(?) ever again.

Eliminate Extra Phone Lines: Tip-of-the-Day #29


DISCONNECT YOUR LAND LINE PRONTO

Still have a land line in your house for telemarketers to reach you more easily? Ditch it!

You’ve been using your cell phone for years now – get rid of a phone line that’s only costing you money and headaches.

Moving forward, "phone service" will be handled far more affordably on your computer with new technologies that make it simple! You can download Skype’s free software and chat FREEly with other Skype users (you don't have to worry about cost, time or distance). You can also make local, long distance and international calls to phones and mobiles at really low rates (like two cents a minute to Europe, low).

But if that all sounds like far more work than cutting that check to your local phone company every month, try something that's a bit more of a hybrid: the magicJack. The name is silly and the reviews on Amazon are somewhat mixed, but for less than $20 you're buying a device that enables you to make unlimited phone calls using voice over internet protocol. It's basically a good back up for when your mobile is charging.

Need to Fax? Ship? Do it Online: Tip-of-the-Day #28


AVOID TRADITIONAL COSTS WITH DIGITAL ASSETS

Do you incur costs overnighting or shipping files (for work or otherwise) on a DVD? Maybe you’re still sending photos, videos and audio files to family and friends on a disc? Skip it altogether and save yourself money on both the cost of the media and the shipping!

Use a site like YouSendIt and get the same delivery service for FREE! Share up to 100MB at a time and get instant gratification without it hitting your pocketbook.

Same goes for storage, email and faxing – there are free alternatives to traditional solutions for just about everything today. Bottom line: you shouldn't be paying for it.

Cut Pet Care Costs: Tip-of-the-Day #27


LEARN TO GROOM YOUR PET AT HOME

Do you take your pet to the vet for a wash or trim every month? How about to trim those unruly nails? That can really add up! I have a girlfriend who pays her vet $30 every time she needs her cat's nails trimmed. That's a lot of dough for something that can be handled fairly succinctly in the comfort of your own home. The trick of course is in getting your animal used to the contact and this should probably happen when your animal is young. I'm no vet, but I do know that unless you start a ritual when the puppy or kitten is too little to know any different you're going to meet resistance later on.

For $5 or less you can buy a pair of feline nail clippers. I did and I've been trimming my cat's nails for years (and I adopted her as an adult from the SPCA). Don't get drawn in by the more expensive scissors that promise greater ease of use or a detector for avoiding the "quick". The cheap ones are just fine.

For dogs, you can pick up a relatively inexpensive electric shaver for at-home grooming. There are comb sets included with the shaver that will help you determine the length by which you will be trimming the hair.

With some minor behavioral training (treats help) you can get your animal to relax while you do the “dirty work” and you’ll save yourself around $40 a month!

Picture Yourself Going Digital: Tip-of-the-Day #26


DITCH YOUR "OLD SCHOOL" CAMERA AND GO DIGITAL

Are you still using a camera that requires film development? Maybe you’re the one person keeping disposables alive and well at airport terminals and amusement parks?

Get yourself a digital camera for $150 (Canon PowerShot is a good choice) and save yourself the money on both the throwaway and the development costs!

The new camera will pay for itself in a year. Guaranteed. Plus, unless you’re a professional photographer, an inexpensive digital camera will pretty much cover your photographic needs in just about any situation (light, dark, action, etc.)

The only time I recommend a throwaway is if you’re snorkeling under water. Don’t bring your digital camera swimming with the fish.

Smart Subscriptions That Pay: Tip-of-the-Day #25


SUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS THAT SAVE $$$

This tip is really only for the individual that knows they will continue ordering online fairly consistently.

For instance, if you’re pretty certain you will order from Amazon on a regular basis, it makes sense for you to subscribe to the Prime membership. For $79 a year you get free two-day shipping on anything from electronics to toilet paper. I recently subscribed to Prime when I needed a vacuum cleaner and the shipping cost was almost half as much as the vacuum. I upgraded and immediately offset the subscription by half because I would have paid that anyway on the vacuum.

