michelejo.com

Category: Blog

  • Low-Spend June: Day 4

    The hardest part of this plan has been explaining the whole deal to the hubby and kids, although they’ve all been great sports about me saying no to Taco Bell or shopping trips just to “look,” etc. Today my 12yo and I went to Dollar Tree.  I thought I’d try purchasing paper towels, trash bags…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 3

    It’s still early in the day, so I may have to update if I don’t make it through the day without buying SOMETHING ELSE. I just spent $38.58 but it was on something I desperately need…two new bras.  I had a 40% off coupon for LaneBryant and I only ordered two of my beloved wire-free…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 2

    Did pretty well today.  I cooked about 8 days worth of dinners/lunches from food I’d already stockpiled, and stopped at the grocery store for a few things and only spent $12.86.  Sadly, my Sam’s Club mozzarella was VERY moldy (dated July 29th mind you) so I wanted to buy cheese for the top of tonight’s lasagna.…

  • Low-Spend June: Day 2

    Did pretty well today.  I cooked about 8 days worth of dinners/lunches from food I’d already stockpiled, and stopped at the grocery store for a few things and only spent $12.86.  Sadly, my Sam’s Club mozzarella was VERY moldy (dated July 29th mind you) so I wanted to buy cheese for the top of tonight’s lasagna.…

  • How to have a painless “low-spend” month! June, Day 1

    I haven’t done one in a while, and I will admit that I often fail miserably when I try.  I usually do great for a week or ten days and then….poof.   I’ve been trying to follow a strict budget this year, but not having the success I’d like.  I’d love to start significantly adding to…

  • How to have a painless “low-spend” month! June, Day 1

    I haven’t done one in a while, and I will admit that I often fail miserably when I try.  I usually do great for a week or ten days and then….poof.   I’ve been trying to follow a strict budget this year, but not having the success I’d like.  I’d love to start significantly adding to…

  • Expenses to cut for healthier finances

    Updated 12/29/18! We gave up cable years ago (saving about $100 per month) but there are still often other expenses that are nickel-and-diming our budget. Sling ~ only $25/mo but no one was watching it.  I’ll consider it again once they fully launch their cloud-based DVR service. Trampoline Class for kiddos ~ As homeschoolers, I…

  • Prepping to pare down the stockpiles!

    This is a great topic being that we’re doing a low-spend month, trying to get into better budgeting habits in order to bulk up our savings.  For the record, I don’t stockpile intentionally…I really just buy stuff regularly, and don’t use it all.  Over time it grows.  I like having excess in the pantry, fridge and freezer.…

  • A Garden Update

    In late summer of 2015, we did a HUGE side yard overhaul and built six large raised gardening beds.  I had soil problems and didn’t have a lot of success that fall/winter.  I planted a lot during the summer of 2016 and realized I had some pretty massive soil problems ~ worse than I’d thought.…

  • Holiday Side Hustles for Crafters

    It’s not too early to start thinking about earning extra money for the holidays this year!  If you like to craft or are handy with wood, there are several things I make that sell well in my area.  The key is to have them ready by around September first for winter holidays, and around July first for…