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5 Tips for Landscaping on a Budget

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<p>An overwhelming majority of Americans prefer living in homes that are surrounded by beautiful yards and gardens. The sheer beauty of lawns as the summer season sets in is a sight 90% of Americans would prefer to wake up to daily</p>::Pexels

An overwhelming majority of Americans prefer living in homes that are surrounded by beautiful yards and gardens. The sheer beauty of lawns as the summer season sets in is a sight 90% of Americans would prefer to wake up to daily

Any family can landscape on a budget and still have a beautiful lawn. Using a combination of patios, plants, waterscapes and window boxes, you can design a yard worthy of the neighbors’ envy without breaking the bank. Here are 5 tips for landscaping on a budget.

 

1. Plant trees

 

A tree sprouting from under your well-manicured lawn could take the beauty of your home to another level altogether. When placed in a strategic area of your lawn, the tree sapling you plant today could grow into a massive tree. Within no time, you could have hundreds of trees growing on your lawn, of course, depending on how large it is.

This should be your contribution to increasing the tree cover in the USA, which, according to the U.S. Forest Service, increased by 119 percent hardwood trees in 2007 over the 1953 statistics for the same. This is a 2.00 growth-to-removal ratio.

If you decide to later sell your home, this could be the one thing most buyers would find irresistible, and that can only be good for the value of your house. And the good thing is that tree saplings are not expensive. You can get one for half to a dollar-and-a-half.

 

2. Introduce edging to bring order to your lawn

 

You do not have to be overly worried about where to get money to landscape your lawn. Use those rocks you collected from your rockhounding excursions to edge your lawn.

Edging tells your lawn how far to go, giving it a patterned look that is simply beautiful. The key is to use what you have to enhance your lawn, and if you look around keenly, there are enough materials you can put to great use. These include ballast, logs, concrete, recyclable items, concrete, wood and bricks. You could also add edging to keep the mulch where it’s supposed to be (in your flower, shrubs and tree beds) and to prevent erosion besides making your lawn stand out.

 

3. Add string lights to your backyard

 

Your yard may look beautiful during the day as the sun’s rays cast their bright hues onto it. It could look even more breathtaking at night with string lights that you can buy cheaply. Let the soft, ambient glow of these lights turn your deck into a beautiful summer hangout.

Depending on your budget, you can choose between white twinkle lights that retail at around six dollars per strand or the clear globe light that costs about $9. The latter is more durable than twinkle lights. They give your patio a modern look that’s hard to ignore.

 

4. Providing ventilation for enclosed sunroom, porch or deck

 

Consider using vinyl-glazed window enclosures to add character to your deck or porch, or even the sunroom. For adequate ventilation in at least 75% of your enclosures, use vertical four-track or side slider horizontal panels that could provide ventilation to between 50% and 100% of your enclosures.

 

5. Contract a landscaping professional

If you are not a fan of DIY projects, consider hiring a landscaping professional who does this type of work on a regular basis. Landscaping requires meticulous planning and keen attention to detail.

While you can easily carry out some landscaping tasks by yourself, or with a little help from family, hiring a professional removes the guesswork, especially for more complex landscaping projects. The good thing is that there are budget-friendly landscaping professionals you can hire, even on a shoestring budget.

You do not have to raid your bank account to landscape your garden or lawn. Even with a limited budget, you can have a lawn that people would marvel at. Just a bit of ingenuity and creativity here and there will bring your lawn or garden to life, even at night when string lights literally light up your lawn. Or perhaps you should leave the entire task to a budget landscaping professional. You will be surprised how far what you think is too little can go.

Let’s Talk About Tax Anxiety

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<p>I've opened up a bit about my postpartum anxiety here on the blog recently. If we are being honest, anxiety is something I've dealt with most of my life. I've done well to find healthy coping mechanisms and avoid triggers, for the most part. One huge stressor for me every year is tax season. Like general anxiety and PPA, I wasn't surprised to find out I'm not alone in this.</p>::Pexels

I’ve opened up a bit about my postpartum anxiety here on the blog recently. If we are being honest, anxiety is something I’ve dealt with most of my life. I’ve done well to find healthy coping mechanisms and avoid triggers, for the most part. One huge stressor for me every year is tax season. Like general anxiety and PPA, I wasn’t surprised to find out I’m not alone in this.

