Prioritized Living - Master your money. Get organized. Take back your time.

How to Stop Being Too Available (Without the Guilt)

July 16, 2021

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

Does this sound familiar?

Your phone rings, and you pick it up right away.

You get an E-mail or text alert and stop what you’re doing to respond.

Somebody asks you for a favor, and your answer is always “yes.”

If any of these behaviors is routine for you, it’s likely that you are too accessible.

Being available for a friend or being willing to pitch in is a truly admirable quality. But constantly living your life that way comes with a cost.

You can never be everything to everyone. So people are invariably left disappointed.

And things you would have liked to have accomplished — or even those things you promised other people you would do — well, they never get done.

So it’s time to stop being so available! It’s time to find that perfect balance of being a warm, generous person while taking care of yourself and prioritizing your time.

So how can you learn to say no, set boundaries, and lovingly stop being too available? [Read more…]

9 Clever Things to Do with Your Tax Refund or Bonus

March 10, 2021

Congrats! You’ve got yourself a mini windfall!

You’ve landed yourself a nice tax refund, a sweet bonus, or some other cash deposit coming your way.

So what now?

While it can be tempting to spend that pile of cash, you can actually use it to make some impressive changes in your family’s finances! If you want to maximize the benefit of your new cash — without feeling like you’re on a strict money diet — here are some smart things to do with your tax refund: [Read more…]

Ready for Tax Time? My TurboTax 2020 Review

February 18, 2021

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

At heart, I am a die-hard numbers nerd. So it’s a fact that I used to find actual enjoyment in creating spreadsheets to calculate the figures I entered on each year’s tax return.

Then life got more complicated.

I got married. We got a house. Had a kid. Started a business. And more. And my spreadsheet became increasingly complicated until it couldn’t keep up with my complex life and an even more complex tax code.

So, several years ago, I finally abandoned my spreadsheet and bought TurboTax to handle my taxes. And I haven’t looked back since.

Now, maybe you’re wondering if it’s right for you. Should you go old school with your tax forms, a pencil, and a trusty calculator? Should you shell out for the expertise of a CPA or other tax professional? Or should you DIY with a little help from TurboTax?

In this TurboTax review, I’m sharing the low-down on what it actually does, the pros and cons of TurboTax, and what you need to know before you decide to use it. [Read more…]

Your One-Year Money Makeover: Powerful Steps to Improve Your Finances

January 21, 2021

Your year is powerful.

I firmly believe that — with the right tools, motivation, and action plan — a person can accomplish amazing things in a single year.

And that feeling you get when starting out? When you embark on a new journey with resolve and enthusiasm, you know you have the chance to make real, positive changes that can last a lifetime.

In a single year, you can master and transform your money.

No matter where you are on your journey to financial health and security. No matter what setbacks you’ve had. No matter what obstacles lie ahead.

You can improve your finances, making incredible strides in a single year.

These 11 steps offer a path to establishing strength and security with your family’s finances. Maybe you’ve already tackled some of them! Or maybe you’re just starting out.

Either way, jump in and make this the year that you create peace of mind and financial health for yourself and your loved ones.

[Read more…]

Forget Spring Cleaning! How to Keep Your House Clean All Year Long

November 2, 2020

Raise your hand if you’ve done an exhausting cleaning marathon in the days leading up to a visit from family and friends.

Or if you’ve wondered when the last time was that you cleaned the bathtub, refilled your washer fluid, or mopped the floor that you’re pretty sure is supposed to be three shades lighter.

Or if you just can not seem to get everyone in your home on board with what needs to be done when and by whom.

Sure, you could hold out for spring cleaning. But that just seems like a great way to turn beautiful spring days into drudgery. And what about the dirt and mess the rest of the year?

It’s time to stop thinking that you need to choose between succumbing to an endless chore list and accepting the reality of a messy home!

There’s a third option — strategically distributing your household chores throughout the year so you can enjoy a clean, organized home year-round . . . without nagging, complicated systems, and that massive time-suck.

