Last week I wrote an optimistic post about my debt reduction. I made sure to add the little note that I would be on track if I don't have any unexpected events. Well, I had several. First my coffee machine broke. Two of the kids need either oral surgery and/or braces. My youngest jumped into a fountain outside of an ice cream shop we were at. He may have torn the ligaments in one of his knees...this is the same child that broke his leg in January. I broke my toe yesterday. Thrilling, the story of my life....when it rains it pours!
What has this created? Another black hole. These are the little things that keep pulling me back into the abyss of debt. I did have good news, my parents are going to pay for tickets for me and the kids to visit them in PR. The only problem is that I need to rent a mini-van from day one. We don't fit in the car! That's not a problem, I have income coming in August from the online income sources, but there are still the issues of the braces.
The only alternative is to work harder at the home based businesses. I must set goals and meet them to deal with next month's expenses. Hmph...school starts in September. This means clothing, sneakers, book bags and other school related expenses.
I will be opening an ebay store soon. This will definitely help with the back to school costs. Hopefully I will be able to apply some money towards debt reduction. I'll keep you posted!
Related Posts
Home Based Businesses: How to Turn Weaknesses into Strengths
Home Based Businesses: What Motivates Me to Succeed
Choosing a Home Based Business (Part 1)
Working From Home: Pros and Cons
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Creative Ways of Getting What You Need
This morning I went to make my coffee as usual. The coffee machine didn't turn on. I unplugged the machine and plugged it into a different electric socket. It funcitoned without a problem. While sitting at the computer with my first cup of coffee, I started to hear an unusual sound. I walked over to the counter and realized the machine was smoking. I quickly unplugged it. That was the end of the life of my coffee maker. This is no regular run of the mill coffee maker. It was the knid of coffee maker that grinds and makes your coffee. It's kind of funny, when I was given the coffee maker as a gift I was pretty upset. I was in a bind, with unexpected car repairs and backed up bills...instead of helping me financially, HE showed up with this contraption! That's why I was upset. Now a few years later, I got used to it. I'm not replacing it with the same model. I'm too frugal. Plus, I'm always thinking of ways to get more for much less. What did I do?
Mulling this over I wondered how I could get a coffee maker for the lowest possible price. Then I remembered an offer I saw. Let's just say that you have to be creative sometimes. I got the machine, some coffee and some cash back and it's all being delivered to my home. Hey....sometimes you just have to think outside of the box! I will be putting the money towards my debt reduction. You know...every little bit helps!
This isn't the first time I have done something like this. Last year, my car had to be towed. It was going to cost me over $160.00. Instead, I went and upgraded my Sam's Club membership. It cost me $13.00 because it was prorated. The car was towed for free. Sam's Club has AAA and you get a number of free towing services! Hey...that's what it is for. Look at the incredible savings! Next time you need to make a purchase or have an unexpected expense...think creatively and save yourself some money!
Mulling this over I wondered how I could get a coffee maker for the lowest possible price. Then I remembered an offer I saw. Let's just say that you have to be creative sometimes. I got the machine, some coffee and some cash back and it's all being delivered to my home. Hey....sometimes you just have to think outside of the box! I will be putting the money towards my debt reduction. You know...every little bit helps!
This isn't the first time I have done something like this. Last year, my car had to be towed. It was going to cost me over $160.00. Instead, I went and upgraded my Sam's Club membership. It cost me $13.00 because it was prorated. The car was towed for free. Sam's Club has AAA and you get a number of free towing services! Hey...that's what it is for. Look at the incredible savings! Next time you need to make a purchase or have an unexpected expense...think creatively and save yourself some money!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Freebies for the Week of July 23
Free Subscription to Playstation Magazine from Mercury Magazines
Free Subscription to Scratch Golfer Magazine
Free co-branded shipping boxes from USPS and ebay!
Register at the Owner Center and receive a free sample of Armor All!
Free King of Shaves shaving oil or gel
LACOSTE Essential The New Fragrance For Men
http://www.captainnotepad.com/request_sample.aspx
Free Sample of Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream
Free Sample of Tide Simple Treasures Laundry Detergent
Receive $1.00 coupon off Herbal Essences shampoo, conditioner or styler
Aveda Damage Remedy™ Intensive Restructuring Treatment Free Sample
Free Sample of Polident Fresh Cleanse
Save up to $13.00 in Febreze products!
Free Offer from Shutterfly:
Shutterfly.com - Get 15 FREE prints to try today!
Free Sample of Woolite P.O.D.
Free Sample of Sunsilk
Free Sample of Tide Simple Pleasures laundry detergent
Coupon for free 5 pack of Sonix gel pens at Staples
Free Samples of Miessence certified Organic products
free Lenscrafter's Lens Cleanng Starter Kit
The Psalms Series Volume 1 DVD
Free Spiegel Catalog with coupon code F9648
Free sample of Calgon Cotton Candy
Free Avery Sign Kit
Wilson Jones MutliDex dividers
Free Subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly
Free Recipes at ClubMom!
Related Posts
PineCone Research Link, Freebies and a Bargain!
Freebies for the week of July 10
Freebies: 6/26/06
Do You Homeschool?
Magazine Subscriptions: Freebies and Deals
Free Subscription to Scratch Golfer Magazine
Free co-branded shipping boxes from USPS and ebay!
Register at the Owner Center and receive a free sample of Armor All!
Free King of Shaves shaving oil or gel
LACOSTE Essential The New Fragrance For Men
http://www.captainnotepad.com/request_sample.aspx
Free Sample of Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream
Free Sample of Tide Simple Treasures Laundry Detergent
Receive $1.00 coupon off Herbal Essences shampoo, conditioner or styler
Aveda Damage Remedy™ Intensive Restructuring Treatment Free Sample
Free Sample of Polident Fresh Cleanse
Save up to $13.00 in Febreze products!
Free Offer from Shutterfly:
Shutterfly.com - Get 15 FREE prints to try today!
Free Sample of Woolite P.O.D.
