budget

Cleaning Supplies for Specific, Stubborn Messes

Abby H.Leave a comment

There are tons of videos and posts online across multiple platforms about multi-use cleaners for your home, or why one singular ingredient is better than others. Everyone knows that one person in their life who swears by vinegar.

I know a lot of people like to clean with vinegar, and some people swear by Fabuloso or Pine-Sol.

Having lived in the same house for 11 years, I have realized that there are some things that just need a specific type of product to clean.

And here are my favorite “niche” cleaners, or tools that really get the job done, and aren’t terribly expensive.

Drain fly remover. The way our house is set up, fruit flies and drain flies come in, but they never go out. So I recently discovered drain fly remover, and it has been an absolute game changer. It’s also good for fruit flies and house flies.  The best part is, it is safe to use in a garbage disposal.

Pumice stones . These are great for hard water or calcium buildup. We live in a place that has very hard water, and the hard water stains our toilets. These pumice stones are easy to use and are very inexpensive. You can get them at Dollar tree/Family Dollar, Walmart, and even on Amazon. No additional cleaner is needed; you just scrub at the hard water stains in your toilet with the pus stone, and it basically just exfoliates the stain/buildup right off.

Dishwasher cleaner . You would think something full of hot water and detergent would be clean, right? Wrong. Your dishwasher also has a filter/trap that collects all of the food particles that are blasted off of the dishes. Using a dishwasher cleaner is pretty easy. You just clean your filter, add the dishwasher filter, and run on an empty cycle.

In a similar vein, use a washing machine cleaner. I use this kind once a month.

The other ways that I keep my washing machine nice and clean are pretty simple: when you are not using the washing machine, keep the lid up. This only works if you have a top loader; if you have a front-loading washing machine, it can be difficult sometimes to keep the door all the way open, depending on where your washer is stored in your house. If you can keep it cracked open just a little bit. If it’s a space concern, it will keep your washing machine fresh and mold-free. The other thing I like to do is I like to take a cloth about once a week and wipe down the top of the washing machine, including the gasket that is around the top of the drum. It can get a little funky sometimes.

Helpling Neighbors without Breaking the Bank

Abby H.

There are a lot of people around us who need help right now in our communities. There are so many ways to help neighbors, and I’ve collected a few of the ways that my family helps in the hopes it will inspire you to do the same.

You’re probably aware of mutual aid sites like GoFundMe, but do you know that there are other ways that you can help your friends and neighbors without breaking the bank or charging on your credit card?

Mutual aid is more than giving cash. It’s giving your time, goods from your home, or offering to help with chores or errands.

Blessing Boxes/Free Little Pantries. When I go to the grocery store, I allot $5-$10 to pick up canned goods or shell stable foods that are either ready to eat and have a pop top or require just the addition of water and heat. Things like chili, canned soup, water, only mac & cheese, Ramen, peanut butter, bread. These items are donated to our local Blessing Box, which helps our neighbors in need.

Filling a Free Little Library.  You probably have a couple of books around your house that you read once, maybe twice, and you’re never gonna read again, or your kids have leveled up beyond picture books, and you’re not quite sure what to do with them. Look for a little library in your area. There are tons of them in my town, and I am always putting a paper back or two or a couple of kids’ books in when I see one that needs a couple more books in it

Check out your local Buy Nothing or Buy Nothing Like group. Check and see if there is a neighbor in need who needs something that you have. Either something in your home that is physical, maybe they need assistance with a project, or they are asking to borrow a tool.

I just finished up doing some summer cleaning and posted all sorts of items to share. I have gotten rid of a broken computer (someone was excited to use it for parts), an extra monitor, some blankets, and old sheets that are in great repair, but my son does not like the texture.

There are all kinds of ways that we can help our neighbors with what we have and the skills that we possess.

Talk Back: How have you helped in your community?

Shopping Smarter Matters: Rae’s Way Overdoing It Birthday Video

Abby H.

I saw this video before, but it showed up on my FYP, and while I know it’s supposed to show how crazy the costs of everything have become, I watched it and saw a chance to show everyone how to shop for a birthday party on a budget. No slight to Rae- I love her content and think she is hilarious.

In the video, Rae is at a big box store (Walmart) with a budget of $50 for a friend’s birthday.

