Search Results for: budget

How to Stay Frugal Throughout Your Gardening Activities

October 8, 2025 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Gardening can be both rewarding and relaxing, but the costs can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Many people underestimate how much they spend each year on plants, tools, and maintenance. According to Zippia, the average American household spends about $500 annually on lawn care and gardening. By making intentional choices, you can enjoy a thriving garden without overspending, allowing you to focus more on the joy of growing and less on the strain of budgeting.

Plan Your Garden With a Budget in Mind

The first step toward frugal gardening is deciding exactly how much you’re willing to spend before planting a single seed. Creating a detailed plan helps prevent impulse purchases at garden centers, where colorful displays can tempt even the most disciplined shopper. Choose plants that suit your climate and soil type to minimize the need for costly replacements or intensive care. Additionally, incorporating perennials that return year after year can reduce expenses over time, helping you avoid the cycle of replanting every season.

Make the Most of Free and Recycled Materials

Garden supplies don’t always need to come from the store. Repurposing household items like buckets, containers, and old wood can help you build planters, compost bins, or trellises at little to no cost. Many communities also have seed swaps or plant exchange events where you can trade surplus plants for new varieties. According to Medium, 48.8% of people surveyed began gardening or landscaping during the pandemic, which has contributed to a growing network of hobbyists who share resources freely. Taking part in these exchanges can greatly reduce your expenses.

Reduce Water Costs Through Smart Practices

Water usage can significantly affect your gardening budget, especially during hot months. Collecting rainwater in barrels and using mulch to retain soil moisture can help you cut down on municipal water bills. Planting drought-resistant species is another way to keep watering needs low without sacrificing beauty or productivity. By monitoring your watering schedule and adjusting it to weather conditions, you can save money while promoting healthier plant growth.

Invest Wisely in Quality Tools

Although frugality often means spending less, sometimes the smartest move is to invest in durable, high-quality tools. Cheaper tools may break or wear out quickly, leading to repeated replacements that cost more in the long run. Look for multi-purpose tools that can perform several functions, reducing the need for a large collection of specialized equipment. Well-maintained tools will last for years, making them a more cost-effective choice overall.

Grow From Seeds Instead of Buying Mature Plants

Purchasing mature plants can be convenient, but it’s often far more expensive than growing from seeds. Starting plants indoors from seed packets costs just a fraction of what you’d spend at a nursery. This approach also gives you more control over plant varieties and allows you to stagger plantings for a longer harvest season. With patience and planning, you can fill your garden with lush, healthy plants at a fraction of the price.

Monitor Annual Spending and Adjust Accordingly

Keeping track of your yearly gardening expenses allows you to see exactly where your money is going. This can highlight areas where you can cut back or redirect funds for better results. According to This Old House, households spent an average of $616 on lawn and gardening activities in 2022, showing that costs can easily exceed initial expectations. By reviewing receipts and creating a simple spreadsheet, you can make informed decisions that help keep your spending in check.

Share Costs and Resources With Others

Partnering with friends, family, or neighbors who garden can open opportunities to share tools, buy supplies in bulk, or trade surplus produce. Community gardening groups often pool resources, making it easier for everyone involved to save money. Beyond the financial benefits, sharing knowledge and labor can make gardening more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Staying frugal in gardening doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or productivity—it’s about making thoughtful choices that align with your budget. By planning ahead, using recycled materials, growing from seeds, and sharing resources, you can cultivate a thriving outdoor space without overspending. The result is a garden you can enjoy year after year, along with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve kept your costs as low as your weeds.

Are You Paying Too Much in Platform Fees Without Even Knowing It?

September 18, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

platform fees selling online — Image Source: 123rf.com

Do you rely on side hustles or freelancing for extra income? Many third-party platforms make your side hustle easier and expand your reach. Platforms like Etsy, Poshmark, and eBay give sellers the added bonus of seller protections, customer service, and built-in marketing. But these benefits come at a high cost. Without realizing it, you may be paying too much in fees. These fees can quickly erode profits. Here’s how platform fees sneak in and why you might be paying too much without realizing it.

1. Transaction Fees on Every Sale

Marketplaces like Etsy, Poshmark, and eBay take a percentage of each transaction. These percentages sometimes vary by category. But on Poshmark, for example, sellers pay a 20% fee on all sales, unless the item is under $15. That’s not including additional fees for shipping discounts or promotions. Sellers often underestimate how quickly these deductions add up. A $20 sale may net only $16 or less after fees. Once you add in cost of goods, your profit margins may be slim. It’s important to keep track of your numbers if you want to have a successful business or side hustle.

2. Payment Processing Costs

Did you know that credit card processors and third-party gateways charge per payment? Even “small” 2–3% fees eat into earnings over time. Many platforms don’t highlight these costs upfront. Frequent transactions mean frequent losses.

3. Listing or Posting Fees

Some platforms charge to list items, run ads, or boost visibility. In order to stay competitive, sellers may feel the need to spend more money on these services. Unfortunately, sellers who don’t track these costs may spend more than they earn. On some platforms, even unsold items can cost money to post. This can put you in the red even before making a sale.

4. Service and Subscription Fees

Platforms push premium tiers with monthly subscription charges, like Promoted Closet on Poshmark or stores on eBay. These often promise perks like visibility or in-depth analytics. But subscriptions cut into income before a single sale happens.

5. Withdrawal or Transfer Charges

Moving money from a platform to a bank instantly often carries hidden fees. Frequent withdrawals increase costs. Some platforms add delays unless you pay “expedited” fees. While these fees seem small at first, frequent withdrawals can harm your bottom line.

