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Fine-Tuned Finances

Make Your Wallet Run Like New Again

Use These Cash Back Apps To Keep More Of Your Money

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Look up the word “inflation,” sometime soon. Are you able to buy the same amount of goods with a dollar that you were able to a decade ago? And, while the cost of living gets higher, wages stay stagnant. The average American spends over $8,100 annually on food. To get more value for their dollar and keep more of their money, many consumers are using cash back apps.

Cash Back Apps (The Basics)

Cash back apps work kind of like a mix of rebates and coupons. With a coupon, the savings are worked into the transaction before you make it.

When it comes to cash back apps, you earn cash back after the transaction. And the cash back rewards could be in the form of cash, gift cards, or reward points.

To redeem your cash back reward, you need to prove you bought the product. Some cash back apps allow you to buy products through their website, Others may require you to take a pic of your receipt and then upload the pic to the site.

Each cash back app redemption site has different rules regarding how redemption procedures work, so read them carefully.

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot was one of the first cash back apps businesses that originally launched from a website. It is essentially a website where you could find online coupons back in 2006 when the company first launched.

Over the years, RetailMeNot progressively became a location-based website where users could activate discount offers online. Online users could also scan barcodes or upload receipts or scans to redeem discounts.

You can also go on RetailMeNot to find discount gift cards and free promo codes. But RetailMeNot is best known for providing great location-based savings through its cash back apps service. RetailMeNot bills itself as the biggest online marketplace for online coupons in the whole world.

You can download RetailMeNot cash back apps from the website or your favorite app store. On the RetailMeNot website, click on “Categories,” and then click on “Cash Back.” You can then choose products in 35 categories offered by the over 7,000+ brands that work in conjunction with RetailMeNot.

Keep in mind that there is usually only about 1,000 cash back app offer for various brands offer on RetailMeNot at any given time. Once you make a purchase the cash back app process will be automatically initiated

RetailMeNot Cash Back Apps Basics

It could take several weeks before you receive your cash back rewards. As a part of the RetailMeNot registration process, any cash back earnings you accrue will automatically deposit into your online wallet.

Once your cash back app earnings have reached $500, your money will automatically be transferred into your PayPal account. For any cash back amount under $500, you will have to transfer the funds to your PayPal account yourself.

RetailMeNot claims that over 650 million people visit its site every year. It facilitated over $4.3 billion in transactions in 2019. RetailMeNot also claims that it has paid over $30 million in cash back earnings to its members.

The retail companies and brands that offer cash back earnings on RetailMeNot include:

  • The Home Depot
  • Macy’s
  • Old Navy
  • Sephora
  • Adidas
  • JC Penny
  • Overstock
  • Pet Smart
  • H & R Block

Ibotta

Do you like shopping? Free cash back apps like Ibotta pay you cash back earnings to shop in-store or online. And you don’t have to worry about tracking online coupons or promotional codes either.

You can download the Ibotta app from their website or your favorite app store.

First you must register an account on Ibotta and link it to a PayPal account. You must accrue at least $20 in your Ibotta account to withdraw from it. You can also opt to cash in your cash back awards in lieu of receiving gift cards.

Ibotta is one of the easiest cash back apps to use. First, you must peruse the “Offers,” section of the app. It is a list of products with cash back offers that show much money you could redeem with each offer.

After purchasing the product, you must prove you bought to get the cash back offer. So, you can take a picture of the receipt and then upload it to your Ibotta account. Buying products with a debit card or loyalty card linked to your Ibotta account can also prove purchase.

You can also perform simple tasks on Ibotta to earn cash back rewards and savings. For example, you can take a survey, read a short factoid, write a short comment on your purchase on social media, or watch a brief video.

The more tasks you perform, the more cash back earnings you gain.

You can even gain cash back rewards by referring friends to the Ibotta app.

Ibotta was launched in 2012. And since then, the company has made business connections with over 1,500 retailers and brands to give you cash back earnings.

And Ibotta boasts that they have gained over 35 million users since they launched and given their users over $860 million in cash back rewards.

Some of the retailers you will find on Ibotta include but are not limited to:

  • Sephora
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Regal
  • REI
  • Petco
  • Domino’s
  • Gap
  • Cabela

Cash Back Apps

There are numerous review sites where you check out various kinds of cash back apps to compare. Be picky. Check them all out and use a few to find the one that works best for you.

