Budgeting – Nurturing Cents

Stay on Your Toes With These Handy Productivity Tools

Julie Boehlke Lifestyle September 12, 2023app, pomodoro, productivity tools

If you’re slashing your to-do list left and right, that’s great! I would love to know your best secret. But if you’re like me and the time just seems to get away from you, the perfect tip can help you plow through your day. Check out these handy productivity tools to make your day flow better.

There’s an App for That

Everywhere you turn, someone is creating a newer and more innovative app to help make life easier. When it comes to productivity, there are a few that take the cake. One is the Todoist app.

It’s an easy-to-use app that allows you to manage your entire day in one place. Create checklists and utilize the reminders and organization tips this app provides. There is a free version so you can try it out. It also has paid tiers depending on your needs and budget.

Grab a Kitchen Timer

Getting started on a huge project can seem very daunting when you don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. One way to tackle it is to break it up into smaller sections and rest a bit in between.

Ever heard of the Pomodoro technique? It utilizes breaking down your tasks into small chunks of time. This helps you stay on track and accomplish your to-do list quicker. You can use a simple kitchen timer clock and put it at your desk for a quick reference.

There is also a Pomodoro timer app you can download to your web browser or phone.

Use Noise Canceling Headphones

Sometimes all the distractions outside the office can make completing a simple task daunting. Not only do you have a ton of tasks to complete for work, you also have things to do and appointments to get to.

Try putting on some noise canceling headphones. Pop in your favorite playlist and concentrate on getting it all done.

Ditch Your Phone (for now)

From Facebook notifications to update tones, your phone always wants to notify you when you’re not paying attention to it. Sometimes this buzz can be a major distraction. If it is, simply turn off your ringer and put it away. Out of sight and out of mind. This allows you to concentrate on what you need to get done and not take all day doing it.

Is it procrastination or just simply constant interruption? Put an end to it all and be your very best version of yourself. Use these productivity tips today and watch your personal goals take fruition to success.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Frozen Pet Treats: Keep Your Dog Cool With This Easy-to-Make Snack

Julie Boehlke Lifestyle August 18, 2023February 16, 2024budgeting, lifestyle, pet health, pets, saving money

Image by Nathalia Cristina G Ribeiro Nathy from Pixabay

We love to spoil our pets and reward them every chance we get. So, instead of turning to a dry, crusty treat, why not choose something different? These little ice cold delights are the perfect choice for your dog, especially when the temps are rising outside. Check out these tasty nuggets—safe for both pets and humans.

Things you’ll need:

-2 ripe bananas peeled and cut into small circles.

-1 to 2 teaspoons of natural, smooth peanut butter.

-12 ounces of natural plain or flavored yogurt.

-Silicone candy mold- use a fun shape of your choice.

-Food processor or blender.

Tip: Most fruit and veggies are safe for dogs. (except grapes and raisins) Change up this recipe by adding shredded carrots, pureed pumpkin, blueberries or a watermelon pulp to the mix.

Step 1: Prep your bananas by peeling and cutting them up into small chunks.

Step 2: In a large bowl, add a teaspoon or two of natural peanut butter and 12 ounces of yogurt together.

Step 3: Add ingredients to a blender or food processor and mix lightly, just enough so the ingredients are combined well, but not mushy.

Step 4: Pour into a silicone mold and place into a freezer for at least 4 hours.

Remove pieces as needed for a tasty, cool snack.

These healthy snacks can help dogs with anxiety and also serve as a tasty reward after a walk or potty break. It’s always nice to reward our furry friends with a special treat. It also helps keep them happy and healthy! Whether it’s the dog days of summer or old man winter is blowing the snow around, your pet deserves the very best.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Julie Boehlke Budgeting, Lifestyle June 16, 2023June 16, 2023cost of living, saving money, savings, tip, tipping

It seems like lately so many food and beverage establishments are adding more options to tip on their cash out screen. But are some places taking it a little bit too far? This goes beyond the traditional tip or gratuity that we make after being served a great meal. The question here is when to tip and when is asking for a tip going over the top?

