What better way to launch a new year than to do a no spend month? I love doing these occasionally. Why? Why Do a No Spend Challenge? Similar to a fast, a no spend month can reset your relationship with money. It can uncover bad spending habits (Starbucks and Target? I’m talkin’ to YOU). It […]
When frugality alone isn’t enough
Frugality is defined as the quality of being economical. I believe it’s a virtue. However, frugality alone often isn’t enough to meet our financial goals. Even though I’ve written about frugality for a long time on this blog, I’ve learned this lesson over and over in recent years. I’m a naturally frugal person. Even as a […]
Welcome MakingSenseOfCents Readers!
If you’re visiting this blog after reading my article, How We Paid off $86,000 in Debt in 5 Years – with 7 Kids! on MakingSenseofCents.com, welcome! I’m Carrie Willard, and I’m indeed a homeschooling, work at home mom of 7. Since you’re here, I thought I would point you to some other content you might […]
A Spending Fast: do you need someone to hold your hand?
On this site and in my ebook The Temporary Tightwad, I’ve spoken a lot about the power of a spending fast to change your finances forever. I even chronicled my no-spend challenge last summer here. I’ve done 3 such spending fasts in my life. The first helped me get out of debt, the second helped my […]
Budget Meeting: The How (and Wow!)
It’s 6:30 A.M on a Sunday morning. Hubby and I stumble out of bed and trudge (quietly!) to the kitchen to start the coffee. It’s time for budget meeting! Why do we do this? Because budget meeting has been the single most important tool my husband and I have used to improve our finances. It’s […]
Amazon Subscribe and Save (and how it saves me time and money!)
I may have mentioned a hundred times a time or two that I don’t enjoy shopping and prefer to procure needed things online. (I’ve even talked about my no spend challenges and things to do instead of shop). One of my favorite ways to stay out of stores and save money, time, and hassle, as well […]
Friday flâner & Frugal Friday
It’s been a while since I posted either a recent frugal accomplishments post or a Friday flâner, so I decided to combine them today. Recent Frugal Accomplishments When we moved from one side of the county to another, I knew that the yard sales would be most excellent around here! Today’s yard sale haul didn’t […]
Amazon FBA Business: make money at home with the largest online retailer
I’m so intrigued by this last post in the series on using your tax refund to start a home business. My guest today is Kim Coghlan. Kim and her husband Perry run an Amazon FBA business. And they manage their business while raising 13 kids! I’ve been following Kim online for many years. Her blog […]
How to Make Money at Home Blogging: 4 moms tell all
This newest post in the series on how to use your tax return to start a business at home is about… blogging! Of course, this one is near and dear to my heart since I’ve been blogging for about 14 years and love it. If you’ve ever wondered how to make money at home blogging, […]
Start a Direct Sales Business: build relationships and enjoy residual income
Today’s post in this series on how to use your tax refund to start a home business is about how to start a direct sales business. Direct sales, also known as network marketing, has a proven business model and built-in support. The marketing education a distributor receives from the company and their upline team is invaluable. […]