Expenses abound from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Being prepared will help you relax and enjoy the friends, food, and family that accompany the holiday season. Beginning to save now gives you several months to accumulate sufficient funds to cover anticipated and unexpected expenses. Think of it this way: it’s better to spend five months saving than five months paying off credit card bills with high interest rates.

What, exactly, is so expensive about the holidays anyway? Here are some potential expenses associated with the holiday season you may not have considered.

* Travel
With gasoline prices ever-changing, it’s good to prepare for the most expensive scenario and save accordingly. Your car may need repairs, too, and if you get those taken care of in the slower summer months it will be one less expense to deal with during the busy holiday season. If you’re traveling by air, saving money for air fare and booking flights well ahead gives you time to look for good deals. The same is true for hotel reservations.

* Hosting
It’s easy to underestimate the cost of hosting a holiday party, or having overnight guests. Food, party decorations, favors, etc. all need to be considered. Also, your house guests will use more utilities such as electricity and water. And let’s not forget the cost of that attractive party outfit you’ll be wearing!

* Food
The holidays are a time when special food is served, from elegant chocolates to shrimp cocktail to turkey. These are all expensive items that tend to increase in price around the holidays. Saving in the summer, when food costs tend to be lower, will pay off when the holidays roll around.

* Gifts
You’ve probably thought of gifts already, but do you have a specific amount in mind that you can spend? Have you considered actually buying Christmas gifts in the summer? Determine your gift budget and start saving, and once you have made your gift list (and checked it twice), you can keep an eye out for summer sales and the “perfect” gift. If you wait until the holiday season is underway before buying, there’s always the risk that the gift you want will be out of stock, and the crowds of holiday shoppers can be daunting. Starting early also helps you avoid the last-minute panic that may cause you to buy a less-than-ideal gift that costs more than you can afford.

* Accessories
The little things can really add up – cards, postage stamps, batteries, wrapping paper, decorations, etc. Remember how much last year’s Christmas tree cost? It will probably be just as much if not more this year!

The holiday season is a wonderful time of sharing good food, traditions, and building new memories. Begin your holiday saving now and when it comes time to get into your new outfit, prepare a turkey dinner, or give your friends meaningful gifts, you will be able to enjoy the festivities without the stress of figuring out how to pay for it all.

1 (3 pound) pot roast
2 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope dry onion soup mix

2 (16 ounce) bottles cola

Instructions:

Place the roast in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the mushroom soup in a large bowl. Sprinkle in the dry soup mix. Pour the cola into the bowl and stir with a rubber spatula until all the ingredients are incorporated together. Pour the soda pop mixture over the roast. Cover the slow cooker and set the cooker to the high setting. Cook 6 hours or until the meat is fork tender.

===================================================================================

Get over 470 crock pot recipes! More than a year’s worth of meals at your fingertips.

===================================================================================

What’s better than *free*?
Get your free meal planning resource pack

By Lara Velez

In these times we are living in finances are tight and many of us are desperately trying to find ways to save money. It is a time when people are being laid off, receiving pay cuts, and trying to raise families on low income. Of course soaring gas prices do not help either!

I hope that these money saving tips help you as they have been helping our family!

Money Saving Tips

Shop Second Hand. I have to admit, I had a hard time with this at first, however, I see the value in it now. Who says we have to have “new” clothes? There are a TON of great second hand stores out there with awesome styles. When I took my teenager to a second hand store we have here in town, she was very excited as she looked through the racks. Why? Well, the prices were SO low that she realized she was going to get a LOT more than she normally does! She understands the concept of getting more for your money! Now, she has a wardrobe of beautiful clothes that are perfect for her style. The best part, we only spent fifty bucks! I also saved a bunch of money on my toddlers clothes! She got dresses and shorts and outfits galore for 30 dollars!! Ho cool is that?? Note: We do not buy undergarments at second hand stores…Only clothing.

Another great tip for second hand stores, is that YOU can sell YOUR clothes there and make some easy money! When the kids out grow their clothes, take the ones that are still nice to the resale store and “recycle” them for cash!

