My Winter Break is finally underway, and my two-week vacation from my day job couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve been under so much stress lately, and dealing with house issues while simultaneously preparing for the holidays has me ready to pull my hair out.
Education
Savings Challenge Check-In: Almost There!
If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember that I challenged myself to keep up with the 52-Week Money Saving Challenge, and I’m about to finish up the third quarter. I’m happy to report that I’ve faithfully contributed my weekly requirements, and I’m set to finish up the year on schedule! My past history with saving was pretty rocky, and this was the perfect way to set myself up on the right track. I’ve learned so much more about planning to save!
How To Stick To A Budget During The Holidays
December is one of my favorite months – the holidays are here and I feel like everyone seems to be in good spirits. One thing that can kill the mood of the season is financial trouble. We should all try to remember what this time of year is all about, but let’s be honest… everyone is likely to worry about their money and spending at some point.
Save Money By Getting Crafty For Christmas
The holiday season isn’t about how much you spend on presents, but let’s face it… gift-giving is a big part of many winter holidays. It’s actually one of my favorite parts, but for less obvious reasons. I like to take the time to choose something thoughtful and personal for each person on my list, because I want to show them that they’re important to me, and I appreciate the ways that they contribute to my life.
5 Tips for Saving Money On Your Thanksgiving Meal
I think Thanksgiving is so underrated… as soon as Halloween ends, stores fill their windows with Christmas displays, and everyone skips right over it! However, it’s personally one of my favorites. It’s one of my favorite times to stuff my face get together with loved ones before the stress of the holiday season really hits. This will be my first year learning how to prepare the big meal the way my mom always has, and I’m a little nervous about it.
Save Money By Staying Healthy During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a great time to relax, but it can also be a time for more stress than usual. Money is one of the biggest contributing factors to that, but worries about your health can also play a part. Many people use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge, but sticking to both your budget and fitness plans will keep you on track and set you up for success in the new year. Keep some of these tips in mind to keep your holidays healthy and budget-friendly…
Black Friday Deals: Are You Really Saving Money?
I can’t believe it’s already November! It feels to me like the months come quicker once October rolls around (not that I mind, as I’m not a fan of the cold). I used to anxiously await Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season, but I’ve been noticing Christmas commercials on TV since the day after Halloween. Some may think it’s a bit outrageous, and it might be too early, but since I’m a planner by nature, I’ve been thinking about gift shopping for months already and the ads I’m seeing feel fitting.
Curb Your Spending Cravings
Just because I try my hardest to be smart about my spending doesn’t mean that I don’t love to shop. In fact, I probably love it more than most people, which is why it got me into trouble a few years ago, and eventually led me down a path to better budgeting.
Saving Money vs. Paying Off Debt
Lately, I’ve been feeling very torn between growing my savings and paying down my debt. This indecision was spurred by recent developments on the home front, quite literally. After about two years of casual looking, I finally convinced my husband to look into building our first – and hopefully last – house.
Thrifty Shoppers Save More Money
It’s no secret that I love to shop for just about anything – clothes, furniture, home decor, even groceries. I don’t spend money on a lot of these things often, but I set aside money in my budget each month so I can every once in a while. Finding things that I love that are still affordable is kind of a game for me.