The Budget Diet

The school year is here, do you have any resolutions my dear?

School year resolutions are just like New Year’s resolutions, but they start in September! How nice, we get to start twice!

If you’d like to get organized, save time and money or just live better then today is the day to make a resolution!

Need resolution ideas? Read on!

Get Organized – Wouldn’t it be nice to start the school year with a method to the madness? Wouldn’t it be nice to have one place for all rosters, schedules and school information? Learn how to make a family notebook and simplify your life this year. How about artwork? Don’t let it pile up this year, discover 5 ideas for displaying kids artwork that you can start now!

Pack Healthy Lunches for the Kids – You’ll save money if you put a stop to packaged, prepared foods that are full of preservatives. If you’re too busy to make lunches, why don’t you teach your children how. Take it a step further and put together a list of healthy choices for them and buy a thermos so they can enjoy leftovers and soups.

Offer Healthy After School Snacks – A homemade smoothie is a healthy treat! Learn how to make your own fruit smoothie or use up overripe bananas in a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.

Eat out Less – Is it time to break the cycle of doing the drive thru for dinner? You’ll save money if you try meal planning made simple and eat at home. The Budget Diet specializes in Frugalicious and Fast dinner ideas like Quick Macaroni and Cheese (not from a box) or Pizza Poppers. Even easier, try my no recipe required dinner ideas.

Don’t Over-Schedule Kids – Slow down, enjoy life! It’s so important for children to have free time, so please don’t schedule every waking moment! Likewise, make sure to build in some free time for yourself! I set aside each Friday morning to go to the movies with friends – it’s only $5, and it’s a great way to kick off the weekend. Resolve to have a little me time each week.

Make Time For Family Fun on a Budget – Family fun doesn’t have to mean going out to an expensive dinner or taking the family to the circus. Try to come up with 10 ways to have fun on a budget and dedicate each Saturday night as family night. You could start a tradition of homemade pizza and a movie or how about sundaes on Saturday?

Exercise – It’s probably the most common resolution, and the school year offers the perfect time to jump start your routine! Get in the habit of walking or riding bikes with your children to school, you’ll save gas and burn calories! This is the year to put the brakes on the mom taxi!

What resolutions do you have this school year?

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Image courtesy of: Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

School supplies can be expensive, but they don’t have to break your budget. Keep your finances intact while shopping for school supplies during this busy time of year with these simple tips.
 

Stick to the List

School supply shopping is a huge opportunity for companies to market to both children and adults. It might be tempting to get sucked into the marketing and “fancy” school supplies, but this will end up costing you a lot of money. Once you print out your child’s school supply list, take it with you as you shop and cross items off as you purchase them in order to keep you focused on what’s needed versus what’s fancy and available.

Reuse to Save

Some school supplies can be reused from year to year; for example, I always stash my son’s scissors and unused folders that he brings home on the last day of school to use for the following year. Search your home for gently used or new school supplies that might be lying around, including reams of paper, glue, scissors, notebooks, folders and more. Check through the “junk” drawer, craft bins, bedrooms and desks to find where these little money-savers may be hiding.

In addition, you may also be able to find brand new or gently used school supply items at local thrift or bargain stores. These kinds of stores generally deeply discount their products, so you can find useful school supplies in good condition at a fraction of the cost of going to a retail store.

Search to Save

Saving money requires some research, especially when it comes to school supplies. Either in the Sunday paper or on the web, read store ads and write down special deals that you can take advantage of. There are also school supply lists provided by money-saving blogs (like this one) that are organized by store. Be sure to research blogs that are in your region or local area to get the best deals for your corner of the world. Many of them have done the work for you when it comes to finding the best deals on school supplies in your area.

Plan your shopping trip for school supplies for one particular day, especially if you’re heading to more than one store. This will save you both time and money.

Combine and Split

In some cases, it’s less expensive to buy school supplies in large quantities. If possible, get together with parents in the same school or even the same grade as your children to purchase school supplies like pens, crayons, paper, watercolor paints and more in bulk. Before making a purchase, ensure you’re getting the best deal by calculating the cost per unit of each item. Use coupons when possible, then split the cost and the supplies up between families to save some money in order to benefit everyone involved!

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Kelly Wilson is a busy mom who saves a ton of money when shopping for school supplies with her two boys. For more information on getting your kids ready for the new school year, contact Dr Roane, a Dentist in West Linn, Oregon at Roane Family Dental.

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Image courstesy of: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you’re a stay at home mom, you’re likely spending lots of time volunteering a school! Just like at home, you’re probably asked to do more with less! Good news, little or no budget is required for these Teacher Appreciation Events! Just let your volunteers know EXACTLY what you need, and they will provide!

