The best hint anyone gave me, for saving money was to get an acid test pen. With this ph test pen you can add a LOT of new things to your scrapbook and not worry about it harming your photos! I like to use Greeting Cards in my books, and most will test acid free, but not all. ***** And for some FUN embellishments, go to the local thrift store and buy old kids games. The pieces are great in a scrapbook! Photos of your family playing Monopoly with a few 'pieces' on the page, well, it's just fantastic! Looking for COOL Buttons to add to your scrapbooking? Garage sales are a great place to find old clothes with very COOL buttons! Buy the shirt with the buttons you want, cut the buttons off and use the shirt as a rag/dust cloth! 99 cents goes a long way in a second hand store or at a yard sale! HAVE FUN!