While skipping Christmas is certainly an option, there are a few more options available. If you're still in baby step two the last thing you want to do is add to your existing debt... Here are five tips to try if you haven't budgeted for Christmas but still want to spread some holiday cheer without going into debt.
Category: Budgeting
Here at a Life on a Dime and in real life, I am a firm believer in budgeting. I am adamant that anyone and everyone can benefit from a balanced budget! It makes so much more sense to make your money work for you rather than the other way around.
In order to set up a proper budget, you need to track your spending. I think most people have more money to work with than they realize; the first time we tracked our spending it was halfway through the month and we’d spent $80 on fast food. $80! In two weeks! There were just two of us!
We had no idea we spent so much money frivolously! There it was though, $80 we could’ve been budgeting toward credit card or student loan debt. We had both at the time. Some of that credit card debt was for fast food too! I am so glad we learned our lesson and became better at budgeting after that.
Posts in this category have a wide range of topics mentioned; budgeting is an underlying theme in this blog, so you will see it a lot.
Minimalism and Christmas: 5 Tips for Minimalist Holidays
Minimalism and Christmas may not seem like they belong in the same sentence, but I believe they do. The holidays are stressful enough. Why do we make them even more expensive?
Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Less Than $20!
Halloween is officially less than a week away! Are you ready? Have you figured out you and/or your kids' costumes? If not, no worries! Here are a few last-minute Halloween costumes straight from Amazon. These can be to your door with free two-day shipping with your Prime membership. Don't have a Prime membership? Click to … Continue reading Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Less Than $20!
25 Thoughtful Ideas for Handmade Christmas Gifts
Whether you're on a budget, environmentally conscious, or just want to give more thoughtful gifts here are 25 handmade Christmas gift ideas. The best part is not only are they frugal, but they also aren't just good for Christmas! You can give them year-round!
Brand Loyalty: Is it Worth the Price You Pay?
Is brand loyalty worth the price you pay? My mother always seemed to think so. I've found in many cases this simply isn't true. Sometimes it pays to be brand loyal, but does it always? In today's post that is just what I want to explore.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: 3 Ways You May be Missing Money
If you have unclaimed property you could be one quick search away from increasing your net worth or at least putting some money back in your pocket, and your budget where it belongs!
The Minimalist’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials: What You Really Need
If you're just starting out or looking to revamp the heart of your home be sure to check out this list before you shop for kitchen essentials. Chances are you don't need the majority of the "must-haves" you would consider essential. Here is my guide on keeping a minimalist kitchen as well as my top … Continue reading The Minimalist’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials: What You Really Need
What to do When the Budget Doesn’t Work: a Confession of Sorts
Sometimes it feels like we just struck a match and sent our hard-earned money up in flames. Imperfect people create imperfect budgets. Here's what to do when the budget doesn't work.
Frugal Isn’t Cheap: Lessons I’ve Learned About Money
Frugal Isn't Cheap: Cheap Isn't Always Good Being frugal is finally becoming kinda cool. I try to be frugal in life, especially now that I have the privilege of staying home with my children. I've always liked saving money. I've spent as little as possible when I could get away with it. But that wasn't … Continue reading Frugal Isn’t Cheap: Lessons I’ve Learned About Money
Ways to Save More Money: 30 Frugal Money Saving Tips
Just in time for day three of #blogtober, here is my list of 30 frugal money-saving tips to help you save money every single day.