Friday Faves - Recycled Cassette Tape Art

Fascintating!















To see more, go to this post at The Chive.

Our Financial Status - Update #7

So I am going to go ahead and do April's update although the month is not officially over. But spending for the month is and since I didn't have anything else scheduled for today, ta-da, here it is.

April was bad in a lot of ways. We are not hurting per se because we both have regular paychecks coming in now. Hooray for regular pay!

However, we did not use our money as wisely as we should have. Mostly it was our decisions that resulted in this although we did have a few surprises.

Let's review:

INCOME:
We made what we expected this month. Chip's check varies slightly due to hours, but nothing drastic. The good news? We can increase our expectations again this month because my employer gave out cost of living increases this year! Hooray!

OVER BUDGET AREAS:
Auto Insurance was slightly ($20) higher this month because for a short time, we owned 3 vehicles (my car, Chip's new car, and the van). Next month we will be able to decrease this budget to cover just 2 cars and happily have this budget lower than it has ever been! In fact, the new rate is so low, we will probably go to paying it every 6 months and avoid a $5 fee (monthly) for paying by the month. Hooray! That's an additional $60 in savings annually (I'll take what I can get).
Gasoline: We went over budget this month by $110. This budget may have to change slightly now that Chip is working full time again. Although work isn't far from home for him, we'll have to watch this and gauge our allotment to it.
Car Repair: $683 over budget. Ouch. When you really only budget for an oil change a month (the empty months hopefully cover any unexpected surprises), you can be thrown for a loop when things arise. We spent about $65 on manuals for repairing Chip's car (we consider those an investment since they enable us to save money later). We had to buy new tires for my car rather than just get them balanced as we had hoped. Chip had to have his A/C repaired because we live in Georgia and spring to us is like summer for some of you. We had to have our vehicles towed one time a piece (Chip's is a slightly embarrassing story that I won't share without his permission and my starter went out earlier this week). And there were the parts for repairing my starter as well as a regular oil change for my car. So this one hurt.
Eating Out: $117 over budget. Wow. I've told you before that this is our weakness, and I meant it. We've really got to rein this in. I'm mostly talking to myself although it was the family meals that killed us this month.
Groceries: $10 over budget. How is it that we're over budget here and with eating out? Well, that's what happens when I slack up on my meal planning. Sigh... Must do better.
Clothing: $118 over budget. Chip needed new shoes for his new job. Chip needed 4 more pairs of black pants for his job. I needed new shoes for work (mine seriously had holes in them). Patrick needed shoes for church for this summer. Considering all we got, I can't feel bad for spending just over $150.
Miscellaneous: Paid $199.00 for membership to buying club (we should easily recoup this when we upgrade Patrick's bed to a full size this year), paid $28 to transfer the tag from the van to Chip's car, paid $273 in sales tax for Chip's car and paid $60 for swim lessons for Patrick at the YMCA


ON BUDGET AREAS:
Television: No surprises
Coffee Shops: $0 as budgeted. This only reason this is on here is because sometimes we treat Patrick to a muffin and milk from the coffee bar at church.
Life Insurance: As expected.
Babysitter/Daycare: Nothing unusual here.


UNDER BUDGET AREAS:
Mobile Phone: Under by $5.
Utilities: $15 under budget--even after lowering the budget $55 from last month this one!
Doctor: $25 under budget. That means no one had to visit the doctor this month (the $25 is for one co-pay. And honestly I got reimbursed for the last visit in March, so we're actually $50 under now. =)
Pharmacy: $15 under budget. Again...no one was sick, so that was great for this budget as well! Home Services: $36 under budget. This is our monthly pest control cost in the summer. In the winter it lessens in frequency, so nothing needed here this month.
Home Supplies: $5 under budget. I usually just budget $5 for this category to cover things like cleaning products, batteries and other things that just keep the household working properly. No money was spent in this category this month. It will roll over to next month.
Baby Supplies: $72 under budget. Which is awesome since we only have a $50 budget here. The extra $22 under rolled over from last month. I was over a couple of month previously stocking up on diapers at great prices. Well, we are seeing the benefits now, as the rolling budget is showing the savings you see above.
Hair: $25 under budget. After raising the budget for this month since Chip is a big tipper, we didn't use any money in this category. Patrick has decided he wants long hair, Chip had a cut at the end of March, so hasn't needed one in April, and it's been longer than I want to admit since I've had a trim.

