Overspending is extremely easy to do. Everyone falls for it every now and again because sometimes you just feel the need to spend. However, there may be things that trigger our overspending even when we know that we are on a budget and cannot really afford to spend money.

1.) Stress – Work, family, friends, sickness, money…all these things (and many more) can lead to stress in someone’s life. Stress can definitely trigger your spending because it allows you to take your mind off
of whatever may be bothering you for that little amount of time. Even if it is just going out for dinner or a drink after work…although you may not be able to afford it, if you think it will take away your stress and allow you to relax a little bit you are willing to spend the money.

2.) Peer Pressure – As you get older you think that you outgrow peer pressure and that it really not longer effects you. However, this is really not the case. In the work environment or even just with friends, peer pressure is very prominent as you get older. When shopping with friends, if they are buying things or if they tell you that something looks good on you and that you should buy it sometimes you fall into the trap and end up purchasing something just because someone said you should.

3.) Emotions – If something is happening in your life that has got you down or on the flip side makes you want to celebrate, this often triggers a side of you that makes you want to spend money. Similar to stress, spending allows you to forget bad things that are happening. However, if you get a promotion or something, you spend money to celebrate. The same goes for if you have a date or vacation…you are excited so spend more money.

4.) Credit Cards – Credit cards definitely give us an easy out. Even when people know that they do not have the money to spend, they know that a credit card can still allow us to spend. This is one of the worst influences because it will get you in serious amounts of debt that you have to account for later on. People get sucked into the credit card trap without really thinking about what they are doing and before they know it they have spent way more than they thought.

All of these things can trigger over spending that you know you should not be doing if it does not fit within your budget. Try to find things that will substitute spending money to help celebrate or make yourself feel better. In the long run, giving into these things that trigger your spending will only make you struggle with your budget or lead you into a great deal of debt down the road.

— By Hannah Waters, Geezeo.com

Photo by: Jane M. Sawyer

By Kim Danger

Kim Danger, nationally-recognized savings expert and founder of www.mommysavers.com, has teamed up with Uniroyal Tire to release a series of e-books for the frugal-minded. The team’s e-books and videos can be found at www.uniroyaltires.com/moremileageforyourmoney, and they are available for free.

My latest e-book, “Pamper Yourself for Less,” is all about making yourself a priority and creating some “me time.” If you’re in need of some rejuvenation, I have five homemade spa treatments that anyone can enjoy — without the price tag.

Egg Facial:

This homemade facial will cost you less than 25 cents to make! The egg white will first draw oil out of your skin, then the egg yolk will moisturize it.

Directions:

Crack the egg and separating the egg white from the yolk, then whisk until smooth. Start with a clean face, and rub the egg white on your face in a circular motion. Allow to dry for 15 minutes and wipe off with a warm washcloth. Next, rub the egg yolk on your face and allow to dry for 15 minutes in order to moisturize. Wash skin thoroughly with warm water.

Sugar/Salt Scrub:

This is a great scrub for polishing and smoothing out your skin, especially rough patches on your feet and elbows.

• 2 cups Epsom salts or sugar

• 1 cup olive oil

• 6-8 drops of essential oils (for a nice scent) if you have them or add a few drops of baby oil

Directions:

Lightly moisten skin and apply in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water.

Oatmeal Mask:

This is a refreshing mask that will help moisturize your skin and gently exfoliate at the same time. It works wonders for really dry skin!

• 1/2 cup hot water (do not boil)

• 1/3 cup quick oats

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 egg white from a small egg

Directions:

Combine everything in a bowl and apply to your face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes until dry. Wash skin thoroughly with warm water.

Do It Yourself Bubble Bath:

Why spend money on this? De-stress after a long day with a calming bath that costs just pennies to make from items you have at home already.

• 1/2 cup gentle liquid dishwashing detergent

• 1 cup Epsom salts

• 4 or 5 drops glycerin

• 3 or 4 drops essential oil (optional)

Directions:

Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. Add just a little bit to bathwater to create luxurious bubbles.

Moisturizing Mask

This mask will leave your face feeling silky smooth, especially if you have dry skin problems.

• 1 medium sized banana, mashed

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

Mix banana and oil in a bowl. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until the mash is warm. Apply to face and leave on 10-15 minutes. Wash off with warm water, followed by a cold splash of water.

With summer vacation just beginning for those in college and just around the corner for younger kids, it is time to start planning out your summer. With the kids out of school, costs can add up extremely quickly if you aren’t careful. Finding different ways to entertain yourself and your children can be difficult without spending money, but it can be done.

