Changing jobs is perhaps one of the scariest things you can go through. For us, going through a financial change is scary because we have 4 kids. Our main job is to provide for them. A career change is a lot for a family because it determines the budget. Sometimes the budget determines everything about your lifestyle, so it’s important to prepare for this career change correctly. Preparing Financially for a Career Change Let’s talk about how to prepare financially for a job change. #1. Have an emergency stash of money. One of the best ways to prepare financially for a job change is to have an emergency stash of money. Most experts would agree that $1,000 is a good starting point for most families. Having that stash can help you pay for unexpected expenses. #2. Postpone … [Read more...]
How to Save Money – 34 Things You Should be Getting Free
I have a secret on how to save money for you. Did you know there are AT LEAST 34 things you are paying for right now that you should be getting for free? These items are costing you roughly $200 a month or more. What would you do with an extra $200 a month or $2,400 a year? Take a vacation? Pay off debt? Save for a house? Well here is how you can be on your way there! How to Save Money - 34 Things You Should be Getting Free 1. Movie Rentals - Sign up for Redbox emails and text alerts. They always are sending out codes for a free one-night rental as long as you turn it in within 24 hours you can get it for free. If you have an Amazon Prime account to take advantage of the Amazon Prime Video. You can get access to hundreds of free movies and TV shows. You can also get movie … [Read more...]
Your Guide to Staying Cool on a Budget
Ah, summer. Barbecues, pool parties, no school for the kids, and best of all, warm weather. Those high temperatures make it possible to enjoy all kinds of activities. For those of you not living in an RV, though, they can sure do a number on your electricity bills. If you do not want your family to be miserable, then you need to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. Luckily, you don’t have to blow your summer budget just to keep the sweat at bay. Here are a few ideas for staying cool while saving money. Fans Fans are a low-cost, low-energy way to keep your house feeling cool. Strategically placed fans circulate air around rooms in such a way that the thermostat can be raised without the occupants feeling the difference. Ceiling fans and window fans are the most … [Read more...]
Living Room Decorating Ideas on a Budget
We all get those moments when we aren't happy with an area in our home. I don't know about you but watching all of those HGTV shows makes me want to have a picture perfect living room. While I might not be able to afford to hire a professional designer, I can do little things to make my living room stand out. This list will give you lots of different ways to decorate your living room on a budget. Living Room Decorating Ideas on a Budget Paint Your Living Room Painting your living room or adding an accent wall can completely change the look of the room. You can pick up paint at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Lowe's or even on Amazon for a pretty reasonable price. Spend the weekend repainting the room and you will have a whole new look. Add New Art to Your Walls Adding new artwork to your … [Read more...]
Mix & Match Boys’ Gymboree Clothes in Summer Styles (Plus How to Get Them all Free!)
Let's face it boys will be boys and because of that, boys clothes can get expensive. But I won't lie I like having my son is nice clothes too. So what do I do? For one, I keep a second wardrobe of play clothes, so the nice clothes stand a chance! 2nd I get quality clothes that will last longer, and I get my kids clothes for free. How? See how I am getting this wardrobe below for free. Mix & Match Boys' Gymboree Clothes in Summer Styles (Plus How to Get Them all Free!) I love these Gymboree clothes for boys. There is a little bit of everything from church clothes (the jeans and button down shirt) to a casual day out and even just lounging around clothes. If I were to buy this wardrobe for my son this summer, I'd spend $165. At the end of the season (about the time he's outgrown … [Read more...]
Money Saving Tips – Top 10 Ways to Save $100 a Year
When you live paycheck to paycheck, saving an additional $100 a year may seem like a high feet to accomplish. However, saving just $100 extra a year puts you into the habit of saving and puts you out on top the following year. Here are the top 10 ways to save $100 a year. Money Saving Tips - Top 10 Ways to Save $100 a Year #1 Save Money Monthly Probably the simplest way to save $100 a year is to take $10 a month out of your account and put it in savings. You can take out a couple of dollars from every paycheck or just take the whole amount out at once. This will give you $120 by the end of the year. To boost your account, even more, use Digit. #2 Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards You can buy just about everything on Amazon am I right? Wel if you had Amazon Gift Card could get those … [Read more...]
12 Places In Your Home You’re Forgetting to Save Money
I bet you are doing everything you think you should be to save money. Well, take a look around your house right now. I bet there are 5 ways you are losing money that you haven't thought of yet. Read on and see if you are missing any of them. Your Closets: Start Selling Things There are so many things around my own house that I haven’t used in months. What about the things you get for Christmas or your birthday that you know you’re never going to use? Don’t just keep piling up those things; someone else will use them. Whether you have a garage sale or post items in online garage sale sites, you can start a saving just from the little things you sell here and there. Don't forget the basics od just selling clothes that are taking up space. I like sending my clothes, toys and books to … [Read more...]
Money Saving Tips – What Is An Impulse Buy and How Does It Hurt You?
Here is one of my favorite money saving tips. Imagine this: You’re walking through Walmart with your child. You get to the dairy section and there, completely out of place, is a Dove Chocolate bar display. Your kid? Now screaming that they want a chocolate bar. You, harried from a long day of couponing, sigh and give in because after all, it’s only 54¢ Congrats. You just made an impulse purchase and cost yourself money. How about this one: You get in line for checkout and suddenly you’re hungry so you grab a bag of chips or candy from the aisle and throw it on the belt. It’s only 75¢ right? Nope. You just blew your budget with this impulse purchase. Money Saving Tips - What Is An Impulse Buy and How Does It Hurt You? Impulse purchases are any purchases that you make that … [Read more...]
Weddings on a Budget – 21 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake
Looking for ways to save money on your wedding cake? Well, the biggest way is not to have one, at all. Not for you? Don't worry here are 21 ways to save money on your cake form small cost cuts to big ones! Weddings on a budget don't have to sacrifice style or the things you want you just have to do it smartly. Find the ones that work for you. Many of these I used to save money on my wedding cake, I spent less than $100 on my cake, others I picked up over the years from friends during their wedding planning. Some are easy some are a bit drastic find your groove, not every thing will work for everyone! Weddings on a Budget - 21 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake Small display cake - Use a small two tier display cake and serve your guests from sheet cakes. They will never know the … [Read more...]
10 Best Cookbooks for Budget Meals
Saving money on your grocery bill is just half the battle. You can cut that down even more with budget meals. If you are like me you probably already have a good collection of cookbooks but adding some books with budget-friendly meals is a must! These 10 cookbooks I either have in my collection or on Kindle! 10 Best Cookbooks for Budget Meals Family Feasts for $75 a Week: A Penny-wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for Cutting Hundreds from Your Monthly Food Bill by Mary Ostyn - This was one of my first budget cookbooks. The first part of the book is her shopping strategies and how she feeds her family for $75 a week and the 2nd part is all her recipes. Some are now family favorites! The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook: 200 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Nourishing Meals That Are Easy on the … [Read more...]