Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 9, 2021

Many years ago, my husband and I faced what we thought was an insurmountable hurdle– six figures of non-mortgage debts. These were loans that we knowingly took on and looked great on paper, but they became a weight on our shoulders. Stressed out, we ventured into Dave Ramsey’s online Financial Peace University home course for help. Prior to FPU, we thought we were doing well financially and never considered that we had too much debt.

Debt 130

Debt Emergency Fund 2019 Debt Free 130

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 6, 2020

We have hit uncertain times and this pandemic has felt like a wall that is unscalable. For many households, their finances and budgets are in limbo. Businesses have shut down, manufacturers have paused production, and many people have been laid off or furloughed. Life, as we knew it came to a halt for so many of us in mid-March, and life going forward will forever be known as pre-pandemic or post-pandemic.

Debt 130

Debt Emergency Fund 2007 2020 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

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Frugal living is NOT about feeling deprived. Frugal living is being intentional with our money and creative with our resources, so we have more to put towards the things that are important to us. We want to live WELL on LESS Money. Frugal Kitchen in February: Curbside Pick-up: I continued my new grocery routine in February. I cannot stress enough how much this has saved me time and I really think money too.

February 208

February 2020 Frugal Thrift Stores 208

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

Ebates is NOW Rakuten! Same great product, just a new name! This is my honest review. All links to Rakuten are to my referral link. When you join, you will also get a referral link to share with your friends to earn additional cash back. If you do any shopping online, whether it’s at a department store, discount store, travel, or vacations, you are leaving money on the table if you’re not shopping through an online portal, such as Rakuten.

JC Penneys 147

JC Penneys Old Navy Airline Money 147

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

MAY 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 Club Christmas May 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 25, 2019

On January 25, 2019, I started the 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. .

March 100

March Club Christmas Budgeting 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 11, 2019

In previous years, I would create a long list of financial goals, only to have little accomplished by the end of the December. Too many shiny quarters and not enough focus gets absolutely nothing accomplished. I almost stopped writing goals down altogether. In 2018, we decided to focus on just 2 main financial goals and before I share my 2019 goals I thought I would give you a recap on 2018.

Financial Goals 100

Financial Goals Goals 2019 Health Insurance 100

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 12, 2018

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: I make an effort each week to serve my family delicious food but still stick to the budget. Every Sunday afternoon, I plan the meals and do my grocery shopping for the week.

Frugal 100

Frugal Freezers Friends And Family Sale Financial Goals 100

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 8, 2018

It happened. I turned 49 last month. I survived…but my mom’s homemade birthday cake had a lot to do with it. Now I’m on the road to the big 5-0! Half of me is in such denial that I want to hide in bed under my covers. The other half of me wants to punch 50 in the face and show it who’s boss. This is 49! It’s an odd place to be.

Birthday 100

Birthday Kids and Family Homemade Cake 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 9, 2018

I’ve been working behind the scenes on a tool that I personally use to track and organize our finances: Family Budget Spreadsheets. This package of 9 Microsoft Excel spreadsheets is designed to help you organize your finances, plan for major purchases, create a budget, understand your cash flow, and track your net worth. Many years ago, we could say yes to the questions in the above graphic.

Budgeting 160

Budgeting Budget Family Property Taxes 160

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 30, 2017

Wondering how to cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot? It’s so easy! Let me show you how! How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot. These directions are based on MY experience and what worked for me with my 8 quart Instant Pot. I’ve cooked whole chickens regularly since owning my Instant Pot and I use this method every time. One thing I’m finding about Instant Pot recipes is that everyone seems to have different techniques and outcomes.

Cooking 100

Cooking Freezers Ovens Homemade 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

JULY 5, 2017

I love a good burger! Change up your traditional burger with these 25 creative burger recipes. On this list, you’ll find a variety of common ingredients that make for one spectacular burger. 20 Burger Recipes: Red Pepper & Feta Turkey Burgers. Grilled Chicken Fajita Burgers. Grilled Pineapple & Teriyaki Turkey Burgers. Apple & Blue Cheese Turkey Burgers.

Recipes 100

Recipes Beers Family Main Dishes 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

MARCH 17, 2017

This is NOT a sponsored post. However, all links to Medi-Share are referral links. I only suggest products that I believe in, but note that we are still very new consumers of Medi-Share. This is my honest opinion so far and I will be making updates through out the year. Health insurance is a touchy subject and everyone has a different point of view depending on their own life experience.

