Shopping online can be a big time saver and money saver, especially if you have coupons. You can quickly compare prices, find promotional codes and discount codes, use online coupons, and take advantage of free shipping specials. But certain websites have taken online deal hunting to a new level.

Instead of purchasing an item directly from a retailer, these websites act as middlemen between a network of people who trade clothing, books and other items. Some sites work on a points-based system, while others are completely free to use if you trade your own goods too. It’s a cycle that’s good for your budget and good for the environment. Here are some of the best websites for trading.

Rehashclothes.com: Rehash lets you trade clothing, accessories and books with other stylish individuals. Groups, forums and articles will point you to items you’ll like, and there’s also the opportunity to make new friends.

CovertCandy: Currently, CovertCandy is only available in the U.K., but there’s a fierce campaign going to bring it to U.S. shoppers too. It’s a network for fashionable women and men who want to trade clothing from retailers like American Apparel, Nike, Urban Oufitters, H&M, Levi’s, French Connection and the Gap.

Paperback Swap: This network supports over 3 million books that are mailed and swapped through the mail. List your first 10 books and get 2 free credits (2 free book swaps) when you sign up. You’ll get an e-mail notification when another member wants to read one of your books.

SwapStyle: This recycling-minded website features designer bags, shoes, cosmetics, maternity clothes, books, games, DVDs and clothing items, including wedding items.

SwapTree: SwapTree is part social network part trading post with nearly 100,000 items that can be swapped, including books, music, DVDs and video games.

SwapYourGames.com: SwapYourGames.com is a trading site for anyone who wants to play new games for the Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, DS, PlayStation 3, and more.

Campus Book Swap: College students can find used books at discounted prices, including marketing books for $60 and psychology books for $20.

Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures
By Amanda Blake Soule
Trumpeter Books, 2009 ($21.95)

Handmade Home warms the soul and inspires heartfelt creativity. It’s a collection of 30 sewing projects from the author of The Creative Family, and it’s all about using vintage fabrics and everyday materials. Create practical items like a mouse pad or beautiful heirlooms like a memory tree quilt– it’s all about using your hands and creating some beautiful to enrich the atmosphere of your home for your family.

Crafts are categorized in four sections:

• Nourish: Projects to Inspire Family Feasts
• Nurture: Projects to Inspire Wellness and care
• Play: Projects to Inspire Imagination and Growth
• Seek: Projects to Inspire Adventure and Exploration
• Retreat: Projects to Inspire Calm and peace

Several projects include ways children can lend a hand and all include gorgeous full-color photography. Soule writes several essays about her inspiration for her crafts and a beautiful introduction exploring the importance of making something with your hands, reusing existing materials and contributing to the beauty of your home. And she places a big emphasis on “thrifting,” shopping for reusable fabrics and goods at yard and garage sales, thrift stores and antique barns – and what to look for once you’re there. She also offers tips on how to survive shopping at these with little ones.

As the mother of four, Soule’s art is birthed from her everyday life. Her work harkens back to a simpler time when resources were scarce and generations of women used their creativity to give everything a second life. Nothing was tossed or wasted. Soule crafts with this in mind as a way to link the past to the present and make a powerful impact toward leaving a greener earth for our children.

As a new mother, I'd give anything to peek into other mommy worlds to see how they "get things done". For most of us, just keeping up with dirty laundry and getting food on the table is more challenging than juggling six flaming batons. And don't we all have that friend who always looks great, has a showcase house, and serves up three course meals every night? While we take glee in sharing an eye roll over her seeming togetherness, the truth is we could benefit from Miss Perfect's organizational skills.

Good thing Molly's Money-Saving Digest lets us examine the economical prowess of a super parent . Molly is that mom. She tackles the dirty dozen, a myriad of clutter creators invading your life, and provides easy-to-follow directions on how to conquer them. Some of my favorite dirties are:

• Keeping it All Together--Organizing bank accounts for maximum savings.
• Parenting that Pays--How to raise clutter free kids.
• Monthly Feature: Dirty Dozen--kitchens, photos, mail, schoolwork, bathrooms and online storage.
• Begin with the Basics--Guest author Marmee shares her secret make-ahead mixes.

From closets and garages to toys and finances, learn how to whip the problem areas into shape. Molly also highlights inexpensive recipes, goal getter spotlight, and sizzling sale items this month. Home decor projects and family fun ideas make the August Money-Saving Digest a complete frugal guidebook.

The lost art of domestic maintenance has been forgotten and few of us know how to manage a household within specific time and money budgets. Thanks to Molly, we don't have to recreate the wheel. For just $4.95 you'll receive unlimited access to this e-book. Check out other great tips and resources at Econobusters. Tighten your family's organization while saving money for a happy, thrifty home!

This week Go Frugal is honored to host the latest (187th!) edition of the Festival of Frugality.  We were overwhelmed by the number of great money-saving ideas sent in, so let’s get right to it!

