WFMW - Menu Planning is SO Simple Now

Okay, so I have been using e-mealz for my meal planning for just over 3 months now and I can fully recommend this service to ANYONE!


Seriously...the time I save on this task is so appreciated, and to think I'm saving money too...what more can I ask for?!

I once had a problem meal planning. We were seriously trying to watch the budget, so I scoured sale papers and helpful sites that matched current sales with coupons, but I had a major disconnect when trying to put together meals even once I had all of this useful information in my hands.

I worked to find stuff that my family would eat, something we had not eaten JUST last week, and match those things to the sales. I was seriously struggling.

Then while listening to Dave Ramsey's radio show, I was introduced to e-mealz. It is a menu planning website that plans out a week's worth of dinners for you considering the sales of that week.

It totally rocks my world.

You can choose 2 or 4-6 person meals; you can choose from several different stores (currently features Kroger, Publix, ALDI, Ralph's, Walmart, and "any store"); and you can also choose a special diet consideration if you want: like WW Points, Low Carb, Low Fat, or Vegetarian.

And you just click on one link and you have a week's worth of dinners at your finger tips.

What's better?

It provides a shopping list for you. It is divided by area of the store and indicates which meal the items go with (in case you decide not to use one of the meals, you can cross off all items associated with that meal easily!).

And the shopping lists? Since they are based on the sales, they indicate that the average cost for each week is between about $70/week (some more, some less depending on the store) for the 4-6 person meals.

The cost of e-mealz is just $5 a month. You can easily recoup that in the first week, so it is a no-brainer. You pay for 3 months at a time and can cancel at any time. Use coupon code "Dave" when ordering and save $2.50 off your $15.00 order.

I have continued to save money using e-mealz, but more importantly, I have saved some serious time and frustration and that really Works for Me!

Go visit We Are THAT Family to see what works for everyone else!

8 Reasons My Children Have the Best Dad

As a belated Father's Day tribute to Chip, I wanted to use the Monday 8s series to thank him for simply being incredible.

8 Reasons My Children Have the Best Dad

1. He has NEVER been too "manly" to change a diaper, clean up spit up, dress the children, or basically do all of those "mom" things.
2. He has no problem carrying a diaper bag--even Abigail's bright pink diaper bag that is monogrammed.
3. He is an AWESOME playmate. For the kids. You know.
4. He is the disciplinarian he swore he would never be because he loves his children.
5. He gives and receives all of the kisses required to make our children feel loved.
6. He celebrates the "small" moments...like the first steps, the first waves, the first solid foods.
7. He works hard to provide for his family, but treasures his time with us more than the money he makes.
8. Most importantly...he loves their Mom.

Another Reason to Kill My Credit Card

Welcome to anyone visiting via the Carnival of Money Stories #69: Summer Vacation Edition hosted by Squirrelers. I hope you enjoy this post as well as anything else you find while perusing my blog. Please know that things are a little crazy right now because I'm hosting a huge series of giveaways, which is giving me twice the posts as normal right now. I promise you can find the "regular" stuff amidst the giveaways! Feel free to stick around and hey--go ahead and enter to win some stuff if you want. There are some great prizes to be had!

So after becoming listeners/readers/fans of Dave Ramsay, we began our journey to becoming totally debt free. We decided that we would take it to the limit and drop all credit cards permanently. That is still the plan.

Since October 2009 we have paid off over $15,000 in consumer debt. Absurd, right? (I mean the amount we have to pay off, not the fact we have done it; I rather love that part) I will admit (ashamedly) that we still have a long way to go, but we are making our way through it and killing off credit cards as they are paid off.


Image Source: Accredited OnlineSchools
The current target of our debt snowball is a Chase card that was my primary card since graduating college. It has the highest credit line and the longest credit history attached to it. It also had the highest balance on it. The snowball method would indicate that we would pay it off last (we have one other card with another high balance although not as high as this Chase one), but this one is getting paid off next because it will be a huge emotional win.

