Watch What You Buy At The Dollar Store!

When I was checking my email via Comcast I thought "oh no not the dollar store too". There are certain items you should be wary of buying for your family when getting your shop on at your local dollar stores. Check this out from Fox News.

Making Qualified Withdrawals For School

http://www.mahoganybutterfly.com/

It’s that time of year again when the kids head back to school. The thing is the little ones are not the only concern. Your eldest may be returning to college this fall and that usually means withdrawals from education savings plans. Read on for a few tidbits on making necessary withdrawals from your Education Savings Accounts (Education IRAs) and 529 plans.

So what exactly are qualified education expenses? The IRS definition says "qualified education expenses are tuition and certain related expenses required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution." For those of you who own ESAs (Education savings Accounts also formerly known as Coverdell IRAs) there is slightly more flexibility with what items are considered qualified. For example you can withdraw funds for uniforms, computer technology, equipment and even software strictly for educational purposes. Other items covered are tuition, fees, books and supplies for children in Kindergarten through college. With 529 college savings plans uniforms are not on the list and funds can only be withdrawn for college.

The IRS recently made changes allowing withdrawals from 529 plans for purchasing of computer equipment, technology and even internet access while a student is enrolled at an eligible educational institution. Save the list from the school showing items your kids will need. Also hold onto the syllabus from the high school or college professors showing the books and supplies needed to successfully complete the course. Keep all receipts. I repeat, KEEP ALL RECEIPTS. This is the CYA portion folks. In case there are any questions or concerns you will have your back up.

Remember you can withdraw funds from your education plan federally tax free when funds are used for qualified education expenses. For additional information on qualified education expenses check out the following sites:

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch02.html#en_US_publink1000204337
www.savingforcollege.com

Five Things You Need To Buy Now if You Haven’t Already

urbanog.com

1.       Down Comforter and Quilts

The best time to grab these bedroom cover ups were smack dab in the middle of summer just when the 90 degree and up temps just hit the scene. All is not lost you can still find a steal on comforters and the like at your local Ross, Homegoods and similar cheaper than department spots. (You may also want to check those department stores too, they have sales often ie Macy’s)

2.       Fall Shoes and Boots

Okay there is still time left to grab a decent pair of shoes/boots for the Fall and Winter. The other thing is a lot of last years trends are still carrying over into this Fall season. Online stores are actually giving the usual departments stores and malls a run for their money. Check spots like 6pm.com and urbanog.com.

3.       Winter Coats

Go get that if you haven’t already. Fall coats are out and about and there probably are a few sales here and there, but nobody is thinking about hot winter coats right now. It’s still close to 100 degrees out most places. So that means good sales on winter coats.

4.       Summer Sandals for next year

Summer sandals are a hot commodity now since almost everyone is slashing prices on summer sandals. This is the precise time when shops focus on the Fall items. This means you can grab a cute pair of sandals for as little as $13 bucks. Click here and check out this cute pair as an example.

5.       White jeans, Tunics, Summer Dresses

Go pick up a few more summer items. Yes, you heard me right. The following items are summer must haves that can be worn into the Fall/Winter season as well with the concept of layering.

(White jeans, Cargo pants, Summer Dress, Silk Mini skirts, and Khaki colored Bermuda shorts) 

Happy Hunting!

mahoganybutterfly.com

Great Tips From Author Jeff Yeager Who Wrote The Cheapskate Next Door

The author of the Cheapskate Next Door offers up some great tips on living below your means, saving on car maintenance, the unbelievable divorce rate among couples who live a frugal lifestyle and ways to save on everyday costs. From the TODAY show.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Cheap Summer Stress Busters

It’s officially summer, the time when folks travel to unseen destinations and return to the office with pictures of glorious travel experiences. All the while your pockets are bleeding. But have no fear. Just because you are not able to escape to Egypt this summer or enjoy a week long cruise to Australia doesn’t mean you cannot partake on a stress free vacation. Take a daycation. 

