Are You Ready to Finally Fix Your Finances - For Good?

Hi, we're Mike & Mollie.

Whether it's paying off debt, making more money, or increasing your savings, we're here to share what we've learned.

As a family of six living off one income, we've had to learn how to live frugally by necessity. What we didn't expect was how much contentment this would lead to.

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Our Recent Blog Posts

Travel items including a map, hat, sunglasses, and camera. Text that says the 65+ best tips for family travel on a budget

The 65+ Best Tips for Family Travel on a Budget

March 21, 2023

Family travel on a budget is possible, and these cheap travel tips will help you stretch your money while creating new memories. It’s estimated that 83% of Americans traveled last summer. At an average cost of $1558 per person for one week, that’s a whole lot of dough. Traveling with family can add up quickly, making…

How to update for cheap with chalk paint furniture

How to Chalk Paint a Dresser for a Cheap Makeover

March 17, 2023

Want to spruce up your house while on a tight budget? Buying new furniture and decor might be out of the question, but you can always repurpose what you have to save money. That’s why I love this chalk paint dresser tutorial. It’s taking what we already have – or have gotten cheap – and…

tattooed couple holding hands

25+ Affordable Wedding Ring Alternatives

March 17, 2023

One of the most fun aspects of getting married is picking out wedding rings as a couple. However, the hefty price tag with both wedding and engagement rings can put a damper on an exciting time.  Don’t fret – luckily, there are many great affordable wedding ring alternatives available. Let’s talk about fun and frugal…

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47 Paid Focus Groups in 2023: Make $150+/hour

March 8, 2023

Participating in paid focus groups is a great way to earn some extra cash to supplement your income. If you are interested in dipping your toe in the waters of focus groups, but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading because I’m going to cover it all! What is a Focus Group? First things first,…

Chalk paint on sliver mirror frame with texting reading Easy DIY on a Budget: Refresh a Mirror Frame on a Budget

Mirror Painting Ideas: Easy DIY on a Budget

March 6, 2023

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to update small spaces like a bathroom is with paint. You can paint the walls, sure, but why not paint mirror frames, fixtures, lights, towel holders, wall decor, and even doorknobs? These mirror painting ideas will help you refresh your room without breaking your budget. What’s “in” can…

Secrets to where I change coins for cash - for free! Hands holding coins

Secrets to Where I Change My Coins to Cash for Free

March 6, 2023

If you’re getting ready for vacation, the holidays, or want to splurge without breaking your budget, the perfect go-to is to cash in coins you’ve been saving in your piggy bank or coin jar. Which means you’re wondering, where can I change my coins for cash for free? If you’re using cash envelopes to budget,…

woman handing a man a key card at a desk

11+ Hotel Brands that Take Cash (Updated 2023)

March 1, 2023

Fewer hotels take cash payments today than before, but don’t fear – there are still plenty of options. You can travel without using a credit card (or prepaid card, gift cards, money order) to pay for your hotel room. It just takes some planning and organization. There are plenty of reasons you might not want…

vhs tapes stacked in a pile

Where to Sell Disney VHS Tapes for the Most Profit

June 7, 2022

You’ve heard the buzz about selling Disney VHS tapes for thousands of dollars, but take it with a grain of salt – the market for these collectibles constantly changes. While you’re not likely to be able to retire after selling your sealed copy of Aladdin, there’s still some good news! There are still some great…

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50 Money Affirmations to Attract Wealth

June 1, 2022

Money affirmations are short sentences that can help you rewire your thought patterns. Rather than focusing on negative ideas around money, you redirect your negative self-talk and create a new focus and future for yourself. While it sounds easy, it can be a challenge. It’s not some get quick rich scheme and isn’t a matter…

couple sitting on floor surrounded by moving boxes

How to Earn Money with Neighbor Storage

March 31, 2022

Looking for a new side hustle that’s passive, and the easiest way to make a quick couple hundred bucks a month? You’ll find it in the Neighbor storage app by renting out your extra storage space. What is the Neighbor Storage app? The Neighbor storage app (or Neighbor.com as it’s referred to as well) turns…

illustration of woman's hand holding a credit card

What causes a negative balance on a credit card – and what to do

March 18, 2022

Occasionally, there’s a glitch in the matrix, and we see things that shouldn’t be there – like seeing a negative balance on a credit card. While it’s weird and can be a little unsettling, there are various reasons why it can happen.  Let’s talk about why you might get a negative balance when you open…

graphic of ebt card with target logo

Does Target Take EBT? Yes – but with restrictions!

March 14, 2022

Target has a lot of great ways to save money – including sales, Target Circle discounts, matching competitors’ pricing, and more. Having multiple ways to save money at Target quickly makes it a great place to shop. But does Target take EBT?  You are probably already aware of what EBT is. Still, if not, EBT…