You see, I was a good customer of Chase's, as far as credit card companies define good customers. I had a high credit line because I would carry a balance for long enough to please them and then pay it off in full. Each time I paid off a big balance in full, due to the way credit card companies have acted in the past, I would get a credit limit increase. I finally asked them to stop increasing my credit limit when it reached $24,000. Yes. $24,000. On one card. Ridiculous. They obviously thought I should be able to purchase a nice new car on that card.

Last summer I got a nice letter from them telling me that my minimum payment amount would more than double. I was floored. Frankly, I couldn't make that payment because I was deep in debt with not only them, but with three other cards. I called them and told them so. They increased my interest rate and left my minimum payment percentage the same. It hurt, but I had gotten myself into that mess and I didn't have any choice.

Upon investigating this in anger online, I found that Chase did this to over 1,000,000 of their customers. What did these customers have in common? They had previously transferred a balance at a "lifetime low" interest rate, they were employed, and they consistently paid their bills as required and on time. So they were wanting to punish those customers who were most loyal to them and responsible as far as that word can stretch in the credit-card carrying person's dictionary. Yep...increasing the payments of those they were most certain they could get a payment from.

I was furious. After 8 years of carrying that card, this was my reward for using it the way they wanted me to.

I vowed then and there that once that card was paid off, I would never use Chase again for any of their banking products.

That's all back story. Here's the current deal:

So, I open my mailbox last week and I have a letter from Chase. It states the following:

Dear Kaye:

We are writing to provide you with important information about your account. In an effort to ensure the credit we extend is appropriate for each customer, we regularly review customer credit lines. Based on our review of the account referenced above, we have changed the credit line to $15,000.00.

The review of your account considered several factors including our assessment of information obtained from the consumer credit agency listed below. The primary reason(s) that led to our decision to change the credit line are:

• Balance owed on revolving accounts too high.
• Balance too high compared to credit limit

....

We understand that you may be disappointed with this decision, but we hope that you continue to find value in the benefits, protection, and payment flexibility your account provides. If you have any questions....

So. There it is, ladies and gentlemen. My credit limit has been decreased.

Why? Well, I agree that my balance owed is too high, so I cannot argue with that.

However, the crap about my balance being too high compared to my credit limit? Well, my ratio of balance to limit is higher now thanks to my limit decrease, so I don't really buy that.

You see...they see that I am paying this sucker off. In pretty hefty amounts. Every month. And they see that I'm not using it. At all.

So they are ready to close my account as soon as it is paid off. And you know what? I am too. That's the first thing I have agreed with Chase about in a while.

So why my feelings are not hurt by any part of this letter nor the actions associated with it, I find it humorous that Chase suddenly is concerned that my credit ratio is too high. They are concerned that I cannot pay my bills although they have NEVER not received a payment from me.

The dishonesty associated with most of the credit industry (I only say most because I can't lump absolutely everyone into the same category. I'm sure there are good people out there. Somewhere.) sickens me and further confirms and solidifies our decision to be done with them once and for all.

And Chase...by the way...I am not "disappointed with this decision," and I have not found "value in the benefits, protections, and payment flexibility" with my account in a long time now. So really...don't let that concern you.

By the way...I'm not trying to pick Chase out from the bunch. Most credit card companies are doing something similar these days. Chase just decided to do it to someone who would blog about it.

Flag Etiquette-Repost

In honor of today being Flag Day, I am foregoing the usual Monday 8s post and posting the proper etiquette for displaying, handling, and honoring the American flag. This is a repost from 06/18/2008.

With summer fast approaching already beating down upon us, many people fly the American flag outside of their homes more regularly. It begins with Memorial Day and flies for Flag Day and Independence Day as well as throughout the rest of the summer (yes, many people fly more frequently, but they seem to be more abundant during the summer).

One of my pet peeves is to see someone "trying" to be patriotic by flying their flag, but not concerned enough with their patriotism to fly it properly. It pains me to see a tattered flag flying outside of a home or business (exception being, of course, immediately after a major storm or catastrophe). Therefore, I am posting the US Flag Code (compliments of USFlag.org) today so everyone can properly fly their flags out of respect for those who fought for the right for them to fly. Yes, it is lengthy, but definitely worth the read!


STANDARDS of RESPECT

*The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
*The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
*The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
*The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
*The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
*The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
*When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
*The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
*When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.


