Simplify Your Holiday Shopping with This Gift Guide

The holiday season is in full swing, and if you’re like me, you’re juggling a long to-do list and wondering how to make this time of year special—without overspending. Honestly, I don’t even enjoy shopping, so this time of year can feel challenging for me! My teens love tech, subscription services, and expensive brands. Yikes! […]
Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Confidence 🎄✨

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is just around the corner! Does that make you feel excited—or maybe a bit anxious? I’ve found that our feelings about the holidays can vary depending on our stage of life and financial situation. Growing up as an only child in a small family, my holidays were simple—there […]
This One Small Change Made a Big Difference

Before our kids came along, when we were swimming in debt, I took a lot of pride in being frugal. I worked in a town where stores doubled and tripled coupons, and I had my own little system to score extra ones. Every week, it became a fun challenge—how much could I save this time? […]
Simple Strategies to Save Money on Food and Reduce Stress

My family has settled into the school year, and things look a bit different for us now since both of our teenagers are being homeschooled. One thing I didn’t anticipate with having them home all day is the increase in our grocery budget! If you’ve ever had teenagers at home, you know they can eat! […]
Identity Theft: How to Keep Your Info Safe!

I’ve been noticing an increasing number of security breach notifications in my mailbox. Between these notices, news stories, and watching my husband’s employer navigate a recent cyber attack on their business software, I can tell you—the threat is real. And just last month, I read that billions of Social Security numbers were exposed—yes, BILLIONS. Many […]
Managing a Pay Cut: How We Handled a 50% Reduction in Income

In a recent blog, I shared some strategies for managing a pay cut and preparing for financial emergencies like job loss, health issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. (If you missed it, you can read it HERE.) A significant reduction in income can feel overwhelming, but having a plan makes all the difference. When my husband’s […]