Mother's Day Gifts for $5 to $10

Mother's Day, the second Sunday of May, may find you long on love, but short on cash. How can you honor mom when the pennies already being pinched? Here are dozens of gift ideas for mom under $10. I've actually found most of them for $5, shopping around. Moms usually say that it's the thought that counts and you will show mom that you really did choose a thoughtful gift, both by it's quality and frugality. Mothers young and old will enjoy these gifts. Oh, and skip the fancy bag and card--they just add to cost while lending nothing to the gift. Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts Under $10

Minimalist Lifestyle is Healthy for Kids, Parents

 My out-of-the house son and I were recently discussing the minimalist lifestyle. We noticed how many people claim to be minimalists but in fact aren't. Case in point: money. It's easy to talk about living simply, but much harder to do it. And now that our son is paying his own way, he realizes why dad and I were so frugal when he was growing up. He sees first-hand how expensive things are and how easy it is get deep in debt. Avoiding debt is one reason parents should live simply. Here are others. Minimalism is Good for Families

Educational Preschool Gifts that Won't Bankrupt the Budget

Every Christmas, I say to myself, "I'm not going overboard shopping for the kids this year." And each year, I do. But at least, I'm a good bargain-hunter. I may overspend a little but I get lots of bang for my holiday buck! As a teacher and mom, I insist on educational toys and gifts. Here are low-cost, high-learning toys and gifts for preschool-age kids.  Read more

Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips

As a mom to four kids, ages 24 to 14, I've planned a plethora of kids' parties. I'm also a teacher and I've hosted numerous classroom events. There are some misconceptions among parents, about what kids do and don't want for parties (and gifts). Bottom line is, they're not selfish and hard to please, IF, they aren't taught to be. Planning parties, I've had some great successes and colossal fails. From those experiences, I've compiled a list of tips for parents on planning kids' parties. Being a frugalista, these hints focus on cheap, homemade party ideas. My kids' friends still remember my parties as being tons of fun (it's my secret that most only cost me about $10 to put on!) Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips

Cyber Monday: How to Save Big Money with Online Shopping

Cyber Monday: Make Online Shopping Work for You Cyber Monday: the biggest online shopping event of the holiday season. After the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping spree, we can enjoy the safer and more peaceful online shopping of Cyber Monday. But even online shopping can be challenging. Every store and merchandiser is vying for your shopping dollar. They ply you with coupons, free shipping and "great deals." How do you navigate (pun intended) the ocean of internet commerce? Here's your shopper's guide to Cyber Monday deals. Read more

Best Wedding, Bridal Shower and Holiday Kitchen Gifts for Bakers

Best Gifts and Kitchen Must-Haves for Bakers Under $15 Looking for holiday or birthday gifts for bakers? Maybe you are going to a kitchen bridal shower or need a great wedding gift? In this economy, we're all looking for ways to pinch pennies. Here are best gifts and kitchen must-haves under $15. Read More

Gifts for Mom Under $10

50+ Mother's Day Gifts Priced Under $10 Mother's Day is not about the gifts, but many people like to show their love with a gift. Gift giving can get expensive. Here is a list of Mother's Day gifts priced under $10 each.
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Black Friday Shopping Tips

Black Friday Shopping in the Muskegon-Grand Haven Area Detailed strategy for the Black Friday shopping circuit with as little hassle, back-tracking and waiting in line. Provides a 'time-line', store and merchandise overview and general shopping tips.
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