Fortunately, it’s incredibly simple to customize a fool-proof, year-long family chore chart schedule and system that will beautify your home and keep it that way for good!

Here’s how . . .

[Read more…]

12 Simple Organizing Tips That Make a Huge Difference

September 10, 2020

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

It’s finally happened. You’ve officially hit your clutter limit.

“Today’s the day!” you resolve. “I am going to get organized. I am going to be an organized person!”

You hear yourself say it . . . and it sounds impossible!

After all, most of us think like this:

Organizing my space and my life will take a ton of time I definitely do . . . not . . . have.
To get organized, I’m going to need to get lots of pricey tools, gizmos, and systems.
The only way decluttering will only be successful if I acquire some sweet superpowers.

But here’s a secret: Getting yourself organized doesn’t require lots of time, space, energy, or tools.

In fact, there’s a lot you can do quickly and easily. Here’s how . . . [Read more…]

How Much Should I Spend on Groceries?

August 13, 2020

Is your food spending “normal”?

What you spend on groceries depends significantly on your family’s makeup, your dietary needs, and your lifestyle.

Maybe your busy life means outsourcing your food prep and grabbing convenience items. Maybe you gravitate toward organic produce. Or you need to grab gluten-free products. Perhaps you’re a die-hard meal planner and committed couponer.

No matter what your situation, you probably want to know . . .

How much should I spend on groceries? Is my family’s food budget on target, or are we way off?

So let’s peek into kitchens — and wallets — across America! We’ll see how much American families are really spending on food.

Keep reading to learn how you can create and customize a food budget for your family. And don’t forget to grab your FREE food budget calculator down below to compute your family’s ideal grocery budget! [Read more…]

17 Simple Ways to Save an Hour a Day

July 9, 2020

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

Raise your hand if you could use an extra hour (or an extra 24!) in your day.

I have yet to meet a woman my age whose complaint is that she has too much time on her hands. And I’m guessing you’re not one either. Instead, you’re probably juggling your marriage, family responsibilities, household chores, career goals, and so much more.

So what would it mean to you if you accomplish what you’re already doing while having an extra hour a day?

Would you use that hour to tackle some of your personal goals? To spend time with your husband or kids? To take a much-needed nap?

However you plan to use your newfound time, these time-saving hacks are sure to help. Try these 17 smart ways to save you time every day . . . and, hopefully, save your sanity too! [Read more…]

11 Smart Ways to Organize Tupperware & Food Storage Containers

May 26, 2020

This post is part 7 in the series How to Organize It.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

In homes across the country, we are waging a battle against our Tupperware containers.

You know exactly what I mean! You’ve got that drawer or cabinet that’s stuffed with toppled containers, mismatched lids, and tubs of every shape and size. And when you reach in there to grab one, you can never quite find the one you need . . . or you can never locate its lid.

But getting those food storage containers tidy and accessible is easier and less expensive than you might think. If you’re looking to organize Tupperware in your home, these 11 systems and tools are invaluable. [Read more…]

21 Places to Get Grocery Delivery & Pickup Service

April 27, 2020

This post is part 5 in the series Skip the Store & Stock Your Pantry.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

It is a tough time out there right now.

And, for many people, going to the grocery store — something that used to be simple and safe — has now become a dangerous endeavor.

In the midst of a global pandemic, you’re looking to keep yourself safe and keep your family safe. And, if you’re sick or caring for someone who is ill, you need a way to get your groceries and supplies without stepping into a supermarket.

If you’re used to running to the store with a shopping list, you may not realize just how many options you have for getting fresh groceries, pantry staples, paper products, and everything else you need.

You can absolutely get the groceries you need by staying at home or enjoying contactless pickup.

Right now, demand for these services is at an all-time high. And your usual grocery store may be booked solid right now. So getting what you need means knowing all your options — what stores deliver groceries and which ones offer safe pickup for you.

Wondering where to buy toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, meat, milk, flour, eggs, or other hard-to-find items? This list has it all.

[Read more…]