I just got mine. Click here to get your free Obama sticker. It looks like this:
Showing posts with label Frugality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frugality. Show all posts
Monday, November 10, 2008
Free Collector Obama Sticker
Want a free Obama sticker to celebrate our victory? It's designed by Shepard Fairey, the artist who created the iconic HOPE poster. And MoveOn's giving them away totally free--even the shipping's free.
I just got mine. Click here to get your free Obama sticker. It looks like this:
I just got mine. Click here to get your free Obama sticker. It looks like this:
Monday, October 6, 2008
Write on the Refrigerator!
I was blessed by a generous, Christian sister named Beth. She agreed to share her great tip and article with us. Thank you, Beth!
---
This is the absolute best tip I have run across, and it has helped me in more ways than one recently.
I may have mentioned this before, but when I was in college & house-sitting for my mom's best friend, I noticed that she had messages scrawled all over her fridge! She was using dry erase markers...ingenious!
As I became a full-time homemaker, and got tired of losing my grocery lists every week, forgetting to write things down because it wasn't always handy (or a notepad simply wasn't big enough), or watched the list "migrate" all over the house...I remembered this tip. I added a new thing to my grocery list: Dry Erase Markers! I found some at Target. The marks are removable with furniture polish (I use Murphy's).
Keeping my grocery list on the fridge has been a miracle for my family! My hubby & I always knows where to find it. I write something down AS SOON AS I think of it. I don't categorize needs from wants, different shopping locations, or categories of food. I simply made a heading "Groceries" and prioritize before I head out the door. I grab a pen & post it note, stand by the fridge, and with my budget in mind, I decide which items we need the most *right now*. I write those things down first. Then I decide which ONE location carries most of those items, at the best prices, and go there first. As I think of recipes I want to try, I write the ingredients I need on the fridge, too. It helps with meal planning, budgeting, & prioritizing, all in one step, and saves me TIME. After I come home from shopping & have put everything away, I erase the items I purchased from off the fridge. At the end of the budgeting period, if we still have money to spare, the un-erased items are up for evaluation! That part is really fun!
But, recently, it has helped me in an unexpected way. During the early part of my 2nd trimester, I experienced some depression. It took me a while to recognize it, but when I finally realized it wasn't going away, I spoke to my OB about it. Among other things, she reminded me to get out of the house, and be sure not to isolate myself. When I'm feeling this way, however, I can't think of anything to do...or I think too much & get overwhelmed.
One day, when I was feeling pretty good & energetic, it occurred to me: Capture some of this good energy for those down-days! So, next to my grocery list, I made a new list called "Ideas". On it, I included fun things to do with Jack, creative tasks I've been saving for a rainy day, and fun places to go (that don't require money). I can't say the list did it all...but I haven't experienced another "down" day in 2 or 3 wks!
Next, I made a list called "*Good Habits* :)". I'd accidentally ended up on the Maxwells' Titus2 site one day (but there are no accidents in the Lord's plan!) and read Mrs. Maxwell's article about Depression. Very timely for me. One thing she mentioned was to allow your routine to carry you through the day, when you feel like you can't do anything else. "What is my routine?" I asked myself. So, under this heading, I've written the following:
*Wash clothes every morning & Fold every night. [Even one load is a good habit!]
*Clean up kitchen after every meal. Turn on dishwasher when full.
*Pick up as you go along (toys, clothes, trash, clutter).
*Other jobs as needed. If you see it, do it.
These habits carry me through, and I really feel like I have routine & order in my household. As I've stuck to these habits, I've found "a place for everything"...well, almost everything. He's still working on me!
Next, I made a list of "Needs/Wants". These are long-term purchases/goals that don't belong on the grocery list. They don't get erased often, but when they do, it feels great. It's also a good place for curious family members to pick up gift ideas! ;)
These 4 lists take up only a small amount of space on the side of my fridge, so it doesn't look cluttery.
The next big idea (I also picked this up while on the Maxwell's site that day) is to write a short, child-sized Bible verse on the front of the fridge, to say as a family each day with the blessing! My almost 2 yr old has a great memory, and my hubby loves this idea, too!
Beth
---
This is the absolute best tip I have run across, and it has helped me in more ways than one recently.
I may have mentioned this before, but when I was in college & house-sitting for my mom's best friend, I noticed that she had messages scrawled all over her fridge! She was using dry erase markers...ingenious!
As I became a full-time homemaker, and got tired of losing my grocery lists every week, forgetting to write things down because it wasn't always handy (or a notepad simply wasn't big enough), or watched the list "migrate" all over the house...I remembered this tip. I added a new thing to my grocery list: Dry Erase Markers! I found some at Target. The marks are removable with furniture polish (I use Murphy's).
