If you're like me, grocery shopping at my local supermarket (Trader Joe's, Vons or Sprouts) is my biggest monthly expense (after mortgage). How would you like to earn $200 just for shopping for food essentials you were going to buy anyway?

I found a credit card that gives 5% cash back on groceries without interest for a whole year! Although I did not need another credit card, this offer from Chase was just too good to pass up! I have already earned my $200 bonus after spending only $500 within the 3 months I've had my Freedom Flex card. In addition, I will continue to earn 5% cash back on grocery purchases for 12 months.

But wait, there's more cash back perks... the Flex card also earns 5% on bonus categories quarterly, 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and takeout at restaurants, 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1% (or 1.5% with the Freedom Unlimited card) on all other purchases!

This is a great way to make money on grocery items I buy on a monthly basis plus I can stagger my monthly payments since there's zero interest for 12 months and there's no annual fee. For me, it just makes good savvy financial sense. It totally aligns with my frugal lifestyle.

I hope you see the value of this offer as well, I think it's one of the best credit card promotions I've come across that I just had to share and write a short article about it.

Click here for all the details and how to apply. Chase Bank has a couple of great credit cards to choose from with the same $200 bonus and perks. Full disclosure - when you apply thru my link, I will receive a referral bonus, so thank you in advance!

​Here are 30 of my favorite ways I save money. These are things that I do on a regular basis and it's become part of my everyday life. They are not listed in any particular order. Click on the highlighted links to read more money saving tips. Let's face it, we could all use a little more cash especially during these challenging times. I hope these money saving hacks will help you save some money too :)
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1. Start an edible garden and grow your own herbs and vegetable.

2. Make your own homemade gifts and greeting cards.

3. Walk whenever you can, it saves gas and is a great form of exercise.

4. Be aware of bank fees and avoid out-of-network ATM fees.

5. ​Find fun and frugal activities this fall season.

6. Cancel your landline and rely on your mobile phone.

7. Pay bills online and save money on postage stamps.

8. Make a grocery list before heading out to the supermarket.

9. Turn off lights when not in use, to save a little on your energy bill.
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10. ​Cancel your cable and watch your favorite shows online.
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​11. When dining out or ordering takeout, split an entree and skip the dessert.

12. Tackle DIY projects around the house instead of hiring an expensive professional.

13. Upcycle and re-purpose old items vs. discarding them.

14. ​Cook at home more and eat out (or order takeout) less often.

15. Order water instead of expensive drinks when dining out.

16. Buy am $8 cooked rotisserie chicken and make up to 4 different meals.

17. Join loyalty and rewards programs for perks and discounts.

18. Use a rewards credit card(s) and pay balance off every month.
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19. Always comparable shop to get the best price.
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20. Keep all receipts in case you need to return something.
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21. Adopt and save a rescue pet instead of buying from a breeder.

22. Get free mulch, wood chips or compost from local sources.

23. Host a clothes, bags, shoes swapping party with friends.

24. Color your own hair at home and save a lot of cash.

25. Automate bill payments so you won’t forget and get charged with late fees.

26. Shop thrift stores, garage sales and second hand stores.

27. Shop at the dollar stores for basic home, office and school supplies.

28. Save and recycle gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper.

29. Shop around for better car and home insurance rates.

30. Stay healthy by boosting your immune system in order to avoid doctor visits.
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Special thanks to Marylou Watkins for her poetic observations during these strange times.

    

     

    

   

