Tax Time...

I don't know about you, but I tend to get our family taxes filed swiftly and promptly. Almost as soon as our W-2's hit the door. It is probably because we tend to get a refund, at least the last few years we have...

Until last year I always filed my hand printed forms and waited for my refund to hit the door, so I could get it deposited. I never filed electronically, because I am not going to pay someone to file a return for me and it seemed that I never qualified to submit an electronic form, we always made about $1000 or $2000 more than the listed limit.

I hit upon this site last year...TAXACT...it was free, easy, concise, reviewed my most basic questions and we got our electronically deposited refund, so fast...

I don't receive any payback or fees for this endorsement, I just highly recommend that you check it out and see if it might be for you or your family!

Reuse Thrifty Tip

The Thrifty Mama has a really neat posting that I just had to share...

Maybe I am the only person that has a ton of these type of hangers just hanging around in my closet...but this idea really hit home. I have hated to throw them away because they are so sturdy, but I don't really have that many skirts or other items to hang up in my closet, I typically fold as many items as I can.

But, I do have a ton of items that I could use a clip for in my pantry. So I tried this suggestion and it really works!!! So I am going to be destroying most of my free hangers and making lots of clips to have around for a much needed occasion.

One other suggestion, I don't hang my laundry out to dry but I think this idea would work well to hang out items on a clothesline as well.

What do you think?

How To Save During The Holidays?

Since my DH and I started Conquering Debt God's Way
last year right before Christmas we were presented with the unique challenge of paying our full 10% tithe from our gross salaries and still survive during the Christmas season...

I know that is probably not the term that one would want to use to describe the holiday season, but sometimes that is what it feels like so...I was thoughtful and a little anxious about how this was going to be pulled off.

I have to tell you that little surprises and ideas just seemed to come out of nowhere sometimes, hmmmm. One of the biggest suggestions that I read about that helped us out immensely at that time was the idea of redeeming your frequent flyer miles.

A few years back my family was able to travel to Europe roundtrip and my teenage son and I were also priviledged to be able to travel to Japan roundtrip. I know it was unique, but I had signed up for frequent flyer miles through American Airlines and we flew on this airline for both of our trips.

I didn't think much about the points, but they were just sitting out there, then I read a tip in a frugal website about redeeming your frequent flyer miles through points.com

To my amazement, it really added up!!! We were able to get about $300 worth of giftcards with no hassle or fees. They arrived just in time for Christmas gift giving.

This might be a little late for some people to use this Christmas season, but birthdays and special gift giving needs arrive throughout the year.

Or, how about just treating yourself to something that you might use more than frequent flyer miles?

We were able to get gift certificates to Red Lobster, Nike, Steak and Ale, Target and others, the selection was vast. Check it out and see...

Car Insurance Savings

PROGRESSIVE AUTO INSURANCE

I don't think I have ever blogged about this...My DH and I experienced extreme savings on our car insurance during the first part of 2008. We were shocked to receive notice about an extreme increase in our car insurance rates, over 10% more, when we hadn't had any claims or tickets added.

So I took to the internet and did some research and review. I received many online quotes on rates and was about to sign up with a third party for a significant savings on Progressive auto insurance. But wait...why am I going through another individual? Can't I sign up directly with Progressive???

I did a direct search for Progressive and ended up with even more savings by going through their website. All in all, it sure was worth it...We saved over 33% on our insurance premiums. You also receive even more savings by paying it all in one lump sum. So even for frugal me, it was worth it to tap into savings to pay it all in one lump sum, it averaged out to one less payment in the end.

Then the ultimate test, we had a major hailstorm this past summer and my Explorer was beatened to a bluddy pulp. Less than two months after we initiated our policy with Progressive, they worked so diligently and timely for us. My husband was thrilled that we could take it to the Ford body shop and was approved for all repairs with no questions asked...

Then, I expected the big blow to our account, it was time to renew our policy and I grimaced to think about what they would increase our policy too...Drum roll please....NO INCREASE!!!!

That's right, absolutely no increase. I guess I should sign up to be a sales rep for Progressive. I am kidding, I am not receiving any financial benefit by doing this post, just want to tell you about how this has benefited my family personally. Check it out yourself, compare and see....

Plus, for you ecologically friendly individuals, you can select a paperless system with their company and everything is registered and saved on your account online.

I Am Challenged To Get To A More Organized and Expert Couponer Level Are You?!?

