Mom’s Money

Take The Family To A National Park - Fees Have Been Lifted!

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Secretary Ken Salazar, most Americans live less than a day’s drive from a national park.  Our park system attracted more than 275 million visits last year, supported more than 213,000 jobs (not counting National Park Service jobs), and provided $10.6 billion for local economies.

That may be reason alone to pack up the family and take a drive this summer.  Just to support our park system and boost the economy.  But what about your own economy?  Perhaps the cost of admission to a national park is beyond your means right now.  Well, this may be the time to rethink your vacation plans.

Secretary Ken Salazar has announced that admission to the 147 national parks and monuments that charge entrance fees will be lifted three weekends this summer.

The fee-free weekends are June 20-21 (Father’s Day weekend), July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. Fees typically range from $3 to $25.

Fees for camping, tours, concessions and other charges collected by third parties are not included, but many parks are offering further enticements. There are online vouchers for restaurants and retail stores.  We found free houseboat rides in several states, including Nevada, Arizona, and Texas.  There are free tours scheduled, as well as complimentary photos at several parks.

This summer, take the opportunity to visit our national parks with your family.  You’ll be teaching your family a valuable lesson by paying homage to our great national treasures, and saving money at the same time!

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June Is National Adopt-A-Cat Month

Normally, I wouldn’t consider adopting a pet as an issue for a blog about saving money.  Pets can be expensive… what am I saying… pets ARE expensive.  However, when your little ones give you those big eyes and say “Please, please, please, can we get a kitty?” it’s hard to resist and most of us will give in at some point.

So, Mom, how do you give in without giving up your frugal ways?  There are several advantages to adopting a kitten or cat during June, National Adopt-A-Cat Month.  Many shelters are offering incentives, such as free spay and neuter programs, reduced or free vaccinations, and free health screenings for the new adoptees.

Special consideration may be given to folks who adopt older cats.  Reduced adoption fees and free vaccinations may be offered.  Of course, if a pair of playful kittens is more your style, and you can keep up with the energy, a shelter may offer incentives for this double adoption, as well.  Because there are more kittens and cats in shelters in the month of June than any other time of the year, you will find shelters eager to find homes for their resident felines.

Be sure you discuss all the ups and downs of having kittens or cats in your household.  Research the costs, the time, and the work that it takes to care for a cat.  Investigate the breed, if applicable, the differences between the requirements of a male cat versus a female cat, and the benefits of certain traits, such as long hair versus short hair.  Then, visit several shelters in your area, get some one-on-one time with the cats and kittens, and ask about any discounts or free services offered by the shelter if you choose to adopt from them.

This may be the perfect time to welcome a new little fuzzy friend into your household.  Do your homework to ensure that everyone benefits from your new addition to the family.  Have fun!

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Looking For Money, Mom? It’s Yours So Go Get It!

Okay, Moms, you are doing everything you can to make ends meet.  You’ve got your budget fine-tuned, you’re even taking on additional work to bring in more cash.  What else can you do?  Where can you turn for some more help?

Hey!  You’re a tax payer, right?  Over the years you’ve thrown a few shekels into the coffers of your state and federal government, right?  Whether with income taxes, sales taxes, or property taxes, you have a vested interest in government sponsored programs.  You, and we, ARE the government.  So, what about those programs that we’ve all funded?

Whether you are trying to go back to school, start a business, or just pay for your child’s daycare, there may be some help available to you.  These are not handouts - you do have to qualify for many of the programs sponsored by our government.  Click on this link to GovBenefits.gov to find out what’s available to you in the way of a grant, loan, or scholarship to help you and your family.

You may have fallen accidentally into a personal recession, or you may have made some mistakes that landed you in a tight financial situation.  Either way, you have given your support to our government when you were able; your taxes were used to create these programs.  Now is the time to get the help you need… with the programs you helped fund.  This is your money – these are your programs.  Check out GovBenefits.gov to see what federal or state programs are available to you to get back on track to achieving your goals.

