Organizing Your Home for 2013

By this time of the year, you are probably just sick and tired of all the clutter, the junk, the too much of everything.  But next year will be different, you say.  Sure it will.....if you start right now.  No, it's not crazy talk. Just make the effort, start right now and by year's end, you'll be all set.

 Here's the quick and easy steps to get you going in the right direction.


Gather your supplies.  You're going to be tossing, sorting, keeping and organizing so you'll need a few things. Grab a trash bag and a few boxes.

Pick your starting point. Decide where you're going to begin and do not deviate. This is not the time to be wandering aimlessly from room to room.

First, we toss.  One of the biggest time wasters is to organize the things you intend to get rid of. Don't bother. Grab the trash bag and very quickly throw out everything you are absolutely certain you have no need for. Be honest with yourself. If, for example, you plan to donate some old cookbooks, no one is going to want them if they are stained and rippled from liquid spills. Toss them out. The same goes for those puzzles where two pieces are missing. Out they go.

Next, we sort. Set your boxes up according to what you intend to do with your items. My boxes are almost always Another Room, Donate, In the Attic, Yard Sale. So let's assume your sorting will be similar. Again, you're going to be moving quickly. Remember, we aren't wasting our precious time organizing unnecessary things so the next order of business is to remove any items that don't belong in that particular room. There's no need to dash around taking them to their rightful home; just toss them in the Another Room box.  Now that the room has been emptied of the worst offenders, you can breeze through the next step. As you are straightening up the area, you'll come across items and decide if you want them to stay in the room or go elsewhere. That's where the last three boxes (Donate, Attic and Yard Sale) come in. Place items in the appropriate boxes and you're almost all done.

Bye Bye!  Take the Donate Box you've filled and put in the trunk of your car right this minute. No waiting because the more you do that, the more inclined you are to start taking that junk right out of the box again. When you're out running errands, simply drop the box off to your favorite donation center of choice and don't forget to get a receipt. You'll be glad you did at tax time,  Put the Attic box away (which may not be the attic but the garage, just store it.)  All that's left is the Another Room box. Have family members help you put things back in there rightful place.

You're all done. You're almost done!

This step is pretty easy and it helps you avoid getting into this mess again. Whenever you are working on a project, try to handle things as they come along. It's ridiculously simple, but no one ever does it. Ever. As you're putting away out of season clothes, go ahead and toss the stained ones and put the ones you want to donate or give to Cousin Sally in the trunk of the car. If you're putting away your Christmas decorations feel free to toss out broken ornaments, light strings that won't work. I know you're busy but waiting until next year is only going to aggravate you in about 12 months. Do this one step as often as you can and for most projects it only takes a minute or two.

My resolution every New Years Day is to get organized and I bet yours is too. Here's one easy, peasy way to do it.

Improve Your Finances in 2013......Start Now

It's the end of the year and you are not even close to finishing your Christmas shopping. Just looking at your unfinished To Do list is making you cringe. How in the world are you supposed to even start thinking about next year's finances?  Geez, lady, are you crazy?

No, not crazy, but I'm hoping that with a little nudge, you'll be able to get a jump start on improving your finances in the new year. Here's a list of simple things to get you started now, so you will already be in the habit when Baby New Year arrives.


Flex Accounts: Make sure you have depleted your flex account before it's too late. Also reevaluate your information and increase/decrease your amounts as needed.

End of Year Medical Receipts: Gather all medical receipts for your accountant because you may qualify for a tax break. Ask the pharmacy and your physicians for a print out if locating your receipts becomes too difficult. Think: braces, medications, canes, medical equipment, etc.

Drop off Donations Now: If you're planning to get rid of old clothes, household items, toys or lawn equipment this is a great time to do it and, happily, you will be given a receipt for your taxes.

Start saving one type of money: Select one kind of money and vow to set it aside every time it crosses your path. Ones, fives, all change or just quarters, whatever you choose. Just make sure you get it out of your wallet and put it some place you won't be inclined to dip into. It's the most painless way you'll ever save and you can use it for debt repayment or perhaps for an irregular expense such as auto insurance. At my house, we have several of these in place. The Giving Jar and The Vacation Jar (which isn't intended to pay for the entire vacation but for and extra special outing or dinner while on vacation or possibly a fun day trip) are used by the whole family. We each have our own piggy banks/jelly jar and the individual gets to use those funds at their own discretion.

Bank the raise. Have your payroll department to deposit your raises into a separate savings account. You're already living without it and the money is available if you really, really neeed it.

Run your appliances wisely: This is another almost too easy kind of thing to do I tend to lower the thermostat considerably when the kids are at school and I can offset the temperature drop by strategically using my appliances. You would be surprised how much heat your dryer and oven generate. Let me be clear: I'm not sitting around waiting for subzero temps to dry a load of towels but  I'm mindful of keeping the indoor chores in line with the outdoor temps when I can and the savings have been very noticeable. Who knew making sugar cookies for Christmas would lower the power bill? Score!

Deposit reimbursements:  Many employers reimburse you for specific expenses such as mileage, meals, professional membership dues and bus passes. Consider adding these to your savings account if you don't need them in your checking account. I've got a friend who travelled for his job and was reimbursed for all the mileage he incurred. He used the reimbursements to make his car payments and used to joke it was the truck that ACME Electric paid for. He drove that truck until it literally fell off the wheels, so double score for him!

Use those Gift Cards wisely: Don't be disappointed your Christmas bounty included gift cards to big box stores. Find a website to swap them out or better yet, just go stock up on necessities. Everything may be so expensive nowadays, but you'll be surprised how much toilet paper you can get for that $100 gift card.

Improve your Lunches: Forget the puny brown paper bag and a piddly PB and J. And don't even think you're going to eat this way for five days a week. Go out and get yourself a nice lunch box (I like the kind that store in the freezer) and a simple thermos. Slice up last night's roast beef and put it on some nice rye or thick hoagie bread. Add your favorite spicy or flavored mustard and pickles. Throw in some leftover salad and add some Greek yogurt on the side. How about some leftover chili? Shredded cheese (the nice kind) and some croutons packaged on the side will make a great topping. You aren't trying to do this every day and you aren't buying tons of expensive  ingredients so by setting reasonable and tasty expectations you can save a great deal money. And time. Who wants to spend their lunch hour waiting in line for a greasy burger and cold, limp fries when you can have a great meal that is free!

Be smart and use your smart phone: Set your smart phone calendar to alert you 3-5 days before a bill is due. Late fees can run anywhere from $20-$100 (yes, you read that right and no, I'm not going to name names,) If you're going to pay out an extra $20 per month use it as an extra debt payment instead of a late fee.

Get a shredder: Financial security includes protecting what you have before some thug steals your identity. All you need is a shredder, cardboard box, one trash bag and very gross leftovers. Put your unneeded documents in a cardboard box. When it's full, sit down with a shredder (they're fairly inexpensive) and start shredding away while listening to some tunes or watching tv. Once that's done, fill the trash bag with your financial confetti and any gross trash you have: the cat's litterbox deposits and anything in the fridge ready to be tossed out works fine. Nobody, not even a thief, is going to want to try puzzle piecing your wet, stinky bank statements.

Look around you: You probably don't realize that some of your wealthy looking friends are just that --wealthy looking. They appear to be living the good life but are up to their eyeballs in debt. Now look around you again. You come in contact with a lot of people who look like they are living the good life even though they make exactly what you make. How is that possible? Because they are smart with their money and their purchases. Watch and learn. They're are tons of ways to get what you want without paying full price. I recently paid $25 for a $50 gift card at the laser tag center for my teenager by simply signing up at one of those local promotion websites. Ask around and pick some brains. Learn from those who are living the good life.

Do it the Old School Way:  Check out credit unions for Christmas Club accounts. See what stores have layaways (yes, they're back!). Turn in your cola cans at the recycling center for a few pennies. Get creative.

