It has been an amazing few days for me because I am in a national magazine! Well me and RichSingleMomma.com that is.

How exciting for me and so wonderful when friends call me to say they saw me while casually browsing through one of the best selling magazines in the country.

The mystery publication is Essence magazine. I am in the December 2013 issue which came out this month. Ironically a couple of my friends saw it before I did so I was scrambling trying to find my copy.

Watch the video

My appearance in the Work and Wealth section is because of a shopping challenge I was a part of along with bloggers at sistersavealot.com and doublesavingdivas.com. The challenge was for us to spend $250 on 10 premium gifts for family and friends using deal sites, mobile apps, coupons, and unique savings strategies.

I bought fantastic gifts for my family and friends at 78% off retail. I’ll share my techniques in a future article or video. I had so much fun with the challenge and proving you can buy great gifts for less.

What strategies do you use or plan to use for your gift buying this holiday season? Are you looking for a gift guide to help you find great deals?

Winter is coming, but I’m thankful…

It’s not my favorite time of the year, but I tolerate it only because I have heat provided by my friendly natural gas provider. I’ll admit it gets kind of expensive though during the winter months because when the cold is unbearable outside, the heat is blasting on the inside. I really can’t stand to be cold, so I show no mercy to my poor HVAC system.

The Price of Winter Comfort

In the summer I can expect to spend about $45 for natural gas services. I thank God for that, but in the winter? Oy vey! The bill seems like it’s through the roof. I’m sure I’m not the only person lamenting this issue, but it is truly the price you pay for having heat.

Each year I get a notice to choose my rate, which I can leave as is or change. Unless you have an understanding of the price of gas per cubic foot, it’s confusing. I do my best and move on.

You’d think that with as profitable the gas company is, they would do something nice for those in need, right? Fortunately some companies do have a heart. I’m thankful for that and for the generosity school receive through the TrueBlue Schools program.

TrueBlue Schools Makes it Easy to Give Back

The representatives of my local natural gas company have proven they have a heart. Their TrueBlue schools program gives back to any school who needs help with equipment, school supplies, or anything else they need. Does your gas company do that?

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

The way TrueBlue Schools works is you enroll you favorite school and for every bill payment you make, $5 will go to your school every month. This has to be the easiest school fundraiser ever. You don’t pay any extra on your bill but TBS gives $5 on your behalf each month to the school you’ve listed. Schools receive their donation check every quarter and can earn as much as they want. Hint: It pays to get all the parents who get natural gas involved to get the most out of the program.

Switch, Save, & Contribute Easily

If you live in Georgia and your child’s school has been struggling because of budget cuts, over population, or they just need help, enroll in the TrueBlue Schools program. It’s an easy sign-up process and there will be no interruption in your service.

Signing up is easy:

Customers switching from another provider:

· Visit TrueBlueSchools.com

· Select a school to donations once your new gas service begins.

· Enter some basic information, and use our secure online website to switch your service to Georgia Natural Gas.

· Don’t forget to provide promotion code TRUEBLUE to receive up to a 15¢ per therm discount on your gas service, in addition a monthly $5 donation to your school.

· Remember, you can always call 1.866.ONLYGNG to sign up by phone, too.

If ALREADY a Georgia Natural Gas customer:

· Visit TrueBlueSchools.com

· Select your school to receive donations.

· Enter some basic information and you’re done.

I wish you a warm winter and an even warmer heart as you give back to help your school through this easy fundraiser.

This post was sponsored by Georgia Natural Gas TrueBlue Schools

Over the last few years I’ve seen the trend of school budget cuts for everything from art, music, and physical education. Schools are being shut down while prisons are being built in Pennsylvania and other urban cities around the country.

How Do Schools Survive Budget Cuts?

The school districts that remain struggle year after year with over-crowding, lack of parent engagement, and Ritalin overload. At the beginning of every school year parents are spending more and more money for school supplies. The things school used to supply in years past are now being passed on to parents despite paying high property taxes.

Sometimes public schools feel like private schools because the price tag keeps getting bigger and bigger due to budget cuts. There has definitely been a shift in priorities so I’m partnering with True Blue Schools to help you cope with these costs. It’s still important to contribute but it doesn’t have to put such a strain on your budget, especially when you can get help.

