Hello from Walt Disney World! (AHHH!!)  I’ve had so many reader questions on how I did Disney on a Budget so I could run in the 2013 Princess Half Marathon that I had to do a post!  I hope you enjoy, and if you have any advice on how your family did Disney on a budget, I hope you’ll let us know in the comment section below! 

1. Find Discounts Never Pay Full Price For Park Tickets

If you are in the military, a college student, member of an autoclub, alumni or Panhellenic association or you work for a large corporation, you could have access to discounted tickets and hotel reservations.  In the past, I would check with my college’s student office for special passes or visit my local library.  Additionally, if you’re a Florida or southern California resident, you can get discounted year passes.

Some have also suggested that you can save big by going through Disney or a Disney approved travel/vacation specialist.  If you’re booking by yourself- BOOK ONLINE. It’s much easier to comparison shop and always look for coupon codes.  Finally, I have had family members snag discounted tickets on Craigslist, but as always- be savvy and cautious about Craigslist sellers!

Also, there may be some perks to signing up for a Disney Visa Card (I don’t have one, but I know plenty of people who do!) and there are also exclusive “PIN Codes” that are hard to snag and offer huge discounts and perks but there are some secrets to securing a Disney PIN Code.

2.  Go Off Season & Book In Advance

Going to the parks off season will not only save you money but you can enjoy much shorter lines and less stress by avoiding the busy period between late May through the end of August.

Disney Hotels are typically more expensive than off site hotels, but if you go during the week and during off season, Disney often offers package deals that could have you staying on-site for the price you’d pay elsewhere.  Comparison shop online to find the best deals and book far in advance to snag great package deals.  Christmas time seems busy, but usually isn’t- especially during the week, and it’s usually extra festive!

3.  Eat Breakfast In Your Room

This will save you at least $12 per person every day you do Disney.  You can pack oatmeal packets, dried fruit, bagels and peanut butter in your checked luggage.  I have used the coffee maker in my room to get hot water and eat it in the coffee cups (or you can bring bowls).  Also, instant coffee and tea bags are easy to pack and easy to prepare in the room.

Disney hotels usually have fridges if you’re able to stop at a store, but typically (as is the case at Disneyland) it’s hard to track down perishable items for a deal unless you have a car to drive off-site and the gumption to track down food  ”in the real world” instead of having fun at the parks.  Stick to non-perishables for breakfast, snacks and treats to cut costs and you’re golden.

4.  Sit Down For Lunch, Take Out For Dinner

If there’s a restaurant you’re dying to try but know it’s going to be a bit pricier, opt for lunch instead of dinner.  Sit down meals are much cheaper during the morning and afternoon hours and prices sometimes double during the dinner hour.

Whenever possible, avoid any sit down dinners at the parks and instead, bring your own food or opt for the counter service. If you do sit down for dinner, make sure you’re going to get the most out of your money and do something extra fancy, like book at spot at Club 33 (I have yet to figure that out) or Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World (sigh).  Go for big wins if you’re going to spend big!

5.  Buy Souvenirs Before & After You Visit The Parks

While there are a few branded items that are exclusive to the parks, most items that you or your children will swoon over can be found online or at a Disney Warehouse Outlet Store.  Using online coupon codes and clearance racks- you can satisfy your consumption sweet tooth by buying Disney shirts, stuffed animals and frames online if you can beat back the need to impulse by.

Disney Warehouse Outlet Stores will have park branded gear and special event gear (like for the half marathons) the year after at a steep discount.  Many times, you’ll find dated and special edition gear that is seasonal and can’t be sold at the parks any longer.  If there’s one in your area, check it out- otherwise, don’t hesitate to shmooze with a cast member to see if they can do some shopping at the employee store for you.

6.  Only Buy Park Hoppers At Disneyland or If You’re Short On Time

Disneyland and California Adventure are much smaller than the Walt Disney World Parks and if you’re short on time, it will save headache and be more fun if you can hop from park to park without worry.

