Shopping online can be a great way to get your shopping done when you're short on time.  It can also be expensive if you're not careful. I've learned a few surprising ways to save money on online purchases that will make online shopping easy and cost effective, too.  … [Read more...]

From birthdays and anniversaries to weddings, baby showers and the holidays, there are plenty of gifts to buy each year.  We want to give thoughtful gifts.  We want to give memorable gifts.  But all those gifts can get really expensive if you're not careful.  Here's how to make buying gifts more affordable so that you can enjoy giving them even more.  … [Read more...]

It's no secret that I love eating out.  Fast food, family cafes, fine restaurants – I love them all.  But now that we have three growing boys, it's gotten a bit pricier to take everyone out to eat.  And leaving them at home with a babysitter isn't always an option. I've learned a few tricks to make eating out with kids both affordable and enjoyable: … [Read more...]

When you're a deal hunter like I am, it's very easy to get caught up in the bottom line of the item you want to buy. But if you really want to save money, you should know all the costs before you buy.  … [Read more...]

Have you ever noticed how one day your kids' shoes fit, and then the next they don't?  Or they seem to fall apart within just a few weeks of wear and tear? And those things always seem to happen when money is tight? With three boys, I know it happens! And I've got some simple tips that can help you save money on kids' shoes. … [Read more...]

I'm a pretty loyal customer.  I've used the same insurance company since I was 16 years old.  I had the same hairdresser for more than 30 years until she retired from the business.   I find services and people I like and I stick with them. And while sometimes that loyalty pays off, sometimes it costs us more.  Such was the case with my cell phone bill. … [Read more...]