Free Sample of Sunsilk
Free Sample of Tide Simple Pleasures laundry detergent
Coupon for free 5 pack of Sonix gel pens at Staples
Free Samples of Miessence certified Organic products
free Lenscrafter's Lens Cleanng Starter Kit
The Psalms Series Volume 1 DVD
Free Spiegel Catalog with coupon code F9648
Free sample of Calgon Cotton Candy
Free Avery Sign Kit
Wilson Jones MutliDex dividers
Free Subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly
Free Recipes at ClubMom!
Related Posts
PineCone Research Link, Freebies and a Bargain!
Freebies for the week of July 10
Freebies: 6/26/06
Do You Homeschool?
Magazine Subscriptions: Freebies and Deals
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Nurturing the Entrepreneurial Spirit in my Children
My children have always been around their Dad and his business. They have seen the inner workings of a business and they have taken intitatives that demonstrate they have an entrepreneurial spirit. Since I have started this blog, I have spent much time researching different topics and reading many pf blogs. My kids have read several articles I've shown them on MSN money and now they want to start investing.
As parents it is our job to teach our children basic life skills, but financial skills are important too. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked. Reading through many pf blogs, I keep coming across the same statement: "My parents never taught me about finances." I don't want this same statement repeated by my children, so I have started their education.
As I have mentioned before, they are involved with the home businesses and the blogging. They have also engaged in their own entrepreneurial pursuits. My daughter just came back from visiting her father and told me she set up a lemonade stand and made some money. My 13 and 11 year old sons have already learned their father's trade and often practice on customers for free....waiting for the day they can charge for a haircut. Although they do not want to pursue this as a career, it is something they can do for extra money part time. Perhaps in the future,they can own their own business like their dad. They can rent all the chairs and just collect the money weekly.
Last week, we visited Morgan Stanley, someone close to us works there. My son loved the building, the ambience and now he wants to know more about investing. (We read several blogs. We were trying to get a sharebuilder account open, so that he can learn with $50.00. If you have a great how to post, feel free to email it to us.) Where is he getting his $50.00? In order to motivate him, I told him I would pay him $50.00 if he got a 90 or above in his summer school classes. He has a 97 average in math now and he's helping the other kids?!?! I guess money is the best motivation for him. (He has ADD, a high IQ and no motivation....what a mix?!?!) So, it is my desire to nurture the entrepreneur in him. They are all very frugal when it comes to shopping and stretching their money, now it time to learn how to make their money grow. They know savings accounts don't return much, so they are eager to see what stocks can produce.
I'm curious to see how long it will take him to double his money. I'll keep you posted. What's the worst that can happen? He loses the $50.00? Mistakes can sometimes be the best teachers, wouldn't you agree?
If you know of any entries about investments that are exceptional guides for beginners, feel free to leave a comment with the blog's name or a link. You can even leave your own, if you're proud of it and you know it's good...link away!
As parents it is our job to teach our children basic life skills, but financial skills are important too. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked. Reading through many pf blogs, I keep coming across the same statement: "My parents never taught me about finances." I don't want this same statement repeated by my children, so I have started their education.
As I have mentioned before, they are involved with the home businesses and the blogging. They have also engaged in their own entrepreneurial pursuits. My daughter just came back from visiting her father and told me she set up a lemonade stand and made some money. My 13 and 11 year old sons have already learned their father's trade and often practice on customers for free....waiting for the day they can charge for a haircut. Although they do not want to pursue this as a career, it is something they can do for extra money part time. Perhaps in the future,they can own their own business like their dad. They can rent all the chairs and just collect the money weekly.
Last week, we visited Morgan Stanley, someone close to us works there. My son loved the building, the ambience and now he wants to know more about investing. (We read several blogs. We were trying to get a sharebuilder account open, so that he can learn with $50.00. If you have a great how to post, feel free to email it to us.) Where is he getting his $50.00? In order to motivate him, I told him I would pay him $50.00 if he got a 90 or above in his summer school classes. He has a 97 average in math now and he's helping the other kids?!?! I guess money is the best motivation for him. (He has ADD, a high IQ and no motivation....what a mix?!?!) So, it is my desire to nurture the entrepreneur in him. They are all very frugal when it comes to shopping and stretching their money, now it time to learn how to make their money grow. They know savings accounts don't return much, so they are eager to see what stocks can produce.
I'm curious to see how long it will take him to double his money. I'll keep you posted. What's the worst that can happen? He loses the $50.00? Mistakes can sometimes be the best teachers, wouldn't you agree?
If you know of any entries about investments that are exceptional guides for beginners, feel free to leave a comment with the blog's name or a link. You can even leave your own, if you're proud of it and you know it's good...link away!
Leftovers How To: Ground Beef
For the past few weeks, I have been giving different ways to present leftovers. the purpose for doing this is to stretch your grocery budget, reduce waste and to edibly enjoy your frugality. Here are a few more tips.
You cooked ground beef last night. You can either brown a large amount of beef at once and store it to make these different suggestions or serve it the next day. If you made sloppy joes one day, the next day you can serve any of these:
1. chili
2. stuffed green peppers
3. ziti
4. taco salad
My kids love taco salad. This can also be made the day after you make tacos. All you need to do is either take the broken taco shells that were left over or you can use nachos. Then layer all the regular ingredients of a taco, starting with the taco shels or nachos first. You can use all the left overs for the tacos:
1. sour cream
2. shredded lettuce
3. tomatoes
4. shredded cheese
It's very simple and it will reduce your waste and stretch your budget!
Related Posts
Leftover How To: Vegetables
Leftovers How To: It's All About Presentation (Part 1)
How To Use Coupons To Save $$$ on Your Grocery Bill
You cooked ground beef last night. You can either brown a large amount of beef at once and store it to make these different suggestions or serve it the next day. If you made sloppy joes one day, the next day you can serve any of these:
1. chili
2. stuffed green peppers
3. ziti
4. taco salad
My kids love taco salad. This can also be made the day after you make tacos. All you need to do is either take the broken taco shells that were left over or you can use nachos. Then layer all the regular ingredients of a taco, starting with the taco shels or nachos first. You can use all the left overs for the tacos:
1. sour cream
2. shredded lettuce
3. tomatoes
4. shredded cheese
It's very simple and it will reduce your waste and stretch your budget!
