Whole Foods Market - Austin, TX

I am a fan of upscale grocery stores. They have wide aisles and beautiful displays. They tend to offer in-store amenities and samples. They usually offer superior customer service. AND – they save us money.

In our family, we don’t abide by the “eat everything on your plate” mentality. In fact, we adopt quite a different philosophy: “Eat delicious, healthful foods until you are full.” If we buy rolls and they end up being stale, we throw them away. If I go to a dinner party, sample a truffle, and don’t care for it…I (discreetly) throw it away. If I order something at a restaurant and find that the side dish is salty and unsatisfying, I leave it on my plate.

It is important to clarify that our family does not invite complaint, rudeness, or unnecessary waste to sit at our table. We are teaching our girls to say “please,” “you’re welcome,” “excuse me” and – especially – “thank you.” We encourage them to try new foods and, if they don’t like something, to eat other foods quietly. We strive to lead by example in practicing these principles.

The purpose of food is twofold: to nourish us AND to be enjoyed.

We save money when we buy from high-quality food vendors (upscale grocery stores, independent bakeries, farmer’s markets, health food stores) because we tend to eat all of the food. The produce is more likely to be ripe and in-season. The meat is more likely to be organic and unadulterated. The bread is more likely to be fresh and heavenly. We eat every last morsel – or save the rest for leftovers (which we actually eat). Zero waste. Plus, our bodies feel alive and energetic (rather than sluggish from eating processed, hormoned, salted, and high-fructosed foods).

Over the years, we have acquired a taste for good-for-you food. Our girls love peas, corn, broccoli, pears, peaches, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh bread, and whole milk.

One time, when we were very busy, we took the girls to Chic-Fil-A and ordered a kids meal. Our 4-year-old took about 2 bites of the chicken nuggets and fries, and then said quietly, “This doesn’t taste good.” Touché. I didn’t have the heart to make them finish.

Another time, we bought a smoothie from a fast-food place. “Our smoothies are better,” our 4-year-old declared after a few sips. Maybe because they actually have fruit in them?!

When we drive by Burger King or a similar establishment, they wrinkle their noses, “What’s that smell?“

Even on a meager budget, eating well is possible. Think: rice, beans, frozen veggies, made-from-scratch baked goods, and as much produce as you can manage (look into co-ops and CSA’s).

We save money at better grocery stores because the quality of the food is better…which means that we waste less and also stay healthier (less illness; fewer doctor’s visits). Food is medicine, after all. I do believe that.

* We also cut corners by limiting meat consumption, eating simple meals, and – most importantly – eating IN. 

How do you save money at the grocery store? Please share your expertise.  (I’m still looking for ways to bring our monthly total down a notch).

Fact:

That business? You’re looking at it. Metropolitan Mama.

Every once in awhile, I get the message from other bloggers that if you’re trying to make money or review products or sell advertising or any combination of those activities, then you’re a sell-out. I disagree adamantly.

Business is not a bad word. On the contrary, businesses can be run with integrity. Businesses can do good in the world. Businesses can turn out excellent products. Businesses can be the foundation for strong relationships. And – yes – businesses can help put food on the table.

Just because I am seeking a profit as a blogger does not mean that I sell out my voice or compromise my content. In fact, I protect both things unwaveringly (my husband would say I protect them a little too much sometimes). Example: a notable popsicle brand recently invited me to be a part of a paid campaign. I declined because they have “high fructose corn syrup” in them (an ingredient my family tries to stay away from).

That being said, I eagerly enter into partnerships with brands that coincide with my family’s lifestyle and philosophies. I sell advertising spots and have sponsorship campaign packages (feel free to contact me if you’re interested). I enjoy public speaking, being an ambassador for products I believe in, and attending conferences. I have tens of thousands of readers from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond.

I certainly respect that blogs exist for many different reasons. Some are journals; some are photo-logs. Some are meant for family & friends. Some have tens of readers; some have thousands. Some bloggers don’t want to maintain a business; some do. And all those reasons for blogging are good.

My particular blog exists as a business. I’m in the business of encouraging, inspiring, and challenging mothers. I’m in the business of writing, publishing, and creating relationships. I’m in the business of changing the world in the best way that I know how.

I am *also* bringing in an income for my family…and I’m cool with that. I hope you are too.

