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Save Money Fast: 12 Ways Families Can Save Extra Money Each Year

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Save Money Fast: 12 Ways Families Can Save Extra Money Each Year

<p>Planning for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, or simply aiming for financial stability, finding ways to save extra cash can make a significant difference. We’ll explore 12 smart strategies that families can implement to boost their savings and achieve their financial goals. </p>:: Pexels

Planning for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, or simply aiming for financial stability, finding ways to save extra cash can make a significant difference. We’ll explore 12 smart strategies that families can implement to boost their savings and achieve their financial goals.

 

1. Make a Family Budget Together

 

<p>Saving money doesn’t just mean having more in your checking and savings accounts. It’s also an opportunity to teach your kids valuable personal finance lessons. Consider making budgeting a family affair. Gather everyone together every month or so, and discuss your expenses, income, and savings. Use this time to create a budget for family spending. Show your kids what’s in the family bank account and talk about upcoming expenses. You can also help your kids set personal budgets and savings goals. For instance, maybe one of your children wants to save up for the latest video game system or buy a birthday present for a friend. Teaching them how to budget and the value of frugality will instill positive lifelong money habits. </p>:: Pexels

Saving money doesn’t just mean having more in your checking and savings accounts. It’s also an opportunity to teach your kids valuable personal finance lessons. Consider making budgeting a family affair. Gather everyone together every month or so, and discuss your expenses, income, and savings. Use this time to create a budget for family spending. Show your kids what’s in the family bank account and talk about upcoming expenses. You can also help your kids set personal budgets and savings goals. For instance, maybe one of your children wants to save up for the latest video game system or buy a birthday present for a friend. Teaching them how to budget and the value of frugality will instill positive lifelong money habits.

 

2. Trim Your Family’s Grocery Bill

<p>The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between 9 and The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between $599 and $1,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between $687.40 and $1,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. ,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between 7.40 and The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between $599 and $1,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between $687.40 and $1,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. ,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. </p>::Pexels

 

The average family of four with two kids under age 5 spends between $599 and $1,169 per month on food at home. Families with two kids between the ages of 6 and 11 spend between $687.40 and $1,370.10 per month on food at home. Depending on your grocery spending, there might be significant room for savings. Here are some tips:

  • Meal Planning: Plan your meals in advance to avoid impulse purchases. Make a shopping list and stick to it.
  • Buy Generic Brands: Generic brands often cost less than name brands and can be just as good.
  • Use Coupons and Cashback Apps: Look for coupons and use cashback apps to save on groceries.
  • Shop Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of sales and discounts to stretch your grocery budget.
  • Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money over time.

 

3. Cut Cable and Opt for Streaming Services

 

<p>Cable TV subscriptions can be expensive. Consider cutting the cord and switching to streaming services. Many streaming platforms offer a wide range of shows, movies, and original content at a fraction of the cost of cable. Plus, you can choose the services that align with your family’s interests. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, explore your options and save money on entertainment </p>:: Pexels

Cable TV subscriptions can be expensive. Consider cutting the cord and switching to streaming services. Many streaming platforms offer a wide range of shows, movies, and original content at a fraction of the cost of cable. Plus, you can choose the services that align with your family’s interests. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, explore your options and save money on entertainment.

4. Reduce Energy Costs

<p>Lower your energy bills by adopting energy-efficient practices: Unplug Devices: Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to prevent “phantom” energy consumption. Use LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Programmable Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling. Seal Drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts. Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water saves energy and money. These small changes can make a big difference in your monthly utility bills. </p>:: Pexels

 

Lower your energy bills by adopting energy-efficient practices:

  • Unplug Devices: Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to prevent “phantom” energy consumption.
  • Use LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
  • Programmable Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling.
  • Seal Drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
  • Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water saves energy and money.

These small changes can make a big difference in your monthly utility bills.

 

 

5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

<p>Review your subscriptions regularly. Are there any you no longer use or need? Cancel those to free up extra cash. Whether it’s magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, or streaming services, eliminating unused subscriptions can save you money throughout the year. </p>:: Pexels

Review your subscriptions regularly. Are there any you no longer use or need? Cancel those to free up extra cash. Whether it’s magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, or streaming services, eliminating unused subscriptions can save you money throughout the year.

