Save Money on Your Phone Bill

A great way to save money without really feeling the pinch is to find ways to lower your phone bill. There are many options available, so how can you find the one that is right for you? Here are some things to consider when trying to save money on your phone bill.

1. Limit your long distance -- You can try keeping your current pricing plan and simply make an effort to limit your talking time by placing a kitchen timer near your phone. Set the timer when you make a long distance call, and keep track of your minutes in a log book by the phone.
   
2. Look into other pricing options -- Your long distance provider may be able to help find a better pricing plan to match your needs. Many offer unlimited long distance. Also, check out offers like 10-10-321, which may give you a better rate without having to switch companies.
   
3. Vonage -- If you have high speed internet access, Vonage may be a good solution for you. You can keep your current phone number, try it for one month free, and they have plans starting at just $14.99 per month. They also have many features available like call-waiting, caller ID, voicemail, and more. Click here for more information.
   
4. magicJack -- If you have a broadband internet connection, you may want to consider an option like magicJack. Plug the magicJack device into any USB port on your computer, and plug your regular telephone into the magicJack port and you can begin making local and long distance calls for just $19.99 per year. It also has a 30 day free trial, and includes options like call-waiting, voicemail, and more. No more monthly phone bills. Click here for more information.
   
5. Skype -- With high speed internet access, you also have the option of using Skype. Skype is free software available for download and offers free Skype-to-Skype calling to people anywhere in the world, as well as free video calls. If you need to call a phone or mobile line, Skype offers great low rates for that as well. The newest version of Skype features improved sound quality and less delay. Click here for more information.
   

9 Tips to Cut Holiday Expenses

Does the idea of spending a lot of money this holiday season make you cringe? Have you been trying to save money during this tough economic time? Are you afraid the holidays will put your family further into debt? Fortunately, Frugal Family Fun Blog is here to show you how to celebrate the holidays with friends and family without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to cut expenses during the holidays.

1. Host a Potluck -- If you provide the turkey or ham, ask friends and family to each bring a side dish or dessert to share. A potluck can be an ideal solution for a vegetarian or other guests with special dietary needs. This will not only save money, but will also save valuable time.
2. Draw up a Budget -- To save money this holiday season, make up a list of all the people you typically shop for and determine how much to spend on each person. Also, include ideas for gifts for each person. When you go shopping, take your list with you and stick to it!
3. Plan Ahead -- The best way to cut expenses is always to plan ahead. Take advantage of sales and start shopping early in the season to spread out the expenses over time. With a little planning, you may be able to include other non-department stores such as CVS, Walgreens, or Big Lots to get some great deals.
4. Shop Online -- This is also a great time saver. Shopping online means you are less likely to over-spend, thanks to the shopping cart which keeps a running total of expenses. Go to currentcodes.com to find coupon codes for some of the most popular online stores. Also, consider shopping through uPromise for additional college savings.
5. Pick One Thing -- If your family needs an organic Christmas tree, consider purchasing it. Then find ways to cut costs in other areas. You could make your own ornaments, for example.
6. Homemade Gifts -- Some of the best gifts I have received have been homemade. If you know how to knit or sew, take advantage of these talents to make gifts for the people on your list. A scrapbook can make a terrific gift as well. Even dry ingredients for your favorite cookies in a mason jar can make a nice gift, while saving you some cash.
7. Wrapping Ideas -- Get creative with wrapping paper. Use holiday stamps and rolls of craft paper to make your own, or re-use comics, newspaper print, or old maps. You can use inexpensive raffia, yarn, or string instead of ribbons for a more rustic look.
8. Gift Exchange -- Put all the family members names into a hat and have each person pick one name. Each family member only shops for the name he/she picked. This way everyone gets a gift without having to shop for the entire family.
9. Volunteer -- While many families are struggling with money this holiday season, you may be able to give more of your time. Get the family out to a soup kitchen and volunteer some time there. This will help cultivate a sense of gratitude for the things you do have.

Cutting Expenses

During an economic downturn it is important to go through the family budget line-by-line to determine if there are ways to cut back on spending.  Here are some of the ways our family cut expenses and saved hundreds of dollars each month:

1. Cut the Cable -- Mark installed an antennae and now we get our T.V. for free.  For movies, we borrow DVDs from the library.  If there is a show we do not get over the air, we watch it on hulu.com. Savings: $40/month or $480/year
2. Adjust the Cell Phone Plan --  My cell phone contract had expired, so instead of renewing it, I switched to a TracFone for a pay-as-you-go plan.  I get the convenience of a cell phone when I am away from home, or for an emergency, but without the high bills.  Savings: $60/month or $720/year
3. Drive Less --  Now we group errands together to improve our gas mileage, and have less frequent trips to the store.  Savings: $100/month or $1200/year
4. Slash the Grocery Bill --  I started clipping coupons, and matching coupons to sale ads to maximize our savings.  Savings: $300/month or $3600/year
5. Adjust Insurance Deductible --  Keep in mind car and home insurance is to cover financial disaster only.  It is not to cover "inconvenience" bills or small repairs.  We increased the deductible on our home and car insurance.  Savings: $50/year
6. Save Electricity --  We adjust a programmable thermostat to 65 degrees in the winter to reduce our electric heating bill.  Also, we replaced all light bulbs with CFLs and line-dry clothes instead of running the clothes dryer.  Savings: $50/month or $600/year
7. No More Paper Towels or Paper Napkins --  We replaced these with reusable cloth kitchen towels and cloth napkins instead.  Savings: $10/month or $120/year

Total Savings = $564/month or $6,670/year!!