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Don’t Let Clipping Coupons Become A Lost Art

This may seem old fashioned, and it probably is, but I love to clip coupons.  I even keep one of those little coupon sized accordion files in my purse so I’m ready to go on shopping day.  Now, mind you, I don’t buy things I don’t need just because I find a coupon for it, but I do watch for coupons for the items we use routinely or would like to try.

Since we no longer buy a Sunday newspaper, I have found a nice neighbor lady who is thrilled to get rid of all that stuff inside her Sunday paper.  That’s one source for coupons.  Another source is circulars in the mailbox and at the grocery stores themselves.  And, for all you computer savvy people, you probably already know that you can access actual grocery store fliers, complete with coupons, on the internet.  Just type in the name of the store you normally shop, and you’ll be given the complete flier to page through.  Print out the coupons and there you go!  Some stores even honor other stores’ coupons, so don’t be afraid to bring along the competitions coupons, too.

Even though magazines have become quite expensive, there are still some more reasonably priced weekly and monthly magazines out there that offer great coupons.  I’ve found a magazine for less than $2 that offers hundreds of dollars in coupons and deals inside the covers.  That’s a great return on investment!

Oftentimes schools will have fund-raisers in which you can purchase a coupon book.  Review the coupons carefully before you decide to buy to make sure you will recoup your money, as well as end up with a few extra dollars in your pocket.

Using your computer, once more, you may want to search some of the websites that actually find coupons for you.  Some may be for internet shopping only, but I’ve often found coupons to print and clip for local stores carrying items that we need.  Be sure not to agree to pay for this service as there are many sites which are free to use.

It’s always fun for me to go into the grocery store armed with my pile of coupons.  I like to watch the total on the register keep going down, down, down, until I get to the final amount due.  It’s just so rewarding to get money back for a pile of otherwise useless paper. Long live the coupon!

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Save Money And Have Fun - Join A Co-op

If you have not checked into joining a food co-op yet, now would be a good time.  Your grocery budget may just get the boost it needs at your local cooperative.

A cooperative is a business that is owned and controlled by the members of the cooperative.  As a member, you have a say in how the business is run and you elect and can run for a spot on the board of directors.  Cooperatives can be as small as a group of people meeting in a borrowed location, or as large as a Fortune 500 company.  There are several other differences between cooperatives and other businesses.

Cooperatives -

• Return revenues to the members based on the member’s use of the cooperative, not based on an individual’s investment in the firm.
• Are motivated by service, not profit, providing high quality items and services to its members at a reasonable price.
• Exist only to serve the membership.

There are several types of cooperatives which are -

• Consumer Cooperatives which are owned by the people who buy the goods.
• Producer Cooperatives which are owned by folks who produce products, like farmers and craftsmen.
• Worker Cooperatives which are owned by employees of a business.
• Purchasing and Shared Services Cooperatives which are owned by independent business owners and even cities, and state governments.

We are fortunate in our community to have a very nice cooperative.  For only $12 per year for a household membership, we can take advantage of the low cost, high quality food and other products that the co-op offers.  Plus, as a member, we receive an additional 15% off the already low prices.  Our co-op focuses on organic food, natural remedies, and a general holistic approach to our lives.  The shelves are stocked with fresh produce, cheese, baking needs, beans, snack foods, vitamins, beauty products, wine, beer, plus a whole lot more, even a deli section!

Our co-op routinely brings in professionals to educate anyone who wants to attend on a variety of topics, from cooking with fresh herbs to using cloth diapers.  The cooperative mission is to provide services as well as product to the community.  Members are a vital part of the cooperative community, but you do not have to be a member to shop there or participate in the programs and events.  But, for the little bit they charge for a year’s membership, I think it’s worth the price just to get the 15% off.

All cooperatives have their own price structure and membership requirements, but I wanted to give you an idea of how much it costs to join and what the benefits are.  Check out a cooperative in your community to see what they offer.  It may be a great way to shave even more money from your grocery bill, while maintaining your healthy lifestyle.  Plus, it’s just plain fun!

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Hey Mom – Are You Still Going To The Gym?

