1 – Use Cash

When you buy something, pay for it with cash. This includes groceries, gas, anything and everything. We often overspend without realizing it when we use credit or even debit cards. If you are using cash, you know exactly how much you can spend so you won’t end up with surprising overdraft fees.

2 – Unload Unused Stuff

Everyone sells their stuff online nowadays, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you have collectibles, unique or high ticket items sitting around gathering dust, unload it and put that cash in your emergency fund or savings account.

Don’t have anything nice enough to sell online? Have a garage sale. Or just donate it all if the thought of having a garage sale makes you cringe. The tax write-off for donations is an added bonus for gifting stuff you don’t use. Continue reading →

Life can be hectic and chaotic in general, but add kids into the mix and it seems to double responsibilities and obligations. If you have children, it’s even more important to simplify your life, not only for your sanity but also to be a good role model for them. Teach them early on that no matter what society says, they can choose to live a simple, peaceful life.

Have Each Child Choose One Extracurricular Activity

Some parents are run ragged by getting their kids to all their various activities. This is certainly the case when there are several children in the family. Decide now that each child can choose only one extracurricular activity per year or season, depending on how much you feel you can handle. They may grumble in the beginning, but they too will enjoy a less stressful schedule. Continue reading →