Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 2, 2021

Finding extra money is a game for me. Over the years, I have found money through rebates, refunds, online sales, and even the ground. Yep, I found a $20 bill while running on the beach! I have used the extra money to pay off debt, fund family trips, or build up our Christmas savings. January and February were stellar months with finding money. I found $1681 and $3433.68, respectively.

March 130

March Money Donation Credit Cards 130

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 1, 2021

Emergencies happen when you least expect them. My husband sent me a short text a few years ago, “truck $700.” My stomach sank. He took the truck to our mechanic because a dashboard light came on. We were hoping for an easy (and inexpensive) fix, and we were certainly not expecting this news. But the truth is, we have the money. Our emergency fund has saved us countless times and it will save us once again with the truck.

Emergency Fund 130

Emergency Fund Money Finds Friends And Family Sale 130

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 6, 2021

January 2021 was a month of extremes in my family’s finances. On one side, it could go down as a very resourceful month. We found over $1600 in extra cash…and on the other side…well, you should scroll down for the details! Found Money in January: $1681. Found money can be found from various sources, such as rebates, refunds, online sales, or even the ground.

Finance 130

Finance January Family 2020 130

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

Are you an ALDI shopper? I pulled together a list of ALDI soup ideas using ingredients I found at the store. These family favorites are hearty, tasty, and easy on your grocery budget. A few details about this list of ALDI Soup Ideas: ** I planned these soups around my family of 4, which includes 2 adults, 1 teenager, and 1 tween–both of my girls eat as much as adults.

Leftovers 130

Leftovers Recipes Bread Cooking 130

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 30, 2020

Are you looking for the perfect 2021 planner? Today, I’m sharing mine. It is highly functional, affordable, and at the moment, wide open for all the possibilities and opportunities that 2021 will bring. While I embrace the digital world, paper is the way I plan my life. I have been using a paper planner since my early college days in the late 80’s.

College 130

College Gratitude 2018 2020 130

Family Balance Sheet

AUGUST 21, 2020

Need a quick snapshot of your finances? Let me show you how to create a Family Balance Sheet. I’m a firm believer that finances must be organized and neat, and a Family Balance Sheet helps you keep track of your finances in one tidy spreadsheet. If it’s updated regularly, you will always know how much you OWE and how much you OWN. You’ll know how much is in your checking and savings accounts and your retirement accounts.

Family 241

Family Debt Finance Kids and Family 241

Family Balance Sheet

JUNE 5, 2020

Are you an Aldi shopper? Do you love to grill? I used the Aldi flyer and put together a meal plan of 7 ALDI grilling ideas. Everything was DEE-LICIOUS! A few details about this list of ALDI Grilling Ideas: ** I planned these dinners around my family of 4, which includes 2 adults, 1 teenager, and 1 tween. Both of my girls eat as much as adults. In a few meals, I used the cook once, eat multiple times method.

Leftovers 130

Leftovers Dinner Package Cooking 130

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 21, 2020

Looking for an easy meal, but short on ingredients? A frittata is a quick and hearty meal that is a great way to use up any leftovers or food that you already have in your refrigerator or freezer. . Basic Frittata Recipe. I love the ease and flexibility of a frittata. It makes a great dinner, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and snack. The ingredient and flavor combinations are endless, so create your own version with your favorite ingredients.

Recipes 130

Recipes Leftovers Ovens Milk 130

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 25, 2019

Today is the final meeting of the 2019 Christmas Savings Club! . On the 25th of every month from January to November in 2019, I held a virtual meeting on the blog to give updates on our progress, motivate one another, and help all of us save for a cash Christmas. The club was open to anyone who wanted monthly accountability to save for a cash Christmas.

2019 130

2019 November Club Christmas 130

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 5, 2019

If you guessed this girl, you would be correct! If you’re a long time reader, you’ll remember that I turned 40 once. That birthday was surreal too, but back then I was in a mommy fog with my 3 and 1 1/2 year olds. Now, those squirts are 13 and 11, and I’m in a middle school fog…prayers are much appreciated…lol. Over the past year, I’ve been watching my high school and college class mates turn 50…thank you Facebook, and in September, I joined the club.

Gratitude 100

Gratitude Birthday September College 100

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

Welcome to the 2019 Christmas Savings Club. The club is open to anyone who wants monthly accountability to save for a cash Christmas. On the 25th of every month from January to November in 2019, I will hold a virtual meeting on the blog to give updates on our progress, motivate one another, and help all of us save for a cash Christmas. My monthly goal is $100.

2019 100

2019 September Club August 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 22, 2019

After a long-snowy-polar vortex winter, are you dreaming of blue skies and sunny days? We are! Summer is my kids’ favorite season. What’s not for them to love? My kids have three months off from school, will spend their evenings and weekends at the community pool, and hang out with the neighbor kids. As a family, we are looking forward to camping trips and a week at the beach.

2019 124

2019 Home and Garden Friends And Family Sale Kids and Family 124

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 25, 2019

On January 25, you might not want to even think about Christmas. It’s 20 degrees outside and all you want to focus on is warmer weather and summer vacation. I promise I won’t start reciting Christmas carols, but while the holidays are still somewhat fresh in our minds, I think it would be a good idea to start planning for Christmas 2019.

