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The Latina Next Door

La Vida Divina for Less!

January 1, 2023 By Yami 6 Comments

Easy Ways to Save Money

Money Challeng Image 300x169 Easy Ways to Save Money

Easy Ways to Save Money

(NO MATTER YOUR BUDGET)

*Some of the following links are affiliate links. Please see full disclosure for complete details*

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a great start to 2023.

We spent our New Year’s Eve at my parents’ house where my husband and my dad set off some crazy fireworks, dangerously close to our rooftops 🤪. Don’t worry nothing happened, just some good ole family fun. 

I have set myself some very important personal goals for 2023, since after all, this is the year I turn 40 and I want to make the most of it. And while I have a really positive outlook at how things are going to for me this year, there are some realities that I don’t ignore. 

Lately, it seems that things are just getting more and more expensive and if you have been feeling its effects on your day to day life, then you are not alone. 

Because of this, I thought I would start the year with a post that will hopefully help at least one of you with a goal you may have for this year. 

Being a stay at home mom for the majority of my marriage (I still am) has required me to become savvy in regards to the way we use our funds (which is also why home decor on a budget has been a passion of mine). Now that I have a successful work from home business things are a little different, but I still like to be conscious with our spending and I like to be able to have funds for special occasions like family vacations or perhaps a higher ticket item that I have been eyeing.

This is actually something I used to do every single year. I stopped the past couple of years because I was able to build funds through my FB Marketplace sales in addition to what I brought home on a monthly basis. So that kind of replaced this for a bit. 

However, since this year we are in the middle of a move and I won’t be able to “flip” furniture or trade things in and out of my house like I usually do, I will be going back to my original method of building a “special” savings. 

THERE ARE 2 MAIN METHODS I LIKE TO USE:

Here is the first: 
The 52 Week Money Challenge

*If you find that you have the funds to do the 52 Week Challenge I would suggest to start with this one. However, I understand that this may not be easy for everyone so I have a second option below. 

 

7 232x300 Easy Ways to Save Money

This is the 52 Week Challenge and here is how it works. For each week of the year you will assign each week a number: Week #1, Week #2, Week #3 and so on… For each week you will put away the dollar amount for that week number. So for week #1 you will save $1, for week #2 you will save $2, for week 3 you will save $3. 

Sounds easy enough right?

Well it is, but keep in mind that by the time you reach the end you will need to save $52 for the last week of the year which is week #52. At first it doesn’t seem like you are saving much, but as the weeks progress, your funds will grown exponentially, resulting in the final savings of $1,378.00. 

That’s a pretty good savings challenge if you ask me. 

The good thing about this challenge is that it starts off easy because you don’t have to save so much at first, so you can ease into it. And even if you can afford to put more in, I would suggest you don’t pull those funds to savings (but don’t use them either!) because you will need them more as you progress throughout the year and need to put more funds aside each week.

For example, the last month of the year (Weeks #49-52 you will need to put away $202.00 total vs. the first month where you only put away $10 for Weeks #1-4).

Hope that make sense!

You can download my template for the 52 Week Money Challenge tracker from my Free Printables Library here. 

4 232x300 Easy Ways to Save Money

 

Here is the second: 
The 365 Day Penny Challenge

6 232x300 Easy Ways to Save Money

Now let’s say you like the idea of a challenge, but can’t put away that much right now. That’s totally fine and I have a great option for you as well. 

It’s the 365 Day Penny Challenge. In this you assign each DAY of the year a number such as Day #1, Day #2, Day #3 up to Date #365. For each day of the year you save the penny amount for that number assigned to that day. So for Day #1 you save $0.01, Day #2 you save $0.02,  Day #53 you save $0.53 and so on.

By the end of the first week you would have saved $0.28. 

By the end of the 26th week you would have saved a total of $166.53. Again it grows exponentially. 

Continue this and by the end of the year you will have saved $667.95!

Now, let’s talk practicality.

We don’t have pennies lying around and it will be burdensome doing this each and every day with your bank account online, so I made it really easy for you by doing that math for you for each week and making a weekly tracker for the daily penny challenge. 

You can download my template for the 365 Day Penny Challenge tracker from my Free Printables Library here as well. 

