personal finance in a coupon blog

Looking for inexpensive and meaningful ways to celebrate Father's Day? I recommend keeping it simple and making a memory. Be sure and preserve your memories with an inexpensive keepsake such as a photo keychain, coffee mug, mouse pad, or framed photo for Dad. Vistaprint or Shutterfly are two inexpensive sources for these gifts. I have used both before, and have been very happy with their quality prints and quick turnaround for a low price.

Here are a few suggestions. I welcome your ideas! Read More »

Read More »

With Father's Day fast approaching, here are a few frugal ideas to celebrate dad while still staying on budget. You don't need to break your budget to show dad how much he means to you.

1. Wash The Car: All you need is soap and water, as well as a little elbow grease to shine up dad's car. You can let dad relax while you take care of his vehicle.

2. Give Dad a Call: If you live miles from dad, set aside time to call dad and catch up on what's happening in life. Read More »

Read More »

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 »