Recession Proof your Pocket-Book

Ladies we are all guilty of splurging on ourselves, be it nails, hair, makeup, accessories, jewelry or clothes. It's tough out there in a downed economy, and I am going ro let you in on a little secret: "You can still be glamorous while saving green!"

What's green? .....Money, dinero, cold-hard cash! By following these simple cost saving tips, you can recession proof your pocket book.

To start, let's put money back in your gas tank. Why drive from store to store to buy clothes, when you can shop online? With the Holidays right around the corner, many online retailers are offering free shipping and handling, and discounts for online purchases. As a plus, you might find items that are sold exclusively online, that you may not find at your local store, including last minute sale items. Also, by shopping online, you do not have to worry about long lines, or overcrowding. Don't forget to sign-up for discounts through email or by mail. Some online stores offer special coupons for your birthday. I recently received 10.00 off from Rue21.com on my birthday. See if your favorite stores offer email or mail coupons. If you prefer to shop at the retail location, you can print your online coupons, and take them with you on your next shopping trip.

What about nails? Why pay someone else, when you can do it yourself? A mani-pedi combo can range from $35.00 to $50.00 depending on where you are from. Why pay someone, when you can do it yourself? I've found a foot spa online as low as $27.00, throw in foot soaker solution, emery board, nail file, nail clippers, and spacers, it's still just under $50.00. This will save you money, use, after use, after use.

Who doesn't spend lots of money of makeup? Saving Money on makeup is easy for me because I use mineral makeup. I recently purchased a demure makeup kit from a vendor inside my local Sam's Club for $89.00. Because you are only using small amounts for coverage, I have a year+ supply of makeup that I don't have to worry about getting clumpy and old because it does not have all those impurities and fillers like regular makeup.

As for jewelry, we all have a piece or two that we don't wear anymore, or it's broken. Why not sell those old rings, necklaces, or bangles on EBay, or to Cash4Gold. The best Thing about Cash4Gold is, sometimes they give up to $100.00 bonuses on top of the amount you will receive from trading in your pieces. Put the profit in the bank, or use it to buy another piece you have already had your eye on.

If the answer to that question is yes, why not take clothes that are too small, or that you don't wear anymore to a Consignment Shop. Most Consignment Shops give you a percentage back on your clothes, or you could take them to a local charity like Goodwill. You can use your contribution as a tax write off at the end of the year, just remember to save your receipts.

When it comes to your hair, fortunately I can do my own, but for those of you who can’t, I have tricks to help you save.

• Wash and dry your hair right before your appointment to save on shampoo and conditioning charges.
• See if your Salon has a discount day, or offer coupons.
•  Become a regular. Some stylists offer their regulars a discounted price from the walk-in price list.
• See if your salon offers perks for referring a friend. For example 10% off your next visit.