Do you blog? If so, do you consider it to be a business or would you like it to be?

If you are an entrepreneur of any kind, what are your favorite books, websites, and/or conferences?

I spend my time

park trips
kiddie pool dips
holding a baby on my hip
answering “why?”
wiping eyes dry
long talks at night
lingering in the yellow sunlight
baking cookies and licking the spoon
reading MargaretWiseBrown’s goodnight moon
trying to avoid the status quo
but also just trying to go with the flow
holding small hands – so soft, so sweet
walking through grass in bare summer feet
getting open-mouthed kisses
as I wash the dishes
praying for wisdom, for grace, and for rest
striving to give my best of the best

I spend my heart – lavishly – on the people around me. And just when I feel I don’t have any more to give, I realize my heart is full again – all the way to the brim. (I’m pretty sure that’s how giving works).

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Money? Eh, I don’t spend that stuff much.

Before Tim left on his 2-week trip, he gave me a $20 bill. When he got back, I still had $6 of it*.

I would have had all of it, but I took the girls to Dairy Queen** – TWICE. My 3-year-old knows how to place her own order: a swirl “kids cone” with sprinkles. My 1-year-old can eat an entire cone by herself! We also bought stickers & poster board from the local school supply store (There are so many fun products to be found there…but it’s a little pricey!) for our “Welcome Home, Daddy!” poster.

* I actually did buy groceries a couple of times w/ a card.
** Dairy Queen is definitely NOT my favorite ice cream place. It just happens to be the closest. :)

Where is the best place to buy ice cream in your city? What is the most affordable store that you have found for buying school/craft supplies?

What’s that, you say? You don’t know what Etsy is? Well, I’m more than happy to introduce you. It’s “your place to buy & sell all things handmade.”

I absolutely adore Etsy. In fact, I “window shop” on Etsy at least once a week.

For example, I just took a peek around Etsy and found these wonderful things (click on each picture to see larger image):

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Perhaps you have a great talent that you would like to share with the world (Do you make Soap? Cards? Cookies? Tutus? Paintings?).

Perhaps you would like to make some money doing what you love.

Consider Etsy.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Danielle Maveal – an Etsy associate – about how to start up an Etsy shop and I thought you might be interested in our discussion…

Q. I have a great product that I make (candles, clothes, jewelry, artwork, etc.) and would like to sell. What are the advantages of starting up a shop at Etsy as opposed to starting my own store/website?

A. Setting up your Etsy account and shop is free! The low overhead cost is probably one of the most enticing advantages to selling on Etsy. You can set up your account, put up a banner and avatar, and get the feel for Etsy and the community without having to put a single dollar in. Once you set up an account, you can hang out in Etsy’s Virtual Labs (our online classrooms) or converse with other community members on the forums. So, you really can get a good feel for Etsy and once you’re ready to start your shop, you can fill it up with products for under a few dollars, since it only cost $0.20 to list an item.

Another great thing about having an Etsy shop vs setting up your own web-based shop is not having to worry about being the sole traffic driver to your own website. Think of Etsy like a 24 hour, global craft fair, with tons of shoppers looking for the most unique handmade and vintage items.

Q. Okay, you convinced me. Where do I go to get started?

A. Etsy can walk you through the shop set up process. First thing you need to do is think of your Etsy shop name (your username and shop name are the same). Once you have that decided, check out our Sell section. It will walk you through each step of setting up your shop. If you happen to hit a bump in the road, we have FAQs and Help Guides to get you back on track!

Q. How easy is it start an Etsy store? Do I need web design experience?

A. The great thing about starting a shop on Etsy is that you do not need web design experience! This gives you more time to focus on your products. I’d say you could start and stock an Etsy shop in an afternoon. How easy is that?

Q. Does Etsy take a “cut” of my profits? Is there a monthly fee? What kind of expenses am I looking at?

A. There is no monthly fee. Here’s how it works: for each item you list $0.20 is added to your monthly Etsy bill.  When you sell an item your bill is charged 3.5%. So if you sell a $50 item on Etsy, your bill will be charged $1.75.

Q. Do I have to have a business license or pay taxes as an Etsy shop owner?

A. This is a question I get asked often. Think of Etsy as a space for rent – we give you the platform to sell your goods and you are responsible to follow your own state laws and regulations. It’s hard for me to give advice in this area since every state and country has different requirements when it comes to licenses and taxes. My advice is to give your local small business center a call and ask a few questions.

