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Shared Apr 2, 2014 comment

We Paid Cash: A Vacation for Our Family of 7!

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 2, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We paid cash!

A testimony from Colleen

A little over a year ago, we decided to pay cash for our vacation. I was especially excited since it was going to be the first time I had taken my mom on vacation… without her spending a dime.

I began setting aside whatever leftover money we had in our checking account. Thinking that I was already close to our goal, I asked my husband to guesstimate how much we would need to cover the cost for our family of 7. His total was $2800 — without doing anything fun!

Unfortunately, I hadn’t even come close to saving enough and it was May!

Then, I got creative…

Lodging

After endlessly searching for somewhere to stay, I was discouraged. Everything was just too expensive! However, my husband was pastoring a church at the time, and I remembered that many places offer a clergy discount.

I looked again and found a whole house in PA! It was a B&B at $580 for 5 days! Check the memberships you currently have: belonging to organizations like USAA, AAA, and Knights of Columbus can have an add bonus in travel savings!

Meals

Eating out was normally one of our biggest vacation expenses. To help with these costs, I cashed in some rewards I’d earned and got gift cards for restaurants in the area.

We also tried to max out the value of each card by eating a big, later lunch getting the same items we would at dinner for half the cost… AND, several weeks before the trip, I signed up for restaurant loyalty programs that gave coupons for free items which extended our savings.

Gas

To save on fuel, we mapped out our route and got gas cards to stations on the way. It didn’t cover all our fuel costs, but it certainly helped!

Entertainment

I ordered a guide for my family members to choose things they were interested in, and then found deals for them. Then, at rest stations, we gathered free guides with coupons for other discounted activities.

I also did some internet research for free or discounted events in the area. I discovered that it was National Ice Cream Day (free ice cream), Dress like a Cow Day at Chick-fil-A (free meals), and 7/11 Slurpee Day that week!

Just like our B&B, meals, and fuel, I looked for ways to extend my buying power. I used Daily Deal sites to buy deals that included Food and Entertainment. We also weren’t afraid to ask for discounts.

We discovered that on taping days, certain seats are discounted at Sight & Sound. We were able to take in a circus, visit a petting zoo, see a Broadway-quality show, watch trains — big and small — plus so much more!

Our grand total was $1600 dollars for a fun-filled, 5-day vacation for our family of 7!

It took some planning and a little ingenuity, but we definitely made a memorable, family vacation on the cheap!

Colleen is a homeschooling mother of 5, former pastor’s wife, and avid couponer. She enjoys reading, writing, and baking gluten-free goodies.

Have you saved up and paid cash for something — large or small? Submit your story for possible publication here.

Shared Apr 2, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s $49 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 2, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

2 packages Carrots – $0.99 each

1 bag (3 lbs) Gala Apples – $2.99

1 package Roma Tomatoes – $1.19

1 bag (5 lbs) Potatoes – $1.99

1 package Radishes – $0.99

1 package Celery – $1.19

1 package Green Onions – $1.19

1 gallon Milk – $2.68

3 Cucumbers – $0.59 each

2 cans Green Beans – $0.49 each

1 package Rice Cakes – $1.29

1 dozen Eggs – $1.24

3 Lemons – $0.39 each

1 carton Sour Cream – $1.29

Total with tax ($1.57): $23.51

Dillons

Items a part of the Mega Sale (Buy 5, Save $5 instantly):

1 Post Cereal – $1.88, used $1/1 coupon from the March All You magazine – $0.88 after coupon

1 Lays Chips – $1.99

2 Breyers Ice Cream – $2.49 each, used $1.25/2 e-coupon – $1.86 each after coupon

2 Kraft Block Cheese – $1.99 each, used $1/2 coupon from the 3/9 SmartSource insert – $1.49 each after coupon

2 Dove + Men Shampoo – $2.49 each, used 2 $2.50/1 coupon from the 3/23 RedPlum insert – Free after coupons

2 Dove Shampoo – $2.49 each, used $3.75/2 printable (no longer available) – $0.62 each after coupon

Other Deals:

0.62 lbs Broccoli Crowns @ $1.59/lb – $0.99

4 Navel Oranges – $0.69 each

2 Barilla Pasta – $1 each, used $1/2 printable – $0.50 each after coupon

1 Kroger Unbleached Flour – $1.99, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $1.59 after coupon

1 Cheerios – $3.19, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

0.53 lbs Organic Kale @ $1.99/lb – $1.05

1 Hamburger Buns – $0.99

1 lb Ground Turkey – $2.99

1 Kroger American Cheese – $2.39

1 Romaine Lettuce – $0.99

1.97 lbs Bananas @ $0.59/lb – $1

Used $1 off next shopping trip e-coupon (Dillons definitely sent me some nice e-coupons this last week! 🙂 )

Total before coupons: $53.13

Total after coupons and sales: $25.56

Total for all grocery items: $49.07

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Homemade Granola, Homemade Veggie/Fruit Juice

Lunches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Cheese Quesadillas, Cheese/Crackers/Veggies, Leftovers, Macaroni and Cheese

Dinners

Hamburgers (Using ground beef that my parents gave to us a few weeks ago), Corn (from the freezer), Chips

Apple Turkey Picadillo, 30 Minute Rolls, Tossed Salad

Braided Pizza Bread, Steamed Broccoli

BBQ Meatballs (using venison), Banana Muffins, Green Beans

Baked Chicken Fried Steak (I’m using deer steaks and tweaking this recipe a bit), Homemade Bread, Tossed Salad

Crockpot Chicken and Veggies, Biscuits, Fruit Salad

Sour Cream Enchiladas, Fruit Salad, Steamed Carrots

Shared Apr 2, 2014 comment

At-Home Job Opportunity: Part-Time Advertising Manager

Published: by MSM Team on April 2, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Keeper of the Home is looking to hire a Part-Time Advertising Manager to help manage their advertising needs. This job is a work-from-home position that allows for flexible hours.

Here are more details on this position:

This job would consist of: Responding to advertiser requests, maintaining the Keeper of the Home media kit, helping to set the direction of their private advertising program, switching ads from month to month, maintaining advertiser records and monthly calendar, running weekly giveaways and the Christmas Gift Guide, helping manage and promote affiliate programs and products, coordinating with the Social Media Manager for sponsor shout outs, and seeking out new advertisers.

This work-from-home position has flexible hours, but requires email to be checked at least once per weekday (Monday—Friday).

This is a contractor position, not an employee position. You would claim your own taxes and expenses.

This position requires someone able to work independently, as well as someone with a desire to learn who has a self-starter attitude.

Previous blogging experience is nice, but not necessary.

Position is available immediately. Training will be provided.

Pay is a combination of hourly wage plus commission based on ad revenue.

To apply for this position, please fill out the Keeper of the Home Job Application Form.

Shared Apr 2, 2014 comment

Ask the Readers: How much should I save for a trip to Disney?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 2, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s questions is from Michelle:

Your blog has inspired me to start saving for something that I really want to do, and feel like it’s just way too expensive: a Disney World vacation!

I have coworkers who travel there all the time, but our budget makes a vacation like that a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us. However, I have NO IDEA what my saving goal would/should be!

I live in Pennsylvania, so we would need airfare for 3 plus a hotel, park tickets, and whatever else you have to pay for when you’re there (food, a few souvenirs, etc.)

So I’m wondering what a practical budget with be for this type of trip… and I’m looking for frugal tips for taking a trip like that without breaking the bank.

Also, I have a couple years to save as my daughter is barely 2, and I think she’d need to be 3 or 4 for it to be worth it. I just really want to be able to do this for my family! -Michelle

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Shared Apr 1, 2014 comment

“Don’t look your problems in the eye, punch them in the face.”

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Kathrynne (9) has been working really diligently on some difficult school projects recently. Projects that are requiring hours of work and concentration.

She’s learning perseverance, persistence, and patience. And, after a hard first few months of this homeschooling year, I’m so encouraged to see her applying herself and really finding fulfillment from her hard work.

This morning, as she headed off to get started on her school projects for the day, she said to me, “Mom, I figured it out: Don’t look your problems in the eye, punch them in the face.”

She went on to talk about how it’s so easy to get overwhelmed by problems and hard things in our life. We can sit there and stare at the problem — and feel defeated. But instead of sitting there and feeling discouraged because it’s hard, it’s so much better to just go punch it in the face.

