So, how do you stay strong the next time you run into your local retailer? It’s actually a lot easier than you think if you follow our tried and true rules to take control of your spending and combat impulse shopping.

1. Wait it out. So maybe you would look amazing in those new heels. But are you sure they’re really going to make you as happy as you think they are? The simple way to

find out is to wait. Make a commitment to think it over for a week. Then, if you still think they’re a vital purchase go back for them. Or, if the item in question is on sale, give

yourself to the sale end date to go back for them. More often than not you won’t even bother.

2. Pay cash. One simple way to curb those impulse buys is to leave the credit cards at home and only pay in cash. When you do this your bank account will be instantly affected, as well as your daily budget. It’s a great incentive to spend less and save more!

3. Consider layaway. It’s not just for Mom anymore. Store layaways have made a big comeback since it allows you to really assess whether you’re willing to shell out the cash for the item over a period of time. Plus, since you’re forced to save up for the item before you can take it home, you’ll know for sure it’s worth it.

4. Compare prices. You may be tempted to jump on that 20% off deal with a particular retailer, but are you sure it’s really the best deal? Often, stores will jack up prices and then attach a sale to that higher cost so you are actually paying the same as you would at another store. Do your homework and compare prices before buying big-ticket items.

5. Know your triggers. For some people it’s a candy bar at the cash register and for others it’s a new book. Know which aisles in the store yield the most temptations and try to avoid them when you’re shopping. The old adage, “Out of sight, out of mind” really works in this case.

6. Stay out of the stores. It may sound simple but many people visit their local mall for entertainment rather than necessity. By staying out of mall or retail stores, you won’t be tempted and you may be inspired to find healthier activities. Remember, you can’t spend if you don’t shop!

Finally, ask yourself why impulse buying is such a temptation to you. Maybe you’re bored, lonely or are simply in need of a new hobby. Whatever the reason, make an effort to commit to saving – not spending!

—————————-

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, where recently she’s been researching online kinesiology degrees and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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1. Trim your gift list. It may sound obvious but one of the best ways to spend less is to buy fewer gifts. If you and your family traditionally buy gifts for everyone, consider only playing Santa to the kids. Or, draw names so everyone makes a purchase for just one adult.

2. Set a limit. It’s easier to stick to your budget if you know exactly how much you can spend on each person. And with Internet shopping now so simple, you can search for gifts based on the price point and not get enticed by more expensive options.

3. Buy in bulk. If you know you’d like to get many of your holiday gifts from the same online retailer, buy them all at once. It’s a great way to save on shipping costs – and sometimes you can get discounts when you spend over a certain amount of money.

4. Pay with cash. When you spend only cash on your purchases, you won’t have to worry about costly interest rates when you get your credit card bill. Or, if you prefer the convenience of plastic, just use your banking check card.

5. Get creative. To cut costs even further, consider making gifts for everyone. For example, if Aunt Bea loves scarves, learn to knit. Or if Dad loves music, make him a CD of his favorite tunes.

6. Hit the sales. Some stores typically start holiday sales after the Halloween festivities end. And you’re not a fan of Black Friday crowds – don’t forget about the savings on Cyber Monday, which falls after the Thanksgiving weekend.

7. Recycle gifts. Try a white elephant swap to get rid of some unwanted gifts. Or, ask friends to pick out treasures at second hand stores. You’ll be amazed at how one man’s trash can be another’s treasure!

8. Opt for apps. Instead of a big sit-down holiday dinner, plan a lighter menu that features lots of appetizers. Your guests will have just as much fun, and you can save a bundle.

9. Hit craft fairs and flea markets. They’re a great alternative to the traditional stores, and you can buy interesting gifts you probably wouldn’t be able to find at your local mall.

10. Recycle your wrapping. One of the easiest ways to save on gift wrapping supplies is by reusing the ones you received the year before. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those gift bags can add up!

