How Apples Can Help You Get Your Daily Dose Of Calcium

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghHealthy

You might not think of apples as a source of calcium, but a small apple contains about 10 mg of this essential mineral. That’s about 1% of the Daily Value for calcium (1,000 mg).

While that might not sound like much, every little bit counts when it comes to getting your daily dose of this essential mineral. And apples are a great way to help you reach your calcium goals.

Apples are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. This type of fiber can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, doesn’t dissolve in water. It helps add bulk to stool and keeps you regular.

Fiber is important for calcium absorption. That’s because calcium is absorbed into the body along with other minerals and vitamins. So, if you don’t get enough fiber, you might not be getting enough calcium, either.

In addition to fiber, apples also contain vitamin C. This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. It also helps keep bones strong and healthy.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious way to get more calcium, reach for an apple.

You may not think of apples as a good source of calcium, but a new study has found that they can actually help you get your daily dose of the essential mineral.

The study, published in the journal Nature, found that apples contain a compound called pectin that can bind to calcium in the gut and prevent it from being absorbed into the body.

Pectin is a type of dietary fiber that is found in many fruits and vegetables, including apples, oranges, bananas, and carrots.

Previous studies have shown that pectin can bind to other minerals, such as iron and magnesium, but this is the first time it has been shown to bind to calcium.

The researchers found that when they fed mice a diet that was high in pectin, they absorbed less calcium from their food.

They also found that the pectin-fed mice had higher levels of a hormone that regulates calcium absorption in the gut.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Sarah Johnson, said that the findings could have implications for people who are at risk of calcium deficiency, such as postmenopausal women.

“Our results suggest that pectin could be a novel dietary intervention for preventing or treating calcium deficiency,” she said.

The researchers said that more studies are needed to confirm the findings in humans, but they noted that apples are a good source of pectin and are widely available.

So if you’re looking for a way to get your daily dose of calcium, you might want to reach for an apple instead of a glass of milk.

The Challenges Of Owning A Bridal Business

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghWedding

As the owner of a bridal business, you know that there are many challenges that come with the territory. From finding the perfect dress for each bride to dealing with the stress of weddings, you have to be on your game at all times. Here are some of the challenges that you face on a daily basis:

Making sure each bride finds the perfect dress

This is probably the most important task that you have as the owner of a bridal shop. Each bride that comes in has a different body type, budget, and style, so it can be difficult to find the one dress that fits all of her needs. You have to be patient and have a good eye for detail to be able to find the right dress for each bride.

Dealing with the stress of weddings

Weddings are a very stressful time for everyone involved. From the bride and groom to the parents and the wedding party, there is a lot of pressure to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. As the owner of a bridal shop, you have to be able to deal with the stress of weddings and make sure that each bride is happy with her dress.

Keeping up with the latest trends

The world of fashion is always changing, and bridal fashion is no exception. You have to make sure that you are always up-to-date on the latest trends so that you can offer your brides the most current styles. This can be a challenge, but it is important to keep up with the times so that you can offer your brides the best selection possible.

Managing your finances

Running a bridal shop is not a cheap endeavor. There are the costs of the dresses, the rent for the shop, the salaries of the employees, and many other expenses that can add up quickly. It is important to be good with money and to have a solid financial plan so that you can keep your business afloat.

Promoting your business

In order for your bridal shop to be successful, you have to promote it. This can be a challenge, but it is essential to get the word out about your business so that brides know where to go when they are looking for a dress. There are many ways to promote your business, and you have to find the ones that work best for you.

These are just a few of the challenges that you face as the owner of a bridal shop. It is a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. You get to help brides find the dress of their dreams and you get to be a part of one of the most important days of their lives.

