Stacey Daprile – Ambassador

It really adds up! I am always on the lookout for great deals and sock the gifts away in my gift closet ready for the giving. Certificates for babysitting for friends with children is always appreciated – allowing fiends a night out without the littles is priceless! Sharing a favorite book you have read along with a plate of cookies could be super…[Read more]

It really adds up! I am always on the lookout for great deals and sock the gifts away in my gift closet ready for the giving. Certificates for babysitting for friends with children is always appreciated – allowing fiends a night out without the littles is priceless! Sharing a favorite book you have read along with a plate of cookies could be super…[Read more]

Antoinette, I would love to have that type of health insurance. Josh, it is like they say, “Better to pay the farmer than the pharmacist.” 🙂 Kayla, It is nice that companies have begun to realize that healthy employees are good for the balance sheet. My school has brought in a yoga teacher for us to have free yoga classes on campus after school.…[Read more]

I unfortunately chose my career position based on lifestyle first. Meaning I spent 15 years teaching at a private school because my own children attended this school.The school was a wonderful place to teach and for my children to learn. Having the same schedule and being at the same school made working and parenting easier to balance. But private…[Read more]

Kayla, I am so happy that you and your hubby are fine! How very scary the weather has been! My heart has gone out to all of those affected by both hurricanes. Yes, those emergency funds are important. I have heard so many people talk on the news of simply not having the money to evacuate or prepare throughly.

And now the clean-up and rebuilding.…[Read more]

Cara, those Sunday car drives to no where in particular was a staple as I grew up 🙂 I have wonderful memories of those days.

I agree – the little things really add up, and it is hard to find the right balance. I find that this is when having that set budget comes in handy. While it might feel like deprivation, if I only have x amount of money set aside for the little things – I pick and choose much more carefully.

I agree – it is hard!

Antoinette, dating can get expensive! Dinner and a movie can really add up. One less expensive alternative is meeting up for appetizers and a drink during happy hour, coffee and breakfast in the morning, or plan a picnic at the beach.

Kayla, I keep thinking that I should set up a Christmas fund. With six kids, it always stretches our budget. The presents, the food, the decorations, and entertaining adds up super fast!

Real estate can be a great investment – if you are willing to hold it long term. Right now housing prices are climbing, and in my area there is high demand. The houses that go onto the market are selling fast. But that is not always the case. When I went trough my divorce and we had to sell our family home in 2009, the prices were seriously…[Read more]

I whole-heartedly believe in experiences over possessions! Keep in mind that all experiences do not need to be the big ticket trip somewhere exotic. Experiences also include an afternoon massage, attending a sporting event, a free concert in the park, and a morning hike up to a beautiful ridge to take in the view.

The thing about taking the time…[Read more]

I haven’t had a garage sale in a long time, but the key to success was setting up and being ready early. Serious hunters start their day early! Good luck!

I love that you would be generous! I think setting up my own charitable foundation would be the best.

Josh, when I went through my divorce and needed to move and set up a new household I gave myself a strict cash budget. Money was very tight and uncertain at that time. But I did go out and buy new furniture and decor to set up and make my new place feel like home. It was important to me to set up my new life and feel good about it. So while I was…[Read more]

Kayla, I totally think that you are on the right track! That fact that consistent savings is part of your plan is what will get you there.