What is Tax Anxiety?

Without the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial stress is has brought many people, tax time is generally a season of anxiety for many Americans. If the words “taxes,” “tax season,” or related terms make your heart race, you are probably among them.

More than half of the United States population worries about their finances on a weekly basis. When it comes to taxes, I’m one of the people biting their nails. I wait until the last minute because I’m afraid I’ll owe and I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong. A few years ago, I wound up having my wages garnished for several months because I miscalculated. Since then, I’ve had some pretty intense tax anxiety.

Also, with more people working as freelancers (myself included), taxes can start to get a little hairy. If you don’t have a cushion in your bank account or no plan in place, things can start to spiral. That’s where my  brain starts to spiral too.

How to Deal With It

Unfortunately, the saying goes that there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. So, I can’t avoid this anxiety trigger like I can with other things. I can try to make it easier on myself though. Here are a few things I’d recommend if you’re also dealing with tax anxiety.

  1. Address why you are afraid. As mentioned above, most people fear they’ll owe or they’ll be audited. If you’re like me, you may even spiral into irrational fears like the IRS coming to arrest me and take my child if I owe (seriously). Take note of those feelings and address them.
  2. Make sure you educate yourself about your tax liabilities. You are setting yourself up for failure if you aren’t claiming the right number of dependents on your tax forms or not collecting the right receipts.
  3. Chat with a therapist. Sometimes talking to someone about it is the best thing you can do! They can help you sort through your thought process and kick your tax anxiety to the curb.
  4. Start a gratitude journal. It can be helpful to focus on the good things when you are feeling overwhelmed or worried. Consider all of the great things you have going on, jot them down in a journal daily. This can help manage your anxiety all year, not just at tax time.
  5. Get help from a tax professional. When all is said and done, sometimes it is best to just cough up the money and hire a professional. If it keeps you from having panic attacks on the Turbo Tax website, it is worth it.

Last but not least, breathe. It is going to be alright!

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Earth Day: How Recycling and Thrifting Can Help Improve Your Finances

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<p>Recycling (or upcycling) items and thrift shopping are two of my favorite ways to save money. A lot of the time, you wind up finding items just as good or better as what you would've found at your traditional retailers for half the price (or less). Earth Day has me thinking a bit about my own recycling and thrifting and how it's save me money./p>::Pexels

Recycling (or upcycling) items and thrift shopping are two of my favorite ways to save money. A lot of the time, you wind up finding items just as good or better as what you would’ve found at your traditional retailers for half the price (or less). Earth Day has me thinking a bit about my own recycling and thrifting and how it’s save me money.

It’s Earth Day!

Today, April 22, is Earth Day. If you don’t already know the origins of Earth Day, April 22, 1970 was the beginning of the environmental movement. In the decades leading up to the first annual Earth Day in 1970, Americans were largely uninformed about the issues facing the Earth’s environment.

In 1969, the entire country witnessed a huge oil spoil in Santa Barbara. That prompted politicians and more people to back what was initially considered to be a “hippie movement.” The junior senator for the state of Wisconsin at the time was Senator Gaylord Nelson. He took students who were protesting wars and, well, anything they didn’t agree with and put their energy towards educating themselves about the environment.

The national potential for the program was recognized and there were 85 events put on across the country. Nearly 20 million Americans banded together to protest against the effects of global warming and other environmental factors. In 1970, it brought together Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between. That’s something we hardly ever see anymore. While people from across the aisle aren’t banding together this Earth Day, there are still plenty of ways observing the holiday and what it teaches can benefit you in your everyday life.

Recycling and Thrifting

One of the ways being more conscious about my carbon footprint has benefited me financially is through recycling and thrifting. If something can be used again, I use it. Similarly, if I can get something secondhand and it works, I’ll take it. Here are some prime examples…

Jars at the grocery store can be easily recycled for different things around the house. Clean them out and use them to store small things like popcorn kernels, your own homemade tomato sauces, or seasonings. I have also reused old wine bottle to create bird feeders and terrariums instead of purchasing something expensive from the store. One of the big ones that has saved me quite a bit of money is cutting up old shirts to use as cleaning rags around the house.