E-Mealz.com. This cool site helps you make a food list for shopping. You choose the store, and THEY provide the plan. It saves you a ton of time to let THEM think! They find the best prices for items and make your plan based on that week’s sales at the store you picked.

The Grocery Game or couponmom.com. These coupon sites go very well with the emealz site. You can get the coupons for the plan that emealz came up with! VERY cool! And, you will save time AND money!

Hot Water Heater. You can save money each month simply by setting your water heater temperature to a lower temperature. Or, you can buy a hot water heater timer at home depot for the same results.

Blockbuster or Netflix. This is a great way to save money and TIME for entertainment. The fees are quite low and the movies are delivered to your home.

Library. You can get FREE movies and music “rentals” at your local library.

Starbucks Lovers. You can save 10 cents if you bring in your own cup! Does not sound like much, but if you get coffee there in a regular basis, it can REALLY add up!

Energy Audit. Call your electric company and request an energy audit. Most of them do it for free. They will tell you where you can make adjustments to save money on your bill each month. Plus, in many cases, they will give you some freebies (light bulbs, etc).

Rate Reductions. Call your cable or phone company and tell them that you would like a rate reduction. Shop around for better deals and let them know you have been. They will want to keep your business and in many cases lower your bill a bit. Or, at the very least offer you some incentive.

Employee Discounts. USE them. Know them. Oh, and USE them!

Sale Papers. Read them and LOOK for sales on items you need to buy. Research for the best deal. Clipping Coupons is another great use for sale papers!

Leftovers. Make meals that can also be used for a great “leftover” meal the next day.

Conserve Electricity. Shut your lights off during the day and open your blinds. Turn off lights when room is not in use. Keep the air on 78 degrees during the day. Open your windows and use ceiling fans as much as possible. Wash with cold water. Just a few changes can really LOWER your bill.

Prescriptions. Go to Walmart. They offer very low prices on MANY prescriptions. Oh, and for those of you who are near a Publix supermarket, they give FREE prescriptions for several popular antibiotics.

Dollar Movies. Why spend big bucks to see a movie? If you wait just a few more weeks, you can see the SAME movie on a big screen for a buck or two!

Dollar Stores. They have many cleaning and household items that you can get instead of paying full price.

Car Pool. When possible get together with other who work with you, and car pool. You can also take turns picking up your kids from school if you do not work outside the home. You will save gas money.

Garage Sales. This is a great way to find some furniture items you need. Some people find great treasures and then sell them on eBay. Not only can you SAVE money, you can MAKE money if you so choose.

Shop After Holidays. A great time to buy gifts is AFTER the holidays! If you wait till after many holidays, like Easter, Christmas, etc…you will find great deals. Obviously, not on perishable items, however, you can find perfume, gift sets, and MUCH more for 50-75% off. Put them in your closet, and give them as gifts next year!

Store Brands. Buy store brands as often as possible. On most cases they have the EXACT same ingredients and/or quality as “name brand.” Name brand is nothing more than commercialization. They are no different. Maybe we are watching too much TV??? LOL!

Shop Online. You can find a TON of deals AND get free shipping JUST for shopping Online.

Amazon and eBay. You can get incredible deals shopping at places like eBay and Amazon. Use and New. I buy most of my books through Amazon used. I save a TON of money that way and even though they are used, they really do not appear used when I get them. Oh,and yet again, this is another venue to make money. Sell YOUR used books on Amazon!

Eat In. Eating out costs a LOT of money. Get out of the habit and get more creative with your cooking! You will not only save money, you will make your family happy! If you work outside the home and you go out to lunch, try bagging it! Think about it this way…You are literally flushing your money down the toilet!!!

Restaurant Savings. If you MUST have your out to eat treat sometimes there is still hope for you! Many places offer kids eat free nights. Take advantage of them when you want to have an out to eat treat. Applebees has it on Sundays, Fazolies and Roadhouse have it on Tuesdays. There are also quite a few restaurants that offer free meals and/or discounts on your birthday. Call around and find out which ones have the best deals.