And don’t expect to become a millionaire overnight using cash back apps. At best you may make $100 or $200 annually. You have the opportunity to make more than that, but you will have to use cash back apps constantly.

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How to buy a home Without an Agent

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If you want anything done right, you must do it yourself. Right? Well, you should be competent, well-researched, and know what you’re doing. If you’ve never held a wrench in your life and endeavor to change the kitchen sink pipes after watching a YouTube tutorial once, then all you’re doing is making a prospective plumber richer instead of saving money. The point is that you could create an unavoidable mess. Like, buying a home without an agent.

The average realtor earns a 5% to 6% commission fee against the sale value of a home they facilitate selling.

According to information compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 681,000 homes were sold in the United States in 2019.

The average selling price of a home in 2019 was $384,000.

So, a realtor charging a 6% commission for the sale of a $384,000 home can make $23,040.

That’s a nice fee for just facilitating a sale.

Also, realtors can make more money against a home sale in other ways.

Realtor Fees

Realtors could conceivably charge extra fees for processing, paperwork, facilitating the processing logistics between mortgage lenders, buyers, sellers, and so on.

So, when accounting for all of a realtor’s possible fees, you’re going to spend well over $400,000 just to buy a home.

(However, the realtor’s commission could also be paid out of the home’s equity value, if applicable. But that is only possible if you know about such things – more on that later).

When you look at it like that, you’re bound to save tens of thousands of dollars buying a home on your own.

Maybe you can do better buying a home on your own. After all, almost a fifth of all licensed realtors only acquired their operating license within the last year.

Right?

Well, maybe.

A home sale is a legally binding transaction involving contracts. You could be sued by the seller if anything goes wrong during or after the sale.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, you may end up losing and/or spending more money than you would have with the help of a realtor.

Buying a home Without an Agent? Be Prepared to Work

According to the National Association of Realtors, about 8% of home sales in 2016 were facilitated by FSBO transactions, or, “For Sale By Owner.”

So, yes, you can sell or even buy a home without the aid of a real estate agent.

However, it’s a complicated, technical, and months long process involving a lot of paperwork

The average home is on the market for at least 68 days. Your life and personal circumstances are not part of the statistics of such averages, so buying a home on your own terms might take longer.

If you’ve made the decision to buy a home on your own, you’ll need a lot of patience, time, and research prep work.

Also, keep in mind that just because you’re buying a home without an agent doesn’t necessarily mean that the seller doesn’t have one.

The bane of almost all home sellers is dealing with buyers without realtors, who’re unprepared, and don’t know what they’re doing.

You don’t want to give the impression that you’re wasting a seller’s time and/or making things up as you go along during negotiations.

Additionally, you’re at a logistical disadvantage if the seller has a realtor (just assume they will).

The seller’s agent will have years or decades of experience they will bring to the deal.

This experience benefits the seller and their agent’s motivation to earn a commission more than your desire to buy a home on your own terms.

Always remember, a home sale is a legal transaction. What you don’t know could end up costing you financially and legally if you aren’t careful.

Here are just some of the things you must do to buy a home without a real estate agent.

Research Prices and the Market

Research the market in the neighborhood, or neighborhoods, that you are considering buying a home.

Do the neighborhoods you’re considering have the life amenities, like preferred schools, shopping centers, work opportunities, that you’re looking for?

What are the average prices for homes in these neighborhoods? If you understand the real estate market prices for the home you want to buy, you could have negotiating room to pay a price nearer to your own terms.

Decide on your buying budget and try to stick with it.

Choose Some Prospective Properties

In life, we don’t always get what we want. Talk to some prospective sellers and feel them out. Go to some open houses, check out some houses, and talk to some sellers.

After you have done your research, make a list of 3, 5, or 10 houses that you may want to buy.
Prioritize which home you’ll pursue according to your interactions with the seller.

Get Preapproved for a Mortgage

If there is one thing that sellers, and their realtors, hate, it’s having their time wasted.

You’ll look a lot more serious and professional if you’ve already been preapproved for a mortgage.

Look at it from the seller’s point of view – who do you think the seller would prioritize their negotiating time with? A buyer without an agent asking questions to learn the process as they go along or a buyer without an agent but with a mortgage looking to make a deal?

