Money Management: Part 5

     We're finishing our Money Management Series this week. If you missed the previous entries, then read Part 1: Introduction, Part 2: Budgeting and Tracking, Part 3: Allocation and Payments Schedule, and Part 4: Debt.  This Friday, April 27, we'll fully conclude the series with a giveaway! The Lampo Group, inc. (Dave Ramey’s company) has kindly offered the book The Total Money Makeover and Deluxe Envelope System to be shared through a giveaway* here at Reviving Homemaking!  


Savings
      I consider three types of savings to be a great place to start in managing money (there is also retirement, investments, education etc, but we're starting at the beginning): emergency, nonemergency and envelope. The difference between emergency and nonemergency is expectation. In other words, when the washer and/or dryer need replaced the funds come from the nonemergency savings because you should expect that appliances will not last forever. The same idea is true for a replacement. It's often considered an emergency because it's frequently very sudden and very expenseive, but, again, vehicles don't function in perfect order forever and so it was simply a matter of time. And so, in a time when there isn't a screaming need it's wise to go ahead and put aside a few dollars or more each month towards such expenses so that you can avoid (some) of the shock of the impact when it does hit.
     An emergency is truly unpredictable. Losing a job can issue an emergency situation during the time you try to find a new one. The loss is far less severe if you had put aside a few months worth (amount typically dependent on the economy, but can need to be as much as 6 months) of living expenses. This scenario is actually a common suggested one in opposition to homemaking- the notion that it's insecure because it's based on one income avenue. Being prepared with an emergency savings is just one simple to this incident.

Envelope Savings

     Lastly, there is what I call envelope savings. It's the savings for big purchases or expenses. As much as we may want to think that we'll just leave it alone in the account, more times than not we'll find it spent somewhere. Therefore, it's best to go ahead and withdraw cash for these goals. For example, Christmas is a big expense no matter how you celebrate. It's much more manageable and enjoyable if by December I can purchase gifts with my envelope in hand of cash that I've saved over the last 6-12 months. There's no guilt, no budget starvation and best of all no debt. I also use this method for our annual vehicle taxes, birthday celebrations, more costly purchases, anything else that requires building up to buy.


Insurance
    Carrying insurance on your residence, vehicle and health is a wise investment to make. This is your safety net for in the event of any related misfortune occurs you are not left with the burden of total costs. We can drive our cars or care for our bodies as carefully as we can, and yet still find ourselves with a serious matter to resolve. Altough unpleasant to consider, you are not above accidents or ailments.
     Many insurance plans work off what is called a deductible. A deductible is a determined amount that you (the insured) will be held responsible for paying prior to the insurance company paying their part in accordance to the policy. Let's say, for instance, you have a $1,000 deductible after which the insurance company will pay 70% and you 30% (plans differ from this). That means if you need to receive healthcare services then you will be expected to come up with that $1,000. You will then be asked for an additional 30% of charges (insurance paid 70%). If you haven't received health care in a while, then let me advise you that even the smallest treatments will have a big billing statement. Can you handle paying over a thousand dollars like that? Most people can't and the knowledge of such leads them to  either avoid necessary action or stressfully scramble for the funds.  Your home/renters and vehicle insurance deductibles are the same. You're signed policy is essentially an agreement you made that says you will pay 'x' amount when necessary to do so. You're made aware of this from the moment the policy begins and so there is little acceptable reason for coming up empty handed because you thought you could just get by without this aspect of the plan.

      Even with the high costs of insurance coverage there are some ways to save. If you do not use your insurance benefits often, then you may be better off choosing a higher deductible and lower monthly payments. You don't get your money back at the end of the year if you didn't use your insurance much, and so why give the money away when you could be saving it for yourself? In this case, you're much better off to make the lower payments and put the difference into a savings specifically for deductible payments. At the end of the year if you didn't use it, then you have a little more to your account not theirs. The tempting idea is that you have "extra" money each month, but don't be a fool. Again, you agreed to be responsible for that deductible and so take action to be prepared.