Related Posts
Leftover How To: Vegetables
Leftovers How To: It's All About Presentation (Part 1)
How To Use Coupons To Save $$$ on Your Grocery Bill
How I Reduced My Monthly Expenses in 1 Day.
Last week, I explained how the sites I use for income have been reducing my debt rapidly. The post was titled Debt Reduction Update. This week, I decided to show you one way that you can make money to eliminate a bill. Whether you use the money to pay your car insurance, car payment or electric bill is up to you. You can also apply this extra money towards a credit card payment.
FusionCash is a site that pays you to try services and/or products and to fill out surveys. After I finished, I was left with this amount of money. It's not important which services I used, because they might not be feasible for you and your family. According to their TOS, I can't tell you exactly which services I tried because that's called a "walk through". I can give you a hint, the boys will be entertained with some new video games and I wont be so stressed if one of the kids locks the keys in the car. Well, those are just a few. I am going to elaborate on one in particular.
Since I am always thinking creatively to reduce my monthly expenses, I decided to sign up for the coffee. Not only do I get four bags of coffee for the price of one, but I now have enough coffee to last me several months. Here's another hint, if you sign up for two different trials then you get 8 bags of coffee for the price of two bags. It makes sense for me because the brands I use are costly. I have mentioned here before, that there are certain areas where I don't cut corners. Two of them are oreo cookies and my coffee. So, if you do the math I did very well. Especially when you figure in, the free high speed internet access I'll have for several months. Now here's the proof.
I'll be signing up for several more offers during the coming days, so I'm sure this figure will increase in time. If you decide to take this opportunity, make sure to cahsout before the end of this month. This way you will receive the payment on the 20th of next month.
Related Posts
How to Use Paid to Read Sites
"Online Income Experiment" Figures
FusionCash is a site that pays you to try services and/or products and to fill out surveys. After I finished, I was left with this amount of money. It's not important which services I used, because they might not be feasible for you and your family. According to their TOS, I can't tell you exactly which services I tried because that's called a "walk through". I can give you a hint, the boys will be entertained with some new video games and I wont be so stressed if one of the kids locks the keys in the car. Well, those are just a few. I am going to elaborate on one in particular.
Since I am always thinking creatively to reduce my monthly expenses, I decided to sign up for the coffee. Not only do I get four bags of coffee for the price of one, but I now have enough coffee to last me several months. Here's another hint, if you sign up for two different trials then you get 8 bags of coffee for the price of two bags. It makes sense for me because the brands I use are costly. I have mentioned here before, that there are certain areas where I don't cut corners. Two of them are oreo cookies and my coffee. So, if you do the math I did very well. Especially when you figure in, the free high speed internet access I'll have for several months. Now here's the proof.
I'll be signing up for several more offers during the coming days, so I'm sure this figure will increase in time. If you decide to take this opportunity, make sure to cahsout before the end of this month. This way you will receive the payment on the 20th of next month.
Related Posts
How to Use Paid to Read Sites
"Online Income Experiment" Figures
Friday, July 21, 2006
PineCone Research Link, Freebies and a Bargain!
Welcome forum members. You know who you are. For some time now, you have heard me praise the survey company PineCone Research. I have promised to alert you as soon as I got access to the link, so that you too could join.
Here is the very coveted link:
PineCone Research Link
Here is the link for this week's freebies:
Freebies for the Week of July 17
Deal of the Season!
I couldn't believe it myself. For those of you that want to get a new laptop or have to get your college bound child a notebook, this is the time to do it! This notebook is on sale and the price after the rebate is $399.00. It also icludes a free all-in-one-printer!
Related Posts
Freebies for the week of July 17
Here is the very coveted link:
PineCone Research Link
Here is the link for this week's freebies:
Freebies for the Week of July 17
Deal of the Season!
I couldn't believe it myself. For those of you that want to get a new laptop or have to get your college bound child a notebook, this is the time to do it! This notebook is on sale and the price after the rebate is $399.00. It also icludes a free all-in-one-printer!
Related Posts
Freebies for the week of July 17
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Debt Reduction, Frugality, Personal Finance, Personal Development and More!
Here are the current festivals and carnivals that can teach you how to become debt free, live within your means, and encourage others to achieve their goals.
The Festival of Frugality #31 is being hosted by Financial Reflections.
The Carnival of Personal Finance #57 is being hosted by just another blogger at Just Another Money Blog.
The Personal Development Carnival is being hosted by Lyman Reed at Creating a Better Life.
The Carnival of Debt Reduction #44 is being hosted by Amy at MotherLoad: The MomAdvice Blog.
The Carnival of Business #13 is being hosted by David Maister at Professional Business, Professional Life.
A really big thank you to all the bloggers that hosted the carnivals. It is a lot of work. Just wanted to say that it is greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!
The Festival of Frugality #31 is being hosted by Financial Reflections.
The Carnival of Personal Finance #57 is being hosted by just another blogger at Just Another Money Blog.
The Personal Development Carnival is being hosted by Lyman Reed at Creating a Better Life.
The Carnival of Debt Reduction #44 is being hosted by Amy at MotherLoad: The MomAdvice Blog.
The Carnival of Business #13 is being hosted by David Maister at Professional Business, Professional Life.
A really big thank you to all the bloggers that hosted the carnivals. It is a lot of work. Just wanted to say that it is greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!
Freebies for the week of July 17
Here are the freebies for this week. I hope you find something you can use.
Enjoy!!!
Free Offer from Shutterfly:
Shutterfly.com - Get 15 FREE prints to try today!
Free Sample of Woolite P.O.D.
Free Sample of Sunsilk
Free Sample of Tide Simple Pleasures laundry detergent
Coupon for free 5 pack of Sonix gel pens at Staples
Free Samples of Miessence certified Organic products
free Lenscrafter's Lens Cleanng Starter Kit
The Psalms Series Volume 1 DVD
Free Spiegel Catalog with coupon code F9648
Free sample of Calgon Cotton Candy
Free Avery Sign Kit
Wilson Jones MutliDex dividers
Free Subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly
Free Recipes at ClubMom!
