Go HERE to find out what coupons are in the Sunday paper!
Happy Friday!
SHO
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
~Extra Money=Family Vacation!~
Plan a vacation strictly with extra money...
Let me explain...My friend, Christy, took her family on a Florida beach vacation and they didn't spend any money out of their bank account.
How did they do it?
They had a garage sale, sold items on Ebay, sold items on Craigslist, collected loose change, etc. They had a goal to only spend money that they had made "extra", not any from their savings or bank account.
Guess what?! They did it!
I'm so proud of them! Isn't that awesome?! I'm inspired!
Do you have a goal? Has someone inspired you lately? Please let me know if you have a story you would like to share!
Blessings~
SHO
Let me explain...My friend, Christy, took her family on a Florida beach vacation and they didn't spend any money out of their bank account.
How did they do it?
They had a garage sale, sold items on Ebay, sold items on Craigslist, collected loose change, etc. They had a goal to only spend money that they had made "extra", not any from their savings or bank account.
Guess what?! They did it!
I'm so proud of them! Isn't that awesome?! I'm inspired!
Do you have a goal? Has someone inspired you lately? Please let me know if you have a story you would like to share!
Blessings~
SHO
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
~Kroger's New Coupon Policy~
Since so many of you have asked me. Here is my response to Kroger not doubling or tripling coupons anymore...
Life goes on. I will continue to be a smart shopper. I'll continue to shop the sales and get good deals. I will continue to use coupons. However, I just may not get as many FREE items now. Since we knew this was coming, I'm not in shock at all. Honestly, I'm too busy right now to be too shocked! Life is happening so fast. I'm just trying to keep caught up. Time really does fly when you are having fun!
Why do I think they stopped doubling and tripling coupons?
In my opinion, we can thank the show Extreme Couponing for this. Again, this is my opinion. I don't think it is a coincidence at all that the Houston area was the first to stop doubling/tripling shortly after an episode of Extreme Couponing was on located in Houston.
My advice:
Shop wisely. Watch the sales. Match the sales with your coupons. Comp sale items to avoid going to multiple stores. Relax. This is not the end of our couponing world. We are smart shoppers and we will continue to get great deals!
Blessed~
SHO
Life goes on. I will continue to be a smart shopper. I'll continue to shop the sales and get good deals. I will continue to use coupons. However, I just may not get as many FREE items now. Since we knew this was coming, I'm not in shock at all. Honestly, I'm too busy right now to be too shocked! Life is happening so fast. I'm just trying to keep caught up. Time really does fly when you are having fun!
Why do I think they stopped doubling and tripling coupons?
In my opinion, we can thank the show Extreme Couponing for this. Again, this is my opinion. I don't think it is a coincidence at all that the Houston area was the first to stop doubling/tripling shortly after an episode of Extreme Couponing was on located in Houston.
My advice:
Shop wisely. Watch the sales. Match the sales with your coupons. Comp sale items to avoid going to multiple stores. Relax. This is not the end of our couponing world. We are smart shoppers and we will continue to get great deals!
Blessed~
SHO
Monday, September 26, 2011
~Wal-Mart Comps~
Good Monday Morning Sassy Savers!
Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Several of you have spoken to me about how excited you were to see the new Wal-Mart commercial that states that you don't have to actually have the competitor ad with you while comping something. I've expressed my concern to each of you as I've been given trouble by cashiers lately. Literally, I've been denied multiple times. Very annoying!
Trying not to be negative, I gave it a try on Saturday by comping milk. No problems at all! I left there telling my hunky hubs that Wal-Mart had redeemed themselves.
Well, all that changed when I went back in on Sunday afternoon. I was armed with the Albertson's ad just in case. At checkout I told her the comp price and store and she didn't believe me. She said "I need to see the ad". I said "That's fine, but your new policy says I don't have to have it". I showed it to her, she still questioned it (even though she was seeing it in print). Ugh! Moving on. At this point there were about 10 people wanting to shoot me in line. Literally, I was not the hold-up. It was the cashier! Anyway, I got my canned veggies for .49 per can and left the building.
All this to say, continue to take your ad with you while comping at Wal-Mart. It is obvious that they don't stand behind their word!