If you have more time or are headed to Walt Disney World, do the math and see if you really need to spend the extra money on Park Hopper passes.  With the right planning, you may not need to jump from park to park at Walt Disney World and can save a few bucks by doing one at a time.

If you’re a southern California or Florida resident, do the math to see if getting an annual pass with parking would be a cost effective option for you.  Chances are, if you go to the parks 2-3 times a year, it might be smart to invest in a pass, but of course- the numbers don’t lie!

7. Pack Smart &  Be Prepared

I cannot tell you how many times I ended up buying a pair of flip flops at Disneyland because my shoes were bothering me so badly after long days of walking and waiting.  I know most of us want to splurge on a new pair of shoes before a big vacation, but even a pair of tennis shoes can be unbearable if they’re not broken in!

Additionally, be sure to pack sunscreen, bandaids, pharmacy items & plenty of layers so you’re not caught in a heat wave, monsoon or cold front unprepared.  Buying a Disney sweatshirt because you’re freezing during the fireworks just to stay warm, not because you really want it, is a silly way to spend your cash (but heck, I’ve done it!).

8.  Collect Memories & Cash- Not Things

For awhile I had a major Vinylmation addiction, but now, I just collect runDisney bling!  Of course, half marathon medals aren’t any cheaper or take up less space, but you get a lot more entertainment (and workouts) for your money!  When I committed to do the Tinker Bell & Princess Half Marathons, I told my family and friends to not buy me stuff for birthdays and holidays, but to help contribute to my savings goals for the trips.

You will have to plan your Disney vacations far in advance to save the most money, so let your loved ones know that they’d appreciate vacation related items (like park tickets or Disney gift cards) in lieu of traditional gift “stuff.”  You can also choose to opt out of gift giving all together and save up for the trip- it’s up to you where your money goes!  Finally, when you get to the parks, put a limit on how much shopping you’ll do. Trust me, it’s easy to get out of control very fast with gift shops, but do your best to set daily limits and pay for it in cash!

How do you save money on Disney Vacations?

Do you make Disney work for your family on a budget?

Fashion can be overwhelming, especially for those of us on a tight budget!  If you’re paying down your debts, saving for a big purchase or curbing your spending, this post will guide the way.  While trends are fun, every girl should invest in having some basic, universal staples that will survive short lived trends and be easily adaptable to any event or occasion with only minor fashion accessory supplements or adjustments.

I lived on an $800 monthly budget and still made my passion for fashion fit my limited spending.  Do your best to find the essentials as cheaply as possible and get creative with sales, shopping around and swapping with friends.  You don’t have to spend a lot to look fabulous!

Wardrobe Essentials Every Frugal Girl Needs:

Shoes-

1 Pair of Black or Nude Heels

1 Pair of Statement Heels (My go-to are Leopard Print)

1 Pair of Black Flats

1 Pair of Classic Boots (i.e. riding boots)

1 Pair of Sandals To Go With Everything

Clothes-

A Simple Pencil Skirt

A Work/Church Appropriate Blouse

A Black Cocktail Dress

3 Cardigans (Black, Tan, Bright Crazy Color)

3 Pairs Of Jeans (One being a classy dark wash)

4 Camis/Undershirts (to be paired with cardigans, layered or worn alone)

1 Black Trench or Peacoat

Accessories-

Pearl Necklace & Studs

Basic Silver or Gold Necklace & Studs

Leather Belt (to cinch dresses, layer sweaters)

Statement Accessory Pieces (Vintage Brooches, bright scarves)

Leggings or Tights  (to layer with your summer pieces for fall)

Basic Handbag (a bag you love so much you’d wear it with anything!)

Get Creative On Where To Snag Essentials:

If you’re shopping for fashion on a budget, you will have to think outside the box to get the best deals on pieces that are highly valuable to your overall satisfaction and appearance.  Most of us only think about fashion when we get a craving or see something that calls our name- but before you succumb to marketing or emotion, look elsewhere to get great deals on fashion.

