Save a Buck Series Part 9

With Interior Designer/Blogger Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors and blog Blu Label Bungalow.



Erika is another one of my newest blog buddies.  She is doing great things here in the Atlanta area and is always on the go.  Erika and I first met at the Nicholas House Makeover.  She is one of the two founding members and they have started this year off with a bang.

Now lets take a look at some of her designs...









Erika has some great talent and a beautiful spirit.  However, with her career, husband and kids keeping her going full steam ahead saving money is also on the top of her busy list.  Here is what she had to say...

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?  
Erika:  When it comes to saving the most import thing for me is to know I got a great deal.  I hate it when I purchase something only to see it somewhere else cheaper.   

April:  What do you do to save?

Erika:  I scout various stores (both retail and online) for the item looking for the best price. I am also known to wait for a sale before I purchase the piece. If it something I love at first sight, I buy it then regardless of price.  

April:  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel?

Erika:  The last time I received an awesome deal, I felt like I had stole something. Seriously, for a second I thought someone made a mistake in pricing the item, but turned out that I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

April:  What tips can you give on saving?

Erika:  If you are shopping for a retail item, keep watching it to see if it goes on sale. There is some risk involved with this piece of advice. The item you desire may be purchased by someone else who is not on a budget, so it’s also important to see if the item is available online. Always ask salespeople the dates of the upcoming sales and promotions. If all else fails, ask if the floor model can be discounted.  

Now that's some great advise I often do that myself!  

Thanks Erika for giving us a few more wise tips when it comes to saving a buck!  If you want more of Erika Ward you can find her @

Blulabelbungalow.com

ErikaWard.com

Twitter.com/ErikaatBluLabel

Save a Buck Series Part 8

@ Laundry Facilities

Yep you can even save there.  All it takes it looking for the right one.  Many these days offer services to you to get your business such as computers, massaging chairs and free wifi.  

Watch Television

Here is a Laundry facility I found in Norcross, Ga.  They have almost everything.... not to mention how clean it was....

Play games, vending and slot machines 

Get a Massage!!!

 .....But my fav two are the free newspapers that have coupons in them!!! Lalala...

...And for each wash you get a free dryer!!! The bigger the washer the more free loads you get....Can't beat that now can you...

All of this and more... And my clothes came out smelling nice and fresh!!  My experience was almost like a Calgon commercial... LOL!

Tell me how you are saving money?  

Save a Buck Series Part 7

With Interior Designer Lori May of Lori May Interiors.

Lori is one of my newest blog friends and a sweetheart.  I had the pleasure of meeting her on the Nicholas House Makeover.  Check out her designs....

Nicholas House Makeover

Saving money is also on the top of her list.  Here is what she had to say when I asked her about how she saves:

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?  I don't want to over pay for something that I want.

Lori:  I really do my research, check ebay, craigslist and keep an eye on the piece I want until it gets to what I think is a fair price based on similar items.

April  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel?  

Lori:  I got these poufs at Target for my oldest daughter's room.  She is turning 8 next month and wants a big girl room, but I don't want to spend a lot, because I know she'll want something different in a couple of years.  The poufs that I've seen other places run anywhere from $200 to $400 each.  Target came out with gold and silver ones a few weeks ago for $60 each.  I was patience, did my research and found an affordable option for her room.  

April:  I love those! You did a great job on finding them and especially at that price!

April:  What tips can you give on saving?  

Lori:  Be patient and do your research.  You would be amazed at the savings you can get on similar items if you take your time and look around.

Thanks Lori for taking the time to share your ideas on How to Save a Buck!  For more information on Lori and her designs visit her @

http://lorimayinteriors.com

twitter.com/lmayinteriors

Save a Buck Series Part 6

With Rashon Carroway Lifestyle Blogger aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Today we are talking with Rashon to get an inside scoop of how he saves in Part 6 of "How to Save a Buck Series."

I've had the opportunity to tweet, email and speak with Rashon on several different occasions.  During one of our conversations I had the pleasure of asking him several questions on how he saves a Buck!  

Before we get started take a look at some of his amazing makeovers..

And of course my favorite....

....and Viola!

Awwwwww.....

Outside of his creative mind and thrifted finds he had this to say:

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?  

Rashon:  Nothing is really important to me when saving. A penny saved is a penny earned.

April:  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel.

Rashon:  Ummm my last awesome deal...was a shirt I bought from GW on Mother's Day with my mom. I was in the wrong department because it was a bit bright. However, mom approved so I bought it!!

April:  What tips can you give on saving?

Rashon:  I have two tips.

Tip #1. Save whenever and where ever you can. Every little bit helps.

Tip #2. If you have a goal in mind work towards that goal. It allows you to be focused and reach a mark.

April:  Any additional information you want to provide?

Rashon:  Although I am an advid thrifter I dont buy as much anymore. My goal was to furnish my condo. Thats done. So unless I sell something I dont need much more. 

Now I am helping others save and thrift to save even more.

Thanks so much for talking with us today Rashon!  For more of Mr. Goodwill Hunting find him here:

or

www.rashoncarraway.com 

Save a Buck Series Part 5

With Interior Designer and Blogger

Nikki McNeil of Single Bubble Pop Design Studios

I've had the pleasure of working with Nikki on several projects one of them being Room Service Atlanta - Nicholas House Makeover.  Here are a few of her designs...

