Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
As I enter my fifth month of pregnancy with my second baby, the inevitable is happening. Fewer clothes are fitting and, for me, expensive new maternity clothes aren’t an option.
It’s hard to pay $30-40 for a dress I’ll only wear for five or six months. Of course, you could wear it longer — but most moms, like myself, want to get out of maternity clothes as soon as possible.
A lot of women suggest just buying bigger or plus-size clothing, which may work for some of you — but I think these tend to make you look bigger. Also, if you buy your clothes used at Goodwill, maternity items are around the same price.
Here are a few tips for saving money on maternity clothes, which I’ll be implementing in the next few months:
You’ve certainly heard about minimalism before, as it seems like a fad that comes and goes. The economy is strong, so fewer people are talking about it. If we enter a recession though, you can bet that the numerous stories and articles about minimalism all over the internet will surface again.
Of course, there are benefits to living on less no matter where in the economic cycle we are in, but practicing the art form is certainly easier said than done. With all the gadgets and gizmos that we have that make our lives so much easier, it’s almost impossible to give them up. Is there any real point to minimalism? There certainly is, especially when it comes to your finances.
There are many minimalists who go to the extreme by getting rid of almost all of their possessions. You don’t have to do that (unless you want to!) but there are certainly things you can do to have a healthier relationship with ‘stuff’. And as you learn to live with less, you’ll also save a lot in the process too. So if you’re ready to give this minimalist thing a try, here are four tips to help you get started: [ continue reading… ]
So you’re up to your neck in a massive pile of debt. There are many circumstances that could have led you here, but responsible financial planning is the one that will get you out. Most debt situations can be corrected with careful planning and intense effort over a period of one to three years.
You’ll need to include everyone in your household and be honest about the need for focused debt reduction efforts. You can do it if you follow these steps to achieve pay off all outstanding debt without filing for bankruptcy protection:
I stayed home with my young children, putting my career on the back burner, for five years. Financially speaking, it was a bad move. Economists say that the stay-at-home parent who gives up a career may lose about $1 million over the years. While I didn’t lose $1 million, I have lost 5 years of wages, 401(k) contributions (and growth), and that many years of employer contributed social security benefits.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved being there for my kids when they were little, devoting myself 100% to them, and forgetting about everything else. But I was lucky: my five-year stint as a stay at home mom took place while the economy was strong; my husband was employed and earning well throughout those five years; he didn’t leave me for another woman (happens more often than you’d like to think); and I am now back to working almost full time, from home, this time for my own growing business. [ continue reading… ]
One of the ways to find yourself in financial trouble is to waste your money. In order to get your finances back on track, you need to be able to identify money wasters in your budget, and then make an effort to stop spending money on those items.
Will you spend some time today to improve your financial picture? Here are some questions to ask yourself as you attempt to determine what constitutes a waste of money:
If you’re an American who lives outside of Manhattan… you probably drive. Driving is so common, many of us don’t even realize it’s actually not a mandatory part of life. We just do it. Day in. Day out.
I’ve been biking nearly everywhere in my city for three years. Not only does the habit save money but I actually really enjoy it. Come to think of it – I’ve never been happier, healthier or wealthier than I am now. Coincidence? I think not. This post explains how I got here (and how you can get here too). [ continue reading… ]
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