money matters

Why I Write Sponsored Content on my Site

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You'll sometimes see bloggers write something like "This is sponsored content." But what does that mean, and why do bloggers write sponsored content? Here's what it means for me, and why I choose to write sponsored content on my site.

Every few weeks, I get a message from one of my readers. “Why do you share sponsored content on your blog?” “What does it mean when you say something has been sponsored by a company?” “I’m a new blogger– how do I get a sponsor to sponsor content on my blog?” “Why do you keep showing us these ads?! Can’t I just get the recipe without you trying to sell me something?” Here’s the deal… I have some really specific reasons that I write sponsored content, and I’m going to share those reasons with you right now.

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Saving With Smartphones

- Mama 2 Comments

Okay, I told you guys recently that I got a smartphone, partially to help me with my One Little Word, Capture, partially because I’ve been dying for one forever, and partially because, as I’ve mentioned before, I am an avid couponer.

I love to save money. It’s thrilling, it’s fun, and it’s something new all the time. As a single mom on a limited income, I love to make sure that I’m saving anywhere I can, and that means saving money on everyday items like diapers, cereal, orange juice, dog treats, laundry products, and things like Neosporin.

I knew that getting a smart phone would be hard on my budget-conscious self, especially since a data plan would increase my monthly bill by $20! I knew that I had to find some way to recoup those costs if I was going to get a smart phone, so the very first thing that I did when I got home with my new phone was begin searching for the best savings apps.

I found several that I’m totally obsessed with, and I have to tell you about them, so if you have a smartphone, you can check them out, too.

First off is SavingStar. The best thing about SavingStar is that you don’t have to have a smartphone to use it. You can just use it with your computer! That means that everyone can use it anytime. The SmartPhone app is great because I can quickly add an offer in store, save money by not having to print the list of items I want to purchase with relevant details about sizes to buy, etc, and I can add an offer unexpectedly, like today, when my mom needed me to pick up some yogurt at the store. I hadn’t accepted that offer earlier, thinking I may not use it, but when she said that, I was able to accept the offer on my phone easily, right there in the store.

With SavingStar, there are three main kinds of offers. The first kind is an offer where you just purchase one… this works kind of like a regular coupon in that you usually get a certain amount of money off when you buy a certain number of products in one transaction. For example, my yogurt offer was able to get me $0.40 off when I bought 6.

I then take time to combine SavingStar savings with coupons and store sale prices to get the best deal… the yogurt, which is usually $0.89, was actually on sale this week for $0.50 each. I had a coupon for $1.00 off when I bought 8, and then a SavingStar offer for $0.40 off of 6, meaning I purchased 8 (regularly $7.12, on sale for $4.00) to get an extra $1.40 off… a total of $4.52 off of the regular price, making the yogurt only $0.32 each! For the name brand!

The second type of offer that SavingStar has is called a One Or Many deal. The One or Many deals are great because you can purchase them over several transactions. For example, last month, one of my great one or many deals was $5 off when I spent $15 on International Delight Coffee Creamer– my favorite. Because the SavingStar said I could spend it on either the singles or the refrigerated liquid, I was use my coupons to get about $30 worth of creamer for $15, and that $15 met the requirements of spending $15 on I.D., which meant I got $5 back, getting me $30 worth of creamer for only $10… score!

The final type of offer from SavingStar is an unlimited offer. This means that you can earn as much as you’d like by spending a certain amount of money. One such offer that appeared yesterday on my phone was 3% back on any purchase of Elmer’s glue or glue sticks, as much as I needed! That meant whether I bought 1 bottle or 50, I’d get 3% of my total purchase price back.

The major thing that you need to know about SavingStar is that you won’t see the savings come off at the register. Instead, it will keep track of your purchases and the money will show up in your SavingStar account several days later. When you earn at least $5, you can pick your payout of either a direct bank deposit, cashing out for PayPal, an Amazon.com gift card, or a donation to the American Forests organization. I typically choose either the bank deposit (so I can put the money towards bills) or an Amazon.com gift card, so I can spend it on books and apps for my Kindle Fire.

