No dental insurance - BIG mistake, HUGE!

I've never really given much thought to having a dental plan until this past week. Of course, I make sure the kids have their check-ups and routine dental care but I've put off having things done and now I'm paying for it (figuratively and literally).

Last week I started having some pains in my jaw. I dealt with it until the pain got so intense I could barely open my eyes. On Saturday, I had to go to the ER. I had a fever and was really scared of getting sepsis from an infection. They told me I had an abscess under my teeth, in the roots, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics and a painkiller, Tramadol (which doesn't work, by the way).

I won't be able to get this completely taken care of for about 10 days. I saw the dentist, they told me to keep taking the antibiotics and the infection should clear up. Today is the first time I've really felt any relief so obviously, the Amoxicillin has kicked in. Too bad it took about 98 hours. I can honestly say, the pain I was having rivaled labor and delivery.. and I've had seven kids so I know what I'm talking about.

Now, for the dental plan that I don't have... I know we need dental insurance. I'm looking into it. It seems pretty affordable for the most part. Any savings is welcome because dental visits can get pricey. Did you know for preventive care it only costs an average of $150 a year and that's without insurance? I just regret letting it get to the point where I need such extensive work.

If you have any suggestions for dental plans or ideas on how to save money on dental care, please feel free to share!

There's no such thing as "Cheap" Child Care

I've found out one of the most difficult tasks as a parent can be finding someone you trust to watch your children. Whether it's for a night out with your partner or a full-time sitter while you work, you have to be careful and thoroughly research the people you leave your children with. There's just no real way to be frugal or cheap when it comes to paying for child care. This is one time when money can't get in the way of quality. Cheap just won't cut it when your child's safety, emotional and educational needs are involved.

How can you assure your child will get quality care without going bankrupt?

You'll have to learn to scrimp in other areas to afford care for your child. Being frugal in all other areas could afford you to pay for childcare. It's a sacrifice of course, but well worth it.

See if a trusted family member can watch them. While you probably wouldn't want them to keep your child every day, a family member works out nicely for special occasions. Perhaps one of them would like additional income and if need be, watch them while you work. It would most likely be more affordable than hiring someone outside the family.

If you have a job that is flexible and allows you to stay home, then you can do most of your work while your child is sleeping. Maybe hire someone to come in one day a week to care for the kids so you can get a huge chunk done and meet deadlines.

Trade child care with a friend. Setting up a child care exchange system can work out well if you have kids around the same age. Take turns watching each others children and it won't cost you a dime.

Work opposite shifts than your partner so one of you will always be around to watch the kids. In tough times, this can be a great solution but be sure to find time to spend alone with your partner.

Universities will sometimes have a daycare affiliated with it. They usually offer open spots to faculty and students but if there are any left over, you may be able to have your child placed there. Typically, child development students are caring for the children and it's very affordable.

Don't be too proud to seek financial assistance for childcare if you qualify. The US Government has state listings for child care information available. It's definitely an option to explore if you've exhausted all others.

Remember, the care of your child is the best investment you'll ever make so you never want to opt for the cheapest care just because it's cheap. Ask family and friends for referrals, check with your church, search classifieds and online for local babysitter listings, do background checks and ask for references. You can never be too careful.

How do you afford childcare? What sacrifices do you make?

Happy Earth Day 2009!

Today, in honor of Earth Day, I want to talk to you about Freecycle. For those of you who don't know, Freecycle.org has local email groups listed where you can find things you need and give away things you don't use for free. The idea is to keep as much as possible out of landfills. Not only will you be saving money by using Freecycle, you'll also be helping save the environment!

I've given away quite a few things and my washing machine came from a very nice gentleman on my local freecycle list. It works wonderfully and saved me at least $200! You can find everything from baby clothes to car parts and everything in between. If you haven't already, I urge you to sign up for the freecycle nearest you. You can start clearing out some clutter and perhaps find something you need. Why pay for something when you can get it for free?

Frugal Spring Decor

Trees are turning green, flowers are blooming and things are starting to feel really fresh and new. You need a lift with some Spring spruce ups in your decor? Don't let a tight budget stop you from decorating this season. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a fresh, new look in your home for Spring.

Start by searching your closets, cabinets, attic and basement for items that you have stored away. Maybe you have some white, gauzy curtains, fresh floral linens and pillows or maybe
some pretty vases.
Make centerpieces for your table and coffee table from silk flowers or fresh flowers. If you don't have a garden go for a walk and find some wild flowers or ask a neighbor if you can cut some from their garden. Also, a lot of farmers markets have flower stands with discount bouquets toward the end of the day.

Make a fun, spring wreath for your front door for less than $5! This can be a fun and easy craft for yourself or to have the kids join in on.

Shop the after Easter sales. There are still some bargains to be had. All those colorful baskets, containers and what nots don't always have a strict Easter theme. Check out the dollar stores and places like Big Lots to see what's on sale.

