Budgeting for Spring Break

Right now, millions of Americans are looking to trade in the snow and cold for sun, sand and surf.  Unfortunately, tropical escapes don’t usually come cheap.  If you are seriously considering jetting off on a beach vacation this spring, consider the following money-saving tips: Travel with others:  Group deals are ideal for families or friends looking to save cash on travel while enjoying each others’ company.  Typically, group rates are offered to parties of six or more people; however, a number of travel companies offer deeper discounts to larger groups.  For example, if you can gather a slew of extended … Continue reading

Five Steps that Will Help You Go on A Spending Break

If you have an unexpected bill, want to take care of a new purchase with cash, build up an emergency fund or just get closer to paying off your overall debt, you might want to consider going on a spending break. How much extra money you accumulate will depend on what you normally spend in any given time period plus how long you decide to stay on your spending break. Saving $500 this month is not unthinkable for most families. Before you get started with a spending break, you’ll need to have a plan to ensure the best success and … Continue reading

Bad Habits to Break

We all have habits; some are good and some not so much.  Many of these habits are ones we’ve developed in our marriage, which means that some need to be broken and others need to be developed. Let’s consider some bad habits that can creep up in a marriage.  The first is criticizing.  Isn’t it funny how the things you once found endearing have suddenly become an annoyance?  Or ever notice how after being married for an extended length of time, you only notice the negative qualities in your spouse? Both of these can cause a critical spirit to rise … Continue reading

How Breaking Your Budget is Bad for Your Health

Here is another reason to stay on your budget. Breaking it can actually be bad for your health. Agonizing about how you are going to afford a new purchase can stay with you, even after you solve the problem. Researchers now say that our brains don’t like being in debt. Having fears about money affect our health long term. Whether we realize it or not, debt causes stress, and stress causes poor health. Stress and pain seem to register much more strongly than does pleasure. So, the next time you feel ready to break your budget, keep this in mind. … Continue reading

Free Fall Crafts, Events, and Breakfasts

October brings plenty of Fall Festivals and Halloween celebrations. Many of them are things your family can attend for free, or for a low cost. Here are a few upcoming fun and frugal Fall activities that will be going on between now and October 14, 2012, (and a few that are going on all month long). Stuckmeyer’s Farm located in Fenton, Missouri, is having Farm Fun Days every weekend in October. It happens every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. Admission is free. There will be hayrides, pony rides, an inflatable slide, live … Continue reading

Taking It One Week at a Time

You are probably familiar with the phrase “take it one day at a time.” There are many times in my life when I follow this mantra. However, it doesn’t necessarily work for fitness so I have adopted “take it one week at a time.” When I first decided a couple of years ago to really get serious about fitness, I knew from the start that I was going to battle with it. I get bored easily and I lose motivation. So I had to figure out a way to combat both. The problem for some is that they believe in … Continue reading

Special Needs Blog Week in Review – April 15 – 21, 2012

At the end of the week, it is nice to do a quick review of all the blogs that appeared in the past seven days. The Special Needs Blog Week in Review is a great way to catch up on the blogs that you missed, but wanted to read. It gives you a brief description of each one, and a link that will take you directly to it. The Special Needs Podcast Roundup went up on April 16, 2012. This time, I’d like to point out an episode from The Coffee Klatch which was called “National Autism Association”. It features … Continue reading

Taking Aim on Spring Break

Where are you headed for spring break? Whether you are jetting off to the slopes or are planning a beach vacation, you don’t want to miss capturing all of the action with your camera. Make the most of your picture-taking device even if you are sticking close to home this Easter. While the price of gas has put a dent in many people’s wallets, it doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on making and documenting fun spring memories. For example, if you are planning to visit a hometown amusement park while your kids are on spring break, aim … Continue reading

A Tale of Two Spring Breaks

Are you a beach bum or ski bunny? During spring break, families are given the opportunity to choose between hitting the slopes or heading to the sand and surf. If you enjoy both options and need help settling on just one, consider the following: SWIM One of the most popular beach options for spring breakers is Lake Havasu in sunny Arizona. The area features miles of breathtaking waterfront views thanks to the lake, which is actually a Colorado River reservoir. Lake Havasu is approximately 45 miles long and is surrounded by stunning cliff walls. Since it is a protected area, … Continue reading

Spring Break on the High Seas

Given the recent string of cruise line disasters, you’d think that you’d be able to snag a hefty money-saving offer by a major carrier right about now. Well, think again. I checked, and no luck. Cruising with my child is at the top of my bucket list and I figured I would dig around a bit to see if we could score a last-minute deal on a spring break sailing. While there are some deals out there, none of them coincide with my daughter’s break from school. What’s more, in most cases, flights to the cruise’s departure city cost more … Continue reading