Vital Savings on Vitamins — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Lifestyle

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An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a daily multivitamin can go a long way, too. Do you want to stay fit and frugal? Here are a few ways you can do so without wiping out your wallet.

A 200-count bottle of Centrum is priced at $13.00, or $6.50 for 100 tablets. While this won’t break the bank, you can do better. Walmart stocks Equate Complete Multivitamins, which cost $7.68 for 200 tablets, or $3.84 for 100. To save even more cash, you can go to Costco and buy Kirkland’s Signature Daily Multi, which is priced at $3.10 for 100 tablets. That’s less than half of the cost of Centrum!

Now, when it comes to special vitamins, you could be looking at higher prices. Centrum’s Prenatal line costs $52 for a 100-day supply. In addition to that, they don’t go down easily, and often make women feel ill. Luckily, there’s a fun alternative — children’s vitamins.

Flintstones vitamins actually offer similar supplement levels, and they taste great. Pregnant women need extra iron and folic acid, so add that to your kids’ vitamins and you’ll only be spending $10 for 100 tablets. That’s a savings of $42.

So, when it comes to maintaining your health, don’t just reach for the big brands. Shop around your local stores and see which offers the most value for your buck.

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Heat Up Your Savings on Hairdryers — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Fashion & Beauty

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There are many different kinds of hairdryers on the market, but how do you know which ones work best? Here, we break down the four main models, and show you how you can save dough when it comes to your ‘do.

A standard metal coil hairdryer can cost $10 or less, which is a bargain, but can often leave you with less than desirable results (aka frizz). Ionic hairdryers claim to dry hair quicker, and allow for the absorption of moisture in your hair for a sleek look. These results sounds great, but are unproven, and with a price tag of $100 or more, they could be an expensive gamble.

Ceramic hairdryers come with a ceramic coating on the heating element, which allows for the even distribution of hot air. These models range from $20 to $40, making them a reasonable option for those on a budget. But what if you could get the best of both worlds?

Tourmaline hairdryers offer features of ceramic and ionic models, combining the two technologies. We’re particularly fond of Conair’s Infiniti Cord-Keeper for its form, function and price. For $34.99 (less if you get in on a good sale), you’ll score a hairdryer that produces great results and can be stowed away neatly.

Having the right tool is just the beginning; using your hairdryer properly is equally as important. Keep the setting on warm to cool, and the speed on high. Then hold the hairdryer 6 to 8 inches away from hair for the best results. And that’s how you get the most beauty for your buck.

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Sink Your Teeth Into Meaty Savings — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Shopping

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Meat can be expensive, but there are ways to get your protein and cash in on some great savings. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your family’s meals.

The first thing to keep in mind is the day of the week you’re purchasing your meat. Supermarkets generally mark down prices in the mornings, so try shopping in the middle of the day to score the best deals and selection.

Another tip: Just ask! If you see that a package of meat or poultry is approaching its sell-by date, find a manager and ask him or her if the price can be lowered. Establishments will likely mark the package down, which keeps the product moving and its customers happy.

When buying proteins, you want to keep them as fresh for as long as possible. To do so, make sure to do all of your other grocery shopping before you hit the meat and poultry aisle. You want to add these perishables to your cart last to reduce the time they spend outside of their cold cases.

If you know you won’t be returning home for a while, make use of a small cooler in your trunk to keep perishables insulated and extra fresh. It will cost you under $10 for a travel size cooler, which can come in handy for more than just groceries. So, the next time you’re out shopping for the family, keep these tips in mind. They’ll make sure you stay a cut above the rest.

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Are Antibacterial Products Worth Their Cost? — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Lifestyle

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These days, there are many varieties of hand soaps, including antibacterial lines, but when it comes to hand-washing, are antibacterial products worth the extra cost?

Here’s the scoop: In order for antibacterial soaps to work properly, you need to lather for two minutes before rinsing. That’s right, two whole minutes. Since most people don’t spend that much time washing their hands, the extra chemicals don’t even get a chance to do their job.

