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. 

Most Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck so if you are, you’re in good company. Some studies report as many as 75% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. The majority of people cannot deal with a $400 emergency expense without borrowing money. What’s worse is that according to CNBC.com, less than 30% of Americans has at least six months of living expenses saved. All these facts are to let you know that you’re not alone.

While most people live paycheck-to-paycheck, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can break the cycle once you identify the problem, set a budget, and learn how to spend less. It’s all about living within your means, while also identifying the things that will make your life a little bit easier and happier without a significant financial impact.

Related post: Financial Resolutions for the New Year

Figure Out Why You're Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

The very first thing to do to fix the problem is to identify...

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...

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...

There are so many benefits to creating a household budget. From having a handle on your finances to always knowing what kind of spending abilities you have, you’ll quickly find that a budget can make your life easier. While it may seem like a lot of work when you’re setting it up, they are worth it! Are you thinking of creating a budget for 2020? Here’s how to do it! 

Set Up the Framework for Creating a Household Budget

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 in your budget with specifics by setting up a solid template. 

As your making your budget, consider the future. You’ll likely...

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...

Even though the turkey is the main dish for Thanksgiving, many people enjoy dinner just for the sides and desserts. When you need something sweet for after the big meal, try one of these cheap and easy last minute Thanksgiving desserts! 

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Don’t miss these tips for hosting it on a budget! 

Pumpkin Cheesecake 

While you can go with a traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, you might want to switch it up a bit this year! Try a super easy pumpkin cheesecake! This recipe is much easier than a finicky pumpkin pie recipe and gives you a flavorful and rich dessert. If you’re hoping to stretch your ingredients, this cheesecake is it! 

Cherry Dump Cake 

You can’t get much easier than a dump cake and with only a few ingredients, this cherry dump cake is a crowd-pleaser and so easy to put together. While the cake is easy enough to make while you’re whipping up your turkey and sides, it tastes even better...

If you’ve got a big family or a huge group of friends, the cost to entertain all of them over the holidays can really add up. These affordable holiday entertaining tips to save you money will make it easier to host quality time with your loved ones with less of a drain on your Christmas cash! 

Big-Batch Drinks 

Whether you’re making your signature cocktails or going for a more family-friendly hot chocolate option, making the drinks in a big batch will help you save some money while serving your guests! Punch, mixed drinks, and gourmet hot chocolate all taste delicious when you make them in large quantities and your guests will appreciate being able to get what they want when they want! Since you’re saving more money by making the drinks in bulk, you may even be able to afford to have different options for your guests! 

One-Bite Desserts Are Delish

Who even finishes a giant piece of cheesecake anyway? Bite-sized desserts are so much easier to handle,...

From the tree to the trendy new Christmas decor and even the extra electricity you spend on lights, your Christmas decor budget can be almost as much as the money you spend on presents. Instead of blowing it all, making your home look festive, use these tips for decorating for Christmas on a dime! 

Dollar Store Decor

Decorating for Christmas on a dime is easier when you make use of all the beautiful decorations you can find at the dollar store. From ornaments to figurines and even Christmas wreaths, you can find almost anything you need at discounted prices. 

Consider decorations that would typically cost much more than a dollar, such as window lights, garland, and cookie plates. You’ll also be able to find cute Christmas pictures and wall hangings to use as décor and potentially as gifts as well.

Repurpose Old Decorations 

We all have a box of decorations that really doesn’t fit the current theme. If that’s the case for you, make this...

If you believe showing up to a friend or family member’s house empty-handed is impolite, you likely understand how difficult it can be to continue buying hostess gifts throughout the season. These gifts, though, don’t have to be elaborate. Use these affordable hostess gift ideas to give your hostess something special that doesn't blow your holiday budget.

Related post: Budgeting for the Holiday Season 

Candles 

Many people enjoy candles, and they’re a surprisingly inexpensive gift option. Choose a candle that’s within your budget and wrap it up nicely before giving it to your hostess. Some premium candle stores offer huge sales throughout the year on their candles, and these are prime opportunities to stock up at great prices. When you do so, you’ll always have something to give to your hostess, even if it’s a last-minute invite.

Gift Baskets

While you might not think you can afford a premade gift basket because they’re...