Here are a few ways you might choose to cut back this summer…

Air Conditioning – If you have air conditioning then you know that it can definitely raise your electric bill every summer. Be conservative with how you use your air conditioning. If you are unable to sleep in the heat then make sure you keep the AC off during the day but use it at night. Figure out when it is most important for you to have it on. If it is a cooler day outside, do not just keep the AC on because it is already on. Cut back on your usage and watch your electrical bill drop!

Gas – Gas prices typically rise during the summer because more people are traveling about. Cut back on your gas usage to help you save this summer. Although sometimes it uses more gas in certain cars to have the AC on, in other cars it uses more gas to have the windows down. Try to figure out what works best for your car. If you are moving at a slower speed and not on a highway, then windows down is definitely the best way to keep your gas usage down. Car pooling is another great option! If you are headed to the beach with some friends and kids, take one car as much as possible and reduce the amount of gas being used.

Beaches – Parking at beaches during the summer can get extremely expensive, especially if they are nicer private beaches. Instead of spending $25 just to park at a beach, do your research and scope out the best beaches around with the cheapest parking. There are always beaches that offer parking for a little less money or that are completely free, you just need to do your research in order to find them. It may even be best to see if any public transportation runs to and from the beach in order to cut out the parking fees altogether!

Picnics – Going on excursions during the summer can be great fun, but eating out all the time is too expensive! Make sure that you pack picnics wherever you may be going for the day. Even amusement parks like Six Flags often allow you to bring food into the park, or have re-entry so that you can go back to your car to eat your lunch. All you need is a cooler and some food from home to make this little picnic work out and to save you a great deal of money!

Outings – If you have kids then you know that entertaining them all summer can get difficult (and by the end you are definitely ready for them to return to school). However, entertaining them can also get expensive. Check with your local library to see if they offer any deals. Often libraries have memberships at museums, aquariums, zoos, and other great places that will let you gain access for free or at a great discount just for having a library card. Make sure you take advantage of what they have to offer because even if it saves you a few dollars here and there (or gets you in completely free) this will help you keep your spending down.

These are just a few places you can save this summer. One way to keep all your spending on target is to make sure you set a budget for yourself before the summer begins. This may be a weekly or monthly budget that keeps you on track and ensures that you won’t overspend. A budget may take a little bit of time to make, but once it is done if you stick to it you will definitely be much happier when the summer comes to an end.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, so let’s hear it for Mom!  It is easy to show her how much you care, without even cracking open your wallet.

1.    Make a card – the old fashioned way.  Grab some colored paper, scissors and glue and get those creative juices flowing!  Old pictures are always good if drawing isn’t your strong suit.

2.    Make a card – using the computer.  Are you a pro at Photoshop?  Make Mom a funny card.  Put her head on the body of a supermodel, she won’t complain.

3.    Create a photo montage.   Again, if you’re tech savvy, create a slide show of photos of you and Mom.  Be sure to save it in a format she knows how to use, so she can watch it over and over on her own.

4.    Create a photo album.  If you have access to old photos, take a few and create a small photo album of some important moments with you and Mom.  Be sure to write notes telling her how you remember those days

5.    Make Mom a simple dinner.  Your house or hers, just use the stuff you have and make dinner together.  Mom can always whip something up with what’s at hand.

6.    Go on a walk.  Enjoy the spring weather with a stroll with Mom.  If she doesn’t live in a walk-friendly area, take her for a drive to somewhere scenic.  Connect with Mother Nature as you connect with your Mother.

7.    Go window shopping.  Even when the economy is dragging, window shopping is free!  Take a walk through a mall (outdoor if possible) and you may even get some hints about what Mom would like for her birthday.

8.    Go to church.  Mom will love to show you off next to her at church.  Put on your nicest church clothes and get ready to sing the hymns as loud as she does.

9.    Clean the garage.  If Mom has a garage, odds are it could use a tidy.  If she’s not one to part with clutter, don’t force the issue this time.  Just pull out the cars and the garbage cans and give the space a good sweep then hose it down.  She’ll be thrilled every time she gets out of her car.

10.    Clean out the basement/attic.  If there’s no garage, or if mom doesn’t drive, there’s always the basement or attic.  Let Mom know you want to help her clean and organize this extra space.  Plan the time to do it together and you may uncover even more memories.

