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Do you have one of those ongoing-yet-unspoken contests each year with your neighbor? You know the one: You compete to see whose lawn is the greenest, whose flowers bloom brightest, and whose yard is the best on the block. No matter the unofficial title at stake, you don’t want to spend a fortune on lawn care this summer.

These lawn care tips from the PennySaver will help you grow a lush, beautiful lawn without breaking the bank:

Use Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is the process of planting trees, bushes, plants and shrubs that are native to your region. According to FoxBusiness.com, xeriscaping can save you a significant chunk of money, because the rain and moisture that is produced naturally in your area is usually enough to keep this native landscaping hydrated. When you add non-native plants to your landscape design, they may require more water, because they are used to another climate where it rains more frequently.

Add Shade Trees

According to BankRate.com, planting big, beautiful shade trees helps protect your grass from the sun and offers you additional benefits at the same time. Trees planted on the west and east sides of your home help protect your house from the glaring rays of the sun and help keep your home cooler in summer. This not only saves you money on watering your lawn, but also cuts down your utility bills each month.

Invest in a Multipurpose Tool

Buy a good multipurpose tool to help you take care of your lawn, rather than one tool for each specific function. It’s usually worth the initial expense; one or two decent multipurpose tools can take care of your entire landscaping needs. String trimmers, for example, can be used to cut grass, trim near objects, keep bushes pruned and hack back overgrown weeds. When accompanied by landscaping attachments, string trimmers become one of the most valuable multipurpose tools a homeowner can have.

Apply One Dose of Fertilizer

Fertilize your lawn just once in the spring, and leave your grass a little bit longer when you cut it. According to personal finance blogger Edward Antrobus, this not only promotes healthy growth, but it helps to save you money as well. Using a time-release fertilizer in the spring helps ensure that you only have to spend the money on this treatment once per year. Longer blades of grass require less water, so you don’t have to spend so much money and time hydrating your lawn.

The best part about these money-saving tips is, they don’t require you to compromise on the quality of your lawn. You can still have the greenest lawn on the block, but you will also have enough extra cash in your wallet to throw the best barbecues—with the most delicious steaks, the juiciest fresh fruit and most succulent corn on the cob. Now that you’re winning the beautiful lawn competition, it’s time to see who can throw the best neighborhood parties this summer.

There are small, simple changes that can make a big impact on the amount of fuel you use everyday. Financial advice blog One Cent at a Time offers some great tips for drivers looking for ways to get ahead financially. Don’t leave the house again before reading and applying these gas-saving tips from the PennySaver:

Drive Defensively

It’s a fact that aggressive, fast drivers spend more money on gas because fast acceleration and constant braking use more gas. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services website states that fuel efficiency decreases at speeds above 60 mph. According to Drive55.org, driving 55 mph improves fuel-economy by 21 percent compared to driving between 65 and 70 mph.

Use Recommended Engine Oil

According to FuelEconomy.gov, using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent. To find out what oil your manufacturer suggests, visit MobilOil.com and enter your vehicle’s year, make and model.

Service Your Vehicle Regularly

It’s simple: a car that runs smoothly and is taken care of uses less gas. For the best fuel efficiency, follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your car’s manual and change air filters regularly.

Find the Best Deals

Search online or download a smartphone app that tracks the best fuel prices in your area. For example, GasBuddy allows users to search for nearby gas stations and see the current fuel prices.

Take a Load Off

Heavy items on the roof rack, in the trunk or on the floor of your car add weight that reduces the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. According to ShearerHonda.com, an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel efficiency by two percent. Relieve your vehicle of unnecessary baggage to save money at the pump.

Get Smart with Your Car

Every year car manufacturers produce new fuel-efficient options. A hybrid car with regenerative braking can save you trips to the fuel pump because it re-energizes itself. Although at the dealership green technology tends to be more expensive than class-competing non-hybrid vehicles, some newer hybrid models are hitting the market at competitive prices. For example, the Insight from Honda has an MSRP of $18,600, and the Toyota Prius c starts at $19,080.

