Dawn at Frugal for Life has some information about cutting down your energy consumption.  Emme has a goal to cut her energy consumption 90% below the average American.  (This goal is to bring it down 90% below the average American, not 90% below her total normal usage.)
Anyone is free to join in and try this.  You can view the rules, join a support group, and review FAQ.  For more information, go on over to Frugal for Life.

I received an email from Baby Center this week.  The email had a link for figuring how much it costs to raise a child.  According to their calculator, it will cost $440,986 to raise my 3 year old daughter and $475,150 to raise my 1 year old son.  This includes the cost of a state university. 
Kelly and I believe these projected amounts can be seriously reduced.  For instance, their calculator estimates that clothing will cost $1,129 per year.  I can assure there is no way that I spend nearly that much per year, not even on both of my kids …read more

It is late and I just realized it is Frugal Friday.  lol  It’s been a hectic week!  Good thing I just got some great deals at CVS that I can tell you about.  Here’s what I got for $8.02, including tax :
1 Aleve Liquid 20 ct (sale price $4.00)
1 CVS maxi-pads 24 ct (clearanced 40% off)
5 Softsoap Cashmere bodywash ($4.49 each)
1 CVS cotton balls ($1.49)
1 Real Simple magazine ($4.50)
2 Oral-B Pulsar Pro-Health toothbrushes (sale price $4.99 each)
1 TRESemme styling product (sale price $4.27)
1 Excedrin Back and Body 24 ct (sale price $3.00)
1 package Peeps (50% off)

So, I’m sure you’re wondering how I got …read more

1)  Check consignment stores or thrift stores for maternity clothes.  One day I saw a bunch of nice maternity clothes at Good Will.  Check your local store a few times as donations will come in regularly.  Also, see if you can borrow some from a friend.  You probably won’t wear them that long anyway.  Another place to look is ebay.
2)  Register for your shower.  People will be more likely to get you what you need.  Also, if you are registered at Target, they have a more flexible return policy.
3)  Nurse if you possibly can.  Formulas can cost a lot of …read more

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Here are some thrifty links for your viewing. 
13 Steps to Profitable Auctions from Get Rich Slowly
A Simple Way to Cut Your Monthly Expenses from Christian Business Daily
Shower Monitor Cuts Water Bills.  I wonder if they have these monitors in the United States.  Does anyone know?
The Do-It-Yourself Home Spa Party written by Shelly Ballestero, a licensed esthetician, make-up artist, beauty editor of Lifestyle Magazine, and author.

Some of you may remember my post about Financial Freedom.  My husband and I are taking a 13 week course at our church that is by Dave Ramsey.  We are learning tips on saving money, buying big bargains, ways to invest, and most importantly how to become debt free.
I was visiting Dave’s site last night because I wanted to give you some tools to use that are for public view.  Fortunately, Dave has graciously put a  lot of information on his site.
Here are the 6 steps:
1.  Save $1,000 to start an emergency fund
2.  Pay off all debt using debt snowball
3.  …read more

Doctor Wants to Help Patients Save Money – Sometimes doctors don’t know which prescriptions will be cheapest for you.  When you go to the doctor, take a list of prescriptions that your insurance covers.  See the article for other tips.
5 Do-It Yourself Home Repairs – The Charlotte Observer tells us how to fix some common household problems.  Some tips include how to relight a pilot light, how to install a toilet, and more.
Thanks to Simply Thrifty for the tips.

Saving money on your grocery bill is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut your monthly budget.  Finding a system that works for you is important.  Here are 50 tips and ways that you can save.

1)  Check the weekly sales flyer.  Usually the items on the front page is where you’ll save the most.  I mostly try to shop the sales and for a few things that I really need.  It seems when I shop this way, I don’t need as much stuff because I’ve stocked up when the items were on sale.
2)  Make a list. Include the sale items …read more

   
Five young and thrifty Vancouver women were chosen to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show for their money saving habits.
After seeing Oprah’s Debt Diet show, Katie Dunsworth decided it was time for her and her friends to stop spending, start saving, and get richer. The show motivated Katie and four of her friends to start a money group and get smart about their spending, saving and investing.
These four women call themselves the Smart Cookies.  They meet weekly to confess their debt, make plans to pay it off, and start investing.  Their group serves as a way for them to hold one another …read more

Have you ever been too lazy to look up a number?  Dialing 411 is quick and easy, but when you get the bill you might wish that you had opened a phone book.  Directory assistance calls from cell phones cost about $1.50.  Charges for calls from home can be higher. 
Instead of dialing 411, try dialing 800-FREE-411.  You’ll have to wait through a short ad, but at least it’s free.
Another alternative is to look the number up on the internet.  I’ve used this method many times.