The Frugal Files: Frugal & Fun Family Reunions!!

Hey frugal folks!!

Welcome back to the Frugal Files!! Since, it’s July, you know that it’s time for Family Reunions!! It’s all about food, folks and fun during these times, but they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg!! Here’s a few suggestions on how to have great fun with the fam without spending too much!!

1) Prepare early – Have periodic meetings to discuss the reunions and what you want. Do you want to have it at a local park? The beach? Out of town? Is this a significant year you want to celebrate with more than just a picnic? Maybe a banquet or fashion show? What about a family cruise? All of these things would need to be both decided and paid for up front. Establish a tradition. Regardless, get your family there and enjoy the fun.

2) Potluck – This is my answer to EVERY large family or friends’ function. It is so simple and easy on everyone’s pockets. If you’re fortunate enough to have reunion meetings, where family members pay dues, then the fund can pay for the most expensive items like the meat. Then everyone else’s individual families can split up the side dishes and desserts.

If there’s no fund, then make a list of food needed and all family members, then split the costs equally. Every family can bring a meat, side and dessert. Make sure to bring enough for EVERYONE, not just an individual family. Also, if you know your favorite Aunt makes the best peach cobbler or your Dad has pefected the most perfect BBQ, make sure that’s the food they bring and plan according. It’s imperative that everyone bring their “A” game to this family function.

3) Bring your own games – Having a family day at the park or on the family’s property? Then be sure to bring your own entertainment. In my family, my Dad and uncle were the King of Games and everyone fell in line yearly, making it a tradition. Break out several decks of cards and have a Spades or Bid Whist tournament. Even without a tournament, grab yourself a partner and lay your cards on the table.

For the kids (and the adults that are big kids), fill up small balloons with water for a water toss. That’s when you and your partners line up across from each other and toss the water balloon to each other. Once the line is done, everyone moves further apart. If you burst your balloon you’re out. Whoever is left standing with their balloon in tact is the winner. The fun thing about this is by the time the end of the game comes around water will be splashing all over the place. Once you’ve played a few games, take the rest of the balloons and have a water balloon fight!! Fun times!!

In addition to the water toss, our family always had an egg toss too. The eggs combined with the heat…gross, but it was still fun to see the eggs burst on people!! Messy, but hilarious!! Then of course, there’s other games to be played like checkers, freeze tag, tic, tac, toe and one of my favorites: BINGO!! So addition to bringing your own games, have everyone donate a prize for the Bingo games. You don’t even have to buy one, find something around your home you never use and donate it to your family. They make great BINGO prizes.

4) Share Transportation – This year is our 60^th family reunion and it’s in another state. So, I’m suggesting the same thing my parents suggested, to charter a bus so more people can go and spend less. No need to drive or carpool or even worry about directions. Everyone split the cost of the bus, bring your own snacks and enjoy the ride and the festivities when you get there. Usually your portion of the bus will be less than if you drove your own car there and back.

A word about the snacks, use coupons to get yours. My daughter and aunts love Sunflowers seeds. I like them too, so when I realized I had four coupons for them, making them free, I was set. We’re ready to board the bus. So find some discounts and coupons on items like water, juice and snacks and take along on the ride.

5) Change the Date – My last suggestion may be a bit unorthodox, but who says family reunions have to be in the summer? Perhaps you can have one in the fall where amusement parks and other places won’t be as crowded. Consider having a holiday banquet as a family reunion, or a Ski trip in the winter. Regardless of where or when it is, if can be both enjoyable and frugal for your family. Choose what works for you, while you make and cherish the memories.

What ways do you celebrate family? What are your tips in having a safe, fun and frugal reunion? Tell me in the comments below, on Facebook or on Twitter!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Daddy's Little Frugal Girls: Have Your Own!!

Memorable Money Words from Daddy

A Musical Tribute to our Fathers on their Day

Hello there and welcome back to the Frugal Files with The Frugalicious Diva!! This is a last week of our “advice from Daddy” column for the month, the words we’ve been given will carry us through a lifetime.

I want to take the time out to think about my colleague/friend Marcy and my sorority sister/best girlfriend Tash and say a little prayer for them. They both endured this Father’s Day with fresh wounds of losing theirs last year and this year respectively. I applaud their strength and I smile at the stories and fond memories they shared during this difficult time. I love you Belles and pray that God will continue to strengthen you each and everyday, as you make your own lives count!! Your Fathers were great men and lovingly passed on those great traits to both of you!! Kisses and hugs to you!!

