Free Movie Downloads

When we first got married we did not want to pay the cost for premium movie channels. We rented movies a lot instead. Back then Blockbuster video was the place to rent videos and the rental card we had earned rewards too. We have had premium movie channels off and on throughout our marriage. The original programming was always more entertaining than the movies offered. The best package we had was when we were with Verizon FiOS and had on-demand movies and television shows. My sister and I watched old movies all weekend the first time she visited us in … Continue reading →

Becoming Robin Hood

It’s almost Thanksgiving. It’s going to be Christmas next month. In this season, I encourage you to think like Robin Hood. Often in the Money blog we think about how to make our finances better. You may look to this blog for ideas about how you can reduce your debt or avoid getting one. You may look to this blog for tips on the day to day trials and streamlining of your money management. You probably do not look to this blog to hear about fairy tale characters from England. Robin Hood took from the rich and gave to the … Continue reading →

The Benefits of a Job

Why work? Why yes, I know that you need the money. But work has a lot of other benefits that you may not have considered. If you’re thinking of taking on a part time position after being out of the workforce or you’re considering freelancing, here are a few reasons why that job may be even more valuable than you think. It’s about your health. Depending on where you work, you may or may not receive health benefits at your job. Depending on your home and health situation and your partner’s insurance, a job that is pays poorly but has … Continue reading →

Finding Money

It’s that time of year when a lot of families are struggling to make ends meet. I know that we tend to struggle this time of year. For one, my husband is a teacher and has not gotten paid all summer. Also, it’s school start up for everyone, and that means registration fees and school costs are coming fast and furious. Ack! What to do? Where to find the money? First of all, I’m trying to be proactive now. I’ve calculated the average cost of any lessons or classes that we take, and I try to deposit 1/12 of this … Continue reading →

A Piggy Bank for Adults

We have a piggy bank in our house. Actually, we have two. One is a pink ceramic pig that belongs to my daughter, while the other is a white jar. I get the white jar. Over the years, there have been times when money has been tight. In those times, when I want something that appears to be beyond my budget at the moment, I use my piggy bank. The piggy bank approach is just like the one my daughter uses when she wants to save up for something. She makes little bits of money here and there, and they … Continue reading →

Pamper Yourself Without Breaking the Bank

If you feel like you will break your budget without adding some room for pampering, you are not alone. It is important to allow yourself a little bit of wiggle room. It is important to pamper yourself occasionally. You may want to reward yourself for reaching a savings goal, or just take a short break from paying off all that debt. You may be in a great place financially, but just do not want to spend a lot of money on pampering yourself. Here are three different ways to pamper yourself. 1) If you would like a nice massage, but … Continue reading →

Scaling Back Your Spending

One of the more difficult things to do when you are budgeting is finding areas to scale back on. While a stranger may be able to look at your budget and easily say to cut unnecessary expenses. You may feel that those expenses are necessary for your life. It helps if you can step back and put things in perspective. Also the situation you are currently in can really affect how much you need to cut out completely. If you are in a large amount of debt, and have trouble meeting the payments and buying groceries, you are in a … Continue reading →

Working Your Wish List Everyday!

My buying wish list just keeps growing. I’ve got children’s items, personal items, overseas travel, toys and gadgets that keep my list growing long and tall. I’m also squeezing out some cash for a workshop I want to do in a month. Also lots of thngs to spend my extra money on. I put them all on a list, and then at the end of the month, I look at what I have saved, and if I want to buy anything on the list. I try to buy something for myself every month – even if it is very small. … Continue reading →

Tips for Giving Away your Money

People get confused about giving when you are on a budget. During the last string of devastating hurricanes, it came to light in the news that the majority of givers – donators to various causes, are regular people with low to middle class incomes. Not the rich guys with bundles to spare. Giving helps the one who gives. It is one of those strange phenomenons – that giving actually helps your heart, making it stretch. When you give to others you can see the good in humanity and feel part of a bigger world. It is all about you baby! … Continue reading →

Hotel Reservations – Spending Wisely

Hubby and I occasionally travel and stay in various hotels. The amenities and therefore the amount of money we will spend, depends upon the type of trip we are taking, and what luxuries I’d like while we are there. I always try to upgrade without spending extra! The most important tip is to ask. On a recent trip I needed wireless internet access which meant I could work from the hotel on my laptop. The price of the hotel went up in the area we were looking at, but it was worth it to me. Then I found a hotel … Continue reading →