Sister, Sister: Two Girls, Two Suburbs, One Night on the Town

My family is from southern Indiana. I grew up in the toe of Indiana’s boot, but my sister and I both ended up Central Indiana. We live less than 20 miles apart, in north side suburbs, and mostly touch base whenever we’re in our homewtown. Recently, we’ve both been making …read more    

8 Part-Time Jobs that Will Have You Home Before the Bus

Part-Time Jobs for Parents

Like many parents, I chose to stay home with our kids when they were younger in part because the costs of daycare would outweigh my income. We put a lot of thought into how it would work and which of us should stay home. In the end, the hubby’s job …read more    

Nostalgia in the Food Court: Root Beer Stand at Circle Center Mall

There was a root beer stand in my hometown called Frost Top. Like root beer stands in every hometown, you could order from your car and have food delivered along with a frosty mug of draft root beer. If you’ve never tried draft root beer, you’ve never tried root beer …read more    

Supercross in Indianapolis: Photos and Results

I’ve been going to Supercross in Indianapolis for more than 10 years, but this one was a little different for me. Maybe it was the fact that I took three kids with me this time. Maybe it was the fact that with Chad Reed out, I had no rider to …read more    

Local Dining Treasures: 10 Must-Order Menu Items

There is no shortage of amazing restaurants in Indianapolis. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a few favorite menu items from each local restaurant. I know there is so much out there, I should really be exploring new food and restaurants instead of constantly ordering the same thing. But our favorites …read more    

Decoding 3 Major Stores’ Pricing Strategies — and How You Can Benefit

Decoding Store Prices: What Does The Price Tag Really Mean?

Have you ever wondered how grocery store prices are determined? $1.99, $2.48, $3.77? Believe it or not, there is usually a strategy behind the number. One of the best ways to save money at the grocery store is to pay attention to pricing trends and sales. Sometimes, it’s as simple …read more    

Are Monthly Samples Subscriptions Really Worth It?

Are Monthly Sample Subscriptions Worth It?

Every month, you can have samples of beauty products, groceries, craft kits, pet supplies, and so much more delivered right to your door. Each package includes a selection of samples on a given theme. But are the monthly samples really worth the subscription price?

I’ve tried a few over the last …read more    

A Reading Challenge to Lower My Budget

A Reading Challenge to Lower Your Budget

Reading non-fiction books can provide inspiration to payoff debts, advice to lower your monthly budget, and tips for living a more frugal lifestyle. I’m always looking for more help with our finances, and this year I am participating in a citywide reading challenge with 1,000 of my closest friends.

<a target=_self href="http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2013/12/27/read26indy/4222087/" …read more    

How Target’s Credit Breach Saved me $200/month

How a Cash Budget Can Save $200 Each Month

When news first leaked of the Target security breach, I panicked along with every other holiday shopper. I breathed a sigh of relief when I remembered our holiday cash budget was a handy barrier. My Black Friday purchases had not gone on a credit or debit card at all — …read more    

Westfield Underground Railroad Run

The Underground Railroad Run is a 5K run and 3K family walk that winds through historic Westfield, Indiana. This year’s race will take place on March 22nd, winding through Asa Bales Park and by the anti-slavery cemetery in downtown Westfield. Options include a 3K walk, designed for families to enjoy …read more