Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (It’s Good for You!)
I don’t know where we all got sold the idea that being uncomfortable or being bad at something is a thing to be avoided. Let’s be realistic. How are we ever going to get better at anything or learn anything new if we can’t accept being bad at it first? News flash: you were never immediately good at anything you’ve ever done in your life. Walking? When you first tried that, you fell. A lot. And probably cried too. When you first learned to talk,…
Meal Prep of the Week – Mongolian Ground Beef and White Rice (gluten and dairy free)
This Mongolian ground beef recipe is easy, budget friendly, delicious, and perfect for meal prepping.
Saving Money on Organic Grocery Shopping
What you fuel your body with is SO important. After taking classes in college on Food Science, Nutrition, Health Education, and even Entomology (“the study of insects”, which is actually where I first discovered the pesticides applied to crops were really risky to human health), I’ve learned so much about food and what goes into food and what goes on our crops, and I’m still learning! Honestly, it’s one of those things that once you open that can of worms, there’s no going back. Recently,…
Must-Have Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies
I started learning a few years ago about just how much the ingredients in everyday products can affect your overall health, and I ended up going down a rabbit hole of checking the ingredients in my products and slowly making swaps for products that were better for my overall health. I think of it as a small investment in a healthier future for myself and others living in my home. I’ve compiled a list of products that have passed my effectiveness test and have also…
Budgeting for the Season Ahead
As always, a main part of sticking to your budget is developing a plan for your spending. As the seasons change, weather cools down, and holidays approach, I’ve gone ahead and created a rough plan for my predicted upcoming expenses. Here’s how I plan this each year: With the changing weather, I take an inventory on what I need for the upcoming season. This year, I know I need a new coat. My one coat that I’ve had since high school was more than on…
How to Create a Budget and Save Money
An organized and set budget can help relieve financial stress. It gives you more of a sense of control over your finances. When creating a budget, start with knowing how much money you are actually bringing in each month. Let’s say you make $2,500 a month after taxes are taken out. Start there. The best thing you can do in your budgeting is not spend more money than you make. Next, subtract how much you typically spend on essentials from that total number. Take out…
How to Stick to Your Clothes Budget: Essential Strategies
Clothes shopping is where I often would unintentionally go over my budget in the past. This experience has taught me some tips and tricks that have helped me keep my spending in check. #1 Know Your Budget This is an important first step. If you don’t know your budget yet, take a look at my other article: How to Start Setting a Budget. #2 Know What You’re Looking For The biggest trap many people can fall into is going shopping without a plan. It can…
How I Started Budgeting on a Teacher’s Salary
When I got my first teaching job, I quickly realized how important it was to track every dollar. I started by writing down all my expenses and cutting unnecessary costs. Packing lunches, canceling unused subscriptions, and using cash envelopes made budgeting feel more manageable on my modest income. What surprised me most was how empowering it felt. Instead of worrying about money constantly, I had a plan. Budgeting helped me say “yes” to things that mattered and “no” without guilt. It’s not about restriction—it’s about…
Budgeting in Your 20s – Where to Start
Your 20s are the perfect time to build strong financial habits. Start by tracking what you spend for a month—you’ll be surprised where your money goes. Then, create a simple budget with categories for rent, food, savings, and fun. A little awareness can completely change your money mindset. Set small, achievable goals like saving $100 a month or cooking three dinners at home. Use free budgeting apps or a simple notebook—whatever works for you. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress. The goal isn’t to…
Adulting 101 – 5 Bills You Should Never Ignore
It’s easy to overlook bills when you’re new to managing money. But missing certain ones can hurt your credit or cause bigger problems later. Always prioritize rent, utilities, minimum credit card payments, car insurance, and student loans. These directly affect your housing, services, and long-term financial health. Set reminders and automate payments when possible. Even paying the minimum helps avoid fees and credit damage. If you’re short, call the provider—many offer hardship plans. Ignoring bills doesn’t make them disappear. Facing them head-on is a major…