DISPLAYING THE FLAG OUTDOORS

*When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
*When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
*When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
*When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right...The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger...No other flag ever should be placed above it...The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
*When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.


RAISING AND LOWERING THE FLAG

The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.


DISPLAYING THE FLAG INDOORS

*When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
*The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
*When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
*When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.


PARADING AND SALUTING THE FLAG

*When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

THE SALUTE
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND NATIONAL ANTHEM
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.


THE FLAG IN MOURNING

*To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
*The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
*When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

8 Best Frugal Summer Toys

So the kids are loose for the summer. How do you keep them entertained without spending a lot of money? Well, my childhood summers were full of fun and memories that cost little to nothing. Here are some great ways to invest more in the memories than in the toys:

1. A bicycle. Seriously…great exercise, freedom, wind in the hair, and speed. What more could a kid want? Regardless of what this costs, it will have the life run out of it by the end of its functionality, making it a totally frugal choice.
2. Balls—any kind. Beach balls, baseballs, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, kick balls, any kind of ball will do!
3. Garden hose. Hook it up to the sprinkler, water the plants, hook up a slip n slide, wash the car, just spray one another. Anything cool and wet in the summer is a winner!
4. Sandbox toys. A bucket, pail, sand rake, and such are loads of fun for kids! Even if you don’t have a sandbox, you can use these in the dirt or in the water. My son loves to use these even when we are not at the beach!
5. A tent. Although these aren’t inexpensive, they made the list because the are durable and can serve a greater function. What could be more fun for little ones than camping out? Let them use the back yard…or even the porch…to keep them close to home but allow them to have an adventure.
6. A magnifying glass. Little ones love to explore the world around them and a magnifying glass allows them to do this in a way they never have before! Get close with nature and learn something about the world just outside your door.
7. A kite. This might be more of a spring toy (at least in Georgia), but these can be purchased for literally $1.00 and can provide hours of family fun.
8. Sidewalk chalk. Let your artist be inspired to create huge murals in the driveway or on your sidewalk with just a few dollars invested. They can even draw hopscotch boards leading to even more fun. Or for the young ones, they can practice writing their names.

Photo credit: GreenWhiteOrange

11+ Wars to Remember the Fallen

Although this is usually where you find the "Monday 8" on my blog, in honor of Memorial Day today, I will be summarizing the 11 major conflicts where US military personnel have given their lives in defense of freedom for people around the world. Feel free to click on each topic for details of each. You can also click on each picture to see the details written on them more clearly.


The American Revolution
From 1775 to 1782, the Americans faced off against the largest empire in the world. Led by General Washington they won.
Duration: 80 months Deaths: 4435 military (approximately 25,000 total)


The War of 1812
Some call it the Second War of Independence, for when it ended and the US had fought Great Britain to a stalemate, America's independence was assured.
Duration: 30 months Deaths: 2260 military (approximately 20,000 total)


Mexican-American War
A dispute over Texas joining the Union resulted in US conquest of California and the balance of the Southwest.
Duration: 20 months Deaths: 13,283


The Civil War
It was America's bloodiest war as brother fought brother.
Duration: 48 months Deaths: 191,963 military (approximately 625,000 total)


World War I
Millions died in the fields of Europe, sometimes while fighting over a few disputed yards.
Duration: 19 months Deaths: 116,516


World War II
It was a war like no other, and covered all corners of the globe.
Duration: 44 months Deaths: 405,399


The Korean War
Some call it the forgotten war, but for two years America fought a full fledged war to keep South Korea free.
Duration: 37 months Deaths: 62,321 (54,245 recovered/8075 no remains)


Vietnam War
It was previously the longest war that the United States fought and the only one that the United States lost.
Duration: 90 months Deaths: 59,961 (58,220 recovered/1741 no remains)


Desert Storm
The last war America took part in the 20th century took place when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq.
Duration: 1 month Deaths: 383


