When you live in northern Minnesota, staying warm in the winter is a top priority. A good pair of winter boots is a necessity. I've learned a few tricks to making shopping for kids winter boots easier over the last decade with my three boys. If you follow this system for shopping for kids winter boots, you'll find great quality boots, save time in the store, and save money, too. … [Read more...]
The last couple of weeks before the kids go back to school always have me a bit wistful. The days are already getting shorter. The weather is getting cooler. There's the thrill of new school supplies coupled with a nostalgia for our summer. After a winter full of repairs and projects, we opted to keep our summer low-key and frugal. The low-cost summer didn't make it any less enjoyable. … [Read more...]
College. Is. Expensive. From tuition to room and board to books, it's hard to find places to save money. That's why you should tell every college student you know to check out these 3 free things every college student should take advantage of. Every penny counts and it's all about making sure you get through college with less debt. … [Read more...]
With three boys in school, I have quickly learned that buying trendy character backpacks is a complete waste of money. Those fun backpacks that go on deep discount at the big box stores barely last through the first half of the school year before a strap wears out or a zipper breaks. And even if they miraculously survive a school year, the odds are good that your child will outgrow whatever character is on that backpack. … [Read more...]
Dads are awesome. They can make you laugh, grill a great meal, and fix almost anything. It's only natural to want to spoil the Dad in your life on Father's Day, and you can do that and stick to a budget. I think that's something Dad would approve. Father's Day Gift Ideas on a Budget Here are some ways you can celebrate the dad or dads in your life on a budget: Make a handmade greeting. Take the time to make a handmade card. Write a letter telling Dad how much he means to you. Shoot a … [Read more...]
It will happen. Maybe not the first or second day of summer vacation. Maybe not even during the first week. But the time will come when your adorable children will begin to drive you crazy with cries of "I'm bored!" They will want you to buy them things. They will want you to spend money on them. You do not have to do any of those things. … [Read more...]
One of my favorite parts of summer is grilling out. I help with the prep work, but my husband does the work. There's minimal clean-up. The kids love it. My house stays cooler, and we enjoy all the different flavors that cooking over an open flame can bring. I also love it when I can make a good meal for less, and grilling is no exception. … [Read more...]