Do it the New Way: Look online to see where you can sell your old electronics or which stores will take your old cell phone as a trade in toward your new one. It may be a good idea to check out the online yard sales to see what's out there. You may find something you need or get an idea of what is the current hot seller.

Set reasonable goals: If the thought of obtaining debt freedom or having a year's emergency fund is so daunting you can't even get started, then reset your goals to something more reasonable. Perhaps having a goal of paying off that $150 credit card balance or puttting aside one weeks' income is more manageable. Once you achieve that, you're going to feel empowered and ready to climb a little higher up your financial ladder.

Money matters aren't easy. If they were, we'd all be sitting on a huge pile of savings with not a financial care in the world. Take very small steps, especially if you're afraid of failure or have the all or nothing frame of mind many of us do. With each step, you get a better understanding of what you are capable of and how far you've come.

A word of caution. Never try everything all at once. Pick a few things and master those skills one at a time before moving forward. This isn't a race. You are building a strong foundation for your financial future to rest on.

How to Organize and Save Money with Coupons the Normal Way

Let me give you a little background information: I save money using coupons. And not in a crazy way either.  I don't hoard toothpaste, it doesn't take me hours to shop, I don't steal coupons from recycling bins, I don't leave the shelves empty and, this is important, I never get $300 worth of stuff for thirteen cents. Ever.

But I do save money as in put in in the bank and leave it alone. I do have a nice supply of necessities on hand and I'm able to give plenty to the school food bank fundraiser. Here's my tips for organizing coupons and saving in a nice, normal way.

Keeping up with the Coupons.  In order for couponing to be effective and easy to maintain, you have to store them in a way that is easy for you to understand and in a way that makes you actually want to stick with it. Only you can determine what method works best for you. For me, it was this large, heavy duty file card box made from thick and translucent plastic. It worked like a charm for more than two decades (that's college, single life, married and two babies. Whew! I guess it had a long life!) When it finally died, I switched to an old fashioned, but small, photo album. Like my wonderful box, it's divided into categories that make sense to me: dairy, dinner, pets, baby, snacks, cleaner, medicine, you get the idea.

Be Reasonable.  Know your reasonable expectations of what you will use in a timely fashion and only keep those coupons. I have been known to go online and print coupons for products that don't get purchased frequently. I still don't know what possessed me to acquire seven coupons which expired in a month for bug bite ointment. I wasted time, newspapers, and  printer ink and paper for coupons I couldn't possibly use for a product I probably wouldn't need that much of.I don't need a year's supply of mustard so I don't need to scrounge up ten extra sets of coupons. Maybe one or three will do just fine. The more you overdue it, the less likely you can maintain it.

Maintenance Schedule.  Just because coupon clipping and organizing is an ongoing thing doesn't mean it's painful or time consuming. Get into a rhythm of setting aside a few minutes to remove expired coupons and clipping/filing new ones. I tend to sort/toss mine while we're sitting at the kitchen table doing homework: I'm doing what I need but it isn't difficult, so I can easily put it down and help someone conjugate a verb.  I sometimes do the clipping when I'm catching up on the weather report. If it's taking too long, you need to simplify your plan. You literally only need a few minutes.

Get your Game(plan) On.   Look at the list of things you need to shop for and compare it to your store's circular. Next, match up your coupons. There's no need for trickery or trying to double stack your coupons. Simply buy what you have to, using sales and coupons to lower the price. If your coupon container is small, go ahead and take it to the store with you. Maybe you'll find a great bargain. Just be courteous of the shoppers around you and don't block the aisle looking for an obsure cream of tartar coupon.

Put that Back!  If you love So Yummy! Haggus Soup then, by all means, buy some. But if not, don't waste money getting a cart full. If you won't eat it, you haven't saved money. The only exception is if you want to try something and the coupon makes the product ridiculously cheap. I do that all the time for new products when the coupon and introductory price make something financially attractive. But a whole cart full? I guarantee this will be the one time you hate it and then you're stuck.

 People turn against coupons because they see the near-psychotic appearance/attitude of the coupon hoarders. It doen't have to be like that. A little goes a long way. Slow and steady savings is the way to achieve coupon success.

Happy Clipping!

Stretching Your Grocey Budget With Multipurpose Food

When was the last time you left the grocery store and said to yourself, 'Wow! I purchased everything I needed and  had tons of money left over?' I'm guessing never.  At least not in this decade.

 Admit it. Grocery shopping is painful for most of us. I go shopping armed with a plan, a budget, my list and some coupons. My intentions are good and I'll even go so far to say I do a pretty darn good job of feeding my bottomless pits known as children. However, there's always that painful sting I feel at the cash register when I see the total.

The best defense at preventing sticker shock is to purchase as many multipurpose foods as you can. I began doing that in college and have relied on it ever since. These are foods that can be used in a variety of ways without getting boring and are mainly on the healthy side.  Combined with sales and coupons, you will stretch your budget into infinity even further.

Apples: Raw, chopped in salads and yogurt, sliced with melted cheese on top, dipped in peanut butter or other spreads, thinly sliced on pb &j's or bagels, baked, applesauce.

Roast beef: Main meal, roast beef au jus sandwiches (Meat, cheese, sub sandwich bread, gravy for dipping), thinly sliced in tacos, fajitas and omelets, homemade soups and stews, with rice and spices in lettuce cups/wraps.

Rice: Fried rice, chicken and rice soup, rice pudding, mix with warm milk and add honey/maple syrup, etc. for a nutritious breakfast.

Potatoes: Mashed, baked, oven fried, potato pancakes (add onion, egg, salt and pepper), can use as a thickener in soups and stews (mashed) for added nutrients, baked ones can be sliced and pan fried.

Tortillas: Soft tacos, burritos, baked chips (savory or sweet), shaped and baked to make salad and chili bowls.

Lettuce: Salads, sandwich fillers, lettuce cups and wraps.

Canned chicken: salads, homemade chicken noodle soup, omelets, tacos, burritos.

Eggs: Basic breaksfast dishes, deviled, sandwiches, salads, hard boiled and chopped in Asian noodles or broth bases soups, protein snack before work outs.

The options are endless. Your job is to find basic and simple foods with three or four (or more!) uses. Leftovers are always appreciated in a frugal kitchen but it's also a good idea to ask yourself  how much variety you can get from some of the ingredients you already have on hand. Cultivate that list and you won't go hungry.

How to Effectively Shop Second Hand

Thrift and consignment stores as well as yard sales offer buyers a great opportunity to get amazing deals. Whether you are trying to reduce your spending budget or looking for things to resale, here is your chance to find fantastic items without watching your wallet cry in agony.

Have a goal.  It's perfectly okay to make a spontaneous purchase every now and again. That's how I ended up with a brand new ellipitical machine and a great art print for my reading corner. I certainly would have missed those opportunities. However, let that be your exception, not the norm. Random and spontaneous shopping can lead to a houseful of junk you're never going to use. Always have an idea in mind. A dear friend  always shops for furniture with great bones and lots of potential that she can upcycle and sell for a profit. Her shopping list is specific which helps her reach her shopping goals quicker.

Know your product. You don't have to be an expert but you definitely have to possess a fair working knowledge of what you're wanting to buy.  That piece of mercury glass probably isn't the rare one you want if it says 'Made in Wherever" on the bottom with smudged ink. A little working knowledge will save you money in the long run.

Carefully inspect the item.  You should not assume that everything you see is showroom quality. Bear in mind you are shopping at a second hand establishment and you're going to have to scrutinize everything. Look for stains, uneven seams, faux leather and damage that cannot be repaired. I promise you the little horse logo isn't supposed to have three ears. Make sure electronics work or the expense of repair still makes the item worth buying. Before purchasing my ellipitical machine, hubby and I scrutinized every nook and cranny. The missing manual wasn't an issue because we can just Google that information and the only repairs needed were the tightening of all the screws. Nobody wanted to be bothered with it so we purchased it for pennies on the dollar.

