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

High Energy, Low-Calorie, Vitamin-Rich Taste-Good Diet Snacks

I'm in the home stretch in to lose 100 pounds. With 30 pounds left, I've gotten my eating down to a system. And then I go and bring home a caramel-coated Dutch apple pie for the family. It taste like ambrosia (I had a tiny bite). But that one bite has about 40 calories. Even smelling it probably puts on pounds! For times like this I need an emergency snack survival kit. Here are filling, satisfying, low-calorie, high protein treats to tame sweet cravings and help avoid temptation. Diet Snacks, Low Calorie Sweets That Satisfy

Cheap Cost-Cutting Senior Prom, Graduation Tips

Tis the season for senior prom, graduation and open houses. Parents, if you have a graduating senior or a student going to prom, be prepared: it's expensive. And it gets pricier as you get invited to other graduations! Here are ways to trim spending on prom dresses, tuxedo rentals, graduation supplies, class ring and open house. I've graduated three seniors and picked up some penny pinching tips.  How to Trim Spending on Senior Prom and Graduation

How I Save 50 Percent (or More!) on Groceries

I don't brag very often, but when I do, it's about how I save money. Our four kids have each thanked and praised dad and I for raising them to know the value of a dollar. And saving begins in the most basic purchases--groceries and food. Here's how I save 50-80 shopping. How I Save 50 Percent (or More!) on Groceries
Save always and all ways. Don't shop when you're desperate and have to pay full price. Stock up at sales. Consider every purchase from salt to a new washer. Save in every way possible, large and small. My Dutch grannie said, "save pennies and dollars will save themselves."  

How I Save $250 Per Person on Personal Care Products

 Do girls or boys cost more for hygiene and personal care? I've got two of each and they are evenly matched. Each has product preferences. I never minded buying what they liked, but I did it cheaply. Here's how I saved at least $1,500 a year on personal care products for a family of six. And no, I didn't get rid of two kids! How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products