Always Tip Your Wait Staff

According to TableAgent, anywhere from 15 to 20% of the bill total is the appropriate amount to tip. Less or more depending on how your service was. Keep in mind that this is the pre-tax amount. Many people tip based on the total bill amount, but you should configure the amount before taxes and other fees are added.

If you had an issue with your service or food, ask to speak to the manager. This way, the issue can be addressed directly, rather than by the tip amount or lack thereof.

Tipping at the Drive Thru?

This is where things can get a little dicey. If you tip the drive-thru attendant electronically, do they really get the money? Do they deserve it? Maybe the cook in the back is more deserving than the attendant.

Tipping at the drive thru is a relatively new option. The question remains, who really gets that money? Or does it just go back into the company’s pocket?

A Tip for Carry Out Service?

What about going in to get your food? Should you tip the cashier? I would say no, but there is one exception. If you pre-ordered a lot of food, such as several orders or a catering-type order, you should probably leave a tip.

This is because someone had to work hard to organize and put the order together. Also, if the restaurant you ordered from went the extra mile to pack utensils, sauces or other extra goodies, always be sure to tip well.

Tipping Fast-Food or Cafeteria-Style Food

Even going into a fast-food restaurant or one where you have to go and grab your food at the counter and pour your own drink, they often ask for a gratuity. That is up to you to tip, but again, you may not know who actually gets that tip at the end of the day.

For cafeteria-style food joints or cafes where you grab your food or they hand it to you, a tip is often listed on the total bill. This is another instance where you are not typically required to leave a tip, but you can if you wish.

Most cashiers can’t accept money or cash on the side and pocket the change. The tip has to go into the total order, which means there is no guarantee that person will get that money.

Tipping is becoming more of a hot-topic button lately more than ever. But the question remains; who actually gets that money? If you have to question it, maybe it is best to pass over it. But at the end of the day, if your wait staff works hard for you, and you’re pleased with their service, tip them well.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

5 Best Beach Hacks on a Budget

Julie Boehlke Budgeting, Lifestyle June 15, 2023June 15, 2023beach, beachhacks, budget, saving money, savings

The weather is warming up, school is out, and it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you have kids and pets in tow, or it’s a solo trip, making it an enjoyable experience is important. Sometimes the sand and sea can make a beach day a bit of a hassle and beach items can be pricey. Check out these budget-friendly beach hacks to make it nothing but smooth sailing.

1. Charcuterie On-the-go

When you think of the beach, one of the first things that comes to mind is snacking. Cheese and crackers or pretzels and dip, all help satisfy a hungry stomach, but they can be hard to transport and serve on the beach.

For this beach hack, instead of hauling around a cutting board or serving plates, try a small craft organizer instead. Choose a clear view container with lots of individual slots for small snacks. Turn it into a grazing box with things like nuts, cheese cubes, blueberries, strawberries and small crackers or snacks.

2. Sandwiches Made Easy

Packing a meaningful meal is important for a day by the sea. A quick and money-saving way is to pack one large sandwich to share. Assemble sandwiches at home by grabbing a package of King’s Hawaiian style rolls. Cut the entire assembled loaf piece in half lengthwise.

From there, add a light layer of mayo or mustard and top with meat and sliced cheese. Reassemble the loaf and put it right back in the bag. When you get to the beach, everyone can break off a roll for a satisfying lunch. Seal up the bag for optimal freshness.

3. Frozen Aloe Cubes

Even with sunscreen, sun-kissed skin can get hot and irritated. Cool off quickly by grabbing a frozen aloe cube. Prior to your beach trip, squirt some aloe vera into an ice cube container and freeze overnight. Then pop them into a plastic bag or container. Use the cubes as a refreshing treat on sensitive skin.

4. Make a Baby Powder Sock

Sand is often the enemy at the beach when it comes to keeping it away from food and drinks. Plus, no one wants to take sand home via beach toys and dry outerwear. Try the baby powder sock hack. Fill a soft sock with powder and run it over your legs or body to keep stray sand granules at bay.

