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Archives for March 2012

6 Ways to Cut the Price of a Haircut

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Tom Magliery)

Saving money on routine services is a great way to stretch your dollars. One such routine service is haircuts. In an effort to save my family money, I learned through researching, watching tutorials, and trial-and-error to cut my family’s hair.

Recently, my husband has entrusted his hair to my care. Yikes! Though I was a bit nervous, the product looked great. Whew! Relieved because I did not want to butcher it. 🙂

If you are not ready to cut your family’s hair or your own but still want to save at the barber/salon, consider these 6 ways to cut the price of a haircut while stretching your dollars:

1. Become a Facebook Fan

“Like” your favorite barber/salon establishment to keep up with special offers, discounts, and coupons.

2. Sign up for the Newsletter

If your favorite business offers an e-mail newsletter, then sign up. You will get first notification of sales, coupons, discounts, and special offers delivered to your inbox.

3. Check the Website

Some companies like SuperCuts offer coupons on their website. You can print this coupon for $5 off a SuperCut’s haircut, valid through April 10, 2012. The limit is one coupon per customer. Click here to find a SuperCut’s location near you.

4. Look for Grand Openings

If you are not picky about your haircut, then watch for grand openings. Salons and barbers will offer great specials at grand openings. To find these, look for roadside banners, newspaper advertisements, and radio and television spots.

5. Gather Coupons

I find coupons in the newspaper, home mailers, on-line, and on the back of grocery store receipts. Since I do not cut my hair, I use Great Clips coupons from the back of my Bi-Lo receipts.

These coupons offer an $11 haircut for $4.99 to $6.99. Thankfully, I found a wonderful hairdresser, who understands my hair, and I call before coming to verify her schedule.

6. Consider Cosmetology Schools

Though it takes more time, getting a haircut or treatment through a cosmetology school significantly cuts the price. To get my hair colored at a salon costs $60, but the cosmetology school costs $25. The saving is fantastic, but I do spend an extra hour at the school versus the salon. When I take the time, the savings are worth it.

By becoming a Facebook fan, signing up for the newsletter, checking the website, looking for grand openings, gathering coupons, and considering cosmetology schools, you can cut your out-of-pocket cost on haircuts while stretching your dollars.

Without a friend or family member to cut your hair, you can still save without paying full price. Keep watch because savings are available with a little effort while you continue using time wisely.

Question: Do you pay full price for your hair needs?

Family Activities: Recreational District Events

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Our recreational districts host some of the most creative activities for my children. In our area of South Carolina, we are fortunate enough to live near three recreational districts. Each offers sports teams, community events, and activities.

Soccer Season 2008

Sports Teams

When looking for a soccer program for our son, we found that our city’s league was over $70 per child. Did I mention my son was three at the time? As I picked my jaw off the floor, I decided to look elsewhere for a soccer program.

After a little research, I found a 6-week program through the recreational district in the next city over for $25 per child. Now, that’s my type of program.

Through this program, my son learned the skills of soccer, as there were no teams or games. For a three-year old, this format was fantastic. Our family enjoyed the one-hour practice time outdoors as our son learned the game, rules, and skills.

Having loved soccer, my son requested basketball and t-ball sessions. All three of the programs met our expectations. In fact, my son played these sports while he was 3-5 years old. We upgraded him to a soccer team when he turned 6, but the recreational district programs prepared him for the games.

Our recreational districts offer sporting events for children, teens, and adults. Teams are usually on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the program fills, then remaining entrants have to wait for the next session.

Halloween 2010

Community Events

Our recreational districts offer free to inexpensive community events. From free Touch a Truck events, where construction and monster vehicles fill the park for participants to climb up and “drive,” to $5-$6 events for Leprechaun O’Gala (St. Patrick’s Day), Flashlight Easter Egg Hunts, Enchanted Tracks (Halloween), and Polar Express (Christmas) activities, our recreational districts give great opportunities for family fun.

Adult events include walks, runs, floating rubber ducks down a river, food tasting, and fairs (Scottish, Renaissance, etc.). These gatherings promote healthy living and community unity.

