Tag Archives: savings

Feeling out of control with your budget? A Hint

There are some days I just don’t like being on a budget. Today for instance. And yesterday, and the day before. Today I wanted to go spend some money at the bookstore. I don’t very often buy books, but when I do, watch out, I tend to purchase six on the same subject and devour them all. Right now I’m researching some fun creative projects and I just wanted info NOW! My perfect day would have been the bookstore and then to have hubby bring home some dinner. I didn’t do either of those. Instead I looked up some information … Continue reading →

My Three Year Old’s Cash Allowance!

My three year old earned her her first allowance today. I didn’t plan it. Hubby and I thought we’d wait until four or five to start allowance, but the opportunity arose and…… Daughter was watching me clean the litter box. “I wanna do that” she said, so together we scooped and cleaned, and then washed our hands. “Can you do that with me every time,” I asked? “Yes Mommy,yes” And so I counted out twenty-five pennies with her. Five pennies immediately went into her piggy bank. We talked about it going toward her first car when she is seventeen. (I’m … Continue reading →

Shop in Season to Save on Produce: Winter

If you want to save the most you can on fruits, veggies and nuts, you should always buy what is in season. Buy in bulk and freeze when you can. You’ll be sure to save on your grocery bill. Here is your guide to the best and least expensive picks on produce in the winter. I’ll also share just a few general ideas on how to use them, but be sure to check out the Food blog for recipes. Chestnuts There is a reason for “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” They are a great frugal food for winter. Don’t … Continue reading →

Home and Family: Seasonal Savings Everywhere!

I have been having a blast taking advantage of recent sales. It’s become somewhat of a contest to see how many necessities I can obtain without paying full price. My husband and I were competing the other day, but I of course won. I found socks and underwear on sale at a local store for 50% off. I even got the name brand stuff for half price. No way my husband could beat that deal! When we were clothes shopping for the kids, he did come up with some deals of his own. He found a jean jacket for one … Continue reading →

How Grocery Stores Make You Spend More

Grocery stores know how most people like to shop, and they use that information to make you spend more. However, you can counteract their intentions with some information on product placement. If you know just where to look (and not look) in the grocery store, you can reap some big savings. There is a lot of thought and marketing that goes into product placement in a grocery store. Major brands compete for shelf space, often paying stores for the privilege of being put in highly visible areas. The store displays have a science behind them and are usually arrange specifically … Continue reading →

Should You Make Kids Save for College?

When my kids were younger, we had a rule that a percentage of their money needed to go into savings–this went for earned money, birthday and gift money and other money that came their way. Over the years, with two households and two separate sets of rules, that “savings plan” has come under attack and while saving is still stressed at Mom’s house–it isn’t necessarily the rule of the family any longer. I always admired families who had a “college fund” that the kids contributed to, and I’m definitely on board with teaching kids how to tithe and save. As … Continue reading →

Can You Envision Retirement?

I have some older friends, as well as relatives, who are either retiring, or gearing up for retirement. These folks don’t seem THAT much older than me and it gives me a sense of panic–I haven’t even really figured out what I want my career and work world to look like yet, how can I even think about retirement?! It’s not really about the money, although having spent so many years working to generate income and support my family, it’s hard to imagine what life might look like if I didn’t have to do that on an hourly, daily and … Continue reading →

Three Ways Your Crockpot Saves Money

I love my crockpots. Let me say that one more time for emphasis. I LOVE my crockpots. Not only are they very convenient, but they are a great way to save money in the kitchen. Notice I said “they.” Yes, I have two crockpots, and I use them both on a regular basis. There are three main ways a crockpot will save you money and help you bring frugal but hearty meals to your table. 1. The first way your crockpot saves money is by using less energy that traditional cooking methods, such as an oven. The low steady heat … Continue reading →

Review: Dollar Tree

I don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to nearby shopping. That’s one of the trade-offs of living in the country. Still, if I go fifty miles in any direction, there are more choices. I don’t normally drive that far just for the heck of it, but if I’m headed out anyway, I make sure to bring my shopping list! On one such trip a while back, I ventured into a Dollar Tree store. Wow! I loved it. It’s much better than most of the other dollar stores I’ve been to, and I got some really good deals. … Continue reading →

Can You Still Save Money if You’re Starting a Business?

In reality, many people who start home businesses, do so at the risk of their savings. I know that I used up a big chunk of my reserves when I was launching my own home businesses and I’ve found my story is not at all unusual. Entrepreneurs are risk-takers by nature and it’s certainly not uncommon to find that individuals save up, or take their savings and start a business. But, now that your business is up and running, how do you start building those saving back up? The first step is really to make saving a priority. It’s tough–family … Continue reading →