Outdoor lighting is a very popular upgrade for home improvement. This form of additional lighting to the home improves the beauty of your front or even back lawn. When properly implemented, outdoor lighting can provide enough light for night activities for your family and friends. It’s also one of the recommended security measures for your home since lights will usually stave off burglars from your home.

But outdoor lighting is not just placing a lamp in various places outside your home. There are certain factors you should consider before attaching any lighting fixtures outside your house or else you’ll end up spending a lot in lighting up the exterior of your property.
1. Know more about your lawn - a good way to prevent excessive purchases on lamps and other lighting fixtures is to know exactly what you need. Evaluate your lawn and see the appropriate lighting that you need to add.
2. Functionality and style - it is important to have a good looking outdoor lighting fixture in your property. However, you might end up spending too much without gaining the proper lighting coverage that you need. Aside from style, check if the lights you’re considering should be enough to cover your lawn.
3. Check with your home insurance provider - outdoor lighting can help you save on home insurance since it’s considered an added security for your property. Talk to your home insurance provider on the required lighting in order to have the right outdoor lighting that will secure your area.
4. Consider motion detectors - if you’re not very particular about outdoor lighting but would like to have increased security, consider motion detectors. This will not only help you protect your property but will also help you save on your electric bill.
5. Consider low voltage lighting - the improvement of technology has also prompted new gadgets that will still be efficient but can help you save on electricity. Look for outdoor lights that have low voltage lighting to prevent spending too much on electricity bills. Remember that your outdoor lights might stay on for more than eight hours.
6. Consider PV outdoor lights - PV or photovoltaic are relatively expensive form of lighting fixture for the outdoors but can offer great savings in the long run. This type ofoutdoor lighting converts sunlight into electricity that should be enough to power the outdoor fixture for the night.
7. Avoid using too much decorative outdoor lamps - it doesn’t even matter if you use electricity or gas for decorative lamps. They may look good from the outside but it will cost you considerably if you don’t switch them off before you sleep at night.
8. Use CFL Lights - If you’re not looking for a decorative lighting fixture in your property, consider using CFL for outdoor use. Just make sure that you’re using CFL in outdoors that will not go below 40 degrees since CFL lights will not work in this temperature range.
9. Sunlight is your friend – aside from powering your PV lights, the sun can become your security outdoor lighting. Monitor the time of the day the sun rises so that you can switch off the outdoor lighting as soon as the sun rises. It may require you to be out of bed for a few minutes, but it’s a great money saving technique.
10. Keep it simple – you don’t need to have expensive outdoor lighting fixtures to have the security and beauty you need for your home. Keep it simple as the lights you use at night will naturally make your outdoor look better.

Do you agree with stores offering discounts to only card holders?

Beat The Recession Recommends:

Clothing/Appearance

Buy used clothing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average consumer spends about $1,850 a year on clothing and its upkeep. You can potentially cut that in half by shopping at consignment shops, auctions and thrift stores.

If you must buy new, buy in the off season. This is especially great for kids’ clothes because you know they generally go up one size each year. Plan ahead and budget for this. You can also buy clothing at name-brand outlets, factory outlets, or secondary department stores (where department stores send their overstocks).

Buy less cost-related clothing; choose fabrics and designs that are easy both to wear and maintain. Watch out for “Dry Clean Only” and instead choose garments that you can care for at home.

Cut back on makeup and perfumes. Or look for sales and buy generic brands. Most people won’t notice the difference.

Donate old clothes to charitable organizations and keep track of their values to use as a charitable donation tax write-off. Go to http://www.itsdeductible2.com for a guide on the value of donated items.

Communications/Cell Phones

Instead of calling, use e-mail. It’s free (if you already have an Internet connection) and you will save money on your long distance phone bill. Also, comparison shop long distance plans and find one that works well with your calling style.

Write a letter. It only costs a bit more than a quarter to send and it will help you improve your writing and communication skills.

Keep track of your calling minutes to make sure you don’t go over your allotted time. Most long distance and cell phone companies have high charges for extra minutes. If you consistently exceed your plan’s minutes, upgrade your plan. The extra monthly cost for the next step up is usually much less than the extra charges for more minutes.