Related Posts
Freebies for the week of July 10
Freebies: 6/26/06
Do You Homeschool?
Magazine Subscriptions: Freebies and Deals
Enjoy!!!
Free Offer from Shutterfly:
Shutterfly.com - Get 15 FREE prints to try today!
Free Sample of Woolite P.O.D.
Free Sample of Sunsilk
Free Sample of Tide Simple Pleasures laundry detergent
Coupon for free 5 pack of Sonix gel pens at Staples
Free Samples of Miessence certified Organic products
free Lenscrafter's Lens Cleanng Starter Kit
The Psalms Series Volume 1 DVD
Free Spiegel Catalog with coupon code F9648
Free sample of Calgon Cotton Candy
Free Avery Sign Kit
Wilson Jones MutliDex dividers
Free Subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly
Free Recipes at ClubMom!
Related Posts
Freebies for the week of July 10
Freebies: 6/26/06
Do You Homeschool?
Magazine Subscriptions: Freebies and Deals
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Shopping and Credit Card Debt Addictions
Several of my friends are in difficult financial predicaments. They are frugal and wise when it comes to their finances. They were the ones that budgeted, saved and finally bought their own homes. They are married, but it was all their planning and implementation that brought the results. Unfortunately, their husbands can't stop buying STUFF! Their husbands are creating a leak that is sinking their financial boat and it's happening really quickly!
My friend's husband had a habit of buying everything he desired. He never curbed his spending and several times the card (which has an outrageous limit)...was maxed. She found out when she was making a purchase. She never knows when he is going to go to work and come home with a new car. He is that compulsive. They have been on the brink of divorce several times, due to his spending. My advice? Let him drown. If a person doesn't feel the pain, they will never change. He would show up with a new car because he got tired of the previous one. She would take the payment book and pay off the car. Not too long after that, he would show up with another car. I told her to stop the direct deposit of her paycheck from their account and to open her own. This way he didn't have two salaries to throw away and someone could pay the bills. This was after she spoke to him, the marriage counselor spoke to both of them and their pastor mediated. He wouldn't stop. In a case like this, it is a disease. Anyone that pays off the debt is an enabler.
They were able to save their marriage after she stopped rescuing him. She opened her own checking account, credit cards and investments. She let him handle his bills and drown. He went as far as working double shifts and taking on part time jobs without curbing his spending habits. He got tired and started paying off the debt. That is until this spring. She called me hysterical. She found a credit card bill he had hidden with a $7,000. balance. He had bought over $7000.00 in action figures to find a rare one he wanted. She found the stash in boxes in the garage. When confronted, he shrugged it off saying he would sell the rest on ebay. The problem is...she's heard that one before. He relapsed.
Cases like this happen everyday. Marriages are ruined, children suffer, and jobs are lost. Credit card addiction and addiction to shopping are just as bad as substance abuse. It may be worse because on the outside, the person looks healthy and normal. Credit card and shopping addictions need to be addressed correctly. There are books about codependency and addiction that are great tools to help the spouse that is suffering. Seek professional advice and therapy for situations like this. It's bad when a person has an addiction, it's worse when it effects a spouse and family...
How do I know? I know I was addicted to the feelings that shopping and credit cards invoked in me. This is why I advised her to stop feeding his habit. Those feelings have to be worked out and it takes time. First one has to admit the problem and then the work begins...
Here are a few resources:
5 Ways to Stop the Urge to Shop
Debtor's Anonymous
HOW CAN I MANAGE COMPULSIVE SHOPPING and SPENDING
(SHOPOHOLISM)
www.4therapy.com
Related Posts
Credit Cards and my 18 Year Affair
Credit Cards and my 18 Year Affair (Part II)
Credit Card Addiction
My friend's husband had a habit of buying everything he desired. He never curbed his spending and several times the card (which has an outrageous limit)...was maxed. She found out when she was making a purchase. She never knows when he is going to go to work and come home with a new car. He is that compulsive. They have been on the brink of divorce several times, due to his spending. My advice? Let him drown. If a person doesn't feel the pain, they will never change. He would show up with a new car because he got tired of the previous one. She would take the payment book and pay off the car. Not too long after that, he would show up with another car. I told her to stop the direct deposit of her paycheck from their account and to open her own. This way he didn't have two salaries to throw away and someone could pay the bills. This was after she spoke to him, the marriage counselor spoke to both of them and their pastor mediated. He wouldn't stop. In a case like this, it is a disease. Anyone that pays off the debt is an enabler.
They were able to save their marriage after she stopped rescuing him. She opened her own checking account, credit cards and investments. She let him handle his bills and drown. He went as far as working double shifts and taking on part time jobs without curbing his spending habits. He got tired and started paying off the debt. That is until this spring. She called me hysterical. She found a credit card bill he had hidden with a $7,000. balance. He had bought over $7000.00 in action figures to find a rare one he wanted. She found the stash in boxes in the garage. When confronted, he shrugged it off saying he would sell the rest on ebay. The problem is...she's heard that one before. He relapsed.
Cases like this happen everyday. Marriages are ruined, children suffer, and jobs are lost. Credit card addiction and addiction to shopping are just as bad as substance abuse. It may be worse because on the outside, the person looks healthy and normal. Credit card and shopping addictions need to be addressed correctly. There are books about codependency and addiction that are great tools to help the spouse that is suffering. Seek professional advice and therapy for situations like this. It's bad when a person has an addiction, it's worse when it effects a spouse and family...
How do I know? I know I was addicted to the feelings that shopping and credit cards invoked in me. This is why I advised her to stop feeding his habit. Those feelings have to be worked out and it takes time. First one has to admit the problem and then the work begins...
Here are a few resources:
5 Ways to Stop the Urge to Shop
Debtor's Anonymous
HOW CAN I MANAGE COMPULSIVE SHOPPING and SPENDING
(SHOPOHOLISM)
www.4therapy.com
Related Posts
Credit Cards and my 18 Year Affair
Credit Cards and my 18 Year Affair (Part II)
Credit Card Addiction
Debt Reduction Update
July has been a lucrative month so far. The online income has brought me close to $500.00 so far and that's not including the google adsense. That $500.00 is just from the online income opportunities. When I add the income from affiliates, the adsense and the home based businesses... it looks very promising.
