Economic Struggles

We are all struggling due to the current economic situation. I really have been struggling not only financially but emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I believe other people have also feel this way. I noticed a change in people, they are more tense, and ready to fly off the handle. If you watch the news violence has escalated. This is what happens when thousands of people loose jobs and can't provide for themselves and families. I have been trying to understand what happened.

I have been researching myself and others and the Internet and discovered something poignant! Negativity brings more negativity and it beats down the body and our immunity is lowered and we get stressed, grumpy, sad, and we begin to get sick. I don't want my negativity to rub off on someone else and then they share it with another person.(and so on and so on) I also don't want to absorb other peoples negative energy either. (and at my job I face them everyday)

Life is too short!

I wanted to make changes in the way I feel. I needed to know what changes would make big differences in myself and in others. I also needed to find inexpensive or free ways to achieve this.
I took a look at my home, job, friends, diet, physical activities, products I use, and my hobbies.
I took 5 areas of my life and made a few free or inexpensive changes with high impact.

1) I turned off the news! All of it!
(FREE) and I reduced my anxiety about the economy and the world.
The media only tells us what they want us to know about a story and it's all negative!

2) I became a low glycemic vegetarian. I noticed that it is cheaper. (meat is VERY expensive)
I lost 10 lbs too. It is very inexpensive to buy beans and they are very versatile. Fresh veggies can go far too, save ends and left overs for soups.

3) I am getting more rest! Feels great. I gave up feeling that I need to be doing something every minute. (FREE and a pressure relief)

4) I'm exercising. (FREE) Walking, & Yoga at home.

5) Reading, positive, encouraging articles and stories. (FREE) when you use the library and swap with friends.

If you have any comments or ideas please feel free to share them I would love to hear from you!

People Struggling

I am finding it hard to watch stores close due to the economy. It's very upsetting.

So far in my area a pizza place, and a laundromat closed, and another laundromat is holding on by a thread. Also many larger stores are combing stores, to save money. We lost West Marine, a boating store, in this situation. Stores are abandoned, and it looks so sad. These small business people have lost their investments.



People are struggling to pay rents and mortgages, utilities, and other bills. What are we supposed to do? There are no jobs, and people are starting to loose their of unemployment benefits.



Some of my business friends are struggling too, they can't even take pay checks.

This is a sign that the economy is taking another dip.



It's scary, we are all living on a shoe string, our incomes are not going up, but food, utilities, insurance, housing bills are all going up. How can we do this?

I have a close friend that could soon be homeless!

My husband and I talk about ways to downsize,

ike sell our home, but who can afford to buy it?

or
rent out a small area in our home as a studio apartment, but we can't afford to do the plumbing
to put in a small bathroom and kitchenette.

We can't go down to one car because we work in 2 different directions and he work 30 minutes away.

We can't move in with my parents because they live in a different state 4 hours away. And my husbands parents have pasted.

We are now living pay check to pay check. and we are living on the fringe of loosing it all!


What are your thoughts?

Please feel free to share!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Free Kashi Sample!!!

Just got a free sample of a kashi granola bar!!! Find out more at kashi.com !!!!!!

Here are somr free sample offers that I search out for all of you.

FREE sample of Garnier Moister gel Cream
LINK...
http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/moisture-rescue/index.aspx#/get-free-sample

FREE sample of,
True Lemon, Lime and orange sample when you "like" them on Face Book


FREE samples of Nescafe coffee
LINK...
http://www.facebook.com/nescafeusa?v=app_477419270227


Thanks to moneysavingmom.com

Fill Your Box!

Is your mailbox empty?

Here are some FREE samples to fill it up with.

Remember you have to sign up!
As I recommended before , have an alternative email for fun stuff
and keep the one you have now for personal stuff.

You can get FREE email accounts from yahoo.com, google.com and hotmail.com

FREE Goodnites Underwear Sample
http://www.goodnites.com/na/Bedwettin

FREE sample of Emergency vitamin D & C Fizzy Drink
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid89117

FREE sample of Playtex Tampons
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid89515.aspx

FREE sample of Aveeno Nourish Hair Care
http://www.aveeno.com/1005/haircare-free-sample

SwagBucks

Hey its Mikey!
Wanna get FREE stuff for searching the web? Then try Swagbucks! Swagbucks lets you search the web and get swagbucks for prizes like gift cards, clothes and electronics! Get 30 swagbucks just for joining! Wanna Join??? Just Click on This picture and you can sign up!



Ive already gotten a $5 paypal gift card! 2 Collectible Trading Cards and 1 music download! Im really close to a $5 amazon gift card! 450 swagbucks!!!!
Try It Today!!!!

