Simply Tasheena: February 2017

Being broke is a story that I know all too well. Growing up, we didn't have much. My parents both worked minimum wage jobs. They didn't have credit cards, no student loans and lived pay check to pay check. I created great savings habits as a teen. However, as an adult, things were just a lot harder. I would buy stuff just to buy it. I guess I was trying to live like the Jones. I was a single mom, living on one income, no child support, a mortgage, childcare and pretty much every bill in-between.

How did I learn to save? I stopped making excuses. I would have ever excuse in the book. I'm a single mom, I don't make enough money, I deserve this! Etc. I started off slow. Once I created a savings habits it got a lot easier. Is it hard at first? Yes, Is it worth it? Yes! Today I'm going to share with you four simple tips to get you started.

Budget

I need for you to see down and write a budget. If you watched my Budget Binder Video or read the Budget Binder blog post. I shared free printable's that you can use. You have to know how much money is coming in. What bills you have to pay and what is left over. You have to create a realistic goal for you and/or your family. There is no way that you can start saving if you have no idea what amount of money is allocated to each area in your life. You also have to know your limits. If you set a $400 a monthly budget for groceries. Once you reach your limit. You can't go back to the store. If you notice that you have money left over each month. You can rollover the money or allocate it to your savings account. You have to learn how to tell yourself NO.

Wants/Needs

Know your want and needs, no seriously sit down and figure out what you have to pay and what you're making excuses for. I still to this day try to figure ways that I can save my family money. After many years of having cable I mean I've always had cable. My parents were broke and they always had cable. I learned how to borrow movies from my local library for FREE. Now I have Netflix which I don't have for myself more for my family. Netflix is the fraction of the cost of cable and everyone has learned to adjust.

Savings Secrets

I wrote a long blog post about 40+ of My money Saving Secrets. Yes, I know that you have to buy stuff that your and/or your family might need. Checkout out my Money Saving Secrets post and see how you can apply any of these tips to your life. What do I do when I feel like I deserve Starbucks? I use my $5 gift card that I earned from ReceiptPale. That's five dollars extra that I'm not wasting on a beverage that I can make at home. Can be allocated to a savings account. I save my Starbucks rewards and treat myself every now and again. I watch out for Starbucks and don't rush to ever single one of them just to get points or just because it's on sale. I just don't purchase things because they are on sale. Target used to be Clutch. Now I can walk in for what I came for and what out with my coins.

Rewards Cards

Trust me, I get cash is king. Why not get a couple of coins from the stuff that you would normally spend your money on every day? You still have to get gas, you still have to buy groceries. Why not get cash back from buying stuff that you would normally buy. If you have a credit, what benefits is it giving you? Do the pros out way the cons? Is it a rewards card? Once you establish credit it should be really easy for you to get the credit of your choice. DO YOUR RESEARCH. However, be very mindful if the credit cards have any annual fees? It doesn't make sense to get a credit card. Pay $97 annual free and only get back $100 year in rewards. There are plenty of rewards cards without annual fees. My suggestion would be to not even use the cash back that you received from your credit cards. Bank of America has a sweet setup (No, this is not a affiliate link) where you can an additional bonus when you transfer your rewards points to one of their savings accounts. The perfect way to save with free money right?

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Growing up my parents did not have any type of system when it came to paying bills and saving. I noticed that they pretty much winged it. My Dad worked a lot and my Mom wasn't the Homemaker type. She kept a clean home and cooked. Finances weren't her thing at all. My Dad pretty much worked from sunup to sundown.

Which 

felt like seven days a week. He was exhausted when he did have his free time. As a child, I developed my own savings habits. I would babysit and pretty much save all of the money that came my way. I remember going to Bank of America with my Mom and opening a custodial account. I had my bank book and was super excited to start my journey.

As an adult, I've had not so much great moments with debt. From racking up a ton of bills to spending money I didn't have on WANTS. I remember working and going to the bank to deposit my money and every time I would make a deposit my account would be overdrawn. I didn't track my spending and bill pay and the bank was making a ton of money off of me from overdraft fees. This was way before the time of online banking and mobile deposits. I clearly had no idea what I was doing and at times would find myself wondering what happened to the young lady that took pride of her savings habits? I quickly got it together when I realized that I wanted to purchase my first house at the age of twenty-one. I worked on my wants/ needs and would not take any extravagant trips because I knew I couldn't afford it. Trust me getting to the road I'm on wasn't perfect. I've learned a lot and still have a lot to learn. Fast forward to today and I am so proud of myself for taking the step to creating a Budget Binder. For the last couple of years, I've used a folder to house all of our bills and a bill pay form. I love this system. However, I wanted a place that would include everything that's needed for my family. At some point, I would like to create a Home Management Binder. However, for now, I'm happy that I took the initiative needed to start on my debt free journey. I created a video sharing the items I decided to use and why. It doesn't take much to create a Budget Binder. I pretty much used everything that we had on hand and decided to create and use printable I found online. I will keep you guys updated on my journey. Thanks for taking the time to read this

Do you have a Budget Planner or Binder?