I finished paying my car insurance this month, which means that frees up $260.00 for next month's credit card payments. This month's new online income opportunity will bring me more than $200.00 next month. If I don't have anymore crazy events that bring unexpected repairs....I will be very close to annihilating all the debt. I will post all the figures at the end of July. I believe I will be able to pay off at least three more cards. If I can manage to get a few more posts in on my other blogs the total will go up to four cards!
My goal was to find online opportunities to create income for debt reduction and I have suceeded. The icing on the cake is when I finally pay that last card! After that, I'm paying off the minivan....
Related Posts
The Online Income Experiment Figures
Using Mind Games to Stop the Cycle of Debt
Three Ways to Conquer Debt
I finished paying my car insurance this month, which means that frees up $260.00 for next month's credit card payments. This month's new online income opportunity will bring me more than $200.00 next month. If I don't have anymore crazy events that bring unexpected repairs....I will be very close to annihilating all the debt. I will post all the figures at the end of July. I believe I will be able to pay off at least three more cards. If I can manage to get a few more posts in on my other blogs the total will go up to four cards!
My goal was to find online opportunities to create income for debt reduction and I have suceeded. The icing on the cake is when I finally pay that last card! After that, I'm paying off the minivan....
Related Posts
The Online Income Experiment Figures
Using Mind Games to Stop the Cycle of Debt
Three Ways to Conquer Debt
Deals to Help You Stay Out Of The Kitchen
Looking for deals that will save me money and time away from the ktichen, I came across these. When looking at a deal I always take into consideratin all the following factors.
I look at:
1. the cost of the item.
2. the cost of the gas I consume to purchase it.
3. the time I use to buy it, prepare it or actually cook it.
If I can use my time more efficiently earning money than cooking a meal, guess what! I am not cooking and they are getting one of these.
Here are the deals. Like I explained, most restaurants have deals during the beginning of the week when their business is slow.
Domino's Pizza Pick any 3 Mix and Match $6.00 each
Pizza Hut Key in your zip code and they'll give you coupons to print up!
Denny's Kids Eat FREE Tuesday nights and at some ocations Sat. 4pm-10pm
Little Caesars coupon
My daughter filled put us on the email list for Ponderosa. We immediately started receiving coupons in our inbox!
Red Lobster's site has an "overboard club". Once you register, they email you a coupon for a free dessert or appetizer!
Hope you get to enjoy some time away from your kitchen without spending a ton of money! Enjoy your summer...
Related Posts
Free Summer Activities for Your Kids
Frugal Tips For Dining Out With Your Kids
I look at:
1. the cost of the item.
2. the cost of the gas I consume to purchase it.
3. the time I use to buy it, prepare it or actually cook it.
If I can use my time more efficiently earning money than cooking a meal, guess what! I am not cooking and they are getting one of these.
Here are the deals. Like I explained, most restaurants have deals during the beginning of the week when their business is slow.
Domino's Pizza Pick any 3 Mix and Match $6.00 each
Pizza Hut Key in your zip code and they'll give you coupons to print up!
Denny's Kids Eat FREE Tuesday nights and at some ocations Sat. 4pm-10pm
Little Caesars coupon
My daughter filled put us on the email list for Ponderosa. We immediately started receiving coupons in our inbox!
Red Lobster's site has an "overboard club". Once you register, they email you a coupon for a free dessert or appetizer!
Hope you get to enjoy some time away from your kitchen without spending a ton of money! Enjoy your summer...
Related Posts
Free Summer Activities for Your Kids
Frugal Tips For Dining Out With Your Kids
Home Based Businesses: How to Turn Weaknesses into Strengths (Part 2)
This post has been milling around in my mind for several months. My sister is involved in three home based businesses besides her full time employment and I often bounce ideas around with her. Getting involved with several home based businesses took some convincing on my sister's part. One day I realized that the very reasons I was not going forward with this opportunity, could be turned to work for me and not against me. Let's examine this.
The Probelms
1. Being a mom with 7 kids and not having any family or help nearby was the biggest weakness. I couldn't train at weekly meetings or seminars. I didn't have anyone that I could trust with my 4 yr old's care due to his autism.
2. I have many kids and what do I do with them when I need to work? How can you motivate teens, tweens and younger kids to become as motivated as you are?
3. Money to start up any business is non existent.
4. Having to hire babysitters would defeat the purpose. My oldest is a non bio and my absence usually is followed by an oops...that costs money to repair. Although he technically is old enough to care for the others, the maturity is non-existent. My 13 year old daughter is more mature and very trustworthy.
Perspective
The problems are many and even more complicated then they look in writing. What I realized is that I can maximize my efforts by using them for me instead of against. Thinking outside the box is key to becoming successful. Using motivation and praise can get you the results you want. What I realized is that it's all about perspective. Some people may look at a situation like mine and say, "Hopeless". While another entrepreneur can see a gold mine.
Solutions
1. The trainings I can't attend are emailed to me. If I can't read it from the computer, I can print them up and take them with me to read at a wating room, supermarket check out or a traffic jam! I can also attend conference calls. These are great because if my 4 yr old starts acting up, I can just press the mute button.
2. What do I do when I need to work? How do I motivate the kids? I pay them. Yes, it's working well. They get paid to do things that I don't neessarily need to be involved in. They have been saving their money in their savings accounts. After reading an article at MSN that stuck with me, I will be opening IRA's. When you have a child that is working for the home business you can do this. It is a great way to save for their future.
**Here's one article Start on Your First Million at age 16 (My Entrepreneur, Comedian and Diva loved this idea!)
**Tax Breaks to Get Your Youngster Through Yale This article is great and everyone should read it. I decided to highlight the point I made.
3. The money issue was solved by using income I earned online! No part time job, no hours away from home or extra expenses!