It seems nowadays, young women are not getting the fatherly advice needed to get through tough times as an adult. We sometimes get into situations that may have even been avoided all together, if there was a male role model in the right place. We learn traditional (or non traditional) values from our immediate family and even though the world has changed, some family values have not. Girls need to learn their worth from their fathers because he names us, giving us our value. It’s a great responsibility; one that is for a mature man. He helps set the tone for that woman’s life. So the last piece of advice, this month, that I’m sharing from one Daddy’s Girl to another is…

Dad & Mom said: “Have Your Own Stuff”

One Monkey Don’t Shop No Show…The Honey Cone

This is again advice both my Dad and Mom shared with me. These words of wisdom taught me to be an independent woman who will complement my man, instead of being a burden to him. While it is traditionally a man’s job to provide for his family, we have to be realistic in the times in which we live. Both men and women are working to make a better life for their families and when they work together, it is good for all involved.

They reminded me I didn’t have to wait for a husband to get a degree, travel the world, build a business or buy a home. In fact, they understood that a soul mate would come on the way to me being the best me I am offering this world. So, ladies, you don’t have to wait on a man to come or wait for one to get himself together before you go for and achieve your goals. Go for it NOW and the right one will some along and complement you, just as you will complement him.

This advice still applies even when you are in a relationship or marriage. It’s perfectly okay for you to pursue your destiny, in fact it’s your right. Work with your partner to set goals and invest in yourself, as well as them. Hopefully, you have chosen a responsible and giving partner that loves to see you shine, just like you encourage them to be the best them. If there’s ever an unfortunate time that a relationship doesn’t work out and things are difficult for you, understand that you can still obtain what you want, simply because it’s your birthright to have what you desire in life.

So let me give my own rendition of the old Ms Billie Holiday favorite, “Mama may have, Papa may have, That Brotha may have…but God bless the Belle that’s got her own!!” 

I’m sure your parents, guardians or mentors gave you useful advice in the past that you carry with you now. In our everyday life, let’s be sure to pay tribute to them for their priceless contribution to our lives. I salute my parents, my Godparents and countless Aunts and Uncles for their words of wisdom on life, money, love and happiness.

SUMMER FUN!!

Take advantage of the free days at your local zoo or museum. Take the whole family, relax and even learn something. Here's a link for the free entrance days at the National Parks. If you can take a day or weekend trip, check it out: Free National Park Days Have fun this summer and enjoy!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Daddy's Little Frugal Girls: Enjoy Your Life!!

Memorable Money Words from Daddy

A Musical Tribute to our Fathers on their Day

Welcome back frugalicious folks!! Hopefully you celebrated your Father this past weekend and he is feeling honored!! I attended church with my parents, went out to dinner at his favorite steakhouse, for which my Mom used a coupon (I had back ups, just in case) and later watched the NBA playoffs together. For some reason, we always end up cheering for opposite teams…AND his team won, of course!! LOL Regardless, it was a day that was enjoyed by all and he was especially appreciative of his gifts and time spent with family.

This brings me to our topic this week; it’s more of Daddy’s advice and in my case he has always demonstrated this and gladly passed it on to me and my daughter. Now, in my opinion, you can’t honor your Father and not recognize the awesome woman behind the awesome man, so his advice will be sprinkled with Mom’s words too!! After all, they are a team!! My parental team will be celebrating 35 years in August!! Can’t you tell I’m so proud of them? Yay!!

Mom & Dad said: “Enjoy Your Life”

Dancing In The Street...Martha & The Vandellas

Looking back, I don’t recall many childhood lazy days. I wasn’t a Saturday morning cartoon child on the regular, only occasionally. My mother believed in children making productive use of their time and enjoying life. She had me in several activities during the week like Girl Scouts and other volunteer opportunities and Saturdays were no different. My day went a little something like this:

• Breakfast at home
• 9 o’clock ballet class
• 10 o’clock tap class
• Lunch at the mall
• Shopping at Jacobson’s (back when we had a Jacobson’s)

I mentioned before my Mom paid her bills in full, but I didn’t mention that she was and still is very much a planner. She takes inventory of her funds and sets them aside to enjoy the things she wants out of life. I’m sure her way of thinking was the reason we went on vacations every summer and why my parents never miss a family reunion, in or out of town. She and my Dad kept their finances separate and it has and continues to work for them. It’s why I feel strongly that in addition to a joint account for bills, Belles, we need to have our own money on the side. If you have two different money handling styles, you can’t put ALL your eggs in one basket as one day, you might find a completely empty nest.

