Money Saving Mom®

Classic View

Grid View

Shared Jul 13, 2012 comment

Reader Tip: Check Your Receipts

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 13, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Kristin emailed in the following tip:

Check your receipts! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten home from shopping, peeked at the receipt, and saw I was overcharged. Unfortunately, at that point, I usually just forget about it since I’m already home and the cost of gas is more than the amount I was overcharged.

How can you avoid this?

Keep a running tally on paper or in your head as you shop through the store to help you have an idea of what your total should be.

Watch the register as things are rung up – it’s much easier to have a price changed right after something is rung versus having the cashier go back through your dozens of items to find the one that rang up incorrectly.

Check your receipt before you leave the store! I always try to take a moment before I leave the store to quickly review my receipt.

If you catch something while you are at the store, take care of it right away! If you don’t find something until you get home, put a post-it note on the receipt noting the correct price and put this on your memo board, in your purse, etc. so that the next time you are there it’s easy to get it adjusted.

Keeping on top of receipts and the prices you are charged will help keep more money in your pocketbook and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

Have you ever been overcharged? Did you take the time to get the difference?

–Tip submitted by Kristin from Just Live Once

photo credit

Shared Jul 12, 2012 comment

4 Weeks of Frugal Family Fun: Free Movie & Kool-Aid Ice (Day 18)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 12, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We met Angie and her four children at the local movie theater for their Free Kid’s Movie showing today.

It was a wee bit crowded and noisy, but you can’t beat the price of free!

We headed over to Angie’s house afterward and she made Kool-Aid Ice with Sprite for the kids while we moms snacked on Fudge Babies.

Did you do something fun and frugal as a family today? If you blogged about it, I’d love for you to leave a link to your blog post below. Or, you can just tell us what you did in the comments.

Note: Since the purpose of this series is to encourage you to be intentional about fun in your home this summer, please only link up posts showing pictures/sharing details of fun things you did as a family today (or within the last few days). Posts that do not adhere to these guidelines will be deleted in order to make it fair for those who are putting forth a lot of effort to participate in this challenge.

Shared Jul 12, 2012 comment

We Paid Cash: A New Bathroom

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 12, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A testimony from Marianne

Last summer, my husband and I were able to purchase our first home after renting for eight years. Southern California is a pricey area and we were very blessed to find a 4-bedroom fixer-upper in a great area within our budget.

We reserved some funds for renovations and completed many projects before we moved in the end of October. We had not gotten around to replacing the garage door or front door, but had the money to do it as time allowed. However, the day we moved in, we discovered a serious plumbing problem in the very old and dilapidated main bathroom.

Since we had planned to remodel that bathroom within a few months anyway, we opted to use our remaining funds plus our emergency fund money to get started on a full bathroom remodel, as opposed to paying a plumber to fix the blockage and temporarily patch things up.

Here’s how we made the most of our money to tackle this project:

We Hired “Friendly” Labor

We hired a friend from our church who is a contractor to do the demolition, plumbing, and tub and tile installation. We knew he was reliable, honest, and thorough, and charged less than any other contractor.

We Used Coupons

We collected Lowe’s 10% off coupons (these are also accepted at Home Depot). Our local post office has “new move-in” packets with these coupons and they were kind to give me quite a few. Also, I purchased a pack of seven coupons on eBay for $3.50.

We Purchased Discounted Gift Cards

We purchased Lowe’s and Home Depot gift cards from sites like Gift Card Rescue and Plastic Jungle. The gift cards come in many different denominations, which you buy at a 7% discount. Combined with our 10% off coupons, that saved us 17% on all our major purchases (tile, bathtub, plumbing fixtures, lights, etc.)

We Made Some Exceptions

My husband and I were not in total agreement when it came to selecting the tile for the floor and tub surround. Then we realized that we were both trying to choose from the absolute cheapest options available.

When we agreed to increase what we were willing to spend on tile, we found a nice quality tile that we were both happy with. Sometimes it’s worth a little extra money for the sake of the marriage!

