Monday, April 25, 2011

MONDAY MORNING MONEY MUSINGS

Definitely prepare a list before you go shopping.  This will cut down on buying those "impulse items."

Look through Sale Ads and Clip Coupons. No, you don't have to be an extreme couponer and spend hours and hours clipping coupons. I know that I don't and I still manage to save quite a bit at the stores. I have a few favorite stores that I like to shop at. I browse the ads, look through my coupon stash, clip the ones that I'll be needing, and off I go. With just a little planning and preparation, it is possible to save at least 20% off of your bill. On some trips, that amount can be as high as 30-40%.

Buy from the Flyer Grocery stores put their loss leaders on the front page of their store flyers to attract customers. The hope is that customers will buy other full price groceries but smart shoppers buy what's on sale. Plan your meals around the sales rather than decide what to have for dinner and shop for it. This can cut your food budget in half. Is chicken on sale this week? Then, that is what's for dinner.  This has worked well for me.

Stock Up.  To really save money on your grocery budget in the long term, buy non-perishable sale items in bulk.  These items will store quite nicely in your pantry and  it means that you may never have to buy certain items at full price again. Sales happen in cycles and, if you buy enough to get you to the next sale of the item, you can save significantly.

Eat in Season.  Food that has to be shipped thousands of miles isn't cheap. You may have to pay $3.99 a pound for tomatoes in the winter when in the summer, you would pay $1.29. Going back to eating what is in season in your local area throughout the year will save your wallet. As an added bonus, in-season produce is often tastier.

Buy generic products whenever possible.  I do not mind generic store brands if they can save me money. Find what works for you and switch to generic brands for at least a part of your grocery list.

Use grocery store bags to line trash cans.  This may not work if you use a big trash can, but we use a small sized one for which the grocery bags are a perfect fit. This helps me save some money.


Use less laundry soap.  Instead of filling the cup to full or overflowing, just add 1/2 the amount.  The clothes get just as clean and the bottle lasts longer. 

Eat at home more often.  Life is busy nowdays, and if both hubby and wife are working, it can seem overwhelming to prepare and cook food at home.  Start small and work from there.  Invest in a crockpot; it'll literally pay for itself in no time at all.  And the benefit of a nice, hot, home-cooked meal that is ready to eat when you get home is priceless! 

Bottle your own water.  This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people buy into that "bottled is better" theory.  If you don't like the taste of your tap water, invest in a filter for your faucet.  In the long run, you'll save $$!

Do you have any tips to add to this list?  Let me know!!   :)


A.Marie

Friday, April 22, 2011

GOOD FRIDAY

 On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Such a wonderful beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me some day to my home far way,
Where His glory forever I'll share.


Chorus
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it someday for a crown.



John 19:16-18 KJV Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. (17) And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (18) Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.



A.Marie

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

It's Never Too Early To Prepare.....


I was reading over at Turbotax about ways to start preparing for your 2011 taxes....I know, I know...I can hear you groaning through the computer, but, seriously....just give these five tax tips a chance to make your life easier for next year!!  :)

Tip 1: Lower your tax bill and save for retirement at the same time.
Tip 2: Maximize your match (and save on your taxes while you’re at it)
Tip 3: Save your receipts to maximize your deductions.
Tip 4: Read the newspaper (paper or digital)
Tip 5: Get in front of your changing tax situation.



A.Marie

Saturday, April 16, 2011

TAX DAY FREEBIES


Did you know that we can thank the District of Columbia for the extra three days to prepare and file yearly tax returns?  That's because Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on Friday, April 15. Therefore, by law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do.  That's the reason for the extra three extra days to file this year. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Oct. 17 to file their 2010 tax returns.

So, for those of you who have not yet filed, send a silent "Thanks!" to the DC!  :)

Here are some Tax Day Freebies that should help take stress out of tax day! Check them Out!!  And, a big thanks to Have Kids Will Coupon for this amazing list!!

