How Do You Trim Your Own Tree?

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If you own a home, you likely have at least one tree in your yard. Trees add a nice look to your property and provide shade. But you can’t just ignore them, they require care including the occasional trim. Trimming a tree is easy, inexpensive and takes only minutes if you do it every year. Keep reading to learn how to trim your own tree, saving yourself hundreds of dollars. Why Trim Your Own Tree? Trees are trimmed for their health as well as for your convenience. Some of the most important reasons are: Stimulates growth Gives your tree a […] Read more »

I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 6/24

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There’s a saying that goes something like, “If a man says he’ll do something, he’ll do it. There’s no need to bug him every six months about it.” I felt a little like this recently as it’s been over two months since our automatic garage door opener broke.  I started to replace it, ran into some snags, but kept plodding along.  Then life got busy and it got dropped for awhile.  Well, this weekend, I’m happy to say I finally finished the job, and we have a working automatic garage door opener!  The estimated cost to have a professional do […] Read more »

5 Steps To Dealing With Storm Damage To Your Home

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The sound of heavy rain from a summer storm suddenly included the occasional loud thump on the roof, or against the side of the house as gusting wind hurled the bits of ice against it. It was hailing. When the storm passed everyone in the neighborhood inspected their homes for damage. Over the next few weeks, trucks with home repair company’s names on the side drove up and down the streets knocking on doors. They introduced themselves, asked if the home had any damage from the storm, and promised to help the homeowner get as much out of their insurance […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 6/15

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My daughter took her driver’s license road test today. Unfortunately, her dreams of having the freedom to drive herself wherever she wants to go will have to wait.  She didn’t pass. Needless to say, she was crushed. While this holds off rising insurance costs for little while longer, quite frankly I’d gladly pay them to take away the disappointment.  She tries again in two weeks – time to practice! We can still fist pump my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump 10 *Downsides* to Early Retirement from Budgets Are Sexy 8 Highly Successful People Who […] Read more »

Five Inexpensive Father’s Day Gifts for the Low Maintenance Dad

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The calendar states next Sunday is Father’s Day. A state of panic consumes many as they try to conjure up the perfect gift idea for the dad in their life. If this describes you, let me help you because it really isn’t that hard. Most dads appreciate being remembered on Father’s Day, but don’t want you to drop a lot of cash on a gift. With that in mind, here’s a list of perfect inexpensive Father’s Day gifts for the low maintenance dad. Grill Seasonings If the dad in your life enjoys spending grilling, he loves getting seasonings as gifts. […] Read more »

Friday Fist Pump – I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 6/8

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Yesterday was my daughter’s first day at her first job! She worked in a food vending stand for a local restaurant on a summertime weekly street event hosted by our downtown business association. She wrapped burgers, served food, and whatever else they needed. She worked hard for just over four hours, and was exhausted by the time she was done. I was so proud of her, and can’t wait until she gets her first paycheck! Fist pump for first jobs, and for my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump 7 Ways to Save on Groceries […] Read more »

Cost Comparison: Emergency Room vs Urgent Care

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The batter hit a towering fly ball to shallow right center field, allowing me to run in from the outfield and get in position to make the catch. Unfortunately I didn’t get my glove up in time and the ball struck me in the face. The ball left a nasty gash below my left eye that obviously required stitches. Even with my head throbbing in pain knowing I needed medical attention, I wondered about the emergency room vs urgent care cost comparison. Urgent Care A good rule of thumb of when to go to urgent care is when the condition […] Read more »

Cancel Delivery, Save Money and Make Your Own Almost Homemade Pizza

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The cost of delivered pizza can add up faster than a stack of empty pizza boxes. Making your own pizza is great if you have the time and skill to make your own dough. Frozen pizza costs far less, but the toppings leave much to be desired. Not to worry, cost conscious pizza lovers, I’ve discovered a compromise between frozen and fresh that makes the best homemade pizza. Below is a list of seven things you can use to transform a boring, underwhelming frozen pizza into a memorable meal, many of which you may already have in your refrigerator. Crust […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 6/1

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This weekend is shaping up to be exactly what I need after having over 150 people at my house last weekend for our annual Memorial Weekend Party.  I mowed my lawn last night, I’m making some pulled pork on the smoker today for a benefit and tomorrow?  Tomorrow is going to be cool and rainy all day.  I plan to spend the entire day sitting on the couch recovering and recharging my batteries.  I’ve never been so happy to have absolutely no plans. Fist pump for lazy weekends and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist […] Read more »

Provisional Credit And How It Could Cost You

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I saw a transaction marked as provisional credit in my son’s checking account history. My son disputed a charge for an online purchase that never actually went through for $80. A provisional credit was issued as the bank investigated the matter. Looking at his balance, I knew we had to have a talk not only for education’s sake but also to avoid an overdraft fee. What Is A Provisional Credit? Provisional credit is a temporary credit issued by your bank into your account when a transaction cannot be verified or is being disputed. Provisional and Real Credit Overlap When the […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend, EOD Nation!  This is the weekend of our annual luau themed party, so I’m busy running around doing prep work, decorating and cleaning.  I’m excited because we’ll be having our super sized slip and slide this year since it will be hot.  Summer is here! Fist pump for Summer, and my favorite posts of the week!   Posts That Make Me Fist Pump No Emergency Fund? These Consequences Might Change Your Mind from Money Beagle The Negative Domino Effect Of Running Up Your Credit from Bible Money Matters 3 Mindset Shifts that Helped Me Finally Pay […] Read more »

7 Financial Lessons A First Job Can Teach

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My teenage daughter has her first official part-time job. While helping her fill out her paperwork I discovered that her first job will give her much more than a good work ethic and a paycheck every two weeks. Just having a job will force her to learn quite a few skills useful for the rest of her life. How to Read A Pay Stub Everyone should know how to read a pay stub, especially hourly wage workers. Pay stubs show important information such as: Pay period dates Hours worked Hourly wage Net amount paid Employees should verify this information is […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 5/18

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My son is home from college for the summer and my daughter wraps up her sophomore year of high school in a few weeks.  This all means it’s time to switch our budget into summer mode.   The grocery budget will have to be increased to account for feeding a hungry college student and more snacks will be needed since the kids will be at home more.  It’s all part of the process known as life, we just gotta roll with it and plan accordingly! Fist pump for summer vacation, and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me […] Read more »

What is a Deductible?

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If you’ve dealt with insurance before, you’re likely familiar with the frequently used term deductible. But if you’re just starting your life as an independent young adult, or if you’ve never filed claim before you may not be familiar with this term. All types of insurance, including medical, homeowners, and automobile insurance have deductibles. What is a deductible, and how does it work? What is a Deductible? A deductible is the amount of a bill you are responsible for. Example: You get into an accident and your car is damaged. The repair bill is $3000, and is covered by your […] Read more »