4. I incorporated the kids into the business. They help with the marketing, the sales and the inventory.
The biggest obstacle many people focused on was my autistic son. This is what I did. Since my children know sign language and are accustomed to dealing with the complex behaviors and symptoms of autism, we used it as an advantage-not a disadvantage. This opens the door to many customers that would regularly not be involved, to come and enjoy a good pampering session. The plus is it's all happening at home, I am always present and available. The Chatterbox helps with snacks and refreshments, the Diva helps with the kids, my sons do the landscaping and everyone gets paid.
Getting involved in pursuing your dreams is as easy as involving those that you love and including them into your success. When presented with a problem, always step back, examine it and think outside of the box.
I hope this inspires you to take a step towards your dreams....
Related Posts
Home Based Businesses: What Motivates Me to Succeed
Choosing a Home Based Business (Part 1)
Working From Home: Pros and Cons
The Probelms
1. Being a mom with 7 kids and not having any family or help nearby was the biggest weakness. I couldn't train at weekly meetings or seminars. I didn't have anyone that I could trust with my 4 yr old's care due to his autism.
2. I have many kids and what do I do with them when I need to work? How can you motivate teens, tweens and younger kids to become as motivated as you are?
3. Money to start up any business is non existent.
4. Having to hire babysitters would defeat the purpose. My oldest is a non bio and my absence usually is followed by an oops...that costs money to repair. Although he technically is old enough to care for the others, the maturity is non-existent. My 13 year old daughter is more mature and very trustworthy.
Perspective
The problems are many and even more complicated then they look in writing. What I realized is that I can maximize my efforts by using them for me instead of against. Thinking outside the box is key to becoming successful. Using motivation and praise can get you the results you want. What I realized is that it's all about perspective. Some people may look at a situation like mine and say, "Hopeless". While another entrepreneur can see a gold mine.
Solutions
1. The trainings I can't attend are emailed to me. If I can't read it from the computer, I can print them up and take them with me to read at a wating room, supermarket check out or a traffic jam! I can also attend conference calls. These are great because if my 4 yr old starts acting up, I can just press the mute button.
2. What do I do when I need to work? How do I motivate the kids? I pay them. Yes, it's working well. They get paid to do things that I don't neessarily need to be involved in. They have been saving their money in their savings accounts. After reading an article at MSN that stuck with me, I will be opening IRA's. When you have a child that is working for the home business you can do this. It is a great way to save for their future.
**Here's one article Start on Your First Million at age 16 (My Entrepreneur, Comedian and Diva loved this idea!)
**Tax Breaks to Get Your Youngster Through Yale This article is great and everyone should read it. I decided to highlight the point I made.
Owning your business has its rewards
If you’re self-employed, there are more avenues of tax savings available. Hire your kids! You can pay a child as much as $7,750 in 2004 with the child paying zero tax on those dollars. His standard deduction shelters the first $4,750, and a traditional IRA shelters the rest – the contribution limit is $3,000 this year. (I should note that a non-deductible Roth probably would be better in the long term). You deduct the wage you pay in your bracket, and the kid pays no tax. If you’re paying your own child, and you’re not incorporated, there’s neither Social Security/Medicare nor, normally, any other payroll taxes to pay.
The courts have validated hiring a child as young as age 7. If you’re in the 28% bracket and subject to self-employment taxes totaling 15.3%, the wages paid to your kids yield a 43.3% tax savings -- not counting any state or local taxes.
If you pay your 7-year-old deductible wages of $6,700, you save $2,901. Start at age 7 and by the time he’s 18, if the money's been invested at 10%, you’ve accumulated about $56,000 in tax savings alone.
3. The money issue was solved by using income I earned online! No part time job, no hours away from home or extra expenses!
4. I incorporated the kids into the business. They help with the marketing, the sales and the inventory.
The biggest obstacle many people focused on was my autistic son. This is what I did. Since my children know sign language and are accustomed to dealing with the complex behaviors and symptoms of autism, we used it as an advantage-not a disadvantage. This opens the door to many customers that would regularly not be involved, to come and enjoy a good pampering session. The plus is it's all happening at home, I am always present and available. The Chatterbox helps with snacks and refreshments, the Diva helps with the kids, my sons do the landscaping and everyone gets paid.
Getting involved in pursuing your dreams is as easy as involving those that you love and including them into your success. When presented with a problem, always step back, examine it and think outside of the box.
I hope this inspires you to take a step towards your dreams....
Related Posts
Home Based Businesses: What Motivates Me to Succeed
Choosing a Home Based Business (Part 1)
Working From Home: Pros and Cons
 Learn about Finance Economics degrees from Walden University, Capella University, and Baker College |
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Carnivals and Festivals week of July 10
The Carnival of Personal Finance #56 is being hosted by Moneywise at The Real Returns.
The Carnival of Business #12 is being hosted by lamoneyguy.com at It's Just Money.
The Carnival of Debt Reduction is being hosted by forestservice at the one and only MyMoneyForest!
The Festival of Frugality #30 is being hosted by Dawn at Frugal for Life. I thought the layout was just too cute!
The Carnival of Business #12 is being hosted by lamoneyguy.com at It's Just Money.
The Carnival of Debt Reduction is being hosted by forestservice at the one and only MyMoneyForest!
The Festival of Frugality #30 is being hosted by Dawn at Frugal for Life. I thought the layout was just too cute!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Freebies for the Week of July 10
Here are a few freebies for all of you to enjoy!!!!!! Hope you find something you can use....
Free sample of Ban's PARADISE WINDS
Free Schick Intuition razor
Free sample of Heat Treat Personal Heating Pad
Free sample of the healing garden skin organics reNourish moisture lotion SPF 15
Free Facial Cleanser
Free full size bag of Purina kitten food
Free full size bag of Purina puppy food
Free subscription to American Baby magazine! (US only)
Free sample of new Oxi-Clean baby product
Free Address labels from United Spinal Association
Free mailing labels from the National Foundation for Cancer Research
Free copy of Laura Dellutri's latest book Speed Cleaning 101
Free popcorn from Crown Theaters
Coupon for either two free hamburgers from a White Castle restaurant or 35 cents off a six-pack of frozen White Castle hamburgers or cheeseburgers at your participating frozen food retailer.
