To Friends of Young Kids

Monica's first birthday is this Sunday. Where has the time gone??? I didn't become a mom one year ago. Or even one year and nine months ago. The process of becoming a parent started over two years ago. Two years ago yesterday, I lost my first pregnancy. I was 6 weeks pregnant. While we're extremely blessed and grateful that we have Monica; other couples are struggling with infertility and/or waiting to become parents through adoption for much longer than two years.

 

My friend Marie doesn't have a blog, but wrote a letter that she wanted to share with parents of young kids. Some of you might relate to Marie, so I've given her this blog post as a way to share a little of her story.

Dear Friends of Young Kids,

Happy Mother's Day! Mothers are a precious gift from God and you show such grace being mothers. Here is my thank you note to you.

Thank you for taking me Easter outfit shopping at the newest children’s resale boutique. I enjoyed being out with you, shopping, and looking at cute kids clothes. I may not have my own kids to buy clothes for, but I enjoy looking at frilly pink dresses and enjoyed helping your almost-screaming almost-two year old try on clothes.

Thank you for inviting us out for beignets and coffee. Though it may not be the easiest to take a 5 month old to a coffee shop, we had a nice time sitting outside with you and laughed when your husband changed your daughter on the bench in the coffee shop. I dream of one day taking my daughters out for coffee with friends.

Thank you for calling me to tell me you are pregnant. I love to hear your voice and celebrate with you. Though we have yet to have the opportunity to make such joyful phone calls to friends, thank you for telling me in person, so I don’t cry seeing someone else announce it on Facebook.

Thank you for posting your good news on Facebook. I planned five years ago what we would post and how fun it would be. Most days it is so joyful when you post online your good news. Forgive me if I cry when I see you good news; it is not that we are not soo happy for you, it is that we want that same blessing in our lives as you have in yours.

Thank you for inviting me to your baby showers. I love shopping and planning showers gifts and celebrating God’s gift of new life. I hope you understand how sometimes, I just can’t come. It's not that I don’t want to, but my heart is too heavy and too hurt at times to celebrate.

Thanks for giving me time to grieve my own loss and celebrate with you. Thank you for sharing your losses and struggles with me. I understand where you are coming from and I will pray with you, cry with you, and celebrate with you when you have good news to share.

Thank you for helping me to know your children, telling me what they enjoy and what clothes they wear and how fun they are. I really love your children and love that they know me.

Thank you for asking how we are doing. Thank you for caring sensitive and understanding. Really, I am no different than you are. Some days, I am calm, collected, hopeful. Some days I am a wild mess, with dirty laundry and a messy house. We both love kids, we both have busy lives and thank you for being my friend.

Marie

Thank you, Marie. My friend Stephanie is going through a similar chapter right now and blogs at Blessed to Be. She shares about their journey to parenthood. If you are struggling with infertility and/or in the process of adopting, you can find comfort in reading her blog. She also has a lovely blog link-up called "Little Happies" where she shares little moments of happiness while waiting for the next big thing to happen.
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Negotiate Lower Rent with These 3 Tactics

Today we have a fabulous guest post from the folks at Zillow about negotiating lower rent. I'm a huge fan of Zillow! We used some of their tools when buying our home over 2 years ago and still enjoy checking out properties on Zillow on occasion. For those still renting, read on! And when you're done, you can search for apartment and home rentals on Zillow.

Most renters assume the advertised price on an apartment is the price they’ll pay, but in most cases additional costs such as deposits, fees, insurance and utilities apply. In fact, the advertised price may only apply to the cheapest available unit. Before getting discouraged, consider that renters may be able to negotiate lower monthly payments depending on demand in their local rental markets. While it takes a little legwork to effectively negotiate the price, it can save renters hundreds -- sometimes thousands -- of dollars throughout the duration of their leases. Here are three tactics to help renters negotiate rent.

Know the market
Consumers who understand their local rental markets are able to negotiate more effectively. Renters should figure out rents charged for apartments comparable to the units they want to or currently rent. If comparable properties charge less rent, then renters may have room to negotiate. In a hot rental market, landlords may receive multiple applications for each unit, with some applicants offering to pay more to ensure they get the apartments. In these competitive markets, renters are generally at the mercy of a landlord’s asking price. In cooler markets, landlords may be more willing to negotiate. 

To determine a fair market price for an apartment, renters should check out the rental section on sites such as Zillow.com, comparing asking prices, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage and amenities such as dishwashers, washer/dryers, balconies, free gyms and courtyard barbeques. Renters should ask around about the rental markets they’re interested in; are the markets easy to navigate, accessible or highly competitive? Research helps renters determine whether they can negotiate rent, and if so, by how much. 

If the landlord is asking a higher-than-expected price, renters can counter with their research when asking for lower prices. Often renters should quote a slightly lower rate than they’d actually pay, as landlords typically counter with a higher price; and the two parties generally meet at a price in the middle.

Demonstrate responsibility
Before renters try to negotiate rent with a landlord, they need to look good on paper. First, renters should make sure they have good credit by checking their credit scores on AnnualCreditReport.com, which gives consumers one free score each year. Look to correct any errors on credit reports before sending in rental applications. Credit scores range from 300 (very poor) to 850 (excellent); the rating is based on how frequently consumers pay bills on time (35 percent), amount of debt owed (30 percent), how long they’ve had credit (15 percent), new credit applications (10 percent) and types of credit (10 percent). Consumers should work to pay their bills on time and pay down debt to gradually improve their credit scores, as landlords find renters with higher credit scores more desirable.