Debt Update and other Positives:

• We paid the minimum to card #4 and sent $2200 to card #3 (cards #1 & #2 previously paid off).
• It doesn't look like we're going to owe any more out of pocket on Chip's vasectomy, so we might have saved $400 on that procedure that we didn't expect. Hooray!
• The car chaos, while frustrating, was paid with cash. Now that we're very intentional in our spending, we aren't caught by surprise by repairs and such. Sure, I would have loved to send that extra $600 to a credit card, but I am proud to say that we did add the amount to our total debt.
• We still have some money set aside in savings that might can be used in the near future for debt repayment. There is going to be a hearing with the Department of Labor to determine whether Chip should pay back some of his unemployment benefits (long, frustrating story because he got every penny honestly). If all that pans out, we will be able to send that $1200 to card #3 as well.
• My 401k is swelling with this market. Woo hoo!
• Similarly, we both have a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA. Because we have not paid much attention to them, we really have not been getting as much gain on them as we could have. We can only change how they are invested once a year, near their anniversary, and this week I have sent off the forms to change mine so they can grow more quickly. I have not contributed anything to them in a while. While we're paying off debt, I won't, but hopefully we can pay off debts and ramp back up on that contribution soon enough!
• Still haven't touched our credit cards since the beginning of January! =)

NET WORTH UPDATE: Since October 1, 2009 when I really started paying attention to our finances, we have increased our net worth by $23,206.26! Wow! It's amazing what you can do when you really try!

UPCOMING: Must plan for Abigail's 1st birthday party which is coming up in June. There will need to be gifts and of course a party. =)

WFMW - Help Infants Grasp Food

Now that our little one is getting bigger, she is eating more and more finger foods. We had some bananas on hand this past week, so I decided to let her try those out for size.

She loved them. She devoured them. She wanted more.

But she really had a lot of trouble picking them up.

Her dexterity isn't perfect yet, I reasoned, so I tried to help her by picking some up for her to feed them to her.

And then I realized, bananas, when not in their peel, are quite slippery. Especially when they are cut up into tiny bite-sized pieces.

And then I remembered. I remembered a tip that I saw a lifetime ago (maybe less) on the internet. Possibly through Works for Me Wednesday. So I can't take credit for this one, but I can't remember who to give it to, so I will just say that while this is a brilliant idea, it is not original.

I coated the little banana pieces in bread crumbs. Yep. Right out of the canister ('cause I'm lazy and buy bread crumbs rather than creating them). I tried not to add too many so they wouldn't suck all of the moisture from her mouth, but the trick certainly helped her grasp that fruit!

So I pass along this tip to you, in hopes that maybe someone else can benefit as I did.

Go over to We Are THAT Family and see what is working for everyone else!

Photo credit: tjyobazee

Tuesday Free for All

Okay, so time was tight this week and I wasn't able to do the full Tuesday Free for All. But I know that many of you just come for the giveaways, so I at least got it up and running for this week.

Enjoy!

GIVEAWAYS:

8 Items It’s Okay to Run to the Store For

1. Milk—It may not last the full time before your next trip to the store. Or you don’t want to buy too much at a time for fear of it expiring. Regardless, this is fine to run out to get at the store.
2. Eggs—Same as milk. These are pure staples in cooking and you could easily run out before time for the next trip to the store.
3. Bread—One more staple. You don’t want it old and stale, so you don’t buy too much. However, if it was a sandwich-heavy week, you might run out quickly. Go ahead and stop on the way home from work and get it.
4. Wine—Sometimes you need some impromptu romance. It’s okay…do it.
5. Ice Cream—My theory behind this one is simple—if you have it in the house at all times, you will eat it at all times. You cannot eat it if it is not in the house. On the flip side, sometimes you really NEED it, and it is okay to go out and get. Especially true if anyone in the household is pregnant.
6. Toilet Paper—Go. Now.
7. Diapers—Sometimes, despite trying to buy in bulk, you do run out. You won’t be the first person to show up in the checkout line with only a package of diapers to pay for (and maybe some eggs).
8. Medicine—You can’t always predict the symptoms of that cold. Go out and buy the medicine that is as specific to the symptoms as possible. Ask your pharmacist…that’s why they are there so late.

Disclaimer—All of these things really are okay to go out and buy outside of your normal grocery shopping ONLY IF you don’t get sucked into the “one more thing” syndrome that can strike you while you are there. Stay focused.

Photo credit: lusi

Weekend Round-Up #35

Hope you have a great weekend!

FINANCIAL:

• 10 Ways to Get Physically Fit Without Spending Money on a Gym Membership at Generation X Finance reviews some age-old tricks that it seems too few of us use.
• Growing old and going broke by Liz Pulliam Weston at MSN Money
  notes "here's how to know if you (or your parents) are in trouble -- and what to do about it."
• 4 deceptive debt settlement claims via Bankrate.com at MSN Money highlights some tricks that debt settlement companies might try to pull on you.
• Are You Being Frugal Or Just Cheap? at Enemy of Debt examines the differences between frugality and just being a miser.
• How To Get More Value Out of Your College Education at Christian PF takes a good look at a college education and how to make the most of it.
• Stop Obsessing on Your Credit Score! by Fiscal Geek made me smile. We once worried about such, but now we're completely over it.
• Payday Loans – Ripping You Off One Fee at a Time at Generation X Finance discusses the problems with payday loans. A must read if you have ever considered this option.
• 10 Tips To Manage Your Personal 401k at Christian PF is a great post on how to manager your own retirement plan rather than be intimidated by it.
• The real issue with money at Punch Debt in the Face had me nodding. This is something I think we all know in the backs of our minds, but we often blame money to keep from blaming ourselves.
• 10 Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale at Money Saving Mom offers a collection of good tips for a popular spring activity. Although I don't agree with all of these, it certainly is a great list to start with!
• 5 Things Dora the Explorer Teaches Us About Personal Financial Planning at Redeeming Riches made me laugh. It's a bit of a stretch, I'll admit, but it was fun to read the comparison!
• Thoughts on Lending Money at Five Cent Nickel offers advice when considering a gesture that seems generous enough, but can ruin relationships forever if handled incorrectly.

