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Purpose of a Budget…and why you need one!

January 12, 2023 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

All of the reasons you should make a budget.

If you’ve been following here for a while you know that I preach budgeting to everyone and anyone who will listen!  I truly believe that every single person should have a budget, regardless of how much or how little money you earn.  Not sure what the purpose of a budget is???  Well I’ll tell you today, so keep reading!

reasons to budget - why you should make a budget

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The Purpose Of Budgeting

I’ll be honest with you….years ago I did not believe in budgeting.  I felt like it was something that was only for families that were pinching pennies….and my family seemed to be getting by just fine without a budget.

But then my entire thought process changed after I randomly picked up Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover in the library one day.  This book opened my eyes to how our finances could be, if we only adjusted some of our habits….so we started budgeting.

It honestly took about 5 years of trying, failing, giving up, trying again, etc. until we got to a comfortable/confident place when it comes to the budget.

One of the things I learned through this experience is just how much a budget can change your finances.  Before we started budgeting, I really thought that we were fine the way we were spending, but once I had that budget to hold me accountable we were able to find so much extra money….and instead of spending that money on stuff (like the pre budget days) we were able to spend it on things that were much more important to us, like travel, retirement, saving for a car, etc.

If I can change my stubborn ways, anyone can!

1.  A Budget Prevents Overspending

One of the most important purposes of a budget is that it prevents overspending.

If you take the time to make a budget and give every dollar a job, a category, then you will be much less likely to impulse shop and buy things just because they caught your eye (may or may not be talking about myself here….).

Try to get into the habit of checking in with your budget daily.  This daily check in is so important to make sure you are staying on track, and to remind yourself of your money goals.

The days I don’t check in with my budget are the days I tend to impulse buy, because I convince myself we have enough money in the budget.  However, if I take the time to look at the budget then I am more aware of my spending and am able to control my overspending impulses.

2.  Budgeting Reduces Stress

It’s true!  A budget can/will ease your financial worries resulting in a less stressful life.  If you are budgeting with sinking funds (which I recommend!) then you will always be prepared for what’s to come, resulting in less stress.

For example, every year I make a sinking fund for Christmas expenses.  I save into that sinking fund with each paycheck, then when the holidays come along I can buy Christmas presents, Christmas decor, and any other items I need/want for the holidays using the money I have already saved, which completely eliminates financial stress during the Christmas season!

  • Related:  How to Save Money For Christmas

3.  A Budget Helps You Reach Your Goals

Another important purpose of a budget is that it will help you reach your money and savings goals. 

Want to save for a vacation, but money keeps flying out the window???  Make a budget!  Calculate how much you are spending in each area, look at the ways you can cut those costs, and then budget a sinking fund for vacation!  Yay!

Yes, making a budget and cutting expenses will require some sacrifice on your part, but with consistency you will be able to reach those important goals. Budgeting has a way of helping you focus on your priorities.

  • Related:  Easy Budget Cuts We Made To Save Over $2500 Each Year

4.  Budgeting Helps You Spend Money Guilt Free

Most of us like to spend money….but we don’t like the guilt that often comes after spending money.  And this is exactly why I love a budget!  A budget gives you permission to spend money, guilt free!

Don’t believe me yet?  Check out these two scenarios:

Scenario A:

Allie wants new living room furniture.  She has her eye on a couch at a local furniture store and notices it goes on sale one weekend.  Allie excitedly runs to the furniture store to buy the couch.

She doesn’t have enough money to pay for the couch in full, but the store offers her to make monthly payments for a year to be able to buy it.  Allie buys the couch and has it delivered.

The monthly couch bill begins arriving and Allie starts to panic.  She didn’t realize how tight the monthly payments would make her finances.  The stress of paying this bill, along with all of her other expenses begins to set in and she feels guilty for making this purchase in the first place.  She realizes she acted on impulse, and doesn’t quit have the funds available.

Scenario B:

Brooke also wants new living room furniture.  She looks at a few different pieces of furniture at multiple stores and writes down their averages prices.  Brooke then makes a sinking fund category in her budget to help her slowly save the money she needs to buy her new couch.

Over the course of 6 months Brooke deposits money into that sinking fund, using her budget.  After 6 months her sinking fund is fully funded and she excitedly goes into the furniture store to purchase her new couch.  She is so excited to purchase the couch with cash, and pay in full.

The couch is delivered and Brooke is able to enjoy it for many years.  Brooke has zero guilt about this purchase because she knew she already had the money saved in her budget, and there are no surprise bills.

Do you notice in these two scenarios how they both have the same goal, and they both were able to achieve that goal, but one came with guilt and stress, and the other only came with joy??  A budget is so freeing!

5.  A Budget Helps You Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of Debt

One of my favorite things about my little ol blog is getting to cheer you on as you reach your debt freedom goals.  There is nothing I love more than receiving a message from a reader telling me how proud they are of themselves for being able to pay off their debt thanks to making a budget.

Budgeting helps you plan your finances in a way that makes debt pay off a priority.  Being mindful of your spending, and prioritizing how each paycheck is spent is one of the most important steps to paying off debt. 

If you are wanting to pay off debt, I recommend making a budget and also reading my article How To Pay Off Debt With The Debt Snowball.

6.  Budgeting Helps You Understand Your Spending Habits

One of the most important parts of frugal living is being able to understand your spending habits, and a budget will show you exactly how you spend your money; including the good and the bad.  

When you sit down to budget each week you will be forced to see the categories you consistently overspend in.  Having this knowledge will give you the tools and motivation you need to reduce your spending in these areas.

When I first started budgeting I had convinced myself I was spending a certain amount of money on groceries each week.  But, after making a budget, I realized the cold hard truth.  I was spending so much more than I had realized.  Once I knew that this was a category I was overspending in, I was able to teach myself some new skills to reduce our grocery spending.

7.  A Budget Gives You Control Over Your Money

Do you ever get to the end of the month (or week) and wonder, “What happened to my huge paycheck I just got???  Where did all of my hard earned money go so quickly”?

I’ve had that thought, and it’s not a great feeling!

Do you want to know what my solution was?  Yep!  You guessed it, I needed to make a budget.

A big purpose of a budget is to help you have more control over your money, so that you don’t have to wonder where it all went at the end of each month.  You’ll know exactly where every dollar was spent, because you made a plan for those dollars and you stuck to the plan.

Want To Start Budgeting?

Have I convinced you yet that a budget is life changing (cause it totally is!).  

If you are ready to make the jump into budgeting, but aren’t sure how to start…..don’t worry!  I have you covered!  First, I recommend you check out my full budgeting tutorial here:  Zero Based Budget.

And then download my free budgeting cheat sheets.  They will walk you through everything you need to know to be able to make your first budget.  You got this!!!

 

 

Related Articles:

7 Simple Ways To Get Your Budget Back On Track (for good this time!)

How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

Tips For Budgeting As A Couple

 

Pin For Future Reference

purposes of a budget - why you need a budget

 

Now you know the purpose of a budget!

25 Free Things To Do In Winter

December 11, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life21 Comments

Fun winter activities for families!

I absolutely love the snow!  There is nothing better than waking up to a fresh blanket of new snow and seeing it sparkle in the sunlight.  The only negative thing about the snow is that it’s so cold!!  Unfortunately, I live in an area where it stays cold for many, many months!  We all get a little stir crazy around here being cooped up for so long.   Because of this, I’ve learned to get creative during these cold months to help us stay sane and stay in budget!  Here are my favorite free things to do in winter.

free winter activities - fun ideas for kids during winter

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Snow Winter Activities For Families

Do you live in a place that gets a lot of snow?  Use it to your advantage and plan some fun winter activities for families!  There are so many fun ways to enjoy fresh snow!

1.  Build A Snow Cave

You might enjoy spending the day outside building a snow cave as a family.  Turn it into a competition to see who can build the best cave.  You could even get extra creative and turn your cave into a castle.  Add some stairs, windows, or any other fancy feature you come up with!

2.  Make Snow Candy

Have you ever read the book Little House in the Big Woods?  It’s one of our favorites!  In this book Laura Ingalls grandmother made the kids snow candy, and we have been making it every year since then!

To make snow candy, just place an empty bowl outside while it’s snowing.  The bowl will collect fresh, clean snow.  Once it’s full, bring it inside and immediately pour pure maple syrup on top.  The syrup will harden to make a sweet treat!

  • Related:  Easy Cinnamon Candy Recipe For Christmas

3.  Sledding

Sledding is one of my kids favorite free winter activity.  Sleds are fairly cheap and most sledding hills are free to enjoy!