We Shopped Around

We had a hard time finding a vanity that was reasonably priced, and figured we would have to pay full price for one at Home Depot that we liked, but wasn’t as high quality as we were hoping for. We happened upon a clearance sale at a cabinet warehouse and found an unfinished beech wood vanity (without a top) for $25! Then we found a granite warehouse and purchased a granite top and sink, which totaled less than half of what we would have paid for the non-granite unit we had seen at the store.

We love our new bathroom and are thankful the Lord kept us from spending our money on those other projects. And soon after the bathroom was completed, we received an unexpected gift that quickly replenished our emergency fund.

When I’m tempted to be discouraged about the many projects still on our to-do list, I remember how much has been accomplished and how thankful I am that we have our own home in beautiful southern California.

Marianne is a stay-at-home mom and private piano teacher. She has been married to her husband, Mark, for 9 years and they have two cute kids: Alexis is 5 and Grant is 2. They are loving the life God has given us in San Diego.

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

Shared Jul 11, 2012 comment

4 Weeks of Frugal Family Fun: Elephant Toothpaste (Day 17)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 11, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We had a busy day today so we didn’t get to do our planned frugal family fun project until after Jesse came home tonight. He was quite impressed with the project and amazed at the creative idea I came up with (Thanks, Pinterest, for making me look like I’m a cool mom! :)).

The kids were scratching their heads when I told them we were making Elephant Toothpaste. “Elephants have to brush their teeth, too?” “Oh wow, so this is what their toothpaste is made of?”

They were a little disappointed when I broke the news to them that this wasn’t actually Elephant Toothpaste, but regardless, we sure had fun making up crazy stories with the idea, anyway. 🙂

We didn’t have 6% Hydrogen Peroxide like the recipe called for (only 3%), but I thought our end result was still pretty cool — and the kids had a blast watching it bubble up and overflow.

Did you do something fun and frugal as a family today? If you blogged about it, I’d love for you to leave a link to your blog post below. Or, you can just tell us what you did in the comments.

Note: Since the purpose of this series is to encourage you to be intentional about fun in your home this summer, please only link up posts showing pictures/sharing details of fun things you did as a family today (or within the last few days). Posts that do not adhere to these guidelines will be deleted in order to make it fair for those who are putting forth a lot of effort to participate in this challenge.

Shared Jul 11, 2012 comment

How to Avoid Spending Traps

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 11, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Renee emailed in the following tip:

Recently, I read this infographic about avoiding spending traps. Not long after, one of my local stores had Arm and Hammer detergent on sale Buy One, Get One For $0.01.

At eye level, they had containers with 35 loads, but on the top shelf, they had containers with 50 loads for the same price — also on sale Buy One, Get One For $0.01.

I don’t know that I would have thought to look above eye level if I hadn’t seen this post! -Renee

photo credit

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

Click here to sign up!

Shared Jul 11, 2012 comment

Good-For-You Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 11, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Are you looking for ways to satisfy your sweet tooth on a no-refined foods diet?

This recipe will hit the spot and become one of your favorite afternoon snacks. It’s the perfect pick-me-up — especially on a warm day!

This fudge is SO delicious, you won’t believe it’s actually good for you! 🙂

Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge

1 cup natural peanut butter
4 Tablespoons coconut oil
1 1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup
4 ounces quality dark chocolate (I used Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips.)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Spread mixture into a foil-lined 8×8 baking dish. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate chips.

Freeze for at least two hours.

Remove from freeze and remove fudge from foil. Cut or break into one-inch squares and store in an airtight freezer bag.

Makes 20 servings.

Recipe adapted from Food Babe.

Shared Jul 11, 2012 comment

Ask the Readers: How can we save money in a rural area?

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 11, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s question is from Christina:

My husband and I are recovering from a bankruptcy — which was the result of many, many financial mistakes and poor planning. I am realizing the value of saving money and even couponing to keep food on the table for our family of six. However, I have no idea how to save money because we live in an extremely small town where coupons are scarce and stores are even scarcer!

