The New Black... "Layaway" (Or at least a way to stay in the black!)

Have you ever used a store layaway plan? I remember seeing my mom do it several times when I was growing up and I personally put a pair of pin-striped, "ultra-cool" shorts on layaway once when I was in high school. Honestly, I haven't used a layaway plan since that time, but I am considering it.

The basic idea with "layaway" is simply making payments for something, interest free before you actually receive the item… the opposite of a credit card. The idea of delayed gratification that we try to teach our kids is coming back around to us. The layaway plan has had a revival of sorts because credit and cash are both hard to come by. A few stores which have a layaway plan are Kmart, TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory. (Wal-Mart execs are most likely kicking themselves for doing away with their layaway plan a couple of years ago.)

Tracy from Rocky Mount used layaway this past Christmas and she said she also used it to buy school supplies this year.

Do you think you’ll use layaway this Christmas?

How to Make Money Without Money

Many out-of-work people are looking for ways to get career counseling and opportunities to "schmooze" with people in their industry... but with no income how can you afford the pay-by-the-hour counselor and the networking steak dinner? Some creatives ideas came out in an article at ThirdAge.com (http://www.thirdage.com/budgeting-bargains/7-ways-to-save-cash-on-a-job-hunt) that make networking and brushing up career skills more affordable.

1. Barter for job assistance. If you have a skill you can offer to a career coach (secretarial skills, administrative skills) see if you can strike a deal.

2. Volunteer. If there is a networking event/conference you think would be important for you to attend, see if you may be able to be a volunteer at the event. You could either receive reduced or free admission.

Also, check with local churches about available networking opportunites. For example, Open Door Baptist Church (N. Raleigh) has a Bible Study/Mentoring/Networking group that has been recently organized to fill this very need for unemployed men. Church Phone Number: (919) 847-6969.

There are many community and state resources dedicated to job placement and career betterment. Here is a link to the North Carolina Career Resource Network. http://www.soicc.state.nc.us/soicc/. This site includes a career interest assessment that you can do right from your computer.

Making Do... and White Shoes

I'm getting ready to attend a conference over the weekend and I need to wear my white high heels. Now normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I just happened to notice that my shoes look like I walked on them sideways down a gravel road! The scuffs and "chunks" look just terrible. Now the old me would go out and buy new shoes. The old and new me are complaining, but I'm going to keep my shoes, wear them this weekend, and wait for a "good month" to buy new shoes. I am going to be wearing nearly floor length pants and a little bit of elbow grease and "White Out" might just do the trick....

It got me to thinking that there are lots of things during this recession that people have done without. A new poll from Slate.com http://www.slate.com/id/2223471/?gt1=38001 indicates that many of us are giving up trips and going out to eat, but some of us are even delaying a family or are unable to spend time with family because they've taken a second job. What sacrifice have you made during this recession. I'd love to know!

5 Painless Ways to Save Money

I love this picture... maybe it's because I grew up with the saying "A penny saved is a penny earned" or maybe it's because I find myself looking down in the parking lot along with my kids trying to find lost pennies (or quarters or dollar coins!!) Anyway, if we can stretch our money in a way that's "doable" I am all for it.! Here are a few painless ways to save money that we discussed on the show:

1. Experiment with what you really "need." Do you really need two cans of tomatoes in the recipe if one would work? Do you really have to go all the way over the end of the brush with the toothpaste? Would a 6 minute shower be just as refreshing as a 7 minute shower? Find what you're willing to give on and see the savings add up!

2. Swap garden veggies with a friend, and save on produce at the store.

3. Find new recipes that include the use of dried beans. They are plentiful, inexpensive and full of protein. Check out www.allrecipes.com or www.recipezaar.com.

4. Buy presents for children that are add-ons to what they already have- such as doll clothing instead of a whole new doll. Train cars and tracks can be added to train sets.

5. Buy extra school supplies now! These can be used as end-of-school gifts for the teacher, for school auctions, or for your child later in the year.

Check out more ideas like these in the book, The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced "Decision") I wish she were still writing, because this book from the 90s is sooo timely!

Consignment Sales and Swaps!

Here's the link I promised about upcoming consignment sales (finishing out July-October.) I was especially excited about the sale that doesn't require cash (Barter4Kids.) It seems as though bartering would be a great choice for families without a paycheck or any of us who enjoy creative ways to stretch the budget. http://http//www.trianglemom2mom.com/content/2009-fall-consignment-sale-season

I once received a great tip about back to school shopping- buy kids only one new outfit a piece before school starts. This outfit can be off the summer clearance rack because IT IS SUMMER. After school starts (October-ish) the fall clothing often goes down in price and that is a good time to pick up any other cool weather items and essentials for a child's wardrobe.

