Tag: Family Life

When you first start a remodeling project, it seems so easy, until you start the actual planning. A couple of years ago our old kitchen sink started leaking so it needed to be replaced. We started shopping for a sink, and we also were going to have to replace the fixtures. I always wanted a garbage disposal so there is another expense. The old sink was a really old porcelain one with huge dish drains. Of course the new sink is smaller so then we were going to have to redo the formica counters. We did need new ones but it starts adding up. There are so many brands of faucets today. We looked at many brands, including Kohler faucets which is what we choose. I’m very happy with how it all came out, but now we need to repaint the whole kitchen as well as the cabinets.

We have one desktop computer right now which won’t do at all. I need the computer to do work and research, but my husband is kicking me off the minute he gets home from work. I usually can’t get back on until he goes to bed. Then our son is begging to play on the computer at some point daily. We both decided it’s time for a new computer but I want a  laptop at his time. I can bring it with us, like a vacation, or to show off pictures to the family. My husband said he would use it in the living room, and I like that it’s not as bulky as a regular desktop. I’m trying so hard to be patient for the Black Friday sales, but it seems so far away.

Have you ever noticed how the weeks can drag on but the weekends are gone before you have time to enjoy them. I try to do as much of my work during the week, but there is always a project to do or somewhere to go. It always seems like I’m one who always has to visit my family if I want to see them. I just wished my weekends could last longer.

I never used to have a lot of pocket change since I hardly ever used cash. In the past year, we have used cash more than our debit card, and it really does add up. Some financial experts estimate that most people can save $40/mo from just their change. We have been saving over $50/mo the last 4 months. To get the most back is to never use change even if it’s for a few pennies. I don’t do that but I keep 4 pennies in my wallet so that way I never get them back and always nickels or bigger coins.

So what to do with all that spare change? Anything you like but here are some good tips. I am currently saving for our vacation next year. It won’t pay for much of it but mainly food and spending money. Also, you can save Christmas or gifts in general, a fun day out, eating out, or use it to help pay down debt. I know some people save theirs for something they normally wouldn’t buy, or to help pay for an upgrade like a new appliance or piece of furniture. You can also use it to help save for your kids college funds. $30-50 a month might seem like much but if you did average $40/mo that is a total of $480 a year. Not too shabby if you ask me. Those pennies really do start to add up over time.

I can keep my change in a designated jar with a slit and it’s not too easy to get into which is good so it’s less tempting to steal from it. Some people use mason style jars with a lid with a slit cut in the top, those bigger 5 gallon water jugs, soda bottles (the 2 liter kind) or anything. It’s a great way to recycle. Now some are asking what’s the easiest way to cash my change? I’m very fortunate to have a bank that doesn’t charge me a fee where I can bring my jar, and they will dump it in a counting machine. I do have to deposit it in my checking but that’s fine with me. Some people sit down and roll them. There are also those Coinstar machines but if you don’t want to get hit with fees then you have to convert it into a gift certificate. They have vendors like Amazon, Disney Shopping online, ITunes, Circuit City, JC Pennys, Borders, AMC, Old Navy, and more. This is a good option if you plan on using it for gifts or want to buy something at one of these stores.

I think if you plan on a goal and then get a jar started, it will give you more motivation to save as you see the amount growing. I think a clear container is visually the best to literally see your savings grow. This is also great to try and get the kiddos involved. I also don’t put dollar bills in mine and kept strictly as a change jar. Everyone can do their own as they want which is great. What I like to do is take out any leftover money at the end of a year from the envelopes to use for our Christmas gifts. Happy collecting!