Saving Money in the New Year

January 5, 2020February 2, 2020 / simplywendi / 50 Comments

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OK, so I am not officially back blogging yet, but I did want to take a moment to announce that for the month of January and, stretching through February 3rd, I have lowered the price of my book, Frugal Seeds 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar, in both print and ebook form.

This book shares many of the ways that my family of 6 used to pay off all of our medical and consumer debt and ways we continue to use as we work to pay off our mortgage.

The book can be viewed here and, as always can be read for FREE with KindleUnlimited.

I look forward to seeing everyone again in February!

summer fun with kids

June 17, 2019July 1, 2019 / simplywendi / 54 Comments

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As many of you know I have written a book call Frugal Seeds Summer Edition: 101 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Your Kids for Little Money.

This is can be read FREE at Amazon with KindleUnlimited or you can purchase the e-book for 99 cents.

From my family to yours……….wishing you a summer filled with blessed memories.

“Summer time is the best of what might be.” ~ Charles Bowden

encouraging frugality

May 14, 2019 / simplywendi / 44 Comments

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If you would like to be encouraged in your frugal endeavors and receive money saving tips, please follow us on Instagram @thefrugalsource

~ I am the author, under the pen name Charlie Lee Austin, of Frugal Seeds 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar

frugal seeds

April 1, 2019June 20, 2019 / simplywendi / 71 Comments

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The title of my blog gives away the fact that I live with at least one chronic illness. Now, I don’t want to brag, but I actually live with several, and as interesting as it sounds, it is not a whole lot of fun. Unfortunately I am not the only one in my family who lives with such a burden. Every person in my immediate family lives with at least one chronic illness.

As a result of all of our medical bills, we have learned to live on a tight budget. Over the years I have had to learn to be frugal and about 6 months ago I decided to put some of my frugal ways into a book, Frugal Seeds: 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar. It is now available in both paperback and e-book on Amazon. The entire book can be read for FREE with an Amazon Kindle Unlimited membership.

You will notice it is written under a pen name. This has been done as I working on additional books and I am determined to keep the lives of my children private. Thank you for understanding.

frugality, budgeting, minimalism and saving money

September 23, 2018June 20, 2019 / simplywendi / 41 Comments

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There is a simple, no bells or whistles website, THE FRUGAL SOURCE, that lists links to publications, blogs and websites, all having to do with saving, investing, retirement, budgeting, minimalism, do-it-yourself and using money wisely.

In my attempt to stretch our budget a bit tighter, I have found many of these sites to be helpful. May you find something that can bless you too.

I have written a book, under the pen name Charlie, Frugal Seeds 101 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar. I would be honored if you would take a moment to check it out.

free budgeting apps

August 9, 2018June 20, 2019 / simplywendi / 45 Comments

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“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” — Dave Ramsey, financial radio host and best-selling author.

Everyone can benefit from budgeting his/her money, but having a chronic illness makes your financial life more complicated…….every dollar ( at least in my situation ) must be stretched in order to be able pay all the medical bills and their bill friends that come along for the ride!

Below are links to free budgeting apps, each a little different, so you should be able to find one that fits your specific needs.

“Beware of little expenses: a small leak can sink a great ship.” — Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, inventor, diplomat, and the author of The Way to Wealth

~ wendi, under the pen name Charlie, is the author of Frugal Seeds: 501 Ways to Make, Save, or Stretch a Dollar

free activities for adults

July 16, 2018June 20, 2019 / simplywendi / 37 Comments

national museum of anthropology building

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Now that it is summer (and I am way late posting this), there are so many free activities taking place around the country. Just in my small mid-west town we have a free concert series, library summer reading programs, free movies once a week and free lunches every weekday for anyone who is hungry. So check out what is available in your location………you might be amazed how many free activities are available to you and your family and the free choices can be just as fun as the ones that cost money – without the guilt.