The Importance Of Customer Service In The Bridal Business

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghWedding

As a bride, you are likely to have many questions about your wedding dress, the wedding itself, and the various vendors involved in making your day special. Good customer service is essential in the bridal business in order to ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free experience. Here are a few reasons why customer service is so important in the bridal industry:

Your wedding dress is one of the most important purchases you will make in your life. It is important to feel confident and comfortable with the vendor you are working with, and to know that they have your best interests at heart. A vendor with good customer service will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer all of your questions, so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase.

The wedding industry is notoriously stressful. There are a lot of moving parts and it can be difficult to keep track of everything. Good customer service from your vendors will help to keep you organized and on track, so that you can focus on enjoying your wedding day.

Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event. You want everything to be perfect, and good customer service is essential in making sure that your day is everything you dreamed it would be. Your vendors should be professional and accommodating, so that you can relax and enjoy your wedding day.

A bride’s wedding day is one of the most important days of her life, and she will be working closely with her chosen vendors to ensure that everything goes according to plan. A vendor who offers excellent customer service will be an invaluable asset to any bride, and will go a long way towards ensuring a successful wedding day.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when offering customer service in the bridal industry. First and foremost, it is important to be responsive to your client’s needs. This means being available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide assistance whenever necessary. It is also important to be professional and courteous at all times, as this will put your client at ease and make her feel confident in your abilities. Finally, it is crucial to be organized and efficient in your work, as this will help to ensure that all of the details of the wedding day are taken care of in a timely and efficient manner.

By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure that you are providing the best possible customer service to your clients. This, in turn, will help to ensure that their wedding day is everything they have dreamed it would be.

10 Unique Items To Include On Your Wedding Registry

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghWedding

Your wedding registry is a great way to start your life together with everything you need to build a home. But with so many things to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to put on your registry.H

ere are 10 unique items to include on your wedding registry:

1. A quality coffee maker: You and your spouse will need your morning coffee to help you start each day off right. Choose a quality coffee maker that will last you for years to come.

2. A set of quality cookware: A good set of cookware is essential for any kitchen. Choose a set that will last you for years and that you will enjoy using.

3. A nice set of dishes: You will need dishes for everyday use and for entertaining. Choose a set that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

4. A set of quality knives: A good set of knives is a must-have for any kitchen. Choose a set that will last you for years and that you will enjoy using.

5. A set of linens: You will need linens for your bed, your table, and more. Choose a set that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

6. A set of towels: You will need towels for your bathroom, your kitchen, and more. Choose a set that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

7. An area rug: An area rug can add comfort and style to any room. Choose an area rug that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

8. A set of lamps: Lamps are a great way to add light and style to any room. Choose a set of lamps that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

9. A set of picture frames: Picture frames are a great way to display your photos and memories. Choose a set of frames that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

10. A set of candles: Candles are a great way to add ambiance to any room. Choose a set of candles that you love and that will be perfect for your needs.

5 Must-have Items For Your Wedding Registry

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghWedding

When you’re planning your wedding, there are a million and one things to think about – from the dress to the flowers to the cake. But one of the most important things you need to consider is your wedding registry.

Your wedding registry is a list of items that you would like to receive as gifts from your guests. It’s a way for your guests to help you start your new life together by giving you items that you need for your home.

There are a lot of things you can put on your wedding registry, but there are a few items that are absolutely essential. Here are 5 must-have items for your wedding registry:

1. Dinnerware

One of the first things you’ll need for your new home is dinnerware. You’ll need plates, bowls, and cups for every day use, as well as for entertaining. You can register for a set of dishes, or you can mix and match different sets to create your own unique look.

2. Cookware

If you love to cook, or even if you just like to eat, you’ll need a good set of cookware. This is one area where you can really splurge and get something that will last you a lifetime. Look for high-quality pots and pans in the material of your choice – stainless steel, copper, or cast iron.

3. Small appliances

Small appliances are another essential for any kitchen. Even if you’re not a gourmet cook, you’ll still need a few basic appliances like a toaster, a coffee maker, and a blender. These days, there are so many fun and innovative small appliances available that it’s easy to find ones that fit your lifestyle and your kitchen décor.