Landlords also prefer renters with some savings in the bank, as this ensures their ability to pay rent even if they lose their jobs. Renters may also want to print out a list of former landlords’ contact information to provide referrals. Finally, when going to view an apartment, renters should appear groomed and professional in a business-casual outfit. All of this shows a landlord they’re responsible and prepared to take good care of the apartment.

Commit to a longer lease
If the landlord seems resistant to giving a qualified renter with good credit and references a lower rate, the renter can offer renting the apartment for longer than a year. Ask to sign an 18- or 24-month lease in exchange for lower monthly rent. Finding new tenants can be an expensive process for landlords, so many prefer to sign qualified tenants onto longer leases, even if that means a little less money each month. Be committed to the longer lease, as some leases include penalties for breaking the lease, such as paying back all concessions earned throughout the duration of tenancy.

If renting is the best financial decision or simply the most affordable option until consumers can afford purchasing a home, then they should take full advantage of the savings effective negotiating can earn them. To successfully negotiate lower monthly payments, renters should know the rental markets in their areas, improve their credit scores, collect solid references and keep savings in the bank. If those factors don’t lead landlords to offer lower rents, renters can offer to sign longer leases.

Jay Robert is a mortgage writer for Zillow and an associate with Kassoff, Robert & Lerner, LLP, focusing in the areas of elder law, real estate, special needs law and estates.
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Summer Reading with Melissa of Inspiration and Rough Drafts

Today's guest post is from Melissa of Inspiration and Rough Drafts. We first "met" when my college roommate (and friend of Melissa) emailed me about Melissa's blog. And then it turned out we lived down the street from one another in Chicago. Yes, I'll say it....it's a small world!

Hi, everyone! I'm Melissa of Inspiration and Rough Drafts. When Cathy invited me to write a guest post for her maternity leave, I was happy to help. Not only have our blogs "grown up" together, but I'm also expecting a baby in August. So thank you to Cathy for having me today... and a big congratulations to Cathy and John on their new addition!

Summer is shaping up to be a busy time. Along with baby showers, a couple of weekend trips, and lots of preparation to get ready for our baby's arrival, I'm also looking forward to some down time. I know a baby will change how much time I have to relax and how often I get to enjoy a quiet moment -- so in the meantime, I plan to indulge in one of my favorite summer activities: summer reading.

I love to get book recommendations from other people, especially ones from a close friend who knows what I enjoy or from someone who enjoys good writing as much as I do.

To help you start your own summer reading list, here are three books I've read (or are currently reading!) that would be great for lounging poolside, relaxing on a patio, or enjoying some sunshine. They are all beautifully written and hard to put down -- perfect for a summer escape!

Alys, Always: A Novel by Harriet Lane

A friend of mine passed along this book with a glowing review, and once I read the first page, I flew through the rest. The plot is intriguing, the imagery is rich, but the unique characters are what really pulled me in. Deciphering their various motivations and relationships keeps readers guessing. With a dose of mystery and a dash of manipulation, this book made me feel like I was watching the drama unfold with a behind-the-scenes view.

Great with Child: Letters to a Young Mother by Beth Ann Fennelly

When I came across an old post on A Cup of Jo that deemed this book "the best book for mothers-to-be," I had to check it out. In the midst of all the advice and warnings people like to give expecting mamas, this is a refreshing collection of letters about the joys of pregnancy and motherhood. This lovely book kept me company during my two-hour glucose screening -- and I was delighted to find out the author attended my alma mater too!

Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life by Shauna Niequist

I'll be honest, I just started this book. But its beautiful reflections on the small but important moments in life speak to my soul. It's just plain good, especially in this crazy-busy world -- a reminder to slow down, savor the everyday, and recognize how wonderful life really is (even when everything seems to be going wrong!). I have to credit Bethany for introducing me to Shauna's writing.

What are you all reading these days? Any books I should add to my own summer reading list?
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Vacation Packing with Intention with Jess Lively

Anyone going on a vacation this summer? If so, today's post from my friend and all-around inspiring lady, Jess Lively, is for you! She'll help you pack your suitcase, as well as design a life and business, with intention. Just be sure to save a little room for me to sneak in your suitcase.

This post was originally published on jesslively.com on January 31, 2012 when Jess and Mr. Lively were preparing for a long weekend trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Yes, she's a lucky lady!

As most people start to prepare for this week’s Super Bowl parties, Mr. Lively and I are starting to get ready for our trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! We will be gone Friday through Monday for a romantic weekend trip that doubles as my Christmas and Valentine’s Day present (I’m a lucky lady!).

I have already got my passport renewed and the rest of the preparation lies mostly in packing for the trip. But rather than waiting until Thursday night at midnight (we have done that before, much to my chagrin), I decided to get on the ball days ahead.

And in true Jess fashion, I’ve decided to see if I can create a more intentional packing process to help me stay prepared, but not burdened by a heavy suitcase full of unused items.

When I travel home for Christmas for a week to see my family I usually find that I have under-packed and feel forced to wear items that aren’t really ideal. But since I’m only heading to Cabo for three days and two nights, I also want to make sure I don’t over-pack due to my excitement to be somewhere warm and tropical.

So here’s what I did today to make sure I have a properly planned wardrobe while I’m away.