Below is a list of some free activities for adults:

Free admission into National Parks

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

Free admission into museums with Bank of America credit card or

https://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/what-guides-us/arts-and-culture.html#fbid=WooO27LGd7d/hashlink=museums-on-us

Free classes for adults at home depot………yes, they offer free kid classes too

https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#change_store

Free fishing days

https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/how-to-catch-fish/free-fishing-days-2018/

Geocaching

https://www.geocaching.com

Places you can volunteer

https://www.volunteermatch.org/

Free music app………..makes doing something not-so-fun, more fun with a personalized playlist

https://www.spotify.com/us/

Whole foods offers free classes in some locations

https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/events

Some Williams Sonoma stores offer free classes

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/store-events/store-events.html

I have written a book, Frugal Seeds 101 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar. I would be thankful if you would take a moment to check it out. Thank you.

stores with free download fridays

June 5, 2018April 20, 2019 / simplywendi / 9 Comments

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When you are watching your pennies, or dollars if you are lucky, a freebie now and then is a nice blessing. Below is a list of stores who provide free weekly downloads. May you find something that can be a blessing to you!

~ wendi, under the pen name Charlie, is the author of Frugal Seeds: 501 Ways to Save, Make or Stretch a Dollar

celebrate your day with freebies

June 1, 2018June 20, 2019 / simplywendi / 14 Comments

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Here is a list of stuff you can get free on your birthday……….and in case you missed it, check out free food you can also receive on your big day!

Acme Comedy Company – free tickets

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – free movie ticket

AMC – free gift

American Eagle – 15% off coupon

Anthropologie – birthday discount

Banana Republic – birthday gift (possible coupon)

Bare Minerals – free gift

Captain Dizzy – free car wash

Colombia – free birthday gift & welcome gift

Container Store – free birthday & anniversary gifts

CVS – special offer on birthday month

DSW – $5.00 off

Famous Footwear – $10 off

Fresh – free gift

Harkins Theater – free $5.00 for concessions

House of Comedy – free ticket

J Crew – 20% off & free shipping on your birthday

Kohl’s – free gift

Lancome – special gift

Office Depot – special birthday offer

Old Navy – free gift

Out of Africa – free park admission

Payless – special birthday offer

Redbox – one free night rental

Sephora – free gift

Ulta Beauty – free gift

World Market – free surprise

Happy celebrating!

~ wendi, pen name Charlie, is the author of Frugal Seeds: 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar.

food freebies for your birthday!

May 29, 2018November 9, 2018 / simplywendi / 15 Comments

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Here is a (partial) list of food freebies that you can receive on your birthday. Happy Celebrating and saving money! I mean who doesn’t love to save money?!

Abuelo’s – free treat on your birthday & anniversary

http://www.abuelos.com/join-our-mi-abuelos-rewards/

Applebee’s – free dessert

https://www.applebees.com/en/sign-up

Arby’s – free milkshake

https://arbys.com/get-deals

Au Bon Pain – free lunch

http://aubonpain.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&_Theme=21474836609&inputsource=w

Auntie Anne’s – free pretzel

http://www.auntieannes.com/terms-and-conditions

A & W – free root beer float

https://www.awrestaurants.com/rootys-corner

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

https://www.bajafresh.com/clubbaja/

Baskin Robbins – free ice cream

https://www.baskinrobbins.com/content/baskinrobbins/en/thescoop.html

bd’s Mongolian Grill – free entree

https://www.gomongo.com/join-bds-club-mongo/

Bertucci’s – free treat on birthday and half birthday

http://bertuccis.com/email-club-sign-up

Benihana’s – $30.00 birthday certificate – must follow all instructions

http://profile.benihana.com/registration/

Bennigan’s – BOGO entree and free dessert

https://bennigans.com/e-club-sign-up/

Big Boy – free birthday dessert

http://www.bigboy.com/email-club/

Black Angus Steakhouse – free steak dinner w/a purchase of any dinner – 1st year

https://www.blackangus.com/contact/#terms

Boston Market – free dessert

https://www.bostonmarket.com/eclub/

Buca di Beppo – free $20 for your birthday, free pasta just for signing up

https://www.bucadibeppo.com/eclub/

California Pizza Kitchen – free dessert

https://cpkpizzadough.myguestaccount.com/guest/

Cinnabon – free treat for signing up & on your birthday

http://cinnabon.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx

Cold Stone Creamery – BOGO

https://www.coldstonecreamery.com/mycsc/

Culver’s – free treat & BOGO value basket just for signing up

https://www.culvers.com/delicious-perks/join-the-club/join

Dairy Queen – special treat on birthday and half birthday & BOGO blizzard just for signing up

https://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Blizzard-Fan-Club/?localechange=1&D

