We’ve had several events in the last few months that has consumed a lot of time, energy, focus………and money. First there was our son’s confirmation, then our annual Memorial Weekend get together, our anniversary, this week’s 4th of July family outing all leading up to Vonnie’s birthday tomorrow. After that we have nothing major in the calendar for months. I have loved each of these events for different reasons, and tomorrow’s birthday celebration will be fun as well. But I cannot tell you how relieved I will be have all of this in our rear view mirror and we can […] Read more »
Save Money by Being Your Own Florist? Yes You Can!
What’s the key to a successful marriage? That’s a loaded question, and quite honestly I think the answer is unique to each couple. But if I had to give one generality that I think could possibly apply to everyone, I would advise people to listen to their partner. I’m not referring to giving a nod and throwing in an agreeable statement every time there’s a pause in your partner’s voice. I mean really listen to what they’re saying. The amazing thing is, your significant other will actually tell you what they want. About a month ago, my daughter had her […] Read more »
Feed the Teens with New Goldfish Puffs
Summer vacation is here and our house is a revolving door of our kids and their friends. Teenagers are a high metabolism, snack destroying breed. Where they mingle, snacks are required, and a lot of them. After a school year of eating the same after-school snacks, both Tori and Tristan have been recently begging that we try something different. Walking through Target, the new Goldfish Puffs from Pepperidge Farm caught their eye. Goldfish crackers have been a staple of our snack drawer for years, so we were confident that the snacks would be a high quality. My main concern was […] Read more »
I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 06/28
This weekend Vonnie and I will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary! I’m take great pride and joy in our wedding anniversaries given all the adversity that we have endured the last four years as we have worked to pay off our mountain of credit card debt. Marriage takes a lot of work without having the added stress of financial issues. I love my wife so much for so many reasons – especially for sticking with me during this very trying time. Not only are we still together and still fighting, but our marriage is stronger, and we are a better […] Read more »
Are No Contract Phones The Best Wireless Option?
Last fall my family finally made the plunge into the smart phone world. We were enjoying a cheap wireless plan as we limped along with phones that were over two years old, but envying the features and conveniences that come with smart phones. With our scratched, dented, and worn out phones showing signs of giving up we pulled the trigger and signed a two year contract with AT&T. Multiple readers suggested that I should have checked out no contract options. I was very excited to be given the opportunity through the Collective Bias Community (#cbias) to try such a plan […] Read more »
I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 06/21
There’s an eerie calmness with my finances right now. Things are going reasonably well, we have no big expenses coming up, and nothing exciting has occurred in awhile. I’m not exactly sure how to feel about it, but I’m trying to convince myself to just relax and enjoy the summer. I’m going to give it a shot, but I’ve always got one eye on the lookout for something brewing on the horizon….. Alright, EOD nation, let’s get this Friday rollin’ with some fist pumps: Posts That Make Me Fist Pump Party Like You’re a 72-Year-Old Retiree from Afford […] Read more »
How Fragile Are Your Finances?
Financially Fragile. What do those words mean to you? A few months ago TeamEOD writer Dr. Cabler wrote a post addressing the subject of being financially fragile. He gave the example that the majority of Americans would have to sell some of their possessions if they had to come up with $2000 within 30 days. I identified with the post because that described me for a very long time. Something happened this week that made me think of this post again. Major layoffs occurred within the company I work for. As the week progressed, the names of those affected spread. […] Read more »
I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 06/14
Happy Friday, EOD Nation! A strange thing happened to me during the week. Before the last payment to our debt management program, we had 11 months left. So naturally I thought after the funds from May’s payment were distributed to our creditors there would be 10 months remaining. To my surprise the program tracker now says there are NINE months remaining. If that’s accurate, that means our DMP would be complete in February of next year!!! If that doesn’t get you fist pumping, I know what will, check out my favorite posts of the week: Posts That Make Me Fist […] Read more »
Save Money By Buying YOURSELF A Gift Card!!
I wasn’t happy as I walked into Applebees to purchase a $50 gift card. A well liked member of the staff at the elementary school where Vonnie worked was leaving and her coworkers had come up with the idea to have everyone pitch in and get a gift card as a going away present. Vonnie volunteered to get the gift card even though some people weren’t going to give her their share of the funds until the next day. Past experience told me that we were going to get the shaft because someone wouldn’t pay up. The bartender handed me […] Read more »
I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 6/07
Yesterday was the last day of school for the kids, so summer vacation is officially underway. I think I’m just as excited as they are as I get three months of not having to go through the morning routine of pulling kids out of bed, making sack lunches, and making sure they get to the bus stop on time. We all get to sleep in a little longer, and our daily pace can slow down just a little bit. I’m looking forward to some lazy afternoons by the pool at our health club, and evenings sitting on the deck with […] Read more »
Worrying Doesn’t Accomplish Anything. Take Action. Now.
“Are you making yourself old again?” I heard Tori’s friend say to her from behind me as we headed off to dance class. I had never heard the phrase before, but I immediately understood what she meant. She was referring to the scrunched look on Tori’s face which was a result of the unusually rough time that just occurred at home as I had to continuously poke and prod her to get dinner eaten, dressed, and out the door on time for class. The wrinkles on her face made her look old. But even more than just making her look […] Read more »
I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 05/31
Our spending the last two weekends have been all about celebrations. Two weekends ago our son got confirmed, so we hosted a celebration with family and friends at our home. Last weekend we hosted our 17th annual Memorial Weekend party. In June the focus will shift towards purchasing some things for the family. Vonnie and I made a list of things that we need and/or want. First up, this weekend both Vonnie and Tristan will be getting some much needed new tennis shoes. The entire family is due for eye exams. Vonnie will get new glasses and Tristan a fresh […] Read more »
The Biggest Ripoff EVER
Every Memorial Day weekend Vonnie and I host a little get together for family and friends. While shopping for the needed supplies last week I purchased a product that could very well be the biggest ripoff on planet Earth. Can you guess what it is? If you guessed bottled water, you were close. At least with bottled water you could make the argument that your preferred brand tastes better than tap water or other brands. But this product, for what I needed it for, was a complete wallet gouger. Ice We purchased a keg of beer for our adult guests, […] Read more »
I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 05/24
Vonnie and I are in full party planning mode for the 17th Annual Pizel Memorial Weekend Party. I’m off of work today to fire up my smoker and BBQ my way to some pulled pork and brisket. So if you’re anywhere near South Eastern Minnesota this weekend, stop on by we’d love to have you. 🙂 Posts That Make Me Fist Pump Carrots for CareOne from A Straight Talk On Debt in the CareOne user community The Blog Post I’ve Been Waiting to Write from Blonde On a Budget MagicJack Reviews: 30 Day Free Trial of MagicJack Plus from Three […] Read more »