School's back in session, the leaves are changing and the carbs are-a-plenty.
Just in time for the holiday season, it's time to look at...Credit cards!
What has your credit card done for you recently?
The funny thing is a credit card, assuming you pay the balance in full every month,
has the opportunity to give you airline miles for free trips - or cash back - or free gas...there are many perks.
Using a site like nerdwallet, you can compare multiple credit cards to find the best one for you.
Sometimes there is a signing bonus for certain spend amounts.
It's worth evaluating and considering especially if you are planning to spend a lot this holiday season.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Friday, July 14, 2017
New clothes - how much money does it cost to look good?
How much money does it cost to look good?
I mean really good. Like, I look like I care about my looks and my clothes.
I always struggle with this concept. I'm usually so concerned about saving money and so focused on making sure everyone else has what they need. Don't get me wrong, I do hit up the Nordstrom anniversary sale or black friday...and I entertain a wonderful capsule wardrobe...
but is there room for more?
Cosmo says we should spend 5% of our take home pay on our clothes. Hahaha I guess that's pre-day care costs?
I guess the key is making sure you have a few key pieces that work - basic pieces, follow the whole capsule wardrobe thing where every piece matches - and budgeting whatever amount suits your budget for a few splurges along the way.
I mean really good. Like, I look like I care about my looks and my clothes.
I always struggle with this concept. I'm usually so concerned about saving money and so focused on making sure everyone else has what they need. Don't get me wrong, I do hit up the Nordstrom anniversary sale or black friday...and I entertain a wonderful capsule wardrobe...
but is there room for more?
Cosmo says we should spend 5% of our take home pay on our clothes. Hahaha I guess that's pre-day care costs?
I guess the key is making sure you have a few key pieces that work - basic pieces, follow the whole capsule wardrobe thing where every piece matches - and budgeting whatever amount suits your budget for a few splurges along the way.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Summer and camp
Summer.
School is out, but work is...in. So, for those of us who have to work while school is out...kids have to go to camp.
Have you seen how much camp costs these days?
Affordable camps...like YMCA camps are about $120/week. Then you add in pre-care and after-care because...work...and you pay an extra $20/week. Let's say there are 10 weeks of summer...and you have two kids...that's $2800 for the summer.
And that's on the low-end.
According to this article by care.com the average cost of day camp is $304 per week...so now you're looking at almost $6,000 for two kids over the summer...For specialty camps like...language immersion, sports, coding, etc...those are in the range of $500-$1000...according to care.com.
And it's true...my son begged me to go to coding camp. It was abut $800 FOR. THE. WEEK.
To help my son get the summer camp experience that we could afford...we signed him up for a local YMCA-style camp - field trips, swimming, and just regular old playing. I happen to think that slowing it down for the summer...letting kids be kids and not little adults...is very important. Plus, several of his school friends were attending, and I knew he would have a good time. The camp is affordable, VERY well-run, and his buddies were there - what's not to love. Plus, I want him outside, in nature, since we don't live in a place where you can be outside for long periods of time year-round.
But that still left the question of coding...how do I satisfy his interest in coding, etc.
I made a deal with him that he could work on coding after he got home from camp, until it was time to get ready for bed. But that he had to break for dinner and also stop coding at around 7:15. There was also an option to sign him up for some science lessons at camp, so I added that on.
The price of camp is still outrageous - even affordable camps are really expensive - but knowing I have to budget for this the whole year helps make it easier to afford the camps when summer comes.
Enjoy the beauty of summer!
Penny
School is out, but work is...in. So, for those of us who have to work while school is out...kids have to go to camp.
Have you seen how much camp costs these days?
Affordable camps...like YMCA camps are about $120/week. Then you add in pre-care and after-care because...work...and you pay an extra $20/week. Let's say there are 10 weeks of summer...and you have two kids...that's $2800 for the summer.
And that's on the low-end.
According to this article by care.com the average cost of day camp is $304 per week...so now you're looking at almost $6,000 for two kids over the summer...For specialty camps like...language immersion, sports, coding, etc...those are in the range of $500-$1000...according to care.com.
And it's true...my son begged me to go to coding camp. It was abut $800 FOR. THE. WEEK.
