Over the last few years, people have decreased their spending habits dramatically. The American Consumer went from a Personal Savings Rate of 1.2% in July 2008 to 5.0% in July 2011. Many industries saw their lowest sales figures of all time during the last three years, such as new car purchases, restaurants, and construction. An […]
Articles by Amanda
I opened up my credit card statement the other day and was surprised by one of the charges that I saw: $115 from AT&T. We get our high speed internet and cable from AT&T and have been quite happy with the service. The cost normally did not bother me because my husband’s company reimburses us for […]
We have not thrown a holiday party since 2008, and we are very excited to be doing so this year! We’ve set the date as December 17th, made the guest list (around 20 people), and are now ironing out the details of invitations, decorations, food, alcohol/beverages, and a cute little favor for each of the […]
Free or Cheap Holiday Resources
Posted byWith everyone focusing on purchasing gifts for loved ones, purchasing decorations for homes, and making end of year charitable contributions, it hardly seems like there is enough money left over to enjoy all the holiday season has to offer for ourselves. I thought I would take the time to discuss free or very cheap holiday […]
Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas
Posted byAlmost everyone is attempting to be more environmentally friendly at the office and at home. This is either because they are eco-conscious, or because they have realized that many eco-friendly products end up saving them money. However, many people do not like to make the initial “capital†costs for eco-friendly products. For example, it is […]
The holidays come and go each year along with a trail of gifts, wrapping paper, and beautiful bows. After all is said and done, few presents seem to last more than a year or so while memories last a lifetime. Creating memories with yourself, your significant other, your family, and friends is truly a priceless […]
8 Extremely Unique Gift Ideas
Posted byThere are people out there who seem to own absolutely everything. Not only do they own everything, but they tend to purchase all of the new products out on the market ahead of everyone else, leaving you with even less choices for gifts to purchase for them. After reading a commenter’s misery in trying to […]
In August 2011 our credit card number was stolen. My husband and I each have a copy of the credit card, and it was in our possession when the Citibank fraud department called to ask us if we would claim over $400 worth of purchases at a department store. Anyone looking at our purchase history […]
There are two ways you can file tax returns if you are married: married filing jointly, or married filing separately. Many married couples file joint tax returns each year and experience either a marriage bonus or a marriage penalty for doing so. The penalty occurs if putting two people’s income together increases their earnings and […]
7 Favorite Frugal Fall Activities
Posted byI live in Houston and while it is still in the upper 80s, we can feel that a change of season in the air. Humidity is down, the sun sets at an earlier time each night, it is ten degrees cooler, and the kids have gone back to school. What an exciting time! Finding ways […]