The first thing I did was talk with Mr. Lively about what activities we wanted to do while we were at the resort. We debated about whether we wanted to work out while there or not. Since my running shoes and gym clothes could easily take up a decent amount of my checked suitcase, I didn’t want to bring the gear if we weren’t going to really do a workout.

After discussing the workout idea, we nixed it in favor of swimming and relaxing. I have done a great job working out very consistently all month and I think a few days off to enjoy my hard work is ideal. So out went the workout gear from the packing list.

Above you can see what we do intend to do over the long weekend: lots of relaxing, swimming, and dining.

I also checked the weather forecast for Cabo this week. It looks to be about 75*-80* with cooler nights. So I knew that I needed to prepare for warm weather with layering at night.

Then, I pulled out most of my summer wardrobe and looked at all of my options.

Usually when packing, I get about this far and just throw my favorite items into my suitcase. But the end result is usually under or over packing and a lackluster array of outfits during the trip.

Next, I started to try on each item and created my favorite looks. Above you can see the outfits that could be great for dinner, dancing, or exploring. Each one has a layering piece as well in case of air conditioning or cooler temps.

I also made sure I had an outfit to fly back to Chicago in as well as a few other pieces that could be mixed in if I feel a bit more causal during the trip.

One bonus of this step I found was that there were a few items that needed to be steamed or cleaned. Those have been put in a special pile for me to attend to in the next few days so I’m not worried about them while on vacation.

And of course, I couldn’t forget the main event: swimsuits. I had the navy polka dot bikini from J.Crew last year but find that the top is a bit precarious for my chest and is best used only when laying out. So the new orange and black suits will be much better suited to fun at the beach or pool. I got both of the new suits at a huge discount from Lands End Canvas thanks to a recommendation from Jill.

So there you have it! I feel much better prepared for anything that might come up. I plan to use this same process to pack the other peripherals for the trip as well. This will include sunnies, beach towel, books, music, etc.

Viva la Mexico!

This post was originally published on jesslively.com on January 31, 2012.
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Summer Entertaining with Brittany of Marie Callender's Meals

I know it's only Monday, but it's never too early to think about the upcoming weekend. If you're thinking about throwing a backyard BBQ or outdoor dinner party, there's plenty of time to send out a few invites and make some plans. Brittany of Marie Callender's Meals has some budget-friendly entertaining tips to get you started.

Beer popsicle from Bakers Royale, Rooftop party from Jess Lively, Bruschetta from Fiscally Chic,
Nautical crab boil party from Design*Sponge, Clubhouse turkey burger from Iowa Girl Eats

After a long and arduous winter, summer has finally arrived. That means flip-flops, sundresses and all the BBQ your heart desires. From cook outs and picnics to outdoor dinner parties and mixers, the summer is one of the best times to entertain; and it starts to add up quickly. Food and party supplies can get pretty expensive, but with some creativity (and little common sense) you can save quite a bit on summer entertaining.

Always Get a Head Count

If you don’t want to be stuck if an extra five pounds of potato salad and twenty cheeseburgers too many then be sure to get an estimate before you grocery shop. You can also minimize unnecessary spending by taking into account what different people will eat. Find out how many vegetarians will attend, how many people will bring their children, who doesn’t eat red meat, etc. Such thorough meal planning may seem like a lot of work, but it will help insure that you have something for everyone without going over budget.

Use Seasonal Produce

This is a good rule of thumb for cooking year round. You can save quite a bit of money by purchasing seasonal produce at the grocery store or local farmers’ market. Try grilling recipes with summer squashes, artichoke hearts, eggplant, red onions, sweet potatoes or peppers. Most of these veggies can also be roasted in the oven. Loading up on fruits and vegetables will not only save you money, but it’s a healthier alternative to some of the more traditional (and caloric) BBQ side dishes.

Make Your Own Marinades

You can save quite a bit in the long run by buying the spices and oils to make your own dressing and marinades, rather purchasing ones that are premade. It also gives you the opportunity to experiment with more flavors. There are a handful of ingredients you should have on hand all summer to do so, including: sea salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, cumin, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Chances are you already have half of these items in your pantry, so it will just be a matter of experimenting with different recipes or concocting your own!

Be Smart about Stock Piling

So many frugal living gurus push the practice of stock piling, but if you’re buying products that will sit in the pantry until they expire, than it’s a waste of money. If you do a fair amount of entertaining then stocking up on popular products can save you a lot in the long run. Keeping extra burger patties or dessert pies in the freezer will save money buy buying in bulk and help you avoid emergency grocery runs. But be weary of stocking up on things, simply because it’s on sale. If you don’t think you’ll use it, don’t even think about buying it.

DIY Décor

Decorations can add a lot to the ambiance of your party. Be it an assortment of flowers or interesting lighting, you can really transform your home and make it even more memorable. But rather than spending a ton of money at a party supply store, spend a small amount at a craft or hardware store. There are numerous ways to upcycle household items to create interesting decorations. For example, spray paint wine and beer bottles to create small vases or make your own paper lanterns for fun outdoor lightening.

Brittany writes about frugal living and family meal ideas on behalf of Marie Callender's Meals. For more about easy meals, like chicken pot pie and comfort bakes, visit www.mariecallendersmeals.com.

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The 20 Something's Guide to a Chanel Life on a Target Budget

I've been to Target far too many times in the past few weeks to admit, so when I had the opportunity to share this guest post by Amy Garrett, I jumped on it. Enjoy!

