Head on over to the Canadian Living website and you’ll find an article called 6 Unique Money-Saving Tips for Everyone. One of those tips (#6) is from yours truly!
While the tip discusses daily coffee runs, you can replace that vice with whatever vice applies to your own life.
I had the privilege of talking with Alyssa (months ago!) over the phone, about the website, and my favourite ways to save money so it’s fun to see the article in print finally!
Some people think that living on a budget means not having fun, eating very basic and generally living a dull life. This could not be further from the truth! You can have a wonderful life, full of fun and great meals even on a small budget. Does it take work and discipline? Of course! But I'm here to tell you half the fun is in trying.
Use Coupons
Using couponsis a great way to make your budget stretch a little further. Years ago coupons were mainly used for food purchases but that isn't the case anymore. You can use coupons or promotional codes to save on shipping, clothes, travel and just about everything else. Before you buy anything, whether in-store or online, you should always look for a coupon or promotional code. Even saving $5 might mean being able to afford a movie night for your family.
Shop for the Best Rate
The average family has to pay for water, internet, phone, insurance, electric, gas and much more! Combine all of these expenses and you are spending some serious cash every month. Make it a point to gather up all of your monthly bills and start making some phone calls. Call each of your utility companies or creditors and see how you can get a lower rate. Sometimes the business will work with you and other times you might have to switch services. In most cases, we have options on who we want to do business with. Saving on your monthly bills can help make your budget stretch a little further every month.
DIY
In today's society there is always something we want to buy or just have to have. Try making more things yourself. Getting your hands a little dirty and making things yourself is very rewarding and saves lots of money.
Next time you want a new porch swing, new dress, kitchen remodel or whatever it might be. Try doing it yourself. With the wonderful help of Pinterestand Google, people can make just about anything they want. You might be surprised at what you can make yourself, the amount of fun you can have and money you can save doing it yourself.
Entertainment
Entertainment can be a big expense for any family. There are so many fun activities for families to partake in. But if we are being honest, most of these activities are very expensive. Not many of us have money to go to an amusement park every weekend, movies or other expensive activities.
Start making your own family entertainment by having movie nights at home, board game nights, camping or looking for free local events. All of these activities are inexpensive and are typically a ton of fun!
Create a Budget
You can't control your money if you don't know what you have coming in and going out. Sit down with your significant other and create a budget you can both live with. Being in agreement on the budget will keep your money on track and reduce arguments. Don't forget to budget in some fun money!
How are you living on a budget? What are your tips for a fun life?
It can be so easy to spend a lot on baby gifts, after all, everything is just so cute! Check out these tips that are sure to help you save big on all those baby gifts.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm currently in a big baby boom within my group of friends and family. Over the years I've found ways to cut costs on shower gifts while still maintaining a good looking gift. I personally like to create a gift consisting of practical items with something not so practical thrown in, like a pretty dress for a baby girl.
Here are some of my tried and true techniques that help me create a great baby gift on a budget:
Shop the Sales
I love the clearance section at The Real Canadian Superstore. I find the clothing adorable at a fantastic price! I've also found some great deals in the children's section at Walmart. Before you go crazy in the clearance sections, make sure you have a budget in mind for the particular person you're shopping for . It's very easy to spend, spend, spend!
Use Coupons
There are tons of coupons out there for diapers and baby toiletries. I find the baby toiletries make great fillers for gift baskets, and well, diapers are just practical!
Use Your Skills
Create your own gifts for the new parents. Sew a blanket or a set of burp cloths. Design and make a Baby's First Year book. If you are an experienced parent, create a helpful advice book, if you think the receiver would appreciate this. Paint a lovely picture for the nursery.
Team Up
If you would love the get the new parents something more substantial, why not go in with a group of friends or family on a more substantial gift? The gift is always appreciated no matter how many people go in on the gift.
Be of Service
The gift of time is truly appreciated. Offer to clean the house. Or do the laundry. Meals are always loved. Maybe even some baked goods that are great for snacking on for those late nights? After having my own baby girl, even having a friend over to simply hold her was much appreciated!
I hope I've given you some ideas to think about or at least gotten the creative juices flowing! Happy shopping (or happy helping)!
I'd love to know how you save money on baby gifts. Let me know in the comments!
Who couldn't use an extra $100 every month? Whether or not you're putting that money aside into savings or using it to pay a phone bill, it still equals $1200 at the end of the year! Now I don't think that number is something to take lightly!
I thought I would compile a list of simple and useful ways anyone can save an extra $100 a month. After all, a little here and a little there can really add up! I challenge you to use as many of the ways I have listed and see what you can come up with at the end of the month!
Know what stuff costs, so when you see a deal you can stock up! I’m sure there are several items you find yourself buying on a regular basis. If you know your prices and you happen to see one of your regular purchases on sale at a great price, buy as many as you can, to get the most bang for your buck.
Of course, this concept also applies to items you don’t normally buy, but you do buy occasionally. 🙂
What are your stock up prices for the regular items on your shopping list?
Growing up I hated getting the same sandwich in my lunchbox. I craved variety but a sandwich is what everyone got. Even though my little girl is still few years away from starting school, I've been thinking a lot about school lunches. I've been determined to come up with a variety of different lunch ideas for my daughter. I've recently started putting together a list of back to school lunch ideas and I thought I would share.
Back to School Lunches on a Budget
Tortilla Wraps
Tortilla wraps are perfect for school lunches. They do not require utensils, the kids can hold them in their hand and you can get really creative with what you put inside. You can even get creative with the type of tortilla you use. Take one look at the grocery store and you will find flour, whole wheat, spinach and even roasted tomato tortillas. You can add lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, turkey, cream cheese, ranch or anything else that comes to mind.
Egg Salad Sandwiches
When possible I like cooking meals in advance. Knowing that I already have food prepared is just one less thing I have to worry about. Egg salad is so easy to prepare in advance and have ready for school lunches. I do prefer to put my egg salad on buns as it keeps the bread from getting to soggy. This is a great lunch to pack for school because it gives the kids a hearty lunch with lots of protein. The perfect mid-day energy boost!
Soups
Have left over soup from dinner? Don't be afraid to pack it up and send it to school for lunch. You can pick up a thermos to keep it warm and it gives the kids something different for lunch. Sending soup to school on a cold day is perfect way to warm them up!
Pita Sandwich
Pita bread is so yummy and there is so much you can do with it! You can make a pita pizza pocket, a pita chicken sandwich or even stuff a pita pocket with salad! You can change up your pita sandwich to fit your child's food preference.
Bento Boxes
Bento boxes are all the rage right now and with good reason. You can create some really unique and fun lunches using bento boxes. A typical bento box has fruit, vegetables, grains, calcium and a protein. You can skip a certain area if your child has a food allergy. You can let your imagination run wild and even get your son or daughter involved!
Snack Ideas
Yogurt Covered Raisins
Kale Chips
Vegetable Cups
Hummus & Crackers
Rice Krispie Treats
What do you like to do for Back to School lunches on a budget?