Related Posts
Freebies: 6/26/06
Do You Homeschool?
Magazine Subscriptions: Freebies and Deals
Free sample of Ban's PARADISE WINDS
Free Schick Intuition razor
Free sample of Heat Treat Personal Heating Pad
Free sample of the healing garden skin organics reNourish moisture lotion SPF 15
Free Facial Cleanser
Free full size bag of Purina kitten food
Free full size bag of Purina puppy food
Free subscription to American Baby magazine! (US only)
Free sample of new Oxi-Clean baby product
Free Address labels from United Spinal Association
Free mailing labels from the National Foundation for Cancer Research
Free copy of Laura Dellutri's latest book Speed Cleaning 101
Free popcorn from Crown Theaters
Coupon for either two free hamburgers from a White Castle restaurant or 35 cents off a six-pack of frozen White Castle hamburgers or cheeseburgers at your participating frozen food retailer.
Related Posts
Freebies: 6/26/06
Do You Homeschool?
Magazine Subscriptions: Freebies and Deals
A Resource For Business Owners
This is a great resource for business owners. This site has been around since 1999, so some of you might be familiar with it. Offices2share.com is a free nationwide search engine for short-term, ready-to-use office space including executive suites, shared office space, and space for meetings/trainings.
My curiousity was sparked, so I visited the site and did a little search. First I started with my state and then narrowed it down to my county. Although, there wasn't anything available in my town (my town is an obscure rural community that only has 2 delis, a video store and a pizzeria), there was office space available several towns away. Next, I decided to investigate spaces in the Bronx and Manhattan. There were 60 spaces available in NYC alone. Their listings give a lot of information. I think this is a great idea for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The best part? The service has the perfect price....FREE!
Last year they ran a Home Office From Hell contest to hear about the customers. (Great marketing and advertising ploy!) They got some submissions from people that were really discontented. Since the contest was so successful, they decided to run it on an annual basis. The second annual Home Office From Hell contest will begin in the fall. Their grand prize consists of 12 months of rent (up to $12,000) at any location posted on their site. This year they will be adding additional prizes, including a paid for trip to New York City to have lunch with a well-known business personality, who will answer the winner's most pressing business questions. Not bad... You might want to bookmark that site and enter a reminder for the fall contest somehwere. That is if you are interested in entering that contest. You may be able to sign up for a newsletter on their site. They do write a monthly column for Inc.com in their One-Person Resource Center and will soon be writing for several other business publications/websites. They may be mentioning something about the contests there.
My curiousity was sparked, so I visited the site and did a little search. First I started with my state and then narrowed it down to my county. Although, there wasn't anything available in my town (my town is an obscure rural community that only has 2 delis, a video store and a pizzeria), there was office space available several towns away. Next, I decided to investigate spaces in the Bronx and Manhattan. There were 60 spaces available in NYC alone. Their listings give a lot of information. I think this is a great idea for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The best part? The service has the perfect price....FREE!
Last year they ran a Home Office From Hell contest to hear about the customers. (Great marketing and advertising ploy!) They got some submissions from people that were really discontented. Since the contest was so successful, they decided to run it on an annual basis. The second annual Home Office From Hell contest will begin in the fall. Their grand prize consists of 12 months of rent (up to $12,000) at any location posted on their site. This year they will be adding additional prizes, including a paid for trip to New York City to have lunch with a well-known business personality, who will answer the winner's most pressing business questions. Not bad... You might want to bookmark that site and enter a reminder for the fall contest somehwere. That is if you are interested in entering that contest. You may be able to sign up for a newsletter on their site. They do write a monthly column for Inc.com in their One-Person Resource Center and will soon be writing for several other business publications/websites. They may be mentioning something about the contests there.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Working From Home: Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons to working from home. Some people think that working from home is bliss. They don't see the whole picture. It is the best scenario for me and my large family, so I embrace it. Before you make that leap into working from home, think about the pros and cons.
The Advantages
Being the caregiver of a large family, it is imperative that I be available at all times. Working at a traditional 9-5 becomes an obstacle to wearing my primary title-mother. Most jobs are not so understanding when the school calls to tell you your child is running 103 fever. They're less understanding when the next day you get a call from your other child's school... I no longer have to ask for permission to go and pick up my sick child. I don't have to worry about early snow closings, bus delays or the other million things that can go wrong. I don't have to beg my boss to let me go to a graduation or other school function. I can be there when my kids need me. It works the other way too. If I am sick, I don't have to go to in work.
Another advantage of working from home is the money you save. I dont have to commute so that eliminates the transportation expenses. I don't have to buy clothing for the office or pay for lunch. What do I need? I need internet access, phone service and a computer which later will be tax deductible. One important thing is to remember is to keep accurate financial records.
My favorite part about working form home is that I can do most of the work when it is convenient for me. I can work at night when they're sleeping or during the day when they are in school. Those are the quietest times in my home! With my home based businesses, I can incorporate my kids into it. (I'll discuss that in another post).
The Disadvantages
One of the most complained about aspect is that your family assumes you don't work. People try to recruit you to do their errnads because "you don't work". If you are not disciplined, this may not be a good decision for you. A person has to set boundaries and make people realize you are working. Most work at home opportunites require you to be in front of a computer. Just because you are not in an office doesn't mean you're not working!
The second biggest disadvantage is the housework that is staring you in the face. Many people become sidetracked and start to do that one last project and then the whole day is gone. You need to schedule your day and take breaks to eat, regroup and relax before your family arrives. Life is hectic, it's worse without a plan.
What happens when your kids have summer vacation? You need to schedule time for your kids to be off doing fun activities. Keep them occupied, involve them in free programs or recruit family to help you keep them busy. Remember, you have to work to pay the bills.
Working from home is not for everybody. Some people need to feel like they got up, got dressed and went forward to accomplish something, somehwere else. There are many different opportunities in this life. Only you know which ones are the right opportunities that will create success in your life.
Whether you decide to work from home with companies or run your own home based business, managing your time is very important. Make sure you make time for work and play!
