Welcome to money Monday, where I share my highs and lows from a week of money management.

Wise Money Management

This week I saved money by borrowing books from my local library …electronically.

If you haven’t yet, go check out how we use our local library in a very non-traditional way that saves my sanity during this crazy season of life.

 This year for social studies and science we are using My Father’s World. This curriculum provides lesson plans and “spines” <—-Ooooh look at me, using fancy pants teacher’s words!! The family is then encouraged to purchase or borrow appropriate books to extend the learning experience.

I extended that experience …all the way to my laptop 😉 Rather than spend money purchasing a bunch of books to be used for a week, or spending time driving the lovely little horde to the library, I utilized my ever-so-awesome online lending service.

Need books about Mexico? Voila! Studying Canada next week, eh? It’s aboot time! Ta-da! 

Yep, modern life is pretty much awesome.

And yes, in case you’re wondering, we still purchase plenty of physical school books. I’d just rather not spend the money if I’m using the book for a week.

I’m kind of weird like that 😉

Mismanagement. Ouch!

Scary stuff, folks; I very nearly forgot to pay a credit card. GASP!!!

Nearly.

We recently snagged a couple more Alaska Airlines credit cards from the evil Bank of America to procure some fantastic miles bonus. **No, I am not championing credit cards. Nope, I don’t think travel hacking is a great idea for anyone in debt. And yes, I am aware that we have a mortgage. I’m also aware that we’ve always paid our entire card off each month.

Finally, I am still a huge Dave Ramsey fan, but I’m also a realist. If Mr. Ramsey lived in Alaska, his parents and siblings lived off of the road system in AK, and he could fly roundtrip for 15k miles to see them, even he might turn a blind eye to my credit card indiscretion.

…sorry. Where was I? Oh yes, my near mismanagement. Ready for this really dumb mistake?

I totally forgot that the card is immediately slapped with the $75.00 annual fee. Thankfully I remembered the bill at the last minute and paid it off.

Whew! Can you imagine going through the work of trying to get some miles and then having to pay fees on an overdue balance for the first time in my life?

Yep, that would’ve been dumb.

Still debating on whether or not we need to put any sort of balance on these cards (to make sure that Bank of America and our credit report don’t implode), and how much. Please share if you have any tips.

How did you manage money wisely this week?

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