Budget Archives - MomStart

Which Car Maintenance Items You Should Budget For (& Which to Forget!)

February 26, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Which Car Maintenance Items You Should Budget For (& Which to Forget!)

Depending upon the make and model of your vehicle, along with the year of production, there is a specific schedule of maintenance tasks. However, many experienced car owners understand that many of these tasks are scheduled earlier than necessary, and others are completely unnecessary unless there are signs of problems.

Here are general recommendations from maintenance masters and mechanics who know what’s really necessary to keep your vehicle operational and sailing smoothly.

Budget for These Maintenance Needs

1. Oil Changes

Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker

While oil changes are necessary, people tend to get them much more often than necessary. If that doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, consider the added oil change per year costing you up to $400 in a decade. Even if you proudly own a vehicle from Reed Tollman Chevy or an antique car from Paris, changing the oil more often will not improve its driving.

To set the record straight, here are the standard oil change requirements:

Get an oil change every 5,000 miles or every three months (whichever comes first).
If your area has drastic temperature shifts then an oil change is recommended a minimum of once a season.
If your vehicle sits without being driven for a month or more, consider an oil change.

2. Engine Inspection

Image via Flickr by akeg

Any qualified mechanic should be able to inspect your vehicle for less than $30 in less than an hour. However, if he or she returns with a laundry list of “necessary” upgrades and tune-up tasks, then you should get a second opinion.

Also, keep track of every new part in case there is a warranty: it is helpful to make a spreadsheet to track parts, serial numbers, and dates installed, as well as the warranty expiration date.

3. Timing Belt

Image via Flickr by Sparkwash

Never neglect your timing belt! It is in fact a ticking time bomb of horror for the engine. When it snaps it can cause unspeakable damage to all other instruments within range of its whip-like chaos. If this seems over dramatic to you, then your timing belt has clearly never broken on a highway.

Forget These Tasks

1. Scheduled Tire Rotations

Image via Flickr by mauitimeweekly

Yes, your tires must be rotated and balanced on a regular basis. Yet, rotating them on a schedule doesn’t make sense, because every tire wears differently. Inspect your tires once a month to decide how evenly they are wearing: only schedule a rotation if you believe it is necessary.

2. Replacing Spark Plugs

Image via Flickr by Mr.Thomas

When you have an inspection conducted they will inform you of every necessary change or upgrade: there’s no need to automatically change your spark plugs just because your vehicle rolls into 100,000 miles. These schedules were designed as reminders; not as dictatorial guidelines everyone must follow.

When you review your vehicle’s particular schedule on a site like Edmunds.com, remember to think for yourself. If your car is doing well, then skip the rigorous schedule of tasks and get a simple inspection.

Do It Yourself DIY Remodeling On A Budget

November 2, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

Guest Post

DIY Remodeling

Moving to a new place can be difficult, especially if you have a good relationship with your neighbors and love your community. A great option available to you is remodeling. You can bring new life to the house you’ve been calling home for a long time. However, there are things you have to consider before starting off.

1. Value of re-sale

This should be on your mind when you decide to remodel. The design would depend upon how long you plan to stay. If it’s a short time, 2-4 years, then the design should be kept basic. Short-term home-owners should consider cosmetic updates that come along easily. Some of the things you can do without spending too much is refinish the floors, update the hardware,light fixtures and paint the space.

On the other hand, if you plan on living for a long time, then you can spend a good amount on bathroom renovation, which can provide a good return on your investment. You should also keep the ‘market’ in your area in mind, as you wouldn’t want the most expensive house in your neighborhood.

2. Make sure you have ample time

Make sure you’ve plenty of time before you begin. It’s not a good idea trying to remodel your bathroom a month before Christmas. You should have a proper time table made. Sit down with your contractor and make a schedule that allows for delays that can occur due to holidays, supply shortages and weather.

3. Find a contractor who is reputable

It’s important to find a contractor who is reputable. This is the only way you can protect yourself during a remodeling project. Getting a contractor with surety bonds is a wise thing, as that will assure you that the contractor is going to pay their sub-contractors and complete the work he/she agreed upon. This will compensate you in case of any unfortunate event during the course of the project.