Making My Budget Binder Video

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One of my favorite recipes to make for my family is Teriyaki Glazed salmon. I used to make this recipe the least once a week. However, I started exploring different salmon recipes like Honey Garlic Salmon and Honey Garlic Butter Salmon. One of the things I love most about this recipe is that you can start prepping to make this recipe the night before or you can decide to make this recipe on a whim. I try my best to allow the salmon to marinate for 1.5 hours. I create my menu plan once a week (I think I'm going to start exploring creating a menu plan for the entire month. ) This allows me to make sure that I have everything I need to create this recipe. Plus, give me the time to allow this recipe to marinate. Like most of the recipes that I make. This recipe will be back in rotation for my upcoming menu plans. It's delicious and a family favorite.

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Recipe

Ingredients

4 Salmon Fillets
1/3 cup of Soy Sauce
1/3 cup of Water
1 Clove of Garlic, minced
1 Tsp of Grated Ginger
2 Tbsp of Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp of Cornstarch
1 Tbsp of Water

Instructions

In a saucepan, add the soy sauce, 1/4 cup of water, brown sugar, ginger and garlic, and simmer until the brown sugar has dissolved.
In a prep, small bowl, mix together the 1 Tbsp of water and cornstarch and add it to the simmering sauce. Allow sauce to thicken, remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Place the salmon fillets in a large resealable bag and pour the sauce right over the salmon.
Cover and allow the salmon to marinate for at least 1 1/2 hours in the fridge.
When ready to cook, preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, shake off excess sauce, add the salmon to the pan. Set the rest of the marinade aside.
Allow the salmon to cook for about 2 minutes on medium high, then turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid and allow the salmon to cook 2 minutes.
Prior to the salmon being fully cooked, add the rest of the marinade. Allow the salmon to cook for three minutes.
Serve with rice and veggies (pour remainder sauce on top of the salmon)

Recipe adapted from

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Family Check-in

How was your weekend? The weather was so beautiful in Connecticut. It was close to 60 degrees which you guys know that I'

m loving

. The average weather for February is around the 40-degree mark.

Which

you know I'm not a fan of. Yes, I'm still not used to it living in Connecticut all of my life. This weekend Michael had his basketball playoffs which I was super excited about. His team lost one game during the regular season which was the first game. Not the best way to start the season right? Since we have a great coaching staff that was just motivation for our boys. As many of you know, Michael is heading to high school this fall and I couldn't be any more nervous and excited. Not sure where time has gone but I am trying to get in where I fit in. He's been doing so great with school and made the Honor Roll for the second time in the row. We are so proud of him. I mean, really proud of the young man that he's shaping to be. This week will be the normal busy, I have a couple of changes that I need to make to my business site tasheenawomack.com . Other than that, I'm looking forward to enjoying the beautiful weather again later this week that we should be having.

Closet Purge

The booties I have on in the picture, I've had for some years now.

When

I worked in an office. I had every color shoes and pants. I honestly wish I only purchased five pairs of pants and maybe ten tops. Now that I'm older it really makes no sense to have all of this extra stuff that I'm now trying to get rid of. Of this is going to be an intro to check out my

Poshmark 

store. If you follow me on

Snapchat

I had the same

booties in

a different color. I am notorious for purchasing multiples of the same shoe in a different color. During my purge, I got rid of the other color due to normal wear and tear. I'm trying to get better at wearing what I have in my closet and just not reaching for the same ole shoes that I wear all of the time. I managed to get the Mister to take the pictures above for me. The original pictures we took were at our same location so I tried to switch it up on a whim with a different background.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, what are your plans for this week?

Attire Breakdown

Blazer: Kate Hill Scarf: Symphony Designs Top: Target Jeans: Forever 21 Booties: Pierre Dumas

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Today I'm sharing 40+ ways that you can save up to $1000 this year. For years I've always made the excuses of why I could not save from being overworked and underpaid to just living paycheck to paycheck. When you have a family and/or are living on one income. Just not enough money a year you have to be very creative with various ways that you can save for your family. Start now, it may not be much that you're saving but in the long run, a little bit adds up.

Six plus months have passed since my post on Money Saving Tips. Now it's 2017 and I really just couldn't wait to share with you guys some of the new tricks and tools I'm currently using.

By no means do I consider myself a financial expert even though I have taught this subject for many years in the past. What I do enjoy is your sharing with people how they can cut their bills in half or to put your money in better use. The information that I'm sharing below is stuff that I actually. These are apps websites products that I use on a daily basis and I really couldn't wait to share with you guys what I'm using because I get asked all the time what techniques I'm using for my family. I only use the products that work for me and my family. It very important for me to share with you guys the stuff that's actually working and implementing.

I plan on updating the list again as I do find out about new apps websites that are currently working for my family but right now these are the items that I'm currently using. If you have any questions on any of the products that I mentioned please feel free to ask them in the comment section if you also have any apps or websites that she would like to share please feel free to do so in the comment section is well.

Amazon Prime

Monthly free books
Amazon Music
Prime TV
Credits when you don’t do two-day shipping
Memberships pay for themselves. Because you’re not spending more to get free shipping.

