WANT TO WORK FROM HOME? CLICK HERE FOR THE STEP-BY-STEP PLAN!
Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom®

Saving Families Money Since 2007

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List.

Summer Bucket List

Classic View
Grid View
Shared Nov 16, 2016 comment

Look what I got in the mail!!!

Read More

Look what I got in the mail!!!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Money-Making Mom

So… drum roll… Money-Making Mom came out in paperback this week!!!!

It’s the first time that I’ve had a second release of a book so it’s pretty exciting for me!

Thank you so much for how you’ve supported me on this journey and for your support of this book. It’s because of you all that my publisher decided it sold enough copies for it to come out in paperback a year after the hardcover version came out.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart! I’m incredibly grateful for each and every one of you!

Shared Nov 15, 2016 comment

Sign up for Hot Holiday Deal Text Alerts from MoneySavingMom.com!

Read More

Sign up for Hot Holiday Deal Text Alerts from MoneySavingMom.com!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

holiday-text-alerts

Want to be the first to know about the hottest, time-sensitive deals during the holiday season?

Just text FOLLOW MSMDEALS to 40404 and you’ll be signed up to receive texts whenever a hot deal surfaces.

If you signed up for this in the past and didn’t like how it operated, we have completely revamped our system for these hot deals. You will now receive no more than five texts per day, and you will receive them as soon as they go live during the day!

Standard text messaging rates apply, so we would suggest only signing up for this service if you have unlimited texting.

To stop receiving Hot Deal text alerts, simply text UNFOLLOW MSMDEALS to 40404.

Shared Nov 14, 2016 comment

7 Ways to Save Money With Your Phone

Read More

7 Ways to Save Money With Your Phone

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

7 Ways to Use Your Phone to Save Money

There are so many ways that you can use your phone to save money. Here are 7 of my favorite ideas:

1. Earn Money With Cashback Apps

You can earn cash back for purchasing groceries through apps like iBotta and Checkout 51.  To learn all about my favorite cash back apps, sign up for my free CashApps printable with all my best tips!

2. Download Free Apps

Every Friday, I post a list of free kid’s apps that are free on Friday. Generally, these apps cost a few dollars, but are free for a period of time. (Note: Make sure you take a look to be sure the app is still free when you go to download it, because these offers can change.)

I’ve been able to download some great educational apps for my kids through these links and it’s provided lots of free entertainment for my kids!

3. Earn Free Gift Cards

You can earn free gift cards from Swagbacks by watching videos on your phone through their apps. I like to just have these playing in the background while I’m working on the computer or doing other projects.

You can easily earn $5 to $10 in gift cards each month by doing this! Read more about Swagbacks and how it works here.

4. Get Free Audiobooks

Before you look anywhere else, RUN to your library’s website and see what they offer as far as audiobook apps go. Many libraries offer amazing apps like Overdrive, Hoopla, or OneClickDigital — for FREE!

You can download brand-new releases, old classics, and just about everything in between through these apps. You can even download magazines! And did I mention that it’s all FREE??

You just download the app, link it to your library card, and then go in and request which books you’re interested in. If the book isn’t available right away, you can put a hold on it and they’ll send you an email when it’s available. Read about 8 ways to get audiobooks for free here.

5. Get Free Redbox Movie Rentals

Redbox often offers text coupons for free movie rentals. (Text SIGNUP to 727272 to be added to their text offers list.) Many of these free movie rentals can only be redeemed through the Redbox app.

They also run different specials where you can buy one get one free or get half-priced rentals. This can make for a free or cheap at-home date night!

7 Ways to Use Your Phone to Save Money

6. Download Free Ebooks

As you probably know if you read here regularly, there are hundreds of free ebooks offered daily on Amazon. We often post a round-up of some of the best free ebooks we find.

I’ve had many people tell me they skip over the free ebook posts because they don’t have a Kindle or other e-reader to read the ebooks on. Well, guess what? I don’t have one either!

A lot of people don’t know that you don’t need a Kindle or other e-reader to be able to download the free ebooks offered on Amazon. All you need is to simply download the free Kindle Reading App to any mobile device (phone, iPad, etc.) or even your laptop or desktop computer! Go here for all the details on how to download free ebooks without a Kindle.

7. Listen to Music for Free.

Amazon offers ad-free streaming music service for FREE to everyone who has a Prime account. You can listen to Prime Music on any mobile or desktop device through the Prime Music app.

We absolutely LOVE this app and use it multiple times every single day! Amazon Prime Music offers: Customized playlists and music library created by you, expert-programmed playlists to discover and enjoy, ad-free with unlimited skips, playbacks, and repeats, Prime Music stations, the ability to play music anywhere from any device, and the ability to download music to your device if you will be without Internet connection.

If you’re not currently using Prime Music and you have an Amazon Prime Account, definitely check this out!

Related Posts:

How do YOU use your phone to save money? Tell us in the comments!

Shared Nov 14, 2016 comment

4 Frugal Lessons From My Grandma

Read More

4 Frugal Lessons From My Grandma

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Multi-generational frugality tips! These are SO great!!

Guest post from Carrie:

My grandmother is a sweet, 97 year old Southern lady who has never worked a paid job in her life. Yet I found myself thinking of her recently as I finished up writing a book about frugality and money management. As it turns out, I learned a lot about money from her quiet example… here are just a few of those lessons.

1. Value experiences over things.

When I visited my grandmother, I was not offered gifts and we didn’t go shopping. Instead, I was given the gift of her time.

I got to “help” her bake biscuits from scratch using an antique wooden dough bowl. I would watch, hypnotized, as she made a well in the flour, mixed in buttermilk and lard, and shaped perfect, fluffy biscuits by hand, miraculously identical in size.

We would do simple household chores together, feed the chickens and weed the garden, and I would ride my bike up and down her village with my cousins.

2. Relationships are true wealth.

My grandmother had three children, all of whom live nearby, but in fact she birthed five babies — two of them not surviving infancy. If you ask her how many children she had, she always said “five”, not “three”.

She was married to the same man for 70+ years, caring for him in her home rather than letting others take on this task.

A stream of grandchildren, dozens of great-grandkids, and even great-great grandkids run through her house constantly. Even grown-up neighborhood kids, who moved away from the tiny village years earlier, stop by to visit and check up on ‘Ms. Huggins’.

