HollyVicHammond's Money Saving Tricks

Maybe it's true that kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms that sell houses, but when it comes to what rooms most directly affect the quality of your life, the bedroom has to be up near the top. If you aren't able to relax and enjoy restful sleep in your own bedroom, it won't take long before you find yourself discontent with the entire house and grasping for ways to improve your situation.

But don't assume that you're stuck with the bedroom you've got. There are ways to build a better bedroom, even if you're working with a tight budget. Read on for some tips to improve this private space without breaking the bank.

Focus on serenity

You want a better bedroom? Simplify the space. A serene and peaceful environment is key to getting a good night of sleep and being able to unwind in your room. Eliminate the television and stop using the bedroom as a multi-purpose room. Keep computers out of the bedroom as well. Instead, limit the space to reading, relaxing and sleeping. This will allow your body to unwind naturally, making restful sleep easier to achieve.

Consider different colors in the room

The colors of your walls and furniture could be subconsciously affecting your experience. If your bedroom is filled with bright colors, or colors that clash, they might not be effective in

putting your mind and body at ease. Consider warmer colors, such as burgundy curtains and other cozy colors that fit your preferences. And make sure your walls and furniture go together as a cohesive package; more than anything, this will encourage relaxation.

Invest in new bedroom furniture

Mismatched bedroom furniture may have served a great purpose at one point in your life, but if you're looking for ways to improve your bedroom, a bedroom set is the way to go. Shoot for solid-wood dressers, vanities and bedstands, and always keep the color scheme of the room in mind. Bedroom sets may not be the cheapest investment you make in your home, but keep in mind that most retail furniture stores offer installment plans that can let you pay for the furniture gradually over time.

Install window treatments

Adding some fun window treatments in your bedroom can further the room's relaxing aesthetic while also serving to keep out intrusive light. This can improve the quality of your sleep and enhance the design and comfort of your room. If you're not up for buying window treatments, you can always turn them into a craft project and save considerably.

Upgrade your lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in a bedroom, but it can change the feel of a room entirely. Replace basic bedroom lighting with dimmers, track lighting or even holiday lights that can provide illumination from the cover of a dipped ceiling. These lighting alternatives give you greater control of how the lighting sets the mood in the room, giving you control over how the evening feels in contrast with the morning.

However you decide to renovate your bedroom, make sure your changes bring your room closer to your ideal respite from the rest of the world. You might not need to change every aspect of your bedroom, but meditate on your current comfort � or lack thereof � and brainstorm what changes will be most effective in increasing your satisfaction. Ultimately, you want to create a space that is quiet, controlled and relaxing to your senses. The perfect recipe is different for everyone, so make sure your plans suit your personal preferences.

Bio: Holly is an Indianapolis native with a knack for saving money. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of brands she loves.

When you dig your winter wardrobe out of storage, you may notice some gaps you need to fill to fit in with this year's fashion trends. Even if you're on a budget, there are plenty of ways to fill out your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Focus on the essentials that you can mix and match with your existing clothes to put together great outfits to wear this winter.

A Cute Dress: Dress styles change every year, so don't be afraid to pick up a new dress or two for each winter, especially if you like patterned dresses. Because they don't need to last long, go ahead and shop at less expensive stores, like Forever 21, H&M, Sears, and your other favorites. Pair your dress with a thick pair of tights or leggings, some boots and a great fitted jacket to make the perfect winter outfit. You can even keep some of your favorite summer dresses out if their styles translate well to winter.

Fashion Boots: Every girl needs at least one pair of boots, although ideally you'll have more because these have been around for several years. Military-inspired boots are in this year, and riding boots and cowboy boots have also been a trend. And of course, you can't go wrong with a pair of

leather boots, which you can often find highly discounted at outlet malls. Also look for department store sales and coupons to make your boot purchase less expensive. If you don't have boots yet, consider getting gray ones because they're more versatile than black or brown.

