I cannot tell a lie.  Sometimes I feel cramped in my 1,100 square foot, two-bedroom place with a work-from-home hubby, rambunctious 10-month-old, and annoying cat.  Those HGTV shows with snotty first-time homebuyers make me nauseous.   They snub upturned noses at 2,500 sq. foot homes with pre-wired media rooms because they need more space--for themselves and their teacup poodle.

If I can set my envies aside, I see these folks could potentially be missing out on a secret to sane living: occupy the minimal space possible.  Bigger isn't always better, even here in Texas, so if you can't afford the towering two-story picket fenced wonder, great!  I'll let you in on a few tips I've learned over the last seven years of apartment dwelling.

1. If you build it, they will come; the Justincase Syndrome.
When you buy a house with two extra rooms (you know, just in case you have a third child, just in case of an extended stay from relatives, just in case you take up scrapbooking) the rooms will fill themselves within weeks.  We aren't comfortable with empty spaces or Spartan decor.  Unless you have designated a purpose for every room and corner ahead of time, Stuff Almighty will design it for you costing loads of extra money in meaningless junk.

2. Kids can (and actually enjoy) sharing rooms.
I say this from an only-child and soon to be mother of Irish twins perspective.  Growing up I would have given my entire Pound Puppy collection to share a room with a sibling.  How awesome it would be to have another warm body in the bunk above me with whom I could have forbidden late night gatherings or, equally pleasurable, agitate mercilessly.  Sharing a room encourages cooperation between siblings and offers an array of opportunities to grow as a person and family member.  

3. Look carefully at what you use and find a space suitable to house it.
Get rid of the storage facility and have a massive clean sweep before deciding to buy a home.  You just may need less room than you think.  Having more stuff than necessary will become a burden--dusting it, moving it, feeling guilt over not using it is more emotional toil than you need to expend.

4. Living in a small space will limit your extra spending.
Think twice before making a big purchase if you don't have room for it.  Or perhaps you need to clear out an old hobby to make room for something new.  You'll make far fewer impulse buys and subscribe to fewer extracurricular things by carefully evaluating first.

5. Reduce the unfinished project problem.
By restricting your living space you won't have room to start a project and leave it unfinished.  This is a godsend if you grew up in a house like mine with nary a corner left without something drying or needing to be sanded.  You have no choice but to complete one project at a time.  This lesson was learned the hard way, refurbishing a triple dresser on our apartment balcony.

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.

If you've been waiting for the perfect time to buy a home, now is definitely it. The first quarter of the year yielded a 24% increase in foreclosures from the same term in 2008. With housing prices settling back down (to where they should have been in the first place) the buyer is in a prime position to reap big rewards off purchasing now. Interest rates are still hovering in the 5.7% range for a 30-year fixed loan, but the biggest incentive is first-time homebuyer tax credit.

No doubt you've heard the buzz surrounding the stimulus by now. But don't speed off to the bank just yet! Make sure you qualify to take advantage of the refund before signing on the dotted line.

• You must be a "qualified first-time" homeowner.
  This means you are purchasing your first home OR you have not owned within the past three years. You are limited to household income as well to get the full refund. Combined family income of $150,000 or a single man or woman earning $75,000 or less is eligible for the full amount. If you make more than that, you can send a check to me for the difference in order to qualify.
• You still need a down payment.
  Stay smart! Jumping into homeownership without any money is a big reason why we are in this muck in the first place. Unless you have money saved for a home, it is not a smart move to buy. Let's say you owe $1,500 at the end of 2009. You'll be issued a check for $6,500, so you don't want to rely on an exact amount. Although you can reduce your income tax withholding up to the full amount of the refund to generate cash flow, I wouldn't buy without a sizable down payment. Plus, this is the government we're talking about. Meeting deadlines and following through are last on their priority list.

I’m not a parent but I did spend many high school summers babysitting and tutoring my younger brothers and sisters. I’m afraid what we did is terribly old fashioned: swim at the local pool, tromp through neighborhood stream, design forts, etc.

So I updated my list with low-budget or free activities. Feel free to add your own ideas by leaving a comment!

1. Public library often have for free events for children

2. The local department of parks and recreation may have low budget summer camps or one-day programs

3. Look for free days at local museums

4. Design a scavenger hunt for your kids with 10-15 items they can find nearby. You get a break while they search!

5. Help them set up a lemonade stand

A couple years ago I got on a hot drink kick and rarely made it through a week without at least three grande, nonfat, no whip, extra hot, toffee nut lattes.  I did some math just to see how much money I donated to Starbucks that year and it made me sick.  At $3.89 per cup of goodness I shelled out over $600 that year on drinks alone!  I am still reeling from the shock.  The markup on your store-brewed delight is 300-1000% percent.