Use GPS

The less time you are on the road driving or idling the more you will save on gas. If your phone permits it, use a GPS navigator and check route options before you travel. If you don’t have this option, check online before you leave.

Work From Home

If you can, work from home one or more days a week.

Alternative Transportation

If your boss isn’t crazy about the idea of you working from home, consider carpooling with a co-worker. Not only will a carpool plan save you and your co-workers on gas, it will also allow you the luxury of driving in the carpool lane, which can ease the stress of rush-hour traffic.

Make Small Changes While You Drive

Turn off the air conditioner when climbing a steep hill or entering the freeway. This will reduce the stress on the engine, meaning it won’t produce as much energy to fuel the air compressor. Also, make sure your tired are appropriately filled. Visit DMV.org to learn how to check tire pressure.

Valentine’s Day is almost here! Don’t forget about your special guy this Valentine’s Day. It might be easy to get caught up in wondering what he’s getting you, that you forget to get him something. PennySaver is here to lend a helping hand. We’ve highlighted a few gift ideas that are sure to make him feel extra special this Valentine’s Day. If you’re planning to make his gift yourself, then check out our Valentine’s Day DIY Gift Ideas.

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Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

• Personalized M&M’s

  Everyone knows women love to get chocolate for Valentine’s Day, but what about guys? They like chocolate too. They may not want a frilly pink box with chocolate truffles, but they’ll definitely enjoy and appreciate some delicious personalized M&M’s.

• Multitool/Swiss Army Knife

  Guys love getting things that are multi-purpose. That’s why they love Swiss Army knives and multitools because they serve more than one purpose. If he doesn’t already have a Swiss Army Knife, consider getting him this Leatherman Freestyle Multitool from L.L. Bean. It’s made of stainless steel, and has a knife, wire cutters and combined needlenose and standard pliers. If you want to get him something that can go on his keychain, get the Columbia River Knife and Tool from Amazon.com.

• Personalized Luxury Robe

  If your guy likes to lounge around in comfort, then he’s going to love a luxury fleece robe for Valentine’s Day! He can look stylish and feel comfortable while going about his normal routines. Get a personalized robe at PersonalizationMall.com.

• Cigar Sampler

  If your guy likes cigars, then what better than a Cigar Smapler! Thompson Cigar is America’s oldest mail order cigar company, and they have a World Class Sampler with 20 great smokes from the 3 best cigar producing regions in the world.

• Craft Beer Home Brew Kit

  If beer is his poison of choice, surprise him with his own Craft Beer Home Brew Kit! Beer of the Month memberships are great too, but nothing is more satisfying than something you did yourself. So let him enjoy the fruits of his labor with a Home Brew Kit from RedEnvelope.com.

• Money Clips/Wallets

  He may already have a wallet or money clip, but if they’re worn out, then it’s time to get rid of the old and give him something new. You can get money clips engraved at ThingsRemembered.com, and a wallet from his favorite brand.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re not sure what to get for that special lady in your life, then you’re in the right place. PennySaver is here to help you out. We’re going to give you some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for that special lady in your life, that can appeal to a variety of budgets. If you’re not looking for a store-bought gift, and prefer to make the gift yourself, check out our Valentine’s Day DIY Gift Ideas.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her

• Locket Key Ring

  Women don’t really wear locket necklaces anymore, but the gift of a locket with a photo that she can carry with her everywhere makes for a great gift. A locket Key Ring is the perfect solution, because she can place it on her existing keychain of house and car keys, something that she always has with her. You can get a personalized locket keychain at PersonaliztionMall.com

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• Personalized M&M’s

  It’s no surprise, girls love to get chocolates on Valentine’s Day (unless they’re allergic or lactose=intolerant). Why not surprise her with some personalized M&M’s! You can personalize the delicious candies with your own romantic words, and/or a cute photo. So what’re you waiting for? Turn your sweet nothings into sweet somethings with some delicious personalized M&M’s.

