With more people trying to save money in today’s uncertain economy, some may have put their environmental concerns aside for the time being. However, going ‘green’ doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend a lot of money in order to do your part.

There are an abundance of ways you can accomplish both – saving money and going green. You will see just how easy it can be to continue being a part of the solution to our environment’s future while continuing to save some of your hard-earned money at the same time.

1. The rising cost of gasoline has had its own impact on pocketbooks of late. Instead of putting that extra money into your gas tank, why not leave the car at home? Grab your bike to head to the office or other locations where you won’t need the storage space of the trunk. You’ll be saving money, protecting the environment AND getting exercise all at the same time.

2. There are ample ways you can reduce your family’s water consumption, and this is one of the easiest ways to go green and save. Instead of letting the faucet run until the water gets to your preferred drinking temperature, why not keep a pitcher in the fridge for easy access? You can save water by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, or filling the sink with water to wash dishes instead of letting the water run. Make it a family decision to cut back on personal shower time by five minutes each.

3. Many people buy water bottles instead of using tap water. Well, those empty bottles end up in landfills, whereas the purchase of a water filtration system can range both in size and price. This is a purchase which is not only good for the environment, but will save you money in the long run. If you’re looking for something even less costly, buy yourself a reusable water bottle you can refill during the day.

4. Avoid wasting food. Buy groceries every two weeks instead of weekly, being careful not to buy perishables which aren’t needed. Buying in bulk saves on packaging and results in needing to purchase food less often. Remember your reusable shopping bags!

5. Start composting kitchen scraps and yard waste. Not only will your garbage bins fill up slower, but the compost can be used in your gardens as fertilizer when you begin growing your own vegetables.

6. Don’t drain the dishwater. Before pulling the plug, consider using the dishwater for your flowerbeds and gardens. This will save you from using the hose, and some of those minerals might just do your garden some good.

7. Instead of a gym membership, set up a space for a punching bag or yoga mat in your home. Play soccer with the kids, or go for a bike ride through local bicycle paths. Not only will you still be getting your workout, but you won’t need the car to get to the gym.

8. Use baking soda instead of harsh chemical cleansers. You can use it for scrubbing the tub and toilet; make a paste of it using warm water to get those stubborn stains off your plastic food storage containers or even to shine your silverware. It can also be used to whiten your teeth instead of expensive whitening kits or treatments at the dentist’s.

9. Planting trees in your yard, especially on the south side, will provide shade for your home. This can cool the temperature of the indoors, allowing you to leave the air conditioning off and saving approximately 25% in cooling costs.

10. When it comes time to change light bulbs in your household fixtures, check out your utility company’s website before going shopping. Many companies offer incentives or discounts for those who switch to a particular ‘green’ lighting choice. Besides, these new varieties of bulbs last longer and are brighter than you can imagine!

Although for some going green may seem like a lot of work, the benefits and consequences aren’t just for show. They’re for our future, and the future of those who will follow us.

Do you find that each year your collection of Christmas decorations grow and grow? Do you put out your decorations earlier each year and take them down later? Do you love to decorate for the holidays but hate what it does to your budget? If this sounds like you then there’s good news! There are easy ways, and beautiful ways, to decorate your home for the holidays and stick to your budget.

Five Budget Christmas Decorating Ideas:

#1 Pinecones

Pinecones are free when you collect them yourself. A trip to the woods or the park can fill a basket. Bring them home and create a plan. You can make a pine cone wreath. You’ll need a wire frame and a hot glue gun. A few boughs from a pine tree can add greenery. Cranberries can add color. You can also simply fill a nice basket with pine cones and use it as a centerpiece.

If you love color, consider painting the pine cones. A clear glaze paint with gold or silver glitter adds sparkle. Essential oils like cinnamon and pine can add an aroma therapy element to your holiday decorations.

#2 Pine Boughs

A few pine boughs, branches from a pine tree, placed on your front door make a nice natural decoration. You can also hang them with a few white lights entwined. Consider using smaller boughs and greenery as a centerpiece on your dining table. In fact, a few well placed boughs with a flameless candle in the center is very peaceful and makes a beautiful decoration.

