6 Tips on How to Spend Money and Save at the Same Time

By Andrea Woroch

Spending money to save money doesn't seem like a logical concept, but if you know what you're doing then it can be a smart way to stretch your budget. The trick to this strategy is to only buy what you need and what you planned on purchasing anyway. Take toilet paper for example. Toilet paper doesn't spoil and often costs less when bought in bulk, so it's worth stocking up on to reap the savings overtime, as long as you have the storage space.

Read on for more ways you can spend money and save at the same time.

1. Purchase a Club Membership

While you have to pay for a membership fee to join clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, they do offer excellent prices on many items sold in bulk. Try not to buy on impulse, however, as you could find your pantry stocked with 20 years worth of canned beans.

2. Buy Gift Cards

Buying gift cards from discount sites like Gift Card Granny is a great way to save on everything from groceries to electronics, particularly since you can buy gift cards at these sites for up to half their face value.

3. Dive into Deal-of-the-Day Sites

I recently received an offer from Groupon to buy $40 worth of bedding plants for just $17. Since I planned on spending at least $50 on garden starts this year, that's a real deal. Make sure the group-buying deal is truly something you'll use. While a sky diving adventure may sound like a real kick, it's not worth the price if you're afraid of heights.

4. Stock Up to Increase Online Savings

Purchasing more may qualify your online order for a better value coupon or free shipping. For example, Amazon.com has free shipping on most orders over $25. If your cart reaches $22, throw in an extra item to reach that threshold and benefit from the delivery discount.

5. Stockpile with Multiple Coupons

Keep an eye out for coupons on non-perishable items you'll actually use and collect extra coupons for your next shopping trip by dumpster diving in recycling bins or ask neighbors for their newspaper circulars. Use all the coupons you've collected to bulk up on the offer and stockpile products for later while enjoying the immediate money-saving offer. Make sure you read the fine print, however, as some coupons can only be used for a maximum amount, say two or four packages of baby diapers.

6. Throw In a Little Lagniappe

Lagniappe is a term used in New Orleans referring to something extra you get for free, like a baker's dozen of donuts. Sometimes it pays to buy a little something extra you don't really need to make use of a coupon. For example, I had a $10 off grocery coupon that kicked in if I spent $50. My bill came to $49, so I tossed in a few gum packets to reach the $50 mark. Basically, the gum was free Lagniappe.
 
About Andrea Woroch
 
As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit http://andreaworoch.com/ or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips.

8 Frugal Tips To Help You Feel Like Prom Royalty

by Andrea Woroch Consumer Savings Expert

From dresses and tuxedos to flowers, photos and limo services, high school students (and parents) could end up dishing out a ton of cash on junior and senior prom. Heck, you could throw an entire wedding for the same price.

Since teenagers have more important worries, like finding the perfect date, coming up with the cash should be the least of their concerns. With a touch of savvy planning, students can find smart ways to keep prom costs under control.

Follow these eight savvy tips to feel like prom royalty without blowing your budget:

1. Borrow Accessories:  Dig through your grandma's or mom's jewelry box to find retro costume jewelry or a vintage clutch to pair with your dress. You could also ask your sister, cousin or friends if you can borrow a fabulous pair of earrings or necklace for the special evening. If you decide to invest in jewelry, make sure it's a style you can wear for many years to come.

2. Find Frugal Frocks:  Every teenage girl wants to look like a princess at prom, but blowing your budget on a formal gown you will wear only once isn't a smart purchase. Consider a simple cocktail dress that will serve double duty for post-prom celebrations, like college formals and weddings. Browse consignment shops and thrift stores for fabulous vintage frocks at prices that run as low as $20. Or, search sale racks at stores like Nordstrom and Dillards, which offer a large discount dress selection. Don't forget to compare prices online and search for dresses and women's shoe coupons to score even better deals from sites like http://couponsherpa.com/.

Dreaming of a designer dress? Sign up for flash-sale sites like Hautelook & Daily Candy Swirl! to receive daily deal alerts on popular fashion brands for savings of up to 70-percent off.

3. Do Your Own Grooming:  Extremely formal up-dos are no longer popular, so consider doing your own hair. If you're old enough for prom, you're probably capable of handling your own makeup and nails. You could also swap services with friends. You could easily save up to $200, and ultimately look more like your real self. Include your mom or aunt, who may also be able help curl your locks and your lashes. Gather ideas from online photos or magazines and be sure to practice the hairstyle before the big night.

4. Use Simple Floral Tricks:  Make your own boutonnieres and corsages, or order them from your local grocery store. Often, their prices for flowers are 40-percent less than a traditional florist. Go for a more minimalist look, like an elegant single rose or flower with greenery.

5. Chuck The Formal Photos:  Professional prom portraits cost anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on the size and number of prints purchased. Unless you marry your prom partner, that expensive photo will likely end up at the bottom of a box. Nor do formal photos really capture the memory of the night. Instead, share camera duties with friends for an honest record of the evening. Photo prints at CVS or Snapfish cost as little as $0.15 per picture and offer the option to create digital photo albums for a more memorable and less expensive keepsake.

6. Compare Tuxedo Prices:  Tux rentals will set most students back $75 to $100 or more. That's why it's important to comparison shop. Don't be afraid to barter for a better price. You may even be able to negotiate a cheaper rate if you recruit several friends to rent in bulk from the same store. Be sure the shop provides all the needed accessories, including a shirt, vest or cummerbund, handkerchief, shoes, tie and belt to eliminate spending extra on these suiting essentials. Better still, skip expensive extras and fill in with your own stuff for a free-spirit look.

7. Lose the Limo:  Most limos have four-hour minimums and require tipping, which could result in a bill of $400 or more. Divided among several friends, the cost can be affordable. However, party buses that hold more people than limos are a fun and more affordable option, so search around for prices and negotiate among several companies. Also, consider the possibility of borrowing a nice car from a parent or relative.

8. Buy Gift Cards at Discount Prices:  From pre-party decorations to such prom essentials as dresses, shoes and flowers, students can buy gift cards and save as much as 30-percent. You'll find them at sites like http://giftcardgranny.com/ for such major retailers as Target, Macy's, 1-800 Flowers, and many more.

About Andrea Woroch;

As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit http://andreaworoch.com/ or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips

Stop Throwing Money Away - A Review

Now that Christmas is past us and we settle in to endure the rest of winter, wouldn't it be nice to get organized? 

I know, I know...ARGHHH...right?  What if I told you, it would be fun, practical and best of all economical to get organized?  Would that make it more appealing?

Stop Throwing Money Away by Jamie Novak is one of the best books I've read.  The information is easy to follow, sound advice that we all need to apply to our own lives.  Novak's book is packed full of tips, ideas and money "gaining" solutions.  She gives Shopping List Strategies, Coupons, How-To storage and organization for every room of your house (including the garage) and even ways to make yourself some money through swap meets, garage sales and online auctions.

If you only read one book this year, Stop Throwing Money Away by Jamie Novak should be the one.

I couldn't put this book down!  Every turn of the page led me to another "Ah ha" moment - why didn't I think of that!

This book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble - Don't wait - Organize your life!