11.    Help with her garden.  Spring is the time to plant bulbs, clean out winter waste and get ready for the summer growing season.

12.    Clean her fridge.  Beyond the obvious benefit of a free meal for you, help Mom check the dates on old salad dressing, toss unidentifiable leftovers, and help her wash down the shelves.

It’s all about spending time with Mom.  Show her that you have been thinking of her, and it will be present enough.

– By Michele Steinberg, Geezeo.com

By Farnoosh Torabi | MainStreet.com

The country’s personal savings rate rose to 5% of disposable income in January, the most in about 14 years. But people still need stuff even if they’re spending less.

Short on cash? Trying to save? Still need braces? The Internet can help straighten things out.

At FavorPals a dentist in Cincinnati says he’ll offer free orthodontics in exchange for some network maintenance on his computer.  He is not the only one offering a cashless exchange for services.

On Craigslist, a New York skin care specialist with experience in “all types of laser treatments” will offer her services if you’ll professionally groom her dog.

A Facebook member will houseclean, launder, baby or pet sit (your choice), in exchange for mechanical help on her Jeep.

And a Twitterer will teach you English  in exchange for teaching him how to program software.  (Then maybe he can help the dentist in Cincinnati in return for a retainer.)

The Bartering Bounce
Across the country bartering requests—asking to swap goods and services for other goods and services without involving money—is penetrating the web. “People are looking to save any money they can,” says Greg Boesel, co-founder and CEO of Swaptree, a web site dedicated to trading books, music, DVDs and video games.

Craigslist has reportedly seen a 100% rise in bartering ads since January 2008. At Swaptree, Boesel says the site has doubled its listings every three to four months since launching in July 2007. There are now about 1.5 million items listed for trade. And John C. Moore, co-founder of four-year-old U-Exchange says page views on his free barter site have skyrocketed 172% in the last 30 days, compared to the 30 days before that.  “When gas prices were just sky high people were looking to get rid of their gas guzzlers in exchange for motorbikes,” says Moore.  “Now,  people are  looking for renovations and bartering for vacations.”

New Online Swap Sites Emerge
New web sites continue to pop up.  Joseph Denton started SwapGiant in September 2008 and is now seeing close to 2,000 unique visitors a day. Many items bartered on the site are children’s toys, clothing and bikes.

At FavorPals, which launched in October 2008, most trades are service-oriented, like a cleaning lady who recently offered her services to a law firm in exchange for legal help fighting a traffic ticket. The site now attracts some 6,000 unique users a month.

And in January Scott Larsen and John Patton launched FriendlyFavor, a free “all-purpose request tool” that lets users ask favors of their trusted social network of family, friends and friends of friends. The site lets users post a variety of requests including charity contributions and advice, but the top-growing trend is barter requests, the founders say.  “We anticipate that being half or more than half of our traffic by the end of the summer,” says Patton.

Select Sites Cater to Your Needs
Here are a few sites to consider if you have specific bartering plans in mind:

HomeExchange, Homeswap and HomesForSwap
Barter Bait: Homes for vacationers. (Use it if you’re interested in staying in Europe for a week but don’t to pay for housing. You can offer someone in Rome your place for theirs).

SwapAGift and Plastic Jungle
Barter Bait: Swap un unused gift card for another.

Swaptree
Barter Bait: Books, DVDs, music and video games. (Added bonus: Your only cost is shipping your item.  The site advises you use the post office’s Media Mail service which lets you send almost everything for less than $2.50.)

SwapStyle and DigNSwap.
Barter Bait: Clothes and accessories.

As we face these tough economic times a new scene is emerging: indie crafts.  Handmade is more hip than designer.  A new breed of outdoor craft fair will hit most cities this summer; like the Renegade Craft Fair and the Handmade Market.   Using what you have and applying your own creativity is a great way to conserve, save money, and even earn some extra cash.   Here’s how you can get in on the fun:

Make it!
The heart of the craft movement is, of course, to make it yourself.  If you don’t have the natural flair for knitting, cross stitching, or sewing, think about things you use and can make easily:  create iron-on images for tea towels or t-shirts; make greeting cards; grab a canvas or random piece of wood and paint your own art; try your hand at hand-made jewelry.  A visit to your local craft store should start the inspiration and provide you with inexpensive base materials to use for practice.