Keeping my grocery list on the fridge has been a miracle for my family! My hubby & I always knows where to find it. I write something down AS SOON AS I think of it. I don't categorize needs from wants, different shopping locations, or categories of food. I simply made a heading "Groceries" and prioritize before I head out the door. I grab a pen & post it note, stand by the fridge, and with my budget in mind, I decide which items we need the most *right now*. I write those things down first. Then I decide which ONE location carries most of those items, at the best prices, and go there first. As I think of recipes I want to try, I write the ingredients I need on the fridge, too. It helps with meal planning, budgeting, & prioritizing, all in one step, and saves me TIME. After I come home from shopping & have put everything away, I erase the items I purchased from off the fridge. At the end of the budgeting period, if we still have money to spare, the un-erased items are up for evaluation! That part is really fun!
But, recently, it has helped me in an unexpected way. During the early part of my 2nd trimester, I experienced some depression. It took me a while to recognize it, but when I finally realized it wasn't going away, I spoke to my OB about it. Among other things, she reminded me to get out of the house, and be sure not to isolate myself. When I'm feeling this way, however, I can't think of anything to do...or I think too much & get overwhelmed.
One day, when I was feeling pretty good & energetic, it occurred to me: Capture some of this good energy for those down-days! So, next to my grocery list, I made a new list called "Ideas". On it, I included fun things to do with Jack, creative tasks I've been saving for a rainy day, and fun places to go (that don't require money). I can't say the list did it all...but I haven't experienced another "down" day in 2 or 3 wks!
Next, I made a list called "*Good Habits* :)". I'd accidentally ended up on the Maxwells' Titus2 site one day (but there are no accidents in the Lord's plan!) and read Mrs. Maxwell's article about Depression. Very timely for me. One thing she mentioned was to allow your routine to carry you through the day, when you feel like you can't do anything else. "What is my routine?" I asked myself. So, under this heading, I've written the following:
*Wash clothes every morning & Fold every night. [Even one load is a good habit!]
*Clean up kitchen after every meal. Turn on dishwasher when full.
*Pick up as you go along (toys, clothes, trash, clutter).
*Other jobs as needed. If you see it, do it.
These habits carry me through, and I really feel like I have routine & order in my household. As I've stuck to these habits, I've found "a place for everything"...well, almost everything. He's still working on me!
Next, I made a list of "Needs/Wants". These are long-term purchases/goals that don't belong on the grocery list. They don't get erased often, but when they do, it feels great. It's also a good place for curious family members to pick up gift ideas! ;)
These 4 lists take up only a small amount of space on the side of my fridge, so it doesn't look cluttery.
The next big idea (I also picked this up while on the Maxwell's site that day) is to write a short, child-sized Bible verse on the front of the fridge, to say as a family each day with the blessing! My almost 2 yr old has a great memory, and my hubby loves this idea, too!
Beth
Monday, May 26, 2008
Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner
Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons (or more) liquid soap
2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
Blending Procedure:
1. Measure the baking soda into a bowl with a tight fitting lid.
2. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of liquid soap
3. Mix well to create a paste-like consistency. If you need more liquid soap to do this, add it a little at a time until the mixture is like a paste -- pliable but not soggy.
4.Once you have a consistency you feel like you can work with, add the essential oils and optional vinegar and mix well again.
5.To use, scoop out a little of the cleanser and use a sponge or other cleaning tool to gently scrub your tub, shower and sink surfaces.
A little goes a long way!
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons (or more) liquid soap
2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
Blending Procedure:
1. Measure the baking soda into a bowl with a tight fitting lid.
2. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of liquid soap
3. Mix well to create a paste-like consistency. If you need more liquid soap to do this, add it a little at a time until the mixture is like a paste -- pliable but not soggy.
4.Once you have a consistency you feel like you can work with, add the essential oils and optional vinegar and mix well again.
5.To use, scoop out a little of the cleanser and use a sponge or other cleaning tool to gently scrub your tub, shower and sink surfaces.
A little goes a long way!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Frugal Credit Repair- Do it yourself!
I often hear, "my credit is horrible; I have no money and don't know where to start." Here I have listed a few steps to repairing credit:
Obtain your three credit reports. Legally, you may request all three once a year for free by requesting them from http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
If you have been turned down for credit due to reporting from a credit bureau, you can send a copy of the denial letter to the credit reporting agency with a request for a free credit report. The are obligated to send it to you for free.
BEWARE: Many "free credit report or free credit score" sites require you to sign up for services (sometimes upward of $300) to receive your free report.
Review the reports and locate the negative items. Dispute all negative items with the credit bureaus. Even the ones you believe you owe. Most items will have had interest upon interest complied. Are you sure you agreed to all of the fees and interest? If you did, they should be able to verify it.