Other than a small Walmart, there isn’t a major grocery store (or Target) for over 100 miles! We just have a small, local grocery to choose from. Things seldom go on sale (hello $4 gallons of milk and $3 loaves of terrible bread) and there are no coupons or inserts in our papers!

How do you still save money when you are in this situation? -Christina

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

Shared Jul 11, 2012 comment

Choosing Gratitude

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 11, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Tracey of Our New Adventure

My husband and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary last month. One of the reasons we have a good marriage is because we choose to stay optimistic. Every night before we go to sleep, we name three good things. It’s wonderful way to end the day.

We started this early in our marriage and the habit has helped us through many difficult days, especially after our son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2010.

Some days are hard and we’re often exhausted, but we always take the time to count our blessings. We’re teaching our son to do the same!

Here are some tips to help your children develop an attitude of gratitude:

1. Name Three Things

At bedtime, have your children think about what happened that day. What are they thankful for?

2. Be Specific

Instead of just saying Dad, I’ll ask my son what about Dad? Maybe it was “bike riding with Dad” or “Dad is funny.”

3. Put it in Writing

Several years ago, we got our son a Thankful Notebook. He keeps it on his nightstand as a reminder to count his blessings. Our habit is to name good things right before bedtime prayers.

4. Play the Gratitude Game

At least once a week, we make a game of it. I’ll say a random date and he’ll look back in his notebook to see what fun things happened on that day.

We love to look back and be reminded of our joyful life!

Tracy is a Christian wife and television meteorologist turned stay-at-home mom, turned Doctor Mom. That last turn happened when her son, Matthew, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The goal of her blog, Our New Adventure, is to give practical, uplifting encouragement to other moms who have kids with Diabetes.

photo source

Shared Jul 10, 2012 comment

4 Weeks of Frugal Family Fun: The Long Jump Contest (Day 16)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 10, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Inspired by watching the Olympic trials recently, we had our own Long Jump contest in our basement.

Maybe we didn’t quite match the jumping style or finesse of those participating in the Olympic trials, but we sure had a grand time attempting to leap through the air.

I made a Long Jump line with yarn and then we recorded the jumps with pieces of tape.

Everyone had fun trying to beat their own best jump.

It also was a great way to expend a lot of energy, without wilting in the heat outside!

I think this is my favorite picture of all the ones I took. The way Silas lives life with such gusto and joy brings a smile to my face and a reminder to me to take time to celebrate the little things each day.

Did you do something fun and frugal as a family today? If you blogged about it, I’d love for you to leave a link to your blog post below. Or, you can just tell us what you did in the comments.

Note: Since the purpose of this series is to encourage you to be intentional about fun in your home this summer, please only link up posts showing pictures/sharing details of fun things you did as a family today (or within the last few days). Posts that do not adhere to these guidelines will be deleted in order to make it fair for those who are putting forth a lot of effort to participate in this challenge.

Shared Jul 10, 2012 comment

Do-It-Yourself: Turn a juice carton in a homemade herb planter

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 10, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

SometimesHomemade.com shows you how to make a homemade herb planter out of a juice carton.

Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

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

Click here to download!

Shared Jul 9, 2012 comment

How I’m Learning to Replace Whining With Gratitude

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 9, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I recently finished reading through Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Her challenge for us to adopt a spirit of thankfulness — no matter our situation — caused me to step back and realize that I’ve become a whiner in recent months.

You see, I’m normally a pretty upbeat, look-on-the-bright-side-of things type of person. But I’ve had some lingering health and allergy issues that have not gone away for months.

I’ve tried so many different things: drastic change in diet (I’ve been off all refined and processed foods for a number of weeks), change in skincare routine, change in allergy medicines… nothing is really making a big difference and I’ve been waiting for quite some time to be able to get in for testing with an allergist.

In the mean time, I’ve been struggling with incessant cold-like symptoms and it’s been wearing on me. As a result, my poor husband has heard a lot of whining over the last few months. Instead of my usual early morning excitement about the day’s events or my cheery report when he gets home from work, he’s often getting the rundown on my latest health problems — which is pretty much the same old, same old every single day.