I love following different blogs, they can lead you to so many really neat blogs that can teach us so much. Check out Moms By Heart...She has posted a great blog instructional on how to start a coupon 'wishlist' and 'havelist' at Hot Coupon World, so that you can get to a more extreme level of couponing!!!

I am intrigued and challenged. There are so many great coupons out and about right now, I wish I lived in a urban setting, closer to stores, I would be all over this in a heartbeat. I think this will make a great New Year's Eve goal.

Your perspective changes when the nearest WalMart is over 25 minutes one way from you...and you shop with a toddler who hates to travel in the car, by the time I drive to the store he is beside himself...I guess I should be asking, how can I turn my toddler son into a 'couponing freak' before he is even potty trained?!?

I Have To Share The Love...Don't I...

Sometimes, I receive or read and sign up for a really good deal and I forget all about posting it for others to see and participate in...

Forgive me:)

Sign up at Pillsbury and receive a FREE coupon book with over $10 worth of coupons, plus some really neat recipes.

In addition, Pillsbury is really good about sending out email notices on special coupons, recipes, etc. Very much worth the sign up to their site. Click away and receive your own copy of a really neat coupon book from Pillsbury.

Angel Food Ministries

Our church is a new host site for the Angel Food Ministries. My entire family is thrilled!!! My mother got us hooked onto the ministry over a year ago and our family has purchased several times and feel it is a tremendous benefit to families. Also, if you are looking to minimize your food budget in order to contribute more to benefit others, this will help your family accomplish that goal.

Check out the ministry...

About Angel Food Ministries - Angel Food Ministries

Don't Walk, Run From Layaway Offers

I love google reader, it is so easy to review the updates from all of my favorite readers.

I think you should check out this wonderful posting from Common Sense With Money, she really has outlined a wonderful mini education session regarding the latest offers and returns of layaway plans. She's right, 'run, don't walk from layway plans'.

What Does Dave Ramsey Have to Say About the Recent Bailout

I have read Dave Ramsey's books and know of several families and individuals who have been helped greatly by his financial advice.

In light of these economic times, I think that Dave is right on target with actions that need to be taken or reviewed by everyone in this country.

Check it out!!!

http://www.daveramsey.com/tdrs/index.cfm/2008/10/6/YOU-fix-you

Budget...Why Do We Think That Is A Four Letter Word?!?

I can get obsessive about details:

Budget Guidelines Established in 2006
Housing 36%
Food 13%
Auto 11%
Health Insurance 5%
Ent/Rec 8%
Clothing 7%
Savings 5%
Med/Dental 4%
Misc 6%
Investments 5%
We set these guidelines up from reading and reviewing Crown Financial Ministries recommendations.

Current 2008 Budget Actual
Housing39.91%
Food9.77%
Auto9.49%
Savings/Investments/AutoInsuranceBuildup23.21%
Misc/Ent/Rec/Clothes17.61%

Let me also explain that this is a budget based on 61.67% of our gross income, 22.44 % of our gross income is absorbed with TRS/taxes/medicare/health insurance and the final 15.89% is dedicated to debt payment and tithe. We pay all our bills on the day we are paid, set aside our savings and live off the rest, so sometimes our food/auto/misc is less than the planned % is or we have an unexpected expense and this always happens and we eat off of our food stash.

We have a goal to have our home paid off in 5 years. This is realistic for us, we initially took out a 15 year note and are 4 years into our mortgage. Our goal is to establish an emergency fund of savings equivalent to 3 months gross salary and then the excess will all be put towards our mortgage payoff. Some would not agree with these priorities, but this is what we have established, there is a tremendous ease with having a house that is paid off.

Becoming More Green

DH and I are reading and looking for ways to be more "green". Isn't that the latest catch all term. Really we know that we have not done our part towards recycling, etc.

We first read and reviewed books on living off the grid, moving to a small farm and living off the land, etc. There are still books that will tell and show you how to butcher a hog, cow, etc....(DS was thoroughly grossed out....)

Yesterday we received Money magazine September 2008 and it was really helpful.

