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Shared Nov 19, 2016 comment

6 Frugal Tips that Help Us Live on One Income

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 19, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Kelly of Kelly Cox At Home:

I recently left my career of 13 years… which means our home now runs solely on my husband’s income.

We always planned to live on one salary so that when children came along that I could stay home full time and we’ve worked hard and budgeted in order to make my “retirement” a possibility. (No children yet, but we are waitlisted to adopt!)

If you are considering living off one income, here are 6 frugal tips that help us…

1. Mend your own clothes.

I’m learning how to sew and mend clothes. Recently, I needed a dress hemmed and it was going to be $20 to take it somewhere. We hemmed it “in house” instead and saved money. Also, I’m having a good time learning to sew!

2. Make food from scratch.

I think food that is made from scratch tastes better. Over the last few years, I’ve continued to broaden my cooking skills and have saved money and provided better ingredients for our family.

If this seems overwhelming then just pick one thing to try like bread, pancakes or pie crust and start saving money and growing your skills one recipe at a time.

3. Make your own cleaning products.

Pinterest has been the source of many recipes for me to make my own cleaning products. I haven’t bought laundry detergent in years because I make my own. My husband and I make our own Swiffer solution refills and have learned to make other household products in order to stretch our money.

4. Set a budget

You can create a budget for free. We operate our home on a one income budget where we tell every dollar where to go. We have fewer discussions about money because we decide ahead of time how we will handle our finances, which is a timesaver, and blessing for our home.

5. Make your own repairs

My husband handles most repairs on our cars and home. However, if he is unsure how to do something, he’ll look up tutorials and YouTube videos in order to learn how to make a repair before calling anyone to do it for us.

We’ve saved a lot of money over the years by teaching ourselves to do it on our own.

6. Shop smart.

Since we live on one income, we have to be smart shoppers. I shop at Aldi, use coupons, buy what’s on sale and embrace house brand items.

The goal to live on less means you have to shop wisely and stretch your budget when possible. I’m able to purchase more of what we want by being strategic with how much I spend on particular items.

The goal to live on one income is attainable.

You may have to sacrifice a little, but the benefits will follow as you have greater financial freedom and flexibility for your household.

Kelly is a Christ follower, blessed wife, mom-to-be and a lover of all things home. She blogs at Kelly Cox At Home about her homemaking adventures, marriage, and passion for debt-free living. She hopes to encourage others with their homemaking goals while sharing tips on how to manage and enjoy all things that make up HOME!

photo source

Shared Nov 19, 2016 comment

Brigette’s $58 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on November 19, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 head Cabbage – $1.19

1 Artisan Baby Lettuce – $1.99

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.99

1 head Cauliflower – $2.49

1 pkg Broccoli – $1.49

1 can Pumpkin – $0.79

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.99

2 pkgs Zucchini – $3.98

1 pkg Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.99

1 pkg String Cheese – $2.79

1 bag Chopped Pecans – $3.99

2 boxes Kid’s Krunch – $3.18

1 carton Egg Whites – $1.99

1 bag Frozen Strawberries – $2.09

1 loaf Bread – $0.85

3 dozen Eggs – $2.67

1 pkg Cream Cheese – $0.89

1 pint Organic Grape Tomatoes – $2.49

Total: $41.84

Harris Teeter

1 pkg Community Coffee – $2.89, used $1.50/1 printable – $1.39 after coupon

1 bottle Heinz Barbeque Sauce – $2.00, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled), plus receive $1.00 back from Checkout 51 – $0.50 MM after coupon and rebate

2 cans Dole Mandarins – $2.50, used $0.75/2 printable (doubled), plus receive $0.75 back from Checkout 51 – $0.25/2 after coupons

2 cans Spaghettios – $2.30, used 2 $0.40/1 printable (doubled), plus $0.40/1 evic – $0.30/2 after coupons

1 5-lb bag Pillsbury Bread Flour – $2.50

2 pkgs Pacific Organic Steel Cut Oats – $4.00, used 2 $2.00/1 printable – FREE after coupons

1 box Celestial Seasonings Apple Caramel Dream Tea – $2.00, used $1/1 Celestial Seasonings Tea (SS 09/18/16 R), plus $0.55/1 evic – $0.45 after coupons (I just wish I had about 20 more of these coupons – fantastic price, and I LOVE Celestial Seasonings Holiday Teas!)

1 Frozen Turkey (20.46lbs @$0.37/lb) – $7.57

1 bunch Kale – $0.99

1 bag Russet Potatoes – $2.77 (these would have been cheaper at Aldi, but I forgot to get them there)

1 pkg Sargento Ultra Thin Cheese Slices – $2.50, used $0.55/1 printable (doubled), plus receive $0.50 back from Ibotta – $0.90 after coupon and rebate

1 45-oz tub Country Crock – $2.39, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled), plus $0.50/1 evic – $0.39 after coupons

Total after Coupons and Rebates – $17.01

Grocery Total for the Week – $58.85

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal x 2

Veggie Omelettes, Toast x 2

Oatmeal with Fruit x 2

Cinnamon Rolls, Eggs

Lunches

(We still have lots of apples, oranges, and carrots leftover from the last few weeks that need to be used up)

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Carrots, Apples x 2

Salad Bar x 2 (Lettuce, Fresh Veggies, Shredded Cheese, Nuts, Hard-Boiled Eggs)

Spaghettios, Oranges, Peppers

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Lasagna Casserole (I will substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese since I got such a great price on it last week and need to use it!), Italian Garlic Bread, Green Beans (Someone gave us an entire box – 16 cans? – of green beans from Sams…lots of green beans in our future :))

Stuffed Cabage Rolls, Mashed Potatoes, Fruit Salad

Ham and Beans, Cornbread

Thanksgiving with Friends – I am bringing Butterhorns, Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, and Pecan Pie

Turkey Gravy over Basmati Rice, Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli, Tossed Salad

Leftovers x 2

Shared Nov 16, 2016 comment

Come see what I got for $43 at ALDI this week!

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 16, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I got some GREAT deals at ALDI this week — including Gala apples for just $1.69 per pound, cheese for $1.49 per block, and more!

Come see a peek into my shopping trip, hear how I accidentally bought the wrong thing (and didn’t realize it until I was LIVE on camera!), and hear about why I bought sharp cheese (does the tip really work?)

Watch the quick video I shot here for all the details.

Shared Nov 16, 2016 comment

Look what I got in the mail!!!

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 16, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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!

Published: by crystal on November 15, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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.

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

Click here to sign up!

Shared Nov 14, 2016 comment

7 Ways to Save Money With Your Phone

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 14, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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!

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!

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

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 14, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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.

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

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 12, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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.

Shared Nov 12, 2016 comment

Gretchen’s $27 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Published: by Crystal Paine on November 12, 2016 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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

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

Published: by Brigette on November 12, 2016 | 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?

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