Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 16, 2015

When she saw that her great-grandchildren were not writing thank you notes for her gifts to them, she sent their parents a set of Thank you note cards with envelopes and postage! Focusing on the negatives in a situation (even when that situation is very dire) doesn’t help you much. She is spunky and outspoken.

Gratitude 100

Gratitude Grandchildren Psychology Kids and Family 100

Nicoles Nickels

JANUARY 2, 2014

I have a full grown daughter and not one, but two grandchildren. Her first year can’t already be over, and yet it is. So for that reason, combined with two active grandchildren, is why I decided to make one resolution this year. And I haven’t made any resolutions in this century, or years before that.

New Year's 68

New Year's Grandchildren 2000 Ice Cream 68

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 3, 2014

That’s a lot of money and if you don’t have the cash , PLEASE don’t feel compelled to spend what you don’t have. Or, maybe funds are really tight and you just don’t have a lot of money to spend on gifts this year. I read recently that Americans will spend on average of $800 on Christmas.

Christmas 245

Christmas Gifts Grandmother Wedding 245

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 6, 2017

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a place where our sons, their wives and our grandchildren could come together to play, visit and bond? If we hadn’t sold stocks and mutual funds to come up with the money to close the sale (cash on the table), we wouldn’t have generated a huge capital gain in 2007.

Vacation 124

Vacation Rent Taxes 2007 124

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Don’t get me wrong, I’m no scrooge, but I don’t get into the Christmas spirit because of gifts. Families playing football in the back yard after a turkey feast; grandparents watching Christmas Vacation with their grandchildren; decorating the Christmas tree and remembering just how each ornament came about.

Giving 199

Giving Christmas Gifts Food and Wine 199

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

This list of thoughtful, but FREE Christmas gift ideas 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. Not everyone is and professional sessions don’t always fit into people’s budgets. 30 Free (but Thoughtful) Christmas Gift Ideas: 1.

Christmas 130

Christmas Gifts Home and Garden Flowers and Gifts 130

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 11, 2015

I wanted a place for our family to gather – adult children and grandchildren along with us. This doesn’t come cheap, but provides peace of mind. It is disappointing, but there isn’t much you can do to force family to enjoy a get together. I don’t enjoy group ownership.

Vacation 100

Vacation Rent Taxes Grandchildren 100

Saving In Akron

MARCH 7, 2012

If you haven't already done so, make sure you go to Upromise and load your e-coupons onto your supermarket/drugstore cards. Then I don't have to think about it. Upromise transfers it automatically for us each quarter so we don't have to think about that either. I load them all just in case I decide to buy something.

2012 138

2012 March Giant Eagle Charmin 138

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 12, 2014

We think we lead boring lives and don’t have much to tell, but that is often not the case. Clara didn’t think her experience was unique or special, but millions of people, myself included, watched every episode and grew to love her. Participants in Great Historical Events. Everyone Has a Fascinating Life.

Making 167

Making Film Uncle Grandchildren 167

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 17, 2011

Even if you aren’t invested in the market, you wonder if this will ripple down to you in the form of more job losses, higher prices, inflation, benefit reductions and belt cinching. Write down my life experiences on economic downturns for the future benefit of my grandchildren. What Should You Do In a Market Downturn?

Recession 176

Recession Economical Grandchildren Kids and Family 176

Saving In Akron

JANUARY 7, 2012

If you haven't already done so, make sure you go to Upromise and load your e-coupons onto your supermarket/drugstore cards. Then I don't have to think about it. Upromise transfers it automatically for us each quarter so we don't have to think about that either. I load them all just in case I decide to buy something.

January 113

January 2012 Giant Eagle Grandchildren 113

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

DECEMBER 8, 2013

Not my intent for sure as I don’t want excess amounts of available cash to ruin their lives. Second, if I didn’t have it converted, the tax bill each year will be horrendous for them, because it would be now and I sure don’t see tax rates going down with the national debt being 15+ TRILLION dollars.

Converse 176

Converse Taxes Grandkids Money 176

Couponing 101

MAY 19, 2012

This isn’t a free eBook, but it’s a great value. Elizabeth, who has two grown children and six grandchildren, gives practical advice and real–life suggestions for helping children—no matter what their ages—incorporate God into daily life. Readers will explore how to… teach their children God’s Word.

