Earn, Save, and Live Joyfully.
Did you set a holiday budget? Did you stick to it? I did really well this year. Mom’s Gift – Purchased at Macy’s using a gift card I earned for completing online surveys. I actually purchased this in August. It was marked down significantly and I used a $10 coupon I received in the mail. Final … Read more
As we all know children cycle through toys quickly. I’m always on the lookout for gifts that my son will continue to treasure for a long time to come. I recently dug through the mound of toys in his playroom in an effort to move some out of the way and bring others to the … Read more
Before giving birth to an October baby I never factored in the number of gift list requests that would come between the time the first leaves fall and Christmas begins. I don’t know what to include on zthese lists anymore. I feel quite inundated by the number of toys currently overflowing in our living room … Read more
I bought one and only one gift for my son’s second birthday. My family buys a lot of presents for the little guy so he really doesn’t need a whole lot of new toys from my husband or I. He has a room full of hand-me-downs he still plays with and two or three inexpensive … Read more
After reading yesterday’s post a long time reader of this blog sent me a disapproving email. In short she said that I shouldn’t post wish lists for a two year old. That it goes against the very nature of everything that I’ve previously touted as important. I see her point, but I must admit that … Read more
I’m not a fan of overwhelming children’s birthdays with towers of gifts. In fact, last year my husband and I purchased only one gift for my son’s birthday and two for Christmas. In lieu of gifts I typically encourage my family to contribute to my son’s 529, but I can’t force them to be practical, … Read more
Over the past ten to fifteen years my husband and I have donated thousands of dollars to support scholarships at the university where we first met. I’m very passionate about education and I hope that our money will help students seek higher education without the burdens of loans. The funny thing about donating is that … Read more
This morning I woke up and realized that the comforter my husband and I share is literally falling apart. A few weeks ago I noticed a very small hole in the corner of the blanket. I didn’t think much of it at the time. I could have sewed in a patch, but we were leaving … Read more
As usual I appear to be stumped for birthday ideas. The big day is just around the corner and I have absolutely no idea what I want. While my family asks for birthday lists I sit on the couch with a pen and a blank piece of paper. I wish I would’ve thought ahead. I … Read more
While it’s always nice to hear from readers who agree with my posts there is nothing I love more than finding an intelligent reader with a different point of view. I received an interesting response to a recent post in which I asked readers whether or not they would turn down a financial gift from … Read more