personal finance in a coupon blog

Memorial Day is right around the corner. While many of us see it as a kick off to the summer season full of barbeques and time on the water, Memorial Day has a greater purpose. It's a time to remember those who've died defending our country, and to remind us to support those who defend our freedoms on a daily basis.

You don't have to spend a small fortune to let a soldier know that there are people who think about them. Deployed soldiers often go without many of the things we take for granted on a daily basis, many of which can be picked up with your coupons.

Items to Include in Your Care Package Read More »

As we prepare to celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 18 and then Memorial Day, thinking about the sacrifices our soldiers, veterans, and their families make will surely be on our minds. These holidays are more than barbeques and days off of work, they're times to reflect on the little things we can do to show our appreciation for what it means to be a soldier, not only at these times but year around. There are many ways to honor a Veteran but here are a few that can be done quickly and on a budget.

1. Say Thank You. As simple as that sounds, it's probably is the most profound. Saying thank you to a service member in and out of uniform is always a noble thing to do. It lets them know that you care and appreciate what it is they have provided you: your continued security and freedom. Read More »

As we plan our Memorial Day holiday, consider a few simple and inexpensive ways that you and your family can serve the military and their families. Taking a few minutes from a hectic schedule to show appreciation and kindness to someone serving our country will not only bless you, it will also pay tribute to those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We could all use an extra dose of kindness and appreciation these days, wouldn't you agree?

Don't let perfection get in the way of progress. Jump in and try one or more of these suggestions or come up with your own plan!

Volunteering to place flags on grave sites

Growing up, my Dad brought me and my siblings along before Memorial Day to place flags on the graves of servicemen and women. We were instructed that this was a solemn task and no complaining was tolerated. I can remember hot days, cold days, rainy days and bug-infested days. It didn't matter to Dad. He would explain that our servicemen and women endured these conditions and much worse to keep us safe and free. It was a regular family project that left a deep impression on all of us. Contact your local American Legion or VFW organization to volunteer your time. Read More »

If you want mom's day a little extra special then you have to spoil her with breakfast-in-bed. Most moms are the first to get up and the last to eat. Amidst all the chaos, sometimes mommy just doesn't get enough time for herself.

For this Mother's Day, switch things up. Let her sleep in and wake up to the smell of her breakfast-in-bed. Clip a rose from the garden and place it next to her pillow. Treat her like the queen she is.

If you want to give her the best breakfast-in-bed, you must have these 7 things on the menu (you'll thank me for it): Read More »

Mother's Day is right around the corner (May 12!), so there's still time left to score Mom an amazing gift.

Okay, but what? Flowers? Too ephemeral. Kitchen stuff? Please. And don't even think about a new vacuum cleaner. No, if you really want to hit a home run with mom this Mother's Day, turn your thoughts to tech. Turns out moms love gadgets and gear just as much as dad--as long as you choose the right stuff.

Here are five tech gifts that are sure to make mom happy this Sunday. Read More »

With Mother's Day right around the corner, a familiar fear is probably starting to set in. You want to get her something amazing and wonderful … but how can you get across how much she means to you without spending your entire emergency savings to do it.

Of course one thing that most moms love (especially those with older, busy children) costs nothing at all: time with their family.

But what else could you do? We asked real moms and kids what their favorite Mother's Day gifts were to get or to give—and not one of them would break the bank. Read More »

Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo this Sunday? For me, the chips, dips, tacos, tamales and enchiladas are enough for me to celebrate this special day that commemorates the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War (taken directly from Wikipedia).

I've been to a lot of celebrations and parties, and there's nothing like a Cinco de Mayo party. The food, the music, the fun, the laughter, the food, the drinks and did I say food? But you can't have a great Cinco de Mayo party without a killer guacamole.

I've got 5 guacamole recipes that will have you standing at the chip stand for hours: Read More »

Mother's Day is only one week away!

It's one of those days I look forward to because I get waited on hand and and foot by my children and husband. From breakfast in bed to flowers, it's a day that I can proclaim where I can do nothing and get away with it.

On the flip side, I'm also a daughter myself. It's the one day I want to express my gratitude towards my mom and make her feel extra-special. My mom is a sucker for flowers, so she always looks forward to getting her home delivered bouquets each year.

If you're like me and plan on sending flowers to your mom, but you have no idea where to start, I've got this year's top five Mother's Day picks from 1-800-Flowers.com: Read More »

April is the cruelest month. But there's no reason it can't be the jolliest! One consistent piece of feedback we've been gotten from our audience is that the holiday shopping season is WAY too short. Why confine such a festive and relaxing occasion to just one month a year? Our Savings Scientists looked into the matter and the bubbling solution they concocted in our state-of-the-art Deal Lab is finally ready for public consumption. We're proud to present HolidApril!

So get your bells on, spike up a big batch of eggnog, unsheathe your credit card, and get ready to sing some Fa La Las. Because we're going to teach you about the 268 days of Christmas. You're welcome. Read More »

Easter is this weekend and you may have already gotten a start on buying items for your child's Easter basket. But if you're still in need of some last-minute ideas that won't break the bank, we've got a few easy ideas for you.

I always struggle with ideas of what to put in the basket that will be meaningful and personalized for each child and not just random little trinkets or toys that will be forgotten within a few days. I also try to only give one special candy in their basket to keep it healthier. For those of you with older children, pre-teens and teenagers, it will get even tougher to think of gifts they will enjoy as their interests are more specific as they grow. So, here are some ways you can create a personalized and special Easter basket geared towards your child's interests without spending a lot of money. Read More »

It comes around every year, and we all jump on the "resolutions" bandwagon. Most people make changes because it's a New Year and a perfect time to rethink and reshape our lives. But most people make resolutions simply because the marketing companies are really good at convincing us that's what we need to do in the New Year. 

Who's the most profitable in January/February? Gyms, fitness programs, and diet companies to name a few. Don't get me wrong -- this isn't a bad thing. I like that these companies are encouraging people to get healthier.

But if you really want to get your resolutions to stick, you have to make your decision for a better reason than what the marketing calendar says. It's the perfect time to make a change, yes. But the key is to make it stick year-round. Here are why your resolutions fail and what you can do to fix that.   Read More »

With only a few days until Christmas morning, you may be in a slight panic if you find your gift list is not complete. Whether you classify yourself as a procrastinator or simply enjoy the increasing pressure to find a meaningful gift part of the holiday season, here's a few ideas to check those last items off your list!

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Gift Cards

Despite their reputation, gift cards can be as meaningful as a specific item. Choose a gift card from a store you know they will enjoy. Whether they'll be buying a new pair of shoes or a chai latte with your gift, they'll be sure to think of you with thanks when they use the card to purchase something they need or just want.

As an added bonus of savings, select gift cards that earn you rewards at your grocery store. Local restaurants also may give you a return on your money. Read More »