Watch your budget.  Just because it's a great price doesn't mean you need to buy it. Never, ever forget that. Buying a $250 print for $10 isn't a great deal if you don't have the wall space for it. You could have used that money for something else of even better value. Don't buy for the sake of buying.

Make sure you know where you're going to put this stuff.  Alrighty then, you've bought the best gun cabinet ever. You've carted it home only to discover this behemoth fits nowhere in your house. Okay well maybe it fits in the baby's room but that is both dangerous and weird. Now what do you do? Resell it for a loss? Give it away for an even bigger loss? Leave it outside in the rain? Keep some basic measurements with you when you're shopping. I currently need a new (or new to me) entertainment stand and I'm armed with the dimensions I need to get the best item possible.

Understand the pricing and merchandising schedules. Most second hand stores and consignment venues put out more merchandise on specific days. Price reductions work in the same manner. Get to know some employees and you may be able to reduce the impact on your budget. For yard sales the rule of thumb is simple: the earlier you go, the better the selection. The later you go, the better your chances of haggling the price.


Today's economic climate means more people are both buying and selling second hand.  Arm yourself with some knowledge and you will find success at every turn!

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Once school begins, it's only a matter of time before somebody gets sick and brings home a germ or three billion. Now, add to that the fact that cold and flu season is right around the corner and it's better to be prepared than not.  Start now and by the time the sniffles hit, you will be well prepared.


Shop Wisely.  You don't need to go out and purchase everything today. Look in your medicine cabinet and assess what you already have. Look through your coupons and match them up to sales. Also look for gifts with purchases (free sample of vapor cream with purchase of tissues), buy one, get one free specials and back to school sales (great for sanitizer and tissues.)

Stock Up.  I guarantee you will need more than one box of tissues. Give your best estimate as to what you'll use and stock up. There's no need to overdo it, but the goal is to be well prepared.

 Here's a basic run down of what will work for most people.

Basic Medicines:  Ibuprofin, acetamenophin, aspirin, cold remedies, medications for stomach ailments, vapor creams, vapor tablets for the shower, cough medicine, saline spray, eye drops, hard candy/cough drops.

Allergy medication: Some allergies symptoms present themselves as cold symptoms. Keep these medications available also.

Paper goods.  Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning wipes (especially if you have kids or are prone to vomiting.)

Cleaning supplies. If you or a loved one is very sick, you may experience a variety of 'accidents.' Be sure to always have available disinfectant, cleaning wipes, carpet cleaner, laundry detergent, bleach, etc. If you prefer natural cleaners keep items such as baking soda, vinegar and club soda on hand.

Simple foods. Juice or juice concentrate, low sodium soups, crackers, ginger ale, tea, lemon, honey, rice, plain pasta, applesauce. Remember everything tastes awful when you're sick, so stick with simple things that will 'stay down' and nourish you.

I always dread cold and flu season because if one of my darling kids gets sick, then at least two more of the household gets sick with them. If we're all laid up in bed together, it really helps to have the basics covered. That way you can just sit back and sleep, sneeze and sip your way to a speedy recovery.

How to Prevent Simple Financial Mistakes

No matter how savvy we get, there are those days when we if it isn't one mistake or headache, it's another. The financial ones really bother me the most because I'd rather keep the money in my pocket than give it away due to to my stupidity lack of financial accumen.

Here are a list of some very common mistakes we've all made (or are about to make) and how to prevent them.

Ignoring Time Limits on Introductory Offers.  It appears your new cable/satellite provider was very generous and offered you a free sports channel for six months. How thoughtful of them. Flash forward about seven months and you get an overdraft notice from your bank. Impossible, you think. You've been very good about watching those balances. How did that happen? Somehow you translated six months to mean forever and not only did you get hit with a $49.99 increase in your bill, you also got hit with a $30 overdraft fee, too. Oh, the pain. If you leave it alone, your soccer habit is going to cost you $599.98 your budget isn't prepared for, not including all the overdraft fees and hiccups that will cost you.

The fix: Make a notation on your calendar/ budget app for the fifth month. That will give you a little buffer for anything unexpected. Choose to add it to your budget or to cancel the Soccer Channel. Either way, you've given yourself time to figure out your next move and prevent any injury to your wallet.

Ignoring Your Natural Financial Instincts.  My good friend Hammond is very careful with  his money. He can tell you to the penny what's in the bank. Back in the day, checkbooks were balanced and statements were reconciled. Eventually, it all went awry and Hammond had a few overdrafts as well as one or twelve late notices from his credit card issuer. The reason? He hates (as in H.A.T.E.S.) online banking. Paying with a debit card and then checking the balance later didn't come naturally to him. He isn't the kind of person who scans over emails looking for bills to pay. It would take him a week or longer to round up all the stray receipts and compare it to his online balance. 'I feel like a dinosaur,' he complained, 'but I still use a checkbook register to record everything.'  Once he started using the tools he felt comfortable with, things improved. Hey, I'm not knocking it because  he hasn't caused an overdraft since President Clinton was in office.

The fix: Figure out what works for you and stick with it.   This step often takes a little thought to figure out what is most comfortable for you. Mobile alerts, spreadsheets, old timey bank ledgers, online services, etc. Stop using methods that rub your financial fur the wrong way.

Taking too Long to Pay off Balances.  Those 0 % offers are pretty tempting until the time runs out and you're hit with interest fees that back date to the original purchase. For the uninformed, seeing all that interest just suddenly appear on your statement can make you feel positively ill. It's incredibly painful to your wallet and you end up feeling like an idiot for falling for the oldest credit card trick in the book.

The fix:  This one takes a little bit of focus and a few minutes. Whether you've charged a new purchase or taking advantage of a balance transfer option, take that amount and divide it by the number of months until the interest kicks in. Don't forget to include some kind of time buffer to account for due dates not coinciding with pay dates.

Not Making Those Returns/Exchanges.  I committed this crime just a few days ago. I made a purchase and discovered the item didn't suit my purpose. Did I mention the part where it was a cash transaction and I've thrown the receipt away? Can you say 'you ought to know better?' Sometimes it's just a matter of scheduling. Maybe you're too busy to drop off that return to the post office. And who has time to go back to the store for the refund, anyway? You are now the proud owner of useless stuff and as a reward your bank account is much smaller.

The fix.  You are going to just have to bite the bullet and make yourself more accountable. But have no fear, it's not hard. Keep your receipts in a single location until you know you'll be keeping the item. Bundle your errands so make sure the post office trip isn't out of your way. Put the package in your trunk the night if your prone to forgetfulness.

For me the most irritating financial hiccups are the unnecessary ones that I've created all by myself. With a little forethought and a small amount of time management, many of our financial headaches can be completely alleviated.

Protect Your Budget in a Tough Economy

Did you notice anything the last time you went to the grocery store? Could you feel that stinging sensation as you handed over your debit card or feel that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realized you were just a little more broke than before you went shopping?

We can blame the  dry weather, the economy, whatever for the increase in prices but no matter what's the cause, the fact remains that meeting our needs is getting more expensive. And painful. We all have our little tricks and hacks that help us stretch our dollars. We eat out less, we only buy on sale (with a coupon) and even the Java Hut is getting less of our money. Been there and still doing that. I happen to have one more little trick up my sleeve that helps out on so many levels that I don't think I could manage without it.

I stockpile.

No, not the weird kind where I keep 200 bottles of syrup in the bathtub. That's just strange. I'm talking about the kind of stockpiling that helps when you're too sick to go to the store or during inclement weather. I'm talking about the kind of stockpiling that gets you from one paycheck to the next or helps you out until you find another job. I'm talking about stockpiling  just in case.

I'm not prone to excessive shopping but I do have a few guidelines that help me make stockpiling successful and easy. Here are my rules:

I set limits to what I stockpile. There's no need to hoard peanut butter as if they've quit making it. My oldest loves the stuff, so I'll keep about 5 jars or so, not 50. Never 50.