 

 

6. Shop Secondhand

<p>Consider buying secondhand items for clothing, furniture, and household goods. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces offer great deals on gently used items. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. </p>:: Pexels

 

Consider buying secondhand items for clothing, furniture, and household goods. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces offer great deals on gently used items. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

7. Automate Savings

 

<p>Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. Treating savings like a recurring bill ensures consistent contributions. Even small amounts add up over time, providing a financial safety net for your family. </p>:: Pexles

Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. Treating savings like a recurring bill ensures consistent contributions. Even small amounts add up over time, providing a financial safety net for your family.

 

8. Plan Staycations

<p>Instead of expensive vacations, plan staycations. Explore local attractions, parks, and museums. You’ll save on travel costs while still enjoying quality family time. Plus, you’ll discover hidden gems in your own backyard. </p>:: Pexels

 

Instead of expensive vacations, plan staycations. Explore local attractions, parks, and museums. You’ll save on travel costs while still enjoying quality family time. Plus, you’ll discover hidden gems in your own backyard.

 

9. Negotiate Bills and Expenses

<p>Don’t hesitate to negotiate bills and expenses. Call your service providers (such as cable, internet, or insurance companies) and ask if there are any discounts or promotions available. You might be surprised at how much you can save by simply asking. Additionally, review your insurance policies annually to ensure you’re getting the best rates and coverage. </p>:: Pexels

 

Don’t hesitate to negotiate bills and expenses. Call your service providers (such as cable, internet, or insurance companies) and ask if there are any discounts or promotions available. You might be surprised at how much you can save by simply asking. Additionally, review your insurance policies annually to ensure you’re getting the best rates and coverage.

 

10. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

<p>Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs whenever you make purchases. Whether it’s credit card rewards, cashback apps, or loyalty programs, these small incentives can add up over time. Just be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. </p>:: Pexels

 

 

Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs whenever you make purchases. Whether it’s credit card rewards, cashback apps, or loyalty programs, these small incentives can add up over time. Just be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

 

11. DIY Home Repairs and Maintenance

<p>Instead of hiring professionals for every home repair or maintenance task, consider doing some of the work yourself. Learn basic skills like fixing a leaky faucet, changing air filters, or painting a room. Not only will you save money on labor costs, but you’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment. </p>:: Pexels

 

Instead of hiring professionals for every home repair or maintenance task, consider doing some of the work yourself. Learn basic skills like fixing a leaky faucet, changing air filters, or painting a room. Not only will you save money on labor costs, but you’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment.

 

12. Shop Smart for Back-to-School Supplies

 

<p>Back-to-school shopping can be expensive. Look for sales, use coupons, and buy supplies in bulk. Consider purchasing quality items that will last longer, even if they have a slightly higher upfront cost. Also, involve your kids in the process and teach them about budgeting and making wise choices. </p>:: Pexels

Back-to-school shopping can be expensive. Look for sales, use coupons, and buy supplies in bulk. Consider purchasing quality items that will last longer, even if they have a slightly higher upfront cost. Also, involve your kids in the process and teach them about budgeting and making wise choices.

 

Final Thoughts

<p>By implementing these 12 smart strategies, your family can save extra money each year. Whether it’s budgeting together, trimming grocery bills, or automating savings, every effort counts. Remember, financial well-being is about consistent small steps that lead to significant results over time. Happy saving! </p>:: Pexels

By implementing these 12 smart strategies, your family can save extra money each year. Whether it’s budgeting together, trimming grocery bills, or automating savings, every effort counts. Remember, financial well-being is about consistent small steps that lead to significant results over time. Happy saving!

How to Audit Your Home Energy Usage

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p>One of my favorite things about fall is that it presents the opportunity to save money on your home energy costs. You can open windows to cool the house down and can usually use methods indoors to avoid kicking the heat on. However, before you try to start saving money on your home energy costs, you may want to perform a home energy audit to get an idea of how energy efficient your house is.</p>::Pexels

One of my favorite things about fall is that it presents the opportunity to save money on your home energy costs. You can open windows to cool the house down and can usually use methods indoors to avoid kicking the heat on. However, before you try to start saving money on your home energy costs, you may want to perform a home energy audit to get an idea of how energy efficient your house is.