Try a few sledding hills around town and see if you can find a new favorite.  This is a fun way to enjoy spending the day laughing with friends and family.

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4.  Winter Walk and Scavenger Hunt

Get outside and enjoy the snow with a winter walk and scavenger hunt.  You can turn the scavenger hunt into a game by putting together a list of different items to find while on the walk.  A few ideas for the hunt might be:  a pine cone, icicle, boot tracks, animal tracks, a snowman, etc.

5.  Snowball Fight  

Another free thing to do in winter is to have a snowball fight with your friends or family.  Keep it light and fun so that everyone can enjoy it.  This activity is guaranteed to bring a lot of laughs and memories!

6.  Build a Snowman

Spend some time with your family outside building a snowman.  You could even go a step further and build a family of snowmen!  All you have to do is ask everyone to build the snowman that fits their unique personality!  Make it the same height that you are, and give it your scarf and gloves, or anything else that fits your personality.

7.  Snow Ice Cream

You might enjoy making snow ice cream with your kids.  Here is a simple recipe to try it out.  This is a fun way to enjoy the snow…while staying indoors!

Fun in the Snow for Families -free winter activities

 

 

Winter Indoor Activities

Don’t like going outside in the snow???  I get it!  Here are a few winter indoor activities for families!

8.  Movie Night

Snuggle up together, pop some popcorn and have a family movie night.  Watch a few old classics or try something new.  All that matters is that you are spending time together. 

Not sure where to stream?  Try Paramount+ for free for one week!

9.  Bake Bread

I love spending cold winter days in my kitchen baking something warm.  It’s the perfect season for baking bread.

After you’re done with the bread lather it with homemade butter and eat it together as a family.

10.  Homemade Cocoa

There is nothing better than a hot mug of cocoa on a cold winters day.  It only takes a couple of minutes and a few ingredients to make a big batch homemade hot chocolate mix.  Make the hot chocolate together as a family and enjoy sipping it next to a warm cozy fire.

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11.  Family Slumber Party

Haul blankets, pillows and sleeping bags onto the living room floor and have a large family slumber party together.  You can watch movies, play games and eat treats before falling asleep.  This will be a night your kids will always remember!

12.  Read a Novel as a Family

My family loves to read a novel together every winter.  I usually pick a classic and read it to the kids for 20-30 minutes in the evenings.  A few favorites have been Little House on the Prairie, Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little.

13.  Make Paper Snowflakes

You might enjoy spending an afternoon cutting out paper snowflakes and hanging them around your home.  We like to tape a few to the windows and use invisible thread to hang some from the ceiling.  You can find countless Youtube video tutorials about how to make snowflakes.  This is such a fun, cheap and easy craft!

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14.  Make Play Dough

Make some homemade play dough at home!  You can use your homemade playdough to build snowmen or other fun creations.  Check out my favorite playdough recipe here.

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15.  Have An Indoor Picnic

You don’t have to have warm weather for a picnic, have one at home in your living room!  All you have to do is spread a blanket out on the floor, bring a few of your favorite picnic foods and enjoy a picnic indoors!

16.  Make a Fort

Gather all the blankets and chairs in your house and build a gigantic blanket fort.  Play games, read stories and spend the day hiding out in the fort.

  • Related:  Fun activities to do at home

17.  Make a Sock Snowman

Sock snowmen are a fun, easy winter craft!  All it takes is a little creativity and a few random items found around the house to turn an ordinary sock into a snowman!

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18. Play Board Games

We love board games in our family and they are perfect to play when you are stuck inside!  You can find some cheap board games at your local thrift store, but there are plenty of fun games played with just a deck of cards or dice.

  • Related:  20 Family Board Games, all Under $20

19.  Make Friendship Bracelets

Spend a few hours with your kids making friendship bracelets.  Just braid three threads together and tie in a circle.  Be sure to make two bracelets!  One to give away to a friend and one to keep.

20.  Have A Family Dance Party

Sometimes our family (or maybe just this tired mom! 😉 ) just needs a good old fashioned dance party!  We crank up a few of our fave dance tunes and dance the grumpy faces away!  It’s the perfect way to turn a bad day into a great day!

 

Winter Activities In Town

Need to get out of the house, but don’t want to spend a lot of money?  Try one of the activities below!

21. Visit the Library

The library offers a lot of free activities for everyone in the family.  Take advantage of all the many free programs and be sure to check out a book or movie while you are there!

22.  Serve a Meal at a Homeless Shelter

There is nothing better for a child to learn than how to care for others.  Pick a day as a family to help serve a meal at the local homeless shelter.  This is such a humbling experience!

  • Related:  101 Frugal Ideas To Light The World

23.  Visit a Pet Store

Visiting a pet store is a great way to spend an afternoon.  We love walking around the local pet store and visiting the cats, dogs, and birds.  My kids ask to go regularly and I never complain!

24.  Donate to a Thrift Store

As a family go through all of the toys, clutter, and household items.  Fill up a large box of items to donate to a thrift store.  It feels so good to start the new year fresh and clutter free!

25.  Visit a Neighbor

Do you have an elderly neighbor who might need a visit?  Or maybe someone new to the neighborhood?  As a family pay a special visit to someone needing company.  It’s a great way to brighten their day and get to know someone new!

 

In Conclusion

There are some many free things to do in winter!  I hope that you are able to pick a few off of this list and have a budget friendly, magical winter spent with the ones you love!

 

Related Articles:

Fun At Home Activities For Teens

15 Free At Home Spring Break Activities for Kids

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Free Family Winter Activities

free winter activities for kids - family winter fun ideas

fun winter activities for free - winter family activities

 

What are your favorite free things to do in winter?

Best Family Games Under $20

December 8, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

Check out these budget friendly family game night ideas.

Wondering what the best family games are???  Keep reading!

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE to play family board games.  I love the competition, I love the laughs, and I love spending an evening with my favorite people……but I also do not like to spend a lot of money.

Our little family has Family Game Night every Sunday evening.  I brought this tradition with me from my childhood and have loved sharing it with my children.  Family game night usually consists of some popcorn, fruit and snacks while playing a pile of games together.  The focus is having fun, laughing and enjoying time together.

I also love to get together with friends and family members for game nights.  The great things about games is that there is always something for everyone.  With hundreds and hundreds of games to choose from, every personality and preference can find a favorite game to play.

Games are easy to share with others, making it so cheap for everyone involved.  Think about it!  If everyone bought just one game, and then gets together to share the games, you get to enjoy multiple games for the price of one!  Frugal win!!

2023 family games - frugal board games for families

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Where to buy family games?

There are many different places to buy board games for families.  You can buy them on Amazon or at any store that sell toys.

My favorite place to buy games though are at thrift stores.  The game section is my first stop every time I go to my local thrift store.  Most times I don’t buy anything, but some times I find some great games for only a few dollars!

I have also seen used family games sold on Facebook Marketplace, so make sure to check there!

The Best Family Games Under $20

Here are a few of my recommendations of the best family games under $20.  You do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a fun game night with your family!

Strategy Games

Strategy games are my very favorite games to play!  I love being able to use my mind while playing!

Skull King

I honestly love every game made by Grandpa Beck and Skull King is at the top of that list!  It requires strategy, bidding, with a little mix of pirates and mermaids mixing things up.  This game is a fun to play over and over again!

 

CodeNames

Codenames is a very popular game, and for good reason.  To play this game you form two teams and use word association to try to get your teammates to guess which words you are thinking of.  It feels a little complicated when you first open the box, but it is actually really easy to learn.

The Chameleon

Another fun family game is The Chameleon.  It requires a small amount of strategy to track down the chameleon and win the game.  But it is very easy to learn and play!

 

Forbidden Island

We play Forbidden Island very regularly in our house.  Forbidden Island is a different than other games because you do not compete against each other, instead you work together on the same team to beat the game.  Together, as a team you try to “save” the island before it sinks.  It can get a little stressful, but I love when our little family is forced (encouraged???) to work together.

Forbidden Island Card Game

Kingdomino

Kingdomino is a fun strategy game for families.  This game is similar to dominos, where you are trying to connect certain tiles, but it has a fun twist and strategy to it as you try to build your kingdom.

 

  • Related:  Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

Party Games

If you are looking for some laugh out loud games for groups to play together, here are a few that we love.

Watch Ya Mouth

Watch Ya Mouth is such a fun party game.  It is impossible to play this game without laughing the entire time.  Promise.  It is probably one of the funniest games I have ever played.

