Musical rabbit helps kids learn to save money

I was just thinking about it and I really can't think of one class in all the years that I attended school where we were taught anything about saving money. Where was that rabbit when I was in university? I sure could have used his help!!

Sammy to the Rescue

How Much Can You Afford to Waste in 2009?

I'm asking this because I'm sure that there are people out there who can't come home from a mall without buying SOMETHING. My daughter is another story. She can window shop and not buy a thing... that is if she has to go to the mall at all, but not me.

I love to peruse the shops for hours, but I feel that I have wasted the day if I don't come home with something. So I came up with this trick. Lets say that I have decided that I could spend $5.00 a day on anything I wanted and that includes taxes on the items and not feel guilty. That would mean that by the end of the year, I would have spent $1820.00 for the fun of it. And seeing that I don't go shopping every single day, that five dollars could be rolled over to the following day and so on. If I only went shopping once a week, I could treat myself to $35.00 on whatever I wanted. It that still seems like a lot, plug in your own numbers. Keeping on budget frees up a lot more money that you might think.

Shopping can still be fun and there is no guilt attached. You simply have to come up with a number that you can live with and stick to it. You will be saving in the long run. Trust me, I know from experience.

**and here is a little side benefit that I didn't see coming. When you see your total climbing every single day... you don't want to touch it. I have been out twice this week and haven't spent a cent!!


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Thrift Means...

"Thrift means that you should always have the best you can possibly afford, when the thing has any reference to your physical and mental health, to your growth in efficiency and power.

Orison Swett Marden"

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Gardening, Coupons, Recycling and more

I was just reading through this article and I noticed a few things I agreed with... well most of it I agreed with, some just areas more than others. Kids & Money: A beacon of hope Dollars & Sense

Gardening: Spend time, save money My daughter has our tomato plants growing quite nicely in her room. And she doesn't bother with peat pots either. She fashions these little cups out of folded newspaper and plants her seeds. Just think about how many tomatoes you could get out of one packet of seeds.



Money Saving Mom: $3.50/1 Purina coupon If you have a pooch, you are going to like this!



Get Out of Debt with a Daily Saving Program: Simple Strategies for ... and one of the easiest is recycling. You will be amazed at how much you can change what you use around the house.



Coupons Are Hot. Clipping Is Not Did you know about this??





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Pocket Change, Coupons, Saving Money, Depression Cooking and More

Lions’ survival instinct reflected in new zeal to save money with ... it's all about pocket change and coupons. I have to admit, I'm not this good, but I just might try a little bit harder!!

PLanner Offers Five tips for saving money There might be five tips, but they have been broken down into lots of little tips. You are going to like this! Okay, maybe not, but you will save money if you follow the advice.

Depression Cooking Teaches You How to Cook Really Cheaply I certainly didn't grow up during this time, but I learned quite a lot. Clara is quite the character and the fact that both of my parents would have grown up during this time makes it even more interesting.

Northern Cheapskate: How I Live Without the Sunday Paper now this would be hard in our home as well. Must send this article to my husband and then he can talk to me over Sunday breakfast. And Susan does make some good points!

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6 Ways To Cut Corners :)

Dog Bed... and just in case you have been looking, this one is on sale! A dog doesn't come with it unfortunately!

Saving Money on Vehicle Auto Body Repair: just another way to save a bit and it makes sense.

Add these to your favorite tricks! They all add up! Eating out less and reducing those little extras, I'm going to have to work on. Five Ways to Downsize Your Lifestyle

Travel writers offer top 10 tips to save money traveling Now I like number 3!

Save Money on Dogs: How to Get More Bark for Your Buck ... yes, apparently you can do it!! Must show this to my husband lol... I didn't know that you could overvaccinate your dog??

People find new ways to cut costs, make lives richer I love the way readers chimed in with some of their own suggestions!

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Feeding 100 kids!

"AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Filling up your refrigerator is getting harder and harder these days. And, when you have to buy food for more than 100 kids, you have to find ways to save."

What I found even more interesting is the fact that they filled one cart with national brands and the other with store brands. It apparently makes quite a difference!

Saving at the grocery store / - Augusta, Georgia News, Weather, Sports, Consumer Advocacy and Community Events:

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Today's Secret

It's a simple one... today's secret to happiness lies not in buying more but in wanting less. Write this down on a sticky note and put it somewhere IN YOUR FACE! Today is day 5 of not spending a penny. My goal is to buy new furniture for the backyard. If I can keep this up, I just might pull it off!

