4 Fun Ways I Save Without Really Trying

It’s 2023 and inflation is a beast. Most of us are trying our best to save on our electric bills, pinch our pennies and figure out how to save at the grocery store. Chances are, after all this effort you probably want a few less-stressful ways to save that don’t require a bunch of planning and effort. Often, being frugal can feel like a slog and you don’t see the results of your hard work right away.  If you’re trying to build momentum and pay off your debt, or just stave off getting any more- emotionally, you may benefit from some easy to save without really trying. Racking up a few satisfying experiences that save you money might just be the boost you need. So, here are some fun ideas to get you started for some quick, frugal wins!   Gameify Your Free Activities   If you and your kids are always used to spending weekends at the stores, or going out for expensive activities- scaling back your lifestyle to save can be a real bummer. Each city offers cultural activities for free, every weekend and your local library is a treasure trove of free items to borrow! Initially, when we […]

Posted on: 3 September 2023 | 2:20 pm

Frugal Ideas To Enjoy Spring Break at Home

How I miss the days of college, when every few weeks you’d get time off for Fall Break, Winter Break and of course, Spring Break. Even though it’s still a wintry tundra in many parts of the country, ads for bathing suits have made me realize it’ll be Spring Break time soon. If you can’t afford to hit the beach, here are ways to have a tropical vacation right in your own backyard for spring break or any type of staycation! DIY Cocktails Nothing puts me in a more tropical mood than fancy daiquiris and margaritas. If you invite your friends, each of you can bring some ingredients so no one is spending too much money individually. Fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream and local rum are my favorite ingredients for tropical cocktails. Pair that with a movie like Mean Girls and you’ve got yourself a classic sleepover scenario. Enjoy a Staycation If you can’t afford to travel anywhere, take in the sights where you live. There’s probably at least one tourist attraction you’ve always wanted to try. In the spirit of spring break, make it an amusement park or wacky museum. Bonus points if you have to take a mini-road […]

Posted on: 24 March 2023 | 7:00 am

How To Do Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day can be expensive, and in an odd way- it can make such a romantic holiday feel really cheap with the rampant commercialism and the cliché marketing geared to make us want to spend.  Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget may seem unromantic, but it can be sweet without having to stress about your credit bill later.  If you’re not looking for gift guides and instead want ideas that can inspire moments, not overpriced things from the store- read on! Reclaim the romantic season by finding inexpensive and special gifts for the special person in your life. Read on for our tips on frugal – and fun – gifts. Give A Practical Gift With A Twist Chances are, if you’re on a budget this Valentine’s Day, affording a gift that doesn’t have the most utility possible can be a struggle.  While it may seem totally unromantic to give a set of textbooks, snacks for the house or new underwear- there are ways to make it funny, sexy or sweet with how it’s presented. If you’re giving something practical, wrap it up in a unique way that make it extra thoughtful.  Putting a pun or a cheeky note with the gift […]

Posted on: 19 January 2023 | 7:00 am

Why Millennials & Gen Z Should Skip Diamond Engagement Rings

Many of us think daydream about getting engaged before it actually happens- with that breathtaking diamond engagement ring on our left hand.  We scour websites like Tiffany & Co. and Blue Nile to choose between cuts and band styles.  For the majority of us, taking your relationship to the next level is synonymous with the purchase of an engagement ring. And of course, that engagement ring is most assuredly almost always a diamond engagement ring. According to a study done by The Knot, the average cost of a diamond engagement ring is currently $6,000. After scouring the internet, estimates for the average cost of an engagement ring seem to range from $4,000-$6,000.  If you’re thinking of getting engaged and aren’t positive that price tag speaks to you, read on.  Despite the fact that marriage and a diamond ring seem to go hand-in-newly-engaged hand, it wasn’t always this way and it doesn’t have to be for you.  I’ll be making the case that a diamond engagement ring can be an unnecessary expense and a lackluster investment over time.   A Diamond Is Forever, But Wearing Them Is Relatively New Diamond rings were popularized in the 1940’s with some clever marketing by […]

Posted on: 2 May 2022 | 8:30 pm

15 of the Best Summer DIY Projects

Lemonade, bonfires, late nights…and free time? It sounds like summer is just around the corner! If you’re lucky enough to score your summers off or get to indulge in the ever-popular “summer Fridays”, these DIY projects will not only keep you busy, but are a blast to built and use. Craft date night anyone? Invite some friends over and have each person bring one component of the supplies. Enjoy putting your 4th grade art skills to use and, even better, bond with friends in a non-bar atmosphere.  Here are my favorite summer DIY projects to have the greatest summer of all time, BYO mosquito spray. Summer DIY Projects DIY S’more Pot by Bella the Blog DIY Tie Dye T-shirt Headbands by DIY Candy Watermelon Serving Tray by Oh So Beautiful Paper DIY Painted Geometric Pineapple by Made in a Day Neon Pineapple Airplant Holder By I Spy DIY DIY Summer BBQ Hostess Gift by DIY Playbook Dark Star Pendent Necklace by For the Makers DIY No Sew Clutch by Damask Love DIY Phone Stand by The Seaman Mom DIY Polka Dot Floppy Hat by Sugar and Cloth Tassel Garland by Pizzazzerie DIY Marbled Mugs by DIY Candy Metal Washer Wind […]