That brings me to thrifting. You can decrease your impact on the environment by shopping secondhand or taking used items. Instead of these things going into a landfill, they are used for the entirety of the item’s life. I have thrifted most of my clothing for years. I’m doing the same with our daughter’s clothes. We have gotten bags and bags of clothing to last until she’s about 2 years old. Of course, we will have to purchase a few items, but not much. Once we are done using them, they’ll go to another family until they can’t be used anymore.

Obviously, these things have saved me some money over the years. When it comes to clothes for my little one, we’ve probably already saved hundreds by accepting hand-me-downs. Recycling items may not save me as much, but it greatly reduces how much I’m dumping out.

What about you? Do you try to recycle or thrift items? 

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Taking a Break is Necessary

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<p>The world has been a crazy place and, while not much changed about my day-to-day life, I'm feeling it! Over the past few weeks, I've felt myself getting more lethargic and apathetic about, well, just about everything. Plainly, I've been depressed. This can impact my career, my finances, and my health. For that reason, I'm taking a break this weekend from worrying about any of it.</p>::Pexels

The world has been a crazy place and, while not much changed about my day-to-day life, I’m feeling it! Over the past few weeks, I’ve felt myself getting more lethargic and apathetic about, well, just about everything. Plainly, I’ve been depressed. This can impact my career, my finances, and my health. For that reason, I’m taking a break this weekend from worrying about any of it.

Why You May Need a Break

There are plenty of reasons you may feel you need a break, whether it be from all of your responsibilities or just your debt freedom journey. First off, sometimes you just burn out. Life is busy and there are moments it seems to be going a million miles a minute. It is okay to take a breather.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed really easily, it is a sign of anxiety and, guess what? It is time to take a break. Even the thought of taking time off may be overwhelming to you, but that means you need it even more. Pay attention to how you are handling stress. It is important!

You may think about taking a break if you need to reassess your goals too. If your end-game has changed, take a minute to unplug, regroup, and reattack your goals with a new and improved attitude. It is amazing what a little break can do!

How I’m Taking a Break

I’m not taking any crazy amount of time off (three days), but I am getting away from the apartment and have plans to see some people very close to me. I will be away two days and home for one to recharge before returning to “regular life.”

This unplug includes unplugging from my responsibilities here at home, worrying about money, and fretting about anything in general. For three days, all I’ll be concerned about it what I want to do and eat.

Final Thoughts

Pay attention to your body and how you’re feeling mentally. If you feel like you need a break, take one. A break can include anything from a weekend away to a day off for yourself. Whatever your version of making time for yourself is, do it.

Taking a break does not make you lazy. It makes you self-aware. You are in tune with your own personal needs and, sometimes, that is more important than any financial goal!

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How Refinancing Impacts Your Debt-Free Goals

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<p>Mortgage rates are going down pretty steadily amidst the pandemic. Because of this, many people are looking into refinancing their home loans. Like any other loan you take out, refinancing will have an impact on your debt-free journey, and it can be a good or a bad thing.</p>::Pexels

Mortgage rates are going down pretty steadily amidst the pandemic. Because of this, many people are looking into refinancing their home loans. Like any other loan you take out, refinancing will have an impact on your debt-free journey, and it can be a good or a bad thing.

What Does Refinancing Mean?

To refinance something simply means to finance it again. This is done by starting a new loan, usually with a lower interest rate. Refinancing loans are typically for auto and mortgage loans, but it is possible to refinance any large loan you may have.

You may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, that sounds like a great idea, I could save so much money!” While it sounds really great, there are a few catches. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons and thoroughly research your current loan and refinance offers.

How it Can Impact Your Debt Freedom Journey

Refinancing can be both good and bad when it comes to your debt freedom journey. In some cases, refinancing one of your loans may make it easier to reach other financial goals. If that is true for you, then, by all means, refinance!

Additionally, refinancing can help lower your interest rate (sometimes significantly). If refinancing your loan will drive that rate down, great. It is not worth refinancing if the rate drops less than 1% or 2% below your current rate. Regardless, it is still a good idea to try and pay it off in the same amount of time or less. Remember, your long-term goal is still to be totally free of your debt.