Fitted Jackets: Your winter wardrobe is about layers, and you wouldn't want to toss on a shapeless jacket over an absolutely adorable outfit. Instead, look for stylish fitted jackets that look great on their own so you don't have to feel like you're dressing down if people see you outside. Look online to find a great selection and hunt down deals on women's coats. In addition, don't forget to check consignment shops, which will often carry styles from past years that will fit in perfectly this season.

Leggings and Tights: Once you have your dresses, boots and fitted jackets, you need tights or leggings to pull the whole outfit together and keep your legs warm. They can help you dress a look down with sweater-style tights or dress it up with a sleek pair of black leggings. You can pick these up relatively inexpensively, but don't skimp too much or you may find them getting runs or losing their elasticity after just a couple of wears.

Pumps: One last element of your winter wardrobe that you should never forget is a classic pair of pumps. Look for pumps with chunky heels, which are perfect for transitioning from day to night without having to bring an extra pair of shoes. Because these are so classic, you'll want to find a good pair that will last. Look for sales at local shoe stores, and check online for coupons and deals on holiday weekends.

Your wardrobe will have the most flexibility if you largely stick to items in neutral colors so you can mix and match them to make a wide range of outfits. Of course, it never hurts to have a couple of statement pieces in your favorite bright colors, too, so you can add a pop of color on what would otherwise be a dreary day. And, of course, make a list of what you need and stick to it so you can use every last penny on things you actually need!

Holly is an Indianapolis fashionista with an addiction to running. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

If you aren't careful, cars can suck up money fast, and in a variety of ways: Through the up-front price tag on the car, the fuel efficiency, the cost of repairs and maintenance, even the risk of an accident. There are a variety of purposes a car can be used for, and depending on your specific circumstances you probably have certain features you value over others. But if saving money is a key consideration, you need to consider more than just the miles to the gallon.

With that in mind, here are some tips you can employ to cut down on the long-term cost of your car, giving you a quality ride at a bargain price.

Stick with the one you've got

It's tempting to

upgrade vehicles every few years, as newer models boast improvements over their predecessors and your own model gets worn down over time. But if it's still running well, there's no reason to upgrade this often. The costs of upgrading can add up quickly -- there's the difference in price, the continued auto loan payments and even the increased car insurance rates that come with a more expensive vehicle. The longer you can keep a car before sinking money into a newer model, the more you'll save in the long run.

Address maintenance issues promptly

Maintenance work is an obligatory aspect of owning a vehicle, and if you slack off or try to cut corners, it's almost certain to come back to haunt you. Oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotations and alignments � all of these periodic maintenance measures prolong the life of your car by keeping its parts functioning at a high level. If you choose to ignore these needs, the effects could be extreme. Blown off oil changes, for example, could eventually lead to a fire or other engine failure, destroying it � and costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

Don't be cheap

Some parts of your car can be greatly benefited by your refusal to buy the cheapest parts. Tires are a great example; nicer tires last longer, pose a lower risk of blowing while driving, and improve your safety when driving. Along those same lines, good car batteries are often under appreciated, but they tend to last longer � years on end � and are less likely to go dead on you while you're traveling through the middle of nowhere.

The same goes for engine oil, fluids and certain parts regularly changed in your vehicle; the best way to save money, and prevent expensive complications, is to pay a little more up-front.

Join a carpool

The best way to extend the life of your vehicle is to cut down on unnecessary driving. For your daily commute, this means joining a carpool. Carpools cut down on your daily fuel costs and preserve your car's precious mileage, helping it last longer. When it comes to carpools, the more the merrier -- at least in terms of how ride-sharing can extend the life of your car while lowering its expenses.

Of course, costs will be greatly determined by the type of car you own � a compact car will cost less in almost every sense than a sport utility vehicle � but no matter what car you drive, there are ways to save. Although it's tempting to view cars as a status symbol and a recreational item, that mindset can eat through your funds quickly. When it comes to saving money, it's best to value a car for its practical benefits and use that mentality to guide your spending.