How to Audit Your Home Energy Usage 

Performing a home energy audit sounds a lot more difficult than it actually is. There are a few things you can check and fix yourself to get your home ready for the colder months.

Locate Leaks (water and air)

Reducing drafts in your home can reduce your home energy cost by 10% to 20% each year. To check for “air leaks” or drafts, ensure that your baseboards are secure and without holes. You should also check for cracks at the junctures of ceilings and walls. You can also check windows, doors, fixtures, switches and electrical outlets. If you have a fireplace, you’ll want to check that for dampers as well.

Check Your Insulation

In older homes especially, insulation can need to be replaced. Replacing insulation in your home could greatly reduce your home energy cost over the winter by reducing the amount of time your heat is running. Having better insulation will improve your home’s ability to maintain temperature without any additional energy. Don’t forget to also check attic spaces and crawlspaces to determine whether added insulation in those places will help your home energy cost. Read why you shouldn’t continuously adjust the thermostat. 

Inspect Your Heating and Cooling System

Like many other household appliances, your furnace and air conditioner get old and break. As those appliances get older, they can also lose their energy efficiency. If your unit is 15 years old or more, you should consider replacing it to maximize efficiency and reduce energy cost in your home. Additionally, if your unit is nearing its 15th year, start saving for a new unit!

Change Out Your Bulbs

A few years ago, everyone was switching to LED bulbs to save money on energy costs at home.  If you decide to switch your bulbs to energy efficient bulbs it can save you a ton of money. Lighting accounts for about 10% of your overall electric bill so switching to LED can actually make a difference.

Inspect Other Appliances

Like your heating and cooling system, other appliances in your home get old and need to be replaced. An old refrigerator, for instance, may cost more to run than a newer model. The newer model of dishwashers, toilets, and showerheads tend to use less water and, therefore, cost less to run/maintain. Consider replacing your old, outdated appliances with new, energy-efficient appliances. This can prove to help you reduce your energy use month-to-month significantly.

These are just a few of the ways you can audit your home to make it more energy efficient. If you’re unsure of your ability to check these things, you may want to hire a handyman to take a look around and give you an idea of what your home energy usage report card looks like. Either way, making the changes necessary to transform your home into an energy efficient one will prove to be beneficial for your wallet.

See something we left out of the home energy usage audit? Comment below!

Photo: Chuck Coker

Great Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

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<p>It’s no surprise that for many American families, the holidays can be a huge financial stretch. That stretch and stress can put a huge burden that may take months to pay off. That stress can be damaging financially and emotionally. This blog post is a compilation of simple ways to prevent the holidays from becoming a negative emotional weight on your family!</p>::Pexels

It’s no surprise that for many American families, the holidays can be a huge financial stretch. That stretch and stress can put a huge burden that may take months to pay off. That stress can be damaging financially and emotionally. This blog post is a compilation of simple ways to prevent the holidays from becoming a negative emotional weight on your family!

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How I’m Throwing A Cookie Decorating Party on a Budget

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How to throw a cookie decorating party Pinterest graphic

Every Christmas, I throw a cookie decorating party. Generally, I have a few of my friends here, along with their children, and we decorate cookies, do Christmas crafts, listen to music, and watch movies. As you can imagine, this kind of get-together can get costly fast. You have cookies, icing, decorating tools, a table cover, food, etc. However, I never break my budget when it comes to throwing this party. Here’s how I’m doing it.

Go To Aldi

Aldi has the best prices around where groceries are concerned, there’s no doubt about that. Sometimes heading to Aldi isn’t as convenient for me, but if I’m throwing a get-together, I ALWAYS head there. For this party, I’ll be making a couple of grazing boards to snack from. Things like salami, pepperoni, veggies, fruit, and cheese are all reasonably priced at Aldi.

I’m also going to snag everything I can for the cookie making at Aldi (flour, sugar, baking soda, confectioner’s sugar, etc.). Again, things are just cheaper there.