• Think before you build: it's green to reuse and remodel. The house you fix up will probably be much greener than anything you build in its place, no matter how cutting edge the new design or how much recycled material you use. (Do you know that landfills are taken up more with debris from building projects than anything else.) So DH and I are happy to look at staying in our modest older ranch home and working to improve what we have. That means bye-bye to my secret desire to build a new home eventually...:(
• A roof should overhang walls by at least one foot. We are blessed to be in a house where this is true. It keeps the sun off windows and exteriors which helps the house stay cool in summer. We also have our larger room with a southern exposure of windows which helps to heat our home in winter.
• Size of a home does matter, don't pay for wasted space. A bedroom is for sleeping and a kitchen is for cooking. So they recommend having no more than 4 feet distance between your counters and an overall footage of 20 feet or less for a kitchen. My small kitchen fits this optimally. I guess no big expansions planned in that area.... and our bedrooms have a little spare room for the boys...
• Opt for standard ceiling heights. It will save you lots of money in heating and air costs. We have standard 8 foot ceilings. Compared to new homes it seems cramped but we are adding in crown molding to visually add to the height of the rooms. Also we have a long term plan about changing the ceiling in our great room to a trayed ceiling to be more visually attractive, but that is way down on our home improvement list, but it is there...
• Insulate, insulate, insulate....One of our more immediate home improvement plans is to add tons of additional attic insulation and a storm door to our front door. Our front door opens up directly to our living room, so when the cold wind is blowing and the door is opened it takes awhile to recover. We also have a longer term plan to add an enclosed small entry to our front porch area, thus minimizing the impact on the house with opening the front door. A longer term plan is to also have all of our current home windows replaced with double pane windows in the future to help minimize our energy drains. We also have an attic fan that helps pull out the hot air in our attic area in order to minimize our AC use.
• Buying used and using till they are dead. Cars, that is, this is a major accomplishment in mine and my husband's thinking. What could be more green than keeping your current car and maintaining it and driving it for as long as possible. Luckily, my DH is skilled at car repair and maintenance, so this makes it more realistic as a goal. We currently have a 98' Cobra Mustang and a 2003 Explorer. These cars are really old, during our previous life we would have replaced these already...but we are determined to do good maintenance and repair and keep them as long as practical.

We will consider the energy ratings on our future appliance purchases. It is possible that we might be able to get either a rebate or tax incentive...

We are going to replace our light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs with our next payday. My DH has found that the GE bulbs are the most energy efficient and it looks like the best deal is to purchase them at SAMS club, so I am supposed to add up the lights in the house, in order to know how many to purchase.

Other actions, we need to recycle plastic/paper/glass. It is going to be a challenge, our nearest recycling units are about 40 miles away, but we need to do something...even if it takes more effort on our part. So I will look to find some large containers to store items in that will fit into our Explorer and find a place in the house or garage to store in order to stock them as needed.

Plans are to also add in a gas fireplace to our greatroom. We know that we are dependent on electricity for heating and running our home and want to establish some more sources for gas systems. We have explored changing our electric stove to a gas unit, which I prefer anyway, it shouldn't be too hard since we have a pier and beam house.

DH is also reading on steps for storage and use of rainwater.
Family is setting a priority to design and build a square foot garden system to be less dependent for our vegetables from the store.
We have considered installation of solar panels, but the expense so far is too great and the units would only be paid for after 25 years of use, so not a realistic option at this point for us.

Budget 101

Taking steps to get your budget and financial plans in correct order are a big deal and trying to get this established between a couple can be very trying. Maybe one of you is a spendthrift, you could each have different ideas about what your financial priorities are....so much to talk about...

We also agreed to Bruce Ammons http://www.conqueringdebt.com/

'Demonstration of Fearless Faith'

We, the undersigned, make a solemn vow to obey God from this day forward in
the area or tithing.

We understand that tithing
is:
Commanded by God. (Leviticus 27:30)
Commended by Jesus.
(Matthew 23:23)
An opportunity to prove we really love God. (John
14:15)
10% of our gross income. (Malachi 3:10)
"First fruit giving."
(Proverbs 3:9)
A demonstration that God has first place in our lives. (Deuteronomy
14:23LB)
To be given to our place of worship with no strings attached.
(Malachi 3:8-10)
An expression of our gratitude to God.
An acknowledgement
that everything we have was given to us by God. (Deuteronomy
8:18)
The biblical prescription for turning our hearts
wholeheartedly to the Lord. (Matthew 6:21)
A habit. We will tithe like
clockwork whether we are present or absent.

The intent of this vow
is not to limit our giving. It simply forms the foundation
for our
giving. We will remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in the
area of giving offerings above and beyond the tithe.

We choose to
make this vow obediently and expectantly!

By becoming faithful
tithers,w e are trusting by faith that God will provide
for the needs of our family and help
us in our war on debt.

Signature______________and _________________Date__________

Seems simple to read, but to commit and do as a couple takes alot of prayer, commitment and discipline.