Mad Gab

It’s easy for all ages to play Mad Gab.  The game play involves scrambled words that you sound out to try to guess the correct phrase.  It’s so funny to listen to your teammates trying to guess the phrase while they sound the words out over and over.

 

  • Related:  25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

 

Pit

Pit is fast paced, interactive, and loud.  The game works by trying to convince others to trade cards, or “crops” with you while they are trying to convince others to trade with them.  It is a race to be the first to collect all of your crops.  My kids love playing this game and it’s a great way to bring others out of their shell.  It is currently on sell for less than $15!

Telestrations

Telestrations is a mix between Pictionary and Telephone.  Everyone draws a word, then passes their drawing to the next person who guesses what you drew, this continues through everyone.  It’s so funny to see what the end product is and how the pictures change.

 

Easy to Play Games

If you are looking for some easy, quick games to learn and play here are a few of my favorites below!

Cover Your Assets

The game Cover your Assets is fast, easy to learn and seriously addicting.  It’s honestly one of my faves ever!  I’ve always loved money games and the ability to feel like a “quick millionaire.”  This is a great game for families!

Exploding Kittens

Kids love Exploding Kittens!  It’s simple to learn and so much fun to play.  The idea behind the game is so unique and original.  There is a little bit of strategy involved, but not necessary to enjoy the game.

Hedbandz

Our family loves to play Hedbandz!  It’s really easy for everyone to play and keeps you laughing!  To play this game everyone wears a headband with a clue card inserted.  You take turns asking each other yes or no questions to try to correctly guess the clue on your headband.

 

Anomia

Anomia is a fun group game and works well for all personalities, even those normally quiet will start shouting and laughing while playing.  You do need to be able to read, so it is geared towards older kids.  Anomia is small and compact which makes it easy to carry around on trips or over to someone’s home.

Everest Toys Anomia Card Game

Bananagrams

I absolutely love Bananagrams, or as my family likes to call it, Speed Scrabble.  It has the same strategy as scrabble, use your letter tiles to connect words together in a grid.  But, it is fast paced and has an extra element of stress (in a very good way).  If you are a fan of word games, you will love bananagrams!

Bananagrams Party Edition

Farkle

Farkle, or The Dice Game as I grew up calling it, is a game of luck and risk. The more you risk, the more lucky you might get.  It’s very easy to play, just simple rolling the dice and keeping score.  Farkle can turn into a lengthy game or played as a quick time filler.  Plus, it’s a great deal at less than $10!

Spot It

There is really no game like Spot It!  It is easy for all ages to play, has many different game play options, and each round goes quickly.  My kids can seriously play Spot It for hours!  We absolutely love it and I recommend it to everyone!

  • Related:  20 FREE or FRUGAL Family Christmas Traditions

Spot It!

Classic Games

Clue

Clue is a classic, and for good reason!  It’s a good old fashioned mystery game as you make guesses trying to guess who committed the crime.  My kids love getting to go from room to room and write their suspicious in their “clue notebook.”

Sequence

I grew up playing Sequence and it’s been fun to introduce it to my kids again.  It’s a very simple strategy games, easy enough for young kids to follow and enjoy playing.  The goal is to get your tiles all in a row on the game board.

Sequence Game

Qwirkle

Qwirkle is a game for all ages!  The game is played by matching tiles together based on shapes and colors.  It’s a fun game to play while visiting with your friends and passing time.

Taboo

You just can’t go wrong with Taboo!  It’s such a fun game where you try to get your teammates to guess the word on your card, but if you say one of the “no-no” words then you will get buzzed by the buzzer!  This has been a popular game for years for good reason!  You can get it for less than $20 on Amazon!

 

Enjoy your next family game night!

It is possible to buy games, enjoy a game night as a family without spending a lot of money!  I hope your family will enjoy a few of our game recommendations!

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Cheap family games - best games for families

best family games to play - family game night ideas

I hope you loved these family game night ideas of the best family games!

25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

November 1, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Cheap gifts for tweens.

Tween girls can be so hard to shop for!  They are growing out of the little girl toys, but not quite interested in the teen girl life.  Fortunately, I have you covered!  With a little bit of research, and discussion with my daughters I was able to make this list of 25 AMAZING gift ideas for tween girls all under $25.  Yay!

gift ideas for tween girls under $24 - what to buy tweens for Christmas

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Gifts for Reading

Many girls are interested in reading at this age.  Here are a few book ideas for tween girls.

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities is a very popular series for this age group.  Consider buying her the first book in this series, she is sure to love it!  The paperback is only $9.99.

 

Wreck This Journal

I absolutely love the concept of Wreck This Journal.  Each page gives different prompts of things you can do to the journal.  It literally gives the kids permission to “wreck” the journal. 

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

The Tail of Emily Windsnap is such a darling book!  Both of my daughters absolutely loved it; AND it is a series!  That is a huge win for me!  The paperback book is $5.89.

 

Tween Accessories/Jewelry/etc.

Tween girls are all about the accessories!  Here are a few fun ones they might love!

Slippers

Gifting slippers is so fun on Christmas!  You really can’t beat a gift that’s warm and cozy!  These slippers are so sweet and affordable.  I love all of the different designs to choose from. 

 

Claw Clips

Claw clips for hair are really popular right now with teens and tweens!  They are such a cute and fun way to put your hair up!  You can grab this 8 pack for less than $15!  Win!

 

Gel Nail Polish Kit

I bought my daughter a gel nails kit a few years ago and she uses it weekly.  Here is a great starter kit with 10 colors, and portable nail lamp.  

 

Caboodles

Caboodles are all the rage right now, and I love this caboodle.  A perfect place for tween girls to start organizing their makeup collection.  

 

Necklace

I adore this dainty initial necklace.  It would make such a special gift!  The necklace is a great price at $15.99.

MignonandMignon Gold Initial Necklace Initial Pendant Necklace Graduation Gift Personalized Necklace (M) - RCIN

 

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls Room

Tweens are at the age where they love decorating their room and putting their own personality in it.  Here are a few ideas she might love!

Felt Board

Felt Boards make for really cute room decorations for tween girls.  This felt board is only $21.95 and has amazing reviews!

Marquee Letter

Another really fun room decoration is this Marquee Letter Sign.  You can choose whichever letter you want for the initial and it’s less than $10!

 

Squishmallow

Squishmallows are cool no matter what age you are!  They are soft and adorable and so popular!  I personally love this pineapple squishmallow, but there are so many different designs to choose from. 

 

Lava Lamp

I always wanted a lava lamp as a young girl, and my girls have felt the same way. There is just something so relaxing about the colors in the lava lamp.  This Lava Lamp is so pretty!

Alarm Clock

Check out this adorable Alarm clock!  I love the retro look it has, and it includes other colors to choose from.  It’s currently priced at $12.99.

 

 

Educational/Craft Gifts

Are you looking for something educational or maybe a craft for your tween girl to do?  These make great gifts because they keep girls entertained, learning and busy…..without electronics!

Adult Coloring Book

If your tween loves to color, they might love this Inspirational Coloring Book.  I love that the pages are focused on building confidence and self worth, which is so important for tweens!  It’s very affordable at only $6.99!

 

Markers

Most tween girls love markers.  They use them for doodling, drawing, writing notes, calligraphy, etc.  Here’s a really cute set of metallic markers.

 

Lip Balm Kit

How fun does this Lip Balm Kit look?  It is a fun mix of science and glam, perfect for pre-teens.  The reviews are all really positive and would be a fun activity to do together.

 

Cookbook

American Girl just can do no wrong!  This American Girl Baking Cookbook is darling and looks so fun.  It would be a great way for tween girls to learn to bake.  You can get the hardcover for just $10.99!

Bead Kit

Here is a cute bead kit for making jewelry.  It has 4800 pieces with a variety of colors and designs.

 

Tie-Dye Kit

Tie dye is super popular among the young crowd!  Consider gifting the tween girl in your life a tie dye kit for Christmas.  Use your imagination when it comes to tie dye, it can be more than white shirts.  You can tie dye scrunchies, socks, hats, shoes, headbands, and so much more!

 

Piggy Bank

I think it is so important to teach kids how to save their money.  This pineapple piggy bank is so cute and would make saving fun!

 

 

Gifts for Fun

Girls just wanna have fun, right???  Here are a few gift ideas that your tween girl will love using daily!

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for girl parties or for anyone who loves to sing!  It is compatible with both android and iOS and it is only $14.99.