You also need to know that SavingStar works with your store rewards card, which is how it tracks your purchases. You tell them what store you shop at (there are TONS of stores across the country) and register your card with SavingStar. I use my Price Chopper Midwest card to save. If your store participates with SavingStar but doesn’t have a loyalty card, you can use a Upromise keytag, which is available for free at the customer service desk of participating stores.

I’ve been using SavingStar for 1 month now, and I have redeemed $8.90 worth of rewards, with $4 more pending. That’s a total of almost $13.00.

You can sign up for SavingStar at their website. Remember, you do not need a smartphone to use SavingStar, though there is an app available for iPhone and Android.

 

The second app I’m loving right now is the Coupons.com app. The coupons.com app is not much different from the coupons.com website, other than you can select the coupons you want on your phone, and then send them to an email address to print from later. I love it because I can have my phone out while I’m watching Sesame Street with Zach, tap on the coupons that I want, and when I get time during his nap, log in from my laptop quickly and send them to the printer, then while they’re printing, I have the rest of his nap time to do something else, like blog or work on a project, rather than sitting at my computer sifting through coupons. I can even select the coupons I want while I’m on the go– obviously not while driving, but if I’m riding in my family’s car as a passenger, I can be clipping coupons to send to my email account while we’re driving and chatting away.

To be honest, you don’t really need the app in order to save money, but I’ve found that I am more conscious about getting the coupons I need when I have them at the touch of a finger. I’ve been using this service for months, and I save an average of $20 per month on my average grocery purchases with it.

You can access Coupons.com at their website. Again, you don’t need a smartphone to use Coupons.com, but it does make it more convenient for me personally.

 

My all-time favorite money saving app of the moment, though, is Ibotta. Holy cow, Ibotta. This is an awesome app, and I am actually even willing to say that this app was worth getting a smart phone for. If I had no other app available to me on my phone, I would be okay, as long as I had Ibotta.

First off, Ibotta is available for use at tons of retailers, and they’re adding more all of the time. My favorite two stores to use Ibotta at are Wal-mart and Target. It’s super simple stuff to use the app. You open it up and go to the pages of items. The offers are for various items anywhere from Neosporin and similar products, to shampoo, conditioner, orange juice, cereal, chips and crackers, diapers, dog treats, and more. All you have to do is tap on an offer you want, and it’ll open up a screen with various options. Sometimes you can learn a fact about the product, take a poll about the product (usually a question like “how often do you purchase this product?”), answer a trivia question, watch a short video (usually a 15-30 second commercial), share on facebook that you are saving money with that item, getting a recipe, or viewing nutrition information. There are 2-3 different savings opportunities per product, and you can complete as many of the offers as you’d like to, meaning on many products, you can save over $1.00 off your purchase! And, again, these awesome deals stack with coupons.

Today, I went to purchase cereal at Wal-Mart. I bought 6 different boxes, from brands like Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, and Corn Flakes. I had $1.00 off EACH a certain kind of Special K (Oats and Honey), a certain kind of Raisin Bran (the Cinnamon Almond variety), a box of Rice Krispies, and a box of Corn Flakes. I purchased 2 boxes of Special K, 2 boxes of Raisin Bran, a box of Rice Krispies, and a box of Corn Flakes, making sure I bought the sizes and varieties listed. If I was unsure about which ones to buy, I could use my Ibotta app to scan the barcodes of the boxes to make sure that I got them. I also had coupons for $1.00 off if I bought a box of Rice Krispies AND a box of Corn Flakes, $1.00 off two boxes of raisin bran, and $1.00 off two boxes of Special K. That meant I got $4 from Ibotta and $3 off using coupons, meaning my $17.00 cereal purchase ended up only costing me $10.00. For 6 boxes of cereal, you can’t beat that with a store brand!

When I finished at the store, I used my Ibotta app to take a photo of my receipt, then scanned the barcodes of the qualifying items that I purchased. Within 30 minutes, the money was posted to my account, and I could either cash out for a PayPal payment, or donate money to the school of my choice in the United States. I decided to cash out for the paypal.

Several days ago, I had gone to Target and purchased items using the Ibotta app. One of the items I got was a tube of Neosporin. Target had priced all of their Neosporin 10% off, meaning the tube was priced at around $4.00. I had a $3.00 off coupon that had printed from the Target Catalina at my checkout on my previous trip, and I ended up having $1.50 in Ibotta savings. Combined, I ended up not only getting my Neosporin for FREE, but I actually MADE $0.50 on my purchase!