Yes, I will continue to hope for the best and continue to comp items at Wal-Mart. However, I will always keep an ad with me.
Happy Monday!
SHO
Friday, September 23, 2011
~FREE 8X10 Photo Collage!~
TODAY ONLY, Walgreens is offering a free 8×10 Photo Collage! Use coupon code COLLAGE at checkout. Be sure to choose in-store pickup to not pay shipping.
I HEART FREE!
SHO
I HEART FREE!
SHO
~Coupon Preview!~
Go HERE for details!
Hope you all are out enjoying this beautiful fall day! We went on a nature walk and it was so nice to not be sweating bullets. I love days like today!
Happy Friday Sassy Savers!
SHO
*This is for you Jordan ;)
~Restaurant.com 80% Off!~
GET $25 GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ONLY $2!
Enter Promo Code: FALL
Friday Blessings!
SHO
Enter Promo Code: FALL
Friday Blessings!
SHO
Thursday, September 22, 2011
~Healthy options are not always super expensive!~
I'm always curious as to what people are feeding their children. Today I took a long hard look around at the lunches in my daughter's kindergarten class. It was pretty extreme! I observed spinach, turkey, cantaloupe, cheese & veggie chips in one container. One student had rice, snap peas,cheese, etc. Another student had a lunchable and greasy chips. Hmmm. No judging, just observing!
So many people think that they can't "afford" to put good things into their children's bodies. I'm proof positive that you can. My daughter's lunch had all of the food groups in it and it was still cheaper than a store bought lunchable.
Am I anti-lunchables? Absolutely not! My daughter LOvES them, however they are a rare treat at our house.
Moving along...back to people think everything healthy is too expensive. Did you know that it only cost $1.35 per day for an adult to get 17 fruits, vegetables & grains from Juice Plus+? I was SHOCKED at how affordable it really is! If you sign up your child for a child's study, they can take the product for FREE (just pay shipping). So, for $1.35 per day my daughter and I can get 17 fruits, vegetables and grains through Juice Plus+. That was such exciting news for this Momma who tries so hard, but NEVER get the daily recommendation (7-13) of fruits & vegetables. Honestly, I don't know anyone who does. If you are interested in learning more about this, please leave me a comment or visit my website. Please note that all studies have to go through me (not the website). Leave me a comment with your contact information and I will get back to you asap.
Blessings~
SHO
So many people think that they can't "afford" to put good things into their children's bodies. I'm proof positive that you can. My daughter's lunch had all of the food groups in it and it was still cheaper than a store bought lunchable.
Am I anti-lunchables? Absolutely not! My daughter LOvES them, however they are a rare treat at our house.
Moving along...back to people think everything healthy is too expensive. Did you know that it only cost $1.35 per day for an adult to get 17 fruits, vegetables & grains from Juice Plus+? I was SHOCKED at how affordable it really is! If you sign up your child for a child's study, they can take the product for FREE (just pay shipping). So, for $1.35 per day my daughter and I can get 17 fruits, vegetables and grains through Juice Plus+. That was such exciting news for this Momma who tries so hard, but NEVER get the daily recommendation (7-13) of fruits & vegetables. Honestly, I don't know anyone who does. If you are interested in learning more about this, please leave me a comment or visit my website. Please note that all studies have to go through me (not the website). Leave me a comment with your contact information and I will get back to you asap.
Blessings~
SHO
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
~Check Your Receipts~
The saga continues with Tom Thumb! I've mentioned numerous times before to be careful and watch your receipt when shopping at Tom Thumb. I've done at least 25-30 transactions and NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN CORRECT! Isn't that sad? Either the sale price didn't ring up correctly or some of my coupons were not taken off. Every time I end up at the service desk getting my money back. Extra time spent and very inconvenient.
A couple of weeks ago, they had a few things that I wanted and we happened to be driving by so we stopped. The "buy 5 get $5 off instantly" only took $2.80 off. As a consumer we shouldn't have to eagle eye every transaction, but boy do I at this store.
My point here is to really watch and make sure the sale items are ringing up the correct price. Don't assume that you did something wrong. More than likely it is an error on their end.