I use my available space wisely.  I preferred to rework my cabinets and closets rather than store food under a bed. It's also wise to store things as closely to where you may need it: Toiletries near the bathrooms, food near the kitchen, you get the idea. Sometimes it isn't possible, but from a time standpoint, it keeps you from wasting minutes trying to run down the location of something. And never store chemicals with food. Drain cleaner does not belong near the pasta.

I never buy everything all at once.  It's true I've got five jars of peanut butter, but I didn't buy it all at once. Let's say my budget is $100. I tend to keep a running total of what I'm spending on the same envelope that has my list written on it and coupons stashed inside. Now suppose I've spent $95. I'll try to find $5 worth of something to stockpile. No, it isn't a lot of money but at this point anything I buy is going to be extra so even the small dollar amounts will make a big difference.

I won't stockpile unfamiliar items or too many kids' favorites. Both of these are just common sense ideas. If I don't know if I like it, there's no point in buying a dozen and with kids, well, they just tend to change their minds a lot. That's why six cans of pineapple makes more sense than six cases.

I stockpile what will make my life easier. Here's my basic stockpile list and I try to aim for several month's worth, accumulated over time. Your list will probably look different depending on your wants and needs.

Household items: paper goods of all kinds, vinegar, bars of soap, batteries, furniture cleaner, baking soda, laundry supplies, dish detergent air freshener, tub cleaner, air filters, tape of all kinds.

Kitchen: soy sauce, pasta, rice, oatmeal, peanut butter crackers, canned goods, peanut butter, coffee, juice pouches, spaghetti sauce, cereal, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils (hey, some days they just work best), zip bags, aluminum foil, certain meat, condiments, honey, baking goods.

Personal: deodorant, shampoo, swabs, cotton balls, dental care items, lotions, wet wipes (not just for babies, works on a ton of surfaces), razors, soaps, lotions.

Medical: Basic over the counter medications including ibuprofen, expectorants, saline solution, cough drops, vapor ointments, bandages, and a variety of medicines to cover stomach ailments, heartburn, etc.

It's an incomplete list, but you get the idea.

Having extras on hand is easy to do and very affordable. It protects your budget during economic distress. Just ask yourself 'What things would I need if I couldn't get to the store for a while?' Whether you're snowed in, not feeling well or laid off, anything that would help you make some meals, get you through some sick days or until the next paycheck will be beneficial.

How to Help Others During a Tough Economy

You took a look at your last paycheck and your heart sank. It is a cruel world out there and the forces of nature are against you. You've got the ever shrinking check being mauled by the brutal increases in prices on everything and, yet, you want to do the right thing and help others. Here are a few simple ways to help others using a limited budget.

Of course, well known charities would appreciate your donation of time or money, but let's think on a smaller scale that can still make a big impact.

Schools  If you have school aged children, consider donating simple items to the school. Supplies for the Art Department are welcome. During the Book Fair, purchase a few books for the library or your teacher's classroom. Some schools have herb gardens, food drives, weekend backpack programs (filled with nonperishables for underprivileged students) and the donations are very cheap to purchase. I've often donated extras from my own school supply stash and it is always appreciated.

Daycares  Your child's daycare might be able to use diapers or wipes your wee one has outgrown. Is there a coupon box in the lobby? Send some outfits your child has outgrown to other classrooms to be used for kids who have had accidents. Donate adult button-up shirts to be used as art smocks.

Animal Shelters Old bath and beach towels are welcome items at pet shelters.  When we adopted our darling puppy, we received a coupon for a free bag of dog food. It wasn't a brand we intended to use, so we took the bag and donated it back to the shelter. Many shelters operate on donations only. Consider giving them any food your pet doesn't like. Thanks to my aunt's picky feline, who changed its mind about the menu monthly, her local shelter had a healthy supply of a multitude of feline flavors.

Nursing Homes and Medical Facilities  After my mother and aunt passed away, I was left with enough brand new craft supplies to open a small store. The nursing home and a group home for mentally challenged patients received the bulk of the supplies and it was heartwarming to know it was all put to use by people who would truly appreciate it. My aunt was in a nursing home for a while before passing away. We had made every effort to make her room cozy and comfortable. After she passed away, we donated her clothes, room decorations, phone, wall clock, art work and other items to the facility. The local War Veteran's Home is a good option, too.

The Giving Jar In the kitchen, we have a huge glass jar labeled 'The Giving Jar.' Spare change that doesn't make it to the Vacation Jar ends up here. It's also a great visual for kids, too. We've used the money to buy a meal for neighbors who've had loved ones pass away. We've also used the funds to buy a gift card to a local restaurant. We put it with a take out menu and gave it to the new parents down the street. If no big events come up, we take the jar and put the proceeds in a Christmas bell ringer's bucket. Donating to our puppy's animal shelter is probably going to be this year's donation site.

You don't have to be rich to share. You just have to have a big heart and a little creativity.

How to Afford Great Home Furishings

Has this happened to you? While visiting someone, you take a glance around and realize their home looks great. Really great. The furniture is chic, the artwork is ever so perfect and everything just feels like style, class and money. And then you think to yourself, "Geez, I wish my home looked like that."

Guess what? It can. Here's how you can get the gorgeous look you want for very little money.

Keep in mind that just because something may be  used it will be new to you. I've said before I used to have an aversion to cast-offs, yard sales and second hand stores. It took a very patient husband who showed me through his own purchases what I was missing out on. Now that I've expanded my comfort zone, I have also expanded my opportunities to find great pieces for my home.  A great example of this is our recent living room furniture acquisiton. Family members purchased new items and offered their old furniture to us. I'll admit that it really wasn't my style. It was great furniture, mind you, it was just that I didn't love the style. But it was very doable so my husband and I compromised: he got the furniture he really wanted and I got to do what I wanted with it. Once I got the placement right, I removed a ton of the loose pillows, rearranged the rest and added a soft throw (in an unexpected color to pull out the more subtle shades of the design). 

A great way to redecorate is to repurpose items. How about a quilt for a tablecloth?  An old silver loving cup to hold your kitchen spoons? Awesome!  Go ahead and purchase that tacky painting with the fabulous frame.  Replace the print of Ichabod Crane with a mirror and now you've got a great statement piece that's so much better than the builder's grade guest bath mirror you already have.

When you're looking for home furnishings, try seeing things through new eyes. Let's say you see an outdated brass chandelier at a yard sale. Eww, I don't want that old thing in my house. But, I could see it repainted in brushed silver or oiled bronze with little shade covers. Or maybe it would look fabulous painted in some funky, trendy colors for a teenager's room.  I could purchase the fixture and everything needed for the upgrade for merely a fraction of the price of a new one.  It's so easy to give a new life to something old when you repurpose it. Open your eyes and see things with a new vision. You will save big bucks that way.

As you decorating your home, don't forget to embrace some of the things you may have inherited along the way. I found myself in the position of having my grandmother's hand carved jewelry chest. It isn't my taste. It's just a carved box with a wopsided lid---and I couldn't part with it. I struggled with what to do with it and after looking around I realized I had a few other boxes, some decorative and others more utilitarian. There you go! I've got a shelf with a box collection. Yes it sounds weird but it isn't and I get compliments on it all the time.

So here's a what my living room holds: Furniture from family members, an inherited chest repurposed into a coffee table, an inherited floor lamp and a yard sale print. I've also got a sculpture my husband made in college sitting next to a faded old Coca Cola crate with bottles. There's a simple wall shelf that was a birthday gift as well as an inherited milk glass loving cup.  The only things purchased new were the audio/video equipment, a lamp, an entertainment center and the dog bed. There's a few other new purchases but I don't think candles and coasters count.

You're getting the idea. It only takes a little imagination, a little money and some gracious 'thank yous' when you accept second hand things from friends and loved ones.

