Addiction Recovery Tips for Shopaholic Parents

Shopping addiction is one of the trickiest habits to break, particularly for parents. Kids need many things, and it's not like we can stop buying. We're constantly confronted by temptation. If you're a spendaholic, here's my recovery plan to break the overspending habit. Money Saving Tips for Shopaholics

Cheap, Educational Stocking Stuffers for Kids

I have to laugh when I see what stores tout as "cheap" stocking stuffers. I don't consider anything over $5 "cheap" especially not for stocking presents which are typically filler gifts. If my child is getting three or four bigger, pricier gifts under the tree, I can't afford to spend big on the stocking, too. Having four kids to shop for, Christmas is crazy-expensive enough without the stockings.  Read more

Black Friday Shopping Strategies

 Black Friday...that 'morning after' when bargain-hunters descend like a swarm of locusts and devour every 'hot buy' in site, leaving exhausted, shell-shocked store employees and ravaged shelves. It's the great American dream in the land of plenty! I've braved this tsunami of shoppers before and have a battle plan to share, worthy of General Sherman himself! This was written about stores in West Michigan, but they're mostly big box stores that are available across the U.S. Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Staples, Menards, Sears and mall chain stores. My Black Friday game plan involves three phases: SURVEY, STAKE-OUT, SIEGE and SWEEP-UP Read more Black Friday Shopping Tips 

My Cheap Wedding Under $1,000 for Everything

My husband and I paid for own wedding, reception and honeymoon. We had a cheap wedding, charged nothing and paid it off without going into debt. We paid under $1,000 for a 200-guest wedding, including wedding dress, accessories, tuxedo, invitations, stationary, flowers, decorations, church, music, minister stipend, rental equipment, hairstylist and pictures. Here's how.  My Cheap Wedding Under $1,000 for Everything

Five Secrets for Financial Stability and Success

Teachers are uniquely qualified to give financial advice for several reasons. Teachers must budget carefully to plan for summer months of unemployment. Teachers are uniquely qualified to give financial advice for several reasons. Teachers must budget carefully to plan for summer months of unemployment. Teachers are dependent on public mileage opinion for a paycheck. Here are personal finance tips from a teacher. I've been a Michigan certified K-8, CI and CE teacher for 20+ years. I've worked in public and private school settings. I've also homeschooled my children. This advice is culled from years of frugal living and financial prudence. Read on...

Oscar Schmidt -Washburn Guitar Product Review

Oscar Schmidt - Washburn Acoustic Guitar and Musical Instrument Review
Our son has been playing the guitar, entirely self-taught for about nine years. He cut his musical teeth on the ubiquitous Fender Strat (Stratocaster), and got an acoustic guitar about four years ago. An Oscar Schmidt, by Washburn which is a workhorse.
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The Art of Shaving Ingrown Hair Night Cream Product Review

The Art of Shaving: Four Elements of a Perfect Shave makes a product touted as 'all  natural' called Ingrown Hair Night Cream. We purchased The Art of Shaving kit at a cool $75, as an alternative to very costly dermatologist-recommended electrolysis. After spending $450 on the dermatologist (that's just for consultation and anti-biotic cream and doesn't even touch electrolysis) we thought The Art of Shaving Ingrown Hair Night Cream might do the trick. Alas another waste of money. Read on...

Annie's Homegrown Bunny Pasta Mixes Product Review

Annie's Homegrown Totally Natural Organic Bunny Pasta Mixes
Annie's Homegrown Totally Natural Bunny Pasta mixes are organic, preservative and additive free, contain no trans-fats and lots of protein. Annie's Homegrown Pasta in quick, easy and come in green, recycled packaging. Annie's taste good, too.
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International Delight Coffee House Inspirations Skinny Fat Free Creamer

International Delight Coffee House Inspirations Skinny Fat-Free Creamer
I don't normally drink flavored coffee. You know, the frothy kind with names you can't pronounce that cost, like $5 a glass? Since I've been dieting, I use International Delight Coffee House Inspirations Skinny Fat-Free Creamer for a treat.
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