Audra Jennings

I'm not much on getting out and shopping on Black Friday. For one thing, I like to sleep in on the holidays. Plus, there's not really any place to go in this town besides Walmart, and you know how I feel about Walmart. Maybe I'm just more into stimulating the economy rather than trying to get a good deal that's not necessarily a good deal.  Here's what Crystal Paine, aka The Money Saving Mom , has to say about shopping on Black Friday: Money Saving Mom Says to Stay Home on Black Friday Are the Black Friday deals really worth getting up at 3 AM for? I don’t go shopping on Black Friday. I know, I know. That statement might sound a bit antithetic to my usually frugal, money-saving ways, but it’s true. Here’s why: The Black Friday deals online are just as good, or even better, than the in-store deals. Yes, seriously. And I’ve proven this theory throughout the past few years by meticulously comparing the prices online versus the prices in-sto...

Are you having a harder time than your kids getting back into an after school routine? Is dinner the last thing on your mind after a long day at work? Crystal Paine, aka The Money Saving Mom, offers money and time saving tips for keeping your family happily fed with healthy foods. Even though I am childless, I may have to do break down and do some of these. I have no desire to cook when I turn off the computer for the day.  Crystal is doing a whole series of freezer cooking posts this month at  www.MoneySavingMom.com . Be sure to check them out! Stock Your Freezer with Delicious Food in Just an Hour Each Week I don’t know about you, but there are some days at our home when life whizzes by so quickly. All of a sudden, it’s 5:00 PM and dinner isn’t even a figment of my imagination. For most people, the fallback is order takeout or grab something at the grocery store at the last minute. But this is stressful and expensive, not to mention unhealthy. The...

Looking for back-to-school deals and bargains? The Money Saving Mom Crystal Paine always has great information on her blog  about where to find the best deals at stores and online. Today, I'd like to share with you some advice on shopping for school supplies and back-to-school clothes.  3 Simple Ways to Save Money on Back-To-School Supplies 1.   Start Early Don’t wait until the last minute to get your back-to-school shopping done. Not only is it stressful to wait until the last minute to shop, but you’ll also spend a lot more money. Big store chains like Target and Walmart, drug stores like CVS and Walgreens, and office supply stores like Office Depot and Staples begin their back-to-school sales a number of weeks before school actually starts. Start picking up the best deals each week (like the $0.01 bargains at Staples or the free-after-rebate offers at Office Depot) and by the time when most people begin their back-to-school shopping, you will already...

"What I love about the audio edition of The Money Saving Mom'®s Budget is that I can listen to it on the go - on my run, in the car, or while I'm folding laundry. AND ... I love that it comes with the downloadable workshets. I am able to work through those while listeing to Crystal speak. So helpful. Perfect for my busy schedule." --Anne, blogger (and reformed budget breaker!) Celebrate with Crystal by entering her iPad2 Giveaway (a GREAT tool to keep track of your budget!) and RSVPing to the Live Webcast Event on 4/5! One savvy winner will receive: A Brand new iPad2 The Money Saving Mom 's Budget by Cyrstal Paine, audio edition Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/4/12. Winner will be announced at The Money Saving Mom's Live Webcast Event on 4/5 . Crystal will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll share tips and advicde and her husband will be joining...