How to Be Debt-Free in 2013

debt-free-in-2013

By Stacy Myers, Contributing Writer Some of you clicked on this post out of sheer curiosity…you want to see what this kook has to say. After all, it’s not something you really believe. You don’t REALLY think it’s possible to live free from the bondage of debt. Some of you clicked on this post because your heart’s desire is to live debt free – but you’re not there…you want to know how to get there and you need encouragement. You need to hear from someone [...]

What Our Children Are Teaching Us About Being Givers

What Our Children Are Teaching Us About Being Givers

By Crystal Paine, Contributing Writer Ten years ago, when my husband and I were first married, frugality was a must. If we didn't pinch pennies, we couldn't survive -- or at least not without racking up a serious amount of debt and financial trouble down the road. So we pinched pennies, did without, and prayed that we'd make it until the next paycheck came in. Times were lean, but God was always faithful. As our income increased, there was the temptation to also increase our [...]

DIY Hall Tree

diy-hall-tree

Written by Stacy Myers, Contributing Writer When we bought our new home, it didn’t come with a coat closet. Bummer. We did have the Jesus closet, but alas, He’s gone somewhere else (thank you, yard sale!). But a girl just has to have somewhere to hang her coat and purse. Laying a purse on the floor is just begging a toddler to reach in and play with your dental floss…or make “notes” on your checks. Being a HUGE advocate of all things Pinterest, I set off [...]

It’s Not Your Money, Is It?

Crying baby

Written by Stacy Myers, Contributing Writer A while back, there was this strangely annoying commercial on television for JG Wentworth. It’s a bunch of adults yelling out their windows about THEIR money. While the normal person would just find this commercial extremely dumb, I found it very bothersome. When I heard my pastor mention the commercial in one of his sermons about stewardship and giving, I really started thinking. The sad thing is this MY MONEY mindset is very prevalent today. Most of us consider [...]

Picky Eaters: Avoiding the Dinnertime Dilemma By Raising Children With a Heart of Gratitude

photo credit

Written by Courtney, Contributing Writer Picky eaters, finicky eaters, stubborn, selective. The notion of children being picky about their food is common these days. I’ve noticed that it’s tossed around as “normal” and accepted, even justified by some. Pop psychology and modern day experts in child development cite is as appropriate. But is it? I have to ask if this trend is something new or if young children were always “predisposed” to be picky eaters. One hundred years ago, did children reject the food their [...]

What I Would Feed my Family on a Monthly Budget of $250

3694187993_5063436629

  *After you read this post, be sure to read the second post in this series, with thoughts on how I would improve upon this budget.* I had way too much fun writing this post. I hinted on Facebook last week that I was working on a post detailing what I would buy if I could only spend $250 a month for our family of 5 (we currently spend $450, although that does include some household goods/toiletries, which my $250 budget doesn't). My goal? To [...]

Yes, You Can Stop Using Credit Cards!

credit card

Written by Kate Tietje, Contributing Writer In the new year, one of the major resolutions a lot of people make (after losing weight) is getting out of debt.  A lot of families are reeling from their Christmas expenses -- I think I've read the average family spends over $2000 on Christmas each year! Much of that goes onto credit cards.  When you think about taking several months to pay that off at 18% (or more) interest, that's a lot of extra money that you're spending just [...]

Can Coupons Be Used Responsibly?

coupon clipping

Written by Courtney, Contributing Writer As mothers raising families in a tough economy, we are always looking for ways to save money and make our dollars stretch a little further. Since the beginning of time, mothers have learned to be wise stewards of the limited resources available to them. More recently, many have turned to coupons to help make the most of their family's hard earned dollars. Using coupons and taking advantage of sales and other promotions can be valuable tools to help us maximize [...]