Get Seller Disclosure Statement

This is basically a list of issues or problems with the home. For example, you want to know if the home has problem like:

  • Rodent or infestation problems
  • Remodeling, repairs, and rehabilitation history
  • Water damage and mold issues
  • Issues with plumbing and electrical systems

If the house you are buying was built before 1978, then the seller is legally mandated to inform you if any part of the house was painted with lead-based paint.

Beyond that, whether or not the seller must be totally honest with you concerning a disclosure depends on whether or not you live in a, “caveat emptor,” state.

“Caveat emptor,” basically means, “buyer beware.”

If you live in a state without caveat emptor a legal mandate, then you must ask specific questions of the seller concerning the property in question. However, you must know what to ask in the first place.

Hire a Licensed Home Inspector

A home inspector will inspect the property and look for any issues or problems that the seller may be keeping from you or may not know about.

Hire a licensed and certified home inspector based on recommendations from a trusted source.

Don’t try to buy a home without getting the input of a home inspector. If you buy a home unaware of problems or issues not revealed beforehand, then you’ll be stuck dealing with it financially.

Plus, if you didn’t ask the seller about these issues in a caveat emptor state, you may not have legal grounds to sue.

Even if you do, you’re just paying more money for a lawsuit that might have been better spent on a realtor.

Assess All Closing Costs

Real estate closing costs are all of the fees associated with numerous finalization processes required to close a deal.

The kinds of closing costs you’ll be required to pay depends on the state and city you live in.

Having a lawyer helps a lot.

Hire a Lawyer

I keep coming back to the need for a lawyer for a reason. A real estate transaction is a legal process.

These are some of the documents and paperwork required for the processing to sell a home. Assume that the seller and their realtor are aware of the need of such documentation.

Are you?

Make sure you have a lawyer looking over the paperwork throughout the process and before signing any contract.

You want to buy a home with a realtor. Fine. Don’t try doing so without a lawyer on your side.

Invest in Time, Research, and Patience

This site has some general tips on how to buy a home without an agent. Use it as a starting point to learn more about the subject.

Remember that this process will take a personal investment in spare time, patience, and meticulous research. This is not something you’ll be able to do in a weekend.

Get advice from a real estate professional if possible.

Most of all, try to remember to buy the home you need, and not necessarily the one you want.

You’ll make better prioritization and negotiating decisions that way.

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Rental Car Hacks That’ll Save You More Money on Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving

When I was a kid and my family rented a car, we rented a car and that was it. In the 21st century however, there are just too many ways for you to save money when renting a car. Especially if you’ll be traveling during Thanksgiving.

About 49 million people are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. Also, most of those travelers will travel 50 miles or more round trip.

Considering that the average per-day price to rent a car is $75, and that rental car companies will always try to upsell you extras, your Thanksgiving travel costs can add up significantly.

Here are some rental car hacks to save you more money this Thanksgiving travel season.

Prepay Your Rental Online

When you rent a car online, almost all rental car companies give you two payment options and two different corresponding prices. You can pay a cheaper price by prepaying online before pick-up. Or, pay the regular rental price as you get the keys.

You can save over 20% or more prepaying online for your rental. Those savings increase exponentially if you rent a car for three days or more.

Comparison Shop on Aggregation Coupon Websites

You can save as much as 60% or more on rental costs by comparison shopping on various online coupon and consumer deal aggregation websites. Also look for promo codes which give you extra savings after purchase.

Of, course, you can go directly to the rental car company website, but aggregation deal sites allow you to comparison shop better.

Such sites include:

Rent From the City, Not the Airport

If you’re flying somewhere for Thanksgiving but still need to drive after landing, resist getting your rental car at the airport. Rental car offices are located in airports for a reason.

It’s not for your convenience.

When you rent a car from the airport you will pay up to 30% or more relative to picking up a car from an office outside the airport.

Take a cab or mass transit to the nearest rental car office in the city.

Reserve a Subcompact and Then Decline

Subcompact cars are not popular with most renters. Some companies don’t own enough in their fleets to cover demand in various office locations. You may be able to use that your advantage.

Reserve a subcompact in person at an office. If the company doesn’t have one, they may bluff and ask you to upgrade for a fee. Decline. Then, the company will be obliged to upgrade you to a medium or economy sized car for free.

Use caution. If a subcompact car is available, you are not obliged to take it. However, you will have egg on your face and then have to pay for an upgrade anyway.