I promise the next time you visit your friend with the great living room, you'll be telling yourself. "My home looks as good as there's...only better."

How to Save Fifty Dollars

In a previous post, we covered some ways to spend an extra fifty dollars that might just happen to fall in your lap. Now, let's look at ways of saving the same amount.

**1** Buy the latte, skip the muffin.

**2** Save all one dollar bills. Or fives.

**3**  Do your children need unlimited texting and data plans during the summer? Ask your service provider to downgrade their plans for those few months.

**4** Skip the magazine rack and get a subscription or, better yet, read them at your local library. The library is also a great choice for checking out movies.

**5** Revisit your employer's benefit plan. Take advantage of parking passes, free tickets to local events, discounts at the gym, free evaluations with dieticians, etc.

**6** Ask local businesses if there are military, educators and organization/club discounts.

**7** Take gently used items to high-end consignment shops. You can usually opt for a cash option which will net you for a little less than if you consign the items for sale.

**8** Go an extra two weeks between salon visits.

**9** If you have books in good condition you're willing to part with, try selling them at websites such as cash4books.net. Sites will require the ISBN number that is found on the copyright page or the back of the book.  You can also take paperbacks to the second-hand bookstore.

**10** Lower your grocery budget by ten percent and deposit that amount into your savings. You will eat very well with the remaining 90 percent and hardly notice the difference.

**11** Eliminate premium channels from your cable plan. Rent an entire season of your favorite program and enjoy.

**12** Borrow instead of purchasing. Use your neighbor's pressure washer instead of paying an expensive professional. As a way to say thank you, consider offering to pressure wash his home as well.

**13** Verify all debit and credit charges. Mistakes can happen so try catching them quickly.

**14** Split fees with a friend or neighbor. If your yard is tiny, share the cost of fertilizer or a flat of young plants.

**15** Compare your auto insurance rates. Make sure you're getting the most affordable plan for your needs.

Just a few simple and painless changes can put an extra $50 in your hand.  Financial adjustments don't always have to be huge. Often, the smaller steps are more manageable and that makes us more inclined to make the attempt.

Clutter Into Cash: Easy Yard Sale Part Two

In this series, we are taking a look at how to have a great yard sale. Items have cleaned, priced and stored. You have also made sure to advertise as much as possible. Now it is time for the next step.

The day before the sale, make sure you have enough change. For my own sales, I keep about 25 -$1 dollar bills, 4 -$5bills, maybe a $10 bill and about three to four dollars in quarters.  Keep track of your petty cash in order to determine your profit after the sale.  Go ahead and put up your signs to take advantage of the evening rush hour traffic.  If possible, put all items necessary in a centralized location. Sometime the day before (or possibly earlier in the week) I remove all boxes from the attic and put them in my dining room. Make sure the tables you will be using are in good working order, clean and ready to use. If you are using any table covers, place those with the tables. The key is to prepare everything now so tomorrow morning, the set up will go quickly. If this is your first sale, you will be shocked at how early people show up. A final step is to clear out the trunk of your vehicle. I'll explain that later.

The day of the sale is finally here. Set your clock to wake up early. Really early. My own sales start at 7 and I've been seen dragging boxes outside at 5! Give a quick drive by to make sure your signs are still up and make sure they remain secure. How you display your items is second in importance only to the pricing. The way you show off your items will affect how buyers view what you are selling. Much the way a seller stages their home for potential buyers, you will also be staging your items because there are those who cannot see past the heaps and piles to appreciate the hidden potential. I am like that. Show me a piece of furniture that is damaged and avocado green and all I see is a really old 1970s has-been dresser far past it's prime. Let my husband see the same piece, and he can envision a classic refinished dresser perfect for a guestroom. Like me, most people will only it's present form. Take the two minutes and dust it off. This is also why you need to treat your items with respect. For example, throw all the clothes on a sheet on the ground and people will walk by, maybe a few will touch a piece or two. Fold those same clothes and place them on a table in same-size piles and they will be gone in minutes. It is all perception. I think buyers get the impression 'I want nice things and look how these are folded and so neat. Somebody must have taken good care of them.' You don't need to look like a boutique, just place things together in a way that is pleasing to the eye.  I like to place eye catchers right next to the street to lure the buyers. Bicycles, strollers, lawn mowers, larger toys or nice chairs will do the trick. Also make sure to put some of the known sellers toward the back of your sale. This forces the crowd to move through the space pretty much the way you walk through a grocery store to the back to acquire the loss leaders. You are hoping something else will catch the buyers' eye.

It's important to be be very polite without being overbearing.  There is no need to be a sales person but if your buyer wants to know if the drill works or not, have an extention cord ready for them.

Don't be insulted by the haggling. Think of it this way. It's a two dollar shirt and the lady is buying every Lego that isn't nailed down. It's okay to let her have the shirt for a dollar (or even free). But be warned there are those buyers who will wait until the last minute and say 'You don't want to drag that tiller back to the shed, do you? The tag says $20, I'll give you $5.' Obviously, it's your call and you can politely say no if you choose. Just always remember your goal. I am usually motivated by needing the space, so I would probably counter with trying to make it a $10 tiller.

Sometime after lunch, the crowd will have a natural tendency to thin out or cease completely. Now it's time for the next step. Box up all the leftover bits and pieces and put them in the newly emptied trunk. As soon as possible--right now would be great--drop them off at your favorite donation site. It is very tempting to take the leftovers back inside, but don't you dare. You've enjoyed these things all you can and now it's time to let someone else have them. You get to keep your cash, enjoy your cleared out space and have the satisfaction of knowing all your treasures are now treasured by others.

I used to get overwhelmed when I thought of having a yard sale. I had so much stuff that, despite being boxed and labeled, I felt crowded and cluttered. Even the thought of dragging it all outside and talking to strangers just wigged me out.  I got over all that as soon as I saw how quickly the dollars were adding up. With each yard sale I put under my belt, I got a little more savvy and earned a little more money. I actually look forward to them.

Good luck!

Organizing and Creating Space Cheaply

I never have enough time or money. Who does? And I definitely do not want to spend my time frantically looking for something that is probably right in front of my face. Here's some of my favorite quick tips for making your home more organized (which also saves time) and doing it very inexpensively.

**1** Keep a mason jar with teaspoons next to your stove. You've got instant tasting spoons without having to continually dig in the cutlery tray. The long handles make it easy to dip into a pot for a quick taste. You can use mason jars for a million things: dry pantry goods, buttons, paper clips, it is an endless list.

**3** Use a cedar chest or foot locker as a coffee table. They can be rustic or chic, plus they have great storage possibilities. Or you could keep it empty and just stash your clutter inside when company is unexpectedly dropping by.

**4** Use sturdy leftover boxes wrapped in colorful duct tape or gift wrap as storage on shelves. Classic designs can be used for adult spaces; colorful ones for the kiddos. Diaper, baby wipe and certain shoeboxes are incredibly durable.

**5**Empty  96 pound cheese doodle containers from the warehouse store are perfect for the kids tiny blocks and cars. The wide mouth makes it easy for little hands to reach in and the square shape allows it to fit better on a shelf.

**6**If you are getting rid of old furniture, take the drawers out of a dresser and use them to slide under your bed. Perfect for holding shoes and small weights. Casters on the bottom are optional.

**7** The classic clear shoebag over the closet door is still worth mentioning. You will be amazed at how much space is created when used in bathrooms, clothes closets and pantries.

**8** Repurpose furniture into other uses. A long dresser can become a changing table or tv stand. An old wooded ladder can lean against the wall and hold magazines over the rungs. Everything stays neat and tidy and your home looks deliberately stylish.

**9** If you are a true member of the Digital Age, you may no longer need your half-filled photo albums. Try to repurpose them into coupon holders. The same principle applies to three-ring binders. Just fill with sheet protectors and use for recipes, important documents, kids' art work, old momentos, etc.