3. Hospitality

I’ll never forget my grandmother opening her door to an older lady known as The Cat Woman. Though obviously mentally ill – she lived with dozens of cats – Grandma offered this woman conversation and hospitality. After she left, we would have to air out the house and Lysol the chair she sat in due to the smell.

Though my grandmother was never wealthy by any stretch, she always had something to offer someone in need. Whether a meal and glass of her famous iced tea or a wad of cash, she invested in other people.

4. Frugality

Growing up in the deep South in the post-Depression era, my grandmother had many habits that hearken back to that time.

She never heated her entire house in winter, only the living room where people gathered to visit (the kitchen stayed warm from cooking). I remember crawling into her bed in the winter, my teeth chattering and my breath visible! After a few minutes, however, I didn’t know the difference, as she put me to sleep telling me the old-fashioned stories that were told to her as a child.

Grandma also didn’t take a bath every day, but before slipping into bed, she washed her hands, face, neck, and feet – a habit I’ve kept until this day.

Meals didn’t have to include meat, but peas and beans along with vegetables made up the bulk of her diet. Grandma also hung laundry on the line, kept chickens for their eggs, and had a thriving garden.

huggins

What did you learn about frugality and money from your grandparents?

Carrie Willard is a blogging, homeschooling mom of 7 and author of: The Temporary Tightwad: Radically reduce your spending, meet a money goal and change your life forever.


Shared Nov 12, 2016 comment

Earn Extra Christmas Cash With Uber

Read More

Earn Extra Christmas Cash With Uber

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

uber

Guest post Austin of Love Hope Adventure:

The holidays are almost here and many of us are considering a side-job to get some extra Christmas cash together.

It can be difficult to take on a part-time or seasonal job, especially when there are other family member’s schedules to consider. Thankfully, Uber can help you meet your goals while allowing the flexibility you need.

I’ve been driving for Uber for a little over two months now, and the benefits of diversifying our income has positively impacted my family.

Benefits of Driving For Uber

One of the key reasons I decided to go with Uber is because of the flexible scheduling. Instead of a manager assigning you certain shifts on particular days, you set your own schedule.

Want to drive two days a week? Go for it! Got a couple hours with nothing to do? Hit the road and earn some quick income. You can add, drop, or switch days based on your family’s needs.

Another benefit is quick pay out. Uber pays weekly, so you get a quick return on your work. There’s no delay like you might see in a typical job.

I’ve also discovered a couple of interesting side benefits to driving for Uber. I’ve started using it to offset gas costs on errands. I had a doctor’s appointment one day, so I decided to cut on my app and picked up a ride on the way. This allowed me to make enough money to cover the cost of going to the office!

How Uber Works

Uber is playing a huge role in the new sharing economy. It’s built upon a simple concept: they need a ride, you have a car, Uber puts you together.

There are two companion apps that make these transactions possible. The Uber app, and the Uber Driver app. A rider uses the Uber app to call for a ride. Uber then selects the closest Uber driver and dispatches them to pick the rider up.

You make money on the trip, and Uber makes money by facilitating the transaction.

How You Are Paid

In most areas, the rider pays a base rider fee + a per minute charge + a per mile charge. The base rider fee goes straight to Uber, and then they collect 20% of the rest of the fare.

This all happens automatically in the background.

The rider has a credit card attached to their account which is used to pay their fare. The partner connects their bank account and Uber deposits the payout directly each week.

Get Started Now

First, you’ll need to get the app. For Android, you can find it on the Google Play Store. For iPhone, you’ll need to use your Safari browser and go to the app page on their website. You’ll be prompted to set up an account.

Requirements for car and driver vary by region and city. As a reference point, the requirements in my area include having space for four passengers (not including the driver), and the car must be less than ten years old. You will also have to provide some documentation.

This documentation includes, at the very least:

  • a copy of your driver’s license
  • vehicle registration
  • proof of insurance
  • relevant information to run a background check

Thankfully, you can just snap a picture of them within the Uber Partner app. You’ll also provide banking information so that your money can be directly deposited.

It can take a week or two to get final approval to start driving. If you’re considering driving you should get started with the process immediately.

Quick Tips

Each city has a dedicated page on Uber Movement that gives lots of helpful info. It will show you hot spots in your area, the best times and locations to drive, and information on airports and military installations. This information is invaluable. Consult them before you start driving. The city pages cover the basics.

Here are some tips I’ve picked up fairly quickly.

  • Accepting tips — the Uber app does not have a tipping feature. You can accept tips through cash and even credit cards. I carry a PayPal Here card reader for this reason.
  • Increase your chances of getting fairs — you can use the regular Uber app to increase your chances of getting rides. If you’re staking out a busy area like a mall, you want to be the closest driver to potential rides. Turn on the Uber app and you’ll see where other nearby cars are. Put some distance between you and them. Move to the other side of the mall, for example.
  • Learn to double dip — redeem your downtime between drives by bringing other work with you. Bring a laptop and get some writing done. Bring a book to read. Carry your knitting/crocheting materials. Have something handy and productive that you can do when you’re not busy with rides.

Even if you don’t plan to make a career out of it, I highly recommend signing up with Uber. It’s a quick, flexible way to make some side money… and as we approach the holidays, we can all use a little extra cash!

Austin married his high school sweetheart in 2003, and is the father of three rambunctious boys. He’s a preacher, writer, and designer. Austin’s strong desire to see marriages and families thrive led him and his wife to start Love Hope Adventure where they write about communication and intimacy in marriage. 

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

Click here to sign up!
Shared Nov 12, 2016 comment

Gretchen’s $27 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Read More

Gretchen’s $27 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

img_1981

Aldi

1 pkg Frozen Broccoli – $1.19

1 pkg Frozen Strawberries – $2.09

1 pkg Cream Cheese – $0.89

1 pkg Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $1.49

1 can Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup – $0.49 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate – $0.44 each after rebate

2 dozen Eggs – $0.89 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate – $0.84 each after rebate

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.99

1 loaf Bread – $0.99

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.85

1 Cucumber – $0.59

Total after rebates: $11.64

img_1982

Dillons

3 Kroger Frozen Pizzas – $1 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate

1 pkg Hershey Kisses – $1.29, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

4 cans Green Giant Green Beans – $0.49 each

1 Kroger Instant Oatmeal – $0.99, used $0.30/1 e-coupon – $0.69 after coupon

2 pkg Oreos – $2.49 each, used $1.15/2 Checkout 51 rebate – 1.92 each after rebate