6. Currency Conversion Costs

It’s wonderful to be able to have a global reach. But it isn’t free. Global platforms charge for converting payments across currencies. If you’re selling to international buyers, you may lose money with every conversion. Rates are rarely favorable, adding invisible costs. Currency issues eat into margins silently.

7. Refund and Dispute Deductions

Even when customers get refunds, sellers may still pay fees. Platforms often keep processing costs regardless of the outcome. Frequent disputes can quietly drain profits. It’s important to factor the unexpected costs of doing business into pricing.

8. Advertising and Boosted Visibility Fees

Many platforms feel like they are pay-to-play. Without advertising, you may make fewer sales. Paying to stand out is tempting, but fees add up quickly. Many sellers overspend chasing exposure that doesn’t convert. Without strict budgets, ad fees erase profits. Platforms count on overspending to make money.

9. Premium Feature Upsells

Platforms offer “optional” add-ons like insurance or analytics. These sound useful, but often duplicate free tools. Sellers should carefully weigh cost vs. benefit. Upsells are designed to nickel-and-dime users.

10. The Opportunity Cost of High Fees

High platform costs mean fewer resources for growth elsewhere. You may miss chances to reinvest profits. Building a personal website or using lower-fee tools could save more. Relying solely on high-fee platforms limits long-term success. If you’re constantly tied to platforms, your success is tied to theirs, and you are at the mercy of fees.

Why Awareness of Fees Protects Your Hard-Earned Income

Platforms make earning easier, but the fees are anything but invisible. Side hustlers who calculate true costs avoid nasty surprises. Awareness turns hidden losses into manageable business decisions. The smartest earners know every dollar in and every fee out. To create a sustainable business, many sellers turn away from platforms. By creating their own website, sellers say goodbye to arbitrary fees and unexpected platform changes that can hurt business.

Have you ever calculated the true platform fees eating into your income? Which hidden charge surprised you the most?

Why You Shouldn’t Skimp on Home, Auto, or Health Insurance Plans

September 11, 2025 By Erin H Leave a Comment

When it comes to managing your budget, it’s tempting to cut corners where you can — but one area you should never overlook is insurance. Whether it’s for your home, car, or health, insurance provides a safety net that protects not only your well-being but also your finances. Many people assume they’ll never face a major issue or emergency, but unexpected situations can arise quickly and cost far more than anticipated. Saving a bit of money upfront by choosing minimal or low-cost plans can leave you vulnerable when life throws a curveball. Here’s why cutting corners on your insurance coverage can end up costing you far more in the long run.

Insurance Shields You from Major Financial Losses

Insurance exists for one fundamental reason: protection. When you’re underinsured or uninsured, even a single incident can lead to devastating financial consequences. For example, according to Injured Call Today, there are over 400,000 personal injury claims each year. Many of these stem from accidents at home or on the road — places where people often assume they’re safe. If someone gets injured on your property or in your car, and you don’t have adequate coverage, you could be personally responsible for medical bills, legal fees, and damages.

A strong insurance policy can protect your assets, including your savings and home equity. Without it, a single claim can drain years of hard-earned money. While comprehensive plans may seem expensive at first glance, they often pay for themselves many times over in the event of an emergency. When you consider how much money you could potentially lose without proper coverage, the investment becomes a no-brainer.

Small Issues Can Lead to Big Expenses

Your home and its systems require more than just routine care — they require protection against damage and liability. Electrical fires, water damage, and other hazards can be financially devastating if you don’t have the right insurance in place. Even something as small as an outlet malfunction could lead to a major incident if it’s not caught in time. According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should test your AFCIs and GFCIs after installation and once a month thereafter, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This kind of maintenance, combined with proper insurance, ensures that your home is not just safe, but that you’re covered when the unexpected happens. Without insurance, you’d be left covering repair and replacement costs out-of-pocket — and that’s if you’re lucky enough to avoid a lawsuit.

Many homeowners wrongly assume their basic policies are enough. However, skipping optional but recommended coverage like flood insurance, personal liability, or umbrella policies can be a costly oversight. A burst pipe, faulty wiring, or slip on your icy front steps can lead to thousands — even tens of thousands — of dollars in damage or claims. Without the right insurance, that’s your money on the line.

Your Car is a Daily Risk

Most people use their cars every day, exposing themselves to constant risk. From minor fender-benders to major collisions, having solid auto insurance isn’t optional — it’s a necessity. According to Forbes, broken windshields and auto glass account for about 30% of all auto insurance claims. That seemingly small crack in your windshield can easily turn into a full replacement, which could cost hundreds of dollars or more.

Many drivers opt for the bare minimum required by law, thinking they’re saving money. But these basic plans often leave out key protections like comprehensive coverage or uninsured motorist protection. If your car is damaged in a hailstorm, stolen, or hit by someone without insurance, a bare-bones policy won’t help — and again, your money is on the hook.

Good auto insurance doesn’t just cover damage — it helps with towing, rental cars, medical bills, and legal costs. Skimping on coverage to save money each month could cost you thousands later, and potentially leave you without transportation when you need it most.

Conclusion

It’s easy to look at your monthly insurance premiums and wonder if they’re worth it, especially if you’ve never had to file a claim. But the truth is, insurance isn’t just about what happens — it’s about what could happen. From home hazards to car accidents to personal injury claims, there’s no shortage of risks that could affect your finances. The right insurance policies help ensure that when life goes sideways, you’re not digging into your savings or going into debt to recover.

In the end, insurance is not just a safety net — it’s a smart money move. Skimping might save you a few bucks today, but when the unexpected hits, comprehensive coverage can save you far more money — and peace of mind — down the road.