Whenever you can, scour daily deal sites, clearance racks or thrift shops, but be cautious since many of the wardrobe staples can’t be found there (and instead, you’ll find last season’s trends that aren’t always conducive to a gal’s targeted fashion budget).

If you’re looking for a keystone piece of jewelry or a high-end trench coat that you couldn’t afford, ask for it as a gift or request gift cards to help you save up.  You can’t always get essentials in your traditional “money saving” shops- a good pearl necklace or a handbag you know will go with everything cannot always be found on clearance racks or thrift stores.  It’s better to save up to get a high quality essential piece or get it as a gift than to either buy a cheaper version  you love less, or try and save money by buying a trendy piece you don’t totally love.

Take Notes Before You Shop & Scour For Essentials:

It is so easy to get caught up in the latest trends- but keep it simple if you’re on a budget.  Whenever you buy an item, ask yourself “How many outfits will this make?” or “What Will This Item Complete?”  

One of my favorite tricks is to take a mental note or leave a note in my phone when I’m struggling to put an outfit together at home and wish I had “a black pair of tights” or a “blue cardigan” to go with it, I make a note.

Most of the time, we waste money at the store simply because we’re looking for that perfect “thing” without being able to pinpoint our dissatisfaction or remember what little item would have helped us use items we already have (like a cami to cover up a busty dress or a thick belt to cinch a waist on a boxy blouse).  Whenever an idea pops into your head, make a list and stick to it!

Invest In Wardrobe Basics, Lightly Supplement With Trends:

Trends are costly.  Every time animal print or neon or faux leather falls into favor, people rush to Forever 21 and discount shops to stock up on the latest trends. While you are getting a discount, the high turnover rate of “cheap” fashion -either in durability or changing trends, seems to add up quickly.

The great thing about the above staples is that once you have them, it’s easy to adapt them to trends you love with just a few simple additions that can be implemented each season for $20 or less.  Having a classy black cocktail dress can be dolled up with a feather pendant, a broach or hot pink pumps in a dozen different ways with affordable additions.

Focus your budget on the basics.  Trends are tempting, but usually end up being regretted later, but stick to only what you need and supplement only with any extra spending money you have left over.

Patience Is A Virtue. Being Frugal & Fashionable Doesn’t Happen In One Trip:

Seriously girl, slow down!  If you’re busy and fashion hungry, waiting around for the right piece especially at the right price is truly a test of grit.  Timeless pieces that last beyond a season or two aren’t easy to find.

Just like a good meal that takes time to put together, you may not walk away with the perfect pair of jeans that hug you like a glove on  your first visit.  If you’re looking for the timeless essentials when you’re on a budget, know it will take some research and it will take some time to find on deep discount, thrifted or when swapped with friends.

When you’re out shopping, know stores are not geared to help us find timeless pieces, everything is tuned to make us “buy now,” and “get it now” instead of waiting for the right piece. It may be frustrating to exercise patience, but when you have finally a killer wardrobe that means you’re never without the right thing to wear, your pocketbook will thank you!

I was recently discussing fashion with a retailer about frugality and if their wares would appeal to my audience.  They expressed their concerns that mid-level price points (meaning, not Target but not Saks Fifth Ave- right in the middle) wouldn’t appeal to people who identified as “frugal.”  The conversation that followed I feel is worth sharing.

I made the point that modern frugality doesn’t mean you’re cheap.

Modern frugality isn’t about hoarding nearly useless items because you might “need it” someday.  Being frugal doesn’t mean stealing sugar packets and sauces from restaurants because you refuse to buy condiments yourself (though I’m sure we’ve all done that a few times, ha!)  Frugality doesn’t mean that you only buy thrifted, or you wear clothes that are frumpy simply because they were $2 on the clearance rack.