Hello Guys,

`I am excited to share all of the great items that we got in our mail box yesterday!

A brand new Neti Pot, good sized samples of Nexxus shampoo, conditioner & styler, and a tee shirt for my grandson.

Mikey got me the neti pot and the tee! Thanks Mikey.

`Here at My Frugal Kid & Me, starting today, every time we spot any free items and special purchases to sign up for, we will post them in our blogs to share, so that you can sign up as well. You will also love getting these items in the mail everyday too!

`Also we are in the process of creating a facebook page as well as a web site for My Frugal kid & me! More details to follow!

FREE Ways To Freshen Your Home!

FREE ways to freshen your home with products you already have.

Open your windows, this can quickly remove and stale nasty smells.

Dryer Sheets can add a nice fresh scent in a pinch.
1- cut one in half and place it on the back of your fan it will send the fragrance quickly through the house.
2- Put them in your dresser and closets for fresh clothes.
3- Place one at the bottom of trash cans
4- Tuck one behind your toilet
5- Put a few sheets in your car for quick freshness too.

Baby Powder can be pumped in the air for a quick air freshener
but don't do it if you have asthma!
2- Sprinkle in the bottom of trash cans
3- Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming

Baking Soda you can put it everywhere, even on your body!!!
1- Trash Cans
2- Carpets
3- Refrigerator
4- Kitty Litter box

Perfume (go easy)
1- Spray on curtains
2- Spray on tissues to put in your dresser and closets

Fabric Softener Mix with water
Spray every where
you can find a recipe online

Spices
1- Cinnamon, cloves, orange peels heat with water in pan on stove and simmer it will fill the air with a lovely scent.
2- Cloves sprinkle on carpet, vacuum up and every time you vacuum it will freshen the air.



Be creative....
Let me know if you have other ideas.......
We always look forward to hearing your comments.

FREE Frugal Family Fun

I am always looking for some frugal fun stuff to do with my family. Summer is winding down and the kids are getting bored.
Here are some links to help make some frugal fun.

Oatmeal Clay Recipe Link...
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/oatmeal-clay-666432/



FREE Chore Chart Link....
http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-checklists-calendars/printable-charts-calendars/chore-chart-702875/



FREE printable pages of all kinds...
http://familyfun.go.com/printables/

FREE Target $5 Gift Card + Coinstar + Brita

Hi Guys, it's Mikey. Mom's off tonight due to a migraine. Today, I was at Target and I bought a Brita 18 cup water filter with a spigot for $27 ( originally $32) and got a FREE $5 Target Gift Card! With gift card, it was only $22!!! COOL! I got half of it with the change I found around the house. I brought the change to Coin Star at Stop and Shop. Now we can save money and the earth because we will not buy water bottles anymore.

When I cashed in the coins, my receipt had 10 free facebook credits for video games on Facebook!

My Cost Cutting Ideas!

Well Guys, I have been thinking a lot about new ways for my family to dig deeper and cut more corners since my husband got hit with that big pay cut.


Well here is my list:...........

Making my own iced cubes. (feels like a chore)

Making my own iced tea & coffee (trying to convince my husband)

Always eating breakfast at home

Always take my lunch to work with me

Always make dinner at home (except maybe twice a month)

Stop buying packaged food items (only fresh) except oatmeal!

Par-boil and freeze fresh produce that is on sale

Purchase dry beans instead of canned (it's cheaper)

Shop for clothes and home items only at the Salvation Army & Savers

Today I bought $3.00 curtains for my bedroom today at sally's and the same
ones at Walmart are $ 7.99 each (deal!)

I will have to enforce the shorter shower rule!

I will go back to hanging clothes to line dry ( no more dryer)

Save all bread bags to use as zip baggies (wash & dry them)

I will shop around for cheaper insurance & cell phone rates!

I already...............
use coupons
buy bulk
have a veggie garden
wait for sales
look for FREE entertainment & items
use the library
rent movies for $1.00 at red box
shop at farmers markets & dollar stores
have the lowest rate for cable and Internet!
water down my detergents & cut dryer sheets in half
Use bar soaps (they are cheaper)
cut my bar soaps in half & use scrubbies to lather ( helps longevity of the soap)
use small amounts of all of my beauty products (makes them go further)

Let me know if you have any other ideas........I will be looking forwards to your post!

By the way I grew the sunflowers above! : )
It is rewarding to do things for one-self!

From Mikey...............

I don't like buying used clothing that people have worn already. I like going to stores and finding deals like I did today. I bought sunglasses for $1, belts for $1 and 4 bracelets for $1! I also got a T-shirt for $3!!!

I got all these cool things from rue 21 (rue21.com) A teen store with cheap fashionable clothing!!!!

I do help my family by getting free stuff.

