This fifth edition of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is full of new, creative ways to provide for your family's needs while remaining within your budget.


Each monthly Digest E-Book contains a special feature--an in-depth look at a specific topic.



"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."



What does education mean to you? While academics are important, learning for life encompasses so much more! God has created your child with a unique set of skills, interests, and abilities for a particular purpose. Allow Him to unfold the plan!

This month Molly brings us articles about education which show you what learning looks like in real life, and just how enjoyable and natural it can be! You'll learn about money-saving ideas for college and other ways to provide an excellent education for your child, including specific college alternatives, and you'll discover how to make SMALL changes that add up to BIG savings! But there's a whole lot more!

• Get a glimpse into the lives and homes of Molly's fascinating readers!
• Maybe you can redo your homeschool room like Aubrey did!
• Treat yourself to a collection of inspiring Mother's Day tributes!
• Make time for picnics and try some tasty, new recipes! 
• And don't miss the strawberry primer!
  

"May's issue is my favorite issue of Molly's Digest so far! It was encouraging and refreshing--exactly what I needed to read this week!"





There's a fresh supply of inspiration, organization ideas, timely tips, and more . . . Here are some of the many topics you'll explore in the May Digest:

• Get Strawberry Savvy: "Begin with the Basics" offers help and ideas for a scrumptious strawberry season. Find a U-pick farm near you or grow your own. You'll love the recipes, too--Chocolate-dipped Strawberries, Basic Freezer Strawberry Jam, and more! 
• What's on Sale in May: Check out these items for great prices this month.
• Small Changes = Big Savings: For those who have been following along each month in "Keeping it All Together", here's another challenge for you: take a close look at where your money is really going! Find less-expensive substitutes for areas where you still spend too much money. You can start with these seven areas meant to encourage you. 
• Feather Your Nest Frugally: Aubrey shares the story of her experience with homeschooling four children in seminary housing--too much packed in a tiny space! Here are some decorating ideas--on a budget, of course. Before and after photos included of her new "homeschool room." You'll glean a lot of ideas of your own, too!
• Reasons to Celebrate in May and June: Focusing on two special days in May: Mother's Day celebration ideas and a frugal Memorial Day get-together. These Mother's Day ideas will show your children that the best gifts do not have to cost a cent! Use the reproducible blank coupon to help your child learn about giving a gift of his or her time and love. Check out the many links to further add to your celebration and enjoy three summer salad recipes!
• What's One Important Lesson You Learned From Your Momma? In a tribute to mothers, here are some touching answers given to Molly regarding that question. Most of the lessons learned didn't cost money and weren't based on formal instruction. Some of the best lessons are "caught, not taught." Remember your momma when you read through these inspiring responses!
• Rebecca Shares Two Unique Projects: 1. A clever storage solution for housing wrapping paper rolls is as easy as it is ingenious. 2. A simple way to rein in pesky, accumulated ribbon rolls and get some order to boot.
• Goal-Getter Spotlight: 1. Find out how Charlotte's family achieved their goal of cutting back on expenses in order to live on one income. 2. Tracy shares an easy, fun, visual idea her family used to keep their financial goals on track.
  
• Readers Write In: The first reader tells of God's timely provision, and the second shares how they make a good living-no college degree required! Inspiring! 
• Molly's Question of the Month: It's a challenge to keep the family well-clothed on a budget. How do you do it? Share your examples, ideas, or tips too!
• Special Feature: Learning for Life--Your Child's Education . . .
  • Preschool Pressure or Preschool Peace--Barbara Frank (author of The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling and others) noticed the trend of moms joining homeschool support groups even though their children were under five years old. You'll gain insight into why so many of today's young parents are under pressure to not only send their kids to preschool at age three but to start preparing them ("readiness") even earlier. You'll be delighted with Barbara's "Recipe for Preschool Peace," but it comes with a warning: take your time!
  • An Interview with Paula and Sherri, owners of Activity Bags, LLC--Two special moms built a thriving home-based business out of a simple desire to come up with fun learning activities for their preschoolers. Have you heard of Preschool Activities in a Bag yet? You've got to read their amazing story!
  • Homeschooling for Cs--It's not what you might think! Creativity, confidence, curiosity, character, and conviction are what this homeschool is all about! This is a homeschool must-read!
    

There are three guest-written pieces about post-high school life and education. The first two recount alternatives to a college education, while the last (an interview) gives an overview of the "credit by examination" option of pursuing a college degree. Don't lose sight of the spectrum of post-high school opportunities either!

• A Crucial Crossroad--A very untraditional story by Claire (22) pursuing her dreams at a very young age. 
• Preparing for Adulthood--Barbara Frank, author of Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers shares the story of her daughter's decision not to attend college. You'll want to read all about how this changed her homeschool focus to one of life prep instead of college prep. 
• "CLEP-ing"-Is it for You?--Here's a "CLEP-ing 101" conversation/interview with Diane, whose children are using this alternative approach to achieve a solid college education. Don't miss this if you have junior and senior high school aged students!
  

What others are saying about Molly's Money-Saving Digest for May 2009:

"I loved May's digest. It's chock-full of ideas and strategies on how to home school and live frugally . . . From furnishing a room to college alternatives to keeping a preschooler busy, Molly's May Digest has it all!"

"This is such an impressive little book. It is an easy read, but packed full of laughs, information, quotes, how-to's, money-saving ideas and just great articles from other families sharing how they homeschool, save money on home furnishings, etc. This book is for everyone, not just those of us who have young ones at home. It is for those who are just starting out in homeschooling, those with school-aged children at home, or those who have high schoolers ready to take the leap into the real world. Best of all, it is digital, so it does not take up any room on those already-packed bookshelves."

"Molly's Digest is known for money-saving hints and tips, but my favorite part of the May Digest is the reflections on mothers section. It's the little things that matter most and the examples we set for our children that will be remembered far longer than the academics we teach them. As Mother's Day approaches, it's easy to see the things we don't do "right" and to focus on the mom we wish we were instead of the mom we are. This reminded me that it's who I am that matters more than what I do."


In every issue you'll find these chapters:

• Begin with the Basics: An overview of a basic skill, from bread making to composting.
• On Sale This Month: A roundup of merchandise that is typically discounted by month.
• Keeping It All Together: Practical home organization. 
• Feather Your Nest Frugally: Seasonal and frugal home décor.
• Pull Up A Chair: Thrifty tips and recipes for hospitality.
• Parenting that Pays: Basic parenting principles that don't cost a cent to implement.
• Something Old-Something New: Repurposing items for your home.
• Goal-Getter Spotlight: Families who have met big goals by staying on track financially.
• Readers Write In: Pertinent input from real families.
• Molly's Question of the Month: Send in your answers for possible inclusion in future Digests.
• Words Worth Saving: A parting quote or verse relating to finances and stewardship.
  

Molly has a wealth of information and support to share in one, easy-to-read, handy resource for an incredibly low price! At under $5, you'll recoup your cost of this E-Book right away. And you'll more than recover your investment as you are encouraged to keep going strong in your commitment to the Lord and your family.

"The May issue is full of info, articles, and ideas you will not want to miss . . . Molly does a great job of including links to other websites that are full of ideas for school, home, and play . . . So many ideas to keep you fueled as you start to plan your next year of homeschooling. What a blessing Molly is!"







And then keep watching for next month's Molly's Money-Saving Digest.

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