Bake it!
Stop going out for dinner and bring back the dinner party.  Or luncheon, or high tea, or brunch.  Invite your friends over for pot luck.  Cooking and baking are some of the easiest ways to get involved in crafting.  And don’t forget the decorations!  Make your own centerpieces, decorate napkins, or fashion napkin holders.  Another great way to get started is to bake cookies for friends – but don’t forget to decorate the platter to deliver them on!

Grow it!
Spring is the prefect time to work on your green thumb.  Grow outdoor flowers that you can cut and display indoors.  Decorate flower pots and plant colorful bulbs inside.  Even the smallest balcony (or windowsill) can be the perfect outlet for growing your own herbs for cooking.

Swap it!
Once you’ve made your masterpieces, what better way to show them off than to trade your creations with friends?  This notion can go beyond your projects, on your next vacation think about swapping your home with someone in another city.  It will save you money on hotel costs and give you a real taste of a local.

Sell it!
If your projects are hugely popular in your social group, think about cashing in on your creativity by selling your wares.  In addition to the big craft fairs, churches often hold smaller ones which can help you get your feet wet.  If you’re ready to graduate to selling, but not ready to pay for a booth, set up shop online.  Beyond making your own site, utilize the obvious ebay or specialty marketplaces like Etsy.

Craftiness is the new bling, especially when it’s edgy, cheeky and well done.  Magazines like Ready Made are catering to this growing crowd.  Grab your glue gun and join in the fun!

– By Michele Steinberg, Geezeo.com

By Tim Chan | MainStreet.com

They gather in packs at night, usually just pass dusk, and assemble behind buildings and alleyways. Empty bags in hand, they move at a steady pace, stalking large dumpsters and garbage cans for food, clothing and other treasures to be found. Often, they take home enough to sustain them for weeks on end.

Meet the freegans: a group of crusaders dedicated to saving the environment and saving money at the same time. They may have started as an underground community, but these days the group could include your next-door neighbor, roommate, or your boss. Their cost-cutting approach may be unconventional, but experts say it’s paying off and catching on.

“The whole idea of ‘green economics’ and cheap living has led to a renewed interest in freeganism,” says Jeff Ferrell, a professor of sociology at Texas Christian University and author of the book Empire of Scrounge. “It’s a great way to decrease harm on the environment while also keeping your costs down.”

What Is Freeganism?
A freegan is someone who avoids using money to acquire food and other goods. Spun out of the anti-globalization movement of the mid ’90s, freeganism began as a reactionary lifestyle to consumerism, gluttony and greed. Freegans believed they could obtain food and other necessities for free, thereby avoiding big businesses and reducing their consumption of resources.

The word “freegan” takes its name from the word “vegan,” as members support a “cruelty-free” agenda that avoids meat and dairy. Today, freeganism also extends to non-vegetarians, as well as non-edible things like clothing, books and furniture.

Most freegans find things by dumpster diving or gathering outside a store and sorting through the trash. Others use a barter system to obtain goods and services, while some rely on collectives that promote the sharing of things like bicycles and cars.

Become a Freegan
If you want to do form your own group, Ferrell says it’s important to understand how your city works. “Before you go out, educate yourself about the rhythm and timing of your neighborhood,” he says. “Find out when the college dorms are being cleaned out, or when the donut shop throws out its food.”

Of course, a simple Google search (Stock Quote: GOOG) can connect you with freegan groups in your city.

New York resident Peter Lee always had bread to eat in college, thanks to the local sandwich shop. The shop baked fresh loaves daily, and whatever didn’t sell would be thrown out. Lee spoke to the manager and found out what time each day a new batch of bread was taken out. He would then head over to the shop and bring home all the bread from the day before. “It was basically day-old bread,” recalls Lee, “so it was still fresher than what we bought at the grocery store.”

Common Myths
Although most people would find the idea of foraging for items in a dumpster unsanitary and unsafe, Ferrell says it’s important to remember that grocery stores have plenty of reasons to throw away food that is perfectly fresh, clean and edible. Ferrell says he often takes home bags of oranges that are thrown out simply because one of the oranges was damaged. Other times, grocery stores are clearing their shelves to make room for a newer shipment of a product.

Will Parson, a San Diego-based photographer, became a freegan after documenting a group of dumpster divers in the city. He says it’s easy to find sealed food with an expiration date that is months away. “I’ve found dozens of gallons of milk one night, and dozens of bags of chips another,” he says, adding: “The excessive packaging around many foods makes it very easy to pick them from the dumpster unscathed.”

