Archive for the ‘Save Money at Home’ Category

Black Enterprise magazine has always been a favorite read. I read it from cover to cover. I have always wanted to be featured and eventually I will! OK, back to the subject at hand, Black Enterprise has done a monthly feature for some time that I love. Each month a family is selected showing a financial snapshot and looks at the 10 Wealth For Life Principles. The original wealth principles are bold and next to it is from the Book of B.Free:

1. I Will Live Within My Means – I agree wholeheartedly
2. I Will Maximize My Income Potential Through Education and Training – Again agree
3. I Will Effectively Manage My Budget, Credit, Debt, and Tax Obligations – Don’t manage, get rid of credit and have no tax obligations.
4. I Will Save At Least 10% of My Income – A must.
5. I Will Use Homeownership as a Foundation for Building Wealth – Not necessarily. Owning a home frees up cash to do other things, but in a real estate market that is just beginning to rebound, I hope folks aren’t using their home as an equity builder, not happening!

6. I Will Devise An Investment Plan For My Retirement Needs And Childrens’ Education – Retirement first, then education. Your child has opportunities to attend college, such as scholarships, parent loans, student loans, working, interning. While a retired individuals has limited options.
7. I Will Ensure That My Entire Family Adheres To Sensible Money Management Principles – Devise a spending plan, reduce expenses and teach money management to your kids. I always say if you can’t explain it, then you don’t understand it.
8. I Will Support the Creation and Growth of Minority-Owned Businesses – Also very important; pay it forward in all aspects of your life.
9. I Will Guarantee My Wealth Is Passed On To Future Generations Through Proper Insurance And Estate Planning – Most of us  have a long way to go to get to this goal, but it does not have to be. Make an appointment to talk with an advisor, financial coach or attend a seminar to learn. Remember to learn is the grow.
10. I Will Strengthen My Community Through Philanthropy – This means be a giver. A giver of your time, tithes & talent to bless others.

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Before I give you some ideas to create additional income or replace your income, here is a suggestion if you are thinking of a career change.  Volunteer or work in that field before your career move. For example, if you are thinking of owning a daycare, go work in a daycare.  There used to be a show on HGTV called Radical Sabbatical.  I LOVED it because persons were allowed to live out their dream for a few weeks. Guests could “test” the waters in a field to determine if that’s really a field of interest.

Here are a few suggestions for the tips to replace your income. Get a traditional second job, but make a vow to yourself to use the earnings for the intended purpose and that purpose only, to pay off debt, save for a vacation. Watch your monies accumulate or see the debt go down to motivate you to continue working towards the end result.  Consult your attorney on the possible tax ramifications and withholding questions.

Become a consultant. If you have a full time job, you are probably pretty good at what it. Take that skill set and become a consultant. Be sure your consulting is not a conflict of interest for your employer. Otherwise, go for it.

Offer your services online, like elance and odesk.com, fiverr.com or Craigslist.com

Earn money with a hobby.  Do you have a natural ability or talent that people always say you are good at? That hobby or talent can be a viable business.  Keep in mind, since there is no minimum age requirement, kids can start businesses too!

Sell things to make extra money. You know the cliché one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. You can sell your junk and the good stuff you no longer use, want or can fit. Americans spend way too much money for storage units. Go through your closets, attics, basements, garages and storage units to find things to sell.  Use sites like eBay and craigslist or the local newspaper to advertise your items.  A cluttered space is a cluttered mind.  By reducing your clutter, you will feel better and make a little extra money.

Be a virtual assistant. Small businesses are always looking for help with administrative tasks, such as bookkeeping, posting ads, and writing articles. Since these jobs can be done online, businesses frequently hire part-time employees to work from home.

Build a blog following. It’s not expensive to start a blog. As long as you are consistent and provide good content, you can build a following. This does take time and work, but it can be done.

When you start generating income, send me an email. I would love to hear from you!

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It’s Your Girl B.FREE, saving you time and money! When I feel the need to tell you about a great idea, concept or savings, then I have to tell the world. This is my latest discovery. What if I tell you can you can make the most of clothes that you already have? What if you could get 3 complete outfits for less than the cost of one outfit? Let me save you time and money in your own closet. You want to know how? I’m glad you asked!

I love to mix and match fashions, styles, colors and patterns and when I see someone that does the same, I am intrigued. I noticed someone at my church that did the same. I liked how she mixed styles and accessories. I found out that she is the founder of Cafe Fashion and she offers closet consultations.  A closet consultation will cure you from standing in your closet and not finding anything to wear. Instead of facing the same problem each season, including the holiday season, think of this solution. Allow a style consultant determine your taste, review your style and help you see the potential with your existing wardrobe.

