Cooking, retirement, budgeting, oh my! Find out how this Frugal Momma of 3 boys does it (or should I say tries to do it) all while trying to live within our means and increase our net worth.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Cheap dinner planning wk of July 30th
Sun Steak, potatos, green beans
Mon Chicken Enchiladas
Tues Nacho Stuffed Chicken
Wed Leftover chicken enchiladas
Thurs Leftover nacho stuffed chicken
Fri Kielbasa
Sat Pizza
Friday, July 28, 2006
Friday shopping deals
It is end of the week and that means some great shopping deals at Amazon.
Check out Amazon Friday Sale
Today some of the deals include The Devil wears Prada handbag , Golf clubs and dishes from china to every day ware
Keeping the car cool!
Having the Auto Cool Solar Car Fan would have helped keep me cooler for the short trips about town. I saw the ad a few times on tv and it looks like a great invention to help keep your car cool when it is parked. Using the power of the sun, it blows hot air out of a parked car to keep it up to 30 degrees cooler than it would normally be.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Thrifty Tips Thursday
Vicki shares that she uses a meal plan to her her grocery bill cheap.
Single Ma's Fabulous Financials mulls over is it ok to flirt if it saves you money
Super mom shares some leftover ground beef recipes
Mom's Advice shares on to eat free on your birthday
Salt shared by Frugal Baby tips is a great frugal resource around the house
Proctor and Gamble coupon weekend shared by the coupon expert Flash
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
How much will you spend on back to school shopping?
I haven't done any shopping for school yet. It is usually warm through mid-September here so buying all the winter and fall stuff when I can find it for a bargan a few weeks later is worth it. I am also a very big fan of back to school shopping in their closet
With 3 boys, my total is between $100-$150 including new sneakers.
Monday, July 24, 2006
A/C poll results
Votes
under 80 degrees 41%
81-85 degrees 27%
86-90 degrees 14%
91-95 degrees 9%
Over 95 5%
Who needs A/C 5%
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Get a free ipod for real?
Here is one site
http://www.iPodSweepstakes.com/default.aspx?offer=blogspot2 that doesn't have any gimmicks to get a free Ipod.
Check it out. You may have an early Christmas gift
The importance of an emergency fund!
two cars die on the same day
Luckily we had an emergency fund in place and didn't have the touch our credit cards that we just finished paying off.
We have since gotten rid of my husband's car and replaced that with a 2001 Chryler Town and Country mini-van. We are still driving the 1996 Dodge Caravan which is about to hit 100,000 miles any day now. Once we ge the newer mini-van paid off, we will buy a newer car, probably a sedan.
Marriage quotes
I love this quote because it is so true. Marriage can be hard, sometimes it is easy. There can be outside problems but if you have good communication your marriage can last.
Money can often be the source of marriage problems. Make sure before you take the leap that you have a good solid understanding of your money philosophy.
“A simple I love you means more than money.”
You can find out more inspiration quotes at http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/quotable-quotes.html
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Some great freebies
Free Neutrogena PureGlow Sample
Hand wipes
Babysitter check list
Free salad dressing
Free Fish Oil Supplements
Aquafresh
Post-it® Perks - Sample registration
Lunchable love notes
ACT Mouthwash 75 cents off coupon
Get more free samples and coupons
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Decorating on a budget
Newsletter.
Money Saving Tips
Featured Article 15 ways to decorate on a budget
Money Blog Spotlight
Top Conversations on the Money Saving Forums
Freebie and Contest Alerts
The Frugal Five
Frugal Food Kitchen Organizing Tips
Read the current issue at
http://www.budgetdial.com/news-Jul1506.htm
If you are new subscriber we keep all of our newsletters online at http://www.budgetdial.com/news.htm
Six ways to save on your food bill
Stockpile
I call using a pricebook which is simply tracking when stores have sales on certain items.
The sales cycle through the categories. So a smart cherry picker loads up on the item on sale, double and triple couponing if possible, and creates a stash at home — a pantry that resembles a store.
A full cup website matches up the sales with the latest coupons for all the major grocery stores and drug stores
Steer clear of processed foods
Cooking from stratch is what I do! My crockpot and recipes are my best friends here. However alot of the coupons she mentioned to use above are on the processed food.
Don’t shop, and say you did
A pantry challenge! We do this sometimes all week if money is tight that is why stockpiling is very important.
Shop online
I haven't done it. I may try it one day.
Amazon has a subscribe and save feature
• Automatically receive a new shipment of the item in the monthly intervals you select
• Receive a discount off our every day price
• Receive FREE shipping on every Subscribe & Save shipment that arrives on your monthly Subscribe & Save delivery day
• Pay for each order only when the item is shipped
• Have the option to cancel at any time
Make lists
I love my grocery lists and my frugal weekly menu
Check the
Today show segment
Friday, July 14, 2006
Free Samples
Long John Silver's Coupons
Sunkist Vitamins
Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters Sample
Triaminic® Coupon
Free Coloring book
Free sun tanning lotion
Free Samples from Everyday Minerals Makeup Pay for shipping
Money saving Almay coupon
Ban Invisible Solid Deordorant Sample
Goodnites Underpants: Diapers for Bedwetting Kids. Sample
MrClean Magic Eraser
Free TV?