Money Matters

Let’s start with something ambitious - James, of the blog Losing Face, has spent over 18 months in a cashless existence.  What began as a bet, ended up teaching him the importance of budgeting and planning ahead.  Watch his video for some of the “Do’s and Dont’s” he’s learned along the way.

If your still mystified by your credit rating, Master Your Card is here to break down the rules of credit inquiries, Soft Pull vs. Hard Pull.

For more environmentally sound money-saving tips, check out It’s Frugal Being Green and their comprehensive 23 Basic Budgeting Resources post.

Having an emergency fund is one of the cornerstones of good financial budgeting, so check out Four Pillars’ tips for getting the most out of your rainy day cash stash with a High Interest Savings Account.

The mortgage free-for-all might be over, but good deals are still out there.  Everyday Finance provides some sound tips for getting your rate under 4%.

Looking for a low- or no-interest balance transfer to help manage your credit card debt?  Money Blue Book wants you to know your options.

Student credit cards can be tricky business, but Dough Roller has you covered.  Don’t miss their College Student’s Guide to Credit Cards for all the pros, cons, risks and rewards.

Sneaky bank fees have long been an enemy of the frugal set.  Good thing Banker, Saver is here to help us avoid those extra charges.

Home Repair and Maintenance

Wanna spruce up your house this summer?  Associate Money teaches us how to Save Money with Do It Yourself Projects.

If ants are running a muck in your house, don’t bring in the exterminator just yet.  The Greenest Dollar has several organic, low-cost solutions to share.

Kitchen-cleaning can be another costly (not to mention annoying) part of home maintenance.  Visit Miss Thrifty for a low-cost solution to every homeowner’s enemy: the filthy oven.

PocketMINT did the math and discovered that downsizing your appliances can not only save you room, but also save you money.

Moving?  True Adventures in Money Hacking has some battle-tested tips for saving you time and money - check them out here.

Automotive Savings

One of the easiest ways to save some big bucks is buying used (or “pre-owned,” as they are more often known these days) on your next car purchase.  But it’s a purchase many of us still regret down the road.  Fortunately Money Ning did the research, so you can get it right.

If your car ever breaks down, the right mechanic can mean all the difference for keeping things frugal.  Think Your Way to Wealth offers their tips to make it happen.

Couples can cut all kinds of costs if they eliminate one car all together.  Five Cent Nickel offers this Testimony of a One Car Couple to help you decide if this move is right for you.

For even more ways to save money on your automobile, check out Frugally Green’s post on the Cash for Clunkers program.

Vacations

Think vacation homes are only for the rich or wasteful?  Think again!  Bargaineering gives us “7 Reasons to Skip Hotels and Rent Vacation Homes” that’ll change your mind.

After returning from a summer road trip, Frugal Force blogger Cheap Kate wrote up her tips on packing food for summer trips.  Head over here for examples of the easy-to-assemble meals she used on her family vacation.

For even more ideas on how to save money in your next vacation, don’t miss The Canadian Finance Blog and their 10 tips.

Work

We all know jobs have been scarce - Too many bills to go the unpaid intern route?  Maybe an apprenticeship is your ticket to career advancement.  As the Lucrative Investor tells us, they aren’t just for electrician and Jedis.

In a down economy, many of us have been forced to make do with part-time work.  If you find yourself underemployed, this post from Modern Gal might provide some tips to help you cope.

Weddings

Wedding season can cost a pretty penny if you’ve lots of friends getting hitched.  Budgets are Sexy wants to help you be cheap but chic at this year’s nuptials.

On the other hand, if the wedding is your own, PT Money has a great list of tips for keeping down costs that every bride or groom should check out.

Shopping

Deferred payment plans are tempting, but they could end up costing you more money in the long run.  Saving to Invest has a great post that should help you assess your options.

Monroe on a Budget tells us about a grocery store favorite of the money-saving set that’s frugal no more.

The Smarter Wallet takes a closer look at online auction sites to bring us tips for saving money and turning a profit.

The Frugal Housewife reminds us of the many money-saving advantages to canning your produce.

Unnecessary spending is a mortal enemy of the frugal lifestyle.  Woman Tribune has a great post for getting a handle on this dangerous compulsion.  Give it a look!

Other Frugally Goodness

If you’re looking to get started on the road to financial independence, Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps, brought to you by the Military Finance Network, are a great start.

Frugal Dad wants to help you confront your Financial Inferiority Complex.  It’s not too late!

The only thing better than frugal is free!  The About.com Frugal Living guide has provided 8 Ways to Eat for Free that everyone should know.

Moolanomy breaks down the financial advantages of prepaid cell phones to reveal surprising opportunities for savings.

Busy families know how hard it can be to make time for economical, healthy meals every day of the week.  That’s why Home Life Weekly is sharing this free menu planner to help us plan ahead.

New York isn’t known for being cheap, so residents and visitors alike will no doubt enjoy Frugal NYC.  Check out their 10 Free Things to Do in Queens post for some local frugal fun.

