A friend of mine recently got engaged, but they just don’t have money for the ring that she wants, they spend a lot of time looking at engagement rings only to find they just can not afford them. So she decided that she would make a ring until they can actually save up for the one she really likes.

She has made hers out of metal, but you could use yarn or any other material that you like. This is a great way to show that you are engaged and her home made ring looks really unique and different. She gets complimented on it a lot and a few of the people she has met are doing the same thing. Many were just going to skip the ring, but now they have something to show that they are getting married.

What do you think, would you wear a home made engagement ring?

Right now many people are trying to get you to buy things you just don’t need to. They use advertising like best diet pills and buy one get one half off. Now these can be good deals if you actually need them, but most of the time you don’t or can at least put off buying it.

Instead of relying on thing you don’t need find free ways to do what you need to, take a walk to lose weight, trade for an item you want or want to try and make a social event out of it. have trading parties where everyone brings a dish to pass and something to trade. Theme it so you all have similar products, but something useful. One party could be for kids toys, another for jewelry or clothing.

Right now the best thing you can do with your money is spend it on things you need, food, home bills and maybe a few clothing items that you just can not trade, like undergarnments.

Spring and summer are a great time to check out some yard sales. You can find great deals on things like movies, books and furniture. The best part is that a lot of this stuff is in good shape as people are now looking for ways to get extra money, not just get rid of old items and useless stuff.

Recently I went to a few yard sales and got some great deals on children’s clothing, dishes and a gift for my mother too. Don’t discredit something used. If you never see a yard sale in your neighborhood, think about organizing a block yard sale that way you can find great deals and sell some things yourself.

I have a cat, I spoil her and give her a lot of love. At one point I was going to go out and buy a book on everything cats. Yes, that is how much I love my cat. Now though, I have found that the internet is a great place to find helpful information on cats and how to take  care of them.

Recently I decided that my cat needs to lose a few pounds, she doesn’t eat much, she just needs to move. So I went looking for cat games and found Raising Whiskers a great site with not only some great cat names, but some very helpful information on other cat related topics. My cat also has been haveing eyes problems, this site has a great section about cat eye deseases and how to treat them. I also love the section about traveling and flying with your pet.

If your new to having a cat this site also covers feeding and bonding with your cat. Many of the tips they have work as I have done these things myself with my cats. Bonding is very important when you want the cat to be nice and friendly toward you and your house guest.

There are a lot of great free tips here that can help you care correctly for your loved pet. Remember, don’t spend money on these tips books if you don’t have to. The internet is a great place to find ideas for pets and other things. Instead spend your money on food and toys for your pet.

So many people are now looking to the internet to make some much needed cash. They are signing up for things like life insurance leads and make money with Google so fast that many are not reading the fine print. Many, not all of these programs are scams. In fact my own step father recently did this, but once he got access to the website he realized it was a huge scam.

Yep, most of the things you will run across on your search to make money are scams. Even those post for mystery shopping, at home workers and online help needed that you see on job search sites are all scams. Why? Well lets look at mystery shopping, something I have been doing for over 5 years. If you click on these sites you will find that they want you to pay a lot of money to start shopping or they claim to give you a gift card to use for shopping. I will tell you now, never pay to shop and be very weary of any company that wants to send you a $1000 gift card. Some companies will send gift cards, but they are usually for $10-$20. Just enough for you to do that one shop. Keep in mind though these companies are very few and far between. If you are looking into mystery shopping check out the MSPA website, these are legitimate companies.

As for anything you will find online, don’t spend money if it is just for a kit or for access to a website. These usually will not be helpful and you will spend more money one these things then you would trying to find a real world job. If you like to write, get a blog, there are many free sites that host blogs out there. If you know something about websites start one up hosting is not very expensive and is a legitimate cost.

Most of all do research and be a Savey Spender when it comes to making money online. If you think before you act you should be okay.