Because the holiday season is quickly approaching, let me offer you some savings. Use what you already have and still look like a million bucks. If you contact Cafe Fashion for a closet consultation, you will 1-hour to go through your clothes closet and leave you with 3 complete outfits AND receive a 50% discount. Contact Cafe Fashion at cafefashionatl@gmail.com with any questions and to make an appointment and don’t forget to mention me, B.FREE – the girl that saves you money. Those in the Atlanta area directly benefit from the offering. However I don’t want to rule out those that live elsewhere with an expandable spending plan.  Cafe Fashion can come to you wherever you are. Although you won’t be disappointed, that will cost you a little more! .  Otherwise, enjoy the savings!

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Tis the season, I mean the cold and flu season! Once the weather changes, it seems the colds start. Is it a rite of passage for the fall to begin? When I feel under the weather (maybe that cliche means, I was under summer weather and not rate, I prefer a holistic approach to colds. I know that doctors have their place and are a warranted, talented, hard working individuals; however, I go when all else fails.

I was beginning to feel the remnants of a cold. I began drinking herbal tea with my concoction of honey, lemon, ginger, garlic or any combination thereof. On the next day, I felt the virus, bug, cold was escalating and I was going down fast. I had to do something. Well, I came across a tonic some time ago and vowed that I would try it, if needed. That time had come and decided to try my hand at this tonic. The recipe made 2 gallons. Well, unless I’m curing elephants, I don’t need quite that much. I opted for a 16 oz bottle. The ingredients include five equal parts of: garlic, white onions, pepper (any kind), horseradish root, ginger root. I placed my 1/4 cup of the above and added to a 16oz apple cider vinegar. My instructions said to wait 10-14 days before consuming. I didn’t have the time, as I was sick at the time I made it and shot a you tube video!

Was it terrible? Of course, it was, awful to be exact, but it worked. I slept for 9 hours which is quite unusual for me and I felt 90% better and I was on my way to recovery. Whew, I discovered another use for apple cider vinegar.

Try it and let me know how it works for you!

http://youtu.be/EzTwG2mSehI

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This is my tough love post! Every now and again, we need someone to give it to us straight. Do you realize it is easier to make excuses than to the task at hand? It drives me crazy when excuses are spoken first. For example, “When I get a bigger kitchen, I will learn to cook. “As soon as I get in shape, I will start exercising at the gym”. “As soon as the kids are older, I will make time for myself”. “When I get more time, I will start eating properly”.  Let’s tackle each EXCUSE.

You can learn to cook with a toaster oven and one pot! You need to take measures to get in shape instead of watching TV. You can steal 5 minutes in the bathroom to meditate to breathe deeply and nothing else.  You can grab a piece of fruit, just as easily as a donut. Keep nuts in the car for a quick fix while out running errands.

My point is good and bad habits develop over time. Good habits, such as saving, exercising, meditating, eating properly, organizing, praying, stretching, and require a consorted effort. According to studies (I know there is a study for everything!), it takes 15 times to repeat a function for it to penetrate in your brain and remember to just do it. So, start today by creating a good habit. No more excuses.

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Everyone makes it sound so easy on how to save money with coupons. You maybe thinking that you have never been able to save 50% or more off your grocery bill. Well, it can be done! However, there are a few rules and tips that you should know. Numero uno, the example of saving 50% off your bill is only buying what’s on sale or clearance AND what you have a coupon for, nothing else. It doesn’t matter what is on your grocery list, don’t deviate, so you can see the savings. Secondly, the items are rung up BEFORE the store card is presented. Although I know there are a few people that don’t have a store card for everywhere they shop, but sounds like a tragedy because you save money just by having and using a store card.

In terms on joining the coupon, money saving frenzy, start with a method to organize your coupons. I understand that time is money and money is time, so you need to establish some way to stay organized. The way to organize could be a coupon organizer, a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors, a photo album holder or baseball card holder.

For more tips, download an e-book that will be emailed to you as an adobe acrobat reader file and start saving.

$3.99

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De-Stress for Less. Pampering Yourself doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Although a full day at the spa would be ideal, it is not a reality for those with a tight budget. It does not mean you neglect yourself. Here are some ideas to pamper YOU without breaking the bank.

It goes without saying ( although I am saying it again), shop clearance items. You can great deals on Valentine’s Day soap, Christmas candy cane shower gel, St. Patrick’s day green sponge, Easter egg filled with beauty goodies. You get the idea, for every holiday, look for deals right afterwards. Use candles, as they are inexpensive and can change your mood instantly. Have a pillow to prop your head and relax.  You can use a traditional spa pillow or a travel pillow. Same use and just as comfortable. Make certain to utilize everything in your house. What is the point of beautiful china, fancy glasses, other than Thanksgiving & Christmas. Use your fine pieces, because you are worth it! Studies show when you use the good stuff to eat, you eat slower and your food is more enjoyable. I guess that’s why fine restaurants use fine serving pieces.

I have secret mixture, but I will share it with you. Mix 1/2 half shea butter and 1/2 coconut oil. Add smell good lotion and mix. You will love the feeling of your skin and it’s goes a long way. Make your own body scrub with 2 tablespoons of very finely chopped peppermint (the leaves, not the candy) and rosemary leaves, 1 tablespoon fine sea salt, 1tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 4 tablespoons shower gel. Mix and use all over your body. This body scrub should not be saved. Use the entire amount at the time you prepare it.

