Monitor your sleep, blood oxygen levels, stress, heart rate, steps, distance, and calories burned. The RENPHO LYNX Smart Ring can also track fitness activities such as walking and running, gaining detailed insights to support your fitness goals.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!). Also, have you heard of Walmart Hidden Clearance?! It’s like a secret treasure hunt!
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
The last week was full of challenges and many unexpected opportunities for me to trust God as I was mostly solo parenting while Jesse and Silas were on a father-son ski trip in Utah.
The heartbreak of our girls losing a dear friend and dropping everything to pick them up in their grief. Having my heart torn in shreds as I see them hurting so much.
A scary middle-of-the-night episode where Kierstyn couldn’t breathe and her oxygen levels were low (gratefully I was able to get them back up before we needed to go to the ER!)
An urgent care visit for Kathrynne when she got really sick.
A dr’s visit for Kierstyn. (She was diagnosed with pneumonia and an ear infection — which I wasn’t entirely surprised with how her lungs had been sounding and how her breathing was.)
David pooping in the bathtub twice and then pulling all his gauze off around his feeding tube port and it bleeding all over his clothes. His feeding tube coming out in the middle of a feed and making a big mess of formula all over.
One child throwing the worst fit they’ve ever thrown in their life (complete with them screaming, “you are the worst mom ever!!” They later came back and apologized.)
Almost having an accident on the highway when the car in front of me slammed on their brakes because there was a car stopped in the middle of the road. (It truly felt like there were guardian angels around us — the car behind us had to go over into the shoulder to avoid hitting me!)
Having book edits due in the middle of all this. It’s been a lot.
And yet, in the midst of the challenges, I’ve felt God’s goodness and supernatural strength and peace.
I’m so grateful that I don’t have to walk this life on my own or white knuckle my way through life in my own strength. He is faithful and we can rely on Him.
Question: Advice on how to handle a pre teen boy? We have a 11 year old and the attitude is coming in big.
Answer: My best advice is to pray daily for your son and pray for God to give you wisdom to love them well. And then go be involved in his world.
Care about what he cares about – get interested in sports or video games or whatever your son is interested in. Take him out for lunch or got his favorite treat.
Praise every tiny little thing he puts effort into. Save your corrections for those times when it really, really matters. Be his biggest cheerleader instead of his biggest critic. Talk highly of him to him and to others. And clearly communicate expectations built upon a strong foundation of relationship. And keep him busy – bored boys are often frustrated and have lots of energy with no outlet.
Question: Bedtime routine for littles? 7 month old that’s nursing, we’re struggling to get a routine
Answer: Keep it super, super simple. Dinner, Pi’s, teeth brushed, read a book, pray and go to bed. Or something similar. I try to have a bedtime routine that can be done in 5-15 minutes if need be.
And by the way, some nights my kids don’t even change into PJs – they fall asleep in their clothes. Some nights we don’t read a book because they are too tired. And some nights we end up reading 10 picture books.
My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you don’t put your kids to bed until they are tired and then usually bedtime goes much more quickly. Also, we often let our kids listen to audio stories to fall asleep and it’s something they look forward to and it helps them wind down, and go to sleep very quickly!
Question: If you needed to lose 30 pounds, what would your diet look like? (Asking for me.)
Answer: I would start by tracking what you are eating to get an idea of how many calories you’re consuming and what your carbs/fats/protein/fiber ratio is. You ideally want to eat at least 90 grams of protein per day and 25 grams of fiber. I would also track your activity.
Could you add more protein and fiber + a 5-10 minute walk after each meal? Keep it simple a doable and don’t try to overhaul your life overnight. Pick 1-3 small habits to implement and stick with those until they become so normal that you do them without thinking. Then add another simple habit.
Question: Are you still using nourish? I finally signed up and have an appointment next week.
Answer: Yes! And to piggy back off the last question, if you are struggling to lose weight, need to gain weight, want to eat more nutritiously, need some accountability to prioritize your health, or are just curious if you are eating well to support your lifestyle, I highly recommend hiring a dietitian through Nourish! It has changed my life!!