1. Welcome Back Breakfast or Lunch Themes: Back in the Saddle Again (cowboy décor) OR It’s a New School Year – Dive Right In (scuba décor and sub sandwiches).
 
2. Muffin Mania: A delightful assortment of muffins for the faculty & staff to enjoy!
 
3. Pie Day: Ask volunteers to send in pies in November! The traditional pumpkin and pecan are great, but encourage cream pies, fruit pies, chocolate pies – homemade or store bought!
 
4. Cookie Exchange: Volunteers do the baking and the teachers do the taking! Ask teachers to bring a container to collect their cookies in.
 
5. Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate: Celebrate Valentine’s with a day of chocolate! Chocolate cakes, chocolate candy, chocolate pies, chocolate cookies, white chocolate, dark chocolate, everything chocolate!
 
6. Mardi Gras: King cakes, beads and gift cards for the teachers that get the baby!
 
7. Oscar Party: Popcorn, candy & cokes! Have teachers fill out an Oscar Ballot, and the person that has the most correct answers wins a movie theatre gift card.
 
8. Ice Cream Sundaes: Use an HEB gift card to buy the ice cream, and ask volunteers to donate all sorts of toppings! Hot fudge, caramel, strawberries, bananas, nuts, sprinkles, oreos & more!
 
9. Build Your Own Nachos: Ask a grocery store to donate ground beef, and ask volunteers to donate shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, salsa, sour cream, black beans, black olives, guacamole, etc.
 
10. Teacher Appreciation Week: Cruise theme with an event each day! Smoothies & leis for welcome aboard, Key Lime Pie for the port of Key West, games & prizes, chips & salsa for the port of Cozumel and a dessert buffet!

Do more with less this school year!

You’re doing everything right to maximize your fuel efficiency. You’re slowing down, your tires are always inflated properly, and you would never think about idling for 20 minutes in the car pool line. Well, here you are again – pumping gas! It’s time for the weekly $70 tank of gas in the mom taxi! Don’t you wonder where all the gas goes since you don’t leave your little 6 mile radius in the suburbs?

If you’re feeling like a mom taxi, and your typical day is…

Drive to elementary school.

Drive home.

Drive to middle school.

Drive home.

Drive back to the elementary school because your son forgot his lunch.

Drive home.

Drive to the dry cleaner and the dentist.

Drive home.

Drive to meet a friend for lunch.

Drive home.

Drive to elementary school.

Drive home.

Drive to middle school.

Drive home.

Drive to piano lessons.

Drive home.

Drive to dance, baseball practice and then pick-up a poster board at the grocery for a school project.

Drive home.

Drive back to dance and baseball practice, and then make a mad dash to the drive-thru where you’ll idle for 5 minutes waiting for your order!

Still wonder where that tank of gas goes?

Let’s run the “meter” on the mom taxi, and maybe that will give you some motivation to drive less. There’s nothing like a few word problems to make you realize that you need to do a better job of planning ahead to avoid multiple trips to the store.

Mom Taxi Math:

School
You drive 3 miles round trip to drop off each child at school, and you do this four times a day because you have 2 children. Your car gets 16 m.p.g., and gas is $4 a gallon. How much did it cost you to drive your children to school 5 times a week? Answer: $15.

Errands
At least twice a day you run out to the store, the dry cleaner, the bank, the post office…you know the drill! Each round trip is 12 miles, and you do this 7 times a week. Remember, you car gets 16 m.p.g., and gas is $4 a gallon. Answer: $21

After School Activities
4 days a week you drop off and pick up children from 3 different activities. Total miles per day: 24. You’re still driving that gas guzzling sport utility that gets 16 m.p.g. and the price of gas is still $4 a gallon. Answer: $24

These simple reminders of how much each short trip costs should be a wake-up call to all of us.

This just might be the school year to put the brakes on the mom taxi and drive less!

Could you walk or ride bikes with your children to school? You’ll burn calories, not gas!

Declare this the school year of planning ahead in an effort to save gas.

Plan your meals and make 1 trip to the grocery each week.

Consider car pooling for extracurricular activities to drive less.

Try limiting yourself to running errands just twice a week – this will force you to do a little planning ahead!

It really is possible to drive less and save a little gas. How are you reducing your fuel consumption?

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Image courtesy of: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s already time to start thinking about sending the kids back to school (Hooray?!). Some welcome this time of year, while other dread it, but one thing’s for sure: If you have a preteen or teenage girl, she will want you to take her shopping for all the latest trends. Don’t let this be a burden on your wallet with my looks for less and budget shopping tips.