Freegans aren’t limited to finding just food. Ferrell says he’s found tools, jewelry and money in the trash, thanks to people cleaning out their workspace or closets. Just the other day, he took home an antique crystal vase.

Another myth: Dumpster diving doesn’t really involve diving anymore. Ferrell says it’s easier to sort through boxes and garbage bags along the curb. But if he’s drawn to a particular dumpster, he’ll always bring along a long pole to help him reach what he wants. He notes that he always asks permission before sorting through someone’s trash. “Sometimes a homeowner will actually bring me other things from their house, once they find out what I’m doing,” he says.

Saving Money
Freeganism may have started as an anti-consumerist subculture, but these days, its principles can be applied to the general public.

“Once you get the hang of it, you can find just about anything in the dumpster,” says Parson, “so it’s a good idea to think before buying something brand new that you might find used from a friend or discarded in the trash.”

“We’re like modern-day treasure hunters,” adds Ferrell. And as the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

The battered economy is driving a new interest in money oriented games for kids.

Lauren Tara LaCapra asks customers at big retailers whether price or style is more important when scouting the latest trends.

Have you found yourself weighing the costs associated with working to make a dream a reality?

“Go Long, Bopp!” That’s the “buy low and hold” stock slogan we’re using to describe placing our money on young race car driver Danny Bopp. (Stay tuned: Monday, May 4th you can enter win a prize package from Geezeo and Bopp). I spoke with Danny Bopp about being a professional driver and the costs of pursuing his dream.

Your first race of the season is later this week [April 19, 2009, ARCA RE/MAX Series, Rockingham Speedway, North Carolina]. How long have you wanted to be a race car driver? How did you get started?

I believe since the age of five or six. I would watch my father fabricate and set up race cars from all aspects of racing, and watch the NASCAR races with him on Sunday afternoon. My father would teach me various components of the racing industry, and how the cars performed. I consider myself blessed to learn from a very respected person in the industry.

I began driving several bicycles, dirt bikes, concession go carts and golf carts by the age of seven. Everyday after school, and almost every weekend I would be riding or driving something. It seemed everything I owned could not go fast enough. I was always in search of more challenging trails and tracks to make on the property we had.

One day I was driving my go cart around the yard (probably way too fast), and my father’s friend, Randy Stiers, watched me drive and said “that kid is going to be your next Jeff Gordan, and I want to sponsor him to race go carts.”

What are some of the costs associated with training? Who pays for this? How do you manage this money?

There are many different aspects of training with a race team. The pit crew practices three to five days a week, and a driver trains by running, working out, and keep the body fit for endurance. The full team trains by practicing, or testing, the race car at various race tracks to keep the car competitive with the others race teams. The cost to practice the car varies depending on the type of test you are performing, but there are costs to pay your employees to work on the car, fuel for the transporter, renting the race tracks, and purchasing tires for the race car.

Typically a team is financially supported by investors or corporations, and every expense is itemized and accounted for prior to a race test or race event.

Have you ever had a time when you’ve felt that the costs to pursue your dream might sideline you? What did you do?

I personally believe to pursue a dream you must give everything you have to achieve it, whether it be financial, in your relationships, or other sacrifices. I continue to pursue my dream by staying focused, keeping great business relationships, and living everyday with positive energy. I think it is much more powerful and respectful to strive, rather than to become discouraged and give up.

So true! I think a lot of people are so discouraged these days they feel like giving up. What would you advise someone who has a dream but who is fearful of the financial risks?

The power of our mind and the power within ourselves is greater than anything else. When I tell people I am a race car driver, they always say, “Aren’t you afraid you are going to get hurt?” I reply with “taking risks is something you do everyday. Whether it be changing careers, moving, or as simple as driving a car on the road.” Everyone is born with a talent and purpose, and once you know what that is, you never stop pursuing until you have reached your goals. If you want to achieve something, you do it, no excuses.

Yes, I agree. There’s a parallel with our financial lives, too. You must be willing to assume some risk in order to outpace inflation’s effects on your savings, for example. Right now a lot of people are seeing their retirement savings plummet and they are scared. On Thursday Geezeo writer Michele Steinberg will discuss why buying and holding still works. Like driving, long-term investing and savings means you have to look at the risks and determine if the risks match your tolerance levels. There is no reward without sacrifice and careful planning — and keeping a positive outlook during tough times is key.

Thanks for talking with us, Danny. Looking forward to speaking with you next Monday. Good luck in the race!

— Katie McCaskey, Geezeo.com