Health Insurance 164

Health Insurance Insurance Health Bills 164

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 6, 2016

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. Tis the season for parties and entertaining. To make your life easier, GIANT Food Stores has launched their Limited Time Originals Holiday Inspired Collection in time for your first holiday celebration or to just add some holiday flavor to your day. Inspired by the spirit of the season, there are over 30 products on the shelves in 3 new flavors: Peppermint, Gingerbread, and Holiday Spice.

Gift Cards 100

Gift Cards Collectibles Giveaway Holiday 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

NOVEMBER 25, 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 : Ham & Bean Soup , homemade sugar-free applesauce. Tuesday: Tortellini & Spinach Soup. Wednesday: Spaghetti night. Thursday: Thanksgiving.

Frugal 100

Frugal Fridays Leftovers Financial Goals 100

Family Balance Sheet

JULY 13, 2016

I am a big Dave Ramsey fan and I often listen to his show while I’m cooking dinner. So I’m thrilled to bring you today’s story, because I actually watched this couple’s debt free scream when it was live on the show. Please welcome Drew & Farrah. They write a personal blog, Where Love Takes Us. Drew & Farrah’s Debt Free Story. 1.

Debt 100

Debt Debt Free Finds Home 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 19, 2016

Today’s Debt Free Story is from Anna. She is on a mission to help others become debt free. She writes at her personal finance website, And Then We Saved. 1. Tell us about you and your family. Where are you from? What do you and your spouse do for a living? . I grew up in Newport News, Virginia. My family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska before my Junior year in high school.

Credit Cards 100

Credit Cards Debt Free College Debt 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 18, 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. A note about side dishes. For convenience, I frequently serve steamed vegetables and my homemade sugar-free applesauce as side dishes and you will see it often in our menu. And yes, we get bored with frozen vegetables at times, but it’s an easy way to get our vegetables.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Daughter Leftovers 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 5, 2016

Have you ever blown your budget in four days? Last weekend, my girls had a two day swim meet. My oldest daughter had to be in the pool for warm up at 7 am on Saturday morning. She raced all morning and qualified for the finals in one event. Yay, her! The finals started at 5:30 pm. My other daughter swims in a different age group and they raced in the afternoon.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Home and Garden Daughter 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.

Budget 100

Budget Budgeting Leftovers Costco 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 9, 2015

This is my third installment of Free (but Thoughtful) Christmas Gift Ideas. I LOVE the ten ideas listed in this post (#5 & 7 are my all time favorites), but be sure to find 20 more ideas in the two posts linked to below. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. This series is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the people you gift to if you use your time, resources, and creativity.

Christmas 100

Christmas Gifts Wall Art Home and Garden 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 2, 2015

My children have been blessed every year with outstanding teachers and at Christmas time I want them to feel appreciated for their time and commitment to my kids. We include teacher gifts into our Christmas budget every year, but I also want my children to be part of the gift giving process, whether they craft a card, make an ornament, or write a poem.

Thankful 100

Thankful Holiday Recession Student 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 30, 2015

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. We had a beautiful and delicious day. My oldest daughter and I started our morning with the Turkey Trot 5k. The weather on Thursday was perfect. It was sunny and in the low 60’s. We spent the rest of the day with my extended family and after Thanksgiving dinner I browsed the sales circulars and decided that I would venture out around mid-morning on Friday.

Fridays 100

Fridays Kids and Family Daughter Thanksgiving 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 23, 2015

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TruMoo Chocolate Milk for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Life has been go-go-go. We rush out the door to school and work. We rush home and rush back out for the evening activities. There are times at the end of the week that I realize our family has spent very little quality time together. We’re an active family who loves to spend time together outside, but as the days get shorter and the weather gets chillier, we spend much of our fre

Activism 100

Activism Family Swap Kids and Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 20, 2015

How I Saved this Week: I picked up my free turkey that I earned at Giant. On top of getting the turkey for free, I also received $1 cash reward at Snap by Groupon app –my referral link. A neighbor gave me several green peppers back in September, so I chopped them all up and put them in a freezer bag. I used those chopped peppers in Monday nights dinner.

Budget 100

Budget Budgeting Leftovers Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 16, 2015

This recipe tastes like something you’d only make and serve for Sunday dinner, when you have more time to spend in the kitchen. But this dinner only takes a few minutes to prep and 45 minutes to roast and you will use only ONE PAN. During the roasting time, I have helped with homework, tidied up the house, and even flipped through a magazine. Roasting bone-in chicken will make a delicious gravy and the sweet potatoes come out creamy.

Dinner 100

Dinner Leftovers Baking Recipes 100