Let’s take a look at the cast of Pretty Little Liars, a popular drama on ABC Family that teenage girls love. Chances are, your daughter’s style falls into one of these looks:

Sporty Emily: 1. Green scarf $12.95 2. messenger bag $59.95 3. khaki skirt $35.00 4. basic top $24.94 5. converse shoes
Preppy Spencer: 1. Plaid scarf $14.95 2. satchel tote bag $60.95 3. blazer $27.80 4. skinny jeans $19.99 5. oxford shoes $27.60
Alternative Aria: 1. Blue scarf $12.95 2. black skirt $20.00 3. vest $25.00 4. oversized black satchel $45.95 5. knee socks $3.95
Glam Hanna: 1. Textured scarf $29.95 2. preppy tote $46.95 3. black shorts $9.97 4. black blazer $24.50

To get the most out of your budget, consider these back to school shopping tips (I know it’s a lot, but stick with me here — you don’t want to miss these!):

1. Condense and consign — Have your teen try on clothes, and create a bin for ill-fitting items. Ask them to choose a predetermined number of clothes to part with. This will give them an opportunity to get rid of clothes they don’t like anymore — and will also instill the value of letting go of unused items. To make a little cash, consign these clothes at Plato’s Closet, or a local consignment shop. Or, donate the clothes to charity. You could even ask your local public school if they take used clothing to give to students who can’t afford new clothes.

2. Avoid high price — Let’s not name names here, but there are stores that sell teen clothing for outrageous prices. Steer your teens away from these stores, unless the price is in your budget. Only browse stores where you’re willing and able to to spend your money.

3. Know the deals — Turn to stores like Target, JCPenney, and Kohls for deals on teen clothes. Also keep in mind second-hand stores like Plato’s Closet. Your kids might be able to find low-cost, gently used items from the aforementioned outrageously priced stores. Also be sure to check out your nearest outlet mall for deals. Growing up near Cincinnati, my parents saved thousands of dollars by taking me shopping at the GAP Distribution Center Outlet.

4. Wait to shop — How many times have you taken your teen shopping for that gotta-have-it outfit — for them to only wear it once? To avoid these situations, I learned the wait-to-shop tactic from my mother. During summer, my mom bought me just a couple back-to-school outfits. During the first week of school, I could see what other kids were wearing and what trends I liked. The weekend after school started, she’d then take me shopping to pick out the rest of my wardrobe. This way, your teens are more likely to wear what you buy them!

5. Remember fashion rules — Buy your teens mix-and-match basics that can be styled into several different looks. Try to steer them away from ultra-trendy pieces (with loud colors, rhinestones, sequins, etc.). Basic jeans, camisoles, tees, jackets, button-ups, and cardigans can be mixed and matched to form many different styles.

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written by:
Sarah Beckman

Bio: As a bride on a budget, Sarah Beckman knows how to find the deals and get the most out of her money. For her day job, she writes for Affordable Style.

Does your family have any back-to-school traditions?

Maybe shopping for a new first day of school outfit or making a special treat for the first day of school lunch?

Think of family traditions as inexpensive little ways to create lasting family memories…no matter how silly the tradition, it will be remembered for a lifetime!

If you don’t have any back-to-school traditions, here are some ideas from Budget Diet readers to inspire you:

1. making a special breakfast on the first day of school

 

2. hosting an ice cream sundae party the week before school starts…it’s a chance for friends to get together and see who’s in their class this year

 

3. going out for ice cream after the first day of school

 

4. taking a picture by the front door, so we can see how much they’ve grown each year

 

5. writing a note and putting it in their lunch box

 

6. inviting classmates to a pool party before school starts

 

7. attending a mother/daughter back-to-school fashion show

 

8. baking cookies for my teacher

 

Family traditions are cheaper than any toy that your children might be begging for, and that tradition will still be remembered when that toy is long forgotten!

Please let me know your back-to-school traditons!

Have you checked The Budget Diet’s freebies page today?

Did you know that the average American family spends $400 per child on back to school expenses?

Take a look at these 14 easy ways to save on back to school shopping, and I’m sure you’ll find a way to take a bite out of that $400 per child back to school expense!

1. Resale Shops: When it comes to clothes shopping, consider giving teens a clothing allowance, and let them make the choice of where to shop. They might think twice about buying a brand new pair of $80 jeans when they could buy 4 pairs of trendy jeans at resale shops like Platos Closet or Buffalo Exchange. Consider it a lesson in budgeting for your teen! Learn more about saving moneyat resale or consignment shops.

 

2. Tax Free Weekend: Do you know when your state’s tax free shopping weekend is? Check out the complete list of tax free weekend dates by state.