4. Bed linens

After a long day, there’s nothing better than crawling into a soft, cozy bed. You’ll want to register for high-quality bed linens that will last you for years. Look for sheets in a thread count of at least 400, and don’t forget to register for a duvet or comforter, too.

5. Bath towels

You can never have too many bath towels. Register for a set of fluffy, absorbent bath towels in a color or style that you love. You’ll also want to register for hand towels and washcloths.

These are just a few of the essential items that you should put on your wedding registry. Once you have the basics taken care of, you can start thinking about the fun stuff, like kitchen gadgets and home décor items.

Happy registry planning!

How To Create A Personal Finance Policy For Your Family

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghPersonal Finance

It’s no secret that money is one of the leading sources of stress in our lives. And when it comes to our finances, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to creating a budget and getting our finances in order. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to create a personal finance policy for your family.

A personal finance policy is simply a set of guidelines that you and your family agree to follow when it comes to your finances. By creating a personal finance policy, you can take the guesswork out of budgeting and financial decision-making, and help to ensure that your family’s finances are on track.

Here are a few things to consider when creating your personal finance policy:

1. Determine your family’s financial goals

The first step in creating a personal finance policy is to determine your family’s financial goals. What are you hoping to achieve with your finances? Do you want to get out of debt? Build up your savings? Invest for your future? By setting some financial goals, you’ll have a better idea of what your personal finance policy should include.

2. Set some ground rules

Once you know what your family’s financial goals are, you can start to set some ground rules for your personal finance policy. These rules will help to ensure that everyone in your family is on the same page when it comes to your finances.

Some examples of ground rules that you may want to set include:

– No one should spend more than X dollars without consulting with the rest of the family

– We will only use credit cards for emergencies

– We will save X percent of our income each month

3. Create a budget

A budget is an essential part of any personal finance policy. By creating a budget, you’ll be able to track your family’s income and expenses, and make sure that your spending aligns with your financial goals.

4. Have regular financial check-ins

Once you’ve created your personal finance policy, it’s important to have regular financial check-ins with your family. This will help to ensure that everyone is still on track with your policy, and that any changes that need to be made can be discussed and implemented.

Creating a personal finance policy for your family can help to take the stress out of budgeting and financial decision-making. By following the steps above, you can create a policy that will work for your family and help you to achieve your financial goals.

How to Make Money from Your Photography

by PATRICIA HolmesBusiness

This post is by guest author Amethyst Tagney. Amethyst spends her time writing on a variety of topics. She is an avid learner and loves to share what she discovers. You can find her @AmTagWrites

Snapping a picture can be easy. Selling that picture can be less so. As a photographer, breaking into the field takes a mixture of talent, connections, and luck.

With any profession in the arts, it takes an incredible amount of work to be successful, let alone make money. However, if you know the right steps to take, it can be as easy as saying, “Cheese!”

Find Your Niche

Sometimes it’s smiled upon to be good at everything. This is not the case, though, when it comes to making money in photography. If you’re aiming for success in your career as a photographer, pick one thing that you love to take photos of and become really good at that.

So, if portraiture is your thing, then take portraits. If fashion is your calling, then take fashion photos. You can even be successful with photobooths if that is the route you want to take.

Potential clients will not be thrilled to look at a portfolio that is all over the place genre-wise when they are specifically looking for a wedding photographer. The key is to tailor your collection of work around a specific client, so that when they see your photographs, they know exactly what they’re getting into.

Get the Right Equipment

Once you figure out what genre to focus on, it’s time to acquire the camera — but not just any camera. Acquiring the right camera gear is essential to a successful photography business. The type of equipment you will need will be different depending on what kind of photography you are practicing.