Reading Choosing Gratitude really helped me see how I’ve been focusing on the things I was struggling with, instead of choosing to be thankful. And not only that, but I felt so convicted at how I was griping over something so petty.

Sure, allergies are no fun (as I’m positive many of you can attest to), but seasonal allergies pale in comparison to some of the life-threatening, debilitating, and/or overwhelmingly incomprehensible issues so many people are facing right now. And I have much to be grateful for — much that I’ve been taking for granted while I was having a pity-party for myself.

Because of Nancy’s encouragement through Choosing Gratitude, I started a Gratitude Journal and I’ve challenged myself to make a daily habit of waking up each morning and starting my day by filling out an entire notebook page with things I’m thankful for.

At first, it seemed rather daunting — especially since I’ve gotten out of the exercise of journaling the past few years. But you know what I’m finding as the days go on? The notebook page is feeling smaller and smaller each morning!

There’s something about starting the day with counting your blessings that just helps change your whole attitude about the day. And the more I’m focusing on my blessings, the less my allergies and health issues have seemed to matter.

In fact, I haven’t even thought to give Jesse one of my normal moping health reports over the last few days. I guess that’s another thing I can add to my Gratitude List for tomorrow! 🙂

photo credit

Shared Jul 9, 2012 comment

4 Weeks of Frugal Family Fun: Ivory Soap Clouds (Day 15)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 9, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We made Ivory Soap Clouds for our Frugal Family Fun project. The kids were less than enthused when I first told them about it.

“Stick a bar of soap in the microwave? What’s the big deal about that?” They said nonchalantly.

Well, I had them all crowd around the microwave, despite their lackluster attitudes.

Within a minute, everyone had forgotten all about their lack of enthusiasm as their eyes were popping out with what the soap had turned into in the microwave.

They started begging me if they could please play with it — and they had so much fun breaking off pieces and being fascinated with the transformation of a simple bar of soap.

Did you do something fun and frugal as a family today? If you blogged about it, I’d love for you to leave a link to your blog post below. Or, you can just tell us what you did in the comments.

Note: Since the purpose of this series is to encourage you to be intentional about fun in your home this summer, please only link up posts showing pictures/sharing details of fun things you did as a family today (or within the last few days). Posts that do not adhere to these guidelines will be deleted in order to make it fair for those who are putting forth a lot of effort to participate in this challenge.

Shared Jul 9, 2012 comment

This week’s menu plan

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 9, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A batch of Easy Dinner Rolls I made recently. I made the dough up the night before and then baked the rolls before breakfast so that it wouldn’t heat up the house too much!

We’re focusing on eating up all the produce and everything fresh we have in our house this week since we’re going to family camp in Texas next week.

Breakfasts

Oatmeal
Cereal
Strawberry Lassi
Scrambled eggs, toast, fruit
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

Lunches

Snack-y lunch
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches from the freezer x 2, veggies, apple slices
Leftovers x 2
Quesadillas x 2, raw veggies

Snacks

Chocolate Protein Truffles
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes
Fruit/Veggies

Dinners

Dinner with extended family
Mixed Greens with avocado, tomatoes, chopped cheese, and salmon, fruit, rolls
Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken served over rice, fruit salad
Grilled steak, grilled sweet corn, fruit salad, Homemade Bread in the Crockpot
Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken, Homemade Bread in the Crockpot, peaches, steamed veggies
Chicken Lime Tacos, fruit salad
Dinner out

What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.

Shared Jul 9, 2012 comment

10 goals for this week

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 9, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last week’s goals:

Family/Mothering Goals

1. Finish reading Snow Treasure aloud to the children. Read a few chapters of The Missing Video (reading to Kathrynne), and read at least two chapters of Little House in the Big Woods (reading to Kaitlynn).