Holly is an Indianapolis native with a passion for green living and saving money. In her spare time, she blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

Saving money in your household budget isn't necessarily about buying less, but about changing where and how you purchase it. Particularly in the last few years, as the economy has soured and the cost of living has stayed just as high, people have been turning to smart strategies to cut their costs while still being able to buy the things they need, and even some things they want. Here are some of the major strategies that can make a noticeable difference in your bottom line.

Shop Sales: Particularly as the holiday season draws nearer, stores have all sorts of sales to get merchandise out the door. Keep an eye out for sales at your favorite stores and on the items you most need. For example, grocery store ads always discount dozens of items each week, and you can stick to buying and using these things for the week. Department store sales are perfect for getting clothes and home goods at a great price. Larger items such as appliances often go on sale as well, so never pay full price on these.

Use Layaway: Credit card interest is expensive, and even if you have every intention of paying off a purchase quickly, things can always get in the way. Next time you're in the market for a big-ticket item such as a plasma TV, shop around for the best price and find a store that has a layaway program. That way you can make payments on it over time with the added motivation of wanting to finish quickly so you can bring your purchase home. This is an easy way to help you budget for larger purchases if you have trouble on your own.

Hit the Thrift Shops: Your local thrift stores have some stellar deals, and all you have to do is sift through some amusing items to find them. Thrift stores are especially useful for clothes, where you can often find like new items for a fraction of the cost. Thrift stores are also ideal for kitchen equipment, kids toys, shoes, books, and more. If you're over 65 years old, check your thrift stores to see if they have

senior discount days. Many stores also have colored tag days where all items with a specific color of tag are steeply discounted.

Buy in Bulk: There are plenty of items that you use on a regular basis, and it doesn't make sense to buy them in small quantities. The price per unit almost always decreases as you buy more, so as long as you're sure you'll use it all before it spoils, don't be afraid to buy in bulk. For example, buy the value pack of ground beef and freeze it in the portions your family usually uses when you prepare it. Rather than getting a small package of toilet paper, go ahead and get the big package and stash extra rolls under a bed or in a big closet. Although your initial expenditure is larger, you'll save money in the long run.

As you start using these strategies, you'll probably start to discover even more ways to save money. One helpful tip is to find someone else who wants to shop smart and tell each other about the techniques you're using and the deals you're finding. Not only will the accountability motivate you to stick to your plan, but you'll probably learn about some tricks you would have never thought of yourself. Regardless, get started right away so you can begin to see your savings add up!

Holly is an Indianapolis native with a passion for green living and saving money. In her spare time, she blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

Who doesn�t want to save money? With more money, you can afford to pay your monthly bills, go on vacation and pursue other activities your family enjoys. Several money-saving tips around your house are easy to implement and save you big bucks throughout the year.

Unplug everything

All those electronic devices you plug into the wall suck energy. Even when they�re turned off, they waste money. When you�re finished using your computer, fax, washer, television and coffeemaker, unplug them. Take inspiration from Rhondalyn, a consumer who

unplugged everything and saved over $200 on her monthly energy bills. If she can do it, so can you.

Switch appliances

While every appliance in your home uses energy, appliances are the biggest energy and money wasters. The next time you receive a bonus from work or need to replace worn out appliances, consider buying LG Appliances with an Energy Star rating. The investment saves you money in the long run, since these appliances decrease your home�s energy use.

Repair it yourself

Maybe you don�t see yourself as a handy person around the house. You can learn, however, to make a variety of simple repairs without help from an expensive contractor. Purchase a toolbox, borrow DIY videos or books from the library and figure out how to fix common problems around your home. The next time your garbage disposal breaks, the toilet leaks or the lawn mower won�t start, you�ll know how to fix it without spending a fortune.