Drink more Water. It is MUCH healthier for you than soda, tea, or coffee. Plus, it’s FREE! If you do not like your tap water, invest in a filter. Water is the BEST thing you can drink and most people do not drink enough of it anyway! You will be SHOCKED at the amount of money you save each week by simply eliminating the unhealthy sugar filled drinks from your diet! Oh, and your waistline will not complain either!! LOL!

As you can see, there are MANY ways to save money. This is by no means even the tip of the iceberg on the amount of money you can save if you set your mind to it! Happy Money Saving!

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author: Lara Velez is a Christian wife and homeschooling Mother of two. She is a published writer, web designer (designedbylara.com), and Mom of Faith (momsoffaith.com). She enjoys cooking, writing, scrapbooking, and web design.

The words “We Can’t Afford It” sets up a lack and limitation mindset in your child’s psyche. They get a little achy feeling inside and never really understand why the family can’t afford something. Your child will start the process of holding themselves back from things they want based on your words. This mentality also sets up lack and limitation in your own mind. You instantly cut yourself off from ideas and solutions to a cash crunch. Inside your subconscious mind you blame yourself for not being able to fulfill your child’s wants and dreams. The only thing that can come out of this statement is a negative feeling: for both you and your child. I suggest that you approach these delicate situations with two tricks that will work wonders if you let them.

Helpful Hint #1: Sit Down With Your Child And Show Them Your Budget

Yes, thats right I said show them your budget. This of course infers that you actually have a budget. If you do not have a budget use a spreadsheet program and make one after you finish reading this article. Include everything you spend money on during an average month. Don’t forget to average in things like hair cuts, school clothes and car insurance that you pay every few months or so. It is also very important to include “fun” in your budget. You spend money on movies, eating out, lattes and toys for the kids anyway right? Lastly when creating your budget include a savings plan and a “cushion” for unexpected items.

You might have a problem with the budget. You might already be running at a negative amount. At the very least this process will allow you to see how much “in the red” you are each month so that you can apply helpful hint #2 below to fill-in the gap. Your budget should be realistic and you should execute it each month. If you consistently outspend your budget in certain areas like food, you need to either stick to your plan or increase that area of spending.

Explaining A Budget To Your Child

Budgets are typically something that a child under the age of 13 might have a hard time grasping. You will need to improvise with them and put the budget into terms they can understand. Depending on their age, get a bag of M&M’s and use that to discuss the budget. Have them count the number of M&M’s in the bag and then write it on a piece of paper. Once they have done this tell them how many M&M’s you pay in rent each month. Then have your child push those into a circle on a piece of paper with “rent” written inside it. Continue with this process until you have worked through your budget [or a minor version of it] and have run out of M&M’s.

When it comes time to talk about the toy, lesson or other item that your child wants talk to them about how much the thing costs. Tell them that it costs “X” M&M’s and that for this month you have already used your M&M’s up. This sounds silly but they will understand it. Show them which categories you absolutely must put M&M’s into each month like rent, gas, and utilities. Then show them the discretionary categories that you spend in. Show them that if the family gives up “cable” then they can have the toy they want and vice versa. Ask your child if they prefer to have t.v. for the month or the toy etc. If you are truly struggling make the choice dramatic. But keep the game fun. Never make them feel bad for wanting to have the things they want. Tell your child they can have them but either they have to save for them or give up something else for a little while.

Helpful Hint #2: Think Up Ways You Can Afford It With Your Child

The next exercise you should do with your child is sit down and brainstorm on ways you “can” afford what they want. Make sure you discuss all the trade-offs involved and have them do the bulk of the work to acquire the item. This will build pride and self-confidence in your child. They also might reevaluate whether they actually want the toy in the first place. Some well placed chores to earn an allowance can get rid of the “I want it, I want It” syndrome that seems never ending.

Some of your brainstorming can include your child mowing lawns, doing gardening for the neighbors, completing extra chores, babysitting or otherwise taking an active role to earn money to pay for the item. You can also tell your child that you will match them dollar for dollar for any money they earn to acquire the thing they want.