Paint some plain, old flower pots in fun spring colors.

Clip pictures of flowers from Gardening books and place inside of cheap frames from the thrift store.

Go for anything that says Spring to you. It's amazing how simple and inexpensive changes in your environment can really lift your spirits!

Photo -Krzysztof Korolonek | Dreamstime.com

Frugal wedding gift ideas that aren't "cheap"

With the summer months coming up, I know there will be a lot of weddings because, 'tis the season. This got me thinking about budget friendly wedding gifts. I wouldn't want to give something just because it's cheap, would you? Sometimes with a little thought and creativity, you can create an inexpensive gift that will be adored and may even become an heirloom. I've come up with a few resourceful ideas that not only would I feel comfortable giving but I know I'd love to receive.


Create a photo album or scrapbook with pictures of them from infancy up to their wedding. Ask family members to help supply pictures!

Make a "his and hers" journal with pages for each to enter thoughts about the wedding, honeymoon and early married life. This will be fun for them to look back on in later years and share with their family.

Make a great gift basket for two with gourmet coffee and personalized mugs.

Place their wedding invitation in a nice frame with matting.

Create a DVD with video footage of them through their relationship. You can also make a slideshow of photos set to music!

Buy a laundry basket or some other storage container and fill it with cleaning supplies, personal care items and other things perfect for a newly married couple just starting out.

Make a cookbook with recipes from their family and friends. Be sure to add plenty of blank pages so they can include their own favorites.

Photo from Dreamstime.com

Money's everywhere, find some for yourself =)

In my quest for extra money, I decided to write the following. I know this seems like a strange way to come up with a few extra dollars but when every penny counts, it couldn't hurt. Besides, it can be done throughout your day and not take any extra time!

How often have you dropped change in a public place and didn't bother to pick it all up? How many times have you found coins or even cash while walking from your car to the store? It does happen on occasion and we could find a lot more free money just lying around if we were actually looking for it. Some places are better than others when trying to find money, it's just a matter of taking a closer look.

The Sidewalk - When you're walking from place to place, keep an eye open for change, especially near parking meters and self pay parking machines.

The Laundromat - People are using coins all day at the laundromat and at some point, some are dropped and never picked up. Be sure to check around the washers and dryers and also near the snack and change machines.

Vending Machines - You don't have to reach inside every coin return slot. People drop coins around vending machines all the time.

Stores - It's logical that people are going to drop money near registers. I do it all the time. Run your foot along the outside edge of the end caps and the edge of the shelves going down the lane. Sometimes the money is there, but not in plain sight.

Parking Lots - When walking from your car to the store and back, take a little time to check the ground. I've found money in parking lots numerous times, especially where the lot meets the sidewalk entrance of the store and around the cart return areas.

The entire eHow article is here

Convincing family to be frugal isn't always easy..

The other day, I touched on the subject of saving money for groceries and mentioned my soda guzzling hubby. Well, that got me to thinking about obstacles in our way of living frugally and how to deal with them. Friends, family and coworkers alike may try to sabotage our efforts to live on less. Even if they don't realize they're doing it, they can make us feel belittled with their comments as well as their actions. I know it really frustrates me that my husband has this soda addiction but that only makes me determined to look for other areas to save.

So, how can you deal with a not so frugal party pooper? Everyone in the household needs to be on board if you want to be successful at keeping costs down. Whether it's a struggle with hubby over buying soda, brand name clothes shopping for teens or eating at home instead of restaurants, you need to convince them to be on your side.

With kids, I've found the best way to get them to spend less is to have them earn their own money. If they get an allowance, make sure they know once it's gone, that's it. If your teen has to have certain brands of clothes, turn the shopping over to them but let them know they have a certain limit and if they want anything else, they need to figure out how to get it for themselves. Of course, introduce them to thrift stores and consignment shops. My daughter knows she can get about 10 pair of brand name jeans at the thrift for the price of one pair at Abercrombie. They'll either learn to shop smart or have a very limited wardrobe.

Younger children want every toy they see on commercials, don't they? The thrifts come in handy for this as well. My 5 year old knows he can buy one cheap toy at the department store or fill a whole bag with toys for $2 at the thrift. He is already learning to stretch his dollar and he rarely asks for anything when we're out shopping because he knows where the bargains are!

Now, for the toughest of all, the adults. Sometimes they're so stuck in their ways they can't imagine change even if it means saving money. I do understand having preferences but I don't understand being inflexible. Talk to them, show them on paper how much you can save by making a few changes and simple sacrifices. Don't nag them. Nagging gets you nowhere. Sit them down and show them all the advantages of your plans to save. Ask them what they're willing to cut back on and go from there. Think of it as playing a game of Let's Make a Deal. If you realize you're not getting anywhere with them, drop the subject until a later time. Again, I have to say, don't nag =)