Don’t pull the subcompact bait-and-switch gambit overseas either. Subcompacts are more popular overseas than in the United States.

Forego the Insurance if You’re Already Covered

Your primary car insurance policy will probably cover you when you rent a car. Know for sure before renting. Most credit cards offer free rental car insurance coverage if you rent with the credit card offering such.

You might save as much as $40 daily by forgoing rental insurance.

Rent the Car, Not the Brand Name

If you rent from one of the lesser-known rental car companies, you could save $5 or more daily. Such meager savings add up on longer trips.

Some of the lesser-known rental car companies include:

  • Advantage
  • Thrifty
  • Dollar Rental
  • Payless Car Rental
  • E-Z Rent-A-Car
  • Fox Rent-A-Car
  • Easirent
  • Sixt
  • Silvercar

Fox Rent-a-Car may be 50% cheaper for you to rent from than a brand name company. Silvercar only maintains Audis in their rental fleet which keeps their rental prices relatively low.

Keep proper perspective when renting from lesser-known rental car companies. The cars may be aesthetically unpleasing, rental offices may be located in inconvenient locations, and office staff may be obligated to aggressively upsell you on extras.

Don’t Take Overpaying for Granted

It’s hard to get through life without renting a car. This is especially so if you must travel every holiday season to be with relatives.

So, you have every incentive to save as much as possible when renting. Take advantage of every possible deal, discount, or hack available.

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The Best Online Firework Retailers to Set Off Your 4th of July

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There is nothing more dazzling and visually entrancing than a fireworks spectacle in the sky. Or, the thrill of being in close proximity to small-scale explosive firecrackers and other fireworks. Even though the use of fireworks can be extremely dangerous if used recklessly, they are an annual tradition for over 45% of Americans. Especially during 4th of July celebrations.

Over 99% of all fireworks are imported from China, which is where they were originally invented. Nonetheless, setting off fireworks during the 4th of July is an inextricable part of American culture. It is also an incredibly lucrative business industry. According to research compiled by the American Pyrotechnics Association, American consumers spend over $1 billion on fireworks every year.

Money is tight in this economy. Over 40% of Americans would be hard-pressed to come up with $400 if they were presented with an imminent financial emergency. For example, the average mortgage payment can be as much as $1,500 for some Americans. Yet, many people set aside money every year just to buy fireworks. You have every right to do whatever you want with your money.

Yet, it is evident that such celebratory investments literally go up in smoke once you pay for them. Some people pay within the $100 to $300 range every year. Many other people are willing to pay $500 to $1,000, every year, just on fireworks.  In my humble opinion, there may be better ways to spend your money. Like on an interest generating bank account, for example.

Perhaps a micro-investing app? However, if you are determined to celebrate the 4th of July with a traditional, celebratory fireworks bang, here are some quality retailers to consider.

Overstock Central Fireworks

Overstock Central Fireworks has been selling consumer fireworks for over two decades. Its central retail location, and accompanying warehouse facility, is located in Mishawaka, Indiana. Overstock Central Fireworks sell a large selection of fireworks including handheld sparklers, aerials, Diwali fireworks, Roman Candles, 200-gram and 500-gram fireworks products, and much more.

The company has hundreds of fireworks products for you to choose from. Also, they offer free shipping for orders over $500 for a short time during the 4th of July holiday.

Black Cat Fireworks

Black Cat Fireworks may legitimately be the oldest consumer fireworks manufacturer operating in the United States. The company has been selling fireworks for over 65 years and counting. It all started in 1940 when a Chinese fireworks company called Li & Fung launched a subsidiary company in the United States. The company was called Black Cat and the brand was trademarked in 1952.

Safe Celebrations

Make sure consumer fireworks are legal where you live. You could be fined up to $500, or possibly more, depending on where you live. Also keep in mind that if you damage your home, or someone else’s home or property, using illegal fireworks, homeowner’s insurance won’t cover the damage.

Don’t allow children to play with fireworks. And always set off fireworks responsibly. Every year, over 8,400 people are hurt or severely injured by fireworks during the month of July. Paying for fireworks can be a big annual investment for some people every year. There is no reason to add unnecessary medical bills to such costs.

