How to Get Blood Stains Out of Sheets: 11 Tested Solutions

Author | January 24th, 2020 | Clothes
11 Ways to Get Blood out of Clothes & Sheets. We tested several different solutions and found 2 that worked amazingly well. #blood #laundry #cleaningproducts

Are you wondering how to get blood stains out of sheets?

Blood can find its way onto your sheets, clothes, carpets, and furniture in a variety of ways. Whether you’ve cut your finger, had a bloody nose or had a period mishap, we’ve got solutions.

The blood on your fabric may seem like its be there to stay. Especially if it’s dried or been washed.

Instead of just giving up the item as a lost cause, we’ll show you how to get the stain out.

We tested 11 different methods to get dried blood out of sheet fabric.

We’ll share several different common household items … Read more »

3 Types of Budgets: Which is Best System for Your Family in 2020

Author | January 23rd, 2020 | Budget
A man jumping for joy surrounded by a cloud of falling money!

Are you looking for the best type of budget for your family? With so many different types of budgets available, which one will work for you?

Are you looking for the best type of budget for your family? With so many different types of budgets available, which one will work for you?

We’ve discovered that there almost as many types of budget systems as there are people talking about it.

Family Budgets can be done with expensive software systems, free systems, apps, websites and grandma’s cookie jar system for budgeting.

With so many choices, it’s hard to know which type of budget will be … Read more »

Why Budget – Overcoming Budgeting Problems Now!

Author | January 22nd, 2020 | Budget
Why Budget? 6 Ways for Overcoming Budgeting Problems Now!

Why Budget? We’ve got six reasons why you should overcome your budgeting problems! One of the top two New Year’s Resolutions is to get personal finances in order. Many folks want to get out of debt or set up a budget.

But too often this resolution is made, and then quickly abandoned.

We’ve heard it, we’ve seen it, and we’ve helped many families to overcome it.

Any effort you make to manage your money will immediately start producing positive dividends.

We’ve created a four-part series that covers the benefits and “How To’s” of setting up a realistic, workable and maintainable household … Read more »

33 Places that Buy Used Cell Phones for Cash – Broken or Working

Author | January 15th, 2020 | Utilities / Phone
Trade in Used Cell Phones for cash.

Have you ever wondered, “who buys used cell phones?” Many stores are willing to buy used cell phones for cash.

Do you have some old cell phones sitting in a drawer? Would you like to turn that outdated technology into cash?

This article will help you turn your unneeded phones into needed money.

We’ll share stores that are nearby where you can get cash today for your phone.

And we’ll also share several online options where you can get a quote and then mail your phone in for a cash payout.

Listing of Local Stores That Buy Used Phones Near Me

You might be surprised at … Read more »

56 Fun, Inexpensive & Interesting Hobbies

Author | January 14th, 2020 | Recreation/Fun
Fun, Inexpensive & Interesting Hobbies #InterestingHobbies #InexpensiveHobbies #FunHobbies #INeedaHobby #AffordableHobbies #MakeMoneyHobbies

Have you ever said to yourself, “I need a hobby.” Are you looking for some fun, inexpensive, or interesting hobbies to try?

Hobbies are a great way to challenge you, learn a new skill or provide some extra income. And they’re especially fun if they don’t cost a lot of money to get started.

If you’re looking for something new, check out these 53 choices.

Table of Contents


Fun & Interesting Hobbies that Became Successful BusinessesA. Skilled HobbiesRead more »

Pay Off Your Mortgage Early – Mortgage Free in 9 years Calculator

Author | January 10th, 2020 | Housing
Small brown ranch house with green grass and a maroon car parked out front.

One of the pinnacles of financial stability and security is to Pay off your mortgage early. Owning your home free and clear may seem like a fantasy. But if you follow the 5 steps we took, it can be your reality too.

Some people pay their home off in 30 years, others 15. But there are a group of people who simply hate having a mortgage pay it off quicker.

We paid our home off in 9 years.