5. Create a Sand-Free Zone

If you are going to the beach to sunbathe or indulge in a good book, you need a sand-free zone. While the baby powder hack is great for staying sand free, you may need to expand further. Use a sheet with four corner weights to create a sand-free zone. While there are several large sand towels on the market, a sheet is a cheaper alternative. Don’t forget to pack beach toys in mesh bags to avoid getting sand in your vehicle.

A beach day is always a welcoming adventure for kids and adults of all ages. Keep things simple and don’t blow your budget on pricey activities and gadgets. Here is to a fun day in the sand and sun!

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

5 Cheap Perennials to Fill Out Your Garden Fast

Julie Boehlke Lifestyle May 10, 2023May 10, 2023cheap gardening, cheap plants, free plants, gardening, perennial garden, plant propagation, plants

Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash

When it comes to purchasing plants and landscaping, it can really break the budget. A visit to the garden center can easily set you back a few hundred dollars. And some annuals and perennials have a short bloom time. Why not invest in something that will fill out fast and perform well throughout the season? Check out these 5 cheap perennial plants to quickly fill in the nooks and crannies of your empty yard space.

Hosta

Photo by T L on Unsplash

The hosta is the queen of perennials. This is because it is so easy to grow and divide. This green and sometimes variegated plant literally lasts all season long. It is often found in shades of light blue or all predominant white with green stripes. Some varieties like the blue hosta harbor a unique deep aqua green color. It is a hardy perennial that thrives in partial to full shade.

Once you have one established plant, you can quickly divide the roots to make more plants. One popular variety is the hosta plantaginea. This deep green plant provides foliage all summer long and ends its season with large white, fragrant blooms.

In fact, to really be cheap and savvy, ask a friend for a rhizome or bare root part of their hosta. From there, you can add it to your perennial garden and in a few years you will have shoots of your own to fill in bare areas.

Russian Sage

Photo by Isa Macouzet on Unsplash

If you love purple, you will want to add this easy plant to your flower garden. Russian Sage boasts a silvery stem base with purple flowers that bloom almost all summer long.

It is an easy plant to grow and gets big quickly to help fill out barren garden beds. Try snagging this hardy perennial on clearance at your local garden center in the fall.

Coneflower

Photo by C VanHeest on Unsplash

This perennial is easy to divide once established. You can cut off some of the root base and easily transfer part of a big plant to another location.

Coneflowers come in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow, deep pink to pale apple green.

Phlox

Photo by Rebecca Niver on Unsplash

Phlox is a shade loving perennial that also grows wild. You can find it alongside fields or in ditches in late spring. Remove the plant at the root and transplant for a fast-growing transformation. While you won’t see results for a year or two, phlox is a great plant to fill in bare spots.

Colors range from bright pink to white, with other colors in between. This plant is best paired up with ferns or hostas.

Sedum

Photo by C VanHeest on Unsplash

This is a hardy, sturdy perennial that loves all soil varieties. Because of that it is super easy to grow and take clippings from. If you see one anywhere, you can either take a root cutting or a leaf and propagate it.

One contender for a great cheap and easy plant is Sedum Autumn Joy. It boasts a gorgeous, tall, succulent-like foliage from spring to summer. Then it has luscious green flowers on top that turn burgundy late summer to early fall.

The best way to get plants is to find someone who is willing to let you take a root or stem for propagation. Neighbors, friends and co-workers are a good starting point. Getting plants on clearance at the end of the season is also good. You just have to be patient for blooms.

Gardens are not always built overnight. It takes time and tenderness, but it is totally with it in the end.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Cheap Cleaning Hacks for a Sparkling Fresh Home

Julie Boehlke Lifestyle March 4, 2022October 29, 2022cleaning, DIY, saving money

One thing taking social media by storm is short little videos designed to grab your attention! Everything from dancing to cooking, viewers are engaged and ready to learn something new. A popular trend? Cleaning clips that hook you in, wanting to know more.