Why do we continue to pit stop at our coffee shops each morning?  The barista knows our names, our eight-adjective drinks, and can spout off pithy facts about the ideal temperature of milk.  You feel loved at Starbucks and they want to keep you coming back.  But unless you choose to drink yourself out of house and home, find out how to make your favorite drink on your own.  And get some new friends you don't have to pay to be nice to you.

1. Storage matters
Keep whole beans stored in an airtight container hidden from heat, light, and moisture.   The freezer also works well as long as your bag is well sealed.  Coffee beans are grown at high altitude so storing them in a similar environment keeps them fresher for longer periods of time.

2. Ground beans daily
You'll notice a difference after a while of grinding your own.  Not only will it help you achieve the ultimate cup, it makes your house smell great at the same time.  

3. Use pure water
If you aren't a fan of bottled water (which I don't prefer anyway) try boiling your water or use a filtered pitcher.  Experiment with purifying the water several times over to gauge how much more fresh your coffee can be.  Starbucks filters its water five times before it reaches the cup.  

4. Measure precisely
Standard rule is two levels tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water.  I prefer slightly less to avoid the jitters, but try this first to see how it jives with your taste buds.  

5. Don't overheat
If you notice your coffee has an oily film on top of it, it is too hot.  Many coffee makers heat the water too much and, as a result, you get a burned beverage.  And never leave coffee burning longer than 25 minutes--you're sure to get a bitter taste.  Check coffee pots that have a temperature gauge for maximum flavor or consider using a kettle with a French press.

6. Invest in an espresso machine
You better be ready to cut out the coffee shop completely and drink often for this to be worth it.  Buy a good, used model rather than new and cheap.  If you like lattes this is the best way to froth milk.

7. Cleanse your coffee maker
Once or twice a month fill your machine with one cup of vinegar and the rest with water.  Send only water through the cycle a couple times after the vinegar cleanser.  It will cut the grease and keep your coffee pot smelling fresh.

Seek out coffee growers that produce shade-grown coffee beans--they make the best coffee and don't practice soil-depleting processes.  Organic beans aren't treated with chemicals and pesticides that lower its quality.  Make a clean break with your fake friend the barista to save your wallet.  Brewing coffee at home every day costs just $6 per week as opposed to $25 per week for the same amount in store.

We strive to keep your wallet fat and happy. However, there are occasion that call for additional investment to save more in the long term. If you go cheap on the following products, you could end up paying double or more if the quality is poor. This does not give you free reign to let the floodgates open--only buy what you can legitimately afford, post-bailout era.

1. Clothing
Women, in particular, have a propensity to misread this. We are Supreme Court-worthy debaters when it comes to rationalizing the last H&M purchase. But it fits perfectly, but I've been looking for it for months, but it's a smaller size, but it was on sale, but it will save me money in the long run. I've heard and attempted each of these on my husband.

What I mean is you should strategically stock your wardrobe the way you do your pantry. Do not buy a shirt because it's marked down 75%. More than likely, that should have been the original price point. You'll also have a closet of impulse buys that never get worn. Make a list of absolute necessities you need for work and make sure they mix and match. Black, white, and khaki are great basics that can be accessorized with thrift store jewelry and bags. Select clothing that fits and has a reputation for wearing well. Abide by the second time's the charm rule; if, after two visits trying it on at the store you still like it, make the purchase. Always keep receipts so you can return if it washes poorly.

2. Furniture
Invest in solid pieces that wear well with your household's needs and stay basic. If you opt for the room-in-a-box junk, you'll be cursing it in thirteen months when the limited warranty expires and the seat falls out. Save your money and buy good, lasting furniture. Read product and company reviews before taking the plunge. Another less expensive option is to buy used furniture from Craigslist or eBay.

The summer wedding season is fast approaching. When you're invited to more than one wedding in the summer (not to mention a slew of graduation parties), your budget can take a beating – especially if you’re part of the wedding party.

For many, the wedding is no longer a one-day affair — it’s grown into a wedding weekend with expensive festivities lasting three days or more. It's estimated that guests alone will spend $500 to attend one and that figure doesn't even include plane tickets, according to Mother Jones. Bridesmaids can plan on spending up to $1,400 to be apart of a friend's big day, according to TheKnot.com. Getting together a game plan before the wedding season kicks off will ease the strain on your wallet and your stress levels.