Mom 100

Mom Grandchildren Bestsellers Computers 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 23, 2017

Making sure the grandchildren have the desired benefits enhances their peace of mind. Making sure the grandchildren have the desired benefits enhances their peace of mind. If they perceive that the parents can’t provide certain benefits, they are moved to assist. We fear the parents can’t afford to give.

Money 124

Money Family Parenting Kids and Family 124

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 21, 2016

After discussing, he reluctantly agreed that we could fund part of it, but would leave the amount ‘up to my good money judgment’ He didn’t want to be the bad guy and say that he would rather we didn’t go at all, let alone pay for it all. That is a lot of money and I was having some sticker shock at the estimate.

Building 100

Building Kids and Family Hawaii Son 100

Saving In Akron

OCTOBER 3, 2011

If you haven't already done so, make sure you go to Upromise and load your e-coupons onto your supermarket/drugstore cards. Then I don't have to think about it. Upromise transfers it automatically for us each quarter so we don't have to think about that either. I load them all just in case I decide to buy something.

October 113

October 2011 Giant Eagle Grandchildren 113

For the Mommas

NOVEMBER 27, 2016

Perfect for grandchildren sleepovers & bigger than your expectations this Cozy Kidz Air Bed is available for Only $7.99 If you aren’t an Amazon Prime member , now would be an awesome time to join! Cozy Kidz Air Bed Only $7.99. at Amazon with FREE Shipping on orders over $49.00 or with Prime Orders. Assorted bright fun colors.

Grandchildren 40

Grandchildren TV shows Repairs Re-use 40

Saving In Akron

SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

If you haven't already done so, make sure you go to Upromise and load your e-coupons onto your supermarket/drugstore cards. Then I don't have to think about it. Upromise transfers it automatically for us each quarter so we don't have to think about that either. I load them all just in case I decide to buy something.

September 113

September 2011 Beech Nut Giant Eagle 113

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Parents may get a break on child care expenses, after all, most grandparents won’t charge market price for their services. If they don’t need that extra income for living expenses, and if tax treatment is set up correctly, the grandparent may be able to use the money to contribute to retirement savings.

Parenting 100

Parenting Watches Grandkids Kids 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 1, 2013

A Charitable Lead Trus t lets you give away the income from your assets for a certain number of years but keep the principal and pass it to your heirs without any (or with at least reduced) estate or gift taxes. After they die, the remainder in the trust goes to the charity selected. That same Times article explains it this way: “Michael O.

Cake 201

Cake Taxes Giving Donation 201

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 11, 2016

When I was a young adult, I hadn’t a clue how to go about deciding what I wanted to do ‘when I grow up’ I picked a college major solely on what I enjoyed studying – without any thought or investigation as to how it might (or might not) lead to a job some day. It didn’t.

Psychology 100

Psychology Computers Kids and Family Son 100

Saving In Akron

NOVEMBER 1, 2011

If you haven't already done so, make sure you go to Upromise and load your e-coupons onto your supermarket/drugstore cards. Then I don't have to think about it. Upromise transfers it automatically for us each quarter so we don't have to think about that either. I load them all just in case I decide to buy something.

2011 127

2011 November Expires 2012 127

The Frugal Girl

DECEMBER 4, 2023

My son & I currently share a plan and I know that there has to be a comparable plan that would be less expensive than AT&T. I saw that you don’t exchange Christmas gifts with nieces and nephews on your side. This person thinks we should all exchange gifts and they don’t approve of my choice!”

Cleaning 194

Cleaning Grandchildren Nephew Christmas 194

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JUNE 1, 2015

After living with windows through which we couldn’t see for at least 5 years, we finally broke down and had new ones installed. Believe me, brush on lacquer is s-t-i-n-k-y! It took me more time, but I just couldn’t see throwing out the tape and paper – which had more life left in them. Cheap or frugal?

Frugal 100

Frugal Cheap Clothes Clothing 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 10, 2017

’ While there is some macro economic sense in consumer spending causing an impact on the country’s growth, it doesn’t necessarily play well at the individual consumer finance level. My grandchildren’s other set of grandparents are just one example. Even today, many are still unemployed or underemployed.