Inflatable Fun 2012

Activities

Besides the sports and events, some recreational districts offer on-going activities. Some of these activities are water parks, hiking trails, ice skating, inflatable zones, playground equipment, and train rides. For my family, spending time at the recreational district is a blast. My children look forward to visiting as often as possible since they enjoy the programs, events, and activities.

To find your recreational districts, do a search on your favorite search engine:

1. Go to www.SwagBucks.com (You are earning free Swag Bucks for rewards and prizes, aren’t you?)

2. Type “(YOUR CITY) recreational district.”

3. Type “(CITY NEAR YOU) recreational district.”

4. Type “(YOUR COUNTY) recreational district.”

Hopefully, you will find one or more recreational districts. When you do, look over their schedule to find sports teams, community events, and activities that your family will enjoy. While using time wisely, enjoy your family time. Happy planning!

Question: Do you take part in events with your recreational district?

Note: This post has an affiliate link to SwagBucks.com. If you register through my link, Using Time Wisely will be compensated with Swag Bucks at no cost to you. My disclosure policy details my affiliate relationships.

Food on the Table: Lifetime Menu Planning Subscription for FREE

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Photograph Credit: Food on the Table

Wow, Food on the Table extended their free lifetime subscription for another month! If February got away from you, then don’t delay.

Food on the Table is a menu planning service that combines sales at your local grocery stores with your meal preferences. For those busy seasons when you still want to save money, energy, and time, Food on the Table comes to your rescue.

Though I plan our family’s meals by what food I have on hand, I love the inspiration and recipes Food on the Table offers. To sign up for this free lifetime subscription, click on this link for step-by-step instructions. Just enter the new promotional code: MARFREE.

This service normally allows you to plan 3 free meals a month before receiving a $5 charge. With your free subscription, you will get free menu planning for life! Don’t hesitate. Go sign up. Even if you don’t need it now, you might need it next year. Happy savings!

Using Time Wisely: Counting my Blessings (35- 48)

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Amelia Thornton)

Having had a very difficult week, I really need this post. My 81-year-old Grandma suddenly passed away last weekend. In an effort to help my Mom, our family traveled the twelve hours home.

Though hanging out with my Mom was fantastic, the emotional strain was hard to endure.

On top of dealing with my spunky Grandma’s death, I had committed to Blogelina’s 100 Comments Event which began during my visit home.

By the time our family traveled back to our house, I was behind on everything and tired.

Having taken a couple of days to fulfill my commitments and get some extra rest, I am gaining momentum. As I relax and reminisce on the events of the week, I am, continuing where I left off, counting these blessings:

35. A Grandma, who loved the Lord, served others, and lived what she taught.

36. The time I got to spend with my Grandma, talking to her via Skype these last few months.

37. A dependable van, with lots of space, that made the trip as comfortable as could be.

38. My husband’s employer that allows 3 days of bereavement and support during this time.

39. A loving family that came together to celebrate my Grandma’s home-going.

40. Blunt questions from a child’s perspective.

41. My toddler withstanding long periods of quiet and relative-stillness.

42. Hugs from family and friends who understand my loss.

43. Fantastic funeral home directors that handled all elements of the viewing, funeral, and burial with class and professionalism.

44. The comfort of my bed and comforter.

45. Extra rest to recover from the emotional exhaustion.

46. The almost 150 comments from the Blogelina event (half of those are my responses back to the commenters).

47. Connections made through the Blogelina event.

48. Patient readers, who continue to amaze me with your support.

Counting my blessings encourages my heart. No matter how tough life gets, there is always someone who would love to change places with you. We have much for which to be thankful!

Question: For what are you thankful?

Party Ideas: St. Patrick’s Day 2012

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (lookiloos)

Looking at some of these adorable St. Patrick’s Day party ideas almost makes me want to host a play date or small dinner party. Some of my favorites include:

1. Rainbow fruit kabobs

2. Heave-Ho game

3. Easy green St. Patty’s Day centerpiece

4. Lucky You party favors

5. St. Patrick’s Day recipes

Though a St. Patrick’s Day party is not on my schedule, I will celebrate with my family. As we wear our green, possibly eat a green pancake (food coloring in the batter), and enjoy a cupcake, we will celebrate our own Irish holiday together. Happy planning for next week’s holiday!

Question: Does your family celebrate each holiday?Â