Please note that the price of these ebooks is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to verify before checking out that it is still free.
These ebooks are specifically for Kindles, but you can go here to download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Teach Them Diligently celebrates the focus of Christian families – that is, the discipleship of children to glorify God. More than simply a convention about home education, they purposefully develop the themes of missions, discipleship, and Christian parenting in addition to the traditional academic “how-to’s”. In addition to amazing speakers, you will also find a large exhibit hall with some of the best prices available on the resources you need. Check out the event closest to you to find out all that you can expect to experience at Teach Them Diligently!
Note from Crystal: Thank you all for the dozens and dozens of entries you submitted for the Mvelopes Best Budgeting Story Contest. It was hard to choose from among all of the entries! Congratulations to Missy who won our hearts and the contest with her below entry. I know you’ll be blessed by it!
It all seemed to come to a head one July day when I received a call that my 3-month-old was on his way to the hospital in an ambulance, having what seemed to be a seizure. My husband had left the month prior, along with his paycheck and health benefits. I was working a limited 15 hours per week as a newly singled mama with three children age 0, 2 and 3 years.
Things were bad. I was concerned about my smallest prince in the ambulance ahead, but at the same time I was wondering, “Was it really necessary to call an ambulance?”
My tiny baby did have a seizure, but he recovered to be just fine (thank you, Lord) and my marriage did fail. But the tools learned in that season are priceless ones that keep working to this day.
I entered a new season of life as a single mother. I was able to increase my work hours and thereby increase my income, but still remained part time for the sake of my young children. On my limited income, I learned four keys for budgeting:
1. Eliminate All But the Necessary
The cable was cut off. The home phone gone and only a limited cell plan put in place.
We didn't participate in extra-curricular activities (soccer, gymnastics) and I made no commitments to anything that would incur a monthly bill. None.
I even canceled trash pickup and obtained permission to take our bags to a nearby church dumpster. I was brutal in eliminating bills.
2. Maximize What You Have
We made good use of our internet service and PBS for entertainment. We purged and sold items of value.
The cash for an unused vehicle was more useful than the vehicle in storage. I adjusted my payroll withholding to make the most of each monthly check.
I paid all our bills at the first of the month: Tithe, Mortgage, Power, Water, Phone, Insurance. Then I lived on what was left. Often that meant not going places in order to save gas and stretching meals in creative ways.
3. Get Real and Get Savvy
I had to be realistic about myself in this season. I wasn't one who could spend $40 on a manicure or a night out with the girlfriends. Instead, I learned all the "Kid's Nights" to the local restaurants and it was a real treat for our little family of four to venture out every now and then.
I asked for help at our church with AWANA fees and accepted help at Christmastime when it was offered. This was humbling, but I recognized God taking care of us in these practical acts of kindness.
I learned that we could have fun and live well with much less than I once thought. Yes, my definition of living well shifted, but it was a relief to not compete to measure up in the ways I once thought were important.
4. Give A Little, Live A Lot
You may notice Tithe was at the top of my expense list. It wasn't always so, but I believe it is essential to demonstrate trust with more than words and so I committed to tithing. I have never regretted that decision.
I also become aware of so much we didn't need and donated much to our local Habitat For Humanity Rehome store. The children all learned to love sharing and passing to others the things we no longer needed.
Our gifts were small, but I hope to instill the joy of giving in my little ones. We all treasure experiences more than our stuff these days.
In order to make our life work on a small budget, I was forced to account for every dollar in the door. It became a priority for me to not only exist but to begin and saving.
As the children grew and entered into the public school system, our childcare costs ticked slowly down and I was able to expand our budget to include small vacations and a gifts fund. When we wanted to spend on something extra, I knew right away whether it would be smart.
The second great lesson was that saying “yes” to one thing always meant saying “no” to something else. Knowing my limitations forced me to be clear about my priorities and taught me deep joy and pride in making it alone.
I'm so thankful the leanest days are behind me, yet I am daily grateful for the treasures found in the hardship.
Surprised to find herself in the role of single mother, Missy was even more shocked to become a remarried stepmother in a blended family of seven! She is a hard-working optimist doing her best to enjoy life and demonstrate Christ's faithfulness in this not-so-perfect world. She blogs in between the office shift and laundry loads at Far From Flawless.
Want to be successful in your own budgeting?
Mvelopes is offering package of FREE budgeting tools to Money Saving Mom® readers right now! This free Mvelopes budgeting package includes a free financial coaching session and personal financial analysis plus a free financial ebook Money for Life.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Ever wonder what foods are safe to freeze, or how long they’ll keep once they’re in the freezer? Download this great Freezer Printable List and know what to freeze and when to freeze it.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
If you’re a blogger, you may be interested in joining Purex Insiders. As a Purex Insider, you’ll receive exclusive offers and influence product innovation. Members of the Purex Insiders are the first to receive products and exclusive offers from your favorite household brands like Purex, Soft Scrub, Dial, Honey Bunches of Oats and more to test out and review
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Handmade, unique & may vary slightly in color or design.
Includes an 18″ snake chain.
Handmade gifts are always special, and the unique personalization on these would make them extra special! They have some other fun items in this sale as well.
Each piece is created personally upon ordering and shipping varies by item.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
The past few months of our lives have been really full as we’ve been in the process of some pretty significant changes as a family. It’s all good stuff and we’re excited about what these changes mean, but it’s definitely stretched us to the max more than once in recent weeks.
