Rebates: How to Get Cash Back

Looking for a way to save some money? A great way to do this is is by joining one of the many rebate sites like      Mr. Rebates or Ebates. Joining is free and it costs you nothing. Simply sign up and start to save.
How does it work? Simply login to the site before you shop online. Look up the store you want to shop at (on the site) and it tells you how much in rebates you get back (example: 1%...5% etc..) They also have coupon codes and deals for many stores. It's a great way to get some money back for shopping.
This is a great way for newlyweds to start saving some cash, especially when your shopping a lot for housewares. Check it out.

Images from Mr Rebates and Ebates

Build Your Own At Home Gym For Under $100

So, your New Year's resolution is to get fit, but you don't want to pay for that gym membership! Here are some items you should get for your own at home gym, on a budget.

1) Resistance Cord. You can get this at Target for around $15. Great for stretching and building, what else, resistance.

2) Medicine Ball. You can also get this at Target or a sports store for around $20. This is great for balancing, stretching, and core training.

3) Free Weights. Range in price from about $15 to $30 on Amazon, weights vary to from 5 to 15 lb. These will obviously get you toned.

4) Yoga Mat. Priced for around $23 at Target, this is a perfect item for workouts. You can use it for doing yoga, obviously, crunches, and stretching.

5) Swiss Ball. Grab one of these at Walmart for around $20. This ball it filled with air, so it is light, it's also big. A Swiss ball helps with yoga, core training, toning and more. This is my personal fav workout item.

So there you have it, great workout items for under $100. No excuses now!! -Mason

pictured above Swiss Ball, from thenest.com

New Year's Eve Date Night Ideas On A Budget

Here are some great ideas! Staying close to home is usually cheaper. You can have tons of fun without blowing the bank.

1) Turn your house into a club. Download some great dance songs on your ipod and hook it up to your speakers. Turn the lights down and break out the bubbly, keep it private or invite your closest friends.

2) Pub crawl. Pretty self explanatory. Hit a few of your favorite local spots with a group of friends, keep a taxi on speed dial.

3) Recreate your teen years. Stock up your car with sodas, chips, blankets, etc... and hit a great "lover's lane."

4) Comedy Night. "Grab some friends and get a table at a local comedy club. Admission rates are cheaper when you watch amateurs get on stage, but the comedic value—intentional or not—is more than worth the cover charge and cost of a few drinks."

5) Dinner and a Movie. Let your movie pick inspire your meal. Rent The Godfather, whip up an Italian feast.

Ideas from thenest.com

Ways to Shop Smarter

You're newly married and looking for ways to save some cash. Below are a few tips on doing just that. Give them a shot, you might be surprised.

1) Don't go out and buy fresh flowers, instead buy a flowering plant, they last.
2) Find your library card. Borrow newly released books and movies, free.
3) Don't go to the movies, download online or use cable on demand services, or rent through the mail.
4) Check out amazon.com or overstock.com before you go out shopping, you can get great deals on these sites.
5) Use online coupon and cash back sites like Mr. Rebates. You get a % back and can find online coupon deals.
6) Buy groceries at Walmart or Target, they really do have better deals and you can save some cash.
7) Work out at home and freeze that gym membership, you really don't need it.
8) Instead of going out to dinner with friends, host casual parties at home and try pot luck, everyone brings something.

Gift Giving Budget Tips for the Holidays

So you are newly married, or a couple looking to save cash over the holidays. How do you give great gifts and not blow the bank? Here are some tips on saving on holiday gifts.

1) Give group gifts instead of individuals. This will save you money. Give a group friendly gift so that the whole group your giving to can enjoy it. For example, a new dvd player might make a great gift for your sister and her family. Now a days you can get a great deal on a dvd player. Try movie passes for the film buffs in your family, this way several people can use them.

2) Personal IOU's. Give your husband an IOU for several massages from you, or give your wife a "I'll do the dishes for a month" certificate. Get creative and think of things you can do for others that they want or need. This is very personal and will be appreciated.

3) Samples. My mom always gives my aunt all of her makeup and perfume samples she's collected through the year. These are fun little stocking stuffers and can take the place of a large gift.

4) Search the sale bins. You can find great deals at pre holiday sales, you just have to brave the crowds.

5) Make a gift. I know it sounds cheesy but it is the thought that counts. Make a gift basket with a bottle of wine, some crackers and cookies. Put it all in a creative container you might have around the house or a small bucket you can find at the store.

Don't just rush out and buy a gift. Think about it first and make a list. This way you can plot out what you need to get and what else you might do creatively.