The cleaning industry is booming. Raking in over $46 million dollars a year, and it’s growing from there! Cleaning products take up a good portion of that.

Cleaning should be a simple concept, right? It basically is. But there are some recipes and hacks going around that are pretty amazing. We have done the legwork for you. Here are some of the most popular cheap viral cleaning hacks and tips that you can put together right now.

Stubborn Stain Removal Hack

We all have those stains that take aim on furniture, especially material that shows stains easily. Carpeting also gets bombarded with stains that can be hard to get rid of. They may clean up fine, only to return the next day once the stain has dried.

Here are some different things you can use to keep stains at bay permanently. You may even have them in your cupboards.

Shaving Cream- A good fast-acting stain remover. Simply spray some on the stain and let it go to work. It works similar to scrubbing bubble cleaners that use foam as their workhorse. After it has set, blot the stain with a warm washcloth and dry.

Vinegar- This product should be a mainstay in every cleaning caddy. It brightens material and helps lift stubborn stains like grass and dirt. It’s also an excellent cleaner for hardwood floors as it breaks down residue left behind from wax and previous cleaners.

Hydrogen Peroxide- With the same disinfectant power of bleach, diluted hydrogen peroxide can be an excellent stain fighter. Use the same caution as you would bleach, as it can stain easily, including your skin.

Baby Powder and Dish Soap- For stubborn grease stains, get out some baby powder and dish soap. First, sprinkle baby powder on the stain. This helps to dry up the area and pull any wetness to the surface. Then vacuum. Next, apply a small amount of dish soap to cover the stain. Use a warm washcloth to scrub and lift the rest of the stain.

Lemon Juice- Add the juice from one lemon to two-parts water to create an eco-friendly cleaner. Use on countertops, painted trim and laminate. It helps to remove stains and leaves behind a fresh, lemony smell.

These are some inexpensive cleaning tricks you can use right now. Just use caution when applying to certain materials and floors, as some could stain.

For Clean Sparkling Floors Try This Floor Cleaning Hack

Social media is beaming with floor cleaning hacks that claim to make the entire house smell like fresh laundry. There are some secret ingredients that they often leave out, leaving you guessing or coming up with a false recipe concoction.

Here is a simple old-fashioned recipe that is inexpensive and easy to make.

In a mop bucket, add 2 gallons of hot water and combine:

1 tbsp liquid dish soap
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup Super Washing Soda

Mix ingredients until dissolved.

Use this to mop sealed floors, including tile, stone and laminate. Use with caution on sealed hardwood flooring. You can also use it to spot clean carpeting and upholstery.

The Smell-Good Hack

The disposable wet dry mops are convenient to use and provide a mess-free cleanup for sparkling floors. But for this next cleaning hack, you’ll need a map and wring bucket.

If you want more than just sparkling clean floors, there are some secret ingredients you can add to make your entire house smell clean and super fresh!

Here is a smell-good hack that will have everyone asking what you use to clean your home. In your mop bucket, add the following:

¼ cup of Gain scented Mr. Clean cleaner
1 tsp Gain liquid laundry detergent
1 tbsp oxi clean
1 cascade dishwasher tablet (top secret ingredient)

Fill the rest of the bucket to the top line with hot water and mix. Use on floors (sealed hardwood) walls that have washable paint and sealed wood furniture. You can also use on bathtubs, tile and grout. Be sure to rinse completely in-between uses.

Set expensive cleaning products aside. You don’t need to go over budget to buy supplies and items to clean your home. Using things you may already have or products from the dollar tree, you can create a savvy cleaning stash and a great smelling home in no time!

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

The Cost of Living is Going Up. How to Survive and Thrive in Tough Times

Julie Boehlke Budgeting October 6, 2021October 6, 2021cost of living, credit cards, food budget, online deals, passive income

The economy is taking a huge hit right now. Those who were getting ahead and paying down their debt each month are now finding themselves treading through some pretty tough waters. While the best you can do is just ride the wave until the economy perks up, you need to get by in the meantime. Here are some things that you can start doing today to generate a better tomorrow.