How's a girl to survive thousands of miles from home, on an entry-level salary, and with so much debt that Sallie Mae has taken up residence on the sofa? Prioritizing spending and pinching pennies, that's how. By stretching your money as far as it will go, you'll be able to get past this stage of life— and the still-recovering economy— and into one that gives you greater earning power. It's time to make your money start working for you. But what if your tastes don't allow for crystal chandeliers and a stretch Bentley? No problem, there are plenty of ways to live well on a limited budget.

Dressing Like a Star
After you've browsed through the @Targetdoesitagain Instagram feed or Tumblr for some inspiration and stocked up on staple items (cardigans, pullovers, little black dresses-- the wardrobe must-haves that you don't need designer flare to sport), it's time to hit the thrift. One of the best places to pick up designer duds is to visit your local second-hand store or consignment shoppe. Now, don't knock it till you try it. You'll be a believer once you discover a pair of never-been-worn-tags-on Levi's for $2 or a like-new Coach bag for $5. Of course, you won't score such great deals on every shopping trip, but you'll soon know which stores have better inventories (hint: head to the more affluent parts of town) and which days offer the biggest discounts. If you find something incredible, like a Gucci coat, that doesn't fit right, simply take it to a tailor-- you'll still save enough to pay your rent  . . . and vintage Gucci? Yes, please. When you do decide to buy new clothes, the Jewelry Gal Blog says to remember to go for quality rather than quantity. It's far more economical to have one skirt that will last you for five years than to have to buy a new one each year.

Dating on a Dime
While many articles with the word "budget" in the title will tell you that you must stop socializing and do things on par with joining a convent, this one won't. Going out and meeting people is important and there are plenty of ways to eat and be entertained on the cheap. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Take advantage of lunch, happy hours, or early-bird specials when you want to dine at top-notch establishments.
• Make friends with your kitchen and go the DIY route. There are no shortage of tutorials and websites like Epicurious that show you how to whip up gourmet meals at happy meal prices.
• Afford a night out on the town by taking advantage of free museum nights, discounted theater tickets and ladies' night specials at the clubs.

Spruce Up Your Wheels
Now that you're dressed to impress and armed with an arsenal of delicious, romantic rendezvous ideas, it's time make the ultimate budget buy. Every princess needs a suitable carriage. If your hand-me-down Chevy is on its last leg, then it's time to get shopping for a deal on your new ride. The sooner you get started the better, as the search could take some time. But you'll find it's well worth it when you find a diamond in the rough. There are hundreds of luxury vehicles at beater prices out there. It's just a matter of finding them.

Too many people overlook the car section of eBay. It might sound shady to buy a car on the Internet, but there are enough companies (like Carfax) that have your back if something goes wrong. eBay is also quite vigilant about following up on disputes.  Craigslist is another great place to take advantage of used car sales, although you want to have a trusted mechanic on hand to give the car a thorough inspection prior to finalizing the deal. For those who want a deal but aren't comfortable with buying from private parties DriveTime used cars offers a more traditional route, sans dealership hassles.

When it's time to get a new car, take the task on as if it's your second job. Learn to negotiate so you can drive down the price. For eco-conscious gals, why not consider ditching your car altogether? Kill two birds by eliminating your gym membership and purchasing a bike (used, of course) and get your daily dose of cardio as you pedal to work. For those times when you must have a car, borrow a ZipCar for a few hours or a whole day. What better way to impress potential clients than by driving a BMW you only paid a few bucks for to meetings?

With plenty of determination, some creativity and these tips, you can totally live the high life sans the requisite income and bills that usually accompany it.

About Amy Garrett

Amy is a car show fanatic who shares her tips on how to preserve the authenticity and glow of antique automobiles.

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Summer Memories with Helena of SweeterCPA

Today's guest post is from a gal that I enjoy geeking out with about accounting ;) When she's not saving the world one tax return at a time, you can find her sharing stories about her trips across the US and life in Chicago with her husband and cats.

Hi, Fiscally Chic readers! I'm Helena from SweeterCPA and I'm excited to share my summer memories with you!

Ocean City, Maryland, will forever mean summer for me. While I've spent most of my life in Chicago, both sides of my family live on the east coast and I've been swimming in the Atlantic every August since I was four months old.

Well, there probably wasn't much swimming that summer.

Ocean City was a place of traditions. My grandmother would rent the same condo each summer and my sister and I would spend months ahead of time arguing over who would get to sleep on the top bunk in the room we always shared. (Spoiler alert: I generally won. I am older, after all.)

From the condo, we were steps from the beach where we spent most of our days. My grandmother would watch the horizon for dolphins as my sister and I dug in the shallow surf for sand crabs to trap in our yellow, plastic bucket. As a fair skinned child, I spent a lot of time under an umbrella, coated with Bullfrog sunblock. When I was allowed out in the sun, it was always with a t-shirt over my swim suit.

 

We could also walk from the condo to a putt-putt golf course where we'd take turns trying to hit our brightly-colored balls hard enough that they'd fly into the parking lot (potential damage to cars in said parking lot never seemed to be a concern).

Also in walking distance was the waterslide park where we'd ignore the lifeguards and attempt to connect all of our mats to make long trains down the man-made hill.

Food was also subject to strict tradition. We had to make at least one trip to Candy Kitchen where we would gorge on the largest sundae bar I'd ever seen. While there, we'd pick out boxes of salt water taffy for our friends back home.

We also had to have dinner at Phillip's where the family would eat our weight in crabs from the Chesapeake so covered in Old Bay that the corners of your mouth would start to burn.