Posted on: 28 April 2022 | 7:00 am

The Best Gender Neutral Baby Gifts For 2022

Whether you’re a parent-to-be or shopping for one, there are plenty of good reasons you’d seek out gender neutral baby gifts.  Having multi-purpose toys means less waste and means your gift will have longevity within a family.  Additionally, gender neutral baby gifts are perfect for parents who like a more toned-down aesthetic.  Plus, gender neutral and color neutral gifts are super trendy right now on the ‘Gram. If you’re looking for gender neutral baby gifts aren’t bathed in bright hues of pink and blue and fit a variety of home aesthetics, this is for you. Yes, we live in an Instagram influencer world- but fortunately these gifts will outlast the latest trends!   Gender Neutral Cotton Outfit – $12.99-$16.99 on Amazon New Parents get a LOT of clothes, many of which are way too complicated for tired parents.  To ensure your gift gets loved and actually used, try to size up beyond the newborn size.  Stick to anything without a lot of buttons or snaps. A good rule of thumb is to go for casual, stretchy and with 5 closures or less. This gender neutral baby gift set can double as a day outfit or pajamas. Plus, it comes in […]

Posted on: 17 April 2022 | 5:31 pm

15 Most Thoughtful Frugal Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Whether it was packing your lunch every day for ten years, teaching you to drive (in a minivan no less), or calming you down on the phone during your most recent break up, there’s little that moms can’t do. These superheroes in disguise don’t get nearly enough credit year round for all the hats they wear, so it becomes especially important that we take extra special care of them this Mother’s Day. As I’ve gotten older, my mom continues to be my number one supporter and even so, a dear friend. Knowing that I’m at a point in my life where I can actually take care of her, these awesome Mother Day ideas are the best way to send some extra love in her direction. While the classic bouquet of Gerbera daisies in thoughtful, try out one of these frugal and indulgent gift ideas, I have my eye on the homemade mug or made-from-scratch treats. And don’t think you have to wait until Mother’s Day, a pedicure for the two of you works just as well on a random Tuesday evening. I promise. Ombre Bag by Hi Sugar Plum Slippers Gift Idea by Pretty Providence Cupcake Bouquet by See Vanessa […]

Posted on: 27 March 2022 | 9:00 am

Super Sweet Vacation Deals for Valentine’s Day

Just as we breathed a sigh of relief that our holiday shopping was complete, Valentine’s Day sneaks up on us, throwing us into another frenzy to score the perfect gift for our one and only. While our credit card bills pile up, it is possible to give a thoughtful present without getting a part time job. Instead of reaching for the wrapping paper, think about giving your other half an inexpensive experience rather than another item to collect. After all, spending quality time on an exciting new adventure or sharing a unique meal together not only fosters your love for each other, but leaves memories that last far longer than a new watch. Here are my top tips for romantic experiences and trips when ya girl is on a budget.   Adventurous Outings If hunkering down inside despite chilly temperatures is not your thing, opt for an active trip to the mountains. Travel during the week to reap the major benefits ski lodges offer during the off hours, such as these steals in Okemo, VT. Visiting local parks is another great idea since most places waive their entrance fees once winter sets in.   Beachy Getaways If a single snow […]

Posted on: 21 January 2022 | 7:00 am

7 Stupid Easy Ways To Fix Your Finances In 2022

With 2019 just around the corner, you may have a resolution to fix your finances. If 2018 left you in debt, stressed out, maxed out, freaked out or just ready for a change, read on. You would be AMAZED at what you can change in a year. The person you are today, does NOT need to be the person you are 12 months from now. There are so many ways to go about doing this: loans, refinancing, a second job, starting a blog or becoming a freelance writer, transferring credit card balances, seeing a financial counselor, etc., etc., ETC.! But those aren’t particularly easy and they certainly are not a way to get quick cash. That’s why I’ve created this list of 7 stupid easy ways to change your finances. Each option is a simple and fast way to start on the path to financial health. Survey Says – Make Some Extra Cash You can pinch pennies aplenty, but if you’re not making a lot to begin with, you’ll find it’s challenging to get ahead.  If you can squeeze in some extra time in nights and weekends, earning a few extra bucks can be a game changer.  Enter, the survey […]

Posted on: 16 January 2022 | 11:01 am

13 Easy Money Resolutions For The New Year (Or Any Time!)

1.  Go through your subscriptions. Look at all of them — television, magazine, website, health clubs and otherwise. If you’re not using a subscription or no longer enjoy it, stop kidding yourself and cancel. 2.  Reassess holiday gifts. Take the ones you no longer use and sell them online, or have a garage sale. 3.  Plan ahead for frugal fun.   Consider local hotspots you’ve never visited or attractions you’ve overlooked that are within driving distance. 4.  Make saving a part of your weekly routine. Add an automatic deposit of $5 to $10 each week to build toward something special such as an emergency fund, anniversary gift or dream vacation. 5.  Put your spare change to good use.  Empty your pockets, drawers and jars to cash in your coins for something fun. 6.  Check in with your credit report or financial accounts. Fail to do this, and you could overlook fraudulent charges or accounts you no longer need. 7.  Face your financial fears. Maybe you still haven’t set up a will or trust, your financial statements are in a state of disarray, or you can’t keep track of your credit cards. Get organized and tackle these projects. 8.  Help your dollar go further by sharing it. Whether […]

Posted on: 4 January 2022 | 7:00 am