What big things are looming over your head right now? A massive project at work? A big research paper for college? A huge house renovation project? 25 pounds you want to lose? A marathon you hope to train for? A large medical bill you need to pay off? A budget you want to create and stick with?

Whatever your big things are, don’t sit and worry about how you’re going to accomplish them. Don’t fret about how overwhelming they are. Don’t waste time agonizing over how difficult they might seem.

Start attacking them with gusto. Break them into bite-sized pieces and tackle each piece one-by-one. Don’t let yourself be overcome by the enormity of your problems or projects.

Get up and go punch them in the face.

photo credit

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Shared Apr 1, 2014 comment

12 Goals for 2014: March’s Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Jesse and I spent time really discussing what my focuses should be for 2014 and we nailed down four areas that are my priorities for this year:

Marriage: to continue to invest time and energy to strengthen and nurture our marriage and make it one of the greatest priorities
Mothering: to continue to invest in our children with the goal of teaching them character, life skills, and raising them to be responsible adults
Myself: to make my health a priority and to invest in my personal growth as a Christian, business owner, writer, speaker, and leader
MoneySavingMom.com: to invest time into blogging — not just overseeing the business and my team, but making writing content pieces one of my top blogging priorities

Having these specific areas determined at the beginning of the year is really helping me to prioritize and giving me much clearer direction on when, where, and what to say no to this year.

Here’s my progress for my 12 goals for 2014:

Marriage Goals

1. Read 6 marriage books. (I’ve finished two marriage books so far.)
2. Write 50 love notes to Jesse. (I’ve written 12 love notes so far.)

Mothering Goals

3. Read 40 books aloud to the kids. (We’ve finished three books so far and are almost finished with another.)
4. Finish memorizing Romans 1 together. (We’ve been working on this!)
5. Go through a cooking course with the kids.

Personal Goals

6. Read through the Bible. (I’m on track with this.)
7. Memorize Romans 2.
8. Run a 5K race and go through P90X again.
9. Read 150 books/ebooks. (I’ve read 30 books so far this year.)

Blogging Goals

10. Write 150 substantive content pieces for the blog. (I’ve written 40 substantive content pieces so far this year.)
11. Write 50 DIY/Recipe posts for the blog. (I’ve written ten DIY/Recipe post so far.)
12. Blog about/participate in the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge (I finished March’s challenge.)

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

If you’ve posted an update on how you’re doing on your goals for 2014, I’d love for you to share your link in the comments. Or, if you don’t have a blog, feel free to just leave a comment with an update on how you’re doing on your goals. Let’s encourage one another to live lives of intention and purpose!

If you’re brand-new to goal-setting, be sure to read my post on How to Change Your Life By Setting Goals.

Shared Apr 1, 2014 comment

12 Months to a Healthier You: April’s Challenge

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

One of my goals for 2014 is to focus on my health. It’s easy to let our health take a back burner to everything else on our to-do list. But as I share in my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, I’ve experienced what happens when you put your health last… and it’s not pretty!

With this in mind, I’m committed to making my health even more of a priority this year. And I’d love to have you join me for the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge.

We’re be focusing on one challenge area each month — all with the goal of being in a healthier place as a person by the end of next year. My hope is that as we work on instilling one new healthy habit each month, they won’t just be month-long challenges, but lifelong changes.

12 Months to a Healthier You Focus Areas for 2014

Here are the focus areas I’ve planned out for 2014:

January: Exercise Regularly
February: Eat More Fresh Fruits & Veggies
March: Drink More Water
April: Cut Back on Sugar
May: Get More Rest
June: Create a Morning Routine
July: Read More
August: Go to Bed Earlier
September: Declutter Your Home
October: Cut Back on Caffeine
November: Keep a Gratitude Journal
December: Simplify & Say No

How This Challenge Works:

At the beginning of the month, I’ll introduce the focus area and encourage you to set a small goal for that specific area and I’ll share my goals.

Then, every Friday, I’ll have a check-in post where I’ll encourage you to share your progress & struggles and I’ll share mine, as well. If you want to blog about your progress, I’ll include a link-up at the end of the post so you can share your blog posts on this challenge.

In addition to the Friday check-ins, I’ll also probably share a few posts and guest posts on the monthly topics each month, along with sharing about related books, resources, or websites that I’ve found helpful.

Are you on social media? You can also share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter by using hashtag #12MonthstoaHealthierYou.