Most importantly, Ocean City is where the family would converge.

My family is very heavily female and the condo (and, later, the Holiday Inn after our party grew too large) would erupt with aunts and cousins. With my immediate family moving frequently in those years and our oldest cousin living in Houston, this time at the beach was the one time a year we were guaranteed to see one another. We cousins smooshed into bed together and stayed up all night watching movies rented from the place across the street. Later, we did one anothers' make-up and made googly eyes at boys at the hotel pool over virgin strawberry daiquiris.

Ocean City is the setting of so many of the stories my family tells when we gather. We talk about the summer my sister discovered purple eyeshadow. We talk about renting (and crashing) bikes on the Boardwalk. We talk about jellyfish and their single-minded determination to sting no one but my youngest cousin.

Ocean City has an almost mystic, golden tinge. As someone with a deep appreciation of traditions, I hope my own children one day have an Ocean City of their own.

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Enjoying Summer with Lisa of Elembee

Hi, friends! With the upcoming arrival of our baby girl, I've decided to take a little maternity leave from blogging. But don't you worry, you're in good hands with some stellar guest posts. With my due date being so close to Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, you can look forward to posts about warm weather activities, summer memories, and more. I'll also pop in on occasion with updates and posts of my own. 

 

First up is Lisa of Elembee. You can count on Lisa for great tips about blogging and fab graphic design. Thanks, Lisa!

 

Coconut creamsicle margaritas from How Sweet It Is, Penguin from Brett Morrison,
Lake from Lisa's Instagram, Guacamole salad from Simply Delicious

Hi, Fiscally Chic readers! I'm Lisa from Elembee, and I have a confession to make. I hate summer. The heat and humidity make me miserable! But this summer, I'm going to put a little more effort into enjoying it. Here are a few ways I'd like to enjoy the summer:

1. Be a tourist at home. I'm visiting NYC in June, and I feel like I'm going to have the worst case of travel bug after that! But there's plenty to do within driving distance, and I'd like to take advantage of that. It can be as simple as an afternoon at the local zoo — why not spend the afternoon visiting the penguins and sea lions? It's an inexpensive way to get out and explore.

2. Relax at the lake. I went to the lake a lot last summer with my aunt and her family. It's really the best thing to do on a hot summer day!

3. Take advantage of summer produce. I recently started a new blog to encourage myself to be more mindful of healthy habits. I struggle in the summer because, honestly, I just don't feel like doing anything in the heat, especially not cooking. But summer produce is amazing, and salads require very little effort!

4. Mix the perfect summer drink. There's nothing more refreshing or relaxing than a crisp, cool drink on the patio on a summer evening, if I can just get over wanting to avoid the heat altogether. Sometimes it's better to embrace it, and just try enjoy it. It can't be that bad with a cocktail in hand, right?

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Tips to Save Money when Buying a Car

Hi, friends! How was your weekend? I had a few vacation days to use up from 2012, so it was a four-day weekend for me. I didn't do anything crazy, mostly errands and catching up on sleep. The highlight of the weekend was building our crib! Which puts us one mini-step closer to being ready!

Another potential item on our to-do list is buying a new (to us) car. My car is getting up there in miles and we're starting to get to our breaking point with repair costs. We haven't had any major work done recently (knock on wood), but would rather not continue to throw money at the car. If anyone else is in the market for a new car, I have a great guest post from Melanie Lewis on ways to save money when buying a car:

When it comes to making major purchases, buying a new or used car ranks right up at the top of the list. In fact, it can seem like too daunting of a task to some people because of the high cost. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce the cost of buying a car.

Buying a vehicle should be a thrilling experience, but it can be difficult to be excited about it considering how much money will be expended. Saving money can take some of the sting out and make it fun again.

Pay cash
The best way to save money will take some advanced planning and time. By saving enough money to buy a vehicle with cash, consumers can save a great deal of money by not paying the interest that comes along with financing through a car loan. In addition, some dealerships may offer special incentives for those that are willing to pay cash. It can also strengthen a customer’s bargaining position since it will show they are serious about the purchase.

Research
Before heading out to any dealerships, take the time to complete a little research. Know what type of vehicle will best suit your needs. If gas mileage is important, look at which ones have the best rates. Those with a good safety record might also be important to note. Making a list of the most desirable vehicles will make it less likely to be swayed by a salesman’s pitch at the dealer.

Shop around
Once the list has been made, it’s time to start shopping around. Go to more than one dealer and compare prices as well as options. This can also include shopping online at websites that collect various offers. Dealers are highly competitive, so don’t be afraid to point out what deals another seller might be offering.

Buy used
While most people dream of buying a new car, purchasing a used vehicle can mean getting a quality car at the fraction of the cost of a new one. A dealership will often still offer a warranty on used vehicles it sells, which takes away some of the risk. Even less expensive would be to search the classified ads of the local newspaper. It should be noted, however, that before buying any car from a private seller that the car should be inspected by an independent mechanic first to make sure it’s not a lemon.

Insurance
When people think about saving money on a car purchase, many think only about the purchase price, but long-term costs associate with the vehicle should also be considered. This includes insurance and fuel costs. Sportier cars will have higher insurance premiums. Look for cars with high gas mileage, which will save on fuel costs.

Saving money can put the joy back into the process of buying a car. There are several ways to accomplish this, and most just require a little patience and planning on the part of the consumer.