Shop around for cell phone plans. Cell phone companies and plans vary widely, so compare carefully. Now you can even take your cell number with you if you switch providers. Before switching from your current company, call them and tell them you are about to switch and see if they will match or beat their competitor’s offer.

Funeral Arrangements

Make your wishes known about your funeral, memorial, or burial arrangements in writing. Don’t leave this decision to the ones you leave behind.

Before selecting a funeral home, call several and ask for prices of specific goods and services, or visit them to obtain an itemized price list. You are entitled to this information by law and, by using it to comparison shop, you can save hundreds of dollars.

Many funeral homes offer prepaid plans, but be cautious about prepaying because there may be risks involved. For information about the least costly options, which could save you several thousand dollars, contact a local memorial society, which is usually listed in the Yellow Pages under funeral services.

Keep your discretionary spending in check by modifying your spending habits. Evaluate your apparel and communications spending and see how you can improve. Jot down your wishes concerning your future memorial service and put them with your will and trust. Downsize or even eliminate those extra dollars that just disappear each month and put them to good use, such as paying off debt or investing. Soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier financial you.
Beat The Recession Recommends:

But home improvement could be a costly endeavor especially if you’re not aware on how to properly implement them. Avoid these problems by doing these simple practices when you’re considering improving your home.

1. DIY (Do-it-yourself)

The best money saving technique in home improvement is to implement the home improvement without the help of any contractor. If you have some experience or, at least, knowledge on how to fix some parts of your house, you will be saving hundreds of dollars since you will no longer need additional help. Just make sure that you can actually finish the project to avoid further expenses.

2. Know what you can do

Unless you’re an experienced contractor or house developer, you need to know which part of home improvement you can do without any assistance. Remember that some projects can’t be easily implemented without the assistance of professionals.

3. Get Estimates

Competition among contractors is very fierce that it’s already a constant practice for contractors to offer free estimates of a project. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to at least three contractors so that you can get the best offer possible. They know that you will not just accept the first offer so they will try to beat their competition’s estimate.

4. Shop for the materials

One of the most expensive parts of the project is the materials. Instead of allowing contractors to purchase the materials (with mark-up) for your property, shop for the materials yourself. You could gain considerable savings since you will not have to pay for marked-up materials.

5. Get References

A great money saving tip in home improvement is to ask your neighbors for recommended contractors. Most have already worked with contractors so they can give you a name or two and how they have worked in various projects.

6. Family Project

Doing home improvement without any assistance from professionals could be difficult. But if you already know how you can work on the project, you can ask your family to assist you inhome improvement. Make this a weekend project so that you can slowly implement home improvement without extra hand from professionals.

7. Consider Safety Features

When you’re trying to make some changes in your property, consider adding some safety gadgets or materials. This is not an immediate money saving technique but it will since it will protect you, your family and your property from accidents.

8. Select Project Based-Charges

There are contractors that will charge based on specific assignments. This setting will be favorable to property owners since contractors will no longer charge per day. Choosing time bound assignments may prompt your contractor to slow down the assignment which will only add charges on the final bill.

9. Be Smart about Scams

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams that could happen during home improvement. Never allow any contractor to approach you presenting their services. Only allow contractors to work in your property if you need them.

10. Seek Government Grants

Aside from doing the project without any professional assistance, seeking a government grant is a great money saving tip for home improvement. Contact your local authorities if they you under a certain criteria that will allow you to receive government grant in home improvement.

Home improvement should never be an expensive project. Know which projects you can do on your own or compare rates well so that you can get the best contractor.

