Threesia Goff
Threesia is a freelance writer that has been published on Yahoo! Voices, Shine, Finance, TV, Shopping, News, and Sports.
She is a wife that takes pride in her ability to manage her family s finances, and enjoys sharing her success and pitfall with her readers. She is also a pet lover who strives to share her expertise in dog care as well.
In her down time she enjoys crafts, dabbling in computer graphics, freelance photography, and giving back to her community whenever possible. She also enjoys online gaming and blogging. Her favorite pastime has to be playing with her 6-year-old beagle, Daisy.
Threesia was Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network in the Lifestyle - Pets Category from December 2011 until the end of the program in January 2012.
Threesia is available to write for private clients and may be contacted at ThreesiaGoff@Yahoo.com.
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She is a wife that takes pride in her ability to manage her family s finances, and enjoys sharing her success and pitfall with her readers. She is also a pet lover who strives to share her expertise in dog care as well.
In her down time she enjoys crafts, dabbling in computer graphics, freelance photography, and giving back to her community whenever possible. She also enjoys online gaming and blogging. Her favorite pastime has to be playing with her 6-year-old beagle, Daisy.
Threesia was Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network in the Lifestyle - Pets Category from December 2011 until the end of the program in January 2012.
Threesia is available to write for private clients and may be contacted at ThreesiaGoff@Yahoo.com.
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- Content
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- Contributor since
- 6/26/2011
Education/Experience
High School Graduate, Early Childhood Development Vocational, Apprenticeship in dog training and care
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First Person: 3 Ways Money Makes Me HappyThere is an old adage that says money doesn’t buy happiness. However, I don't believe that is entirely true. Here are three ways money can buy me happiness.
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First Person: We Are Spending More Despite the Weak EconomyMy family saw or gross income decrease in early 2013 due to inflation and the end of the Social Security tax. However, we've found ways cover our losses, and manage to have spending money. Here's how we are able to spend more, despite our early losses.
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First Person: Buying a Second Car Would Cost Us $5,000 a YearMost people seem to think that we should jump right into a new loan simply because we paid the old one off. However, it doesn't make financial sense for us to do that. This is why we aren't buying a new vehicle, and what we are doing with the savings.
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3 Reasons Your Dog May Be Scratching ItselfThere are a lot of reasons your dog might be scratching itself. Some are easily treated at home, while others might require the care of a veterinarian. Here are three reasons your dog may be scratching, and what you can do to solve the issue. -
3 Mischievous Things Your New Puppy Will Do that Will Drive You MadSo, your thinking about getting a new puppy, but you aren't sure what to expect? Here are three mischievous things you should expect your precious pooch to do that will likely drive you mad. -
First Person: My Husband's Secret Spending Is Wreaking Havoc on Our BudgetLately, my husband hasn't been following our budget, and worse he has been making secret purchases. The entire situation is starting to cause some issues in our personal and financial life.
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3 Things You Should Know About Your Dog's FriendsMany of my friends and family members also have dogs, and as much I love to let my dog play with the other dogs, there are some things I ask the owners before allowing her to interact with them. These are things you should know about your dog's friends. -
Preventing Dog Bites Begins with Dog OwnersAccording to the CDC, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. As a result, many organizations came together and started “National Dog Bite Prevention Week.” Here are some of the things I do to prevent my dog from biting. -
Cheap Replacements for Expensive Pet ProductsAfter overspending on specialty pet items, I now look for products I can use in place of the more expensive dog items. These are three of the cheap replacements I'm using for my dog -
First Person: Buying Store Brand Products Saves Me $696 a YearIn a time when people often pay more for items because of their brand name, I am buying to store brands to save money. Here are some of the store brand products I purchase, and how much money I save.
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First Person: 3 Ways I Spring Clean Our FinancesSpring cleaning means different things to different people. For me it's really a time to organize, purge, and replace the everyday things in my life like our family finances. Here are three ways I go about spring cleaning my family's finances.
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First Person: Our Vehicle Costs Us $5,970 a YearThe AAA auto club released the results of a survey saying that average annual cost of owning a sedan is $9,122 per year. I compared our spending to the numbers given by the AAA auto club, and here are the results I got.
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First Person: 3 Ways Our Budget Has Helped Us Find Financial SecurityMy family's finances have been running on a budget for so long, it's hard to remember what our financial life was like before I developed our budget. Here are three ways our budget has helped us find financial security.
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First Person: We Updated Our Home's Curb Appeal for Less Than $200My husband and I purchase our first home about a year ago, and while we love it, it does need some improvements. We decided to spruce up our home's curb appeal by doing a do-it-yourself front porch makeover with a budget of $200.
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First Person: My 3 Worst Shopping HabitsI love to shop, and I love to get a bargain, but there are times when those two things land me in financial hot water. Here are three shopping habits that I'm planning to break, and a look at the money I can save.
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First Person: A Kentucky Derby Celebration for Less Than $200My husband and I plan to host a cook-off cookout to celebrate the running of the Kentucky Derby. This is what we have planned, and how much it will cost us.
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First Person: Celebrating Memorial Day for $100After looking at our finances, my husband and I decided to cancel our Memorial Day weekend camping trip to save money. This is how we plan to celebrate on Memorial Day weekend, and how much it is going to cost us.
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First Person: Celebrating Mother's Day for Less Than $100Every year I struggle to find the perfect Mother's Day gifts for my mother and mother in-law, so I've turned to my DIY skills to rescue me. Here are the gifts I'm planning to make for Mother's Day 2013, and how much they are going to cost me.
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First Person: 3 Grilling Essentials That Are Worth the SplurgeSpring is here, and summer is on its way, so grilling season has arrived. Before my husband and I can host our first cookout, we had to purchase some grilling supplies. These are three of the grilling essentials we splurged on, and what they cost us.
