Honestly, we all know that the number one reason to be diligent about toy safety is to protect the health of our little ones. However, playing it safe also can save you money. Why? Shoddy toys break easier and if there’s a recall that costs you time as well.  Badly made toys aren’t worth the same in terms of life expectancy and quality.
Most of all being safe can save you medical costs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that in 2007 there were a whopping 232,900 toy related injuries treated in the ER and 73% of those injuries …read more

I’m sure you’ve heard of the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Credit – it’s been one of the most buzz-worthy credits of recent years. As of September the tax had benefited more than 1.4 million taxpayers. However, the credit was all set to expire on November 30 which means if you hadn’t found your dream pad, too bad. Luckily due to the huge success of this credit new legislation, the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, was signed into law on November 6, 2009. The new law extends and even expands the first-time homebuyer credit.

The new law stipulates the following… …read more

I have been surfing the internet this weekend and “stumbling” some articles.  Here are some great ones that I’ve found.

Christmas will be here before we know it.  Rather than buying bows for packages, try this idea for making bows from magazine pages.  These bows save money, repurpose your magazines, and avoid more products being throw away.  I think I will have to try these this year.
Times are tough and many of us have had to tighten our budgets.  We all have a service to offer.   This information on how to barter online is helpful. 
Custom made aprons seem to be the …read more

This morning at 8:30 am my home phone rang.  My suspicions were true.  It was a telemarketer.  Until recently, my husband and I hadn’t had a landline in about four years.  With each call I wonder why I have a home phone, so today I’m exploring the pros and cons of having a landline.

1)  Landlines have 911 tracing to your home which provides extra protection and security.  This is a main reason why people with children have a landline.  Some cell phone provide tracking. 
2)  You can call your cell phone when you misplace it.  When I only had a cell …read more

Holiday tips are fairly common in the U.S. People tip their babysitter, doorman, the cleaning folks and more a little extra during the holidays or give gifts instead of tips. However, who you tip or gift and how much depends on the person and the service they provide.  For example, a favorite teacher may do a great job, but you’re not going to tip him. It’s more likely you’ll get him a little gift. On the other hand you’d love your cleaning person to keep on doing an amazing job, so yes tip more because while a teacher won’t expect …read more

Guest post by Lou Manfredini, of Ace Hardware.
Your home’s entry is the next thing people see after they walk up to your home. Think of it as curb appeal… but for the inside.

This is Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man,” and if you came to my house about six months ago you would have found a pile of shoes, which my four children seem to think belong right by the door. I found that having a place designated to store things gives you a better chance that they will actually get put away. If you have the space, place a …read more

During the holidays gifts to charity in others names is becoming more and more popular. It’s a nice gift too, especially if you pick something your friend or family member is passionate about. However, while there are indeed many good charities out there to donate too, there are also plenty you can trust OR charities who have to spend so much on administration or advertising, that their actual charity gets the short end of the stick.

To find a real honest to goodness charity and to find out how much money goes to the cause you can visit Charity Navigator.
Charity Navigator …read more

I know how much you all like freebies.  I haven’t written about freebies in a long time, so to make up for it here is a round-up of free stuff and giveaways!

Veterans and active duty can eat for free today at Applebee’s.  There are six great looking meals that you can choose from.
If you’re a big Martha Stewart fan or if you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want this free Martha Stewart Thanksgiving cookbook download.  Thanks Money Saving Mom!
Quality Health also has a free Thanksgiving recipes ebook.  The Freebie Blogger has more info about getting the ebook.
At Little Fun; Little Learning …read more

Karen wrote a post a little while ago, 10 Financial Signs He’s Cheating, and it was good, but the second I read it, I noticed that the list of ten behaviors could potentially point to another bad behavior, gambling. Gambling is a serious issue in the United States. The National Council on Problem Gambling notes that annually about 3 million adults can be considered pathological gamblers while another 2-3% of adults are problem gamblers.
Having been with a gambler in the past I can honestly say that it’s JUST like cheating, only your partner’s not dating another woman they’re dating the …read more

With the arrival of the fall and winter seasons comes the fact that we’ll be seeing more black clothing.  I enjoy my black pants and skirts.  They go with so many different sweaters and blouses.  The problem is keeping them at their best.  To save money on your clothing expenses, try these tips to keep your black clothing from fading.

Wear your black clothing more than once. If you’re wearing your black clothing to church or if you’re working in an office building, then you can probably get away with wearing them several times before laundering.  Sometimes I take a damp washcloth …read more