Yes, I will occasionally still shop there. I do believe they have a great meat department and a very nice meat department staff. I just wanted to give you a warning to make sure and check your receipt! Remember, you are not getting a good deal if something rings up the wrong price or if your coupon is never deducted.
As always, be kind. It is a computer error, not the cashier.
Blessings~
SHO
A couple of weeks ago, they had a few things that I wanted and we happened to be driving by so we stopped. The "buy 5 get $5 off instantly" only took $2.80 off. As a consumer we shouldn't have to eagle eye every transaction, but boy do I at this store.
My point here is to really watch and make sure the sale items are ringing up the correct price. Don't assume that you did something wrong. More than likely it is an error on their end.
Yes, I will occasionally still shop there. I do believe they have a great meat department and a very nice meat department staff. I just wanted to give you a warning to make sure and check your receipt! Remember, you are not getting a good deal if something rings up the wrong price or if your coupon is never deducted.
As always, be kind. It is a computer error, not the cashier.
Blessings~
SHO
Monday, September 19, 2011
~6 FREE Offers from Vistaprint!~
Vistaprint is offering 6 Free Products for Fall! The products are FREE, just pay Shipping and Processing.
*1 Free Photo Wall Calendar
Impress family, friends or customers with customized wall calendars. Choose icons, add captions and highlight individual dates. Upload your own photos from your computer, Facebook, Picasa, or Flicker or select from hundreds of designs. (Shipping starts at $5.67).
*1 Free Photo Flip Book
Create a special keepsake with our handy 4" x 6" flip books. Upload your photos and customize with captions. Includes 10 pages with 1 photo per page. (Shipping starts at $6.01)
*1 Free Tote Bag
Perfect for everyday use, our 100% canvas tote bags can be customized with your name and message. Choose from 24 designs. (Shipping starts at $5.67)
*250 Free Business Cards
Perfect for networking, interviews, mommy cards and more! Choose from 45 professional designs and customize with your text. (Shipping starts at $5.67)
(I've ordered these twice and have had friends order them. We have all been very pleased.)
*10 Free Invitations
Have an upcoming event? Take it up a notch by sending your guests premium invitations. With over 1,000 designs to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect cards to suite your event. You can even send them in matching envelopes. (Shipping starts at $4.52)
*1 Free T-Shirt
Choose from a variety of designs and personalize with your own text or photos! Great for cheering for sports teams, team events, family photos and more! (Shipping starts at $4.41)
Think ahead for Christmas. Some of these things would make for a great personalized gift. I was just thinking the bag would be super cute with a scripture on it for a teacher. Endless possibilities!
Go HERE to get started! Better hurry, offer expires September 23, 2011.
Blessings~
SHO
~Natural Solutions~
Good Monday Morning Sassy Savers!
Hope everyone is off to a good start this morning. Wasn't the sound of rain awesome last night? Of course losing the satellite and electricity not so much. However, a small trade off for some much needed rain!
Last night as we were out enjoying some relays in our back yard my hunky hubs noticed something...Mouse poo! Ick! He then spotted 2 tiny mice. Gross!
Immediately I ran inside to get on the computer to see what we could do to get rid of them without harsh chemicals. I read that we need to sprinkle kitty litter around the perimeter of the house and they will leave due to the smell of cat urine. Isn't that interesting?
I'll keep you all posted. Praise the Lord they haven't found their way into the house!
There are always natural approaches to most household problems on-line. Plus, they are usually TONS cheaper than hiring a professional. A few years ago I had an ant problem in the kitchen and on my front porch. I ended up using grits on them and it worked! I'm hooked on natural solutions now.
Happy Monday!
SHO
Hope everyone is off to a good start this morning. Wasn't the sound of rain awesome last night? Of course losing the satellite and electricity not so much. However, a small trade off for some much needed rain!
Last night as we were out enjoying some relays in our back yard my hunky hubs noticed something...Mouse poo! Ick! He then spotted 2 tiny mice. Gross!
Immediately I ran inside to get on the computer to see what we could do to get rid of them without harsh chemicals. I read that we need to sprinkle kitty litter around the perimeter of the house and they will leave due to the smell of cat urine. Isn't that interesting?