Our efforts to pay down our mortgage debt started with just one dollar extra each month . . . but quickly grew to much more. … Read more »

Free Places to Workout – 50 Cheap Ways to Get Healthy and Stay Healthy

Author | January 9th, 2020 | Free Stuff, Medical / Health
3 people sitting together with white gymshoes on their feet.

There are free places to workout all around us if you just know where to look. We looked to our Facebook friends and learned about dozens more that we’d never hear of.

If you’re looking for “free exercise near me,” we’ve got lots of ideas.

It’s time to get more exercise for less.

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Get Healthy Stay Healthy for Less this Year!1. Walking – Pretty much free exerciseRead more »

Cure a Cold: How to Cure a Cold in One or Two Days

Author | January 6th, 2020 | Medical / Health
16 ways to cure a cold a one or two days.

Finding the cure for a common cold has been mankinds’ pursuit for hundreds of years.

While we haven’t found THE cure, we have found many ways to prevent illness or regain your health quicker.

Cold & Flu season is horrible and tricky. Catching a cold or the flu is almost inevitable.

How to cure a cold and beat sickness is a game everyone wants to win.

If you leave your house at all or have a large family, you’ll be surrounded by people. And those people will be breathing out things you’ll be breathing in.

They’ll be sneezing, wheezing and coughing too. Then they’ll be … Read more »

New Year’s Eve Party – Fun & Frugal!

Author | December 29th, 2019 | Holidays
New Year's Eve Party - Family Fun for Everyone!

Planning a New Year’s Eve Party means ringing in the New Year with family and friends.

We host a New Year’s Eve Party full of Family Fun each year.  It is a tradition that started years ago and is an open house. And it doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon. Even though our kids are grown, they love inviting their friends and helping put on a great event.

When the kids were younger we would invite several families whose kids were the same ages as our kids. Now, we just invite anyone who wants to come. And we have every age group … Read more »

27 Christmas Movie Favorites for the Whole Family

Author | December 24th, 2019 | Holidays, Recreation/Fun
Christmas Movies that are Family Friendly!

This is our updated (2019) list of 27 Christmas Movies that are Family Favorites. They are appropriate for children, some are animated, and some will make you laugh out loud they are that funny! 

And remember that many of these are available at your public library or on Amazon Prime or Netflix for “free!” 

We have an online account with our city library where we put items on hold. We just go in and pick them up when they email us and notify us that they have been pulled and are on the “hold” shelf. So easy to run in and check … Read more »

My Christmas Budget – Make your Holidays Jingle with Joy

Author | December 20th, 2019 | Holidays
My Christmas Budget - Six Saving Tips to Make Your Holidays Jingle with Joy

Are you wondering how we set up (Our) My Christmas Budget for Gift Giving? We’ll share that and some other tips for saving on gift giving so that your holidays will Jingle with Joy.

Christmas is coming, and it seems to get here faster and faster each year. And for many families what accompanies the approach of the holiday is the accumulation of lots of presents and . . . lots of bills or credit card debt.

Is there a way to break the cycle of obligatory gift giving and the weight of January’s debt regret?

My Christmas Budget Doesn’t Include A lot … Read more »

The True Meaning of Gift Giving – Reducing Holiday Gift Pressures (with grace)

Author | December 17th, 2019 | Gifts, Holidays
Reduce Holiday Gift Pressure Christmas Tree Ornaments

If you’re looking for the true meaning of Gift Giving, how to enjoy Christmas and the whole holiday season without feeling obligated to spend gobs of money. We’ve got 7 ways to overcome Holiday Gift Pressure.

We believe that gift-giving is a tangible way of saying “I love you.” But we also believe that spending lots of money means that I love you more than spending time and carefully selecting an appropriate gift.

A Reader Question about Holiday Gift Giving Pressures

I really enjoy reading about how your family enjoys holidays like Christmas without spending a lot of money (we all know what … Read more »

Christmas on a Budget? 30 Ideas to Make this Christmas Magical

Author | December 13th, 2019 | Gifts, Holidays
A Magical Christmas on a Small Budget. 26 Creative & Out of Box Ideas!