• Personalized Wall Art

  If you’re looking to gift something different than a photo of the two of you, then opt for a framed print of the word “Love” or “Soulmate”, personalized with your names. It’s a great addition to any home, and is a welcome change compared to the usual framed photos of happy couples. You can get a Love Print or Soulmate print at PersonalCreations.com.

• Personalized Photo Frames

  If you do want a traditional photo gift, then get her a beautiful personalized frame to hold the photo of the two of you. These are great for her to have at her desk at home, or at the office! You can get personalized frames at PersonalCreations.com or Personalization Mall.com.

• Jewelry

  Another Valentine’s Day staple is jewelry. You can never go wrong with gifting her a piece of bling. This works for every budget, because you can keep it anywhere from under $50 to over $1,000. You can visit your local jewelry store locations, or you can shop online and get great deals at sites like BlueNile.com or Overstock.com.

• ‘Couples Key Dates’ Art

  What does a woman want more than anything else? To know that you listen, remember and care. Show her that you do all of these by getting her a wall art canvas or throw pillow, personalized with the key dates of your relationship. You can choose what dates you want to highlight. Maybe the first date? First kiss? First Baby? Proposal? Wedding day? It’s completely up to you. This is a great sentimental and chic gift that any woman would cherish. You can get this great gift at RedEnvelope.com.

• Flowers

  Another never-fail gift is a bouquet of flowers. Yes, they may not last forever, but just the fact that you remembered it was Valentine’s Day, and took the time to order and have them sent is a gift in itself. Roses are great, but make it even more personalized by sending her favorite flowers. You can order them through your local florist or from sites like FTD.com or 1800Flowers.com.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive, and doesn’t only have to be about store-bought gifts. PennySaver has compiled some DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas just for you, in the event that you didn’t have time to shop for something, are on trying to spend Valentine’s Day on a budget, or just prefer to gift something that you made yourself.

DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

• Create an ‘I Love You’ Book

  Time to unleash your crafty and creative side! The ideas for this gift can be endless. All you need to do is create a book telling your significant other how much you love them. It can be small, it can be comically large, it’s completely up to your imagination. Here are some great examples to get you inspired.

  • ’52 Things I Love about You’ done using a pack of playing cards and 1 inch binder rings. You can make it as basic, or elaborate as you see fit.
  • Photo Love Story using index cards and photos to tell your love story.
  • ‘I Love You Because…’ Book from Wahetver Dee Dee Wants. Great way to tell your significant other why you love them.
  • The Envelope Book from Oh Hello Friend Blog to help your significant other get through their day.

• Coupon Books

  You might remember doing these as a kid. Creating coupon books for your parents on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, redeemable for you doing the dishes, or other household chores. The same gift would also make a great Valentine’s Day gift as you get older. You can still keep the coupons for the occasional hand with the household chores, but you can add coupons redeemable for foot massages, homemade dinner, car-wash, or even a kids-free day coupon! Some cute examples are:

  • Elegant Coupon Book using free printable templates, cardstock, and other office/craft supplies you probably already have at home.
  • Non-Corny Valentine’s Day Coupon book from Kind Over Matter
  • Packaged Coupon Book that’s abstract, and different from the usual coupon book format. This one’s more structured, and reminiscent of a fold-out wallet.
  • Vintage Coupon Book for the vintage-lover in your life.
  • Ticket-themed Coupon Book from Mommy by Day Crafter by Night. You can download the coupons with text already printed on them, or blank to add your own coupon text. They look similar to theater/movie tickets, and you can paste them on card stock to personalize them further.

• Love Notes in a Jar

  This one is pretty self explanatory, and not much to it. If you already have empty jars laying around you can use those, or purchase some mason jars or small jars at your local craft store. You can create thin strips of notes, or larger notes, notes in circles or notes in square, folded or flat. You can hand-write them or have them printed. The possibilities are endless, but the outcome is the same. You have a beautiful jar full of love notes and sweet sayings for that special person in your life that they can enjoy at home or at work.

