Family

With temperatures soaring in parts of the country, it’s time to think of warm weather activities. It’s supposed to be over 100 degrees here in the Sacramento Valley tomorrow and last through the weekend. Yikes, say it isn’t so Mr. Weatherman, what happen to spring anyways? Since we have some sweaty days in our near … Read more5 Fun Frugal Summer Activity Ideas for Kids

Easter is my favorite holiday. Easter is quickly approaching, and I’m a big fan of celebrating holidays in meaningful ways.  But I’m not a fan of spending beyond my budget. I first came across this cookie recipe in the Roseburg News-Review many years ago, but I have no idea where it originated.  If anyone knows, … Read moreTightwad Tuesday: Easter Tradition

It’s Valentine’s Day! What? You forgot? The restaurants are booked, you don’t have a lot of money, and you really want to impress your sweetheart. What’s a person to do? Fortunately I have a few frugal and fun ideas to impress the special person in your life. I’ve even tried a few of these myself … Read moreFrugal Last Minute Valentine’s Gifts

Communication about finances is important in marriage. Ron at The Wisdom Journal posted 7 Things Men Wish Women Knew About Money, and I want to give you the woman’s viewpoint. My husband and I have been married for almost 13 years, and in that time, we’ve learned a lot about each other and our views … Read more7 Things Women Wish Men Knew About Money

When I graduated from high school, I didn’t know anything about personal finance, except how to balance a checkbook. I’ve learned a lot through the school of hard knocks, and I’m grateful for what I’ve learned, but I wish I would have known more before I headed out to college on my own. One of … Read morePersonal Finance for Children and Pre-Teens

My children have always liked Veggie Tales. We began watching them in 1999, when my daughter was just one year old, and they have been a staple in our family ever since. Around Christmas time, my kids start begging to watch The Toy That Saved Christmas*. It was Veggie Tales’ first Christmas video. My kids … Read more5 Ways to Keep the Gimmes Away This Christmas

Over the weekend I watched a movie called Three Days. Briefly, the movie was about a couple who had a fight on Christmas Eve, and then the wife was killed in an accident. An angel visited the husband and gave him three more days with his wife. He had three days to convince her that … Read moreIf You Only Had Three Days

I recently planned a birthday party for my son, Sam. I’ve never been one to get into the trend of expensive, elaborate parties for children. I tend to agree with Dr. Kevin Leman, author of Home Court Advantage, who believes children spend enough time outside the home, so it’s a great idea to have birthday … Read more8 Tips for Frugal Birthday Party Planning

I was reading a blog post at Single Guy Money where he relates the story of a friend who was hiding money from her husband. This woman apparently has a secret checking account where she keeps money that her husband doesn’t know about. My jaw about hit the floor when I read that. Do people … Read moreDo You Keep Secrets from Your Spouse?