Global War on Terror (includes Operation Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom)
Operation Enduring Freedom: War came to America on September 11th 2001 with an attack on NY and Washington. Not since the Battle of Antietam had so many Americans perished in a day.
Iraqi Freedom: On March 19th 2003 the United States invaded Iraq to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein. To present, US troops continue to fight an insurgency there.
Duration: 104 months to date (Enduring)/86 months to date (Iraqi)
Deaths: 5015 (as of Feb 6, 2010)


Other "Minor" Conflicts (see full list here)
Deaths: 11,922



TOTAL Military Deaths : 873,458









































Sources: radicalrevolution.net, wikipedia, crs report for congress
Photos: American Battle Monuments Commission

Introductions...J. Money from Budgets Are Sexy

In this (recently neglected) series of interviews, my plan is to introduce you to bloggers whose stories and/or advice I have enjoyed or found most helpful. Budgets Are Sexy is a fun, sometimes snarky, but always informative blog that so often feels like you are having a discussion over a cup of coffee with its author, J. Money, rather than reading a blog. The posts are full of information and real life-application type stuff while allowing you to feel as if you are not reading a textbook on finance (gag).

I finally got a chance to virtually "sit down" with J. Money (okay, so he doesn't really sit down a lot...he's not really content with being still it seems) via email and talk. This is the result:


Me: I really appreciate you talking with me about your blog. Please tell my readers a bit about yourself and what Budges Are Sexy is all about.
J.: Budgets Are Sexy is all about making finance un-boring :) There are a lot of great sites out there that dish knowledge and statistically correct ways to save here and cut debt there, but I learn a lot better when entertainment is mixed in more - and hopefully others do too!

Me: Honestly...that's one thing that locks me in as a subscriber. I can't handle the textbook type stuff; I need something readable and you've got it. What keeps you motivated to continue writing your blog?
J.: Oh man, I just think it's fun! It's like you build this entire site from scratch - all from your brain - and then people read and respond to it! Haha...Plus, it's yours to keep. It's really a product you're building out there. I think it's great that we're helping people too. I don't get any sense of accomplishment with my 9-5 job, so this blog really breathes some life into me. Now if only there's a way to go full time!

Me: I know what you mean by not feeling a sense of accomplishment at work. I envy those people who LOVE to go to work everyday. What do you think would bring that joy? Blogging full time?
J.: Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure blogging & doing side projects related to blogging would help me be more excited as far as career goes. I've loved everything about it so far (the writing, the commenting, the networking, etc etc) and going full-time would be my first move shall anything ever happen with the current 9-5. I might even plan to try it out in the next 6 months either way ;)

Me: Looking at your budget, I see you are contributing 90% of your paycheck to your 401k. That's insane! What (other) financial moves have you made that people have thought you were crazy?
J.: Haha...well, the 401(k) one is definitely the biggest of the bunch. Other than that it's probably been the stories about the opposite of me saving ;) Like the time I spent $40 on a bottle of water, or the weekend I tried out the $100 Lottery Challenge (you'll have to click to see what that one was about...we learned a lot!)

Me: I read the Lottery Challenge. I'll have to check into that bottle of water post. What types of posts do you find elicit the most responses from readers?
J.: The ones that are PERSONAL. And personal in a way that gets you to say "Yeah, me too!" or "What the...? I do NOT agree and here's why ____ ." The thing with all these personal finance sites is that we all convene here to learn and be around like-minded individuals - particularly those who have the thirst to become financially free! Many blogs do an excellent job of throwing out facts and a lot of great in-depth research, but if you want good discussions going you really have to connect with your readers. And nothing does that better than emotions. Or giveaways ;)

Me: I can honestly say that is where I have dropped the ball in the past. What do you personally enjoy writing about most?
J.: Whatever has *JUST* occurred. I really don't enjoy writing at all to be honest with you, but I LOVE sharing my experiences and thoughts exactly as they are happening. When I jump on the computer ASAP I find the words just flow out and I can really put a lot of thought & energy into the posts. If I wait a few hours though (or a few days/weeks which is usually the case when I'm busy), it's not nearly as fun for me - even if the lesson learned or shared hits home. I like blogging because it's right here and NOW - not like magazines and the bunch.