2 232x300 Easy Ways to Save Money

I made a separate savings account for when I do these challenges so I don’t mix these funds up with my regular savings account. Some savings accounts can be opened with just a small amount of money. This was the best option for me. 

However, if you can’t do this, just be sure you keep track of these funds so you don’t pull from them if you need to withdraw from your savings. 

Now, if you are feeling really adventurous and want to do BOTH at the same time (which is what I do), that is an additional $2,045.95 you will have saved by the end of the year! I don’t know about you, but I like that number so I strive to reach this goal. 

Looking for more ideas? 

If you don’t think that is enough, here are a couple of other things you can apply that won’t require weekly reminders or as much effort:

ROUND UP TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR METHOD

Some banks like Bank of America allow you to round up to the nearest dollar on every debit card transaction you make and will automatically transfer it to your savings account at the end of each business day. So if you make a purchase for $30.45, the bank will take the additional $0.55 cents and place it in your savings.

credit card gold platinum 1512619 300x225 Easy Ways to Save Money

This little method is usually just a click to get it set up and won’t require you to have to keep up with it. Before you know it, you can accumulate hundreds of dollars by the end of the year with no effort at all!

CHECKBOOK BALANCE HACK

The next approach is something my mom taught me since I began making my own money and that is to NEVER let zero be zero in your checking account. Always keep your zero at a balance that will keep you afloat if you come into an unexpected expense that month. 

checkbook and fountain pen 2292226 225x300 Easy Ways to Save Money

Let’s say you have $500 that you don’t need to spend, keep it, DON”T SPEND IT and leave it in your checking account to use as your “zero balance” but don’t account for it in your checking account. And when you balance your account (if you still do, I know I do!) instead of having the $687.00 it says you do for example, you actually have $1,187.00. Make sense?

Then if you get a flat tire or have to pay for some emergency expense you’re covered and won’t have to dip into your savings that you worked so hard to put away.

I would, however, suggest you build it up again if you do end up using it for an emergency, that way you will be covered for the next unexpected expense. And it doesn’t have to be $500. It could be $100 or $1,000 – whatever you can afford at this time.


I really hope this helps…

Some of these things you might have already heard of and others maybe not, but I hope I was able to help someone out there who was thinking of saving some money this year, but thought it was next to impossible. Believe me it’s not!

It is easier than you think! And with the challenge trackers, the process is as simple for you as can be. 

If you still need a little extra help in the money saving/budgeting world, I recommend the following books by Ruth Soukup. These are inexpensive and may give you a different outlook and mindset.

(Just click on the image):

Screen Shot 2017 01 03 at 12.56.10 AM Easy Ways to Save Money Screen Shot 2017 01 03 at 12.56.41 AM Easy Ways to Save Money

Happy saving and best wishes to you on this New Year!

And as always be sure to share this with someone who would appreciate saving a little money this year! 

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Yami Signature 300x161 Easy Ways to Save Money

Filed Under: Money Saving Tips

September 22, 2016 By Yami 6 Comments

Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

6 683x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers
*Some of the links below are affiliate links. Click here for the full disclosure policy*

With the change of the seasons I enjoy changing my cushion covers. It makes the house feel fresh (cause you get to clean them, ha!) and it gives the home a welcoming and new feel. However, with so many cushions around the house it can get expensive. And while I enjoy making my own covers like in this example, sometimes it helps to just buy them.

Ya know, cause 3 kids can take up some serious time from your hands.

Anyhoo!

I have come across 3 awesome (and even unlikely) places you might want to head next time you want to change things up. The best part is, all of them are under $10!

So sit back and relax while I show you where you can find cheap pillow cushions!

  1. Amazon

I know it’s crazy sounding, but Amazon has some incredible deals when it comes to pillow covers. Who knew!?

These here are only $4.10 Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.58.05 AM Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

 

I got these cause I really wanted to see what type of quality they were. Here is what they look like up close.4 683x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

Their zipper is nicely hidden which is a PLUS! But it doesn’t go from end to end, so you’re going to have to smush your pillow quite a bit to get it in.

I will note that you may have to reinforce the ends where the zipper begins and ends to prevent fraying.

5 683x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

Other than that the fabric is pretty sturdy and the colors were true to the website’s image.