FAMILY/LIFE:

• Reason #8297 at In the Midst of It made me smile. How heart-warming.

FAITH:

• A letter from God? at The High Calling Blogs made me tear up a little. God moves in so many way. We really shouldn't limit His ability or willingness to communicate directly to our needs.
• Christianity is no laughing matter (or is it?) is a guest post by katdish over at Shooting the Breeze that looks at the difference between and what is truly important.
• Knowing what stuff from the Bible to take literally is not as easy as we sometimes make it. at 22 Words made me laugh. And then think. And then ponder. And that, my friends, is what makes a good post.
• BRAND NEW POTSC VIDEO at People of the Second Chance is an interesting story about a girl named Stephanie and her unique art. The video is entitled “Broken Is Beautiful.”

FUN:

• #524 When your fries order has a few onion rings stashed in the mix from 1000 Awesome Things made me smile. Because that indeed rocks.
• When Facts Are Not Immediately A-Parent at Not Always Right made me both laugh and cry a little.
• Unaware Of My Space at Not Always Right had me laughing out loud. This SO sounds like some of my bloggy friends. Sorry, girls...but it does and you know it!
• To Blogger or Not to Blogger at Thoughts About Nothing honestly has me wanting to make the switch now. Of course, that requires time, and it doesn't seem that I have much of that these days.
• Best and Worst 15 at The Eleventy Million Dollar Blog made me laugh. Kevin's pretty good at that, and his Best/Worst series of posts is awesome.
• Police Fail 8 is another good one from Failblog.
• Skipping church. (The definitive rules.) at Stuff Christians Like made me laugh. I'm glad someone finally established a clear-cut set of rules for the rest of us!
• In honor of @prodigaljohn’s book, my own list of stuff Christians like! by Jesus Needs New PR is awesome. It's no secret that I love the SCL blog (see? just above this bullet point...) but when a promo of Jon's book looks like it belongs in the book itself, you know you have a winner all the way around!
• How to know if you’ll ever invent time travel. at 22 Words caught me off guard. And I laughed.

FUN SITE OF THE WEEK:

• DialSongs is a fun new little site to feature for the week. Now go play!

Photo credit: MissLariss

Friday Faves - Lessons in Perspective

All done on a flat surface...

Introductions...Christine from Money Funk

In this (still) new series of interviews, my plan is to introduce you to bloggers whose stories and/or advice I have enjoyed or found most helpful. Money Funk is a real life success story in process. Christine and her family are currently working to free themselves of $85,000 of debt. Through habit changes and frugal living, they are doing it and writing it all down as they go with pointers for you and me. We're all learning together, and Money Funk is one of those places where it just feels real.

I recently spoke with Christine via email about her blog and life.


Me: Please tell my readers a little about your personal life.
Christine: I was already a single mom of two children from a previous relationship. Who found love and married in 2007 to my now current husband. I came into the marriage with some credit card and student loan debt of about $40,000. My husband and I decided to pay off our past credit card debts with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), so that we can start our life fresh and new.

Well, we may have wiped out the credit card debt with shiny $0 balances, but we didn't wipe out the behavior. We re-racked up that debt and fell even further. Not a way to start a marriage by putting yourself deeper into debt. *sigh*

Me: Unfortunately it happens to many of us. We were completely out from under debt once before too. But we weren't inspired to change. And so we're back there again. What inspired you personally to get out of debt?
Christine: One day, I read an article in Redbook Magazine on Mary Hunt's 10-10-80 Formula (Save 10 percent, give 10 percent and live on the rest). Well, that article sat and pounded itself into my head. I got up the next morning to literally declare, "I am going to fight to own my money. My family is going to fight to own their money. We are going to live a better life this day forward!"

The words "own my money" were such strong bold words. Money wasn't going to drive my life, I was going to drive my life!

Me: Wow...I like that idea (owning your own money). Foreign to most of us. What was the most extreme measure that you have taken in paying off debt?
Christine: I think the most extreme measure has not been in paying my debt, but in NOT ACCRUING MORE DEBT, by having a Cash Only Christmas last year. Paying off debt has been automated by a snowball schedule. So as long as we are on track then our family is doing good. But, not accruing more debt can be difficult to keep up all the time; especially during the holidays.

Brad, from Enemy of Debt, was holding a Debt-Free Christmas Challenge. It was then I became very adamant that our family NOT accrue any new debt this last Christmas; very adamant. It was for real this time. See, might not sound like much, but our family did not prepare in saving for the holiday. So, Christmas money was strictly coming out of our weekly cash allotment. Which was not much. And when you have two children with gold and glitter in their eyes for Christmas, it can be a depressing outlook knowing you can't buy them all they want (a parent's guilt).

