|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
10 Simple Ways to Create Your First Back-to-School Fund
Copyright (c) 2006-2012 Darlene Arechederra
As a teenager, I discovered something really cool about my father. 'Pop' had a rule he lived by. And that was to pick one project on which he would focus each weekend.
When the weekend rolled around, Pop knew exactly which project he'd tackle. By deciding ahead, he was mentally prepared -- and had his tools gathered, ready to work. That was his way of 'keeping things caught up,' as he so often says.
And he really did keep things caught up. That's a lot of projects completed -- and doesn't even count what he finished during the week.
So, I got thinking... Why couldn't we take this idea and make it work for us? Like, what day of the week could we each designate as a *save money* day?
If you're looking for a *practical* reason to save, how about building a Back-to-School Fund? It can help you limit or even avoid using a credit card for back-to-school shopping.
Here are some ideas for finding the cash you'll need instead.
1. Deliberately reduce your grocery bill by ten dollars. Write a check for it and mail it in to your savings account.
2. Designate one day each week as a *spend-no-money* day. Tuck away a few dollars for every pitcher of tea you make at home and bring to work with you. How about bringing lemon pieces with you for refreshing iced water throughout the day?
3. Bring lunch to work one day this week. Simply cook a bit extra for dinner the night before to take with you.
4. Target an item you purchase on a regular basis. For example, if you buy greeting cards weekly, buy them in bulk for about fifty cents each instead. (If you can't find nice cards in bulk locally, call Current Inc. at 877-665-4458 for a free catalog.)
5. Challenge yourself to eating out only if you can spend less than five dollars (choose what your limit will be.)
And how about these...
6. Ask for cash back when using coupons -- and tuck away your savings.
7. Replace a dry-cleanable or leather item with an item that requires no special care. (Ask your family and friends to avoid gifting you with dry-cleanable items.)
8. Close your storage units. Sell the items inside (you're not really using them!) You'll save money for every month you no longer pay a storage fee. (Not to mention the extra money from the sale of the stored items.)
9. Replace a name-brand item with a generic. Try one new generic item each week. Many medicines can be purchased in generic form, too. For example, Claritin's active ingredient is the antihistamine, Loratadine. Loratadine can be found at Sam's Club and other places, including eBay (about $14 for one year's supply. Can't beat that!)
10. Look up one phone number or web address to cancel magazines, newspapers, books, etc. if you no longer have time to read them. Don't forget about mail order automatic shipments, like vitamins, which you may no longer want, too. You'll find money to put back in your own pocket.
Regardless of how you actually save more money, be sure to tuck away all money you save. That way, the money sponge in your checkbook won't absorb it.
*Tip* Keep doing what's working for you (even after school starts) -- and you'll have the makings of your Christmas Fund, already in place.
Now, how much money can you tuck away by the time school starts? Challenge yourself, and have some fun with it!
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Family Articles || Related Categories: Finance Articles and Shopping Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Darlene Arechederra
30 Seconds to Creating an Awesome Checkbook Balance
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-11-02 |
Word Count: 506 |
Page Views: 1512
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 3.33
Have you ever watched a squirrel balancing up on the highwires?
He actually makes the balancing act look easy, doesn't he? I
always wonder what will happen to the squirrel should he lose his
balance. You see, the highwires are not part of his natural
habitat. They are manmade, and he has no safety cushion built in
to protect him.
Can Faith and Patience Help You Save More Money?
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-09-14 |
Word Count: 787 |
Page Views: 1365
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.83
It's hard to be patient at times, isn't it? It's even more
difficult when things aren't going our way. Makes us want to
jump right in there and *make things happen.* But, is it a signal
that perhaps we should do the very opposite instead? Should we
just sit tight?
Money Integrity: Teach Your Children Well
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-09-05 |
Word Count: 471 |
Page Views: 1624
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.75
We think of integrity as doing the right thing when no one is
looking. But, does this hold true for money, too? Share with your
children the values you'd like them to carry into adulthood. We
have opportunities to teach our children, even in unexpected
ways!
Are You Working Too Hard At Saving Money?
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-08-29 |
Word Count: 702 |
Page Views: 1396
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.17
You work hard for your money. And chances are, you work even
harder to 'save' some of that money. But what happens when a
year later you're not any closer to achieving your savings goal?
That's exactly what happened to Heather. See if you can relate
to her experience during rush hour on a sweltering, humid evening
not too long ago...
Bosses Day: 25 Wallet-Friendly Gift Ideas
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-08-23 |
Word Count: 799 |
Page Views: 1979
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Bosses Day is right around the corner again -- but no need to
panic! You still have plenty of time to find a great gift. The
good news is that finding the perfect gift for your boss doesn't
need to drain your wallet. Read on for some practical and
low-cost gift ideas, including gifts for bosses with special
circumstances.
