How to Reorganize Your Pantry

What would you say if I asked if your pantry was organized?

I have found that having an organized pantry has a direct correlation to how much money I spend at the grocery store. But, let me tell you - this did not happen overnight! Nope. Rather this has been years in the making ... probably more than 2 years to feel fully stocked up! But, now it is JUST so worth the time, effort, and energy it has taken. What's even better is to know that during the course of the pandemic I had a handle on what I had on-hand so as to keep grocery costs low and trips to the grocery store few and far between.

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Edrina Calderon
What does the stimulus package have to do with me?

In the past several months the economy at large has seen an upheaval like it has never seen before. I am going to call it a topsy turvy economical environment, as that’s the best way I can rationalize what’s been going on. Between hundreds of countries feeling the weight of this Covid-19 virus, to hundreds of thousands of people getting sick, and some even passing away.

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Edrina Calderon
Top Frugal Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Valentine’s Day is one of those magical holidays that spans all generations. Children make sweet little cards for their classmates and friends. Young adults get all giddy when their boyfriend or girlfriend delivers flowers to their office. Married couples take the day to celebrate their forever love, while their kids relish in all the candy and sweet treats. What’s not to love about love?!

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Edrina Calderon
Tax Planning: 3 Ways To Ensure Maximum Benefits

Is it just me, or can you also sense the anxiety building up all around? The end of the year is upon us, which only means we are coming up on tax filing season! Fret not, friends, I have pulled together 3 quick tax savings tips that you can do TODAY in order to  ensure maximum benefits! These are tips that I want you to consider, and act on as you close out this calendar year.

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Edrina Calderon
Holiday Gift Guide: 20 Gifts Under $25 for Him & Her

The holidays are such a special time! I feel my energy building up getting ready to watch all of the lovely holiday movies, while cuddling on the coach and sipping on hot cocoa. But for many of us it is a time of financial stress. Sometimes the stress comes from not knowing exactly how much the cost of Christmas will end up being when you see the credit card bill in January. Well - fret not friends! I’ve pulled together a list of gifts UNDER $25, for her AND him!

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Budget-Friendly Fall & Winter Fashion Ideas

If you’re someone who thinks of fashion and style as a creative outlet and form of expression, then keeping your wardrobe fresh and modern is probably important to you. The fall and winter seasons are every fashion lover’s dream with new trends hitting the runways, cozy fabrics with festive patterns, and opportunities to layer scarves, coats and sweaters.

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Book Review: How To Say Anything To Anyone

I wish I had read How To Say Anything To Anyone sooner. Perhaps before I even entered the workforce. I love how this book is so practical and teaches exactly what to say within certain situations and circumstances. Too many times I have felt stumped by trying to figure out the most effective way to communicate to another person within the office, especially in the confines of an office culture where politics gets lost on me. Does anyone else ever feel this way?



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Easy Work or School Lunches for Any Budget

If you’re struggling with your food budget every month, you’re not alone. Overspending on food is one of the most common personal budget busters. If you’re not sure if you’re overspending, track your grocery and restaurant spending for a month and see how you feel when you see the total number. You might be surprised to see that you spend hundreds of dollars more than you thought on food. A Chipotle lunch here, a snack run there, it adds up!

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How to Get Started With Meal Prepping

Sometimes it feels like meal prep can be a chore! But, when I have meals all set and ready to go for the upcoming week I start to notice that my level of efficiency goes up during the day. In the mornings I find that I’m not worrying about what meals I’m going to be eating throughout the day, all I have to do is grab and go. Now that I work mostly from home this helps speed up my day significantly. I am honestly doing more things now than I was when I had a 9 to 5. #mindblown


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The Case for Meal Planning

You come home from work exhausted. Rummage through the fridge and try to find the easiest, quickest, and (...*fingers crossed*...) the healthiest meal to make to keep the family happy and satisfied. But then you realize you don't have enough items to make a whole meal. *sigh* So, you end up running to the grocery store to pick up "just a few things" and end up spending a $100 because impulse shopping on an empty stomach IS. A. THING.

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Amazon Prime Versus Costco Memberships

If you’re wondering whether or not you should sign up for Amazon Prime or Costco—or both!—I’m happy you’re thinking about your budget. Recurring expenses, like subscriptions and memberships, are often the biggest budget busters. But unlike the Hulu subscription you may have forgotten about, Amazon Prime and Costco memberships are not as forgettable.

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