Remember that the holiday season is more about spending time with family and less about overdoing it financially. By setting spending goals up front and sticking to them, you’ll enjoy a stress-free holiday season. And remember, the earlier you start saving next year, the better off you’ll be. Happy Holidays!

—————————

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching areas of online degree programs. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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Pinoy Frugal Blog has featured several blog articles before about the art of saving while traveling. Traveling is, as we are all aware, one source of money drain. But the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t have to be a huge expense, and we all know that in the end, taking some much-needed vacation time to get away and be with the family reaps benefits that are well worth the costs. One thing to remember when you begin the trip planning part is that you don’t necessarily have to go to a heavily advertised “getaway resort” to have a great trip. If you have young kids especially, remember that children don’t really care about things like a nice hotel or fancy restaurants. For kids, any sort of trip is an adventure. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding where your next trip destination should be.

1. Look for options in your own backyard.

While we are all certainly seduced by the idea of going far from home to properly escape, you’d be surprised at the options you have that may be just a few hours’ car ride or a short plane ride away. Camping is an especially good money-saving option for young kids. Kids delight in the outdoors. For me personally, I had much more fun as a small tyke hiking with my parents on the family farm than I had when we saved up lots of money just to go to Disneyworld.

2. Go places where you have family or friends.

While the whole point of a getaway is completely escape your current life, and that may also include getting away from family and friends, there are many money-saving possibilities for going to locations where you at least know someone. For one, you’ll avoid the running around inherent in trying to figure out a place for the first time without an “insider’s” perspective. Also, your contact will necessarily know the best and cheapest places to eat, sleep, and play.

3. When planning an itinerary, incorporate lots of free time.

Although as adults, we want to see and do as many things as possible during a trip in order to make the most of our time, kids get easily tired, hungry, and bored. If you try to squeeze in too many activities, you’ll end up 1. Spending more money, 2. Tiring out the kids and 3. Causing more stress than it’s worth. By incorporating lots of free time every day of your vacation, you’ll surprised at how much more time you enjoy with the kids, how much less you spend, and how quick and easy it is to find spur of the moment activities that produce those unforgettable family moments.

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At any rate, this book is inspiring especially to me– a freelance worker.  A 4-hour workweek? Is this possible at all?  Perhaps if the question was thrown at me last year, I would have said, impossible, but now, oh yeah… it is possible.

The lifestyle design that Ferriss proposes in the book may be radical especially to the normal 8-5 employee, but like I said for us freelance workers, this is very possible and can be done quite easily.  I am not quite finished with the book honestly, but I am already psyched.  Like everyone else, I want to be a part of the New Rich, and spend the rest of my life enjoying the fruits of my automated business.

The hurdle ofcourse is to be able to find the right business that does not require your 24/7 attention.  If you read this book, Ferriss will tell you pointblank that it is possible…  Now, let’s begin and find that MUSE…

Well, this is Tim Ferriss...

What really got my attention about Tim Ferriss, is his idea of mini-retirements.  It does make sense.  The usual Pinoy would have killed themselves slaving away in an office somewhere, Monday to Friday, from 7:30-5:00pm, while dreaming of perhaps languishing somewhere… hammock… cars… all kids well out of college and perhaps settling down… while you relax on a rocking chair at the age of 60 or 70.

Nothing wrong with that.  My father did it. His father never even reached 60.  But why do I want something different?

Well, I do not want to have regrets in my life.  How can you travel to Bangkok or take parachute jumps at the age of 60?  How can you travel to discover the hills of Mexico or the valleys of Sicily when your back and hands are riddle with aches and rheumatism?

Certainly it is possible to have mini retirements as Ferriss has described and proposed in his book.  He is doing it.  Alot of entrepreneurs have followed suit…  If managers of top corporations can take several months off without their businesses and work falling apart while they are having sake in Osaka or swimming on the shores of Bora-Bora, then why can’t I?

