Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 11, 2021

Take a deep breath, spring is finally here! If your winter was as long and cold as mine, then you’re also looking forward to opening windows, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking up the sunshine. Springtime soothes the soul and revives our spirits. For many, it’s a time to clean the house and the closets, wash the windows of their winter grime, and air out our homes.

Cleaning 130

Cleaning Finance Identity Theft Homeowner Insurance 130

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 26, 2021

I donated my plasma to earn extra money–here’s my honest review. On New Year’s Eve, I was loafing around and surfing Facebook when I caught a post from a good friend who shared that she had just made over $600 in one month by donating plasma. The money was going into her summer vacation fund. $600? Summer vacation money? I immediately texted her to get more details.

Donation 130

Donation Money Gatorade Food and Drink 130

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 2, 2021

Choosing a word to focus on for the New Year has been very popular over the years. I joined the crowd many years ago only to completely forget about my word by mid-March. But 2019 was different. My word was REDUCE. I wanted to reduce our non-mortgage debt, my clutter, my distractions, my impact on the environment, and my consumption of sweets. By the end of 2019, we nailed one major bullet point and I was on cloud nine.

Debt 130

Debt Food and Drink Libbys Financial Goals 130

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 4, 2020

November is the start of what can be an expensive season. Here’s how we frugal-ed our way through it. Frugal Wardrobe in November: I have a small bedroom closet, so I like to keep my wardrobe fairly lean, but highly functional. Also, I tend to keep pieces for a long time, as I learned years ago that buying quality clothing lasts much longer than fast fashion.

Frugal 130

Frugal November 2020 Old Navy 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 Crackers Bread 130

Family Balance Sheet

JUNE 22, 2020

In September 2019, my husband and I accomplished our biggest financial goal in our almost 20 years of marriage. It was so big that I cried for two days straight– we paid off six figures in non-mortgage debts. How we got to six figures of non-mortgage debt: In the summer of 2012, we found an opportunity to purchase an office building for our small business.

Debt 130

Debt Health Insurance Groceries Grocery 130

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 13, 2020

Kids create a lot of paper during their childhood. They create a lot of other stuff too, but that’s for another post. Today, I’m sharing how I have handled ALL of the paper, artwork, mementos, and miscellany over the last 14+ years that I’ve been a mother. For starters, both of our girls are sentimental. They like to hear stories, especially of their birth through toddler years.

Kids 246

Kids Organic Organization Daughter 246

Family Balance Sheet

JULY 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.

Christmas 113

Christmas Club July Saving 113

Family Balance Sheet

JUNE 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.

Christmas 100

Christmas Club June Saving 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 28, 2019

It’s March 1, and I declare it Mindful March. We made one big financial goal for 2019 and are striving and working hard to make progress. We started the year with a great January and made some progress with our goal, so to continue the momentum, I wanted to double down on our financial goal and be very mindful with our finances. Our goal for 2019 is NOT to feel deprived, but rather find creative ways to get through the year without unnecessary spending.

March 100

March Kids and Family Budgeting Budget 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

One month down for 2019. How did you do with your financial goals in January? We have only one financial goal for 2019 and we made some progress in January. For the first time in 9 months, we made an extra payment to our last remaining non-mortgage loan. It was a great feeling to make that payment, and to continue the momentum I want to double down on our financial goal.

Frugal 100

Frugal February Freezers Financial Goals 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 14, 2018

Here’s a peek at what we ate this week on our budget. I’ve had to bump up the budget over the years as my kids have grown and started to eat as much as adults. I now spend $600-700/month on groceries and I struggle to remember those days when I spent $400-500. My kids ate like birds back in day and now they are famished every time they walk into the kitchen.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Freezers Kids and Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 1, 2018

I have a big favor to ask you. I know that you all are extremely busy, but could you please, pretty please with a cherry on top, complete my reader survey. Now before you roll your eyes and leave, let me explain why I’m asking this of you. This survey will help me create content that you WANT to read. I want to be a resource for you and your family and tailor my content to suit your needs.

2018 100

2018 Making Family Thankful 100

Family Balance Sheet

AUGUST 29, 2018

The end of summer edition of Chit Chat. Here’s a peek at what’s going on with me, my family, and our life since my last Chit Chat. . I was vacant from the blog and its social media for much of the summer. I didn’t mean to be, but between working at our business, chauffeuring 2 tweeners to swim practice and other various activities, and spending time with family and friends, I decided to cut myself some slack and take a bit of an online break.