Disputed items will be removed or corrected. Items that cannot be re-verified must be removed. Negotiate with creditors and collection companies ONLY if your debt is far from the date that it would automatically drop off of your credit. In most cases this is 7 years. The drop off date will be listed on the report. If you contact them say a few months from the drop off date the can list that as the new date, restarting the 7 years.
After negotiating and making payments, creditors delete the negative accounts or change them to a positive rating. Most creditors or collectors will say anything to you over the phone to get that payment. I suggest you ask them to send you a new agreement -in writing- that states after x number of payments your account will be considered "in good standing" and reflect the new positive information on your credit report(s) BEFORE sending in your payment.
State the item you are disputing, but do not use dispute forms or file numbers provided by the bureau. Do not do the work for them, they are required to re-verify or send proof of the validity of the debt. Do not confirm the account if any information about the item is wrong- if your account number was 12345 and they report it as 12435 - that is wrong, do not correct them.
Send disputes during busy times of the year. For Example: The first to middle of November can cause a delay in verification because of Thanksgiving. Christmas rush for the creditor and the bureau can catch them before they can thoroughly investigate within a reasonable time. This will cause the creditor to miss the verification deadline.
You can go to here for a great reference for Credit Repair Letters and Telephone Tips and Techniques including:
General Dispute To Collection Agency
Dispute of Collections
Dispute to Collection Agency
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiating a Settlement with Utility Companies
Settlement to Creditors
Dispute Related To "Trans Alert" And Soc. Sec. Number
After No Response from a Credit Bureau
Disputing Specific Items and Inquiries
Request Reinvestigation of Items that are Still Showing on Report
Answer Letter to Credit Bureau's Request for More Information
How to speak with the Credit Bureau's Representatives
This is what I am doing to repair my credit to obtain a home loan. My employer will give me 105% for the mortgage, however my credit must be considered good if not excellent. I will be chronicling my credit repair journey. Once my husband and I are considered in good standing, we have resolved to the house being our only only form of debit. The only exception is that we would like to have two credit cards (one in each of our names) for car sharing use only. The car share company that we use requires a credit card (not debit card) on file. We have set up a separate saving account for emergency use.
Obtain your three credit reports. Legally, you may request all three once a year for free by requesting them from http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
If you have been turned down for credit due to reporting from a credit bureau, you can send a copy of the denial letter to the credit reporting agency with a request for a free credit report. The are obligated to send it to you for free.
BEWARE: Many "free credit report or free credit score" sites require you to sign up for services (sometimes upward of $300) to receive your free report.
Review the reports and locate the negative items. Dispute all negative items with the credit bureaus. Even the ones you believe you owe. Most items will have had interest upon interest complied. Are you sure you agreed to all of the fees and interest? If you did, they should be able to verify it.
Disputed items will be removed or corrected. Items that cannot be re-verified must be removed. Negotiate with creditors and collection companies ONLY if your debt is far from the date that it would automatically drop off of your credit. In most cases this is 7 years. The drop off date will be listed on the report. If you contact them say a few months from the drop off date the can list that as the new date, restarting the 7 years.
After negotiating and making payments, creditors delete the negative accounts or change them to a positive rating. Most creditors or collectors will say anything to you over the phone to get that payment. I suggest you ask them to send you a new agreement -in writing- that states after x number of payments your account will be considered "in good standing" and reflect the new positive information on your credit report(s) BEFORE sending in your payment.
State the item you are disputing, but do not use dispute forms or file numbers provided by the bureau. Do not do the work for them, they are required to re-verify or send proof of the validity of the debt. Do not confirm the account if any information about the item is wrong- if your account number was 12345 and they report it as 12435 - that is wrong, do not correct them.
Send disputes during busy times of the year. For Example: The first to middle of November can cause a delay in verification because of Thanksgiving. Christmas rush for the creditor and the bureau can catch them before they can thoroughly investigate within a reasonable time. This will cause the creditor to miss the verification deadline.
You can go to here for a great reference for Credit Repair Letters and Telephone Tips and Techniques including:
General Dispute To Collection Agency
Dispute of Collections
Dispute to Collection Agency
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiating a Settlement with Utility Companies
Settlement to Creditors
Dispute Related To "Trans Alert" And Soc. Sec. Number
After No Response from a Credit Bureau
Disputing Specific Items and Inquiries
Request Reinvestigation of Items that are Still Showing on Report
Answer Letter to Credit Bureau's Request for More Information
How to speak with the Credit Bureau's Representatives
This is what I am doing to repair my credit to obtain a home loan. My employer will give me 105% for the mortgage, however my credit must be considered good if not excellent. I will be chronicling my credit repair journey. Once my husband and I are considered in good standing, we have resolved to the house being our only only form of debit. The only exception is that we would like to have two credit cards (one in each of our names) for car sharing use only. The car share company that we use requires a credit card (not debit card) on file. We have set up a separate saving account for emergency use.