Hit the Dollar Store

The next store on my list to hit for the party is the Dollar Store. There are a few things I will pick up as party favors and other craft materials there. Many Dollar Stores have fun Christmas mugs throughout the holiday season. Everyone attending the party will get one to put their hot chocolate in and they can take it home. For $1, that’s a steal and a great little party favor!

They also have ornaments that we will paint. Again $1 for a set of ornaments to decorate is a steal. I’ll also grab other things like a table cover to protect my table during the decorating, a pack of festive plates, and a little candy to go into their gift bags. We also do small gifts (under $20), so I’ll grab a couple gift bags too.

Planning for Cost

The biggest thing about throwing a cookie decorating party, or any kind of gathering, is knowing what your budget is ahead of time. Know exactly how much money you want to spend or are willing to spend on the event. Pinterest is a great place to find DIY and budget-friendly dupes and ideas.

All of that said, having a decorating party like this has become a great tradition for us. It is somewhere between Friendsgiving and Christmas – and we love it. Even if it’s fancier some years than it is others, it is something we can always look forward to. Whether we spend $20 or $100, it is something we can enjoy every year.

To me, that is the best part of it all – I could buy a package of pre-made sugar cookies and icing and we’d still be able to carry on with this tradition.

Readers, what are some of your holiday traditions and how do you plan to cover the cost each year? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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Happy Holidays! Here Are Our New Year’s Resolutions

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<p>Christmas was extremely successful in our home this year. We managed to keep everything low-cost where presents were concerned. However, many of them haven't gotten in the mail for our relatives out of town (whoops). Christmas Day we went to the dog park with our baby (Enzo) and made homemade lo mein instead of ordering takeout Chinese. We ended the holiday looking forward to creating a vision board for 2019 and setting some New Year's resolutions.</p>::Pexels

Christmas was extremely successful in our home this year. We managed to keep everything low-cost where presents were concerned. However, many of them haven’t gotten in the mail for our relatives out of town (whoops). Christmas Day we went to the dog park with our baby (Enzo) and made homemade lo mein instead of ordering takeout Chinese. We ended the holiday looking forward to creating a vision board for 2019 and setting some New Year’s resolutions.

Setting Family New Year’s Resolutions

My other half and I have a lot of goals for 2019. This year will be our first year creating a Vision Board together. It will include financial goals, of course, and personal goals for us both. On the personal side of things, we would both like to get married next year. I would also like to train for and run a 5K and lose the last 40 pounds I have to reach my weight goal.

Financially, we both have the same long-term goal: be debt-free. However, to hone in on what we need to do in 2019, we’ve made a list of our debts and plan to snowball it starting January 1. Here’s what we’ve discussed so far…

  1. Pay off “small” debts by March. The other half’s car will be paid off by March. We will also have our credit cards paid off by then and a small medical bill ($242). Having these things paid off in full will leave us room to pay off other debts, including new tax debt.
  2. Focus on tax debt while making minimum payments on other accounts. We owe a little over $9,000 and have established a payment plan with the IRS. With my other half out of work last year, we weren’t able to put taxes aside as we normally do. After we pay down the smaller accounts, we will use all of our extra cash to pay this off. Once it is paid we are also going to begin putting big chunks of cash aside for future tax bills.
  3. After tax debts are paid, we will be making extra payments on remaining accounts. Once the IRS is paid, we will start throwing extra cash at the remaining accounts. We will still have our Conn’s bill (about $2,000 remaining), student loan ($22K), car loan ($20K), and the tool bill ($10K).

Creating a Vision

New Year’s resolutions are overrated for the most part. Many people abandon them by the end of March. For us, creating a Vision Board is more important than resolving to change in the new year. Instead, we are focused on large goals we’d like to reach by the end of the year. Each of the steps above will be part of reaching that vision and creating a life we want to live.

What about you? What are your New Year’s resolutions? Do you create a Vision Board?