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First Person: 3 Ways I Avoid Bank Card Delinquencies and FeesMy husband and I have always been good about avoiding bank overages, but it hasn't always been easy. Here are some of the ways my husband and I keep our finances in check so we can avoid delinquencies and fees.
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First Person: 3 Gardening Essentials I Splurge OnI have found some must have gardening tools that I can't live without even though they cost much more than I would like to spend. Here are three gardening essentials I splurge on, and what they cost me.
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First Person: 3 Food Products I Splurge OnAfter starting a diet, my husband and I noticed we could actually save money while dieting. However, all the savings, there are still some foods that I think are worth splurging on. Here are three food products I splurge on, and what they cost me.
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3 Tricks to Get a Dog to Eat Its FoodDo you have a dog who refuses to eat its food? If so, you aren't alone. I've been right where you are, and I know how frustrating it can be. Here are a few things you can try if your dog is a finicky eater. -
3 Reasons My Dog Isn't Ready for a Doggy CompanionMy husband and I decided we wanted a second dog as a companion for our 6-year-old beagle; however, after further consideration, we decided it wasn't the best thing for our dog. Here are three ways I know that Daisy isn't ready for a companion. -
Dealing with a Mysterious Dog CoughIn an effort to fight a cough my dog developed three months ago, her veterinarian has give us some rules to live by to help keep Daisy comfortable until whatever is ailing her passes or is cured. -
First Person: 3 Spring Clothing Staples That Are Worth the SplurgeI don't like spending a lot of money on clothing, but I tend to splurge on staple pieces because they will last me multiple seasons.Here are three clothing and accessories staples I'm buying this spring, and how much they are going to cost me.
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First Person: How I'm Saving for Future Veterinarian ExpensesAs my dog ages, I know my husband and I are facing rising veterinarian costs. So, I'm turning to crochet to help us save money for future expenses. This is how crocheting will save us money, and what I plan to do with the money we save.
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First Person: 3 Ways Shopping Online Saves Me MoneyIt seems everyone is shopping online, and my husband and I are no an exception. We order everything from clothes to hobby materials online, and save money while doing it. Here are three ways we save money by shopping online.
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2 Life Lessons I've Learned from My DogWe all know how important it is to teach our dogs basic life lessons, but are you open to the life lessons your dog can teach you? Here are two life lessons I've learned from my dog. -
First Person: 'Green' Cleaning Saves Me $58 a YearAfter learning my family was spend far too much money on cleaning products, I made some changes. Here is a look at what we were spending on cleaning supplies, how I lowered our costs, and how much money we are saving.
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First Person: The 3 Cleaning Products I Splurge OnI try to save as much money as possible on cleaning supplies; however, there are some things I splurge on that make the job of cleaning my house a little easier. Here are three cleaning products I splurged on, and how much they cost me.
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First Person: We Pay Higher Federal Taxes on PurposeMy husband and I receive a federal tax refund every year, and that's exactly the way we like it. This is how we ensure we receive a refund, and how we use the money.
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First Person: Early Easter Sales Saved Me $37 on DecorationsI recently noticed some stores were holding sales on Easter decorations a full three weeks before I expected them, so I decided to take advantage of the deals to stock up for next year. Here are three Easter items I've bought, and how much money I saved.
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First Person: 3 Financial Lessons I Learned in My 20sThinking back to my 20s, I regret not handling my finances the right way; however, all the troubles did teach me some valuable lessons. Here are three financial lessons I learned in my 20s.
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First Person: Celebrating Our Anniversary for $125This year I'm determined to make my anniversary special for my husband, so I've been saving money, and now have $150 to spend. Here is how I'm planning to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and what it will cost me.
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First Person: Hosting an NCAA Championship Party for Under $150For years now my husband and I have attended various final two championship parties, but this year we plan to host one ourselves. Here is what we have planned for NCAA championship party, and what it will cost us.
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First Person: I Spent $350 Starting Up My Etsy ShopIn February 2013 I opened an Etsy shop to sell the crocheted pieces I've created. Later in March 2013, I launched a website to accompany my Esty shop. Here is what it has cost me to start my crochet shop on Etsy, and what my financial goals are.
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First Person: 3 Expensive Beauty Products I AvoidIt always surprises me just how many products I use on a regular basis, and how much they cost me, but they are worth it to me. However, there are many products I avoid because they were too expensive. Here are three beauty products I avoid.
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First Person: 3 Home Repairs We Always Do OurselvesAs new homeowners, my husband and I have faced some costly home repairs, and we have learned that there are times it's better to do them ourselves. Here are three home repairs we turn into do-it-yourself projects to save money.
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First Person: 3 Inexpensive Home Upgrades for Less Than $200After buying our first home in 2012, my husband and I decided to put off any major renovations. However, like many new homeowners we were eager to do some upgrades to give our home a fresher feel. Here are three upgrades we've done, and how much we spent.
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First Person: Turning Spring Cleaning into CashLike many other families, we welcome spring by cleaning our house from top to bottom. I hate doing it, but it's gotten a lot easier now that I know I can make money along the way. Here are three ways I turn my spring cleaning into cash.
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Dog Safety During Home RenovationsIf you are a dog owner who is planning to do work inside your home, here are some safety tips you should keep in mind to keep your pet safe.
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First Person: Spring Cleaning My Kitchen Costs Me $65 a YearEach year I replace certain kitchen items while spring cleaning. Here are some of the kitchen items I replace, and what it costs me.
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First Person: I Refuse to Pay High Fees for Refund Anticipation LoansThis is why my husband and I decided against a refund anticipation loan, what the loan was going to cost us, and how we file our taxes now.
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First Person: I'm Willing to Pay More for American Made ProductsOver the last two years I've started to make an effort to find and buy things that were made in America, and it seems I'm not alone. Here are a few types of items I'm buying, and how much more it's costing to buy the American version.