When You Definitely Should Not Refinance

While your reasons for refinancing may totally make sense, it isn’t the best option for everyone (or even a good one). Absolutely do not refinance if any of the following is true.

  • You are only refinancing for a lower monthly payment.
  • If refinancing is a way of consolidating debt for you, don’t do it. This can be a huge financial mistake! It perpetuates how much you rely on debt for everyday living and can cost you in the long-run.
  • You are planning on selling the home (or car) soon. It doesn’t make sense to refinance.
  • If your credit is bad, don’t refinance. You won’t qualify for lower rates.
  • You are unable to pay the closing costs of the refinance (for homes). This is usually between 3% and 6% of the loan amount.
  • The loan terms make your loan payment time longer. For instance, if you have paid on your 30-year mortgage for 10 years it wouldn’t make sense to refinance for another 30 years. That only makes it so you’re paying longer.

When it boils down to it if you are interested in refinancing you need to be sure you are doing it at the right time for the right reasons. Do your research and be sure it is the best decision for your financial goals.

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Examining My Own Bad Money Habits

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<p>We don't have any huge debt freedom progress to share this month, and we probably won't make more than the minimum payments for a while due to COVID-related money struggles. However, all of this has forced us to take a look at some of our bad money habits. While we have made strides towards our goal of being debt-free, we are still doing a lot of things to set us back.</p>::Pexels

We don’t have any huge debt freedom progress to share this month, and we probably won’t make more than the minimum payments for a while due to COVID-related money struggles. However, all of this has forced us to take a look at some of our bad money habits. While we have made strides towards our goal of being debt-free, we are still doing a lot of things to set us back.

How to Audit Your Money Habits

Examining your finances, or performing a financial audit, is no fun task. Unfortunately, most things with money aren’t all that fun. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success and get on track to addressing your bad money habits.

  1. First, set a time to perform the financial audit and put it on the calendar. Pick out a day and time where you truly have no other obligations so you can place your entire focus on your finances.
  2. Be sure you are looking at all of your finances. An audit is not effective if you are only looking at bits and pieces.
  3. Identify your money habits and trends in your finances. Then decide what habits are holding you back from your financial goals.
  4. Reexamine your expenses and see if there are any things you can cut from your budget. You may find you are overspending on items and services you don’t even use anymore.
  5. Come up with a plan for improving your financial situation and cutting those bad habits.

Our Bad Habits

So, we did that and WOW. I thought we were basically financially responsible, but after taking a closer look at our finances there were a lot of things that surprised me.

For instance, we spend about $100 per week on groceries. That only includes the big weekly shopping trip though. After taking a closer look, we stop at the store multiple times throughout the week and may even eat out, pumping that number up closer to $200 a week. For two people, that is INSANE.

Amazon also gets way too much of our money. Not only are we paying them for multiple subscription services, but we also order just about every little thing we might need from there. Sometimes we are even buying stuff we don’t even need simply because we are on the site looking at other things (ugh).

What Next

Once we sat down and talked about these things, we were both stunned by the fact that we were actually spending that much without knowing it. We’ve decided to move forward with a bit more strict budget and much less Amazon (and food).

Our first step is going to be clipping any unnecessary or unused subscription services through Amazon. To fix our food issue, we are considering looking into some food subscription services to help encourage us to eat food from home rather than eating out.

These will be the next steps for our family, but deciding what bad money habits you want to ditch will likely look very different. Remember, at the end of the day, a financial audit is only part of managing your finances. You also need a budget and a clear financial plan in place to reach your goals.

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Should You Take a Loan From Family to Pay Off Debt?

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<p>Being in debt is exhausting. So, when an opportunity arises to knock out a big chunk of it (or even all of it), it is hard to turn it down. If a family member or friend offers you a loan to pay off, you should think twice though. Taking a loan from family can sometimes be more harmful than helpful, even if it makes you debt-free.</p>::Pexels

Being in debt is exhausting. So, when an opportunity arises to knock out a big chunk of it (or even all of it), it is hard to turn it down. If a family member or friend offers you a loan to pay off, you should think twice though. Taking a loan from family can sometimes be more harmful than helpful, even if it makes you debt-free.

