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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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Use This SMART Goal-Setting Worksheet to Reach Your Financial Goals

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Goal Setting Worksheet
Goal-setting can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a go-to process of making sure your goals are on track and met. The best possible thing to do for most people is sit down and write it out. Whether your goal is to save $1,000 or buy a new rental property, having a setting goals worksheet can be a great help.

So, how should you go about starting a setting goals worksheet?

The S.M.A.R.T. Method of Goal-Setting

As with anything, there is a smart way to go about setting goals. The SMART method of goal-setting simply spells out all of the things you should decide before setting a goal and attempting to reach it. As a senior in college, I learned about SMART goal setting in a resume writing course I took. The class was a great course for preparing me for the “real world” and it also provided me with some information about setting SMART goals.

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Based. If your goal cannot answer each of these questions, you should reconsider what goal you are trying to reach.

  • Specific – You have to make sure your goal is specific. Most people have the goal of wanting to save more money. You’re more likely to reach that goal if you have a specific number in mind though. For instance, I would like to save $1,000 for an emergency fund.
  • Measurable – Next, make sure that your goal is measurable. If you are preparing a setting goals worksheet you always need to be able to SEE, or measure, results. Sticking with the saving money theme, you can measure your progress by tallying up how much you’ve saved in total.
  • Attainable – You should feel challenged by your goals but remember to also keep them realistic. Many people have the problem of setting unattainable goals and becoming discouraged. If you are trying to save money, for instance, set a goal that makes sense for you. If saving $1,000 seems like too much, start at $500.
  • Relevant – Does your goal even make sense? If your goal isn’t helping you further other parts of your life why are you doing it? If you are saving money, why? What is the end game? You shouldn’t be trying to save for a yacht if you have $0 in an emergency savings fund.
  • Time Based – Lastly, set a timeframe in which you would like to reach your goal. For instance, “I want to save $1,000 for an emergency fund by December 31.” By setting a date for your goal to be reached you are holding yourself accountable.

Tracking Your SMART Goal

You can use this SMART Goal Worksheet to answer each of the SMART questions above. Once you’ve begun to set out on reaching your goal you can journal your progress or use a goal tracker (I use Lifetick). Writing down the progress, hardships and eventual success will help you reach your goals even faster.

This is only one of thousands of ways to organize your goals and plans to reach them. Do you have another way of goal-setting you’d like to share? Let us know. 

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12 Cheap Stocking Stuffers Your Family Will Love

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Christmas may be the season of joy and of giving, but it’s also the season when some people add to their debt. If your budget is already tight, it isn’t easy to squeeze gifts, holiday foods, decorations, and other extras into it.

Fortunately you can keep expenses down by shopping sales, making items yourself, and being selective about who you buy gifts for. But when it comes to stocking stuffers you may still overspend since the items you buy are usually small. This is especially true if you spread out your purchases.

Controlling the cost of stocking stuffers and still getting stuff everyone likes isn’t easy. To help with that dilemma, here are 12 cheap stocking stuffers your family will love.

For Kids

1. Sidewalk Chalk

This spray sidewalk chalk will have your kids excited for when spring comes. It comes in several colors and is a great cheap stocking stuffer your family will love.

2. Magnetic Putty

Your kids will get hours of fun with this fun cheap stocking stuffer. Magnetic putty can swallow magnets and even do tricks.

3. Finger Lights

What kid doesn’t like things that light up? Stick a few of these cheap stocking stuffers into your kids stocking to see their smiles light up.

For Teens

4. Flash Rocks

Teenagers can make their world glow with this interesting stocking stuffer. Just rub them together to see the sparks fly.

5. Nail Polish Holder

Help you teen stay polished but not your furniture with a wearable polish holder. It comes in different colors and fits all fingers.

6. Headphone Splitter

Give cheap stocking stuffers your family will love and so will their friends with this headphone splitter. Provide them with hours of entertainment and music for only a few dollars.

For Her

7. Screen Protectors

Do you have a fitness lover in your house? If so, pick up some Fitbit screen protectors to protect their investment and keep them moving.

8. Lint Roller

Staying neat on the go isn’t easy when the lint roller in your purse sticks to everything. Get her a retractable one instead.

9. Mood Polish

You can stay in her good graces with this cheap stocking stuffer. After she uses the nail polish watch as it changes colors with temperature changes.

For Him

10. Beard Oil

Beards seem to be all the rage among men these days. Help them keep theirs looking neat with beard oil in their stocking this year.

11. Bondic

Get a cheap stocking stuffer your Mr. Fixit will love by putting Bondic in his stocking. You may benefit from it too when he fixes what’s broken in your life.

12. Bike Repair Kit

Help your guy stay on the right path with this bike repair kit. He can fix low tires and tighten screw to be back on the road in no time flat.

Keep your holiday gift expenses down with these 12 cheap stocking stuffers your family will love. But you can find lots more great gift ideas at giftlab.co that will keep some money in your pocket.

Biggest Slot Wins in US History

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Being the most popularized gambling machine in the world, slots are loved for much more than their over-the-top design, bright lights, and loud sounds. Over the last few decades, slots have become synonymous with huge wins – turning dollars and cents into a lifetime’s paycheck.  [Read more…]