My Frugal WAHM Life

Sunday, March 1, 2015

5 WAHM Productivity Hacks (Part 1)

5 WAHM Productivity Hacks

A job is a responsibility in that there are always lots of things that need done. Unfortunately, as a WAHM it's so easy to get sidetracked throughout the day and end up realizing that we didn't accomplish what we wanted to that day. Of course, it's important to stay on track but there are also some things that can help us do just that.

WAHM Productivity Hack #1: Edit Your To-Do List

When your to-do list grows too big, it becomes overwhelming, and you get nothing done. Instead, create a list of only three or four things that you really have to get done.

WAHM Productivity Hack #2: Recreate the Way You Do Things

Try another way of creating a to-do list. Whether you choose to use sticky notes, or you may like the Bloom daily planner planning system tear off to do pad, which really seems to have been designed for WAHMs.

(Reviewed here...)

WAHM Productivity Hack #3: Step up to the Chalenge

Stop thinking and start doing. Challenge yourself to get everything done as quickly as possible. Of course, you don't want to stress yourself out over it though.

WAHM Productivity Hack #4: Cut the Dead Weight

Consider doing away with any products that you're selling that aren't selling well. Instead, focus on products that work and sell well. Instead, focus on products that work and sell well. The same is also true for those who aren't creating products - stop saying "yes" to everything so that you can focus on what's truly important.

WAHM Productivity Hack #5: Trust Yourself and Others

Remember. You're a person, not a machine. When you start feeling unproductive, get up and move around a bit. This will usually help. If you're still feeling stuck on certain tasks, delegate them to others or hire someone to do them for you so that you can focus on what's really important.

Stay tuned for part 2, next week...

This blog post was part of...

Monday, February 23, 2015

3 Financial Tips for WAHMs

As a WAHM, I've learned to accept the fact that my income is unpredictable. For this reason, I've also become a frugalista. While I have a lot of suggestions that I want to share with you, if only a few of them work for you, they will be helpful.

Financial Tips for WAHMs #1: Utilize Penny Banks

Collect your loose change and watch it add up in such a short amount of time. This is always great when you occasionally need a few extra dollars.

Financial Tips for WAHMs #2: Pay Yourself First

You need a backup plan in the form of a savings account. This means that you take out either an exact amount or a percentage of each paycheck you receive. Once you put some money into a savings account, forget about it. Of course, as you do this, you'll also want to make sure to keep track of your bills so you know how much you actually owe. A great way in which to do this is with a bill organizing system such as this one...

Financial Tips for WAHMs #3: Be Realistic

Set up small, more attainable goals. Maybe instead of having a six-month backup plan, you have one for three months. Once you reach that goal, you can move on from there.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

9 Things to Do with This Year's Tax Refund Check

Will you be receiving a tax refund check this year? If so, what are you going to do with it? This isn't "extra" money, not even money you've "found." This is money the government's held for you in a saving's account. Therefore, you should use it wisely. So, you should consider doing one of these things.

Pay down your debt (e.g. credit cards, student loans, car payments). Focus on the loan with the highest interest.

Put some money aside and start an emergency fund. This account should contain enough money to cover all of your expenses for 6 months just in case your main source of income is suddenly gone.

Take a look at each of your insurance policies to make sure you'll be fully covered in case of an emergency.

Set aside some money for retirement. The earlier you start, the more money you'll have saved up.

Plan ahead for your children's college education. It's expensive so you should start a 529 plan ahead of time.

Upgrade your home. You may even qualify for some tax credits or abatements to help stretch your money some here.

Invest some money in a taxable account. Doing so can help you amass a big nest egg if you do it right.

Donate to a charity.

Set the money aside for this year's vacation. Instead of using your charge cards, use your tax refund money so that you won't have to stress about the financial aspects of your vacation later on.

Start with the first four items on this list. Once you've accomplished them, you can work on the rest.

If you're receiving a refund, what are your plans for it this year?

This post is part of "My Stay At Home Adventures Linkup Party"

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

WAHM Blogging For Money

I have really enjoyed blogging. Although it's been fun, I'm hoping to turn it into a full-time income sometime. I know it takes some work but I've been doing what I'm told will work eventually.

To begin with, they say you should blog about something you know, which I do. I have around 10 years of experience as a WAHM and homeschooling, qualifying both of those blogs. I have a multitude of health problems, as well as a love for pets, thus my Live Love Laugh blog (a saying I like too). I'm also an ordained ULC minister with a BA in Religion, hence my Christian blog. So, what do you know a lot about?

Of course, you know you have to monetize. You can do this by involving outside companies in your blogging. I have chosen to go slow and build my own products instead. I do have some other links to money making programs on my blog though because I don't want all my eggs to be in one basket.

All good things take time. That's the point I'm now at... Trying to spread the word about my blog. Do you know someone who may enjoy this blogging network? If so, I invite you ask them to stop by. Let me know about your blogs too by commenting. I like talking to my viewers!