2019 100

2019 Club Christmas 2018 100

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 5, 2019

One word. Just one word to focus on during the upcoming year. It’s been a trend every January and I’ve always found it interesting to read how other people have come up with their one word. I chose a word back in 2014 and by the end of that year I forgot what the word was! So will 2019 be any different for me? Choosing one word is so popular that even our pastor talked about the practice in his sermon on Sunday, 12/30.

2019 100

2019 Recycle Recycled Recycling 100

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 19, 2018

Looking for ways to use leftover Halloween Candy? I’ve got you covered! I’m a big fan of all things sweet and chocolate, so I look forward to Halloween candy. As a child, I grew up on a road that didn’t have a lot of houses, so while trick or treat was fun for me and my brother, we only came home with a handful of candy. My favorite memory of trick or treat was that my great Aunt Alice who lived 2 houses down from us gave out FULL sized Clark bars.

Leftovers 100

Leftovers Halloween Used Cookies 100

Family Balance Sheet

JULY 14, 2018

Here’s what we ate this week on our budget. I made a huge salad to get us through the week, tried a new recipe that I found on Facebook, and whipped up a batch of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with some ripe bananas that I had on the counter. We also ate a lot of summer fruit and corn on the cob…tis the season. This Week’s Dinners: Monday: grilled chicken, pasta salad.

Friends And Family Sale 100

Friends And Family Sale Gardening Garden Lunch 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 5, 2018

On Facebook? I started a closed Facebook group, Family Budgeters Unite! I envision the group to be a place to find and share tips, motivation, encouragement, and inspiration about family finances and budgeting. We’ll talk about what works for us and doesn’t work for us when it comes to saving and budgeting our money. I have a lot of plans for the group and I hope you’ll join me.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Family Motivation 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 17, 2017

The Instant Pot has taken the home cooking community by storm. Have you considered buying one too? Or maybe, you’re wondering what exactly is everyone talking about? . We are extremely busy with activities and homework during the week, so I took the plunge, because I need to simplify my meal planning and prep. Here’s my experience so far!

Buy 150

Buy Buying Cooking Appliances 150

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 16, 2017

October is a big month for me. I met my husband in October. We married in October. Family Balance Sheet , the website, turns 9 in October 2017, but Family Balance Sheet, the spreadsheet, turns 14. Back in October 2003, I left a corporate career as a department store buyer with a nice reliable paycheck and benefits– including health insurance –to join my husband in the land of self-employment.

Family 100

Family Financial Goals Debt Calculators 100

Family Balance Sheet

AUGUST 2, 2017

Popsicles aren’t just for kids! In fact, this list of 40 creative homemade Popsicle recipes offers ideas for everyone’s taste buds. From fruit and yogurt to fudge and coffee, you’ll find unique flavors and ingredients that turn an ordinary ice pop into a fun dessert. Looking for a unique dessert for your next cook out, birthday party, or summer celebration?

Homemade 113

Homemade Recipes Desserts Jello 113

Family Balance Sheet

JULY 12, 2017

Love to camp? My family does! We bought a used pop up camper about 4 years ago and have been enjoying it ever since. One of our most favorite camping trips is to Avalon Campground in New Jersey. Avalon Campground is family friendly, full of amenities, and very close to the beach. Avalon and the neighboring beach, Stone Harbor, are my two favorite beaches on the east coast.

Family 100

Family Kids and Family Daughter New Jersey 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 3, 2017

Thank you GIANT Food Stores for providing samples for the recipe, and the gift card for this giveaway. This Coconut flavored Baked French Toast is a decadent dish that is perfect for Mother’s Day, Easter, or a bridal shower brunch. Serve with fresh berries and/or maple syrup. Baked Coconut French Toast Print Author: Kristia Ludwick Ingredients 1 (14 oz) GIANT's Limited Time Originals Twisted Coconut Brioche (can use other flavors or regular) 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk - Shake well before

Gift Cards 100

Gift Cards French's Baking Giveaway 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 28, 2016

I’ve been working on an exciting project over the last few months and I finally have all of the details! If you’re thinking about some resolutions for 2017 that have to do with YOUR finances, then I’m inviting you to join me in January for the New Year New You Financial Summit. This summit runs January 9-13, 2017 and consists of 15 workshops over those 5 days.

New Year's 100

New Year's Debt Personal Finance Real Estate 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 2, 2016

It’s Frugal Friday: A recap of how we frugal-ed our way through the week so that we have more money to put towards our financial goals. Our mission: Live WELL, On LESS Money. What We Ate this Week: Sunday: Using leftover turkey & gravy, I made Turkey & Waffles , steamed vegetable. If turkey & waffles in the same sentence sounds weird to you, I can assure you it is down right YUMMY!

Frugal 100

Frugal Fridays Leftovers Financial Goals 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 1, 2016

This post is sponsored GIANT Food Stores and Build Your Influence Summit. As an avid cook, I devour any food related resource that I find… pun intended… I search cooking magazines, blogs, Facebook pages, Pinterest boards, and websites looking for fresh inspiration for our weekly meal plans or my holiday entertaining menu. I want recipes that have interesting, yet easy to find ingredients and don’t take a ton of time to prep.