My Goals for Cutting Back on Sugar During April

My goal for April is to cut back on sugar — which is hard for a girl like me who has a strong sweet tooth! 🙂 I’m going to make it my goal to only eat dessert once a week and to cut back on the sugar I use in my coffee on a daily basis, too.

I’m also hoping to keep up with January’s habit of exercising at least 4-5 times every week, February’s goal of eating a big salad at least six times a week, and March’s goal of drinking 8 glasses of water a day.

Will you be joining me for this April Challenge? If so, leave a comment letting us know you’re planning to join and what your goals are for cutting back on sugar in April. Remember to keep them simple and doable!

Shared Apr 1, 2014 comment

Join Us For the #CreeBulb Twitter Party on Wednesday Night (and you could win a $100 Home Depot gift card!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Don’t forget! On Wednesday, April 2, 2014, from 8-9 p.m. EST, I’ll be hosting a Twitter Party sponsored by Cree LED Bulbs. Our topic for the one-hour party is: Simple Spring Upgrades to Save Big Bucks.

We’ll be talking about ways to save on home improvement projects and simple ways to save around the home. It will be fun, fast-paced, and full of ideas and inspiration. I can’t wait to learn from all of you!

Plus, we’re giving away two Cree Prize Packs and each one will have a $100 Home Depot Gift Card and $150 worth of Cree LED bulbs! All you have to do to enter to win is to participate in the Twitter Party by sharing a tip, retweeting a tweet, or answering a question. How easy is that?!?

Would you like to learn more about saving money on home improvements and have a chance to win a free Cree Prize Pack? Then be sure to join us on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. EST for the #CreeBulb Twitter Party.

To participate, just follow me on Twitter (@MoneySavingMom) and join in the discussion that evening by answering the questions I ask and/or sharing your money-saving home improvement advice. I hope you’re able to make it!

Find out more details on Cree and the Cree Prize Pack giveaway here.

Shared Mar 31, 2014 comment

How a $0.25 Lesson Can Have a Lifelong Impact

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 31, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We were at the Nature Center gift shop last week and my children had brought their own money with them to buy something from the gift shop. Each child looked at all the options and weighed them carefully. Finally, they decided upon their purchases.

One of the girls had picked out some colorful rocks and a honey stick. I had gently reminded her that she probably didn’t have enough money for all of it after tax was added on.

But she held onto hope and handed her items to the cashier. The cashier rang the items up and the total was $0.15 over the amount my daughter had with her.

I inwardly debated what I should do as a parent. The honey stick was just $0.25 and part of me really wanted to just buy it for her. But at the same time, I knew that it’s these little lessons that can often have a big impact on our children.

So instead, I watched as she put the honey stick back on the shelf and just bought the rocks. Putting the honey stick back on the shelf didn’t seem to bother her one bit… she was thrilled with her colorful rocks.

And I realized that often, it’s these small, seemingly unimportant occurrences that shape our children’s view of money. I want my children to grow up understanding the value of money and hard work. I want them to learn how to stick with their budgets and not be tempted to spend more than they have.

While we love to bless and surprise our children with special treats or gifts on occasion, we also want to give them many opportunities where they don’t get everything they want. Because that’s life! All of us probably have many things we’d love to have or that would be nice to have that just aren’t in the budget right now.

By giving our children opportunities to learn and practice money management at the $0.25 and $3 levels, we hope we are saving them from making the $250 and $3,000 mistakes someday!

photo credit

Shared Mar 31, 2014 comment

10 Goals For This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 31, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. ~~Read 6 chapters of A Big Year for Lily to the girls. Finish reading The Imagination Station: Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon. Read a few picture books with Silas.~~

~~2. Write a love note to Jesse.~~

~~3. Finish the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge.~~

~~4. Have an at-home movie date with Jesse.~~

Personal Goals

~~5. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-28.~~

~~6. Exercise four times.~~

7. Finish reading I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), ~~Fifteen Minutes~~, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, ~~Balancing It All~~, The Measure of Success, The Traitor’s Wife, ~~Chasing God~~, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Praying for Boys.

8. Drink 8 glasses of water every day. {I hit this goal 6 days.}

Blog/Business Goals.