Here are some web sites and you could try to get FREE Stuff too!!!!!!!

Just Click on the picture to Sign Up!


Search just like Google but get points for FREE Stuff while doing it!

Taking A Pay Cut!

Two days ago I learned that my husband


(and all of the other employees at his place of employment)


will be taking a pay cut.

This is is frightening news!


It is going to cut into our budget significantly, about $350 a month.


This is also a sign that the economy is getting ready to dip again.


We are grateful that he still has a job! Especially since we can not live on one income.


But this means that I am going to have to get radical about living frugal now!


While we live somewhat frugal now, I am going to have to dig a little deeper and find other cuts and other sacrifices to help us survive this recession.

I will be searching for new ways to save money, new ways to get what I need for little or no money! I am going to get down right CHEAP!

Ugg I hate that word!..... I will just have to make cheap cute and Chic,........ I promise.

So follow along on my journey into deep frugality and lets make this fun together!

Please click on the Follow Me tab

also feel free to leave comments and suggestions, we love to hear from our followers.


Mikey's Listia Up date:

I have been getting alot of FREE items for Listia. I received a un -opened cd, a old fashioned camera, a toy story piggy bank and a few other items I picked. It is so much fun and it cost nothing. (sometimes a shipping fee applies) but
I don't have much money so I bid on items that are FREE shipping.

Give it a try, my link is.........http://www.listia.com/signup/130133

Thanks

Proof That FREE is Good!

Hello It's Mikey,

I wanted to share a picture of some of the samples that I helped my mom get. We get alot of them, this is whats left. We get cereal, candy, breakfast bars and more. It's fun getting something new in the mail everyday! Try it! Start with walmart.com. We would like to hear from you and let us know about your free samples too.
>

Thank you Mikey, I love them, and I didn't have to spend a dime!

These Items come in handy.


I want to report on my impact on click to donate at www.care 2.com

Day 2

My Impact and Group Impact

Children= 2 days supported - 610 months supported
Rain Forest = I saved 14.8 sq ft- 8,791,3 acres of rain forest saved
Breast Cancer = 2 clicks to end Breast Cancer - 18,171, 751 clicks
Shelter Pets= 2 pets helped- 16,136, 231 shelter pets fed

This list only represents just a few of the causes I impacted. I helped many more and you can too!

It is nice going to sleep knowing that I helped the world, now I can sleep like a baby!!

Good Night World zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Helping Others Without Opening Your Wallet!

Like many of you, I dream about winning the Power-Ball Lottery for millions of dollars.


I have big plans with that money ....and it involves helping others.


But until I win.....I now have a way to help and its FREE!

My good friend, Jenny told me about a very frugal way to help

animals, children, breast cancer, violence against women, oceans, rain forests, end global warming and many other causes.

I am very excited about this site. All you have to do is sign up at www.care2.com
You pick the causes that mean alot to you and you click on those causes once a day.

How does this help, you ask....well every time someone clicks a cause, the sponsors on Care 2 make the donation for you.

You Do Not have to send money....just spare a little time to click.

How awesome is that?

Just think of how much of a difference you can make in this world if you and your friends join and start clicking. My first day clicking to donate will be tomorrow, I will share with all of you how much of a difference that Mikey and I are making for FREE. Please feel free to share your care 2, click to donate experience with us. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

In the meantime I am still gonna play Power-Ball! lol

Mikey said .....that he will remind me everyday to sign on and click!!



Oh P.S.......

My friend Jenny has a great blog too...
www.scullyshaven.blogspot.com
She just blogged about a local way that you can help animals. Check it out!!!

Save Money and Go Green!

I have been spending too much money again on iced tea and coffee. I love the nice clear cups with the lids and the straw. Seems to taste better than in a regular cup at home but it's a waste of money and makes a lot of unnecessary trash that our earth does not need!

So I did a little research and I found these cute reusable Iced drinking cups with lid and straw!

I'm psyched!

Now I can get frugal and make my Iced coffee and tea or my cranberry juice to go, from home....Decaf for me of course... :)

They are called Copco Seirra Cold Tumblers and they they have many colors to choose from.

You can find them your local Target.

My Favorite Frugal Web Sites

From Mom....I want to share some frugal web sites that I have come across in my web research. These sites have wonderful ideas and opportunities that help us in our quest to live within our means. A favorite site of mine is Tip Hero, I receive updates in my email weekly.

Here are a few wonderful sites. Enjoy!

http://www.tiphero.com/ For tips on everything!
http://www.stilltasty.com/ The ultimate shelf life guide
http://www.freeworkoutvideos.com/ For free online work outs
http://www.paperbackswap.com/ Book Swap
http://www.coupons.com/ Printable Coupons

Frugal Tip of the Week: Make shoe insoles out of an old yoga mat! (tip hero)
Just trace your regular insoles then place them in on top of your current ones.