How can you have a Magical Christmas on a small budget if your bank account is less than enchanted?

We all want to make Christmas a special time of year for our kids and other family members. But we don’t want to wake up in January with huge credit card bills and a large dose of Christmas regret.

It really comes down to time versus money. If you don’t have the money to buy every present you want to give, then you’ll have to invest some time to make the magic happen.

If you can involve your spouse or kids as elves, you … Read more »

Holiday Entertaining on a Budget – More Food, More Fun, More Festive!

Author | December 12th, 2019 | Holidays
Holiday Entertaining on a Budget doesn't have to be boring or costly!

Holiday Entertaining on a budget does not have to be boring! Does the cost of hosting a holiday party overwhelm you?

Here are 4 inexpensive ways to host holiday parties this year that are fun, frugal and full of holiday cheer.

We just attended a holiday party at a friend’s home. It was a pot-luck (of sorts)—some people brought nothing. The hostess provided a small turkey, drinks and some dessert.

Annette cooked up a huge pot of turkey barley soup. It was a cold night and we were amazed to see 6 quarts of delicious soup get consumed in just a couple of … Read more »

Dressing Up for the Holidays for Less: Holiday Party Outfits Savings

Author | December 10th, 2019 | Holidays
Holiday Clothing that looks great but doesn't cost a fortune!

Holiday party outfits can be expensive, and everyone wants to look fantastic for the holidays. How can you get a great Holiday look without spending a fortune of money? We’ll share how you can dress up for the holidays with a minimal cash outlay, and look fabulous in the process.

Reader Question About Holiday Clothing Expenses

I know that I’ll be invited to several holiday parties this season and will need to get dressed up. And there isn’t money for new clothes right now. But I want to look good, and not put a balance on my credit card. What should I … Read more »

Giving Money As A Gift: Is it Better to Give Cash or a Present?

Author | December 6th, 2019 | Gifts, Holidays
Gift Giving presents under a christmas tree.

Gift Giving for Kids, it’s an age-old question. Should we give our kids money for Christmas or should we just give them presents? You might be surprised by our advice to this family!

Question About the Holidays and Gift Giving for Kids

I have your three books and have read about the MoneySmart Kids System that teaches kids to manage their own money; I have a question regarding giving money for holidays (to your children). Do you give money to your children for holidays or do you have a rule to not give money?

Our Strategy with Gift Giving for … Read more »

Is Swagbucks Legit, or is it a Scam? Our Review [Earnings Reveal]

Author | December 5th, 2019 | Recreation/Fun
Is Swagbucks Legit? It is a survey company, search engine, shopping portal, movie previews, playing online games, and trivia contests online!, and something for everyone!

When we first heard about the Swagbucks website, we had to ask ourselves, “Is Swagbucks legit? Or is it a scam?”

We had tried some of the other survey sites and were really disappointed. So we started researching this site to find out.

A blogger friend mentioned how she earned hundreds of dollars in gift cards through Swagbucks. We really doubted the validity of her claim.

We Googled “Is Swagbucks Legit or a scam?” and found some very interesting blogs. Some people didn’t like this website, but others praised it. The positive reviews also claimed to have earned gift cards and cashback through … Read more »

Family Christmas Traditions: 8 Inexpensive, Fun Holiday Activities

Author | December 4th, 2019 | Holidays
Family Christmas Traditions for the Holidays. 8 Inexpensive Christmas Activities

Family Christmas Traditions can occur whether your family is large or small, and young or old. Establishing traditions can enhance relationships, evoke warm feelings and create memories that last a lifetime.

Over the years, we’ve read numerous books about the value of family traditions. They add stability to the yearly calendar as the kids and grandkids eagerly anticipate and participate in the preparations for each special event.

