Budget Babble

Every Dollar (or Towel, or Pet Toy, or Bag of food) makes a world of difference in a struggling pet shelter!                                                                                                A True, but  Sad Story I once worked in a city animal shelter. The number of pets that ended up in just that one shelter was heartbreaking and the number of them that were not adopted by their 7th day and were euthanized was tragic. I went home every night and cried. It was an absolutely gut-wrenching and tragic reality I ever had to face. I saw firsthand the enormous impact each donation made, no matter how big or small.  And If you can't  donate  cash, there are a gazillion other ways to help!         ...

When you are struggling to make ends meet, saving can seem an impossible goal. Even if you're living paycheck to paycheck, there are ways to save and have some money left over at the end of the week. Here are 5 money saving tips that will leave you with a few extra dollars in your pocket.                                                                                 #1 Shop at your local $1 dollar store. Dollar stores can be a goldmine of bargains for everyday items. Sandwich bags, paper towels, trash bags, toiletries, and even groceries can be purchased for only $1 a piece. You’ll just have to skip the brand name items…you don’t need to stock your shelves with expensive stuff when the cheaper version will do just fine. Many of your cleaning products as well as hundreds of other every...

If you want to excel as a writer, you need to outshine the competition! These sites are brimming with helpful tips, online classes, writing forums, job boards, blogs and more!   It seems that everybody wants to make money by writing online. There are more and more writers competing for the same jobs every day. It’s hard to stand out in such a big crowd.    When I started writing, I spent hours browsing writing related sites. Reading one article, I'd find links to other articles and resources that I had no idea existed. It is like a never-ending journey through the world of online content. Browse through these sites. Within them you will find that each article leads to more articles, each link leads to more links. Keep chasing the information and soaking up the knowledge like a sponge. I do, just because I can and it’s free. I bookmark certain pages to refer back to. I use my snipping tool to take screenshots of pertinent information. My desktop is full of virtual sticky n...

During uncertain economic times such as these, charities and other non-profits are struggling to help entire communities in need. With few resources and a fraction of the funding they require, expenses like rent, cleaning supplies, office supplies, outreach and transportation needs are hard to meet. Cash donations are most commonly sought, and while cash is always welcome, it is certainly not the only way to give!  Giving Goods: In-kind Donations Are Every Bit as Valuable as Cash!  When was the last time you cleaned out your closets? Or decluttered the basement? You probably have valuable donations hidden in your closets, attics or cellars. Many of the things we throw away, in fact, could be put to good use elsewhere! Check your favorite non-profit’s website or Social Media page for a “Wish List” of items they need.  The single, most valuable thing you can donate to  any  agency is your time! Walk a dog or play with a cat, Spend time with an elderly person, or h...

So, I've always lived paycheck to paycheck and was often broke right before payday. I tried all the "earn money online" sites I could find-good and bad. I needed to find ways to make a quick couple of dollars in between paychecks, or to afford things I need that my pocket change won't cover. There are literally thousands of ways to earn extra cash online without investing time or money-and I've tried them all! The easiest ways to earn (surveys, microtasks, cash-back shopping rewards...) often paying mere cents for over an hour of 'work'. It can take a month or more to earn enough points for a $5 cash payment.  I have found a few hidden gems that make it so quick and easy to earn a payout, that I use them on a weekly basis. Below are the only sites that I use on a regular basis because I earn weekly or bi-weekly payments from them. I'm not getting richer, but I don't feel like I'm missing out either. So, if you need a few extra bucks  quickly; ...

Your computer can help you make more money! You can use the internet to supplement your income in your spare time, or you can start a full-fledged business. If you're a creator or have expertise in any subject,  you can cash in on it!  Millions of potential customers are only a click away, you just have to learn how to reach them.  F irst Things First If you are simply hoping to supplement your income, check out free platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist . If you want to start a full-time business , then paying a small fee  for an eCommerce website or storefront, would be worth it.  Here are some examples of different sites for different products/niches: Antiques and Collectibles Collectibles such as s ports memorabilia refurbished antique furniture, and gold and silver coins, are hot commodities right now. eBay , Ruby Lane , ArtFire , and Zibbet are a few of the favored platforms for sellers. Handcrafted Goods Artisan jewelry, unique pottery, ...

Ways to save: Read personal finance blogs such as these to get started : coupons in the news ( search for savings on any product or brand in their coupon database) From Frugal To Free (offers budgeting tools and insight into starting side hustles) ChooseFI (teaches financial freedom, offers several online courses) Coupon savings Resources Rich sources of Printable and digital coupons, discount codes, flash deals and more. coupons.com smartsource.com redplum.com Ibotta -scan receipts Savingstar.com Amazon Cash-Back/Rebate sites   Earn up to 100% cash back. Some sites require you to leave a review, while others offer instant discounts. Either way, it’s a no-brainer for larger purchases and gift shopping! Try: Cashbackbase Vipon  Rebate Key Organize and Keep Track of Savings with Apps  Packed with multiple ways to save, apps provide the easiest way to save and earn. Savings are rewarded upon receipt scan, or automatically applied at checkout. Check: iBotta- An all-time...