1 683x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

They also went really well with the current decor I had going on. I really like the contrast between the navy and white and burlap with silver.

I will say that I also ordered these at $4.75 but they were NOT true to the colors pictured.

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.54.58 AM Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

The quality and fabric were the same and the navy blue was perfect, but I was looking for a white, not a beige.

3 683x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

However the quality was still just as good as the striped one and I can still use them, since I use a lot of beige and burlap around the house (as you saw in the picture above), but this is the only thing to take note when ordering.

Just wanna be honest folks! 😉

The order also took a couple more days than the usual Amazon delivery time, but I wasn’t in a hurry so it was no big deal for me.

However, if you are looking for a super affordable update for your cushions, Amazon is my first pick!


2. H&M

Yes, you read that right. The clothing store. I would have never thought, but if you go to their online store, you can check out their home department and let me tell ya, it’s awesome!

They always have a fresh collection of pillow covers like these currently for $2.99:

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.31.53 AM 958x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Coversand these also for $2.99:

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.32.10 AM 1007x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

And even these for $4.99 (drool)!

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.32.22 AM 982x1024 Where to Find Cheap Pillow CoversThose last ones totally go with my decor.

They are of great quality too! They don’t always come with hidden zippers, but the fabric is sturdy yet soft and their zippers extend further than the ones from Amazon, making the less harder to stuff.


Then the final place I like to find great pillow cushions is…

3. Etsy

This might seem like a no-brainer to some, but Etsy is a place for creators (mostly handmade) so you may think that prices might be a little higher than massed-produced places, but nope!

As a matter of fact this will give you an endless amount of options because there is an abundance of fabrics like the ones you can find yourself at www.fabric.com only you don’t have to make them.

SCORE!

Here are some options. While this one comes in at $9.35  (higher than the previous options, you will note the fabrics are stunning and more “designer” looking so the higher price justifies it.

However, at under $10, these are still awesome-sauce!!!

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.44.37 AM 1024x996 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

 

This other one is only $8.50 

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.46.30 AM 1024x948 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

 

And they even have stylish options for the holidays, like this one right at $10.00. 

Is anyone else ready for the holidays?!  I know my hubby and I are. He was even playing holiday music the other day while he was grilling. LOL! I am sure the neighbors thought we were nuts! 

 

Screen Shot 2016 09 21 at 11.47.09 AM 1024x969 Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

 

So there you have them! If you are looking for some great and super affordable options to change out those pillow covers (and finally wash them), you are welcome!

If you know of any other great places, I would love to know in the comments below as well.

Until next time, happy shopping!

TLND NEW SIG Where to Find Cheap Pillow Covers

 

 

 

 


P.S. Let’s connect on PINTEREST!

Filed Under: Money Saving Tips

April 13, 2016 By Yami Leave a Comment

Extending the life of your clothes

Okay, so you know very well that I am a stay at home mom who has to keep expenses at bay since we are only living off one income. You also know that I like to do things myself for the purpose of saving money.  And as you may have guessed, this would also include dry cleaning. Even before I stayed at home, my husband and I barely used the dry cleaners.

Frankly, it was pricey and we were never 100% content with the condition of our clothes when we got them back. I also didn’t appreciate that weird dry-cleaning smell they would come home with either. So, it has been a while since we have taken ANYTHING to get dry cleaned.  A few problems come with this: 1) it gives me more work (and who needs that????) and 2) clothes wear a lot faster due to constant washing.

I have always been good at maintaining my clothes in REALLY good condition, but with a husband and 3 little kids who don’t care about wear…..

….well, need I say more?