4. Make a budget

You need to be realistic here. How much can you really afford? If your aim to stay a long time after remodeling, you can spend more. If your plan is to sell after a short-term stay, your budget should not be more than the increase in the sales price of the home due to remodeling. After you set the budget, you can ask the contractor for a proposal.

5. Get into a written contract

This should cover the timetable, description, payment schedule, required supplies etc. The contract should also list the responsibilities of the subcontractors, contractor, warranties, the way supplies need to be changed if needed and clauses related to alternative dispute settlements. As for the payments, normal contracts divide payments by decreasing percentages of the total cost. They are also tied to important work stages.

There are also a few things you can do yourself, especially if you’re low on budget.

1. Refinishing existing bathroom items

You can refinish the current items such as shower, sink, bathtub and tiles. With refinishing, you’ll cut down on the cost of replacement. Your bathroom won’t be torn up for weeks. You can also change the hardware, such as shower heads, drawer pulls etc, but make sure to use the same finishing, such as aged bronze or stainless steel.

2. Install cabinets in the kitchen

You can install upper cabinets in the kitchen.You can hang them to the wall studs. If there’s only one stud on the cabinet you choose, you can use a toggle bolt to secure it. You need to check for plump and levelness frequently. Evenness can be achieved with the help of shims. To hold cabinets together while placing on the wall, clamps would come in handy.

3. Clean glass doors and windows

There are glass stains and mineral deposits in windows, shower doors and other glass surfaces. You can easily clean them with a simple power drill and mild household abrasives.

After considering the things mentioned above and what you can do yourself, you are ready to remodel. Home remodeling can be noisy, and can disrupt your normal routine. However, if you’re patient and focused, you’ll be satisfied with the end result.

Get Ready for Prom on a Budget

April 11, 2011 by Momstart 17 Comments

Disney has a really cute movie coming out all about Prom coming to theaters April 29, 2011., capturing the teenage ritual in a very tasteful way. At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. I remember Prom and my desire for a perfect night, only to realize it just wasn’t possible. But having the perfect dress was and I had to have the perfect dress and I went to about five different proms. Yep, any excuse to get dressed up and go dancing (with yet one more chance to have that perfect night LOL), and I didn’t wear the same dress to any of them, and even then I knew how to save money. So while your kids are starting to think about prom and where to find the perfect dress, you can keep them reigned in on a budget. It can be done! Andrea Woroch, a media expert source featured on NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more, is sharing 8 Frugal Tips To Help You Feel Like Prom Royalty with us. Here are her tips for Prom on a Budget with my opinion mixed in here and there.

1. Borrow Accessories
Dig through your grandma’s or mom’s jewelry box to find retro costume jewelry or a vintage clutch to pair with your dress. You could also ask your sister, cousin or friends if you can borrow a fabulous pair of earrings or necklace for the special evening. If you decide to invest in jewelry, make sure it’s a style you can wear for many years to come.

2. Find Frugal Frocks
Every teenage girl wants to look like a princess at prom, but blowing your budget on a formal gown you will wear only once isn’t a smart purchase. Consider a simple cocktail dress that will serve double duty for post-prom celebrations, like college formals and weddings. Browse consignment shops and thrift stores for fabulous vintage frocks at prices that run as low as $20. Or, search sale racks at stores like Nordstrom and Dillards, which offer a large discount dress selection. Don’t forget to compare prices online and search for dresses and women’s shoe coupons to score even better deals from sites like CouponSherpa.com.

Dreaming of a designer dress? Sign up for flash-sale sites like Hautelook & Daily Candy Swirl! to receive daily deal alerts on popular fashion brands for savings of up to 70-percent off.

My two cents – raid your girlfriend’s closets. We traded dresses all the time, someone else’s dress is new to you. You can even have a dress party, everyone brings their dresses and you all trade or take home your favorite pick. It’s a fun way to share.

3. Do Your Own Grooming
Extremely formal up-dos are no longer popular, so consider doing your own hair. If you’re old enough for prom, you’re probably capable of handling your own makeup and nails. You could also swap services with friends. You could easily save up to $200, and ultimately look more like your real self. Include your mom or aunt, who may also be able help curl your locks and your lashes. Gather ideas from online photos or magazines and be sure to practice the hairstyle before the big night.