Then DH and I established a list of goals that we have continued to review and pray specifically for... Without going into too much detail, we have been blessed abundantly since we have being praying and seeking the Lord's guidance and correction in our finances.

Our attitudes have changed significantly about how we view our blessings and what our financial goals are...This did not happen overnight and I am sure that we still have alot of areas to grow and change.

Speaking about tithe. Since I have been a stay at home mom, I took over the responsibilities of overseeing our bill paying and budget. I must admit, that I always had the goal of giving 10% of our net (that is what David and I had committed to previously) but if I believed that our expenses for the month were too much, then I would wait to pay the tithe and see what was left at the end of the month, sometimes, there wasn't anything (especially during the summer) and I was okay with that.

Since our commitment on November 12, 2007 we have been committed as a couple to give our tithe (10% of gross) first and foremost as a 'first fruit' offering to our local church. We have been able to do this unceasingly since our commitment and have also been able to contribute more in offerings to other charitable organizations and missions that we have ever done previously. Has it been easy, no, it forces you to review and rearrange your financial decisions. We have learned to live on less and amazingly we are also realizing our long term financial goals better than we did when we had a six figure income between the two of us working full-time.

When we are not agreeing on a major purchase or expense, it has also been helpful, to pull out our commitments and review them, it reminds both of us what our long term goals are. Amazingly it has gotten these purchases in order. Sometimes we have put them off, other times we have decided that we need to complete the purchase but then look for ways that we can accomplish the purchase without using credit.

Would everyone agree with our decisions, probably not, but that is what we as a couple have decided to do. Am I working with a dishwasher and washing machine that needs to be replaced because they are beyond repair, yes. We are working diligently to find the funds and are praying that they will be provided within the next couple of months, or an amazing sale/clearance comes to our attention. Have we had unexpected expenses that have set us scrambling, yes. Have we had to tap into our savings when we would have preferred to leave it alone, yes. To be quite honest for us to have a savings account to consider in all of decisions, is amazing in the least for us...

So in reference to "Staying At Home and Loving It", it takes an adjustment more than I would have expected...but the blessings are abundant.

Budget...Why Do We Think That Is A Four Letter Word?!?

My husband was able to attend a christian financial planning seminar, I had hoped to go, but we ended up having a small son sick with allergies and fever... I was so looking forward to the session.

"Conquering Debt God's Way" by Bruce Hammons
http://www.conqueringdebt.com/

His web site is pretty good, but I got to tell you that his booklet is powerful.

My DH and I both committed to his 'Declaration of War On Debt'

We, the undersigned, choose this day to declare war on debt by making a
solemn vow to God, regarding our future financial direction.

We do not take this lightly. We understand that, "It is better
that you should not vow than that you should vow an not pay." (Ecclesiastes 5:5)
Yet, we choose to make the following vow in order to formally and publicly
declare war on debt. From this day forward, we resolve to:

• No longer accept just getting by from paycheck to paycheck
• Make rapid debt elimination our primary financial objective.
• Commit ourselves without reservation to CONQUERING DEBT GOD'S WAY.
  We will apply every step of action that pertains to our circumstances with
  complete follow through.
• Attack debt with a passion.

We believe that God may choose to miraculously cancel our
debts. However, we also realize that it took time to get into debt and it
will most likely take time to get out of debt. Whether by miracle or by
"dogged determination," we will be debt free!

Signature _________________and ______________Date_________

We completed this commitment on November 12, 2007

New Opportunities for Increasing Income

Just to updates matters, I got the job!!!! So I will be working to develop 3 or 4 menus to rotate for their meetings, I am thrilled, they loved my fried chicken (it did end up being very, very good, almost as good as my grandma's just not as fresh as hers ((of course she would buthcer her's that morning)), it scared me to death to make it from scratch, but I feel more confident for the future). I think the next menu selection will center around lasagna....

My husband and I enjoy the fact that I am able to stay at home full-time and feel it is significant benefit to our family and myself, so that is a priority.

We have been very blessed that I was presented with the opportunity to pick up a part-time job of cleaning our church a couple of years ago. It has been a blessing, because I am able to get the work done in the evenings after my little one has gone to sleep. The job has also been of benefit to our teenage son, because he has helped me, gets paid half of my fees and is able to save most of the money. His bank account has grown to be pretty significant and we have all learned that he is tight and doesn't like to spend his money (doesn't take after either of his parents...)

