LROAB

It’s a common misconception that there are no coupons for natural and organic foods, that if you want to eat healthy, you don’t “coupon”. That’s not true. You just have to look harder!

Most coupons for natural and organic foods aren’t available in your Sunday paper like most other grocery coupons, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Save money while being healthy.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/organic-coupons-and-dea...

Getting into debt is easy. Getting out of debt is the hard part. Aside from declaring bankruptcy or settling debt, which will both damage your credit, getting out of debt equires strict money management and sacrifices. If you can follow a strict budget, you can get out of debt and learn good money management skills that will help you avoid debt in the future and help you achieve your financial goals.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/using-a-strict-budget-t...

Do the villa’s of Italy entice you – there are no places like them on Earth. The clatter of plates in the out doors Ristorantes, the beautiful sunsets and scenery. The Mediterranean, clear blue and clean… the smells of fresh foods and drink wafting in the air. Who wouldn’t want to just ‘get away’ for a romantic tour of Italy?

Perhaps your choice would be a quiet island in the Caribbean or the Bahamas. White sand beaches, clear warm, baby blue water that beckons a midnight swim. Island music and drinks while relaxing on the beach…

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/how-to-score-free-travel

My baby is due soon and I’m saving all I can. I never felt financially ready for a baby, but if I waited until I was, it would probably never happen!

Babies are no doubt expensive. And living on a tight budget is challenging with a newborn on the way.

Here are some of the average set up costs for having a baby, and this doesn’t even include diapers, baby wipes, formula, or childcare.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/5-tips-saving-money-for...

In this economic climate, you need every dollar to work for you as hard as it can. Here are 10 tips to help you make your money work for you, to live richly – on a budget.

Tip #1 – Prioritize Your Spending

Before you do anything with your money, you should have a goal in mind, whether it is to retire comfortably or go on vacation to the Caribbean. Look at your monthly expenses and decide what is most important to you and what falls down on the list in terms of priority.

Continue reading at: [url]http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/10-smart-tips-on-how-to-make-your-money-work-for-you[/ur]

I'm 6 weeks away from my due date and was ordered by my doctor to go on bed rest. I wasn't prepared for this since I was planning to get some stuff done.

Now I can't really do too much. =( I'm supposed to lie down most of the day except to use the bathroom, eat, and shower. Can't really do much lying in bed, except fall asleep.

I will try to enjoy sleeping as much as I can before the baby comes. She is getting big so I have a feeling she may arrive a few weeks before her due date.

I've gotten some guest posts for my blog which is awesome! If you're interested in writing for my blog, here is more info:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/looking-fo-guest-posts

Time to go back to bed...

The weather is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, and I’m embarrassed to admit, I just removed the last trace of Christmas decorations from my tiny apartment. Spring is coming! I love change, and redecorating is one of the best parts of Spring cleaning (scratch that, the only good part of Spring cleaning!)

Redecorating just makes waiting out the winter thaw that much more bearable. Because I don’t have a huge budget for new furniture, I’ve come up with some ways to spruce up a room that are thrifty and fun.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/6-cheap-and-fun-ways-to...

Increase Your Knowledge About Personal Finance Topics with Free Online Courses

Would you like to learn more about personal finance subjects for free? You can by taking free online courses. Some of these courses provide detailed information about a particular topic while others provide a basic overview of personal finance. Here are some of the quality free courses available online:

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/6-free-online-personal-...

Dear Fans and Readers of Living Richly on a Budget,

Thank you for following and supporting my blog! Currently, we have 192 Facebook fans and 92 Twitter followers. Traffic to the site has quadrupled since November, since I have been posting more. Yay!

As some of you know, I am pregnant with my first child. The baby is due next month. Today, I was put on bed rest. That means I’m supposed to be resting in bed all day, except when I have to eat, shower, etc. I may not be able to write as much for now. =(

I would like to keep this blog going but I need your help. If you would like to contribute to Living Richly on a Budget with a guest post or two, that would be awesome! If you know anyone who would like to guest post, that would be great too.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/looking-fo-guest-posts

With the economy the way it is, a flood of daily deal sites have popped up. Groupon and Living Social are two of the most popular daily deal sites.

