Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 2/8/19

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I was reminded recently just how much I love my carpet cleaner. My two cats seem to enjoy throwing up anywhere they please, the stains difficult to get out. I pulled out my carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpet in our main living room while watching television last weekend. Replacing the carpet in just that one room would cost over $1000, having it professionally cleaned around $100, but with my own carpet cleaner I paid only for a $5 bottle of detergent. Fist pump for carpet cleaners and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump […] Read more »

Five Second Fruit Smoothies for $1

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Fruit smoothies are cool creamy treats enjoyed by many, including myself. But with a price tag of five to eight dollars depending on the food vendor, I don’t indulge often. That changed when I recently acquired a personal sized bullet style food blender. I received a NutriBullet blender for free as part of my employer’s healthy living incentive program. The blender came with a sizable book of recipes to make vegetable and fruit smoothies. Unfortunately all the recipes had at least half a dozen ingredients. I knew I would never use any of them. I wanted something simple and convenient, […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 2/01/2019

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I’ve barely left the house in a week. Thanks Polar Vortex. A few days ago the high temperature was -28 degrees. Things are finally starting to warm up a little and my wife wanted get out and do something.  We decided to go to dinner at our favorite restaurant – but not before we stopped at Costco to by a discounted gift card! Fist pump for warmer weather (relatively), and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump Haggling or No Haggling When Buying a Car? from Beating Broke The Top Ten Other Words to Describe […] Read more »

5 Tips to Improve Your Odds of Getting Approved for a Mortgage While Self-Employed

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Are you self-employed and looking to purchase a home? There is the added stress of wondering if you’ll be approved for a mortgage due to you being self-employed. Those who have their own business and are their own boss have many perks, but also many struggles. It can be hard to guarantee you’ll have an income. However, it also is a very proud moment when you see your business succeed. Don’t let being self-employed stop you from getting approved for a mortgage. With the following five tips, you can help improve your odds of getting accepted for when you need […] Read more »

6 Tips for Cutting Costs as A Homeowner

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Homeownership is a dream that many renters have, but be sure you’re aware of all the associated costs. Ask any homeowner you know about unexpected expenses, and you’ll get a laundry list of tips to think about before buying. Homeownership can be an enjoyable but expensive experience. If you’re looking to save money as a homeowner, consider these tips as measures to cut costs. Tax Breaks Whether you’re a new homeowner or considering your first home purchase, you should always understand your tax obligation. Property taxes are owed each year, but the government offers incentives and tax breaks for specific […] Read more »

7 Things You Need To Do Your Taxes

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The end of January signals the beginning of a dreaded activity for many; doing your taxes. For years I procrastinated, spending more time worrying about it than actually doing it. Doing upfront prep work gathering all the documents you need to do your taxes is the key to making the process as easy and smooth as possible. I take a large envelope, and write on the front each piece of information I need. Normally I start by copying this list from the previous year’s envelope. I put a big square next to each item, and check the box as I […] Read more »

How to Financially Prepare for Divorce

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Divorce is costly – emotionally, physically, and financially – whether you’re the one that initiates it or receives the news from your spouse. Preparing for a divorce is a lot of work, but the more you can do ahead of papers being filed with the court, the better. Consider Your Current Situation Whether you work or spent the majority of the marriage as a stay-at-home parent, divorce will inevitably change your financial situation. Many states allow the displaced spouse to ask for spousal support, and will consider each partner’s contributions to the marriage, though the laws do vary from state […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 1/25/19

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I recently watched a motivational video in which the speaker explained the way to find your passion is to try a bunch of things and see what you find most interesting. Then, keep doing it to see if it develops into a passion, or if it’s just something that’s “meh.”  I’ve been smoking meat for close to 10 years now, and I think I’m safe in saying it’s one of my passions.  This weekend, I’m going to try a new challenge.  I’m going to smoke a pork belly.  I hear if it’s done right, it will be the best pulled […] Read more »

Fender Benders: Do These 3 Things To Protect Yourself Financially

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  I slowed down and came to a stop as the traffic light in front of me turned red. Suddenly I heard tires screeching, and a “thunk” as my van lurched forward. I had been hit from behind. I got out of my van and signaled the driver behind me to pull into the gas station across the street. Inspection of both vehicles showed no damage other than a small scuff on the other driver’s front bumper from my license plate, which he wasn’t concerned about. Preparing to leave, the other driver was shocked when I asked to exchange insurance […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 1/18/19

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I’m working from home today, and writing this from my kitchen table watching it snow outside.  It’s been a mild winter with warmer than normal temps and very little snow thus far. While that’s about to change (arctic blast headed our way next week), the warmer temperatures have significantly reduced my utility bills. While I’m a big believer in snowy winters, I don’t mind the extra cash in my budget this far into the winter. Huge fist pump for lower utility bills AND my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump The Government Shutdown is Every […] Read more »

Managing Your Money: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to See If You Need a Credit Card

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Credits cards are a convenient way to spend money that offers purchase flexibility and special offerings to cardholders who sign up. Each card offers something different, but most of the time it’s centred around ways to spend more. So, before you get your next credit card, here are 5 things you should ask yourself. Is it necessary for you? It is enticing when credit card companies offer 250,000 bonus miles when you sign up or 0% interest the first year you use the card —but the important question is whether this card is a necessity for you. Think about the […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 1/11

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It may be the weekend, but I’m really looking forward to Monday.  I have a date with my wife on Monday that cost us $100 a ticket to go out to eat. You might be confused at this point, since dropping $200 on dinner doesn’t sound like the home cooking, frugal, hate to go out to eat guy I normally portray myself as.  The thing is, this isn’t just any meal, it’s a 5 course gourmet dinner with wine pairing.  It’s food I can’t make, and wine I would never pay the price per bottle for. It’s an experience, and […] Read more »

Save Money Buying Gift Cards At Costco

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It’s a well known fact customers save money buying items in bulk at Costco. But there’s another way to save money at Costco that makes a membership worth the price all by itself. The product I’m talking about is gift cards, and you can save big time purchasing gift cards at Costco. My wife and I stop into Costco each and every time we go to our favorite restaurant. It’s unbelievably convenient given it’s literally right across the street. Buying a gift card from Costco saves us 25% on our bill. Checkout more details on how to save money by […] Read more »