If you’re a savvy shopper, this kind of subscription will save you money in the long run. Another such site is Smartbargains. For only $9.95/yr. you get early access to special savings and shipping for just $2.95 (normally $9.95). It nearly pays for itself on your first order!

Smart Women Wardrobe-Purge: Tip-of-the-Day #24


SELL YOUR "OLD" WARES BACK TO THE WORLD

Are you a fashion queen who still has clothes with tags on them hanging in the closet? Now’s the time to get creative and sell them online!

Amazon, Craigslist and eBay are three great places to start.

Just post a couple of good photos of what you’re selling and give as much information as possible. Sometimes I find it helpful to source the actual item from the store where I bought it because the picture is perfect and the description includes everything from materials used to actual dimensions.

Your old stuff will be new and exciting to someone else! And, you’ll make some money to spend on new stuff which is how I initially got started.

Tip: I use a free application called Photoshow to create "animated slideshows" of what I'm selling. You can embed the show on your auction page or your personal blog. It's a fun and eye catching way to feature your items more prominently.

Discover Your Inner Artist: Tip-of-the-Day #23


CAPITALIZE ON YOUR HIDDEN TALENTS!

Are you creative? Do you have a hidden talent for making jewelry, photobooks, and knit scarves? Sell your wares online!

Etsy.com is one of my very favorite sites. It’s a place to buy and sell all things handmade and it’s a fabulous way to showcase your talent and make a few extra bucks while you’re at it!

It’s never too late to discover your inner artist and find you can actually make a living out of doing what you love! (And if not a living, then some incremental income to afford doing what you love).

Coupon Codes Curtail Costs: Tip-of-the-Day #22


NEVER SHOP ONLINE WITHOUT A COUPON CODE

If you must shop for items online, always always dig up a coupon code before finalizing your order. You’ll save money on shipping, get a discount on the entire order, get a two for one, etc.

I generally conduct a Google search, then enter in the key words that will help me find the savings I'm looking for. For example, if I’m shopping at JCrew.com I would enter keywords: JCrew.com + coupon code. Or, JCrew.com + free shipping. You get the idea.

Nine times out of ten you’ll find an active coupon code that can be applied to your order for instant savings.

Then again, I'm a fan of Amazon and I will always look for my item of interest there before going elsewhere.

Skip Tax on Your Next Trip: Tip-of-the-Day #21


VISIT STATES THAT SKIP SALES TAX

Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are all wonderful places to visit, free from sales tax!

What that means for you: you can buy clothes, gifts, electronics, even a car and skip the tax! (The car part might be tricky because you may end up paying once you register in the state you actually live).

The point is, plan a trip or even a quick jaunt to a state that won’t tax you up the wazoo for every little knick knack and collectible you pick up along the way.

And, if you're making it a road trip, I suggest picking up a Jack Johnson CD. He is the only artist I can listen to for hours on end without pulling my hair out. ;)

Staycations Save Money: Tip-of-the-Day #20


LEARN HOW TO VACATION ON YOUR OWN TURF

I’m lucky enough to live in the Bay Area and so I have Napa, Calistoga, Lake Tahoe, Monterey and Santa Cruz at my immediate disposal.

By traveling locally you save an enormous amount of money on the air travel required to get to a foreign destination.

If you don’t happen to live somewhere with easy access to the ocean, mountains or vineyards, consider taking a road trip to a nearby state that does!

Another fun way to get away is to stay at a B & B in another town. You may not be far from home but if you pick the right Bed and Breakfast you’ll definitely feel taken care of!

Points Programs Prove Worthy: Tip-of-the-Day #19


GET MAXIMUM MILEAGE OUT OF POINTS PROGRAMS

I use two credit cards for everything and both of them are mileage/points-accruing cards. What that means is that for every dollar I spend I’m earning the same in points and those points add up to free travel, hotel stays and merchandise!

Some programs also offer annual travel vouchers and board room passes. When you open and maintain an Alaska Airlines credit card for example, you are given one $50 companion voucher annually. This can save quite a bit if you’re going somewhere like Mexico or Hawaii or even New York during peak season! Just buy one ticket at regular price and the second is just fifty dollars more.