Spendthrift 100

Spendthrift Economical Consumer Recession 100

Saving In Akron

FEBRUARY 7, 2011

If you haven't already done so, make sure you go to Upromise and load your e-coupons onto your supermarket/drugstore cards. Then I don't have to think about it. Upromise transfers it automatically for us each quarter so we don't have to think about that either. I load them all just in case I decide to buy something.

February 100

February 2011 Snyders Giant Eagle 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 12, 2014

I wouldn’t be surprised to be paying $400 or more a week before I die. They couldn’t afford to take any risks at all and consequently used a very conservative model, holding all money in treasuries of various sorts or in the bank. I don’t necessarily need more income. Take their generic advice at your own risk!

Money 170

Money 401K Bank Banking 170

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JUNE 13, 2016

Last summer, in my annual ‘Grandma Rie’s Money Camp’ (the week long camp I have with my Grandchildren to help them learn about finances); we had a segment on selling and how companies sell to us. The kids reported what they liked and what they didn’t. Presentation isn’t just used on kids.

Buy 100

Buy Buying Coke Garage Sale 100

Nicoles Nickels

OCTOBER 17, 2013

There would be an abundance of time to accomplish anything I started, so I wouldn’t have to put everything away and pull it back out to restart a project because of interruptions. Since I don’t see that growth spurt happening anytime soon, I guess I will stay here in the real word. I would have more energy and less aches.

Grandchildren 64

Grandchildren Cat Daughter Toys 64

For the Mommas

NOVEMBER 12, 2012

You don’t need to own a Kindle to download these books, you can read them for free on your free Kindle app or computer. Eugenia Burnett wants grandchildren. Amazon is offering these books free for a limited time. Download Maid for Murder. This cunning widow is determined to find wives for her brood of handsome sons.

Baileys 51

Baileys Grandchildren Son Computers 51

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 24, 2012

Less than half of workers (42 percent) in the United States have tried to calculate how much they need to save for retiremen t (according to the 2011 Retirement Confidence Survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute). PS: Don’t forget to check out the new “Share Your Voice” section on the PET homepage.

United States 202

United States Personal Finance Economical Finance 202

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 18, 2015

You may know that each year, for my two Grandchildren, I hold a camp I call Grandma Rie’s Money Camp. I used to use oleo for everything back when we couldn’t really afford real butter. We’ll have to be careful to make sure there aren’t any un-popped kernels or we might cause some dental issues!

Kids 100

Kids Kids and Family Cookies Thrifty 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 9, 2012

It was the trip of a lifetime with our extended family (two sons, their spouses and two of our grandchildren). It isn’t cheap to visit a national park, if you stay in the park lodging and eat at restaurants – which we did (because I am NOT a camper!), We had two family dinners, one at Old Faithful Inn and one at Lake Yellowstone.

Saving Money 188

Saving Money Money Saving Kids and Family 188

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 22, 2013

When I took my grandchildren to the local carnival in my own city on the 4 th of July, each ride was at least $3 per child – so $9 a pop if I rode with them. Since we own a condo in the area, I have often thought of taking the grand-kids to Silver Dollar City. Here are the ways I found to save at Silver Dollar City. Thirty dollar Thursdays.

Saving Money 199

Saving Money Money Food and Drink Tickets 199

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JUNE 3, 2012

Don’t forget to enter to win an iPad 3 here at PET. Your legacy isn’t something that can be organized in your later years, although your grandchildren may benefit from your influence when you are older. How do you want to be remembered by your children? How do you determine your legacy?

Building 200

Building Kids and Family Parenting Journal 200

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 22, 2015

If they don’t come with built in software, you can always find it. Pay attention when they talk to you (don’t surreptitiously check that text message). Do what I didn’t, and limit your own screen time. Use parental controls. Here is a Consumer Report describing Parental Control apps you can use. Start young.

Parenting 100

Parenting Kids and Family Phones DVD Players 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 13, 2012

Just in case you are not acquainted with these, a garden stepping stone is a big stone, or cement molded to look like a flat rock, that is decorated and then placed on the ground or in a garden to walk on – so you don’t tromp the plants. Moms always love anything their kids give them! The most expensive was around $20.

Giving 188

Giving Used Crafts Craft 188