I've been clipping coupons, printing coupons, and saving coupons to my mobile phone for a total of 15 years now. In that time, I've gone through a lot of organizational systems. I've used coupon envelopes, coupon files, and my coupon binder. It goes in waves, based on my lifestyle, moods, and the current fads. And, the hottest thing going right now? Pinterest. It's chock full of DIY products — including several tutorials for the crafty couponer. Check out 5 fabulous projects for couponing & savings on Babble.com...

{The New Home Ec} The High Cost of Saving Money

Last night, I returned from the amazingly beautiful Blissdom conference in Nashville. I soaked up every last bit of wisdom, inspiration, and fun I could squeeze into my four days away. Others spent only two days at the conference, arriving late or leav…


{The New Home Ec} Are You Paying Too Much for Your Haircut?

The barber shop down the street has a sign on the lawn that reads “We repair $6 haircuts.” The Great Clips in the other direction is currently advertising their regular $6.99 sale. And, that’s where I’ll be later this week &#821…


{The New Home Ec} 10 iPhone Apps for Shopping and Saving

Here’s a little something you should know about me: I love my iPhone. Love! I use it for email, social networking, blogging, games, reading, shopping, and more. I can go days without turning on my computer, but my iPhone is with me all day, every…


{The New Home Ec} The Secret to a Successful Budget

Household budgets take a lot of work, but it’s the best way to save money for the things you really want. Unfortunately, many budgets ultimately fail. But, there is one, tiny trick that will make every budget successful no matter how much money you have to work with. [Continue reading on Babble.com...]


{The New Home Ec} 14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending a Dime

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend $17.6 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts this month. Not to mention the amount of money spent by the more than 70 million who will dine out for the holiday. But, saying I love you do…


3 Ways to Dine for Less on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—are you celebrating? Our evening typically features a candlelight dinner for five. It started when we didn’t have a babysitter, and it continues years later out of tradition. The fact that it’s more frugal than dinner out is just a bonus at this point, but cooking from home is [...]


{The New Home Ec} Lifestyles of the Frugal and Famous

While it may seem celebrities live the high life, some of them are still clipping coupons, finding bargains, and working to keep hard earned dollars in their pockets! This week, Coupons.com, one of my favorite sources for printable grocery coupons, has released their list of favorite celebrity bargain hunters — naming them Top Frugalebrities. Warren [...]


{The New Home Ec} Insanely Frugal or Just Plain Insane?

I’ve done some pretty crazy things to save a buck over the years — like taking on a roommate in our early days of marriage. Then there are the every day ways to save that others seem to find a little crazy. Canceling the cable was a smart financial decision for us, but I think [...]


{The New Home Ec} Hometown Tourist: Frugal Family Fun

I’m a suburban mom. I steer clear of the city — the traffic, the parking fees, the chaos — it’s just not my thing. This week? I’m making an exception. Repeatedly. You see, there’s this little thing going on called the Super …