How To Easily Live Within Your Budget

It's only too bad that it is SO EASY to live BEYOND your budget. I think that I could shop every single day and never get bored. Trust me, I can always find something to buy! I could also eat out every single day and never get bored with it. My husband says that even I would get bored, but he is just plain wrong! Hey, think about it for a minute. A chef is preparing your meal... your choice by the way, someone brings it to you, picks up the empty plates and clears the table for coffee and dessert. Now what is the down side to that?? I certainly can't think of a thing.

So, I have come up with some of the little tricks to prevent me from blowing our budget... it's not always fun, but it's effective. No I take that back. It's actually very satisfying to come home and not feel guilty about how much you frittered away on that particular day. One day might not be so bad, it's when you group together a lot of them that is the problem. So here goes...

1. Make a list of items that seem to call your name the minute you walk into the mall. For me, it's books. I have books that I haven't even read yet, but that never stops me from buying another. But knowing that books are or could be my downfall, I have it on "mental list" and never buy a book in a major bookstore unless it's on sale and I can actually benefit from owning it. No more frivolous book purchases...

2. Another one of my favorite tricks is to take one file card and write the month on the top and then put the card into your wallet. You will be writing down every credit card purchase you make for that month. It's going to scare you so beware!

3. Make a list of occasions that require gifts. If you can get out of it, try to do so. Now put a price limit on each gift and stick to it. Post it where you can see it on a daily basis. That will keep the thought in your head.

4. Now something that is fun... choose an item that is completely frivolous. You are going to start saving up for this item. Having something clearly in mind will help stop you from impulsive buying. You will be amazed what you will say no to when that new "SOMETHING" jumps into your mind.

5. After all of that work, you need a treat. Create a movie night or a games night that your family can look forward to. It all depends on the ages of your kids, but even our family with a grown daughter got hooked on Scrabble tournements this past Christmas. You might also want to check out your local library. Ours has zillions of movies that you can borrow. We pick a couple every Saturday, pop some popcorn, make some hot chocolate and we have a night of free entertainment... okay the popcorn wasn't free... but pretty darn close! And you don't need the pre-buttered kernals that come in a bag ready to pop into your microwave. Pick up a simple bag of kernals, pop them yourself and drizzle with margarine (which is healthier and cheaper than butter). Can you imagine how much it would cost to go OUT to the movies?? I shudder to think. If free is available... that's the route I will take. Besides, I can get up to go to the washroom and find my way back to my seat!


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Family of Four's Living on $1,500 for a YEAR

"Bourne and Heather Spooner's adventure officially started on January 1, but they've been working toward this since July 2008, when Heather says she started 'diligently using coupons,' to build up a stockpile of necessities (from non-perishable foodstuffs to toiletries). With one preschooler and one toddler in their house, they think they can make it through 2009 with just $1,500 spent on groceries, household times and even personal expenses like haircuts and their health insurance copays."

While the article clearly states, that this amount doesn't cover things like rent/mortgage and car use, it does show you where you might be able to cut back. I've been no where for two weeks, meaning I haven't spent a penny. Okay, it's been miserably cold and I had to work a trip in the periodontist for gum surgery. That pretty well turns you off doing anything other than staying put where it's warm. But, I think that I just might see how much I can reduce what I spend when I do go out... like today. I'm heading to the mall. Not sure that's a good idea, but I'm starting to go stir crazy!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Family of Four Living on $1,500 for a YEAR

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Physicians Formula Mineral Powder vs The Big Guys

I actually did a test one day with the expensive line (you know which one I'm talking about) and this little compact from Physicians Formula. Here's how it went down. One day I wore the expensive line and asked my 27 year old daughter what she thought. She said that it looked nice... not a big talker here. The next day I asked her what she thought of my makeup and she looked at me oddly. "I said it looked fine", she said.

**In a nutshell, she couldn't tell the difference. When I told her that it was the more inexpensive version, she was quite amazed. "Doesn't look any different to me. I say, stay with the cheaper brand. " So there you go! This compact I found online at Walgreens for $13.99 and it offers an SPF factor too!

**Remember... it pays to compare!

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Stocking Up on Summer Shoes

You can pay mega bucks or you can stop by PayLess Shoes and get something as cute as theis for $26.99!

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Can You Mix These Colors??

Mixing It Up - by Shirley500 on Polyvore.com

For a closer look at these items from both color families... click HERE

**Remember... to mix and match what you already have. Designer come up with new combinations all the time!

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Raising Sand - Robert Plant/Alison Krauss

I picked up this CD a few years ago for my husband and I'm sure that I paid about twice as much. So, lesson learned... it pays to shop around. At Amazon it's listed for $9.99. Haven't listened to it for a while... might as well get my money's worth!