But airline-specific credit cards will only accrue points for travel on that airline and it's "sister" airlines. That's why I also use an American Express card because with that program I have far more flexibility with respect to how I choose to use my points. I can travel on one of dozens of airlines or buy merchandise which is especially useful when you're short on cash and long on miles.

Shop around before committing to a program. Make sure it’s one you’ll use and can trust!

Kenneling is for the Dogs: Tip-of-the-Day #18


FIND CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES TO KENNELING PETS

Why kennel your cat or dog when it can cost upwards of $30 a day? Get a friend or colleague to house sit for you! I am amazed how many of my friends are willing (even happy) to stay at my house while I’m out of town. It may have something to do with my premium cable channels or wine cellar but no matter - it's a coup! Your furry friend gets to stay in familiar and comfortable surroundings, you don't have to worry about the logistics of a drop off and pick up and the best part is that most of your friends won’t even expect payment (but it’s nice to stock the fridge and leave a small gift).

Call me crazy, but I found a cat sitter DVD some years ago that will entertain and amuse an otherwise despondent feline for hours. Leave this with your sitter along with some of those Feline Greenies I mentioned and everyone will be happy.

Fact: Another benefit beyond the immediate cost savings is your pet won’t pick up anything at the kennel (fleas, a cold, etc.) so you save yourself an extraneous vet bill to boot!

Book Hotels (Wisely) Online: Tip-of-the-Day #17


SHOP AROUND WHEN BOOKING HOTEL STAYS

It’s fun to get away but not fun to come home to an outrageous credit card bill. Use sites like Priceline to keep the cost down! Better yet, do your research before even getting to Priceline. TripAdvisor has got to be my favorite site these days. You can navigate hundreds of thousands of reviews on restaurants, hotels, flights, trip ideas and travel guides and review the properties while you're at it. It's a great way to collect valuable, real-time information about a destination of choice prior to departure.

I recently vacationed in Los Cabos, Mexico and didn’t want to spend a fortune on a hotel room (although I wanted to stay at a luxury property...sound familiar?). I researched the properties in the area I was headed on TripAdvisor and then was able to get a room through Priceline for $120 a night when everywhere else featured that same room for at least $350 a night!

And, through Priceline all the taxes and service fees are paid upfront so there aren’t any surprises when you check out from the property. It’s worth doing your homework for the rewards in the end!

Another great site that shows you all your options in one fell swoop is Kayak. The engine will launch a number of different windows giving you every idea from Orbitz to Hotels.com. I'm still a big fan of calling my own price and getting it though. ;)

Indulge Fickle Pets Frugally: Tip-of-the-Day #16


SPOIL YOUR PETS - BUT BE SMART ABOUT IT!

Kitty grass costs me anywhere from $3 to $6 a pop depending on where I’m buying it and my cat would tell you that she needs a fresh lot every week.

As soon as I think I’ve found one kind of treat that she loves, she becomes fickle and won’t have it thus necessitating another trip to the pet food store for trial and error yet again.

I probably spend upwards of $40 a month on fancy treats and supplements.

Here’s how I cut back:
1. I began growing my grass at home using seed pouches. You pay less and get more and the grass grows like a weed.
2. I trade treats with friends who have animals as fickle as mine.
3. I explain the economy to my furry friend and then just scale back.

Tips: Feline Greenies are great for cats' (or dogs') teeth and my cat loves them. Also, I just discovered Kiwi Peak (harder to find but check small neighborhood pet stores) which is an all natural jerky. Delish and affordable!

Walk Toward the Savings: Tip-of-the-Day #15


PUT ON YOUR SNEAKS AND START WALKING!

Do you know how much gasoline you’ll save by walking to places like the supermarket, the gym(!), the dry cleaner and even the mall? I understand the improbability of this if you live somewhere like Orange County, but if you’re in a major metropolitan area like San Francisco or Manhattan, you can walk just as easily as drive! In fact, in many cases it will save you the headache of having to find parking on the street, or worse, paying for a lot!

