3 Ways to Save Big at the Gas Pump Ask just about anyone who fills their car up on a regular basis and they’ll tell you that they would like to lower their gas costs no matter what the cost of gas per gallon may be. If you’re one of those people (and I’d be you are), there are things you can do to create big savings for yourself when filling up. Regular maintenance on your car – Things like dirty oil, low tire pressure and more can all cause your car to burn more gas than it should. Spending $25.00 every 5,000 miles or so to have the oil changed (less money if you do it yourself) and making sure your tires are inflated weekly both are big ticket tasks to save money on those fill ups. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money to save money, but in this case, it really … [Read more...]
DIY Laundry Soap
DIY Laundry Soap With the new year and my Budget Challenge in full swing, I am looking for ways to save money, while we still have some laundry soap on the self I don't plan on buying any more. I will be making it! This recipe has been used by every from the Duggars to many other bloggers who do DIY laundry soap! Amazon does sell a Laundry Soap Kit with these ingredients and I have priced it out it is cheaper to buy them separately by about $10!! 4 Cups - hot tap water 1 Fels-Naptha soap bar 1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda ½ Cup Borax Related: 35 Uses for Fels Naptha That Will Change Your Life Directions Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with the 4 cups of water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. Fill a 5 gallon bucket … [Read more...]
Elf Ideas: Elf Makes a Friend
With the Holidays coming up. Many of us are continuing the Elf tradition, some of us are starting the tradition. Either way we are always looking for new ideas to keep things fun and interesting! Our family Christmas elf is called Mater. Yes, after the Cars Movie Mater. This is his 2nd year with us but he seems to have gotten in to plenty of trouble since then! Join us on our adventures! Well tonight Mater heads home! Yes He stays around on Christmas at our house, he likes to watch the Christmas fun before he leaves! He made a new friend to watch all the fun with! I'd love to hear some of the great ways your elf has visited you!! Check out other Elf Ideas!! … [Read more...]
Elf Ideas: Elf Helps Sort
With the Holidays coming up. Many of us are continuing the Elf tradition, some of us are starting the tradition. Either way we are always looking for new ideas to keep things fun and interesting! Our family Christmas elf is called Mater. Yes, after the Cars Movie Mater. This is his 2nd year with us but he seems to have gotten in to plenty of trouble since then! Join us on our adventures! Last night Mater decided to help sort bands by color. Dont think i didnt notice it was Christmas Colors too! I'd love to hear some of the great ways your elf has visited you!! Check out other Elf Ideas!! … [Read more...]
Elf Ideas: Practical Prank
With the Holidays coming up. Many of us are continuing the Elf tradition, some of us are starting the tradition. Either way we are always looking for new ideas to keep things fun and interesting! Our family Christmas elf is called Mater. Yes, after the Cars Movie Mater. This is his 2nd year with us but he seems to have gotten in to plenty of trouble since then! Join us on our adventures! Looks like our Elf's practical prank went a little wrong! Poor guy got himself a little stuff last night! I'd love to hear some of the great ways your elf has visited you!! Check out other Elf Ideas!! … [Read more...]
Elf Ideas: Holiday Scents
With the Holidays coming up. Many of us are continuing the Elf tradition, some of us are starting the tradition. Either way we are always looking for new ideas to keep things fun and interesting! Our family Christmas elf is called Mater. Yes, after the Cars Movie Mater. This is his 2nd year with us but he seems to have gotten in to plenty of trouble since then! Join us on our adventures! Looks like elf wants to help with the holiday scents this time. I love how my house smell during the holidays! I'd love to hear some of the great ways your elf has visited you!! Check out other Elf Ideas!! … [Read more...]
Holiday Shopping on a Budget
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Chase Ultimate Rewards for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. With all of us shopping for the holidays, budgeting can be a real challenge. But, it can be done. There are different strategies you can use like taking advantage of store sales or comparison shop online to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. You can also consider using a credit card that has a rewards program, so you earn points for your holiday shopping and also on everyday purchases. Have you heard about Chase Ultimate Rewards? If not, you could be missing out! Ultimate Rewards is available to Chase Freedom, Chase Sapphire and Ink from Chase cardholders. When you use any of these cards, you earn points on every purchase, which can then be redeemed for … [Read more...]
How to Plan a Cheap Wedding That is Still Fabulous
Rally the troops and save money on everything from photographers to the Justice of the Peace. Here's how to plan a cheap wedding and still have the wedding of your dreams. Once you have your schedule lined out and your thoughts at least somewhat organized, it is time to start making solid plans and saving money. In every wedding, there are things you will need that you can't really get around, but you can make those things cheaper. This is where most brides will start looking for bargain wedding dresses and venues that they can get at a discount because they are out-of-season, but that's where a lot of issues come in because once you've spent the money on these things you have to come up with money to pay the people you are going to be hiring. Start with making a budget for those that … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud this Holiday Season
5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud this Holiday Season While Christmas may be the most “wonderful time of the year,” it’s also the best time of the year for scammers and thieves. With more people shopping online every year, it’s a great way for them to steal your credit card numbers, your identity and more. You’re not powerless though! There are a few simple things that you can do to protect yourself from theft this year and still be able to shop online to grab the deals that you want. Only shop reputable sites – By limiting your shopping to sites that you are familiar with, you limit the chance that someone will steal your card numbers. Sites like Amazon, Walmart, JCP.com and more are perfect examples. We’re all familiar with them and know that their security protocols are … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Earn Last Minute Christmas Money
5 Ways To Earn Last Minute Christmas Money It's only weeks until Christmas, and you have found yourself struggling to make ends meet while giving your family gifts they will enjoy. Here are 5 Ways To Earn Last Minute Christmas Money that are easy for you to manage. Not only can you make a few hundred dollars in a short time, you will manage to give your family the Christmas they deserve. Sell Homemade Baked Goods: Tons of people would love to have real quality home baked treats around the holidays. Everything from homemade jams and jellies to delicate candies will sell. If you offer tasty sugar free, gluten free or low fat varieties you have an even larger market to sell your foods to. Offer Babysitting Services: Parents are always needing extra time to do … [Read more...]
4 Mobile Apps that will Help you Save on Christmas!
4 Mobile Apps that will Help you Save on Christmas! Thanks to our smart phones, holiday shopping is getting easier and easier. We can make shopping lists, send a quick text to find out what to buy for dinners and gifts, and look up the best places to buy what we need. Apps also make it easier to save money on holiday related purchases! Below, you'll find four of the best apps that will help you save money this Christmas! ShopSavvy This app is sometimes seen as the best way to get the lowest price when you are out shopping. It lets you quickly scan barcodes on products to learn where you should buy - whether it be the store you are in, one nearby (which ShopSavvy can find with your phone's GPS), or an online merchant. If a website has the best deal, you can make a purchase on … [Read more...]
Elf Ideas: Elf Sneaks a Snack
With the Holidays coming up. Many of us are continuing the Elf tradition, some of us are starting the tradition. Either way we are always looking for new ideas to keep things fun and interesting! Our family Christmas elf is called Mater. Yes, after the Cars Movie Mater. This is his 2nd year with us but he seems to have gotten in to plenty of trouble since then! Join us on our adventures! My kid always get a kick out of any time Matter sneaks a snack so this time he was peaking out of a box of my kids favorite snack! I'd love to hear some of the great ways your elf has visited you!! Check out other Elf Ideas!! … [Read more...]