Related Posts
Home Based Businesses: What Motivates Me to Succeed
Choosing a Home Based Business (Part 1)
The Advantages
Being the caregiver of a large family, it is imperative that I be available at all times. Working at a traditional 9-5 becomes an obstacle to wearing my primary title-mother. Most jobs are not so understanding when the school calls to tell you your child is running 103 fever. They're less understanding when the next day you get a call from your other child's school... I no longer have to ask for permission to go and pick up my sick child. I don't have to worry about early snow closings, bus delays or the other million things that can go wrong. I don't have to beg my boss to let me go to a graduation or other school function. I can be there when my kids need me. It works the other way too. If I am sick, I don't have to go to in work.
Another advantage of working from home is the money you save. I dont have to commute so that eliminates the transportation expenses. I don't have to buy clothing for the office or pay for lunch. What do I need? I need internet access, phone service and a computer which later will be tax deductible. One important thing is to remember is to keep accurate financial records.
My favorite part about working form home is that I can do most of the work when it is convenient for me. I can work at night when they're sleeping or during the day when they are in school. Those are the quietest times in my home! With my home based businesses, I can incorporate my kids into it. (I'll discuss that in another post).
The Disadvantages
One of the most complained about aspect is that your family assumes you don't work. People try to recruit you to do their errnads because "you don't work". If you are not disciplined, this may not be a good decision for you. A person has to set boundaries and make people realize you are working. Most work at home opportunites require you to be in front of a computer. Just because you are not in an office doesn't mean you're not working!
The second biggest disadvantage is the housework that is staring you in the face. Many people become sidetracked and start to do that one last project and then the whole day is gone. You need to schedule your day and take breaks to eat, regroup and relax before your family arrives. Life is hectic, it's worse without a plan.
What happens when your kids have summer vacation? You need to schedule time for your kids to be off doing fun activities. Keep them occupied, involve them in free programs or recruit family to help you keep them busy. Remember, you have to work to pay the bills.
Working from home is not for everybody. Some people need to feel like they got up, got dressed and went forward to accomplish something, somehwere else. There are many different opportunities in this life. Only you know which ones are the right opportunities that will create success in your life.
Whether you decide to work from home with companies or run your own home based business, managing your time is very important. Make sure you make time for work and play!
Related Posts
Home Based Businesses: What Motivates Me to Succeed
Choosing a Home Based Business (Part 1)
Carnivals and Festivals for the week of 7/3/06
Here are the festivals that Getting out of Debt has participated in this week. As always I send a great big thank you for each blog that hosted the event!
The 42nd Carnival of Debt Reduction was hosted by Blogging Away Debt. Tricia did a great job giving the carnival her own touch by using a different layout. Thanks!
Week 27 of The Carnival of Homeschooling was hosted by Tami's Blog.
The Carnival of Personal Finance #55 was hosted by raising4boys. He is the same dad that own the blog FiveCentNickel! Thanks for a job well done. We know it was a hoilday!
This week the Carnival of Businsess was hosted by Aridni. There are many great articles to read. Take a look. Thanks again for hosting!
Have fun reading!
The 42nd Carnival of Debt Reduction was hosted by Blogging Away Debt. Tricia did a great job giving the carnival her own touch by using a different layout. Thanks!
Week 27 of The Carnival of Homeschooling was hosted by Tami's Blog.
The Carnival of Personal Finance #55 was hosted by raising4boys. He is the same dad that own the blog FiveCentNickel! Thanks for a job well done. We know it was a hoilday!
This week the Carnival of Businsess was hosted by Aridni. There are many great articles to read. Take a look. Thanks again for hosting!
Have fun reading!
Monday, July 03, 2006
PayPerPost.com: More Income For Debt Reduction
Thanks to writingdreams on bloggerparty.com , I can tell you guys about another work from home opportunity. This site is great because it has many opportunities for bloggers to make money....blogging.
The site is called PayPerPost and here's the link http://www.payperpost.com. This is a site where advertisers and bloggers can both benefit from blogging. The blogger browses over the different offers and reads the details of what the advertiser requires. If the blogger chooses to write a post about the product or service, they must follow the instructions on the form. The posts may require links to a specific site, keywords with hyperlinks and or images. They offer between $5.00 and $10.00 per post. You must leave the post on your blog for 30 days. After the 30 days, you receive payment by paypal. You must be at least 18 years old, have a blog that is a minimum of 90 days old and have a paypal account!
These are the steps you must take:
1. Sign up with their site.
2. Read the offers.
3. Make a selection of an offer and post to your blog.
4. Make sure all the links work and submit the link to their site.
5. You can manage your posts on their post page.
This is a great opportunity for any blogger to do what they love to do and make some money too. Work at home moms can make some extra money very quickly. They currently have 63 offers listed.
Visit, read all the TOS and take advantage of this income opportunity. You can accelerate your debt payments, save for your emergency fund or save for your children's future...
**Just wanted to update this entry and inform you that I have received payment from payperpost.com! ** 8/3/06
The site is called PayPerPost and here's the link http://www.payperpost.com. This is a site where advertisers and bloggers can both benefit from blogging. The blogger browses over the different offers and reads the details of what the advertiser requires. If the blogger chooses to write a post about the product or service, they must follow the instructions on the form. The posts may require links to a specific site, keywords with hyperlinks and or images. They offer between $5.00 and $10.00 per post. You must leave the post on your blog for 30 days. After the 30 days, you receive payment by paypal. You must be at least 18 years old, have a blog that is a minimum of 90 days old and have a paypal account!
These are the steps you must take:
1. Sign up with their site.
2. Read the offers.
3. Make a selection of an offer and post to your blog.
4. Make sure all the links work and submit the link to their site.
5. You can manage your posts on their post page.
This is a great opportunity for any blogger to do what they love to do and make some money too. Work at home moms can make some extra money very quickly. They currently have 63 offers listed.
Visit, read all the TOS and take advantage of this income opportunity. You can accelerate your debt payments, save for your emergency fund or save for your children's future...
**Just wanted to update this entry and inform you that I have received payment from payperpost.com! ** 8/3/06
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