Unless you absolutely need a gym membership for body-building, this is one area in which some serious savings could apply.  You may believe it is a necessary expense because you need an exercise program mapped out for you, complete with equipment, and you won’t be able to get that elsewhere.  You may have always belonged to a gym and, although it’s way beyond your means right now, you continue to pay the membership fees because you need to exercise someplace where you have a commitment and encouragement.

If you go to the gym because you truly believe you cannot get the same workout anywhere else, you may want to start searching around a bit.  Check the library, bookstore, and online for exercise videos and equipment, and you’ll be overwhelmed at first.  Once you narrow down your choices to workouts that appeal to you, start pricing the equipment.  A simple seven inch ball used for abdominal work can be found for as little as $10.   You don’t even have to buy a video to go with it.  Once again, just check online for a whole host of exercise options.

If you decide to leave the gym and all the fancy equipment behind in order to save money, don’t get sucked into buying an expensive piece of equipment.  That defeats the purpose and there are many fitness programs that will fit your budget.  Be sure to browse through the video section of the thrift stores, too.  Libraries are a good source for exercise videos because you don’t have to invest any money in a fitness program until you decide if you like it.

If you maintain a gym membership because you are afraid without it you won’t exercise, join a friend!  You won’t believe, until you start asking, how many of your friends and family members are having the same debate with themselves.  They, too, want to exercise and feel that without encouragement and a commitment on their part, they’ll just quit.  Rather than drive to the gym, drive to your friend’s house, put on the video, and have fun!  No membership… just friendship!

This may seem like a no-brainer, yes, but if your budget doesn’t really have room for a gym membership, get rid of it.  The part you may have been battling with, the reason you may not have dropped your membership, is because you’re afraid you won’t be able to find another exercise program that works.  Trust me!  There are so many fitness programs available you won’t be able to decide which one to choose!  You can find many more useful ways to budget your hard-earned cash, I can guarantee it.

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Simple Changes In Your Cooking Habits Could Save You Money

You can find all sorts of big ways to cut back and save money, but some of my favorite ways to save are the little things we do, because they are often the old fashioned, tried-and-true methods that our mothers and grandmothers used in their kitchens.  Here are just a few things I started doing that I remember these frugal ladies doing in their own kitchens in years gone by.

Cook a whole chicken.  This is truly Economy 101 at its finest.  So many recipes today call for chicken breasts, which is fine if you’re on a low-fat diet or no one in your family likes dark meat.  However, if your family does not fit those two categories, why use chicken breasts exclusively?  If you prefer the lower-fat white meat, you can certainly peel the skin off the breast and remove it from the bone for yourself.  Even recipes that call for chicken breasts can normally be tweaked to work with a whole chicken.  The cost difference is phenomenal.  If you eat chicken several times a week, you’ll be amazed at what a budget-saving habit you’ve got going on now.

Boil the chicken bones and carcass.  The added bonus of cooking a whole chicken is the bones.  If you’re in the habit of throwing out the bones as you pick off the meat, just put a soup pot out on the counter, and a big note over the garbage can that says, “Don’t Throw Out The Bones.”  You’ll make a quick detour over to the soup pot and dump those bones right in.  If you’re concerned about germs because everyone has been eating off those bones, don’t worry.  The water boils for many hours!  I like to pluck all the meat off the carcass after dinner rather than stick the whole thing in the refrigerator as is.  That way, the meat is nicely stored in containers ready for lunches or other meals, and I can immediately start my pot boiling.

Fry with a mixture of oil and butter.  When a recipe calls for using butter to saute onions or garlic, replace the butter with cooking oil and just a touch of butter.  You get the same great buttery taste that you were after, while skipping the expense.  The bonus, of course, is the heart-healthy alternative you’ve just used.  If you’re frying on low heat, like caramelizing onions, olive oil is a good choice.   If you’re frying eggs at a little higher heat, canola oil is good.

Prep food when you bring it home.  Don’t wait until you want to munch on celery to wash and cut it.  Don’t wait until you want to make a ham and macaroni salad to cut up the ham.  I have found that whenever I have thrown away food, it has been because, for whatever reason, the food remained untouched, unwashed, or uncut after it was put in the refrigerator.  Maybe it’s pure laziness, but if my family wants a snack, they want something quick.  That celery will get passed over every time, unless it’s washed, cut, and waiting in a container for them.  I like this habit of prepping the groceries when I get  home also for speeding up meal time, but have noticed the problem of wasting food is eliminated by this method, too.  Both good reasons to develop a habit of getting your groceries in “ready to eat” mode right away.