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First Person: We're Opting for a 'Staycation' This YearRising gas prices has caused my husband and I to ditch our vacation plans in favor of a "staycation." Here is what we have planned, and what it is going to cost us.
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First Person: How the Economy Tweaks My Spending HabitsAfter looking at our finances, I was able to identify several trends in our own spending that follow the rise and fall of the economy. Here are a few financial trends I've noticed in my family that are based on our view of the economy.
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First Person: Reselling Old, Unwanted Items Earned Me $250I often take advantage of resell opportunities to bring some extra money into our house. Here are some other things I resell to earn money.
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First Person: How I Would Spend My Share of the National DebtSpeaker of the house, John Boehner asked, "What Could You Do With Your $52K Share of the National Debt?" His question made me wonder what I could do with $52,000 if I had it, and how it would change our lives. Here are three ways I would use my share.
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First Person: Making My Hobbies Work for MeFinding money to help cover the cost of my hobbies isn't always easy to do, but I've managed to find ways to make them pay for themselves. Here are three ways I turn my hobbies into cash.
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First Person: President's Day Sales Saved Me $205 Restocking My GardenRecently, some stores in my area held sales in celebration of President's Day, and I decided to use these discounts as an excuse to restock my garden supplies. Here are some of the things I purchased, and how much money I saved.
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First Person: We're Celebrating Easter for Less Than $140My husband and I have been asked to host Easter, and I'm determined to pull off a grand celebration with a small budget. Here is what we purchased for our Easter celebration, and how much money I've spent.
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First Person: New Taxes Aren't Changing Our Spending HabitsIn January 2013 the payroll tax "holiday" was allowed to expire, which means Americans are bringing home less money. Despite bringing home less money, my husband and I do not plan to adjust our spending.
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First Person: Why We Ignore Pay RaisesEveryone loves to get a pay raise because more money always makes life easier, right? Sadly, that isn't always the case. This is why we ignore pay raises, how we manage our finances without the money, and what we do with the additional income now.
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First Person: 3 Signs We Are Living Within Our MeansPeople often wonder how my husband and I manage to keep our monthly expenses so low, and the honest answer is a simple one; we live within our means. Here are three examples of ways we are living within our means.
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First Person: 3 Financial Traps We've AvoidedDealing with family finances can be both stressful, and it's easy to fall into financial traps. Over the years I've managed to avoid some major traps, and this is how.
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3 Garden Dangers for DogsAs spring approaches I'm preparing to head outside to work in my garden, and I won't be alone; my dog, my faithful friend and partner in crime will be by my side. Here are a few things to keep in mind while working in your garden with your dog. -
First Person: We're Saving for Veterinary ExpensesAfter several costly veterinary bills, my husband and I have decided to start a savings account to cover future expenses. Here's a look at what we are doing to prepare for future expenses, and where the money will come from.
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First Person: Personal Upkeep Costs Me $930 a YearAfter comparing the amount of money I spend on personal upkeep compared to what my husband spends, I was astounded! This is how my husband's personal care costs compare to mine.
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First Person: Electronic Banking Landed Us in Financial Hot WaterMy husband and I use electronic banking quite often, and have found that simple error can become costly mistakes. Here are a couple issues we've ran into with electronic banking, and what we learned from it.
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First Person: 3 Laptop Accessories That Are Worth the SplurgeI'm a very budget-conscious person who hates buying things that serve a single purpose; however, there are times I have to make exceptions. Here are three laptop accessories I splurge on, and why they are worth paying more for.
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First Person: I Spent $100 to Jump Start My DietMy husband and I recently began dieting, and just one month in we now have a clearer idea of how dieting will affect us financially.
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Including Your Dog in Your Emergency Preparedness PlanEvery time a storm come through my area I'm home alone with my dog; a 6-year-old- beagle named Daisy. In an effort to keep her safe, I've included her in our emergency preparedness plan. -
Your Dog Can Improve Your Social LifeFeel like your social life is in a slump? If so, your dog could be the answer to your problem. When my husband and I decided to add a dog to our family we had no idea she would help our social life. This is how our dog has helped my social life. -
First Person: Living a Frugal Lifestyle Doesn't Make Me CheapPeople seem to think being frugal means you're cheap; however, that just isn't the case. This is how I view a "cheap" lifestyle versus a frugal one, how my frugal lifestyle works, and what I do with my savings.
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First Person: Dieting Is Actually Saving Us MoneyFor years now I've used our budget as an excuse not to diet. I was wholeheartedly convinced we couldn't afford healthy foods on our budget, but I was wrong. Here's a look at our pre-diet food cost versus our diet food costs.
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First Person: Our Emergency Fund Is Coming Up ShortNearly 50% of the households in America do not have enough money saved. Unfortunately, my husband and I are among that 50%, and this is why we have fallen short of our savings goals.
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First Person: We Spent 4.8% Of Our Income on Gas in 2012As a middle class family of two, my husband and I have really taken a hit on our gas budget in recent years. Here is how we are budgeting for gas now, what we spent on gasoline in 2012, and what we are doing with any money we've saved.
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First Person: 3 Sale Strategies I Can't ResistStores deploy so many different sale strategies it can be difficult to know which to jump on and which to pass on. Some sales are so good that I just can't let pass me by, and here is a list of my favorites.
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Caring for Dog Paws in the WinterMost pet owners don't pay much attention to their furry friend's paws beyond nail trimmings, but they should. Here are three things you should be doing to protect your dog's paws this winter. -
First Person: Using Our Tax Refund to Reduce Our Debt by $410 a MonthThis year, my husband and I are using our refund to reduce our debt. how much it will save us each month, and what we plan to do with our savings.
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First Person: Kitchen Equipment Is Worth the SplurgeWhen I'm shopping for something new I always try to find the best deal I can. However, I've learned the hard way that some things are just worth spending more for. Here are a few pieces of kitchen equipment that I splurge on.
