Save Money

How to Save For Your First Home Purchase

October 16, 2014 by Derek Sall

Are you thinking about buying your very first home? If so, it must be an exciting time for you! Be cautious though. Once you start looking for your perfect home, it can be easy to fall in love with something that is out of your price range and does not allow you to put 20% down. Before you even start looking, it would be wise for you to decide on the absolute maximum amount that you would like to spend and save aggressively to bank 20% of that target in cash. Not only will this make it easy for you to qualify for a loan at the bank, but it will also give you peace of mind after the home purchase. With 20% down, you won't need to worry about the home losing value and leaving you under water. With that much of a cushion, you will likely always have equity in your home. [Read more…] about How to Save For Your First Home Purchase

4 Uncommon Ways to Start Saving Money this Year

January 2, 2014 by John Schmoll

It’s hard to believe it, but a new year is upon us. At this time of year we start to hear about New Year’s Resolutions and ways to save money or cut back. You’ve heard it all before – start budgeting, cut back on expenses, blah blah blah. Well, today, I’d like to look at some of the more uncommon ways to start saving money this year that’ll hopefully help get your creative juices flowing. [Read more…] about 4 Uncommon Ways to Start Saving Money this Year

Saving Money: Summer Checkup

July 17, 2013 by John Schmoll

If this year has been going as fast for you as it has me, then you’re amazed that it is now mid-July. I look back at how six months have passed us by and how half of the year is remaining. Whether or not you believe in, or have New Year’s Resolutions, I still believe having some sort of goals – especially in terms of saving money is important. I find that it helps my family live a more disciplined life financially, but it helps me get in a mindset of looking for ways to save money throughout the year. With that in mind, there’s no better time than now to look at how you’ve fared at saving money this year and what changes, if any, are needed to finish strong. [Read more…] about Saving Money: Summer Checkup

3 Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Lawn Care this Summer

May 15, 2013 by John Schmoll

It may be only mid-May, but the dogs days of summer are not far from us. That means a number of things, but what it means for us is working on in our yard. We have been homeowners for six years now (Geez, has it really been THAT long) and we have learned numerous ways to save money on our lawn care over those years. The key that we have learned is that it really does not require much extra work, but a little creativity helps you save money on your lawn.

3 Easy Ways to Save Money on Everyday Expenses

April 3, 2013 by John Schmoll

Having a family of five we’re always looking for ways on how we can save money on every day, common expenses. We like to be frugal in many areas so that we can spend money on other things we enjoy and ultimately that comes down to making hard choices about how we spend our money. While we have come up with a number of ways, the possibilities are really limitless in terms of saving money and ultimately come down to what you value and what kind of lifestyle you choose to live.

3 Great Ways to Further Stretch Your Grocery Budget

March 8, 2013 by John Schmoll

Anyone who has been to the grocery store lately can attest to how difficult it has become to stretch a grocery budget. There are numerous reasons behind it, but most point back to the drought last year and we’re now starting to see the effects of it when it comes to our final grocery bill. While many people already use coupons and know about matching prices, my wife and I have implemented a few more ways to help us stretch our grocery budget further.