Q. How do I get my shop featured on Etsy’s home page?

A. My biggest tip here is to have great photos. You also want to make sure you are getting found – not only by the Etsy Admin who select the images featured on Etsy’s homepage…but by buyers as well. You can do this by listing new work often and keeping your shop fresh! I also want to give you a bit of information about the way search works on Etsy.  Search is directly related to the keywords you attach to your items in the listing process, these keywords are called “tags.” Using the right tags can help bring more traffic to your Etsy items. Make sure you are using every single one (we give you space for 14) and include specific colors, styles, and motifs found in your work. This article on tagging is the very best resource on that subject.

BEST WISHES…and happy Etsying!

YOUR TURN: Do you have an Etsy shop? If so, leave the link. If not, do you shop at Etsy? What are your favorite stores?

Babies really need very little. Snuggles. Sweetness. Something to eat. Somewhere to lay their heads to sleep.

Consider these ten tips:

1. Give birth at a birth center (or at home). You can save an estimated 30-50% by delivering at a birth center instead of a hospital. To find out more about birth centers, read my past article: Birth Centers 101. To read about my personal experience giving birth at a hospital for baby #1 and at a birth center for baby #2, read: Birth Centers versus Hospitals. To find a birth center near you, visit the AABC website. Or you can choose to give birth at home – an even less expensive option.

2. Breastfeed. La Leche League reports that “A woman who formula- feeds her baby will spend more than $100 (US) each month on formula, and that’s only if she buys the least-expensive concentrated powder…” Multiply that by 12…at the least, you’ll spend $1,200 a year on formula. If you go with the pricier brands, you could end up spending over $6,000! If you compare that to the cost of breastfeeding (um…$0), there really is no comparison. Not to mention all of the health benefits to baby and to you.

3. Skip the elaborate baby nursery. When you are pregnant, people will inevitably ask you if the “nursery” is “done.” Just smile and nod, smile and nod. The commercial baby industry would have us believe that we need the whole matchy-matchy ensemble – painted walls, curtains, crib sheets and bumper, changing table, framed artwork, etc. While it is perfectly okay if you WANT to decorate that dream area just like in the catalogs, it is 100% unnecessary. Many babies don’t even sleep in their “own rooms” anyway and, even if they do, I promise you THEY won’t care a bit if the room is decorated with teddy bears, tutus, tiggers, or turquoise.

4. Don’t go bananas over baby gear. When you get those super long baby registry checklists at Babies R Us and Target, you’ll be tempted to buy a long list of products: a crib, a swing, a bouncy chair, a baby seat, a car seat cover, a device that lets you hear baby’s heartbeat in the womb, etc. Be weary of such lists. In fact, I highly recommend that you promptly tear out the list and throw it in the garbage. The best baby gear advice is probably to “wait and see.” Some families use cribs; some families don’t. Some babies like swings; some babies don’t. Some babies like to be swaddled super tight; some babies don’t. Etc. When it comes to baby gear, waiting is wise.

5. Remember that toys are overrated. Point A: Itty bitty babies don’t play with toys. Point B: Even older babies don’t play with many toys (they will just as soon play with your water bottle or a cardboard box). Point C: People will likely give you more toys than your child will really need. Point D: Most kids like imaginative activities (riding bikes, making mud pies, painting, blowing bubbles, etc.) better than playing with toys. Point E: Most toys are cheap-y, plastic things made of questionable materials. Conclusion? Your baby does not need you to buy them toys – especially in the 1st year of life.

6. Rediscover the wonder of the public library. Books, DVDs, CDs…all at your fingertips. Plus, there are storytimes and events and programs. Did I mention the whole experience is FREE?

7. Make friends with nature. Entertainment at its best occurs in the great wide open. Go for a walk. Have a picnic. Stargaze. Watch the clouds. Babies love that – as should we. Nature is good for the soul – and that “attraction” doesn’t cost a dime.

8. Get chummy with CraigsList. Let’s say you have your heart set on buying a swing or an ERGObaby carrier or a video monitor. Before you head to a baby department store, check CraigsList. You’ll probably find that some of the items for sale are barely used or even brand new.