Me: One of your pieces of advice is to get rid of all "bad" debt. What do you consider "good" or acceptable debt?
J.: That's a good question actually. The old me would have said "bad" debt was car loans and credit card debts. Now I think it's really anything you personally just can't stand. You can get into a lot of the numbers and say "well this debt's at 5% and the other's at 25% so such-and-such is the good one" but overtime I've come to realize that it's almost always a personal reflection. And that most debt is bad debt when it comes down to it ;) Except for maybe a loan on a Porsche. I think for a guy that really brings a lot more joy than the opposite.

Me: Awesome answer--money is such an emotional subject for everyone. Now...you're known for your Million Dollar Club. Tell us about the it.
J.: Sure, the Million Dollar Club is pretty simple really - it's all about making a decision to get from point A (your current financial situation) to point B (a million dollars). Now, every person I know wants to be a millionaire, but unfortunately most people we know don't put a GAME PLAN into action to get there. So what the million dollar club does is basically just get you to spell out the methods you'll be taking to reach that glorious end. It might take 20 years or it might take 50, but the point is you've got a few steps in place now that you can start following.

Me: You know...that really simple...and BRILLIANT! Who doesn't want to be a millionaire. It has always seemed like just one of those unreachables, but it really is not when you think about it. So, once you've accumulated your wealth and are financially comfortable, what are your goals for enjoying the fruits of your labor?
J.: Oh that's an easy one! To do WHAT I want, when I WANT to do it ;) Every year my hobbies and passion change (I've got major A.D.H.D.), but the one thing I have always cherished is the ability to be free. Free to blog, go on walks, donate money, play poker, travel, even work if I really wanted to. The thing about money is that it gives you options to do whatever it is you're passionate about. So I'ma keep on working at it until I'm free as a bird, baby!

Me: I totally get it. I can't wait until we are no longer slaves to our debts and can feel free! Last question...what blogs are you reading?
J.: Favorite bloggers to read: Free Money Finance, Bargaineering, and Enemy of Debt. The passion those guys have is just amazing (and I'm close friends with one of them!)


I am sure that J. Money would love to have you join him over at Budgets Are Sexy. You can always just click over to read, but you'll find yourself there day after day, so you might as well just subscribe as I do, via RSS feed or sign up for his VIP newsletter. You can also follow him on Twitter--if you are into that kind of thing. Or you can hook up with him on Facebook or LinkedIn. If you do all of the above, I think you might need to join some type of addiction support group though, so pick a couple and go with it!

8 Things Your Child Should Know

1. Name & Spelling—By the time your child is a toddler, they should know their full name and the name of his/her parents. This should be one of the first things they learn to spell. If they get lost somehow, it makes it difficult to locate their parents if they don’t know what name to give them.
2. Address—This is another important bit of information for them to learn early. Start with your city and state. Then get more specific.
3. Phone Number—Also important information they need to memorize early.
4. His/Her Birthday—This helps in identifying a child who is missing or lost.
5. Where Mom/Dad Works—This can be useful information in locating the parents.
6. Alternate Phone Number (caretaker, neighbor, grandma)—someone else who can be contacted in case the child’s parents cannot be reached for some reason.
7. How/When to Dial 911—It’s important not only to know how to dial 911, but when it is okay to do so. Don’t make them scared of the number so that they will not dial it when actually needed, but make sure they know it is not a game or toy as well.
8. How to Respond to a Housefire—Teach them what your plan is if there is a fire in the house. Teach them how to test doorknobs, how to avoid smoke, how to get out of the house from several locations, and where to meet the family once outside the house.