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Why Debt-Free People Should Look To Online Marketplaces To Save Money During The Holidays

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saving money shopping in online marketplaces

I’m not debt-free yet, but I am always looking for ways to save money, especially around the holidays. This year, I really needed to get a new dining table. My other table was getting unsafe with my baby around it and we genuinely hated it. So, that sent me on a search for something affordable. I landed myself on Facebook Marketplace and if you aren’t already using platforms like this, you’re missing out. Here’s why.

The Table Story

When we moved back to North Carolina two years ago we didn’t have anything. We slept on an air mattress until we could get a mattress here and I stacked up boxes to serve as a desk until I could afford to buy a new one. Thankfully, some people came through with some free furniture to help us get by.

Unfortunately, the furniture definitely wasn’t our style (but hey, it was free). It served its purpose, but once we had a baby, we noticed that the furniture wasn’t only an eyesore to us, but it started getting dangerous for the little one.

My toddler nearly pulled the glass table down on herself one day and I’d had enough. It was out by the curb the next day, but we had a dilemma. Now, we had no table, and I’ll be hosting Christmas Eve in a few weeks. Yikes!

One of my good friends mentioned looking on Facebook Marketplace. After having dealt with bed bugs a few years ago, I’m weary about buying anything secondhand or from garage sales. However, she assured me we could check things out before we paid for them and take everything case by case.

So, I started looking around and we found a table that looked like it would be perfect for us. It is a four-seater with a leaf in the middle, making it easier for when we have guests. Best of all – it was only $150! Now, I’m a huge fan of marketplace sales and giveaways.

My Favorite Online Marketplaces

Of course, Facebook is one of the main marketplaces you can find things for sale (or free). Here are some of my favorite ways to find things on that platform:

  • Get into local groups. Here in Indian Trail there are local “buy, sell, and trade” groups for all of the neighboring towns and cities. These can be awesome spots to find things for cheap.
  • Mom groups are good too. I have seen a lot of great things being given away in “moms giving to moms” groups. If you are searching for toys, household items, clothing, etc. these can be great places to look.
  • Check the Marketplace itself. Facebook has a marketplace section on its app and you can search locally for specific item like a kitchen table.
  • Post an ‘ISO.’ Facebook is a great place to share an ISO (in-search-of) post. This helps people recommend places where you can find what you are looking for or, if you’re lucky, someone on your friends list may already have it on hand.

Facebook isn’t the only online marketplace where you can grab used, budget-friendly items either. You might want to check these platforms too.

  • OfferUp
  • Mercari
  • eBay
  • Craigslist

No matter what marketplace you decide to peruse for your items, be sure you protect yourself against any scams. Don’t pay for anything before you have seen it and, if possible, make sure the seller is verified.

Readers, what are some of your favorite online marketplaces? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to check them out.

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Tips To Stay Calm During The Busy Season

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Tips to stay calm during the busy season

This is a busy season for most of us. There is pressure to keep up holiday traditions, put well-thought-out gifts under the tree, and roll out a feast for your family. I’m here to tell you it’s okay if it doesn’t all get done.

That’s right. It is okay if everything on your holiday to-do list doesn’t get done.

Saying this to myself has helped me manage my stress around the holidays a lot. After all, I put all of these expectations on myself. No one else is asking me to cook Beef Wellington on Christmas Eve – that was my dumb idea. That being said, we could all use a little help getting through our busy seasons.

Here are some tips and mantras I’ve been living by to get me through – and I hope they help you too.

Traditions Don’t Make You Go Broke

Recently, I’ve seen a post going around on social media stating something along these lines:

You don’t have to keep up any traditions that make you go into debt, spend all of your money, stress you out, or cause you to be unhappy.

That was a break-through moment for me, honestly. I never thought about simply not taking part in the traditions if they caused me anxiety or stress. We did these things every year, we have to do them, right?

Wrong! You can pick and choose what you want to do. If you struggle with depression and anxiety during this time of year, that may be doing the absolute bare minimum and that’s okay. No tradition is worth your peace.

It’s Okay To Say No During Your Busy Season

On top of that, it is okay to say no to things. Oftentimes, during the busy season, we overload our calendars with fun, exciting things to do without taking our own mental health into consideration.

It’s good to remember that many of these events and activities won’t be as much fun if you are stressed. If you are worried about making it to every single thing you’ve been invited to, you won’t have a moment to breathe. And, if you’re like me, you’ll get burnt out and sick fast.