*Note: I’m not an affiliate of any kind with The Lampo Group, Inc. or Thomas Nelson publishing. These materials were given to me by The Lampo Group,Inc. and it was agreed upon that they may be offered as a giveaway.  

Please feel free to leave any tips you may have in the comment section below. This is simply how I've come to work with finances, but I'd be interested to know of other ways as well. :)

Linked to: Homestead Revival, Raising Arrows, The Modest Mom, The Better Mom, A Mama's Story, The Straightened Path, These Five of Mine Plus Two, Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, Thankful Homemaker, Far Above Rubies, Becoming a Strong Woman of God, Women Living Well, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Homemakers, A Mother's Heritage

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Five Question Friday

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?

     We don't have kiddos yet, so this question doesn't apply. However, I've read that it's better to just ensure they try everything they are offered. Also, they're more successful at finishing many mini meals during the day than clearing the plate of three larger meals. But, like I said we currently don't have kiddos so this is just what I've read. I'm sure experience will trump reading when that time comes.

2. Do you give an allowance?

     This question also doesn't necessarily apply. In theory though it's a toss up. On one hand I can't fathom why I would just give kiddos money without them having earned it. On the other hand I wouldn't want them to always have the willingness to work be motivated by reward because sometimes you just need to get the task accomplished regardless of payoff. I suppose we'll figure that all out as well whenever it comes time for kiddos to enter the picture.

3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?

     We currently live in an apartment, and so the cars stay parked outside. However, there are garages available to rent that some individuals do use to park their vehicles, which is kind of amusing because cars residing outside typically comes with the apartment living package. 

4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?

     Hamburger Helper, instant potatoes, any meat or meal that you just have to remove the cover and warm in the oven. etc. etc. I've had my fill and have sworn that they will never enter my home. (Plus, I've made the real deal of many quick fix meals and they just don't compare well; homemade is by far superior). But, that's just me and how I run my home. To each his own.

5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?

     We'll probably be taking a couple of trips to see my in-law family. I always look forward to the trips because for my hubby and I get to spend those 10 hours in the car chatting and whatnot. I also have a pretty good relationship with that side of the family, which always makes visits nice. We have a new little neice arriving in July, so that will be quite exciting. Can't wait to hold her! 
     Hopefully we'll get in a few staycations. I don't need a vacation trip, I just need time together as a family (- the two of us) even if that's just us being at home. Beyond that, we'll have to wait and see what will come up over the summer. 

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

Linked up at: My Little Life

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Room By Room Series: Main Bathroom

 

     Marci at Thankful Homemaker is conducting a series focused on decluttering, organizing and beautifying our homes one room at a time. Last month's room was the main bathroom, and though I'm a little behind in posting my participation in the series I am getting it done.

      Okay, so ... welcome to our main bathroom. Our unit has two bathrooms and so the hall bathroom is used for guests and myself. As you can see it's done in a tropical theme. 

Overview:       

 
Special Touch:

      This is one of my favorite features to add to a bathroom. It's a guest basket filled with extra towels, soaps, shampoos, conditioners etc. I think it's lovely offering to have for whenever you have company staying with you. This bathroom has an extended countertop which provides a nice spot for a basket. If the counter space is limited, then a basket of items or even a candlescape can be added to the back of the toilet. 

Storage and Organization:

     There is ample storage in this bathroom with it's two sets of cabinets. The first cabinet contains extra towels and toilet paper. If space permits, I feel that it's nice to keep items a guest may use in a clean cabinet apart from your personal items so there is no feeling of intrusion just to replace the toilet paper. (Or, is that just me that feels that can be awkward? hah)

       The second cabinet set is for my items.Sometimes our hesitation to decluttering is tossing out a perfecting good item, and so we save it for "one day." When this happens, take a marker and mark the bottles or other items that you acknowledge isn't an absolute necessity but still want to hang onto a bit longer. Then, determine a time frame (3 months, 6 months etc) for use. If it's not used by that time then it gets tossed because a timeframe like six months is plenty to demonstrate it's purpose as clutter more than anything else. My goal is to get down to necessities and more natural options for items, and I'm allowing myself that several month timeframe to get there. 