I have been using the app for 1 week and have redeemed $13.00 in rewards.

You can sign up for Ibotta by clicking the link below while on your SmartPhone. Once you redeem your first offer, you’ll get $5 in BONUS cash for free because you went through my referral link. Ibotta is only for smartphone users, but it is possible to use it on either iPhone or Andriod devices.

 

Finally, I also love to use store apps on my smartphone, such as the Target app, the Walmart App, and the Hobby Lobby App. All of these allow me to check the weekly ad directly from my phone, as well as snag special offers for each store. The Walmart and Target apps also allow you to use their app to refill your prescriptions. Hobby Lobby’s app allows you to get their weekly coupon directly from the app.

All in all, I have not changed my purchasing habits at all when it comes to what I buy– I’m buying the same items I always do, and purchase the same items that I have always purchased. The difference is that I am saving, and I’m really not having to get that much more effort into my normal shopping list– I’m able to access my savings from anywhere and easily save the money, without a ton of effort. I love that I am able to save not only enough to cover the cost of the data plan on my phone, but I’m also able to save more on top of that. I cannot believe how much money I have been able to redeem and save off of my normal purchases, and I’m so happy that I am able to afford a smartphone because of smart shopping.

I’ve realized that I can have both worlds– a tight budget, AND a Samsung Galaxy S3. I don’t have to compromise completely in order to save money, and in fact, this smartphone has saved me MORE money than ever before.

How I Afford Being a Single Parent

- Mama 2 Comments

Single parenting poses different challenges to different parents, but there's one trend that seems to be fairly consistent: the question of how you can afford everything on just one income? This is how I afford being a single parent.

Someone asked the other day how I afforded being a parent, especially a single one, on my low income. I don’t make a ton of money, but I do make enough to get by. I don’t have enough to go out and buy a house tomorrow, but I’ve found that, through careful planning, I can make a dollar stretch and keep our lives stable, steady, and consistent.

People asked if I felt like I was doing justice to Zach by only having a small salary on which to care for him. But I do, I do get by. And Zach has never wanted for anything. And I have some great tips and tricks for finding ways to pay for the things Zach and I need.

I budget. And re-budget. And check my budget.

Not a day goes by that I don’t check my online banking. I see how much money is in there, and I budget certain amounts for certain things… some money is set aside to take care of Echo’s needs: food, grooming, vet appointments. Some money is set aside to save for Zach’s future. Some money is set aside for our family vacation. And, money is set aside for medical bills, food, clothing, personal care, and all of the other needs that we have. I stick to a budget, and I budget in some “fun money.” You know, for going out for lunch or overdue library book fees.

I make money where I can, to pay for the other things I need.

When Zach outgrows something I’ve bought him, if I don’t have anyone to pass it on to, I sell it. Same goes for my own clothes- anything I don’t wear or won’t fit in is sold. The money I make from it goes into a special place, and when Zach outgrows that last pair of jeans that fit, or I have to have a new pair of shoes because the amount of holes outnumber the amount of threads, we have that money to fall back on. We have that as our emergency clothing budget… and, since we’re basically selling what we don’t need to get the things we do need, it also helps us have less clutter stored away, and begin simplifying our lives.

I save where I can.

Target has this great thing where, every once in awhile, they have a deal on diapers that allows you to buy 2-3 packs of diapers and get a Target gift card. Sometimes, the diapers actually contain coupons to use on your next purchase. I have several Pampers coupons expiring in the next year, and when the deal comes along, I grab enough coupons to get through the sale, buy the diapers I need (I’m stocking size 5 right now, and he’s in size 3) and get a gift card for Target. Those gift cards are great when it’s time for the Easter Bunny or Santa to go shopping, or if I’m looking at my budget and thinking “Crap! I didn’t budget for this unexpected trip to the doctor, so now I can’t afford Zach’s puffs that he likes to eat.” I can say “Oh. But I have that $5.00 gift card that I saved from the last diaper sale. I can afford this.” And I figure it out.

I accept help.