9. Don’t be ashamed of secondhand style. Even if you don’t like shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, and consignment shops for yourself…consider it for your wee ones. Babies grow out of things so fast. And you can get pieces at pretty amazing prices if you know where to look. Another option is to host a clothes swap in your home with friends.

10. Consider being a stay-at-home mom (or encourage your husband to be a stay-at-home dad). When you factor in child care expenses, wear-and-tear on vehicles, and medical bills (kids in childcare tend to get sick more often than their at-home counterparts), that second income dwindles quite a bit. In fact, I know some couples who end up PAYING to go to work.

Sometimes I talk to women who tell me how “lucky” I am to be able to stay at home or how they wish they could, but…”luck” has nothing to do with it. I want to make it very, very clear that I am not “lucky” to be a stay-at-home mom. I choose it. We choose it. We have a smaller house than we can afford. We have used cars. We eat in. What it comes down to is choices. You can be a stay-at-home parent too (if you want).

And there are always work-from-home options as well…

YOUR TURN: What are your top money-saving tips for baby’s first year?

Oh me. Oh my.

Normally, we shop with a list. And we’re typically pretty thrifty. But today I bought a few extras: a green tablecloth, a number “3″ candle, and chocolate frosting with rainbow-colored sprinkles.

Here are 5 things we strive to do to keep our bill manageable:

1. Shop with a list. I know you read this tip on every frugal-themed blog and website, but it really can cut down expenses (and stress). I almost always meal plan ahead of time and send my husband with a list (he does most of the grocery shopping…today was an exception).

2. Think long term, not short term. It can be tempting to buy frozen dinners and boxed snacks. Don’t do it – though that $.99 price tag beckons you. Eating recklessly (processed, high-fat, high-sugar, high-fake) will result in poor health, a weakened immune system, and weight gain. In the long run, that kind of lifestyle will “cost” you more. Besides, making homemade snacks and meals actually can be cheaper if you buy in bulk and watch for sales.

3. Don’t use coupons. Couponing programs and sites fascinate me. The lure of saving hundreds of dollars is promising, but coupons only save you money if you are ALREADY going to buy the item. This is the primary reason we rarely use coupons. The fact of the matter is that most coupons are for ready-made meals and convenience foods. Think about it: how often do you see coupons for fresh blueberries, organic sweet potatoes, and eggs from the local farm? Not often enough.

4. Do use coupons. Tip #3 should be taken with a grain of salt because many people can and do save money with coupons. I know that I need to get better about it – especially for home care products like toilet paper, laundry detergent, deodorant, and paper towels.

5. Try the generic brand. Some brand name foods are just plain better. Take Tillamook cheese, for example. We buy it every single time. Other foods, however, can easily be bought generic. It’s good to experiment. Brand names are not always better.

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Another option is to shop at a bargain market…

My family and I recently were given the opportunity to try shopping at Grocery Outlet, an extreme value market of bargains and closeouts. The store was clean and brightly colored, but the carts were dirty and disorderly (aren’t all grocery carts kind of icky though?). The aisles were filled with brand name products – Crest and Hidden Valley, Ocean Spray and Hunt’s, Starbucks and Brawny.

Here’s how the website describes the Grocery Outlet shopping experience: “We search the world for unique and exciting BARGAINS on everything from orchids to wine, from imported cheese to furniture, so every trip to Grocery Outlet is like a treasure hunt.”

That is a fantastic description. Grocery Outlet is kind of like shopping at Ross Dress for Less or T.J. Maxx. Sometimes, you go there and look and look to no avail. Other times, you find EXACTLY what you are looking for. But it’s hit-or-miss, a “scavenger hunt,” if you will. It’s not the kind of place that you show up with a planned list and you can find everything on it (some weeks they might have tomato sauce, other weeks they might not). But it IS a place to find deals. I think it’s a good place to find gifts too – we bought a few bottles of wine, for example, and…some fancy brand name bars of dark chocolate. Be careful to check the expiration dates because we found a thing or two that had expired or that had quickly-approaching dates. I probably wouldn’t buy produce or dairy items at my local Grocery Outlet, but I would buy paper products, pasta, salsa, laundry detergent, snacks, etc.

If you like the thrill of treasure hunting, of finding unexpected good buys…then say hello to Grocery Outlet.