Focus on Your Food Budget

Whether it’s feeding 6 kids or just dinner for two, one thing in everyone’s budget is food. You have to eat. No matter what! The problem is, the cost of eating is rising steadily. In fact, the price of food is up 31% from 2020. This means now more than ever, you need to focus on what you spend monthly on meals. Here are some savvy tips to try:

Buy bulk at wholesale clubs
Look twice at marked-down food and freeze right away
Start meal planning to eliminate waste
Coupon and compare weekly local grocery ads
Limit eating out to accommodate your budget
Have a grocery list and stick to it

While you may already be doing some of these things, try digging even deeper. Are there other ways to save? Maybe plant a garden or take advantage of free or low-cost meals at your church or community center. Every little bit helps.

Find the Best Deals Online

It’s time to make your monthly household goods order. You know, toilet paper, paper towels, and baby wipes. You always go through one of the bigger online merchants, because you’re dedicated. Now it’s time to think outside of the box. By downloading this app to your web browser, it will alert you if you can save more through another merchant. It’s handy and free! Because prices are on the rise globally, even shaving a few bucks off your order can be a real benefit.

Lower Credit Card Payments

When glancing at what comes out of your checking account each month, those numbers are a little scary. It seems like your credit card payments keep going up, and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. To keep household expenses down, try lowering those payments. Don’t stop paying them of course! But resist the urge to transfer funds to other accounts that may have hidden fees and outrageous interest rates.

A site called AmOne offers affordable personal loans with a lot less hassle. The good news? It consolidates all of your card balances into one low, affordable payment. It’s easy to apply and they will handle all the technical stuff for you. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have spotless credit either.

Create Some Passive Income

We all want to make money while we sleep. It’s the dream, right? But, it isn’t that easy to achieve for most people, or is it? You can start small and bypass that big investment too. One site that delivers is Inbox Dollars. You may have already heard of them before, simply open their emails and get paid a few bucks. Well it’s changed a bit.

By completing small tasks and watching videos, you can earn up to $200 a month, paid via PayPal or Amazon. When you recruit others and they do the same, you can make a little passive income.

While implementing these changes into your day-to-day may seem miniscule, it can really add up. Shaving a few hundred off your food bill or finding a way to lower your bills by 10% leaves a lot of leftover funds in your bank account. There’s no getting around riding the wave of a turbulent economy. But finding ways to stay afloat can make things that much easier.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Learn How to Easily Budget Like a Pro

Julie Boehlke Budgeting August 19, 2021August 19, 202150/30/20 budget, budget like a pro, envelope method budget, saving money, zero-based budget

When it comes to setting money aside and paying bills on time each month, do you often fall short? You’re not alone. With an unsettling economy, it’s hard to manage funds, when paychecks are unpredictable and expenses keep piling up. That is why being armed with some key budgeting tips and facts can transform your financial lifestyle. Here are some ways you can turn things around starting now.

Step1. Write Down Your Household Income

Seems easy enough. But really be sure to include everything. This includes you and your partner’s net or take home income, bonuses and any income from freelancing. Don’t forget about bonuses and child support income as well. This basic number will help you with creating a solid plan moving forward.

Step 2. List all Expenses

This can be a hard pill to swallow. No time for secrets here. Many people leave important information off of this portion of their budget plan. But it’s essential when it comes to having a successful livelihood.

Jot down all that you spend, including frivolous expenses related to shopping sprees or morning java. But be sure to list fixed expenses such as rent, car loan, retirement contributions, utilities, groceries, credit card payments and personal loans.

Step 3. List Disposable Income

This is easy. Add up bring home income and living expenses. Subtract from the two. This amount is your disposable income. Your disposable income should be roughly 50 percent or less of your gross pay for living expenses. Use this amount to pay toward wants, debt repayment and future savings combined.

