June Puett

Celebrations

The recession doesn’t mean you have to cancel your celebration plans. There are several creative ways to save money and still throw a memorable party.

“Really what we’ve seen is that people are still doing their events,” said Katrina Craven, of the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Ms. Craven said the museum books 60 to 75 events per year. Most of these are weddings and reception dinners, but the venue attracts a few birthday parties and bat and bar mitzvahs as well.

“They may tear their guest list back, they may scale back on photography (and) they may look at doing fewer flowers or less expensive flowers and that sort of thing,” she said. “But they seem to be trying to find ways to cut costs while still having a nice celebration.”

Here are more ideas from entertaining.about.com and ehow.com that will help keep your celebration spending under control.

* Keep the party at home. Venues cost money. Although a skating rink or a lavish reception hall sounds appealing, remember that with some creativity and time, you can make the most of your home or backyard as well.

* Buy decorations in bulk. Streamers, hats, noisemakers and party favors can be bought in bulk and for a reasonable price at online shops such as Oriental Trading. Want to plan a holiday party for next year? Buy holiday decorations on clearance when the festive season ends.

* Don’t use disposables. Even inexpensive paper plates, cups and plastic tableware will add up quickly. Use your own regular dinnerware, flatware and glassware instead. Not enough dinnerware for everyone? Ask friends if you can borrow theirs for the night. Not only does this tactic save money, it’s also better for the environment.

— Compiled by Laura Galbraith

Groceries

If you’re trying to cut back on your food bill, start by eating more meals at home. To save even more, buy in bulk. Members-only warehouses as well as area grocery stores offer oversize canned goods, cereals and many other items that significantly bring down the cost per serving. Here are tips from personalbudgeting.suite101.com to make the most of buying in bulk.

* Purchase only what you need. One of the hazards of shopping at huge warehouses is the excitement from seeing so many items priced reasonably. This may cause you to buy more goods than you need and spend more money. It’s only a deal if you’re going to use it.

* If you join a members-only warehouse, such as Sam’s, check to see if you can buy a business membership, which is less expensive.

* Compare unit pricing between supermarket prices and warehouse prices. Not everything is a deal.

* Invest in a chest freezer to store meats and other items. Check the classified ads for deals.

* Make extra space in your refrigerator and cabinets for storage.

* Always eat before you shop to prevent buying items that just look good at the moment. When your stomach is full, your brain can focus on bargains rather than hunger.

— Compiled by Anne Braly

Fashions

Who says frugal is frumpy?

June Puett, an extension agent with University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension, said fashionistas are heading to thrift stores to update their wardrobes.

The down economy is causing people to rethink their shopping habits. Shoppers are looking for ways to pinch pennies while keeping with the trends.

“As a home-economics major, my clothing construction skills help me evaluate quality fabrics and construction details,” Ms. Puett said. “Thrift-store shopping provides a chance to find well-made garments at a good value. You can also find fun clothing that you may only wear a few times.”

Ms. Puett said her friends were surprised to learn that a “fun and frilly” blouse she wore to a recent event cost just $2.50 at a thrift store.

“Frugal shopping allows you to satisfy the need to buy something new without sacrificing the rest of your spending plan.”

Here are her tips for shopping thrift stores.

* Look for the care label; it may have been removed. Do you want machine washable only, or are you willing to hand wash or dry clean?”

* Go to your size and then locate color. Most stores group items by small, medium or large. Stick to colors that coordinate with items in your existing wardrobe.

* Build on pieces you already have to save money. A new shirt can easily update last year’s outfit.

— Compiled by Karen Nazor Hill

Energy efficiency

Next to heating, cooling uses more energy than any other part of your home. Here are tips from EPB to lower your spring/summer bills.

* Set your air conditioner no lower than 75 degrees when home, but don’t turn it off during the day. It’s more costly to cool the house back down than to leave it on 80 degrees.

* Awnings and deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your home will reduce heat, which cuts air-conditioning costs.

* Seal and replace leaky ductwork. It could save you 20 percent to 30 percent on your cooling bill.

* To reduce the heat generated by your stove at dinner, use pots and pans with tight-fitting lids on low heat.

* Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from your house.

* On hot summer days, the temperature in your attic can reach 150 degrees, which can increase the temperature of your entire house. Install a thermostat-controlled attic fan to exhaust the hot air and keep your home cooler.

* For more energy-efficient light, use one large bulb instead of several small ones; a 100-watt bulb produces more light with less energy than two 60-watt bulbs.

* For brighter, energy-efficient light, place floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners so the reflection off walls provides more light.

— Compiled by Susan Pierce

Entertainment

Just because the economy is slowing down and wallets are shrinking doesn’t mean your entertainment options are limited to games of stickball and kick the can. Here are a few ways to get more bang from your entertainment buck.

* Take advantage of opportunities for free outings like the Hunter Museum’s free admission on the first Sunday of every month (coming up next on April 1), and weekly concert series like Nightfall (Fridays starting May 22) and Riverfront Nights (Saturdays starting in August).

* Music festivals, particularly for bluegrass, abound in the region and offer a cheap place to get a day of jamming and multiple concerts, usually for less than $10 and the cost of gas. Upcoming events include the Southeast High Bluegrass Jamboree in Dalton, Ga., and the Tri-County Jamboree Family Fun Day in Dayton, Tenn. Both are April 4.

* Despite the economic downturn, pins for Riverbend are the same price as last year, $28. That’s a per-day cost of just $3.11.

* Don’t fear the DVD budget bin. Whether you’re shopping at Wal-Mart or online at Amazon.com, check the reduced-price movies, because many Academy Award winners can be found for $5 to $7.

* If it’s newer movies you want, DVD rental kiosks are restocked every week with new releases that can be rented at the same rate as older titles (about $1).

— Compiled by Casey Phillips