Monday, October 28, 2013

Saving - Scentsy Monster Sale - Last One! Warmers As Low As $5!

Scentsy is offering up some more fabulous deals this Monday.  You can grab wall plug in warmers for as low as $5 and full size warmers for as low as $7.50!  Fabulous gift ideas!

Thinking teachers, coaches, mother and more!  Get them crossed off her you list now!

Head over here and then click on the Monster Monday picture at the top part of the page.  Happy shopping!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Saving - Dollie & Me Outfits As Low As $14.99!

Head over to Zulily and check out their fun deals on Dollie & Me outfits today!  Grab cute outfits for girl and doll for as low as $14.99!  Super cute and a great gift idea for the girls on your list!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Saving - Scentsy Up To 75% Through Tuesday 10/22!

Scentsy is offering some fantastic deals through 10/22 on their Monster Monday sale!  They stated on their Facebook page that as items sell out, they will add other products. 

They have plug-in warmers as low as $5 (originally $20) and full-size warmers as low as $7.50 (originally $30)!

Think of those teachers, sisters, Mom(in-law) and more on your list for Christmas.  Great deals to check them off your shopping list without even heading out to the store!

Just head over to Scentsy and click on the Monster Monday Sale banner to get started on your shopping.

Saving - $10 Savings Select Fisher Price Toys!

Hurry over to the Fisher Price site and grab a coupon good for $10 off select Fisher Price toys, when you share it with a friend!  If you don't want to share, you can still save $5!

Target also has some printable coupons you could match with the high value $10 coupon!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Living - Teaching Children About Money!



Last week at my Mother's of Preschoolers meeting, we listened to a wonderful speech on financial matters for the family.  At the very end the speaker touched on kids and how we need to be responsible for teaching our kids about money.  I know it has been something I have really tried to teach my little ones about over the years.  It is one thing I am ever thankful to my parents for teaching me, whether they intended to or not. 

Is it ever too early to start teaching our children about money?  I think you can take advantage of many teachable moments, even when they are very young. But how do we teach them?  I am no expert here, but here are a few suggestions:

*Our children watch us and learn, so being a good role model with your own money is a good start!  This certainly dawned on me this summer while out rummaging with my youngest.  We got on the role of picking up a book here and there at rummage sale at a mere $.25-$.50 each.  Great deal, happy child.  However, as the summer progressed, each rummage sale we stopped at he wanted to pick out a book.  We had PLENTY of books at home and although a great deal, it still wasn't a good idea to purchase more books.  It took a while in the learning process for me to teach him this.  And in turn it taught me a bit about myself.  (Can anyone say, Target clearance?!)

*Read them books about money!  There are some great kids books out there that touch on money.  It can draw their interest in and start good conversations.  My kids love Berenstain Bears books - there are a couple dealing with money:




*Teach them about coins and dollar bills.  Let them hold them, explore them and decipher the differences between.  When they are ready, start teaching them the value of each coin/bill and how to count them out.  Give them opportunities at the store to count out the change for the cashier.

*Give them money (or make them earn it, whichever you decide) and teach them how to keep it safe.  My children used to enjoy holding on to their coins, but by days end the coin would be misplaced.  Now we either put it straight into a wallet/billfold or into a piggy bank.  If those are not available, Mom or Dad holds onto it until available.

*Let them learn how to manage their money at an early age.  Using 3 (possibly 4) principles of Saving, Spending, Giving (possibly investing).  Put a portion of all their money into each category!  Simply grab 3 jars and label them one each for Saving, Spending and Giving and determine a percentage that will go to each jar when they find themselves with new income.

There are also some fabulous banks available for purchase if you prefer to buy something.  Here are just a few:
Money Savvy Pig - offers four compartments in one pig (includes investing)!  How easy!

Moonjar Classic Moneybox - Save, Spend, Share!

LDS Girls Tin Savings Bank - offers 3 compartments in a simple tin, made specially for girls.