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First Person: We Ditched Our 401(k) in Favor of Liquid SavingsIn an effort to find a way to save for our retirement and emergencies, my husband and I decided to ditch our 401(k) and put our money into liquid savings. Here are the changes we made, and how we are saving now.
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First Person: Living Without Credit Cards is Saving Me $414 a YearAfter paying off my credit card balance, and living credit card free, I'm shocked by how much money I'm saving. Here are three ways living credit card free is going to save me money.
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First Person: The 3 Luxury Expenses I Refuse to CutI've come to terms with the fact that sacrifice are necessary to keep our family budget in line. However, even I have my limits. There are some luxuries I refuse to cut, despite the potential savings. Here are three luxury expenses I refuse to cut to sav
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Creating Personal Space for Your DogIt's important that you as a pet owner provide your dog with a space of its own for it can get away and relax. Here are a couple of things you can add to your dog's personal space, and what you should leave out. -
Homemade Dog Valentine's Day GiftsWith Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I decided to look for ways to make her a few homemade gifts instead of buying everything new. Here are two do-it-yourself Valentine's Day gifts for dogs.
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First Person: The 3 Biggest Valentine's Day Money WastersValentine's Day is one of the cheapest holidays my husband and I celebrate, if we are careful with our purchases. These are some traditional Valentine's Day gifts I refuse to waste money on.
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First Person: We're Hosting a Super Bowl Party for Less Than $50My husband and brothers love football, so we've decided to have a Super Bowl party; however, I have to be careful to stay within our $50 budget. This is how I'm hosting a Super Bowl party for 10 on $50.
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3 Steps to Making Your Home More Pet-friendlyOpening to your home to a pet is a wonderful thing, but it isn't always easy. Sometimes you have to make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate the newest family member. Here are some things to keep in mind when setting up a home for you and your pet.
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First Person: 3 Financial Changes I'm Making in My 30sAfter making some financial mistakes in my 20s that have affected me in my 30s, I'm making some big changes for a better outlook in my 40s. Here are three of the financial goals I'm working on in my 30s.
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First Person: 3 Ways I'm Cutting Our Food CostsAfter learning my family was spending nearly double what we budget for groceries each month, I decided to get our spending under control. Here are three ways I'm cutting our food costs.
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First Person: 3 Things I Won't Pay Full Price ForLike many women I love to shop, and I like to get a good deal on the things I buy. However, there are items I refuse to pay full price for. Here are three things I will never pay full price for again.
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First Person: 3 Ways I Save Money Every DayIn an effort to save my family money, I've made some small changes in our everyday lives. Tweaking little things like the way we throw trash away will save us nearly $100 a year. Here are a few everyday things I'm doing to save money.
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First Person: The 4 Items I Always Buy in BulkTrying to save money on everyday things my family needs isn't always easy; however, that doesn't mean it's impossible. I've found that I can save money by buying certain things in bulk. Here are a few things I always buy in bulk to save money.
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First Person: Giving Up Sodas Saves Us $624 a YearAfter making some life changes, my husband and I gave up sodas for a healthier lifestyle. That one diet change saves up $624 a year, and here's how.
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First Person: How a $10 Daily Deal Cost Me $100Daily deals usually seem like a great deal, but if you aren't careful they can cost you far more than you bargain for. Here is how $10 daily deal gift certificate cost me over $100.
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First Person: Higher Social Security Taxes Mean Less Income for UsThe expiration of the Social Security tax holiday, means American taxpayers will be paying out an additional 2% each week. This is how the Social Security tax changed, how it's affecting my family's finances, and what I'm doing to cover the loss of funds.
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Creating a Dog Health Check List to Kick Off the New YearAt the start of a new year I always have a list of things I hope to accomplish over the following 12 months. One of those is a health care check list for my dog, Daisy. Here are three tasks that are on my “new year dog health check list.”
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First Person: Personal Spending Challenges for 2013Now that the new year has arrived and the reality of our 2013 financial outlook is becoming clear, it's time for me to take personal steps to save my family money. Here are three ways I'm challenging myself to save money in 2013.
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First Person: Celebrating Valentine's Day on Less Than $60My husband and I have always celebrated Valentine's Day, and this year will be no different. I started shopping early because I'm working on a tight budget. Here are some of the ways I'm going to celebrate Valentine's Day in 2013.
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First Person: The 4 Affordable Luxuries That Do Not Bust My BudgetAs the person in my family who handles the family's finances, I try really hard to make sure my husband and I get some enjoyment out of our money. Here are four affordable luxuries that do not bust my budget.
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First Person: Learning to Live Without Credit CardsOver the past year my husband and I have paid down our credit card balances, and are now living credit card free. Here are a couple of ways our finances have changed without credit cards, and wh
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First Person: Forgoing Cable Extras Saves Us $110 a MonthAccording to David Cay Johnston, the average American cable bill is around $160 a month. My husband and I have managed to keep our monthly bill below $80. Here are three things we forgo to keep our 50% the American average.
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3 Supplies Every Dog Owner Needs to Pack for Vet VisitsDealing with a sick or injured pet is always stressful, and I find that waiting to see the doctor often adds to that stress. Here are a few things I pack along when visiting the vet's office.
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First Person: After Christmas Sales Saved Me $77 on My Bathroom MakeoverI recently decided to give my bathroom a mini makeover, but only had a small $60 budget to work with. I used after Christmas sale to afford the items I needed. This is how after Christmas sales saved me money on bathroom decor.
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First Person: Paying for Costly Pet SurgeryWhen got a puppy in 2006 we knew there would be certain costs involved; however, we weren't expecting multiple costly surgeries like the one she had in 2012. This is how our expenses compare to average pet owners, and how we are paying for her surgery.
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Entertaining a Sick Dog Who is On Bed RestIf you've ever had a pet that has to be confined for medical reasons, you likely know how emotionally draining it is for everyone involved. Here are three ways I entertain my dog during her recovery.