Basically, when you join Groupon or Living Social and create an account, you get daily deals via email. These deals are discounted at least 50% off and you have a limited time to purchase the deal, which is like a gift certificate. You may redeem the gift certificate or voucher by printing it out or using your iPhone or Android.

The problem is you’re tempted every day to purchase something on the spur of the moment, due to the time limit on the deals. And it may not be something that was in your budget.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/are-groupons-really-a-g...

Credit cards that offer rewards have powerful incentives to use them irresponsibly. Rewards can take the form of points, redeemable for certain goods or cash offered in return for purchases.

For example, major credit card companies like Chase offer anywhere from .5% to 2% return on cash purchases. A credit card user who made a $1,000 purchase would therefore receive $20 at 2%. Small amounts over time add up to large sums.

Here are 3 ways to maximize the cash from this program.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/3-ways-to-earn-more-cas...

Photo credit: Andreas Rueda

Welcome to the March 7, 2011 edition of carnival of credit score and debt, a blog carnival that focuses on debt, credit scores, credit cards, and other credit related topics
Editor’s Picks:

Ken presents 4 Payment Options You Can Use If You Owe Taxes posted at Spruce Up Your Finances.

Sun presents How to Evaluate a Lending Club Loan posted at The Sun’s Financial Diary.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/carnival-of-credit-scor...

Photo credit: celesteh

Now that Apple has announced the iPad 2, the original iPad has be discounted $100, to the new price of $399.

Here’s what’s new in version 2 of the iPad, as spoofed by the Conan O’Brien show in this hilarious iPad 2 parody.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/ipad-2-parody

Inevitably, every year, rising gas prices makes the news. While there’s nothing we can do about the price fluctuations, we can be more efficient with our gas by changing the way we drive.

Here are 12 tips on how to save money on gas.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/12-tips-on-how-to-save-...

Photo credit: Marcin Wichary

I am super excited to be hosting this week’s edition of Festival of Frugality. If you’re new to the Festival of Frugality, the purpose is to spotlight the excellent ideas that are floating around out there to help squeeze a few extra pennies, nickels, dimes, or quarters out of every dollar.

The definition of frugality: economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful.

We should all have a money saved for a rainy day (or days) because rainy days happen when you least expect it. Surprise expenses seem to creep up...

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/festival-of-frugality-2...

Photo credit: wheat_in_your_hair

Having been in the wedding business for 5 years, I learned a lot about saving money on weddings from other vendors. So when it came time to plan my wedding years ago, I was prepared.

Cakes can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on how elaborate the design is. There is no point in spending too much on a wedding cake when it gets eaten and forgotten by the end of the night.

Sometimes wedding magazines will give you unrealistic advice. So I hope you can use these ideas, which I learned from a cake vendor.

Continue reading at: http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/inexpensive-wedding-cak...

Did you know that if you register your Starbucks gift card, you can earn rewards? You can earn free refills for coffee or tea, free soymilk add-ons, and a free drink on your birthday!

All you have to do is go to Starbucks.com and register your card. The minimum balance to get started is $5.

Here's a list of free stuff you can get:

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/starbucks-rewards-earn-...

Losing your job is one of the most stressful things you can go through. However, it doesn’t give you an excuse to not pay your taxes or pay attention to tax deductions that you qualify for.

It is important to remember that unemployment compensation is taxable.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/tax-deductions-for-unem...

Ever wonder when things go on sale at the grocery store?

Well, stop guessing. Here’s your guide to grocery sale cycles for the entire year!

Know when to stock up on certain grocery items and when to wait until things go on sale. Get the best deals and plan for the whole year.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-whe...

Photo Credit: qmnonic

“Do not let circumstances influence your thoughts and moods. By rising over them mentally, you will eventually rise over them materially.” - Remez Sasson

“If you focus on the possible when you experience difficult situations, you can positively change your outlook, reduce your stress, and concentrate on achieving things that otherwise may not have been possible.” – Catherine Pulsifer

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/the-power-of-positive-t...

As a soon-to-be parent, I really like the idea of working at home. You save time and money when you don’t have to commute, buy work clothes, or buy lunch.

You can also do laundry during your breaks, get dinner started right after work, and be there more for your kids. There seems to be fewer distractions at home so you can focus on your work, depending on your situation. You’ll also have more energy after work since you won’t have to drive anywhere.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/flexjobs-find-legitimat...