Never mind that people will “look” and wonder why you’re walking. You’ll know better. You’re saving money, burning calories, and cutting down on carbon emissions so you can tell anyone that asks that you’re actively contributing to keeping the earth green!

I just bought a fantastic pair of walking/running shoes. Brooks is a brand recommended to me by my podiatrist and the running gurus in San Francisco. It's worth upgrading your shoes if you haven't in a while because that will make your walks more comfortable and will motivate you to keep going!

Personal Hygiene Gets Creative: Tip-of-the-Day #14


PERSONAL GROOMING IS ESSENTIAL, AND AFFORDABLE TOO!

If you’ve had your bikini line, underarms and/or legs waxed at the start of every spring break, summer holiday or impromptu trip to the shore, now is your time to get creative and resourceful.

I started waxing my own bikini line long before this recent economic downturn. I found a totally natural product on the market called Nad’s. It’s an Australian creation, all natural ingredients, doesn't require heating and comes preloaded with applicator and removal strips. It's pretty ingenious actually and makes waxing so much more affordable when you're hitting more than one spot (i.e., upper lip, underarms and bikini line!).

You’ll be saving yourself an expensive appointment with your, ahem, stylist, and if you’re like me, it’s somewhat fascinating to remove your own unwanted hair. I actually use an old apron instead of the cloth strips provided because I can take more off in one swoop and then when I'm done I throw the apron right in the washer with the other towels and dirty linens. Just try it – I’m pretty sure you’ll like it.

Drugstore Brands Can Be Best: Tip-of-the-Day #13


LASH OUT AT DEPARTMENT STORE PRICING

Have you been using expensive department store makeup since you were a tween? I’m sure back then your mom was buying it for you, but now that you’re scrimping, there really are great drugstore brands that work EXACTLY the same way!

For example, Lancome’s Juicy Tubes lip gloss costs $14 a tube. However, the same exact company makes Loreal’s Colour Juice which costs about half as much. The cost difference is supposedly in the service you’re getting at the cash register. Like we care! And, here's the tip of the century: I used to spend a fortune on expensive lip liners - MAC, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, you name it - then I found Jordana! This has the same anti-feathering properties, stays on longer and requires no sharpening. For $2 it's the two buck Chuck of lip liners.

Some of my favorite mascaras are drugstore brands. Almay and Revlon are two standouts. You’ll save at least $20 a pop over department store prices!

Tame Your Own Brows: Tip-of-the-Day #12


MAINTAIN & MANICURE YOUR OWN EYEBROWS

If you’re used to getting your eyebrows waxed on a regular basis you know it’s not cheap. It may seem like a luxury worth paying for because the arched results are eye catching – but you’d be surprised to know you can do this yourself.

Having waxed for as long as you likely have, you’ve already thinned out your eyebrows and the hairs are probably softer and finer than they once were.

Since your brow stylist has created the template for your brow already, all you have to do is maintain it. Pick up a pair of good tweezers (Tweezerman is a personal favorite) and get yourself a magnifying mirror. If you stay on top of it, checking for growth every few days or so, you can maintain the same styled brow you’ve been paying a small fortune to maintain. It’s really not all that painful either, but if you must, pick up some OTC numbing cream.

Color Begins With Your Crown: Tip-of-the-Day #11


HIGHLIGHTS SHOULDN'T BE A LOW-LIGHT FOR YOUR WALLET

Are you spending a fortune on your hair? Me too. I’m unwilling to give up my highlights but I am willing to “scale back”.

You may not know that you’ll get the same effect you’ve always had, by highlighting just the “crown” of your head instead of the whole head. No one really sees the hair underneath the main crown anyway. And, if you happen to be a pony tail wearer (like at the gym) for a couple of extra bucks your stylist can throw in a handful of highlights at the base of your scalp too.

You’ll pay half what you were paying before, guaranteed. And, if for some reason your stylist pooh pooh’s the notion, it might be time to find a new resource. Now is a great time to renegotiate the price you're paying for your hair.

Note: This should also help extend the weeks between visits. And, I use a conditioner that makes color-treated hair look and feel healthier.

Sample Sale Savings Online: Tip-of-the-Day #10


SHOP AT ONLINE SAMPLE SALES AND SAVE!

