I usually consider myself pretty much tapped in to programs, services and deals that would help me save money and make it possible for me to “do what I do”, but I was surprised last week while back-to-school shopping. Maybe you already know about this, and if you do that’s great, you’re a step ahead of me! For the entire … Continue reading
Now that I am a minimalist, there is a long list of things that I no longer buy. Recently, I have added another item to that list – scrub pads for washing dishes. Instead, I use this handy item. It is made from mesh produce bags. The outer yellow bag is from a large bag of lemons I bought at … Continue reading
My plan is to use a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers for the down payment on my new home. I will use my meager savings to pay the closing costs and if there is anything left over, I will use it for any moving expenses, utility deposits, or items needed at the new house. I say that is … Continue reading
It’s the end of another month and the end of another grocery budget. Around this time each month I find myself doing an inventory of my fridge, freezer and pantry assessing what is available and deciding what meals I can make out of what I have on hand that would require the least amount of supplementation by way of purchasing … Continue reading
The weather here has been pretty hot lately so I’m always looking for a fun way to keep the kids cool and entertained. Our new favorite spot has been a spray park that opened up last summer on our side of town. We pack a picnic lunch, slap on some protective swimwear and floppy brimmed hats, load up the folding … Continue reading
I love family photos. Even more than that though, I love what I call the “Wall of Fame”. Many homes have them; maybe yours does, too. When I was young, I loved to go visiting at my aunt’s home. She had a long hallway that was dedicated to dozens of framed family photos which depicted our family, and it’s various … Continue reading
In my last post I let on that I’ve been having some frustrations. I have spent the last two months house hunting. Every. Day. I have viewed many homes in person and ruled out hundreds more online, and I have nothing to show for it except a few bald spots and a few new bad words in my vocabulary. I … Continue reading
These last several weeks have been really crazy. Let me just say, I had no idea what I was getting myself into… Last time I posted I had just been given the news that I qualified for a home loan. I figured as a single mom of 8 living in California (high cost of living and ridiculous home prices) that … Continue reading
Well, I had my appointment with the mortgage company. I have to say that it was really nerve wracking. I’m pretty sure that I would have never even tried such a bold thing as apply for a home loan if it were not for my very good friend. She had confidence in me when I didn’t… What I had was … Continue reading
The $200 per month water bills that hit me last summer were devastating to our budget. Yes, the kids enjoyed the backyard kiddie pool and spraying each other with the hose, but this year I have put my foot down. We will not have a repeat. I’ve put together a short article on Yahoo! with a few of my plans … Continue reading