 

Gumball Machine

I always wanted my very own gumball machine as a kid.  This cute Gumball Machine comes with gumballs already stocked and has a fun spiral feature.

 

 

Sleep Over Party Game

This is a really fun party game for tween girls to play with their friends.  It can be played at a party, or just for fun!   You can buy it for $19.99!

 

Watch Ya Mouth Game

The Watch Ya Mouth Game is hilarious!  It’s impossible not to laugh while playing!  Tweens will love playing this with their friends and family.  It’s a great price at $19.99!

 

Throw Throw Burrito

Another fun game for tweens is the Throw Throw Burrito game.  It’s a fun, interactive game that keeps everyone laughing the entire time.

 

In Conclusion

There are so many things you can gift ideas for tween girls under $25.  Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!

 

Related Articles:

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

25 Gift Ideas for 5-7 year old boys under $25

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10

 

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Gift Ideas for 5-7 year old boys under $25

October 8, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Cheap Christmas gifts for young kids.

My goal for giving gifts is to find good quality gifts that will be loved for years, without spending very much money.  I know it’s hard, but it is possible!  Today I found 25 gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys, all under $25!   I hope one of these ideas will be the perfect gift for your loved one!

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Book Gifts for 5-7 Year Old Boys

The ages between 5-7 are such magical times for young kids.  Many learn how to read and write during these years, and a whole new world is opened up to them through books.  Here are a few of our fave books for these ages.

The Monster At The End Of This Book

One of my very favorite children’s books is The Monster at the End of This Book.  This is such a fun, interactive story that brings a laugh with every turn of the page.  I have never found a kid who hasn’t giggled with every page turn during this book.  Plus, the price is fantastic at $2.98 for a hard cover!

The Book With No Pictures

The Book With No Pictures is another really fun book.  Each page is filled with silly words that “must” be read exactly as shown.  It’s impossible to read it without laughing, and it is worth the $9.90!  When I worked at my kids school library, this was always the book the students were fighting over!

Piggie and Gerald Book

You can honestly never go wrong with a Piggie and Gerald book!  They are so fun and loveable!  We spend hours reading them weekly.  The Let’s Go For a Drive book happens to be one of our faves and is a great deal for just $10!

Educational Gift Ideas

Education toys are some of my favorite gifts to give.  I love how they keep kids minds active and entertained at the same time!

Lego Gear Bots

Here is a fun and educational gift for 5-7 year old boys.  The LEGO Gear Bots combines the magic of legos and technic in such a creative way to help young minds build and learn.  This is a gift that is worth the frugal price!

 

Science Kit

Do you have a boy who loves science?  This Science Kit is just the ticket!  It can provide hours of fun for you and your son to enjoy together.  The price is right at just $12.92!

LEGO Chain Reactions Kit

Another fun education gift is the LEGO Chain Reactions kit.  It involves building, planning, and experimenting and teaches your little one how to build 10 different moving machines with all pieces needed included!  This is a great toy for helping kids learn, while they are having fun!  It is only $18.86!

How to Draw Book

Each of my kids have enjoyed these How to Draw books.  The shapes are all easy to draw and understand, making it perfect for a young beginner.  Plus, it only costs $4.99!  A great frugal gift!

Sport Gifts

I love gifting fun sport gifts to my boy.  Anything that keeps him active, and helps get the energy out is a great gift!

Over The Door Basketball Hoop

Maybe the boy you are shopping for loves basketball??  He might enjoy this fun Over the Door Basketball Hoop for a fun game of basketball in the house.  It is only $24.95 and comes with a foam ball!

 Soccer Goal Net

Another fun and frugal sport gift idea is this Soccer Goal Net.  It’s the perfect size for a basement soccer game or to take outside for extra practice.  And it is currently on sale for just $16.99!

Gifts for Play

We all know that boys love to play!  Here are some fun gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys, perfect for helping them to play!

Remote Control Car

Remote control anything is always a sure bet with young boys.  This Remote Control Stunt Car is extra special with lights, music and the ability to perform fun stunts and tricks.  It is a fantastic deal at just $21.95!!

Walkie Talkies

How fun would these Walkie Talkies be for your sweet boy?  My son loves using his walkie talkies with his friends to play “spy.”  It’s really the cutest ever!  The reviews are all fantastic and they are only $21.99.

 

Magformers

I absolutely love Magformers for kids!  Not only are they form to play with, but it’s also a great toy for encouraging imagination and STEM knowledge.  There are so many possibilities to create!  This is a small beginner set and only costs $23.70.

LEGO Set

When it comes to boys, you can never go wrong with a LEGO set, and the LEGO creator sets are extra fun because you can make multiple creations from the same set.  Here is a fun LEGO Dinosaur creator set perfect for young boys!  It’s only $11.99!

 Kids Tool Set

How cute is this Kids Tool Set?  My little boy just loves pulling out his toy tools and “helping” dad around the house.  Plus, it’s on sale for $23.99!

 

Night Vision Goggles

My son received these Night Vision Goggles for Christmas last year and absolutely LOVED them!  He was so cute playing “spy” with them.  They are only $13.99!

Nerf Gun

I’ve never met a boy who didn’t love a nerf gun and this Nerf Gun checks all the boxes; it has over 14,000 positive reviews and comes with 6 darts.  It could provide hours of fun for any little boy!  The price is right at just $18.34.

Hand Operated Drone

This hand operated drone is the perfect Christmas gift for boys!  It’s controlled through sensors by the move of your hand! 

 

Flexible Race Track

The Flexible Race Track is a FAVORITE in our house.  These tracks are easy to snap together and fun to change the design over and over.  It is a good price at $28.69!

 

Remote Control Robot

How fun is this Remote Control Robot??  The robot can be programmed to dance, sing, and do a lot of other fun activities.  It’s only $24.99!

Boogie Boards 

I absolutely love these Boogie Boards!  They are similar to a white board and chalkboard, but easier to erase and so much less mess.  We use them on car trips, during church, and for playing at home.  

Light Saber

The Star Wars craze is back, and not going anywhere anytime soon.  This double sided light up saber is perfect for a friendly duel.  So fun.

 

Transformers 

If you are a looking for a fun, budget friendly action figure for your boy, you might enjoy this Transformers toy.  It’s the perfect transformer for young boys because it’s easy to maneuver and transform.  You can buy it now at the excellent price of $16.99.

Games

My family loves all types of games!  Board games, card games, silly games!  You name it and we want to play it!  They are always fun gifts to give because they offer hours of family togetherness and laughs.  Here are a few favorites.

Spot It

Our Family LOVES the game Spot It.  I was really excited to find a Spot It Jr. for our little one.  This game is so easy to learn and play, and so addicting!  You can get it for just $9.99!

Spot It! JR. Animals

Connect 4

Connect 4 is a classic game, and for good reason!  It is fun to play and a perfect game for beginners.  Buy it now for only $9.88.

Exploding Kittens 

Honestly, Exploding Kittens is the perfect game for young boys.  It’s full of silliness and laughter!  You can get it for only $19.99.

In Conclusion

There are so many wonderful gifts you can give to the young boy in your life, without having to spend a lot of money.  I hope these gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys gave you some inspiration to finding that perfect present!

 

Related Articles:

25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls Under $25

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

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Harry Potter Theme Party Ideas

September 15, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

Fun ideas for a Harry Potter birthday party!

My youngest turned 10 last week and he really wanted a Harry Potter themed birthday party.  As a huge Harry Potter fan myself, I was so excited to make his dreams become a reality!  One of the best things about throwing a Harry Potter birthday party is that there are just SO many fun activities you can do.  We had so much fun looking up ideas, planning the party together. and making “magic” happen.

The party was a huge success and I’m so excited to share all the nitty gritty details with you today!

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Harry Potter Party Decorations

The decorations for this party were very simple.  Basically all I did was splurge on a Platform 9 3/4 sign for our front door, and placed a few candles on the table (easy peasy is my jam).  The kids loved walking through the platform curtain and I’m so happy I bought it!  My son now has it hanging in his bedroom doorway.  It’s so cute!

 

platform 9 3/4 curtain on front door

 

Sorting Hat Cupcakes

The party started with our Sorting Hat Cupcakes.  This was probably my favorite part of the entire party!  I knew I wanted to sort everyone into a house, but I wasn’t sure exactly how to do that.  But, then I came across the idea to use Sorting Hat Cupcakes.

These were a huge hit and I’m so glad we went this direction.