Step 4. Pick a Budget Method

Try something like the 50/30/20 rule as a basic framework to get started. It’s a simple budgeting concept.

50% of your income is for basic needs.
30% is for wants.
20% set aside for debt repayment and savings.

List each amount, so you have goal numbers to work with each month. Don’t forget to always budget above your previous month. This includes groceries, lunches, utilities, house repairs and emergencies. This will prevent running out of money should something urgent arise. In the want category, don’t forget an additional emergency or urgent fund for things out of your control. Because let’s face it, life happens!

Step 5. Budgeting, Saving and Dispersing

So you have a basic understanding of how to budget like a pro. But what about the bread and butter behind it? How do you physically do it? This is vital to make this whole concept work, and it depends on you and what works based on convenience and lifestyle. One example is the envelope system. Where you cash out your paycheck each week and simply use envelopes to set money aside and then deposit it into the bank.

You can also track everything on a spreadsheet using a zero-based budget method. Having this connected to your bank and savings account is a must. Explore the two and decide which one works best for you.

Step 6. Budget Ahead

Find a time to budget that works for you. It’s typically best to do it a month in advance. This way you can easily go to your spreadsheet or phone app and see where your money needs to go.

This is also a good time to readjust for the month ahead. Inflation, new bills or an emergency expense can all affect your budget moving forward.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are endless ways to do it. Don’t get frustrated with the process. Take it one step at a time. Getting the basics down pat is the best way to get in the routine of budgeting like a pro.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

5 DIY Landscaping Tips on a Budget

Julie Boehlke Budgeting February 7, 2021March 7, 2023budget, DIY, garden, landscaping

Spring is just around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about how your outdoor space is going to stand out and offer stunning curb appeal. The issue is, it can be costly to hire someone to landscape your yard, so doing it yourself is the next best option. Prepare to grab your garden tools and evaluate your yard space. Here are 5 landscaping adds to implement this spring without emptying your wallet.

1. Don’t Pay Top Dollar For Garden Tools

A discouraging factor for many people is that they don’t have fancy garden tools and gadgets in their garden shed. This shouldn’t be a deciding factor on revamping your outdoor space. There are several places to look for slightly used garden equipment that can make life easier. Check out:

Your local online marketplace
Auctions and swap meets
Garage and estate sales
Thrift and recycle stores

There are people eager to trade out or discard their slightly used garden tools. You really just need the basic tools to get started. Knowing where to look results in super cheap finds.

2. Clear Out Beds and Trim Back Plants

One of the best landscaping tips is to clear out clutter in the garden. If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford to add plants right now, at least tidy up garden beds. Trim back overgrown bushes and plants. Get rid of old landscaping rocks and ripped weed blocker. Repair fences and borders, and if you can’t fix them now, tear them out.

3. Consider Mulch Alternatives

Mulch is the icing on the cake when it comes to the final presentation of your landscape. It not only looks great, it keeps weeds at bay and helps plants retain their moisture. But it can be pricey. Consider some alternatives:

Pine needles
Compost
Newspaper
Straw

While these are temporary mulch solutions, they help get the job done.

4. Revitalize What You Already Have

While it’s nice to dupe a garden look displayed on your favorite website or garden magazine, it can go beyond your budget. Take a close look at what you already have. Split up clumps of plants and disperse them elsewhere in your garden or give them away. Trim back trees and overgrown bushes. Transplant perennials to bare areas to fill in empty spots.

5. Hit the Clearance Rack

In the back of most nurseries and garden retailers are clearance racks. Those dilapidated, wilted plants that no one wants. Don’t pass them by! You can save a fortune by revitalizing them. Some are pennies on the dollar of the original retail price. Go home and soak them, fertilize, and trim back. They may not be plant-in-the-ground ready just yet, but in time, they could be the showcase of your garden.

Getting your yard in tip-top shape this spring starts with planning now. A little hard work and ingenuity will have your property looking top notch. Nothing beautiful happens overnight, but implementing a few landscaping tips will pay off big in the long run.

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!