I'll keep you all posted. Praise the Lord they haven't found their way into the house!
There are always natural approaches to most household problems on-line. Plus, they are usually TONS cheaper than hiring a professional. A few years ago I had an ant problem in the kitchen and on my front porch. I ended up using grits on them and it worked! I'm hooked on natural solutions now.
Happy Monday!
SHO
Saturday, September 17, 2011
~Exciting News Regarding Fruits & Vegetables!~
People often approach me to sell items (make-up, home products, candles, etc.) and I will consider for a few minutes and then decline the offer. Yes, I wear make-up. Yes, I enjoy home products, candles, etc. However, I don't "believe" in them. Does that make sense? I don't want to invest my time in trying to sell something that I don't believe is key to living a great life.
Recently, I was approached about Juice Plus+. A woman that I dearly respect started sharing about the product and how it completely changed her health. I then began to study all the research and listen to all the cds about the product. Boy, was I convicted!
As a mom, I do my best to give my child fruits and vegetables everyday. However, we never get the 7-13 recommended daily allowance. Actually, I don't know anyone who does!
Once I read about how so many diseases and illnesses can be prevented through our diets, I wanted to get my family on this product IMMEDIATELY! Yes, there is a cost to this product. However, it is minimal compared to the cost of getting sick with doctor visits and prescriptions.
For around $1.50 per day I can take the capsules that are full of 17 different fruits and vegetables! Plus, my daughter is signed up for a child study which gets her the children's chewables FREE. She LOvES the taste of them! Actually, she thinks they are fruit snacks. I tried them and they are good. I was thrilled to find something that my daughter is excited to take! If you are interested in the child study, please email me at coachoshields@hotmail.com.
For more information on Juice Plus+ go HERE to enter my site. You can read about all the research done on these products. It is very interesting!
Happy Weekend!
SHO
Recently, I was approached about Juice Plus+. A woman that I dearly respect started sharing about the product and how it completely changed her health. I then began to study all the research and listen to all the cds about the product. Boy, was I convicted!
As a mom, I do my best to give my child fruits and vegetables everyday. However, we never get the 7-13 recommended daily allowance. Actually, I don't know anyone who does!
Once I read about how so many diseases and illnesses can be prevented through our diets, I wanted to get my family on this product IMMEDIATELY! Yes, there is a cost to this product. However, it is minimal compared to the cost of getting sick with doctor visits and prescriptions.
For around $1.50 per day I can take the capsules that are full of 17 different fruits and vegetables! Plus, my daughter is signed up for a child study which gets her the children's chewables FREE. She LOvES the taste of them! Actually, she thinks they are fruit snacks. I tried them and they are good. I was thrilled to find something that my daughter is excited to take! If you are interested in the child study, please email me at coachoshields@hotmail.com.
For more information on Juice Plus+ go HERE to enter my site. You can read about all the research done on these products. It is very interesting!
Happy Weekend!
SHO
Friday, September 16, 2011
~A Woman Who Inspires Me!~
Someone who inspires me...
I met someone that has truly inspired me. She asked that I not mention her name, so I will respect that. We started talking about saving money and finances one day and I was just AMAZED! Very few people knock my "financial socks" off, but she did! The more she spoke, the more I wanted to know. Finally, I said "can I blog about you?" Of course, I wrote everything down and then lost the tiny piece of paper. Then today it just appeared out of nowhere. So, here is part of her story and secrets to financial success!
She purchased a home when she was single. She put 20% down and took out a 30 year note. Shortly after, she married and then they paid it off in 6 years!!!
A few years later they decided to upgrade to a nicer and more expensive home. This home was more than double the price of their first home. They were down to only 1 income as she had become a stay-at-home mother of 2 at this point. They lost 1/2 of their income when she became a full-time mom. They got on a budget, she took on a few extra jobs bringing in a little money here and there. . They took out a 15 year note and paid it off in 5 years!!!
Are you inspired yet?
During this time they also paid cash for a pre-owned suburban. Can you imagine having 2 small children with no car payment and no house payment? To be completely financially independent??? Imagine just how amazing that would be!
How did they do it?
