Saving Families Money Since 2007
This Love Is paper craft is so cute!
Download this free printable Love Is … Patient, Kind, Paper Craft for a fun and simple activity and reminder of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8.
Sign up below for your free Valentine’s Day activity pack filled with fun activities for kids ages 5-10! Includes puzzles, coloring pages, DIY cards, memory games, and more!
I flew to Kansas on Thursday to help my parents with the annual Valentine’s Banquet they help host for their church and community. This is an annual tradition they started years ago and it’s a much-anticipated event every year. I thought you would enjoy seeing a recap of the event and it might inspire you with ideas for events you might help host or give you ideas if you’d like to do something similar in your community!
Last year, I got to help with it and enjoyed it so much that I asked if I could come back again this year to help! The preparation for it starts weeks in advance with planning the theme and the decor and the menu plan. It takes a lot of hands and volunteer hours to pull off and the end results were incredible!
Friday morning, we went to the church to help with the cooking prep and decor set-up. I helped make the dessert (cheesecake in chocolate bowls) — I made 6 batches (I think?) of the cheesecake mixture, washed over 100 goblet glasses, helped plan the strategy for all the serving, and helped chop and peel food and clean up. It was so fun to watch it all come to life and how many hands truly made light work!
My sister, Olivia, made dairy-free, gluten-free desserts for those with sensitivities/allergies. The dinner menu was fully gluten-free except the rolls and she also made gluten-free rolls for those who were GF.
We had 56 couples who RSVP’d for the event + all the servers and extra helpers, so all totaled it was around 140 people who would be eating dinner, which meant there was lots and lots of food to make!
While some of us were working on food, there was a whole other team of people working on transforming the worship center into a banquet hall!
During the dinner, each table was given discussion questions to talk about together (see below). Then, after the dinner, my dad led some fun couple games (with prizes!), then gave an inspiring talk on marriage, and then the couples all went off individually to discuss some questions specifically to help strengthen their marriage and spend time praying together.
I got the incredible privilege of getting to oversee the 18 servers and all the food going out to everyone’s table. I just have to say, I came away so encouraged by watching the next generation of young people. So many of the servers were young men and I was blown away by their willingness to volunteer hours of their time to work so hard, have such great attitudes, take such initiative, and not stop until all the dishes were done and everything was cleaned up.
At the beginning, when every couple arrived, they had their photo taken by Andrew Cook. Then, during the banquet, he had them all printed and put them into frames so that everyone got to take one home at the end as a special memento of the evening.
Here’s my parents’ photo. It was so special to get to help them out and work together with them on this event!
Some of the photos in this post were taken by Andrew Cook Photography and used with permission.
Looking for honest Twigby reviews or searching for ways to save money on your family’s phone service? This is a really comprehensive post on the pros and cons of Twigby phones, Twigby plans, and Twigby phone service! Plus, be sure you don’t miss the exclusive Twigby discount you can get as our reader!
Do you wish you could pay less for your phone service?
Do you wish you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?
I highly recommend checking out Twigby!
Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget-conscious families because they are so affordable!
Twigby also offers great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and has many different options for phone plans.
Twigby plans are super affordable with a lot of flexibility — which is perfect for families.
You can custom-build your plan for each individual phone line based on how much data each family member needs. You can also put some restrictions or limits in place for kids.
In addition, Twigby offers a really great range of options when it comes to phones. They have everything from basic flip phones all the way up to iPhones and other smartphones.
If you don’t want to buy a smartphone and just want a basic phone with basic features (maybe for your kids, pre-teens, or elderly parents), Twigby offers some incredible pricing!
Unlike traditional cell phone companies, Twigby allows you to create your own custom, prepaid plan without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee. (Be sure to check out the Twigby reviews from my readers below!)
My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.
We got locked into a phone plan a few years ago with another company and we wanted to switch, but it was going to be crazy expensive to do so. I personally think this is one of the biggest and best “selling points” for Twigby!