You would not need the same equipment for landscape photography as you would for war photography. Make sure to take the time to research what specific needs the genre of photography you have chosen will have and what equipment will fill those needs. Another option to consider is renting the gear you need if purchasing it yourself is not feasible at the time.

Make an Eye-Catching Portfolio

So you have the equipment and you know what pictures to take. Now comes the fun part: putting together your portfolio. There are many tips on how to build a better portfolio, but here are a few to get you started.

First of all, make sure to show variety. Not in genre, but in lighting, camera angles, and subjects within your chosen niche. The number one thing you do not want your client to be is bored when flipping through your photos.

However, keep the size and orientation of the photographs the same. You will also want your portfolio to start strong and end strong. Do not include pictures you are less than happy with. Chances are potential clients will be less than happy as well.

Lastly, make sure you print your photo book. Clients are looking to buy physical prints from you, so it only makes sense to show them something they can physically touch and see. This will also give them a better idea of what the finished product will look like.

Be Social on Social Media

Social media is one of the most important things you can get involved in as a photographer. You need an online presence that people can find so that your photos and services can be found as well. You also need an overarching website that connects with all the social media platforms you’re active on.

In this digital age, it’s essential to be online where your clients will be. Social media is also a great way to network with other professionals and potential clients, as freelance photographer Ashley Grant would tell you. Forming these connections is crucial to your ultimate success as a photographer.

Consider investing some time in starting a blog as well. When you make content that is useful and relevant to your clients, they will most likely follow you and use you for current or future projects.

Let’s Make Some Money

Now, what you’ve all been waiting for: it’s time to make some money! There are many different avenues you can take when it comes to selling your photographs and services. Some ways to earn money as a photographer include:

  • Selling prints at art fairs, local businesses, galleries or on online stores.
  • Entering contests to not only receive validation and potentially informative critiques, but also a nice sum of money if you win.
  • Becoming an assistant for an already established photographer. More often than not, they can use the extra help with coverage over large events such as weddings. In exchange, you get much needed experience and a paycheck too.
  • Licensing your images as stock photos. Let your photos make the money for you as multiple people can pay to use a single image over and over again.

Always Continue to Learn

It’s a dangerous place to be when you think there’s nothing else for you to learn. Photography, like any artistic pursuit, is always changing. Better technology is always coming out, and if you stay in one place for very long, more ambitious photographers will pass you by — along with your clients.

Although some older techniques and methods are still used for more artistic reasons, if you want to stay in business as a photographer, you need to keep up with new advancements in your medium. This applies as well to photo editing software. If you don’t know what Photoshop is, you need to.

Taking Photoshop classes, along with classes in any other software you’re unfamiliar with, is essential to making your photographs the best they can possibly be. These programs are always being updated with new features and tools to improve your photos, so now is the time to learn all you can.

It takes a certain focus to be a photographer — even more so if you want to make money from it. However, things become more clear when you zoom in on the things that matter most in your career. It’s important to know what you want to specialize in and get the right gear for it.

Then you’ll be better equipped to make a prize winning portfolio that can be shared on your website and social media accounts. This will make receiving money from your photos much easier, especially if you keep on top of the learning curve. If you follow this guide and put in the effort, your career as a photographer will have a better chance of being picture perfect.

Snapping a picture can be easy. Selling that picture can be less so. As a photographer, breaking into the field takes a mixture of talent, connections, and luck.

With any profession in the arts, it takes an incredible amount of work to be successful, let alone make money. However, if you know the right steps to take, it can be as easy as saying, “Cheese!”

Find Your Niche

Sometimes it’s smiled upon to be good at everything. This is not the case, though, when it comes to making money in photography. If you’re aiming for success in your career as a photographer, pick one thing that you love to take photos of and become really good at that.

So, if portraiture is your thing, then take portraits. If fashion is your calling, then take fashion photos. You can even be successful with photobooths if that is the route you want to take.