How  Can You Give Without Breaking the Budget?

How can your school benefit from the power of many small (less than $10) monthly contributions?

The answer is as simple and as close as your natural gas bill. TrueBlue Schools program helps schools raise money in a simple, yet effective way.

TrueBlue Schools Win, So Can Your Child’s School

Some schools have earned $5,000 in a matter of months, $10,000 in a year and more than $40,000 over the life of the program.

Your school could earn just as much or more when parent and friends switch natural gas providers. Get more details below. You can also enter to win a prize pack it includes there are many ways to enter to win.

Background on TrueBlue Schools 

TrueBlue  Schools is a fast and easy way to help your  school raise money just by using Georgia Natural Gas. When you become a GNG  Customer, sign up for TrueBlue Schools and we donate $5/month to the school of your choice. Plus, you get  a discount on your bill (it’s a win for your school and a win  for you!) The $5 is not added to your bill, TrueBlue Schools is no cost to you.

Signing up is easy:

Customers switching from another provider:

· Visit http://trueblueschools.com

· Select a school to donations once your new gas service begins.

· Enter some basic information, and use our secure online website to switch your service to Georgia Natural Gas.

· Don’t forget to provide promotion code TRUEBLUE to receive up to a 15¢ per therm discount on your gas service, in addition a monthly $5 donation to your school.

· Remember, you can always call 1.866.ONLYGNG to sign up by phone, too.

If ALREADY a Georgia Natural Gas customer:

· Visit TrueBlueSchools.com

· Select your school to receive donations.

· Enter some basic information and you’re done.

TrueBlue Schools has donated almost $2M to-­‐date. Spread the word!

Enter the Fall Family Giveaway

Enter to win a Fall Family Pack brought to you by Georgia Natural Gas. You have multiple ways to win but don’t forget to sign up for TrueBlue Schools to get money donated to your kid’s school too!

The pack includes:

1  Fall Family Giveaway including 1 insulated picnic tote, 1 stadium blanket,  2 chip  clips, 2 lip balms,  2 mini first aid kits,  2 hand sanitizers,  2 insulated lunch boxes, 2 cell phone anti-­‐slip pads, 2 Chap Sticks, 1 kitchen apple timer, and $50 in Target Gift Cards

Five ways to enter the Fall Family Giveaway (readers can enter five times for five chances  to win):

• Leave a comment: “What would your school do with $10,000?”
• Share  post on Facebook
• Share  post to Pinterest
• Tweet “I’m entering to win the Georgia Natural Gas #TrueBlueSchools Family Prize Pack from @richsinglemomma, you should, too! [LINK to this post]”
• Tweet “#TrueBlueSchools is an easy way to donate $5/month to your local  school [LINK to this post]”

Disclosure: TrueBlue Schools sponsored this post.

Hear ye! Hear ye! I’ve been eyeing the Bluebird card ever since it showed up in my local Walmart. I admit, it was the color the caught my eye. The blue is so soothing and almost one of my favorite colors.

Why am I so geeked to be telling you about this? Well it’s because I get to work with them silly! Yep, I am working with the Bluebird brand to bring you more information and tips on how to maximize this new card.

If you got my FREE 79 Ways to Turbo Charge Your Financial Life ebook you know that controlling your spending is one of the first things I advise you to do.

I’ll be updating you on the various ways I’m using the card from making purchases for Back-to-school and travel expenses to staying up to date on my account information.

I hope you join me on my journey through the land of no-fee card purchases with Bluebird by American Express. It  has all of the premium features that account-holder love, such as deposits by smartphone and mobile bill pay, and no minimum balance, monthly, annual or overdraft fees, purchase protection, roadside assistance, 24/7 customer service, etc.

Registering for My Card

The first step is to register for my card. I went to Bluebird.com and was met with the beautiful blue again. I clicked the Register button and followed the directions.

I registered then received this email that it’s almost complete. I have to click the link in a separate email that will verify my email address then take me to my new account.

Now my account is all set up. The next step is to add money to my account using my regular checking, savings, payroll check, or check image capture on my smartphone. Of course I can’t use the account until I get my permanent card in the mail. I will have to log back into my account to activate it then I’ll be all set to start spending, monitoring, and distributing money in any sub-accounts I’ve set up.

