Frugal Quack

We found these sexy reusable grocery bags online via ReUseit.com for less than $10 each.

1. Pack N Tote Extra Large Grocery Tote

Large and in charge for less than $10. Grocery Cart Helper Bag, Blue

2. Organic Cotton String Bag

This one is great for those who prefer an open and airy bag, not too mention perfect great for the Summer and or for produce. ACME Bags – Organic Cotton String Shopping Bag, Long Handle less than $10.

3. Baggu Collapsible Shopping Bag

Colorful collapsible shopping bag for all of $7.95

4. Original Chico Bag in Blue

The original Chico Bag in blue. $5.95 ChicoBag Original Reusable Shopping Bag, Blue

5. Chico Bag in Green and Purple.

This one is a little extra sexy, so it’s 11.95 and not under $10. ChicoBag Compact Reusable Shopping Bag, Blossom Collection, Cherry Blossom

Tags: cheap grocery tote, low cost shopping tote, reusable grocery bag under ten

This is a guest post by Mikaela Watson.

We live in tough economic times, and as such people are looking for ways to save money.  With soaring gas prices, anyone who drives can save a significant amount of money with a few good tips. Here are ten ways to save money on gas that will not break the bank.

1. Maintain a Constant Speed
On highways and interstates, make sure you use your cruise control to keep a steady speed.  Driving over 60 mph decreases your fuel efficiency. Therefore, do not be a speed demon.  Slowing down WILL save you money on gas.

2. Air Conditioning
If you are sitting in traffic, turn the air off and roll down the window.  However, if you are on the highway, you should still use the air conditioner instead of rolling down the windows (too much drag affects fuel efficiency in a different way).  The best way to save money is to keep the air conditioning off, if you can stand it.

3. Keep up Maintenance
If you have maintenance problems that need repaired, do not ignore them!  You might think that you cannot afford it. However, it will actually save you money in the end, because certain defects with the vehicle can reduce gas mileage (and if a problem gets worse, it’ll be more expensive – car problems don’t just go away like a cold or fever).  You should make sure that you change the oil regularly.  The oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or every three months.  Your air filter should also be regularly checked.

4. Tires
Make sure your tires have an adequate amount of air in them. Keeping your tires inflated can improve fuel efficiency by up to four percent. It also expends the life of your tires, which can save you money.  You should also have your tires aligned.

5. Carpool
If you have other people from your office who live nearby, consider carpooling. You could even possibly share a car with your spouse if they work near your place of employment.  Many offices advertise carpooling on the bulletin board, or you could send out an email to everyone in the company asking if anyone watch to share a ride. This could literally cut your gas expenses in half (or more).

6. Look at your Gas Cap
Many cars on the road actually have broken or defective gas caps…so you need to check yours.  You also need to make sure that it is on securely. If gas fumes escape from your vehicle, it will hurt your fuel economy.

7. Brake Correctly
If you ride with your foot on the brake, it will cost you more in gas.  It will also make your brake pads wear out quicker.  In addition, the most gas is used when you are accelerating, so do NOT speed up and then slam the brakes.

8. Do not Idle
If your vehicle is stopped for more than 25 seconds, you should turn it off.  In addition, you might be tempted to go outside and warm your car up on a cold morning.  This will actually cost you more money in gas.  If you are stuck in traffic or in a long line, turn your vehicle off.

9.  Research Stations
Gas prices will vary among stations. Therefore, you should know which stations have the lowest prices.  Know when certain stations offer discounts, and check websites that list the lowest gas prices in your area.  Some stations offer discounts if you use cash, and some stations offer discounts for using a certain credit card.

10. No Premium!
High octane refers to gas that can be compressed more.  It is not necessary to purchase this type of gas unless your vehicle requires it. Regular gas is around 20 cents cheaper, and premium is not something that will make that much of a difference, performance wise.

Mikaela Watson likes to write about green energy, couponing & Homeequityloan.net.

