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The Frugal Diva

How to Install and Maintain a Home Solar Electric System

The solar industry is growing at an astounding rate – according to statistics provided by the Green Tech Media, roughly two thirds (68% in the United States) of all solar photovoltaic (PV) systems worldwide have been installed since 2011. Installing a PV solar module can be an involved process (it usually takes around 3 months to implement the system), but in general, the benefits outweigh the effort and the costs tremendously. Installing a solar electric system is a long-term investment. While it can cost as much as $10,000 to go solar in California (costs vary from state to state…

Senior Savings

The Frugal Diva knows that getting older sucks.  Sure people say age is just a number but did you notice that no one under fifty ever says that – unless they are trying to comfort a senior citizen.  The number that really counts is how many dollars you save by embracing the discounts offers and reduced fees.  Proudly declare you want that senior fare, ticket, or meal for yourself or your parents or grandparents. The age for joining AARP is 50.  Flash that card proudly at  vendors on the AARP Benefits List. The National Parks offers the Senior pass (one…

Free Museum Days

The Frugal Diva loves culture and she loves the word free. By combining these two concepts, the divas of the world can soak up culture without getting soaked. Most museums have a free day. It may be once a week, once a month, a late night but they believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy great works of art, science exhibits, and natural history.  Check the local museum websites for venues in your area.  The free day can usually be found under visitor’s information. In Los Angeles,  the California Science Center is free every day for…

New At AAA

As if the Frugal Diva didn’t already love AAA for all their travel discounts, they now have so many new ways to save. My buddy, Jennifer Moss of BabyNames.com, reminded me you even get a discount at Macy’s with your card.  Regal Theaters, various attractions and many others offer various ways to reduce expenses. Check your local club website for restaurant discounts in your area. AAA Club Rewards is their newest online feature where you can save on hundreds of discount offers each week from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nationwide.  In addition to these…

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday

The Frugal Diva thinks every day should be Earth Day. Recycle, repurpose, and replenish, it’s the best way to be thrifty. Since no one is an authority on everything,  here are my favorite resources for going green. Let’s start with one of my favorite activities, spring cleaning.  Yes, I am a bit of a neat freak and love nothing more then to take everything off my pantry shelves, clean, and reorganize. Sometimes you just  have to admit that you are truly never going to use that bottle of caraway seeds. This site has so many great…

Do’s and Dont’s for Packing and Moving

·       DO all of the packing and labeling before moving day. o  You’d be surprised how many people get stuck in the last minute rush to pack everything and move it all in one day. Make sure everything but a change of clothes is packed and ready to go. ·      DON’T forget to color code your boxes for each room. o  Most people know to label their moving boxes but unpacking is much easier for you and your movers is your boxes are color coded according to room. ·      DO find free boxes at the grocery stores and online…

Pet Insurance and Matters of the Heart

Insurance is a gambler’s game. You and the insurance company are playing the odds. You can be sure, the game is rigged in favor of the insurance companies. When it comes to health insurance, the deck is stacked against you. There is no way most people can afford to risk the possibility they will suffer a chronic illness or catastrophic accident that will be financially devastating. So health insurance is pretty much a necessity. Automobile insurance is required as is homeowner’s insurance if you have a mortgage. Life insurance is the biggest gamble of all, and…