Is it a Loan or a Gift?

First, before making the decision, determine if the money your family member is offering you is a loan or a gift. The best way to do this is simply asking, “do you expect this to be paid back” or “when do you need me to pay you back?”

How your family member responds to these questions can help you decipher if this is a gift or a loan. If it is a gift, by all means, take it and pay off your debt. Loans from family members, on the other hand, can add additional stress and, more often than not, leads to fighting.

Downfalls of Taking a Loan From Family

Before you take a loan from family, consider the following.

  • You aren’t learning anything. When it comes to the cycle of debt, you are not doing anything to improve your situation. Instead, you are borrowing even more money.
  • Finances can put a strain on any relationship. At the very least, borrowing money from someone is going to make things a little awkward, especially if you can’t pay it back. It is likely they will be examining every penny you spend before you do too.
  • What would happen if you couldn’t pay it back? Of course, you may start out with every intention of paying them back, but things can happen. The loss is much greater on an unpaid loan from a person than a financial institution.
  • There is a general lack of clarity with personal loans like these. You aren’t typically signing any paperwork and most family loans are agreed upon face-to-face in words. There is no way to track the agreement, increasing the risk of someone in the situation feeling wronged.
  • Tax issues may arise if it isn’t handled properly. Loans and gifts have different implications when it comes to taxes. Be sure that all parties involved are taking the steps for taking out a loan outlined by the IRS.

Potential Benefits

All of the above considered, taking a loan from family does have some perks. It is just determining whether or not these potential benefits outweigh the ways it could go wrong. That being said, you can benefit in a few ways if you’re willing to risk the downfalls.

  • You will save money on interest. Loans from family or friends don’t typically come with interest rates attached to them. In the long run, that will save you money.
  • Taking a loan from family can help you avoid predatory lenders. If you really need the money and are looking at high-interest loans anyway, taking the loan from family may be the better option.
  • There will likely be more flexibility in paying them back. Family and friends are more willing to work with you than banks will be. Just be sure you are honest and communicate with them.

Closing Thoughts

My one piece of advice for anyone considering this is to be sure you get everything down in writing. In the agreement include the following:

  • Parties of the loan
  • Amount borrowed
  • Interest rate (if applicable)
  • Repayment date
  • The monthly payment amount.

At the end of the day, I wouldn’t recommend taking a loan from friends or family. For me, I cherish those relationships in my life too much to add any financial stress to them. I can see the benefits of doing so though.

Readers, have you taken a loan from family before? Was it a good decision?

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Save Money Fast: 12 Ways Families Can Save Extra Money Each Year

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Save Money Fast: 12 Ways Families Can Save Extra Money Each Year

<p>Planning for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, or simply aiming for financial stability, finding ways to save extra cash can make a significant difference. We’ll explore 12 smart strategies that families can implement to boost their savings and achieve their financial goals. </p>:: Pexels

Planning for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, or simply aiming for financial stability, finding ways to save extra cash can make a significant difference. We’ll explore 12 smart strategies that families can implement to boost their savings and achieve their financial goals.

 

1. Make a Family Budget Together

 

<p>Saving money doesn’t just mean having more in your checking and savings accounts. It’s also an opportunity to teach your kids valuable personal finance lessons. Consider making budgeting a family affair. Gather everyone together every month or so, and discuss your expenses, income, and savings. Use this time to create a budget for family spending. Show your kids what’s in the family bank account and talk about upcoming expenses. You can also help your kids set personal budgets and savings goals. For instance, maybe one of your children wants to save up for the latest video game system or buy a birthday present for a friend. Teaching them how to budget and the value of frugality will instill positive lifelong money habits. </p>:: Pexels

Saving money doesn’t just mean having more in your checking and savings accounts. It’s also an opportunity to teach your kids valuable personal finance lessons. Consider making budgeting a family affair. Gather everyone together every month or so, and discuss your expenses, income, and savings. Use this time to create a budget for family spending. Show your kids what’s in the family bank account and talk about upcoming expenses. You can also help your kids set personal budgets and savings goals. For instance, maybe one of your children wants to save up for the latest video game system or buy a birthday present for a friend. Teaching them how to budget and the value of frugality will instill positive lifelong money habits.