I thought I would give it a try but it didn't seem to work for me. It just brought up Quicktime Media. You may want to give it a try.
Amazon Friday Deals and Discount Shopping
Check out Amazon Friday Sale
Today some of the deals include Bed in a Bag-no shipping costs , Scooter and Electric Razor
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Thrifty Tips Thursday
5 tips going out to eat cheap tips
1. Coupons
Check out your local newspapers for Coupons or those mailers that get sent. They often have a buy one get one free night. Check out the Entertainment coupon book which has great deals. If your local resturant has a a website check them out for coupons and they have mailing list specials.
2. Plan on a doggie bag.
Bring home the leftovers and have them for lunch the next day. It is a great way to turn a $20 restaurant bill into two $10 meals.
3. Appetizers
Make the appetizers and a salad/soup as your main meal. You can often get that for less than $8 with water for a drink.
4. Watch the drinks
Get water with some lemon
5. Check out their discount times.
Do they have early bird specials or senior citizen discount. Also they may have special theme nights where you can get a good deal.
Popcorn and Twizzlers shares some tips to cut your kitchen cleaning and cleaning supplies in half.
Vicki shares a tip for saving on lemons for drinks.
Mimi who loves listening to audiobooks has found a cheaper way to listen to them.
Frugal Underground shares how to find an affordable vacation rental.
Windfall
http://www.nbc.com/Windfall/money_tracker/an hour drama that follows 20 lottery winners after their unexpected good fortune. Each winner's reaction is different and the overwhelming cash windfall presents unexpected marital, ethical, legal – and even criminal problems.
I very rarely play the lottery but you can't happen to think about how your life would change coming into that much money. Will your relationship with your spouse change, would you move, continue working.
Of course there is going to be drama and conflict on this show or it would be boring. I am enjoying watching the winners mess up (I mean enjoy) their newly found winnings.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Can I afford this?
Can I afford to play golf every weekend during the summer?
Can I afford to go shopping every week for a new outfit?
Can I afford to go away with the family for a luxury vacation?
Can I afford to go out to eat several nights a week?
Can I afford a new plasma TV?
Do you ask Can I afford this before spending money?
So before making any big purchases or little purchases that add up, ask yourself if you can afford it and pay cash, not credit.
Oprah's debt diet is all on week, catch it if you haven't already.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Shopping for a mortgage
Most people in this country need a mortgage to buy a house. One should consider
http://www.expfunds.comExpress Capital Funding Group is a group of mortgage proffesionals that posess knowledge and experience of the who loan process. They also a guarantee on their 30 year mortgage.
We guarantee our 30 year fixed rate loans to have the lowest rate and payments. If you are shopping for a home loan, we will beat anyone's rate on any given day, or we will send you a check for $1,000. Please, click here to read more about our guarantee on 30 year fixed rate loans. You can click here to request a free consultation, or call us at 800-403-3848. Not available in all states. Restrictions apply.
The guarantee sounds good. I would research it and find out what restrictions apply.
Express Capital Funding Group also offers a 40 year mortgage, debt consolidation, home equity loans. They offer high customer service as you go through the mortgage process.
This is paid advertisement from payperpost.com
Monday, July 10, 2006
What temp do you turn your A/C on?
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Frugal Meal Planning
Sun Burgers on the grill
Mon Hamburger helper with extra tomatos, onions and using ground turkey
Tues Crockpot chicken salsa
Wed Spinach and hamburger casserole
Thurs Leftover crockpot chicken salsa
Fri Clean out the fridge night
Sat Wedding Kids at grandmas
Have I sold my soul to the devil?
Getting paid to post at http://www.payperpost.com
Yes I am doing it and have I sold my soul to the devil? Well, according to some bloggers I have.
While the concept isn't exactly new there are a few companies that have been offering bloggers a few bucks, the latest one is causing quite a stir in the blogging word. Some are saying that Ted Murphy who started www.payperpost.com is the devil and paying per post is going to be the end of blogging as we know it. Let the drama begin. I think it is good idea for companies to get exposure.
I'm trying to earn a few dollars here and there since I am a frugal work at home momma. Earning the $5 or $10 here or there isn't going to make me rich but will help pad my Disney fund or pay a little extra on my car.
Online Money Market Account Rates
even though they may a little less than other accounts. I haven't had a problem with them, openning an account is easy and maintaining isn't hard either.
One of the posters on the money saving boards posted a complimation of Online Market Money Rates
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Looking for a loan
http://www.fastloanoffers.com is a website offering Auto Loans, Bad Credit Personal Loans, and Mortgage Loans from many different companies so you can compare rates .