Go to the park and just bird watch, read the latest novel from your favorite author, or simply just be. Enjoy nature. Be still. Take part of the natural environment and observe the atmosphere.  Kick off your shoes, lay out a blanket and bring along a small cooler packed with cool drinks and a few snacks. Crank up your ipod, lie down and gaze up into the sky.

Call the girls and organize a hookie day. You remember Senior Cut Day. Well it’s like that but as a grown up. Plan a relaxing barbecue on the patio or deck. Have your favorite wine selections, foods, and kick back. No kids, no husbands, just the girls.

Take in some mellow tunes or explore various creations at an area concert or festival. Check your local newspapers to find out what free or low cost events might be happening within your area. Grab a lawn chair and your camera then throw on your comfy flats and head out to the event.

Spend a solo day at the beach. You only need yourself, a few beach supplies such as a beach towel, sunglasses, beach chair, beach umbrella, and a small cooler for snacks and drinks. You may also want to take along that ipod and a few reading favorites. Dig your toes in the sand, listen to the music of the ocean and relax.

Vacation should be a mental rest, a time to reboot and rejuvenate. You do not need to necessarily travel across the globe to do something as simple as that.

mahoganybutterfly

Cheap and Fun Craft Idea

Need something to do with the kids? Are they preschool/school age? Then try your hand at this nifty little arts and craft project. I tried this with my kids at the church nursery this past Sunday and they absolutely loved it. Whether you have them create colorful button beings (bugs) with pipe cleaners or caterpillars with colored clay you can be certain they'll have a boatload of fun. All you need is the following items:

Clay (colored)
Toothpicks (for shaping)
22 gauge Copper Wire (I used bread ties which worked just fine and much safer)

Here's the link to the instructions to this project. Enjoy!
http://familyfun.go.com/

Five Must Read Money Saving Resources

There are so many websites, magazines, radio shows, and programs out there today that promise to give you the low down on all the penny pinching tips you can imagine. I don’t know about you, but the average person is on their grind nowadays and has but little time to spend online, watching television, and flipping through magazines. These books and blogs make the top 5 list of must reads that deliver the goods to keep you from spending too much money in today’s slow reviving economy.

Dining With The Dollar Diva

Spending the $10 to $12 bucks to buy this book seems well worth the investment. You get a book full of delicious recipes full of ingredients that cost $1.00 or less. You can't beat that. The author Elizabeth Fisher was featured on 6abc and talks about her book that was published last month. With the continued funk of the existing economy this book couldn't have come at a better time. What a great savings tool allowing families to cook up tasty meals on the cheap.

How To Be A Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide To Looking Fabulous For Less

With a 5 star rating on Amazon.com this book is a definite must for the average woman who doesn’t have the disposable income to waste on their threads. This book gives you the scoop on where to shop for inexpensive fashions and which labels are wallet friendly yet chic. You learn how to continue stacking your cash without compromising on style. There are tips on everything from beauty items to clothing plus the shopping tips are priceless.

10,000+ Ways To Live Large On A Small Budget

This book gets straight to the point providing money saving tips on travel, mortgage expenses, beauty items, and cell phone bills. It offers creative and fun tips on saving money. The creator of wisebread.com     delivered the goods in this book and it is a definite must have for every frugal lady.

MommySavers  ( http://mommysavers.com/)

Kim Danger is the brainchild behind this fabulous website created for all the mothers seeking bargains for everyday living when it comes to maintaining the family. Mommysavers.com gives you everything from the latest deals from various companies to forums where moms share tips on where to buy the cheapest items from retailers and their personal experiences on bargain hunting. Basically this site is a one stop resource for frugal moms or moms seeking to jump on the money saving bandwagon.

Fab Finds Under $50 (http://www.fabfindsunder50.com/)

This site has the key fashion tips a girl needs on where to buy and what trendy items to buy on a budget. You get pictures, great information from the Q&A section of the site and also suggestions on how to wear various fashion items. The best post is the one on how to shop consignment. There is even an inspirational calendar with pictures showcasing must have low cost wardrobe pieces. A lot of blogs serve up a bunch of fluff but this is one blog that offers resourceful penny pinching fashion advice.

See the original article here