Her shopping list included:

  • Cake
  • 2 frozen pizzas
  • 2 suitcases of mini soda cans
  • Candles
  • Plates
  • Cutlery
  • 2 pkg streamers
  • Balloons
  • Plastic tablecloth
  • Banner

At her first go round, she is over budget, so she decides to make the cake from a mix, and proceeds to finish her shop. She does end up over budget by $1.

If our friend Rae started at Dollar Tree…. It would be much different.

For a total of $22.50. With the leftover cash, pick up 2 Costco pizzas, and if there is any leftover, maybe grab 2 pints of store-brand ice cream at Dollar Tree!

I love Dollar Tree for party supplies. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on disposable party supplies. I’ve always done birthday parties on a budget!

2025 New Years Sale from Yasukochi Family Farms!

Abby H.


If you are looking to eat healthier this year, and save time, and money, this offer will help with all three!

Yasukochi Family Farms is offering a deal on all of their CSA box sizes through January 4, 2025.

They have deals on subscriptions from 1 month, all the way to 9 months!

To learn more, and see pricing, visit their website here.

We’ve been receiving their boxes for 4 years and it’s an amazing value.

April is Financial Literacy Month

Abby H.

Financial literacy is near and dear to my heart. I’ve spent much of my adult life working hard to save money, pay bills on time, and live within my means. It is a lot of effort and work, but, it’s made my life less stressful.

In 2020, I wrote a three-part series about making a practical budget that a family can adhere to and how to get some extra help if you need it. This was written during the pandemic, so there is a lot of information and resources, especially for those feeling the financial panic that many felt during the height of the pandemic.

If you already have a budget or feel that your spending is out of control and you aren’t to the point yet where you feel that you need a budget, I did a series of posts in late 2019 about how to reign in the out-of-control spending.

 A big part of financial literacy is tracking where you stand financially. With identity theft happening to 22% of Americans (per a 2022 Bureau of Justice Statistics study), knowing what’s on your credit is important.  Obtaining your free annual credit report is easy.  Free Annual Credit Report is the site that I use.

Once you receive it, go over and verify all of the open accounts are yours. Contact the credit bureaus immediately if there are any incorrect names, addresses, or accounts.

If you are saving for your future, or your kid’s future, here are two great savings opportunities:

Savings bonds- Savings Bonds: The gift that keeps on giving!

529’s/ Educational Savings Accounts- September Is College Savings Month!

2024 New Years Sale from Yasukochi Family Farms!

Abby H.

If you are looking to eat healthier this year, save time, and money, this offer will help with all three!

Yasukochi Family Farms is offering a deal on all of their CSA box sizes, now through January 4, 2024.

They have deals on subscriptions from 1 month, all the way to 9 months!

To learn more, and see pricing, visit their website here.

We’ve been receiving their boxes for 3 years and it’s an amazing value.

Yasukochi Family Farms Mother’s Day Sale!

Abby H.

Mother’s Day is around the corner and if your mom is like mine, the gift of fresh fruit and veggies (and a bouquet of flowers) is the perfect way to say I love you!

Yasukochi Family Farms has two great options this Mother’s Day:

a 1-month (4 weeks) subscription of regular boxes of farm fresh fruits and veggies with 1 small bouquet of flowers (1st week only) for $108

OR

 A 1-month (4 weeks) subscription of jumbo boxes of farm fresh fruits and veggies with 1 small bouquet of flowers (1st week only) for $130.

The first delivery will occur between 5/8-5/12 (depending on which day your mom’s area receives deliveries). To order or learn more, click here.

5 Tips to Save on Black Friday (and earlier)

Abby H.

Black Friday shopping is not my jam, nor has it ever been. I know a lot of people love getting up at the crack of dawn to save money, but I’d rather snuggle with my cat.

Some Retailers have already started their Black Friday Deals: JCPenney, Walmart, and Target have deals up on their sites and in-store now. Here are my top five tips to help you save a little more on Black Friday (and beyond):