By the way, JJ just left a comment saying this, “I am losing weight with the help of my dietician. More than that, as someone who has struggled to lose weight for a long time, I often felt shame and guilt with food. Not any more! When my dietician said I can have dessert every day, I explained that there is no way. I have no self-control. She has been by my side (and I love how we can message them in between sessions!) and guides me so that I can have success and learn self-control without feeling bound. So, yes, I am eating foods I enjoy WHILE losing weight. I am learning not to fear food but to eat in such a way that I am truly full, happy, and healthy. Truly–thank you for posting and sharing!”
Introducing John, our new robot vacuum, who has become one of the hardest-working and most well-loved members of the family. He cleans and mops the floors while also keeping three young children fully entertained as they feed him dirt from the floor. 🤣🤣 It’s downright amazing! 🙌🏻
People Skills – I loved this book and felt like it is a very helpful resource for anyone who is wanting to deepen relationships, build stronger community, and communicate with more kindness and genuineness. The chapters are short and action-packed and have followup questions and practical action steps. If you want to get a peek into what the book is about, be sure to watch this Instagram Live I did with the author here. It was SO good and convicting.
The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery — I really found this book so helpful and insightful. If you feel like you are stuck or that life is so overwhelming and hard and you are bombarded by discouragement, this would be such a fantastic book to read. Melding science and Scripture, the author gives such practical encouragement for how you can change your life by changing your thoughts!
What I’m Watching
The Olympics, of course, just like last week. 🙂 I also watched quite a few episodes of When Calls the Heart. (I’m now on season 9!)
What I’m Listening To
I started listening to Holy Disrupter this past week at the encouragement of my sister. So far, it’s been very different than I expected. Have you read it or listened to it?
In Case You Missed It – Posts From This Week
How to Use the Swagbucks App to Earn Money — Looking for an honest Swagbucks review? Want to know how to make money on Swagbucks? I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to how Swagbucks works, how to earn free gift cards, and my top tips for earning more with Swagbucks.
How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance + Smart Ways to Save Every Dollar — Auto insurance is actually one of the easiest bills to lower with a little intentional effort. Unlike utilities or rent, you actually have quite a bit of control over what you pay, and many families are leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table simply because they haven’t revisited their policy in a while.
This Week’s Podcast Episode
I have been eagerly looking forward to doing this episode ever since I got my hands on Dr. Lee Warren’s new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. The title alone had Jesse asking, “Wait… self-brain surgery?” Honestly, I actually had the same thought, but what Lee shares in this conversation completely blew me away. He is a brain surgeon, and he has discovered that the same principles he uses in the operating room can be applied by each of us to literally change our own brains – via our thoughts!
Most of what runs through our minds every day is false, negative, or repetitive, keeping us stuck, but when we intentionally practice new ways of thinking, we can rewire our brains in real time and reshape the life that follows, and, in this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Lee and I talk about why our culture often convinces us that we are powerless to change, why 80% of our thoughts are false, and how the simple act of noticing and choosing our thoughts can literally transform our neurochemistry, our bodies, and our perspective!
Lee and I dive into practical tools – from prayer and meditation to quiet reflection – that help filter out the noise and build mental habits that help make us calmer, more resilient, and more intentional. We also explore the deeply human side of change – the grief, loss, and impossible days that can feel like they could crush us. Listen in as Lee shares his personal story of losing his son and welcoming a grandchild on the same day and how recognizing that two truths can exist at once (joy and sorrow) was life-giving and transformative.
Tune in this week and see how science and scripture beautifully reinforce each other and how small, consistent actions can rebuild your mind, your habits, and your hope. If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or powerless to change your thoughts and your life, then this episode will very likely challenge you, encourage you, and give you hope that real change isn’t just possible; it’s built into how you’re wired!
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Auto insurance is one of those bills most of us can’t avoid, but that doesn’t mean you have to overpay for it! Whether you’re renewing a policy or shopping for new coverage, there are simple ways to make sure you’re getting the cheapest car insurance price for the coverage you need.
Auto insurance is actually one of the easiest bills to lower with a little intentional effort. Unlike utilities or rent, you actually have quite a bit of control over what you pay, and many families are leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table simply because they haven’t revisited their policy in a while.
