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Living on a budget is the key to financial freedom, but getting started can be frustrating. When we look at our expenses and see all of those bills we’re paying every month, it’s easy to throw our hands up in disgust. But what about all those little expenses we incur? You might be surprised to find out just how much they amount to.

It’s easy to dismiss cutting back on little things. A few dollars a month won’t make a significant difference in the big picture. But a few dollars here and a few dollars there adds up to a few more dollars. When you cut back in a lot of small ways, you could end up with a lot more money at the end of the month.

Waste Not, Want Not

One thing we can do that is good for the budget is stop wasting so much. This can apply to many areas in our lives. From eating to home heating, waste equals money going down the drain unnecessarily.

Cooking for the family instead of eating takeout or dining out is a great way to save money. But if you’re throwing food out, the benefit is reduced. So if you have leftovers, don’t let them end up in the trash. Some dishes freeze well, and this makes for easy dinners when you don’t have time to cook. You could also eat dinner leftovers for lunch the following day.

If your home is not well insulated, you’re probably wasting lots of money on home heating and cooling. Insulating will cost some money up front, but it will pay for itself quickly. If you have drafts around windows and doors, weatherstripping can help maintain the temperature of your home.

Most households waste an unbelievable amount of electricity. This can be prevented in part by using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Turn lights, televisions, computers and other devices off when you’re not using them, and open blinds to take advantage of the sun’s light during the day.

Do Yourself a Favor: Do It Yourself

Any time you pay someone else to do something that you could do yourself, you’re spending money unnecessarily. This applies to little things like buying coffee instead of making your own, as well as to larger expenses such as home repairs.

Many of us buy coffee or a soft drink from a convenience store or coffee shop on the way to work in the morning. This can really add up over time. Instead, make your own coffee, or buy soda in 2-liter bottles and pour some into a smaller bottle or cup to take with you. The same applies to lunches. Instead of springing for fast food, take a sandwich or something microwavable to work.

While we’re not all good at all types of repairs and maintenance, most of us can do some things for ourselves. Maybe you could change your own oil instead of paying someone else to do it. If the walls need painting, consider getting friends and family to help you do it instead of hiring a painter. Things like these can save us a noticeable amount of money right away.

When you add up the savings, little things can make a big difference to the budget. So take a close look at your budget and see what small expenses are lurking there. If you can eliminate or reduce them, it could positively impact your bottom line.

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The time we spend with our families is priceless. But most popular family activities are quite expensive. Even a simple night at the movies can put a serious dent in the budget by the time you buy tickets, popcorn and drinks for everyone.

Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to expensive family outings. They provide the opportunity to have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. Some are even free.

Movies and Music

Kids are often itching to see the newest releases at the movie theater. Doing so even once a month, however, can get pricey. One alternative in some areas is the drive-in. Admission is usually much cheaper than it is at a regular theater, and some let you bring your own drinks and snacks. Drive-ins usually show fairly new releases, so the kids can say they saw something that’s not out on video yet.

Some theaters offer reduced-price matinees during the day. Some even have free kid-oriented movies on weekend days. These options offer the theater experience without the outrageous cost.

Kids often want to go to concerts, but tickets to see the most famous bands are far from cheap. Check your local paper for free concerts in the park. Many areas have them during the warm months. Young children can enjoy the music without the huge crowds and deafening sound systems, and older children might gain an appreciation for less well-known bands.

The Great Outdoors

Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.

Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.

Other Ideas

Here are some more inexpensive family activities to consider:

* Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.

* Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.

* Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.

* Go boating. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are inexpensive, and when you’re done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.

* Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.

Having fun as a family doesn’t require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.

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Years ago I would catch episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer whenever I could. I think that started somewhere around season 5. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Buffy and a blond vampire named Spike. Yes, I knew that Buffy’s first and perhaps greatest love was Angel but since I never watched episodes in the earlier seasons with Angel I was all about Spike. Delicious, yummy, dreamy Spike.