Let me clarify, that frugality can be those things, but it isn’t universally constructed that way, nor can you paint all frugal people with one brush.  At times, I’ve had a near Baptist Church Revival session at the clearance rack at Target (Can I get a Hallelujah?!)  and there have been times I’ve been so broke that I would walk an extra block or two just to save a few bucks on groceries, or sustain myself on rice & beans for a few days because that’s what I was working with financially.

Yes, it is possible to be a frugal fashionista and  be debt free.  I did it,  and tons of us do.

Am I cheap? No.  I’d argue that I was being selective.  During the dry spells where I had no money, I did scour the halls of thrift stores & clearance racks of (already) discount stores.  I would agonize over the purchase of a $5 nail polish and tally up receipts with the self-hatred of a penny pinching drill sergeant.  Those days are gone- and luckily, they enabled me to work with a very limited graduate student budget and be able to afford a nice dinner out or a cute pair of shoes that were compliment-worthy.

Modern frugality isn’t about “cheap,” it’s about being smart.  Many of us young folks are grappling with student debt, saving up for weddings, homes or babies (or heck, cars, vacations or healthcare!) and we choose to be picky with our spending.

Being savvily frugal is about putting your money where it matters & putting consciousness into your consumerism.

I do agree that some frugal people are cheap- they brag about cutting their cable and laugh at all the “stupid people” who  choose to pay for it.  Others forget that sometimes paying for convenience is a necessity for some who would make more money in an hour working, than they would scavenging around a garage sale for something in the same amount of time.

Even in my broke-est of days I was able to funnel my money into purchases that had the most impact.  If I only had $50 extra to spend it went towards a nice dinner out and a new nail color.  It’s nothing to brag about, but when I had very little money coming in as a student, frugality kept me out of debt and I was able to sleep at night.

So- to bring me back to the discussion with the retailer.  Would I pay $100 for a beautiful necklace? Yep- if I made room in my life for it and absolutely loved it, you bet I would.   To me, being smart & frugal means a tradeoff.  Would I rather have 5 cheap necklaces from Target or one $100 necklace I drool over?  I’d opt for the expensive piece if it speaks to me- that’s what it is- choice.

We snag our high end fashion at outlet stores, semi-annual sales &  discount department stores.  Same stuff, just at half the price.  

That’s not “cheap,” that’s smart!

Frugality enables us to make choices.  If we have to save up for a $100 necklace, we do.  Frugal folks aren’t cheap, they attempt to curb their impulses and are willing to pay more if it garners more satisfaction.

I would say non-frugal folks aren’t always willing to pay more for an item- they sometimes are just wanting to buy more.  ”More,” being more clutter, more that they can’t pay for, more debt, and more credit cards they can’t manage.

Conversely, being truly frugal means that you have more.  

Even with less stuff, you have more control, more joy out of what you do buy, more funny stories, and sometimes, yes, more ketchup packets in your purse.

I don’t think the issue with frugality is necessarily that we won’t buy high end items- it’s just that we need to direct our way from the impulse shopping, the cheap purchases that really add up over time.  It still amazes me how much my experience around shopping changed when I saved up for a pair of Christian LouBoutins, a MacBook Pro or a silver necklace from Tiffany & Co.    As soon as I curbed my “cheap” purchases- the costume jewelry, the shoes that I only bought because “it was on sale,”  or the obligatory nights out with overpriced martinis,  my spending was ready for the big fish and it felt damn good.

Frugality means buying less, but having more.  I have less junk now, and more shoes that I still swoon over- months later.  It’s authenticity.  When you wear a designer handbag- it may be the only one you own, but it’s bought and paid for- truly, authentically YOURS. When it’s not a debt, but it was paid for without someone (a lender) chipping in, you lie to no one about who you are.

So, to answer the retailer-  frugal doesn’t mean cheap.