It's been nearly 6 months since the world as we know it has literally changed overnight. The entire planet has had to deal with this pandemic. The mainstream media rarely reports any good news about COVID-19. What we have been personally doing these past 6 months is to remain calm and not be fearful of the propaganda. These steps can hopefully also keep you and your family stay healthy - both in body and mind. 
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1. Boost Your Immune System
When we first heard about how coronavirus could spread, we knew we should not rely on just face masks and social distancing. We had to make sure our immune system could handle this potential new virus. I ordered specific supplements to strengthen our defenses. We started taking Zinc Balance, Vitamin D3 and Liposomal Vitamin C. Also remember to drink water to stay hydrated. I personally drink pure distilled water vs. any other type of drinking water.
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2. Do Things That Bring You Joy
While on lockdown under the stay-at-home quarantine mandate, I tackled projects around the house - I re-decorated a couple of rooms in the house. I also did a lot of re-organizing, which to most people is tedious but it's therapeutic for me and the final results always make me happy. I've also entertained myself by watching foreign films online (for free of course). Since I can't travel, I'm virtually transported to another land, which satisfies my wanderlust.
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3. Start Or Expand Your Edible Garden
Speaking of joy... one of my boyfriend's greatest joy is gardening and digging in the soil. He re-worked our entire garden and planted even more edible greens, vegetables and herbs. We have harvested (and eaten) squash, rutabagas, lettuce, zucchinis and more! We are also enjoying organic fruits that were planted 3 years ago. We are not only eating healthier (which is better for immunity) but we are also saving money on groceries! I've also made a little extra money by selling some of our organic fruits to Urban Homestead, a local sustainable city farm which serves the community and offers farm box programs.
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​4. Focus On The Things That You Are Grateful For
Reflect on the good, not the bad or the gloom and doom. After awhile, we just stopped reading or watching the "news". We also took a break from our social media accounts. Instead, I wrote a list of the things that I'm grateful for. I have done this in the past, but I think it's more important than ever during these times. It also puts everything in perspective of what really matters.
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5. Stay Active And Go Outdoors
Despite what "they" say, being cooped up inside is NOT healthy. In order to stay healthy we all need oxygen, fresh air and sunshine. If you are unable to get adequate sun, a good source are Vitamin D supplements. A Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to COVID-19. In order to get outdoors more, I simply go out in our garden and water my plants or sweep the yard, which also helps me stay active. In addition, we've also had a few meals out in our patio for some al fresco dining.
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​6. Have A Healthy Positive Attitude
We are blessed that we have remained healthy during this pandemic. As I've mentioned, face masks and social distancing alone will NOT prevent anyone from this virus. During these past 6 months, there was never a moment that I feared I would "get it". My outlook has always been positive and I took precautions towards staying safe and healthy. I didn't waste my time with negativity or negative people. I surrounded myself with good, like-minded, happy individuals.
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7. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Another very important way to boost your immunity is with rest, relaxation and sleep. I love to sleep, and I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. By getting ample rest and sleep, I have more energy and I'm less stressed about things I have no control over. Stress and anxiety is often a result of lack of sleep. We also invested a whopping $25 (original value $250) on a 3 inch memory foam gel topper for our mattress which has resulted in a more comfortable and restful slumber.

8. Prevention Is The Best Defense
Even before this pandemic, I often washed my hands, so this was nothing new to me! Although we've been taking immune boosting supplements, there are probably other ways to help prevent us (and others) from getting this virus. Within the past month, we stumbled upon a little known treatment for COVID-19 that has been proven successful in the United States and other countries. This treatment is affordable, safe and effective. This protocol has also been used as a preventative measure. The good news is that there is hope for those who are sick and there have been many success stories on how they have fought and won the battle against this virus.
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases

... words to always live by ...

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​By Susan Doktor  

You might think that a frugalista like me would tell you to avoid credit cards at all costs. Credit cards come with interest payments, of course. Some of them charge very high rates, particularly the ones issued by individual retail stores. And who needs that? But actually, just like a glass of red wine, moderate credit card usage can be good for your financial health. And here’s why.


Pretty much any financial advisor you consult will tell you that having a solid credit profile and high credit score should be one of your top financial goals. Do you know what your credit score is? It’s a good idea to download a free copy once a year or so. Ironically, not owing anybody any money is often a detriment to achieving that aim. The only way to earn a high credit score is by taking on and responsibly paying against some debt. Maintaining an active credit card account is a simple, relatively inexpensive way to demonstrate your credit-worthiness. Put small purchases on your card and pay them off every month. It’s that simple.


Why is having a high credit score important? Because somewhere down the road, chances are you’re going to want to borrow some money—perhaps to buy a house or a new car. You may need to finance your kids’ college education. Lending institutions reserve their lowest interest rates for their most credit-worthy customers. Let’s take mortgages by way of example. Even a quarter-point difference in a 30-year loan can add up to thousands of dollars in savings over a lifetime of home ownership. That’s an opportunity dedicated frugalistas, or really any consumer looking out for his or her long-term financial well-being, won’t want to miss. Check out this handy guide on how credit works and what your credit score actually means.


