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Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

I’m So Glad I Spent Money On…

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Being good with money does't mean being cheap. Here are three things I'm so glad I spent money on. What about you?There have been many instances in my life where I kick myself for wasting money. Sometimes it’s not really a big deal but there have been times I’ve wasted hundreds on crap that I either didn’t need or wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. I’m happy to report though there have been times that my husband and I have spent a few extra dollars on something and it’s been well worth it. With a family to look out for we’re especially cautious with our money.

Our Mattress

We were sort of fortunate that when our apartment flooded we were given a substantial replacement cheque for certain items, including our bed. The bed that was ruined in the flood was purchased for $100 off a friend. When we were handed a $3,000 cheque to buy all new bed and bedding we were excited. When we went bed shopping we didn’t look at price initially but went by feel. Thankfully the bed we fell in love with was on sale and rang in at $1,200. It’s worked out very well for us.

After owning it for about three years we noticed some deformation on one side of the mattress but because it was covered under warranty they replaced it zero questions asked. Many years later and we’re still happy with the purchase.

Engagement Ring Warranty

I’m so glad I wasn’t with my husband when he bought my engagement ring, though I would have talked him out of it, I’m so glad he got the extended warranty on my ring. I think he paid an extra $140 for the lifetime warranty and I have used it at least 10x over this price. The warranty includes all sizings, repairs, scratch removals, lost diamonds, you name it and it’s covered. In the last eight years, I have had my ring sized (no joke) probably six times, rhodium plated (redripping in gold to remove scratches) probably 10 times, repaired twice and cleaned a bazillion times. All the work I had done would have cost me at least $1,000 and thankfully I paid zero dollars. It’s been a huge help!

Treadmill

About five years ago my husband and I were trying to decide if we wanted to re-join a gym. Instead of joining we decided to save our money and buy a good quality treadmill instead. We looked for sales and in the end found a $3,000 treadmill on sale for less than $1,000. It has worked out very well for us and it gets used regularly, especially in the winter! I was worried it may become a place for clothes to hang but I’m happy to report we use it. Especially with a young child it’s nice to have the ability to get some exercise in without being required to leave the house.

I love looking at a purchase and knowing we made a good decision. We work hard for our money so it’s nice to see it being used and enjoyed.

What are some of the best purchases your family has made?

Fuel Frugality — How to Cut your Fuel Costs

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Save money at the fuel pump with these tips

Image from Richmanwisco

Well, it looks like fuel prices are on the rise once again. Where they’ll stop, no one knows.

When fuel prices were their highest – I believe it was two years ago – it was absolutely ridiculous at the pump. I remember filling up and watching as numbers on the pump tick by at lightening speed. As the tank finally started to become full, I couldn’t believe the numbers I was seeing — just for a simple tank of gas.

Hopefully, things won’t get that bad — but every time gas prices rise, it gets me thinking about what we need to do to cut our fuel consumption — and costs. Of course, there are things we do on a regular basis to conserve on fuel, but there are so many more actions we could take to cut back.

Check out the list below to see what you are doing right, and what else can do.

6 Tips for Saving Fuel

1. Group your trips together

If you have several errands to run, be sure to do it in a few trips as possible. I find that making a list of where I need to go – and what I need to get – helps quite a bit.

2. Car pool whenever possible

If you plan on meeting friends for dinner, you might decide to car pool instead — if it makes sense logistically. Do you have a co-worker or two that you can ride share with? This is great for your wallet and the environment.

3. Maintain your vehicle

A well tuned engine will work more efficiently and make better use of the fuel that keeps it running. Having your tire properly inflated will also use less fuel than tires which are not properly inflated.  While I’m on this subject, Costco inflates their tires with nitrogen, which is neat because it gives you better long term tire inflation pressure.

4. Don’t leave your car idling

Be sure to turn your car off if you are waiting for someone or it might be awhile before you move your car again.

5. Drive the speed limit

Driving faster uses more fuel. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and take it slow, getting there.

6. Walk, ride your bike, and/or use public transportation whenever possible

We all know this right? Of course it is a great way to conserve, but it’s still something I need to work on.

Another big thing you can do to cut your fuel costs, is to purchase gas at places where the fuel is the least expensive. Keep in mind that you don’t want to drive all over town trying to figure out where that is either. That would just be counterproductive.  There some good smartphone apps for that – gasbuddy is one.

Luckily, there is a helpful website available – Fuel Economy.gov – which will help locate the lowest gas price, nearest you.

How about you? Are you doing all you can to cut your fuel costs?