However, we knew that if we just made it to October 20, things we’re going to settle down tremendously. We’re so grateful that God carried us through the past number of somewhat grueling weeks and we’re very thankful to be on the other side of those projects and changes.
In fact, it was so strange to look at my calendar this week — and for the next two months! — and realize how crazily calm it looked in comparison. There are seasons where one needs to just power through, by the grace of God, but I’m thankful that we’ve made it through and into a more peaceful season.
And I’m hoping this means I’ll be able to get back onto the bandwagon of consistent exercise, reading, and some of the other things I’ve been slacking on the past two months!
Goals from two weeks ago:
Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals
1. Read 2 chapters of The Borrowers to Kathrynne. Read 2 chapters of Caddie Woodlawn with Kaitlynn. Read a few picture books with Silas.
How did you do on last week's goals? What are your goals for this week? I'd love to have you share your progress on last week's goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you've blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let's cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Breakfast for dinner: Oatmeal Pumpkin Pancakes, fruit, scrambled eggs Three Bean Chili Chowder — bringing this to a get-together with friends on Friday night Date with Jesse (using birthday gift card from my in-laws) Meat, Potatoes, Onions, and Carrots in the crockpot, Chocolate Chip Muffins Texas Lasagna, fruit, tossed salad Dinner with extended family Dinner out
What's on your menu this week? Tell us in the comments or leave a link to your menu plan post.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Save 57% on Gluten-Free Living Conference: Here's a unique deal! Through Gluten-Free Saver, you can save 57% on tickets to the Gluten-Free Living Conference in Orlando! The Gluten-Free Living Conference will bring the expert advice and knowledgeable leaders of the magazine to the Orlando area for a three-day conference that will show you how to safely and happily live a gluten-free life. Take a group of friends, or the whole family!
Pamela’s Lemon Shortbread Cookies $2.43/Box Shipped: Amazon Warehouse currently has the Pamela's Lemon Shortbread Cookies, 7.25-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6) priced at $14.59 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping! That equals out to approximately$2.43 per box shipped! This is a Warehouse deal, so quantities are limited.
Nacho Cheese Popchips $0.58/Bag Shipped: Amazon Warehouse currently has the Popchips Tortilla Chips, Nacho Cheese, 1-Ounce (Pack of 24) priced at $13.87 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping! That equals out to approximately $0.58 per bag shipped! This is a Warehouse deal, so quantities are limited.
Two Free Boxes from Taste Guru (Just Pay Shipping): Here's a sweet deal you won't want to miss out on! Taste Guru is currently offering 2 FREE boxes for new customers (a $74 value)! You just pay $24 for shipping ($12 for each month's box)! TasteGuru is a gluten-free subscription service. Each month, they put together a box of fabulous gluten-free goodies and ship them right to your door! Just use coupon code 2FREE at checkout! Your price will drop to just $24 for shipping!
Janelle is wife to Brad, who is celiac, and mom to 2 sweet girls, one of whom is celiac, and the other showing signs of gluten intolerance. She blogs about the gluten free life on a budget, including coupons, deals, recipes, and other money-saving tips at Gluten Freely Frugal.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Click on the graphic above to sign up for the Pillsbury email list and get $250 in coupons each year, free samples, plus recipes, special offers, and more!
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Kelly (kkgasser@) Emily (emilyannvoss@)Christy (c.hoffmann@) Tami (tamit526@) Lisa (familymanagerfor4@) Lauren (lroseburkey@) Joyce (joyandjoefish@)
Each of you should have received an email with further instructions on claiming your prize.
_____________
Are you giving something away on your blog this week? If so, post your link below and let all the readers here know so they can get in on the action! Your giveaway must be family-friendly and no-strings-attached. In addition, to make it easy to navigate, your link must go directly to your giveaway post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your giveaway post will be deleted. Links left solely for the purpose of promoting an affiliate link will also be deleted.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Did you find a great deal at Target? Just post about it on your blog and leave your link below. To make it easy for everyone to navigate quickly through the links, your link must link directly to your Target deals post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your Target deals post will be deleted.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Here are some of the best deals at Family Dollar this week, with thanks toAnna from Dollar Store Dealsfor her help in compiling them.
Betty Crocker Helpers – $1.50 Buy 4 and use $0.80/4 printable Or buy 3 and use $0.75/3 coupon from the 9/8 SmartSource insert Or buy 3 and use $1/3 coupon from the 9/8 SmartSource insert As low as $1.17 each after coupon
Cheez-It Crackers – $2 Buy 2 and use $1/2 printable $1.50 each after coupon
Ajax or Palmolive Dish Liquid, 14 oz – $0.88
Mean Green Spray Cleaner, 32 oz – $1.75 Use $0.75/1 printable $1 after coupon
Aquafresh Toothpaste – $1.50 Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 10/13 RedPlum insert $1 after coupon
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
to download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it 
Read 2 chapters of 
priced at $14.59 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping! That equals out to approximately$2.43 per box shipped! This is a Warehouse deal, so quantities are limited.
Are you giving something away on your blog this week? If so, post your link below and let all the readers here know so they can get in on the action! Your giveaway must be family-friendly and no-strings-attached. In addition, to make it easy to navigate, your link must go directly to your giveaway post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your giveaway post will be deleted. Links left solely for the purpose of promoting an affiliate link will also be deleted.
Here are some of the best deals at Family Dollar this week, with thanks to 
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