Cooking 100

Cooking Tools Kitchen Microphones 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 4, 2016

It’s Frugal Friday: A recap of how we frugal-ed our way through the week so that we have more money to put towards our financial goals. Our mission: Live WELL, On LESS Money. What We Ate this Week: Monday: We went out for dinner to celebrate my oldest daughter’s 11th birthday. The tween years are upon us, so any advice to help us navigate the waters are much appreciated.

Frugal 100

Frugal Fridays Ebates Credit Cards 100

Family Balance Sheet

AUGUST 11, 2016

I’m a proud member of the over 40…+… club! And by over 40, I mean I’m on the down slide to 5……nope, can’t quite type that number just yet. I really am enjoying this decade though. I’m busy raising my daughters with my 50-something husband, managing our small business, and writing my blog. After I hit 40, I took up long distance running to stay fit, something I never considered in my 20’s or 30’s.

Emergency Fund 100

Emergency Fund Money Finance Debt 100

Family Balance Sheet

AUGUST 10, 2016

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. The kids are heading Back to School! YAY!! Reading, writing, arithmetic…and the school lunch. My kids have a love/hate relationship with their school’s cafeteria. What sounds good on the school menu, doesn’t always look or taste so good, so they end up packing their lunch about 4 days a week.

Lunch 100

Lunch Lunches Gift Cards Building 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 15, 2016

Every week I share what we ate for the week on our budget. Our current monthly grocery budget for my family of 4 is $500. This Week’s Dinners: Saturday: I cooked a large spiral ham that I bought during the Pre-Easter sale. I also made potatoes and a steamed vegetable. We used the ham to make sandwiches a few days this week and I chopped up enough for two more dinners, along with Sunday’s nights soup.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Kids and Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 12, 2016

Today’s Debt Free Story is from Jessica. She owns Every Single Dollar , an online financial resource dedicated to helping single women make informed financial decisions and set themselves up for financial success. 1. Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What do you for a living? What are your hobbies? I was born in West Palm Beach, FL. My childhood was split between Florida, Ohio and Minnesota.

Credit Cards 100

Credit Cards Debt Debt Free Student 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 8, 2016

Every week I share what we ate for the week on our budget. Our current monthly grocery budget for my family of 4 is $500. I’m sorry that I missed last week’s recap, so this week’s post will include the last two weeks. Dinners: Sunday, 3/27: Easter Sunday – we ate Easter dinner at my parents house. Monday, 3/28: My mom sent us home on Sunday with Easter dinner leftovers.

Leftovers 100

Leftovers Easter Dinner Daughter 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 6, 2016

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. April 22 marks Earth Day, the one day a year that we set aside to celebrate what’s best for our planet. However, there are simple things we can do every day that help Mother Earth by using less energy, sending less trash to the land fills, and conserving our natural resources. And the bonus to starting these new habits is that you can save quite a bit of money too.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Gift Cards Money Giveaway 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 25, 2016

Every week I share what we ate for the week on our budget. Our current monthly budget is $500 for my family of 4. Sweet potatoes were on sale for.79/lb this week and asparagus was $1.49/lb, so we ate them twice this week. Take advantage of the low prices for the Easter holiday and stock up on these side dish staples. This Week’s Dinners: Saturday: We were in Penn State for my daughter’s swim meet.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Freezers Dinner 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 22, 2016

Coupons. People either love them or hate them. I use them regularly when we eat out at restaurants, and I will not shop at a department store without one, but grocery coupons are completely different for me. You might have heard of the extreme shoppers who can buy $200 worth of groceries, but only pay $4.25. Yeah, that is not me. While I have success finding coupons in the Sunday paper and online printing sources, like Coupons.com for hygiene, paper, and cleaning products, food is another story.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Groceries Grocery Money 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 11, 2016

This Week’s Dinners: Saturday: Easy Lasagna , garden salad, bread. Sunday: Leftover lasagna from Saturday. Monday: Meatloaf, smashed potatoes, summer corn, and cantaloupe. I had the meatloaf in the freezer from a few weeks ago. I love prep once, cook twice meals. Tuesday: Easy Sausage Skillet. I found this recipe as I was flipping through a magazine and I had some sausage in the freezer.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 4, 2016

Today’s Debt Free Story is a guest post from Chris Peach. He and his wife paid off $52,000 in just 7 months. That’s crazy, right? How is that even possible? Keep reading… We Were Normal. In 2011, Andrea and I were normal. We had been married for 3 years and we both had great jobs. She’s a television news anchor, I’m a firefighter, and together we made great money.

Debt 100

Debt Finds Debt Free Television 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 11, 2015

How I Saved this Week: I stumbled on this markdown at Giant on a whole turkey. We’re a little tired of turkey, but it was marked to.63/lb. I couldn’t pass it up, since I paid.79/lb before Thanksgiving. I roasted the turkey as soon as I got home from the store. We’ll eat some for sandwiches this week, but I’ll put the rest in the freezer along with the stock that I made from the bones.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Costco 100