~~9. Finish tweaking my talks for the Teach Them Diligently South Carolina Conference.~~

~~10. Write three content pieces for my blog.~~

This Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Read 6 chapters of A Big Year for Lily to the girls. Read 3 chapters of More All-Of-A-Kind Family. Read a few picture books with Silas.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

3. Make one project from my Do-It-Yourself Projects I Want to Try list.

4. Have an at-home movie date with Jesse.

Personal Goals

5. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-29.

6. Exercise four times.

7. Finish reading I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, The Measure of Success, The Traitor’s Wife, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Praying for Boys.

8. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.

Blog/Business Goals.

9. Finish tweaking my slides for the Teach Them Diligently South Carolina Conference.

10. Write three content pieces for my blog.

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives! You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.

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Click here to download!

Shared Mar 31, 2014 comment

Stretching the Grocery Budget with Eggs

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 31, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Tanya of Springs Homestead

Eggs are not just for breakfast, they make great snacks and delicious dinners. Although the price of a carton of eggs has increased some; they are still cheap and healthy. Plus, they are loaded with protein and vitamins B12, A, D, and E.

If you’re looking for a simple way to stretch your grocery budget… here are some ways eggs can help you do just that!

Eggs for Breakfast

Eggs can be served in numerous ways for breakfast. There is the basic scrambled, fried, and poached. Or, if you would like to get really creative try a frittata, omelet, or soufflé.

Eggs really are a great way to start the day and there are numerous breakfast egg recipes.

Snack Time

I like to keep hard-boiled eggs in our fridge for anyone looking for a snack. They can be packed into lunch boxes for school, work, or for us on-the-go homeschool moms. Eating a hard-boiled egg after a rigorous workout can also give you that much needed protein boost.

Snack time, with eggs, can be simple, nutritious, and kind to the wallet.

Dinner with Eggs

During the spring and summer, my hens lay many eggs. In order for my family not to grow tired of eggs, I have amassed quite a collection of egg recipes. I never knew there were so many ways to serve them. Even if you are buying your eggs, these are very economical dinners.

Here is a recipe that we particularly enjoy.

Recipe for Huevos Rancheros

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. cans of stewed tomatoes (or 1 quart home canned)
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 eggs
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked rice

Directions:

Add tomatoes and spices to a skillet and heat to simmer.
Carefully add eggs to mixture without cracking the yokes.
Cover skillet and simmer until eggs are poached.
Once eggs are done, sprinkle cheese on top and allow to melt.
Serve over rice and enjoy.

Note: I often double this recipe.

What are your favorite ways to serve eggs?

Tanya married a farm boy named James and together they are restoring his family farm after 20 years of neglect. When Tanya is not homeschooling their three children or working on the farm, you can find her concocting something in the kitchen or writing on her blog Seven Springs Homestead.

photo source

Shared Mar 28, 2014 comment

12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge: Week 12 Check-in

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 28, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Are you joining us for the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge? If so, it’s Friday and guess what that means? It’s time for our weekly check-in to post our progress.

March’s Challenge:

We’re focusing on developing the habit of drinking more water in March. I encourage you to set a simple and doable goal for drinking more water and to stick with it.

New to this challenge? Read more details on the plan for this year here.

My Water Intake Goal for March

My goal for March is to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. I’m also hoping to keep up with January’s habit of doing exercising at least 4-5 times every week and February’s habit of eating six big salads every week.

This Week’s Progress:

I drank 8 glasses of water 5 days this week. Still not 7 days, but I’m encouraged that I’m making water-drinking a better habit. And I hit my exercise goals, as well as my salad goals.

How Are YOU Doing?

Leave a comment telling us how you did on your exercise goals this past week. If you’re blogging about this challenge, leave the direct link to your blog post about the challenge below. Are you on social media? You can also share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter by using hashtag #12MonthstoaHealthierYou.

Shared Mar 28, 2014 comment

4 Ways to Combat the Urge to Spend

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 28, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post by Jessi of The Budget Mama

Once upon a time, there was a girl, who thought she needed designer jeans, Ray Ban sunglasses, Coach purses, sports cars, and a California King size bed.

In order for her to acquire these items, she had to max out her resources. She swiped those eight different super shiny, color-coordinated credit cards like they were going out of style. She was a pro at signing her name, and at the “bill me later” game.

