Like most Americans, when your budget gets tight so does your social life. Nearly half of Americans believe they need more money in order to have more fun, but according to this infographic from TurboTax that doesn’t have to be the case.

While 47% of Americans believe that they only need $30 or less in order to have fun on any given weekend, there are several activities that can cost next to nothing. From game nights to bike rides, there are an array of experiences that can save money and often create better quality fun for you and your friends.

Check out the full infographic for some smart ideas on how to save on fun.

So get out there! Wishing you successful and fun saving.

Today’s guest post is brought to you by: Sara Bacon, Column Five Media Communications Manager. SBacon@Columnfivemedia.com t: @Sara Bacon & @Columnfive

Babies cost A LOT, as I’m sure someone who’s seen the growing baby bump has told you. Diapers, gear, daycare, healthcare, it all adds up and fast. But have you thought about what a baby REALLY costs? I’m talking past that first year…17 years past that first year.

In 2012, the Department of Agriculture announced that the cost of raising a child through the age of 17 is now estimated to be $234,900. Another figure shouts a whopping $1.1 million dollars through the undergrad years. What’s even scarier is that 85% of college seniors plan on moving back home after graduation. The costs just don’t stop!

It can feel terrifying, overwhelming, and unattainable, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be any of those things. Starting proper college savings accounts is key. And keeping goals with SmartyPig is a savings addition you don’t want to miss for things like vacations, back to school, holiday gifts, and entertainment. The right savings combination will have you sleeping better at night in no time – that is of course until your newborn wakes you up again!

Wishing you successful saving.

Sarah Foss, SmartyPig’s Media Mad Woman
SFoss@SmartyPig.com

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Alanna Richie, personal finance blogger for debt.org. 

Your finances are important, but they aren’t your only resource. You can leverage your finances by using time to build up enough funds to have an exotic vacation, dream wedding or whatever your heart desires. Establishing savings habits keeps you –not your income or expenses—in control of your life. You can do this on your own or with a service like SmartyPig, which functions as an online piggy bank with special rewards and record-keeping help. Here are three tips to assist you in managing your records so that you can create savings for emergencies, holidays or even the next iPhone:

Evaluate Expenses

Whether you’re saving on your own or using SmartyPig, take a moment to evaluate how you have been spending your money thus far.

For a month, keep a log and record every time you spend money—even for the little things like drive-through lunch or mundane expenditures like getting gas. At the end of the month, enter it into a program like excel or budgeting website.

Next, analyze your spending habits. From that, determine if there are any leftover funds that can be put toward savings.

If your finances are already stressed, consider cutting back on discretionary spending or picking up a part-time job. If your bills are straining your budget, consider getting professional help with your debt.

Start Small

Establish good savings habits by starting small and setting up a reasonable plan that you can handle. If you begin by setting aside more than you can afford, you are more likely to abandon the project and give up on the idea of saving altogether.

Instead, use time to your advantage, knowing that each little bit of cash you put aside will start to add up.

You can set up a bank account that automatically transfers a portion of your paycheck into a savings account. With SmartyPig, you can set up automated transfers to work towards your goals. You can even connect to social networking sites and receive contributions from friends or family who want to supplement your budget for college or wedding planning.

Think Big

You can use the time you are saving to explore what your long-term goals are, what it takes to meet them and how to achieve them.

While the monthly transfers into savings might be a small figure, the end result can be large. Learning how to manage your money means also knowing what you want to spend your money on. And, if you aren’t splurging on impulse buys, you have time and money to figure out what you want.

If you’re saving with SmartPig, and reach your goals, you can cash out to a number of retail gift card providers and earn up to 11% cash back. Additionally, you will earn interest on the money in your account, so that you have even more money to spend once you’ve met your goals.

So, look at the calendar, examine your wants and needs, and then set the plan in motion. Begin answering the questions that keep you from chasing your dreams. How much does a vacation to Italy cost? What kind of material will make the perfect kitchen counters? Where do I want to have a wedding reception?

And then start saving.

Alanna Ritchie blogs and writes about personal finances for Debt.org, America’s Debt Help Organization. She has a degree from Rollins College in Orlando.

April is financial literacy month. And a great time to do a financial “spring clean.” It won’t take long, and we promise it’ll be painless, just ask the folks at MSN Money who put together this quick video to help you get your days of warmer weather off on the right flip-flopped foot.

It’s a great time to summer proof your home, say the experts. Have your AC checked out, give the house some extra TLC, and you’ll reap the benefits when your energy bill is delivered. Now is also a good time to stock up on your dividends, says that same staff of experts. And lastly, save. Did you get a tax refund this year? Pay down your debt and use the leftover to start or add to an existing emergency fund. SmartyPig is the best place for those types of goals; slightly out of sight, but with the ultimate earning potential and easy access in the event you need them. But we hope that you don’t!

Wishing you successful saving..and cleaning!

Sarah Foss, SmartyPig’s Media Mad Woman
SFoss@SmartyPig.com

Is your tax refund padding your bank account? You’re not the only one. The average refund for 2012 was $2,700 and most expect around the same, if not higher this year. A Capital One survey states 21% of tax fund recipients are spending their dough on new clothes, vacations, and electronics. One smart shopper told us he deposited his newfound funds into a SmartyPig goal already and cashed out to a Macy’s gift card. The amount he received in cash back was obscene!

So if you’re going to spend, put that money to work for you in the short-term with SmartyPig’s high interest and long list of Retailer Gift Card providers. And if instant gratification isn’t your thing, do what most refund recipients are doing and save that chunk of change. Is a summer vacation in your future? What about back to school shopping? Take your funds right to the pig and start maximizing your dollars today. And if you don’t have an emergency fund, wouldn’t now be a great time to start one of those?

Whether you’re spending or saving, SmartyPig makes those tax dollars work for you!

Wishing you successful saving and spending.

Sarah Foss, SmartyPig’s Media Mad Woman
SFoss@SmartyPig.com