Most people only dabble in coupon usage. They might check out the circulars in their Sunday paper, clip one or two items that look good, and probably forget to use them when they’re at the checkout stand.

Couponing is a well-planned method of shopping and saving, so you’re going to get a guide on how to achieve significant financial results from your efforts! It can be enjoyable once you get the hang of it, each trip to the grocery store becoming somewhat of a challenge you engage in.

Not everything you see on the Extreme Couponing show is real, so before you think that from now on, all of your groceries will be 100% free, think again. For instance, Frys caught heat from the public when they allowed for special coupon doubling that the public didn’t get – it was for promotional purposes just for the show’s taping.

But still, that doesn’t mean that with some smart planning, you can’t get some incredibly good deals that will save you plenty of money on your grocery spending. It’s wort...

Have you participated in a pantry challenge? A pantry challenge is an attempt to spend as little money as possible on groceries and to eat what you already have in your home. I've seen a lot of people sharing their experiences on social media with some going as much as a month without purchasing groceries. Are you regularly using the food stored in your pantry? If not, why not? Is it a lack of organization? Getting organized can actually help you save on groceries.

Organize Your Pantry to Save on Groceries

One of the areas that families have a lot of control over their budget is food costs. Your mortgage is set in stone, there are few opportunities to reduce your utility bills, but your food bill is well under your control. One of the best ways to minimize your food bill is by keeping an organized pantry. Being able to easily see what’s in your pantry and keep it well-stocked makes meal prep easier and reduces or eliminates the need for spur of the moment take-out. 

Related post: Cr...

When you’re trying to reach a goal, it’s so important to make sure that you have someone available to help cheer you on. Accomplishing goals is so much easier when you have friends and family who can support you and provide direction to your life. The best accountability partners are the ones who will be there to not only support you during the hard times but also celebrate with you when everything is going great. 

Look Inside Your Home 

The people who are closest to you can make the best accountability partners. If you want to accomplish a goal that is very close to your personal finances, sometimes working with someone in your own home will help you reach your goals more easily. Look to your spouse as someone who can be a great accountability partner. Before doing this, make sure that you both are in it to accomplish this goal! 

Find Like-Minded People

When you’re finding an accountability partner, it will be hard for you to get someone who is helpful if they do not have the same...

If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, you’re not alone. Studies show that nearly three out of four Americans are in the same boat, and many would struggle to cover even a $400 emergency expense without borrowing money. It’s no wonder so many people feel anxious about their finances.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. Once you understand what’s really causing the financial stress, you can create a plan to move toward stability—and eventually, confidence and freedom.

At Intentional Wealth Partners, I’ve helped hundreds of women identify the root of their financial challenges and rebuild a sense of peace around money. The first step is awareness. Let’s start there.

Step One: Understand Why You’re Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

Financial struggle isn’t always about being “bad with money.” Often, it’s the result of multiple factors—some within your control and others that require new strategies or support. When you identify what’s happening beneath the surfa...

Are you making financial resolutions for the new year?

I'll be honest. As you begin to establish new financial habits, staying on track financially will feel hard at first. However, if your goals are important enough and you believe that you can stick to a budget, saving money, and living the way you want and need to live, you’ll be able to do it, and it’ll feel great — even fun.

Financial Resolutions - 10 Tips for Staying on Track 

Set Clear Financial Resolutions

The most important thing to remember about staying on track is to start with realistic financial resolutions. After all, you cannot live in a mansion if you don’t make that kind of money. Even if your goals are modest due to a modest income, if you set your financial resolutions realistically then you can still reach them.

Automate Bill Payment & Savings

Late payment fees can add up very quickly and throw you off course. When you pay even one bill late, the interest rate on your other debt can go up, too. Thus, it's h...

No matter where you live, it's easy to get stuck in a rut during the winter months. Your family may50 Free Family Activities to do this Winter be tired of doing the same things over every single winter. You can break out of the bore and start having fun all without spending a dime! 

Check out the following 50 ideas for free family fun this winter:

• Build a snowman - Bundle the kids up, grab some fun accessories, and build a snowman together.
• Go sledding - Even if you don't have sleds for the kids, everything from trash can lids to pizza pans make great makeshift sleds! You can also likely borrow one from a neighbor, friend, or family member.
• Go ice skating - If you don't have your own equipment, you may need to rent skates for a nominal fee.

• Go on a winter hike - Even when it's cold outside, we still have some beautiful, sunny days. Put on your snow boots and take the kids for a hike.
• Decorate your Christmas tree - This fun and free family activity will get you in the spir
...

Creating a household budget is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward financial clarity. A good budget helps you understand where your money is going, stay in control of your spending, and make confident decisions about your goals. And while setting one up might feel overwhelming at first, the clarity and peace of mind you gain are always worth it.

If you’re ready to get organized, feel more grounded with your money, and create a plan you can actually stick to, here’s a simple and supportive guide to help you build a household budget that works for you.

Step 1: Set Up Your Budget Framework

The hardest part of creating your household budget is setting a framework for the budget. By doing this, you’ll always have a template that you can fill in. Many people choose to use a spreadsheet to keep track of their income and expenses while others prefer the more traditional approach of using a notebook or calendar. No matter which method you prefer, you can get prepared to fill...

Looking for staycation ideas for your family? Even though most people think of summer break as the best time to have fun with friends and family, winter break can still be a great time to bond and enjoy your time together. With lower prices on fun activities and the kids home from school, it’s the perfect time to have a winter staycation!

Related post: How to Decorate for Christmas on a Dime

15 Staycation Ideas for Families

1. Involve the kids in planning and preparing a family meal.

Look through some cookbooks and create a grocery list together. Head to the score to get everything you need and then let the kids do most of the work preparing the meal. You can also get your friends involved! Having a party with all your besties is a great way to connect and get out of the slump that can sometimes happen during the winter break.

2. Have a movie marathon. 

With snowy roads and freezing temps, you don't have to go anywhere to have a fun time while you're on your winter staycation! ...

With the kids home from school and plenty of fun things to do throughout the season, it’s challenging to stick to a budget during the winter vacation. Armed with the right tips, you can help yourself save money by staying on budget during the winter vacation! 

Winter vacation is not only expensive, but it can also be draining emotionally and mentally. It’s important to stay engaged and continue enriching your life no matter how low the temperatures dip! 

Stick to a Budget by Enjoying Free Activities 

Many places have free activities you can do during the winter months. From driving around looking at Christmas lights to participating in a Polar Plunge, you can try so many fun activities that are winter-friendly. Get your kids involved in free activities and keep them happy throughout the entire (YES!) winter vacation!  

To find free activities that will help you stick to your budget, check community social media pages, bulletin boards, and even chambers of commerce for ideas. Even i...

I always found it hard to buy gifts for my grandfather. The fact is that he never wanted a lot of stuff and everything he did really want, he had. Still, I always tried to find him thoughtful gifts over the years - a card that would make him laugh, a favorite candy, etc. My grandfather passed away a year ago but we were just reminiscing about him recently. He was excellent on the grill so I've included some grilling gifts in his honor. He also loved to fish when he was younger so I've included some fishing-related items as well. May he rest in peace and may you treasure the time you have with your grandfather.

Related post: 25+ Gifts Under $25 for Grandma

Related post: Affordable Hostess Gift Ideas

15 Affordable Gift Ideas for Grandpas

Grandfathers can be hard to shop for. Here's a list of gifts that are all available on Amazon and are all under $25 so you can easily cross Grandpa off your list. Simply click on the picture and you'll be taken right to the product on Amazon.

Golf...