 

2. Trim Your Family’s Grocery Bill

<p>The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between 9 and The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between $599 and $1,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between $687.40 and $1,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. ,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between 7.40 and The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between $599 and $1,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between $687.40 and $1,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. ,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. </p>::Pexels

 

The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between $599 and $1,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between $687.40 and $1,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. Here are some tips:

  • Meal Planning: Plan your meals in advance to avoid impulse purchases. Make a shopping list and stick to it.
  • Buy Generic Brands: Generic brands often cost less than name brands and can be just as good.
  • Use Coupons and Cashback Apps: Look for coupons and use cashback apps to save on groceries.
  • Shop Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of sales and discounts to stretch your grocery budget.
  • Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money over time.

 

3. Cut Cable and Opt for Streaming Services

 

<p>Cable TV subscriptions can be expensive. Consider cutting the cord and switching to streaming services. Many streaming platforms offer a wide range of shows, movies, and original content at a fraction of the cost of cable. Plus, you can choose the services that align with your family’s interests. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, explore your options and save money on entertainment </p>:: Pexels

Cable TV subscriptions can be expensive. Consider cutting the cord and switching to streaming services. Many streaming platforms offer a wide range of shows, movies, and original content at a fraction of the cost of cable. Plus, you can choose the services that align with your family’s interests. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, explore your options and save money on entertainment.

4. Reduce Energy Costs

<p>Lower your energy bills by adopting energy-efficient practices: Unplug Devices: Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to prevent “phantom” energy consumption. Use LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Programmable Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling. Seal Drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts. Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water saves energy and money. These small changes can make a big difference in your monthly utility bills. </p>:: Pexels

 

Lower your energy bills by adopting energy-efficient practices:

  • Unplug Devices: Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to prevent “phantom” energy consumption.
  • Use LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
  • Programmable Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling.
  • Seal Drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
  • Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water saves energy and money.

These small changes can make a big difference in your monthly utility bills.

 

 

5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

<p>Review your subscriptions regularly. Are there any you no longer use or need? Cancel those to free up extra cash. Whether it’s magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, or streaming services, eliminating unused subscriptions can save you money throughout the year. </p>:: Pexels

Review your subscriptions regularly. Are there any you no longer use or need? Cancel those to free up extra cash. Whether it’s magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, or streaming services, eliminating unused subscriptions can save you money throughout the year.

 

 

6. Shop Secondhand

<p>Consider buying secondhand items for clothing, furniture, and household goods. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces offer great deals on gently used items. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. </p>:: Pexels

 

Consider buying secondhand items for clothing, furniture, and household goods. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces offer great deals on gently used items. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

7. Automate Savings

 

<p>Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. Treating savings like a recurring bill ensures consistent contributions. Even small amounts add up over time, providing a financial safety net for your family. </p>:: Pexles

Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. Treating savings like a recurring bill ensures consistent contributions. Even small amounts add up over time, providing a financial safety net for your family.

 

8. Plan Staycations

<p>Instead of expensive vacations, plan staycations. Explore local attractions, parks, and museums. You’ll save on travel costs while still enjoying quality family time. Plus, you’ll discover hidden gems in your own backyard. </p>:: Pexels

 

Instead of expensive vacations, plan staycations. Explore local attractions, parks, and museums. You’ll save on travel costs while still enjoying quality family time. Plus, you’ll discover hidden gems in your own backyard.

 

9. Negotiate Bills and Expenses

<p>Don’t hesitate to negotiate bills and expenses. Call your service providers (such as cable, internet, or insurance companies) and ask if there are any discounts or promotions available. You might be surprised at how much you can save by simply asking. Additionally, review your insurance policies annually to ensure you’re getting the best rates and coverage. </p>:: Pexels

 

Don’t hesitate to negotiate bills and expenses. Call your service providers (such as cable, internet, or insurance companies) and ask if there are any discounts or promotions available. You might be surprised at how much you can save by simply asking. Additionally, review your insurance policies annually to ensure you’re getting the best rates and coverage.