But helping you to establish a solid credit rating is just one of the reasons using a credit card makes living a frugal life easier. Nowadays, the best credit card companies offer consumers a range of incentives to promote usage. Cashback on purchases is one of the best. Recently, the variety of shopping categories that can earn you cashback has grown to include the most basic of provisions, including groceries and gasoline. Some cards reward you for every dollar you spend. Some offer special introductory bonuses that temporarily pay a higher cashback percentage. This higher cashback rate usually applies for the first year you use your card. Still other cards reward you specifically for online purchases, which a lot of us are making more often these days. When you’re shopping around for a credit card, make sure the cards you’re considering reward you for shopping in the categories that constitute the lion’s share of your monthly purchases or are otherwise the most meaningful categories to you.


Naturally, choosing the lowest-interest card you’re eligible for is a smart goal. If you already have a solid credit rating, you may even be able to find a card that gives you an introductory rate of 0%. Some of these cards offer 0% plus cash-back rewards. Many cards that offer a 0% introductory rate also include the option of transferring your balances from any other cards you have to your new card. That’s pretty hard to beat. If you’ve already amassed some credit card debt, you’re not alone, of course. The average American owes over $6,000 in credit card debt. These 0% interest cards represent a great opportunity to save money on interest in the short term. But be aware that if you don’t pay your transferred balance off during the limited time period, your rate will go up. Sometimes by a lot.


It’s worth mentioning that if you’re raising kids, setting a good credit example is important. When your kids reach the age when they can apply for a card, encourage them to do so, and then use it frugally. The earlier you establish a strong credit history, the better. Some older adults who’ve chosen to avoid using credit cards have a tough time when applying for a card because the credit industry sees them as—well, weird—riskier than other customers. More irony, for you. So teach your children well. They’ll reap the same benefits you will if you boost your credit profile.

Here's a great resource on the best credit cards that offer some combination of lucrative rewards, lengthy promotional APRs on purchases or balance transfers, generous welcome offers and generally favorable terms and conditions.


Guest Author Bio:
Susan Doktor is a journalist and business strategist who hails from New York City. She guest-blogs on a wide range of topics, including finance, technology, family life, and food and wine. Follow her on Twitter @branddoktor.

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I had read an article about how some of the worlds richest people continue to live frugally. Becoming wealthy and staying that way takes a certain level of discipline. Sure, an occasional splurge won't put you in the poor house, but frequent frivolous spending on things that aren't necessities can quickly put a serious dent in your wallet.

The frugal habits necessary to achieve financial success and maintain it are often lessons learned early on.

Who said being wealthy means you can't look for a good deal? Kiplinger shares how the super rich try to watch their wallet just like you. Here's a few of my favorites:

Warren Buffett
Estimated net worth: $50 billion
How he struck it rich: Founded Berkshire Hathaway, the noted investment holding company
Frugal habit: Has lived in the same modest home for 57 years.

Buffett could easily afford to live in a mansion much bigger than his 6,000-square-foot, five-bedroom stucco house in Omaha, which he purchased for $31,500 back in 1958. Yet the multibillionaire prefers the simple life in small-town America. In his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders last year, Buffett discussed the housing recovery and said, "The third best investment I ever made was the purchase of my home." (The first two: wedding rings he bought for his first and second wives.) Buffett added, "For the $31,500 I paid for our house, my family and I gained 52 years of terrific memories, with more to come." Today, the average price of a five-bedroom home for sale in Omaha is $391,983, according to Trulia.com. That's more than 12 times the amount Buffett paid.


Michelle Obama
Estimated net worth: The Obamas' assets are valued between $2.6 and $8.3 million.
How she struck it rich: Combined wealth with her husband and author, President Barack Obama
Frugal habit: Shops at Target

The First Lady is thrifty, too. She was spotted shopping at a Target store in the Washington DC area la few summers ago. What did she buy? It's reported that Mrs. Obama picked up dog food and toys for the first family's pet, Bo. In addition to finding ways to save on everyday household items, the First Lady is also known to cut costs when it comes to fashion. Despite having access to practically any high-end designer line she wants, Mrs. Obama sometimes chooses to wear clothing from discount stores, such as H&M. She has appeared on the Today show wearing a $35 dress from the retailer.


T. Boone Pickens
Estimated net worth: $1.4 billion
How he struck it rich: Oil!
Frugal habit: Buys new business clothes once every five years

Pickens has 55+ years’ worth of professional achievements, including growing his first company, Mesa Petroleum, into a $2 billion business and an infamous 1985 Time magazine cover. But these days, Pickens is almost as well known for his low-budget lifestyle as he is for his high-profile financial success. "People are always surprised that I don't have a closet full of suits," Pickens told Kiplinger. "I buy three suits every five or so years and only own 10 total. That's all I need." Pickens credits his grandmother with having taught him money lessons that still resonate: "She'd always tell me, 'Don't ever go any place with money in your pocket, looking for something to buy.'" Even today, Pickens says that whenever he visits a store he first makes a list of what he needs, and he carries only the exact amount of money he plans to spend.


