I think it’s important to step back occasionally and think about your financial dream. Life moves fast, and I know I can easily get caught up in just trying to cover the monthly expenses without thinking about the bigger picture. But when we take a step back and reflect on our financial dreams and goals, … Read more
These frugal living blogs are full of ideas, inspiration and information about how to live well while spending less money. These websites include food and meal planning tips, money management and financial help, frugal and self sufficient living, thrifty home and DIY projects, and simple living ideas to fuel your inspiration all year. Food and … Read more
By practicing a number of clever ways to save money, we can incorporate many strategies practiced faithfully over time that can have a huge impact on our financial bottom line. Small savings can add up, and little changes can grow into big results. The beautiful thing is that none of these steps will affect our … Read more
Perhaps you’ve heard of author Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps for money. When I first read his book The Total Money Makeover, these simple, concise baby steps became the framework for my own financial future. Here’s a recap of Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps: BABY STEP 1 – Save $1,000 for emergencies. BABY STEP 2 – Pay off … Read more
Aside from investment and retirement accounts, there are three regular savings accounts that can help you build more security and avoid taking on unplanned debt. Even if you already have a regular savings account, you may wish to consider opening another one (or two). By preparing for both planned and unplanned expenses, you’ll simplify your … Read more
These 25 things to make from scratch are homemade versions of products that you might normally buy from the store. By learning how to make our own staples, breads, cookies, cereal, home goods, cleaning products and treats, we’ll save money, have fun, and learn to make some new things! This post may contain affiliate links. … Read more
There are so many benefits of a library card! As you may know, libraries have evolved into places that do so much more than lend books. Your neighborhood library can be a rich source of entertainment and education…and best of all, everything is free. We live just a few blocks from a wonderful public library, … Read more
This simple weekly cleaning routine has helped our family keep the main spaces in our home semi-tidy and picked up. Have you noticed how some folks seem to have a special housecleaning gene, built right into their DNA? I am not one of those people. I love a clean, organized house, and I actually enjoy … Read more
Now is a perfect time to make a spring vegetable garden plan and sketch out ideas for your ideal plot, especially if you’re on a money diet. This time of year, I love to start thinking about seeds and plants and getting my hands in the dirt. Do you enjoy daydreaming about your future garden, … Read more
Cutting ancillary expenses is one of the most effective ways to improve your bottom line. The bills we pay month after month, year after year, can really add up. Companies love to commit us to long contracts and automatic monthly payments, so we need to be vigilant about evaluating our ongoing expenses. Keeping our monthly … Read more