Image courtesy of www.discoverportlandshopping.com

Experiencing the "Free Movie" w/ Kids

A number of local theaters are hosting free family movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. Regal Theatres are hosting their "Free Family Film Festival" while

Marquee Cinemas are having the Kids' Summer Movie Series (which starts this week.)

Last Wednesday my three-year-old, Micah, and I went to the Regal Theatre at North Hills to see "Horton Hears a Who." We arrived about 15 minutes early and followed the crowd of other moms with (mostly) preschoolers in tow into the theatre. The line for refreshments was tremendous, but we were able to slip through and find our way straight into the movie with no problem. We saw a sprinkling of all ages (even a group of teenagers in the front row.) The theatre was approximately 90 percent full, which was less packed than I had expected. We were not uncomfortably smooshed, and thankfully Micah did not have to go to the bathroom! The movie was enjoyable, but as you can expect it was a loud crowd. Not necessarily the kind of loud that comes from an appreciative crowd that laughs at the right times... it was more of a "Outside Voiced Toddler vs. The Movie" kind of noise. The crowd noise wasn't overbearing, but noticeable.

After I visited the Regal Theatre in North Hills a friend told me about the Wakefield Marquee's free movies. Because of the driving hassle and cost of gas, for me, I probably would not have gone again to North Hills. Now knowing there is another theater close-by I'm looking forward to taking both of my kids when my daughter is tracked-out.

If you're planning to go this week, Regal's movies are at 10:00 a.m. and Marquee's are at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Follow this link for more information on other free or inexpensive movies for families in our area:

http://http://www.newsobserver.com/midtownraleighnews/story/1539034.html

The Bargain Hunter's Secret Weapon- "The Price Book"

Like you, I surf the web, clip coupons and search for good deals to stretch the family budget. One thing I have not found the discipline to do is create a "Price Book" so many ladies swear by. The idea of the "Price Book" is keeping a log of the price of items your family uses at all the local stores. By keeping a log you have a record of what prices are available at various stores and actually know a good deal when you see it. Stores obviously change their prices from week to week, so keeping a long-term record will help you discover an average price for the item and learn the sales cycles of each store. Love the idea- just not the spreadsheets that go with it.

Now there is a place for people who love a deal to look over the shoulder of those who've already done the work. If you live in the Triangle, there is a composite Triangle Price Book that is being created that we can all read and contribute to online at:

http://www.newsobserver.com/business/pricebook/

Summer Fun- On a Budget!

With Memorial Day being the unofficial start of summer, I thought it would be fun to explore some of the cheap/free options we have right here in North Carolina for kid-friendly activities.

1. Full-time summer camps can be expensive. As an alternative, local churches such as Open Door Baptist Church (www.opendoorlife.com) have day camps that can be quite inexpensive. This church has "Power Camp" where students can choose either an "arts" or "sports" track- only $20 for the week (It was $10 during early registration!!) Another idea- town parks and recreation sports activities.

2. Summer concerts provide inexpensive or free music. Many communities such as Holly Springs have free outdoor concerts on the weekends. The free outdoor concert series starts tomorrow evening and goes through September. For more details, go to http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/news/2009/outdoor.html

Christian festivals are a great way to get the most music for your money. For example, Sonfest at Carowinds costs nearly the same amount as a good seat at the concert of a single artist. This year tobyMac, Brandon Heath and Third Day will showcase their talent at Sonfest. Read more about Sonfest, June 13th through our homepage www.hisradiowrtp.com.

3. Water! Whether its the fountain at Triangle Town Center or Falls Lake, there are plenty of places to enjoy free water fun. There are plenty of city parks that have pools- like Seabrook Pool in Fayetteville. It's worth checking on a season's pass if you plan to go often. Another alternative- buy your own round ring blow-up pool. It may be cheaper in the long run and will attractive the neighbors!

4. Take me out to the cheap ballgame! With the Mudcats and Durham Bulls, we are blessed with inexpensive ways to celebrate the American Pastime. Even cheaper- high school and little league games (and the little leaguers are the cutest to watch anyway!)

5. Take a picnic lunch to an unusual place. Need inspiration? Check out the book 100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina by Joe Miller. Our family just fell in love with the Franklin County Nature Preserve's Children's Bamboo Trail. There is a perfectly located picnic bench in the shade just waiting for a picnic under the bamboo!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and let me know your own inexpensive Summer Fun ideas!!

Recession Purchases.. How about Spam?

