For many Americans, the "most wonderful time of the year" is also the most expensive time of the year. Just how expensive? Experts estimate that the typical American spends between $1,000 and $2,000 on Christmas each year (source). Thankfully, you don’t have to have a couple thousand dollars on hand to celebrate Christmas! We’ve never … [Read more...] about 7 Money-Saving Modifications to Popular Christmas Traditions
frugal living
Choosing to Have Simple Kids’ Birthday Celebrations
My daughter, Amaris, will turn 1 year old in less than a month. What a bittersweet milestone! Though it may be trendy to celebrate a child’s birthday with an elaborate party that includes a bounce house, mobile petting zoo, food trucks, and party favors, we’re choosing a much simpler approach. We’ll go on an outing as a family and enjoy … [Read more...] about Choosing to Have Simple Kids’ Birthday Celebrations
10 Fun, Frugal Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary
My husband and I are on a tight budget, but we still want to do something fun to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Thankfully, I’ve thought of a number of fun ways to celebrate without spending a lot of money. Fun and frugal anniversary celebrations Relive your first date. What did you wear on your first date? Where did you go? … [Read more...] about 10 Fun, Frugal Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary
How to Have a Genuinely Enjoyable Staycation
A week and a half ago I presented several reasons why staycations aren’t as lame as you might think. Today we’re going to explore some ways to make staycations fun and interesting. I believe that one significant reason staycations have a reputation of being boring is that vacationers often don’t treat them as true vacations. Instead, … [Read more...] about How to Have a Genuinely Enjoyable Staycation
Why Staycations Aren’t as Lame as You Might Think
A couple of days ago I was looking into staycation ideas. I was surprised to see how many writers view staycations negatively! They described them with words like “stupid,” “boring,” and “pointless.” I’m certainly not a staycation ambassador, but I think the concept of vacationing at home or nearby deserves a much better rap than it is … [Read more...] about Why Staycations Aren’t as Lame as You Might Think
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Move
The expenses associated with moving to a new home can add up quickly. This is especially true of long-distance moves. Though some expenses are unavoidable, others can be avoided or minimized with careful planning. Here are some of the frugal strategies my family is using as we move across the country this summer. Strategies for a … [Read more...] about Tips for a Budget-Friendly Move
Common Household Items that Double as Baby Toys
If you’re not careful, having an infant will cost you a small fortune. Some expenses are unavoidable, but many can be avoided. Toys are a great example. Babies don’t need fancy, expensive toys. They’re typically content with the basics: rattles, blocks, balls, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. In fact, if you look around your home, you … [Read more...] about Common Household Items that Double as Baby Toys
Ways to Conserve Water Outside the Home
Last week we looked at dozens of ways we can conserve water in the home. Water conservation outside the home is just as important. In fact, given how much water is used in yards, it may be even more important! Water use outside the home is so critical because urban lawn watering is the single largest demand on the majority of municipal … [Read more...] about Ways to Conserve Water Outside the Home