Dying to go shopping but feel guilty dropping the dough? Check out some of the latest online sample sale sites!

Ruelala, Haute, TheTopSecret and Ideeli are just a few of them. You’ll find the designers you love at a fraction of the price. We’re talking 70% off.

At TheTopSecret I found Gucci sunglasses for $80 recently, a purse featured on a popular television show for a quarter of what it costs elsewhere and even bought some really cute sweaters from a designer I wasn’t wholly familiar with until I started digging around and saw her line carried at Neiman Marcus! There is nothing quite as satisfying as finding an incredible deal.

P.S. This is kinda a no-brainer, but check out Amazon's deal of the day for incredibly discounted pricing on anything from bedding to jewelry closeouts.

Raw Deals on Fresh Fish: Tip-of-the-Day #9


MAKE YOUR FAVORITE SUSHI AT HOME

Love sushi? Me too. And fortunately I live in San Francisco and happen to have access to some pretty fabulous seafood markets with sushi grade fish that I can carve up and serve myself!

If you don’t live in a major metropolitan area or don’t trust the local seafood purveyors, Trader Joe's (now in just about every city across the US) has sushi grade tuna that does the trick!

You can buy your fish by the pound, and make a tartare, sashimi or nigiri plate the next time you’re craving raw fish.

You’ll save a lot of money and impress your friends at the same time. It’s S-I-M-P-L-E.

P.S. You don’t need to roll or wrap anything – just lay the fresh fish on a small bed of white rice. There is however a "Sushi for Dummies" book available at Amazon and for less than ten bucks you can quickly learn the basics. Woot!

Sip a Tall Glass of Cool Savings: Tip-of-the-Day #8


ENJOY A COCKTAIL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Why spend $10 on a bev at the bar when you can make that same drink at home for a fraction of the cost??

When most of my friends were single it was admittedly fun to get a drink on the town. But now that my social circle is primarily married with kids, the “fun” is in scoring the biggest bottle of booze at the best possible price. That way, it can be safely tucked into the freezer compartment at home and pulled out whenever needed. I keep a handy Bartender's guide at my ready for every occasion.

Some local favorites: Bevmo, The Jug Shop, Costco and Trader Joe's!

Shop for Groceries Online: Tip-of-the-Day #7


SHOP LIKE A MOM AND SAVE MONEY ON FOOD

Are you an impromptu grocery shopper? Do you realize you’re out of food when you get home on a Friday night and find the fridge empty? That’s a problem.

Leaving your grocery shopping to last minute “emergency runs” to expensive purveyors of fine food or even the corner market is going to escalate your costs tremendously!

Think like a mom and you’ll be saving cheese before you know it. Try Costco, Trader Joe's, Safeway and Amazon Grocery. You’ll be amazed what a little forethought will do for your wallet.

I will say that the beauty of a service like Amazon Grocery or Safeway.com is that your sundries are delivered right to your front door! It’s a quick and easy way to do the weekly grocery shopping. And, if you use code EASY7 you'll get free shipping on your first order at Safeway.com spending $50 or more. Imagine taking the guesswork out of your shopping list.

Step Away from Butter Topping: Tip-of-the-Day #6


STOP BUYING SNACKS AT THE THEATER

Ponying up for popcorn, soda and/or candy at the theater will put you in the hole more than what you paid for entrance to the film.

You’ll be paying three times what that snack would cost you elsewhere. Skip it altogether and save yourself the calories and the fake butter! Or, buy it in bulk and bring it (pre-popped) with you.

I’m not trying to put theaters out of business (and believe me, that IS how they make their money) but in reality I care more about YOU, who like me is often forced into paying for expensive snacks because we a. haven’t eaten beforehand b. got lazy and forgot to get snacks elsewhere or c. love the imitation butter so much we’re willing to pay anything to get our hands on it.