**10** Look around the kitchen for 'leftovers.' Do you still have the crock from your broken crockpot? Well, now you have a new flower pot. Just make sure you provide proper drainage. Did you find the faux silver tray you purchased for the office party? Go ahead and put it on your bathroom counter for an elegant place to display your pretty soaps and a candle. A little candy dish with the missing lid?  Now it can hold cotton balls or jewelry.

Over the years, I have repurposed all kinds of things and always out of necessity because I'm not inclined to go shopping for one little bitty thing when I can just as easily use what's available. Plus, like a lot of you, I will look at something and wonder 'What can I do with this?'

By getting your home better organized, not only will you eliminate time that gets wasted hunting for lost things, you're also going to uncover some long lost treasures you forgot you even had. That is what I call Win-Win.

Saving Money at Thrift Stores

Shopping at thrift stores did not come naturally to me. When my husband and I were dating, he loved looking for what I like to call fashion treasures at consignment and thrift stores. He would be so pleased when he found high quality items in great shape for next to nothing. Eww, was all that came to my mind.

My opinion changed after we held our first yard sale. While I was trying to make a few dollars, I observed the shoppers. Who goes out and buys all this used stuff? As I had more yard sales and did more people watching, I learned a few things. These shoppers were young parents trying to give their little ones nice things while staying within their budgets. There were students getting ready for college and elderly people looking for arts and craft supplies. I also saw collectors and independent shop owners. They seemed more like me than I expected, although I don't know what I really expected. The most striking customesr imaginable were the couple that showed up in a very lovely convertible and purchased a few art pieces and an old candy dish. The lady wore the most exquisite emerald ring I'd ever seen based on all the years I sold fine jewelry.

That is when it hit me: Wealthy people have money because they don't spend it all. They make smart financial decisions. Once I figured that out, I was hooked. I, too, could spend less in some areas so I could spend/save/invest  more in others.  I think being so picky from the beginning helped me make better choices when I shopped second hand.
First, I take my time. Thrift store shopping takes longer because there are no returns. You are stuck with what you buy. I look over housewares carefully searching for any damage or missing pieces. I inspect clothing for stains, working zippers, missing buttons, and name brands. I'm not a brand snob, but I recognize certain brands as being more durable or made with higher quality materials. Before I purchase anything, I mentally make a note of what I can wear the item with. Even, if it's a $4 designer blouse, it is no bargain if it won't go with anything already in my closet. Being a label reader also helps you spot the difference between a pretty teacup and a pretty, Royal Dalton teacup.

Second, I buy with a purpose in mind. I never get something with the idea it's such a great deal I can figure out what to do with it later. That wastes time and money and I can't spare either. Recently, I stopped by the thrift store with the idea of getting a vase. They always have zillions of flower shop-style vases and not all of them are the generic clear ones. I found a cranberry frosted one with very simple, clean lines. Overflowing with grocery store flowers and a free, on-trend ribbon I already had at home tied around the middle made a lovely get well gift. My friend actually asked which florist I used. Score! A gift that looked like it cost $24.99 that really only cost $7. You have to love that!  You should always keep your eyes open for opportune purchases but that should never be your priority.

I also shop with the intent of repurposing an item. I recently found a thin, vertical shelf. I'm not exactly sure what its original use was, However, with some new paint and hanging in my closet, it is my new, space friendly nail polish rack.  That pretty teacup, Royal Dalton or otherwise, could be turned into a scented candle for a hostess gift.  If my intention is to find a soap dish for the bathroom,  you can bet I'll be giving a glancing at all the housewares: shallow candy dishes, single cup saucers, you get the idea. Imagination goes a long way in these kinds of stores.


It's important to know I don't do all my shopping at the thrift store. I still purchase things at other places and I love doing a little online purchasing, too. However, second hand shopping helps me fill in my creative gaps and keep my budget under control. That always comes in handy when I have a ton of neighbors that I want to give a little something to at Christmas. A bargain holiday cookie plate with some homemade snickerdoodles  wrapped in pretty celophane and a darling bow will put a smile on a neighbor's face. I like to think of those purchases as 'embellishments.' The treats are the gift, the container is the embellishment. The recipient ends up getting two gifts and that's never a bad thing.

I am so glad my husband taught me how to treasure hunt. I rarely buy anything but when I do, it's a great deal on a great item. Following these tips keeps me within my budget and without a load of junk I've carted home just because it was cheap. It also feels pretty good to look around and realize I've made some positive additions to my home and wardrobe (and to a friend) for very little impact on my wallet.

How I Really Save at the Grocery Store

It's true that I use coupons, watch for sales and stock up. I do this to help me save as much as I can, but there are other tricks of the trade I use that really are the key to keeping my grocery store shopping as low as possible.

**1** Nothing Goes to Waste. This is one of the most important things to our budget. We literally don't throw away any food. That bit of mustard gets added to a few ingredients so that we have salad dressing. When there's not enough corn flakes to make breakfast, we crush them as fine as bread crumbs and save until later use. Conditioner that we don't like gets used for shaving gel and we squeezee the last dot of toothpaste out of the tube. Liquid soap and hand sanitizer gets smacked out of the bottle. You aren't being a Scrooge; you're stretching your budget as far as it can go and you're environmentally friendly, too. Here's a tip: If you can change the look/feel of the leftovers you and your family will be more likely to eat them. Roast can be turned into open faced sandwiches  two days later with sauteed onion, a little cheese and  homemade (and easy) sweet potato chips. Leftover pasta sauce and meatballs make wonderful subs and all you need to add is some fruit or homemade baked fries or chips.

**2** Do Not Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Who thought up that one? I think it's a plot to get us all to use more of a product, which means we have to buy more. Very good for the manufacturer, not very good for my budget. There are many times when you will need the exact amount of a product (certain ingredients in recipes) but there are other times when you can use a little trial and error to see what's really needed. Case in point: I found out that if I reduced the sugar added to those powedered drink mixes, it tasted exactly the same and I ended up buying a whole lot less sugar. Same thing with shampoo and certain cleaning products. And never lather, rinse, repeat.

**3** There is no Mindless/Spontaneous Shopping. I'm not referring to finding a great deal on applesauce cups that can be used in lunch boxes. I'm referring to running into the store for a gallon of milk, then asking myself, "I wonder what else I can find." Notice I said 'find,' not 'need.' That one distinction can be a budget buster. I'm also referring to when you are on your way to the dry cleaners and stop in next door at the organic store to window shop. You're going to end up leaving that place with a five pound bag of Honduran Almonds that only set you back $24.99 and in my universe, that same amount would make lunches for all four of us for a week.  I have no idea if there is such a thing as Honduran Almonds but I do know mindless shopping is a big money drain. And it's a time suck as well. Let me add, if I do find a good value on something, I will get it. That's not the same as aimlessly wandering around looking for unnecessary stuff.

**4** Backtracking is a Bad Thing. If I forget to pick up an ingredient, I won't be going back to get it. I'll find a substitute or postpone that meal until I can get whatever is missing. Retracing your steps costs, time, gas and more money if I add more items to the cart than the original forgotten item.

**5** There is a Reason Junk Food is Called 'Junk.'  I confess that it's not just the kids who like junk food. I like a good candy bar or chips and dip myself.  I also know it isn't good for us and we don't make a habit of eating tons of it. It's as bad for my budget as it is for my health. If you have kids you may find that they balk at the absence of all that salty, fatty, expensive goodness. Guess what? Not only do they adapt, but if they are truly hungry, they will eat what's available. Did you know a bag of apples is less expensive than a large bag of name brand chips? I can do more with apples, too. If that isn't your favorite fruit, then look around, scan the grocery ad and see what else can be substituted for those Munchable, pseudo lunch-style snacks the kids love gobbling up.It doesn't have to be fruit, but find a way to back off the budget busting junk food.