But, I have to give a little disclaimer!  I am by no means a professional cake decorator or baker!  But, I do like trying to find budget friendly ways to make my kids dreams come true!  And fortunately, even though these cupcakes did not look perfect….my Harry Potter fan LOVED them….and that’s really all that mattered.

How To Make Sorting Hat Cupcakes

Sorting hat cupcakes are so easy to make!  Just bake cupcakes according to your favorite cake recipe instructions. 

Once the cupcakes are baked and cooled, take a spoon and gently spoon out some of the middle of the cupcake.

Next, mix up 4 different colors of frosting.  One will be blue (for Ravenclaw house), one red (for Gryffindor house), another yellow (for Hufflepuff house), and the last green (for Slytherin house).  Which are, obviously, the different colors of the four houses in Harry Potter.  I really like this frosting recipe and then I used food coloring to make the different colors.

After you’ve made your frosting it’s time to fill the cupcakes.  Put a different color of frosting into the middle of each cupcake. 

sorting cupcakes

 

Frost the cupcake with white frosting, making sure to cover the colored frosting.  Then, put half an Oreo on top of the frosting.  This will be the first part of your sorting hat.

 

Lastly, add a Hershey kiss on top of the Oreo half.  I had to put a little bit of frosting on the bottom of the kiss to make sure it stuck to the oreo.  And ta-dah!  Your sorting hat cupcakes are done!

 

After singing Happy Birthday I let each of the kids randomly choose a cupcake.  Whichever color of frosting was inside their cupcake was the house that they would be in.  They loved getting to take off the sorting hat to see which house they were in.  It was such a fun activity!

I forgot to take a picture of the kids finding out what house they are in, but here is a picture of the Great Hall before our guests arrived.

 

Harry Potter Party Activities

After the kids were sorted into their houses and finished eating their cupcakes we started the activities.  Each activity was in a different room and represented a different Hogwarts Class.  I pinned our class schedule onto a bulletin board to display and the kids loved looking to see the different classes for the day.  If you want this class schedule, you can grab it for free here:  Harry Potter Class Schedule Printable

History of Magic

Our first class was the History of Magic.  In the History of Magic class we learned about the famous wizard who defeated Voldemort….I’m talking about Harry Potter of course!

After learning about Harry Potter we played the game, Pin the Scar on Harry.  My husband drew the poster for me (because he is much more artistic than I am) and I printed out some lightning bolt scars.  Yay for team effort!  This game was a lot of fun, you just can’t beat the tried and true classic!

 

Potions

Next up on the schedule was Potions.  The kids absolutely LOVED this class and it turned out even better than I had imagined!

I wanted to do a simple science experiment, but with big results.  So, I decided to do an old favorite of mixing vinegar and baking soda together.  When you combine the vinegar and baking soda together it bubbles up really big.  The dish soap makes it more bubbly, and the rest of the ingredients are just for fun!  I printed up a potions card to display, and you can print it out for free here:   Harry Potter Growth Potion.

Unicorn Potion:  Vinegar

Dragons Blood:  Food Coloring

Spider Venom:  Dish Soap

Gillyweed:  Oregano (although the kids all let me know gillyweed is suppose to be slimy…you win some and you lose some)

Crushed Bones:  Baking Soda

 

To set up potions class, I bought these science mixing cups from Amazon.  Then I printed out labels for each of the ingredients and taped them to the cups.

 

Potions class was outside (because I knew it would be messy!).  Each party guest started with a small mason jar and a stirring stick (the stirring sticks came with the science mixing cups I had bought).  

 

Then, we brought out a new ingredient one by one as they stirred it all together.   Make sure to add the baking soda last for the big surprise.  The entire solution will foam over the mason jars.  The kids were all shocked and surprised at the result!  It was a huge hit and fun to see their reactions!

 

  • Related:  Budget Friendly Birthday Traditions for Kids

 

Divinations

Next up was Divinations class.  This class was another huge hit!

To prepare in advance I made this fortune teller guide.

 

The night before the party I put a small drop of food coloring into 8 different plastic cups, one for each child coming.  The food coloring needs to dry completely before adding anything else to the cup, so doing this the night before is necessary.  Then, right before divination class began I filled the cups up with ice to hide the food coloring at the bottom.

 

I wanted to make this experience really fun for the kids.  So, I poured some sprite into a large bowl and then added a dry ice block to make it foggy.  The kids LOVED this!

 

I handed each of the kids one of the cups I had prepped earlier.  Then one by one I spooned sprite into each cup.  We had to wait a few minutes for the fog to clear but once it did the sprite had changed colors (thanks to the dried food coloring).  We were able to use the color in the cup and fortune teller guide to tell each of the kids their fortunes.  It was so fun!

 

Charms Class

After divination we went to charms class.  Earlier in the week my son had made wands for each of the party guests and we let everyone choose a wand for charms class.  I found a Wand Motion Chart from The Scrap Shoppe Blog and gave one to each kid.  Together we practiced a few charms and spells, and the kids had fun practicing the different wand motions.

 

  • Related:  DIY Harry Potter Wand

 

Defense Against The Dark Arts

Last, but not least we went to Defense Against The Dark Arts class.  I thought it would be fun to have a pinata in this class for the kids to “battle.”  I found this spider pinata on Amazon and decided it would be perfect!  After coloring in the face (to make it more spooky) and filling it with candy we were ready to go!

Everyone got a turn to hit the spider with a bat, and then we let the birthday boy finish it off.  The kids loved grabbing the candy with their Harry Potter goody bag.

 

 

The Party Was A Hit

The kids had so much fun at our Harry Potter themed party.  I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better!  Let me know if any of these ideas helped you plan your own party!  I’d love to hear how they worked out.

 

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The Best Deals At Dollar Tree

June 9, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

The best things to buy at the Dollar Tree.

I love shopping at my local Dollar Tree.  Not only are the items all affordable ($1.25???  yes please!), but they also have quality products!  However, the truth is that not all items sold at your local dollar store is a good deal.  We are often led to believe that because something is sold at the Dollar Tree, it MUST be the best price in town, right???  Well, this is not always the case!  Today I am going to share the best deals at Dollar Tree.  These are the items that you can always count on to be a better price than you can buy anywhere else.

Best Deals At Dollar Tree

The next time you are shopping at Dollar Tree, make sure to look for these amazing deals!

1.  Pregnancy Test

There is no need to spend a lot of money on pregnancy tests!  Just hop on over to your local Dollar Tree and pick up one of these tests for just $1.25.  They are just as accurate as the tests you can buy at the grocery store, but for only half the price!  Yay!

 

2.  Ovulation Predictor

Another great buy in the pregnancy sectioin is an Ovulation Predictor.  You can buy a big pack of these at Walmart for a good price, but the ones at Dollar Tree are still cheaper!

 

3.  Hair Scrunchies/Hair Ties

The Dollar Tree is a great place to buy hair scrunchies and hair ties!  They are not only affordable, but also super cute!  I love the huge selection available!

 

4.  Bleach

One of the best deals at Dollar Tree is their bleach.  For only $1.25 you can get a 96 oz. container of bleach!  That is a great price and I haven’t been able to find it cheaper anywhere else.

 

5.  Bandaids

If your kids are anything like my kids you probably go through a lot of bandaids.  Fortunately, you can buy them for a great price at Dollar Tree!

 

6.  Flip Flops

I love grabbing a few pairs of flip flops at the Dollar Tree every summer.  They are super cute and comfortable, plus it doesn’t matter if they break or get lost….because I spent less than $1.50 on them!

 

7.  Candles/Wax Melts

You really can’t beat paying less than $2 for a candle and a carton of candle wax melts.  Whenever you need to buy a candle, make sure to buy it at the Dollar Tree.

 

8.  Coloring/Activity Books

Dollar Tree has a huge selection of coloring and activity books perfect for kids.  I love to buy a few at the beginning of each summer to keep my kids entertained for the next few months.  The books are constantly changing and I love looking through the new selection regularly.

  • Related:  50 Fun Summer Activities For Kids

 

9.  Seasonal Items

Another great buy at Dollar Tree are the seasonal items.  Dollar Tree is wonderful at rotating through a large supply of seasonal toys, decorations, food and more.  It’s a great place to stock up on summer fun activities or stocking stuffers….and everything in between!

 

10.  Greeting Cards

The cheapest place to buy greeting cards is always at the Dollar Tree!  For only $1 you can get TWO greeting cards to give to your loved ones.  This is a great buy!

