I recently fielded a question from someone searching for areas which could (or should) be cut from their budget. Any time you are in the midst of establishing boundaries in your life, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Whether you are trying to pay down debt or reach financial goals, here are … Read more
I think I’m somehow hardwired to morph into full-on nesting mode during the cold, winter months. I think it’s the amount of time I spend indoors, due to the frigid temperatures outdoors. This week marked the apex of my seasonal quandary. I had overspent my grocery budget in the first week of the year, meaning … Read more
One of the most efficient ways to save money on your grocery bills is to prepare food from scratch at home. Thankfully, it also tends to be better for your health and waistline than eating at restaurants. These facts are also what spawned my idea for “$50 menu” posts, where I show you how I … Read more
I read somewhere many years ago that disorder costs you money. At the time, I thought, “No, it doesn’t cost me anything.” However, since that time, I have found this statement to be true time and time again. Your pantry is the perfect example of the principle. How many times do you head to the … Read more
I recently got some free packets of Chex Mix seasoning from the grocery store. We were invited to a party that week and I decided to take popcorn, which was flavored using the seasoning packet. (Links in posts on Under the Median are affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of my links, … Read more
I have three important things that I do every single January. As, the New Year arrives, I take a deep breath, total up our expenses in every single category, and create an end-of-the-year spreadsheet. This Excel form tells us how much we spent in each category, how much we overspent (Yep! We do make mistakes … Read more
Two years ago, I challenged myself to update our tired, old Christmas table settings and do it on a dime. That’s when I decided to try making my own napkin rings. I’m really not much in the “crafty” department. But, if a project seems pretty easy, inexpensive, and I can complete it in an hour … Read more
Earlier this week, I published, “10 Holiday Movies the Whole Family Will Love.” Today, I have a companion piece for you! Every Christmas, our family also selects some read aloud favorites for cold, snowy nights, complete with hot cocoa and holiday cookies! Yep! We’re just that old fashioned! Here’s a list of our favorites, in … Read more
We have a family Christmas tradition. Each year we gather to watch several movies throughout the holiday season. Although elements of our list have changed and grown as the years have flown by and our children have grown up, there are certain movies that remain (no matter how old we all get.) (Posts on this … Read more
School’s out for a few weeks and your kids are ready for some free fun! Today, let’s talk about how to keep them busy and enjoy some family togetherness without breaking the bank. Day #1: Bake Cookies. Nothing is better for bonding than cooking together. Decorate your baked creations with colored frosting after they … Read more