Thanks, Melanie! We'll definitely keep these tips in mind as we continue our search for a new car. So far, we've looked at reviews on websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com. We also visited a dealer to gather more information and see a few car models in person. We're still deciding whether to get a car or something bigger. Either way, we're mostly likely going to buy something used and pay cash (i.e. the Bohemian credit plan).

This is a guest post from Melanie Lewis. Melanie writes for a site that has information on used car auto loans and offers advice on things to consider before borrowing money to purchase a vehicle.
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Where I've Been

Hi, friends! As I return to reality after a fantastic long weekend in Denver (yes, that's the dress!), I thought I would share where Fiscally Chic has been recently:

Last week, Lisa of Elembee brought back her "At the Moment" series. There I share what I'm crushing on, dreaming about, and currently up to.

Back in July, I won the MintLife Home Economics Sweepstakes. I recently wrote a few guest posts for MintLife about the experience. The first post has all sorts of before's and after's of our room. And the second post shares tips and tricks to making your DIY home makeover a success.

Finally, hot off the presses is a tip I shared with the Bank of America Small Business Community about selling on Etsy. Many of the tips are applicable to businesses selling products online (not just Etsy) so swing by if you're looking to learn a little something new. [And to give credit where credit is due, Jeff of Sustainable Life Blog sent me the Help a Reporter Out query.]
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A Friday's Fancies Swap with Cheers, Bethani!

{av} of Long Distance Loving is our gracious hostess of Friday's Fancies and this week we're swapping blogs. I'm super pumped to be paired with a fellow baker and Etsy shop owner, Bethani of Cheers, Bethani! So please show Bethani some love! And swing by Cheers, Bethani! for my post.


good morning and happy friday!!!! cathy and i took up the blog swap challenge over at long distance loving today, so she's hanging out over my site and i'm entertaining yall today.  we decided to do a style post representing our our individual style.  so here goes nothing...



1  //  2  //  3  //  4  //  5

my style is all about comfort, yet looking a little "fancy" for the day. i love the cardigans these days; i can't even tell you how many i have in my closet right now.  i'm the type of person if i find something i like i will buy it in multiple colors. i think dressing up a little every day boosts confidence and makes you just feel that much better about yourself, so i do enjoy putting on my cute earrings and fun tops to go run around with the husband and whoever we may meet up with for fun, food or drinks. 

don't get me wrong, i do rock a baseball shirt and ponytail often too, but those are typically days where i'm just running to the grocery store and that's it.  but even then, i do like putting on my mascara and being a little feminine. 

thanks again to cathy for having me take over her blog for the day!

Thanks, Bethani! Love all the pink :)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Guest Post over at Henning Love

Just popping in to say Meg has a great new series on Henning Love:

Swing by as I share favorites of my childhood hometown...Cleveland!

And come back again this afternoon for an update on the house.

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Making Financial Decisions with "Words of Williams"

It's Tuesday! Not much to report on the home front, so I thought I'd open up the blog to how you live a fiscally chic life. In other words, how do you spend or save money intentionally? How do you save money with style and live life to the fullest?

When I saw this post back in August 2011, I had to ask if I could share it here. It was written by the fantastic couple of Words of Williams, Kelsey and Eric! That's where they write about their marriage, finances, faith, and other awesome things. (PS - Kelsey also has a style blog at Snappy Casual.) They're expecting their first baby in March 2012 (congrats!) and I'm sure they'll plenty of financial decisions in their future. Thanks again for letting me share!

From Words of Williams

Making financial decisions with your spouse can be tough. Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between needs and wants, and without careful planning, you can be left in a situation of regret for making the wrong choice. There have been many budget committee meetings lately around one major financial decision: when to buy new bikes.

The question isn’t which bikes we want to buy, because we already have done extensive research and have found what we want. Rather, it’s when to buy them that has been the hard decision to make.

The Temptation
We have seen our savings grow in the past seven months as we work to save up for 3-6 months worth of expenses. It’s easy to see the dollars stacking up and think how easy it would be to pull from savings and replenish that amount later; the consequences of which pushes back our deadline for completing this baby step and delays our financial goals in the future.

This all sounds like one of my favorite Dave Ramsey quotes:

“Children do what feels good. Adults devise a plan and follow it.”

Meaning, it would be childish for us to buy bikes now with money that has been saved for a different purpose.

We both have a gut feeling that we shouldn’t buy the bikes yet. And we are choosing to do ourselves a favor and not have buyer’s remorse, so we are holding off on the purchase at this time. We don’t think we deserve them yet (we both have mountain bikes already). After taking Financial Peace University and developing a foundation of beliefs about money, we typically agree when these types of things come up (but not always–remember our $12 negotiation?).

The Plan
So, we decided to hold off until spring 2012 and re-evaluate our financial situation at that time (it makes seasonal sense now that the summer is already winding down). We hope to save some of our Christmas money to put toward bikes next spring, and we might even start to save a little bit of money on a monthly basis so that when spring comes there won’t be as much to save in a short period of time.

We make decisions like this all of the time with our budget, and the key to the whole process is communication. If we don’t talk about these types of buying decisions, then we both lose focus of our goals. We need each other for accountability. If you are single, ask a trusted friend to be your accountability partner–someone you can call when you are thinking of making a purchase over $X amount. Just make sure they have the guts to tell you no when you need to hear it.

