With Black Friday this week, there are many great deals at brick and mortar and online stores. However, before you shop, educate yourself. Don’t rush into getting each deal just because something is on sale and says it is X dollars off! Be sure that you really know if that item is a good deal.... Continue Reading →
November is the time to buy…
Certain times of the year are the best times to buy various things based on sales and availability. Here is your tip sheet for this month: ∞ Cars: New cars often arrive at dealerships in September. During October, November and December deals on older models get better. RV deals are common in the fall, too.... Continue Reading →
October is the time to buy…
Certain times of the year are the best times to buy various things based on sales and availability. Here is your tip sheet for this month: ∞ Cars: New cars often arrive at dealerships in September. October, November, and December deals on older models get better. RV deals are common in the fall, too. ∞... Continue Reading →
Small things that make a big-“time” difference
I love finding new ways to be more productive, especially with my hectic life of raising four kids and working full-time. Some of the things I do come from my need to organize everything, but they help save time (and sometimes money), too. Here are a few ideas you might try: - Paper everywhere: Have... Continue Reading →
New season, new(ish) wardrobe
We finally have relief from the hot summer and cooler weather is upon us! Today I was actually wishing the school I was at would turn off the air conditioning, because it was too cold! With this new weather and lower temperatures, it means it is time to switch out the summer clothes. I am... Continue Reading →
Filter and fluff without waste
(updated 4/22/17) I am always looking for products that will allow me to purchase one less disposable product and thus reduce our trash (and regular expenses). Here are two ideas for products you can reuse instead of buying disposable: ∞ Dryer balls: We started using these a few years ago and they work great. You just... Continue Reading →
Declutter responsibly
(updated 4/20/17) Several times a year I get in a decluttering mode. I try to rid my home of things we don’t need, use, or want anymore. It is always nice to earn a little money from getting rid of things, but otherwise my goal is that the items go somewhere they can be used or at least recycled! It... Continue Reading →
Review: ShopSmart magazine
(Updated 2/14/21) ShopSmart Magazine ceased publication July 2020. I am an avid reader of magazines. My love of magazines dates back to my preteen years when I was obsessed with tv, movies, and girl issues. Now I am a mom, wife, and teacher, and I look for magazines not only to entertain me, but to inform me.... Continue Reading →
Revamp and wear again!
(updated 4/22/17) Don’t you hate when you have a favorite piece of clothing that gets worn out, doesn’t fit anymore, or gets a stain you can’t get out? There are ways to salvage that piece and still wear it. Why not take something old and make it new again? For example: ∞ Add a belt, scarf... Continue Reading →
Dry-clean only?
Dry-cleaning costs can add up, especially if you have many garments that need special care. Of course, the first tip is to avoid this expense altogether by not purchasing any items that need dry-cleaning! However, that is not always realistic, especially depending on what type of job you have. So here are several tips to... Continue Reading →
Surviving on a tight budget 