We could do with some extra money these days. Here we will explore 5 money saving tips that will help you keep some cash.

1) Recreation vs. Entertainment

There are alternative ways to keep you entertained besides going to the movies, concerts and theme parks. These entertainments can be expensive and last for a couple of hours. Instead, choose activities like camping, going to the beach, skating or get a low cost hobby.

2) Use the Library

Instead of going to the movies or renting DVD movies, you can go to your public library and borrow them. Also, check out books at the library instead of buying it at the local bookstore. You can use the library to browse magazines as well. This will save you around $10 – $30.

3) Avoid the mall

This may sound unreasonable for many people. However, if you want to save money, this is truly one of the best ways to do it. Most of the time, we buy things that we want, not need. By going to the mall, we often end up buying more things than we have set out for. Buy only when you really need it. You will thank your credit card bill a month later.

4) Skip the gourmet

You may not be aware of it but skipping 2 lattes a week can save you $24! Be moderate with your splurge on food. This is especially true when it comes to things like pizza delivery, gourmet deli, etc. This does not mean that you have to give up all your favorite food. Instead reduce the frequency of consuming them. For example, instead of having latte everyday, you can try to alternate with regular coffee. The key here is moderation. At the same time, you will probably end up with a trimmer body too.

When it comes to saving money, make it realistic and achievable. You can set mini goals and try to accomplish that on a timed basis. You will be glad to have money saved.

Sometimes there is an instance in which you really want to say thank you in a special way.  We all experience times in our lives when another person comes to aid us, or lift us up in a way that we will always remember.  In times like these, it is completely understandable to want to do more than say “thank you”.  In times like these, a small token of gratitude is more in order.  Let’s take a look at some clever ways to show gratitude.
Ribbon lanyards are some of the least known thank you gifts around.  A lanyard is a rope that can be worn around the neck.  It holds small items such as keys or identification.  You may have a mental picture of what you think a lanyard looks like (brightly colored, perhaps featuring a company logo), but today, ribbon lanyards and beaded lanyards have taken over thanks to their chic style and high functionality.
When the time comes for you to let someone know they have touched your life, think of the lanyard when choosing gifts.  ribbon lanyards are ideal because of the convenience they bring to the recipient, but also because the person you want to thank will get a lot of use from a lanyard.  When you give a gift that has a specific purpose, your recipient will use it frequently.  And when this happens, they remember each time they wear it that they were appreciated.

 
Not only do they get a lot of use out of a new lanyard; but the reality is that many people already use this useful tool either at work or at home.  By choosing a decorative and stylish item, you give your special person the ability to enhance their overall look through a lanyard that is decorative and smart.
Thank you gifts come in many forms and can be tailored to the person you want to recognize.  When you have an idea of their special interests, you can choose a gift that will fall into line with a hobby, favorite activity or favorite food.  
The point of your gift is to say thank you; so of course, anything you decide upon will be appreciated.  You could choose to bake a cake or cookies from scratch, write a lovely thank you letter, or buy your special person the new CD from their favorite artist.  A thank you is a thank you.  However, why stick with the ordinary when there are so many unique ways to show your gratitude to someone who has helped you out?
When planning a thank you gift, think about the recipient.  If you know them well, you will be able to pinpoint some of their favorite things.  If you don’t, you may have to ask around or do some research.  The effort it takes to do more than reach for the standard gift card or gift basket is worth it when you know the gift you choose will light up someone’s day and let them know they are very much appreciated.