My DIY Moisturizing Soap
I buy cheap liquid soap, and I add almond oil (olive oil is also good, but
the smell of the almond oil is better). That’s how I get moisturizing soap
at minimum cost!
Michelle R. from Santiago, Chile

Easy Corn on the Cob
To cook corn on the cob without a lot of mess and work, microwave two ears
for eight minutes with the husk on. Remove the corn from the microwave, cut
the base off, hold onto one end, and slide the corn out of husk, silk and all.
GW

Garage Sale Selling Strategies
I just finished having a big garage sale, getting rid of most of my
baby/tot gear as I retired from daycare. I found that if I said “make me an
offer,” I generally received more than what I had hoped to get. You might
want to try this route. It worked for me.
Julie

Ahh, Cool Air!
Fill a gallon jug with water and freeze it. Set the frozen water jug in a
shallow dish in front of fan and turn the fan on. This is especially good
at night beside the bed. The shallow dish lets condensation drip without
marring any surface.
RPB

Tired of Lawn Chores?
Do you hate to mow grass as much as I do? Don’t forget you can plant other
things in large areas of your yard to cut down mowing. Groundcovers such as
English ivy, jasmine, fern, daylilies and other plants can cover large
expanses of your property. They may need a slight trimming once a year or
less, but that’s not as bad as once a week. You can also put in rock
gardens, large flower beds with mulch, decks, patios or walkways and other
structures to take up some of the lawn area. Less grass to mow equals less
work for you each weekend!
N2W

Stubborn Sticky Price Tags
Here’s an easy, free way to remove price tags, stickers, etc. Just use your
hair dryer. Aim it at the label for several seconds and the heat of the
dryer activates the glue on the label and dissolves it. The label or tag
will come off easily. If it doesn’t come off with the first try, keep the
hair dryer aimed at the label a little longer and try again. This works
great on picture frames and mirrors, too.
Sherri

Cheaper Birdfeed
We like to feed the birds at our house, but the birdseed was getting very
expensive. At my local farm feed store, I found that I can buy chicken
scratch in 50-pound bags at half the cost of regular birdseed. It contains
almost the same type of seed as birdseed mixes. We throw in a handful of
sunflower seeds, and we keep up our hobby at a “cheeper” price!
Karen in New Haven

As Simple as Vinegar
Since I started using a vinegar/water mix in a spray bottle to wash down my
counters, table, stove, etc., I have not found any ants inside my home. I
used to use brand name cleaners and put out ant traps, but the ants would
still be found from spring until late summer. So why spend the money when
vinegar costs so much less?
Cheryl

Reduce Dryer Costs
Recently I had our clothes dryer repaired. The repairman gave me a great
tip. Dryer sheets leave a residue on the lint catcher, which reduces
airflow. This causes the appliance to run less efficiently, making it more
expensive to run. He suggested soaking the lint catcher in hot water and
scrubbing it with a toothbrush on a regular basis to keep those energy
bills down!
K.

Eyeglass Savings
Make sure you know the warranty on your glasses. This may vary by insurance
provider and eyeglass vendor, of course, but it’s worth knowing the
details. Last year, I ended up breaking my glasses beyond repair and
usability. When I called my eye doctor to get an emergency pair made,
expecting to pay entirely out of pocket, she said that since it had been
one day short of a year since I got them, the replacement pair (frames and
lenses) was totally covered within warranty as long as I had at least one
lens to exchange (which I did).
Tony C. in Holly Springs, NC

Laundry Detergent Performance
I have found that the performance of any soap is determined by several
factors. The hardness of the water is a biggie. For that, I use a
tablespoon of baking soda in my powdered detergent. The size of the load is
another. Don’t overload and try putting a towel in with regular fabrics,
being as the different texture helps with cleaning the other clothes.
Another factor is the type of washer.
I have a front loader and find that if I use half of the recommended amount
of Wind Fresh along with generic color-safe bleach, I get excellent results.
There’s no need for hot water unless you’re sanitizing things that may have
been subject to mold growth or candida yeast.
Nancy P. in Amarillo, TX

Want to live better on the money you already make? Visit
<www.stretcher.com/index.cfm?TipsSyn> to find hundreds of articles to help
you stretch your day and your dollar! Copyright 2013 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.