On my home decor tips blog I talk a lot about saving money by updating your home. Right now it is hard for many people to get home loans so they are stuck where they are at. Now if you live in a home you own you can do some updating that is very cheep to make your home look and feel different. If you rent, you may want to see if they will allow you to make some changes for a discount in rent.

One way you can update your home on a savey spender budget is to check out new and different light fixtures. Light fixtures are easy to install as long as your putting them in existing areas. If your adding new you may want to call and electrician.

Another way to update your home is to paint, paint is inexpensive and can be changed easily. Choose colors that work will with your furniture and your life style, bold colors are great, but only if you have the furnishings to go with it.

The last cheep update is to change out handles in your kitchen and your bath. Sometimes updating just those little things can change the look of the room. If you don’t have handles on your cabinets skip this tip and update your faucets. Find a stylish faucet and it will do wonders for your kitchen and bath.

Looking to save some cash? If you have already cut your eating out, and getting your hair done your doing well. But if you are still looking for some extra cash you should take a look at the following and cut those out as well.

10. That expensive coffee drink. You think you need it, but really you could make better at home.

9. The gym membership. It’s summer, take a walk outside and buy a couple of free weights.

8. That weight loss supplement that doesn’t work. Figure out what motivates you to not do something and think of that every time you go to over eat.

7. Gas. Plan your day out so that you don’t leave the house more then once. If you have a date or important event, take your clothes with you to work and change there or somewhere else.

6. Expensive diet foods. Again some of these are just not worth the price, buy them on sale if you must get them. Better yet, buy your food in bulk and make your own meals ahead of time.

5. The extra stuff for your cell phone. Do you really need another new ring tone or a new game? Cut out those tiny expenses and put the money to good use.

4. Expensive clothing. Thrift shop, sometimes you can find that same brand name shirt for a lot less then you would pay at a store.

3. Internet. If you have to have it, see if you have a close neighbor that is willing to split the bill with you. If you can share the cost and use a wireless router you both will save some money.

2. Movie and movie rentals. Have a movie night with all of your friends and take turns paying for the movie and snacks.

1. Throwing things out. Reuse everything. You can use the plastic bags you get at the store for trash. reuse milk jugs for planters or to hold other liquid in and use already used dryer sheets in your dresser drawers to keep your clothing smelling nice.

Looking for a cheep way to lose weight? I know I am always looking for one, but have you thought about just going out and takeing a walk? Joining a gym can be very expensive and buying exercise equipment like an elliptical is not only expensive but it takes up space.

Takeing a walk around your town can make you more aware of your surroundings while giving you a great workout. You may also discover some things you didn’t know about where you live, like the new restaurant on 4th street or the bookstore that sells the exact book you have been looking 2 years for. You may also meet someone new and create a new friendship, business contact or even find someone to date if your in that department.

Yes you may spend some extra money here and there at or on your new discoveries, but if you exercise not only your body, but your common sense you should be okay. Most of all remember to have fun.

I am a direct jewelery seller. I love what I do and I try to be as considerate as possible to everyone I encounter. Recently I had a run in with a Mary Kay women who was pushy and in the end screwed me over. I hope that you never have to deal with what I have and give you these savey tips to keep you out of direct sales trouble.

The first is always take your first impression literally. I have dealt with a few direct sales people in my time and if you like them right off then do business with them. If you do not, then back away and be rude if you have to. This is what I should have done.

Make sure you get everything in writing. You should have a copy of your receipt and a copy of the return policy. If your hosting this should be given to you right from the start. If your attending a party make sure the hostess has it and you also get a copy.

If there is a problem try to get things in writing. Also don’t always trust the word of the direct seller as they will do anything to get a sale.

If possible give feedback on the seller to the origination they work for. Most places want to hear both good and bad things about the people they have selling their product.

Remember you don’t have to run from someone in direct sales. It’s a growing form of business and will keep growing. It’s also a great place to get good deals on things from Jewelery to cookware. Not all direct sellers are bad people, just a few seem to be overeager or out for blood.