Archives for April 2011

Science Fair: Learning from Adjustment

April 19, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Oakley Originals)

Are you familiar with a Science Fair? This is an event where contestants bring science projects to be viewed and judged for prizes. The setup for a Science Fair requires space for viewing and stability to protect the projects.

When the science teacher asked for help with setup, my girls and I arrived to help. After spending some time planning, we began moving round tables into the designated places. Then a Board member arrived to help, and he informed the science teacher of an event scheduled in the same building that evening. We then had to stop. The science teacher worked through the inconvenience and adjusted her plan.

We then helped her to execute that new plan. The final product was not what the teacher envisioned for the Science Fair, but the setup accomplished both goals: room for viewing and solid surfaces to protect the projects.

WHAT I LEARNED:

When organizing any event, know who will be using the space of your event between setup and the event.

Keep your cool when a bump in the process arises (i.e. a scheduled meeting in your space).

Adjust your plan, and keep your focus on accomplishing your basic goals.

Help the coordinator by staying calm and being willing to redo the setup.

The next day, the girls and I attended the Science Fair. The event progressed very smoothly. All the projects were well-displayed, and there was plenty of room to move around the exhibits without disturbing the projects.

As you assist or attend an event, do you take note of good organization? I am always looking to improve my organization. When I run an event that is well-organized, I know I have spent my time wisely as I enjoy the activities with my guests.

New Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel

April 18, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: SC Johnson

When my husband was shopping at Sam’s Club, he received a sample of the new Scrubbing Bubbles continuous clean toilet cleaning gel. He brought home the cleaning sample, and I added it to my cleaning supplies.

THE PRODUCT

In preparing for company to visit, I cleaned the half bathroom and decided to use the new product. I cleaned the toilet from top to bottom like I usually do. After the toilet was cleaned, then I used the new Scrubbing Bubbles continuous clean toilet cleaning gel:

Opened the box and read the instructions.
Put the dispenser together.
Using the dispenser, stamped one star-shaped gel dot onto the inside of the toilet near the rim.
Flushed the toilet to activate the gel.
Put the cleaner away and out of reach from my children.

The gel will dissolve a little with each flush. The instructions state that each stamp should last for 1 week. After 2 weeks of use, our stamp is still in place. It has not yet dissolved all the way. When the stamp has dissolved completely, then I will just stamp another gel dot on the inside of the toilet. Our 1 dispenser holds 6 stamps and will last at least 6 weeks. Woo Hoo!

ENTER CHILDREN

Since I cleaned the bathroom after my children had gone to bed, I did not consider that they would notice that there was a star-shaped object in the toilet. (You see where I’m going with this story? It’s not really that bad.) The next evening, my son calls my husband into the bathroom to show him this object in the toilet. My husband recognized the cleaning product and explained the process to our son. Then our son shared that he had touched it because he “wanted to feel it.” My husband had him wash his hands and then brought our daughter into the bathroom to show her as well.

LESSON

Remember that children are inquisitive. They like to explore and are not afraid to try new things, like touching cleaning supplies that look fun and interesting. Now that I am aware that they are observing changes, I will be more careful to inform them of any changes. We will need a field trip (in this case, to the bathroom) with an explanation and demonstration. If my children understand the new product, then they will know to leave it alone. I will also allow them to watch me stamp the next star-shaped dot on the inside of the rim. Including them in the process usually keeps their curiosity at bay.

I’m thankful our son came to an adult for an explanation. This situation could have resulted in a trip to the hospital had our son decided to taste it instead of feel it. I hope this warning not only reminds me to include my children when I try a new product, but also helps you remember that little ones are very curious.

Credit Cards: Closed Accounts

April 17, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Today I will complete the first of four categories housed in Box 1 of my important documents. I use an accordion file, and this first box contains four tabs with the names of each category. The first tab reads, “Credit Report/Card Documents.”

Three of the accordion file slots contain information under this topic. The first file houses our credit reports and FICO credit scores. The second file holds copies of our active credit cards and accompanying documentation. The third, and final, file slot contains closed account letters from corresponding credit card companies.

When Paul and I joined our finances after marriage, we each had individual accounts. In an effort to consolidate our accounts, we closed most of our accounts. We kept open the oldest account for each of us.