You can sign up at the malls to have the make up counters do your make up. They hope you make a makeup purchase at the end of your session and it is the polite thing to do, but it’s not required.

4. Use Simple Floral Tricks
Make your own boutonnieres and corsages, or order them from your local grocery store. Often, their prices for flowers are 40-percent less than a traditional florist. Go for a more minimalist look, like an elegant single rose or flower with greenery.

5. Chuck The Formal Photos
Professional prom portraits cost anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on the size and number of prints purchased. Unless you marry your prom partner, that expensive photo will likely end up at the bottom of a box. Nor do formal photos really capture the memory of the night. Instead, share camera duties with friends for an honest record of the evening. Photo prints at CVS or Snapfish cost as little as $0.15 per picture and offer the option to create digital photo albums for a more memorable and less expensive keepsake.

6. Compare Tuxedo Prices
Tux rentals will set most students back $75 to $100 or more. That’s why it’s important to comparison shop. Don’t be afraid to barter for a better price. You may even be able to negotiate a cheaper rate if you recruit several friends to rent in bulk from the same store. Be sure the shop provides all the needed accessories, including a shirt, vest or cummerbund, handkerchief, shoes, tie and belt to eliminate spending extra on these suiting essentials. Better still, skip expensive extras and fill in with your own stuff for a free-spirit look.

My 2 cents – You would also be surprised what you can find at a consignment shop or value village, goodwill type store.

7. Lose the Limo
Most limos have four-hour minimums and require tipping, which could result in a bill of $400 or more. Divided among several friends, the cost can be affordable. However, party buses that hold more people than limos are a fun and more affordable option, so search around for prices and negotiate among several companies. Also, consider the possibility of borrowing a nice car from a parent or relative.

8. Buy Gift Cards at Discount Prices
From pre-party decorations to such prom essentials as dresses, shoes and flowers, students can buy gift cards and save as much as 30-percent. You’ll find them at sites like GiftCardGranny.com for such major retailers as Target, Macy’s, 1-800 Flowers, and many more.

Disclosure: Tips were provided by Andrea Woroch with permission to reprint, and photos and images are from Disney Studios.

Burlington Coat Factory has Winter Coats but is so much more #giveaway

November 12, 2009 by Momstart 1,033 Comments

My sister’s first job was working for Burlington Coat Factory and she was shocked to learn that you can purchase more than just coats. They have a very nice baby section that she looked at a lot while I was busy giving birth. ;-), My two kids are only 12 months apart. But since it is winter time and they are The Coat Factory, let’s check out some coats.

Burlington Coat Factory has clothing and accessories for the whole family from infants to moms and everyone in between. They inspire fall fashion on a budget stories and or Holiday gift guides I remember getting a coat one year. I was so happy. Weird huh, a lot of people don’t like getting functional gifts for Christmas. I do, it kept me warm and I thought I was the stuff with my black leather jacket.. They have coats for everyone in the family under $100, men’s and women’s business attire under $150 and boots for women under $50.

What is your style?

I love the boots. I’m a boot girl, that is one of the best things about living in the Pacific Northwest. I can wear boots from September to June.

About Burlington:

The roots of Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation (the "Company") go back to 1924 with wholesale sales of ladies coats and junior suits. In 1972, the Company opened its first outlet store in Burlington, New Jersey. Coats were the primary offering at the original Burlington Coat Factory, but over time the concept evolved into a one-stop shopping experience. Extensive selections of men’s and women’s suits, sportswear, shoes, and accessories developed. Highly successful baby and youth departments were created. A linens department was added in 1987

Burlington is offering one of my readers a 50.00 Girt Card.

To Enter:

Visit Burlington Coat Factory and tell me what you would purchase with your 50.00. Would you use it to bargain shop or on a new coat?

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site and tell me where you advertised it. 10 Extra Entries
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and to the sponsor for 10 extra entries
Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
Comment on any other non giveaway post and come back and tell me you did (two entries for each comment)
Use any of the Share options at the bottom of this post: Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)