Potential clients will not be thrilled to look at a portfolio that is all over the place genre-wise when they are specifically looking for a wedding photographer. The key is to tailor your collection of work around a specific client, so that when they see your photographs, they know exactly what they’re getting into.

Get the Right Equipment

Once you figure out what genre to focus on, it’s time to acquire the camera — but not just any camera. Acquiring the right camera gear is essential to a successful photography business. The type of equipment you will need will be different depending on what kind of photography you are practicing.

You would not need the same equipment for landscape photography as you would for war photography. Make sure to take the time to research what specific needs the genre of photography you have chosen will have and what equipment will fill those needs. Another option to consider is renting the gear you need if purchasing it yourself is not feasible at the time.

Make an Eye-Catching Portfolio

So you have the equipment and you know what pictures to take. Now comes the fun part: putting together your portfolio. There are many tips on how to build a better portfolio, but here are a few to get you started.

First of all, make sure to show variety. Not in genre, but in lighting, camera angles, and subjects within your chosen niche. The number one thing you do not want your client to be is bored when flipping through your photos.

However, keep the size and orientation of the photographs the same. You will also want your portfolio to start strong and end strong. Do not include pictures you are less than happy with. Chances are potential clients will be less than happy as well.

Lastly, make sure you print your photo book. Clients are looking to buy physical prints from you, so it only makes sense to show them something they can physically touch and see. This will also give them a better idea of what the finished product will look like.

Be Social on Social Media

Social media is one of the most important things you can get involved in as a photographer. You need an online presence that people can find so that your photos and services can be found as well. You also need an overarching website that connects with all the social media platforms you’re active on.

In this digital age, it’s essential to be online where your clients will be. Social media is also a great way to network with other professionals and potential clients, as freelance photographer Ashley Grant would tell you. Forming these connections is crucial to your ultimate success as a photographer.

Consider investing some time in starting a blog as well. When you make content that is useful and relevant to your clients, they will most likely follow you and use you for current or future projects.

Let’s Make Some Money

Now, what you’ve all been waiting for: it’s time to make some money! There are many different avenues you can take when it comes to selling your photographs and services. Some ways to earn money as a photographer include:

  • Selling prints at art fairs, local businesses, galleries or on online stores.
  • Entering contests to not only receive validation and potentially informative critiques, but also a nice sum of money if you win.
  • Becoming an assistant for an already established photographer. More often than not, they can use the extra help with coverage over large events such as weddings. In exchange, you get much needed experience and a paycheck too.
  • Licensing your images as stock photos. Let your photos make the money for you as multiple people can pay to use a single image over and over again.

Always Continue Learning

It’s a dangerous place to be when you think there’s nothing else for you to learn. Photography, like any artistic pursuit, is always changing. Better technology is always coming out, and if you stay in one place for very long, more ambitious photographers will pass you by — along with your clients.

Although some older techniques and methods are still used for more artistic reasons, if you want to stay in business as a photographer, you need to keep up with new advancements in your medium. This applies as well to photo editing software. If you don’t know what Photoshop is, you need to.

Taking Photoshop classes, along with classes in any other software you’re unfamiliar with, is essential to making your photographs the best they can possibly be. These programs are always being updated with new features and tools to improve your photos, so now is the time to learn all you can.

It takes a certain focus to be a photographer — even more so if you want to make money from it. However, things become more clear when you zoom in on the things that matter most in your career. It’s important to know what you want to specialize in and get the right gear for it.

Then you’ll be better equipped to make a prize winning portfolio that can be shared on your website and social media accounts. This will make receiving money from your photos much easier, especially if you keep on top of the learning curve. If you follow this guide and put in the effort, your career as a photographer will have a better chance of being picture perfect.

Laid off? Five Things to Do Right Away

by PATRICIA HolmesUncategorized

1. File for unemployment. See the Young Money article “Everything You Need to Know about Unemployment” for, well, everything you need to know about unemployment.