Prolonged use of antibacterial products can also strip your hands of both unhealthy and healthy bacteria, which leaves room for more resistant strains to take hold. So, when it comes to savings, you’re better off going with a regular liquid soap. A 9-ounce bottle retails for $1.89, and for the same price, you can get a three-pack of bar soap, which works out to 63 cents each.

When you’re not near a sink, hand sanitizer is the next best option. An 8-ounce bottle costs between $1 and $5, depending on the brand. Just be sure to choose an alcohol-based product — it gets rid of the bad bacteria without harming the good kind.

So, when it comes to keeping your hands clean and your budget tight, choose regular liquid or bar soap. If you’re on the go and can’t get to a sink, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the next best thing.

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Budget Blooms — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Lifestyle

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Fresh flowers make beautiful additions to any room, but bouquets can add up. Not to worry, though — there are ways to use blooms to brighten up your home without breaking the bank.

Carly Cylinder of FlourLA.com says flowers don’t have to be a luxury. One idea is to buy inexpensive pre-made bouquets from your local supermarket or flower shop and then deconstruct them. Group flowers of the same variety together and then rearrange them using color blocking. This modern arrangement will give your cheap blooms an expensive look.

Another way to save money is by buying one kind of flower and then placing mini bunches in recycled vases. Wine bottles and tin cans are great options, but vintage or used vases can offer a unique look, too.

To get the most out of the flowers you purchase, choose bunches with buds that haven’t opened yet. They will open throughout the week, and stretch out the longevity of the arrangement.

According to Reader’s Digest, many household items can be added to your vase water to make your flowers last longer. Suggestions include aspirin, bleach, soda, vodka and vinegar in various combinations and amounts. The magazine even suggests misting a little bit of hairspray to your flowers, or adding coins and a cube of sugar to your vase to extend the life of your bouquet.

Fresh flowers can look luxurious without costing you a fortune. Keep these tips in mind the next time you go shopping.

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Cutting the Cost of Knives — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, For the Home

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If you’re handy around the kitchen, you know that a good set of knives is essential, but which kind of cutlery offers the best value?

There are a wide variety of options when it comes to knives, but if you’re in the market for one all-purpose tool, you’ll want to go with a good chef’s knife. This item can cost you around $100, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping. One of the most popular brands is Wusthof, which can often be found on sale at retailers like Macy’s.

Ceramic knives are becoming more popular in kitchens today because they’re sharper and wider than their steel counterparts. However, ceramic knives are fragile and can get damaged in the dishwasher. Dropping your knife can commonly result in a broken tip, as well.

Meanwhile, the average cost of a ceramic knife set is $250. With that price tag, you might as well invest in a high quality set of forged stainless steel knives. Sure, you’ll have to get them sharpened every few years, but a good set can last up to two decades.

When shopping for a set of knives, try going in person so you can feel out the weight and grip of various handles. Then, once you’ve narrowed down the brand and type, you can search for a deal online. If you can wait, try shopping around major holidays when large department stores often have home sales. You may be able to cut your costs even more by doubling up on discounts.

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Save by Shopping for Drugstore Finds Online — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Lifestyle, Shopping

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We all shop at local drugstores for health and beauty needs, but with gas prices on the rise, online drugstores are a great way to get all of your personal items without leaving the comfort of your home. As an added bonus, shopping online can actually save you money versus shopping at a brick and mortar store.

Online drugstores offer many of the same brands and products that are available to you at your local retailer. In fact, with Amazon.com’s Subscribe and Save program, you can save up to 15 percent off your go-to cleaning supplies, baby care products and more. Shipping is free, and you can even set how often your delivery comes. If you want to cancel, you can do so at any time with no hidden charges.

With sites like Drugstore.com and Soap.com, you can stock up on hygiene and beauty products, and score free shipping after reaching a certain dollar amount in your shopping cart. Soap.com also has a savings program called My 5 Faves, which automatically gives you 10 percent off of five frequently purchased items of your choice.