Already well on the road to frugal freedom and hoping to retire early?  Cash Out Life explains why the Roth IRA might be the way to go.

Earlier this week we introduced you to Mr. Free Stuff. Today we bring you Mr. Free Stuff's better half, Mrs. Sweepstakes.

Mrs. Sweepstakes is the second installment in a super hero family of characters that represent their own money saving web sites.

Mrs. Sweepstakes provides consumers a one-stop destination for an array of traditional sweepstakes that award cash prizes, but it also informs readers on contests for shopping sprees, products, vacations, gift cards and tickets among other items. A recent day’s listings included contests such as a $1,000 Bloomingdale’s shopping spree, tickets to see Britney Spears in concert in Los Angeles, $2,500 worth of gasoline, and a year’s supply of Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Visitors need to click on the "Enter this Sweepstakes" link for their chance to win the sweepstakes or contest.

Who says finding bargains and saving money can’t be fun? That is what Mr. Free Stuff asks. The cartoon character represents the newest online destination in the frugal living space.

Mr. Free Stuff is a site where visitors can find free samples and product freebies.

Inspired by 'The Incredibles,' Mr. Free Stuff is the first installment in a super hero family of characters that represent their own money saving web sites.

Mr. Free Stuff features offers for freebies in a variety of categories, from Audio & Music and Animals & Pets to Home & Office and Sports & Fitness. On a recent day, the home page showcased access to a free coupon for a Mars Candy Bar, a free quart of eggshell paint from Glidden, a free sample of Hugo Boss Element cologne and a free one-day invitation to shop at Sam’s Club.

All visitors have to do is click on the links to sign up for the free stuff.

Later this week we'll announce the launch of the second installment in this money-saving super hero family, Mr. Free Stuff's better half.

Get your free stuff today!

Go Frugal had the chance to chat with this money saving mom of two who, via her popular website www.ConsumeQueen.com, is helping readers fight the rising costs of the economy by providing frugal tips to change the way we shop.  


GF: What inspired you to start Consumer Queen?

CQ: It was my passion to help others! I wanted a way that I could help my friends and family save money...Who knew I would be helping thousands of people all across the U.S!


GF: What advice would you to a newbie looking to start saving - First steps?

CQ:

• Get the Sunday paper
• Register for my website - it's free. We have so much information and so many people willing to help new people starting
• Know that you won't start saving hundreds of dollars right away. Start slow and build your savings as you go along. If you have the passion to save, it won't take you long.
• There are many ways to save - Not just clipping coupons. Being frugal is the key. You have to have a frugal mindset - Clearance shopping, using home remedies etc. You don't have to give up the brands that you love, you just have to shop smar.t

GF: As a parent, it can be a challenge to raise financially-responsible children.  How do you teach your kids the value of living frugally?

CQ: Get them involved! I have my children help me clip my coupons and organize them.  I don't give in every time my children want something at the store, instead I give my kids an allowance so they can see how spending their own money feels. They have a different mindset when it comes to spending their own.  I also teach my children to tithe.

Remember to always be honest with your kids! I don't hide when we are financially strapped because I want them to learn what's going on with the family. You will be surprised how your kids will react and jump in and help.

The thought of waiting on hold to adjust a bill, rescind a charge, or haggle for a lower price is enough to occasionally deter me from picking up the phone. Sound familiar?

That is why it is so important to be able to get a customer service rep on the phone ASAP!

A Web site called GetHuman.com makes this goal possible. The site can save you time - and money. Get Human is one massive list of corporate phone numbers and suggestions to get to a live customer service representative on the phone quickly. I tested out three numbers with differing results.

Call 1: Abercrombie & Fitch
By following the instructions at GetHuman.com I was speaking with a person from A&E in fifteen seconds.

Blue light specials and dollar aisles beware! Julia Scott, aka The Bargain Babe, is out for blood…and deep discount feasting. If your idea of budgeting is “accidentally” throwing out bills or cursing your debit card when funds mysteriously vanish every month, you need help. Now. Enlist the Bargain Babe for a daily dose of rational spending and find a myriad of ways to tighten the wallet.

It’s easy to get lost in Scott’s blog with blurbs, links, and how-tos for every money saving idea under the sun. From getting cheap haircuts and freebie foods to community goods-sharing programs and inexpensive holiday gifts, the Bargain Babe shows you how to live within your means—comfortably. Surviving an economic recession calls for creativity, not a white flag. These are our favorite insights from BargainBabe.com.

A new websites that launched last month lets you know when products you are interested in go on sale.

The website ZingSale.com lets you select products you would like to buy and choose a price you want to pay for it. ZingSale searches thousands of merchants looking for sales and discounts and if an offer is found that matches the price you want to pay, you'll get an email notifying you with a link to that store. You can then purchase the product at the price you wanted.

ZingSale can help you save time and money. Check it out!