Cinnabon: Two FREE Classic Cinnabon Bites on 4/18/11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of its Tax Day Bites promotion at participating locations. Details HERE

H&R Block: Procrastinate much? H&R Block will file your extension for FREE on 4/18/11 in case you run out of time. (Remember that any money you owe is still due April 18th!) Go HERE for more information.

HBO: Some cable companies will be offering a FREE HBO weekend 4/15/11 – 4/19/11. See if your cable company is participating and find other FREE deals throughout the year HERE.

HydroMassage: FREE Massage! That’s so exciting that I will say it again. FREE massage! Enjoy this generosity 4/14/11 through 4/18/11. Check the details and participating locations HERE.

MaggieMoos: FREE mini ice cream sunday on 4/18/11 from 3pm – 6pm. Details HERE.

Shred-It: Shred your important, but no-longer-needed documents at FREE Shred-It Community shredding events nationwide. Visit Shred-It’s calendar to find one near you.

Taco Del Mar: FREE taco at participating locations. Details HERE.

White Castle: 15% off any purchase through 4/19/11 with coupon.

If you haven't filed yet there are still some free online tax offers to get them done:*

TaxACT - Free Tax Preparation 
H & R Block - Free Edition
Turbo Tax - Free Edition

(*Thanks to savings.com for the free online tax offers)


A.Marie

Monday, April 11, 2011

UPRINTING.COM GIVEAWAY!


There's a new giveaway going on over at my other blog: My Money Mission Online.  It's a UPrinting.com giveaway for 50 invitations

But, Hurry!  It ends this Thursday at Midnight CST!  

A.Marie

Thursday, April 7, 2011

10 HILARIOUS WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TAX RETURN

This morning, I woke up feeling the need for laughter...seriously...sometimes I just crave something FUNNY!  I also knew that I wanted to post something on this blog about tax time.  It is already April 7 and the tax deadline is coming closer and closer....and for some people, that means REFUND (providing that the government doesn't shut down).....that's a whole 'nother story!)

Anyhoo....I was cruising the internet highway and found some really hilarious tips on spending your tax return over at Won't Change The World.  I made a few changes here and there, to the original find.  Hope you enjoy them!!

1.   Give your tax return to me.  Seriously!  I'll spend it wisely!!  ;)

2.   Twinkies. Spend the entire return on Twinkies. I know food is often not a long term investment. Trust me when I say, Twinkies will last longer than you do. HA!

3.   Adopt fifty cats. This is a win for everybody involved. The animal shelters are over crowded and the cats need a home. Some people spend all their lives becoming the Cat Lady (or Man), you can do it in a weekend!

4.   Keep buying the same pair of pants from Goodwill and donate the pants back anonymously. Watch with pleasure as you confound the staff. The pants will become legend.

5.   Spend the entire wad on stamps and thank you cards. Thank random people listed in the phone book for strange things. “Ted, love the chinchilla!”

6.   Buy everyone at a bar a drink… of warm milk. Sing lullabies until you are kicked out.

7.   Hire a bodyguard to follow you around work. When co-workers inquire, look around, tell them the location of your last vacation, touch your nose, and scamper away. Then use all your vacation and sick time to disappear for a while. Let one of your co-workers “discover” you in the parking lot, disheveled and in tattered clothing.

8.   Married by Elvis in Vegas. Sometimes, memories are worth more than money.

9.   Give it to your dog to invest...he/she could probably do a better job than some of those fancy-pants financial advisors....and, it'd be cheaper!!  :P

10.  Hand random strangers dollar bills...tell them it fell from the sky.  Watch as everyone starts looking up.  Walk away...far away...  ;)


Feel free to add your own Funny below...Keep it Funny, though; anything serious will be deleted ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................>



HAHA!!! GOTCHA!!  ;)


A.Marie

Friday, April 1, 2011

IT'S A FROG-WORLD, AFTER ALL

Happy April Fools Day
imikimi - sharing creativity

I'm dedicating this to my blog pal, Lin, and all her froggy friends!  LOL  ;)

Have a terrific day, everyone....if you pull a prank, let me know....I LOVE a good prank!  But, only the funny, harmless ones!!    ;)


A.Marie