by Kati Kiefer | Feb 21, 2021 | Budgeting
Couple goals, we've all got them including how to manage money as a couple. You've probably already heard the statistics about money and marriage; “more than half of marriages end in divorce because of money.” And it's nothing to scoff at because money...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 21, 2021 | No Spend
A one-month spending freeze challenge is exactly how it sounds. The challenge is to not spend any additional money throughout the month. Many people choose to attempt this challenge to add to their savings, pay off debt, or save for a vacation. If you're interested in...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 21, 2021 | Spend Less, Vacations
If you're looking into taking a cruise, then you're gonna need these cruise tricks and tips so you can save more money from the start. Cruises, in my opinion, are the best bang for your buck vacations out there! In fact, it's such a good deal I've been trying to go on...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 20, 2021 | Budgeting
If you’re anything like me, then you might religiously check your budget and track your personal expenses every month so you can stay on top of things. However, staying on top of things doesn't necessarily mean you are void of having no emergency savings, a mountain...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 20, 2021 | Grocery Savings, Spend Less
The first thing you need to do to get the best deals at a drug store is to choose a 24 hour pharmacy. When I first started couponing I would meet up at a 24 hr pharmacy with a coupon buddy. We did this late, after the kids went to bed because I could leave them with...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 20, 2021 | No Spend
If you've never done a spending freeze before, then these spending freeze tips are for you! A spending freeze can be a great way to reduce your spending and give your savings a quick boost. You might not realize how much those little expenses add up, and before you...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 20, 2021 | Spend Less, Vacations
Need some vacation food ideas so that you can save money? Well, you've hit the jackpot! When you’re on vacation, the cost of food can take a bite out of your vacation budget. Whether you're stopping for food on the way to your final destination, or dining at a local...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 19, 2021 | No Spend
If your food cabinet pantry is a little bare and your spending freeze is coming up, then it's time to come up with a game plan to get it in shape. When you are attempting a No Spend Challenge to try to save some extra money during a month, it is a good idea to prepare...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 19, 2021 | Spend Less, Vacations
Checking bags for flights can be a real pain in your wallet. Checked baggage fees seem to go up every time you take a flight, and some airlines charge up to $50 per bag! If your family of four checked just one bag each, you’d spend $200 before you even got to your...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 12, 2021 | DIY, Recipes, Trim Healthy Mama, Valentine's Day
Have you ever enjoyed biting into your own creation of DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberries? The hard outer chocolate exterior melds with the sweet juicy strawberry on the inside. It's a little bit of heaven right here on earth! Years ago my Mom and I would take the...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 10, 2021 | Spend Less, Vacations
It's hard to find cheap spring break trips for families…but I've got the best ideas to get your spring break trip started! Spring break is right around the corner so it's time to break out the bathing suits and sunscreen! And you might be looking to do something...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 8, 2021 | Spend Less, Vacations
If you are looking at how to save on your spring break vacations, then I've got some tips for you! Spring break is one of the largest travel seasons of the whole year. With students ranging from elementary all the way up to college age off all at one time, competition...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 2, 2021 | Budgeting
We’ve all used the excuse of “I don’t have enough money” when creating a personal finance strategy. I've been there myself, so I know where you’re coming from. It feels like no matter how much we plan there is never enough time or money to do all the things we want to...
by Kati Kiefer | Feb 1, 2021 | Budgeting
The thrill of the new year might be starting to wear off, and now you might begin to question those SMART financial goals that you set back in January. Those extra hundreds you were putting into savings might not last much longer, and you might start to feel like the...
by Kati Kiefer | Jan 30, 2021 | Meal Planning
If you're wondering should you pay for a meal planning service, let me help you decide. It’s more challenging than ever to find the time and the money to prepare healthy and tasty meals. We are all so busy during the week that when we get home, having to decide what...
by Kati Kiefer | Jan 29, 2021 | Meal Planning
If you've heard what’s for dinner for the last time, then it's time to find the best way to meal plan. If I had a dollar for every text message or request I got asking “what’s for dinner?” even before 5 o'clock, I’d be rich! I’ve been planning my meals for years now....
by Kati Kiefer | Jan 28, 2021 | Meal Planning
Looking for a meal plan that works? The average American will spend $2,625 each year at restaurants; this doesn’t even include the amount spent on unused groceries! Whether you are trying to cut back on eating out or just pay less overall, meal planning can help you...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 30, 2020 | Spend Less, Vacations
Have you been on a romantic getaway for the weekend recently? In the 20 years that we've been married, I can only list a handful of times when my husband James and I were able to get away by ourselves for a fun couples weekend. Attempting to travel while you are on a...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 29, 2020 | Spend Less, Vacations
If you're heading on a road trip soon, then you need these tips for a road trip! Road trips can be a fun way to bond with family and friends and it can also be a less expensive way to travel. While a plane ride may get you from North Carolina to Florida in a matter of...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 28, 2020 | Spend Less, Vacations
If you'll be renting a car any time in the future, you'll need to know these tips for cheap car rentals. When you’re on a vacation or business trip, the last thing you want to worry about is how you are going to get from the airport to your hotel. Many hotels have...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 25, 2020 | Spend Less, Vacations
As I've learned how to save money on travel over the years, I've learned some cheap flight tips along the way too. As James and I watch our kids grow, we really want to put more of our hard-earned money towards travel and making more memories with the family. If...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 19, 2020 | DIY
After making this DIY organic lip balm for my family as a creative (and wildly successful) Christmas Present, I thought it would be fun to share with you how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own Organic Lip Balm (aka chapstick). You can whip up a batch in about...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 17, 2020 | Christmas
Despite our best planning and intentions, by the time the Christmas season rolls around, our bank account is squeezed just too thin. If you are on a tight budget this holiday season, you can still create an enjoyable and even a magical Christmas season for you and...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 16, 2020 | Christmas, DIY
Are you looking for a DIY holiday centerpiece vase project for Christmas? One that also is very cheap to make? You're in the right place! With Christmas right around the corner, we're sure you’re preparing your home with all the Christmas decor, Christmas trees,...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 16, 2020 | Christmas
Is your house holiday celebration central? Our house is too! Everyone always gathers at our house for all the holidays. The holiday season can be a time of unexpected events and expenses, instead of being very merry and bright. They can also leave you and your wallet...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 15, 2020 | MailChimp
Did you know there are different types of budgeting? There is. And since there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how you budget your money, neither is one type of budgeting. Some methods may work better for you than others, but as long as you are sticking...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 15, 2020 | Christmas, DIY
Are you needing some cool Christmas gifts? It’s getting down to the wire for Christmas shopping, isn’t it?! And I honestly think the closer it gets the less creative my brain gets also! Thankfully for both of us, I wrote this article when I was of sound mind before...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 15, 2020 | Christmas
Hanukkah and Christmas are two very special holidays. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and I look forward to the holiday season each and every year. Just a few short years ago was the first year I'd ever celebrated Hanukkah with friends who are Jewish. Our...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 14, 2020 | Christmas
Do you have a Christmas Eve dinner? We didn't use to, but our family loves to eat and so our Christmas Eve dinner has become just as fun as our Christmas Day dinner. As the Christmas holiday gets closer, the presents are almost wrapped, the stockings are hung by the...
by Kati Kiefer | Dec 13, 2020 | Christmas
We all would like to have lots of money in the bank, but maybe having a nicely padded Christmas Savings Account would be a great start! This is one of the tips included in my Jump-Start Your Savings Guide (how to add $500 to your bank account in the next 30 days,...