There’s a great clothing closet in my hometown. It offers free clothing- NO income requirement necessary. Anyone who needs clothing, or just wants to update their wardrobe with something different, can go to the clothing closet and get something. I try to take in a couple of things for each item I take, just because it helps sustain them and keep them stocked with things to help others. It’s nice to know that it’s a resource available to me if I need some clothes for Zach or I. Zach also has some great friends from church and around town that are SO great about handing down clothes from their little boys to my little boy. It’s so nice to have their help in getting some clothes for him. And, I rest assured knowing that when Zach outgrows the clothing, it can be passed down to someone else who needs it or passed on to the clothes closet.

I remember that every penny counts.

I’m being serious. Absolutely literal about this one… every. penny. counts. Last week I took in a jar of change. I had been saving it for about four years. I didn’t really even think about it. The jar just sat on my desk, and anytime I had some spare change, I dumped it into the jar. Over time, the jar filled up. When it became clear that I was going to be a single parent of a little boy, I made a very important decision. That jar was going to be Zach and I’s fun money. No matter how poor we got, no matter what life through at our way, that money could NOT be touched unless it was to do something fun. That means even if I was struggling to pay bills, that money was staying put for something fun for Zach and I. When I was a little girl, my mom was a single mom, and even though I know now that she had her financial struggles, I never knew it as a child, because she always found a way to make it work, and she always had a little money set aside to make my childhood a little more special (even if it was something little. One time, we bought paint in primary colors, and took squirt guns, and sprayed them over the walls of my room for a fun, exciting paint job. On many occasions, during daycare, we would clean the table with shaving cream- she’d squirt on piles of shaving cream, and we’d spread it out and draw pictures in it or write words). For me, this jar of change was someday going to be the money that would allow Zach and I to go see Elmo Live, or go stay at a hotel sometime, just for fun. Some people laughed at me for collecting whatever spare change I came across, but to me, that change was important. When the jar finally filled, my brother and I took guesses at how much money might be in it. He guessed that it was probably around $15. I figured he was about right. I took it in, poured that money into the change counter at the bank, and walked away with $41.50. I’ve since collected more change (from the washing machine, the sidewalk, or old purses in my closet) and I’m almost up to $43. The money will collect until Zach and I decide how exactly we want to use our “fun money.” Until then, the change will keep piling up.

I get by on the Grace of God.

God has never once let me down. I’ve had close calls some months where I wasn’t sure if I’d have the money, but I haven’t overdrawn my account, or had to go hungry, or had anything bad come to Zach or I. He always has everything he needs- food, shelter, clothing, and most importantly, love. God provides. Sometimes I see his provision when it’s time for my Citrus Lane money to come out of my account and someone on my blog clicked my referral link, making it something my son and I can afford. Sometimes I see his provision in that there’s a new sale on exactly the thing I was about to run out of. Sometimes I see his provision in the amazing time that my family and I get to spend with each other because I live with them. Sometimes I see his provision in my brother holding my son, while they watch TV at night, and I realize moments like that might not be possible if God had provided more financially, to the point that I didn’t have the blessed opportunity to live with my family… and then I recognize that I need to thank Him for providing exactly what I need right now. God takes care of me. He loves me, and He provides for me, and my son.

So when people ask me: are you doing your son justice? Yes. My son has everything he needs. He has toys in every room, enough clothing for various seasons and sizes, all of his favorite snacks, shelves and boxes full of books, and plenty of love. My son gets to see me every day, spend time with me constantly, and know that he has a close relationship with his grandparents and uncle.

When people ask me: how do you even afford being a single mom? I realize that I have learned how to be a single mom, and put my financial worries on God’s shoulders, not on my own. I’ve learned that even if the money is tight, the fact that I get to cuddle up on the couch and watch Sesame Street with Zach each morning tells me that I have so much to be thankful for.

Yes, other people may have all the money in the world, and I may be scraping together a few coins. But I have a priceless opportunity to be thankful for the things I am blessed with, and realize that God has never left me wanting. Zach has everything he needs and then some. And so do I.

If you’re worried about finances, I encourage you, put it on God’s shoulders. He will provide. And if you need someone to talk to, email me. Post a comment. Dialogue with me. I’m happy to give you the encouragement I can.