Now let’s dig into practical ways you can lower your premiums and save money!
Tips to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance:
1. Shop Around Regularly (Even If You Like Your Current Company)
One of the biggest mistakes people make with car insurance is staying loyal to one company for too long. Insurance companies often reserve their best rates for new customers. That means the great deal you signed up for years ago might no longer be competitive even if you’ve been a safe, responsible driver.
At least once a year (or whenever your policy renews), take time to get quotes from multiple insurers, compare coverage apples-to-apples, and see how your current rate stacks up.
This doesn’t mean you have to switch, but having competing quotes gives you leverage. Sometimes simply telling your current insurer that you’re considering leaving can prompt them to lower your rate.
2. Ask About Discounts, Then Ask Again
Many insurance discounts aren’t applied automatically. You often have to ask.
Some common discounts include:
Safe or accident-free driver discounts
Good student discounts for young drivers
Low-mileage discounts
Paperless billing or autopay
Multi-policy (bundling home/renters + auto)
Workplace, alumni, or professional group discounts
Even if you’ve asked before, it’s worth checking again. Discount eligibility can change over time, especially if your driving habits, job, or household situation has changed.
Tip: Ask your agent to review your account and confirm that every available discount is applied.
3. Raise Your Deductible to Lower Your Monthly Premium
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest of a claim. Choosing a higher deductible usually results in a lower monthly premium.
For example:
Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can significantly reduce your insurance cost.
This strategy works best if you have a small emergency fund or sinking fund set aside to cover that deductible if needed.
This is a great way to save ongoing money without reducing your actual coverage by adjusting your share of responsibility if something happens.
4. Re-Evaluate Coverage on Older Cars
If you’re driving an older vehicle that’s already depreciated significantly, it may not make sense to keep paying for full collision or comprehensive coverage.
A good rule of thumb:
If the annual cost of coverage is close to or exceeds the car’s value, it’s time to reconsider.
Dropping certain coverages can lead to meaningful savings, especially on paid-off cars.
You’ll still want to keep liability coverage, but customizing your policy based on the car’s current value can free up money every month.
5. Take Advantage of Low-Mileage and Usage-Based Programs
If you’re driving less than you used to — whether you’re working from home, carpooling, or running fewer errands — you could be paying too much.
Many insurers offer:
Low-mileage discounts
Usage-based or telematics programs that track driving habits
Pay-per-mile insurance options
If your car spends more time parked than on the road, make sure your insurance reflects that reality.
6. Keep Your Driving Record Clean
This may sound obvious, but it’s one of the most powerful long-term ways to keep insurance costs low.
Avoiding tickets, accidents, and claims helps you lock in lower base rates, qualifies you for safe-driver discounts, and prevents rate hikes that can follow violations.
Even one speeding ticket can raise your premiums for years, so safe driving really does pay off.
7. Pay Your Premium in Full If You’re Able
Many insurance companies charge extra fees when you pay monthly, essentially adding interest to your policy.
If you can afford to pay semi-annually or annually, you may avoid these extra charges and reduce your total cost.
If paying in full feels overwhelming, consider setting aside a little each month in a sinking fund so you’re ready when renewal time comes.
8. Adjust Coverage for Cars That Are Rarely Used
This is a tip MoneySavingMom readers have mentioned over the years, and it’s especially helpful for families with multiple vehicles.
Call your insurance company and ask about reduced-use or storage coverage options if you have:
A second car that’s rarely driven
A vehicle that sits for months at a time
A seasonal or backup car
You may be able to temporarily lower certain coverages and save money while still keeping the vehicle insured.
9. Never Auto-Renew Without Reviewing Your Policy
Auto-renewal is convenient, but convenience can be expensive.
Each renewal period is a chance to check for new discounts and adjust coverage if there have been changes in your situation. Shopping for better rates doesn’t have to take long and can help you save more money in the long run.
Even spending 30 minutes reviewing your policy once a year can lead to significant savings.