Buying Cycle

It’s very important to know the best times to buy certain electronics, appliances, and home furniture. (consumer report.com)

Travel

Costco Travel (overall has the best rates, make sure to use eBates prior to checkout) Typically Costco will have bonuses that will make the offer better than other sites.
Delete cookies prior to doing your search online each prior to visiting the sites.
Kiwi- This app is great for showing you the best time to book your flight for travel.

Stop buying to just buy

I know I love a good sale. However, if you stop buying stuff because it’s a good price you will really save yourself a ton of money in the long run.

Entertainment/Restaurants

Groupon and Living Social to get discounted rates on activities or restaurants. Try to avoid the email updates just to avoid spending more money. Only shop when you actually want to purchase something.

Books

Buy books from your local library. If you go online it is easier to buy books from different libraries if your library doesn’t have the book. Some libraries have budgets to purchase books that residents want to read.

Gas

Tires-Make sure your tires have the appropriate amount of air in them.
Speed limit- Once you go over 60 mph you burn more gas.
When to pump gas?-Early in the morning. Try to avoid pumping gas when the gas is being filled.
Use the app Gas Buddy to check rates

Save on Home Energy Costs

Unplug items you’re not using-Having electronics plugged in a wall still, uses energy. when not using the electronics unplug them.

Laptop vs Desktop

I know for some people you may have a preference when completing work. However, reach for your laptop instead of your desktop. A desktop computer uses more electricity.

DIY

Make your own Laundry detergent-I started making my own Laundry detergent for several years now and it has saved me a ton of money. (You also might want to check out this post here)

Dishes

Air dry dishes instead using the dryer on your dishwasher

Try to avoid using cheap dish washing liquid that will end up costing you more in the long run because you’re using more of the product. Dawn is one of my favorite affordable dish soaps.

Washer/Dryer

Knowing when to wash/dry your clothing and run your dish water. Most electric companies have different rates for different times of the day. For example, the best time for me to run my large appliances is Monday-Friday 7 pm -7 am. Do a quick Google search to see when the best time is with your energy provider.

Wash your clothing in cold water.
Air dry your clothing whenever possible.
Add tennis balls (or purchase the dryer balls) helps the clothing dry a lot faster.

App Love

Receipt Pal-With this app you’re able to scan receipts to your phone and earn points which in return you can earn money or gift cards.

Ebates (for instore and shopping online)
Shop at Home-Shop at home is similar to Ebates however, check the percentage off daily to see which will be the best choice for that day.
Top Cash Back- Top Cash Back is similar to Ebates and Shop at Home. However, they all typically vary with the amount that they are giving back.

Target Cartwheel

When shopping at Target always have your cartwheel app handy. You do not have to worry about clipping coupons.
You can also use the extension Honey to assist with shopping online to apply the best coupon code that’s available. You can always do a google search on your own.

TV Shows/Movies

Netflix
Amazon Movie

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One of the things that I want to do more on the blog is share my travel experiences. I love reading other blogs when they share their travel stuff so why not share my experiences as well. There are so many beautiful locations that I can’t wait to see and also some that I have experienced. First I wanted to share with our experience at Zion National Park. On a whim, the Mister and I decided to visit Las Vegas. I was so ready to go because it was December and it was really cold outside in Connecticut, You know, the typical New England weather. The day of our flight the Mister mentioned that it was going to be cold in Las Vegas and I panicked. I honestly felt like crying. You see, the first time we visited Las Vegas was around March and it was around 60 degrees during the day and at night it was freezing. I honestly just wanted to be a flight away from summer this time around. I called our airlines and they explained that I could change our flight to a different location. I quickly looked at the weather in different states and it seemed as if everywhere was cold that week. I kept the reservations and boy. I had a huge surprise upon arriving to Las Vegas. Baby, it was cold outside. We decided to make the most of it… I woke up the next morning and was not having it. I searched for rental car places and booked a rental car. I can’t even remember how we got to the car rental place. But we go there and was off with our rental car. We stopped to get gas and decided to just drive. Because we knew it we were close to California. I mean, like I had no idea how close Las Vegas and California were to each other, YAY! We meet with the Mister's family and had dinner, drinks and the time of my life. (This is entirely a whole another blog post in itself so I won't go into too much detail.) We woke up the next morning and decided to drive back to the hotel. That day we decided that we were going to drive to Zion National Park. I believe it was one of the closest National parks from where we were staying at in Las Vegas. I can’t remember how long it took to get there but the drive was beautiful and scary at the same time. I’m not used to driving so close to mountains and everything was just so breathtaking. I wanted to get out of the car to take pictures but I opted not. Before I knew it, we arrived to Zion National park. I can’t remember how much the fee was to enter. We drove through the park and took a couple of pictures. The Mister was not trying to hear driving at the top of the mountain on the icy roads. I wanted to do it so badly even though I was scared. I could only imagine how breathtaking the view was from the top of the mountain. The air was so crisp and clean. Honestly, I believe this was my favorite trip out of all of the trips I’ve taken with the Mister. We laughed the entire ride there and was just in all from the views. I’m happy we opted not to do the typical Las Vegas trip and created beautiful memories by exploring.