Well, I decided recently to watch all seasons of Buffy back to back. I have now watched season 1 and 2 and I am just starting season 3. Let me tell you I now understand the fan obsession with Buffy and Angel. I am a woman divided now…just like Buffy. Hot, hot, hot!

The basic story, if you don’t know, is that Buffy is a teen vampire slayer. She and her best friends and her “watcher” the school librarian all fight vampires, demons, ghouls, etc. There happen to be a lot of them in their town of Sunnydale, CA because it sits on top of a “hell mouth”. Right from the beginning Buffy is also assisted by a seriously good looking guy named Angel. She finds out later he is a vampire but unlike other vampires he has a soul and therefore a conscience. They fall in love and the chemistry sizzles.

At the end of season 2 (spoiler alert) they sleep together and the curse that gave him a soul is broken as he finds true happiness…the exact opposite of what the curse was intended to do. He reverts back into a soulless, monstrous vampire and he even kills or attempts to kill Buffy’s friends. Buffy realizes that she has to kill him before he offs more of her friends and has a chance to open the gate to hell. Just as Buffy is about to kill him, Angel gets his soul back via fledgling witch named Willow, who is also Buffy’s best friend. Unfortunately it is too late, even though Buffy has her boyfriend back he has already opened the portal to hell and only his blood can close it. To save the world Buffy stabs a very surprised and confused Angel and pushes him into hell. I bawled my eyes out that whole episode it was so emotional. My husband by this point is also hooked on the show and just as heartbroken by the end of Buffy and Angel.

BUT, in season 3 he escapes from Hell somehow. Hell moves at a much slower pace than our time does though so even though he was only gone for 3-4 months our time, he was in hell for longer than that. When he escapes Buffy captures him and locks him up because he is like a wild, feral animal that doesn’t recognize her or know what is going on. She begins to think she may have to kill him again. Alas though he escapes from his bonds and tracks Buffy to where she is fighting a monster. Angel dispatches the monster for her and suddenly realization hits him. He calls out Buffy’s name and collapses to the floor putting his arms around her waist like a child hugging her and crying. Buffy too starts crying uncontrollably too as they both realize they have been reunited. I am crying just thinking about how beautiful it was.

Of course tonight I watch episodes 4-8 and see how Angel and Buffy get along when they have to discuss everything that transpired…the curse breaking, Buffy murdering him to save the human race, sending him to hell to be tortured. I think they have a rough road ahead and because I know that later on Buffy takes up with Spike, she and Angel will slowly come to realize it can never be. But heck if I know the train will wreck eventually I am along for the ride! I just have to remember that I also REALLY like Spike so I have a lot to look forward to.

I highly recommend this series. It has action, sci-fi, a strong story, lots of laughs, lots of tears, and a seriously kick butt heroine.

After Buffy I am going to start on the Angel tv series…a spinoff that lasted 5 seasons and followed Angel after he leaves Buffy and Sunnydale.

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I have gone digital in thisdigital age. My Blackberry goes with me everywhere and it amazes you all the reasons why you need to get online on the go in this day and age. My iPod allows me to take my entire music collection mobile and to take TV shows and movies with me. Any tools or apps that help to make my life easier are a-okay with me.

I was thrilled recently to find Cozi. It is basically an online family planning center that you can then access via your mobile phone web browser. You can look at your family calendar on the go. If you forgot your shopping list you can login to cozy and see what you need and check items off as you shop at the store. You can create all sorts of customized lists. There is a family journal. You can set up reminders and alerts and you can even sinc it with Outlook which is totally awesome.

It really allows you to almost get on your computer at home while you are away if you have set things up in Cozi. I LOVE technology!

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Got a party to go to and you have to bring a tasty dish? I found a really easy 3 ingredient dish on Ultimate Party Meatballs. All you need is Heinz Chili Sauce, Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry, and ground beef. It can’t get easier than that! I had my doubts about the hot and sweet combo but they really are quite delicious and they made a great party addition. Who doesn’t like meatballs? Check out the recipes and others at the site linked above. They also have some contests going on.