6 pkg American Beauty Pasta – $0.49 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate 

1 Trolli Candy – $0.50 (My husband loves this candy so I bought it as a special treat for him!) 🙂

1 Kroger Sour Cream – $0.79

1 Kroger Cottage Cheese – $0.79, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $0.39 after coupon

2 Del Monte Tomatoes – $0.49 each

2 half gallons Dillons Milk – $0.99 each

1 pkg Kroger Frozen Peas – $0.88

1 Kroger Yogurt – Marked down to $0.99

1 Kroger Peanut Butter – $2.29, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

2 cans Dole Mandarin Oranges – $1.25 each, used $0.75/2 printable AND $0.75/2 Checkout 51 rebate – $0.50 each after coupon and rebate

2 Chobani Yogurts – Marked down to $0.69 each

2 pkg Ramen Noodles – $0.25 each

1 pkg Green Peppers – Marked down to $0.99

1 pkg Land O Lakes Butter – $2.49, used $0.50/1 printable (no longer available) – $1.99 after coupon

1 pkg Kroger Unbleached Flour – $1.49, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $1.09 after coupon

2.49 lbs Bananas – $1.47

1 pkg Nestle Chocolate Chips – $2.50, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

Total after coupons and rebates: $27.16

Total for all groceries: $38.80

Menu Plan for This Week

We still have LOTS of apples leftover from last week as well as carrot sticks that I will be using up this week.

Breakfasts

Eggs, Toast and Smoothies x 4

Cereal x 2

Oatmeal

Lunches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks, Green Peppers x 2

Cheese Quesadillas, Sliced Apples

Cheese, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies x 2

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Spaghetti, 30 Minute Rolls, Steamed Peas

Hamburgers, Chips, Green Beans, Apples

Chicken Tetrazzini, Steamed Broccoli, Pumpkin Muffins (from the freezer)

Savory Crescent Chicken Pockets, Sliced Apples and Bananas

Shepherd’s Pie, Biscuits

Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, Steamed Peas

Dinner with family

Shared Nov 12, 2016 comment

Brigette’s $96 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Read More

Brigette’s $96 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I spent more than usual this week, but I am trying to incorporate some healthier eating habits for me personally – plus I needed to spend $40 at Harris Teeter to get a cheap turkey! And I’m all about cheap turkey. 🙂 I went ahead and took advantage of some of the sales and stockpiled some items for the next couple of months. Did anyone else get a great price on turkey already?

img_20161110_170927366

Aldi

3 3-lb bags Pink Lady Apples – $8.97

1 large bag Organic Kale – $3.49

1 bag Cilantro – $0.79

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $2.19

1 pkg Zucchini – $1.99

1 pkg Broccoli – $1.49

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.49

1 bag Lemons – $2.49

1 Butternut Squash – $1.89

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.99

2 2-lb bag Carrots – $1.90

1 Artisan Baby Lettuce – $1.99

1 box Honey Crunch Oats – $1.49

1 box Kid’s Krunch – $1.59

1 2-lb bag Pears – $2.67

1 pint Grape Tomatoes – $1.89

1 5-lb bag All Purpose Flour – $1.25

1 Cucumber – $0.25

1 Avocado – $1.69

1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.49

1 64-oz carton Orange Juice – $1.69

1 box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $1.29

3 dozen Eggs – $2.67

2 pkgs Hot Dog Buns – $0.50

Total: $53.32

img_20161111_052052

Harris Teeter

3 boxes Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese – $3.58, used 3 $.50/1 Printable (doubled) – $0.58/3 boxes after coupons

5 boxes Mueller’s Pasta (B2G3) – $3.38 (there is a printable coupon out there, but it wouldn’t work for me – still cheaper than Aldi, and we needed pasta)

2 cans Dole Mandarin Oranges – $3.38, used $0.75/2 printable (doubled), plus $0.75 evic, plus receive $0.75 back from Checkout51 – $0.38/2 after coupons and rebate

6 1-lb boxes Domino’s Brown Sugar and Powdered Sugar – $4.17, used 3 $0.50/2 Domino Brown or Confectioners Sugar, exp. 12/3/16 (RP 09/25/16 R) – $1.17/6 boxes after coupons

1 1-lb bag Chickpeas – $1.29

1 box Graham Crackers – $2.50

1 pkg Sesmark Brown Rice Crackers – $2.50

1 Turkey (22.85lbs @ $0.39/lb) – $8.45

1 pkg Raw Sunflower Seeds – $2.49

1 container Organic Baby Arugula, reduced – $0.99

1 chunk Ginger Root (0.18lb @ $3.99/lb) – $0.72

1 bunch Organic Red Beets – $2.49

1 1-lb box Country Crock Quarters – $2.49, used $0.75/1 Country Crock Product, exp. 12/4/16 (RP 11/06/16 #3) (doubled), plus receive $0.75 back from Checkout51 – $0.24 after coupon and rebate

10 8-oz bags Shredded Cheese (B2G3) – $13.16

2 24-oz containers Galbani Ricotta Cheese – $4.99, used 2 – $1.00/1 Galbani Cheese Product; Includes 8 oz or Larger Only – $2.99/2 after coupons

Total after Coupons and Rebate – $43.35

Weekly Grocery Total: $96.67

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal x 2

Hard Boiled Eggs, Bran Muffins x 2

Breakfast at Church

Oatmeal x 2

(Flax Granola with Blueberries for me)

Lunches

Macaroni and Cheese, Peppers, Apples x 2

Baked Potatoes with Cheese and Broccoli, Carrots, Pears x 2

Leftovers x 3

Carrot and Ginger Soup (for me)

Dinners

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, Tossed Salad, Carrot and Beet Salad (honestly, I’m probably the only one that will eat more than a bite of this salad – but I’M looking forward to it :))

Hot Dogs on the Grill, Baked Potato Wedges, Homemade Applesauce

Breakfast Casserole, Sauteed Kale, Apple Strudel Muffins

Turkey Gravy over Brown Rice, Roasted Vegetables, Southern Biscuits

Spaghizza, Homemade Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, Green Beans, Reeses Peanut Butter Bars (Company for Dinner)

Chicken and Hummus Pitas (using Homemade Pitas, Hummus, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Lettuce, and Onion), Apple Slices

Leftovers

Shared Nov 11, 2016 comment

Get a completely free month of JellyTelly (family-friendly videos & movies!)