8 Places to Clean that Might Escape You

1. Under the lip of your shower door—I found out the hard way that the lip of our glass shower door gets the most disgusting collection of grime from hard water. It will make you gag if you let it get away from you…trust me.
2. Under the lip of your counter tops—This one I discovered when I grabbed the edge of our countertops and felt texture. We have solid-surface countertops…there should be no texture.
3. Under the lip of the table where your child sits—The owners of sticky, dirty, grimy hands often use the underside of the table to pull themselves up in the chair, pull themselves closer to the table or just as a napkin (because picking up the one on TOP of the table makes no sense).
4. Aerator of your faucet—This is the part where the water sprays out. It can be gross with hard water, lime, calcium and other build up. Your water is sliding by it all while it is being dispensed. Clean it and you will have not only cleaner water, but possibly more since these can clog the holes!
5. Inside ice dispenser—Also another (un)fortunate accidental find of mine. If you have an ice dispenser on your fridge, open the freezer door. You see that little chute that the ice rides down before it falls into your glass? There is a little door at the bottom of that chute that keeps the cold inside the freezer while ice is not using it as an exit. Reach inside that chute and push that little door open. Look at the seal on it. If you’ve never done this before, my bet is that it is black. Blech.
6. In the folds of the seal of your refrigerator—This one is similar to #5 in location/purpose, but not a gross find of mine. My mom used to clean this one. Open the refrigerator and freezer doors (not at the same time…were you born in a barn?!) and clean INSIDE the folds of the door seals. It can be gross, but you can feel better about yourself once you’ve done it.
7. Dish washer door—There are actually two areas that need your attention here. Firstly, open your dishwasher slightly. Now, look at the top of the inside of the appliance. It is probably gross. However, you may have already spotted this one on your own and therefore clean it regularly. Here’s another one. Continue opening the dishwasher door until it is all the way open…as in parallel to the floor. Look in the “hinged” area at the bottom of the door. Most dishwashers gather moisture here, but when the door is closed, they are shaped in such a way that the soap and fresh water does not wash here. Final result? Grossness.
8. Base of your toilet—This is mostly true if you have males that live anywhere in your house. I was not aware until I was married that men seem to…how should I say…spray more than I realized (since my mom never let this be a problem when I was growing up). So even your best Robin Hood of an aimer cannot avoid getting a bit on the base of the toilet and on the floor around it (which is why I neither understand carpet in a bathroom or those little rugs that fit around the base of a toilet).

Yes it's gross...but what's worse: reading about it here or it residing in your home?

You can also find a similar post at a The Frugal Frontier named 6 Places You Might Forget to Clean. You should check out her site for more ideas!

Photo credit: lusi

8 Pool Safety Rules for Kids/Parents

Since our neighborhood pool is opening this upcoming weekend, I thought I would run over a list of pool safety tips to remember for this upcoming heatwave.

1. Learn CPR. I don’t want you to ever have to use it, but you should know how—just in case.
2. Never allow children to swim alone, regardless of how good of a swimmer they are. Younger children MUST have an adult present. Do not allow a flotation device replace supervision. Older children should have a buddy who is also a good swimmer in order to be left alone. Actually WATCH the child and don’t get distracting by socializing.
3. Never allow children to run around a pool.
4. Be sure that the depth of the pool is appropriate for jumping/diving without causing injury.
5. Teach children not to urinate in the pool. It’s disgusting and lots of health hazards can stem from this apathetic approach.
6. Have a telephone around. If you receive a call from a friend or need to call 911, you don’t want to leave the poolside to do it.
7. Use plenty of sunscreen and re-apply per the label directions to prevent burns.
8. Don’t assume that if your child knows how to swim that they are drown-proof.

Now enjoy the summer fun!

Photo credit: Tom@HK

WFMW - I Can't Exactly Cut It Off!

See that? That cutie right over there-->.

He's awesome. He's smart, generous, caring, sensitive, smart, loving, cuddling, funny, witty, and smart. (Did I mention he is smart?).

He also sucks his thumb. He's closer to 5 than 4.

I don't know why he is a thumb-sucker. I was not. His dad was not. But he is. We certainly didn't teach him this trick.

It needs to stop.

We've talked to him about it. I've used a glove that has all fingers but the thumb cut off for him to wear, but it is hot and uncomfortable. We've tried bribing him. We've tried to restrict it to bedtime (in the hopes that we could then work with him from there). We've threatened him with the stuff you buy that makes it taste horrible. Nothing has worked so far.

Any recommendations that you have in getting this habit stopped would be much appreciated.

Because his little sister does it to, so I will need to keep an arsenal of tips on hand to find something that works for her in a couple of years.

Thanks!

Go visit We Are THAT Family to see the backwards edition of Works for Me Wednesday (where the blogger asks for tips rather than gives them) and see what other questions people have that you might could help them with!

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

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

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