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Don’t Buy These Items During Memorial Day Sales

Finding the Best Memorial Day Shopping Deals Online

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Don’t Buy These Items During Memorial Day Sales

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It took a year for me to realize why I should be more selective with my Memorial Day purchases. Most retailers are clearing inventory, but not all are bringing in new inventory. I have found that deals on some items are better in late Summer, Fall, and early Winter. Its not the end of the world. However, if you are looking to save as much as possible, then you might want to consider the waiting game as a strategy before buying some items.

Cars and Trucks

This advice comes with caveats. If you are familiar with your local car dealer, know a good car when you see one, and, know a good deal when you see one, then go for it. The thing is, some car dealerships use Memorial Day as a time to unload last year’s inventory. They begin unloading even more inventory and begin shipping in new models during June, and succeeding Summer, after Memorial Day.

Sometimes, the best deals for new cars occur over the July 4th, Labor Day, and Fall holidays. Car dealerships have next year’s inventory on-site and desperately need to move out last year models. You are bound to get a better deal over the summer and fall since dealers will be more anxious to reduce existing inventory. Especially with new models sharing inventory space with older models. The 30-day period after Memorial Day may actually be the optimal time to buy a new car.

At the very least, it pays to shop around. Waiting to see future sales may not be the worst option. Car dealers know consumers have been waiting all summer to look at new inventory. Also, the average price of a new car is about $37,000, so why rush it? Keep in mind that you will also find great deals on tires on Memorial Day since it is the first, big travel season of the year.

Laptop Computers

Retailers often make deals and discounts on their slower, older, and less popular PCs and laptops. It’s not that you won’t get a great deal. You’re bound to find sales and discounts as deep as 40% to 50%, and perhaps even more. Its just that you won’t necessarily be buying top line, faster processing, or popular models. As is the norm, most retailers use memorial to clear out their unsold inventories before ordering next year’s products.

Your better bet is to wait until late Summer and take advantage of Labor Day, Back-to-School, Black Friday, and Thanksgiving sales. You will find better deals on new and popular PCs and laptops then, not just older models.

Outdoor Furniture and Grills

The biggest retail deals on patio furniture, grills and grilling accessories will probably be had during late Summer and during the Fall. Around Memorial Day, you might find savings as deep as 20%, and maybe a little more. However, you may find savings as deep as 80% after Labor Day and during the Fall. After all, the Fall and early Winter aren’t the most popular times for grilling or extensive hangout sessions on the patio.

Shop Around for The Best Deals

I am not telling you to not shop on Memorial Day. All I am saying is, strategically pick your battles on savings when it comes to certain items.

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Finding the Best Memorial Day Shopping Deals Online

By

One thing I am learning as I get older is that I must have thrown away hundreds of dollars as a shopper before learning about the benefits of holiday shopping. Retailers make preparations to stock up on next year’s inventory in the early months of a new year and during the winter of the previous year. So, it’s a business game of numbers, moving inventory, and recouping as much as possible on initial inventory investments.

As I have learned, your aim as a shopper should be to compare retailers and look for the deepest savings possible. Over 74 million Americans spent $34 billion shopping on Memorial Day in 2018. That breaks down to Americans spending about an average of $500 each on Memorial Day shopping. However, when broken down by gender, men spend about $600 and women spend about $400.

So, which gender is smarter about savings? That’s up to debate. What isn’t is the fact that you should shop around, whether you visit retail stores or shop online, for the best deals.

Electronics and Appliances

Lowe’s Home Improvement

The home improvement retail giant’s Memorial Day sale is going on from now until May 29. You can get discounts on select appliances up to 40%. For example, the Samsung French Door Refrigerator with built-in ice maker is being sold at a discount of $900 off. You can get assorted Dyson Technology appliances at a $100 discount as well. Select varieties of Patio Furniture sets are being offered at over 30% discount. Also, select brands of grills and grilling accessories are over 15% off as well.

Best Buy

Best Buy is offering up to 40% in savings on select appliances and electronics. From now until June 15, all C By GE products are discounted by 20%

Bulletproof

Bulletproof is an upstart company that sells artisanal coffees, snacks, wellness products, and electronics. For example, Bulletproof made its name selling coffee blends with butter and high-fat infused MCT oils that it claims is energizing. The company’s Memorial Day sale lasts from May 24 until May 28. During those days, all products on the site are 20% off.

Furniture, Home Furnishings, and Decor

Joss & Main

From May 22 to May 30, Joss & Main is offering discounts of up to 80% on its entire website inventory. This includes deals on accent chairs, beds and headboards, outdoor furniture, rugs, and sofas and sectionals.