Our Family Christmas Traditions really are a “month-full” of activities and routines that we’ve established over the course of many years. Here are a few of the many we have:

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Read more »

Order Free Stickers Now! 140 Companies Who Send Stickers

Author | December 1st, 2019 | Uncategorized / MIsc
A mac laptop with free stickers on it.

Are you looking for free name-brand stickers from companies you, or your kids’ love? We are!

At MoneySmartFamily we love free stuff. Especially free things that our kids love or that can be given as gifts.

We’ve researched hundreds of companies and created this easy to use list. We update it every couple of weeks to keep it current and to make sure all of the sites still offer free stickers. 

There are 5 Sections in Our Free Sticker List:

72 Companies that have sticker request forms on their sites.
18 Companies that ask for a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) to get free stickers
13 Websites … Read more »

FREE Coloring Pages for Adults Online: 25 Creative Printable Pages To Relax

Author | December 1st, 2019 | Free Stuff, Recreation/Fun
A List of Free Coloring Pages for Adults that you can Print and download.

Are you looking for free coloring pages online for adults that you can work on at home? If so we’ll help you find these pages from 25 websites and companies listed below!

From mandalas to zentangles to really cool designs and animals we’ve found them all for you.

Even the most productive adults need some time to recharge and refresh. One way to do this is by unwinding with adult coloring pages. And the way to do it inexpensively is to find free online sources.

There are many resources that have free printable coloring pages for the kid inside of you. So take … Read more »

Stores Open On Thanksgiving Day – Black Friday Shopping [2018]

Author | November 27th, 2019 | Holidays
Thanksgiving Day Shopping Stores open and closed.

Are you wondering whether your favorite stores are opened or closed on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, check out the list below.

How does the commercialization of the holidays make you feel?

You know we love getting deals and saving money, but where do you draw the line? When Black Friday was on the Friday after Thanksgiving we thrilled in getting up early to catch the sales. As retailers strategically moved their opening times earlier and earlier in the morning we cringed.

Then when the midnight opening started, we cringed some more, yet we were still attracted by some of the great … Read more »

7 Black Friday Secrets & Strategies

Author | November 21st, 2019 | Holidays
Black Friday Secrets & Strategies!

Are you looking for Black Friday Secrets and Strategies to jumpstart your Christmas shopping and savings?

Are you looking for the Ultimate Black Friday Cheat Sheet of Sales?

If so, keep reading – we’ve got lots to share with you.

it’s time to put our gift planning into high gear. One great way to do that is to make a list of all of the people you are planning on buying gifts for.

To find the Best Black Friday Secrets you’ll need to start researching early using sites like BlackFriday.info, BFads.net, BradsDeals, Hip2Save and Fabulously Frugal.com. Get the links below.

Then check some of … Read more »

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: Get Loans Discharged Legally

Author | November 20th, 2019 | College
Student Loan Forgiveness - Get Rid of College Debt Forever!

Do you have college loans? Are you looking for a list of student loan forgiveness programs? Are you wondering if you can get loan forgiveness?

Student loan forgiveness isn’t available to everyone, but it is a great way to pay off student loans that have already been accrued!

We’ve scoured the loan forgiveness landscape and found 9 different programs that might benefit you.

College Prices Have Skyrocketed:

Over the past 40 years, gas prices have increased by about 300% and Gold has risen more than 1200%. However, the cost of college has outpaced them both, skyrocketing more than 1600% higher than it was in … Read more »

Thanksgiving Activities for Families with Kids

Author | November 19th, 2019 | Holidays
Thanksgiving Activities for Families with Kids can be Fun & Frugal.

Are you looking for some fun Thanksgiving activities for families with kids? A few of these fun activities can really make the day special and memorable.

The activities we plan are some of the best ways to keep kids and parents engaged and looking forward to this holiday.

If everyone or most everyone participates, the fun memories created will last a lifetime.

Whether you are a kid, teen or adult, coming up with activities to share on Thanksgiving is a very doable undertaking.

Thanksgiving is a tradition-rich holiday for many families, but it doesn’t just have to center around delicious food only. As … Read more »