Bethenny Frankel
Estimated net worth: $100 million
How she struck it rich: Created the Skinnygirl cocktail brand
Frugal habit: Never pays retail prices for clothing or shoes and bargain hunts on eBay

Frankel doesn't take her newfound wealth (she sold Skinnygirl to Beam Global for a reported $100 million last year) for granted. Just a few years ago, the reality TV star and entrepreneur couldn't even pay her rent, as she revealed in a 2011 interview with ABC's Nightline. Her guilty pleasure is fashion, so when it comes to spending money on clothes, Frankel is adamant about not buying anything that isn’t on sale. To help avoid making impulse purchases, she shops mostly online at retailers like net-a-porter.com and discount sites such as eBay.com.


"This Book Will Make You Rich" will equip you with a working knowledge of the inner power that enables each of us to achieve any worthy goal and to enjoy all the pleasures that has to offer. Find out the real "secret" on how to live a rich and fulfilling life. For details, go to ThisBookWillMakeYouRich.com.
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​With graduation season upon us, it is essential to start your financial journey off on the right track after graduating from college. The money decisions you make on campus are much different than the choices you’ll make once you enter the real world. How and when you spend your money can alter certain career plans and goals if you’re not careful.

Setting aside time to plan your financial progress can help you stay on track with certain short and long term ambitions. This is especially important during these unprecedented times, now is a good time to evaluate your finances and look for budget friendly ways to improve your financial well being. Consider these helpful tips to get a stronger handle on your money for a prosperous life after college.

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Build your budgeting strategy

Graduating from college comes along with a variety of mandatory monthly payments. These could include a car payment, student loans, rent or travel costs. With so many payments coming out of your checking at once, it can be difficult to budget if you don’t have an organized system in place. To successfully manage a budget, add up your monthly paychecks, track your spending and always look for items you can eliminate from your expenses.


Take care of your student debt

It is crucial to take care of your student loans on time to avoid unnecessary fees. The longer you wait to set up your student loan payments, the more late fees you’ll receive. Depending on your current income, research all of your payment options to determine which one is right for you and your budget. Along with this, look into ​refinancing your student loans to reduce the total amount you end up paying. By refinancing, you can also secure a lower interest rate and be given a financial progress report depending on your current salary.


Open up an emergency fund

Throughout your adult life, you’re bound to have some bumps in the road, such as a car repair or a medical cost. Opening and contributing to a savings account every month will make it easier for you to pay off those unexpected expenses. Even if it’s as little as $20 a month, you’re contributing to an account that will act as a cushion, rather than accumulating more debt when a financial disaster happens.


Open a credit card

As soon as you graduate from college, the credit card letters will begin to appear in your mailbox. You may think of this as an annoying occurrence, but opening a credit card account after graduation is not a bad idea at all. Establishing credit after graduation benefits your financial health in a variety of ways. Building up your credit can give you a better rate for your car loan or mortgage. You’ll quickly learn how to spend within your means, and by hiring a credit advisor, you can receive additional guidance and information about your credit options.

Now more than ever, since thousands of American's finances have been impacted by COVID-19, we can all use this helpful guide that breaks down what different credit card issuers are currently doing to assist customers and how to sign up for relief programs.

Here's another great resource on the best credit cards that offer some combination of lucrative rewards, lengthy promotional APR's on purchases or balance transfers, generous welcome offers and generally favorable terms and conditions.


Cut out additional costs
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In college, you may have been paying for a Netflix account, a Birchbox subscription or Amazon Prime. They all require a monthly payment, but it might not be a payment that’s necessary for your post-grad lifestyle. If not, make sure to eliminate anything that is unnecessarily taking money out of your bank account. You’ll be surprised at how much money it will save you.
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​Stuck in quarantine or afraid to go out? We are living in some weird times right now, but never fear, here are several amazing ideas on how to keep yourself busy at home when you can’t leave the house, especially if you love to travel and have had to put your plans on hold indefinitely.
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Watch A (Foreign) Movie
If you are trying to keep yourself busy (and not bored) watching a movie is a great way to pass the time. I personally have been watching foreign films on TubiTV online for free. I love being transported to another destination. I've virtually travelled back to Paris, Rome, Florence and Tuscany. I look forward to where my next "trip" will take me.