On top of that, sites often offer instant coupons, while also honoring manufacturer coupons, which means you can easily double up on your savings. Just check your online drugstore’s coupon policy — some require that you mail the hard coupons in ahead of time.

So, the next time you need to replenish your toiletries, think twice about driving to the store. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can save both time and money.

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When Should You Buy Organic? — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Lifestyle

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These days, eating healthy means incorporating organic fruits and vegetables into your diet, but doing so can also cost you a pretty penny. Luckily, you can get away with eating the conventional varieties of certain kinds of produce, while still maintaining a health-conscious lifestyle. The key is knowing which products to choose.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a supermarket where both organic and conventional products are offered. You may ask yourself: “Which ones are worth the extra cost? What am I really getting for my money?” Well, we’ve made it easy for you.

When it comes to choosing conventional fruits and veggies, stick with avocados, bananas, pineapples, kiwis mangoes, watermelons, grapefruits, sweet potatoes and onions. These items have a thicker outer layer, which protects their inner flesh from being affected by harmful chemicals.

There’s no need to buy organic versions of asparagus, broccoli or cabbage either. These vegetables are not as threatened by pests as others, so they’re not being exposed to as many pesticides. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to give all of your produce picks a good rinse before consuming.

Staying healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. You just have to know when to splurge. Stick with these fruits and veggies and you’ll be good to go.

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Study Up on Cutting the Cost of College Tuition — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Lifestyle

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The cost of college tuition is on the rise, and families are often concerned about how to make ends meet. However, there are ways to save on university costs with the help of financial aid, says Ian Welham of Complete College Planning Solutions. You just have to know when and how to approach it.

According to Welham, over 90 percent of students are overpaying for college, simply because they don’t understand how the system works and aren’t applying for financial aid when they need to. This leaves tens of thousands of unclaimed dollars on the table.

The first thing a student needs to do is fill out the FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This allows the student to be considered for government money, but he or she will want to get their application in as soon as possible. The aid is relinquished on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In general, it’s a good idea to fill out the FAFSA right away. Many schools require that it be completed before they’ll consider a student for merit-based aid, which is given to whom the school considers will be an asset to their student body. Merit-based aid can account for over one-third of college tuition costs.

Welham also suggests refraining from putting too much money in your child’s name. The penalty counts four times what it would against the parents when being considered for financial aid. Also, you don’t want the student to work too much in the year before heading to college, as the income will count against him or her and can affect the amount of aid received.

Gender also plays a role in applying for aid. Currently, 60 percent of college students are female, so schools are willing to offer incentives for males to attend their school. That being said, there are less women in the fields of engineering, science and technology, so universities may offer money to female students who are gifted in those areas.

The high costs of college tuition are a concern for many families, but by following these tips, students can potentially save thousands.

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Extending the Life of Your Hosiery — Savings Experiment

Filed under: Savings Experiment, Fashion & Beauty

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Hosiery isn’t the kind of thing that’s meant to last, but buying new pairs of pantyhose can add up over time. The key to saving on hosiery is extending its life, and we have a few great ways you can achieve that.

Start with buying the right type. Steer clear of nylon, and go for pairs that are at least 15 percent Lycra or spandex — they’re the most durable.

Runs are the ultimate enemy when it comes to hosiery. Everyone knows the old clear nail polish trick, but that only keeps existing runs from getting worse. The best way to get the most out of your stockings is to prevent those pesky tears from happening. How do you do that? Try freezing your pantyhose. Sure, it sounds weird, but it works.

Simply run your new hosiery under the faucet, place in a freezer bag and … freeze! Freezing actually strengthens the fibers, allowing the material to last more than a couple of wears. After 24 hours, remove the pantyhose from the freezer and let it thaw naturally. With just a little bit of effort, they’ll come out stronger.

Now that you know how to prolong the life of your hosiery, you can, in a way, get your damaged stockings to last, too. Instead of throwing them in the trash, donate them to a recycling program like the one No Nonsense has started. Your old pantyhose (of any color or brand) can be reused to make park benches, playground equipment, carpets, ropes and even toys. Talk about making your hosiery last for a lifetime!

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