It has been cooooooold outside the last few weeks. We’ve been pretty spoiled so far this year in the Midwest as we’ve had mild weather and no really big snowstorms.  Another benefit of such weather is monthly utility bills have been less than usual for this time of year.  That luck ran out at the beginning of February when temps took a dip.  For an entire week, temps struggled to get above zero (Fahrenheit).  I’m guessing next month’s utility bills will reflect that.  The good news is Spring is just around the corner! Fist pump for low winter utility bills, […] Read more »

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend, as if you didn’t already know.  Polls show that despite the pandemic, Americans are planning to spend more than ever on their significant other. The pandemic may actually be fueling the increase in spending because many have more discretionary funds due to lockdowns.  My wife has instructed me more than once that I am not to buy her flowers.  We do have plans to go out to eat for a special Love Day meal at one of her favorite restaurants.  Outside of that, we’ve both agreed that the best use of our funds right now […] Read more »

NFL football is my favorite sport to watch, therefore The Super Bowl is one of my favorite events. Normally I’m getting together with friends for the big game, either at my home or somewhere else.  This year, my wife and I will be winging it alone.  Literally, since I will need to have Buffalo wings as part of the game day food.  See what I did there?  It’ll be different, but I’m sure I’ll still enjoy the game. After all, my wife is my favorite person, and she loves football just as much as I do. Fist pump for The […] Read more »

With the reopening of restaurants in Minnesota, last weekend my wife and I went out to dinner with some friends.  It was fun, and the food was great but eating out can be expensive. This weekend will look much different.  Tonight, my wife and I purchased Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden and made pasta at home.  A normal Olive Garden visit would cost close to $100, but at home it’s a fraction of the cost.  Saturday night I’ll be grilling steaks, again at a fraction of the cost of going to a steakhouse.   We may not be going out, […] Read more »

The first major snowstorm of the year rumbled through my area overnight, dropping 4-6 inches of heavy, wet snow. I didn’t mind since we we’re sticking close to home right now, and it gave me a chance to try out my new snow blower for the very first time. That machine had absolutely no problem eating the snow and tossing it well into my yard. It was glorious. I almost can’t wait for it to snow again. Almost. Fist pump for new snow blowers and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump Top Budgeting Tips […] Read more »

After nearly two months of a second lockdown (our governor called it a “pause”), things are beginning to open up a bit again in the state of Minnesota.  I really try to limit the amount spent on dining out, but I am so ready to have a nice meal prepared by someone else. I’m not a huge fan of takeout, because the quality goes way down as you drive home from the restaurant with the food in brown bags. It’ll be nice to go out and support local restaurants again! Fist pump for opening back up, and my favorite posts […] Read more »