My husband and I made a list on how much money was going to be spent per person. And we stuck to it. You have to be real picky about the gifts. So, I chose to do most of my shopping online. Where I could compare prices, find coupons through RetailmeNot.com for discounts and free shipping, and get the best prices. I actually really enjoyed doing most of my Christmas shopping online; outside the hustle and bustle of the stores.

Me: I guess we're shooting for a cash only Christmas this year since we've sworn off credit cards. I hope we're as success as you were!
Christine: Having a debt free Christmas was by no means easy. Even my daughter grumbled after she was done opening her presents that 'she didn't get a lot'. Ah, crush my heart. But we all survived the stress having a cash Christmas brought on. My word of advice for a Cash only Christmas: start socking away $25 - $30 a week. Makes a huge difference during the holidays!

Me: Start planning early...great advice! What keeps you motivated on your journey to becoming totally debt free?
Christine: Blogging, both reading and writing, definitely keeps me motivated on my journey to becoming totally debt free. I love listening to bloggers writing about how their lives have expanded on a spiritually fulfilling level for them. I want that in my own life, too! Just think... if I don't have debt, then I can make more of a choice about where my time is spent. I wouldn't need to work, work, work all the time. I could use more of that time to spend with my family.

Me: Which debt are you most excited about being free of (either now or in the future)?
Christine: All of it! If I had to pick one, then it would be my auto loan. My husband and I have decided to be aggressive with that debt loan this year. Especially, because my stupid financial choices have me paying $29,000 for a car loan that is only $12,000. Ouch!

Me: I think very few people realize how much it truly costs to finance a new car. How has blogging influenced your drive to become debt free?
Christine: Blogging holds me accountable for my journey. There is so much enthusiasm and support to make it a successful journey. I think its wise to use that support for its full potential.

Me: I like the accountability of blogging too. How do your readers and commenters inspire you to live and/or blog?
Christine: I don't always have all the answers. Readers and Commenters have given their inspiring resolutions to financial questions I've had. I love all the thoughts that are shared; especially because I like to get the big picture on a situation.

And when I get comments about how I am helping someone on their financial journey... I feel so thankful and inspired. How could I not want to continue inspiring?

Me: What is your favorite financial story shared with you via blogging (from a reader or another blogger)?
Christine: Oh, this is an easy one. Flexo, from Consumerism Commentary, wrote a piece at the start of the new year called, Start the Decade off Right: Do Something you Love. For some reason it was just so inspiring to me because I have so many passions and inspirations that I want to live them all (most people find me crazy for that reason - always coming up with new ideas). I think this post, subconsciously confirmed its okay to try it all. And that one of those things I try will be my golden shiny star.

Me: I just read that piece and wow...you are right. Awesome post! So to wrap it all up, who do you go to for good reading: Who are your favorite bloggers to read?
Christine: A Gaishan Life, Investor Junkie, Monevator, Experiments in Passive Income, Man Vs Debt (who you just saw around here just last week!), Financial Samurai, Small Moments of Great Rewards , and Musings of a Midlife Mom:


Christine would love to have you join her over at Money Funk. You can always just click over to read, but you'll find yourself there time and time again, so you might as well just subscribe as I do, via RSS feed or email. You can also follow her on Twitter--if you are into that kind of thing. Or you can fan her on Facebook. Or you could wrap yourself in a blanket of social media and do all of the above! Either way...she'd love to see you around and see what you have to say!

By the way...she also has a HUGE rockin' blogroll of (mostly) personal finance blogs. It's going to take a WHILE to check all of those out! I think I'm up for the challenge though! You know how much I like finding new blogs to read!

Thanks again, Christine!

Money Hacks Carnival #112 - The Savannah Edition

Welcome to the #112th Edition of the Money Hacks Carnival, featuring Savannah, GA. Since I'm always talking finances, and most of the people in this carnival are always talking finances, I thought I would pick a theme that is off topic slightly.

Just three years ago, my family and I moved to Savannah and fell in love. There is a reason why people told us that they had always wanted to visit Savannah or had visited and wanted to return. It is a beautiful historic city dripping with Southern charm, architecture, history, ghost stories, art, natural beauty, and lots of good food and drink. As a guest to my blog today, you will learn a bit more about the Hostess City of the South.

Editor’s Picks

Jason presents Evil Interest posted at Live Real, Now.

Joshua Noerr presents Personal Finance Makeover posted at JoshuaNoerr.com, saying, "A simple no nonsense approach to your personal finances."

MoneyNing presents 10 Situations in Which DIY is More Expensive posted at Money Ning, saying, "DIY is not always the most cost effective way of doing things."

FMF presents 21 Best Money Tips Ever posted at Free Money Finance, saying, "Some great money tips from personal finance experts."