I also love to buy a package of blank note cards.  For $1 you get 6 blank cards, and can use them for any occasion!

 

11.  Gift Bags

The next time you are at Dollar Tree make sure to stock up on gift bags.  They are a fantastic deal and come in so many designs and sizes.

Want to know the best part of buying a gift bag???  It’s reusable, so the one time purchase can be used again and again!

12.  Sticky Notes

Another great buy at the Dollar Tree is the sticky notes.  I love using sticky notes for weekly planning and list making, so I always buy a package or two!

 

13.  LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are expensive, buy can save you a lot of money in the long run!  Buy your LED lights at Dollar Tree so that you can still get the long term rewards, without the high price tag.

  • Related:  12 Products Worth Buying To Save Money In The Long Run

 

14.  Nail Polish

I have two girls in my home who LOVE doing their nails.  They buy a lot of their nail polish at Dollar Tree because the prices are MUCH lower than at other stores.

 

15.  Picture Frames

Did you know that you can even buy picture frames at Dollar Tree?  Because you totally can!  I love buying picture frames at Dollar Tree because they are so cheap, and have a lot of different styles and sizes to choose from!  Yay!

 

In Conclusion

The Dollar Tree has so many great deals, especially the ones listed above!  I have been able to save my family a lot of money by buying each of these things at Dollar Tree, and I hope this article will help your family save money too!  That’s what I’m here for after all!

 

Related Articles:

Dollar Tree Pantry Organization Tips

Dollar Tree Easter Basket Ideas

How To Save Money On Diapers

 

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Best Side Hustles For Stay At Home Moms

April 5, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to earn money from home!

I have been so lucky to have been able to spend the past 16 years at home with my kids.  Being a stay at home mom is a job I always dreamed of, and I am definitely living my dream!  But, as my kids have grown older and I have had more free time, I have been looking for ways to earn a little extra income, without having to give up my time with my kids.  If you are in a similar situation at me, wanting to stay home with your kids, but are also wondering how to earn money from home, this article is for you!  I brainstormed a list of the best side hustles for stay at home moms, and I hope they help!

The best thing about this list is that these jobs are for anyone who wants to work part time out of their home.  Many of these can be done in the evenings or on weekends while you are still working a full time job.

This article contains affiliate links.  I will receive a commission off of purchases made through my links.

1.  Clean Businesses or Homes

A great way to make money as a stay at home mom is to hire yourself out to clean local businesses or homes.  Many businesses will need to be cleaned after office hours, which is perfect for stay at home moms because this mean you might be able to leave your kids at home with your husband once he gets home from work while you go clean.  This is also a good option for those needing to earn money after their day job is done.

You can easily market yourself on Facebook Marketplace, just post in a local group that you are available to clean and when.  There are also a few cleaning companies you could call and ask if they are needing another cleaner.

This is actually my side hustle.  I have been cleaning two AirBnb Rentals for the past year and actually really enjoy it!

I stick my earbuds in, listen to my favorite podcasts or a new book and clean away.  It’s good money and fairly easy work.  I’ve also been given permission to bring my kids with me, so I give them little jobs to help with and pay them for their help!  It’s been a great experience for all of us!

2.  Ebay Reseller

Do you like to thrift shop???  Why not turn that hobby into a part time job?  Look for brand name items at local thrift stores or garage sales and resell them on ebay.

Before buying anything remember to do a quick check on eBay to see how much money similar items are selling for, this should give you an idea of what is a good buy or not.

I’ve sold items here and there on eBay, but never consistently.  If you are interested in learning more, I found a fantastic article that can help get you started!

3.  AirBnb Hosting

I first learned about AirBnb Hosting from the lovely Jamie at Fly By The Seat of Our Pants.  Her family travels constantly, and they have learned to rent out their home using AirBnb while they are on vacation!  This has given them the ability to EARN money while they are on vacation!  I mean seriously, can it get any better than that????

I’ll be honest, when I first heard Jamie talk about letting strangers come stay at their house while they go on vacation, I was not on board.  But, the more I have learned from her, the more that I can see it is in fact a GREAT way to earn an extra income.  If you’re like me and have questions about how she makes it all work, check out her post Secrets of an AirBnb Host-FAQ of Renting our Home. She explains it all so well!

 

4.  VIP Kid

VIP Kid is currently one of the most popular work from home jobs, and for good reason!  The company is super easy to work with and hires most of their applicants!

This job sounds so fun because you get to sit at your computer while teaching English to kids in China!  If you are a teacher at heart, this is the job for you.

The best part is that all of the work is already done for you!  The lesson plans are all prepared, your job is just to teach it!

They do require you have some experience working with kids and a bachelors degree.  But!  It doesn’t matter what your degree is in!  (whoo!)

5.  Babysit Kids in Your Home

If you are already at home taking care of your own kids, why not offer to babysit a few other kids.  This is an easy way to earn an extra income, while doing what you would be doing anyways!

If a full time daycare feels like to much, consider just watching one child a couple of times a week.  I constantly see posts on Facebook Marketplace of parents wanting to find a part time sitter for their child.  Check there first!

6.  Blogging

Hello blogging! I fell in love with blogging last year when I decided, completely on a whim, to start this little blog.  I’ve always had a love of writing and being able to do that while being a full time stay at home mom felt like the perfect fit.

I’ve learned a lot over the past year and made a lot of mistakes at the same time.  But, you know what.  All of the ups and downs have been so worth it!  I love getting to do what I love from the comfort of my home.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about getting started blogging!  It’s a long road, made much easier with a support system.

  • Related:  How Do Bloggers Make Money

7.  Open an Etsy Shop

Do you love to craft or create?  Consider opening an Etsy shop to sell your handmade items.  We all have the ability to create something to share with the world.

Maybe your shop would be crafts, or jewelry.  It might even be graphic design or printables….the sky is the limit!  Spend a few minutes searching through Etsy to get some ideas for your own shop.

8.  Teach a Service

Do you have a skill you could teach to others?  I bet you do!

A few years ago I was a piano teacher (until I retired for personal reasons).  I loved having the ability to pick my own schedule and teach right out of my home.

What skills could you teach to others?  Maybe you could teach music, sewing, gardening, art, or cooking.

It would be fun to create a summer camp and focus on teaching for a few weeks straight if you don’t want to commit to something long term.

You could even teach through Zoom, Skype, etc.

9.  Photography

Do you like to take pictures?  Why don’t you turn it into a business!  All of the photographers I use are stay at home moms, and they are fantastic!

This side hustle will require some upfront costs as you invest in a camera and possibly some equipment.  But, it might be worth it if this is something you feel passionate about.

Do some research online and learn about what it takes to start a photography business to help you decide if this is the right fit for you or not.

10.  Refurbish Old Furniture

Refurbishing old furniture might feel a little daunting at first, but once you get going with it it’s actually really not that hard!!

Search thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales for old furniture and when you find a cheap price on a nice piece, snatch it up.

The trick is to look for the POTENTIAL!  Try to see beyond the yellow oak stain, the scratches and nicks and imagine the beauty the furniture could be.  Be sure to BARTER if you’re at a garage sale (always).

You can find hundreds of YouTube video tutorials all about how to refurbish old furniture!

Once you’re done fixing it up, list the item for sale, Facebook Marketplace works great, and enjoy the profit you’ll make!

I actually LOVE buying from people who have fixed up old furniture.  I love the look of it, but don’t like putting in the work.  So, you never know….I just might be your first customer!  😉

11.  Become a Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant is easy!  All you need is motivation and a computer!  Virtual assistants work from home while assisting companies with social media, blogging, editing, e-mailing and more.

This job is wide open to whatever the company needs from you to keep their business thriving.  I have heard SO many good things about being a virtual assistant, and have considered it myself!

If you are interested in becoming a virtual assistant, I recommend joining a few Virtual Assistant Facebook groups.  These will be a great resource for you to ask questions and network.

12.  Tutoring

There have been times (actually many, many times) when I would be willing to PAY someone to help my daughter with her math homework.  I just don’t do math!

If I knew of a stay at home mom who would be willing to tutor my daughter in this subject, that is a fee I would be willing to pay!  If you enjoy working with others and feel confident in a specific subject, this is a great way to earn extra money from home.

Consider signing up through a tutoring company, or hire yourself out online.  This is a great job for setting your own hours!

In Conclusion

I truly believe that with the technology we have there are so many side hustles for stay at home moms, or anyone wanting to earn an extra income from home.  Do some research, find the right fit for you and your personality, and then get started making money!

Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help!

 

Pin this article for future reference:

How to Earn Money From Home for Stay at Home Moms

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Related Articles:

Budgeting for Beginners: FAQ

What I have learned about living a sweet and frugal life on ONE income

The life lessons that taught me to budget for JOY while living in the present!

The best side hustles for stay at home moms!

Seasonal Sales Cycles: What To Buy Each Month For The Best Deal

January 13, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

The Best Time To Buy Everything Month By Month

Ok. I want to let you in on a little secret…..are you ready for it????  Here goes!  

Shopping seasonal sales will change your finances.

There, I said it!

Will this one little hack change your finances drastically????  No!

But, will it help you to have more money?  Absolutely!

 

What is a sales cycle?

A sales cycle, also called seasonal sales, is when certain products are put on sale at specific times during the year.  These are usually the times when the products will be priced at their lowest, so if it’s an item you like to buy frequently, you should buy it during that time.

Learning the cycle of seasonal sales is one of the best ways to cut down your regular spending.  I like to wait to buy some of my fave products until I know the sale is likely coming, and then I can confidently buy it at the low price.

What stores have seasonal sales?

Are you wondering what stores have seasonal sales cycles?  Well, you’re in luck because all of them do!  Seriously!  Or at least at MOST stores.   You should be able to find a rotation of sales at clothing, grocery, furniture, hardware stores and more!

Items go on sale in cycles, typically the same products will be on sale the same time of year each year.  Keep reading to find out exactly what goes on sale and when.

 

What’s on Sale in January?

Bedding and Towels:  Many department stores will have sales on their bedding, towels and sheets during January as part of their “white sales.”

Holiday Decorations:  As Christmas ends, you will find huge discounts on all things holiday.  These usually begin right at the end of December/beginning of January.  But make sure to be quick shopping for all things Christmas, as these items will go fast!

Gym Memberships and Equipment:  With the turn of the New Years comes New Years Resolutions, and many goals revolve around fitness.  Because of these goals retailers commonly mark down their gym memberships and fitness equipment.

Calendars and Planners:  If you wait until after January 1 you will be able to get a cheaper price on calendars and planners for the upcoming year.

Toys:  Another great seasonal sales cycle that comes in January is toys!  You should be able to find markdowns on many toys as retailers are trying to decrease their stock of Christmas toys.  This is a good time to stock up for next year or for birthdays!

Grocery Sales in January

Oatmeal Products:  January is National Oatmeal Month, which means grocery stores will put their oatmeal products on sale.  The sales will include granola bars, instant oatmeal, and oat cereal.

Diet Foods:  As mentioned above, January is a popular month for dieting.  A lot of stores take advantage of these new years goals by putting their diet foods on sale.

Party Foods:  Towards the end of January, as the Super Bowl gets closer, you will be able to find markdowns on party foods.  Look for deals on crackers, pizza, wings, chips, dips, soda etc.

In Season Produce:  This month the cheapest produce to buy will be:  apples, grapefruits, kiwi, lemons, clementine’s, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels spouts, celery, and leeks.

 

  • Related:  How to Save Money When Eating Out

 

What’s on Sale in February?

Winter Clothing:  February is a great time to stock up on cold weather clothing, such as clothes, gloves, hats, etc.  Many stores are trying to get rid of their supply to make room for summer/spring clothing.

TVs:  The beginning of February is one of the best times (excluding Black Friday) to buy a new TV.  The prices are heavily discounted right before Super Bowl week.

Furniture:  If you are in the market for new furniture/mattresses, Presidents Day is usually a great time to buy these items!

Video Games:  New video games are commonly released in November, right before the holidays.  If you wait until February to buy these new games you will most likely get them on a discount!

Grocery Sales in February

Chocolate:  Chocolate is heavily discounted after Valentines Day.  Stock up for birthday gifts or yummy snacking!

Canned Food:  February is National Canned Food month making it the perfect time of year to stock up on all the canned goods.  Most grocery stores will be having sales on canned foods including beans, tomatoes, soup, fruit, etc.

In Season Produce:  Seasonal produce in February includes asparagus, broccoli, carrots, celery, kiwi, avocados, lemons and grapefruit.

 

 

What’s On Sale in March?

Luggage:  Luggage typically goes on sale during March, so if you are in need of a new suitcase, this is your month!

Craft Supplies:  March is National Craft Month!  Look for deals on all things craft supplies this month.

Winter Sports Gear:  Now that spring is coming it is a perfect time to buy winter sports gear.  Items like skis and snowshoes will be discounted at many sporting good stores.

Cleaning Supplies:  Spring cleaning is just around the corner and many retailers will start discounting their cleaning supplies in March.

  • Related:  5 Easy Homemade Cleaner Recipes

Grocery Sales in March

Frozen Foods:  National Frozen Food Month is in March, meaning many grocers offer deals on all things frozen foods.  It’s the perfect time to stock up on ice cream, frozen veggies, pizza and more.

Breakfast Cereals:  March 7th is National Cereal Day and with that comes discounts on both cold and hot cereals.

In Season Produce:  This month is also a great time to buy broccoli, carrots, celery, mushrooms, cauliflower, oranges, pineapples, and strawberries.

 

What’s On Sale in April?

Easter:  Stock up on all things Easter after the holiday is over.  You will be able to find deals on Easter baskets, eggs, candy, stuffed animals, and decorations.

Vacuums:  New vacuum models are typically released in April, and the older models will go on sale, just in time for spring cleaning.

Snow Blowers:  April is not the month when most people have snow blowers on their mind, but it is the perfect time to buy one for a discounted price!

Cookware Sets:  With graduation and wedding season approaching many department stores start discounting their cookware sets (which make perfect gifts)!

Grocery Sales in April

Ham:  Many foods will be marked down immediately after Easter, including ham!  It’s a great time to get a deal on this expensive meat.

Baking Items:  You can usually find some good deals on baking items throughout the month of April.

Easter Candy:  Make sure to stock up on Easter candy after the holiday is over.

In Season Produce:  The produce in season during the month of April is:  artichokes, beets, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, onion, avocado, and mangos.

 

What’s On Sale in May?

Furniture:  Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to buy furniture.  If you are needing any indoor furniture or mattresses, this is the month to do so!

Small Kitchen Appliances:  May is the perfect time to get deals on small kitchen appliances as retailers mark them down for graduation and wedding season.  

Paper Products:  A lot of grilling/picnic items go on sale right before Memorial Day weekend, including paper products like plates, napkins, etc.

Grocery Sales in May

Cinco De Mayo:  Cinco De Mayo is on May 5th which brings a lot of celebrations, and a few deals!  At the beginning of the month look for sales on salsa, tortillas, and other Mexican foods.

Grilling Items:  Condiments, hamburger buns, hot dogs and other grilling foods are commonly put on sale during May in preparation for Memorial Day BBQs.

In Season Produce:  Make sure to look for these seasonal produce items:  apricots, artichokes, beets, blackberries, carrots, cantaloupe, peas, radish, strawberries and watermelon.

  • Related:  How to Freeze Strawberries (the easy way)

 

 

What’s On Sale in June?

Bath and Body Products:  Bath and Body Works always has their semi annual sale in June with fantastic markdowns!  This is a great time to stock up on your favorite bath and body products, I also like to buy a few to gift as Christmas presents!  This is one of my favorite seasonal sales cycles!

Tools:  With Fathers Day in the middle of June, you will find prices on tools dropping.  These make great gifts for Fathers Day, but you can also plan ahead for Christmas!

Workout Clothing:  Many retailers put their workout clothing on sale in June as people tend to get more active during the summer months.  This is a good time to get a deal on clothes for exercising or outdoor adventures.

Spring Clothing:  June is a great month for shopping clothing clearance racks.  Most of the spring clothes are put on sale to make room for all of the summer items.

Pain Killers:  Did you know that June is National Headache Month (yes, this is a real thing!)?  You can usually find a few deals on pain killers, sinus medications, aspirin, etc.  

Grocery Sales in June

Dairy Foods:  June is National Dairy Month and with it brings grocery deals on all things dairy, including milk, yogurt, eggs, ice cream and cheese.

Grilling Items:  Like May you can find a lot of deals on foods for grilling, such as meats, condiments, buns, etc.

In Season Produce:  Here are a few of the produce items that are in season this month:  corn, cucumbers, squash, apricots, blueberries, peaches, strawberries and watermelon.

 

What’s On Sale in July?