Read More

Get a completely free month of JellyTelly (family-friendly videos & movies!)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m super excited to announce that JellyTelly is once again offering MoneySavingMom.com readers a FREE one-month trial of their service! {Scroll down to get your coupon code!}

Best-Christian-Kids-Shows-Watercolor-no-Button

JellyTelly is a kids’ streaming video app that allows you to instantly stream hundreds of hours of fun, family-friendly videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith.

JellyTelly was started by VeggieTales® and What’s in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer – a trusted voice in Christian children’s entertainment. He and the JellyTelly team work with the best voices in Christian family entertainment to provide new and classic shows the whole family will love.

Get a FREE month of Jelly Telly!

Get a FREE month of Jelly Telly!

We signed up for JellyTelly about six months ago and our kids have loved using some of their daily movie time gathered around the computer or TV watching shows from it. I love that it offers a wide variety of fun and engaging entertainment options for kids, but that I don’t have to worry whether the content is safe or kid-friendly.

Get a completely FREE month of JellyTelly.com

Get a FREE month of JellyTelly.com

If you’ve been reading here for a long time, you know that our kids LOVE the What’s In The Bible? videos, so of course, those are some of our favorites from JellyTelly. But they also have many other great videos — including VeggieTales®, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible, and many more!

In fact, they currently offer 1553 different episodes from 115 different shows — enough to keep kids entertained for a very long time! You can play the videos directly on a laptop or desktop computer or through the JellyTelly streaming video app.

The JellyTelly app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Kindle. We’ve used both the online site on our desktop computer and the app on our phones and not had any issues with either.

Get a FREE month of Jelly Telly!

Get a FREE month of Jelly Telly!

If you watch a show and you or your kids really love it, you can choose to click “Favorite” on it to add it to your My Favorites list. Your Playlist and Favorites list can be accessed from the menu button.

In addition to videos, they also offer a page with a variety of games on it. All of them are fun games and many have Bible-based themes.

JellyTelly wants to encourage families to make screen time more meaningful. You can sign up at the bottom of any page on their site for their free weekly 5-minute family video devotional designed to foster important conversations with your kids about their faith.

jellytelly-characters-facebook-ad

Get a FREE one-month trial to JellyTelly!

Want to try JellyTelly out? They are offering MoneySavingMom.com readers the opportunity to get a completely free one-month trial!*

Just use coupon code MSM1MONTH to get a completely free one-month trial! The form will show the normal 7-day trial, but the code will give you 30 days for free.

*Payment information is required when you sign up for the trial. If you do not wish to continue your membership once the free trial is up, visit the JellyTelly website and click on “Cancel Membership” on the “My Account” page and follow the instructions for cancellation under the heading “Cancel Membership.”

(Note: This post was underwritten by JellyTelly. Read our disclosure policy here.)

Holiday budgeting? Don't leave out these 15 holiday expenses that are easy to forget about!
Shared Nov 11, 2016 comment

15 Holiday Expenses You’ll Forget To Budget

Read More

15 Holiday Expenses You’ll Forget To Budget

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Holiday budgeting? Don't leave out these 15 holiday expenses that are easy to forget about!

Guest post from Alaya of Hope+Cents

You pride yourself on that fact that you are frugal. You budget, you coupon, you read this blog. No one can stretch a dollar more than you… which is the very reason that after carefully planning your budget, nothing frustrates you more than when several unplanned expenses pop up!

When it comes to budgeting for the holidays, it’s easy to remember the big things, but what about all the little expenses that come along with the holidays? Even when we participate in the same activities and incur the same holiday expenses year after year, it’s easy to forget to plan for them because they do only occur once a year.

As you do your planning this season, keep these 15 holiday expenses we tend to forget to budget, in mind.

1. Teacher Gifts

If you have young children in school, then you’re familiar with the annual holiday teacher gift. Whether you’re contributing to the class gift or prefer to give something on your own, remember to plan for this expense. If your kids participate in sports or take lessons, don’t forget their coach or instructor!

2. Holiday Tipping

If you typically tip your school bus driver, newspaper carrier, housekeeper, or anyone else that provides a regular service for you, remember to budget for this expense.

3. Office Gifts

Does your office do an annual gift exchange? Do you plan to give presents to your co-workers or assistant? Plan ahead this year!

4. Higher Grocery Expenses

Are you hosting Thanksgiving? Do you plan to give baked goods as gifts or participate in the neighborhood cookie swap? Those expenses add up. Be sure to pad your grocery budget to accommodate them.

5. Additional Eating Out & Entertainment

If you’re likely to eat out or sneak in a movie in the midst of your shopping, remember to pad your entertainment and eating out budget during the holiday season.

6. Decorations & Tree Trimming

If you purchase a tree annually or want to replace some decorations this year, be sure to estimate these costs beforehand.

7. Charitable Giving

Remember to plan for Thanksgiving drives, toy drives, the annual offering at your church, or any additional opportunities for charitable giving you usually participate in.

8. Holiday Clothing

If you need to purchase something to wear for a holiday event, be sure to factor in this expense.

9. Postage

Don’t overlook the expense of mailing off your Christmas or holiday cards and gifts!

10. Holiday Activities

Remember to plan for any costs related to the holiday concerts you will go to or the holiday lights you plan to see, etc. If you have kids, be sure to include costs for any gift exchanges or other activities they will participate in.

11. Additional Gas Expenses

It’s easy to remember to budget and plan for holiday travel if you’re hopping on a plane, but maybe not as obvious if you’re simply driving a few hours away. Be sure to increase your gas budget for any holiday-related road trips.

12. Host Gifts

You’ve accepted a handful of invites to parties and dinners, and you’ve already budgeted for the food you plan to make. But, if you normally like to bring a little gift for your hosts, then make sure you plan for that ahead of time.

13. Stocking Stuffers

If you traditionally stuff stockings, then you know the cost of doing so can quickly add up. Don’t get caught off guard this year. Build the cost of stocking stuffers into your budget.

14. Holiday Clearance Sales

Do you love waiting until after Christmas to shop for clothing and other items? Scoring 70% off holiday items at Target is an excellent way to keep next year’s expenses low; just remember to plan for it.

15. Post-Holiday Expenses

Will you need storage bins for the new ornaments you bought this year? Do you have to pay for the removal of your Christmas tree? Don’t forget any expenses you may incur after the holidays.

