Two questions have been rattling around in my brain lately. Both have an effect on how we spend and save our money. 1. How Do You Define Yourself? I guess I haven't thought about it too much until the other day when I overheard someone say that their house defines them. I thought that was odd, but perhaps others think that way. Is it a clear … [Read more...]
The Joneses and You: Trouble Where You Live
Designer Clothes We all know we shouldn't try to "keep up with the Joneses." That way leads to big financial problems. But do we feel uncomfortable no matter if we try to keep up or not? I think sometimes we do. Much of that comes because of where we live. We make so many decisions based on the type of lifestyle we want. Who models that … [Read more...]
Is Cheap Going Mainstream?
Smart Saving is "In"Is it cool to be cheap? I'm sensing a change in attitudes. I don't hear "It's only money, honey" anymore.Do your friends brag about how cheap they are? I was at a get-together where that was exactly what was happening. As we sat around a fire into the evening family and friends started bragging about how cheap they were. I mean … [Read more...]
More Cheap Water Fun: DIY Slippin’ Slide
I just wanted to add this to the other water fun post. Here's how to make a slipn slide from plastic you may already have at home. You'll also need a sprinkler. We used to have a Slip-N-Slide for the kids, but after using it a few times we stopped. My husband said it killed the grass under the plastic. The sun heated up the plastic & made it … [Read more...]
Managing Financially Awkward Situations
You are asked to go someplace you can't afford. You are asked to be in a wedding & you can't afford it. You know the situations. We all do. What to do? You can say no. You can say the budget is tight right now. You can say you are saving up for something this month. You can suggest an alternative. Just don't continually wreck the budget by … [Read more...]
Repost: Consider Going to Church or Your House of Worship
In times like these we can all use a little help. If you develop your spiritual life you might have more resilience to the winds of change. It's good to reflect on things and a house of worship is a good way to make yourself do it. Also, a church (etc.) is a social organization that can help you through some tough times. Not only do they provide … [Read more...]
The BEST Sugar Cookies Recipe
One of my favorite things is making cut-out Christmas cookies with the grandkids. Usually the adults can't resist joining in for a big family cookie-making party. Making memories! We have fun deciding which cookie cutters to use and of course the decorating. The cookie dough is like play-doh to kids (wash their hands well first) and … [Read more...]