My Dad’s money style was a bit different. He sometimes acted like money burned a hole in pockets, but there was never a dull moment with him. He spent money on things he and his family enjoyed. He has always been a provider, so the fact that he is generous is pretty much a given. He taught me, as he showed me over and over again, that if you give freely, it will come back to you. Don’t let people borrow money, just give it to them. Then there are no arguments because you will get it back eventually. His guarantee of that was the very first money promise I remember and I cherish it today.

In conclusion, saving money is great. Having money put away for rainy days is awesome. Investing and seeing your money grow is awesome!! However, all the hard work that we put into tending to the growth of our finances means nothing if we never take the time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. If you do just a little planning ahead of time, you can do whatever you want to do. Take that trip you’ve always wanted to; purchase your favorite piece of artwork; open up your dream business. If you work hard, you deserve to play hard too. Enjoy your life!!

SUMMER FUN!!

Speaking of enjoying your life, summer is the time for you and your children to enjoy the great weather and celebrate that school’s out!! Look for specialty day camps in your area, based on your child’s interests or even have them try something new. Space camp, cooking camp, technology camp, whatever you can find. One year my daughter decided to go to school…for a week long Constructions Careers Camp. She learned about copper pipes and carpentry, where she got to work with her hands. It was a fun learning time and you never know what interest you’ll spark in your child. Have fun this summer and enjoy!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Daddy's Little Frugal Girls: Pay Yourself First!!

Memorable Money Words from Daddy

A Musical Tribute to our Fathers on their Day

Welcome back to The Frugal Files, where we are celebrating Fathers, Daddies, Papas, Pops’ or whatever you call yours, all month long!! To honor my own Daddy, I’m sharing with you life advice he’s shared and continues to share even today.

Last week were the words that was always suggested and heavily recommended by my parents, to “pay what you owe”. It sounds simple and it is if we are truthful with ourselves and others. If you use a product or service, pay for it. So when it comes to debt and getting our financial ish together, that’s the example we need to use as a standard. We want what’s due to us and so does the companies and cards we hold. Let’s get them paid off so we have more money to save, donate and invest in both ourselves and others.

Speaking of investing in ourselves, that’s the next nugget, a la Daddy, that we’re discussin.

Daddy ALWAYS said: “Pay Yourself First”

He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'…The Velvelettes

Although he said it all the time, I didn’t really understand it until I was old enough to have my own money. Even then, I was often in conflict with my Mom’s words of paying what you owe though. I would find myself paying everything only to find myself with nothing left. Now, being the Frugalicious Diva I am, I know the importance of setting money aside for myself, as well as mine my family’s future.

Ways you can pay yourself can be as simple as saving for a rainy day. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, so your old sock or under your mattress is fine. Just keep in mind that neither your bed nor laundry will pay you interest for that hiding place.

Another way is to take advantage of the 401k (or 403b for not for profits) at your job and let your employer match it. Sometimes they pay up to 10%, so pay the max. It’s free money!! This is why we save, be it in bank accounts or mutual funds; retirement planning is important to not only our lives but for our children’s lives. Let’s put ourselves in the position to enjoy your later years without being a financial burden to our family.

Also, set up a 529 account for your future college kids. We talk about this but don’t often enough walk about it. I’m seeing more and more parents struggling to send their children to college simply because we don’t plan to get them there. It would behoove us to make room in our budgets. It’s hurtful if a child cannot attend the school of their choice because we didn’t prepare well. The great thing about the 529 accounts is that other people can contribute, so instead of asking for gifts at holiday and birthday time, have them instead add to the child’s college fund. It’s a forward thinking gift from which many will benefit for years to come.

Lastly, plan for big-ticket items like cars, houses and vacations. If you don’t take care of your business today, no one will do it for you tomorrow. A few sacrifices in entertainment for the ultimate entertainment of that tropical vacation, is definitely worth it. Shaving off extras you don’t need in your budget in order to set aside cash for enjoyment, that everybody needs, is essential to the principle of paying yourself first. This Daddy’s Girl, knows that Daddy Knows Best!!

Now that you’ve got Daddy’s advice, use it and create a truly abundant life for you and yours!! Do what you need to do now in order to have the things you want later. Have a great Father’s Day and honor your Dads, whether they are still here with us or not. Enjoy!!

SUMMER FUN!!

School is out for the summer, but it doesn’t mean our kids should stop learning. Summer Reading Clubs all over the country have libraries buzzing all day long. Challenge your children to read 9-10 books this summer. That’s three books for every summer month!! Have them give an oral or written report about the books. They will read about new adventures, stimulate their minds and stay out of trouble!! Reading is learning!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Daddy's Little Frugal Girls: Pay What You Owe!!