We may have to adjust our spending to make room for a high end purchase, but that doesn’t mean we can’t or won’t do it. Before we take the plunge, we make room for it in our life.   Frugal fashionistas have discerning tastes too- we just pay for it in cash & use a coupon!

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in simple joys- an evening spent in the backyard with good food and good friends don’t have to cost a lot, but can make for lasting (and frugal!) memories.

When you head to the store to pick up your carbonated refreshment of choice, the bubbles don’t have to stop there!  For about $1.30  for a bottle of bubbles and your favorite digital camera or iPhone, you will have gorgeous pictures to scrapbook during the winter months!

I’m seriously over all of the body bashing that goes along with bikini weather.  Make the warmer seasons about health and exploration, not having the perfect body.  Summer is the perfect time to explore new sport and get in shape!

If you’re not sure if you’ll be into windsurfing or extreme frisbee for the long term- alway see if you can buy used, rent or use a coupon.   Head to the park with a frisbee, volleyball net or a yoga mat to enjoy the cool breezes and gorgeous blue sky – it’s better and cheaper than any gym!

When the last time you indulged your inner child?  Sidewalk chalk is perfect for two reasons- not only is it great for artistic expression, but it’s an exercise in the impermanence of the season.  As soon as it rains, the designs are gone…easy clean up but even for adults, it’s fun!

Chalk is also great for walkabouts as well.  Grab a bucket of chalk- I got mine for $1.99 at Target, and tag the neighborhood with silly pictures or inspirational messages.  Someone in my neighborhood has been tagging “SMILE” all over the sidewalks and sure enough- every time I see it, I do.

So, after all this fun- you’ll need to refresh yourself right?  Smoothies (with or without the rum!) are a perfect to take advantage of the fresh fruit that’s abundant this time of year, cool off and get healthy.  Keep some frozen fruit on hand, and use yogurt instead of ice cream to keep it healthy- throw in whatever juice you have around, and voilá!

For about $5 you can make a blender full of delicious healthy goodness.  Read my post about smoothies here.

The most frugal thing you can do this summer though, is to RELAX!

Slow down from the hustle and bustle, bask in the sun, play in the water, stay cool and chill out!

What’s your favorite way to have frugal fun in the summer?

I recently bought a pair of Christian Louboutin nude pumps for over $600.

 As I admit I own a pair, I feel a sense of elation:  I finally bought the shoes I’ve been swooning over for nearly two years.

Simultaneously, I feel a sense of embarrassment:  I’m a frugality blogger and recent graduate and seriously spent over $600 on a pair of SHOES. WHAT?

Here’s the deal…the shame comes from the fact that I spent nearly 2 months’ rent on a pair of designer shoes.

Two months’ rent? Yep- that’s right, I live with two roomies in a less than ideal neighborhood in Chicago.  My room has a curtain (no door),  and I have to walk 4 blocks to do my laundry.  I also have to walk several blocks to get groceries without a car.   I got my school books from the library and when I started blogging, my “fun” budget was $80 a month.  I worked my arse off for the past two years and still sometimes barely scraped by.

I do NOT live a glamorous lifestyle-  how in the world could I justify such a rockstar purchase? 

One of the biggest mistakes newbie frugal people make is being cheap.  To be a truly frugal and savvy person is to pick and choose where you put your money- where to be “cheap,” and where to spend like a rockstar.

When I signed my lease last year, living cheap was a priority- the easiest way to cut costs was to have a low rent, no cable t.v. and lowered utility bills.   I knew that if I stayed put in this less than ideal location, I could save at least $250 a month.     That money would bring more joy and be better spent on beer, cute dresses, gifts for loved ones, and yes- to save up for shoes.

For the past two years, I chose to take out as little as possible in student loans, to work my butt off with side hustles & to put money aside for a frivolous pair of shoes.  Those were my choices, based on my priorities, I have no regrets.  If someone makes fun of my small apartment or mocks that I don’t have an elevator, I know that I designed my life around priorities and the situation is temporary.