Build In a Cushion

So much goes on during the holiday season. Even with the most careful planning, the likelihood of something popping up is quite high. I like to prepare by setting aside a reasonable dollar amount for miscellaneous expenses and activities. That way we can accept that last-minute invite to our neighbor’s party without a second thought!

Also, help yourself out next year by keeping a record of what you actually spent this holiday season. When the holidays are over, add up what you spent by category and keep it in a memo on your phone, notebook, or a spreadsheet that you can revisit next year.

Keep the holidays fun and festive this year (and every year) by budgeting for potential expenses and leaving a little room for the unexpected!

Do you forget to budget these expenses? What other holiday costs do you tend to overlook?

Alaya Linton blogs at Hope+Cents. Her own financial journey led her to pay off $74,000 of debt in two years and she is passionate about helping others do the same. Through her blog and one-on-one coaching, she helps others take control of their finances so they can be debt-free.

photo source

Shared Nov 9, 2016 comment

Last chance to sign up for my 4-Week Blog Coaching Program!

Read More

Last chance to sign up for my 4-Week Blog Coaching Program!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Sign up for my brand-new Blog Coaching Program!

As you probably could tell from my Income Report Post yesterday, building a thriving blog that earns a part-time or full-time income is no simple task. It requires a lot of work, a lot of experimentation, and a lot of failure.

So many aspiring bloggers struggle to turn their blog into a thriving, successful business because they try to do it alone.

Here’s the thing: You can be successful all by yourself, but it will be a lot harder and a lot lonelier.

Early on, I discovered that the best way for me to grow my blog was to sit at the feet of those who were ahead of me and soak up their wisdom. To this day, one of the most effective ways for me to learn anything is to find someone who has already done it and learn from their mistakes and successes.

I Want to Be Your Mentor & Cheerleader!

More than anything, I want to see you succeed. I want to teach you the lessons I’ve learned from failure and success, share secrets I’ve uncovered for building traffic and monetizing your blog, give you encouragement and motivation for when you’re feeling exhausted and burnt out, and provide accountability and cheerleading to help you live out the purpose for which you were created.

That is why — for the first time ever — I’m inviting you to join me and a group of other bloggers for a private 4-Week Blog Coaching Program. This program is for you if you are:

  • A newbie blogger who wants to learn how to monetize your blog, produce consistent and inspiring content, and grow your readership.
  • An intermediate blogger who wants real, actionable advice to help you increase your income and develop a more effective social media strategy, all while having a great work-life balance.
  • Any blogger who is stuck in a blogging rut and paralyzed by the overwhelming noise of advice from “online experts” — who wants clarity and tangible steps to move forward and reach their blogging goals.

This is NOT another blogging eCourse where you absorb tons of information, but have no way to actually turn the information into real, applicable steps.

This is an opportunity to interact with me and a network of like-minded bloggers and get answers to the pressing questions that matter to you and your business.

In this coaching group, you’ll…

  • Get direct access to me via our weekly LIVE 1-hour online workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the topics you are struggling with the most.
  • Interact with me and other bloggers in the daily discussion threads designed to help you set and meet your goals, find accountability, develop friendships, and network with other bloggers.
  • Learn how to increase your income through affiliate marketing, advertising, sponsored posts, brand partnerships, and digital & physical product creation.
  • Develop an intentional social media strategy that boosts your traffic, generates revenue, and builds long-term momentum.
  • Discover proven techniques for planning and writing successful blog posts that are engaging and compelling for your audience.
  • Design an effective overall plan for significant email list growth and long-lasting relationships and trust with your subscriber base.
  • Create a manageable and realistic system for daily blogging tasks and to-do’s that allows you to have sustainable work-life balance.

Are you ready to break out of your blogging funk and create a lucrative blogging business?

Don’t waste any more time trying to reinvent the wheel! I want to hand you the tools you need to build a thriving, successful blog without the frustration of trying to figure it all out on your own.

Go here for all the details or click below to join me in this unique opportunity see how I do what I do – and how you can do it, too!

Hurry! Registration ends TONIGHT at midnight!

Sign up for my Blog Coaching Program

P.S. Have questions? Leave a comment on this post or join me on Facebook Live tonight at 9 p.m. CT where I’ll be sharing tips and strategies for monetizing your blog + answer any questions you have about the Coaching Program.

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!
Shared Nov 8, 2016 comment

This Month’s Blog/Business Income Report (September)

Read More

This Month’s Blog/Business Income Report (September)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Our September 2016 blog income report is in! Come find out what September looked like for Money Saving Mom and what we've learned throughout the month.

 

Thinking of starting a blog? Over the years, I’ve received many requests from folks for help on how to start a blog and how to make money blogging.

That’s why I put together this comprehensive guide on How to Make Money Blogging with updated information and links. It includes step-by-step help on how to set up your blog, get started, and make money from blogging. Go here to learn how to make money blogging and get started today!

In 2005, I discovered this thing called “blogging” and decided to try it out. I was a brand-new mom at the time, had recently quit working as a nanny, and was hopeful I could make enough on the side through online ventures to be able to replace my income and be able to stay home.

My husband was in law school and we were living on a beans and rice budget, trying to stay out of debt.

We never, ever dreamed that my little blog idea would grow into what it has become. In all honesty, when I started MoneySavingMom.com, I remember telling people that I hoped to make a side income from it.

I never could have imagined that by the end of 2008, I’d be making full-time income from blogging! And in all my wildest and craziest dreaming, I never would have envisioned that this blog would allow my husband to come home full-time, would provide the means for us to support ministries we love dearly (in the US, in the Dominican Republic, and in South Africa), and would enable us to provide incomes for our small (but amazing!) team.

How I Make a Full-Time Income from Blogging

Over the years, I’ve heard the question again and again and again: How do you actually MAKE money blogging?? People seem intrigued by the idea that our family actually makes a really good income from this blog and other related online ventures.

In these monthly posts, I want to give you a comprehensive and detailed look at our different income streams and expense streams to give you a better idea of what’s working, what’s not working, and how I actually make money blogging.

I always find these posts fascinating and inspiring when I read them from other bloggers. It helps me to learn the real nitty-gritty details of what is and isn’t working, how bloggers are diversifying their income, and what they are experimenting with.