Pre-Order New Movie Releases: Tip-of-the-Day #5


WAIT FOR NEW MOVIES TO COME OUT ON DVD

Stop paying $10 or more at the movie theater to see the latest release. Unless you’re a critic or simply MUST have something to talk about at a cocktail party, you can wait the couple of months it takes to get to the movie on DVD. Plus, you can pre-order new releases and get them for as little as what you would pay at the box office for admission for one! Or, you can swap DVDs with other movie mavens and not pay a single cent!

If you just can’t wait, or you’re someone who loves seeing movies (especially action-packed flicks) on the big screen, make every effort to get to a matinee instead of going during prime time hours.

You’ll save a few bucks and you’ll probably get a better seat! Plus, you’ll minimize the likelihood of getting a kicker or popcorn inhaler sitting right behind you.

Netflix Junkies Reflect: Tip-of-the-Day #4


REIN IN YOUR LUXURY SUBSCRIPTIONS

It’s not that subscriptions like Netflix are “expensive” per se, but it gets harder to rationalize the incremental cost when you aren’t actually using the membership level you’ve signed up for. Did you realize there are FIVE membership tiers to choose from? You can get 4 DVDs at a time for $23.99/mo., 3 DVDs at a time (my personal fav) for $16.99/mo., 2 DVDs for $13.99/mo. or 1 DVD for $8.99/mo. There's even a super basic plan for a mere $4.99/mo. that enables the very light movie watcher to rent 1 movie at a time, with a 2 DVD/mo. ceiling.

Be honest with yourself. Are you really getting those fabulous red envelopes in your mailbox, tearing into them and watching all your movies that night? Are you even watching them in one week? Or, are they sitting on your television stand collecting dust with your magazine subscriptions to Food & Wine and National Geographic?

Why not scale back to a lighter plan? It isn’t a HUGE savings, but you can save $5 - $15 a month and that adds up! Plus, even on the lighter plans you still have access to unlimited online watching which means despite your DVD ceiling, you can go online at any time and watch movies on your PC. Nice, huh?

If you really don't think you can commit to a subscription of any kind, why not explore Video on Demand options and only pay for the movies you KNOW you’re going to watch. That way there's no guilt whatsoever when you aren't using what you've paid for.

Got Netflix? Skip Premium Cable: Tip-of-the-Day #3


CANCEL YOUR PREMIUM CABLE CHANNELS

You can live without the movie channels when times get tough. Especially when you consider the fact that half the shows that likely got you hooked are no longer airing!

I got HBO for Sex in the City and The Sopranos, two series’ that aren’t even on anymore! Then I got Showtime for Dexter but after several months the "season" ended. Ugh. Needless to say, between Hulu and my subscription to Netflix, I already have all the entertainment I need.

Save yourself upwards of $45 a month! Or, if you realllly can’t fathom parting with those extra goody channels, at least consolidate your internet and phone service under your cable provider (or threaten to switch providers!) so you get some savings in collapsing your services.

Borrow Books & Build Character: Tip-of-the-Day #2



BORROW BOOKS INSTEAD OF BUYING THEM

Are you in a book club? Do you meet every month? I am! And my pocket book was feeling the purchase every four weeks!

One day a more frugal (and savvy) girlfriend of mine mentioned that she was borrowing the monthly book club reads from our local public library. Brilliant! (And hard to believe I didn't think of it. Buh.)

Now I’ve taken a page out of her book(!) and I’ve renewed my library card. I visit the library fairly regularly for my book club must-reads and beyond!

Note: I also recently discovered a website called PaperBackSwap where I can trade my books for books I haven’t read yet! VERY cool site. Then too, when I'm feeling a bit lazy or need a book quick, there's always Amazon for new and used purchases.

Wake Up And Smell Your Coffee: Tip-of-the-Day #1


MAKE YOUR MORNING COFFEE AT HOME

It’s not exactly like getting a latte at your favorite local haunt, but it does the trick and saves a bundle. Here’s what you can do:

1. Buy a pound of ground roast from your favorite purveyor
2. Make yourself a cup of coffee using a Melitta and a filter (that stretches your pound because you aren't making an entire pot that you likely won't finish)
3. Heat up your milk before adding it to the coffee, or, if you're feeling extra zesty, use an Aerolatte milk frother to create the same foam that your Barista produces for your latte!