Patriotic Items:  Immediately after the 4th of July is the best time of year to stock up on supplies, decorations and clothing for next years celebrations.  These sales will begin right before the holiday, but if you wait and buy after the 4th, the discount will be even greater.

Paint:  Lowes and Home Depot typically have paint sales in July.  If you’ve been wanting to paint a room in your house, this is a great month to do it!

Swimsuits:  Near the end of the month you will start seeing discounts on swimsuits, stock up now before they get picked over!

Grocery Sales in July

Ice Cream:  July is National Ice Cream Month (AKA:  the best holiday ever!).  Grocery stores will be having sales on ice cream, so be on the lookout for those throughout the month!

Hot Dogs:  In addition to ice cream, July is also National Hot Dog Month!  You will be able to find deals on hot dogs, buns and condiments.

In Season Produce:  Seasonal produce this month include blueberries, watermelon, green beans, squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, corn and cucumbers.

 

What’s On Sale in August?

School/Office Supplies:  August is a popular time for retailers to mark down their school and office supplies in preparation for back to school time.  Stock up now and be prepared all year.

Patio Furniture:  As summer comes to an end, you will be able to find good deals on outdoor patio furniture.  It’s a great time to buy ahead to use for next year!

Yard Care Supplies:  This is the perfect month for buying garden supplies, lawn mowers and other yard care items.  Retailers are marking down yard care supplies to clear them out before winter comes.

Grocery Sales In August

Breakfast Foods:  The first day of school will be starting soon, and typically the seasonal sales cycles include deals on easy foods for parents and kids.  Breakfasts items is one of those foods.  You should see sales on cereal, juice, and frozen waffles.

Cold Lunch Foods:  In addition to breakfast, food items for cold lunch will also be going on sale.  Make sure to stock up on fruit cups, lunch meat, lunchables, crackers and peanut butter.

In Season Produce:  Stock up on these produce items in August:  peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, raspberries and watermelon.

 

What’s On Sale in September?

Summer Clothing:  September is the perfect month to stock up on warm weather clothing to use for next year.  You will find big discounts at most clothing stores.

Luggage:  Labor Day weekend typically brings great sales on luggage.  Make sure to buy any suitcases you will need during the first weekend of September.

Grills:  This is the perfect month to buy that new grill you’ve been eyeing.  They will be marked down as part of the end of summer clearance sales.

Mattresses:  Another popular Labor Day weekend sale is on mattresses.  Check your local furniture store for this great seasonal sale cycle deal!

Grocery Sales in September

Canned Soup:  Fall is just around the corner and you’ll begin seeing markdowns on fall comfort foods, such as canned soups.

In Season Produce:  Make sure to watch out for good deals on these September produce items:  apples, green beans, cantaloupe, beets, cauliflower, onion, tomatoes and pears.

 

  • Related:  How To Stop Overspending

 

What’s On Sale in October?

Jeans:  October is one of the best times of the year to buy jeans.  They are commonly marked down as back to school season ends.

Camping Gear:  If you like to camp, or want to start camping, October is the perfect month to stock up on new supplies.  The discounts are heavy now that summer is officially over!

Grocery Sales in October

Seafood:  October is National Seafood Month and grocers will offer sales on seafood throughout the month to celebrate.

Baking Sales:  The fall baking sales are prevalent during October.  You should be able to find many baking items on sale including canned pumpkin, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, flour, sugar, etc.

In Season Produce:  You’ll find the best deals on these produce items during October:  apples, potatoes, cranberries, grapes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cabbage.

 

What’s On Sale in November?

Halloween Costumes:  Head into the store the first couple of days after Halloween to stock up on Halloween costumes.  These are great to keep around for next years Halloween or for your kids to use when playing dress up.

Electronics:  November is the best month of the year to buy electronics, especially during Black Friday sales.  This is a great time of year to buy TVs, laptops, and other electronics.

Beauty Products:  Black Friday is also a great time to buy beauty products like makeup and hair tools.  Most beauty stores will have big sales all weekend.

Appliances:  Appliances are traditionally included in the November Black Friday deals.  You should find some of the lowest prices on refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, etc. this month.

Grocery Sales in November

Canned Food:  Thanksgiving pantry staples will be on sale this month, so look for deals on canned pumpkin, canned cranberry sauce, sweetened condensed milk and canned vegetables.

Halloween Candy:  All Halloween candy will go on sale the first week of November.  You can stock up on candy to use for Christmas or other events throughout the year (or just to eat yourself….).

In Season Produce:  Be sure to shop this months in season produce:  beets, broccoli, pears, brussels sprouts, carrots, kiwis, oranges, potatoes and pomegranates.

 

What’s On Sale in December?

Gift Cards:  Gift cards will be on sale throughout the month of December.  This is the perfect time to buy gift cards to give as presents or to use throughout the next year.  Look for gift card sales from retailers and restaurants.  Last year I bought a few Target gift cards for 10% off!

Vehicles:  December is a great time to buy a new vehicle.  Many dealerships are more willing to negotiate at the end of the year to clear the lot for newer models.

Christmas Decorations/Wrapping Paper:  Wait until after Christmas to shop for new holiday decorations and wrapping paper.  They will be heavily discounted at the end of the month.  I always like to stock up to save for the next year.

Grocery Sales in December

Baking Goods:  Baking items continue to be on sale throughout the holidays.  Watch for deals on items like flour, sugar, pie crusts, and whipped cream.

Party Foods:  As the end of the month nears take advantage of grocery sales on party foods such as veggie trays, crackers and dips.

In Season Produce:  Winter produce will be priced right this month, stock up on items like:  pears, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, oranges, and spinach.

 

Shop Smart

If you regularly shop the seasonal sales cycles you will begin to see a decrease in your spending (which in turn increases the amount of money in your pocket!).  It requires some patience and effort, but it’s worth the wait to score good deals on items you need and want!

 

Here are a few other articles to help you save more money:

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

12 Products Worth Buying To Save Money In The Long Run

15 Best Generic Products To Buy

 

Pin For Future Reference:

month to month sales cycles - when do things go on sale

how to buy everything on sale - grocery sales cycles tips

Enjoy shopping the seasonal sales cycles now that you know what to buy each month for the best deal. 

 

How To Teach Kids To Give During The Christmas Season

December 9, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

How we use our giving jar to help others.

Ahhhh January.  The month of new beginnings.  Fresh starts.  Resolution’s and goals.  A month where we clear out the clutter in our life, figuratively and literally, and decide what we can do to make our life a little better than it was before.

Which brings me to December.  The month of giving and sharing.  Where we try to focus more on others than ourselves and look for those who may be in need of charity and service. My family has a favorite family tradition in December.  We choose a family in need.  Either from the neighborhood, a local giving tree, or any other we may hear about who is down on their luck.  We then play the part of Secret Santa. 

We go to the store, buy the gifts on this families want and need list.  We wrap the presents up in beautiful wrappings and bows and secretly deliver them to where they need to go.  We look forward to this tradition every year.  I love teaching my kids to serve others.  I love that through service they are humbled and learn how lucky (maybe even a little spoiled!) they are in comparison to others.  And I love the thought of bringing a smile to someone’s face come Christmas morning.  Did I mention I LOVE this tradition!?!

December also just so happens to be the month that is hard for us (maybe you too???) to stick to our monthly budget.  We try to plan ahead for it.  We try to cut down costs.  But, we still found ourselves struggling to afford all the fun festive activities and gift giving we wanted to participate in. As we discussed what we would cut out I refused to limit our Secret Santa tradition.

Enter:  The Giving Jar

And so we came up with the beautiful idea of The Giving Jar.  I grabbed an old junky used mason jar from our basement, cut a small hole in the top and named it The Giving Jar.

As the fresh new month of January begins, our Giving Jar sits empty.  As the year goes on we as a family puts every single coin we receive into the jar. And when December comes a long our jar is full.  This is the money we use for our Secret Santa tradition.  Our Giving Jar has blessed the lives of so many, and have also helped to teach our kids to give during the Christmas season.

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I love that old junky mason jar.  I love watching it fill up throughout the year.  I love when one of my kids tries to stuff some newly earned dollar bills inside.  And I love watching my kids as they proudly carry it into the store as we purchase gifts for others.

It’s pretty cool how something old and used could become something so beautiful and special and can do so much good for others…..including me.

 

Related Articles:

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

How to Save Money For Christmas

 

Pin For Later:

help kids give during the holidays - serving others during Christmas

This jar has helped me teach kids to give during the Christmas season, and it can help you too!

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