      This little organizer holds all my little items like nail care, hair ties/clips/bands, contacts and glasses, and mini size product items (chapsticks, lotions, etc). 

      I love this kitchen cabinet organizer in the bathroom because it beautifully utilizes vertical space which is essential in small space living. Plus, the baskets slide out making everything fully accessible. The bottom basket contains my hair dryer, curling iron, and straightener. The top has my makeup bag and all product bottles. 

    Finally, there is a wall cabinet that has more little items like hand care set, lip care set, skin care set (I used to be a Mary Kay consultant so there's a little sample bottle of everything haha), an earring holder, hairbrush, and most importantly- a clock  since I tend to run a little behind time on occasion (haha). 


     I didn't think to take before photos. I'll probably continue to streamline things in here, but I'm pretty satisfied with the end result presently. The next (current) room is the kitchen. If you're interested in participating visit Thankful Homemaker - Room By Room Series. :)

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- 

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Money Management: Part 4

   We're continuing in our Money Management Series. If you missed the previous entries, then read Part 1: Introduction, Part 2: Budgeting and Tracking, Part 3: Allocation and Payments Schedule. Reminder: at the end of the month, The Lampo Group, inc. (Dave Ramey’s company) has kindly offered the book The Total Money Makeover and Deluxe Envelope System to be shared through a giveaway* here at Reviving Homemaking!   

       What would you do with hundreds of dollars more each month? Furthermore, how would you feel? I imagine that we'd all jump at an offer to be given more money or less stress. Truth is, that offer is available to us but we choose against it by tying our money up in debt. The concept is simple- the more money obligated to payments is less money for your own living, savings, giving, security etc. The path to freeing up our finances isn't simple and isn't easy, but is more than worth the endeavor.

         Don't be fooled into believing that debt is acceptable to carry in life because it is unrealistic to eliminate it. Not only is your money rendered unavailable for other uses each month, but it's also being thrown away by paying interest. By the end of the loan, you will have paid more for the item than it originally cost. If throwing money away is a distressful thought, then so should paying interest. Again, what could be done with that money instead? It's a matter of changing our thinking from being comfortable carrying debt to be so uncomfortable with it that we're willing to make changes towards eliminating it. I understand that there are times in which the urgency of a situation leaves little option but debt. When those times arise, do what must be done. However, in every situation thoroughly examine as to whether a little patience and sacrifice upfront can keep you from feeling forced into signing away more of your income. 

       So, how is this seemingly insurmountable task accomplished? One bite at a time! Dave Ramsey, Crown Financial and others use debt snowballing to get things moving.  It works by ranking your bills from smallest to largest balance, and then rolling one payment amount into the next loan as the previous ones are eliminated. To see this in action with your own debts, use this Snowball Calculator. I find it much more encouraging to have a visual of progress made. 

       The two financial advisers mentioned have a system of steps or destinations for achieving financial success. Both lump paying off consumer debt, which includes vehicle loans, student loans, credit cards etc, in one step. This is where I break from the path each detail in their philosophies. The reason is that it is assumed debt can be eliminated in a short enough time period that for the duration of this single step: 1) you stay motivated through, 2) you will be okay with only $1,000 in emergency savings and 3) your vehicle will not need replacing or any other major event you would have needed to prepare for occur (i.e. medical). While I still believe in the concept of working towards becoming debt free, I need steps that are going to be meaningful to me. Therefore, instead of one step, I break each debt source into sub-steps. I also include a savings goal with each, thereby allowing myself to take bites at that as well. Finally, I add an allowance to each goal for a small reward. I feel like it's important to celebrate the accomplishment and take a moment to relax a bit. If you set aside a specific amount as part of your savings goal then you won't be blowing your budget to taking a set back to go off and have a little fun. If your debt is on the lesser end and can be paid off in a shorter time frame as is assumed by the advisers, then I completely recommend following them precisely. However, if your time frame is more extended then I believe making adjustments is appropriate. Just make sure you keep taking steps and keep taking debt down one bite at a time!

