It’s a nice experience to take the family out for some gourmet food at a restaurant, but every time you decide to make the food yourself, you end up saving a lot of money. Instead of going out to a sit-down restaurant twice a month, try making some gourmet dishes yourself at home.
I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for ways to cut back on my expenses. However, making purchases in order to save sounds like an oxymoron to me. Spending money to save money? Is that even possible?
The answer is yes. There are a few purchases that I have made that have helped [...]
My purpose today, is to re-calculate the costs of owning my dog for 2010.
Initially I calculated that my cost for all our family pets ran about $1,017.00, but this was a bit too conservative!
First, let me list the pets that we have:
one dog (a chocolate lab)
one all black cat
two hamsters
1 1/2 fish. Why 1 1/2 [...]
I’ve read about preparing for change by simulating it beforehand to see how you will react to it. Kind of like a test drive. To prepare for our newborn, we should simulate it today so we feel confident when the time comes.
And by simulating I don’t mean carrying a plastic baby around that poops and [...]
In a new generation of money management, adult children of retired parents are taking on an important role: financial planner.
I had one of the biggest financial lessons ever when my parents remodeled their home.
My parents aren’t great money managers. Both of them have done well with high paying jobs. They prepare their own taxes, and [...]
Not sure how to have a good time without breaking the bank? Have a friend who never seems to go out and have any fun? Share this with everyone you know who wants ideas on how to have fun without spending any money!
Having fun is an essential part of life. Most people work extremely hard [...]
How do you pay your child allowance? Do you have a system? Do you make the kid work? It’s time to start teaching my five year old about how money works, so the inquiry is in many of my conversations. I’ve heard good ideas and crazy ideas, and those that are well meaning but that [...]
The most popular tax prep software, H&R Block At Home (Formerly Tax Cut), and TurboTax, help you prepare your taxes and file your returns electronically over the internet. But the biggest secret I found is the following: Buying and downloading the software copy of H&R Block At Home or TurboTax is much cheaper than paying to use the identical software online.
Whoever thought money would be the great equalizer? Has anyone else noticed that the most popular e-word of late—the economy—is changing not just your grocery budget, but your relationship with your partner?
One of the biggest surprises the “e-conomy” has uncovered is my relationship with my husband. Our lower bank balances and fiscal challenges have lain [...]
Saving money on groceries is something we all vow to do at one time or another. We make big plans only to find ourselves frustrated when our monthly grocery bill is high, again! Don’t let that discourage you though. There are ways to whittle down your bill without going on a fast or eating mac [...]
Got money stress in the marriage during the holidays? Come New Year’s Eve, there may be a warm glow in the fireplace and glasses toasting the end of budgeting madness, but right now, I’d be willing to bet there are a lot of teeth are set on edge, just trying to get through the season.
That’s [...]