My Giving Bank - 3 savings banks in one! 

*Teach them the difference between 'want' and 'need'.  This is a big one, isn't it!

*Price comparison and quality comparison are key as well.  While grocery shopping why not allow them to figure out the better deal.  Give them all the key information and let them choose.  This teaches them how to make wise choices with their money.  My kids often want to buy a toy at the dollar store and, as you may know, there are many toys there that do not last long.  Teaching them to save their money for a different toy at another store OR looking for toys within the dollar store of a bit higher quality can be tricky, but eventually they start to get it!

*Coupons!  Why not show them how valuable a coupon can be.  Include them in the clipping of coupons, organizing and use of coupons.

*Set up a savings account at your favorite bank.  Show them how to deposit money and how it adds up, as they continue to deposit.  (May also consider a checking account for older kids.)

*And when children are old enough, encourage them to get a job.  Let them experience the responsibility of earning their income outside the home before they are thrown into the "real world" after college.

*Also be sure to discuss credit cards with older children.  If not used properly they can definitely be problematic.

*Let them learn on their own.  Now that you have taught them everything you know, take a step back and let them try out all their knowledge.  As we all know, there are definitely situations in life we cannot teach in advance or plan for either, they have to learned as we go.  Just know that you have given them a full tool belt of information to fall back on!

I would love to hear your money talk tips for your kiddos.  What do's and don'ts have you found?  What are you trying out now?  Any great products out there that you stand behind that are good for helping aide in teaching children about money?  Leave a comment or send me an email.

Saving - Homemade Jack-o-lantern Pizza!

Typically the week of Halloween, the Papa Murphy take and bake stores around here offer a jack-o-lantern pizza for under $10.

But if you have just a little time on your hands, you truly can make your own and save some 'dough'!  (Truly couldn't resist.)

Purchase a homemade pizza dough mix (typically just takes a little water and oil to mix in).  We like the Chef Boyardee pizza kit (grab it at Fareway, it is a little cheaper than HyVee)!  It includes dough mix, sauce and parmesan cheese.  Grab some pepperoni and shredded cheese and you are set. 

Make your homemade crust as directed.  Place on your trusty pizza pan and shape dough with a little "stem" on top.  Add your sauce.  Place on your toppings of choice, cover with cheese.  Use pepperoni (or olives...or both) to make your jackolantern face.   Bake as directed on dough package.

The kids will have so much fun helping you make this festive pizza!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Saving - Kindle Fire Tablet Case As Low As $3.99!

Amazon is offering up a hot deal on the Acase Premium Micro Fiber Leather Case !  Grab the black and red versions for $3.99 or bump up and grab the cute green one shown here for $5.19.

Plus the cases will ship free with a minimum $25 qualifying purchase!

We purchased two of the Acase Premium Micro Fiber Leather Case from Amazon almost two years ago for the kids' Kindles.  Our kids are quite rough on them and use them often and they are still in good shape!  They like the fashionable colors and we like the protection and versatility they provide for the Kindle.

Even if you might have something else in mind, head on over to Amazon and take a look around.  They offer many low-price options!  If you have looked around in stores you may have found very few color options and not-so-cute sticker prices!

Christmas is just around the corner, order now and have them ready to wrap before the rush! :-)

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Saving - Free Coffee at Holiday Stations Today! And Save 5 Cents On Gas!

For those in Sioux Falls, you have probably noticed a slight change in scenery at the Gas Stops around town.  They are working on changing from Shell stations to Holiday.

Be sure to sign up for the Holiday newsletters (click on top right corner) and you will be alerted for specials and coupons (sometimes including discounted gas price).

Today, all Holiday stations are offering a Free 12 oz brewed coffee! 

Can't make it today?  Head over here and you can click in for a coupon good for $.49 20 ounce coffee.

Want to save on gas today?  Head over here (scroll to bottom of page) and print a coupon good for $.05/gal of gas up to 15 gallons.