 

10. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

<p>Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs whenever you make purchases. Whether it’s credit card rewards, cashback apps, or loyalty programs, these small incentives can add up over time. Just be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. </p>:: Pexels

 

 

Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs whenever you make purchases. Whether it’s credit card rewards, cashback apps, or loyalty programs, these small incentives can add up over time. Just be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

 

11. DIY Home Repairs and Maintenance

<p>Instead of hiring professionals for every home repair or maintenance task, consider doing some of the work yourself. Learn basic skills like fixing a leaky faucet, changing air filters, or painting a room. Not only will you save money on labor costs, but you’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment. </p>:: Pexels

 

Instead of hiring professionals for every home repair or maintenance task, consider doing some of the work yourself. Learn basic skills like fixing a leaky faucet, changing air filters, or painting a room. Not only will you save money on labor costs, but you’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment.

 

12. Shop Smart for Back-to-School Supplies

 

<p>Back-to-school shopping can be expensive. Look for sales, use coupons, and buy supplies in bulk. Consider purchasing quality items that will last longer, even if they have a slightly higher upfront cost. Also, involve your kids in the process and teach them about budgeting and making wise choices. </p>:: Pexels

Back-to-school shopping can be expensive. Look for sales, use coupons, and buy supplies in bulk. Consider purchasing quality items that will last longer, even if they have a slightly higher upfront cost. Also, involve your kids in the process and teach them about budgeting and making wise choices.

 

Final Thoughts

<p>By implementing these 12 smart strategies, your family can save extra money each year. Whether it’s budgeting together, trimming grocery bills, or automating savings, every effort counts. Remember, financial well-being is about consistent small steps that lead to significant results over time. Happy saving! </p>:: Pexels

By implementing these 12 smart strategies, your family can save extra money each year. Whether it’s budgeting together, trimming grocery bills, or automating savings, every effort counts. Remember, financial well-being is about consistent small steps that lead to significant results over time. Happy saving!

Our ‘Skinny’ Christmas

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<p>As the end of the year approaches, we are doing a bit of reflection where our finances are concerned. 2019 definitely threw us for a loop in many ways. We didn't get as much debt paid down as we'd like to because it seemed every time we turned our heads there was something else we needed to spend money on. All of this has led to us deciding we are going to have a "skinny" Christmas this year and focus on what's next for us.</p>::Pexels

As the end of the year approaches, we are doing a bit of reflection where our finances are concerned. 2019 definitely threw us for a loop in many ways. We didn’t get as much debt paid down as we’d like to because it seemed every time we turned our heads there was something else we needed to spend money on. All of this has led to us deciding we are going to have a “skinny” Christmas this year and focus on what’s next for us.

Our Christmas Plans

Initially, we’d planned on visiting our family for Christmas, as most people do. However, both of us were stressing about how exactly we were going to be able to afford to do that. A good rule of thumb is if you’re stressing financially about how to do anything that isn’t necessary, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

Not only that, but my husband has gotten a new job that starts two days before Christmas! This job should be a game-changer for us in 2020, but asking for time off immediately is never a good look. So, no trip home for Christmas made the most sense for us.

Instead, we will be staying home and I’ll be cooking a small meal for us here Christmas Day. We won’t be doing any large Christmas exchange and will be saving our money for new furniture (which we need terribly) and, of course, paying off more debt.

Looking Forward to a More Prosperous Year

We know two awesome things going into the new year that are helping us look forward to a more prosperous and more successful new year.

  1. My hubby has a new job that will have guaranteed pay. Having a guaranteed weekly minimum paycheck will definitely help us with our budget and plot our road to debt freedom!
  2. We’ve completed paying our security deposit so our rent is going down! This will save us about $200 per month.

Once he’s gotten his first couple paychecks and we have our emergency fund back in order, we will be paying things off as fast as we can. We have three accounts all under $500 right now, which will be paid off soon (how exciting is that?!). For now, we are waiting out the holiday, looking forward to a quiet Christmas at home, and plotting our amazing journey for the new year.

Readers, have you started thinking about what you’d like to accomplish with your finances in the next 12 months? Let me know about your goals in the comments below! 

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