This guest post is contributed by Raine Parker, who writes on the topics of accounting degree. She welcomes your comments at her email address: raine.parker6@gmail.com.

When you begin dating someone new, you may already be nervous enough about your jokes, the cleanliness of your apartment or home, and your personal appearance without having to worry about how your attitude about money translates to a potential partner. But if you’re trying to be sensible about money — whether you’re struggling to pay off debt or are building up your investments — you don’t want to throw away money just to impress someone else, either. Here are tips to save money responsibly without looking like a Scrooge.

• Split the cost of dates: Many women and men think it’s old-fashioned to count on the male in the relationship to pay for everything, but that doesn’t mean you have to take over the majority of the finances either. Offer to split the bill at dinner or pick up the tab when you go out for drinks or a movie every once in a while. If your date starts relying on you to pay for everything, then he doesn’t value your relationship as a true partnership, financially or otherwise.

• Be open to other subjects: If you’re constantly talking about how much things cost, how much you saved that week or what your credit card statement is, your date will assume that you’re obsessed with money. Open yourself up to conversations about concepts like your hobbies or goals as well.

• Suggest alternatives to expensive outings: If you’d rather stay in than go out for another date, cheerfully suggest a home-cooked meal and movie night.

• Be ready to explain your savings goals and strategy: When your relationship becomes serious, you’ll have to talk about money at some point. Be ready to explain your savings goals and how you organize your finances so that your partner can better understand your motives for tracking expenses.

• Reevaluate your situation: No one can or even should change the way you want to manage your money, but do be open to new suggestions. Reevaluate your attitude towards money to avoid becoming too restrictive or judgmental, and remember that it’s important to nurture your relationships with family and friends, just as you have to look after your savings.

The following is a guest post by Rachael Miller of Moneysupermarket.

When all the festive cheer is over, many of us are left with big hangovers in January, and not from being too full up. Many of us experience financial hangovers, having spent the best part of our earnings on presents, food and entertainment over Christmas. Even with the recession looming over our heads, that didn’t stop us from splashing out over Christmas. Many of us over-indulge even though we know we can’t afford it, and become prepared for the hangover that will hit us in January.

January is a long month. Not only is it cold and dark (for those of us who live further up the hemisphere), but our finances are usually stretched out to their limit. Many companies pay your salary early in December, meaning that you have to wait longer for your next pay packet. Make sure that you plan out your wages to last five weeks instead of four by perhaps only withdrawing an affordable figure each week and sticking to it. It is also worth in trying to clear your biggest Christmas debts first, if you’ve used a credit/store card to help with your Christmas shopping. Kate Murphy, from Moneysupermarket advises; ‘Paying more off your most expensive debts first will mean less of your monthly repayments are covering interest costs and more is going towards paying down the outstanding balance. This will cost you less in the long run and you’ll be debt free more quickly…’

Christmas is not only associated with over-indulging, but also with waste. The festive season sometimes means that our eyes are too big for our bellies, and we buy too much food and drink. Don’t throw this food away- freeze it to make tasty meals with in January. Then we’re left with the presents that might not be to our taste. There is always one relative who lovingly buys you a gift that is of no use to you. Don’t throw these away, no matter how tempting it might be to start the New Year with a clutter-free home. See if you can exchange the gift in store- you might be able to swap it with something you like. Alternatively, sell these items online. There is always someone out there who needs what you don’t, and it’s an effective way of lessening the pressure on your bank account throughout this difficult month.

The January sales are probably the highlight of the month. Even if you are strapped for cash it’s hard to ignore the massive savings that some stores offer. If you are planning to purchase something expensive, save up during the year but buy in January. You can save up to 70% in the January sales when lines are being changed for the New Year. Instead of paying full price you could save a considerable amount by waiting for a few months to make the most out of the sales.

One thing January is good for is for taking control of your finances. After you have paid all of your Christmas debts off, try to plan for next festive season. Even though it may seem a long time away, there is no harm in planning for the next year- this may save you the pain of the financial hangover. Open a good savings account and add to it each month when you get paid. Compare savings accounts online, at moneysupermarket.com to find the best deal for you. This means you can see what the market has to offer – http://www.moneysupermarket.com/savings/

This featured post is presented by Family Balance Sheet.

Every year in the middle of December, we scramble to order our Christmas photo cards, address the envelopes and mail them to our family and friends. Of course this year is no different and once again we found ourselves on December 15 without any photo cards ordered.

Continue reading Holiday E-Cards - Tuck This Idea Away For Next Year at Family Balance Sheet.

This featured post is presented by i pick up pennies.

Sometimes it seems to me like most things associated with frugality are, well, sneaky. Sure, sure, there are the basic coupon combos. And, if you’re diligent (and patient) you can actually make money off certain offers with the help of rebates. Which is, depending on your point of view, kind of sneaky — but in the sense that we say such a word proudly.

Continue reading Does frugal mean sneaky? at i pick up pennies.