Recent comments

  • How to Make a Piggy Bank   14 years 6 weeks ago

    There is nothing worse than being weighed down by the extra 5 pounds of loose change in your purse. I found that when I'm using cash I spend less because I'm aware that of my limit so I made it my new years resolution to only use credit and debit cards when needed in order to avoid frivolous spending. But as a result, I'm swimming in coins! I'll admit I am a southern girl who loves my Mason Jars so I don't know why I haven't thought to use one to collect the change. Thanks for the tips!

  • McMansion to McCottage: Why Smaller Houses Are Smarter   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I love this! And I think the most positive part would be to retire early. My DH and I have changed our tax strategy for saving due in part to financial guru http://jvarniebarker.com/ and his new book New Rules for Homeownership in the 21st Century. There's a lot to learn from going lean to reach our goals.

  • 10 Safest Cities in America from Natural Disasters   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Maybe I should consider moving again because none of my past residential areas are in theses areas! I'm currently a Floridian and with hurricane season being such a series time it seems I've become an expert in coping with Natural Disasters. It is so sad that not only does the earth bring such destruction to an area, but afterwards the crime rate is so much higher. I'm really hoping this year's hurricane season isn't damaging...if it is them I'll definitely be moving to a location on this list!!

  • 25 Ways to Get Motivated Today   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Great article. I especially like #21. I have been using a timer with my daughter to help her stay focused on homework, and it has really helped. Just knowing that she has a time limit helps her to stay on task!

  • 8 Cheap Ways to Save Money on Gas   14 years 6 weeks ago

    You're right that there are so many ways to save money at gas if we just make the effort. Personally I've been trying to walk a lot more to avoid using gas on short trips. When I go downtown I take public transportation because I know the parking costs will add even more to what I would spend on gas. Combining errands into 1 trip also works well since you can take care of a few things without making separate trips.

  • 8 Cheap Ways to Save Money on Gas   14 years 6 weeks ago

    in regards to #2 up there, have you ever done the math? Finding the lowest gas price *within your standard route(s)* is definitely worthwhile, but as randall munroe points out in XKCD #951, it's not worthwhile to drive even five minutes out of your way to save 10¢ per gallon: you spend more on gas getting there than you save!

  • 9 Simple Ways to Stop Impulse Buying   14 years 6 weeks ago

    An extension of the "don't be fooled by sales:" I always try to look at sales price not as "it's 50% off" but rather "it's $XX.xx." If an item that I didn't want at $50 was marked down from $100, it's still not worth $50 to me.

    I've left so many sad, dejected, sale items on the shelf that way. Poor guys.

  • 9 Simple Ways to Stop Impulse Buying   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Fantastic article and the point about shopping when upset is very perceptive, too. I find my mood definitely affects how I shop, ESPECIALLY at the end of a long day and ESPECIALLY if cake is involved.

  • 4 Quirky Ways to Spend Less and Kick-Start Saving   14 years 6 weeks ago

    If I could defy gravity like that guy when I shop, I'd probably shop more often... so it's probably a blessing that I can't.

  • 4 Quirky Ways to Spend Less and Kick-Start Saving   14 years 6 weeks ago

    My advice is to use cash. It forces you to keep to a budget and avoid overspending. When you get back home put all the "leftovers" in a jar and put it out of sight.

  • 15 Alternative Uses for Nail Polish   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I've used it to touchup expensive vases. There are a million colors--one in sure to match exactly!

  • A Comprehensive Guide to the Envelope System   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Well, there seems to be less going by mail nowadays, so putting envelopes to use in the ways suggested could be good way to budget properly.

  • DIY - Silk Flower Brooch   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Love the ideas for using silk flowers. One of the best sites I've seen. I hope to try some of these ideas for making a bridal bouquet with my daughter. Since she is watching her budget very carefully making her own brooch and silk flower bouquet might be a good option.

  • 5 Reasons Why I Don’t Clip Coupons   14 years 6 weeks ago

    So lucky to have HEB. We moved to NC from TX and one of the things we miss is HEB!!

  • Ask the Readers: Who Taught You The Most About Personal Finance?   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I learned the most from my grandfather. He was the ultimate money manager! captainliss40(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Best Money Tips: Cut Auto Insurance Premiums in Half   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Great, thanks for sharing the articles on saving on car insurance premiums.

  • Should You Talk to Friends About Money?   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Of course he could really just have been curious what a naval academy graduate/naval officer was rewarded with for all the sacrifices... He might have some flaws but I'm pretty positive the author does as well. The gentlemen in question might also be very proud of his achievements based on the direction his life was once taking... I mean after all he beat the Glen Burnie stereotype fairly early, totally beating the odds... Hes probably also the first one to help someone, probably more giving personally then the author, but we are all biased though arent we? :-)

  • Secret Lawn Tonic Recipe From Golf Course Groundskeeper   14 years 6 weeks ago

    HOW LONG DOES THE AMONIA LAST WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO PUT ON A PASTURE THAT WILL HAVE HORSES ABOUT THREE MONTHS FROM NOW?

  • 10 Safest Cities in America from Natural Disasters   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Well put together article. My dad use to tell me when he was in Ohio, where he grew up that he would go to Pennsylvania from time to time. I am curious about it now. Thanks for the information. I think I will look into some of these places out of curiousity. I love CA born and raised. I do like the pictures you have included. The article short and to the point is more enjoyable that way then if it was overloaded with too much information on these places.

  • Want Free HBO or Showtime? Just Ask.   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I tried this with Cablevision/Optimum but all they offered me was the same deal online. 11.95 a month for Showtime and a rebate of 25.00 after 3 months. ;(

  • Secret Lawn Tonic Recipe From Golf Course Groundskeeper   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I wonder also Paul if this will help get rid of moles , as we are overcome . Killing the Grub there food supply.

  • Surprising Charitable Tax Deductions   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I never knew miles driven to a volunteer could be used as a deduction. You would have to drive a lot of miles for it to even make a difference in your tax return though.

  • 21 Disposable Products You Can Reuse   14 years 6 weeks ago

    I used the hydrogen peroxide based cleaners on my contacts for years. There is a special container with a metal disc that causes a chemical change to the hydrogen peroxide. The biggest problem with the system is you have to wait the specified time for the chemical reaction to take place. If you put the contacts in your eye too soon, it hurts like heck but does not blind you.

  • Secret Lawn Tonic Recipe From Golf Course Groundskeeper   14 years 6 weeks ago

    The 10 gallon sprayer attaches to a water hose. . .so yes, a lot of water is in the mix.

  • 25 Great, Cheap, and Easy Crock Pot Recipes   14 years 6 weeks ago

    Crockpot Deserts? That is awesome! I have been telling my one friend that we need to make some good crockpot bbq....now I am going to have to say we need some "crockpot deserts".