So, learn to say no to some things. It will be better for you in the long-run.

Not Everyone Deserves Your Presents or Presence

This point goes hand-in-hand with not breaking the bank, or your back, for traditions. Just because someone is family or has been around for previous holiday celebrations doesn’t mean they deserve to be.

Our generation is breaking a lot of curses and one of them is not feeling pressured to be around people you don’t want to be. We surround ourselves with family and friends who bring love and light into our lives. Not everyone is deserving of your presence or presents. Remember that.

Readers, what are some mantras or things you do to help you get through the busy season?

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Why A Full Heart Will Keep You From Going Into Debt

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Why a Full heart will keep you from going into debt Pinterest graphic

Recently on the blog, I’ve been reflecting on different things around the holidays. Many of us go into debt trying to create the perfect Christmas. You have to spend $100s on family photos and matching outfits. Let’s not forget small gifts for every single person you meet during the holiday season. It’s stressful and, honestly, it’s not something I’m subscribing to anymore. It doesn’t serve me.

Instead, I’m going to focus on all of the things I have. I will focus on things that give me a full heart. Here’s how you can do the same.

What Does it Mean to Have a Full Heart?

For most people, having a full heart means that you feel satisfied and complete in your life. Depending on who you are, that can mean different things. Some people long for a big family. Other folks might want to travel or experience new things with the people closest to them.

Having a full heart isn’t about material things though, which many people focus way too much on at this time of year. It causes financial problems and so much unneeded stress.

You are not obligated to keep up any tradition that is going to leave you broke, tired, or stressed out.

Having a Full Heart Will Keep You From Racking Up Debt

As you can imagine, when you feel happy and fulfilled by the people and things around you you are less likely to spend money on material things. Consumer credit card debt is at an all-time high and it will undoubtedly be even higher following the holiday season. This only brings additional stress. Avoid it by focusing on the things you really care about.

How You Can Have a Full Heart

When it comes to feeling like you have a full heart, it is really all about what means the most to you. Make room in your budget and in your schedule for the things you really care about.

That does not mean trying to fit every little thing into your schedule. However, it does mean setting aside time to cuddle up with your kids and watch Christmas movies or drive around to see Christmas lights.

It also doesn’t mean buying a slew of Christmas gifts for everyone you know. Instead, think about purchasing or making meaningful gifts for your close circle of friends and family. It will be less stressful on you and mean more all around. Again, you are looking for something that truly serves you, makes you happy, and makes your heart full.

Readers, do you think having a full heart makes a difference in how much debt you accrue? What does having a full heart mean to you personally? Let me know in the comments!

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Here Are My New Year’s Resolutions For 2023

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Our Christmas celebration was a hit. Although I have been reflective in my blog posts (and in life) over the last several weeks, I’m thrilled to be entering a time of year when everyone is excited about the future. Of course, like every year, I’ve set some intentions and new year’s resolutions for myself, my marriage, and my family. Here they are.

Word for 2023

After a few hectic years, I am putting it out in the universe that the word for 2023 is going to be calm. I’ve picked this word for a number of reasons. The world around us has seemed to be so loud in the last few years. It has become hard to unplug and it feels like there is always something that needs to be done.

For me, a lot of what goes on in the world and in my life causes me anxiety as well. So, choosing the word calm has a bit of a personal meaning as well. Here’s a breakdown of the specific goals I’m setting for 2023.

Personal Goals for the Year

Personally, I like to set a few goals for myself outside of what my family and I would like to accomplish this year. These are the five things I’ll be focusing on this year.

  • Take control of my health with diet and exercise. I have had a lot of health problems in 2023 and taking better care of myself is the first step to mending from that.
  • Stop avoiding things that make you uncomfortable! Oftentimes, you will find comfort by doing the uncomfortable things. This goes for financial change, lifestyle shifts, everything.
  • Write more. It is something I enjoy and something that brings me peace. I want to do more of it in 2023.
  • Yoga! I want to get back into weekly classes and daily practice. It has been nearly six months since I’ve been able to do that with consistency.
  • Read! Continue reading at least one book per week.