Saving, Spending and Sabotage!
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-08-16 |
Word Count: 606 |
Page Views: 1134
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.20
I confess - I should've seen it coming. But, I didn't. Late
evening last week, I was at the halfway mark of my three-mile
walk. I paused just long enough to glance up at my home, as my
pet-friendly blinds were moving slightly.
How to Grow Your Very Own Money Tree
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2004-11-18 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Okay. So money doesn't really grow on trees. Unless you
plant your own Mighty Money Tree, that is!
Imagine that only a few moments ago you planted a young
sapling in your back yard.
Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2004-10-28 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 0
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 1.00
We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in the
middle of a project, and it's simply not going well.
Like me, you may find yourself becoming irritated, wishing
you could find an easier way to get the job done (or even
eliminate it completely.)
I'd settle for a tool that would make quick work of it. Life
is just too precious to spend time being irritated.
Unique Gifts: Ideas for All Seasons
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2004-10-20 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
There's an alternative to buying gifts that sit on a shelf
waiting for the next garage sale. For something completely
unique, why not consider gifts that *keep on giving* for
your friends, co-workers or loved ones?
Bosses Day: 25 Gift Ideas for Your Wallet
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2004-10-12 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Finding the perfect gift for your boss doesn't need to leave
your wallet empty. Read on for some low-cost gift ideas --
including gifts for bosses with special circumstances.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Darlene Arechederra Articles
Most Recent "Family" Articles
6 Things You Can Do Today To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Tomorrow
Written by: Lee Dobbins |
Distributed: 2011-12-12 |
Word Count: 845 |
Page Views: 420
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 1.00
Reducing your carbon footprint is something that everyone
should strive for but what if you don't have a lot of money
to buy eco friendly appliances and hybrid cars? Here are 6
easy things that you can do right now to help reduce your
carbon footprint. These won't cost you a dime and might
even save you some money!
Why We Women Are Our Own Greatest Enemy When Dating
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2011-10-04 |
Word Count: 544 |
Page Views: 1045
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.38
I have learned that while there are women who want to be
committed to one man, there are some others who seek only
attention, gifts, dinners, movies etc, and still others who are
only interested in having a physical relationship. But all these
three categories cannot be used as a base to judge women and
their point of view about relationships only because, like I
said, "Women never know what they want." So read on and you
will know what I mean...
Tips to Help You Get Back in the Dating Game After a Long-Term Relationship Ends
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2011-09-20 |
Word Count: 773 |
Page Views: 1079
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.67
There are very few things in life that are as terrifying,
frustrating, rewarding, exciting and just plain crazy as dating;
especially if you have ceased to be a "spring chicken" or have
been out of the dating scene for many years. If you've found
yourself "back on the market" after being in a committed
relationship for many years, you may be petrified by the prospect
of dating again. The tips in this article will help you get back
into the game quickly and successfully...
The Day My Daughter Woke Me Up to See That Her Father Never Really Loved Me
Written by: Mary Ann Lipitz |
Distributed: 2011-09-15 |
Word Count: 527 |
Page Views: 932
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.62
I am 31 years old with two children, and I was in a relationship
with the man I loved until two years ago. We were not married but
we lived together, and yes he is the father of my children. We
had been together for more than five years at that point, but we
never felt the need to get married. We had been happy the way
things were, until one day my daughter changed all that, at least
for me.
When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds |
Distributed: 2011-09-08 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 1969
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 4.00
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent
split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself
thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I
was only different around her, but now I seem to be a
totally different person.
Dating Rules Explained: How to Turn Your Date Into a Relationship
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2011-08-03 |
Word Count: 779 |
Page Views: 1337
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.00
How adults behave on a date depends more on their intentions
towards the other person than it does on other factors. For
instance, a man who really likes a woman is going to behave
differently towards her than he would a woman he is only casually
interested in. Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.
Raise Responsible Children
Written by: Marvin Marshall, Ed.D. |
Distributed: 2011-07-19 |
Word Count: 926 |
Page Views: 397
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Using the strategies outlined here will help give your children
both roots and wings. You will find yourself on the parenting
journey to raise responsible children with less stress and more
enjoyment for everyone involved.
Alpaca Wear Makes Terrific Gifts for Men and Women
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-07-27 |
Word Count: 772 |
Page Views: 963
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 1.00
Alpaca wear has a long and venerable history and the first
record of Alpacas was in the Andean mountains. Alpacas were
perfect for producing a fiber suitable for protecting these
people from their extreme climate. Alpaca fiber is similar
to wool and known for its beauty, luster, warmth, and stain
resistance.