Launder less

A necessity in any home, you can�t avoid laundry. You can make smarter laundry choices, though, that save you time and money while prolonging the life of your clothing. Start by washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot. This setting uses less energy, is effective and is gentler on your clothing.

Wash larger loads. Small loads waste water and energy. Also, wash fewer loads each week. If possible, wear your clothes more than once to save energy and cause less wear-and-tear on your clothing.

Finally, pull out clothes you can dry on on a line instead of in the dryer, and then combine loads. You save money and use less energy while restocking your closet with clean clothing.

Change the light bulbs

Switching to energy-saver light bulbs lowers your electric bill. Try CFLs and LEDs that require less energy to operate. Likewise, remember to turn off the light switches when you�re not using them. During the day, open the curtains and use natural sunlight. Your rooms stay warmer as you save money.

Flip off the TV

Instead of watching mindless shows on expensive cable or satellite television, cancel your subscription. Read a book, take a walk, play with your family and save money by simply flipping off your television.

Saving money makes sense. Try one of these simple tips that help you save money at home or discover your own ways of saving energy. You�ll feel less stressed about paying bills every month, and you�ll have more money to buy the things your family really needs and wants.

Holly Watson, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, is a stay-at-home mom and former financial adviser. Making cake pops and training to run in her third marathon are two of her passions.

Long before the bell ringers line up outside department stores, smart shoppers have already been planning for their Christmas shopping needs. Could you be one of them? With the right strategic plan, you could, realistically, get all of your shopping done before the Christmas carols hit the radio. By doing this, you will not only save stress, but also you will likely save money.

Shop all year

When you are out and about getting your groceries and toiletries, keep your eyes peeled for deals. You can be done with

Christmas shopping before school even starts in the fall if you pick up a few things throughout the year. Toys and other gifts regularly go on sale, and you will love having time in your schedule and money in your pocket when Christmas rolls around.

Using layaway

Layaway is becoming increasingly popular, as stores are dropping their fees for this service. Get the hot toy for your kids now, before it is gone, and stick it in layaway, where you can pay for it a little at a time until Christmas comes. You will be the star Christmas morning when your kids open the hottest gift, and you will be pleased knowing you didn�t waste a bunch of money by waiting until the prices soared right before Christmas.

Use sales

Sales are the best way to stock up on gifts to use at Christmas. Take advantage of some of the biggest shopping days of the year, like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These are the times when you can score big-ticket items, like a television or hot gaming system, for a discounted price. If you have kids on your list, learn when the major retailers have their big toy clearances, and mark those days on your calendar.

Go early

Going early helps you avoid stress and feel successful as you do your Christmas shopping. Going early doesn't mean one or two days; get out there well before the holidays are in full swing. This helps you find the biggest inventory and the smallest crowds. It can also mean heading to stores early on the days they are having sales. The earlier you shop, the more successful you will be at finding what you need this holiday season. In addition, you have all sorts of time during the season to spend time with your family and friends, without having to worry about whether or not you should be shopping.

Make a plan

As you are planning a shopping trip, make your plan strategic. Visit stores where you can get more than one gift, rather than traveling all over town to hit a bunch of individual stores. Head to the most important stores first on big shopping days like Black Friday, because you may run out of time to hit all of the stores on your list if the crowds and traffic are bad.

Go fast

One of the biggest downsides to shopping sales is the tendency to over-spend. When you see great deal after great deal, it is tempting to stuff your cart. This is not a good idea. To avoid this, make a list, check it twice and then stick with it. Get in the store, find your item and get out. This will make shopping less of a chore and will help you avoid spending more than you should for items you don�t really need.

If you do it early, Christmas shopping can go from dreaded chore to welcomed challenge. All you need is the right plan and the discipline to start before you feel the urgent need to shop. By doing this, you will take the stress out of this important yearly ritual, so that you can sit back and enjoy the magic of the holidays.