New Year’s Resolutions for Our Family

When it comes to the family as a whole, there are a few things we’d like to do this year too.

  • Travel more. After taking our little one to Tennessee for a Christmas get-together, we really would like to travel more. We both miss road trips. So, we are going to try and fit a few trips into the budget this year.
  • Pay down debt. Of course, we are always trying to pay down our debts. With a new car and some things shifting in our finances, this will continue in 2023.
  • Save to move. Our rent went up to $1,760 on December 1 and it’s so expensive. Both of us would like to own a home, but with the current state of the market, it is difficult. Either way, we are going to be saving to rent or own elsewhere by next Thanksgiving (hopefully).

New Year’s Resolutions for My Marriage

Marriage is work, whether you like to admit it or not. While I have a really happy marriage, there have been fewer moments with just the two of us since our child was born in 2021. Next year, I’d like to do a few things for us, including:

  • Date night every other month with a sitter
  • One weekend trip with just the two of us
  • At-home date night once a week
  • Find a new game or hobby that interests both of us

I’m looking forward to 2023 being a much calmer year for us – and hopefully for you too.

Readers, what are your new year’s resolutions for 2023? Let me know in the comments!

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It’s Not Too Early to Start Prepping for the Holidays

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<p>Two years ago, I got on the blog and talked a bit about people "Christmas shaming." Most people moan and groan when you bring up Christmas before Thanksgiving, but in all reality, if you begin prepping for the holidays early it can prevent you from going into debt and help you save money. Here's how we're planning to spend the holidays and a piece of advice for getting ready for your own celebration.</p>::Pexels

Two years ago, I got on the blog and talked a bit about people “Christmas shaming.” Most people moan and groan when you bring up Christmas before Thanksgiving, but in all reality, if you begin prepping for the holidays early it can prevent you from going into debt and help you save money. Here’s how we’re planning to spend the holidays and a piece of advice for getting ready for your own celebration.

Getting in Gear for a Busy Season

Before moving to Atlanta, we would typically travel or host holiday celebrations. Sometimes we’d go to Pennsylvania or Tennessee to visit family. Other times we’d host the holiday events at our home. Last year, we had Thanksgiving at our home and a Christmas celebration there as well. However, this year will be a bit different.

It is our first year away from home during the holidays together. We won’t likely be traveling anywhere to celebrate and our families won’t be traveling here. Instead, we will be starting some of our own traditions here in Georgia. Because I am a fan of establishing our own traditions and prepping for the holidays early, I’ve already begun brainstorming what we will do.

For Thanksgiving, my husband and I will be having a very small, intimate dinner at home. In place of purchasing a full-sized turkey, we will likely buy two small cornish hens. Of course, I’ll also cook up a few things to make sides and a yummy dessert. The total dinner should cost less than $25. We will also probably take the dog to the park and put up the Christmas tree that evening.

Christmas will be a little different. Instead of swapping gifts with everyone, we’ve decided to stay home and attempt to start our own fun holiday tradition. We will do Christmas presents for each other and send out a Christmas letter to our friends and family with a new photo of us and the dog. The letter and photos will cost less than $30 altogether. We will also have a yummy Christmas breakfast and likely a ham dinner on Christmas Eve. All in all, it will be extremely low-cost.

When Should You Start Prepping for the Holidays?

You’re reading this probably thinking, “why would you plan ahead for such a small celebration?” Well, planning ahead is what keeps my husband and me from racking up credit card debt around the holidays. We put caps on how much we will spend, plan out meals, and make things special by spending time with one another instead of placing value on items.

If you’re thinking you’ll spend a bit during the holidays, it is even more important to start prepping ahead of time. Not to mention, there have been studies to show that people who put up their Christmas tree earlier and prepare for the holiday are generally happier. They are also less likely to suffer from things like seasonal depression.

Forty-three percent of Americans begin decorating and preparing for Christmas before Thanksgiving week. You may even find planning ahead puts you in a better mood, overall. While it certainly isn’t necessary, it is a good idea to prep early to keep your finances and mood in check during the busiest time of year.

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