Many phones ARE compatible with Twigby’s service — which means you’ll save even more! You can find out if your specific device is compatible here.
Twibgy is powered by the nation’s largest and most reliable 5G network without any speed restrictions. If you want to verify coverage in your specific area, you can go HERE, click on “coverage,” and then enter your zip code to check your coverage.
Yes, Wi-Fi calling and texting are included with every plan for free.
Twigby is powered by Verizon, which uses CDMA.
Psst! If you end up switching over to their phone service, they also offer a referral program so you can email your friends a special link and, if your friend signs up through your link, you’ll both automatically receive a $15 credit 45 days from your friend’s activation date! And the best part is that there is no limit to the number of referral credits you can earn! Read more about their referral program by clicking on “referral rewards” at the top of the page.
Twigby has data plans starting as low as $15 per month for just talk and text. Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $25 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!
With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!
Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)
If you try out the calculator, let us know how much it says you could save on your phone service! I’m very curious to hear!
Twigby doesn’t just offer fantastic prices on cell phone service; you can also get great deals on phones from them! So they are a one-stop shop for saving money on phones for your family!
If you aren’t planning to buy the fanciest of smartphones, be sure to check out all of the simple and affordable phones they offer.
And if you already have a phone you like, most of the time you can keep your current phone and just order a free Twigby SIM Card!
A lot of times budget phone plans like this don’t offer very good coverage, but Twigby’s coverage is really exceptional since they utilize the Verizon network.
And this is what really sets Twigby apart from other budget cell phone service companies. You might find slightly lower prices at a similar type of company, but they probably aren’t using this same coverage. (So be careful when comparing just price alone! Be sure to check which network they use.)
You can go HERE, click on “coverage,” and then enter your zip code to check your coverage (which is basically everywhere!).
Many MoneySavingMom.com readers have signed up to try Twigby and have absolutely loved it! We’ve heard SO many rave reviews about the affordability and their amazing customer service.
Here are just a couple of Twigby reviews from readers:
“We have been THRILLED!!!!! Love the service, the prices, the way things keep getting better and better (seriously, name another company that LOWERS your price or gives you more data????). We love Twigby!!!”
“My husband decided to try out the coverage and it was great! Also, it was cheaper than PureTalk. We don’t use our phones much, so it is great to only pay for what we will use.”
You can find more Twigby reviews from real-life customers on their website, too!
In addition to their affordability, flexibility, and great coverage, Twigby also offers:
Ready to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save on your first 3 months with a special introductory price! Wow!!
Even better – if you purchase a phone from Twigby, you can get FREE shipping through Sunday!
(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)
Psst! I’d love to hear your Twigby reviews in the comments if you’ve ever tried it!
Hurry and grab this Mega Pokémon Building Toys Set for under $6!
Amazon has this Mega Pokémon Building Toys Set for just $5.56 when you clip the 15% off e-coupon!
This is so cute and would make a fun Valentine’s Day or Easter basket gift idea.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
This is a hot deal on this kid’s powered ride on toy!
Wow! Walmart has this Sonic ATV Quad, 6V Battery Powered Ride On for just $48 shipped right now!
This is regularly $89.99 and such a hot deal.
Or get this 6V Peppa Pig ATV Quad, 6V Battery Powered Ride On for just $69 shipped (regularly $89.99)!
Or get this Hikiddo 6V Ride-on Toy for Toddlers, Kids ATV 4 Wheeler for just $65.49 shipped when you clip the $3.50 off e-coupon!
Or get this LAZY BUDDY 6V ATV Powered Ride-on Car for just $65.99 shipped!
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Or shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!).
![FREE Barilla Protein+ Pasta [Mobile Coupon Offer]](https://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-17-at-7.25.50 AM-250x250.jpg)
Don’t miss this offer for FREE Barilla Pasta!
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Sign up for this FREE Barilla Protein+ Pasta Mobile Coupon Offer!
Stock up on Kind Bars with this great deal!