   

        Because I'm a visual person I like to have charts and pictures in front of me showing me the progress. I created two sheets to do this for me. The first is of all my sub-steps with their goals, Bible verse to focus on, and the reward clearly written. The second is a graph that I can fill in as I work towards accomplishing that single sub-step. It's encouraging to me to color in that chart and see progress being made. Two generic sheets are provided below and as with all the sheets provided in this series, feel free to print them off and make them your own. 

Financial Goals Printable

Current Goal Printable

         Homemaking appears like an insecure move to make in a society that sustains on two-income households and has a tendency of a variable economic state. Yet, our greatest security isn't in two-incomes or the economy, but in our restriction of obligating our income to multiple lenders. How do we protect against the "what ifs?" I believe it's by untying ourselves from the burden of debt. If we weren't so tied up in our financial security due to our insecurity from debt, then imagine the impact that could be had by using those funds to love and serve God and others to a greater extent. 

     
Up next we'll discuss Insurance and Savings. Plus, the giveaway will begin! :)

*Note: I’m not an affiliate of any kind with The Lampo Group, Inc. or Thomas Nelson publishing. These materials were given to me by The Lampo Group,Inc. and it was agreed upon that they may be offered as a giveaway.  

Please feel free to leave any tips you may have in the comment section below. This is simply how I've come to work with finances, but I'd be interested to know of other ways as well. :)

Linked to: Time-Warp Wife, Homestead Revival, Thankful Homemaker, Growing Home, Women Living Well

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Money Management: Part 3

      We're continuing in our Money Management Series. If you missed the previous entries, then read Part 1: Introduction and Part 2: Budgeting and Tracking. Reminder: at the end of the month, The Lampo Group, inc. (Dave Ramey’s company) has kindly offered the book The Total Money Makeover and Deluxe Envelope System to be shared through a giveaway* here at Reviving Homemaking! 

Spending Averages

     Now that you know where your money is going, you can determine where you want it to go. There are plenty of recommended category percentages available from various sources and though these are good guides you’ll need to make adjustments for what is suitable for your family. For example, for my husband and I the recommended vehicle allowance (including gas) is inadequate because we commute to work, church, and many other places we like to visit. Our housing costs, however, are lower because we live outside the big city. So, make the guidelines your own. To do this I recommend keeping a sheet of averages for certain categories. Some bills and expenses vary month to month and so it can be a challenge to determine precisely what is needed. Therefore, record each month’s amount and then take the average. What’s great about doing it this way is that some months will be less than the average amount giving you an excess that you can use during the months that are higher. This isn’t an excuse to allow it to go higher; this is a safety put in place so that when the heating/cooling bill of mid winter/summer arrive you’re prepared with the excess collected during the milder spring and fall seasons. This average also serves as your bar to be under each month as you explore frugal ways to do so.

Category Averages Printable

Allocation

      Now that you have a better idea as to where you’re money needs to go each month, it’s time to assign it to a purpose. Income allocation is taking your total income and dividing it into categories (aka “envelopes"). Write down every category and subcategory you will need. It may be something that is spent on monthly, or it may be something that needs to exist to build so that periodic expenses are covered. The point is to put a purpose to your money so that you can be better prepared to pay (or save!) when that time comes.

      Both Crown Financial and Dave Ramsey have their own types of allocation systems. Dave Ramsey uses a cash-based envelopesystem. Crown also uses an envelope system but it’s an electronic version. Both promote the same idea of allocation and budgeting/spending plan. I've used both of these resources, and can highly recommend either of them!

Income Allocation Printable

Bill Schedule

       Determining how much to put into a category also depends on when your bills are due and how often you get paid. Don’t play the game of trying to keep up with and send each bill when it’s due. Chances are there will come a time when life gets stressful and the due date slips your mind or something else gets in the way causing you to miss or be late with the payment. Start by writing in order the due dates of your bills. Next, determine which ones fall in between which paychecks. For instance, my husband gets paid twice a month on the 15th and 30th. Therefore, I have one group of bills marked to be due between the 16th-30th that I pay on the 16th. I have another set due the 31st-15th that are paid on the 31st/1st. I have only two moments in the month in which I must pull out the allocation sheet, account sign-ons, checkbook, and stamps. The rest of the time I never have to worry about what’s coming up to be paid or if I’ve paid it. (The other advantage is that you’ll be able to know if you haven’t received a statement for some reason and need to follow up. You should always get a bill, but if something crazy were to happen then you can be the proud responsible party here).