Some bloggers share these types of posts and include specific numbers of exactly how much they make every month. I’ve opted not to do that because I feel like sometimes people can get hung up on numbers and miss the bigger picture. Instead, I want share detailed percentages of our income and expenses — not only will this give you a very accurate picture of our earnings, but it will be something that is relatable, no matter the size of your blog or the income you make.

My hope is that these detailed reports not only help give you a better picture of how I make money blogging, but I hope they inspire you with new ideas on how you can increase your income or improve as a blogger or online entrepreneur.

Ready for the numbers? Here’s our income and expenses report for the month of September 2016:

September Income

Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links. All of the products listed below are products and services we’ve used before. If you have any questions about any of the income or expenses, you can leave a comment and we’ll do our best to reply.

unnamed-1

All Revenue Streams

Interested in signing up with companies that will pay you to write underwritten or sponsored posts? Check out Erin’s post here for a long list of companies that will pay you to write posts.

unnamed

Affiliate Revenue Streams Detailed Breakdown

Want to know more how affiliate programs work? Be sure to check out my post on How to Make Money Blogging.

pastedgraphic-117

September Expenses

  • Taxes — 38.40%
  • Payroll expenses — 17.60%
  • Charitable contributions — 7.97%
  • Partner & affiliate payments (Sign up for our affiliate program for our products here.) — 7.46%
  • Computer, hosting, Internet expenses — 6.31%
  • Subcontracted services — 6.17%
  • Web-based tools (InfusionSoft*, Feedblitz, GoDaddy, Dropbox, Harvest, etc.) — 5.29%
  • Advertising & Promotion — 3.51%
  • Health insurance — 2.45%
  • Bookkeeper — 1.82%
  • Retirement — 1.09%
  • Merchant Processing Fees — 0.76%

pastedgraphic-118

Percentage of Income Versus Expenses

As you’ll notice from the pie chart above, quarterly taxes ate a huge chunk into our income this month. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of running a successful business is that you have to pay a lot of taxes.
We set aside money every month for these, but we only count them as expenses on the months we pay them — which means that it kills our income versus expenses on those months. It’s just part of being self-employed and having your own business.
Our income was also down by quite a bit this month because we went to South Africa. Brian (one of our full-time employees) and I were offline almost two entire weeks because of that trip. Not only did we not really check or answer email (which meant that no deals were negotiated with companies we work with), I also did record on Facebook Live videos (something that impacts our bottom line) or do any Underwritten Posts.
So we had a lot less money coming in because of this. The trip was 100% worth it and I love that I have the flexibility to take time off, but I hope to eventually get to the point where we have enough passive income in place through our own digital products, that we’re able to prep for these types of trips and it won’t impact our income — even when we’re offline for a week or two.

Moving Our Email System to ConvertKit

After lots of thought and research, we decided to go ahead and make the switch from Infusionsoft to ConvertKit. We have some big plans in the works for 2017 and we needed a better email delivery system that was also simpler and less involved.

I am both excited and totally nervous about the migration because we have multiple email lists and a lot of moving parts, and I don’t want anything to get lost in the switch. However, because of what I know about ConvertKit, I know it will be MUCH simpler for myself and my team, while also maintaining the same great experience for all of my subscribers.

This platform is a LOT more user-friendly than Confusionsoft Infusionsoft, so if you’re a new blogger (or an established blogger looking for a better system), I highly recommend it.  Stay tuned for our upcoming income reports where I’ll keep you updated on how the migration goes and what we learn!

NOTE: ConvertKit is hosting a FREE online webinar on Tuesday, November 15th, at 2pm CST on How to Get Your First (Or Next) 1000 Email Subscribers in 30 Days or Less. If you’re looking for more practical ways to grow your email list, I definitely recommend checking out this webinar!

This Month’s Featured Question

Starting this month, we’ll be including a featured question in each of our monthly blogging income reports. We get a lot of questions when it comes to earning money from home with blogging, so we decided to answer the most common questions in our report each month. This month’s featured question is from Diane:

I have wanted to start a blog for years. A few months ago I was ready to do it, then I kept seeing a lot of posts about building e-mail lists so you could sell your products. I don’t have any products that I produce myself to sell of any kind, so I got fearful and delayed starting the blog again. I am a stay at home mom, and I do want to supplement my family’s income, especially to save for college and for giving. Can a blog make money without its own products to sell?

Absolutely, Diane! While we have created our own products to sell here on MoneySavingMom.com (such as Make Over Your Mornings and Make Over Your Evenings), a vast chunk of our income comes from other sources (see charts above).

For years, I made a full-time income from blogging and didn’t have any of my own products at all. I just promote affiliate links on posts, had ads on my sidebar, and also made money through sharing printable coupons and other freebies that I’d get paid when someone clicked and printed or signed up for.

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to get started making money from blogging. I recommend starting out with Amazon as it’s so simple to sign up for and to pull affiliate links from. Plus, they pay you up to 8.5% of any sale of any item that happens when someone clicks through your link.

Some of the Current Top-Earning Affiliates I Use:

Amy has a great list of many different affiliate programs here, if you’re interested. I also highly, highly recommend reading my post on 5 Strategies for Maximizing Your Earnings With Affiliate Marketing.

If you’re interested in more details on affiliate marketing, watch my video here where I explain more how it works and share posts and income reports. For more information on different ways to make money blogging, check out this post.

Have a question you’d love for me to answer? Comment below with your question and I’ll do my best to answer it either in a comment — or in an upcoming income report post!

Highly Recommended Blogging Resources

Make Money Blogging

Want to Start Your Own Blog?

I’m here to help! Check out my comprehensive guide on How to Make Money Blogging with updated information and links. It includes step-by-step help on how to set up your blog, best practices for blogging, and all the details on how to make money from blogging.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign up for my FREE 5-day course on How I Make a Full-Time Income From Home. This video course will give you an inside peek into my blogging and business journey, will share lots of inspiration and hard lessons I’ve learned in the process, and will encourage you with ideas on how you can make a part-time or full-time income from home, too.

screenshot-2016-11-08-14-41-26

Want to Make Money Blogging?

I have a passion to help beginner and intermediate bloggers take their blogs to the next level and impact many lives in the process. That’s why I’m thrilled to be offering a brand-new 4-Week Blog Coaching Program. Registration is only open through November 9, 2016.

I want to come alongside you and teach you how to increase your traffic, significantly boost your blog income, produce better and more consistent blog content, rediscover your joy and passion for blogging, all while still having a life outside of blogging. Go read more about this and register for just $97! But hurry, because it’s only open through tomorrow night!