Ofcourse one of the concerns and logical question would be, “how about the children?”  Well, I am not proposing 6 months mini retirements here.  I am proposing 2-3 months mini retirements every year.  It does not have to be in Brazil or the Outback.  It could be in another town in the country or in a smaller town in Thailand.

Course, intense preparation and money wrangling is necessary for you to be able to take off without worrying about money and paying the bills.  The point is that when you have mini-retirements, you will feel more excited and rejuvenated.  The book is not just about retirement and the prospect of world tours, this is how you can live the life you deserve.

To read more about Tim Ferriss, visit his site, The 4 Hour Work Week Blog.

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Here are Ways to Save on Travel

Tweak your itinerary and save. Departing very early or very late in the day can mean a much lower airfare, as can flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sundays are the costliest for domestic flights; Saturdays for international travel. Using the nearest airport can also save you a lot. Being flexible applies to hotels as well, particularly at those that host business travelers during the week.

Check airlines’ websites. Have you tried booking yourself using the online facilities of Cebu Pacific or even Philippine Airlines? Even the biggest shipping companies in the country have their online facilities now. Using these facilities will help you determine the cost of your air or ship fare right away. Not only that, for example at Aboitiz’s Super Ferry, travel goers using the online facilities shall get the lowest available fare. Not only that, you can also check the airlines and shipping companies most recent promos and partnerships with hotels and resorts. For example, sailing with Super Ferry on your birthday will get you discounts equal to your age!

Fly early to arrive on time. Just as I mentioned above, leaving earlier will save you money, but also time. Not only that, you will beat the heat at the check in counters in the airport.

Don’t overpack. For example in Cebu Pacific, you actually get a discount of P200 if you are traveling without any luggage. Ofcourse, going on a holiday would mean lagging a bag along your necessaries, but be careful not to exceed the airlines’ baggage limit especially if you are traveling internationally. We do not want you throwing away some stuff at the airport like our friend Yuga in order to go within the luggage weight limit! Or like me who ended up paying up to 21,000 baht or U$700 for excess baggage in Survarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. So heed my advice, if your hotel room has a weighing scale, use it to weigh your baggages prior to leaving for the airport. Or you can check with your hotel concierge services and ask if they have a scale somewhere. Its better to be prepared than sorry.

Negotiate with hotels. Sometimes when the hotel is not too full, the front desk can actually give free upgrade. Not only that, you can also ask for more discounts and even additional perks through the front desk. Just don’t be afraid to ask and inquire while checking in.

Use a travel agent for your cruise. Some travel agents especially those accredited by your cruise line can offer you discounts. This is why is pays to research first or even ask those who has traveled or use those agencies before making your booking. Sometimes, it pays to know your travel agent.

Skip the ship to shore call. This is for those who travel by sea. It would definitely save you some if you skip going to shore. Souvenir shops near the ports or even in airports can be expensive. You will definitely get cheaper souvenirs if you buy them in your destination’s local market.

Pay by credit card. Paying with a credit card will earn you extra miles or even cash back if you use the right cards. Not only that, some hotels and resorts give discounts to certain credit cards they have tie up with.

For more Ways to Save on Travel, visit the Consumer Report Website.

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Commerce is the art of exploiting the need or desire someone has for something.

-Edmond de Goncourt (1822 – 1896)

French novelist and diarist.

Le Journal des Goncourts (co-written with Jules de Goncourt)

It is so obvious that businesses thrives on consumerism. Consumerism is the attitude that values the acquisition of material goods. I did our last minute shopping today. As expected, the traffic was horrible and hair-raising. Consumerism is so alive today. Makro was full of people with overflowing carts. Recession seem to be out of the window right now. Makes me rethink my post about deflation… or perhaps we are not feeling the effects yet. And us Filipinos has to rethink our idea of huge noche buenas especially when times are harder.

I felt sorry for our neighbor but at the same time thankful for her. She is currently busy planning a “huge” noche buena for the neighborhood. Yes, you heard me, the party is for the entire neighborhood. She said it is her way of saying thanks to her neighbors for patronizing her sari-sari store– the biggest in our small village.

