shoestring living: squash summer spending

The summer months are bank account drainers around here, whether we want to save or not.  Between endless activities requiring convenient meals, costly outdoor excursions and kids that seem unable to stop eating, I have been searching for ways to save.  In my most recent column for the GateHouse News Service, I share my best tips on how you might do the same.

Check out the column and the associated video!

shoestring living: just say yes

A recent blog post inspired a Shoestring Living column, too.  Here's why you should say "yes" -  in print and on video!

Related posts:
give in.  say yes. 
shoestring living:  tips on giving kids allowance
shoestring living:  tips for reviving old routines

not too early for back to school savings

This week's Shoestring Living column focuses on back to school shopping.  I know it's early, but if you think ahead, there are lots of savings to be had.  Check out my tips in this week's column and associated video, both for the GateHouse News Service.

Check out other recent Shoestring Living columns and videos:
Tips of giving kids allowance
Plan summer activities now
Tips for your frugal garden

shoestring living: tips on giving kids allowance

This week's Shoestring Living focuses on how to effectively implement an allowance system with young kids this summer and beyond.  I struggle and have failed with this every summer so far, but not this year!  Read about my plan in one of the papers running it, the MexicoLedger.

And, if you're so inclined, take a peek at the associated video running on the Star Courier.

I'm so excited about this new system and can't wait to put it to work for us on Monday, June 11th.  I figured we needed a few free days before starting our engines.

____________________
Check out some of my other Shoestring Living articles and videos:

Shoestring Living: May 24th:  Plan Summer Now
Shoestring Living: Tips for your Frugal Garden
Shoestring Living: Making Mother's Day More Meaningful

shoestring living: tips for reviving old routines

My column this week for the GateHouse News Service

For our family, summer is just one more school day away. Parents everywhere are screaming for a change in the routine and I am no different. I’ve announced a moratorium on lunch making, can barely push myself through our get-out-the-door rituals and updated my Facebook status this morning with, “Will this school year ever end?”

Read more.....

shoestring living: may 24

Last week's Shoestring Living column and associated video offer great information on planning summer activities ahead of time and saving a little cash along the way.  Take a look at my column here, or watch the video here.

this week's Shoestring Living and video

Read my Shoestring Living column, Tips for your Frugal Garden, from May 14th.

And watch me on the associated video...

shoestring living: making mother's day more meaningful

Here's my most recent Shoestring Living video:  Make Mother's Day More Meaningful!

Look for links, like this one, to my latest published articles, columns and videos in the coming months.