Top Ten 'Mistakes' Made by Parents America
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-27 |
Word Count: 970 |
Page Views: 1454
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 2.00
On one hand the word "mistake" may be too harsh. Every
child is different and only you really know if your
offspring is happy and flourishing. Therefore, who is to say
what a parenting mistake is and is not? On the other hand,
"mistake" may not be harsh enough.
Picking A Baby Name That Will Survive The Test Of Time
Written by: Amanda van Hess |
Distributed: 2010-02-16 |
Word Count: 833 |
Page Views: 833
For as long as man has walked upon the earth, and tribes of
people have had a common language, new parents have
struggled with the names to give to their offspring. In this
article, we analyze the popularity of biblical baby names
through the last 130 years, until the present...
Most Viewed "Family" Articles
Girls Sleepover Party Ideas
Written by: Jillian Gallo |
Distributed: 2008-09-16 |
Word Count: 837 |
Page Views: 12964
| Votes: 138 |
Rating: 2.07
Throwing a sleepover for your daughter is one of the most
memorable events she will have from her childhood. Regardless of
her age, these parties make memories she will take with her as
she grows up. How can you make these nights more memorable? By
following a few tips, you can make the most out of your
daughter's next sleepover.
Graduation Flowers Are At The Head Of The Class
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-04-24 |
Word Count: 538 |
Page Views: 8667
| Votes: 27 |
Rating: 1.78
The coming of spring signals new beginnings, and each year many
young adults take the first steps toward that new beginning
when they walk across the stage to accept a diploma at their
graduation ceremony. Of course, with graduation comes excitement,
smiles, tears, a big celebration, and lots of wonderful memories.
One way to help make the day even more beautiful and memorable
is with flowers.
How To Identify Toxic Black Mold
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-05-08 |
Word Count: 405 |
Page Views: 5553
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.50
Need toxic black mold or stachybotrys toxic mold testing
information or mold inspector information. Certified Florida
based mold assessor and inspection firm serving Broward Dade and
Palm Beach County including Miami and Ft Lauderdale. Conduction
Florida mold testing IAQ testing for commercial and home house
mold and indoor air quality problems. Florida mold inspection.
Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist |
Distributed: 2007-04-11 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 4697
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 3.90
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood
social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder.
Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective
Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk
were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen
as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling
by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.
Pepper Spray: How Does it Feel to Get Blasted?
Written by: Fred Cheney |
Distributed: 2007-12-18 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 4071
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.00
It's something to think about. What would happen if you tried
to use pepper spray and it sprayed into your own eyes? And,
could you accidentally blind someone with it? Permanently maim
them? What are the effects of pepper spray? These are important
questions and they certainly have answers.
Family Unity
Written by: Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. |
Distributed: 2007-11-01 |
Word Count: 614 |
Page Views: 3644
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.67
Thanksgiving comes once a year with its wonderful message about
family unity. Everyone gathers around the table and talks about
how happy they are to be together. Then, no sooner is the holiday
over, all is forgotten. Do you have any ideas for preserving
those close family feelings?
Acid Reflux Recovery Diet and Recipes Presents the Perfect Cold Weather Dinner
Written by: Charles Stewart Richey |
Distributed: 2006-10-17 |
Word Count: 1394 |
Page Views: 2963
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.18
As the leaves start to turn to fall colors and in the evenings we
are tempted to sit by a warm fire, hearty food comes to mind.
The fall and winter bring a host of root vegetables, squashes
greens and fruit from which hearty meals can be easily made. The
challenge is to keep these dishes healthy - that means keeping
them as alkaline as possible. When attempting to reverse the
symptoms of acid reflux, diet is probably the most important
consideration.
ADD/ADHD – Developing Confidence in School
Written by: Susan Kruger |
Distributed: 2006-10-03 |
Word Count: 1155 |
Page Views: 2936
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.09
ADD/ADHD certainly presents is challenges, but there is no reason
why an ADHD diagnosis has to stand in your way of feeling
confident and achieving success. This article explains why having
ADHD is really a good thing and introduces three steps you can
do to reach your greatest potential.
New Year. New Semester. New Homework Solutions.
Written by: Susan Kruger |
Distributed: 2007-01-18 |
Word Count: 646 |
Page Views: 2870
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
Learn how to identify specific homework problems and create easy
systems to solve them.
Swimming Safety For Children
Written by: Brian Banks |
Distributed: 2008-08-13 |
Word Count: 713 |
Page Views: 2848
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.80
As Summer draws near and the amount of daylight grows, the
activity that grows more prevalent in many people's minds,
especially many children's minds, is swimming.