Jason Price presents Christian Financial Stewardship: Uncommon Examples posted at One Money Design, saying, "There are examples of financial stewardship that aren't quite as common or often discussed as saving, spending and giving. However, they are just as important."

Career

Ramsay presents Do You Think Like A Billionaire? posted at Need Money Tips.

JohnQ Stakes presents 9 Pervasive Myths About Choosing an Occupation posted at Masters in Occupational Therapy, saying, "Choosing an occupation is a daunting task. With the amount of misinformation abounding on the subject, this post singles out the biggest myths."

J. Savings presents 3 Ways to Cut the Costs of a Job Hunt with a Little Online Ingenuity posted at Budgets Are Sexy, saying, "These days, we're expected to be always on when it comes to searching for a new job: that means keeping a close eye on what job opportunities are out there, as well as networking and sending out the occasional resume!"



Debt & Credit

Carmen presents The Best Black Cards in the Business posted at GoBankingRates, saying, "There are few status symbols that are coveted like a black card, which today is widely recognized as the most elite credit card offering from any card issuer. But the truth is most of the perks you hear about are financial urban legends conjured up by overzealous status worshipers. We're here to put the myths to rest and separate fact from fiction."

PT presents Credit Card Cash Advance: Bad Financial Move or Good Emergency Plan? posted at Prime Time Money, saying, "These transactions are almost always a bad idea. Learn why in this post about cash advances using a credit card."

Silicon Valley Blogger presents Balance Transfer Credit Card Tips, Facts and Traps posted at The Digerati Life, saying, "Here are some helpful tips on dealing with balance transfer cards."

The Smarter Wallet presents How To Get A Credit Card That's Right For You posted at The Smarter Wallet.

freefrombroke presents Different Bank Cards And Their Uses posted at Free From Broke, saying, "Various kinds of banks cards and their uses."

FYCR presents Can I remove accurate negative information from my credit reports? Fix Your Credit Reports.com posted at Should I hire a company to fix my credit reports for me?, saying, "Surprisingly you can remove accurate negative information from your credit reports."

Economy

FlBlogger presents Inflation or Deflation? What’s The Evidence Say? You Decide. posted at 20s Money, saying, "Examining the evidence that points to either inflation or deflation."

Mike Collins presents 7 Things Worrying the Middle Class posted at Saving Money Today, saying, "These are 7 common concerns keeping the middle class up at night."


Frugality and Saving Money

The Saved Quarter presents Dialing for Dollars: Cell Phone Savings posted at The Saved Quarter.


BIFS presents Fit in a Fun Friday - Expensive Dreams posted at Budgeting in the Fun Stuff, saying, "This is about keeping yourself in check while saving for big expenses."

Mrs. Frugal presents How to Save for College Without Sacrificing Your Retirement posted at Cool to be Frugal.

Sun presents Honor Previous Financial Choices posted at The Sun’s Financial Diary.

Anthony Samuel presents Disneyland Package Deals Offer a Great Vacation Opportunity posted at Personal Finance Analyst.

Rob presents Save Energy by using Motion Sensing Light Adapters posted at Energy Saving Gadgets.

Income

Online Dividends presents $100 Checking Bonus at Chase posted at Blogging Banks.

Neal Frankle presents How To Generate Income During Retirement posted at Wealth Pilgrim, saying, "Are you wondering how to generate income during retirement? Here are 4 great ideas you can start on today without spending an arm and a leg or all your time."

Investing
Super Saver presents I Avoid Financial Advisors with These Characteristics posted at My Wealth Builder.

Dividends4Life presents 5 Dividend Stocks Building Superior Long-Term Returns posted at Dividends Value, saying, "Ned Davis Research examined the relative performances of stocks between 1972 and 2006 and established a link between rising dividends and superior long-term returns. The study found S&P 500 stocks that consistently increased their dividends produced total returns (dividends + share price greater than those that did not increase their dividends."

James& Miel presents The Benefits of Investment Portfolio Diversification posted at Dual Income No Kids, saying, "Having a variety of investment options and choices available is very helpful to investors!"

Darwin presents How to Invest in Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn posted at Darwin's Finance, saying, "Ever wonder how to invest in Facebook, Twitter and other companies that aren't publicly traded? Here's now - if you've got the money!"

Dan presents Bond King Gross Declares Real Estate to Beat Stocks and Bonds – How to Play It posted at ETF Base.

CheapO presents 5 Stocks That Doubled Recently posted at Cheap Stocks, saying, "5 stocks that have doubled in the last few months."

Zach Scheidt presents Three Industries for Building Short Positions posted at ZachStocks, saying, "The market environment is changing after the Goldman Sachs (GS) announcement. Three short areas to consider pursuing for trading profits or to hedge long exposure."

LearnSaveInvest presents How Wealth Building Is Like Growing A Tree posted at Learn Save Invest, saying, "Your wealth starts by the planting of a single seed. With regular saving and investing it grows strong and provides you the freedom you want."

Other
Camille Hensley presents Top 50 Project Management Blogs posted at Masters in Project Management, saying, "The following list may help you stay on top of these requirements, as the 50 project management blogs listed here are written by the best in the field."