2018 100

2018 Kids and Family Tennessee Kids 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 25, 2018

This is my honest Ebates review. All links to Ebates 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 Ebates.

Ebates 113

Ebates JC Penneys Kohls Old Navy 113

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 5, 2018

2017 was a great year, but for some reason I did not create personal goals for myself last January. I had every intention of doing so, but I blew it off and now I feel like I’ve paid the consequences of missed opportunities…and my favorite jeans no longer fit. Everyone who rocks goals talks about accountability, so this year I’m sharing a few top personal goals that I made for myself and I’ll update you throughout the year on my progress.

2018 100

2018 Goals Kids and Family Dinner 100

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 Refrigerators 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

JUNE 28, 2017

Welcome to your guide to the U.S. National Parks. As a family, we have dreams of traveling extensively throughout the United States. And with travel comes planning, both financial and logistical, so my goal is to create a database of travel bloggers’ reviews of the U.S. National Parks. The History of the US National Park Service. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed an act creating the National Park Service that was assigned to protect and maintain 35 national parks and monuments at th

Travel 186

Travel Family Kids and Family Zoo 186

Family Balance Sheet

JUNE 7, 2017

Camping is one of my family’s favorite hobbies. I’ve pulled together 30 creative camping recipes that I plan to add to our next trip’s menu. Choose from burgers and kabobs to hearty breakfast ideas and sweet treats. You’ll find a delicious variety for your next camping trip. Save time by prepping ingredients, such as cleaning and chopping the vegetables or marinating chicken breasts before your trip.

Recipes 133

Recipes Banana Boat Ice Cream Breakfast 133

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 31, 2017

This list of 92 Summer Days to Celebrate will give you ideas to add some interesting fun to your long summer days. Personally, I’m looking forward to June 21, July 7, and August 10. More information about these days can be found at Daysoftheyear.com, and you’ll find even more days than I have listed. Some days are silly, some are educational, and some are peculiar.

2017 100

2017 August July June 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 16, 2017

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. To tempt your sweet tooth, GIANT Food Stores has launched the latest flavor of their Limited Time Originals brand: Twisted Chocolate. It’s not just any chocolate. This new flavor is a decadent chocolate with a hint of something unexpected. There are over 30 products across many categories and the Twisted Chocolate products include: Twisted Chocolate Ice Cream – Mocha Spice Flavored Ice Cream swirled with chocolate flavored s

Chocolate 113

Chocolate Ice Cream Food Storing 113

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 20, 2017

Meet Krystal. She is the co-founder of the website, Little Light on a Hill , where she writes about faith, family, and finances. I love her passion for helping others along their debt free journey. Be sure to check out her website where she is offering a free finance workbook if you subscribe to her newsletter. Krystal & Josh’s Debt Free Story. 1.

Debt Free 100

Debt Free Debt Friends And Family Sale Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 18, 2016

Disclosure: I received a copy of the Living Well Planner to review. I am also an affiliate for Living Well Planner, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read the site’s full disclosure here.

2017 100

2017 Meals Paper Goals 100

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 20, 2016

Meet Kristy, aka, The Former Mrs. Jones. I first heard her story on the Dave Ramsey show. The segment was so inspiring that I reached out to her to see if she would participate in the Debt Free Stories series. I was thrilled that she said yes, and I’m super excited to introduce her to you. She hosts a You Tube channel, The Former Mrs. Jones , where she vlogs about budgeting, debt free living, and family life.

Debt 100

Debt Debt Free Gas Bath and Body Works 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 31, 2016

Need to find some wiggle room in your budget? Is an unexpected expense threatening your bank account? Or maybe you’re trying to build your emergency savings account, or save for a vehicle? There is one place to look for extra money that maybe you haven’t considered–your groceries. If you don’t know what you spend each month on groceries, I encourage you to keep a tally for a month to give you an idea.

