As the snow starts to melt and most of us see what's underneath, we realize there's some serious work to be done around the house.

Spring is the time to begin working on home improvement projects. If you're thinking about stocking up on supplies for your most pressing project, consider the ways you can save when you do-it-yourself:

1. Big Box Vs. Small Stores

For the frugal consumer, shopping smart is always a logical first step. When you're shopping at the big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, there are always deals going down.

The two heavyweight retailers are highly competitive and both stores offer price matching with an additional 10-percent discount on identical products advertised at a lower price at any competing store. Both stores also post weekly sales, discounts and rebates on their websites so you can be prepared before you hit the store. Not to mention, you can always find coupons for these home and garden giants.

On the other hand, locally owned home-supply stores, like Ace Hardware, often provide email sign-ups that allow you to receive special deals on the same items you would find at the big-box stores. While you may not be able to purchase sheet rock, the smaller places may carry everything from plumbing supplies to finishing notes for your home.

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It’s back to school for grownups and kids alike.  Launch your inner math geek this fall and confidently help your kids with their homework with a free download of MATH FOR GROWNUPS: Relearn the Arithmetic You Forgot From School by Laura Laing.  Available today through September 10^th. Check out the write up of Laura’s book in this weekend’s edition of USA Today Weekend.

Ever wish you’d paid more attention in math class? We’ve all been there: Staring at two different brands of laundry detergent, wondering which is the best deal, trying to size up Mom’s tomato sauce recipe for a party of 10, or figuring out the fuel efficiency of that new car.  The fact is math crops up in a variety of everyday settings—from the grocery store to the craft room.  But you don’t need to break into a sweat when it’s time to calculate a tip.  Forget higher calculus—you just need an open mind.

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If there's one thing I wish I knew more about, it would have to be car maintenance.  As a female, I feel like a lamb being led to slaughter when I walk into an automotive repair shop of any kind, for my lack of car knowledge is evident almost immediately.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to instantly receive real-time stats, diagnostic reports and other valuable information about your car from a completely impartial and reliable source?  Well, leave it to ThinkGeek.com to have the solution!  I had the chance to review the PLX Devices KIWI Bluetooth Android Phone Car Diagnostic Kit.  Keep reading to learn more!

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The only good thing about the end of summer is Labor Day, a holiday that provides a day off and great opportunities for consumer savings.  Labor Day sales allow shoppers to take advantage of discounts on everything from fall fashions to appliances.  It's also a good time to find deals on end-of-season merchandise, like swimsuits, lawnmowers, patio furniture and more.

With practically everything under the sun on sale during these short three days, how can you possibly know if you're getting the best deal?  Here are six ways to maximize your savings on Labor Day.

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You can hear the groans across the country. Summer has barely begun and already retailers are holding back-to-school sales. Toys R Us actually started their sales July 1, with an end date of July 23. The National Retail Federation says some sales may continue through August, but there might not be the same selection. That's reason enough to consider shopping now.

The question is how to save without busting your budget. Here are 11 savings tips to help you through this early shopping season.

1. Take Inventory
Consider what you'll actually need before hitting the stores. Has your child grown out of their school clothes or will they do so by September? Can you reuse last year's school supplies or will you need to replace some items?

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This post brought to you by DealBabyDeal. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever been at a grocery or department store and shared a coupon that you either couldn't use or had already benefited from?  I do this all the time, because I love to help other people save money and I can't stand to see a great coupon go to waste.  As a matter of fact, anytime that I shop online, I always scour the internet to find a discount coupon of some sort because I absolutely hate paying full price!  I have many favorite savings haunts that I contribute to as well, if I happen to come across a fabulous deal or coupon code in my searches.

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