Our reasoning – the FICO score is based on a number of criteria. One of which is the length of time you have held an account in good standing. To keep our FICO scores as high as possible, we kept open two of our individual accounts.

CLOSING ACCOUNTS

As I closed our accounts, I requested that the bank or issuer send a letter stating that “our account was closed by consumer.” I then placed these letters in the third file of my Box 1 documents under the category of Credit Report/Card Documents.

AFTER CLOSING ACCOUNTS

After receiving our credit report(s), I checked the closed accounts to verify that one of these comments was listed: “account closed at consumer’s request,” or “account closed by consumer.” Having this comment shows any potential creditor that my account was closed at my request rather than by the lender for inactivity or past due balance. (Since most creditors look at your credit score rather than your credit report, some people think that this distinction does not matter. If you apply for a mortgage, line of credit, large personal loan, or car loan, then the lender will pull the full credit report, and the comments may be a factor. Even though I do not plan to apply for more credit, I prefer to err on the side of being too careful than not careful enough.)

I also review our credit reports to see all of our closed accounts. These accounts will continue to report on your credit report for up to 10 years. I then check my closed account letters to be sure I have a corresponding letter for each account closed. If I am missing a letter, then I contact the issuer and request a letter stating that the account was closed by consumer.

When I went back to request two of these letters for old accounts that had been closed, I did have two companies who had purged their files. One of these was my first credit card which was co-signed by my parents. Since the bank account to which the credit card was linked was no longer active, I had to work my way up the chain of supervisors until I received my letter. You may not be as persistent. But if there ever is a problem with that account, I have the documentation to back up my standing.

TIP: Requesting the closed account letter at the time of closing the account saves lots of time and energy!

Setting up this first category is very time-consuming. I worked for about 2 – 3 months to get this one category complete, and I’m so thankful I did! All my documents are together. I now spend a little time maintaining it. I used my time wisely by investing my energy into getting it right the first time. I wish you much success as you plug away at this daunting task.

The rest of the categories in this box do not require as much research. I will help you get your documents in order as we proceed next week with the second category – Important Personal Documents. Keep using your time wisely, and keep up the good work!

10 Ways to Cut the Expense of Eating Out – Part 4 of 5

April 16, 2011 by Tracy

Are you able to spend your time wisely by opting for a restaurant meal every once in awhile. I always enjoy the night off when we either eat out or bring home from the take-out window.

In our 5-week series on 10 ways to cut the expense of eating out, we have looked at options 1-6 in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. In this fourth week of the series, we will look at gift cards and gift certificates and using the TO GO option at some restaurants to help us refrain from overspending in our food budgets.

OPTION 7: Use gift cards or gift certificates.

GIFT CARDS: Most gift cards are plastic and rectangular, like a credit card. They can be redeemable at one or more locations. Because the card is used like a credit card, you can carry a balance on the card. (For example, you have a $25 gift card to Red Lobster. You and a friend have lunch, use a coupon, and drink water. Your total comes to $22.00. You pay the bill with the gift card, leave the tip in cash, and retain your gift card with the remaining $3 to be used on another visit.)

If you receive gift cards as a present, gift, or bonus, then using them in conjunction with a coupon could dramatically decrease your out-of-pocket spending. (TIP: Remember to tip your server on the full amount of the bill rather than the portion you owe.)

When our credit card points on our Discover card reach the $20 level, I begin to investigate the options available. If there is a restaurant we plan to visit, I have enough points, and the value is worth spending my points, then I will cash in my points for that gift card. Usually I can cash in my $20 points for a $25 gift card which is a great deal to me.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: Usually gift certificates are printed on paper. They can be redeemable at one or more locations. The certificate must be used all at one time adhering to the restrictions printed in the terms of the agreement.

I have received gift certificates with our Discover credit card points. When I receive a certificate, I make sure to read all the terms listed. (For example, not valid on Friday or Saturday, excludes alcohol, minimum purchase amount, dine-in only, etc.)