My family consists of a newly minted teenager, a little one in elementary school, a husband who is a hearty eater, me and two pets.  They are all bottomless pit, eating machines. I have to feed them and I can't go broke doing it.  I use these time and again and if I ever get off track (and I do sometimes) all it takes it one look at the total on the bottom of the receipt to remind me these tips really work.

What is your most effective savings tools at the grocery store?

Where to Spend Your Windfall

I remember early in my career how wonderful it felt to get a windfall. It seemed like free money and I told myself I'd do something smart with it. And then a few days later, I would have the sad realization that I had done nothing of the sort. I had some savings but it was never ever enough to cover the big things. Nothing spells trouble like a single girl needing an auto repair. Oh I'm pretty good with the engine knowledge but I was at the mercy of the mechanics who charged an arm and a leg to do the actual repair.  Those windfalls are still important and I still try to do something smart with them. Hopefully, I'm better at it now than when I was in college.

The recent sale of a vehicle gave my family a windfall. Larger than what you'd find in your average birthday card, it wasn't enough to retire on. Still, money is money and I wanted to be wise with it.

So, here's what we did. I sat on the money for about three days and during that time, my mind went from one thing to another: Pay off some bills, put it all in the bank, go buy stuff,  don't do anything. I just let those thoughts stew around and got my priorities straight. Really, I knew all along what I'd do but it was good to take the time to realize I was on the right track Let me just throw it out there that if I had something urgent, I would not have waited. For example, I would not let the electricity get turned off just so I could think about what to do. Common sense and safety need to prevail.

Like I always do with a windfall, I took my late father's advice and bought groceries first. According to him, you can solve more problems on a full stomach. First, I stockpiled basic supplies making sure I used sales and coupons to make the money stretch even further. Then a few days later I did my regular grocery shopping. Let me clarify that I did not go overboard. You won't find 50 jars of peanut butter but I've got young kids, so there's 5 jars. I just had to suit my own comfort level.

My comfort level is what guided my next decision. I could have put the rest of the windfall toward debt reduction but instead, I sent some right on over to savings. Sure, it's going to slow down the repayment process a bit, but for those of you who have had a layoff or pay cut, you know exactly where I'm coming from. That is just the worst, sick to your stomach kind of feeling. For me, the peace of mind of having a few dollars more in the bank 'just in case' helps me sleep a little better. Peace of mind is a precious thing.

Then I tackled the debt reduction using a snowball type approach. I lined up the bills smallest to largest and started knocking them out. They aren't all paid off, but I made some headway and that is a great ego boost.

And then a funny thing happened. Doing these simple and un-original things created a little bit of financial traction and I felt smart! So....what else could I do to keep the momentum going?
I set up an automatic transfer of the savings I'd be receiving from the insurance company due to the  vehicle's sale. I'm already used to doing without that money so I chose not to let it get sucked into some mysterious financial black hole. Then we set up another automatic withdrawal which equalled half of my husband's raise. It is a small amount, to be sure ,but dimes make dollars. Not only do we get to see a little increase in our budget every month, the savings can grow one small deposit at a time. All of this had me feeling like a rock star so we tackled something I'd dreaded forever: the mail in pharmacy our insurance company wanted us to use. I balked at this because I'm old school and I want to talk to a real live person that's going to smile and say thank you. But, and this is a big but, when I was told my $25 copay was going to $87 a month unless a prescription was filled my the mail in folks, I quit balking.  After checking some of our maintenance medications like allergy meds, I realized we could save something like $300-$400 a month. Yes, you read that right. A. Month.

I'm sure there are other corners to cut, both big and small, and I intend to keep searching. The point I'm making is  one thing leads to another and I wasn't satisfied with the blessing of a windfall. I wanted to use that windfall and turn it into an even bigger blessing.

My best advice would be to take your own windfall, rather tiny or tremendous, and prioritize your To Do List. Take care of what is urgent then move on to your important needs (an oil change, filling your pantry).  And don't forget debt repayment. No one ever looked back and said, "I am sooo glad I just blew through that whole wad of cash.'

Enjoy your windfall and your smart decisions.

Update on Selling A Used Vehicle

As a follow-up to a previous post, Increasing Your Profits When Selling Your Vehicle, here is an update on what happened with my SUV.

It  was sold in about 14 hours.

After the vehicle was cleaned until it was just about showroom new, it was placed in a safe, well lit parking lot near one of the busiest intersections in our area. The lot wasn't exactly at the intersection, but close enough so that when traffic stopped at the redlight drivers would have ample opportunity to see it. We parked it at a slight angle and used large For Sale signs to make it easier to see. The results were better than expected and we were receiving calls within 20 minutes.  One potential customer wanted to look at it right away!

As soon as we got home from parking the car near the intersection, I posted some photos with descriptions of features on a Social Network. Before I could get all five photos posted, people were messaging me with questions. Things were looking good!

While letting the potential customer do a test drive, someone called me and after a brief conversation said they'd be in touch.

The results?  The second buyer took it for a test drive and bought it on the spot paying the asking price.

What did I learn? As much as I could have used more money than I was asking, I believe if I had aked for a higher price, I would still be waiting on a buyer. As with houses, it must be priced just right. Too high, and people won't even negotiate; too low and you are losing money. By being reasonable in my expectations,  the transaction is now complete and everyone is happy.  I also learned advertising can be done cheaply. I only paid for two sale signs. A Social Network as well as as the Going Home traffic on a Friday afternoon provided me with the visibility I needed. Let me add, we also used a lot of word of mouth and if those things had not proved successful, we would have moved on to other web sites and paid advertising. I also learned that getting that puppy as clean as possible was a smart move. The potential buyers and the online viewers commented how well maintained it looked. Image is very important and it definitely adds value.

I am still shocked by how fast it sold and it reminds me of something I read once: \For a quick sale give your customer a great item for a great price.

Increasing Your Profits When Selling Your Vehicle

It is long overdue. The ole SUV has got to go. It really wasn't a difficult decision; it needs a few repairs we don't want to bother with and it eats gas like I breathe air.

How can I get the most profit from  a fuel sucking SUV in a tough economy, especially when the price of gas is literally going up on a daily basis? Can I sell it and make a fair profit at the same time?

Try these steps:

1) ASSESS WHAT YOU HAVE... I took a very realistic look at the vehicle. It's 12 years old, it needs a repair I don't want to bother with and there are condition issues that come with a vehicle of this age. On the positive side, the leather upholstery is beautiful and in great condition, it is fully loaded and the little nitpicky things are easily fixed. You have to have a neutral eye when assessing your vehicle. To the prospective buyer, the car you bought when you 'made it' will just be one of many used cars out there to look at. Do not take it personal.

2) RESEARCH....Gather your vehicle's mileage, make and model information and hit the internet. The most common sites to use are www.kbb.com  and www.nada.com.  Pick one or maybe both and use an average of the two values if you prefer. Be very realistic regarding the condition of your vehicle. Try to look at it as if you're the buyer, not the seller.

3) SET YOUR PRICE..... I used the prices from my research and realistically chose the mid range price. Too high and you run off people. Too low and there's no room for negotiation. If you don't know where to start, look through your local advertisements and newpapers for a general starting point.

4). CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN....As in squeaky clean. As in QTip clean. The first day I removed all the trash, receipts, cup lids, toys and goldfish crackers (I'm  blaming the kids).  Next, I cleaned out all the storage cubbies and glove box as well as removed all personal items such as ear buds, first aid kit and the like. I cleaned every single surface and then began putting protectant on all appropriate surfaces and, finally, used a leather conditioner on the upholstery. This continued into the second day. I wasn't kidding about the QTips. I used those for cleaning inside the air vents,  hex nuts, grooves, nooks and crannies. Interestingly enough, once you start cleaning air vents and vacuuming upholstery, some of those, um, 'smells,' will dissipate.  Just like no one wants to buy the 'cat pee house,' a buyer will be turned off by a vehicle that smells like onion rings or cigars. Don't forget to clean windows and mirrors. Your car should shine as if it were brand new.

