2008 October | FrugalFergie.com

Archive for May, 2010

It’s Time To Praise The Thrift Store!

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Saving Money

Welcome back!

I confess. Back in “the day”, I only shopped at brand name stores, regularly purchasing expensive jeans and onehundred dollar sweaters. Back at the time I was naive and didn’t think much about it. Of course, in my defence, at the time, these were luxuries were within my means. Then I grew up, got a house and mortgage and all the bills that those bring. Suddenly gone where the days of being able to  frivolously, on impulse, purchase all the clothes I desired.

Then, a great discovery - the thrift store. I used to think that the thrift store was just a place full of others people old, worn-out clothes, and nothing good could possible be found there - looking back, it’s clear that I was a total snob! Well, as a newly converted thrift-store-aholic, my ways have changed.

Now I know how to hunt our local bargain shops for quality clothes at amazing prices. My laundry skills can get any small stains out, and make someone else’s donation look new again. Sure, it’s a little more work than at other places, but at the same time, there are some real gems to be found. Best of all, I can get oodles of clothes for what I used to pay for a single pair of high-end jeans.

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No More Store Bought Bread For Me

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Saving Money

bread

I should have started this sooner. I mean, the idea had been in my head, but until recently the price of a loaf of supermarket bread wasn’t very expensive, and bread-making seemed like a difficult and tedious process. I’m not sure why, as I do my fair share of baking with biscuits, cakes, and whatnot. Why not bread?

Cooking from scratch is something that I am trying to do more and more of. It’s cheaper, healthier and frankly, almost always tastes better — even my boyfriend, who pretty much only “cooks” anything that comes out of a pre-made package, agrees.

So, on to the bread! What I was surprised to learn is that making bread is actually pretty easy. Really, it’s flour, yeast, butter, sugar, salt and milk - nothing fancy at all! You can find different bread recipes all around the web for limitless home-made varieties. And wow, a fresh loaf is so much tastier, we definitely won’t be going back to store-bought. I never realized how bland the supermarket variety is until I made my own!

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Credit Card Basics

October 28th, 2008 | Posted in Personal Finance

Best Credit CardKeeping your credit cards in solid standing is important for establishing a good credit score. A good credit score will allow you to receive a favorable status with lending institutions, utility companies, and even your employer.

When a person applies for a credit card, the credit issuing company will review the person’s credit score to see if they actually qualify and what terms they should receive. Some credit card offers have the same requirements and rates for people who wish to open an account. Most, however, have different rate options for such borrowers who have a different credit score. Usually, reward cards and low APR cards have the requirement of the highest credit scores. There are cards available for people with low credit histories who wish to build up their credit history. Secured and pre-paid cards accept borrowers with such history of credit problems.

It’s important to remember that Credit card companies often will occasionally review the credit scores of applicants who become their customers and may adjust their rates accordingly. That’s why it’s important to use your credit cards regularly but also pay off the balance before every deadline.

Various lending institutions have come up with best credit offer services. For example, the requestcredit.com website compares credit cards based on various categories. The categories are divided by specific features such as: spending habits, credit rating scores, lending institutions, No Annual Fee Card offers, and International applications.

Moreover, the site provides news, articles, and customer service help for any credit questions you may have.

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