But while I am thankful, I felt sorry for her, since the pressure of giving a huge party is getting to her physically and emotionally. Since groceries and food is far more expensive now than last year, the expectation of the neighborhood is high and she did not want to disappoint everybody since she felt sorry for most of our neighbors are on the class D and E– just too many unemployed people and people living below poverty line. I surmised perhaps all of us owe her something in one time or another.

Anyway, that’s her way of celebrating and my way is another way. Salve at Money Smarts is offering a challenge for a budget handaan. Is there really a budget handaan? Is this possible? Actually my children and I are not going to have a noche buena but I intend to celebrate Christmas tomorrow by giving an extra-special lunch. The menu is simple and straight forward. Like I said, Christmas is about the celebration of family and not about how much gifts we gave nor received. Let us just get back to the real root and meaning of Christmas. Only the big businesses are profiting over the idea of Christmas. I think it is time for us to rethink our values and what we deem as important.

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Here goes the list: (if you are even interested anyway…)

1. The $1.6m Christmas tree: This 24 karat gold tree, encrusted with 240 jewels and weighing more than 21kg is on display in a jewellery shop in Japan.

2. Movida’s Christmas cocktail: The Movida Club, a favourite hangout for celebrities, footballers and the ‘born rich’, holds the record for the most expensively pointless Christmas Cocktail. The drink, which blends Cristal Rose champagne, Louis XII Cognac and edible gold leaf, costs $71,011 a shot and is ironically named Flawless.

3. The Krebs Glas Lauscha bauble: Not one for houses with children, this bauble is covered with intricately crafted gold and diamond detail, and it’s made of glass. At $31,000 each, they had better come wrapped in a bit more than tissue paper.

4. Ferrari go-cart: A must have for spoilt kids the world over, this faithful replica of the real thing will set doting parents back a mere $50,000

5. The his and hers chocolate portrait: No doubt designed with chocoholic art lovers with too much time on their hands, this photographic portrait rendered in chocolate goes for $110,000. At least the money goes to charity.

6. Diamond Barbie: ‘The world’s most expensive Barbie’ comes in a gown encrusted with 160 De Beers diamonds and costs $85,000. Presumably it’s not for kids, but who knows?

7. The M&S Christmas Hamper: Stuffed with the exclusive food and drink for all over the world, the Marks & Spencer hamper retailed for $1,500. It doesn’t seem to have hit the stores just yet this year…

8. Vertu mobile phone: If ‘gadget crime’ isn’t an issue, then the diamond encrusted Vertu mobile phone is just the job – that is if you have about $75,000 to spare.

9. Amour Amour Dog Collar: Not to leave out the least grasping member of the millionaire family, this diamond dog collar costs a cool $1.8m.

10. 3D Motion Simulator: The ultimate in big boys toys, this $300,000 simulator puts Nintendo and Sony in their place, allegedly.

Ofcourse all these gifts are nothing BUT frugal so, let’s heave a sigh of relief or envy perhaps and yes, move on…

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Plan ahead

Begin shopping for your noche buena dinner in November. Know your menu so you can streamline and schedule the purchases of ingredients. You can opt to buy the expensive ingredients this month and buy the cheaper ingredients on December so your budget for that month can accommodate for other pressing purchases.

Last year, my children and I spent our noche buena on a shoestring budget. Our menu was:

I managed to save a few some cash by:

1. Opting for pansit bijon rather than spaghetti. With the bijon, I used only 1 breast of a chicken, one pc of carrot and half a head of cabbage. This for a 1/2 kg bijon. To make the pansit real tasty, I used real chicken broth from scratch the day before;

2. I decided to shop for the vegetables in the regular market; It only cost me less than 100 pesos for the vegetables for the chopsuey, and hey, my chopsuey was meatless (1/2kg baguio beans; 1 pc. sayote; 1 pc. carrot; 1/4 head cabbage; 1 small head of brocolli) . For tasty chopsuey, use oyster sauce or hoisin sauce– 2 tsp will do.