Nicholas House Makerover

Pic left to right: Myself, Sherrie and Nikki

Nikki is a very sweet and energetic person.  I chatted with her about saving money and this is what she was thrilled to say:

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?

Nikki:  Establishing short & long term goals to focus on.

April:  What do you do to save on establishing your short and long term goals?

Nikki:  I have money automatically drafted into my savings account each week according to how much I want to save for the year. I try not to touch it unless I absolutely need to. In addition, I really cut my spending by looking for lower priced options for everyday essentials & not eating out as much. 

April:  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel?

Nikki:  One of the ways I save is using drug store brand makeup - the quality is almost the same & you can get the same results as higher priced stuff when applied correctly. While cruising Target's cosmetic aisle for my usual $10 mascara, I found a discontinue style on sale for $2.50 with an extra tube included. There were also great eye shadow palettes marked down to $3.50. So I bought 2 palettes,  & the mascara for $10 instead of one mascara. Pretty good deal!


April:  What tips can you give on saving?

Nikki:  Do your research before buying or spending! There's almost always a lesser priced alternative.

April:  What is the easiest way for you to compare prices?.

Nikki:  I have a great app on my iPhone called Red Laser;  you can use it to scan barcodes at the store & it tells you right away what the stores near you are selling that same item for. Great for larger purchases! 

 

Nikki has some great tips!  For more information on her interior and graphic designs visit her blog or contact her @:

                                            www.nikimcneill.com

www.singlebubblepop.com

http://twitter.com/nikimcneill

Saving a $ Buck Part 4

At Thrift Stores 

OK so now you know how I work my grocery/household items and saving on gas when it comes to couponing.  Here are some ways I coupon at Thrift Stores.

 So a new month is approaching and with that we could save some extra $$ on thrifting. Here is a link where I previously talked about couponing at thrift stores.

This particular store here in Atlanta has awesome deals.. 

Every Monday everything in the store is 1/2 off!

PLUS

They have printable $2 off coupons for purchase over $10 which can be used on any day.

AND

Throughout the rest of the week a particular color is 1/2 off

WHILE

....another color is $.99

WHAT... HUH...

Lol.. yeah I know WHAT A SAVINGS HUH!

Let's not forget that many of the thrift stores now offer additional savings (50% off) on a particular color(s) each week!! 

 As well at the Goodwill every 1st weekend of the month everything in the store is 1/2 off!!

AND

You can often find these additional % coupons off a purchase too!!

WHAT... HUH...

Who loves savings!.....

OH me do... me do!!

SOOOOO who has found a great deal at a Thrift Store lately?  Be nice... Share!

Saving a $ Buck Part 3 on Cable

on Entertainment.....

Well when it comes to movie or tv watching I must say I pay for  (this...much...) ($0.00)...

Instead of using cable I cancelled it and I watch tv online or view my local channels.  My mom was at work a few days ago and a co-worker mentioned he cancelled his cable and using the Internet as his alternative.  Mom was so intrigued that she was ready to try it herself. 

Here's an example:

Mom pays $73 a month for cable and $50 for Internet on the go...  She loves watching Hgtv, her soaps, the news and other various shows.. 

1. Cancel the cable
2. Obtain home Internet and PC
    A.  There are a variety of providers that offer Internet service for as low as $19.99 a month (such as
           AT&T)
Now that you have Internet and pc you are able to watch many shows online or on your local tv channels for a little of nothing... the pc can connect to your Lcd or Plasma tv plus you're able to watch dvd movies via the pc without needing a dvd player.

Money saving Internet sites (the ones I use most are bolded):

1.  Hulu.com
     You can watch 1,000's of shows and movies online for FREE! No
     downloading or subscriptions   
     required.



 
2.  Neflix.com
     With Neflix you can also watch 1,000's of movies instantly to your TV via PC or gaming console     
     Xbox, Wii, PS3 with prices starting at $4.99 a month.  There is no limit to how many movies you  
     can watch a month.

3.  There are a variety of other Internet sites that allow you to watch movies for free, with or 
     without subscribing  or just for a low rental fee such as:

     Graboid.com --- Vudu.com  --- Blockbuster.com and many others....

You can also buy Blu-Players that will allow you to watch

via wifi reception...

4.   Just by using your Internet connection to watch tv or movies is a great alternative than cable!   
      Many of the shows I like to watch on cable I can view directly from the website. 
    
my favorites I like to watch             Can be viewed On:

Leverage, Charmed, Dark Blue, The Closer         TNT.tv

Secrets of a Stylist, Colorsplash, Design Star       Hgtv.com

Starz Movies                                                     Netflix.com

Meet the Browns, House of Payne, R We There Yet   Tbs.com

*If I miss an episode of my fav local shows like         Hulu.com Or
The Event, Fringe, No Ordinary Family            their broadcasting channel

ABC.COM --- NBC.COM --- FOX.COM --- CBS.COM

 5.  And finally you can always rent a movie from Redbox or the Blockbuster kiosks that are all over town.  You can find these bad boys everywhere McDonald's, Cvs, Walgreen's, Walmart, Gas fueling stations and more.  The best part I like about them is the price 1 whole buckeroo for 1 night... gotta love that!!

They also have free rentals too....for Redbox  try breakroom & Blockbuster try Monday (good on Monday's only)

I would love to hear what you are doing to reduce your TV entertainment?