(1) Clip your dog’s nails
Many dogs hate having their nails clipped. If you start when they are puppies, they will be more accustomed to this, as opposed to starting this custom on an older dog. I suggest you have someone help you if the dog gets fidgety. Your helper can rub your doggie’s tummy or ears to relax them, take to them in loving tones, as you clip away. Remember not to cut into the dog’s “quick”. The quick is the blood vessel in pet dog (as well as cat) nail.
Your dog’s nail should be cut every 2-4 weeks.
Monthly savings: $15 a month.
(2) 3 year shots
Many vets now offer 3 year shots. The typical cost for a vet visit (exam and shots) could run upwards of $100, and more if you have a stool sample analyzed or heart work test. If you are really struggling financially, I suggested finding a vet that offer 3 years shots, to save yourself $200 (Year 1 – $100, Year 2 – $0.00, Year 3 – $0.00; start over again Year 4 – $100). You can save the extra money for a pet emergency, or other medical issue that may rise unexpectedly.
Bi-yearly savings: $200
(3) Groom your own dog
The cost of a grooming session for dogs can range anywhere from $20-$40 (or more). Dog shampoo cost $10 a bottle, and can last for up to a year. If you have a shower with a removable shower sprayer, you can bath Fido in the tub. Set aside some towels that are earmarked for you dog’s use.
Monthly savings: $30-40 a month.
(4) Brush your dog’s teeth
A visit to the vet for a teeth cleaning runs anywhere from $100-$300. If you get in the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth, and keeping plaque off, then you dog will not need a dental exam. Dental exams also require your dog to be anesthetized, which can be harmful if your dog has a heart condition. Many vets require blood work be done before anesthetization, which could increase the cost of the visit as well.
Dental cleaning savings: $100 – $300
(5) Ask for coupons
I personally use Natural Balance for my dogs, and the prices have been slowly creeping up. I called the company to ask for coupons, and they sent me an entire envelope full.
Savings: $1 – $10

(6) Find rabies clinics in your community
My town offers $10 rabies shot once per year. Adult dogs only need their rabies shots once every 3 years, a puppy needs their rabies shots at 5 months, one year later, then every 3 years (once the reach adult age). However, when it is time for their rabies shots, I find comfort knowing that the cost is only $20 for two dogs.
Rabies shot cost: $10 per dog (saves you a vet visit)
Hopefully, these tips afford you the opportunity to save.
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Valentines Day!

Dating and saving money. For many, the two concepts don’t equate. There’s an automatic reaction for most when suggesting the two together that the person paying is trying to be “cheap” and the resulting date will naturally have the same feel. Contrary to popular belief, however, dating doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun, entertaining and memorable.

* * *

It doesn’t even have to take a whole lot of extra preparation time. What it does take is a little imagination and breaking from the typical date routine. You have to be willing to think beyond dinner and a movie and be willing to try something new for a change. Here are 15 inexpensive dating ideas: 10 for anyone plus 5 for the adventurous.

Natural Scenery: The beauty of nature is all around us and it doesn’t cost a dime. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a walk in the forest or a search into a cave, it can be done together for practically nothing. Take the time to find the natural scenic spots in your area and utilize them for your dates.

Sports: If you and your date are both athletic, sport activities together can be a great way to spend your time. Play a set of tennis, jog in the park, toss a Frisbee about, play catch with a baseball or football or shoot some baskets. Whichever you choose, you can spend quality time at minimal cost and get some exercise in, too.

Picnic: Picnics are great for dates because they can be taken along wherever you plan to go for the day and they cost a fraction of going out for a meal. They also can be made as casual or as romantic as you want. Take a casual picnic meal, add some cheese & wine along with a red rose and the picnic instantly takes on a romantic feel.

Historic Places & Buildings: It seems the only time people go looking at the historic landmarks near where they live is when visitors come from out of town. Many of these historic or culturally significant spots have no or small entrance fees and make a great place to go on a date. You also get to learn more about the area you live.

Meal/Evening At Home: Cook up a meal at home and spend the evening watching movies or some other activity such as a board game. The meal most likely will be better than at a restaurant and the evening will cost a fraction of what going out to dinner and a movie would cost. Cook the meal together to spend even more time together, or do it yourself as a special surprise.

Memory Album: Take your camera or purchase an inexpensive disposable camera and make a day of taking photos together. Make a theme for the day if you want or just take any crazy photo that comes to mind. Once finished, get the photos 1 hour processed and create a memory album together for the day that will live on forever.

Museums: If you have museums in your area, they can be an excellent place to enjoy an inexpensive date. Admission prices are usually reasonable and often they have discounts for those attending a number of events over the year.