They put all of their extra money towards the house payment. They didn't over buy or overspend on anything. They paid cash for everything purchased.
The biggest secret...they TITHE! She said that God truly blessed their money and made it multiply.
What is next for them?
They are currently saving for retirement and 2 college educations for their children.
I'm so proud to know a woman of such financial integrity. I'm inspired! Are you?
Blessings~
SHO
I met someone that has truly inspired me. She asked that I not mention her name, so I will respect that. We started talking about saving money and finances one day and I was just AMAZED! Very few people knock my "financial socks" off, but she did! The more she spoke, the more I wanted to know. Finally, I said "can I blog about you?" Of course, I wrote everything down and then lost the tiny piece of paper. Then today it just appeared out of nowhere. So, here is part of her story and secrets to financial success!
She purchased a home when she was single. She put 20% down and took out a 30 year note. Shortly after, she married and then they paid it off in 6 years!!!
A few years later they decided to upgrade to a nicer and more expensive home. This home was more than double the price of their first home. They were down to only 1 income as she had become a stay-at-home mother of 2 at this point. They lost 1/2 of their income when she became a full-time mom. They got on a budget, she took on a few extra jobs bringing in a little money here and there. . They took out a 15 year note and paid it off in 5 years!!!
Are you inspired yet?
During this time they also paid cash for a pre-owned suburban. Can you imagine having 2 small children with no car payment and no house payment? To be completely financially independent??? Imagine just how amazing that would be!
How did they do it?
They put all of their extra money towards the house payment. They didn't over buy or overspend on anything. They paid cash for everything purchased.
The biggest secret...they TITHE! She said that God truly blessed their money and made it multiply.
What is next for them?
They are currently saving for retirement and 2 college educations for their children.
I'm so proud to know a woman of such financial integrity. I'm inspired! Are you?
Blessings~
SHO
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
~Kroger No Longer Doubles/Triples Coupons~
Well, a day that I had warned long ago was going to happen...HAS!
"Kroger made the decision to discontinue the practice of doubling (up to 50 cents) and tripling (up to 39 cents) the value of manufacturer coupons in the Dallas – Fort Worth and East Texas markets.
The company said it’s instead focusing on lowering everyday prices and has been doing so in recent months."
-Myfoxdfw.com
I hope that statement is true!
Happy Wednesday!
SHO
"Kroger made the decision to discontinue the practice of doubling (up to 50 cents) and tripling (up to 39 cents) the value of manufacturer coupons in the Dallas – Fort Worth and East Texas markets.
The company said it’s instead focusing on lowering everyday prices and has been doing so in recent months."
-Myfoxdfw.com
I hope that statement is true!
Happy Wednesday!
SHO
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
~Crock Pot Recipe Tuesday!~
I tried out a new Crock Pot recipe and we all really enjoyed it Sunday after church. It is super easy and not many ingredients.
*It is not the best looking meal, but it was mighty tasty!
Salsa Chicken
2-4 chicken breasts
taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream (I was out and it was still good without it)
*Top chicken with taco seasoning
*Mix salsa & soup and cover chicken
*Cook for 6-8 hours on low (I cooked for 4 hours on high)
*Mix in the sour cream and let it get hot before serving (optional)
*Serve over rice or taco shells (We ate it over brown rice. I wrapped my daughter's in a tortilla and she loved it!)
Enjoy!
SHO
*It is not the best looking meal, but it was mighty tasty!
Salsa Chicken
2-4 chicken breasts
taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream (I was out and it was still good without it)
*Top chicken with taco seasoning
*Mix salsa & soup and cover chicken
*Cook for 6-8 hours on low (I cooked for 4 hours on high)
*Mix in the sour cream and let it get hot before serving (optional)
*Serve over rice or taco shells (We ate it over brown rice. I wrapped my daughter's in a tortilla and she loved it!)
Enjoy!
SHO
Monday, September 12, 2011
~My Sprout's Trip~
Ran over to Sprout's this weekend and found a few deals. The fun thing about Sprout's is that I don't know what is on sale until I get there. Rarely, do I ever shop this way! This is what was purchased:
Veggie Chips-$2.50
Cantaloupes-.50 each!