Craig Ford presents Best Personal Finance Software 2010 posted at Money Help For Christians, saying, "This post helps identify some of the best personal finance software options available."

2 Cents presents Your Life Balance Sheet posted at Balance Junkie, saying, "Your financial health is only one part of your life. This article looks at it in the context of the big picture."

Miss Bankrupt presents How Much is an A and Paying for Good Grades posted at Miss Bankrupt.

Michael Pruser presents 15 Ways to Slash Your Cell Phone Bill posted at The Dough Roller.

Kate Kashman presents Why Your House Won’t Sell (Or Rent) The Paycheck Chronicles posted at The Paycheck Chronicles, saying, "Trying to rent or sell your home? Use this checklist to figure out why it isn't happening."


Taxes
Kyle presents Tips to Help Prevent Last Minute Tax Filings posted at Suburban Dollar.


That about wraps it up. I hope you enjoyed your virtual tour of our city and are planning your (next?) visit with us. In the meantime, submit your blog article to the next edition of money hacks carnival, hosted by Learn Save Invest using the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page.

Photo credit: Dizzy Girl, faungg,& jimdeane

Tuesday Free For All

On your mark...

Get set...

GO!

FREEBIES:

• Free skin care samples: Get free sample of Pristine Skin Care products.
• Free plastic toothpicks: Get a free sample of Flix tooth picks.
• Free mouthwash: Get a free sample of Scope Outlast mouthwash.
• Free cleaning product: Get a free sample of The Mystical Monkey cleaning spray.
• Free Aveda sample pack: Print this offer and bring it into an Avon Spa or Salon and get a free 3 piece sample pack.
• Free Gas-X strips: Get a free sample of Gas-X thin strips.
• Free macaroni and cheese: Register here and get coupon good for a free cup or box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Explosion.
• Free mascara: Print this coupon good for a free sample of Too Faced Lash Injection at Sephora inside JC Penny.
• Free pocket constitution: Get a free pocket sized constitution and declaration of independence.
• Free fries at McDonald's: Every Friday this month is free fries day where you get a free small order of fries with any purchase at McDonald's.
• Free shampoo: Get free samples of Pureology hair care products.
• Become a fan of Hood Sour Cream on Facebook, and you'll be able to register to receive a coupon for FREE Hood Sour Cream. Valid in CT, ME, NH, RI, VT , MA & NY only.
• Free Sample of Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner
• Free Sample of Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer when you allow the Facebook application.
• Free Sample of Cascade ActionPacs plus coupons!
• Free Sample of Carefree Ultra Protection Liners
• Free Sample of Samy Deep Conditioning Treatment from Shop Text when you text SAMY to 467467.
• Free Sample of Aveeno Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner
• Free Sample of Lever 2000 Soap for Sam’s Club Members (membership number required).
• Free Reusable Bag from Kroger
• Free Reusable Bag from Red Gold
• Free Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is still available.
• The Free Pretzel M&Ms sample is available again!
• Register for a FREE sample of Cellnique, a serum gel for your face
• Free Sample of Parents Choice Infant Formula
• Free Sample of Crest 3D White Strips
• Free Sample of Benefiber Orange
• You can take advantage of National Park Week (April 17th-25th) and your family can get in FREE to ALL National Parks!!
• Fighting cancer is difficult enough, but living with it is even tougher – and that’s where the Cleaning for A Reason Foundation steps in. This nonprofit offers free professional housecleaning, and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer – any type of cancer. Click HERE to learn more!
• Origins just released this amazing deal on their Facebook page…”Bring your current skincare to any Origins counter and we will trade it for a full-size bottle of our gentle, high-performance cleansers. Choose either: Checks and Balances Frothy face wash Or a Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea. Value up to $20!” It appears Macy’s and Dillard’s will be participating so if you don’t have an Origins store nearby, call your local Macy’s and/or Dilliard’s to see if they are!
• Hurry on over to Philosophy’s Facebook page HERE to score a free sample of Philosophy’s new Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Moisturizer.
• Free Uni-Ball pen or Sharpie for the first 260 entrants each day, Begins at 12:00 a.m. CDT and ends at 11:59 p.m. CDT
• Become a Facebook fan of Hood Simply Smart, and get a coupon for a free Simply Smart milk! (not valid in MA or ME)
• Print a coupon good for a FREE sample pint of Benjamin Moore Aura Paint! This offer is valid at participating retailers only (Valid in AL, GA, FL, KY, PR, NC, TN, SC) Go HERE to print your coupon!
• Sign up for the Best Friends of Friendly’s eClub and receive a coupon for a free 3-scoop sundae (with purchase of any adult entree) as a thank you. You will also receive special birthday offers for you and your family and updates on special events. Click here to find a Friendly’s near you.
• Get a coupon for a free appetizer when you sign up for the Outback Steakhouse Rewards Program. Click here to find a location near you.
• American Chemistry is offering a free 3×5 kitchen magnet displaying simple directions for disinfecting food contact surfaces.
• Get a free $10 Gift Certificate on your birthday via email for World Market when you join the World Market Explorer Reward Program.

