Feed Your Kids for Free

If you are an extremely busy single mother / full time student like me, then you are probably eating out 3-5 nights a week.  Personally, I've found that it's way more convenient to eat out than buy groceries, cook them, and wash up afterwords.  It's also far less wasteful.

Eating out can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be.  My daughter and I have found some great places that are willing to let your kids eat free! 

Cut Costs - Thermos of Hot Soup for Lunch

Eating out is a huge financial cost.  The adverage person spends $10 a day for lunch.  That's $50 a week, and about $200 a month!  That's the price of a car note. 

Packing your own lunch is a great way to cut costs, but many people don't have access to a refrigerator or a microwave.   So that eliminates eating leftovers, salads, and any sandwhiches with mayo. 

Whether you're working in an office or walking around campus all day (like me), you need something easy, hardy, and most of all healthy. 

Fall has brought us an excellent solution...

Single Mom Earning Money with CashCrate

As promised, I have personally tested out CashCrate.  Earning Money online with CashCrate was a success right out of the gate.  After MUCH research and consideration, I signed up (for free) and started making money.  CashCrate met my criteria for earning extra money in every form. 

CashCrate gets my two thumbs up seal of approval for the following reasons:

Treat Yourself - For FREE!

Ladies and Gents, I know you work hard!  You've been studying for tests, working late hours, and caring for the kids. 

Treat yourself.  No no no, I'm not talking about going out there and getting that $40.00 pedi you've been wanting.  Those sort of treats are WAY out of the budget.   If you do get the pedi, it will be great, but there will also be that added guilt of spending too much money with nothing to show for it. 

Instead, indulge yourself for FREE!

Sell Snacks on Campus

Ok, so today is the first day I'm selling snacks on campus.  I have a cute brown picnic basket filled with a bunch of goodies.  My initial feeling that, this could be a good way of making extra money, but I've been at school for almost an hour and a half with no luck. 

Put Money in your Pocket Now

Those of us struggling financially don't really need to hear about saving money for retirement.  We need money now.  I have found a few easy ways to put money in your pocket instead of tossing it out the window.  You can accomplish all these quick fixes in less that a few hours.  A few nip-tucks on your monthly bills can really add up on the savings. 

Sell Photos Online - Dreamstime Review

Selling pictures online is a lot harder than I expected.  I researched it for quite a bit and decided to go with Dreamstime.  Dreamstime was reviewed as one of the best stock photo agencies due to its high commission (50%) for participating photographers.  Many people have made money through Dreamstime, I however, had no success. 


I submitted 20 pictures over the past 10 days and all were rejected. 


I believe the main reasons why I was unable to find success at Dreamstime were...

What is Credit? - Introduction

As I get older, the more "credit" becomes important.  In order to be approved to buy a car, home, or furniture, my "credit" must be run.  But why?  I find myself asking a lot of questions, like what is "credit" exactly, and why must it be run?  What is a "credit score," and why is mine where it is? 


My transition into adulthood will no longer allow me to be ignorant about the subject.  So, in the spirit of learning and self betterment, I am going to tackle this beast head on. 

Save Money - One Coin at a Time

There are many methods and tips out there to help you save money.  Some advise you to set aside a percent of your earnings.  Others tell you to simply deposit $10 a week into your savings account.  Both methods work, of course, and they are both relatively easy, but I've discovered something better. 


Like most Americans, I live paycheck to paycheck.  I'm 26, and saving for my retirement a million years from now is not going to help me make it through the next year's financial challenges. Personally, living paycheck to paycheck is alright (for now), but it comes with many concerns.  The main concern is the lack of financial flexibility.  Meaning, I can financially make it through the daily maintenance of living, but If something big or unexpected happens, I'm screwed!


If my car breaks down, or my computer gets stolen, I will have no spare cash to cover that expense.  I will be forced to take out a loan, or sell something, or even worse, borrow money from the parents.  My inner future CPA won't allow myself to be put in such a position!


So, how do I save money for unexpected expenses?  One Coin at a Time...

Top Line - Bottom Line

Students, it's the weekend, tests are over, time to go to the local pub and kick back a few or hit the movies for a little well deserved RnR with friends.  One problem, you don't have any money!  Why? 


Struggling Graduates, trying to make it in this crazy adult world, the bills seem to hit you all at once.  One problem, you don't have any money! Why?


Single Parents, you've got mouths to feed, diapers to buy, a college fund to set up for the kids.  One problem, you don't have the money! Why?


You are either going to answer this question one of two ways...


"I don't make enough money" or...
"I have too much debt"


Both answers are correct, BUT its not that simple.


I'm going to explain it to you by way of Top Line - Bottom Line.