I waffled on this purchase for months-  I knew the shoes would be over $600.  As a frugality blogger who also loved fashion, I felt like a fraud, a phony.  But again, I made choices that resonated with my values and propelled my goals and dreams.  I saved in certain areas to splurge in others.  I didn’t know when the opportunity to get the shoes would present itself, but I knew I wanted to be ready when it did.  

In April, I was invited to NYC for a book launch party and with some free time, I walked myself to the Christian Louboutin boutique in New York City, got buzzed in (yes, they have to buzz you in!)  and had made my decision within minutes after trying on several heel heights.  While the decision was quick, the process was more deliberate and steady minded- I was ready.

I had pictured wearing a pair of Christian Louboutins for graduation for months and months.  I imagined walking to receive my diploma, with the red heels peeking out with every step towards my acceptance handshake.

Let me reiterate- this fantasy of mine also involved the reality that I would just have finished my degree, meaning- I’d still probably be tight on money and preparing to pay off student loans.  I knew I’d have to make it happen since the money wouldn’t magically appear.  Even though I saved up for the shoes-  I thought of the times I’d felt the sting of embarrassment when people saw my less than glamourous digs or I had to lug groceries home in the snow.  

I transformed that shame, guilt and worry into hope for the future…Not only had I saved for these shoes- I know if I could achieve this goal (even with really hard work) I could achieve anything that mattered this much to me without fearing judgement or what  should matter to me.  I only will focus on what does matter to me.

 The shoes were not only a culmination of hard work and saving-  they were proof that if I could afford a pair of exorbitant designer shoes that were bought and paid for be ME (not a sugar daddy, magic windfall or Lottery Ticket)  I had the grit to do this again and scale it.  

Where To Get The Money:

• Examine any packages you’ve signed up for to see what you can opt-out of.  I saved $1200 a semester by opting out of a student health package most of us didn’t know was tacked on to our tuition.  See if any “bundles,” come with hidden costs- this applies to phone, cable, or housing packages.

• Be honest about your goal.  Whether you keep it quiet and save on your own, or simply tell family/friends about your  crazy purchase and ask for donations in lieu of gifts, your tactic is up to you.  If this purchase is what your heart yearns for, funnel all extra cash towards it.

• Go on a diet.  Challenge yourself one month to cut just one recurring expense- restaurants, movies, or trips to the salon.  This isn’t about deprivation, but challenge yourself to prove yourself that this major purchase is worth it, and if you have to drop $1500 on it, you won’t feel like a jackass and the guilt won’t matter.

• Sell or side hustle.  I sold what I could on Amazon to make money and free up the space for these shoes.  If you’re going to buy something amazing, make room for in your life.

How To Justify Your Rockstar Purchase:

• You’ve planned for this big purchase by recreating equilibrium in your spending-  to purchase a vacation package for next summer you’ve cancelled your cable or gym membership to curb the cost.

• You’ve put away 10-20% of each paycheck to make the silly purchase.

• Though it’s expensive, this item has been your obsession for more than 6 months & would make you insanely giddy for more than 5 minutes after purchasing it.

• You’re planning to maximize this purchase for everything it’s worth.  Either it will make you money, alleviate a problem, satisfy a long time yearning or you’re planning on caring for it like a heirloom piece.

• Do you want quality or quantity?  Are you willing to give up your nickle-and-dime impulse purchases for one big spend?  To buy a designer jacket it may mean no more impulse buys at Target, but is that worth it to you?

Rockstar purchases don’t have to be designer shoes-  but it really is anything we feel we’re not “worthy” of spending… saving up for your dream wedding when you’re feeling pressured to save for something else you’re not thrilled about,  new glasses that flatter when the ones you have “work just fine,” or a fancy dinner for date night when you know it’s cheaper to cook yourself.  

Being happily frugal  is your unique special sauce, make frugality work for you.  

Have you ever had a rockstar purchase?
How did you make it happen?