Wednesday's Words: Professional vs. Amateur

"If you think it is expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." —Red Adair

Tuesday's tip: the night before

Pack your bag the night before, so you don't forget anything.

(I learned this the hard way this morning when I had to go home twice--once for my cell phone and a second time for my wallet. I should practice what I preach.)

Tuesday's Tip: Keep track of your finances

If you made a New Year's resolution to spend les,s then you need to do more than make a budget, you need to track what you spend in all your accounts (savings, checking and credit cards) to get the most accurate picture of your money habits (Hint: doing it online makes it easy; I know first hand).

For more on creating a budget....Truly Useful Budgeting

Tuesday's Tip: L for leftovers, L for lunch

Make double of your dinner and eat the leftovers for lunch the next day— I love this homemade healthy cheap lunch.

Wednesday's words: The profit of a lifetime

"My mother always said, 'children are an investment and grandchildren are the profit.'" --A retail sales clerk

How to teach financial responsibility?

My daughter has been great about saving her allowance (and not spending it), but then expects that for the holidays she will get everything she wants and gifts and I am wondering how to draw a connection to saving, responsible spending and "Grandma won't be buying everything you asked her for because it is too much money" (for which I need to convince Grandma).

Tuesday's Tip: Spend Less

" Big Bills....Convert money into $50 bills. You'll think twice before spending them." —from the AARP Bulletin 99 Great Ways to Save

More words...

"Money is for helping people, not for controlling people." —Anonymous

So far Monday is a "good luck" day

I found a penny on the bus ("Pick it up and all the day you'll have good luck") and the solutions to three minor problems have been solved before lunch time—that penny sure was lucky.

Why is a finding a penny considered good luck?

Tuesday's Tip: Tax time

Those free mailers from the USPS, UPS or FedEx make wonderful "folders" for sorting your receipts and papers for taxes and just don't forget to label them.

Tax Calendar for 2013

Tuesday's Tip: Indoor plant buying

When you buy plants, be sure to get ones that work in your climate and for the amount of natural light you have (this is a mistake my husband has made that has cost us some plants0

Only got one black dress...

Check this out.....Rachel Ray Show

Tuesday/s Tip: Those Pesky Resolutions

Remember that resolutions are mile markers and not end posts on the road of life.
5 easy steps to realistic New Years resolutions

In the words of an opera

I went yesterday with daughter and mom to see a family friendly performance of Barber of Seville and in the words of the opera, "Gold sets the mind in motion" (and yes, my daughter liked her first opera, but isn't sure she would see another one).

Wednesday's Words: Black

"Everyone looks good in black--wardrobe and budget" -- Anonymous