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First Person: Christmas Day Activities on a BudgetChristmas has always been a big event in my family. We always make sure to get together for a Christmas day celebration, and this year my husband and I are hosting. This is how I'm planning a day of Christmas fun on a budget.
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First Person: Dining Out on $30 or LessMy husband and I have a very strict budget that leaves little money for dining out. So, in order to afford our dinner outings I have found ways to reduce the cost of the meal itself. Here are some of the ways I save money while dining out.
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First Person: The Truth About 'Extended' Black Friday SalesI've never been a huge fan of shopping during the Black Friday rush. However, a lot of stores extended some of their Black Friday deals, and I have taken advantage of some of those sales. Here are three ways I saved because of extended Black Friday sales.
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First Person: The 3 Risks of CashSince paying off and essentially retiring my credit card, limiting the use of my debit card, and all but eliminating personal checks as a payment option, I'm using cash more often. Here are three risks paying with cash poses.
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First Person: Gift Cards Are Still My Go-to GiftGift cards have become the go-to gift for me and other shoppers who have ran out of gift ideas. However, this year I heard rumors about expiration dates some places were putting on gift card balances, and that left me wondering if I should avoid them.
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First Person: I'm Saving $336 on Coffee DrinksAfter years of spending money on cappuccino drinks, I decided to find a way to cut my coffee spending. This is how much I was spending, what I decided to change, and how much the changes are saving me.
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Including Your Dog in Christmas CelebrationsMy husband and I view our 6-year-old beagle as a member of the family. She plays a role in our everyday lives, so it only makes sense to include her in our holiday celebrations as well. These are some ways we include our dog in our Christmas celebrations.
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First Person: Achieving a Debt-Free ChristmasIn the past, my husband and I into some tight financial spots in the past, and that fact made me even more determined to have a debt-free Christmas this year. Here are some of the things I'm doing to stay debt-free Christmas.
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Cat Christmas Gifts Ideas from Cat LoversI asked a group of friends that are all cat owners/lovers to share their insight on great Christmas gifts for cats with me (and you), and these were their responses.
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First Person: 3 Ways DIY Saved Me $99 on Christmas DecorationsThere are many costly aspects involved in celebrating Christmas including travel, decorations, food, gifts, and more. One way I've saved was by taking on some do-it-yourself projects. Here are three ways DIY saved me money on Christmas decorations.
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First Person: Christmas Sales Saved Me $82 on Restocking My KitchenAfter moving in to a bigger home I suddenly had room for all the kitchen equipment of my dreams. The only problem was I was short of cash. This is how Christmas sales are helping me restock my kitchen.
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3 Pet Christmas Gift Favorites from Pet Lovers on TwitterMy husband and I always include our beagle, Daisy in on our Christmas festivities, and that includes gifts and stocking stuffers. Here are some of the responses that were tweeted, and how they apply to our pet shopping list this Christmas.
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First Person: Price Matching Helps Me Save While Christmas ShoppingTo help cover the cost, I look for ways to save on the items I think my loved ones will really enjoy, and I've found shopping at stores that price match is a great place to start. This is how price matching helps me save while Christmas shopping.
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First Person: My New Year's Resolutions Are All Financial This YearThis year I will be one of those people; however, I'm not planning to give up bad habits or to lose weight like many of the people I know. Instead, my resolutions will be financial. Here are the four money resolutions I'm making for the new year.
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First Person: Personal Checks Are a Thing of the PastMore than three-quarters of all U.S. non-cash payments were made electronically in 2009; are they a think of the past. They are for me, and here are just a few reasons why I rarely use personal checks.
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First Person: Keeping Our Money Safe While VacationingOne of the best parts of vacationing is being able to relax and live carefree; however, it's important not to let your guard down or you could find yourself in a financial bind. Here are three ways I protect our money while vacationing.
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Ditching Store-bought Dog Treats for Natural TreatsThere will be a few differences this time beginning with me ditching pre-packaged, store-bought treats for healthier, natural treats. Here are some of the natural foods that are safe to use as treats, when we treat her, and how often we treat her.
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Three Gross Dog-Care HabitsHave you ever seen a dog owner do something that totally grossed you out? If so, you are definitely not alone. Here are three things dog owners are known to do that are disgusting to others.
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First Person: Maintaining an Active Social Life on a BudgetIn August 2012, Lisa Dudson of Yahoo! New Zealand Business and Finance posed this question to her readers: “Is money affecting your social life?” My response to her question is; yes, money was affecting our social life in a major way.
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First Person: Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for $30My husband and I plan to host our first Thanksgiving dinner this year, but we are working with a tight budget. This is how I plan to pull off our Thanksgiving dinner for $30.
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Get to Know Kristen Stewart TriviaIf you are a fan of Kristen Stewart, you probably know every detail about her role as Bella Swan from the “Twilight” movies, but how well do actually know Stewart herself? Check out these fun trivia questions.
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First Person: 4 Financial Items I Do Not Carry in My PurseWith the holidays fast approaching, I've started to think about the measures I need to take to protect our financial security while I shop throughout the holiday season. These are a few of the things I only carry in my purse when I have to.
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First Person: Our Plan to Trim Our 30-year Mortgage by 12 YearsWe recently purchased our first home, and the reality of having to paying a mortgage payment every month for 30 years is a bit overwhelming. This is what our mortgage looks like now, how we plan to pay extra, and how it will affect our mortgage overall.
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10 Boston Celtics Holiday Gift IdeasHave a Boston Celtics fan on your holiday shopping list? Here are 10 gifts any other Boston Celtics fan would love to receive this holiday season.