Lastly, continue to discuss trade-offs that you can make. Can you cut out things from your budget that are really not helping you. Maybe eat out one less time a month or work a few extra hours of overtime? Taking these measures will not only help your child, it will help you get some breathing room in your budget so that you are not stressed and financially unstable.

Your brainstorming session should definitely include ways that you too can earn some extra money. Maybe you can joint babysit with your child and you give them a portion of the money you earn for helping. There are always people looking for help. While some jobs might not be the most desirable they get you to where you want to be and will help you provide the life you want to give your family.

Open Up to Possibility

These two processes will help you and your child think of positive ways to change a situation. Your child will learn to focus on possibility and will not focus on limitation or what they can’t have. Often their little minds will come up with things you never thought of to make something work. You as a parent will have a better understanding of what is really important to them. Maybe the soccer lessons are not as much fun anymore for the child and they would rather have a new bike to play with their friends or a designer jacket to fit in better at school.

You’ll never know the answers to these questions until you sit down with them and let them tell you what they want. It is critically important to discuss finances with a child at a young age. Too many of our young adults are going through college and life saddled with debt and limitations because no one wanted to talk about money when they were young. Talk about it, make it a priority and change your family’s perception about money and what is possible in life. Its only when we take active steps to counter a situation that it improves and we grow.

When you change your habits, actions and thoughts, your whole life will change. Click on www.GlobalSuccessILG.com to learn about how to increase your income and create wealth in your life. This site covers topics from leadership, to tax strategies, to growing your business and many more. Christina Helwig is Vice-President of Wealth Expressions, Inc. and coaches individuals on how to achieve their goals.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

I mean, you do want to stay married, right?

Jetting off to a foreign land with the one you love or eating in a fancy French restaurant while violins serenade you tableside is very romantic. But…can you afford that? Even if you can, you may be missing out on some of the most romantic dates that can fill you with memories forever.

Plan your dates with romance and thought, not necessarily with cash and credit cards.

An ice cream and magazine date is an inexpensive and fun way to laugh together. Buy yours and hers favorite ice cream and head to a quiet spot in a park or garden.

Pints, or other small containers of ice cream would be best for this and don’t forget spoons and napkins. On your way to the site, pick up a couple of the tabloid magazines with stories of celebrities, UFOs or other strange happenings. Laugh at the ridiculous articles and don’t forget to share a nibble of each other’s ice cream…or each other.

Walks along the beach are always filled with romance. Hold hands, go barefoot and get your feet wet as you watch the waves crash. Yes, it does happen in real life too, not just the movies. And, who can resist a soft kiss as the sun slips slowly below the horizon.

Read poetry to each other. This can be done at home or in some romantic location near the water or flower garden. Don’t knock this idea until you’ve tried it. Also, each of you could try your hand at writing a poem about each other. Sipping on a little wine might make the verses flow a little more freely.

Just be together and talk. What, without the television on? Yes. Talk about each other’s goals in life, their dreams and plans for the future. Also talk about what’s going on in your current life, both the good and the bad. Share things that you’re grateful for and what you look for in a person you enjoy being with. Communicate.

Fill balloons with notes. This would work well in conjunction with the talk date if you plan ahead. Get several small balloons and stuff each of them with a note telling what you like about the person you’re with. It’s more fun and exciting if you give your friend a pin to burst the balloon as the note falls out.

Snuggle together on a rainy day as you fondue chocolate strawberries and marshmallows.
Swap out back and foot massages with warm massage oil. Warning: This could lead to repeat performances.

Some of the best things in life are free and that goes for best dates too.

It’s the American dream to own your own home and dreamers will go to any lengths to accomplish this even if it means borrowing thousands of dollars to be paid back over a 30 year period. It’s quite an obligation to make 360 payments month after month with the bulk of the money going toward interest, at least in the beginning.

The interest on an average home over a 30 year period can account for twice the cost of the home. Interest is working against you 24/7/365. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could pay off your debt years sooner and save thousands of dollars?