To help my son get the summer camp experience that we could afford...we signed him up for a local YMCA-style camp - field trips, swimming, and just regular old playing. I happen to think that slowing it down for the summer...letting kids be kids and not little adults...is very important. Plus, several of his school friends were attending, and I knew he would have a good time. The camp is affordable, VERY well-run, and his buddies were there - what's not to love. Plus, I want him outside, in nature, since we don't live in a place where you can be outside for long periods of time year-round.
But that still left the question of coding...how do I satisfy his interest in coding, etc.
I made a deal with him that he could work on coding after he got home from camp, until it was time to get ready for bed. But that he had to break for dinner and also stop coding at around 7:15. There was also an option to sign him up for some science lessons at camp, so I added that on.
The price of camp is still outrageous - even affordable camps are really expensive - but knowing I have to budget for this the whole year helps make it easier to afford the camps when summer comes.
Enjoy the beauty of summer!
Penny
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Air Travel, Part II
Some great tips on air travel can be found here:
http://dealnews.com/features/Ways-to-Save-on-Your-Next-Flight/1880243.html
http://dealnews.com/features/Ways-to-Save-on-Your-Next-Flight/1880243.html
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
The New Year
The New Year is ueapon us...and I have decided to focus on things that are real.
Real Foods - cutting out processed foods.
Cleaning out clutter.
Enjoying our family.
Organizing.
I've made a pledge to focus on real foods for our family. Ha! It's not about diet. Just cutting out things that have no value and can hurt your body.
Focusing on really trying to meal prep has actually meant I am going the store less.
Wanted to share one recipe I found most helpful to replace cheez-its and goldfish!
All you need is whole wheat flour, butter and grated cheese (and a food processor, cookie sheet and oven).
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/23/recipe-easy-cheesy-crackers/
Enjoy!
Real Foods - cutting out processed foods.
Cleaning out clutter.
Enjoying our family.
Organizing.
I've made a pledge to focus on real foods for our family. Ha! It's not about diet. Just cutting out things that have no value and can hurt your body.
Focusing on really trying to meal prep has actually meant I am going the store less.
Wanted to share one recipe I found most helpful to replace cheez-its and goldfish!
All you need is whole wheat flour, butter and grated cheese (and a food processor, cookie sheet and oven).
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/23/recipe-easy-cheesy-crackers/
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
This takes the cake
Random tip:
If you are having a birthday party...
And want a delicious high quality cake...
Order your cake from Costco.
Seriously their buttercream frosting tastes like a refined fluffy buttercream.
For $18.
Seriously the only thing cheaper would be making the cake yourself!
Enjoy and Happy birthday!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Groceries, Part III
Happy Sunday!
That means tomorrow it's Monday. Time to pack school lunches...time to make dinner...time to hopefully pack a lunch for me and the hubs.
In between birthday parties and soccer games and just hanging out with friends and enjoying our weekend...is there anything you can do that isn't a three hour meal prep for the week...
Here are my meal prep suggestions that help save you money and maximize your time....sorry if you're vegan or have specific dietary needs probably won't apply.
1) Hard boil a dozen eggs in the morning. Takes about twelve minutes. Place in bowl in fridge. Assuming your children don't ask for six "Eggs without the ball" you have a guaranteed high protein snack or salad or well...lots o'stuff...all week.
2) If you have a fridge at work - Pack up cold cuts, sliced cheese, some hearty fruit - like apples or oranges - some baby carrots and ranch dressing - to take with you to and leave in the fridge at work. This way you don't have to pack something every day. You can also bring hard boiled eggs, but you also probably want to keep your job. And those eggs be a stinkin!
3) Defrost protein sources - place frozen chicken or fish in the fridge so it will defrost by the following day.
4) Set a menu for the week. My mom (an amazing woman, may she rest in peace BH) taught me a long time ago to plan the same menu every week.
For example...totally making this up...but...
Monday -- Chicken with rice
Tuesday -- Pasta with salad
Wednesday -- Meatballs with pasta or rice leftover from previous nights
Thursday -- Oven roasted fish and potatoes
Friday -- Leftovers or grilled cheese
--you get the idea - fill in your favorite 16 minute meals or 30 minute meals - or you could plan the same few restaurants every day of the week..