Apples-$1.13
Nectarine-.38
Spinach-$1.74
Mushrooms-$1.69
Organic Puffed Kamut cereal-$1.59
*I'm excited about this cereal for my daughter as it is sugar, salt, sodium, fat and cholesterol free! A totally natural cereal! She picked it out and is excited about it. I was excited about the price ;)
UPDATE: She LOvES the cereal!
Happy Monday!
SHO
Sunday, September 11, 2011
~JBF 1/2 Price Sale is TODAY!~
Today is your last chance to shop the Dallas JBF Sale. Make plans to head on over for some awesome deals as today is 1/2 price day!!!
Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall
Sunday, Sept. 11th
noon-6pm (1/2 price!)
Happy Shopping!
SHO
Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall
Sunday, Sept. 11th
noon-6pm (1/2 price!)
Happy Shopping!
SHO
Saturday, September 10, 2011
~Only 2 Days Left to Shop JBF!~
Only 2 days left to shop the Dallas JBF Sale!
Hurry on over to the Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall to get great deals on all things for baby, children and maternity. This is one stop shopping!
Saturday
10am-8pm
Sunday, Sept. 11th
noon-6pm (1/2 price!)
Happy Saturday!
SHO
Hurry on over to the Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall to get great deals on all things for baby, children and maternity. This is one stop shopping!
Saturday
10am-8pm
Sunday, Sept. 11th
noon-6pm (1/2 price!)
Happy Saturday!
SHO
Friday, September 9, 2011
~How I Save on Fruits, Vegetables, Milk & Eggs~
People often say that they there is NO WAY to save money on fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs. Not true!
Each week grocery stores have some fruit and vegetables on sale. It may take you planning your menu around the sale items. Also, I rarely ever go to multiple stores. I don't like to spend my time or gas money cruising around. Many times I will just take comp ads into Wal-Mart and buy everything there.
Just this week I was able to save over $6 by using the Aldi ad that was in the Dallas Morning News.
Milk $1.99
Eggs .89 per dozen
Grapes .89 per lb
Cantaloupe .89
Thanks to my freezer cooking and stockpile, these were the only groceries I purchased for the week! Saving $6 may not seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly. Especially when I'm buying items that don't have coupons. I use any trick available to save money on these items!
Happy Weekend!
SHO
~3 Principles We Live By~
Hello Sassy Savers!
Hope everyone is having a great Friday! Boy, has this been a crazy busy week. All of my freezer cooking meals paid off big time this week. I didn't spend more than 20 minutes on any meal and we ate at home. I've found that if I have something that I can whip up in around 20-30 minutes, we will eat at home. After all, it takes about that long to go get takeout. Plus, you have to spend your precious money on fuel. No fun! Anytime we eat at home my hunky hubs calls it a "prepaid meal". In our house those meals are wonderful! Especially, since we are saving for Disney World!!!
Part of the reason that I started this blog was to encourage people. I'm asked all the time how we live off a teacher's salary. People are beyond curious. My answer is that we don't just "live", but we live in the "overflow blessings". Honestly, we live better now than we did with 2 full-time salaries. Part of the reason is that I'm not constantly worrying about money. Now that we live on such a strict budget, I know where the money is going. It is amazing the peace that I have felt since living on a written budget (of course, sticking to it is key).
3 principles we live by:
1) We are good stewards with our money (started using coupons). Started to think and plan ahead before every purchase. We were amazed at what we can talk ourselves out of! (Example: BMW 3 series...yes, it is my dream car...yes, we test drove several of them...yes, we put in offers...THEN we came back to a normal state of mind and decided that we have other goals that come before us driving a pretty BMW. After all, it will be even prettier when we get it AFTER we pay CASH for our home!)
2) We live within a budget. A very detailed budget is key for us! I keep track of where every dollar goes each month on a spreadsheet. That has really kept us on track. We have a game plan every month to make sure that we stay focused and are able to hit our savings goal.
3) Most importantly we HONOR GOD with our TITHE. We believe that God blesses the 90% that we keep and multiplies it. We have seen it in our finances!
Another thing is giving to those in need. I encourage you to pray and see if God is leading you to help someone. I promise, it is the BEST feeling knowing that you are truly helping someone in need. You will be so rewarded.