YOUR TURN: How do YOU save money at the grocery store?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $100 gift card to Grocery Outlet (Is there one near you?). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Wednesday, September 16th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #16 Debbie. Congratulations!

I have to admit that I’m actually kind of a restaurant snob. I expect flavorful, healthful, delicious plates of food in a clean, upbeat environment with excellent customer service.

You might wonder where I get such a “picky palate.”

Well, I’ll tell you. I’m picky because we almost always eat AT HOME. And food at home is just soooo much better. Fresh. Nutritious. Served with Love. With the added bonus that our kids can squeal, laugh, coo, and cry all that they want. I love eating in. It’s cheaper and it tastes better.

So, the title of this post is a tad bit deceiving. The REAL way to save money is by eating IN – almost all of the time. Then, when you do go out (once in a blue moon), you can afford to eat at expensive restaurants.

But you won’t want to eat at expensive places just because they’re expensive. The truth is that fancier places tend to serve better food. Better food will fuel your body more appropriately and may even prevent illnesses down the road. For example, eating fast food may be cheaper in the short term, but – in the long run – your “bill” for being overweight or unhealthy will be higher. You’ll have to buy gym memberships, weight loss programs, blood pressure monitors, medications, etc.

What I am trying to say is it pays to be picky. You don’t have to go places that charge $20+/plate. But do stay away from the everything-is-fried-and-processed shops. Even if they do have a dollar menu. A dollar today maybe…but a thousand dollars tomorrow (or more)…

Most of all, remember that eating in is the way to go for optimal money savings…both now and in the future.

Image Credit: All three of the tantalizing dishes above are part of the menu at Blue Lemon Bistro, a restaurant in Utah that I bet I’d like quite a bit.

It makes you look good. It makes you feel good. It makes you strong. It makes you confident.

And it saves you money.

The healthier you are, the better it is for your pocketbook. If your muscles are engaged, your body is toned, and you have a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index), you are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, infertility, and joint problems. Thus, you are likely to bypass the high bills associated with hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, and surgeries.

I try to remind myself of these things every day when I want to say, “I’m too tired to exercise” or “I don’t feel like exercising” or “I only had five hours of sleep last night.” There is always a reason not to exercise – and sometimes the reasons can seem quite logical.

BUT I can’t let myself go down that road so I operate under a “no excuses” mentality. Unless the sky is literally falling (and I don’t mean that it’s raining), I follow a fitness plan. Right now, I’m training for a 5K. It’s not the toughest or the longest workout in the world, but it’s something.

I don’t skimp on workout gear either. I buy the best sports bras, tennis shoes, and running clothes because I know that those expenses are minimal compared to the huge price tag of poor health.

Today, in honor of healthy living, I’m giving away a $100 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Maybe you need a new pair of tennies. Or hiking boots. Or a tennis racket. Or a running skirt.

I think I’d want to buy:

1. New Balance Lightweight Run Tee 2.0 Womens, $30.99
2. CamelBak Annadel 50-Ounce Women’s Multi-Sport Hydration Pack, $44.99
3. The North Face Half Dome Hoodie Womens, $40.00

YOUR TURN: What would you buy?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $100 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, September 15th at 11:59 p.m. For an extra entry: follow Dick’s Sporting Goods on Twitter and then leave an additional comment telling me that you did. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #19 Kim. Congratulations!

I arrived in the portrait studio, checked in at the counter, then decided to nurse my baby. Then, we waited. And waited. And I started to get nervous that my baby would get hungry again or fall asleep or get cranky.

Finally, we were called back to the makeshift studio – our choice of backdrops (solid colors, a rainforest, a window frame, etc.) and glaring lights overhead. The “photographer” was young – 18, perhaps 19. I questioned her a few times about photography; her knowledge was slim to none. She knew how to use the equipment and had a repertoire of poses that she used, but that was about the extent of it. I remember cringing as they set my baby down on a piece of fabric, trying not to think about when it had last been cleaned (if ever). The props were all kinda cute, I suppose – but, again, I was worried about all of the germs that lingered there.

Then came the anguishing part – the part where they show you all of the pictures and try to sell you packages at absolutely ludicrous prices. 5 pictures for $100 (a smokin’ deal…um…no)…and we wouldn’t even get to have a digital file! It was absolutely heart-wrenching knowing that the rest of those pictures, those beautiful smiles, were all for naught.