Boiling water can do double-duty.  Say you’re cooking broccoli and you’re making a pasta dish.  Go ahead and cook the broccoli, but drain it through a colander into the pot for the pasta.  Put that pot back on the stove and it will quickly come back to a boil for the pasta.  Not only are you starting with boiling hot water, but you’ve got the added nutrients of the broccoli-water to boot!  Truly a good habit to get into.  Just ask yourself what else you can use that boiling water for every time you fill up your pot.

You’re probably doing something in your kitchen without thinking why you’re doing it that way.  This week, as you plan and make dinner, pay attention to your routine.  Can something be done a bit differently to save time or money?  Involve the family and have fun developing some great new habits.

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Have You Visited An All-Things-Are-Cheap Store Lately?

Whether you call it a Dollar Store, Dollar General Store, or a Family Dollar Store, these reduced-price stores are popping up all over the place, in large cities and small towns alike.  We have an abundance right here so I’m lucky to be able to shop around even when it comes to these types of stores.  My favorite store actually sells everything for a dollar, which not all stores do, even though they might be called a Dollar Store.  So, before you load up your cart, ask.

The amazing thing I’ve found at these stores is the variety of products they carry.  A couple of my favorite finds are cleaning products, paper products, and gift wrapping items.  Another great find if you just watch carefully is frames.  I’ve found wonderful picture frames in excellent condition that I know would be ten times or more the price.  I filled a box with smaller photo size frames and it cost me less than $10.   I bought them in a wide variety of styles, some specially made for baby pictures, pet pictures, and grandparent pictures, so I’m ready if I need a quick small gift for someone celebrating one of those events.

None of that comes as a surprise to most of you readers because you’re smart shoppers.  But, if you haven’t been to your favorite store lately, it’s really time for a visit.  What surprised me the most about my own local store was that they started carrying more food items.  I actually am a little leery of the food items, but have recently found that section greatly improved.  Since I’m trying to cut my grocery budget, I thought it would worth it to find out the truth about buying groceries in this kind of store.  I asked the manager if she could explain the reason behind the increased stock and overall improvement in the food section.  She explained that, because of the current economy, she had more shoppers.  With more shoppers there comes a faster turnover in product, so she can get more food in, sell it faster, and get even more in.

This turnover in product certainly made sense to me, so I gave it a try.  I actually bought a big bag of lemons for $1.  When I got the lemons home, I found them to be perfectly fresh and they lasted a long time.  I guess I’ll go back next and try something else.  Maybe the bread, then the cereal, working my way right up to the finale… the milk.  That’s a leap of faith for me, but I’m willing to take the baby-steps I need to take in order to save some serious cash.

Why don’t you meet me at the Dollar Store and save some serious cash for your family, too.

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Your Budget Needs A Redo - Check The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act

If all this talk of stimulus plans has your head spinning so much that you’ve just started turning off the nightly news, you might want to listen up once more.  Incredibly important legislation is happening that may affect your pocketbook in more ways than you think.  Let’s look at just three issues here that may affect your budget.

Check your paycheck for some additional funds.  Does your current take-home pay seem different?  It should be just a tad more as the IRS has given your employer some reduced tax withholding rules.  That little amount of extra money in your paycheck is the perfect opportunity to review your budget.  Are you paying off that credit card as quickly as you’d like?  If not, just applying that extra $25 or $50 each month will start you on the right track.

Check your college plans and adjust your budget.  If college is in your family’s future, pay attention to the American Opportunity Tax Credit.  This plan raises the maximum tax credit for college from $1800 to $2500 and extends the time limit from two to four years.  That’s an incredible hand-up for folks who are trying to put a child or two, or even themselves, through four years of college or other higher eduction.  Time to review your budget and take a harder look at that college fund.