Here are some questions you can ask when deciding on a financial decision:

1. Is this a need or a want? (Be honest!)
2. What is the opportunity cost (what am I losing out on) if I spend this money now?
3. Have I made a purchase like this in the past and neglected to use that item as much as I thought I would? (I’m guilty of this! Ahem, Nintendo Wii, I’m looking at you!)
4. How will I feel after making this purchase?
5. How long have I been considering the purchase? (If it is a want, you can still buy the item. But, we know that it’s better to have walkaway power and buy the item out of a rational mind rather than an emotional one.)

These are just a handful of questions to get the brain flowing. I am sure if you think hard enough you can come up with more. The trick is to think. If you slow down to think about the purchase at hand, you can often take the emotion out of the situation. Emotions often cause us to make poor financial decisions. For proof, read about the stupid taxes we have paid over the years.

How do you make big financial decisions?

I'll go first, John and I definitely talk things over before making a big purchase. The house being the largest one to date. And sometimes I even check in with him before making a small, impulsive purchase. Gotta watch for those as little purchases can add up and undermine our budget.

Don't forget to stop by Words of Williams for other thought-provoking and entertaining posts.
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Guest Video with Michelle, The When I Grow Up Coach

Happy Wednesday! It's a super day because I promised you an amazeballs post. For full disclosure, that's not my word. It's one of the favorite words of my fabulous guest poster today....Michelle Ward, The When I Grow Up Coach.....yay!!!! Please give a warm welcome to Michelle :)

While Fiscally Chic's tagline is "saving money with style," a fiscally chic lifestyle is more than just saving money. It's also about earning more, similar to calories in/out when dieting. Sometimes it's creating wealth with a new business. Maybe it's negotiating a higher raise or bonus. It might be going back to work. Or maybe it's switching jobs for something more fulfilling.

But what if you're having trouble finding your focus? And how do you get people to believe in you and hire you? Here's creative career and life coach Michelle with some insightful answers.

If you're still unsure or if the video left you with more questions than I answers, Michelle can still offer you guidance. If you're more of a DIY kind of person, there's her Operation: Creative Career Cheer! rhyming workbook to "make your dream career appear." There are some great exercises that help you define your passion and put them into action, such as, Diligent, Detailed Daydreams; Super Skills (that give ya thrills/pay the bills/don’t make ya ills); Vital Values; and An Effective Escape.  

click me for more info!

You can buy just the workbook, which is awesome in itself. Or if you need a little more guidance, Michelle has a package with the workbook and a 60 minute follow-up coaching session. You can also simply work with Michelle with personalized coaching.

Yes, I'm part of Michelle's affiliate program, as evidenced by the button on my sidebar, but I wouldn't be sharing her services if I didn't believe in them. Plus, I really enjoy reading her blog. It's entertaining and motivating at the same time!

So thanks again to Michelle for the amazing video! If you have any other burning career questions, leave them here or leave them for Michelle on her blog.

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Guest Post with Kylie Ofiu!

Hope you're all having a fantastic weekend! I have a super exciting post that I couldn't wait until Monday to share. My first guest post on the blog!!! Please welcome Kylie Ofiu! As you might remember, I'm attending the Financial Blogger Conference in Chicago in October. From the conference's blog, I learned that the lovely Kylie will be flying from Australia to be a guest speaker and share her experience of turning one of her blog posts into a book, 365 Ways To Make Money. And let's not forget her goal to become a millionaire by April 2015. As part of her promotions of the book, she offered to write guest posts on 31 different blogs during the month of July. I jumped at the opportunity!

Today, Kylie will be sharing 10 easy take to lunch ideas. This topic is definitely relevant since I used to be bad about buying lunches and coffee instead of bringing them from home. That all changed when John and I got more serious about saving for a down payment on a house. Hopefully you can also pick up some creative ideas for the coming week. Take it away, Kylie!

Taking your lunch to work can save you a lot of money, not just the immediate monetary benefits but the long term health benefits are there too. Often we grab what is quick and cheap take away for lunch which is not usually healthy. By taking your lunch you know what you are eating and can purchase the ingredients for a week’s worth of lunches for much less than the cost of a week’s worth of take away lunches.

To make lunches easier you could spend a little time on a Sunday afternoon preparing lunches for the week that won’t go off or that can be frozen and defrosted over night for whichever day you choose.

So here are 10 easy lunch ideas:

1.)    Salad – this doesn’t have to be lettuce, cheese and tomato. You can use cooked chicken breast, tuna or other meats mixed in with lettuce, grated carrot, cheese (try feta crumbled through), nuts, corn, avocado, anything  you like.

2.)    Pasta – Pasta cooked the night before provides so many options. You could add some salad dressing, cooked bacon, corn, diced capsicum and celery for a simple pasta salad or do various creamy versions such as carbonara or a mix in some sour cream, salami, sundried tomatoes and sweet chilli sauce for something different.

3.)    Quiche – Quiches are easy to make, keep well in the fridge, can be frozen and eaten hot or cold! There are heaps of recipes, but they are basically pie crust filled with whisked eggs and your choice of filling such as bacon, mushroom and capsicum. Bake it, slice it up and portion it for lunches.

4.)    Pie – You can buy premade pies or make your own with pretty much any filling. Even many main meals such as curry or leftover bolognaise can be put into pastry and baked for delicious pies. They don’t take long to make and they freeze well for later.

5.)    Leftovers - A lot of evening meals can be bulked out or made double so there are left over to take to work.

6.)    Wraps/sandwiches – Choose any filling such as salads and cold meats or just plain spreads. These are easy to make before work or can be made the night before and kept overnight.