SWEEPSTAKES:

• Cuisinart Griddler Grill Centro Sweepstakes: Grill kebabs, chicken, and steak at the same time with this multitasking grill
• Electrolux ICON Professional Wine Cooler Sweepstakes: This sleek refrigeration system stores up to 48 bottles
• The Perfect Spring Picnic Giveaway: Enter to win this colorful outdoor entertaining set from Pier 1!
• Formula 10.0.6 Sweepstakes: Enter to win a set of Formula 10.0.6 skincare products Number of prizes: 10 Expires: April 21, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 75.00
• Faith Connexion Sweepstakes: Enter to win a clutch from Ilan Delouis' Faith Connexion label Number of prizes: 1 Expires: April 22, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 250.00
• Sine Sweepstakes: Enter to win the label's Country Coquet Dress Number of prizes: 1 Expires: April 23, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 258.00
• Dean Davidson Sweepstakes: Enter to win a silver oversized oval cocktail ring by Dean Davidson Number of prizes: 1 Expires: April 26, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 375.00
• Hammocks & High Tea Sweepstakes: Enter to win a bundle of natural and tropical products, including two set of drawer liners in rose tea and lavender and two perfume boxes in amber/balsam and lavender bergamot Number of prizes: 1 Expires: April 27, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 106.00
• Alphabet Photography Framed Art Giveaway: Enter to win an inspirational framed photograph from Alphabet Photography Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Thursday April 22 2010 ARV: $45.00
• HerCut Haircare Prize Package Giveaway: Look like you’ve stepped out of the salon every day with a HerCut Haircare Prize Package Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Friday April 23 2010 ARV: $72.00
• Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes Dining Certificate Giveaway: Enter to win four free dining passes at any Souplantation or Sweet Tomatoes restaurant Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Saturday April 24 2010 ARV: $40.00
• Serena & Lily Sheet Set Giveaway: Enter to win a modern, versatile Serena & Lily Queen Sheet Set Number of prizes: 5 Expires: Sunday April 25 2010 ARV: $209.00
• Myrtle Beach, SC, Family Getaway Giveaway: Enter to win a four-day, three-night stay at the oceanfront Hampton Inn & Suites in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Monday April 26 2010 ARV: $1,000.00
• Stylish Weddings for Less Book Giveaway: Enter to win a copy Stylish Weddings for Less Number of prizes: 15 Expires: Tuesday April 27 2010 ARV: $19.95
• Dove Hair has partnered up with Glee and wants to give you VIP treatment in the Glee for all Giveaway! Play the instant win game to win great Glee and Dove products, and then enter the sweepstakes and you could win a trip to L.A. for a tour of the Glee set, a stylist consultation and $5,700 spending cash! Giveaway ends 6/9/10.
• It's time for HGTV's Green Home Giveaway 2010. Enter daily for a chance to win the green home located in Massachusetts just outside of Cape Code, a GMC Terrain and $100,000 cash! Ends 6/4.
• ReadyMade $1,700 Naturally Inspired Sweepstakes One (1) winner will receive a hand-tufted wool rug by angela adams, worth $1,700! One entry allowed per day It ends: May 20, 2010

GIVEAWAYS:

*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Elle, Woman’s Day Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, Deal Seeking Mom, Couponing 101, Free Sample Freak,The Good Deal Gal, Better Homes & Gardens, SwagGrabber, Mommies with Cents, Abundant Food Savings, &"Deal"icious Mom

Photo credit: Chance Agrella

Help Save our Greenspaces

This just in:

For every new 'Scotties Facial' Facebook fan that joins during the month of April, Scotties is going to donate $1 to ReLeaf USA, a commitment by Scotties to help improve urban forests. Our goal is $10,000* so share this email with all your friends and let's get our fan count as high as we can! Click here and become a fan.

8 Items to Buy in Bulk

1. Diapers/Wipes: They typically are much less expensive in bulk and you know you don’t want to find yourself without them, so go ahead and buy them. Just make sure you don’t overbuy in sizes while they are growing quickly. Yes, you can return them to the store to exchange them for a larger size, but that’s no more convenient than having to go out to buy them last-minute, so buy in bulk when you see a good deal, but buy smart size-wise.
2. Light bulbs—You don’t want to go out to the store because the lights are out.
3. Batteries—You don’t wan to go to the store because the lights are out and the flashlight is dead.
4. Sugar—If you’re using sugar, you’re likely making a dessert. If you are unable to make a treat because you are a ½ cup sugar short, someone is going to be unhappy. Go ahead and buy ahead…it will keep. Get flour too. It freezes.
5. Meat—Buy when you see a good price and freeze what you don’t immediately need before the “use by” date. You can often get meat cheap just because you buy in bulk.
6. Soap/Deodorant—See a good price on your favorite? Go ahead and get it. You’ll use it eventually. And the rest of us don’t want to be around you when you’ve run out of it.
7. Pasta/Rice—Keeps forever, easy to store, small packages, and makes an easy no-brainer side with almost any meal.
8. Breakfast Cereal (cold & hot)—If you get these at a good price, stock up. They will not expire for a while, they are a great quick breakfast, the kids can often fix it themselves, they can be a yummy late-night snack, great for when the power is out and you can’t cook dinner. Too many uses. Too many reasons to go ahead and buy in bulk.

