I do at least four loads of wash per week. This week laundry detergent was on the list and I was dreading buying it. I don’t budget separately for this but lump it in with our “food” budget in Mint since it comes from the grocery store. I found a recipe in Jim Bob and [...]

I called my auto insurance company yesterday (USAA) and updated my info. Both cars are paid off, which means we can remove our “gap insurance” (the insurance that covers the depreciaion on the cars in the event that one is totaled). Also, I upated my milage. Now that I’m working from home, my mileage is [...]

I love it when people read my blog, and even more if it helps them in some way. Today I got a great tip from my friend Julie. Here’s how Julie’s family saved on their electric bill. What cost-savings tips have you implemented in your house? I had read that for every degree you turn [...]

I’ve been trying to make the best of the permanent layoff that came my way in early December. I started a business, I’m also writing and blogging. Without commute time I find myself with a lot of free time. I’m definitely enjoying the flexible lifestyle. One of the things I’ve decided to tackle is households’ [...]

Ok, I know, nobody likes to do it, and you really can’t do anything about your expenses until you know what they are. How did I finally conquer this dragon? I signed up for Mint.com. It’s a free, online banking aggregator (i.e. dashboard) for your money. It downloaded 90 days worth of transactions on all [...]

Don’t move to this step until you’ve completed step one. I mean it. Scroll back and download your transactions you lazy Mary! Just put your grown-up panties on and face it! Now, use Mint.com’s cool features to compare what you’re’ spending to others in your area (bottom half of the trends page). This is how [...]

Until September of 07, we’ve never paid for cable. NEVER. We’re not big TV watchers, even still, but I missed seeing the hockey games and the football games. Our antenna was only reliable if the cloud cover was “just right.” Additionally we love some of the eduucational programs that come on the History Channel and [...]

Wow… I cannot believe how cool the Library is. They have SO much available! It’s especially great if you take a look at your local library’s network–not just what is on the shelf at your local branch. Our library has a number of things available for checkout:*Books*Magazines*Movies*CDs of Music*Books on tape or CD*Puppets in the [...]

In Ethiopia I was introduced to the most wonderful coffee!! Being the birthplace of coffee, everyone takes it very seriously. People of all ages enjoy the ritual of coffee. The coffee ceremony (an important hospitality ritual) can take three hours and starts out with someone roasting the beans right in front of you! Upon coming [...]