For auto loans they offer three companies that they business with: Autoloan Soup, Capital One and E-Loans.
For debt consolidation they recommend Incharge Debt Relief, Debt Advocate and Debt Consolidation.
If you are looking for a mortgage company, they offer Ameriquest, Get Smart.
They also have home equity, payday loan companies as well.
Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Fast Loan Offers
Wedding insurance Do Brides need it?
So what happens if you put out all of these deposits and something happens...
Wedding Insurance!
It is another added expense for the bride and groom, but when you are spending that much money, insuring it might be worth it. Policies from www.wedsafe.com range from $185 for coverage up $7500 to $405 for 50,000
What is covered?
Weather - If the policy is purchased more than 14 days before the wedding and adverse weather prevents the celebration from taking place or a majority of your guests from attending, the costs of rescheduling the event are covered. Be aware that dark skies and light rainfall alone won't qualify as reason enough to cancel your wedding.
Key People - If people crucial to the wedding are unable to attend due to illness or injury, the cost of postponing the event is covered. This also holds true if the officiant fails to appear on your wedding day.
Military - If the wedding must be postponed due to the bride or groom in the military having their leave withdrawn.
Photographs & Video - If your photographer fails to show, if the film used for your photos is defective, or if the negatives are lost, destroyed, or improperly developed, this coverage allows you to reunite the wedding party for a re-shoot to capture your wedding memories.
Special Event Gifts - This coverage is designed to protect you against the theft, damage or loss of your special event gifts.
Special Attire - If your special event attire or one of your attendants is lost or damaged, this coverage will provide for repair or replacement.
Special jewelry - This coverage is designed to replace special event jewelry that is lost or stolen prior to your wedding day.
Loss of Deposits - If one of your vendors goes bankrupt or ceases doing business, this coverage will respond to reimburse you for any deposits you may lose as a result.
What about cold feet? No it isn't covered. Look at the details and the fine print when making a decision.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Friiday Free Samples
Sharing some great freebies found
Free Razor
Free Tea Sample
Free Exercise DVD Offer
Free chips and coupons
White Castle Coupon Offer
Free lip gloss
Free Beef Jerky Crisps
Free Soup Sample
Free Energy drink
Friday deals at Amazon
Check out Amazon Friday Sale
Today some of the deals include Zest Soap at a discount Timex Watch for a steal and Calphalon Cookware at unbelievable price I have been watching the cookware for a while super price.
You never know what you find at the Amazon Friday Sale
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Thrifty Thursday Tips
Welcome to our first edition of Thrifty Thursday Tips. If you would like to submit a frugal, money saving or thrifty tips, check out the main page for submission instructions.
My husband shared this helpful Peroxide tips with me via an email that he received. Some interesting ideas.
Most of us have used this product for years for certain things. Here
are some more things: The health benefits of peroxide, written by Becky
Ransey of Indiana "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store.
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle)
and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free
of germs.
3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and
leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture
of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let
dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes
several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
8. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and
keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
9. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture
whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to
kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into tissue.
10. If you have a terrible toothache and can not get to a dentist
right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
11. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the
50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through.
You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.
In addition check out MrsB's Challenge: Thrifty Tip Thursday where she gives some tips on how to save on bottled water.
Frugal Baby tips shares how to make homemade baby wipes.
Tina shares her cheap thrills at the poor man zoo!
Frugal Duchess shares frugal text book options
2006 financial goal half way report
Up DH 401k contribution to 15%. He is currently at 11%
We bumped it up to 12% in May.
Continue to deposit $350 a month into a Roth IRA for me. This is done through automatic deducation
Done
$50 each, each month into kids 529 plans-automatic deduction
Done
Home improvement-use tax returns for new windows
We got our new windows in May. We used about 1/2 for the windows. The rest went into savings.
Pay extra on the car
I haven't had a chance to pay a cent extra this year.
Open an extra saving account to deposit $250-$400 each month for Disney World trip in 2007.
We have $1800 in our Disney vacation fund. We are about 1/3 there right now as I am budgeting $6000 for our trip including airfare and staying on Disney property. Since we are a family of 5, we can't get only 1 value room. We plan on still staying at a value but either getting two connecting rooms or one of new suites at the All Star Resorts.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Dishwasher broken
Bye Bye Credit Card Bills
In this week's issue Living on a Budget in a Non Budget World
Newsletter.
Money Saving Tips
Featured Article Bye, Bye Credit Card Bills
Money Blog Spotlight
Top Conversations on the Money Saving Forums
Freebie and Contest Alerts
The Frugal Five
Frugal Food Easy Breakfast Ideas
Read the current issue at
http://www.budgetdial.com/news-Jul0106.htm
If you are new subscriber we keep all of our newsletters online at http://www.budgetdial.com/news.htm