Let the Christmas Shopping (and Budgeting) Begin!

Let the Christmas Shopping (and Budgeting) Begin

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, it's full-steam ahead to Christmas.  There was Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and countless other sales.  Sales are good, but try not to let them coax you into buying something you otherwise … Read More »

Negotiating a Real Estate Purchase

I've been wanting a bigger house for years now.  When I'm asked my price range, it's difficult to give a number because taxes, interest rates, insurance, and closing costs need to be figured in to the equation.  My price range varies by about … Read More »

The Holidays are Fast Approaching

Well, it appears the holidays are fast approaching.  Thanksgiving is this month, and Christmas the next.  I admit, I already bought my turkey a month or two ago from Organic Prairie when they had a great deal on their products, but I'm totally … Read More »

Thanksgiving Party with Relatives

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all that the Lord has done for us and what better than to do it with the entire extended family. Most of us celebrate Thanksgiving with our relatives since the joy of this holiday definitely lies in … Read More »

Charity or Resale?

I usually give away clothes, toys, and other items I don't want or need anymore. Sometimes I give them to friends or family. Other times I donate them to Goodwill or list them on freecycle. Occasionally I've sold them on ebay, and once or twice I've … Read More »

Hiring the Best Man for the Job

I've got a house that is in need of repairs and cosmetic touch-ups before I advertise it for rent. It's a pretty small job for a regular contractor, so small that one might not even be interested in taking it on. I thought I'd just hire a small-time … Read More »

To Sell It or Rent It Out???

Well, my first set of renters is moving out of the house I bought as an investment property earlier this year. Now, I'm left thinking about whether I want to rent it out again or sell it. I'm leaning toward selling it because I absolutely hate debt, … Read More »

The Lure of the Goody Bags

The central idea of goody bags is to send your guests home feeling happy. The concept evolved since children who came for the party would go back empty handed while the birthday child would be flooded with presents. In order to balance this act goody … Read More »

Recent Unplanned Expense: Parking Ticket

I printed pages of coupons, cut them out, organized them, and put them in an envelope. I made a shopping list for each store I needed to go to. I packed my diaper bag. I had my parking meter change. I was ready to go, focused, sure I'd keep my … Read More »

Coupons for Organics

I love coupons, or at least I do in theory. I mean, I'd love to use coupons, but they're pretty much only for pre-packaged junk food. Even the "healthy" ones are loaded with artificial ingredients, preservatives, pesticides, and gmo's. I had about … Read More »

DIY Kids’ Birthday Party Decorations

When organizing a birthday party, the decorations take on an important role. It would be right to say that apart from the cake, the birthday party decorations are the most important aspect of such a party. Interestingly be it a kiddy birthday bash … Read More »

Handling Surprise Medical Bills

Boy it's been an expensive month so far. I never knew I could have so many unexpected bills in one month! First, I got a hefty bill from the hospital for a test that was ordered but not covered by my insurance. I called the hospital, my doctor's … Read More »

Ideas for Simple yet Successful Birthday Parties for Kids

Organizing a birthday party for kids is often a very tedious affair. Right from the invitations to the menu and the games and decorations, everything takes up time. The wrapping up of the party is another headache and can leave you completely … Read More »

Single Mothers and Credit Cards

Single mothers due to desperate times and desperate measures wonder if they should apply for and use a credit card for necessary purchases for their family. Too many financial constraints make it hard to get important loans for housing, cars, or … Read More »

Save Money by Wasting Coupons

"I don't want to forget the coupons when we get to the store," I said to my oldest as I was driving. I had a coupon for $1 off a half-gallon of milk, 50 cents off yogurt, $1 off granola bars, and other miscellaneous coupons for cereal and yogurt … Read More »

Time to Buy School & Sports Photos… in the Same Month!

As if back-to-school shopping weren't already expensive enough, we're now getting hit with another school expense: pictures! I don't want to sound like a bad mom and say "Who needs a picture, I see my kids everyday! I know what they look like!", but … Read More »

Preserving the Harvest for Every Budget

Boy, time sure has gotten away from me lately. Harvest season is upon us, and with it comes a LOT of work. I've only got a small garden, but I've managed to grow tomatoes, zucchini, wax beans, peas, peppers, and more. I try to eat as much of it as … Read More »

Helping My Nephew Earn Money

My mom recently told me that my nephew and his friends were trying to earn money to fix up their bikes. Of course, I wanted to help, but I've got my own expenses. I can't afford to spruce up, trick-out, or pay for whatever it is these 12-year olds … Read More »

Basics of Financial Goal Setting

Achieving a physically fit body is a journey. We begin the journey by evaluating our current level of physical fitness. This can be done by looking at, among other things, our weight, our cardiovascular strength, our endurance and our flexibility. We … Read More »

Financial Fitness For Single Moms: 5 Basics of Debt

A physically fit body is typically the result of good health habits, such as eating healthy; regular exercise; and help from a professional in the health industry. In contrast, if we have poor health habits, such as eating unhealthy food every day; … Read More »