You can. It just takes discipline and perhaps a little budget adjusting. It’s no secret that paying the mortgage twice a month, instead of only once will save you thousands and pay off your debt years sooner. Some call it the bi-weekly mortgage plan.

For example: Let’s say you paid $80,000 for your home and got a 7% loan for 30 years.
If you divide the payment in half and pay it every two weeks you should save $25,000 in interest payments and reduce the term by 8 years.

Not bad for a little extra work. Of course, the higher the loan and interest, the more you save. You’re paying less interest and more on the principal. The extra payments bring down the principal and interest faster.

Can just setting up a shorter mortgage term in the beginning accomplish the same thing? Essentially yes. But many people cannot qualify for a shorter term mortgage because of the higher payment. With the bi-weekly plan, you can take control yourself and enjoy the flexibility.

There are many companies who will set this up for you for a fee ranging from $100 to $400. Or, some will do it free but charge a transaction fee each time you make a payment.

Can you do it yourself? Yes, but talk to your lender and read the fine print in your contract. You may have a pre-payment penalty for paying off the loan ahead of time.
Some lenders also tack on a service fee each time you make the extra payment.

Banks can also provide you with a bi-weekly calculator to let you determine how much you would save and how soon you would actually own your home. You’ll also save on private mortgage insurance (PMI) by paying off the loan early.

By paying bi-weekly, you’re actually paying one extra payment a year and that makes the difference. You can accomplish the same thing by making an extra payment whenever you can of any amount. When you do this, write a separate check with a note that states the money should be applied to the principal and not the interest.

Most financial institutions are happy to help you with saving money on your mortgage but it’s up to you to get the financial ball rolling. For about the cost of dinner and a movie for you and your family each month you can be debt free years sooner and save thousands of dollars.

Entertaining the family doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are numerous ways for the family to have fun, be together and spend little if any money. Be resourceful, creative, keep an open mind and a fun heart. After all, nothing’s better than laughing with your family and laughs are free.

1. Celebrate a holiday even if it’s not a holiday. Check the calendar and online for many unusual holidays on which to peg your celebration. For instance, there’s a National Watermelon Day. Celebrate by gathering the family in the backyard or a park and eating watermelon. Stretch the celebration by having a family watermelon seed-spitting contest.
You could also celebrate Christmas in July or Thanksgiving in August.

2. Clean out the kitchen pantry but make it fun by putting together all those newly discovered foods hiding on the back shelves for unusual but delightful dishes. Have a contest with each family member creating an original recipe. Continue the theme by cleaning out a closet, garage or attic and designate items for a yard sale. Earmark the money earned for a family getaway and you’ll get more cooperation.

3. Visit a cemetery. Okay this may sound a little morose but can be fun and educational too. Many headstones have interesting formations and histories. Volunteer the family to help clean up the cemetery, trim grass and pull a few weeds. Some cemeteries even have places to have a picnic so don’t forget the food.

4. Go fly a kite. Some of your fondest memories of growing up may be when your mom or dad helped you build and fly a kite. You can buy all kinds of kite designs if you want or get kite kits and make them yourself. Materials are inexpensive and construction can be simple.

5. Take a field trip to a pick your own farm. The entire family can pick various fruits and vegetables, then purchase and eat them. Because you picked them yourself, the prices are very reasonable and they taste better too. Check your newspaper for the nearest farm to you and remember this is a seasonal activity.

6. Visit a botanical garden or arboretum. Most of these are free and is a beautiful place to just stroll and visit with your family. Sometimes lectures or festivals are being held at the gardens. Take your camera and get some memorable shots of your family among the flowers.

7. Spend the night outside. This could be in your back yard or in a camp site. Sit quietly by a campfire and try to identify sounds of the night. It could be a part night or an all night affair.

Frugal nights and days with your family can be some of the best. You’re together but not worried about the money being spent. Best of all, your children will probably grow up and experience many of the same events with their kids too.

Conservatively speaking, there are millions of coupons circulating every day that could cut your food budget by 30 to 50% - even more if you’re willing to turn couponing into a passion.