1. Only commit to attend non-local weddings for long-term friends
By long term, think of friends you’ve had longer than two years or will have for longer than two more years – not “Facebook” friends.
In the handful of years that followed college, a slew of friends from school got engaged and married weeks apart during the summers. I probably averaged four weddings a season. But it wasn’t like I could boycott — these were friends I had made over late-night deadlines at the school paper office and ones I had bonded over gripe sessions about a senile world history teacher. Okay, so it wasn’t like these were childhood best friends, but they were ones I was certain would be friends for life, right? Wrong. Years later, the only friend from that group that I still talk to is my journalism professor about once a year – on Facebook.

Timing is everything, it seems. Knowing when is the best time to buy that new car, house or lawn mower could be the difference between saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. That's why we created the Best Time to Buy Guide for over 40 products and services. Before you make another major purchase, check with this guide to know when the best time to buy is.


1. Air Conditioners
The price of air conditioners rise and lower with the temperature. Most old air conditioners expire when the temperature goes up which creates a high demand in the summer months.

If an air conditioner is a must buy right now, then begin looking for discounts today on last years models. If you have a unit that can make it through another season, then the best option is to wait until stores are clearing their inventory at the end of the summer. As temperatures cool the prices will drop and you can find great deals to keep you cool next year.

You can save money on the purchase of a new air conditioner by having your current system serviced. Early in the season is the best time to find deals on service for your air conditioner. In the heating and air conditioning business, the summer months are the most profitable. Many companies will offer discounts on air conditioner service before the heat arrives to stay busy.

Best time to buy an air conditioner: October
Best time to have your air conditioner services: February

2. Airline Tickets
Increase your odds of cheaper airfare by purchasing well in advance of your departure. Viewing ticket prices up to 4 months ahead of departure will give you the best chance of finding a guide deal. Look for tickets early in the week to find deals as prices have a tendency to rise as the week goes on.

Try to fly on a Saturday and avoid flying on Sundays to get a better deal. Holiday travel is always more expensive so determining a travel schedule can be especially valuable when looking for discounts around the holidays.

Flight discounts are unpredictable so the best advice is to check frequently, and once you find a good deal take it. It might not be around very long.

Best time to buy airline tickets: Tuesdays, months in advance of departure

3. Big Appliances
The new models for large appliances roll out in September and October, so stores will be working to make room by discounting previous models. Some stores will keep older inventory in stock through the holiday months and then reduce what ever is left at the beginning of the new year.

During the rest of the year look for holiday sales around Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Best time to buy big appliances: October and January

Got your eye on a shiny iMac or iPod Touch but can't stomach paying full price? Here are some ways to satisfy your Apple craving for less.

1. Buy from a reseller
The easiest way to save money on brand new Apple products is to buy from an authorized reseller. They regularly offer dollar-off discounts, rebates, or packaged deals. For example, Apple is selling the base model Mac Mini for $599. MacConnection has the same model for $579. MacMall is charging $574 after a $20 rebate. When you purchase an iPod Classic MacMall will throw in free engraving, free TuneRanger software, a free charger, and a free silicone case. A little research on reseller sites usually yields better deals than what Apple offers for new items.

2. Buy refurbished
A variety of retailers offer refurbished Apple products. There are a number of places that refurbished items come from, but they are usually indistinguishable from new items. The Apple Store offers the same warranty and support for refurbished items that they provide for new merchandise. Apple is currently selling the base model aluminum MacBook for $1299. An identical refurbished MacBook is selling for $1099 in Apple's refurbished section. Sometimes the refurbished items are a previous generation, but they are often the same model that is being sold new. Buying refurbished is a great way to get a like-new product at a significant discount.

If you're not careful, that spending spree at the ballpark this season can be one, two, or even three strikes for your bank account. Use these 7 tips to ensure that this American past time doesn't bankrupt your food and entertainment budgets. 

1. Buy tickets in advance at the box office
Avoid shipping and handling charges accrued in third party ticket purchases. Go straight to the park. You probably won't find the best raw figures, but after additional costs are calculated, the box office can be the better deal. If you work in a larger company, ask other employees for extra tickets. Some season ticket holders are more than willing to pass them along at a reduced ticket price or for free.

2. Views are great from the cheap seats
Baseball games are very different from college football, the venue most frequented by the general population. Most ballparks are designed with few bad seats in the house as opposed to the mega-crowded, oversized college stadiums. Sitting behind left field can bring great fly balls and much more legroom at a cheaper rate. 

3. Stowaway food
Most ball parks allow outside food and sometimes drink. Contact the venue ahead of time to verify. But even if the ballpark chooses to deny your pre-purchased bucket of chicken, I say buy a bag big enough to sneak it in. I firmly believe that $7 for a hotdog is certifiable theft and am willing to bend my ethics to stick it to the man. They are holding you hostage, for goodness sakes.