Memorable Money Words from Daddy

A Musical Tribute to our Fathers on their Day

Whether we want it or not, we always get advice from our parents, especially our mothers. It may be about boys and relationships, life and career or home and money, but it’s always given in love; no matter how it’s given to us. It’s interesting how as we get older, we do indeed get wiser. As we grow, most of us are fortunate enough to receive words of wisdom from those who have “been there, done that” before we did.

If you’re a Daddy’s Girl, like me, then you also got MORE than your fair share of advice from your biggest cheerleader and cupcake: Daddy!! I thank God that I’m still able to get advice from him, as well as anything else, and he would not have it any other way. So, in a tribute to Black Music Month and our fathers on Father’s Day, let’s examine what advice he’s shared (with sprinkles of Motherly advice), through their words or actions, with us through the years. This month is entitled…”Daddy’s Little Frugal Girls.”

I’m partial to girl groups from the 50s/60s (they are my absolute FAVORITE) so that’s whom I’m highlighting in music. It’s because of the legacy of groups like The Shirelles, The Chiffons, The Cookies and The Honey Cone that we continue to see great groups in this lifetime like En Vogue, Brownstone, Xscape and SWV, as well as solo artists like Mary J, Fantasia, and Lauryn Hill. I love music and could go on an on, but the point is, those early groups paved the way, showing class while sharing their gifted harmonies with us.

Daddy (and Mom) said: “Pay What You Owe”

Mama said There’d be Days like This…The Shirelles

I know this song was really about love and relationships, but based on my Mom and Dad’s actions, it was a lesson for me in finances. I didn’t know much about my parents’ financial business until I was grown, so when I learned, I realized my parents had and still have two very different money styles. My Mom was adamant about paying bills and paying them on time. Even if that meant she spent all her money on them and scaled back the rest of the month; the important things were addressed and checked off her list.

I am proud she passed this trait of integrity on to me to pay what I owe. I’m even more elated that I bestowed that gift to my own daughter. Even though there may be some days of financial scarcity, it’s honorable and proper to promptly pay your debts. I took it further because I make it my mission to be and stay debt free.

Even though his style is a little different, Daddy still paid what he owed. As my Deacon Daddy, he truly believes in Romans 13:8, of owing NO man. I always saw that when he did owe, he paid them back swiftly. He never wanted it to be said that he didn’t pay his way or earn his place. In fact, sometimes he even went overheard sharing more than he should, but you’ll never hear anyone call him cheap. That's not his way.

I learned that if you ever have the chance to do for someone else, do it. I think it’s the Pisces in us, but this is exactly how we’re alike, so it’s no doubt he shared that part of his DNA with me. The moral here is to 1) pay your bills, 2) don’t overextend yourself and 3) be generous. Paying what you owe speaks volumes about your character and shows people how much they can trust you. If you can’t pay something, make an arrangement and stick to it. It’s your word that is bond and people have the right to hold you to it.

SUMMER FUN!! 

In addition to Daddy Tips, I’m going to be sharing some summer activities for you and your family!! School is already out for many students, so if you haven’t already signed up, get registered for FREE BOWLING for the kids!! It’s all summer long!!

Until next time, have a great week!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

Summer Love, Summer Fun: Romance Without Finance is Possible!!

Summer loving is always a wonderful thing. Whether you met this love just over the summer or you are spending your first or fiftieth summer together, you hope to be having a sizzling love affair this season.

Most times this love is grand and sometimes…this love is abruptly interrupted by the glooming lack of funds. Well, the logical solution is to stay home or close to home. Introduce yourself and your lover to the idea and world of STAYCATIONS!!! It’s a vacation you can take at or close to home, especially this close to the school year.

Get wet!! Use your imagination on this one. Use your water hose or sprinkler system. If that is not your style, then head to the nearest water park or beach. Often both have a very minimal cost and for that small token, it promises big fun!! Water slides, water sports, building sandcastles or just running in the sand are all great ways to enjoy wet fun in the sun. It’s also a way to get great exercise without feeling like you are “working out”.

Water is great for the daytime, but at night, take in a free show!! Check out what your local library is doing this month. Are they showing old films? Plan to see a couple of those. If not, check out your local theater scene. Community Theater is a great outlet for those interested in drama or stage music. It’s not Broadway, but a highly recommended alternative. Also, if you have a college campus nearby, there is often something playing on campus. It’s a great way to show yourselves a good time, save a pretty penny and support local artists’ dreams.