We are being presented with another opportunity for me to earn some additional income for our family. The local Lions' club has been frustrated with the inability to secure a steady meal provider for their club... and I guess my husband was bragging on my culinary abilities, so now I will be seeing about starting to cook for the local Lions' Club organization for their luncheon meeting twice a month. It is an opportunity to pick up an additional $100 per month which would take care of our grocery budget.

In reality, my husband and I have been discussing the need for our toddler boy to have opportunities for more socializing. He loves people!!! Just loves being around other kids and people, so there is a need for more playtime with other kids besides the opportunities that he receives at church. So I will cook my first meal for the Lions' tomorrow and if they like it and we can agree on about 3 or 4 meal plans, than I will be in business. I will then call a local mom who does in-home daycare and see how many days I can get for $100 per month. I am hoping that it will allow me to obtain 1 day per week, we'll see.

My DH feels that I and our little boy will be much happier campers to have a weekly break from our home routine and I think he might be right. That would allow me an opportunity for getting my major couponing or shopping, errand running, etc. done without having to worry about being so panicked, overwhelmed and frustrated with trying to get it done when my toddler boy would prefer to be at home swinging from trees and eating dirt.

So wish me luck in being able to win over the tummies of the Lions.

Part-time Job/Work for Yourself

I just wanted to get a link out to those who might be interested, click this blog subject title to link. I have mentioned several times that my DH (darling husband) has said that he believes that my couponing (q'ing) is comparable to me having a part-time job, which contributes to our family's resources.

I found this wonderful blog site and article that seem to sum it all up for me....have a look see;)

Bargain Hunting in the Big City

It's late and I am exhausted from a very busy day in the big city. We live in a small rural town in the Texas panhandle. Today we got up at 7:00am and headed out to the big city of Amarillo and scored several shopping deals.

Panhandle Salvage - $24.80
Purchased 12 - 8 oz containers of raspberry yogurt
6 - 1/2 gallons of Minute Maid orange juice - pulp free (oldest son can't stand to drink pulp)
10 bunches of 3 heads of onions
5 cartons of sweet yellow/red/orange peppers
2 boxes of cinnamon graham crackers
32 oz frozen bag of corn
32 oz frozen bag of peas/carrots
20 lbs. of potatoes

I love this store and wish I could justify the extra gas expense more often, but hard to justify since the deals can be unpredictable.

Target $14.68
12 Boxes of Lipton 'Tea to Go' in varied flavors, box has 10 packets to add to water bottle $1.94 each + $1 off Target coupon. Final purchase price of 94 cents each. (Kinda' pricey but my oldest daughter is graduating from college and will soon be a full-time elementary teacher and she loves her 'Tea' on the run, so a perfect little care package idea/graduation bundle)
2 Boxes of Eggo waffles $1.84 each + $1 off of 2 Target coupon. Final purchase price of $2.68. (Kinda' pricey but my teenager deserves a treat every now and then)

CVS
1st Transaction
2 Aquafresh Advanced toothpaste $4.99 w4.99 ECB + 2-$1 off q
3 Colgate 360 toothbrushes 3.99 w3.99 ECB + 3 - $1 off q
2 EOB facial scrub pads $1.49
1 Foot pumice stone $2.49 + $5 ECB w/purchase of 3 EOB items
-$4 off $20
-$3 off $15
-$2 off $10


2nd Transaction $1.48 ($0 subtotal so just 8.25% tax)
2 Playskools Large pack diapers size 4 2/$19.99
1 Georgia Pacific printer paper $3.99
-$4 off $20
-$3 off $15
-$2 Playskool q
-$14.98 ECB

3rd Transaction $2.39
1 HP printer cartridge $19.99
1 Wrigley Extra Gum $1.19
-$4 off $20
-$3 off 15
-$11.97 ECB

Ended up with still having about $7 in ECB for next week. Still on the lookout for Bic Soleil razors, have received my third raincheck and the Addidas deoderant. I will be going to my daughter's graduation in Arlington next weekend. I told my husband that I am determined to get the free Addidas and get paid $15 for purchasing their product!!

Walgreens
2 Breathe Right boxes $4.99 each (12 ct, but look for the boxes with the 14 count for the price of 12) with q for $3 off box in Monthly savings booklet + $3 manuf q from manuf website
6 Air Wick Decospheres on clearance for $2.15 (caught my eye when they had an immediate savings coupon on product for $1.50 off + had 2 additional manf q for $1.50 off
2 Air Wick Stickups on clearance for $1 each + 2 additional manf q for 50 cents off each