Going out to eat is one of the biggest budget busters of our generation. We simply don’t have the time to make elaborate dinners every night! Some of us were never taught to cook, and so eating out takes way less time than cooking (and it usually tastes better.) But eating out is terrible on the wallet. For whatever reason, we balk at spending $10 on a 2 pound package of ground beef at the store, but a quick fast food meal for two at around $18 is no big deal. It is a big deal though, especially when going out to eat becomes a habit. It adds up fast! (One great way to see how much you’re spending on eating out each month is by using my highlighter budgeting method. You already know you’re spending too much on food, but you may be surprised just how high that number actually ... View Post

You know you need an emergency fund. You've been told how important having emergency savings is. But how exactly do you do this? How do you save for emergencies when everything else is so important too? I've written this ultimate guide to emergency funds to help you get your emergency savings started in a few practical steps. You don't have to keep putting this off any longer, and the sooner you start saving, the sooner you'll be prepared for whatever life throws your way! Step 1: Decide on Your Amount There are a few different factors you should consider when deciding on how much you should have in your emergency fund. How big is your family? How many different incomes do you have coming in? Popular advice is to start with $1,000 and build from there. I think $1,000 is a solid ... View Post

Here at Fulfilled for Less, I believe that we don't need a bunch of "stuff" to make us happy. I'm excited to talk about why frugal simplicity is a great thing, and how to save money on essentials through frugal living! Some people set out to live frugally as a means to an end, or as a short term fix for going through a lean financial season. But many have found the joy that frugal living can bring, and want to stick with it in the long run! Whatever your reasons for wanting to live a frugal life, here are a few practical ways you can substitute in different areas of your life, without even feeling like you're sacrificing! This post may contain affiliate links. Switch to wool dryer balls They last for a thousand plus loads, saving you from having to purchase expensive dryer ... View Post

If you've just made the decision to quit your job so you can stay home with your kids and follow your passions, congratulations!! Seeing people make the jump is the thing that gets me more excited than anything! Now that you've made up your mind, you're probably wondering how exactly to make it happen. When you're used to living on two incomes, it can be hard and scary to make the switch to living on one income. But I firmly believe that it can be done. Here are nine expenses you can cut to make living on one income a possibility: 1. Going Out/Entertainment My husband and I love going to the movies, and we used to do it all the time. Now that we moved back home and our closest theater is 30 minutes away (an hour for the good ones,) we hardly ever go anymore. I guess that's why I was so ... View Post

Running a little low on cash? Here's over 20 ways to save money in your 20's (and beyond) so you can put more money back in your bank account! In your 20's you're probably going to spend a lot of time going to school, working entry-level jobs, and not bringing in lavish paychecks. That's why it's so important to save money every way you turn. And the good thing is, there's plenty of opportunities all around! So let's dive right in with how to save money in your 20's: 1.) Drive a used car. And no, it doesn't necessarily have to be a "beater." Even purchasing a car that's a few years old versus brand new off the lot will save you thousands of dollars in depreciation. 2.) Stop eating out for lunch every day. Food is probably my number one weakness when it comes to my money. I'm ... View Post