Wayfair

Wayfair’s Memorial Day sale lasts from May 20 until May 28. You can get up to 50% off on grills, grill accessories, and kitchen upgrade accessories. Coffee tables and end tables are on sale at 60% off. Assorted products like pet care goods, living room furniture, and patio furniture are discounted by 65%. Beddings, curtains, kitchen goods, mattresses, and wall art are all 70% off.

Luggage

eBags

The online luggage retailer is offering discounts of over 20% on its entire online inventory on May 24 and May 25. On May 26 and May 27, every product in the entire online inventory will be over 30% off.

The Savings Possibilities are Endless

This is only a partial list of all the businesses offering Memorial Day sales. Whatever you are shopping for, it pays to look up retailers online to see what kinds of discounts you can score.

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Budget-Conscious, Fashionable Handbags for Mother’s Day

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Budget-Conscious, Fashionable Handbags for Mother’s Day

By

There is a popular quote that says that you can have everything you want out of life if you dress accordingly for it. I am not a fashion-conscious individual. It is the bane of the existence of the special woman in my life. When we go out on dates, she insists that I put on dress slacks, a dress shirt and make an extra effort to look stylish. I know its important, I really do.

However, I have just found it hard to care about most of my life. I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy. You shouldn’t care what others think of you. Until, you must. When you go out on a date, especially a first date, you must take care to look your best. If you are getting ready for a job interview, open toe sandals, nose-rings, and heavy metal t-shirts may not be the best options to make a memorable first impression.

I am accepting this as I get older. However, I still don’t understand how dressing in the exact same way, as a demographic, that a celebrity or fashion designer tells you to is stylistically fighting conformity? Maybe its all in the accessory? Mastering the art of matching accessory to clothing styles – is this the path of individualistic style?
Why am I going on and on about style and fashion?

Because Mother’s Day is coming up. Its always important to show your mother you care. Plus, Mom deserves more than getting a card and flowers every year. So, I have been researching budget alternatives to the expensive, luxury handbags that are always in fashion as accessories.

Style, Functionality, and Reasonable Cost

A genuine Louis Vuitton or Hermes handbag can cost in excess of four-figures, or more. While I want to get the most important woman in my life something she will love, that is beyond my pay grade. What I am learning is that style and versatility is important in a handbag. A woman likes a handbag that can be worn with multiple outfits, is big enough to store her valuables, and is uniquely stylish enough to always be in fashion.

Or, at least for the foreseeable future. That is why I have focused on recommending two Michael Kors handbags.

Michael Kors Karson Large Carryall Leather Tote Bag

This is a red leather handbag with metallic-gold colored highlights. It has a wide opening for easier access to interior contents. The double shoulder strap on this handbag measures 9.5 inches in length. Additionally, the Michael Kors logo is prominently and stylistically featured on the front. You can get this handbag for about $120.

Michael Kors Sofia Large Leather EW Satchel Shoulder Bag

This is an attention-stealing handbag colored a distinct Saffiano leather pink with metallic-gold accents. The interior features seven slip pockets and one additional zipper pocket. The nine-inch shoulder strap is both adjustable and removable. It costs about $140.

Consider Style Before Gifting

I have only offered some helpful recommendations. If you are stuck on getting a Mother’s Day gift, consider her style. Ask relatives or friends for advice. Consider what she might want, and wear, before dropping a $100 or $200 for a handbag.

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4 Ways to Organize Your Wardrobe to Save Money and Time

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Is your closet a disaster zone that you avoid at all costs? Nothing is worse than stepping over shirts and pants and other miscellaneous items when you just want to get ready for work on time.

It’s even worse if you still buy clothes because you’re under the impression that you don’t have anything decent to wear only to find out all your favorite outfits are hidden beneath the mess. A messy closet creates various issues like clutter, confusion, and stress from being so overwhelmed with your clothing and not having any idea where to start.

An organized wardrobe sets the tone for your day, since most people usually wake up and head to the closet and get dressed. It also saves you time and money by being able to see all your items clearly so you don’t have to rebuy things you already had to begin with.

When it comes to organizing your wardrobe to save time and money, the best thing to do is just dive in and get started. Wondering how to do this or where to get started?

Here are 4 simple hacks to help you reorganize your wardrobe and your closet once and for all.