When we started combining those 3 things we were amazed at how God truly blessed us.
I want to encourage you today that whatever your financial situation is, you can start making changes today. You can get out of debt. You can live in the "overflow blessings". You can leave your children a legacy of financial freedom! Get excited! Change can be a wonderful thing. Change is uncomfortable, but so is living with debt looming over your head. Look forward to the finish line and never lose sight of your goals!
Be Blessed~
SHO
Hope everyone is having a great Friday! Boy, has this been a crazy busy week. All of my freezer cooking meals paid off big time this week. I didn't spend more than 20 minutes on any meal and we ate at home. I've found that if I have something that I can whip up in around 20-30 minutes, we will eat at home. After all, it takes about that long to go get takeout. Plus, you have to spend your precious money on fuel. No fun! Anytime we eat at home my hunky hubs calls it a "prepaid meal". In our house those meals are wonderful! Especially, since we are saving for Disney World!!!
Part of the reason that I started this blog was to encourage people. I'm asked all the time how we live off a teacher's salary. People are beyond curious. My answer is that we don't just "live", but we live in the "overflow blessings". Honestly, we live better now than we did with 2 full-time salaries. Part of the reason is that I'm not constantly worrying about money. Now that we live on such a strict budget, I know where the money is going. It is amazing the peace that I have felt since living on a written budget (of course, sticking to it is key).
3 principles we live by:
1) We are good stewards with our money (started using coupons). Started to think and plan ahead before every purchase. We were amazed at what we can talk ourselves out of! (Example: BMW 3 series...yes, it is my dream car...yes, we test drove several of them...yes, we put in offers...THEN we came back to a normal state of mind and decided that we have other goals that come before us driving a pretty BMW. After all, it will be even prettier when we get it AFTER we pay CASH for our home!)
2) We live within a budget. A very detailed budget is key for us! I keep track of where every dollar goes each month on a spreadsheet. That has really kept us on track. We have a game plan every month to make sure that we stay focused and are able to hit our savings goal.
3) Most importantly we HONOR GOD with our TITHE. We believe that God blesses the 90% that we keep and multiplies it. We have seen it in our finances!
Another thing is giving to those in need. I encourage you to pray and see if God is leading you to help someone. I promise, it is the BEST feeling knowing that you are truly helping someone in need. You will be so rewarded.
When we started combining those 3 things we were amazed at how God truly blessed us.
I want to encourage you today that whatever your financial situation is, you can start making changes today. You can get out of debt. You can live in the "overflow blessings". You can leave your children a legacy of financial freedom! Get excited! Change can be a wonderful thing. Change is uncomfortable, but so is living with debt looming over your head. Look forward to the finish line and never lose sight of your goals!
Be Blessed~
SHO
Thursday, September 8, 2011
~JBF Sale!~
Don't forget to head over to the Dallas JBF Sale this weekend! I was there on Tuesday and it was full of great merchandise and at awesome prices too!
Location:
MESQUITE RODEO
EXHIBIT HALL
1700 Rodeo Drive
Mesquite, TX 75149
Sale Dates:
Sept. 8-11, 2011
Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday (1/2 price) noon-6pm
Can't wait to hear about your awesome deals!
SHO
Location:
MESQUITE RODEO
EXHIBIT HALL
1700 Rodeo Drive
Mesquite, TX 75149
Sale Dates:
Sept. 8-11, 2011
Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday (1/2 price) noon-6pm
Can't wait to hear about your awesome deals!
SHO
~The Home Depot Coupons & More!~
Sign up to receive emails about special offers, coupons and promotions from The Home Depot. I've used many of the coupons they have sent me. Typically, they are really good coupons (example: buy 1 tree get 1 FREE).
Go HERE to sign up!
~Restaurant.com 80% Off!~
GET $25 GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ONLY $2!
Enter Promo Code: SAVE
Blessings~
SHO
Enter Promo Code: SAVE
Blessings~
SHO
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
~JBF is HERE!
Make plans to shop the Dallas JBF Sale this week!