From Mikey......My favorite site is http://www.listia.com/signup/130133
A FREE online auction. It's like eBay, but you list items in an auction, to sell, and you get points. You then use your points to buy another persons auction. I get FREE stuff all the time. You can get 100 points just for joining!!
I have so much fun!!

I haven't written in a while. I have been working 7 days a week and could not find the time. I miss writing and sharing my ideas and reporting about new frugal things I learn. I will be writing a few times a week now. Please feel free to comment and share your ideas.

I love Walmart.com
Walmart posts FREE samples and special offers on products like shampoos, skincare and health products. Look under "in stores now" and click on free samples. Click on the samples you want and fill out the short application, so they can mail you the product.

I love it when we get something FREE in our mail box everyday! It's fun!

I use the samples for vacations, or when we run out of something.
I have gotten coffee, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, fiber, vitamin, detergent, cookie, candy, and cereal samples.

Tip: Create a seperate FREE email, such as hotmail.com or yahoo.com, so that any newsletters or advertising that may show up from free sampling, won't clog up your personal email.

Fun Frugal Sites

I found some interesting frugal sites online and I wanted to share them with you.

http://www.alwaysfreenclear.com/Print/Print_Free.html for free printables


www.tiphero.com for all kinds of money saving tips


http://www.cindysporch.net a families journey of frugality


http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/library.htm for all kinds of books on being frugal

You might be wondering what exactly is "being frugal" (or what it is not) Being frugal does not mean living poorly. It acyually helps you free up your money to do things you want. Being frugal is kinda fun. It is a challenge to see how much we can save.

Being frugal is not being cheap and it is not about free loading. (Being cheap is not good for the spirit.) When you get something for free, free is never really free, someone always has to pay! When you get a free soda, or free food etc. these companies or stores have to account for the free items they give away. And they have to pay for the process to make the item! When you live in a free country freedom was never free it was bought at a high cost, peoples lives! We should always be thankful for our freedom!

Being frugal is about living within your means. It's about finding creative ways to live a good life with what you have. Sometimes being frugal is also being green! (use and reuse what we have)Some of the things we have or want are not necessities. We are just told by the marketing companies that we need them. ( We fell into that trap) Less = more, time, money, space, etc. So look at being frugal as a fun family past time and see how much you can save. Kids have great ideas too!

Happy frugaling!

Mikey's Thoughts:

This week my family saved on many things. We went to Shaws Supermarket and saved $53.00 by using coupons and bought things that were on sale. Using a coupon on yoplait yogurt buy 5 get 1 free really helped because yogurt is yummy. But the best deal we found was a free Land O Lakes spreadable butter with mail in rebate. When we went to Leos Restaurant we saved $25 using a 50% off coupon. We would have had to pay $50.00 but we didn't. My mom and I went to see Angels and Demons at the movies for free, with 2 complimentary tickets. It was a really good movie and it being free. (we shared popcorn for $5.00) I hope you can start saving money too. If you have any tips or comments about being frugal post them and I might put them on my blog.

Have a frugal weekend!

Meet Mikey

Hello, my name is Kori I am the mother of a frugal 12 year old boy. He has been frugal for a couple of years now. He always has coupons, gift certificate, or a member card ready. He always knows where the best deal is. He actually has a binder for all of his gift cards, coupons, member cards and deals. Don't get me wrong Mikey is not cheap. He likes nice things. He just makes sure he gets his money's worth. For instance if he were going to buy a Ipod, Mikey would scan the adds and the Internet for not only the lowest price but he would make sure that the offer included a free gift card or game or some other extra free gift. So this way he gets the lowest price and free extras for his money.

This blog will be written partly by me the mom, but will also have a section for Mikey to share his tips, ideas, and frugal finds. We will blog about everything frugal. Our frugal summer, our vacations, family events, holidays, shopping, and more.
I hope you will enjoy this inspiring journal of a my frugal kid.


Hello my name is Mikey and I am a frugal 12 year old kid. I love to bargain hunt. I pretty much got my mom into cutting and using coupons. If you could see my expression when I get a good deal you would think I am overreacting, but saving money is important since I have so little of it. You might think its hard being frugal but you'd be surprised at all the things you can do and buy for little or nothing to you. You can also get money and free things for everyday items you buy. For example; If you always drink soda in a can then save all the cans and cash them into a can collecting machine., for money. Also by checking weekly ads you can get discounts, and free gift cards for everyday things like DVDs, toiletries and food. So join me each day for my tips and finds. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Have a frugal day. - Mikey