Ex-Consumer

DIY Oil Cleansing Method (Face)

06 Feb

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism, Money Honey, Saving More, Spending Less | 13 Comments

A few weeks ago I shared some of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes with you. Today I would like to share one of my personal care favorites.

First off, my reasons for making many of my own personal care products are as much about safety as saving money. I’ve become increasingly uneasy about the synthetic chemicals and additives used in commercial personal care products.

That said, here is the the recipe for a personal care product I’ve used everyday over the past five weeks: oil cleansing method (OCM). Continue Reading

Emergency Fund Update & Other Money News

02 Feb

by Jenny, posted in Money Honey, Saving More | 6 Comments

Is it just me, or did the first month of 2012 seem to buzz past quickly? This winter has been unusually mild in Ohio, so maybe that’s why it seems to be moving so fast for me.

I haven’t reported on our emergency fund progress in awhile, so for those of you that have been eagerly awaiting an update — here it is!

In December I wrote about how we decided to skip a scheduled monthly contribution to our emergency fund savings and instead use the money to pay for a trip to Captiva Island, FL this spring. Even though we planned this for months in advance, I still have twinges of guilt over not funneling that money into our emergency savings. Continue Reading

Personal Finance in Personal Relationships

25 Jan

by Jenny, posted in Money Honey | 12 Comments

Sometimes I have to stop and realize that not all people feel comfortable discussing personal finances. I’ve always enjoyed discussing money matters, but this may be because I feel that money management is separate from a person’s character.

Unless someone is intentionally being dishonest, learning to properly manage money is typically just about learning how.

Personal Finance Gets Personal

I recently learned that a young man I’m close to is planning to move out on his own soon. Continue Reading

DIY Household Cleaners

16 Jan

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism, Money Honey, Saving More | 25 Comments

Over the past year I’ve derived great pleasure from learning how to make many everyday cleaning solutions myself. In the past, the overwhelming scents and fumes of commercially sold cleaners burned my lungs and eyes and irritated my skin if contact was made.

Honestly, I’m surprised it took me so long to find a safer and less expensive way to keep my house clean.

There are many reasons to make your own cleaners at home, but the following are a few of my reasons:

To avoid harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients.
To save money.
To be gentler to the Earth.
To become more self-sufficient.

For Peace of Mind, Pad Your Accounts

06 Jan

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism, Ditching Debt, Money Honey, Saving More | 8 Comments

Happy New Year!

As I look back over the little things we did last year to enable us to pay off all of our consumer debts, I realized one of the most important things we did – and have always done — is pad our checking accounts.

This little tip I picked up from my dad when he was teaching me how to manage my first checking account. It has served me so well, I’ve made it a permanent habit.

Kirk and I have two different checking accounts. One we call our “spending account” and use for things like groceries, gas and entertainment — basically any variable expense. The other checking account we call our “bills account” and use for all of our fixed expenses like our mortgage, insurance, utilities, water, cell phones and Internet service. Continue Reading

Looking Back, and Forward to 2012

29 Dec

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism, Money Honey | 11 Comments

As 2011 comes to a close, I’m left reflecting over what the past year has brought. I’m feeling overwhelmingly grateful as I stop to remember all that has been accomplished this year.

Paid off almost $27,000 in consumer debt.
Built an emergency fund of over $13,000.
Shaved hundreds off of our living expenses.
Created this blog and connected with all of you!

Things weren’t always this rosy for us.

Advertising Messages and You

21 Dec

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism | 10 Comments

Think back to the last time you picked up a magazine or catalog and walked away from it feeling better about yourself. If you’re having a hard time remembering such a time, you’re not alone. The only way you would likely feel better about yourself is if you purchased a product you “discovered” by reading said magazine or catalog.

What if you made the conscious decision to stop browsing magazines? Is it possible that you would miss out on the lastest and greatest thing you never knew you always needed? Would you walk around in the “wrong” color eyeshadow or shoes?

What about television commercials? And radio advertisements? Would you miss out if you decided to skip those as well? Continue Reading

Why You Should Eliminate Your Consumer Debts

13 Dec

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism, Ditching Debt, Money Honey | 21 Comments

Over the past year, I’ve talked a lot about how to eliminate debt. You’ve joined me as I found creative ways to reduce expenses and increase my cash flow. Today I want to share with you some reasons why getting your consumer debts paid off is such an important and life-altering decision. Continue Reading

Inspiring Change

09 Dec

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism | 8 Comments

Have you ever discovered a truth that you knew for certain would improve the world — if only more people knew?

Have you ever excitedly gushed to friends and family about the life-altering knowledge you’ve experienced first hand, only to be met with polite nods?

How do you influence change? How do you share the gift of knowledge you’ve assimilated? Continue Reading

An Unconventional Christmas

02 Dec

by Jenny, posted in Consumerism/Minimalism, Money Honey | 19 Comments

I love Christmas. I love the family gatherings, the cookies, the lights and most of all — I love the magic glimmer in children’s eyes as they anticipate the excitement of the holiday season.

When I think back to my favorite Christmas memories from years past, a few things stick out. Like the years my dad would get off from work early on Christmas Eve to take me to feed the animals at a live manger scene. Or listening to my older brother shake jingle bells while screaming, “Ho, ho, ho!” after I’d gone to bed on Christmas Eve night.

I was the youngest of four, so the entire family tried to keep the magic of Santa alive for me as long as possible. For their sake, I pretended to still believe years after I knew the truth. Continue Reading

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Personal Finance Gets Personal

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