Learn A New Skill: Gather some information on a skill you always wanted to learn and spend a day practicing it together. It could be a day of learning card tricks, learning how to juggle or learning to make bird calls. Any skill you have always wanted to try can make a fun and interesting date.

College Events: If you live near a college or university, utilize their resources for your dates. Guest lectures, music recitals, art exhibitions and plays are common and are often free of charge. The quality can be excellent and the variety enormous.

Hobby Together: You can set a regularly scheduled date if the two of you have a hobby you both enjoy. You can look in the local community newsletter to see if there are classes being offered in something that interests both of you. These classes are usually quite inexpensive and the two of you can enjoy a few hours each week together learning something new.

For those who are looking for an inexpensive date with some adventure involved, here are five more options that are sure to make the evening memorable:

Local Thrift Shop Date: Plan a date someplace where there are a lot of people. Before going, head down to the local thrift shop together. Once there, specify a small amount of money to purchase clothing or accessories for the other and both head off in different directions. The goal is to find items the other has to wear for the rest of the day/evening within the price specified. The entertainment is seeing the reaction from all the people who see your new outfit as you wander the crowded area.

Follow Them Date: As the two of you meet, you look around and pick somebody out on the street. The date is to follow that person where ever he or she goes. Once that person has stopped or you can no longer follow them, pick another person to follow. Your bound to have loads of laughs as you attempt to stay with your designated guide.

Scavenger Hunt Date: When your date arrives, have him or her make a list of what he or she considers to be 20 unusual items. Once the list is made, the date will be to try and find as many of those items as possible.

Truth Or Dare Date: Pick some spots in your area to visit, but play truth or dare along the way. It doesn’t really matter where you go since the entertainment is doing the various dares that the other gives in addition to telling all the truths.

Bag Of Dates: Put each of the dates I just mentioned, plus any others that you come up with, onto a separate sheet of paper and place them in a bag. When your date comes to the door, have him or her reach inside and choose a piece of paper. Whichever one is chosen is your date for the day/evening.

Beat The Recession Recommends:

However bad things may seem, I still believe everyone can get back on track. It may take several years of perseverance, dedication, humility, and hard work, but it can happen. Just as it is with many other difficulties we are presented with in life, there is no quick fix. We have to stick with with it and persevere.

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall

If you’re trying to find a way to get back on track financially, here are 5major points that I feel you should consider:

1. Take Responsibility for Where You are, Right Now

· Whatever circumstances may have thrown you off-track, if your feet had been on really solid ground things would likely have turned out better. (For example: depending on your age at the start of your financial difficulties, if you were able to have had a nice savings built up by that time… you might have been able to handle whatever came your way.)

· I know that this step is not easy, and it may even take you a long time to come to this point, but however long it takes, you just need to get there.

· Accept it. Then move on with your life to make it better!

2. Do Whatever it Takes to Keep Your Head Above Water–as Long as it’s Legal!

· If you need extra money to pay your “already cut back as far as they can go” bills, then find a way to make more money, legally, and immediately. This is not the time to be looking for the ideal part-time job, just get one.

· If you have already filed bankruptcy, or are already signed up for a repayment plan, it is even more critical that you stay afloat.

3. Make a Plan and Get Out of Debt

· Make a list of all your debts, including minimum monthly payments, interest rates, and current balances.

· If you have more than one or two debts you’ve got several choices when deciding which one to pay off first. After listing your debts and the monthly amount due on each one, choose one of the following to pay off faster (with any extra money you can afford to send):

o The bill with the smallest balance. (This is usually my recommendation as it yields more surplus money quickly, which can then be put towards the remaining debts–or the one with the next smallest balance.)

o The bill with the largest minimum payment. (Similar results as above.)

o The oldest bill. (This can be necessary if a debt has gone into collections, or is past due–medical bills are also a good example, even though they may have 0% interest. They will send bills to collections if gone unpaid too long.)

o The bill that’s the most behind. (If you have several bills that are overdue, you’ll have to prioritize them according to your particular situation. You may have to juggle the debts each month until you get completely caught up, rotating the payments so that none of them get too far behind. Speak to each creditor personally and see what can be worked out, some may be more willing to work with you than others.

o The bill with the highest interest rate. (Or the highest fees you’re incurring because you’re behind.)

o The bill (company) that you need to use again soon and won’t be able to unless it’s paid – for example, your basic necessities… housing, food, utilities and medical care.