Highest Ranked "Family" Articles
Home Alone Child Safety
Written by: Jerry Tarrer |
Distributed: 2007-03-21 |
Word Count: 1038 |
Page Views: 1381
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
Your child's safety depends to a large part on good
communication between you and your children. This is especially
true of two-income families, and single parent families where the
children are left alone for extended periods of time and have to
care for themselves.
PB and Js And Licking The Bowl - The Joys Of A Kid Friendly Kitchen!
Written by: Pamela Cole Harris |
Distributed: 2008-02-14 |
Word Count: 554 |
Page Views: 1192
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
Remember licking the bowl when you were a kid? Or making your own
peanut butter sandwiches with grape, or better yet strawberry,
jelly? Mmmmm... the smell of homemade oatmeal cookies! And they
were even better because you knew you helped make them! Kitchens
can be a place of special memories for kids of any generation.
Are you building those memories with your children or do you view
the kitchen as a dangerous place for kids?
Potty Training Made Easy
Written by: Kim Michael |
Distributed: 2009-04-07 |
Word Count: 507 |
Page Views: 1026
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.00
If you're the parent of a toddler, you are probably looking for
the right signs that your child is ready to be potty trained.
Potty training your child can be a frustrating time in your life.
When your child is ready to be potty trained, they will provide
to you clues that the timing is right. If you capitalize on these
clues, and use the right tools, this can be an exciting time in
your life, as well as your child's.
Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist |
Distributed: 2007-04-11 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 4697
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 3.90
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood
social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder.
Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective
Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk
were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen
as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling
by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.
Anybody Can Spend, but Can You Save?
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-22 |
Word Count: 527 |
Page Views: 1316
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 3.77
We have a great weakness in our society of wanting immediate
gratification. We are under a constant barrage in all forms of
media to buy this or to buy that. In our world of credit cards
and charge accounts it is a challenge for many to resist the
temptations of materialism. Don't get me wrong, I think it's
fun to have nice things, but only after we can afford them.
As A Woman Thinking Of Divorce, Is It Necessary To Hire A Divorce Lawyer?
Written by: Cathi Adams |
Distributed: 2007-06-14 |
Word Count: 509 |
Page Views: 1443
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.75
Couples finding themselves in the middle of divorce proceedings
are growing in number each year. Some studies are showing that
over 50 percent of first time marriages will end in divorce, with
subsequent marriages ending at even higher percentages! That
means a lot of people looking for the expertise of divorce
lawyers.
How An Envelope Online Budgeting System Can Help You Take Control Of Your Finances
Written by: Gust Lenglet |
Distributed: 2007-06-22 |
Word Count: 626 |
Page Views: 1322
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Have you ever felt that your hard-earned cash is slipping through
your fingers? Are you genuinely surprised by how much money you
and your family spend? Do you regularly run out of money before
the end of the month? Are you racking up credit card debts to
fund the difference between what you earn and what you spend? Do
you wish that you had more control over your personal budget or
your household budget? Don't just sit there, take control over
your finances.
Want to Know Where to Go in Boston?
Written by: Mark Anderson |
Distributed: 2008-10-10 |
Word Count: 1075 |
Page Views: 1087
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Ever since the colonial days, Boston has been one of the most
intriguing cities in the United States. Its rich history is
rivaled only by the vast amount of things it has to offer.
Whether you're a college student, child, or an adult, there is
plenty to find in Boston Massachusetts. From sports and nightlife
to culture and nature, there is truly something for everyone.
Let's look at what Bean Town has to offer.
How Can Bible Study Help Kids Grow Up?
Written by: Adam Barnett |
Distributed: 2007-10-23 |
Word Count: 463 |
Page Views: 2043
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.64
Bible study is probably the number one way to keep your kids on
the right path, and keep them out of trouble. We can't watch our
kids all day and night, and we can't keep bad influences from
coming to them. But what we CAN do is make sure they know wrong
from right. This will help them when they face problems and major
decisions on their own.
How To Pick The Best Camping Tent
Written by: Marc Wiltse |
Distributed: 2007-06-26 |
Word Count: 1187 |
Page Views: 1470
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.63
A good camping tent keeps you dry, comfortable, and provides
protection. Unfortunately if you don't know what you're looking
for, you're probably going to waste money.
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 589
Total Views: 2334
Views This Month: 34
Views Last Month: 53
Article Rating: 2.33 of 5
Votes Cast: 6
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 8462
Author Rating: 2.69 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 52
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2006-07-26 12:12:00
|
|
|