For young families

My mom, sister and I have started a new business (as I mentioned in previous posts) Let's Talk Kids. This site provides free recipes, activities and advice for caregivers of young children. You can also sign up for the free weekly email on the right hand side of the page- www.letstalkkids.net.

As early childhood and parent educators with more than 40 years of experience, my mom and sister know so much about teaching kids at little to no cost. Also my mom was named community educator of the year 2009! We hope this service offers families new ideas or tips without spending a lot on the latest toys. Instead, just use common household objects and nature to teach kids. It's also a great resource for babysitters or daycare providers.

Love and learn!

Free tv!

I don't like to spend money on cable and/or sometimes miss my favorite shows. When this happens, I google the show I like and click on "full episodes" to watch the most recent shows I have missed.

You can find many great shows on www.hulu.com. You can also find network shows on the channel's website.

Enjoy!

A gavel.. for class

I have a great respect for teachers. This respect has grown as I teach my own college course and try to find frugal ways to purchase classroom supplies.

In my current course, State and Local Government, we simulate committee hearings. With many students talking at once, we have had a need for a gavel. To fulfill this, I have been looking at Goodwill with no luck. I decided to try the outlet mall (someone suggested a meat clever but those have jagged edges - the thought of those scuffing the table was a bit too much for me) and had no success. Then, I went to Ax Man's supply shop and found a rubber mallet. Only $1.98. Ha! Next week, I am thinking of be-dazzling it and adding some bling from my already purchased craft supplies. Don't you think a be-jeweled rubber mallet/gavel would be something to talk about?!

Fun, fun, fun!

Money savers- toothbrush replacement

I use a sonic care toothbrush and always get annoyed at the $30+ for the replacement toothbrush heads. This time, I went in armed with a $5 coupon. However, when I was shopping at Cub foods, I found an equaline toothbrush head that works great. Two toothbrush heads were $19.99 compared with $30 for two sonic care replacement brushes. Even without the coupon, I still saved!

(I was a bit worried that this brand would fit my sonic care toothbrush base, but it worked great!)

A good deal -outlet mall shopping

I went to Albertville outlet mall with my friend Jacki this weekend. I was trying to be frugal-even while at the outlet mall! Anyway, I set my budget for $100 to spend. I got new black boots for $29.99 (rang up at $59.99 so I had to remind the clerk of the sale price; my current ones have a broken heel), a Ann Taylor shirt for $12.50 (orginially $50) and- best of all- a FREE grapefruit spoon! I have been on a quest to find a grapefruit spoon but to no avail. They had one at the outlet mall and after telling the great clerks how hard it is to find one- not at Target, not in the new silverware packages, not at Kohl's, JcPenny's, etc. - they gave it to me for free and said "Happy Valentine's Day!" That made my day!

Ah, the little things!

A year-end savings/tax deduction

As the end of the year comes near, I realize I have a special Christmas gift- cash- that I don't need. Ah ha! Let's put it in the Roth IRA. Not only is a great gift for the future, come April 15, it will also be a tax write off.

(Do you have any fun money tips to share? If so, let me know so we can post them for others!)

Happy, almost, 2011!

Payday Friday

It was payday Friday so my minimal cash increased with my direct deposit influx of cash. However, since I have been enjoying this creating wealth challenge, I once again decided to take out $60 cash to see what creative adventures I could embark upon this week.

Weekends tend to hit me with lots of spending. This weekend, I spent $29 on gas and $5 on a haircut tip (got the cut for free with a gift card!). I have $26 left for the week. Today, I had lunch "out" for $5.50. I am now at $20.50.

We will see how the week goes. As of now I think I should be set!