Happy November all. Now is the time most people really start to panic about the holiday budget – there’s meals, gifts, and plenty of extra events to figure in and it can be scary. Still, there are plenty of good deals to be had in November. Such as…

TOYS: Many of the mass market retailers put stuff on sale now, not in December as you might expect so that they can one, see how much interest there is in a specific popular toy, and two, clear the shelves for last minute holiday toy stocking.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Health insurance is usually hitting open …read more

Let the parties begin! With several holidays so close together, this is the time of year when folks begin planning their parties. Entertaining doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Here are some money saving tips to get you started.

1) Shop sales and use coupons. During this time of year, you might see holidays items on sale. If you see the cocktail weenies on sale buy 1 get 1 free, go ahead and purchase enough for your party rather than paying full price later. Of course, make sure they’ll still be in date.
2) Have a potluck or cook …read more

For the first time ever, I have three kids this Halloween.  If you’re like me, you don’t have $30-50 per kid to spend on a costume.  I’ve been searching around the internet and have found some do-it-yourself ideas.  Hopefully there will something that you like.

 
Black Knight Costume
Pocahontas
Parents has some cute costume ideas.  You probably have many of the items needed already at home.

Scuba Diver – uses 2 liter soda bottles, tubing, and goggles
Beauty Queen
Basketball Player
Artist
Mad Scientist
Rock Star
Magician
Doctor
Chef
Zoo Keeper
Construction Worker

Handmade Costumes – Most of these costume ideas are for smaller children.

Little Lamb – This one is my favorite. It’s so adorable!
Dalmation …read more

While I’m sure mentioning this topic is going to bring some eye rolls and heavy sighs, we can’t deny that Christmas will be here soon.  So rather than avoiding the issue, let’s take it on and discuss some ways to plan and stay out of debt.  As Dave Ramsey says, “Children do what feels good.  Adults make a plan and follow it.”  I propose that we make a plan to stay out of debt this Christmas.

1)  Audit your spending.  See if there is anything that you’re willing to cut out.  I’m thinking things like lunch out with coworkers, movie rentals, …read more

It’s getting seriously cold in Oregon – of course I’m a cold wimp, but still! If it’s getting cold where you are you may be frustrated with how expensive it gets in the winter to heat your home, but no worries you can cut costs.

Lowering your thermostat by just a couple of numbers can save you a lot. If it’s cold put a sweater on first then gauge how warm you actually need the thermostat set at. For each degree you turn the heat down, you could save 1% which sounds like nothing, until you turn it down 5 numbers …read more

October kicks off the major holiday season so saving money become super important. It’s much better to start of the holidays with cash to spare. Here are some good October deals…

Plants, trees, and gardening supplies continue to go down in price during October. People aren’t buying as many gardening items including plants, so nursery and home improvement stores sell this gear for less.
The last of those school supplies and calendars for the school year go on sale big time. Take a look at the clearance racks at any office store for amazing sales on this sort of gear.
Vacations usually go …read more

Earlier this week, I posted about some ways to cut out some of your Christmas expenses.  One of the ways listed was to cut down your Christmas gift list.  It’s simply not necessary to buy for every aunt, uncle, and cousin.  That’s not what Christmas is about anyway. 

Tiffany from Stuff Parents Need commented with a great question.
Do you have any tips for how to tactfully remove people from your list? We have a few aunts and uncles that I’d like to stop buying presents for, not because I don’t love them, but because I think us continuing to exchange presents is …read more

Christmas is only three months away.  You may be thinking, ‘Please don’t say it! Don’t bring up that topic. I’m not ready yet!’.  We can’t shoo away the fact that Christmas will be here before we know it, but we can prepare.  For many, money is tight this year and alternative plans need to be made.  Here are some ways to cut back on your spending this year.

1) If you have young children, consider purchasing used toys and clothes for them or having a toy and clothing swap with friends.  Young children don’t know if the item is new or …read more

Calendar season is coming up and most people end up giving in a buying their favorite calendars full of a year of cooking, architecture, cats, flowers, or so on. However, if you spend money each year on a calendar, you’re not only wasting money, but paper. Yeah, it’s not a ton of money, but if you consider that the typical calendar costs $20 than a ten year’s supply of calendars will run you about $200, and if you live to be only 60, a lifetime supply will end up costing you about $800+ that adds up. You could do a …read more

This fall Rite Aid is offering a new way to help customers save money with its fall Rake in the Savings program. From now through October 17, shoppers will receive free $5 to $20 gift certificates with purchases of $25 and more.

Program basics:
With the new Rite Aid’s Rake in the Savings program, customers can earn $5, $10 or $20 certificates based on total purchases from $25 to more than $100. Customers must pick up a brochure with a mail-in form at any Rite Aid store or head to the Rite Aid company website and submit your information from qualifying …read more