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First Person: I'm Going Credit Card Free This ChristmasMy husband and I are working to payoff our credit card balance, which means we can't charge any of our Christmas shopping this year. This is how we plan to complete our Christmas shopping list without using our credit cards.Also published on:
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First Person: Credit Card Rewards Landed Us in a Financial BindAfter my husband was approved for a credit card with a reward point system in 2007, we got ourselves in a financial bind. This is how reward points got us into a financial bind, and how we are preventing it from happening again.Also published on:
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First Person: I Saved $126 on Christmas DecorationsAfter years of avoiding Christmas decorations, I was bitten by the decorator's bug in 2011. The problem was I had to find a way to get everything I wanted while working with a small budget. This is how I bought our Christmas decorations for less than $40.Also published on:
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3 Fun Fall Activities for DogsFall is in full swing here in Louisville, Kentucky, and I'm using it as a chance to explore new ways to entertain my 6-year-old beagle, Daisy. Here are some of the fun activities I have planned for my dog this fall.
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First Person: We Always Pay Ourselves FirstAfter years of working just to pay our bills, my husband and I decided to find ways to pay ourselves first. This is how we found the extra money, and some of the ways we use that money.
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First Person: Fiscal Cliff Would Cut $6,200 from Our Family's BudgetI'm not confident that Washington will work it out, but I know the consequences of a delayed reaction will have devastating effects on my family's finances, and this is how.
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New England Patriots Holiday Gift GuideIf you have a New England Patriots fan on your Christmas list, and are looking for the perfect gift you are in luck. Here are 10 great gifts I found that are perfect for any New England Patriots fan.
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First Person: 3 Ways I Save on Christmas Wrapping SuppliesThere are a lot of aspects of the Christmas holiday that will cost you money; however, if you are careful you can find ways to save during your celebrations. Here are some of the ways I've found to save money on Christmas gift wrapping supplies.
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First Person: My Black Friday Battle PlanFor so many Americans “Black Friday” sales have become something they look forward to every year. I've decided to give it one from try this year, but I'm going in with a shopping strategy. This is my plan for scoring the best deals on “Black Friday.”
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Safe "Human" Foods to Add to Your Dog's Thanksgiving DinnerAfter battling and beating weight issues, my dog is close to reaching her goal weight. So, as a treat I'm planning a special Thanksgiving dinner for her. These are some of the "human" foods that are safe for dogs, and which she will be eating this year.
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First Person: 3 Ways to Pay for ChristmasThe holiday season is an extremely costly time of year. There are so many things we like to do every year as a family that it can be hard to pay for them all. Here are three things I'm doing to help us pay for our Christmas celebrations.
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First Person: My Consumer Confidence Is at a Record LowAccording to CNN Money, consumer confidence has hit a four year high. I was quite surprised to learn the polls are showing that Americans think the economy is looking up. Here is why this consumer's confidence is at a record low.
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First Person: Our House Is OverinsuredIn the weeks leading up to the closing on our first home, my husband and I took a crash course in all things insurance. After going over all the details with our agent, we decided it was better to be over insured than risk a financial disaster.
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First Person: Ditching One-Stop Shopping Saved Us $40After noticing an increase in our spending, I decided to find out where our money was going. I learned it was being spent at a local big-box store. In order to get control of our spending, I decided to forgo the one-stop shopping these stores offer.
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3 Bad Reasons to Get Another DogWhile I always encourage adopting a pet if you have the room, money, and love needed to care for it; many people adopt for the wrong reasons. These are reasons people give for getting another dog that you should avoid.
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Finding a Balance Between Loving and Spoiling Your DogIt seems ridiculous to say you can love your dog too much, but I assure you it is possible. I've struggled to find a balance between loving my dog and spoiling her for six years. Here are three examples of ways spoiling my dog has been harmful to her.
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First Person: Winterizing Our Vehicle Cost Us $162With winter approaching, I've decided to winterize our family vehicle. After a few mild winters, I refuse to be caught off guard. This is why I'm winterizing our truck, what I'm doing to prepare, and what it is going to cost us.
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First Person: Early Christmas Shopping Saved Us $126I was determined not to let Christmas sneak up on me again this year, so I began my shopping early, and was surprised that I actually managed to save money along the way. Here are some of the gifts I've picked up at discounted prices.
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First Person: Ditching My Computer for a Mobile Device Doesn't Make Financial SenseThe reports of slow computer sales have some people speculating personal computers are a thing of the past, but I don't believe this is true. Here are three ways keeping my personal computer makes more financial sense than switching to a mobile device.
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First Person: I Will Not Go to Extremes to Save MoneyThroughout my life I've heard some pretty crazy stories about saving tactics, and there are some I just won't do. Here are three things I've heard of people doing to save money that I refuse to do.
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First Person: Our $400 DIY Home Security 'System'We recently moved into a new home, and I've put home security at the top of our to-do-list. This is how I've added home security measures to our home on a tight budget.
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First Person: Our First Home Is Not Our 'Starter Home'After buying our first home, I was shocked to hear family and friends calling it a nice "starter home." My husband and I have no intentions of this being anything other than our “forever home.” These are three reasons we intend to stay in our first home.
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Taking Charge of Your Pet's Medical CareOver the last six years my dog, Daisy has faced several illnesses, and for the most part I have followed the doctor's order to the letter; however, I have taken a stand on several issues. This is how I've taken charge of my dog's medical care.
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First Person: Calculating Our Minimum Living ExpensesDue to financial uncertainly, I've sat down to determine what our minimum living expenses are, what expenses we can cut, what we would have to live without, and what our other financial relief options are.
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First Person: We Lowered Our Heating Bill By 18%We've already taken steps to winterize our home to save money, but I plan to take that a step further by implementing a few lifestyle changes as well. Here are three everyday things I'm doing to reduce our winter heating costs.
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First Person: Winterizing Our Home to Save on Heating CostsFaced with the possibility of higher heating bills I've begun making improvements around the house to make things more energy efficient. Here are three ways I'm winterizing our home to reach my goal of a 20% savings on our heating costs.