7.)    Soup – Even if you don’t have a microwave at work you could take soup in a thermos. A lot of soup is simply a matter of throwing in some vegetables with stock and sometimes meat or noodles. You can make soups thicker and chunkier to be more stew like than soup like for a heartier meal. Add a bread roll and it’s an easy meal. Many soups can be frozen making them a great meal to make ahead of time.

8.)    Curry – Curries can be done quickly or overnight in a slow cooker and dished up before work. There are many meatless curry options which will save you more money. They are great with rice and it is up to you how hot you make it. They last well in the fridge or many can be frozen.

9.)    Stir fry – Throw some meat and vegies in a hot wok or frying pan, toss to cook and serve with noodles or rice. There are a variety of sauces you can add when cooking or just add some soy sauce.

10.) Sushi rolls – Seaweed, rice and your selection of fillings make sushi a great one to make and take. It is eaten cold, can be prepared the night before and once you have the hang of it, you’re bound to love it.

If you want more than just a main meal there are many cheap snacks you can take with you to accompany lunch or for an afternoon snack.

-        Popcorn: You can air pop it using ¼ cup of kernels in a brown paper bag. Place in a microwave for 2 – 3 minutes and eat. You can add salt or other flavourings if you like.

-        Fruit such as apples, bananas, pears, berries, anything you like

-        Vegetable sticks such as carrot, celery, broccoli florets, capsicum etc. You can add a small dip if you like or just eat raw.

-        Baked goods such as cakes, slices, biscuits. There are lots of easy recipes which do not take long to bake and will produce enough for a few weeks worth of snacks if divided up. Most can be frozen in portions too.

-        No bake slices or truffles are easy to make by mixing some ingredients together and leaving to set. Most no bake recipes are fool proof but sweet and tasty.

-        Yoghurt comes in a variety of flavours and can be mixed with fruit or museli or a more filling snack.

Hopefully these ideas will help you save some money with lunches. Just think about what you like to eat for lunch when you buy it and find a recipe you can make yourself to take.

Thanks again, Kylie! I'm going to have to remember the quiche idea. Quiche is the perfect weekend brunch item that can be brought to work on Monday.

Kylie Ofiu is the author of 365 Ways To Make Money. She blogs at Kylie Ofiu.com about ways to make and save money as well as what she is doing to reach her goal of becoming a millionaire by April 2015. This guest post is part of a series she is doing called 31 Days of Money. You can find her on twitter and Facebook.

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Guest Post at Savvy Cinderella

To help you get through the middle of the week, how about a double dose of Fiscally Chic? There's a bonus post to be found over at Savvy Cinderella. Meaghan is a fellow Jess LC Ambassador and found me through my Makeunder My Finances series posted at Makeunder My Life.

Savvy Cinderella is a pretty cool concept. It's like a Craigslist for brides. Brides-to-be can browse listings for fabulous finds such as wedding dresses, accessories, decorations, you name it! Newlyweds can list their lovely wedding items after their big day. Sounds like a win-win to me! I totally wish it was around when we were planning our wedding. 

So what will you find in my guest post? Tips on how to merge finances together at the beginning of a marriage. And a few wedding pictures :)

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Are You a Housewife MacGyver?

Hi friends! How was your weekend? Mine was busy and relaxing, if that makes any sense. Errands, running 8 miles, seeing friends, and bottling our most recent batch of beer (a red ale). I also managed to catch up on sleep, even with the time change. Plus, we had our home inspection on Friday, which went pretty well. No major safety findings (woo hoo!). But there are a few things we'd like the seller to fix before we move.

Today I'm starting to share more of the nitty gritty details of buying a house. First up is figuring out what you can afford and getting preapproved for a mortgage. Though you'll have to swing by Lorene's sweet blog for the details. That's because I have a guest post as part of her Housewife MacGyver series!

What is this Housewife MacGyver series? It's a year-long journey of becoming more self-reliant through the wise use of resources. Basically, each month Lorene has different guest bloggers share a snippet from their area of expertise. Thus helping all of us become more self-relient and educated. March covers finances, which is my expertise!

So please stop by just Lu and read on!

Lorene, thanks again for asking me to write a guest post. And just Lu readers, welcome to Fiscally Chic. Feel free to look around and make yourself at home.

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Welcome to Fiscally Chic!

Makeunder My Finances is currently being shared at Makeunder My Life......yay!!!!

Hi, Makeunder My Life readers! Welcome to Fiscally Chic! I blog about "saving money with style" two or three times a week. I also post recipes, talk about running, and share other things that inspire me. If this is your first time here, I encourage you to make yourself at home and take a look around. Here's a little more about me and about Fiscally Chic. If you're looking for the cupcakes, they hang out with the other recipes.

To give you a little history and my connection with MML, Jess is my first friend in Chicago. I began following her blog before moving to Chicago and met her in person at one of her Macy's trunk shows. At first we considered getting to know one another over coffee or wine, but I finally suggested going running. She's run a few marathons, I've run some halfs and a full, so I thought she would be game. Now we meet up for the occassional run (or brunch during the cold months) and dinners to discuss life and our dreams.

And if you're a regular at Fiscally Chic and haven't hopped over to Makeunder My Life, I would definitely recommend it! It just might change your life.

Jess, thanks again for sharing Makeunder My Finances!

PS - She also designs some super stylish jewelry. I recommend the Franklin "I LOVE YOU" necklace for Valentine's Day.

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