With the economy tanking badly right now the way it is, everyone is out to save a buck and or keep more in the bank. From using coupons to shopping online and everything else in between the consensus is simple – shop smart and save money whenever and wherever you can. And one thing many are doing is turning to the web, using iPhone apps or via various other tools to do just that.

With that in mind, we decided to scour the iTunes store and see what good frugal iPhone apps I could find that would be helpful or useful to women. Below are three of our findings.

1. Text Free Unlimited -

If your cell phone service provider doesn’t have or charges too much to add unlimited texting, then web based texting is your next best bet. This free app allows you to receive and send texts to others at no charge. This is great for those who text a lot and or simply want a low cost option to their cell phone providers texting plan.

2. Scout Mob -

This cool app scours the web for low cost eateries in whatever zip code you search. Are you in the mood for BBQ ribs? Maybe a Mexican joint? Well no cuisine is out of reach with this very cool app. Great for foodies on a budget and or those who love a sweet meal and deal. It’s simple, intuitive and free. Find it on the web via the iTunes store or search via your iPhone directly.

3. Gas Buddy -

Everyone is concerned with the high price of gas and how best to conserve. It’s a viable concern and one that affects us all, whether we drive or not. However if you are a driver and are looking for smart and easy ways to save. Try this free iPhone app that lets you search and compare rates on various gas stations throughout your city and state. A time and gas saver in one. Works as you would imagine, by typing in a zip code or city name and then choosing the gas station you think has the better rate without having to drive 20 miles to get to it.

There are many more frugal iPhone apps out there, but the three profiled above should help you score some big savings. As a woman who looks out for the family’s budget, no doubt this a boon for you. Try one or all since they’re free and let us know how they fare for you.

Article contributed by a guest who writes about personal finance, debt counseling and frugal living. When Missy is not busy cutting coupons and looking for a good deal, she loves to bike and hike in her hometown of Chicago.

Tags: fuel saving iphone apps, gas saving iphone apps

Are you under a stringent budget plan after you have enrolled with a debt consolidation program? But still you could not resist the temptation to buy that beautiful evening gown that you saw last day. You must be cursing yourself for getting in to debt and you wish there was no monetary constrictions so that you could add those coveted items to your closets.

Here are a few tips to shop for fashionable clothes on a budget:

1. Research on prices:

When you are planning to buy clothes make sure that you compare the prices on each dress. You can conduct an online research in order to get the best deal on fashionable clothes and designer outfits. It will help you get an idea where to find clothes at affordable price in accordance with your budget.

2. Opt for discounts:

Discount stores offer good deal but you are required to do an extensive search in order to get the dress that you desire to buy. Remember that these are the best places where you can get designer outfits on discounted price. You can get 25% to 50% off on labeled prices on branded attires. Make sure that you visit these discount stores when you plan to buy clothes next time to do frugal shopping.

3. Get your dress stitched:

You can get hold of a tailor who works for these designers so that you can get the same item stitched. Try to get the latest edition of a fashion magazine, take it to the tailor so that you can get the same dress stitched. You can manage to get the same item at affordable price with the same fit that will make many heads turn in the party.

4. Look for online sales:

You can check the departmental store websites in order to check the sale section. If you buy online then the prices will be less in comparison to the actual shop. You can easily enjoy shopping online at low price. It will not be difficult to find things that you want as all the items are categorized in accordance with its type.

Your trendy image will not suffer because of your financial crisis if you keep the aforementioned tips in mind. Make sure that you shop wisely so that you can spice up your closet economically and also manage to stay in the limelight.

Tags: debt reduction tips and ideas

Now here’s a gift just about anyone can take advantage of – a discount deal on an iTunes gift card.

For a limited time, you can snag a $25 iTunes gift card for only $17.50 a HUGE 30% off discount that’s being offered up by daily deal site Saveology. An iTunes gift card can be used to purchase music, movies and or games for use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod. Great for teens, men, women, and well anyone who owns an Apple device.

Whether this is a buy for yourself, a family member or a friend – now is a great time to score a $25 iTunes gift card for only $17.50 at Saveology.

Tags: 25 itunes gift card promo, itunes gift card discount deal, saveology