Living paycheck to paycheck and carrying debt can feel like a heavy weight on your chest. And when major events come up like birthdays and Christmas, it can feel like that weight gets heavier, to the breaking point.
Try some of these strategies for coping with Christmas when money is really really tight… to try to alleviate some of that stress and anxiety so you can actually enjoy the holidays. (more…)
We’re not getting a kitten, I said. They’re too rambunctious and needy, I said. No way, I said.
Obviously we got a kitten. (more…)
We recently added a new member to our family. No, not another baby (bite your tongue), a fur baby. Maurizio (Mitzi for short) was rescued along with his four siblings after his mother gave birth to them in a storm drain. We found him at a local shelter where the kids instantly bonded with him and his loving, playful attitude.
But falling in love with a cat is just the first step. And the next steps involve money, honey. But there are a few ways to spend a little less. (more…)
When we moved to Florida last year I was elated. I’ve always loved the beach and jumped at the chance to live close to it. Perpetual sunshine and palm trees? Sign me up! Then hurricane season comes and I think most people would be lying if they said it didn’t make them question living near the Florida coast.
I still love Florida with all my heart but hurricane evacuation is not easy. I totally understand why a lot of people stay. First of all, the predictions are so flexible you can easily talk yourself into thinking it won’t come your way, it won’t make landfall near you and the pre-storm hysteria will be much ado about nothing. Second, a lot of people have nowhere to go and/or no way to afford to go. Aside from being emotionally draining, evacuating to another town or another state can be expensive. Here are a few ways to keep some of your money and sanity. (more…)
If you’re really looking to cut spending, you can do it. But it may take a real, hard, honest look at what you’re spending your money on.
Some of these suggestions are no-brainers. Some are a little harder. And some might make you mad that I’m even suggesting them.
But maybe you’ll find a few ways to save a little money.. and help your health and the planet in the process. (more…)
I’m always looking for ways to save more money on groceries. And saving time and avoiding stress in the process is like a perfect trifecta. And that’s just what grocery pickup does for me.
After using Walmart’s service for a few weeks I’m mostly thrilled with it. Here are my pros & cons of grocery pickup. (more…)
It’s almost summer! Can you believe an entire school year has almost gone by already?
I can’t believe my kids will soon be second and third graders! And I don’t want them to be vegetables all summer, letting their growing little brains turn to mush. So I try to pack the summer with fun activities. Some for fun and some they can learn from.
In this post you’ll find lots of free options! (more…)
One of the many, many perks of living in Florida is that you’re close to all sorts of entertainment options. And no other place in Florida packs it all in like the Orlando area. But it’s not all about Disney. There are lots of theme park options that are a little more affordable. (more…)
You probably know I LOVE after-holiday shopping. You can see it in my previous posts after Halloween and Christmas. It’s pretty much the only time I buy holiday items, when they’re 50% or more off in the days following the holiday.
While grocery shopping at Walmart yesterday I wasn’t even thinking of after-Easter shopping until I saw the tons of Easter items they still had. So I grabbed a few things and took pics of a few others to give you some ideas on how to take advantage of these great deals. (more…)
There’s something in here for everyone.. no matter your budget, age, gender, relationship status.. if there’s a mom in your life.. or you are the mom who deserves to treat yourself.. check out some of these ideas for pampering and honoring your loved one for Mother’s Day. (more…)