Just Between Friends Dallas
MESQUITE RODEO EXHIBIT HALL
1700 Rodeo Drive
Mesquite, TX 75149
Sale Dates:
Sept. 8-11, 2011
Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday (1/2 price) noon-6pm
Pre-Sale starts today for those of you with passes!
Admission is $3 on Thursday, September 8th ONLY
all other days are FREE!
Go, have fun and save a ton of money!!!
Blessings~
SHO
Just Between Friends Dallas
MESQUITE RODEO EXHIBIT HALL
1700 Rodeo Drive
Mesquite, TX 75149
Sale Dates:
Sept. 8-11, 2011
Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday (1/2 price) noon-6pm
Pre-Sale starts today for those of you with passes!
Admission is $3 on Thursday, September 8th ONLY
all other days are FREE!
Go, have fun and save a ton of money!!!
Blessings~
SHO
Monday, September 5, 2011
~Final JBF Tip!~
JBF tip:
Have your items in order by size before you get there. I pack my car according to size. This will save you a great deal of time if you already have the clothing organized. It is no fun to keep going up and down aisles and wasting time at the drop-off. If the items are already in order by size, drop-off will be a breeze!
For more information on the Dallas JBF Sale on September 8-11, 2011 go HERE
Blessings~
SHO
Have your items in order by size before you get there. I pack my car according to size. This will save you a great deal of time if you already have the clothing organized. It is no fun to keep going up and down aisles and wasting time at the drop-off. If the items are already in order by size, drop-off will be a breeze!
For more information on the Dallas JBF Sale on September 8-11, 2011 go HERE
Blessings~
SHO
Friday, September 2, 2011
~A BIG Week!~
Not only was it mini-me's 5th birthday, but it was also her very first day of Kindergarten!!! She started the day off in the 5 o'clock hour, yes AM. She got the treat of going to school with The Daddy this morning to meet some of his students before her school started. She loved that!
She got embarrassed again when her class sang Happy Birthday to her at lunch.
Since The Daddy had to work late again, we went on a dinner date to CFA. We were both exhausted after a long day of work & school. We came home and cuddled, watched our favorite show (Design Star), read some books and off to bed she went.
Of course the night before was a different story! I sobbed as I rocked her before bedtime. I said "this is the last night I will rock my 4 year old baby girl". She got out of bed later to come tell me that she "didn't want to grow up". I told her the good news is that she doesn't have to for a long time. She liked that.
Then she wanted to make sure that 5 year olds still get rocked at night. I told her that I would rock her forever. She said "But, I'll hurt your lap". I told her that I would find a way. Not to worry :)
Sissy~
I love you so much. You are truly my most precious little gift from God. I love you and our time together. I love how sweet and kind you are. I'm so proud that you are my little girl. Out of all the girls in the world, I'd choose you!
Mommy
Thursday, September 1, 2011
~JBF Tip-Reduce!~
JBF tip:
Don't be afraid to "reduce" your items for the half-price day (last day of sale). The first time I sold at JBF, I didn't do this and in return I had to go pick up many items that didn't sell. My friend, Christy, tags everything to be reduced. She made a great point to me that it was more important for her to get something out of it than to have to pick it up and keep storing the items. Such a great point! After all, the goal is to get rid of it and to make money. Now, I reduce probably around 90% of my items. Not everything sells, but I end up not bringing much back and I still make some money. Everyone wins!
*If you are a consignor, be sure to check out the new procedures regarding onesies and pj's. They are to be hung now!
For more information on the Dallas JBF Sale on September 8-11, 2011 go HERE
Blessings~
SHO
Don't be afraid to "reduce" your items for the half-price day (last day of sale). The first time I sold at JBF, I didn't do this and in return I had to go pick up many items that didn't sell. My friend, Christy, tags everything to be reduced. She made a great point to me that it was more important for her to get something out of it than to have to pick it up and keep storing the items. Such a great point! After all, the goal is to get rid of it and to make money. Now, I reduce probably around 90% of my items. Not everything sells, but I end up not bringing much back and I still make some money. Everyone wins!
*If you are a consignor, be sure to check out the new procedures regarding onesies and pj's. They are to be hung now!
For more information on the Dallas JBF Sale on September 8-11, 2011 go HERE
Blessings~
SHO
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