Grocery Spending 100

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 28, 2016

This Week’s Shopping Trips: I misplaced my receipt for the shopping trip below, but it was in the high 80’s. I also stopped by BJ’s and picked up a 12 pack of Annie’s Organic Mac-n-cheese and a 13.5 lb bag of baking soda, total spent $18.60. I like to keep the Annie’s on hand for a quick lunch or snack for the kids (and my husband).

Grocery 100

Grocery Groceries Grocery Spending Soda 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 25, 2016

Fruits and vegetables are such an important of our daily diet. So it’s important to. Smart Tips to Save Money on Produce. CSA. If organic produce is important to you, joining a CSA will be a very cost effective option. garden. Look for Marked Down Produce. Buy In Season. local farmer’s markets. You Pick. freeze when on sale. frozen produce.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Money Saving Grocery Spending 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 24, 2016

Day 24 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending: Save on Organic. When it comes to organic food , everyone’s line in the sand is different. I have friends who are adamant about eating only organic food and I have friends where eating organic is not a priority. We fall somewhere in between. No one likes the thought of pesticides, synthetic hormones, and antibiotics in our food, but the price of organic prohibits many from buying a completely 100% organic.

Food 113

Food Organic Organization Saving 113

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 22, 2016

Day 22 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending: Plan this week’s meals and shopping trip. Meal planning is really the cornerstone of smart grocery spending. If you do just one challenge this month, make it meal planning. When you walk in the grocery store with a plan, you will avoid duplicate and impulsive purchases, but walk away with enough food to get you through until your next planned trip.

Grocery Spending 100

Grocery Spending Meals Groceries Grocery 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 21, 2016

Today is Day 21 and I’m recapping the week’s menu and my shopping trips. This Week’s Dinners: Monday : Pasta with clams & fresh tomatoes and spinach & strawberry salad. I used grape tomatoes that I found in the freezer. Tuesday: We went to an end of the school year Girl Scouts picnic. I brought a pasta & vegetable salad and cheese & crackers platter.

Grocery Spending 124

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Irons 124

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 18, 2016

This post contains affiliate links. Day 18 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending: Coupons! Coupons are an easy way to reduce your grocery bill. Unfortunately, they get a bad rap at times, because people think hours are needed to save real money and be worth their time. The good news is that coupons are very easy to find and you don’t need to spend loads of time clipping them to slash your grocery spending.

Grocery Coupons 150

Grocery Coupons Groceries Grocery Coupons 150

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 16, 2016

Day 16 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending: Avoid Food Waste. The next time you open your refrigerator, consider this troubling statistic: According to the U.S. Dept of Agriculture**, a U.S. family of four discards around $1,500 a year on food. Let’s reread that sentence: A U.S. family of four discards around $1,500 a year on food. Did that stop you in your tracks?

Food Waste 165

Food Waste Kitchen Food Leftovers 165

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 17, 2016

Day 17 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending: Compare Store Brand vs. Name Brand. Buying store brand products is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries. A store brand is a product line manufactured specifically for a particular store and often bears the store name , but not always. Examples include Giant Food Stores’ Nature’s Promise and Giant brand, Walmart’s Great Value, Target’s Market Pantry, or Harris Teeter’s own line.

Grocery Spending 133

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Storing 133

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 12, 2016

This post is Day 12 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending. Pinterest! What’s your opinion of this popular social media platform? I have caught myself spending way too much time perusing the pins and boards in awe the laundry room as big as my living room and the Frozen birthday party ideas that must have taken 4 months to plan, but for the most part it has been a huge asset in my money-saving tool box.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Groceries Grocery Money 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 11, 2016

My grocery budget doesn’t just include food, but also household goods, paper products, and cleaning supplies which unfortunately can take up a chunk of the budget. It is so easy to grab a one use disposable of anything these days, such as disinfectant wipes, paper plates or towels, water bottles, and cleaning supplies, and those products might save time, but they don’t always save money.

Grocery Spending 100

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Saving Money 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 9, 2016

31 Days to Slash your Grocery Spending. Today is Day 9 and your assignment: Save money and earn cash back with grocery apps. If you have not tapped into cash back grocery apps , you are missing out on easy money. I was resistant at first to try grocery apps, but my tune changed when I was able to transfer a total of $25 from ibotta and Savings Star to my Paypal account after I gave them a test run.

Grocery Spending 100

Grocery Spending Groceries Grocery Saving Money 100