· Stick to your debt repayment plan as best you can, no matter how long it takes to get things right. Remember…

o Perseverance

o Dedication

o Humility

o Hard Work

o NO FEAR!!!

4. Keep Track of Your Monthly Expenses

· Before you can create a household budget, you’ve got to know what your monthly and annual expenses are.

· Write your expenses down for 30 days if you’re not sure where your money is going. Take a look at your expenses over the last year to get an idea of annual expenses, such as taxes, insurance and subscription services.

· Total each expense on a budget worksheet

5. Create a BUDGET for All Future Expenses

· Whatever budgeting method you choose to use, even if it’s just a plain sheet of paper each month, make a plan for all of your annual expenses on a month-to-month basis. In other words, if you have an insurance bill due in December for $600.00, ideally you’ll set aside $50.00 each month throughout the year. Treat it just as though you’re making monthly payments to the insurance company. If you’re afraid you’ll spend the money you’re setting aside, put it in an interest bearing savings account.

· If your monthly budget totals a sum greater than your monthly income, you basically have two choices. Well, three.

o Cut your expenses further.

o Increase your income.

o Put your head in the sand and ride the storm out, there just might be something left when it’s over. (If you choose this option, please select one the other two as soon as you can handle it. You’ll be so glad you did!)

Beat The Recession Recommends:

I know, it’s supposed to be the thought that counts with gifts. But, I don’t really agree with that policy. I mean, if you are going to spend money on a gift, shouldn’t it be something that the person is actually going to use and like? Shouldn’t it be something that isn’t going to go to waste? I think so. And I also think there are some generally safe gifts to buy women, men, children, that won’t break the bank, but will always be appreciated.

Today, I offer up some really great under $50 gift ideas for women – the mother, sister, wife, daughter, friend, co-worker in your life who really doesn’t need or want flannel pajamas! I’ll also cover kids and men in the segments to follow. Good luck!

Flowers
I don’t know a woman who doesn’t like flowers. No matter how much of a tough cookie she may be. Flowers are fresh, vibrant, and you can get a really beautiful bouquet for under $50 easily if you shop online at places like FTD.com or 1-800-Flowers. If giving just one bouquet seems a little meager, then consider sharing a flower-of-the month service with another person in your family. The thought is beautiful and this gift will really be remembered for a long time coming. Every month to be exact.

Gift Certificates
You know that store? The store that always gets your heart rate up as soon as you see her walk in the room with shopping bags from that store? Go to that store, and get her a gift certificate. She will love it, guaranteed. I know some people think that gift certificates are boring, but I say bah humbug to that. Who wouldn’t want a free spin around their most favorite store? I think gift certificates are brilliant, and were specifically created for men to give to women. Do not shy away from the G.C. G.C.’s are good, really really good.

Party
Okay, maybe she’s a busy mom taking care of your children. Or maybe she’s in school and she’s on a budget these days. Whatever the case may be, I don’t know anyone that doesn’t need to get out of the house and just meet up with friends for a good time here and there. So, go to a wine bar in your area, or a cute coffee/dessert shop, and purchase a $50 store credit there. Your lady can treat her friends for coffee on a lazy Saturday morning. Not only is it supporting her having her girl’s night out, but it’s also a great way for her to connect with friends and to keep her happy and sane. You can obviously apply this store credit concept to a lot of different activities, but the point is, you’re saying hey, go out, have a good time, I’ll take care of the kids/dinner/the dog, etc. She will appreciate it.

Obviously, these ideas just scratch the surface of gift ideas for ladies. In the next two segments, you’ll get some other unique ideas, and you might be able to cross-over and find some more gift ideas for ladies in the other segments. Happy shopping!

Have a great Tip?
Email us at Tips@BeatTheRecession.com