Check your mortgage and rework your budget.  Families with a home mortgage are really struggling to get good information.  When you get the proper information about how to manage your mortgage, you can really turn that budget into a working masterpiece.  You may need advice and mortgage counseling that’s personalized for your needs.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, can get you started revamping your mortgage.  You can call 1-888-995-HOPE any day, 24 hours a day.  This service is operated by members of the Hope Now Alliance and HUD certified counseling agents.  You can also go online at HopeNow.com.   Mortgages are scary when your income is limited.  Get yourself armed with information, then get out that budget again and see if you can work some magic this time.

A reminder is in order:  HUD NEVER CALLS OR CONTACTS YOU TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES.  So, please, be aware that if someone calls you, sends you a letter, or emails you, and introduces himself or herself as a HUD representative who’s only job in this world is to resolve all your mortgage problems, hang up the phone, tear up the letter, or hit delete.

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What Do You Want For Mother’s Day?

What do you want for Mother’s Day?  Oh, that’s a tough one.  One day every year we have to stop and think about ourselves for a day.  That doesn’t come natural for many moms.  So, we try to shrug it off and we say, “nothing, really” but that’s not going to work with kids.  They feel compelled to do something for you.  You just have to name it.  That’s where this started – how do you ask for something for yourself?

That’s why I’m going to list just a couple of my favorite things so you can feel free to just copy any of these down on a piece of paper and just hand them out when you’re asked “What do you want for Mother’s Day, Mom?”

Wildflowers in a drinking glass.  Yes, just handpicked wildflowers on my kitchen windowsill.  That’s always a heart-tugger for me.  Dandelions are simply wonderful, as are little bouquets of Paintbrushes, Wild Daisies,  Black-Eyed Susans,  Bluebonnets, Queen Anne’s Lace, and even the simple Yellow Yarrow, can bring a tear to my eye when presented to me in a toddler’s chubby little dirt-covered fist.

A chocolate candy bar.  Again, yes, just one simple candy bar.  A whole big box of chocolates is overkill for me and my diet.  But, more importantly, just the sheer nature of a single candy bar is appealing because the quantity is limited which sets up a great moment.  That look on a child’s face is so precious as they watch the inevitable end to the candy bar come so quickly.  As you start to get closer and closer to devouring the candy bar, your child’s eyes get bigger and bigger, until before you eat the last bite, you make your magnanimous gesture, reach out and ask, “Would you like to finish this?”  Pure joy mixed with a touch of relief on your child’s face will brighten your day beyond words.

A picture of the family drawn by your child.  This is something that is perfect for year after year because you not only watch your child’s art ability grow, but you get a snapshot of the family from your child’s perspective every year.  Certain things really speak volumes, like the dog seems to have a major role, drawn front and center at first, then seems to take a less important spot as the years go by.  As the family grows and changes, the members and objects around them take on interesting roles.  Give your children pieces of drawing paper that you can frame and replace the picture each year, saving the older picture in a scrapbook.

Breakfast in bed.  This is so classic it’s a cliche, but a lovely cliche.  Of course, this one may seem like it’s more work for you than it’s worth, but the memories of your little one hauling in a tray of burnt toast, spilled milk, and soggy cereal may change your mind.  It’s not the food, it’s the rosy cheeks and the faces bursting with pride that will get you every time.  If you get a little wildflower on the tray, all the better!

Dinner in.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to fight the Mother’s Day brunch or dinner crowd.  I like to stay in my pajamas late into the day, receive my gifts, and not have to wash my hair or find clothes to wear.  That’s the kind of Mother’s Day I like; very relaxed.  Since I cook dinner 364 days of the year for the most part, one dinner I can beg off of is Mother’s Day.  Keep in mind you’ll probably be served macaroni and cheese, but it will be the best macaroni and cheese you’ll ever eat.

You’ll notice the price for these items falls within even a toddlers budget, so you should feel comfortable requesting any of these splendid Mother’s Day gifts.  So, Mom, when you’re asked the question you know you’ll be getting soon, go ahead and offer up a few of these suggestions.  I guarantee your day won’t go by without the traditional Mother’s Day tear or two.

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