Tracie Fobes

Tracie Fobes is blessed with an amazing husband, Tim, and 3 amazing children...who, as of the date of this post are: Emma - 4 1/2; Garrett - 2 and Charlotte - 11 months. In November 2007, the Fobes’ decided to get completely out of debt. Part of that was to re-evaluate how they were spending money and establish a tight budget. As a result, Tracie needed to do what she could to stretch dollars. Once she noticed the number of resources out there and how much time she spent to compile savings lists, she decided to help other families not only in the KC metro area, but also around the country. Tracie doesn't mind that others benefit from her hard work. Hearing that people are saving heaps of money and getting great deals makes it ALL worth it! Read Tracie’s blog and you too can become a PENNY PINCHER!

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• What Did I Do With that Receipt?

  published: 3/11/2010 7:00:00 AM

  Bills.  Forms.  Envelopes.  Endless Piles of Paper.  It seems that no matter how “paperless” you try to become, you still deal with all of this.   It can be overwhelming to see it in your mailbox, let alone trying to keep track of all of it.  Being organized can actually help save you money.  Here are some ideas on ways to help.

   

  Create a Bill File.  One of simplest ways to avoid additional costs ...

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• Money Management - Start 'Em Young & Train 'Em Right!

  published: 3/4/2010 7:00:00 AM

  My mother taught me so much when I was growing up.  She shared her morals and values with me and because of her I’ve grown into the woman, wife & mother I am today.  However, there was only one thing she never talked to me about --- finances.
  
  It seems that even the birds and the bees took precedence over money when I was growing up.  No one talked about this.  When a child asked ...

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• Price Check on Aisle 5

  published: 2/27/2010 2:46:34 AM

  One thing I have learned to do over the years is to always watch when the cashier is ringing up my items - as much as possible. This is especially important when the item is on sale.

   

  A while back, I was in a store.....we shall call it "Bulls eye." I purchased some Pepperidge Farms crackers that had a sign in front of them that said Special Promotion - $2.50.  Plus, I had a ...

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• Celebrate Good Times....Without Breaking The Bank!

  published: 2/18/2010 7:00:00 AM

  My son’s 3^rd birthday is in less than 2 weeks.  As we try to get ready for it, we are also trying NOT to spend a fortune.  It seems that some people think bigger is better – but that isn’t always the case.
  
  Party Ware.  This is an area where your costs can add up quickly.  There is really not any reason to have the fancy plates or cups.  After all, no one ...

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• Being Organized Can Save You Money

  published: 2/11/2010 7:00:00 AM

  So many people say that they just are too busy to be organized or just don't have the time to get organized.  Did you know that you can actually be throwing money out the window if you aren't?  Just by taking a few simple steps, you will not only make your life easier, you'll make your wallet happy too!
  
  
  1.  Avoid the Duplicate Purchase.  Have you ever gone shopping and then realized, when you ...

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• Ounce Per Ounce...It All Adds Up

  published: 2/4/2010 7:00:00 AM

  Picture this.  You are walking through the cereal aisle of your favorite grocery store.  You know you need to pick up a box of Cheerios.  So, you stop and notice that there are 3 brands.  Not only that, there are at least two different sizes of each brands, making you choose from at least 6 different packages.  So, which one do you put into your cart?  Chances are, the cheapest sticker price.   Well, it turns out, that ...

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• Stockpiling Can Be Healthy For Your Budget

  published: 1/28/2010 7:00:00 AM

  You have probably seen the television shows about hoarders.  When they get done, they find that they have 87 tubes of toothpaste, 120 rolls of toilet paper and 24 toothbrushes.  I will admit that in my house you will fine 8 tubes of toothpaste, 30 rolls of toilet paper and 5 toothbrushes (other than those we are using).  I have even more than that......but won't bore you with those details. 
  
  Stockpiling isn't a bad thing.  ...

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• Knowing When To Shop is Key

  published: 1/21/2010 7:00:00 AM

  You've probably had someone tell you "Oh, wait until December to buy that car" or "Appliances are always on sale in September," but what you probably don't know is if they are full of smoke or not!  There actually is a good time of year to shop for certain products in order to find the best price.  Here are just a few that you might be interested in knowing about.
  
  Automobiles:  September is a great ...

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• Time To Create A Snowball!

  published: 1/14/2010 7:00:00 AM

  Sadly, I am not talking about using that fluffy (and rapidly melting) white stuff that you will still find all over your yard.  This one, is a money snowball.    By now I am sure that you are getting a good handle on your budget and cash envelopes.  I know it is a lot to take in, and I have the utmost confidence that you are doing GREAT!  Now, the next thing that you probably want ...

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• Paper or Plastic?

  published: 1/7/2010 7:00:00 AM

  No - I am not talking about the type of bag you are being asked to put your groceries in. Nowadays, it seems that everywhere you go; you can use a debit or credit card. It can be convenient to just whip out that plastic and swipe it and be on your way. However, doing so can actually make you spend more!   I know it sounds crazy, but it is true!  Ready spend less?  Then ...

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• Does Your New Year's Resolution Involve Your Finances?

  published: 12/31/2009 7:00:00 AM

  It is a new year (or at least pretty darn close to it) and common resolutions deal with quitting smoking, losing weight or getting organized.  Another common resolution is to get a better handle on your finances.  The problem is …. Where do I Start?  Should I clip coupons for my grocery visit?  Should I get out of debt?  Do I need a budget?  The answer is simple – YES.   However, you can’t just jump ...

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• The Check's in the Mail

  published: 12/17/2009 10:00:00 AM

  I am sure you have heard the phrase “after mail-in rebate” or “try me free” more times than you care to count.  But, how many times have you actually mailed in the rebate?  Too much hassle?  I for one never use to complete rebates, but after receiving many checks recently, I have learned the error of my ways. 

  If you haven’t ever submitted them, it can be a great way to get your money back ...

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• Get Paid to Shop

  published: 12/10/2009 7:00:00 AM

  I love to shop on-line, but will admit that those “shipping & handling” charges just make me grit my teeth.  If they are too high, I will go elsewhere to find what I am looking for.   This year, I am finding so many exceptions to these rules. 
  
  Merchants know that the economy is bad and so they are doing anything and everything they can to lure people to shop with them.   Most of them are ...

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• Gift Cards - Don't Fall Into The Traps

  published: 12/3/2009 7:00:00 AM

  Gift cards can be INCREDIBLE gifts to give (and receive).  However, there can be some pitfalls with purchasing these types of cards to retailers.  Congress is currently working on implementing legislation which will protect consumers.  However, until that happens, there are some things you need to keep in mind when shopping.
  
  Check the fine print for dormancy fees.  Some cards will charge $0.50 or $1.00 every month after "x" months lapse and the card has ...

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• Black Friday - Tips To Make It Work For You

  published: 11/25/2009 8:00:00 PM

  Black Friday can be a day to get out and find some fantastic deals and officially kick off the holiday.  However, for many, it can be a nightmare.  If you plan on getting out and hitting the stores, here are some things to keep in mind:
  
  1.  Plan Ahead.  Take a look over the ads and decide where you want to begin your shopping excursion.  Be sure to bring along your shopping list and keep ...

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