Dave & Buster’s – free $10 game play

https://www.daveandbusters.com/rewards

Del Taco – free milkshake

https://deltaco.com/contactus

Dippin’ Dots – free dippin dots

https://www.dippindots.com/dotcrazy/signup.html

Dunkin’ Donuts – free beverage when you sign up and on your birthday

https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/dd-perks

Denny’s – free grand slam

https://www.dennys.com/search/?q=birthday

Don Pablos – free nachos for signing up & $10 for birthday

http://www.donpablos.com/hab-club

Edible Creations – free gift

https://www.ediblearrangements.com/rewards/

Einstein Brothers Bagels – free egg sandwich w/purchase

https://shared.einsteinbros.com/join

Iguana Mia – free meal and fried ice cream

//www.iguanamia.com/

Firehouse Subs – free medium sub

https://www.firehousesubs.com/birthday

Friendly’s – free sundae

https://www.friendlysrestaurants.com/login/?login=register

Fuddruckers – free 1/3 pound burger

http://fuddruckers.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&inputsource=w

GOVIDA – free treat

http://www.godiva.com/get-chocolate-rewards?baseURL=get-rewards

Great American Cookie – free treat

http://greatamericancookies.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx

IHOP – free meal

https://www.ihop.com/en/pancake-revolution

Jersey Mike’s – free sub and drink

https://www.jerseymikes.com/email-club

Margaritaville – free treat & free appetizer just for signing up

https://www.finsupclub.com/

Moe’s Southwest Grill – free burritos

https://www.moes.com/rockin-rewards

Olive Garden – free dessert

https://www.olivegarden.com/specials/free-birthday-appetizer-or-dessert-with-your-meal

Orange Leaf – $3.00 off

https://www.orangeleafyogurt.com/rewards

P.F. Chang’s – free appetizer or dessert w/purchase

https://www.pfchangs.com/faq/

The Melting Pot – free chocolate fondue

http://pages.themeltingpotclubfondue-email.com/Profile_Center

The Spaghetti Warehouse – free meal & appetizer for signing up

http://www.meatballs.com/join-our-club/

Pinkberry – free yogurt

http://www.pinkberry.com/loyalty/

Planet Smoothie – free smoothie

http://www.planetsmoothie.com/eclub/

Red Robin – free burger

https://www.redrobin.com/royalty.html

Rita’s – free birthday treat, if closed on your birthday will receive on 1/2 birthday

https://www.ritasice.com/connect/birthday-club/

Ruby Tuesday – free burger

http://pages.rubytuesdayrestaurants.com/page.aspx?QS=5c591a8916642e737829bde7e144b86f195bb33af6913d4c5dda6ef500467c48

Sbarro – free birthday treat

https://sbarro.com/slicesociety

Shula’s – free entree

https://www.shulas.com/shulas-clubs/

Smashburger – free side or shake w/purchase

https://smashburger.com/smashclub/

Sprinkles – free treat on birthday and 1/2 birthday

http://sprinkles.com/perks

Starbucks – free drink on your birthday

https://www.starbucks.com/card/rewards

Sonny’s BBQ – free big deal combo

https://www.sonnysbbq.com/reward

TGI Friday’s – free dessert & free dessert or appetizer for signing up

https://www.tgifridays.com/rewards/faq

Western Sizzlin

https://www.sizzler.com/join-the-club

Wienershenitzel – free coupon & free chili dog when you sign up

http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/specials/

Zaxby’s – free nibbler & free sandwich meal when you sign up

https://www.zaxbys.com/zax-club/

Zoes Kitchen – free birthday treat

https://zoeskitchen.com/rewards

Simply Chronically Ill

thoughts from someone who lives it

frugality

Saving Money in the New Year

summer fun with kids

encouraging frugality

frugal seeds

frugality, budgeting, minimalism and saving money

free budgeting apps

free activities for adults

stores with free download fridays

celebrate your day with freebies

food freebies for your birthday!