Oh but how the mighty have fallen. That same girl no longer drives a GT Mustang, owns a single pair of Ray Bans or a Coach purse, and no longer has room for that California King bed.

That girl had to give up all those super nice things because she was dead broke. She may have looked like a million bucks and been able to play the part well; but the truth was, she had no money.

She had accumulated over $11,000 in credit card debt alone. That was over half of her salary as an Administrative Assistant. She had to learn the hard way that there is a fine line between appearing to have money and actually having money.

That was a tough lesson, but it was a lesson learned nonetheless.

Does she regret her choice to sell off all of those fancy items to help pay back the debt? No. Did selling those hard earned items pay back all of her debt? No, she still had to work hard and throw every extra penny and tax return check at her debt to pay it all back.

I am the girl in this story, and I was dead broke at 21 with a mountain of credit card debt. I was raised in an extremely frugal household, where I got the crazy idea that I had to have designer items and huge inventory of stuff, I have no idea.

Wherever that idea came from, it has been hard to keep it out of my head.

We all want things. Maybe it is because of our society that we want so much, or maybe it is something else entirely. What matters is that you learn to control that voice that wants you to spend money you do not have.

These are the four ways I combat the urge to spend money:

I carry cash with me whenever shopping and leave my debit card at home.
I always make a shopping list. Even if I am going clothes shopping for my boys, I make a list of the items needed and I stick to it. In fact, I carry the list around in my hand as I am walking through the store. This keeps my mind on my list and helps keep my eyes from wondering.
I remind myself that most people do not know the difference between designer and no-name brands. Would you honestly know the difference between a pair of shoes bought at Ross and a pair bought at Macy’s? Probably not.
I focus on the fulfillment and freedom I receive from paying cash. Paying cash for something that you once could only afford with a credit card is a life-changing experience. I had racked up $3,000 on a credit card for furniture. Fast forward five years later; I paid $5,000 cash for new furniture. That was a very liberating experience, which I remind myself of whenever the urge to spend creeps up.

If you are fighting the debt monster, keep going. It is a long, bumpy road but it is very worth it in the end. I hope my story will encourage you on the road to becoming debt free.

Jessi is the author of the frugal lifestyle blog, The Budget Mama. She is an avid budget fanatic and dedicated to helping others reach their full financial potential. Jessi shares her real life on a budget along with DIY projects, recipes, organization, and more.

photo source

Shared Mar 28, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #20

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 28, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

We made it to the final day — yay!

Day 20 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life!}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Clean out and re-organize your medicine cupboard(s). Check expiration dates on medicines and dispose of any that are expired. Note: Check out this article for information from the FDA on how to properly dispose of medicine.

::Set the timer for at least 15 minutes and do something you really enjoy and that relaxes and rejuvenates you. If you need ideas, here are a few: read, write, call a friend, pray, exercise, bake, play with your children, laugh with your husband, stop by the bookstore and browse the book selection, work in the garden, or take a nap! Take some time to just stop and enjoy life today!

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

Shared Mar 27, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #19 (update)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 27, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m so excited about how many of you are joining us for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge! If you missed today’s assignment, you can find it here.

Today was one of those days… you know, when it feels like every time you turn around there’s another interruption or something that needs to be taken care of right now.

I finally got around to working on the windows at around 9 p.m.

And oh how they needed to be cleaned!

Jesse pitched in and helped me… he’s such a wonderful guy!

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We both realized that we don’t ever recall cleaning the top section of this window since we’ve lived in this house. And we moved here in 2010. Oops.

The pile of items we came up with to get rid of today. We’re starting to have to dig pretty deep to come up with items, but we’re still finding them!

How you do on Assignment #19? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

Lodging

Meals

Gas

Entertainment

Aldi

Dillons

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

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

Marriage Goals

Mothering Goals

Personal Goals

Blogging Goals

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

12 Months to a Healthier You Focus Areas for 2014

How This Challenge Works:

My Goals for Cutting Back on Sugar During April

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

Eggs for Breakfast

Snack Time

Dinner with Eggs

Recipe for Huevos Rancheros

What are your favorite ways to serve eggs?

March’s Challenge:

My Water Intake Goal for March

This Week’s Progress:

How Are YOU Doing?

That was a tough lesson, but it was a lesson learned nonetheless.

These are the four ways I combat the urge to spend money:

Day 20 Assignment

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