Author: ThriftyMomma

Protect Your Kids Online

There are some really great programs to make sure your kids aren’t looking at sites they shouldn’t. One of the ones I like is a keylogger which will check everything being typed. This is a great tool for emails. This would also be good for teens that use sites like Myspace and do online chatting. There are many online predators so keep your kids safe from themselves.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #42

Today’s thrifty tip is buy more generics. This could be food, medicines, and even beauty items like skin care. I even prefer some generic items to the name brand. The funny thing is they are packaged and processed at the same plants, but just a different label. The same foods but just cheaper. This could save you as much as 30-40% as the name brands. I don’t have double store coupons and mostly local stores.

Generic medicines are just as good as name brand. They have to go through the same testing and regulations. This will definitely save you a lot of money, especially on prescriptions. I always ask for the generic form if available. My co-pays are much cheaper as well. I can usually pay $4 for certain prescriptions.

Finish That Degree!

I have always regretted never finishing my college degree. Some of my reasons for not going back are time and money. Edvisors is a great site that lets you search for Online Degrees. They have some great online universities listed. Now is a great time to further your education and get a better paying job.

He Gets It!


I am so proud of my hubby. He was at the store the other day and came across many great Lego sets that were being clearanced. He bought these for less than $40 total! The 2 big sets were $8 each and were originally $40 sets! The others were $2-6 each. He also found about 8 more small Bionicle sets for $2-3 each and a couple for $5. He bought 18 sets for $75! I’m so happy that he can sniff out a great deal. It’s mainly limited it to toys and Lego sets, but hey it’s a great start. These will be great for Christmas and his birthday which is about 2 weeks apart. My mom bought a couple of sets to give. I also shop for other relatives to save them time and money. I’m just so glad that my husband loves to shop clearance sales and save us money. We saved over $200! Now is a great time to buy clearance toys since the stores are making room for the new ones for Christmas. Happy shopping!

Shopping for Baby

I have so many friends that are either having their first baby or adding to their family. It’s so much fun shopping for all the great baby items. It’s also a lot of fun picking out a theme for the nursery and choosing the baby bedding. If you aren’t sure of the baby’s sex, then make sure to go with a theme and colors that could be used for either one.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #41

Today’s thrifty tip is clean out your dryer lint trap. Make sure you cleaning out the lint trap often so it doesn’t have a chance to build-up in your machine and dryer vent. If you don’t, then it takes much longer for the clothes or towels to dry which is wasting energy. This makes you pay more in your electric or gas bill. It’s also a good idea to clean out your dryer vent every 1-3 years. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, then hire out a qualified technician. There are great articles online that explain how to clean the dryer vent and the tools needed. This keeps your dryer running efficiently which keeps you with more money in your pocket. It will also extend the life of your dryer which again keeps more money in your pocket. I have listed a few articles listed below.

Wikihow-Clean Clothes Dryer Vent
How to Clean Stuff-How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Laundry Alternative-How to Clean Your Dryer Vent

A Monster of a Gift

Halloween is one my favorite holidays. I love the decorations, costumes, and all the tasty treats and candy. Now you can spread some Halloween cheer with Halloween gift baskets. You can choose from flowers with a cute plush to a decorative container with tasty treats. One of my favorites is the Web of Treats Cookie Basket. It’s a spider web basket that contains yummy Halloween shaped cookies. Who wouldn’t love to have one of these at their Halloween party? This would definitely be a hit with your guests. You could treat your friends at the office with one. These spooky gift baskets prove that Halloween isn’t only enjoyed by kids.