2. Start looking for a new job. Network—talk to everyone you know and tell them you are looking for work. Your job search should become your new full-time job. Set goals for yourself and keep them. Search the job sites daily, send letters of interest to companies that you want to work for, and keep a record of everything you do and every place you apply. This will help you from sending the same company your resume and when you do get an interview it will help you remember every correspondence you’ve had with that company.

3. Update your resume. Add your last job to your resume. Be clear, concise, and focused. Try to keep your resume one page—don’t go above two pages. Update your list of references and let them know they might be getting calls. Make sure you are ready for that new job. If you haven’t had to interview for a few years make sure that you have an interview suit that fits. If you have to buy a new one choose a classic cut that will never go out of style.

4. Get health insurance. If you had health insurance with your job then you should get papers for COBRA. COBRA is a continuation of your health care, except now you will be paying the full amount. However, it should still be cheaper then individual health care. And you don’t want to be without health care—one unexpected accident and you could burn through your savings and be accumulating debt in no time. While you have some free time start a new exercise program and begin eating healthy. This will help you deal with the stress of being unemployed and save you money—getting sick can cost a lot in medication and co-pays. For more information about COBRA: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML

5. Cut out the extras. This means cancel what you don’t need. Cable TV is a good place to start (plus then you won’t be tempted to waste good job searching time in front of the television). Eat at home. Clip coupons. In short, cut every non-essential cost from your life.

5 Advantages Of Cardamom For Your Health

by PATRICIA HolmesUncategorized

Have you ever heard the name cardamom? Yes this is one of the spices that makes food in Asia taste more delicious. But in addition to adding its own flavor, cardamom has other benefits.

Originating from India, cardamom is one type of spice that is often used as a spice in the kitchen or food flavoring. Having a slightly spicy taste, cardamom is certainly reliable in increasing the appetite of anyone who tastes it. In Indonesia alone, there are two types of cardamom used as quite a mixture of food, namely Indian cardamom and Javanese cardamom.

Here are 5 benefits of cardamom for health

As Aromatherapy for the Treatment of Respiratory Problems

Courtesy : organicfacts

Cardamom is one type of spice known as a source of essential oils. Based on the findings of a study conducted by one of the universities in India, the essential oils contained in cardamom are effective in increasing and expediting blood circulation.

These properties have long been known by practitioners of traditional medicine by using cardamom as aromatherapy. The result, aromatherapy is effective in treating respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. The secret is to increase blood circulation to the lungs.

Overcoming Mouth Problems

Oral health is often considered trivial by some people. In fact, if not kept clean, the mouth can be a source of bacteria and cause various diseases.

Not only mouth disease, bacteria in cavities can spread into the body and cause infections and chronic health problems. For this reason, maintaining oral health and hygiene is a very important thing to do.

By using cardamom, these health problems can be minimized. Cardamom has long been used as traditional medicine to overcome bad breath. In addition, the spice is also able to fight mouth bacteria that cause cavities and canker sores.

Able to Streamline the Digestive System

Courtesy : joelsartore

Fiber is one of the main ingredients contained in cardamom. As is well known, fiber has an important role in ensuring the health of the digestive system. In one spoonful of the spice, there are at least 2 grams of fiber contained in it.

By getting enough fiber, the body will feel constipated less often or have difficulty defecating. On the other hand, cardamom can also provide more benefits to the digestive system, such as controlling levels of stomach and bile acids, curing stomachaches, and increasing appetite.

Healthy kidneys

Still around the abdomen, cardamom can also be a natural way to make your kidneys healthier. The reason is cardamom is a diuretic and is able to make urination more smoothly. That way, dirt stored in the body can be more easily removed and does not settle.

Not only that, one type of spice is also believed to be able to prevent the appearance of cystitis or infection of the urinary tract. Nephritis or inflammation of the kidneys can also be prevented by taking it. So, kidney health can be maintained and the body remains smooth running the excretion system.

