Baby Makes Three- Your friends are planning a baby shower. Mom’s tummy is growing and she looks more radiant every day. The happy parents are making plans for the baby’s room. All this activity and yet there well may be something that they’ve forgotten.
Bartering for Bargains- "I just read an article on joining a bartering club in order to barter for
bargains. The fee to join the club is $350. Is it worth it and are there
other clubs available with lower membership fees?" ~ Donna
Bye, Bye Bills!- Does your family have credit card bills or other debt that won’t seem to go away no matter how much extra you pay each month? If so, it’s time to get vicious and tackle those bills like you really mean it.
Cut Your Future Holiday Bills in Half- Most of us have a certain number of holidays that we celebrate each and every year. That means quite a number of extra "gifts" will need to be purchased for family and friends.
Developing a Price Book- A price book is simply a list of the items you use regularly and the best prices they sell for in the stores where you are willing to shop. It is an excellent tool for tracking prices, sales and buying opportunities. Prices in a price book should be listed by cost per unit so you can easily compare different size packages from different stores. When you see a deal in the weekly flyer or in the store, you will know instantly if it is really a good deal and worth your time to go out and purchase. Just because an item is on sale doesn't automatically make it a good buy. The regular price at some stores may be less than the sale price at others. Your price book is an invaluable tool to help you determine if a sale is really a deal.
Dream Wedding on a Budget- Many couples are shocked to learn that today, the average wedding costs over $20,000. But, it does not need to cost quite that much. You can have your dream wedding for a fraction of the price if you use good organizational skills, ingenuity, flexibility, and enlist the help of friends and family.
Five Ways to Beat Penny-Pinching Fatigue- Well, you've had enough. You're tired of just scraping by month after month, or of carrying a balance on one or more credit cards. It's frustrating to never see the light at the end of the financial tunnel. Here are a few things to think about to prevent the fatigue and frustration that go hand in hand with looking that monthly budget in the face.
Get Fit on a Shoestring Budget- Aside from all the health benefits of exercise, a good exercise program can also help you save money and possibly even make more money... and you can implement an effective, comprehensive exercise program with very little expense.
Grocery Budgets- I am looking for someone to tell me how to go about making a budget for our family's groceries. I have no idea as to how to even start. Any suggestions?
How Did Our Parents Manage It All?- Every so often, I ask my mother how they did it all back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's when we were small. My parents raised six children on a respectable, yet modest income.
I'm Out of Money- I already buy items on sale. I don't make extra trips in the car. I do 2 or more errands during the same trip. I don't eat out, go to movies, rent movies, travel etc. I can barely pay my current bills and have medical expenses as well. What help is there for folks like me?
Living On What's Left- Are you one of those people that pay your bills no matter what? That is an admirable trait to have when managing your money. You made the bill and you feel you are responsible for paying it. Good for you.
Make the Most of After-Christmas Sales- Wouldn’t it be great if the good things of Christmas could last all year long? Well, we may not be able to enjoy a cheery fire and eggnog in July, but after-Christmas clearance sales can make your wallet jolly month after month. Here’s how to take advantage of the year’s best sales:
Odyssey Into Frugality- Parenthood brings about many changes -- but frugality was not one that I expected. My husband and I had a pleasant lifestyle. Adding a child made it even more pleasant. But, as the years went by, I could see that I had to make a choice. What was best for my child?
Pets on a Budget- Getting a family pet can be one of the most rewarding things for a child. The pet provides companionship, entertainment and exercise. But sometimes the wrong pet for the family style and needs can be disastrous.
The Money Jar Trap- Hundreds of thousands of people place their extra change into a jar or bank every night when they return home thinking that they are saving money. In reality, the dynamics of saving coins has changed over the last 10 years so that by placing your extra coins in a jar, you may actually be losing money. This is the new money jar trap.
Why Budgets Fail- When you analyze it, there are really three reasons why people
are unsuccessful in budgeting. The most common causes of failure
are unrealistic goals, quitting too soon and misunderstanding what
a budget really is.
Thanksgiving
The leaves are almost done falling and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, or costume ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...
Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!
Does your family have credit card bills or other debt that won’t seem to go away no matter how much extra you pay each month? If so, it’s time to get vicious and tackle those bills like you really mean it.
I already buy items on sale. I don't make extra trips in the car. I do 2 or more errands during the same trip. I don't eat out, go to movies, rent movies, travel etc. I can barely pay my current bills and have medical expenses as well. What help is there for folks like me?
Parenthood brings about many changes -- but frugality was not one that I expected. My husband and I had a pleasant lifestyle. Adding a child made it even more pleasant. But, as the years went by, I could see that I had to make a choice. What was best for my child?
Getting a family pet can be one of the most rewarding things for a child. The pet provides companionship, entertainment and exercise. But sometimes the wrong pet for the family style and needs can be disastrous.
Win Fun Stuff!
Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...