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I often get bombarded with offers for rewards club where you spend money with certain companies or you register credit cards with various agencies and they give you points or credit towards rewards. I usually just ignore these offer but then a couple years back I started doing one called MyPoints and it worked out really well. It took none of my time really to participate..I just visited web sites and shopped and then I got points. I have gotten TONS of free gift certificates to different stores and restaurants so needless to say I am for inclined to join these rewards clubs now.

A new one I am checking out is Priority Club Rewards. It is a program that not only allows us Moms to redeem points we earn for travel and hotel stays, but also on holiday gifts. You can earn points through spending that can be used with partnered hotels, airlines, and hundreds of online retailers including Old Navy, Target, and Barnes & Noble. Earning points through purchases provides a great way to put our spending into perspective. By shopping and spending wisely, we can get the most out of our budgets this holiday season and put our earnings towards purchases in the New Year.

Points earned can be redeemed towards travel and hotel stays when you start planning your family vacations this coming spring. I can utilize the great royalty rewards program so that I don’t need to choose between either a family vacation or holiday spending this year. All you need to do to start earning points is to sign up at www.priorityclub.com.

So we shall see how it goes. I know I can always use freebies and incentives for doing the things I already do…like shop.

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My daughter is a big Barbie fan as was I when I was little. Unlike me she doesn’t have a ton of actual Barbies though, other than my old ones. But she does have most, if not all, of the movies. I lose track of all of them…Fairytopia, Mermaidia, Maraposa…

The latest Barbie DVD is Barbie and the Diamond Castle and of course…she loves it. I rather like it too. They always have cute stories with good characters and good lessons. This one tells the story of two friends…Liana and Alexa, who are best friends that share everything, including their love of singing. While walking through the forest talking about how they are short on money and unable to pay their bills, the girls meet an old beggar. Liana feels sorry for the old woman so she gives her her lunch, bread and jam, even though she and Alexa doesn’t have much to eat either. In return, the old woman gives her a magical mirror. They soon discover that a musical muse named Melody is trapped inside the mirror. Melody tells the girls about the secret of the Diamond Castle, which is the home of all music, and where three musical muses once resided until one evil muse, Lydia, tried to take the castle for herself. She failed, but turned the other muses to stone and Melody escaped into the mirror and accidentally trapped herself. The two friends decide to protect the mirror and Melody at all costs and try to find the Diamond Castle so that all can be corrected.

As always these movies are beautifully done…great characters, wonderful life lessons, fabulous music, and entertaining stories. My daughter and I really liked this one. I especially liked how it showed that being selfless can be very rewarding.

Buy Barbie and the Diamond Castle!!

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I have written several times on this about green and natural toys. They are important to me because I want to buy toys for my kids that are kind to the planet and safe and non-toxic for them. We are a family that has green family values and green gifts, toys, and holidays are part of that. Check out this site with the Top Green Gifts and the Top Green Toys for Christmas.

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Why any woman or Christian would be out of their cotton picken mind to vote McCain/Palin. She is beyond disgusting.

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My daughter recently got a very a cute book from the Precious Girls Club (PGC) called A Little Bit of Faith. The PGC is an all new book series for girls that revolves around the life of Katie Bennett and her friends. Their adventures are on the page and also virtual with an online site. It is a place where young girls can learn and play in a safe, wholesome environment based on the values embraced by Precious Moments. On the website, PGC members create their own characters (or “avatars”), “shop” virtually, decorate their rooms, explore our town, socialize and play games.  And, it’s all fun!

These are faith based books that teach lessons in faith and Godly conduct. The first story is about Katie, who is new in town and having trouble making friends….although she has her very angelic BEST friend…but no one can see her. Katie’s mom suggests she start a Precious Girls Club and invite other girls to join and realizes that faith can help you in reaching your goals and overcoming challenges.

The book is adorable, well written, and beautifully illustrated. Young girls will LOVE it. And it celebrates the special gifts that make each and every girl special and precious “in his sight”. Too cute!

I have four copies of the first book in the series to give away, A Little Bit of Faith.

To win, just comment! I will 4 four winners using random.org and announce next Wednesday.

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