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First Person: 3 Checking Accounts, 3 Different Overdraft Protection PlansMy husband and I have three checking accounts, and we've used a different approach to overdraft protection for each one. This is how we decided which type of overdraft protection was best for each of our checking accounts.
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First Person: Enjoying a Date Night for $20 or LessRecently, my husband and I purchased our first home, and since taking on all the new expenses, we've had to make some cuts; however, there are some things I refuse to sacrifice. This is how my husband and I enjoy our date nights for $20 or less.
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First Person: I've Saved $700 This Year Without Sacrificing LuxuriesWhen I first began budgeting my family's money, it seemed like we have to make huge sacrifices to get to where we wanted to be financially. Here are three ways I save money without sacrificing luxuries.
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First Person: 3 Beauty Products That Are Worth the SplurgeI'm very budget-conscious so spending hundreds of dollars a month on beauty products isn't something I'm comfortable with; however, there are certain beauty products I splurge on.
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First Person: Turning Creativity Into CashFor a long time the things I was passionate about only cost me money, but I've found ways to turn my creativity and passion into income. Here are three ways I'm bringing money into our household using my creativity and the Interne
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3 Questions I Always Ask My Dog's VeterinarianPeople just accept what they are being told about their pet's care, and sometimes they could save their pet and/or themselves a lot of aggravation by asking a few questions. Here are three questions I always ask my dog's veterinarian, and why.
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First Person: Vending Machines Were Costing Us $100 a MonthMy husband was spending $110 a month eating lunch from vending machines. I knew I had to find away to curve his spending so, I took action. This is how I went about cutting my husband's lunchtime spending, and what it's costing us now.
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3 Signs Your Dog May Be a DivaSome of my family members and even a couple of friends have said our dog, Daisy is spoiled, and even called her a diva. These are some of the reasons people believe my little beagle is a diva.
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First Person: We Purchased GAP Insurance for Our Auto LoanWhen we purchased our vehicle we were also forced to purchase additional coverage called GAP (guaranteed auto protection) insurance. This is what I learned about GAP insurance, what it cost us, and what it means for my family.
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Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Louisville, KentuckyHere in Louisville, Kentucky, there are so many Halloween events to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which to attend, so I decided to ask a few friends what their favorites were.
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5 Questions Responsible Dog Breeders AskI decided to research some of the questions dog breeders ask, and how the answers to those questions affects their decision. These are some of the things dog breeders might ask before deciding to give you a puppy.
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First Person: I'm Preparing for the End of the Bush Tax CutsRecently, there has been talk of major tax increases come January 2013, and it has me riling. Here is more about the tax cuts, how it will affect my family, and what I'm doing to prepare for the end of tax cuts.
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First Person: I'm Considering Banking AlternativesRecently, there have been reports of banks ditching their fee checking offers, and imposing fees in their costumers. This caused me to start looking for other banking options. Here are three alternative banking options I'm considering.
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First Person: 3 Generic Products That Aren't Worth the SavingsI've found that there are some generic products that do not work as well as name brands, so I try to avoid them. These are some of the generic products I avoid, despite the potential savings.
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First Person: 4 Ways We Save Money on a Tight BudgetIt often seems our financial responsibilities are never ending, and sometimes all the bills make putting money saving money hard, but I found ways to save.These are the four ways I've found to save money without taking any money from our budget.
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3 Easy Dog Costumes IdeasThis year I was having a hard time deciding what theme our family was going with, so I ended up with a few great Halloween costume ideas for dogs. These are three great Halloween costumes for dogs you can easily put together yourself.
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Packing a Travel Bag for Your DogSome people will think you're crazy for carrying a travel bag for your dog, but any dog owner knows it's a must. Over the last six years I've learned what we need and what we can do without. Here are some of the items I pack in my dog's travel bag.
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First Person: We're Prepared for Financial DisasterI've often been told that it's impossible to be too prepared for financial hardships, and now that we are homeowners I've decided to take that advice to heart. These are the three financial disasters I'm preparing for.
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First Person: 3 Borrowing Options I Will Not Use AgainLearning I wasn't a failure for running short on money was a hard lesson to learn. Unfortunately, learning where to turn for help was equally as hard. These are three of the borrowing options I've used, and why I plan to avoid them in the future.
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First Person: I'm Not Cutting Our Gas Budget, Despite Lower PricesPlanning my budget around the ever-fluctuating price of gasoline is incredibly frustrating, and difficult to do accurately. Now, it seems things are changing again. This is how gas prices have changed in our area, why I'm not tweaking our gas budget.
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First Person: 3 Reasons Our Budget Has FailedOur budget covers everything from our monthly bills to money for movie nights, and most of the time it works flawlessly. However, there have been times when it has crumbled. These are three reasons our budget has failed in the past.
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First Person: 3 Clothing Items That I Pay More ForI have found that there are times when it is better to pay more for the items I need. For example, I often spend more money on staple pieces for my wardrobe. Here are three clothing items that are worth paying more for.
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First Person: 3 Halloween Costumes for Under $50This year my husband and I want to have full Halloween costumes, but have to stay close to our budget. To do this I had to use a combination of smart shopping and do-it-yourself skills. This is how I created three Halloween costumes for less than $50.
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First Person: Hosting a Halloween Party for 15 on Less Than $150Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but I've found it can also be among the most expensive. This is how I plan to host a Halloween party for 15 on less than $150.
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First Person: Making Less Than the U.S. Median Income Doesn't Make Us PoorA recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that the median income level declined by 1.5% in 2011. I wondered how my family measures up to the numbers in the census report. This is what I learned, and what I think about our current class standing.
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First Person: Preparing Financially for Cold and Flu SeasonEvery year cold and flu seasons arrives, and for some reason it seems to catch me off my guard. This is how I'm preparing financially for this year's cold and flu season.
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First Person: My Family is 'Fully Banked' According to the FDICThe Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently released the results of a survey conducted in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. This is what the survey consisted of, and how my family measures up.