**Don't Pay Full Price for Anything!


(Available at Amazon)

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5 Ways to be Frugal on Valentine's Day

Valentine Day rolls around and suddenly you are thinking... what on earth can I buy that special someone without blowing the budget for the month. Here's my 5 suggestions for today.

1. Set the table with candles... hopefully left over from Christmas. Yes, be sure to put RED CANDLES on your Christmas list so that you will have them for Valentine's Day. And did you know that if you warm them up and then roll them in glitter/snow, it will stick!

2. Have fun with dinner. My mom used to have this game where EVERYTHING served had to be the holiday's color. That means for Valentine's Day, the entire menu had to be white or red. Red mashed potatoes was really something for a kid lol... you could go with red wine.

3. Do something completely out of the ordinary. It might be a walk around the park or inviting friends for a Pot Luck dinner.

4. Suggest that everyone in the family makes their own Valentine's card instead of shelling out big bucks. The ones my husband has made from scratch are priceless and always my favorites.

5. And be sure to show off all the cards you have collected over the years. (Pack them up every year and put into your Valentine decorating box.) We display ours in a large basket on the coffee table in the family room. They add a touch of color and very easy on the budget.

6. Okay, I have one more. Wait until Valentine's Day is over to stock up on inexpensive decorating items for the following year. Store simply want to get rid of them, so take advantage. :)



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5 Cuts That Don't Hurt

Most people think that it's the big things that you have to go without to save money, but that's not always the case. And it's the big things that I don't want to give up anyway. I want a list of all the little ways that don't hurt so much. Here's what I have come up with.

1. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

2. At night instead of turning on a light to find the bathroom, use a flashlight. It won't wake you up either. Is there anything worse that having to get up in the middle of the night and then arriving back to bed WIDE AWAKE because the bathroom light was so bright??

3. Use the microwave as much as possible. We own a tea-kettle, but for a cup of tea, it makes more sense to just nuke the water. Same goes for hot chocolate.

4. When you cook, make enough for left-overs that can just be warmed up... in the microwave. Saves time and energy. Just don't serve the left-overs for a couple of days and then dress them up so no one guesses that they are having left-overs.

5. Keep the furnace set a little lower than you would probably like and dress in layers. While you might be turning your nose up at this one, just think of how you could use the money saved over a year to go on vacation to somewhere hot next winter. That's enough of an incentive for me.



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5 Tips On Using Coupons

Wow, do I have a lot to learn about using coupons and I thought that I was doing well, just clipping them out of the paper. Apparently, I'm going far enough... not even close. Here's 5 things you really need to know about couponing! Yeah, I just made up that word... I think.

1. Check for online coupons that offer free shipping. With the weather we have had lately, who wants to go out if they don't have too. And free shipping, I can handle.

2. Use an organizer to sort out your coupons. How often have you found one taking up space that expired over a year ago?

3. Don't buy on impulse just because you have a coupon. If you want to try a new product, check for the store offering the best price and then use the coupon.

4. Ignore rebates. I don't think that I ever received a rebate in the mail. So, I wasted a stamp too. Now if anyone has had any luck with rebates, leave a comment. I'm really curious is it's just my rebates that are being ignored or what??

5. Get into the habit of trading coupons that you don't use with friends for coupons that you do. We for example never use dryer sheets, but I know that the woman next door does... it takes two seconds to trade coupons.



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Saving Money at the Supermarket... Little Tricks

You can waste tons of money at the supermarket. Trust me, I've done it. But I have also learned a few tricks to save a bit each month. Here are my 5 top tricks that have come to my rescue on more than one occasion.

1. Know the best prices on the items you need. For example, I have a little book with the price of my favorite deodorant. I watch the papers every week and when it goes on sale, I pick up a few tubes. I just bought enough to last me the year while on vacation. If I hadn't known the price before hand, I would have missed the savings.

2. Just because an item says it's on sale, doesn't mean that it actually is. That's why you need your little book. And by using your little book, you start to remember those prices without even having to look them up. So, don't fall for the "It's On Sale" sticker.

3. Buying in Bulk. Sometimes it can save you money and sometimes it won't. You have to learn to read those little tickets that are posted beneath the item on the shelf. (My husband taught me that one!)

4. Items that are at eye level are quite often the more expensive. Get into the habit of looking at the lower shelves. That's where the bargains can be found.

5. Stay away from the potato chip aisle, unless it's a once a month treat or something like that. One walk down the aisle, with even the best of intentions, can cost you big time!

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$3000 Christian Louboutin Shopping Spree

Now this is one way to get your hands on a pair or heels by Christian Louboutin. I wonder just how far I could stretch that $3000?? All you have to do is enter! There is a form waiting to be filled out that should take you about three seconds. And it seems to be world wide!