5)ADVERTISE... Tell friends, use Social Media, the noteboard in the breakroom and local newspapers are all excellent ways to get the word out. Ebay and Craig's List are also good choices.  Be a little creative. Perhaps you could briefly park your vehicle somewhere during peak time to maximize your exposure. How about near a high school during the hour the students are getting out of school. Or maybe in a parking lot near a busy intersection during Friday Going Home traffic. Just be sure you aren't breaking any ordinances. Place a sign with basic info and a contact phone number and cross your fingers.

6) NEGOTIATION IS YOUR FRIEND.,,, Here's what I mean. Our vehicle is valued at $4200. That isn't a fortune but it is definitely not pocket change. My rock bottom price is $3000. I know it needs a repair for about $650, for which I do have a written estimate and I will disclose to any buyer. We decided a fair price would be $3500. That covers the cost of the repair and there is still room for negotiation. If I get a buyer that is definitely interested and wants to do some bargaining, I can still drop the price by $1000 to cover the known repair and any incidentals while still selling it for $3200. I get the money I want and the buyer feels like they've negotiated a fair amount below the original asking price. I will admit I want the full $4200 but it ain't gonna happen. Would you pay full price then turn around and pay for a repair? Me neither. Be knowledgeable about what is a reasonable amount to ask for and be willing to negotiate. I'm not going to let all that cash walk away because I'm being hard headed over a few hundred dollars. Look at it this way: I need $3500 but $3000 is better than NO thousand.

6) GET YOUR DOCUMENTS...Have your auto title, copies of the book values and anything you think you will need to sell your vehicle and keep in in one handy spot. You may also want to do a Google search on an easy and proper Bill of Sale as well as what your State requires for private auto sales.

Now that I've spent four days cleaning, scrubbing and organizing the paperwork, I will be placing a FOR SALE sign on the old girl.

I'll keep you posted.

Back To School Sales Aren't Just For Kids

You don't have to have children to take advantage of the back to school sales that are starting to crop up or the summer clearance sales going on as well. You may be in the mindset of barbecues, vacations and lazy days but now is the time to take advantage of the bargains to be found.

CLOTHES: If you are purchasing items for your children, consider purchasing just the basics for the first weeks of school. In our area, school begins in early August when the temperatures are still hovering near 100. I combine sales and clearance items to purchase shirts and shorts and a few pair of jeans in case the temperature drops unexpectedly. Combined with what is in my Next Size Up box, I'm usually set until early to mid fall. These sales are a great opportunity for the adults to stock up as well. I can always find great values on tops, khakis, cute accessories and shoes.

SUPPLIES: This is a great time to replenish your home office supplies. Paper, pens, ink cartridges, you name it and it is on sale. Go ahead and refill your office supply closet. Every place from the big box stores to the office supply places and dollar stores are offering up the lowest prices available. Once I get stuff for the kids, then I load up on everything the house needs: sticky notes, tape, Sharpie markers, paper clips, envelopes, the list is endless. I'll be set until next year. When my kids were too young to go to school, I would stock up on construction paper, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, paint, tape, glue sticks, markers and crayons at rock bottom prices. Those things saved our sanity on many, many rainy days.

HOME: The sales will be huge for the College Stuff too. Now is the time to get the dorm sized refrigerator for your office. It is also a good time to replace kitchen supplies, linens, laundry baskets and the like. Clearance beach towels make great bath towels because they are huge, absorbent and just fun to look at. I also look for things like plastic forks and spoons for the kids' lunchboxes. Who cares if they are red, white and blue?

KITCHEN: All summer goodies are on sale now and are perfect for school and work lunches. Look for non perishables such as peanut butter, single serving  snack packages, lunch meat (can be frozen), individual soups and crackers. You can find plenty of things that will fit in your desk and stave off the hunger until your lunch hour.

End of summer and back to school sales can be a useful tool for you to restock your home and closet without having to spend all your hard earned dollars. Just do yourself a favor and actually deposit your 'savings' into your savings.

Should You Budget Fun Money?

Budgets are really tight for so many people right now. Prices are increasing but we aren't seeing the same thing with our checks.  Each payday we are forced to squeeze those dimes and dollars just a little more to see how much further we can stretch them.  No matter how you slice it, phrase it or pretty it up, the fact is money is just plain tight. It is okay to budget for fun money?

Yes. I  would even go so far as to say it is just as important as every other category in your budget.

 Here's a little back story:  When I was in college, I lived alone and  worked as many hours as possible at the local mall while my parents graciously paid my tuition . At the time, financial aid was only available for full time students and because I was self supporting (except for the college tuition from my parents) I usually could only manage about 75 percent of a full time load. I made good grades and although I was only a part time employee, I was willing to work just about any shift anybody else didn't want. I received an hourly wage and a small commission, so those weekends and Friday nights no one else wanted offered me the opportunity to increase my income.  Still, money was scarce and making ends meet was harder than anything I could imagine.

If I got a lunch hour, I'd eat something,  maybe study a little  and then I'd walk through the mall window shopping. At the far end of the mall was a high end department store. The floors gleamed, everything was immaculate and the cool air just invited you in. To me, it was style, class and money all rolled into one.To a college student with a tight budget, it was a place to see how 'the other half' lived. And right smack in the middle of the store was my favorite place: a small confectionary department that had the most delightful goodies one could imagine. I never knew candy could be so expensive. Every week I would walk down to the little store within the big store and purchase two (just two) small  raspberry chocolate truffles in the shape of seashells. That one purchase was about $5 and that was more than two decades ago (ouch). Placed in a tiny white box, I felt like I had just purchased something regal and decadent. I did not need the sweets. I could have lived without them. But, oh, they put a smile on my face and I relished every bite.

That is when I learned a very important lesson. Even when you are 'living lean' and your budget is stretched until it is screaming for mercy, you need to find a way to enjoy something in order just to make the sacrifice worthwhile. If you don't, one of two things will happen. One, you become cranky and miserly. Two, you wreck your budget because the deprivation is overwhelmingly difficult and impossible to maintain.

A word of caution: Fun money is not a lot of money. It isn't a new sofa, a new suit or steak and lobster. It's just a little bit of money that has no other purpose but to spend just on you.

I used to get very creative with my fun money. Sometimes it was the truffles and sometimes it was a $2 bottle of nail polish from a no-name brand (I usually liked those a lot). I love to read, so it might have been a magazine. It didn't really matter just as long as I looked forward to it and it was all mine.

When you make your budget--and yes, you should always have a spending plan-- set aside an amount for each person. Label it anyway you choose: allowance, fun money, mad money, blow money, etc. Just make sure it isn't tied in with another category such as lunch or gas funds. Here is the real key. That money is all yours. You don't have to explain how you spent it, as long as it's legal. For some reason, just knowing that $5 (or ten) is there if I want to use it makes me relax a little and feel like I'm making headway with the finances. Sometimes, just knowing I have it in my wallet it good enough and it doesn't get spent but at least I know I can if I want to.

You may meet some resistance with anyone who shares your budget. 'How can we afford to do this when there's not really enough to go around in the first place?' is a good question. My answer is simple. We aren't talking about a ton of money. No one is getting a Benjamin to throw out the window. We may be talking $10 a week or $10 a month; just a tiny bit that is all yours. You are the boss of it. Think of it as a release valve on a pressure cooker. We all have to blow a little steam. For some reason, my husband likes those gigantic cans of Arizona Tea. Every now and then, he will tell me he's going out to run an errand and in an hour he will return with that can of his and he seems a little more relaxed. I like to think it's because he got to get something for himself without feeling guilty or someone asking if it's in the budget. I've been known to get a teeny tiny bouquet, chocolate covered peanuts, a candle, clearance flip flops, yarn, and nail polish.  It's all good.

Adding fun money to your spending plan will not derail you from getting out of debt. It probably won't even slow down your progress. In my own experience, it has actually kept my family on task and improved the odds of staying on track.