If you prefer color and drama you can add snow to the boughs by painting them with white spray paint or “snow” paint.

#3 Holiday Cards

Did you keep your holiday cards from last year? You can use them as decorations this year. You can create a collage or frame a choice few to add a bit of holiday cheer around your home. Also consider simply hanging them in a chain around doorways. All you need is some tape and string to decorate with holiday cards. Many people like to string the new cards they receive each year. They can watch the card chain grow.

#4 Candy Canes

Group a few pretty candy canes in a vase or jar to add color. Consider wrapping each candy cane or candy cane bundle with beautiful holiday ribbon to add flair.

#5 Presents and Paper

Grab old shipping boxes from your basement or garage. Wrap them in holiday paper and add bows and accessories to make them beautiful. Pile the “gifts” in prominent areas of your home. Put them under the tree and set smaller ones on shelves, tables, and mantles.

You can also wrap doorways with your favorite holiday wrapping paper to make them look like giant presents. Or if you prefer an understated look consider simply framing pieces of your favorite wrapping paper.

There are many low cost decorating ideas that you can embrace. Get creative. Use nature and take a look at ways you can use what you already have.

Now more than ever, in these tough economic times people are looking at their finances carefully to try and save money.  Making our dollars stretch as far as possible is a big help for some and an absolute necessity for others.  But sometimes things seem out of control and we look to options that may seem practical, but may not actually be beneficial to us. Debt consolidation is one of those choices that sounds like a life vest, but may turn out to be an anchor.

This service is offered by many different sources from banks to finance companies to private companies.  The purpose is to take your overall debt and roll it into one convenient bill.  The theory is an excellent one and if it is utilized properly then it can prove to be a worthy tool in getting back on track financially.

What many people do not realize is that when you consolidate miscellaneous bills you are taking unsecured debt and tacking it onto your home.  Since your home is your biggest investment you need to build equity in it as much as possible.  Adding more debt to it puts you in a vulnerable position if the home values plunge as experienced in recent years.  You can quickly wipe out value that has taken you decades to build.

When this system is implemented, it is primarily used for eliminating credit card debt, which typically carries the highest interest rates- sometimes over 30 percent.  By bringing the rates down to a lower affordable limit it allows you to pay substantially more towards the principal.  Plus, the debt is spread over a longer time frame which also lowers the monthly payment.  The lower payment frees up much needed income.

But the problem comes when an individual or a family use it as a last ditch effort to try to keep their head above water.  This is not meant to be a financial buoy, but a way to reorganize and regroup.  The key is to understand how you got into the situation that you are in so the it does not repeat itself.  If you do not change your spending habits and how you save money, or don’t save, then you are destined to start the cycle all over again without gaining any useful lesson from it.

Your best course of action instead of using debt consolidation is to sit down with a financial planner and get to the root of the problem.  If credit cards are the issue then you can get some relief simply by contacting them.  By sharing your situation many will automatically lower the interest rate out of fear that you will cease making payments.  The extra amount that you save could be redirected towards principal balances.  Just make sure that you have a plan for the extra money before you start or you will find yourself spending it without a trail of where it went.

In these tough economic times, it is essential that college students learn to live within a budget. One of the most valuable things you can do for your child is to help your son or daughter with budget planning. Here are some things you can do to help:The Parents Write the Ground Rules

When trying to steer a college student toward financial responsibility, it is crucial to be open and honest about what is expected in terms of saving and spending, as well as what he or she can expect from you. Set the ground rules before you start on the budget. Encourage questions and clarify everything as best you can.Have a Discussion About Credit Cards

Have a talk with your student about the pros and cons of credit card usage. Strongly encourage them to budget in ways that will allow them to make purchases with cash whenever possible. If they wish to have a credit card for emergencies, help them seek out banks that issue credit cards with low interest rates, low credit limits, and no annual fee.Assess the Monthly Income

Whether your student gets assistance from home, lives on a stipend or has a part-time job, the first step in planning a budget involves figuring out just how much money can be expected as income each month.Make an Expenses List