~~2. Continue swimming lessons for all three children.~~

3. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

~~4. Finish reading Building Her House plus one other book.~~

~~5. Run at least five times for 45 minutes each; do weight-training program at least four days.~~

6. Listen to 2 hours of Stop Acting Rich.

7. Sleep for at least 7 hours every night.

8. Start the Choosing Gratitude 30-Day Devotional.

Home Management/DIY Projects

9. Make Homemade Wheat Thins {Once again, it was way too hot to turn on the oven and make these. Maybe I should just wait until Fall to try and tackle this project?}

Business Goals
~~10. Continue blogging the 4 Weeks of Family Fun series.~~

This week’s goals:

Family/Mothering Goals

1. Start reading Wilma Rudolph: Olympic Runner aloud to the children. Read a few chapters of The Missing Video (reading to Kathrynne), and read at least two chapters of Little House in the Big Woods (reading to Kaitlynn).

2. Have at least one playdate with friends.

3. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

4. Finish reading Radical Together plus one other book.

5. Run at least five times for 45 minutes each; do weight-training program at least four days.

6. Finish listening to Stop Acting Rich.

7. Sleep for at least 7 hours every night.

8. Continue on with the Choosing Gratitude 30-Day Devotional.

Home Management/DIY Projects

9. Try at least two new crockpot recipes.

Business Goals

10. Continue blogging the 4 Weeks of Family Fun series.

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.

Shared Jul 9, 2012 comment

5 Ways to Stretch Your Clothing Budget

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 9, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A cardigan that I upcycled from a sweater I didn’t really like

Guest post from Kristen

For me, one of the many sacrifices I’ve made while trying to stay on a budget is not spending as much to purchase clothes for myself. Instead of spending a lot on new clothes, I have been focusing on getting some “new” pieces for my wardrobe by tweaking existing items in my closet.

Here are just a few ways to save money and stretch your wardrobe, with links to projects I’ve done:

Repair, don’t replace.

Are the heels on your work shoes worn down? Did you know that you can get them replaced for about $5-10 by either purchasing new tips online, or going to a shoe repair shop? You can also replace the soles. That may be all you need to bring your shoes back to feeling like new.

If a button falls off a shirt, pick up a needle and thread and sew it back on. Holes in seams can also easily be repaired.

Work around imperfections.

If you get a hole in the elbow of a shirt, cut the sleeves to a shorter length and give them a quick hem. Do you have a skirt that fits in the waist but is just a little too short? Add a wide band of decorative fabric at the bottom. When kids get stains on clothes, or holes in places that can’t be repaired, make a cute appliqué to cover it up.

If you find yourself not wearing a pair of pants because the pockets stick out, or the waist gaps, spend a little bit of money with a tailor to have the item fitted. Many alterations cost around $10, and some you can even do yourself.

Another cardigan that I upcycled from a sweater

Re-purpose items.

Turn a men’s button-up shirt into a woman’s skirt. Sew a tank top and a skirt together to make a dress. Turn a pullover sweater into a cardigan. Shorten an ankle-length skirt to right below the knees for a fresh look.

Dress up a tired sweater or shirt.

Make flowers from fabric or felt to create a fun pin. Add ribbon trim or ruffles to the edge of a sweater. Re-work existing bows or ribbons so they are more flattering. Change the style of a sweater to update it so you’re more likely to wear it.

Pair things together differently.

Do you find yourself always wearing the same pants with the same top? Challenge yourself to mix up your wardrobe. If you need help, have a friend come over to give input. You can brainstorm new ideas together, and your friend might have a vision for a look that you never even considered.

With a little creativity, you can get some “new” items by spending little or no money!

Kristen is a wife to a great husband, and mom to a wonderful two year-old boy, and a six year-old Golden. She works as an event manager, and loves crafting in her spare time.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

We Hired “Friendly” Labor

We Used Coupons

We Purchased Discounted Gift Cards

We Made Some Exceptions

We Shopped Around

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

Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge

1. Name Three Things

2. Be Specific

3. Put it in Writing

4. Play the Gratitude Game

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

Breakfasts

Lunches

Snacks

Dinners

Repair, don’t replace.

Work around imperfections.

Re-purpose items.

Dress up a tired sweater or shirt.

Pair things together differently.

Footer

Sign up for myHot Deals Newsletter