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Narrow Down the Contents of Your Closet

You can start decluttering your closet by taking everything out and organizing it into categories. Set aside items you plan on keeping, what you plan to donate and what you need to throw away.

Be honest about what you don’t need to keep especially if it’s something you don’t even wear anymore. If you’re anything like me and you keep on telling yourself you are saving ____ for a special occasion, you might have a hard time letting go of your favorite old outfits, but it’s best to have less clutter to worry about and you most likely won’t even miss it after a while.

Sometimes less is more and when you narrow down the content of your closet will also help you create a better capsule wardrobe for the upcoming season and have better access to the clothing you do enjoy wearing regularly.

Install Shelving, Racks and other Organizing Tools

Once you clear out your closet, you may want to add some organizing tools to help prevent it from becoming cluttered again. You can purchase shelving to install for purses, shoes etc. from stores like Target and Ross.

If you have a lot of shoes, Walmart sells tons of different shoe racks to accommodate your preferences and they are all easy to assemble. You can also pick up purse hangers, fabric bins, utilize your existing shelf space and implement any related organizational tool to meet your needs and preferences.

Buy Color Coded Hangers

Quality hangers take up less room and help keep your clothes intact. If you need to rebuy hangers, you might as well get packs of different colors to organize your clothes by type.

Do you ever feel like you spend way too much time trying to locate that shirt, pair of jeans, or dress that you really want to wear on a particular day? If you group all of your pants, tops, dresses, skirts and outerwear together, it will be easier to locate everything and harder to lose track of it.

Store Out-Of-Season Clothes Somewhere Else

If you have a storage area in or near your home, consider storing out-of-season clothing in bins and move the clothes back to your closet when it’s time to wear them again.

There’s no need to be looking at shorts in your closet in the middle of December. Keeping your closet stocked with clothing for that particular season will easily make a cramped and tight closet appear more spacious and easier to navigate through.

Once you really commit to decluttering and reorganizing and invest in some basic organizational skills, you’ll save a ton of time in the long run and you’ll spend less on clothing moving forward as well.

Does your closet need some reorganizing? How do you plan on keeping things organized for peace-of-mind so you can save time and money?

Get The Real Deals On Black Friday

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Black Friday is all about getting the best deals. However, many retailers will have things advertised as deals that aren’t really deals at all. These retailers know that customers typically don’t notice that the savings are minimal on these items and they are counting on that to boost their total profits for the year. Here are some tips for spotting the real deals on Black Friday.

Know What The Items You Want Are Worth

If you don’t know what an item is worth, you won’t know if you are really getting a good deal. Some stores have been outed for marking up the prices of certain items shortly before Black Friday so that their discounts will seem bigger during the Black Friday sale. Compare prices between retailers to see what the average price of the item you want should be.

Review Ads Before You Leave Home

Many retailers have had their Black Friday ads out for weeks now. They want as many people as possible to see the ads to increase traffic at their stores during the sale. Review the ads of the stores you are considering shopping ahead of time so you can target the best deals and avoid wasting time.

Look For Doorbuster Deals

The doorbuster deals are generally the best deals available. They are designed to get as many people in the store on Black Friday as possible. These deals are often in limited quantities, so if you want to get them, you have to get to the store early and beat the late risers.

For Freebies And Bundles

Many stores are offering additional incentives for certain purchases in the form of free items. For example, many retailers are selling X-Box One bundles that include free games on Black Friday. Other retailers are offering gift cards and cash cards when you make a qualifying purchase.

Don’t Settle For Alternatives

One of the tricks that retailers use to make more money is offering you an alternative item when the item you wanted is sold out. These alternative items are often of lesser value with a minimal discount, earning the retailer more money on the transaction. If an item that you targeted is sold out, see if it is available somewhere else or just wait to order it online on Cyber Monday.

Stay Away From Mail In Rebates

While mail in rebates may seem like a good idea, retailers are counting on many people not turning in the rebate form. There is always the chance that you will misplace the receipt or not have all of the information required to claim the rebate. It is better to go for deals that take money off up front.

Look For Last Year’s Models

If you really want to get a great deal on Black Friday, see if the retailer has any deals on last year’s models. Electronics, smartphones, and appliances for previous model years are often sold at a steep discount so the retailer does not have to take a loss on the item. Since Black Friday is an optimal time to get rid of these items before the end of the fiscal year, you may be able to get an amazing deal on them.