3. For the fruit salad, I bought a cheaper fruit cocktail brand. I used 1 pack of branded cream and half a can of condensed milk.

Focus on your family

Good relationship within the family supersede good food. Try to focus on enjoying the company of your family and friends during the holidays. With some planning, you can actually have a frugal noche buena without ending high and dry financially…

Do you have any frugal ideas? Frugal Stories? Email me at frugal.pinoy@gmail.com

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Gifts for young children. For infants, I can suggest age-appropriate toys. Teething toys are practical, as well as toiletries. For toddlers, you can get them colorful educational toys.

Gifts for young girls ages 5-10. I would suggest something practical like bags with some Disney character on them– (read: High School Musical Characters, or Hannah Montana). Ofcourse there are a whole range of expensive items but you can always choose those that are not too expensive. Try those small pouches, picture frames, hair accessories and watches.

Gifts for young boys ages 5-10. Well, cartoon characters are still in. (Spiderman, Superman, Wall-E, and even High School Musical items) For boys I would suggest school items too, especially books. If the child is into GBA or Play Station, you can give GBA cartridges and discs.

Try buying your kiddie gifts from Kidz Kraze Children’s Bazaar at the Creative Trade Center Compound at #6 Industria St., Libis, Quezon City. You can visit them on November 14-15, 21-22, 28-30, and December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-23, from 9AM to 6PM on weekends and 1PM to 6PM on weekdays. They have alot of discounted branded toys, children’s clothing and shoes. [Via Shopcrazy]

For discounted books, National Bookstore’s Children’s Reading Fair is still on until November 16.

For more frugal suggestions or inquiries, send email to : frugal.pinoy@gmail.com

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Before planning anything, bear in mind the REAL reason why you want to celebrate the holidays. And to me, that does not mean celebration by consumption, because I am sure you can find other ways to celebrate the holidays other than hanging around the mall salivating over the high tech goodies and mulling over the 50% offs in the mall. Remember, stores have one primary thing in mind– TO GET YOU TO SPEND YOUR MONEY.

Here are a few ideas on how you can avoid breaking the bank during the holidays:

1. Avoid the malls like a plague. This is important because as early as October, the malls are already cranking up their advertising power to get you to spend some or more (even better) by shaving off or using “the we are on sale ploy.” Ofcourse, this would be a good opportunity for you to buy gifts and this leads me to the no. 2,

2. Avoid the malls like a plague. This is important because as early as October, the malls are already cranking up their advertising power to get you to spend some or more (even better) by shaving off or using “the we are on sale ploy.” Ofcourse, this would be a good opportunity for you to buy gifts and this leads me to the no. 2,

3. Give discounted gifts. If you need to buy a gift for an officemate, classmate, family member, children or spouse, October and November would be the best time to buy your gift for the holiday. You can get clothes off the rack or on discounted prices. You can buy CDs for your officemate and perhaps some toys for your children. If you really felt compelled to give gifts, then buy them at discounted rates. Just be careful and check out the items before paying for them because some discounted items especially clothing sometimes are damaged (missing buttons, imperfect hems, etc…)

4. Make a shopping list before hitting the malls to avoid other sale diversions. Buy what is necessary and get out of the mall. Your list has to item and shop specific, for example: if you want to give CDs to your nieces, decide on what CD and which CD place to buy before leaving the house.

5. Use debit cards instead of credit card. Debit cards are good as cash. This is why a budget and shopping list is important. You do not want to be buried in credit card bill during the holidays. Just imagine yourself paying off your credit bills on something you gave your officemates… Not to mention your forlorn face and agony when you see your credit card bill come January…

I know, I know… Christmas is giving, but we must give within our means. If we cannot pay for it in cash, we cannot afford it.

For more frugal suggestions and inquiries, send email to; frugal.pinoy@gmail.com

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