Have A Staycation
Financial guru Dave Ramsey loves the idea of a staycation to save money but still enjoy the little things. A great way avoid boredom and keep your mind busy is to plan a staycation. If you can’t travel, you can still make some time and do something fun.

Organize And Declutter
Another productive thing you can do when you are stuck at home (and need to stay busy) is organize that closet or pantry you’ve been ignoring for the last 4 years. A great way to keep yourself busy at home is to declutter pretty much every nook and cranny of your house.

Read A Book 
A tried and true method, but why not read a good pick? If you are like me, you probably have a stack of unread or half read books on your nightstand. Dust off the covers crack ’em back open. Reading is the OG way to keep busy at home. Need some inspiration? Here’s something to get you started: 47 Amazing Travel Books. Here's a great tip from reader Rose Petal... Her library (and most libraries) have eBooks and eMagazines that she was able to download and read on her smartphone. This has been a lifesaver, especially during lockdown. 

Walk, Hike, Bike With Your Family
We all may be social distancing right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend some time outside of your home. If you walk your dog(s), you're already ahead of the game! Jump on your bike, or grab your hiking boots and explore the neighborhood around you. Getting fresh air and not being cooped up inside is good for your physical and mental health.

Learn A New Language
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new language now is the time! Sign up for Babbel or Rosetta Stone and start learning Spanish or Italian or Russian.

Take A Virtual Tour
Many famous museums, zoos and parks offer virtual tours. If you are struggling to find ways to stay busy try killing some time with some of these great tours:

• British Museum of the World
• Musee d’ Orsay in Paris
• Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
• San Diego Zoo
• Yosemite National Park

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For more great ideas, read the original article here.

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​This updated post is in memory our our beloved rescue senior bulldog, Mr. Momo.

Sadly, we had to say our tearful goodbye on March 26, 2020. We are immensely heartbroken and sad, but also grateful that we were able to extend his life and provide him a safe, happy, loving home during his twilight years. We will most likely foster again when we are ready. Please consider fostering and/or adopting. Thank you.

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​I've always wanted to work with animals, specifically dogs. I love all dogs, especially bulldogs! So, when I was looking for a way to work with dogs and make a little extra money, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue in Los Angeles pays people to foster their dogs. Plus, they mostly rescue the bully breed - it's as if I manifested my dream "job"!

​We have been fostering our senior English Bulldog mix now for over 2 years. He was found roaming the streets of L.A., thank god Ace of Hearts got him out of the shelter in time. Everyone at Ace of Hearts works super hard to find good homes for all their dogs. Since I work from home, it's ideal that he's not home by himself for a long time, plus he keeps me company.

Fostering a rescue dog has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences I've ever done. I literally saved our foster dog's life! Fostering does take a lot of patience and dedication, but it's all worth it -- in return for the unconditional love from your rescue pup.
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​Get Paid to Save a Dog's Life

Ace of Hearts is a non-profit dog rescue that saves dogs from the shelters, giving them a new chance at life. They need your help by providing them a loving home until they're adopted, they'll provide everything else - the dog's bed, food, treats, toys, a leash, and a collar. 

​If you live in the Los Angeles area and are interested in providing a temporary home for a rescue dog and get paid for it, please contact Ace of Hearts at dogsfromheaven@aol.com or here. Tell them you found about their foster program from me, Marissa Winfrey. 

For fostering a dog that loves other dogs, they will pay you $50 per week. For dogs that need to be the only dog in the house, they will pay you $70 per week. Being accepted into their foster program is an extremely rewarding experience - you get to help rehabilitate dogs that were left to die at the shelter, giving them a second chance to be adopted! For complete details on what it takes to be a foster parent, click here.
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​Get Paid When Your Friends Foster

Ace of Hearts recently started a foster referral program. When you tell your friends and family about their paid (and volunteer) foster program, and they foster a rescue dog for 30 days, you get paid a referral fee. Contact Ace of Hearts for more details and tell them you heard it from Marissa Winfrey. Please consider fostering a dog in need, you're not only saving their life, you might just end up adopting them. Please contact them to verify this program is still in place.

Opening your heart and home to a dog in need can bring you joy and the satisfaction that comes from knowing you've made a difference in an animal's life. Check out all their adoptable dogs on Petfinder and Adopt a Pet.

Follow Ace of Hearts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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