Texoma with Kids

Divvying up your kid’s allowance into different jars, each with a specific label and purpose, has become pretty standard. Your kids probably have one jar for savings, one for spending and maybe another for giving. What most parents and kids omit, though, is one more jar for emergencies. Yes, emergencies, even for kids. Granted, they…

It can be difficult to find something everyone enjoys doing. Uncle Phil wants to watch the football game, while Aunt Linda wants to decorate cookies. You’re trying to keep peace without making family time feel like a chore. What can you do to keep everyone happily spending time together without running up a huge credit card bill?…

Leaky toilets can really inflate your water bill. Try the Kool Aid test! Dump a package of orange Kool-Aid into the tank of your toilet and don’t flush for an hour. If you still see orange water in the toilet bowl after an hour, you have a leak. Stop throwing out money and get it…

Back-to-school season can be exhausting — and expensive! Take the hassle and the hefty price tags out of this year’s school shopping by downloading these 5 apps. Who knows? Maybe school shopping can be fun again! 1. School Supply List (iOS, $0.99) Keep things organized with this app created just for school supply lists. You can…

When that first delightful spring breeze starts blowing, you know it’s time to get your house in shape. But there’s more than just a neat house awaiting the end of all that hard work. With just a few steps, you can put some extra cash in your wallet.  1.) Trade in your electronics  Gather all…

For the responsible adult who thinks about being prepared for the future, savings are a fixed expense that is built into the monthly budget just like car payments and insurance. For most people, though, this habit does not come naturally. It needs to be acquired and practiced. Teach your kids those saving smarts now when…

Grocery shopping is an inevitable part of life. It can also be one of the easiest ways to blow your budget. Whether you choose to do your shopping at the corner store, Aldi or your local Walmart, remembering what you need and trying to stick to your budget can be a hassle. That’s the goal…

Your Turn: Have you found your own creative approach to saving? Share it with us in the comments!

Are you looking for a way to make budgeting easier? Well, here’s the good news – your search is over! The money envelope system is a simple, proven and powerful way to keep spending in check. Follow the steps below:  1. Determine your monthly income and expenses For the next few months, track all your…

1.    You’ll spend less. 2.    You’ll always have enough for fixed expenses. 3.    You’ll argue less about discretionary spending. 4.    You’ll save more. 5.    You’ll have money for fluctuating expenses. 6.    You’ll feel more in control of your finances. 7.    You’ll be motivated to increase your earning potential. 8.    You’ll feel less guilt about impulse purchases that are within your budget. 9.    You’ll feel…