Since 2004, I’ve been a “money-saving mentor,” traveling near and far to mentor families on topics of saving money, life-organization, consumer-education, and frugality. I am also the proud wife of a retired Navy Chief.
As a neighbor and community volunteer, I’ve met many military families. I’ve learned about challenges spouses at home face in balancing home and family tasks alone. For their service, benefits earned by veterans provide unique and valuable opportunities — more so when efficiently utilized. There are many resources and ideas which can make life easier and more rewarding. I’m here to help both happen for you.
Dollars and Sense is my practical tribute, one I hope will educate and encourage you to “live a fuller life, at half the price.” We’re all at different stages – but remember, life is not a dress rehearsal. Living a “fuller life, at half the price” means that by using our resources wisely, we’ll experience more of what is good in life and less of what is negative.
I’ll work to bring you a wide variety of information, all meant to help you live a more affordable, enjoyable life. Your ideas and questions are always welcome. You can contact me via ahannold@comcast.net. Let’s get started.
Veterans’ Day Appreciation Discounts: Veteran’s Day is Friday, Nov. 11. Many chain restaurants traditionally offer free items or meals to active duty military and veterans. Keep an eye out for these!
Year-Round Military Discounts: Show your ID, save some cash. National and local businesses show their appreciation for our military all year long with discounts. Whatever you’re doing, whether it’s traveling, taking in a local attraction or dining – ask if there is an available military discount. For an extensive list, visit MilitaryTimes.com. Look for Military Discounts on their Marketplace page. Some offers may vary or not be available locally. Check with the local franchise for details.
Want to know about more local military discounts? The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce has a card for you, listing some of the available military discounts. You can get your card by stopping by their office.
Plan For a Happier, Less-Expensive Holiday: While I may not agree with retailers setting out the Christmas gear before Halloween, I do see one positive aspect to their advance marketing. Our planning and preparing can start now. When you see Christmas, ask yourself what you want to improve upon from the holiday you experienced last year. Where did the overspending, family discontent or the Scrooge in you come in? An organized Christmas, intentionally and thoughtfully created — beginning now — is something to look forward to.
Here’s a free and versatile resource which will help you through your holiday season. OrganizedChristmas.com has printable checklists and planners as well as creative and affordable gift ideas. Follow their grand plan through your holiday tasks, room by room and gift by gift. Christmas planner pages begin with a reflection on last year and end with journal pages to remember your holiday. I love their holiday budget form, which asks you to include all the expenses of the holiday, even the “little” ones that increase over the holiday season. You can create an entire notebook with these planning pages. Keep them for next year and have something to share with your children.
Planning makes for lower costs and greater joy. You don’t have to plan it all, but do take a look at what’s coming and take some steps to prepare now. Your wallet and heart will thank you.
In addition to being a money-saving mentor and coordinator of the North Whidbey Coupon Club, Amy Hannold is the proud wife of a retired Navy Chief and a busy mom. Her columns appear the second Friday of each month. Send your questions on saving money, getting organized or living more frugally to Hannold via email at ahannold@comcast.net.