Amazon has this KIND Bars 12-Count Variety Pack for just $8.33 shipped when you clip the 25% off e-coupon and check out through Subscribe & Save.
Note: Once your order ships, you can go into your Amazon account and cancel your subscription if you don’t want recurring orders.
Mornings just got so much easier with this FREE list of 50+ Easy & Cheap Breakfast Ideas for Busy Weekday Mornings!
Here’s a great deal on a Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner!
Amazon has this Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with Brushless Motor for just $59.99 shipped right now!
This cordless vacuum offers three adjustable modes and converts to a handheld to meet all your cleaning needs.
Prefer purple? Get this Miuzzy Cordless Vacuum Cleaner in purple for only $64.99 shipped when you use promo code IDGS3PW9 at checkout (regularly $129.99)!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Valid for a limited time only.
Streamline your days and save your sanity with these simplified lists!
Wow! Don’t miss this great deal on these highly rated Linens & Hutch Sheet Sets!
Through February 28th, our readers can get 70% off the entire Linens & Hutch site with code MSM25 at checkout!
As a deal idea, you can get these 4-Piece Bamboo Sheet Sets for as low as $48 shipped when you use coupon code MSM25 at checkout.
Choose from lots of patterns and colors in sizes Twin through Cal King.
These sheets are such great quality and this is a RARE deal!
Valid through February 28, 2025.
Streamline your days and save your sanity with these simplified lists!
Wow! If you need a 7-Quart air fryer, don’t miss this hot deal!
Walmart has this Gourmia Panorama 7-QT Digital Air Fryer for only $35 shipped right now! It’s available in two colors, regularly $89, and has great ratings!
Score FREE Maybelline Lip Balm at CVS this week!
Get a great deal on Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm at CVS this week:
Buy 2 Maybelline Baby Lips Products at $4.79, Get $6 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $4/1 CVS e-coupon
Free plus overage after coupon and ECBs
In 2025, I’m changing up the way I set goals. Instead of setting yearly goals, I’m going to set monthly goals. Every month, I’ll be sharing a list of my new goals for the coming month and an update on how I did on the goals from the month before.
I felt like this approach would allow more flexibility for the unexpected and the unknown that this coming year might hold. It also gives a fresh start at the beginning of every month. And it will allow me to tailor goals to the month and what I might know it might already hold (meaning some months I know I’ll have more time and space than other months).
To categorize my goals, I’m using alliteration and five areas that I feel are where I want to prioritize and be intentional with my time and energy: Myself, Marriage, Motherhood, MoneySavingMom.com, and Money.
If you’ve been following along with my personal email newsletter or on Instagram, you know that January was rough and full of a lot of unexpected (I feel like it was that case for a lot of people!).
So I didn’t make the progress I would have liked to on a lot of my January goals, but I did:
Whew! So even though very few of my goals I actually fully completed, by setting the goals in the first place, it served as a sort of focal point to keep me on track and moving forward, even on the days where there was a lot of upheaval in our lives — especially when Kathrynne was so sick!
I’m creating a tracker to track my progress on these goals every day. I used the Strides app last year and it worked well for me, but since I’m doing monthly goals, I’m thinking of trying a physical tracker and will see how that works.
(I doubt I will get through all of these books, but my goal is to at least finish 6 books. But I always like to aim high just in case I end up with more reading time than expected!).
For those who ask when I read: I always have a few books going at once and I read a few pages to a chapter of a Christian inspiration book + a business book every morning. Then, my goal is to read at least 30 pages of a some type of more fun reading in the evenings before bed — memoir, fiction, etc. I’m still working on making that happen consistently, but I’ve also been doing some fun reading on the weekends!
Have you set any goals for 2025? If so, how are they going for you! What are your goals for February? Tell us in the comments.
Let me help you set, track, and actually accomplish your goals this year!
Do you feel overwhelmed with daily household tasks? If so, grab our FREE printable Simplified Home Checklists to make things easier!
Have you ever felt like staying on top of allllllllll the regular household tasks can feel like a never-ending job? If so, download our FREE Simplified Home Checklists to have a super simple easy-to-follow system!
