I swear most day I get more junk mail than I do of anything important. Many times I let the kid play with it, they think it's amazing they got something in the mail. Sometimes I find a coupon or two in there but started to look for more ways to use it. Now when I see the “Current Resident” my mind start turning with all the ways I can use it. Why not find some creative uses instead of just tossing it? Ways to Reuse Junk Mail! Use It To Take Notes – Often times the junk mail is an envelope. You can keep these envelopes near the phone to take notes while you are on the phone with a company or keep it near your desk to write a quick note on while you are online. That comes in handy for you, and allows you to get some use out of the junk mail. Craft Projects – If you have children, … [Read more...]
Amazingly Easy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
I'm sure I all would have to write in this post is that I have 4 kids and this is their favorite food. Any parent would understand. See my kids will eat almost anything we make for dinner but once a week I try to make something I know they like. So what makes that list? At the top is mac n cheese, then pizza, chicken nuggets, pancakes, and spaghetti. Amazingly Easy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Oh, and let me mention my kids will eat the box mac n cheese, but they prefer I make homemade. So I used to make my dad's baked mac n cheese recipe and they loved it. I love it and then grandpa let it slip that there were onions in the mac and cheese. See I diced them up so fine they never know because they were in the sauce and I was happy that I was sneaking in some veggies. So the next time I … [Read more...]
Reward Yourself with Diet Dr Pepper® and Enter to Win the Sweet Spring FUNd
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Diet Dr Pepper®. The opinions and text are all mine. Summer time is coming and that means summer vacation, summer vacation means you need to have things planned to entertain your kids before the 'Mom, I'm bored's' start. So at the at lunch reward yourself for making it to the halfway point and then reward yourself again after dinner for surviving the day, with a Diet Dr Pepper®. I'm not the only one who does that right?! It gets better! Sign up for the Sweet Spring FUNd and play the scratch off for a chance to instantly win a $5 Walmart Gift Card. But it STILL get better! Upload your receipt to the website and be entered for a chance to win a $5, $50, $500, or $5,000 Walmart e-Gift as well! It's super easy to … [Read more...]
5 Simple Ways to Save on Baby Gear
A baby is on the way, and you can’t stop stressing about the upcoming shift in financial priorities. Gone are the days of buying designers purses just because you can. Now you long for the designer diaper bag. Don’t fret! Babies are undoubtedly expensive, but if you follow a few tips on how to save big on baby gear, you’ll be able to enjoy the precious moments, free of stress. 5 Simple Ways to Save on Baby Gear Become a Club Member When you are expecting a little one, the sheer volume of baby products you need may seem daunting, but most children’s stores offer savings clubs. If you’re buying all new products for the first time, find a store you like with a savings club. Most department stores will allow you to accumulate points for your purchases, and then you can use these points … [Read more...]
5 Painless Ways to Start Saving for Vacation
Everyone seems to always seems to be working towards their next vacation. Saving to get to that vacation can seem like an uphill road. Here are 5 easy ways to saving for vacation without even thinking about it. 5 Painless Ways to Start Saving for Vacation Put Change in a Jar - This one is simple, pay with cash and any coin change you get back, put into a jar. When you cash in the jar, put the money into your vacation fund. You won't miss the change, and it will add up faster than you think! Some months we have been able to save close to $25 in change! $5 Bill Rule - While paying with cash, anytime you get a five dollar bill put it to the side and add it to your vacation savings. This will add up pretty fast, and you can combine this method with the change idea above. Use Cash … [Read more...]
How to Combat Roof Damage
How to Combat Roof Damage Between El Nino cycles and other recent climate changes, weather from coast to coast has been more extreme and unpredictable than usual. From scorching summers to severe storm systems to late spring snowfalls, our yards and homes have taken a beating from the elements across the entire country. The primary shield between you and the stormy skies is your roof, and there are steps you can take to prevent damage and keep your roof in great shape for many years to come. The following actions with help improve the longevity of your roof and hopefully prevent the need for a replacement, which can run thousands of dollars. Snow and Ice Removal You may be surprised to learn how much snow and ice actually weighs. It takes about ten inches of new snow to add up to … [Read more...]
Homemade Chocolate Cherry Brownies
I have a slight chocolate addiction and in my house, it's no secret. It's why I have trouble really losing weight. I love homemade chocolate brownies, but now and then I want to change things up. These chocolate cherry brownies are just one of the several combinations I have tried and loved! Homemade Chocolate Cherry Brownies These brownies are a great way to get some fruits and veggies into some otherwise pretty picky eaters. I am known for adding zucchini to my brownies and not telling my family. My husband found out and now he examines everything a bit closer. He now knows I also add onions to my baked mac n cheese.... he wasn't happy about that one either. Hey, when you hubby is as picky of an eater as a few of your kids then you learn ways to hide it in their food. There are whole … [Read more...]
How to Save on Home Repair
How to Save on Home Repair “When it rains, it pours” is a saying that is often associated with unexpected and costly home repairs. Repairs related to plumbing, heating, or cooling are among the most expensive home improvement expenditures, but fixing these issues are necessary for your family’s health and quality of life. Clearing a clogged drain can cost as much as $300. Replacing a water heater can cost as much as $4,000. Ouch. These potential repair costs most likely put a damper on your frugal or aspiring frugal lifestyle. However, it’s possible to save money on necessary or emergency home repairs. Preventative measures are among the biggest ways to save money or offset the costs. It also helps to know basic home repair and the situations that require professional help. Erring … [Read more...]
The Rumor Mill: Yes, We are Still Living Frugal (and I’ll prove it to you!)
So if you have been following my Instagram, I'm sure you know we have moved into an RV and have been traveling since August 2015. That seems to have raised some red flags with my readers who no longer see me as frugal. So I want to correct the rumors. The Rumor Mill: Yes. We are still Living Frugal (and I'll prove it to you!) Before reading on, I suggest you read my tell-all post where I answer the most asked questions. Since my tell-all post, we have cut our expenses even more. Here is out current budget compared to when we lived in a sticks and bricks house. Our rent payment is our campground fees, and they include cable TV (most of the time) electric and water. We have recently cut our campground fees by 70%! Add this into the fact that we are camping for a … [Read more...]
Frugal Ideas to Make the Most of Your Air Conditioning
Frugal Ideas to Make the Most of Your Air Conditioning Summer brings fun and warmth to your home with barbecues on the porch and games in the yard. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature even during sweltering days with affordable air conditioning. While many frugal-minded people insist on using fans to save money, you can enjoy the coolness in every corner of your home without spending a fortune on air conditioning. Finding Inexpensive Air Conditioners Many big box retailers carry air conditioners, or you can purchase an affordable HVAC system with all the features you need from a specialty shop. It is possible to find air conditioners under $100, but make sure the air conditioner is high quality and has a reliable warranty. You may decide that it is a more frugal move to buy a … [Read more...]