See last month’s Blogging Income Report here.

More Posts on Blogging

Shared Nov 8, 2016 comment

Gretchen’s $50 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Read More

Gretchen’s $50 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

img_1943

Dillons

2 bags Kroger Shredded Cheese – $1.77 each

3 Kroger Frozen Pizzas – $1 each

1 pkg Chicken Drumsticks – $3.44 (I plan to freeze half of these.)

1 Nancy’s Plain Yogurt – Marked down to $1.69

1 Old El Paso Refried Beans – $1.25, used $0.50/1 printable – $0.75 after coupon

2 Pace Salsa – $1.99 each, used Buy One Get One Free printable – $0.99 each after coupon

1 pkg Sunbelt Granola Bars – $2.50, used $0.75/1 Mobisave rebate – $1.75 after rebate

1 Pineapple – $0.99

1 Jolly Time Popcorn – $1, used $1/1 printable – Free after coupon

1 Annie’s Mac & Cheese – $1, used $0.50/1 printable – $0.50 after coupon

2.41 lbs Bananas – $1.42, used $0.28 SavingStar.com rebate – $1.14 after rebate

1 Kroger Unbleached Flour – $1.79

3 bags Kroger Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – $4.98 each, used $1.50/1 e-coupon AND 2 $1.45/1 e-coupons – $3.51 each after coupons

Total after coupons and rebates: $31.10

img_1944

Aldi

1 Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate – $1.19

2 pkgs Chicken Alfredo Noodles – $0.69 each

1 loaf Bread – $0.99, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate – $0.89 after rebate

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.49

1 bag Frozen Strawberries – $2.09

1 pkg Frozen Broccoli – $1.19

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.49

2 dozen Eggs – $0.99 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate – $0.94 each after rebate

1 gallon Milk – $2.46

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup – $0.69

1 lb Butter – $2.87

1 pkg Spinach – $1.79

1 Cucumber – $0.59, used $0.25 Checkout 51 rebate – $0.34 after rebate

1 can Green Beans – $0.47

Total after rebates: $19.22

fullsizerender

My sweet mother in law also gave me over 12 lbs of apples as well. 🙂

Total for all groceries: $50.32

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Eggs, Toast, Spinach/Fruit Smoothies x 4

Cereal x 3

Lunches

Crackers, Cheese, Fruit, Veggies

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks x 2

Apples & Peanut Butter, Sliced Cucumbers, Pumpkin Muffins (from freezer)

Lunch at my mom’s house

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Pumpkin Muffins, Steamed Carrots

Chicken & Rice Casserole, Steamed Broccoli, Sliced Pineapple

Bean Burritos, Sliced Apples, Spinach Salad

Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup, Steamed Peas, Biscuits

Spaghetti, Homemade Bread, Green Beans

Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, Juice

Venison Roast, Potatoes, Carrots

Shared Nov 7, 2016 comment

My brand-new Blog Coaching Program is HERE!

Read More

My brand-new Blog Coaching Program is HERE!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Sign up for my brand-new Blog Coaching Program!

Today is the day!! And I couldn’t be more excited!!

After years of making a full-time income from blogging, and after years of people begging for me to start a coaching program, I’m thrilled to finally be launching my first-ever Blog Coaching Program!

This 4-Week Program is specifically designed to teach you how to:

  • increase your traffic
  • significantly boost your blog income
  • produce better and more consistent blog content
  • rediscover your joy and passion for blogging
  • still having a life outside of blogging!

You Have a Story That the World Needs to Hear

One of my greatest desires is to help women live up to their fullest potential in life. I believe that we were all created for a specific purpose, that all of us have a unique perspective on life, and that we all have a story that the world needs to hear.

But the world can’t hear it if they don’t know that you exist, which is why I designed this blog coaching program. I want to help you get your stories, your wisdom, and your perspective out to the world.

I want to give you the tools and the motivation you need to take your blog to the next level, to use your gifts and talents well, and to find the fulfillment that comes when your passion and your profession intersect.

I want to teach you the lessons I’ve learned from failure and success, share secrets I’ve uncovered for building traffic and monetizing your blog, give you encouragement and motivation for when you’re feeling exhausted and burnt out, and provide accountability and cheerleading to help you live out the purpose for which you were created.

Sign up for my brand-new Blog Coaching Program!

Join My 4-Week Blog Coaching Program!

For the first time ever — I’m inviting you to join me and a group of other bloggers for a private 4-Week Blog Coaching Program. This program is for you if you are:

  • A newbie blogger who wants to learn how to monetize your blog, produce consistent and
    inspiring content, and grow your readership.
  • An intermediate blogger who wants real, actionable advice to help you increase your income and
    develop a more effective social media strategy, all while having a great work-life balance.
  • Any blogger who is stuck in a blogging rut and paralyzed by the overwhelming noise of advice from “online experts” — who wants clarity and tangible steps to move forward and reach their blogging goals.

Ready to get out of the blogging funk and take your blog to the next level? Read all about the program & sign up here.

Any questions about the coaching program? Leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer them promptly!

I can’t WAIT to have you join me on this journey!

P.S. Registration is limited and is only open through November 9, 2016. This 4-Week Blog Coaching Program begins on November 14, 2016, and will run through December 16, 2016. After you register, you will get instructions on how to access the private Facebook Group, details on when the online workshops will be, along with a survey to fill out so we can assess your needs and tailor the program to meet them. Go sign up here!

Shared Nov 7, 2016 comment

9 Ways to Stretch College Savings

Read More

9 Ways to Stretch College Savings

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

college-savings

Guest post Bronwyn:

While I don’t believe that a college education is necessary in order to be successful in life, I am so grateful to my parents for paying for mine. This not only enabled me to get a great job, but also to begin my young adult life without student loan debt looming over me.

My husband and I would love to be able to give our daughter this same gift one day, and so we began contributing to a college fund for her shortly after she was born.

We have also been brainstorming ways to stretch our carefully saved dollars, and came up with the following ideas:

1. Make sure your money is working for you

If you were to save $100 per month in a checking account earning 0% interest, you would have $21,600 after 18 years. If you invested this same $100 per month and earned 5% per annum on your investment, you would have $35,000 at the end of 18 years.

Also, consider taking advantage of the tax savings associated with a 529 plan or an Education Savings Account.