Disclaimer—Some people will be toilet paper on this list. I certainly love stocking up on a good deal. This won’t go bad. It is one of the most basic needs for your household. However, it is large and bulky, so storing too much of it can easily be a hassle. Get a lot, but not so much that you have to walk around it to perform your daily tasks.

Photo credit: bouts

Weekend Round-Up #34

Another week full of great blogging! I don't want to overwhelm you with all of the links I provide, but I am constantly overwhelmed with how good they are as I read them throughout the week.

I hope you find something you like too!

FINANCIAL:

• 10 Ways To Simplify Your Life (And Make and Save Money In The Process) at Christian PF is another list of things that can really save your finances.
• 10 things your insurance may not cover by Liz Pulliam Weston at MSN Money I just love lists! Can you tell?
• 9 secrets of home insurance claims by Insure.com at MSN Money is another good list.
• This is Exactly How NOT to Budget for a Road Trip at Budgets Are the New Black is a real-life example of planning gone wrong. I love to know that I'm not the only one who makes mistakes like this!
• Why Debt Counseling Services Don’t Work for Most People at Fiscal Geek is a great post that you should read if you are toying with the idea of using a debt counseling service.
• How To Run Out Of Money at Learn Save Invest is a great how (not) to guide.
• Is It Possible to Manage Credit Cards Well? at Christian PF investigates credit cards in a way similar to how I have begun to see them. Go check it out if you think you are good at managing yours!
• Did Your Grandparents Have A Financial Adviser? at 20s Money raised an interesting question. There are some interesting comments as well.
• 7 Lies About Money That Can Kill Your Financial Future at Bible Money Matters is a must-read since being in charge of your finances can put you in charge of your future.
• Money Hackers Carnival #111 – Don’t Hassel the Hoff Edition at Deliver Away Debt is a great round up of financial posts. Look around and find something you like!

FAMILY/LIFE:

• 25 New Clothing-Care Uses for Old Things at MSN Lifestyle had some great new tips that I had never heard!
• 5 New Uses for New(ish) Things at MSN Lifestyle had another (smaller) list of some creative ideas.
• 26 Life Lessons I’ve Learned in 26 Years of Living from Baker at Man Vs. Debt (which I interviewed on Thursday here) is a phenomenal list. Seriously...if you aren't plugged into this guy's blog, you're really missing out.
• Great Drawing Activity for Kids at Smockity Frocks is a brilliant idea for keeping kids occupied.
• Lunches Gone Lazy at Mrs Wright Gone Wrong taught me something about pb&j sandwiches that I had never thought of! Brilliant!
• Today I bought a bike that I couldn’t afford at Jamie the Very Worst Missionary made me smile with appreciation. I love to see a mom brag on her children when they are TRULY worth bragging about. Bravo, Jamie.
• What Have You Got to Complain About? by Michael Hyatt truly blew me away. Wow. Just wow.

FAITH:

• Because of That Day, Everything Changed at Tony Morgan Live is a great video that you should check out.
• Is Mother Nature a Crutch? by Don Miller was so very interesting! I love how he really unraveled his argument and gave me a perspective I have never considered. There are also lots of interesting comments!

FUN:

• A hairy situation at Tiny Grey {dot} Me seriously dumbfounded me. Wow.
• Wondering how youthtastic your youth minister is. at Stuff Christians Like was forward-worthy. I got cracked up trying to grade my former youth minister as well as some others that I know. Too funny!
• ADHD Kid at The Eleventy Million Dollar Blog cracked me up. No, there is nothing funny about ADHD, but this post touches on something related to that topic that really is.
• Nicholas Sparks at Cracked.com is quite funny. Warning though: Spoilers involved if you aren't familiar with his movies/books.
• Child Safety Fail at Failblog was a winner.
• Playground Fail at Failblog is along the same lines. And also quite funny.
• Movie Snacks at The Eleventy Million Dollar Blog is one that many of us can seriously relate to!
• Video: Tripp Gets His Face Painted is a follow up to this post about Tyler Stanton's trip to Disneyland with some friends. It is a riot!
• The Thing About Blue Cleavage by Brian Allain made me smile for sentimental reasons. Why would blue cleavage do that? You'll have to click through to find out (and score 1 for him for all of the questionable traffic he'll probably receive for having the word "cleavage" in a blog post title).
• Don't Snot on Me at Things I Can't Say made me laugh in hysterics. This is truly a classic story for them I am sure.

FAVORITE NEW SITE OF THE WEEK:

• 1000 Awesome Things: This collection of great posts really draws me in. And the post from Friday? Truly awesome...priceless, in fact.

Photo credit: The Gifted Photographer