 

3. Needs vs. Wants: Back to school shopping is the perfect time to have a discussion about needs vs. wants with your child. Before shopping, take time to organize your child’s closet and make a list of the items he or she really needs. Then…with list in hand…tackle those needs and avoid the temptation of wants!

 

4. Coupon Codes: If you’re shopping online…don’t leave the coupon code box blank! Take a moment to search for coupon codes at sites like RetailMeNot.com or Dealslip.com. If you’re not familiar with saving money using coupon codes, learn how to find coupon codes.

 

5. Backpacks: Have you ever thought of T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s or Ross for backpacks? Last year, we bought a name brand, $65 backpack for $12.99, it was exactly what my daughter was looking for!

 

6. Textbook Rental: If you have a college student, it’s time to look into renting textbooks and saving big! Save $500 a Year on Textbooks
    

7. Discounted Gift Cards: Do you regularly shop stores like Payless Shoes, Target, Children’s Place or Kohl’s? Take time out today to order discounted gift cards…they’ll arrive in just a few days, and you’ll enjoy instant savings! $100 gift cards for as low as $70 to purchase brand name products at your favorite stores! PlasticJungle -Buy, sell & trade gift cards

 

8. Scout Uniforms: You’ll find huge savings on gently used Scout uniforms on e-bay!

 

9. Haircuts: Oh the ways you can save on haircuts! Try your local beauty school for a haircut at a fraction of the cost. If your son has a basic crew cut, my friend promises it’s easy to do yourself…she said her razor even came with hair cutting instructions! Maybe your child only needs a bang trim…did you know most salons offer complimentary bang trims or bang trims for as little as $5. A quick bang trim is an easy way to extend the time between expensive haircuts!

 

10. School Supplies: The back to school sales have begun, and it’s worth the price of your Sunday paper to check out the massive amount of sale ads and compare prices. You’ll always find the Walmart, Target and Office Depot sale insert in the Sunday paper. How about letting your older children look for the best buys and make the shopping list? Don’t forget to order a discounted gift card to save at Office Depot! Right now you can get a $50 gift card for only $46.50!
    Office Depot – $50.00 gift card

 

11. Musical Instruments: New to the band or orchestra? You might consider renting your child’s musical instrument for the first year to make sure it’s something they plan to stick with!

 

12. Water Bottles: More than 40 billion plastic water bottles are used each year in the U.S., and about 2/3 of those end up in landfills! Kick the plastic water bottle habit this year, and you’ll save about $20 a month. Those cute metal refillable bottles are available for a few bucks at Homegoods, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Ross.

 

13. School Projects: Each year we buy so many tri-fold display boards and expensive foam core boards for school projects…only to throw them away at the end of the school year. I’ve finally come up with an easy money saving alternative…use ticky-tack to adhere the information to the display board, and when the project is complete, simply remove and reuse! You’ll even be able to reuse those pricey die-cut letters!

 

14. Sports Equipment: Huge savings await you on sports equipment at places like Goodwill, Play It Again Sports & E-Bay. You might also consider trading in your used or outgrown sports equipment at Play It Again Sports.

 

15. Swapping instead of Shopping: Trade in all your kids’ outgrown clothes for $5 boxes of fall gear that fits! Check out ThredUp today!
    

 
 
 
 

How will you save money on your back to school shopping?

Have you check The Budget Diet’s freebies page today?
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Image courtesy of: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How many days until your children go back to school? I’m sure they can tell you exactly how many days because the countdown is on!

This year, turn the back-to-school countdown into a game…it’s a way to savor those last days of summer, and it’s a way to beat the “I’m bored” syndrome! They’ll wake-up each morning looking forward to another activity!

Here’s how…

1. Figure out how many days are left until school starts.

 

2. Let your children come up with something fun to do each day until school starts! You set the budget!

 

3. Mark the activities on the calendar.

Need some ideas for free fun? Here are some fun and mostly free ideas!

1. have a backyard campout

 

2. have a lemonade stand

 

3. enjoy a picnic in the park

 

4. meet Dad for lunch at his office

 

5. read a book by the pool…maybe finish a required summer reading book????

 

6. make homemade ice cream

 

7. play in the sprinklers

 

8. have a cookout

 

9. go stargazing

 

10. enjoy a lazy summer day…all day in your pajamas!

 

11. take a trip to the farmers market

 

12. go berry picking and come home to make strawberry jam! Click here for the easy recipe!

 

13. take a walk on the beach

 

14. skip rocks

 

15. watch the sunset

 

16. play croquet

 

17. eat watermelon and have a seed spitting contest!

 

18. catch fireflies

 

 
Well…that’s probably more ideas than there are days left before school starts, so get started today and enjoy those last lazy days of summer! You just might discover a new back-to-school family tradition!