2. Help them determine what she wants to be when she grows up

Switching majors can be expensive, so having discussions about various careers from a young age can end up saving a lot of money. Internships, job shadowing, or even chatting to people in various lines of work can also help clarify whether certain paths would be a good fit for her natural abilities and personality.

3. Choose college carefully

While graduating from a “name-brand” college may sometimes increase earnings potential and employment opportunities, this is not always the case. Have your child reach out to the colleges you are considering, and ask about job fairs and internship programs, and which companies typically participate. Also inquire of companies she may be interested in working for to determine which colleges they recruit from.

Doing this type of homework upfront will help you determine whether a more expensive college is likely to yield a return on the additional investment.

4. Stay in-state

In-state tuition is typically much lower than out-of-state tuition, so attending a college within your home state could really help to stretch those college dollars.

5. Consider taking foundation classes at a community college

Community college classes can be significantly cheaper than the equivalent classes at a state school. Just do your research beforehand to make sure that your credits will transfer.

6. Take AP classes

While there is a fee associated with taking AP exams, it’s a fraction of the cost of taking the equivalent college courses. Different colleges, and even various departments within the same college, may have different policies related to giving credits for AP classes, so again be sure to do your research before deciding which ones to sign up for.

7. Apply for scholarships

Investing some time in completing scholarship applications can result in a worthwhile return. Your high school guidance counsellor, college websites, and even google searches should provide numerous merit and need-based scholarships for which you can apply.

8. If possible, live at home

Room and board can add a substantial amount to already high tuition costs. Living at home while studying can yield significant savings.

9. Work to supplement college savings

Most people I know (myself included) worked at least part time while studying.

This not only contributed to covering the cost of education, it also provided work experience to include on a resume. This can be especially beneficial if you are able to secure an internship or entry level position in your field of study.

I would love to know if any readers have additional suggestions for stretching college dollars.

Bronwyn is a part-time bean-counter, full-time penny-pincher, wife, and mom to the world’s most adorable toddler (she may also be a little biased!)

photo source

I love this testimony and reflection on what really matters during the Christmas season!
Shared Nov 5, 2016 comment

The Year I Spent Only $50 on Christmas (and why I won’t do it again)

Read More

The Year I Spent Only $50 on Christmas (and why I won’t do it again)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I love this testimony and reflection on what really matters during the Christmas season!

Guest post from Kaley of The Merry Little Christmas Project:

The year was 2010. My husband and I had just survived the angst of a year and half battle with unemployment. We were finally settled into a steady job that included a steady paycheck.

However, the memories of a dwindling checking account and paying for groceries with WIC checks were still fresh, and the coping mechanisms and strategies I had learned during that time had become my daily mentality.

Buy groceries without using a coupon? Never! Pay full price for anything? Not on your life! Protecting my family from spending too much money on anything had become my full-time job.

As I considered the financials of Christmas spending that year, I pinned on my “Money-Saving Ninja” badge with pride and prepared to kick overspending to the curb. I was not only going to punch debt in the face, I had money-saving moves that would win any Christmas Shopping Competition, hands down.

For a year, I prepared for the big moment. I looked for every opportunity to score deals or stock up on freebies. I tucked away gift cards and credits earned from rewards companies. I clipped coupons, mailed in rebates and entered giveaways all in the name of slashing my out-of-pocket Christmas spending.

I shopped the sales like it was my secret mission and my frugal identity depended on it. We were not going to spend one penny more than we had to on Christmas gifts. Not on my watch.

When Christmas arrived and I had crunched the numbers and the savings spreadsheets were tallied, I raised my hands in sweet victory. My goal to spend only $50 of our allocated budget on all of our Christmas shopping was not only achieved, I had actually come in under budget!

I remember the sense of accomplishment as I surveyed the LARGE pile of gifts around the tree on Christmas morning. No after-Christmas overspending guilt here, thank you very much.

But then, I remember another feeling that crept in throughout the morning – one that I was not expecting. My initial pride began to give way to some regret. When all the gifts were unwrapped and that inexpensive stash of toys had been scattered throughout the house, I realized I had just spent a whole lot of time and energy buying plain old stuff.

All of my efforts and planning and strategizing had resulted in some momentary pleasure for my kids and ultimately, another layer of clutter in our home.

I had to ask myself if all of my money-saving efforts were actually worth it?

Since that year, my attitude toward my Christmas spending has changed dramatically. Here are three lessons I learned from my $50 Christmas:

1. It’s only a deal if it brings value to our home.

Sure, maybe that game with all the little pieces is on sale at Toys R Us for a few dollars and I have a coupon that makes it cost just pennies, but will my son actually play with it more than once?

If not, the time and energy that it takes to go to the store is simply not worth it. I might snag it for a donation, but I will definitely skip putting it under the tree.

I’ve learned to pay more attention to the actual value of the gift than the perceived deal that I am snagging. (Let’s be honest – I also pay attention to the amount of those little pieces I will be stepping on after Christmas too!)

2. My main goal is no longer ‘how to spend the least’.

I will pay full price for a gift if I consider it an investment. I love to give the gift of an experience that makes time for my kids and I to spend together, whether it be a trip to the aquarium or to the movies.

I have also discovered the beauty of multi-purpose Christmas giving, like piano lessons for the music lover or a basketball class for the sports fan. Instead of simply signing my kids up for these activities, we have let them serve the purpose of a Christmas gift as well. As an added bonus, these are the gifts that keep on giving!

3. I learned that the easiest way to spend less money on Christmas is to simply buy fewer gifts.

Truth be told, it was hard for me to let go of the mentality that I owe my kids stuff at Christmas. But I’ve discovered something important by giving myself permission to simplify gift-giving and focus on only a few meaningful gifts.

The less time I spend shopping for presents, the more time I have to BE present. Those hours I used to spend deal hunting and shopping the sales are now free to be spent savoring the season with my kids. Any Christmas prep that takes more time than the joy it brings simply isn’t worth it to me.

So will I ever attempt a $50 Christmas again?

I don’t think so! This money-saving ninja is putting away her Christmas shopping nunchucks for now. But have no doubt – I still have some fancy deal-finding moves if I need to pull them out from time to time.

Kaley Ehret is wife to Wes and Mom to Griffin, Lincoln and Cade. She loves to helps women transform their Christmas through her book The Merry Little Christmas Project: Five Words that Will Transform Your Christmas and via her online community.

photo source