Monday, May 19, 2008
My tips for frugality when making purchases...
My tips for frugality when making purchases...
Make a list of what you/your family consumes.
Divide that list into wants and needs.
If your wants outnumber your needs, it's time to reprioritize.
Learn how often you go through the products/items.
Learn your prices.
Comparison shop; Don't be afraid to shop online.
Most companies will send you online coupons or mail you coupons if you contact them or join their (e)mailing list.
Learn when the products/items you buy go on sale, save coupons for those items and stock up.
Things to consider
Can you get this item free somehow? Craigslist, freecycle, church/place of worship?
Could you buy it gently used from a thrift store, flea market, yard sale, rummage sale, online local resellers group, Craigslist, Freecycle, church/place of worship?
Can you use an alternative currency for this purchase? (barter of services, goods, online points/rewards)
Keep in mind that cheap does not necessarily equal frugal.
Compare quality and longevity of items/products purchase to price.
Make a list of what you/your family consumes.
Divide that list into wants and needs.
If your wants outnumber your needs, it's time to reprioritize.
Learn how often you go through the products/items.
Learn your prices.
Comparison shop; Don't be afraid to shop online.
Most companies will send you online coupons or mail you coupons if you contact them or join their (e)mailing list.
Learn when the products/items you buy go on sale, save coupons for those items and stock up.
Things to consider
Can you get this item free somehow? Craigslist, freecycle, church/place of worship?
Could you buy it gently used from a thrift store, flea market, yard sale, rummage sale, online local resellers group, Craigslist, Freecycle, church/place of worship?
Can you use an alternative currency for this purchase? (barter of services, goods, online points/rewards)
Keep in mind that cheap does not necessarily equal frugal.
Compare quality and longevity of items/products purchase to price.
Reuse
Reuse is using an item more than once. This includes conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function, and new-life reuse where it is used for a new function.
Reusing items not only helps the environment but it also helps your pockets! I have always been interested in reusing. I credit this to my mother. She keeps everything in hopes of one day using it for some other purpose. My challenge is balancing reusing with having too much clutter because of keeping items that I may someday turn into something else.
In the coming weeks, I will be cataloging products and items that my household uses. My intention is to see where I can reuse items and where I should give away or recycle.
"Reuse." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 23 Apr 2008, 21:56 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 24 Apr 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reuse&oldid=207708914
Reusing items not only helps the environment but it also helps your pockets! I have always been interested in reusing. I credit this to my mother. She keeps everything in hopes of one day using it for some other purpose. My challenge is balancing reusing with having too much clutter because of keeping items that I may someday turn into something else.
In the coming weeks, I will be cataloging products and items that my household uses. My intention is to see where I can reuse items and where I should give away or recycle.
"Reuse." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 23 Apr 2008, 21:56 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 24 Apr 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reuse&oldid=207708914
How to you stay on the frugality wagon?
How to you stay on the frugality wagon? This is a question someone asked in a frugal group that I belong to; what would your response be?
My response:
The root of my frugality runs deep LOL! My parents have always been frugal -too tight at times BUT I learned early on waste management, reusing, re-purposing, thrifty shopping, saving etc. Money and time are big motivators for me. The more money I don't have to spend the more time I can spend enjoying my family. I try to make a game out of it too! I love a challenge. And I get a saving high LOL
I have found that the less I need to consume the more I can have of what I want. I want to spend time with and travel with my family, learning about life and
cultures across the globe. I want to enjoy unprocessed natural foods preferably grown from my own hands. If I am frugal with spending and efficient in earning
in both traditional and alternative methods, I can enjoy any lifestyle that I choose. I stay motivated by constantly reaping my rewards.
My response:
The root of my frugality runs deep LOL! My parents have always been frugal -too tight at times BUT I learned early on waste management, reusing, re-purposing, thrifty shopping, saving etc. Money and time are big motivators for me. The more money I don't have to spend the more time I can spend enjoying my family. I try to make a game out of it too! I love a challenge. And I get a saving high LOL
I have found that the less I need to consume the more I can have of what I want. I want to spend time with and travel with my family, learning about life and
cultures across the globe. I want to enjoy unprocessed natural foods preferably grown from my own hands. If I am frugal with spending and efficient in earning
in both traditional and alternative methods, I can enjoy any lifestyle that I choose. I stay motivated by constantly reaping my rewards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