Ever wonder why you can’t get ahead financially?

Wondering why your bills are piling up, your bank account is low, and you continue to struggle for the basic necessities of life?

Wonder why you can’t take the trips you want, can’t buy a newer, better car?

This is happening because you haven’t learned the law of use and circulation.

Author and metaphysician, Florence Scovel Shinn puts it this way:

“Money is God in manifestation, as freedom from want and limitation, but it must always be kept in circulation and put to right uses.”

So your money has to always be in circulation and never hoarded. There should be no fear in letting it go out, because like a refreashing river of water that must have an outlet to thrive, so your money must have an outlet.

This is I call the Money Cycle. It simply means that money flows in and out of my life when I freely give to others, express gratitude, and get money back. 

Applying the money cycle to your life could have a similar affect. It requires releasing all fear and anxiety over money. It might be hard but with practice you can do it. 

You can learn more about the Money Cycle in the upcoming teleclass called Your Right to be Rich. Are you ready to be a part of this revolution? Are you ready to learn how to apply the law of cause and effect, the law of giving and receiving, the law of reciprocity, the law of attraction, and the law of abundance to your life?

It’s hitting 90 degrees here in Georgia and the temperature keeps rising. This has been a very busy summer for me and the kids, but we have to slow down and enjoy all that summer brings.

I have a few things planned including catching a couple of Braves baseball games and hitting Lake Lanier. I got a deal on tickets at work which comes in handy. This will be far from a boring summer. I hope your summer is fun and exciting too. If you are having trouble getting it started off I have a few tips to make it memorable.

Here are my tips for how to have an amazing summer with the kids that is affordable and fun:

1. Plan your activities ahead of time

Back in February I began planning the summer activites for my kids. I knew I needed to start early because in my area, being last minute means you lose out. Summer camps book up early, especially if they have a reputation of being high quality and affordable.

In my neck of the woods, the PAL or Police Activity League summer camp is both. So I enrolled my son and paid for the entire 8 weeks in advance. I got a discount for doing that and relief from the stress of having to worry about paying a fee every week. I used my tax refund to fund his summer experience.

2. Get Discount Tickets at Work, Through the Grocery Store or Online

I am allergic to paying full price for attraction tickets. I will search high and low for a discount or a deal. Inflation has brought about high prices but there is always a way around them if you are willing to do the research.

My tickets for the Braves games and Lake Lanier (a local water park attraction) came at a great time. I got a package deal that gives me free and half price tickets so we get to go at least two times for the price of one full-priced ticket.

If you can’t get tickets at work go to Publix, Kroger, or your local grocery store. Here we can get discount tickets to Six Flags Over Georgia.

Another source of discount tickets is Half-Off Depot, GoldStar, or Groupon.

3. Take a Weekend Getaway

Staying home all summer long can get boring and what are summers for if you don’t get away at least one weekend, right? Your trip doesn’t have to be too far away or too expensive. Drive two hours in any direction to get to a fun place to explore.

Living in Atlanta gives me many place to explore in the surrounding state. I can get to South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island, North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Chattanooga Tennessee, and parts of historic Alabama in just a few hours. Stay at a moderately priced hotel that has a kitchenette to save on eating out, find free places and spaces to play in the city, take lots of pictures, and create new memories.

4. Enjoy a Picnic and Free Concerts/Movies at Your Local Parks

If you can’t get away, why not go on a picnic one weekend. The local park is perfect for spreading out a blanket under the trees, throwing a frisbee, barbecuing or eating sandwiches, munching on homemade cupcakes or cookies. Don’t forget the bug spray!

Hopefully that same park is hosting a free concert or movie night. Many cities bring in great music acts and movies to give families something to do during the long summer days. Visit your city’s website to see what they offer.

Your summer can be amazing with a little planning and creativity. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to make it a great time. There is nothing more important in your family life than making memories for a lifetime. Get out there and have fun!

Recommended Summer Fun Products

Food Network™ 2-Layer Cookie & Cupcake Carrier

Picnic Time® Buccaneer 6-pc. Grill & Cooler Set

Bug Band Insect Repellent Band

Fairy Tales Bug Bandit Natural Insect Repellent

Disclaimer: I received and got to try the above products at no cost to me.