Smart Saving & Spending Archives

How Much Should I Spend on Groceries?

Is your food spending normal?

Maybe you’re a die-hard fan of outsourcing your food prep. You eat nearly every meal out and use your oven for storage.

Or, on the flipside, you’re a frugalista — someone who shops for the best deals in-store and online, stocks up on discount groceries, meal plans like a pro, and whips up 40 inexpensive freezer meals in a day.

But everybody wants to know . . . How much should I spend on groceries? Is my family’s food budget on target, or are we way off?

Get ready to see whether your spending is in line with the average grocery bill in America. Learn how to create a custom food budget for your family. Plus, grab the FREE food budget calculator down below for calculating your family’s ideal grocery budget!

Here we go! [Read more…]

How to Use a Budget Binder to Manage Your Money

Even if you have the simplest financial situation, managing your money isn’t always that simple. Add in loans, retirement plans, maybe some kids or even a small business . . . and it gets complicated fast.

After all, your financial life is multi-faceted.

You may have multiple sources of income, savings accounts, retirement or investment accounts, bills for your home, bills for your family, expenses that are coming up, and things you want to do with your money.

How do you keep it all straight and get it all done?

A budget binder, like My Budget Binder from Prioritized Living, is a fantastic tool for mastering your finances. It takes the mess and stress of money management out of the equation and gets you moving toward your financial dreams.

So what is a budget binder? And what benefits does it offer you in managing your household’s money?

[Read more…]

54 Awesome Kid Gifts Under $25

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

Ohhhh man, the holidays are coming!!!

And this time of year, you’re probably wondering what on earth to get your son or daughter (or niece, nephew, or other favorite kids!).

You want something that will wow that special kid . . . without busting your budget.

And it’s 100% possible.

These 54 kid gifts are all under $25 and will bring a big smile to any kid on Christmas morning.

[Read more…]

15 Awesome Financial Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

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

With Christmas right around the corner, you may be searching for that perfect gift for the special people in your life. (Or you may be looking to treat yourself to a surprise from Santa!)

Either way, if your gift recipient loves being on top of her finances — or wishes that she were! — this holiday gift guide has got you covered with awesome, budget-friendly presents.

[Read more…]

7 Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Won’t Bust Your Holiday Budget

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

When I was growing up, one of our annual Christmas traditions was waving goodbye to Dad for a few hours on Christmas Eve. He was off to the mall for Christmas gift shopping!

Every year, we never knew what to expect from Dad under the tree. In my case, I think that was primarily the result of having a kooky dad . . .

. . . but it’s slim pickings out there on Christmas Eve!

If you struggle to come up with great last-minute gift ideas, back away from the eyeshadow collections and novelty socks.

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed procrastinator or the holidays have just snuck up on you this year, you absolutely can get your hands on gifts that people love.

And you can do it on a budget. Here’s how . . .

[Read more…]

10 New Year’s Financial Resolutions for an Awesome Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to set your goals and make some important resolutions. But you don’t need to wait for January to focus on your finances!

No matter what month it is, the perfect time to make those new year’s financial resolutions is actually now!

So you want to make progress on your financial goals? Get a handle on your spending and debt? Save for the important things? Clean up your credit? Master your money?

This year, make these 10 all-important financial resolutions to maximize your financial health. [Read more…]

Ready for Tax Time? My TurboTax 2021 Review

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…]

9 Clever Things to Do with Your Tax Refund or Bonus

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…]

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

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…]

17 Simple Ways to Save an Hour a Day

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…]