I love a fun wreath for the front door!
Pre-made wreaths are expensive so I like to make my own. But even the wreath forms from the craft store are a few bucks just to get started. So I’m always looking for a creative way to cut even that cost down.
I’ve been seeing ideas on the internet for using pipe insulation from the hardware store to make a wreath form so I decided to give it a try.
I paid $2.50 for this package of four 3 foot lengths.

I used 2 pieces for my wreath because I like a nice big wreath. No dinky, hung too high wreaths for me!
Using duct tape I just taped the ends together to make one 6 foot length.

You could tape the other ends together now and complete the circle.
I had an idea to add some burlap to mine so I left the other ends untaped for now.
I took a yard of burlap and cut it into 4 nine inch wide strips, sewed those into tubes,

and threaded those onto the insulation, then taped the other ends together to close the circle.

I wanted this to be a Halloween wreath so I added a glittery BOO ($1 Target Dollar Spot), a ghost (made from on hand supplies), a big spider from my son’s toy box, and a bow ($2 spool of ribbon from Walmart). Total cost for my Halloween Wreath = $7.25

Final analysis: It worked! If I meant to add any heavy embellishments, I think I would add a wire coat hanger to the inside of the insulation for extra support. I purposely made my wreath oblong just because I like a different shape now and then. But the insulation alone held it’s round shape well enough for lightweight embellishments.
Pin It

This is a super hot coupon and will probably go fast! Share this offer with three friends and you will get a $2 off printable coupon for Minute Maid Juice 10 packs!!

LINK TO OFFER

Save 20% at ShopKo with THIS printable coupon!! Coupon is only valid on 10/23 and 10/24.

Last year I wrote this post about spending money with discipline. It’s almost been a year, AND with the holidays coming up, I felt like it would be a good reminder! I truly believe in following all these principles. Doing so has helped us stay debt-free (except for our home) and still drive nice cars, go on vacations, and have a good chunk of money in savings. Discipline is what you need to get ahead in the money game.

Something has been on my mind a lot lately. Discipline. We need discipline in many ways in our lives: children, food, exercise, cleaning, education, and goals just to name a few.

But the one area where EVERYONE needs discipline is with money. We all need to be better at not spending our hard earned cash on things we won’t want next week. Or only buying what food we will eat. Or not giving in to the begging child at the store just to keep him quiet.

Discipline is hard. Really hard. No matter what you need it with. But it can even be more difficult with money and budgeting. Just like I am an emotional eater, I know emotional spenders. Spending money can make you feel better, just for that moment, or just for that afternoon. Then you come home and say to yourself, “Why did I waste my money on that?”

Let’s stop the un-necessary spending!

Set up a plan for yourself, and a small goal. A goal that WILL be attainable. You need to be able to reach it so you can move forward. And keep your promise to yourself. If you decide you will save $50 every month then do it! Don’t cave in. It will become a habit before you know it.

Here are some things to remember that I have found helpful in my life as I have worked with my husband to reach our financial goals. Maybe they will be helpful to you as well. Just remember, everyone is in a different place in their life with finances, debt, and obligations. So don’t compare yourself to others. Just start where you are and move forward!

1. Objects won’t buy happiness. No matter what you think, that certain toy or that certain pair of shoes will not make you happy. I promise!

2. Pick a day once a week to go over your budget together. Decide how much you will spend and don’t go over it. Period. This way you can both know where you are and if changes need to happen you can discuss it.

3. Pay yourself first. Before you spend any money you must pay yourself. Decide how much money you will put into savings, IRA’s or whatever and do that…THEN you may spend.

4. Only buy what you really will use. This includes food storage and other items for emergencies. Not only does this help with the budget, but keeps clutter down.

5. Don’t use your credit card for purchases unless you know you can pay for it in full the next month. I have really strong opinions about this. Your life will be so much better if you don’t get into debt with credit cards! If you don’t have the money for it, don’t buy it. Period.

6. Plan for big purchases or expenses ahead of time. Not only do we save ahead for vacations or other large expenses, I also save ahead for dental, auto insurance and emergencies. We don’t have dental insurance so I figured how much we spend per year, divided by 12, and I save that amount every month. When we go to the dentist every 6 months it is already paid for. It is such a nice feeling!

7. Don’t buy something just because it is on sale. There will always be another sale. Believe me. Unless you need that item immediately.

8. Don’t tempt yourself. If you find yourself spending money when you go out, stay home! Find free activities to do in your area. Take the kids to the park, or on a bike ride. You don’t have to spend money to have fun!

What are your tips for having more discipline with money?

Coupon Network just added this Kellogg’s Low Fat Pop-Tarts $1/2 coupon.  Print it quickly, before it disappears.  Remember, you can print each coupon twice.