• Scrapbook of Dates

  If you collect or still have receipts or movie stubs from your dates, then this is the perfect DIY gift idea for you. Create a scrapbook of sorts, or a stub diary for your sweetie. Highlight the special moments you shared, and include cute anecdotes of the times you spent together.

Buying gifts are great, but nothing shows how thoughtful you are, more than dedicating time to making something yourself, and your wallet will also be happier!

Alright, it’s that time again. Time to scramble. Christmas is next Tuesday, and you probably still have some gifts to get. No worries, we’ve got you covered. PennySaverUSA is providing you with a list of the Top Last Minute Gift Ideas. Whether you need a gift for a coworker, family member, neighbor or mailman, there’s something on the list for everyone.

Top Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

• Box of Chocolates or Cookies

  You can never go wrong with a delicious box of chocolates or cookies. They range from low-end prices to higher-end, so depending on your budget, there’s a box that will fit what you’re looking for. Better yet, most of them come “pre-gift-wrapped” for the Holidays, so all you really need to do is buy it and slap a gift tag on it.



• Drinkware

  Everyone uses cups, whether they’re plastic tumblers for water or coffee mugs for those on the go. Drinkware can be appreciated by anyone receiving the gift. They can be found at stores everywhere like Target, Walmart and coffee shops like Starbucks and Coffee Bean.

• Scarves

  Scarves make great last-minute gifts, because you don’t need to know a specific size. They’re great for both men and women, and can be used for stylish purposes or functionality. They also come in a wide range of prices depending on material. So if you’re really looking to impress, go with silk or cashmere.

• Gift Cards

  The ultimate last-minute gift will always be gift cards. You can purchase gift cards in store up until Christmas Eve, and eGift Cards online through Christmas day. You can get retail store gift cards or restaurant gift cards. You really can’t go wrong wit either option.

• Edible Arrangements or Flower Bouquets

  If you have to get a gift for someone who lives far away, send them a bouquet of flowers or an edible arrangement. They’re festive, and can be used as centerpieces for holiday parties!

They say baseball is is America’s favorite past time, but everyone knows that’s not true. America’s favorite past time is garage sales! Every year as soon as the first breezes of Spring begin to blow, before the first blooms begin to show their faces, they begin popping up everywhere, bringing millions of people out to search for bargains and antiques, baby clothes and Tupperware, and millions of others setting up sales to rid their homes of all the unwanted stuff that they probably bought at a, well, a garage sale. Like the seasons of the year, it’s an endless cycle.

If you’re going to be on the selling end this year and setting up your own sale you should know that there may not be any wrong way to do it exactly, but there are better ways. One of the first things to think about is of course getting people to come to your sale. And one of the best ways to do that is to post a free garage sale ad on PennySaverUSA.com. Many bargain hunters use the classifieds to find garage sales in their area and devise a plan of attack. Written well, a garage sale classified ad can be a very effective method of getting eager buyers to your door step. Here are a few things to consider when taking out an ad.

• Include good directions. Nothing is more frustrating to a garage sale hunter to see only an address listed in an ad. Unless you live on a major street most people probably won’t know where the little drive in your subdivision is. Directions should be clear and easy to understand but also concise. Start out with a major intersection or well known landmark close to your home and write as though you were telling a friend how to get there, but again keep it brief and uncomplicated.
• Make sure the date of the sale is at the beginning and stands out, and include what hours you plan on being open for business. You’re going to have early birds showing up no matter what but that’s just a part of the garage sale reality. It’s also a good idea to include a rain date if you have one.
• Include a brief description of what types of items you’ll be selling. This doesn’t have to be long, but it should be as diverse as possible and directed at the widest range of interests, and written in a general way. If all you have are clothes, say so and what kind, no sense having folks show up looking for tools if you don’t have any.
• Pictures aren’t really necessary for a garage sale classified ad. Everyone knows what a garage sale looks like. For most people looking for sales in the classifieds, it’s a “just the facts please ma’am” mentality.

A garage sale classified ad, written clearly and concisely with all the important details included can be the best way to insure you’ll have a successful, and profitable, garage sale experience.