This is the time to list every known expense the student will have each month. This includes, but is not limited to books, food, clothing, activity fees, entertainment and rent. It is also important to include a certain amount for unexpected expenses such as replacing a lost textbook or an unexpected dental bill.Open an Online Bank Account

Open online bank accounts that will provide easy access to student money while allowing you, the parent, to monitor and contribute to the student’s financial agenda. Having easily accessible records will help the college student keep track of expenses and being able to make direct deposits into your student’s account will save the time and trouble of having to mail or wire funds.Pace Spending

Some students receive only one stream of income each month that arrives on a pre-specified date. It is a good idea to help your college student to figure out ways in which his or her spending can be paced to last throughout the month. Build a chart that shows when the payment is due to arrive. Then mark payment dates for debts and bills. This will help your student keep track of where the money goes each month and will help him or her find a pace that will make the money last as long as possible.Write Up a Contract

It is a good idea to ask the student to read over all of the budget plans and to sign a sort of informal contract agreeing to stay within the confines of the budget. While not enforceable, putting the budget in written and signed terms will make your student more aware of the serious nature of preparing to meet his or her financial needs each month.Prepare Your Student to Always Plan Ahead

One solid piece of advice to encourage financial responsibility in your college student is to prepare them to always be one step ahead of the game. Talk to them about savings and planning ahead. Teach them the importance of paying bills on time to avoid late fees and penalties. Encourage them to follow all of these steps to better prepare themselves for adulthood and getting out into the real world.

Not all deals on cars are equal. With a little research, you can save some serious cash every month when buying a car. Here are some tips on how to save money when financing a car.The Initial Decision

Take a good hard look at your budget before deciding how much money to borrow and the type of car you choose. It isn’t wise to pick an expensive car that will require lots of fine-tuning and expensive maintenance if you are on a shoestring budget. Try to view the big picture.Shop Around for Lenders

Many moneylenders won’t guarantee a rate until the papers are signed. However, they will give you pre-approval for a loan amount at the current rate. This is when you should contact the bank. If you qualify for a credit union, check with them. Ask about lower interest rates as well as automatic payments. Banks are sometimes more likely to lend if you agree to set up and automatic draft, and this could mean big savings.Tap Into Your Home’s Equity

There are several reasons why taking out a home equity loan can be less expensive than relying on other lenders. The interest charged on your home equity loan is usually tax deductible. Both the line of credit attached to your home equity loan and the actual loan itself usually provide much lower rates than other lenders provide because they are securely guaranteed against your home’s value.Avoid Zero Interest Loans

Although the idea might sound great, zero interest loans aren’t always a good path to take. This is especially true if you are giving up a large rebate as part of the deal. It is usually better to take the rebate and finance through a bank at a lower percent, if possible. The money you will save over the long haul will be substantial.Consider Leasing

Leasing is a great way for people to be able to have a new car at a lower monthly payment than buying the car outright. Since buyers don’t pay the whole price for a new car, monthly lease payments are usually a lot less than loan payments. The downside is that after the loan expires, you have to give the car back. However, this is a great option if you don’t plan to keep a car for long anyway/Think About Buying a Used Car

A car begins to depreciate the minute it is driven off the lot, thus lowering the possibility of reselling it eventually for anywhere near its original price. That is a sobering thought considering the steep cost of purchasing a new car these days. Use this to your advantage and think about purchasing a used car that can be purchased at a much lower price. If you decide on this option, however, it is worth the fee to have a mechanic check it out first to make sure it is a sound investment.Use Common Sense

The very best way to save money when financing a car is to use common sense. If a deal sounds too good to be true, you can almost count on the fact that it is.

If you will do some smart shopping, you can have a great car at a great price!

