Cheap, Under-$170 Clothing and Wardrobe Makeover

I've taken off 73 pounds, dropped three blouse sizes and four pants sizes. I purged my wardrobe, but since I still plan to lose, I'm keeping my clothing makeover cheap. I'm buying clothes I can still wear at goal weight. Here's my under-$170 fashion upgrade. (The sweater I'm wearing in the photo cost $3 on Walmart after-season clearance!)

* Donation tax credit. I donated my fat clothes to a thrift store and got a receipt which I claimed on taxes. I used tax credit money to fund wardrobe makeover. Here's the Salvation Army's thrift store resale calculator to figure tax credit claim. Even if I hadn't got a refund that would have reduced my tax liability and so saved me money. I only used part and am saving the rest for when I lose all the weight.
Budget Fashionista's Cheap, Under-$170 Clothing Wardrobe Makeover

Low Calorie, Low-Fat Superfood Entree Recipes, Cheap and Easy

I'm dieting to lose 100 pounds. It's a journey, but I'm down 71 pounds. Along the way, I've created and tweaked recipes to subtract calories and fat and add superfoods (fruit, vegetables, lean meat, alternative protein). Here are homemade low-cal, low-fat entrees that are cheap and quick.  Cutting calories cuts costs and freshens up your diet. They're pretty too, with lots of cheery, colorful veggies. My whole family loves these recipes. Low Calorie, Low-Fat Superfood Entree Recipes, Cheap and Easy

Gift-Giving: Money Saving Advice from a Recovering Shopaholic

One of the biggest financial mistakes is to overspend during the holidays. We overspend for many reasons, but the result equals money trouble. Here are some tips to avoid overspending during the holidays, from a recovering shopaholic. Set a budget: I have always set a 'per person' budget and used that guideline to direct my shopping choices. When you have spent your budgeted amount on each person, stop. Make a list: Decide ahead of time, if possible what you will buy for each person. Lists keep me focused and prevent binge or impulse buying.  Holiday Shopping Guide: Money Saving Advice from a Recovering Shopaholic