I stumbled on this webpage about 2 weeks ago and I can't get enough (lol)
Check it out, it's very inspiring and lots of great tips and life stories
http://canadianbudgetbinder.com/category/frugal-living/
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Also I was thinking I know you make the payments to the orthodontist, if you are good at paying your credit card as you use it, it might be worthwhile putting the monthly orthodontist expense on your cc and getting points or something of that nature that will benefit your family since you have to pay the bill anyways.....just a thought.