After the whole ordeal, this is what I ended up with:

It’s cute, right? Yes. But it did take an hour of my day. And it was expensive. And I can’t make any high-quality copies of it.

Then, I wised up and bought a DSLR. One of the smartest purchases I’ve made in my entire life. Now, I can do photo shoots anytime, anywhere. I can plan around naps and nursings…and there are absolutely no wait times. I have all my own props and I get to keep EVERY SINGLE PICTURE…forever. That, my friends, is positively priceless.

I know DSLRs aren’t cheap, but – in the end – you’ll actually save money. And you’ll have all of those precious memories for ever and ever too.

So, sayonara JCPenney, Sears, Picture People, and Target. You won’t be seeing me anytime soon (or ever again). I have a DSLR. And my spur-of-the-moment, every-day pictures are better than your fancy-schmancy studio ones (and I haven’t even read my camera’s manual yet). I just took these pictures this afternoon, in fact…

NOTE: I took the above pictures using my Sony DSLR-A300K (starting at $499.98 on Amazon.com).

Maybe we’re not millionaires (yet), but we do have enough…more than enough. On many levels.

When it comes to money, here are five basic principles that we strive to live by:

1. Do away with debt. Debt is a burden on your shoulders, a boulder on your back. It paralyzes you. Like a ball and chain, it holds you back from being creative, from experiencing contentment and peace, and from accomplishing great things. My husband and I have always strived to live without debt (and still do). In college, we lived off of scholarships, hard work, and boxes of pasta to avoid school loans. As a young married couple, we lived in the tiniest studio apartment and had only one car. Even now, we drive used cars (without car payments) and live in a modest home (we do have a mortgage, but we’re working toward paying it off…).

Earl Wilson has been quoted as saying, “Today, there are three kinds of people: the haves, the have-nots, and the have-not-paid-for-what-they-haves.” Better to be in one of the first two categories than the last one. If you have debt, I strongly urge you to move toward a debt-free lifestyle. A debt-free life is a free life.

2. Give generously. It’s ironic, but – the more you give, the more you will get. It seems impossible, contradictory…but we have found this principle to be true over and over again. If we ever start to feel a “money crunch” around here, my husband and I usually look at each other and say, “we better give more.” To the church. To charity. To suffering friends. By giving, we receive – much more than we could ever anticipate. Give money. Give love. Give time. And you’ll get it back. You’ll see.

3. Stay healthy. One of the best ways to avoid large expenses is to be healthy. Exercise. Drink water. Eat healthfully. Visit the dentist. Laugh a lot. The medical industry is a huge industry that can gobble up your income if you’re not careful. One way to save A LOT of money is to be aware of your body and to take care of it. Preventative measures are of crucial importance.

4. Take care of your own…stuff. We have a house so we clean it. We have a yard so we pick the weeds and prune the bushes. We have cars so we change the oil regularly. We have bodies so we exercise them and fuel them with wholesome foods. We strive to maintain what we own with pride, with hard work.

5. Quality over Quantity. I’m sure that people sometimes wonder how it is that we can purchase Mac laptops, designer jeans, and organic foods. They may assume that (a) we are making a lot of money or that (b) we are going into debt to do it. In fact, neither of those assumptions are true. We simply research thoroughly what we want and what will last – and then we save until we are able to afford it.

For example, I might buy one pair of expensive designer jeans that fit precisely and that make me feel fabulous (and then I’ll wear them every other day for months). One of my friends, however, might buy 5 pairs of cheaper jeans in that same timeframe, but be unsatisfied because they fit poorly, stretch out when washed, and generally look “uglyish.” My husband often refers to this concept at the “dollar store mentality.” So many people buy doodads from the dollar aisles at Target and as they casually canvas the grocery store. They buy things – a lot of things – but not high-quality things, not things that will last.

Above all, we try to remember that things are rather insignificant. What matters is people – beating hearts, laughing babies, inquiring minds, candid conversations.

I don’t want to be trapped by money. I don’t want it to hold me captive. I want to manage my money (I don’t want it to manage me). I want money to be a tool…to improve our QUALITY of life and, more importantly, to help others.

YOUR TURN: What money principles do you live by?