Reducing High Blood Pressure

The benefits to reduce hypertension or high blood pressure from cardamom are known based on a study of 20 adults who suffer from hypertension. In the study, hypertensive patients were given cardamom powder as much as 3 grams every day.

Within 12 weeks, it was known that the blood pressure of hypertension sufferers could drop significantly, even at normal rates. These findings are known because cardamom has a high antioxidant content. So that it can be a natural way to deal with hypertension.

Frugal Living: How to Live Better for Less

by Nasr-Eddine VerhaeghPersonal Finance

Frugal living is a way of simplifying our life for the better. This is not about a state of deprivation nor sacrifice on what you need. By living frugally, you are not just saving extra money but also you learn how to create a budget, reduce your debt and make the most of what you have.

I admit that it’s hard to manage our finances especially when we spend more than what we earn and find ourselves covered in a sea of debt. Frugal living is about living better for less, stretching our hard-earned money with style, so we don’t have to sacrifice our luxuries and still have enough to put aside.

8 Simple Tips to Start Living Frugally:

There are so many ways on how to cut down our expenses every day and start to live a debt-free life. But for starters, here are some simple tips on how to start living frugally:

1. Eat Out Less

Just because you want to switch to a frugal life, it doesn’t mean you should not enjoy – just keep your habit in moderation. If you find yourself eating out often because it’s much more fun and a lot easier, then think again. This is a lot more expensive than cooking your own meal and eating at home. Try to make your own coffee and bring a lunch bag whenever possible.

2. Pay Your Bills on Time

Paying your bills on time prevents interests that will consume your budget. You have to be aware of your due date or time for payment so you can have a better idea when and how to pay it. Use only your credit card when it is very important and avoid applying for more. It only increases your chance to pay additional fees someday.

3. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions

If you still have those magazines subscriptions that you don’t really need, it’s now time to cancel them. You can find books and magazines on a local library or use the internet to research for something that you want to know. Even if you say the subscription cost is only minimal, but when you tried to sum it up, you might be surprised how big it adds on your expenses.

4. Stop Your Habit of Impulse Buying

This is the very common mistake we commit every day. When we see something on a shop window that really interests us or on a grocery store that just caught our eyes, we just can’t stop ourselves from buying it then, later on, we haggle on our budget because of overspending. That’s why we need a shopping list to minimize purchasing of things we don’t really need.

5. Shop At Grocery Stores that Offer Budget or Low Prices

Let’s face the fact that we need to eat and do groceries – but a frugal person knows how to stretch that dollar for food and necessities without having to sacrifice the quality of food they bring home. While opting for budget stores, do not forget to use coupons or deals that you have while shopping. Buy things in bulk – those items that you frequently use and try to calculate the difference in quantity and price.

6. Eat a Healthy Meal

Do you always cook or buy expensive meals? You might want to try some healthy and balanced meal like vegetables and fish more often and less meat. A healthy eating lifestyle not only saves you money but is also essential for healthier mind and body of the entire family.

7. Make Your Own Home-made Cleaners

Sometimes, cleaners eat a big portion of our budget. That’s why you need to opt for more natural home-made cleaners to cut your kitchen expenses. Home-made cleaners are also effective as the commercial ones. Baking soda/Lemon or Calamansi is a good tandem in removing stains on your tiles and bathroom sinks.

8. Go Green

Yes, going green is one way how to save money. From recycling to reusing old things to saving energy consumption and reducing carbon footprints, these things not only contribute to helping the environment but also help your family reduce expenses for bills. Going Green is the best way how to live frugally.

Always think before you spend. Ask yourself this question, “Do I really need this?” whenever you shop for things that are not included on your list. Do not be afraid to say no and turn around especially when you’re in doubt and have second thoughts. Frugal living is all about spending smartly while considering your resources allocations for your needs. When you already have the habit of frugality, you’ll be surprised that it’s really possible to save a lot while enjoying your life.