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**Check Out Year of Style

Kellogg's™ Movie Lovers Collection Fox Titles

You eat cereal anyway right?? So, start saving those tokens. You are going to need 5 of them to be able to grab one of these movies. There's 24 of them to choose from. The problem is going to be in the choosing. It's either you or your kids. My advice... start eating more cereal so that you can choose more than one! ;)

Kellogg's™ Movie Lovers Collection Fox Titles

Ingrown Hair Home Remedies- Save Money with Easy Ingrown Hair Home Remedies and Treatment

And you thought that you had to resort to expensive methods to rid yourself of ingrown hairs. According to Naomi, that's not the case and the items she mentioned can be found right in your kitchen... well, most of them!

Ingrown Hair Home Remedies- Save Money with Easy Ingrown Hair Home Remedies and Treatment

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Coupon Master Saves $1,500 a Month - Alpha Consumer (usnews.com)

So here's today's question... do you cut coupons and how much have you saved so far this year? Have to admit, I have to get my skates on here. I've been on vacation since Christmas (thanks to my thrifty ways) and I haven't been doing a lot except lying around the pool and reading. Now I'm back to the cold north and there will be no more hot days for at least a while. Time to start checking the papers!!


Coupon Master Saves $1,500 a Month - Alpha Consumer (usnews.com)

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wildflowers::pretty: no shampoo?

She's going for six weeks without a shampoo and cost is only ONE of the reasons. Well worth a read. Who knows, it might make you rethink that every other day shampoo! She makes some good points!


wildflowers::pretty: no shampoo?

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Saving Money IN REAL LIFE: Put Holidays In Their Place

Kind of like having your cake and eating it too. Take a look!

Saving Money IN REAL LIFE: Put Holidays In Their Place

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Crystal Light Coupons

Just one more little way to save... Get your printer ready and take advantage! All of those pennies saved quickly add up!


Print Your Coupon

Nine Tips To Avoid Over Spending

Even if you think that you are good at... NOT OVERSPENDING, you might be surprised at what this article has to say. And surprise, surprise, I'm guilty of at least one of those tips. I like to linger and you aren't supposed to do that. Get what you want and get out! Hey, I like to shop making it even harder not to buy more than you intended.

Source

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Go and Make Your Own Pizza

1/3 pound ground beef
2 tbs sloppy joe mix
3/4 cup water
2 tbs tomato paste
Prebaked thin pizza crust
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Cook beef in a saucepan with water until brown. Pour off water and then stir in sloppy joe mix,(you might want to check for a recipe to make your own mix... it is out there I just can't remember where I saw it) Now add water and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, stir and cook about 2 more min. The mixture should be thick. Spread sloppy joe mixture onto pizza crust. (I make the dough in a bread maker and then top with cheese and bake in a 425 degree oven for 10 min. Serve immediately. Trust me, it won't last very long anyway!

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Valentine’s Day Fashion Update With the Budget in Mind

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and chances are that you would like to splurge on a new dress, but with the economy the way it is, we might need to re-think those ideas and look for new ways to fancy ourselves up! I'm particularly liking this idea. Update a little black dress with some red accessories. It doesn't have to be much, in fact just a touch of red might be all you need. And if you are anything like me, there could be something in your jewelry box that you bought eons ago and have forgotten about. That will make it almost seem like new. Just a few days ago I was going through my box of goodies and there was the cutest little sea horse pin that I had bought way back in the seventies. It's been sitting there for the past twenty years and suddenly I get to use it again. We really need to learn how to accessorize these days!

*So see what you have to work with and if you come up empty, indulge yourself in something small. You will feel so much better than blowing your budget on one piece. Trust me, I know. ;)

And something else I found along the same idea...

Chicago Style Examiner: Dress up for Valentine’s Day with your accessories

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How to Apply Lessons Learned from the Great Depression - wikiHow

How to Apply Lessons Learned from the Great Depression - wikiHow

Every little bit helps and guess what the first piece of advice is... quit using credit. It really can get you into trouble but I did read something a few years ago that made sense. It was to keep a file card in your wallet... updated every month. And on that card, you were to write down every single transaction that you made on a credit card. It is a really good way to see the amount climb as the month goes on.

Saving Money on Movies

Just makes sense. I can remember when a date often included movie AND dinner. Can't imagine how kids do it now. And for young families with kids... this idea makes perfect sense.

XChange - The NBR Blog

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Saving money on diapers « How Do You Do It?

Those days are long behind me, but I do remember how expensive they were even back in the 70s. Hate to think about how expensive they must be now. Take a look at this article. You just might learn how to save a few more pennies.

Saving money on diapers « How Do You Do It?