Lastly, this may sound strange, but it really works. After you have soaked in the bath, you don’t want to take the time to clean the but. Here’s a suggestion. Once you are out of the bath tub, remove all the water, get out and dry off. Once the water has drained out of the tub, get back in the tub, preferably naked, use a cheap shampoo on a towel and wife. Rinse tub and get out. You have just cleaned yourself and cleaned your tub with a non-abrasive and no harsh chemicals!

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http://www.cinemoms.com/JOIN-CINEMOMS.html

What is CineMoms?

CineMoms started as a movie club for moms, but now its become so much more!! CineMoms is a membership club for moms with school-aged children (pre-school – high school) in the Atlanta area. Once you join CineMoms, you will receive a member card which will instantly allow you to receive deals at retailers, museums and entertainment venues located all around the city. Simply look at our list of partners and deals and present your card upon purchase to receive your discount. It’s that easy! Another benefit of joining CineMoms…members will have a chance to win free event tickets which include movie, concert, theatre and arena tickets. Some events are just for moms, others are for the whole family! At the mom-only events, you will have a chance to meet and socialize with other moms from around the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to offer fun and affordable opportunities to moms and their families during these tough economic times!

Click on the link: Tell them BFREE referred you!
target=”_blank”>http://www.cinemoms.com/trialmembership.html

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You can save time and money by using the makeup that you already have. Use powder, liquid or lotion bronzers anywhere on your body to create that shimmery, glowing effect. The same for glitter makeup. It can be used as an eye shadow or lightly on your chest, back, arms or face for a little sparkle. Use a light eyeliner as a lip liner, mascara for your eyebrows. I love mineral based makeup because you can use it dry or wet. Use a brush and add mineral based makeup allover your face, as a blush, eyeshadow or base for lips with lip gloss on top.

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It’s not too late to plan the perfect evening for your special someone.  I’m providing you with some last minute advice for Valentine’s Day. Considering that I was the ‘other couple’ that the author is speaking of, I felt it only fair to publish her article. I LOVE the practical, money saving advice. Secondly, I was the recipient of that wonderful evening, which is worth sharing. Now this year the ladies are planning an evening for the men.  Is there pressure to outdo our men. I don’t think so, because we are up for the challenge!Here’s some advice for you to implement this Valentine’s Day….. 

Last year, my husband and his friends (who are also my friends along with their wives) decided to surprise the ladies for Valentine’s Day. Having been married for over 5 years and settling into life filled with many wonderful days, I was not at all excited about the surprise. I figured we would have a nice time as we always do, whether we’re alone as a couple or on a group outing. Boy, were we in for an unforgettable evening. Here’s what the guys did:  

 

1. Created a dimly lit ambiance in my girlfriend’s theatre room (soft music and candle light)
2. Presented us with a chocolate dipped edible arrangement.
3. Kept our wine glasses filled.
4. Dressed in matching black aprons, they arrived with an appetizer of shrimp toasts oozing with melted cheese.
5. They later returned bearing kisses and gifts as each husband took turns telling why they loved us so much.
6. Our gifts included the traditional Teddy Bear, Roses & Balloons (just like high school). It was SOOO cute.
7. We were then led hand-in-hand upstairs to a candle lit dining room where we were served a full course, “home cooked” meal of roasted lamb chops with rosemary, veggies, rice pilaf & salad.
8. The night carried on in the soft glow of candle light, friendship, love & laughter.

  

We were too stuffed to enjoy the dessert that evening, but I was more than happy to spoon feed “My Valentine” the heart shaped, strawberry cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting the next morning for dessert “before” breakfast. It was the perfect finale to a very sweet evening.  

This year, the girls are challenged to reciprocate the sweetness of last year’s “Valentine’s Couples Extravaganza.” Although it will be tough to beat, we are happy for and up to the challenge of putting smiles on our special guys’ faces.  

So to all the men out there, take notes. If you’re planning on taking Valentine’s Day into your own hands, consider some of the ideas above as a template for your solo or group event. From what I hear, the guys had a blast planning something special for us as a group while sharing the in the responsibilities of our enchanting evening. However, if you’re ready to tackle it alone, by all means, get to it!  

Final Tip: There is plenty of free conference call services available on the web so gather your friends, schedule a conference call and make it happen. Show your valentine just how special she is and I’m sure she’ll return the favor in more ways than one. (Wink, wink).

Tia Woodley is a Certified Color Consultant who uses color to transform lives. She is also co-Owner of Spectacular Painting & Contracting Services, LLC. Please visit Tia’s Web site, for interior and exterior services for your house painting and commercial painting needs. For affordable painting and FREE color consulting in Atlanta, GA to compliment your home call (678) 565-0177.   Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tia_Woodley

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