Besides cashing in credit card points, I also purchase gift certificates. Two of my favorite places to buy gift certificates are:

1. www.groupon.com: This website is a daily deal site. Each day a new deal is posted. The deal can be anything from entertainment to food to traveling to car maintenance. If enough orders are placed (set up by the company), then the deal will be on. If there is not enough interest, then you cannot purchase the certificate at the discounted rate. (For example, the Groupon of the day might be a $25 gift certificate to Fuddruckers for a price of $10. If enough orders are placed, then you can purchase this gift certificate for $10.) This website is great for gifts and services your family might need.

2. www.restaurant.com: My family and friends receive these gift certificates from our family in celebration of anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas. This site offers gift certificates to local restaurants that you find by zip code. A % off discount code or promotional code can usually be found on their home page. I will wait for an 80% off code, and then purchase the gift certificates: the $25 certificates will be $2 and the $10 certificates are only $1. Can you see why I really like this site? I do wait for the sales to maximize my savings. When the prices are low, I stock up. This website is great for gifts and for meals that your family will enjoy.

OPTION 8: Get your meal To Go.

You can save on drinks and gratuity by opting to use take out. You can enjoy the same meal in the comfort of your home with your own drink for a fraction of the cost.

Some restaurants have different menu options at their take out window. A local seafood and chicken restaurant offers a great TO GO deal: huge take-out box of calabash chicken, 5 side items (baked potato, baked sweet potato, French fries, or vegetables), full take-out box of hushpuppies, 5 coleslaw cups, and a gallon of sweet tea for $19.99. This meal feeds our family for two days. At this price, it is worth the little drive to pick it up.

Whether you can plan ahead to purchase gift cards or gift certificates or you choose to pick up your dinner saving on drinks and tip, I hope you are about to maximize your savings while enjoying your family time around the meal table.

Spring Break: Daily Activities

April 15, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Jessica Merz)

Are you anticipating spring break? We did! My son’s school has an earlier spring break than most schools in our area. Having the run of places while other children were in school was SO nice! As you prepare for your extra time with your school-age children, I will share how we spent our spring break without breaking the bank on the activities.

Monday: We ran errands all day, but I worked in fun stops along the way. For example: I spaced out the two grocery store trips. We visited one in the morning around 10:00 a.m. which is snack time. The free cookie program took care of the morning snack which is a very nice free option. The second grocery store was visited as the last stop on the way home. We also snagged a free cookie for the kids which held them over until dinner.

We ran our first batch of errands at stores close to home. We then made a stop at home for lunch and to unload before heading out for the afternoon session. In addition to grocery shopping, I had 3 errands to accomplish at a local mall. After lunch, we went to the mall. After accomplishing our errands, I allowed the kids to play at the Kidgits Area, which is an in-door playground. They were climbing, sliding, crawling, and playing for over an hour. They had a great time, and I was able to accomplish a long list of errands.

Tuesday: With the errands completed, we spent the morning at our local library. I was hoping to catch our usual story time class, but the library took their spring break that same week. Though we did not have an official story time with songs and stories, the kids returned their books, chose new ones, and played in the kids area with the puzzles, toys, and computers. After our library visit, we went home for lunch and a restful afternoon.

Wednesday: I scheduled a play date at our house. Our neighbors came down to play for the morning. My kids enjoyed having other children come play with their toys in their house. I enjoyed the visit with my neighbor as our kids played well together. We then rested in the afternoon before heading to church for Kids 4 Truth.

Thursday: We played at home for the morning and allowed the baby to get her morning nap. After an early lunch, we headed for our local Bounce House with inflatables on which the kids jump. We had saved some passes that were given to us, and I brought snacks for them. This all-afternoon activity was a highlight for the week. With their energy exhausted, my kids slept really well that night. 🙂

Friday: After adjusting our schedule due to the baby’s long morning nap, we met up with our friends for the afternoon at the zoo. With our Family Plus Zoo Membership, our family and guests were granted free admission into the zoo. All seven kids enjoyed looking, laughing, and playing together while watching all the animals. At the conclusion of our visit, the kids enjoyed playing on the playground together. This activity was by far THE highlight of our spring break.

With a little advanced planning, I was able to schedule at least one special activity each day. Since all these activities were free, except the cost of gas, we were able to enjoy an activity-slammed week without breaking the bank.

What special activities did you or are you planning to do during spring break? I hope you have a great time with your family as you enjoy each other!

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