Young parents who are strapped for funds are constantly looking for new ways to save money. Babies grow so quickly that clothing can turn into a major expense. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to save money on baby clothes.Neighborhood Swaps

A couple of neighborhoods in Portland, OR hold baby clothing and supply swaps twice a year. At the swap, large tables are set up where people display their used clothing that their children have outgrown. Attendees who take a bag of clothes to donate and are allowed to fill that same bag with items to take home. If this isn’t done where you live, try to organize such an event!‘Tis the Season

Like any other kind of clothing, baby clothes go on sale during certain times of the year. Baby blankets and sleepers tend to go on sale in January. Watch the papers and take advantage of half prices sales as they occur and stock up.Consignment Shops

Consignment boutiques are all the rage these days. There is no better place to buy high quality, gently worn baby clothing and equipment for a fraction of the original price. Some designate certain days of the week to do intakes, so as your baby outgrows his or her clothing, you can take it into a consignment shop and trade it for store credit.Online Auctions

Many people sell new and gently used baby clothing online at the popular auction sites. This is a great way to buy clothing in bulk, sold by size for pennies on the dollar from that of the original retail price.Outlet Malls

Outlet malls can be gold mines in terms of great baby clothing seconds at discount prices. What’s more, most of them have a clearance rack or seasonal sale going on where customers can enjoy even greater discounts. Some of the major baby clothing brands have baby specialty stores that are also represented in online outlets.Thrift Shops

Thrift stores are fun to poke around in regardless of what you are shopping for, but the ones that are run by local churches tend to have the best deals on baby clothing. Parishioners donate baby clothing that is then cleaned and sold at very low prices. Some church sponsored thrift shops even have bins that contain free clothing.Distribution Centers

Some of the major, nationally known thrift stores such as Goodwill, have distribution centers where clothing items are sent for processing if they go for a certain period unsold on their regular thrift store racks. This is done out of a need to make room for new items that arrive daily. Sometimes, the distribution centers will have a showroom that allows customers one last chance to buy clothing and other items, usually sold by the pound. This is one of the best places ever to find great deals on baby clothing.

Just keep your eyes and ears open. You can always find baby clothing bargains and may never have to purchase a thing at retail prices!

Too often parents are surprised by just how large an expenditure their children’s education is. College gets more expensive by the year. That is why is it important to follow some tried and true tips for saving money to invest in your child’s future as a college student.Start Saving Early

It isn’t a bad idea to establish some type of college savings account shortly after an infant is born. Even a small monthly contribution can grow significantly over the course of the nearly two decades it takes for that child to become old enough to go to college. Remember that the money you save accrues interest over the years. A $200 monthly investment in your child’s college fund can conceivably grow to close to $80,000 by the time your child reaches age 17.Spend Wisely While Your Child is Growing Up

Take every given opportunity to sock money away while your child is growing up, even if it takes coupon clipping, bargain shopping and doing without. Your child’s education is well worth the sacrifice. However, the sacrifice doesn’t have to be one that will make you miserable. Just cut back here and there and put your savings into your child’s college fund account.Ask for Familial Contributions

When Aunt Grace asks if little Junior needs that shiny red tricycle for his birthday, ask her instead to make a small contribution toward his college fund. Establish this early as a family tradition and watch that savings account grow during birthdays and holidays.Teach Your Children the Value of a Dollar

Begin early in their lives to teach your children that contributing to their own college fund is a good practice. If raised with this thought in mind, they will form a sense of pride about their own contributions. Ask them to contribute just a small amount of change from their allowance each week and make charts to help them physically watch their contributions grow. Remember, the habits you teach your children when they are little will most likely last into adulthood.Participate in a College Pre-pay Program

An increasing number of colleges now accept pre-payment for a student’s college education years before he or she enrolls for classes. Although these plans vary from state to state, this is a great way to lock in tuition rates well ahead of the game.Do Not Use Your Child’s Name on the College Savings Account

Putting your child’s savings account in his or her name could prove to be disastrous. Keep the account in your name so that you will have control over the funds and can thwart any impulsive, unnecessary purchases before the first day of college rolls around.Ask Your Accountant About 529 Plans

Individual states offer a 529 plan that let’s parents save money for their children’s college expenses while reaping tax benefits similar to that of an IRA. All 50 states have 529 plans, but they differ from state to state.Teach Your Child to Balance a Checkbook

This tip may sound overly simple, but it is true. By teaching your child to balance a checkbook at an early age, you will instill a fundamental awareness of how checks and balances work. This can help give your child a more realistic view of your financial situation and the importance of saving money for college.