• Created on 1/3/13 by JenM

    It's a new year, time for new goals and new resolutions! I'm taking you along for the ride on our family budgeting adventure this year.        First off let me introduce myself, my name is Jenny.  I am 33 years old, working mother of 2 little girls named Lexi & Aubs.  Lexi is my 8 year old dance princess who has major skills which in turn costs major $$$$, so during this year she will be learning the value of money, respect, and work ethic (chores around the house) . Aubs is my 6 year old redneck in training!  She is her father's child, has to be constantly... read more

• Created on 2/11/12 by Kim

Have you discovered the Foursquare app on your smartphone yet?  I have used it to save quite a bit.  In fact, last night my husband and I saved $10 with it - which covers my phone bill for the entire month!     Install the Foursquare app on your phone (it's free).   Use it to "check in" at various retail stores, restaurants, or other places of business.   In some cases, there will be money-saving specials available to those who check in.  For example, the one below saved us $5 off our total bill when we paid with our synced American Express card.  Other... read more

• Created on 2/7/12 by hollyhat

I love eating out.  I text my husband during the day, just dreaming of chimichangas and queso.  If you love to eat out, but your wallet doesn't appreciate it so much, try these tips!   Share.  You learned this in kindergarten.  Ordering a slightly larger meal and sharing with your spouse is cheaper than ordering two seperate meals.  If each meal is $10 and you share, you can order one $15 meal and save $5.  Do this once a week and save $260 a year! Share.  Your kids will learn this in kindergarten, too.  Children's meals at sit-down restaurants are usually... read more

• Created on 2/7/12 by wifeylife

  Save Money Right at Home That’s right--you can save tons of money just by staying home. It is easy! A few simple changes to your routines and you’ll save big. Find yourself eating out because you don’t want to cook? Keep a few convenience foods in the freezer or even order to go or pick up prepared foods from the grocery store. Not having to buy drinks and sides will add up! Do you have a gym membership or attend fitness classes? My husband and I were paying more than $40 a month each to go to a cardioboxing class. We found that ordering our own punching bag... read more

• Created on 2/7/12 by no8fann

A few years ago, I took a new job, and we relocated to the High Plains.  I was accustomed to having five grocery chains (with multiple stores from each chain within driving distance), three farmer's markets, various road-side produce stands, and my own little garden plot in the back yard.  Needless to say, I got sticker shock when I went to the grocery here the first few times!  We had two - count 'em, TWO!  locally owned, mom-and-pop style grocery stores in our new town.  The next nearest town was a 25 minute drive, and the "big city" took an hour to get to.  I knew... read more

• Created on 2/7/12 by bcmom

When I hear the amounts that people are spending on groceries every week, I am amazed.   I was watching one show in particular where a lady filled her cart with groceries, and the total came to over $400.  For one cart of groceries?  How is that even possible?  The coupon experts came along and rescued her, showing her how she could get the same groceries (or similar ones) for about 10% of what she had been prepared to spend.   I've been spending an average of $300/month for years - and that buys everything - groceries, cleaning supplies, toiletries, my clothing. ... read more