       Let’s assume this bimonthly pay frequency I mentioned above to discuss reserving funds to cover everything without ever feeling drained one pay period over another. It may be the case, as it is with ours, that you have just a couple of bills due during one pay period and then everything else due in the other. I’ve seen it many times in which an individual relaxes during the first lighter period and then scrapes by during the second. Again, you know these expenses will occur and so be prepared. Using our bimonthly example, for the paycheck on the 15th you will put half of the amount of the bills due for the month aside, and then the same again on the 30th. For instance, let's say housing payment is $700 a month and due on the first of the month and your paycheck schedule is on the 15th and 30th. So, on the 15th you'll set aside half of the amount ($350). On the 30th, the final portion is set aside ($350) and then the total bill is paid.  All required bill payments are handled in this fashion. In doing it this way, you’re spreading everything out instead of playing feast or famine. It’s simply thinking ahead and being prepared. 

Payments Schedule Printable

Up next we'll discuss Debt (with even more handy forms)

*Note: I’m not an affiliate of any kind with The Lampo Group, Inc. or Thomas Nelson publishing. These materials were given to me by The Lampo Group,Inc. and it was agreed upon that they may be offered as a giveaway.  

Please feel free to leave any tips you may have in the comment section below. This is simply how I've come to work with finances, but I'd be interested to know of other ways as well. :)

Linked up at: Homestead Revival, Time-Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies, Thankful Homemaker, Growing Home, Women Living Well, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Mighty Arrows, Raising Arrows, Raising Homemakers, Passionate and Creative Homemaking

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Five Question Friday (plus a peak into my home)

1. Who mows your grass?

We live in an apartment, so grass mowing is the responsibility of the complex. (One perk to current residence style. haha)

2. Do you have a picture wall or picture gallery in your house (show us! <--- my addition to the question)?

I have a few places in our home in which I have photos displayed. I love being surrounded by reminders of wonderful family, friends and experiences. I believe photos really add a lot of personality to a space, especially small spaces like apartments. Here are some pictures of pictures in our home: 

3. What book has influenced your thinking the most? Or, what blog? 

Hmm, there are so many books I love and have had an impact on me. However, if I consider the book or blog that has influenced my thinking the most then two in particular come to mind.  I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris introduced me to the concept of taking an alternative path to dating. Ultimately, this change of perspective allowed me to patiently wait for the man who would become my husband (God's hand in all that? I think so!). An influential blog has been Passionate Homemaking. Again, this source exposed a totally new world of homemaking to me. For the first time the subject and path just clicked with me unlike any career attempt had (I believe God's hand again. He brings us to places or people in his timing!)

4. Do you have allergies? If so, how do you handle it this time of year?

It depends on where I am. Certain areas have pollens that I'm not accustomed to and so I will react every time. In general though I do okay. (Thank goodness because I love being outside!)

5. What's your go to meal to cook in an hurry?

Spaghetti! Noodles cook in under 10 minutes and sauce that is stored in portioned bags in the freezer thaws very fast. If available, then I'll pair it with a green salad or steamed zucchini or yellow squash. Quick, easy to store to keep on hand, and liked by most ("most" because I prefer to keep whole wheat/grain noodles. haha).

How would you answer this week's Five Question Friday? Leave a comment below! :)

--------------------------------------------------

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Lemon Cupcake with Blueberry Buttercream Frosting

     A desire to have purple cupcakes to serve to others was mentioned to me, and of course my eyes instantly lit up. The ability to create delicious homemade goodies is just one wonderful perk of pursuing homemaking. I quickly began searching for a fruit-based cupcake and icing. Fruit in desserts offers a wide range of flavors and are lighter than other desserts. They're not necessarily healthier, but I do find the eating experience more enjoyable (to the shock of my typical chocolate-lovin' side). The goal was to achieve a purple frosting, which can easily be done with blueberries. What pairs well with blueberries? Lemon. This combination in the cupcakes is heavenly. The recipes are not my own, and so I'll simply provide the links to where I found them. They are certainly worthy of whipping up for your next gathering! I promise!