Same thing applies to festivals and outside concerts. For a small donation, you can walk around and take pleasure in cultural music, dancing and food. Now, festivals can sometimes get a little pricey, but if you stick to sampling, it can be an affordably amusing time for both of you. Here’s a tip: bring your own water.

 

Now, if you want or need to stay home, then have a kitchen date!! This is my favorite type of date thus far. It usually starts in the late afternoon. You and your honey will plan a meal, then take a short trip to store and pick up a few items to make the day (and night) special. Get some fruit, entrée or side items and just this one time…splurge on some chocolate and a bottle of wine. Then take it back to your date domicile and begin to prepare the meal…together.

Have fun laughing and telling stories while chopping veggies and smearing mousse. Take a short break to pour each other a glass of Pinot, or your favorite wine. Look into each other’s eyes and share a piece of chocolate between kisses. Then each of you, go your separate ways to get ready for your date. When both of you are both ready, one of you can serve the dinner while the other brings out the dessert. Watch a movie or just listen to a great new CD.  Then, enjoy your nightcap…

Another simple and easy at date idea is to create a romantic spa at home. You probably already have your favorite lotions and potions, so why not use them on each other. Get out your foot spa and start creating some bubbles. If you don’t have one, you can pick one up for less than $20, but if that’s not in your budget, then head to the dollar store. They have those dishwasher buckets you can use to soak your feet. They work just fine.

Those “man laws” will have us believe that men don’t do bubbles and things, but I promise you…men like to be pampered too. Give him a facial and watch. When you remove that hot steamy towel from his face, he will say “ahhhh”. Then pumice his feet, clip his toenails and let him soak in a bathtub with a few drops of lavender. He will thank you by massaging your body with your favorite oil and polishing your tootsies. This is the perfect way to be romantic, intimate and have fun for $0. With this plan, NO ONE will be complaining about staying inside.

Wishing you all the frugal love you can handle!!

Frugalicious Diva

It's Not Too Hot for Summer Fun!!

Wow, we have definitely been seeing scorchers this summer!! What is normally a great, hot season, has become a truly sizzling summer. Some think the heat is great, others find it to be unbearable. I’m one of those in the latter group. I would much rather be cold than hot. It's almost too hot to have fun...almost!! There are still some awesome summer fun you can have, even when the temperatures reach near or above 100s.

Pretend it’s a snow day. Since it’s too hot to go out, then use this day as a way to complete those home projects you’ve been putting off. Clean up your basement, repair your favorite piece of furniture, mend your clothing, dust and water the plants, re-caulk the bathtub. They may not be the most pleasant activities, but if you pop in your favorite CD, the day will go by quicker. The bonus is that you’ve marked several items off your Overdue To Do list.

Backyard Games!! (Even if it’s not your backyard) Set up a tent in your backyard or go to a free air conditioned place and break out your old goodies. Board games, card games and any other favorite tabletop games will do. Set up a food table, add music and enjoy the day. You will still feel the warm air, but it with the tent, it will not beam on your back, making outside play unbearable. Spend the day with family and friends, virtually for free!!

Take a bus tour!! Do you have any great art galleries or museums in your area? Check with your local art community and see if your city has a shuttle service that will take you around town. You are sure to discover a new world, right there in your hometown. You can take your whole family, learn about a new culture, and maybe even spark a new interest or talent in you or your children. It will be like traveling to a foreign country and studying abroad, without the expensive fees. It's also a great air-conditioned, cultural experience that is easy on the pockets.

Give your teens a challenge!! If they think it’s too hot to go outside, challenge them to entertain them inside. You can even get them to do some chores and possibly like it. Have them defrost the freezer for you. Then challenge them to use whatever you have on hand to cook a full course menu for the entire day. That means breakfast, lunch and dinner! They can do their food and ingredient search in the refrigerator, the freezer, the pantry, and cupboards. Get some use out of those expensive kitchen gadgets you never use!! It will be their responsibility to plan and cook (or not cook) the menu. This will teach them a creative lesson in responsibility as well as a frugal living: you can always make something!!

I gave you just a few frugal ideas, but there are plenty of activities available for kids and adults this summer. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to keep yourself hydrated. Bring water and snacks to every outing possible. If you think plain water is boring then add a little lemon or other fruit like strawberries, oranges or pineapple. Another idea is to eat your water. Fruit and veggies like watermelon, citrus fruits, celery and cucumbers are a good way to get your water in and be refreshed. Enjoy!!

Frugal wishes to you!!

Frugalicious Diva