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First Person: I'm Saving Money While Decorating My Home for HalloweenHalloween has always been high on my list of favorite holidays because I've always enjoyed the creative freedom I have with Halloween decorations. This is how I'm saving money while decorating my home this Halloween season.
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First Person: We Are Making More Money, but Have Less to SpendNow that my husband and I are both working full-time, we are earning more money than ever before. Even with the higher income I'm having to make budget cuts to make ends meet. Here are three reasons we are making more money, but have less to spend.
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First Person: The 3 DIY Home Repairs That Aren't Worth the RiskWe planned to do most of our home repairs as do-it-yourself projects; however, we've learned that there are some DIY projects aren't worth the savings. Here are three home repair projects we will not do ours
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First Person: Working From Home Cost Me $1,160 in the First YearFor a little over a year now I have been working from my home as a freelance writer. These are some of the expenses I'm forced to cover in order to conduct business from within my home.
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First Person: I Overhaul Our Budget Every MonthThe economic crisis has really tested my ability to budget our finances, but I've managed to keep us in the black through it all. Some of my success is credited to the way I handle our budget. This is why I continue to overhaul our budget every month.
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First Person: How I Stay Profitable While Working From HomeMy income comes from my work as a freelance writer, and several months ago I noticed a decline in my production of articles and my overall profits. Here are three steps I took to regain my profitability.
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How Our Dog's Expenses Compare to the ASPCA's EstimatesRecently, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) released a tentative breakdown of the annul cost of owning a number of pets. This is how our cost compares to some of the costs on the ASPCA's breakdown.
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First Person: Avoiding Big Box Stores Isn't an Option for MeI've heard many people in my social circle complain about big-box stores, and claim they never shop at those types of stores. Some even say they are willing to pay more to avoid them. This is why avoiding big-box stores isn't an option for my family.
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Learning to Live with Dog Separation AnxietySix years ago my husband and I adopted an 8-week-old beagle puppy, and named her Daisy who suffers from separation anxiety. These are some of the things we tried to ease Daisy's separation anxiety.
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Should Dogs Be Allowed to Rough-house?Most people I've spoke with thought it was a bad idea to allow rough-housing, but I have to disagree. I think dogs can rough-house if they are monitored closely. These are the rules my dog must follow to partake in her favorite types of rough-housing.
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First Person: Calculating What My Time Is Really WorthAs a freelance writer I rarely price my work based on the amount of hours it takes me to complete it. Since I never charge by the hour I had no idea what my hourly rate should be. This is how I determined what my time is really worth.
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First Person: My $250 Payday Loan Cost Me $486Several years ago I got myself into a financial a bind, and was forced to turn to a payday loan to get myself out. This is what happened that caused me to need the payday loan, what it cost me, and how I avoid them now.
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First Person: How Our Finances Have Changed Over the Past Six YearsAfter buying our first home and reworking our budget, I was shocked to see how much more things are costing us now. These are some of the things that have changed over the years.
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First Person: I Save $550 a Year By Working From HomeWhen I made the decision to work from home as a freelance writer, I knew it would have its advantages and disadvantages. The most important advantage for me was the financial benefits. Here are some of the ways I save money while working from home.
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First Person: I Save $480 a Year With DIY Beauty TreatmentsI enjoy all the girly things that make a lady feel pretty, but living on a budget means I have to find ways to save on my beauty treatments. Here are three of the beauty treatments I do myself to save money.
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First Person: 3 Financial Pitfalls I Face as a Freelance WriterTwo years ago I was unemployed and looking for a way to make some money. A friend suggested that I try freelance writing, so I did and have done well. However, there are some drawbacks. These are some of the financial pitfalls of freelance writing.
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Caring for a Dog with a Grass AllergyLearning that your dog has an allergy to grass is very overwhelming. My husband and I faced this when our 6-year-old beagle, Daisy was diagnosed with a grass allergy two years ago. This is what we have learned about grass allergies in dogs.
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First Person: I'm Using My Emergency Fund to Stock My PantryContinued trouble with the economy coupled with various weather related issues have caused store prices to skyrocket in the past, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we are facing that very scenario once again.
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First Person: 3 Reasons I Do Not Believe the Economy Has RecoveredAccording to a poll conducted by foxnews.com 58% of Americans “don’t see any signs the economy has started to turn the corner,” so I'm not alone in doubting the economy's recovery. Here are three reasons I do not believe the economy has recovered.
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First Person: We Saved $390 a Year on EntertainmentWith the economy seemingly balancing on the edge of disaster each and every day, it's important for families like mine to save money wherever possible. Here are three easy ways I stretch our entertainment budget to get the most bang for our buck.
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First Person: Paying an Online Sales Tax Isn't New to MeRecently, there has been a lot of talk about a law that would require websites to collect sales taxes from shoppers on all of their sales. Online sales taxes aren't new to me, and these are some of the experiences I've had with taxes online.
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First Person: Calculating Our Minimum Livable WageAfter a recent company-wide shutdown landed my husband out of work for three days, fears of another recession gripped my husband and I. To help ease our minds, I decided to calculate what our minimum livable wage would be.
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First Person: 3 Questions I Ask Myself Before Making PurchasesAs someone that loves to shop, it is hard for me to take the time to really think about my purchases before making them. To help myself make smart purchases, I ask myself these three questions before buying anything.
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First Person: The 3 Worst Financial Mistakes I've Ever MadeI'm in my early 30s and can think of several mistakes I've made through the years that have affected me financially, some of which had an immediate impact on my life. These are three of worst financial mistakes I've made and how they've affected me.
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3 Places Your Dog is at Risk of Being StolenAs a dog owner I'm always searching for ways to keep my dog safe, and dog theft seems to be one of the hardest things to protect her from. These are some of the places you should keep an extra close eye on your dog.