The point is - you do the same thing every week.
Pick stuff your kids like too and try to make one meal for everyone. I know it's boring. I know you'll get sick of it...but...you know exactly what you need every week - your grocery list never changes - and your kids will end up eating better because they are able to predict what will happen. Not to mention...both husband and wife know what to make when someone gets home earlier...so it makes it easier for the family to eat dinner on time.
You take the stress out of the what to eat...and you end up saving money, spending more time with family, and just happier.
When my mom shared this tip with me...it changed my life. So I'm sharing it with you now.
Hope it helps.
Xo,
Penny
That means tomorrow it's Monday. Time to pack school lunches...time to make dinner...time to hopefully pack a lunch for me and the hubs.
In between birthday parties and soccer games and just hanging out with friends and enjoying our weekend...is there anything you can do that isn't a three hour meal prep for the week...
Here are my meal prep suggestions that help save you money and maximize your time....sorry if you're vegan or have specific dietary needs probably won't apply.
1) Hard boil a dozen eggs in the morning. Takes about twelve minutes. Place in bowl in fridge. Assuming your children don't ask for six "Eggs without the ball" you have a guaranteed high protein snack or salad or well...lots o'stuff...all week.
2) If you have a fridge at work - Pack up cold cuts, sliced cheese, some hearty fruit - like apples or oranges - some baby carrots and ranch dressing - to take with you to and leave in the fridge at work. This way you don't have to pack something every day. You can also bring hard boiled eggs, but you also probably want to keep your job. And those eggs be a stinkin!
3) Defrost protein sources - place frozen chicken or fish in the fridge so it will defrost by the following day.
4) Set a menu for the week. My mom (an amazing woman, may she rest in peace BH) taught me a long time ago to plan the same menu every week.
For example...totally making this up...but...
Monday -- Chicken with rice
Tuesday -- Pasta with salad
Wednesday -- Meatballs with pasta or rice leftover from previous nights
Thursday -- Oven roasted fish and potatoes
Friday -- Leftovers or grilled cheese
--you get the idea - fill in your favorite 16 minute meals or 30 minute meals - or you could plan the same few restaurants every day of the week..
The point is - you do the same thing every week.
Pick stuff your kids like too and try to make one meal for everyone. I know it's boring. I know you'll get sick of it...but...you know exactly what you need every week - your grocery list never changes - and your kids will end up eating better because they are able to predict what will happen. Not to mention...both husband and wife know what to make when someone gets home earlier...so it makes it easier for the family to eat dinner on time.
You take the stress out of the what to eat...and you end up saving money, spending more time with family, and just happier.
When my mom shared this tip with me...it changed my life. So I'm sharing it with you now.
Hope it helps.
Xo,
Penny
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Cloudy with a chance of COFFEE
True confession...I drink a lot of coffee.
I have a Keurig at work and a nespresso machine at home. Plus I have instant coffee and a french press.
I probably drink about four cups a day.
For me, coffee is more than just about waking up. It's a tiny break filled with memories. It connects me to my family - since they also adore coffee. Needless to say, not only to I enjoy a good cup of coffee...it is also my way to honor my family.
But...I'm spoiled and the weak coffee that is 'free' at work isn't my preference. Now...because I'm a penny pincher...I'll drink it if I have to...but...I really like my dark coffee.
And...I really like Starbucks...but that's really expensive.
So...any viable alternatives to saving a little bit on my daily (FOUR TIMES DAILY) coffee pod habit?
First, let's examine current spending...so, I spend almost $3 per DAY on coffee...that's slightly higher than a single starbucks cup...but still...add to my lunches out...whoa that's a lot of spending!
How to reduce cost:
1) Okay so...one obvious idea is to reduce my coffees to 3 instead of 4 and I'd save money and probably have better health. :)
2) Nespresso pods are pretty fixed prices and you can recycle them!...but perhaps I could get cheaper kcups?
Getting cheaper k-cups...so...if it isn't obvious there are several cheaper alternatives...
Costco sells them for about $.55/cup...
Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond also have special deals...
So if I can get it down to $.44/cup it's not a bad idea to keep drinking...coffee...
Refined mom also has some tips on getting discounted kcups including a subscription service...
Happy savings and cheers to your next cup of coffee!
I have a Keurig at work and a nespresso machine at home. Plus I have instant coffee and a french press.
I probably drink about four cups a day.
For me, coffee is more than just about waking up. It's a tiny break filled with memories. It connects me to my family - since they also adore coffee. Needless to say, not only to I enjoy a good cup of coffee...it is also my way to honor my family.
But...I'm spoiled and the weak coffee that is 'free' at work isn't my preference. Now...because I'm a penny pincher...I'll drink it if I have to...but...I really like my dark coffee.
And...I really like Starbucks...but that's really expensive.
So...any viable alternatives to saving a little bit on my daily (FOUR TIMES DAILY) coffee pod habit?
First, let's examine current spending...so, I spend almost $3 per DAY on coffee...that's slightly higher than a single starbucks cup...but still...add to my lunches out...whoa that's a lot of spending!
| Cost per Cup | Current State | Current Cost | |
| KCUP | $0.66 | 2 | $1.32 |
| NESPRESSO | $0.70 | 2 | $1.40 |
| STARBUCKS BREW | $2.10 | 0 | $0.00 |
| Total | $2.72 |
How to reduce cost:
1) Okay so...one obvious idea is to reduce my coffees to 3 instead of 4 and I'd save money and probably have better health. :)
2) Nespresso pods are pretty fixed prices and you can recycle them!...but perhaps I could get cheaper kcups?
Getting cheaper k-cups...so...if it isn't obvious there are several cheaper alternatives...
Costco sells them for about $.55/cup...
Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond also have special deals...
So if I can get it down to $.44/cup it's not a bad idea to keep drinking...coffee...
Refined mom also has some tips on getting discounted kcups including a subscription service...
Happy savings and cheers to your next cup of coffee!
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Making a few extra bucks
How do you make a few extra bucks?
First things first, start by selling old stuff you aren't using.
In our garage we had the following stored:
I honestly thought I would find a place/use for all these items so I should never throw them away. But it's been three years and it just makes our garage look cluttered.
Honestly, it's a ton of work to sell stuff...so...here are my recommendations.
1) Use your local facebook swap and sell sites to sell stuff. It may take more time, but it's a great way to sell to someone who actually exists. You could use craigslist...but...seems more complicated...
2) Take a picture of the object. Ideally clean it before the picture. Try to find decent lighting to make it attractive.
3) Price the item.
4) Sell it.
So far, I've done this with that kitchen island and made a few buckaroos. Better than having it collect dust in our garage! Obviously, this has a limit...you don't have infinite amount of stuff you can sell. But it is a good way to get rid of the clutter without having to organize a whole yard sale. And if you meet in a public place it's way less creepy.
Next up...ceiling lamp...aka chandelier!
Off to sell I go! Happy penny pinching big living!
<3 Penny
First things first, start by selling old stuff you aren't using.
In our garage we had the following stored:
- An old kitchen island
- An old ceiling lamp
- Older ride on toys and wagons that our kids outgrew
- Old bookshelves
- Old changing table
- Random drawer thingys from IKEA
I honestly thought I would find a place/use for all these items so I should never throw them away. But it's been three years and it just makes our garage look cluttered.
Honestly, it's a ton of work to sell stuff...so...here are my recommendations.
1) Use your local facebook swap and sell sites to sell stuff. It may take more time, but it's a great way to sell to someone who actually exists. You could use craigslist...but...seems more complicated...
2) Take a picture of the object. Ideally clean it before the picture. Try to find decent lighting to make it attractive.
3) Price the item.
4) Sell it.
So far, I've done this with that kitchen island and made a few buckaroos. Better than having it collect dust in our garage! Obviously, this has a limit...you don't have infinite amount of stuff you can sell. But it is a good way to get rid of the clutter without having to organize a whole yard sale. And if you meet in a public place it's way less creepy.
Next up...ceiling lamp...aka chandelier!
Off to sell I go! Happy penny pinching big living!
<3 Penny
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