Photo credit: Eric___I_E’s

Best Buy’s new Buy Back Program has been getting a lot of buzz lately.

When you buy a product from Best Buy and purchase the Buy Back Program ($69.99 – $299.99), you can return it within a certain amount of time and percentage of its value as cash back via a Best Buy gift card.

It’s basically a trade-in program that you pay for.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/best-buy-buy-back-progr...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you don’t have time to buy Valentine’s Day cards, what’s the next best thing? Free printable Valentine’s Day cards!

I did some searching and found some stylish yet totally free Valentine’s Day cards that you can print at home. I still can’t believe these 10 supercute cards are free! I am totally in love with these cards and candy covers.

There is even an iPhone Valentine!

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/10-free-printable-valen...

Valentine’s Day is next Monday! If you haven’t gotten started with your Valentine’s Day gift, now is the time.

Here are some great ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts under $20, for him or for her, from Amazon.com. All of these items come with Free Super Saver Shipping. However, I would recommend one or two day shipping, so that you’ll have your gift in time for Valentine’s Day.

If you need quick shipping, for a limited time, Amazon.com is offering Free Two Day Shipping on select Valentine’s Day items in the Grocery and Gourmet Food department.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/valentines-day-gifts-un...

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. If you haven’t gotten anything yet for your sweetie, flowers are always a great gift for her.

There are also great gifts for him, such as chocolates, chocolate covered oreos, Mrs. Field’s cookies, Mr. Beer premium home brewery, and more.

True story. One year, when I was working at a small office, all of the women received roses on Valentine’s Day from their significant others. And the guys in the office felt guilty for not buying flowers for their significant other! Don’t let this be you! (Do you something for your special someone, be it flowers or something else.)

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/save-on-valentines-day-...

For many people, tax season is a dreaded time of year. They worry about keeping up with all of their deductions, the possibility of owing a substantial tax or if they will be audited for their past years’ tax returns.

There are several companies that offer comprehensive online tax preparation software, so customers don’t have to concern themselves with catching every detail themselves. Here are six of the best online tax preparation software that are available today. Some are even free if you have a simple tax return.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/6-best-online-tax-prepa...

Birthdays aren’t about becoming a year older, it’s about getting free stuff! You are entitled, so don’t be afraid to let people know it’s your birthday. Here is a list of free stuff you can get on your birthday.

Baskin Robbins – Receive a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream and a discount off your birthday cake on your birthday when you sign up for their birthday club

Ben & Jerry’s – Get a free ice cream treat on your birthday when you become a ChunkSpelunker member

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/free-birthday-stuff

Not too long ago, a reader on my blog asked me “Is 700 a good credit score?” I explained to her that it is a decent score, but in today’s economy I would no longer consider it good. Creditors are now pickier than ever when it comes to granting credit and although a 700 credit score would have gotten you far in the past, it won’t today. Now more than ever, a high credit score is important.

But whether you currently have a 605 or a 755, what are ways of improving your credit score? Besides paying off credit card debt, here are 3 tips you should keep in mind:

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/3-tips-for-improving-yo...

Being a parent is perhaps one of the most important responsibilities in life. And the IRS provides multiple tax deductions for it. Why not lower your taxes and get all of the tax deductions you qualify for, as a parent?

1. Dependents – In most cases, a child can be claimed as a dependent in the year they were born. For more information see 6 Important Facts About Dependents, IRS Publication 501.

2. Child Tax Credit - For each child under 17, you may be able to take this credit on your tax return. For your 2010 tax return, it’s $1,000 per child. For more info, see Child Tax Credit, IRS Publication 972.

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http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/top-10-tax-deductions-f...

One of the most popular articles on Living Richly on a Budget is about MTV's documentary show, True Life: I Can No Longer Afford My Lifestyle. Having watched the show myself, I was interested in observing how each of the people featured struggled to adjust to a new lifestyle. It made me wonder how different things would be if they had made the choice to pursue a less extravagant lifestyle, instead of being forced into a minimalistic existence by job loss.

Of course, everyone wants to make enough money such that they can live a comfortable lifestyle, go shopping when they feel like it, and enjoy a rich social life with friends and loved ones.

Continue reading at:

http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/considering-career-chan...