by Jamie Jeffers | May 31, 2017 | Saving Money
Have you read a money story that rocked your whole world? These stories have wisdom and fascination, and you won’t stop thinking about them for days!
Have you ever heard a money story so interesting that you think about it for days? In fact, that story changes things so much that you actually change the way you do things because of it?
Those stories are pretty rare. For something to get a grasp on my heart, it’s got to be profound yet simple. Not necessarily an easy change, but nearly always a simple one.
These are stories about debt, wealth, frugality, and general money habits. There’s a lot of wow in this post, so I don’t blame you a bit if you save or pin this post and go through the stories one at a time.
That way you can get a true read on whether a particular story is a life changer for you, rather than overwhelming yourself with one new idea after another.
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 29, 2017 | Parenting Tips
Looking for a responsibility chart that actually works? Try this free printable, and be sure to use the tips to make the most out of this method!
There are few things that can set off the Mom monster faster than a kid who dumps a mess on the counter you just scrubbed.
Or the one who drops his socks in the middle of the floor you just cleaned.
I know. I can feel the blood rushing to my head just thinking about it. And I know I’m not the only one!
It’s high time we let those kiddos who are so good at making the mess learn how to clean it up.
Amiright?
What you need is a tool that makes it all easier. Something we call the responsibility chart.
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 26, 2017 | Ways We Saved This Week
Well. I guess I’m going to have to come clean. After all, you guys are the ones I count on to keep me accountable. And I’ve kind of blown it.
I don’t mean that in a “I went out and got a brand new car” kind of way. Actually, I don’t even mean it in a “we ordered pizza 4 times this month kind of way.” Heck, we didn’t order any pizza this month! Given our old behavior, that in and of itself is a win.
But I haven’t had the most #yearofno kind of month.
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 24, 2017 | Uncategorized
This blog exists for one reason: to serve my readers. I work to become a better blogger every day, and I can really only do that with your help.
It’s been over a year since I last surveyed the Medium Sized Family readers, so it’s definitely time to do it again! Tell me a bit about yourself. Whether this is your first visit to Medium Sized Family or you check in often, I’d like to know how I can help you out.
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 22, 2017 | Parenting Tips
Looking for fun things to do on your birthday that don’t cost an arm and a leg? Get a few new surprises to spring on the birthday boy or girl this year!
When he woke up, the first thing he did was (of course) come down the steps.
Except that today, there were streamers blocking his exit into the living room.
What could he do…except bust through those paper ropes like the KoolAid Man going through a wall.
Ooooo yeah!
You can bet he felt special from the moment he woke up. After all, it’s his birthday.
He only gets one per year. And every little moment you give him throughout the day fills your heart with joy, at least as much as it does his.
Making a birthday feel special doesn’t take a ton of money.
And here’s a hint…it doesn’t have to be Pinterest perfect either.
Here are some super fun things to do for a birthday…they are gonna love it!
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 19, 2017 | Ways We Saved This Week
We are winding down the last days of school. This is always such a crazy time of year and I can hardly keep up.
There may be a slow down on new blog posts for a few weeks while I juggle everything. I’d rather write when I can put my heart into it than slap up anything just to get a post out there. But never fear, I’ll still have one or two new posts every week! Keep visiting, my very favorite readers! 🙂
This week we celebrated a birthday, and (by some miracle) had all four of our ball players playing a game on the same night on our home fields! That will probably never happen again! Unfortunately, our daughter had a migraine and wasn’t able to play. But I did get to see 3 of my boys playing as I ran from field to field. It was so much fun!
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 17, 2017 | Debt, Saving Money
Advertising makes you feel like you need one of everything! The key to controlling your money is knowing the difference between need and want. Use these tricks to tell the difference and watch your money grow!
I read a chapter from Little House on the Prairie to my daughter like we do most nights, when there’s a little extra time before bed.
In the book, Pa was recovering from malaria.
Since he couldn’t get out to work, he decided to hand make a rocking chair for Ma. It was just a fun side project for the Ingalls family.
Aside from the fact that Pa’s skills were pretty amazing, I’m often struck by the stark contrast between wants and needs in the “Laura books”.
I mean, most of us stop by the store if we run out of salad dressing.
Pa didn’t even go when he ran out of nails for building the house! He just made pegs from wood and worked a little slower. On their shelter.
Even the most frugal people I know would put “shelter” on their short list of needs.
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by Jamie Jeffers | May 15, 2017 | Parenting Tips
Looking for a special way to mark the end of the school year? Try this awesome low cost idea…but you better be good at keeping secrets!
What do you remember about your high school graduation?
A few things spring to mind for me.
The staff member in charge of seating made arrangements so that couples were seated by each other, so I got to share the day with the man I’d later marry. (So thoughtful!)
Later, I had a graduation party and received special gifts including a nice flute that would improve my playing abilities as a music major.
But the most special gift I received at the end of the school year was a copy of Dr. Suess’ “Oh! The Places You’ll Go!”
Inside was a special note of encouragement my Mom had written just for me.
I never forgot about that book (in fact, I still have it!). And as my first born son was wrapping up his kindergarten year, I decided to go ahead and buy the book for him, too.
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I'm Jamie, and I want to help you afford a beautiful life with your family. 