  1. Make a List! This seems like a no-brainer, but make a list of each person you are shopping for and then list a few possibilities. There are still supply change issues, and that means some stores may be out of what you had planned.
  2. Use Rewards Programs to your advantage! I’m talking about Target Circle, Target Red Card, JCPenney Rewards, MyPoints, Swagbucks, and Ibotta. I did a bunch of holiday shopping yesterday online at JCP. JCPenney Rewards members earn a $10 bonus Reward for every $50 spent in-store and online on qualifying purchases 11/18/22-11/30/22. Limit 3 bonus Rewards per customer. I had already planned to do the bulk of my holiday shopping there anyway, so these rewards are a bonus that I’ll use to buy kid socks, which both kids need. And if you are looking for coupon codes- Don’t forget the Honey Browser Extension!
  3. Make a Budget and STICK TO IT. Seriously. And if you do stockings- take those into consideration as part of the budget.  I save Amazon Gift card codes all year for gift shopping, and I set aside a small count each month in a separate saving account for holidays and gift-giving occasions. I earn Amazon Gift cards by doing Research studies (like the ones I post about all the time) and surveys on  MyPoints and Swagbucks.
  4. If you shop in person, take cash. If you are easily tempted, take cash, and leave your cards at home. This forces you to stay on budget.
  5. Homemade Gifts are awesome!  If like me, your budget is very small this year, don’t forget to flex your craft/artistic/cooking skills. I make hats, cookies, pj pants, and aprons usually for several folks on my gift list. I use supplies that I already have on hand. I love making soup, so I’ll be making several large batches, freezing 4-6 serving-size portions, and giving them to family members.

And finally, remember that the winter holidays are not about gifts. They are about coming together with friends and family to celebrate. If you having a difficult time making the magic happen for your family this year, check out my 2022 Holiday Resources post here. In December I’ll be hosting an Amazon Gift Card giveaway as well.

6 Small Ways to Trim Your Out of Pocket

Abby H.

With my work year coming to an end, I need to trim my budget. It looks like my monthly income is about to be cut in half. I applied for a summer school job, but I haven’t heard back one way or another, so I’m guessing I didn’t get the job and I need to prepare for that.

There are fun activities that the kids want to do this summer, and they all cost money, so I need to trim a bit more so we have the opportunity to have some fun.

Here are a few ways that you (and I) can save some money and free up room in our budget this summer.

Start by looking over your family budget. Is there anything you can dump? Streaming services you no longer use, monthly subscriptions that no longer serve you? For us, we are dumping Netflix next month. We no longer use it enough to justify the $20/month. Feel like you are overpaying for your cellphone or other services, look into switching carriers or plans. If you don’t have a family budget, here is an easy way to put one together.

Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without. This is an oldie, but a goodie. And by this statement, I mean that use what you have on hand. Eat the food in your kitchen (meal planning can help with that), wear the clothes you’ve got, and repair them as needed. Don’t forget that there are groups like Buy Nothing, where you can share and receive goods and services from those in your neighborhood. It’s hard to not want to keep up with the Joneses, especially in our society where it seems like everything is based on presentation and showing off what you’ve got on social media.

Take advantage of programs in your community. There are so many free and low-cost programs meant to help families during this time of unprecedented inflation, low wages, and other social issues that contribute to financial instability. Here in San Diego County, there are resources for free food and free clothing. 

If you have someone in your family who requires electricity for their medical devices or if you are low income, check out your local power companies website to learn about discounts you may be eligible for. This post has details and more tips.

If you are looking for some free summer fun for the kids, there are events like Kids night out, and summer reading programs.  And in California, there will be free breakfasts and lunches for kids under 18 throughout the summer through schools and local parks and rec. As soon as I have more details on those, it will be a separate post.

My final tip- Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. There are so many programs and resources out there to help. Even if you feel like there are people and families out there who “have it worse”, you deserve help. This isn’t a “who has it worse” situation. Everyone deserves to live a good life. Take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

Talk Back- If you have tips or tricks to help with lowering your Out of Pocket, I’d love to hear it!

 

Piñata: Make Rent Rewarding

Abby H.

 

I was a renter for years, and each month it pained me to write a rent check and wave the money goodbye. Enter Piñata! Piñata is the world’s first and only rent rewards platform that gives you rewards for paying rent and is free.

Every rent day, get Piñata Cash, redeemable for gift cards and free goodies from top brands.

Even when it’s not rent day, Piñata gives renters exclusive deals and discounts to help you save on everyday expenses from CVS and Costco to Best Buy and Sprint to Papa John’s and Disney World. You get an average of $4,000 in yearly savings. You can also get cashback on special deals from your favorite brands.

You’ll get a $30 gift card just for creating your account.

Get Pinata Cash for referring friends & family and helping them earn as well!

Talk Back: If you sign up for Pinata, please let me know what you think!