There are many deals to be found in April. The best way to save money is to put it in the bank but if you are looking for certain items these are the deals you can find.

Did you know that April’s tax season offers discounts on office supplies, organizational items and business equipment? Do you have someone on your Christmas list that might like a wooden desk set? Buy it now on sale and set it aside for Christmas!

Think spring! Home improvement items like flooring, house paint and gardening supplies are good buys now in anticipation of spring home-cleanup projects. You can also find deals on Easter leftovers, stuffed rabbits and chocolate! Now may also be the time to pick up an extra spiral ham. They are at an optimal price range due to Easter and you probably won’t see these prices again until the fall.

Planning to travel? Travel prices usually go up as summer approaches. Summer is the peak vacation season, and it is no surprise that airlines, hotels and other related businesses charge more for their services. If you plan now, though you can get discounts on advance reservations. You can usually find deals on cruises. Have you been planning a cruise but haven’t found the deal you like? Now may be the time to book your vacation.

Like office furniture, there will be some deals on barbecue grills; there will be more as we approach May and June. Know your prices so you can spot the best deal!

You can often find great deals on spring clothing this month, as stores get ready for their summer collections. Keep an eye out for those winter clearance sales too!

Thinking about snow is probably the last thing you want to do as spring approaches, but if you are in the market for a snow blower you may be able to find one on sale this month!

Check your local consignment shop, spring-cleaning is in full gear as people clean out their closets and garages. Expect to see more garage sales, flea markets and perhaps better stocked thrift and consignment shops.

April showers bring May flowers and April also brings great savings as long as you know what to buy when. So know your prices and shop wisely and only spend what you have.

Linked to: WATF, TheThriftyHome, FabulouslyFrugalThursday, MyTurnForUs, FeedingBig

We all know that the best way to save money on clothes is to shop the sales and take advantage of deals whenever you can. However, if you take those bargain finds home and don’t treat them with care, you will have to replace them in no time flat. If you properly care for your clothes, they’ll last longer, and that will save you money in the long run.

Here are a few ways to make your clothes last longer. Give your clothes a rest. Rotate your shoes, suits and other apparel so that they’re not inconstant use.

Store your clothes properly. If you live where the seasons change and put a summer suit away for the winter, it should be hung on a suit hanger in a canvas bag that’s breathable. Make sure your clothes are hung on the proper hangers too.

Cheap plastic or wire hangers will stretch out the shoulder of a garment while wooden hangers are best for men’s suits or heavier items. Knit fabrics shouldn’t be put on hangers at all because the weight of the item will stretch it our over time.

Don’t dry clean too often. Not only is dry cleaning expensive, but the harsh chemicals used by many businesses will harm fabric. Use a steamer and steam your clothes at home. In between dry cleaning visits hang your clothes in the bathroom during a shower. If you do take them to the cleaners, ask that they be laundered, which is a less stressful option if the tag on the clothing says it can endure it, and have them ironed without the starch.

Take care when washing. Use cold water and less detergent to prevent clothes from fading or wearing out. Turn shirts with graphics inside out before washing and wash jeans separately so the rough denim doesn’t rub shirts and wash your delicate clothes on their own.

Avoid the dryer when possible. High heat fades and shrinks material. When possible line dry your clothes.

If you do use the dryer use dyer balls which help lift and separate clothes for better airflow and quicker drying time. I’ve been using dryer balls for the last few months and am so pleased with the shorter drying time.

With these simple care instructions you’ll find your clothes will last longer. With the money you’ll save on not buying replacement T-shirts, you can invest in finer fabrics and higher end wear knowing you will get the most out of each item.

Linked to: HousewifeHowTos, TheWelcomingHouse, TheThriftyHome, FrugalFollies

We all try to eat healthier these days. We fill our carts with plenty of healthy fruits and veggies, as well as lean proteins and whole grains.

Trying to stay within your budget and eat healthy can be a challenge as food prices continue to rise. Prices rise for a number of reasons from droughts and harsh weather to the high price of gas used to transport food to the local supermarkets. What’s a person to do?

Shopping at a warehouse store can be one option. You might think you can only find boxed cereal or large bags of candy but you can also find salt-free trail mix and nonfat Greek yogurt, as well as organic produce in some warehouse stores. Share the membership price with a friend, by splitting the cost you both pay bulk prices without taking home large amounts of food that might go to waste.

If you find that you end up throwing away produce before you can eat it, reduce waste and buy frozen.

Buy fruit in season and look for fruits such as apples, oranges and pears in bags, which are often a better bargain than fruits chosen individually. Potatoes and onions are also available in large bags.

There are countless products that you can freeze. Bread, butter and even milk can all be frozen. Knowing what freezes well enables you to take advantage of sales and stock up.

If you don’t like to clip coupons register on a website such as couponmom.com or cellfire.com to get lists of the best deals at larger grocery chains. Be aware of the sales offered in your local market circular. Many supermarkets send e-newsletters to customers with info on weekly specials. Just go to the store’s website to sign up.

Plan a small garden this year. You’d be amazed at what you can grow in just a few pots around your house. Last year I grew lettuce in a large pot inside and was amazed at the quantity that was produced.

Prices may be rising but there are steps you can take to ensure that your money stays in your wallet while you are enjoying healthy meals.

Linked To: WeAreThatFamily, TheThriftyHome, EarningMyCape, ThriftyThursday, ALifeInBalance, CheeriosAndLattes, CreativeHomeacreHop