So, in the past couple of years I have implemented some things to keep our clothes from getting worn out too quickly. Here are those 5 things you could do as well…

5 tips to extend the life of your clothes 1 771x1024 Extending the life of your clothes

  1. Zip and button all of your pants and jeans – before they go in the wash. Sometimes, you don’t think about this (or even want to, I mean you already have to check all of the pockets for coins, paper, gum, money). But trust me this goes a long way. If you do this, it will ensure that the zipper does’t snag and tear any other items in the wash and closing the button ensures it doesn’t get caught and tangled with the rest of your clothes.
  2. Laundry mesh bags – Like these. I have 3 and I put all delicates like underwear, bras, anything silk and even baby bibs with velcro in them. Putting your delicates in these bags will also prevent them from getting tangled or caught underneath the rubber gasket, especially in those front loading washers. And seriously if you have babies, this is a life saver.  I put all bibs with velcro in these to avoid the velcro getting stuck and messing up the rest of the kids’ clothes – who wants a shirt with an ugly fuzzy patch on it? And, I always attach the velcro ends together in order to make extra sure it doesn’t attach itself to any other bibs inside the bag.
  3. Turn it INSIDE OUT – If you have anything with special decals, glitter, or text ALWAYS put it in the wash inside out. This will allow that decorative element to stay intact on the fabric longer. In addition, I always hang dry these items (right side out) in order to keep them looking better longer. This also applies to sweatpants. Always put them in the wash inside out in order to prevent them from pilling, but you don’t have to hang these, just make sure to also dry them inside out. And of course if they do pill, you gotta have a clothes shaver like this one at home. I use it on both clothes and furniture!
  4. Hang dry – I have 3 of these hangers in my laundry room. I hang all of my delicates (ahem, you know what they are!) to dry. pressa hanging dryer with clothes clips assorted colors  0181830 PE281929 S4 Extending the life of your clothesIt extends the life of the elastics and keeps colors brighter longer. I also use these for my kids nicer clothes. It seems like baby clothes are MADE to SHRINK, ugh!!!! Hanging onesies, tees and other delicate items helps my kids stay in them longer. Speaking of hang drying… I also hang all of my husband’s slacks and dress shirts for work. Blouses and dresses also get hung. I hang dry…. A LOT. Now, when I do dry clothes I never put them in the hottest setting. I dry the kids’ clothes on low heat and our clothes on medium. The only items I dry on high are towels, bedsheets and bath mats cause they can take the heat better. And lets talk about jeans for a minute…. one of my biggest pet peeves are wrinkled jeans. There is just no reason to wear them that way, but who wants to iron them (I mean, there just ain’t no time for that!). So what I like to do is as soon as they come out of the dryer, I hang them like this….Jeans 706x1024 Extending the life of your clothesIt’s not rocket science peeps, but if you make it a point to hang them while they are fresh out of the dryer and still hot, it prevents them from wrinkling and gives them a pressed look without any work, and you know us moms love that!
  5. Hang your sweaters the RIGHT way –  Don’t you hate when you hang a sweater, then put it on, only to find the ends of the hangers stretched it out and now you have 2 ugly bumps on your shoulders? Well, if you aren’t hanging your sweaters this way, you need to start. I start nicer sweaters out in the dryer and I usually let them dry for about 1/3 of the cycle. This gets them a little dry, but still allows them to hang without over-stretching them which happens when they are too wet and heavy. Then hang them as follows:How to hang a sweater 1024x1024 Extending the life of your clothesFirst, fold your sweater in half, vertically. Take a hanger and slide it underneath like you see above then bring the ends over. If you start hanging your sweaters this way from now on, you will NEVER have those ugly little bumps! Oh yeah!

And just because I like you, I have an extra money saving tip for you. As you may have noticed, I hang a lot of my clothes, so naturally, the loads that go in my dryer are lighter than the ones that go in my washer, so in order to be a little more money savvy I cut my dryer sheets in half. This helps each box of dryer sheets last longer and I don’t buy them as often. You don’t see a difference either – a half a sheet works just fine, especially when the load is not so large! Another win for this SAHM!

Well, I hope you find these tips helpful. Again, they aren’t complicated, but they definitely extend the life of my clothes,
Those are wins in my book!

Yami Sig 300x208 Extending the life of your clothes

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to save some money but don’t know how you can make it happen, check out this post here for some great tips!

 

 

Filed Under: Cleaning, Money Saving Tips

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A Little About Your Latina

My name is Yami. I'm a wife, mother of 3 beautiful children and of course, your Latina next door. If you're my neighbor you will most likely hear a sander, drill or a can of spray paint hard at work at any given moment (with some salsa playing the background of course). I'm grateful that I get to stay at home and document all the little, BIG or just down crazy things I come up with to make my house a home and I would love for you to join me on this adventure! Read More…

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