Lemon Cupcake Recipe (made about 36 regular size & 18 minis)
Blueberry Frosting Recipe (made twice to frost 35 cupcakes)

     Achieving the large swirls in the frosting required the largest icing tip and coupler known to mankind. You can see the difference in the photo between the standard size and the large ones. The large ones really help to create that cupcake shop appearance. Mine aren't perfect, but you get the idea. Also, if you're going to use the decorators tips then one trick I use is to forgo the pricey icing bags and just cut a hole in the tip of a baggie. Then continue like normal. It wastes a baggie, but that one baggie is a lot more cost effective than the  alternative.

Large size decorator tip & coupler on the left.
Standard size decorator tip & coupler on the right.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Money Management: Part 2

    We're continuing in our Money Management Series. If you missed the previous entry, then you can find it here:Money Management: Part 1. Reminder: at the end of the month, The Lampo Group, inc. (Dave Ramey’s company) has kindly offered the book The Total Money Makeover and Deluxe Envelope System to be shared through a giveaway* here at Reviving Homemaking! 

The Budget

     “Budget.” It’s a nasty little word that likely causes a feeling of suffocation. I’ve seen the budget-less philosophy on money time and time again. It’s called- “broke.” It’s the system that permits a person to pay what needs to be paid and then just not worry about spending. Before the next paycheck comes in, their activities come to a full halt as their bank account has dwindled too low to continue. These are also the individuals who in times of unexpected events or emergencies must panic because their accounts are too low and days to payday too high. This, my friends, is not just a very insecure way to live your life but also to orchestrate the life of your family. The wise counsel available (my favorites are Crown Financial and Dave Ramsey) all advise preparation as means of money management. In other words, be prepared for all life’s expenses by setting money aside. Furthermore, save!

Tracking

     You can’t do either of these, however, if you don’t know where you’re money is going. You will likely be surprise by the “extra” income you’ll find by simply tracking your spending down to the dollar. This is precisely where I recommend starting. If you’re coming up low or short before the next paycheck then you’re in need of finding where you’re money is going. Don’t be surprised in a little spend here and a little spent there adds up to a larger than expected amount. Initially, it’s sufficient to simply track the location and amounts of spending. Later, you can begin tracking item by item which will not only give you an idea as to how often you purchase an item (reveal bulk purchase opportunities) but also where the best value can be found. For more itemized tracking I recommend printing a price book sheet for each category and recording there. (For example, I have one price book sheet for household, one for personal, one for groceries etc). Below are several forms that are helpful in tracking and then will be helpful in creating your spending plan. 

1) Spending Record - This is a good starting place. Simply record every transaction like you would in a checkbook register. If you'd like, you can categorize the entries on the right of the chart. 

2) Price Tracking Sheet - Record  location of purchase, price and item size on this sheet to determine if you're getting the best value (ie unit price). In addition, having this information recorded allows you to better estimate the required costs for the time period. In other words, no more total shock when a cashier give you your total. 

*Note: I’m not an affiliate of any kind with The Lampo Group, Inc. or Thomas Nelson publishing. These materials were given to me by The Lampo Group,Inc. and it was agreed upon that they may be offered as a giveaway.    

Up next we'll discuss Allocating Income and Scheduling Bills (with even more handy forms)

Please feel free to leave any tips you may have in the comment section below. This is simply how I've come to work with finances, but I'd be interested to know of other ways as well. :)

Linked up at: Growing Home, Thankful Homemaker, Time Warp Wife, Lessons from Ivy, Far Above Rubies, Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Raising Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Deep Roots at Home, Homemaker By Choice, Passionate and Creative Homemaking

See also:

Part 3: Income Allocation & Payments Scheduling

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!