With me working part-time from home and having three little kids, my husband and I are looking for ways to save money on dates.  We need some time alone!

Here are few ways to save on babysitting.
1)  Go on a lunch date. This is our newest way to save.  Our three oldest children are in school and our youngest is in preschool part-time.  We finally have a consistent time that we can get out together.
2)  Trade babysitting with others.  If you know of other parents that have kids, offer to trade with them.  Everyone needs some time alone and they would …read more

Sometimes more than we’d care to, we have to tell our kids “no”.  They want a new dress, a new toy, to go out to eat, and to buy whatever they decide that can’t live without.  Raising kids can be very expensive and it’s important to realize that you can’t give in to their every request.  Not only will you put yourself into a financial mess, but you’ll also be depriving your child of important life lessons.
Telling our kids “no” is inevitable.  Here are some tips to make it a little easier.

1)  Use emphathetic and understanding statements. “I understand that …read more

Last year, after being totally frustrated over numerous fundraisers, I wrote a little rant with 10 reasons why I can’t stand school fundraisers.  I understand though that schools need to raise money for things that our kids can enjoy such as playgrounds, picnic tables, and media items.  After speaking with some parents and personally critiquing some fundraisers, I’ve come up with a list of parent-approved fundraisers.  I know that you won’t agree with every suggestion on the list, but hopefully you’ll find an idea that you like.

1)  Grocery store customer cards – Some stores, such as Food Lion have a program for …read more

I saw this story a few days ago and couldnt’ believe my eyes.  Now, I am all about good time management and multi tasking but I don’t think this mom was going about it in the right direction, no pun intended.
Genine Compton of Ohio was arrested at the beginning of the month for driving, breast feeding, and talking on the  phone.  Now, I am a proponent of all 3 but not at the same time.  There has to be another side of this story.  Anybody know it?  Because I am not getting it?!?!?!

So I can get an entire hour of work done with my kids if I give Turkey Butt the computer to play with and let Little Man watch the Wiggles. My BIL would croak!  Am I a bad parent or a smart parent getting things done?
Bad parenting or smart use of time?  Let us know what you think.

School has only been in session for a few weeks and my little kindergartener has already come home with TWO fundraisers!!! 
I’ll admit, one of the fundraisers was decent.  There were some things that I would not mind buying.   The other fundraiser was asking us to put the names and addresses of family and friends onto postcards so that they could ask for money for computers or something like that.  My little girl came home telling me that I needed to fill out her paperwork and send it back the next day so that she could get a t-shirt.  I thought it was a form to …read more

The following is a guest post. 
This summer we are avoiding day care costs while the kids are out of school by doing some co-op babysitting with a friend in the neighborhood. Between our three kids and their two it can be quite a zoo. Here are some tips for getting the most out of co-op babystting.
Be Flexible
Co-op babysitting is particularly difficult if the parents work part or full time. Work schedules will add to the amount of babysitting schedule changes. But even if neither parent works out of the house, doctor appointments, vacations and more are going to come up. Tell the …read more

Tracee over at blogfabulous is really frustrated with her 2 year old for taking her cellphone and putting it in water twice.  This is a great waste of money, I agree, Tracee.  Now you have to buy a new phone.  Kim Komando has great ideas for drying out your cell phone so that you don’t have to waste money with a new phone.  But remember that we are the adults and from personal experience, it is our responsibility to keep our things out of the reach of of our kids.  We keep chemicals away.  We should keep the expensive things …read more

I’m soooooooooo excited!  Cuddlebug is finally potty trained!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!!
He’s been peeing in the potty for quite a while and about a week ago, he finally figured out that it was ok to poo too.  Yay!  He’s only had about 3 accidents in a week’s time.  Not bad, I think.  We’re using our last package of diapers for night time, but he’s even staying dry at night!  Hooray!  Can you imagine all the money I’ll save by not buying diapers?
Top 10 Tips for Potty Training

Some of you may wonder how I learned to be so frugal.  To me, most of the tips that I write about seem like second nature or common sense. 
My knack for thriftiness was given to me by my mother.  We were not wealthy growing up and my mom did the best that she could to make her dollars stretch.  She would constantly scrutinize the cost of items.  I learned as I watched her read sales papers, clip coupons, check price per unit, scope out clearance sales, and go back to the customer service desk for a refund on overcharged items. 
There have been …read more