So what are you buying these days? We may be buying down or simply doing without in some areas, but there are some comforts such as chocolate that we seem to be clinging to during this recession. Other hot items: Spam, running shoes, gold coins and tanning products. (I guess it's because that trip to the beach may be out of our price range this year...) Read more about other items we're spending money on at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30781701/

Eating Out On the Cheap...

Our family made some "recession era" changes to our eating out about a year ago when we took the "Financial Peace University" course offered at our church. It was eye-opening experience for us to discover how much money we were spending on food of all types- groceries and eating out.

To be very honest we have become a fast food family, by necessity. At least that has been the case until the last couple of weeks!

Two weeks ago I learned about a popular sit-down place with a club I could join. (I can't mention its name, but it does have something to do with a favorite day of the week!) Anyway, as a new member of their "club" I received a coupon for a free appetizer and a "Buy One Entree, Get One for a $1." Crazy enough, the night we brought our coupons it was also Kids' Night. The waiter not only took BOTH our coupons but ALSO allowed our kids to have the free Kids Meals. Basic story: full price for one entree, one for a $1, an appetizer and two meals free!!

Another shocker was a visit on Saturday after the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival to a popular burger and shake place (again, use your imagination here.) I had a $2 off coupon for my meal and it was Kids Night. We had great food and my extra huge meal came with a shake and two extra sides that really helped fill up the family. Total cost: $14 for a family of 4!

So have you been working the system? What great food deals have you found at area restaurants? I'd love to hear your stories!

Going Where the Jobs Are...

Are you looking for a new job and are mobile enough to move out of state? Stimulus package-related jobs are coming (in large numbers) to places around the country from Amarillo, Texas to Illinois and Oklahoma. Read all about it!

http://http//www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/26/wtja.economy.jobs/index.html

Negotiating the Non-negotiables

by Erik for Flickr

I am an avid reader of a blog on simple living called "Small Notebook"http://smallnotebook.org/. The author Texas mom Rachel Meeks often shares good tips on living frugally and making the most out of a small living space (they live in an apartment.)

Rachel recently intrigued me with a blog "Breaking the Frugal Rules" (http://smallnotebook.org/2009/03/03/breaking-the-frugal-rules/) about non-negotiables in her budget- which includes a $40 a month coffee allowance. It got me to thinking about my own non-negotiables- Wal-Mart's French Vanilla Instant Cappucino, Soda, and $5-$10 a month of personal fun money.

But with more job layoffs on the horizon, I see our "non-negotiables" becoming that little bit of wiggle room that can be cut in an emergency. My husband Andy and I sat down this week and carefully evaluated other "extras" that are important to us, but could be cut in a crisis- those include preschool, saving for vacations, and seminary costs.

"Non-negotiables" make an everyday budget liveable over a long period of time because they help us not feel deprived. What are your non-negotiables? I couldn't live without...

Ice Cream for 50 Cents

My kids recently received a valentine card from their Great-Grandma with a one dollar bill inside. The card had a note which read, "Go out for ice cream with this." I scratched my head and wondered, "So which kid does she want to have an ice cream cone?" It all came clear to me later on in a phone convesation when she said, "I don't know if you can still buy a cone for 50 cents or not..." Times, they are a-changing... I couldn't help but wonder, "How long has it been since someone took my grandma out of ice cream?" We'll be heading to Iowa to see my family in a couple of weeks and I think it's time to take Grandma out!

So what's the best place in your neighborhood for ice cream? How about the best deal on ice cream?

Four Fun Things for $20

Feb. 17, 2009

FOUR FUN THINGS TO DO WITH $20

Oftentimes when budgets are tight we squeeze "fun money" right out of the picture. Doing this only irks us and makes us (me!) less willing to follow a budget. If you only have $20 here are some fun things to do that will feel like a real treat:

1. Surprise yourself. Hide a $20 bill in a pocket of a piece of clothing you rarely wear or a purse you won't use until next season. When you find it you'll remember treating yourself and can spoil yourself then. Delayed gratification.

2. Flowers to brighten your mood and home. Buy a large bunch of flowers from the grocery store and put them in small vases around your house. Carnations are a long-lasting color treat.

3. Have a ladies slumber party with a chick flick and food. Do each other's nails, hair and make-up if you dare! Caution: You may not want to allow this to be a make-up/women's products sales opportunity for friends who have at-home businesses, since the party may lose its budget-friendliness.

4. Go to the make-up counter- and BUY something! Get pampered at a make-up counter at the mall and buy one of those products you've never splurged on before. A $20 tube of lipstick... You're worth it!