When you download the these checklists, you’ll get:
These simple lists will not only help you simplify your life and save you time, but they will help you start your day with a few quick and easy wins! And here’s the thing I’ve learned: when you start your day with a few quick wins, you’ll usually be inspired to follow those with even more wins and productivity!
Click below to save your sanity and streamline your day — starting today! Here’s to less stress and more joy and organization in our lives!
Update: This giveaway has now ended. Congrats to Naomi, Kim, and Liesel on winning! We emailed you about how to claim your gift card! To everyone else, we have more giveaways coming your way soon!
Let’s start the week off with some FREE coffee!! We’re giving away Starbucks gift cards! WooHoo!
We’re doing a giveaway for THREE $100 Starbucks gift cards! You can enter up to 6 times in this giveaway with the actions below. You do NOT have to do all of them, but the more you enter, the better chance you have! Enter as many times as you’d like up to 6 times (once for each action)!
1. Go follow us on Facebook and leave 3 comments on your favorite deals we’ve posted to our Facebook page today. Leave a comment on this post saying you did so.
2. Go fill out my Teens & Money Survey for a project I’m working on! Come back here and leave a comment on this post saying you did so.
3. Join Crystal for her 10-day 10-minute fitness challenge! Leave a comment on this post saying you’re in and what movement you plan to do each day! (It just started, so you have time to catch up or go a few extra days after the challenge!)
4. Sign up for Crystal’s personal weekly newsletter. Leave a comment on this post saying you did so (or letting us know that you’re already a subscriber!).
5. Follow Crystal on Instagram. Leave a comment on this post saying you did so (or letting us know that you’re already a follower!)
6. Leave a comment on this blog post telling us a fun fact about yourself! 🙂
That’s it! We’ll pick three of you at random from the comments on this post to win a $100 Starbucks gift card and notify you by email.
Giveaway ends Sunday night, February 9th, at midnight. Good luck!
Giveaway is not sponsored and the gift cards are personally provided by Money Saving Mom, LLC. No purchase necessary to enter the giveaway. Three winners will be selected at the end of day, February 9, 2025 and be contacted by email.
Welcome to my 2025 Stop Buying Store-Bought series where I challenge myself to learn to make items I typically buy at the store. Today, we’re trying a homemade chewy granola bars recipe and it is sooooo delicious!
Can you believe I don’t regularly make homemade granola bars?? My sister posted her granola bar recipe years ago on this blog, and I always wanted to try it but never did!
I guess I got into the habit of buying them when they were so inexpensive at Aldi. As the price has slowly crept up, I’ve purchased them less and less, but I still buy them occasionally if they are on a decent sale.
Recently, I decided it was high time I learn to make granola bars, but I didn’t have the ingredients on hand for my sister’s recipe so I searched online and found a recipe I could adapt with what I had on hand.
I was so happy with how these turned out — sweet (but not too sweet), easy to make, and a big hit with our entire family! In fact, Jesse said texted me yesterday saying, “Man, those homemade granola bars are amazing!! So much better than store-bought!”
Now I have to try my sister’s recipe (I’ve heard from so many of you who love it so much!).
1. In a medium bowl, stir together oats and cereal.
2. In a small sauce pan, melt butter, honey, and brown sugar together over medium heat.
3. Bring mixture to a low boil. Reduce heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
5. Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Line a small pan (12x8x1 or a similar size) with parchment paper.
7. Dump granola mixture into pan and press down to about 3/4-inch thickness.
8. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and press them into the mixture.
9. Place on the countertop for one to two hours (until fully cooled).
10. Cut into bars, place in an airtight container or ziptop bag, and refrigerate or freeze.
That’s it! Enjoy as breakfast or snack. Yum!
What should I attempt making next as part of the Stop Buying Storebought series?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
Mornings just got so much easier with this FREE list of 50+ Easy & Cheap Breakfast Ideas for Busy Weekday Mornings!