(Pssst….want to save with coupons, but don’t have time to clip? The coupon clippers can help you with that. Big time savers!!!)

Even the casual coupon clipper can become quite successful overnight and with more work and dedication become a super saver shopper. You have to be patient, flexible and perhaps give up your favorite brand, but it can be done and you can save a lot of money.

Remember, coupons are designed to sell a certain product and get you in the store but if the item is not one you need and use, then saving money on that item is a moot point.

Food coupons can be found anywhere. The Sunday newspaper is usually the best source but also look on line, at public libraries and at coupon swap boxes at the store itself. Some stores issue coupons at checkout for use on your next trip. Be sure and note expiration dates and if a cash value is offered. Don’t let them expire and go to waste.

Organize before you shop. Keep coupons sorted by food type in an easy to search through organizer

and match coupons with needs on your grocery list. Some coupons have mail in rebates. Beware of this and follow up.

Sign up for a store loyalty card that usually offers coupons plus bonus points that are cumulative each time you shop. Using a store’s own credit card can lead to double points and free item coupons.

When you combine regular coupons with sale prices, you’re becoming a super saver. If a coupon item is not on sale and it’s not an urgent buy wait until it’s on sale. Be on the lookout for sale and bonus points tags.

Compare ads. It may pay you to drive to more than one store if it’s an item you need, have a coupon and it’s not available anywhere else. But, before you burn up extra gas, ask if the store honors its competitor’s coupons. Many will do this just to keep you in the store. You can call ahead to save a trip.

Don’t be susceptible to the 2 for a dollar marketing tool unless it’s to your advantage with a coupon. If you need two of the item go ahead and buy them; but save by buying only one if that’s what you need. For example, the sign may read: 15 limes for a dollar. Unless you’re a big lime user, some could go bad before you use them.

It takes practice and patience, trial and error. If stretching your food dollar is your goal, there are few better ways than using coupons.

In the summertime raise your thermostat setting to 80 or above and bring out the fans, both ceiling and floor fans. They can stir the air and make it feel comfortable. Make sure your ceiling fan is blowing down, not up. Up is fine in the wintertime when you want to bring the warm air at the ceiling down to your level. Fans can save you more than $600 each year.

If you’re not at home, turn off the air conditioner. It’s constantly cycling on and off to maintain a cool home and the hot outside air is trying to get inside to the cool areas. Just turn it back on when you return.

Clean is cool. Clean or replace the AC filter once a month. Dirty filters make your AC work harder and less efficiently. Clean the registers in all rooms including the intake register. Close off all registers in rooms not in use. Speaking of clean, take a cool shower before going to bed and feel cooler.

Shade your outside condenser and save up to 10% on electric usage but make sure the shrubs or grass are not blocking the intake panels.

Check your duct work for leaks. The older it is the more likely it leaks. While you’re in the attic notice how hot it is up there. Insulate the attic or lose up to 40% of cool air. Also, consider installing an attic fan. If you can reduce your attic temperature by only 10 degrees, you can save up to 10% on your electric bill.

Switch to florescent light bulbs. When you stop to think about it, an incandescent light is simply a mini heater that emits light. Florescent bulbs are cooler. They give off 90% light and 10% heat. Plus they last up to ten times longer.

Paint the outside of your home a light color that reflects heat. Houses painted dark attract heat up to 20% more and increase the need to cool. Installing window film also helps keep the house cool but use the kind that reflects heat without blocking the light.

Wash dishes only when you have a full load. Air dry your dishes and avoid using the heat dry cycle. A full load for clothes washing is also a good idea or use the proper load level. A clothes line would save more energy and make your clothes smell better.

Of course, turn off energy users when not in use and consider space heaters and window cooling units. Why heat and cool what you’re not using? Saving a few watts of power here and there may not sound like much but it all adds up over the year. Conserve energy and save money. That’s something you can bank on.

If you’re serious about making your home an energy tight, penny pinching fortress (and not cringe when you get the electric bill in the mail) then go here to find out everything there is to know about making your home energy efficient. Recommended by Frugal Mommy Living