If you don’t know that I love saving money, then spend a little time with me and you’ll quickly find out. I love coupons, money saving offers, sales and free rewards programs.

Today my family went to see the Tale of Despereaux, a good movie with a good message, but different than the book. I had found $20 in movie gift certificates in a Christmas book (score). I became a member of a the Regal Crown Club ,when the movie theater changed ownership.

We purchased 3 adult tickets and 2 child tickets for $14. Then received a free ticket for another day, free small drink and $1 small popcorn. I upsized the drink and popcorn to large and the total was $2.50. So our family of 5 (3 adult tickets and 2 child tickets) went to the movies for $16.50.

Whenver I can, I join free clubs that offer money saving benefits. This free club has paid off.

Solomon is noted as being the wealthiest king of Israel. When God said to Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon chose wisdom and God gave it to him.

When looking at our finances Bryan and I ask God for wisdom. If we are wise in how we spend and save then we have more to give.

Here are some practical ways that have helped me save money over 14 years of marriage.

• Coupons-when I only worked part time I really was into coupons. I still use them, but I don’t have as much time to clip and sort.
• Second hand shops for kids-when they were younger I bought most of their clothes at Once Upon a Child. Now they are at an age that boys clothes don’t last to hand them down.
• Old Navy-this store has been great for me to find the boys clothes. Be careful to buy only what you need.
• Grocery shopping-there are several ways of doing this. One way is to make a menu based on the sale of the current week. Check warehouse prices too. It’s good to have a couple of meals  you’ve made and put in the freezer for when you would be tempted to go out to eat.
• Crockpot- If you don’t have one buy one. If you need recipes for the crockpot email me at Jenmcgee27@yahoo.com.
• Mint.com-this amazing site is free! It is for budgeting and tracking your spending. It is very easy to use.
• Renegotiate contracts-check prices on insurance, trash, phone and cable services. I called our cable company this year and asked what was the best deal they had and it cut my cable bill by 20%.
• Wait-If you want something or think you need an item wait. Don’t make impulse buys.
• Shop online for Christmas-If you have relatives you have to mail packages to for Christmas check out online shopping. Many places offer free shipping.

Don’t feel the pressure to buy everyone a present. What if you bought shoes for someone who needed them in honor of a friend or family member or sponsored a child?

If you are in debt or don’t know how to manage your money there is hope for you. Check out Dave Ramsey online.