Bonus Tips: How to Get the Cheapest Auto Insurance for Young Drivers
With 3 young drivers, I can tell you firsthand: adding a teen or young driver to your auto insurance policy will increase your premiums — there’s no way around it. That said, you’ll get even more meaningful savings if you follow these tips when insuring a young driver! Be sure to shop around, encourage your young driver to keep a clean driving record, and re-evaluate having full coverage on older cars.
Here are some other ways to score the cheapest auto insurance for young drivers:
Get a “Good Student Discount” — If your young driver earns good grades, many insurers offer savings just for maintaining a B average or higher.
Look into other young driver discounts — Some insurers offer additional discounts for driver-education courses, for students who are away at school without a car, and for being listed on a family policy instead of a standalone one.
Choose your young driver’s car carefully — One of your biggest cost factors is the car your young driver is assigned to on the policy. Whenever possible, place them on the least expensive vehicle — ideally something older, reliable, and boring in the best way. Pairing a modest car with higher deductibles (if you can comfortably afford them) can cut premiums even more, while still keeping the coverage you need.
Turn Car Insurance Into an Annual Money-Saving Win
Getting the cheapest car insurance policy doesn’t require switching companies every few months or becoming an insurance expert. What it does require is treating your policy like any other part of your budget and something that deserves a regular check-in.
A good place to start is by choosing one small action this week:
Request two or three new quotes
Call your current insurer and ask for a discount review
Revisit coverage on an older or rarely used vehicle
Adjust your deductible to better match your savings
Once you’ve done that, make it a habit. Add a yearly reminder to your calendar to review your auto insurance before it renews. Rates change. Discounts change. Your life changes. Your policy should reflect all of that.
Even saving $30–$50 a month adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. This is money that could go toward groceries, debt payoff, savings, or family budgeting goals. And the best part? Most of these changes take less than an hour to make.
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Want to save money and also give back? Sign up for P&G brandSAVER program!
What is the P&G BrandSAVER Program?
If you love P&G products, be sure tosign up with the P&G brandSAVER Program! It allows you to do more good with your everyday purchases, plus you’ll get access to exclusive savings and rewards!
For over 180 years, P&G and its brands have been doing good through programs like Tide Loads of Hope, Dawn Saves Wildlife, and more.
And now they’ve merged this with their rewards program to form theP&G brandSAVER program— which not only gives you the savings and rewards you love, but also allows you to give to P&G’s partnered causes with your everyday purchases!
When you sign up, you’ll be able to earn points you can trade in for rewards and print coupons to save on your favorite brands!
Plus, by simply purchasing the P&G brands you already love and use, P&G will make an automatic donation to support your favorite cause. How cool is that?!
How does the program work?
Getting started is really easy! You simple sign up here, create an account, and select a cause.
Every time you scan a shopping receipt that includes P&G brand items or take an online survey, you’ll earn points and P&G will also make a donation to your chosen cause.
You can redeem points for gift cards, sweepstake entries, experiences, or an extra donation to a cause you care about. Plus, don’t forget about all the great coupon savings!
The P&G brandSAVER program helps you earn rewards for yourself while also doing good for the world!
How do I get savings & rewards?
P&G brandSAVER offers exclusive coupon savings to members. Simply click on the coupons tab, add coupons to your basket, and then click on the basket icon to print all your coupon savings.
To get rewards, you’ll have to trade in earned points. You’ll earn 25 points just for signing up. After that, you’ll earn 50 points for every P&G product purchased and 25 points for every survey you take.
Once you’ve earned enough points from purchases and surveys to trade in for a reward, just click on “redeem points” and choose your rewards to trade in your points!
Score women’s and juniors’ clothing as low as $3.37! Plus, text SHOP15 to 56457 to get a unique 15% off promo code, dropping the price to only $4.24! Here are a few deals we spotted…
Gretchen here! These Ugg dupes are literally my favorite shoe this winter. I wear them every single day and LOVE them. They are so comfortable and warm. Sometimes, you really hit the jackpot when you get a pair of shoes and these are certainly a win for me.
If you are looking for the perfect winter shoes – I literally wear these on road trips, shopping, church, and more! – I highly recommend these. They’ve held up so well!
