I broke down and bought my boys a Wii for Easter. Shhhhhhh. Don't tell them! Today, at Target there is a sale where you buy 2 Wii games and get one free. Of course the free one is the least value game you buy. I also happened to get a home mailer awhile ago with a $5 off any Wii game coupon. I also had a coupon for spend $75 and get $5 off. Well, today's flyer also had $10 off any $100 electronics purchase!
I bought Mario Kart for $49.99, City Folk for $49.99 and got Carnival free (a $39.99 value). But, my $10 off a $100 electronics purchase wouldn't work because the Carnival game rang up for $0. So, I went and found a rechargeable battery for the Wii remote for $10.38 and was able to to use the $10 off coupon along with the other two coupons! My total, after tax, was $95.00!
As a side note, I noticed that the extra Wii remote controls were on sale for $19.99. They are normally $39.99!! I didn't buy one and am thinking that I should.
The other great deal is the Pepsi. They are buy 5-12 pks for $15 and get a $5 gift card. Our local grocery store had a coupon in today's flyer for buy 3 pepsi 12 packs and get a free 12 pack of diet product!
I coupled 5 pepsi and 1 diet sierra mist with 4 boxes of eggos for $2.14 each. I had 4 manufacturer's coupons for $1 off 1 box of eggos and 2 target coupons for $1 off 2 boxes of eggos. I also had a coupon for $5 off any grocery purchase of $25 or more. My beginning total was $26.xx. After coupons, I paid $13 and I got a $5 coupon. Technically I would have only had to buy 4 pepsi, 1 sierra mist and 4 eggos. My total would have been $10 even and I would have gotten a $5 gift card!!
I'm going to be doing the pepsi deal again! I can get more coupons for the pepsi at the store (when I stop there to buy something else on sale) and I have one more $5 off $25 grocery purchase coupon.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Save on Kids Clothes
I think almost everyone has heard about Sears KidsVantage Club. If not, here is a link to some very brief information . . .http://www.sears.com/shc/s/nb_10153_12608_NB_kid+vantage?adCell=A3 The 15% off isn't really my motivation. It's the next paragraph where Sears will replace any clothing or shoes that your child wears out. It has to be the same size though, so you can't keep trading up for a new size.
I've never really shopped much at Sears just because I can get better prices elsewhere (including garage sales). But, my oldest son goes through shoes and pants like crazy. He can trash either one in a matter of months.
Last fall I decided to buy him a pair of Sketcher shoes. I checked out Sears because he has already worn out a million pairs of shoes and decided I'd try their KidVantage Club replacement service.
I picked out a pair of shoes and was a bit disappointed because they were about $10 more than I could get them elsewhere. However, as I was preparing to leave the shoe department, I found a different pair of Sketchers in his size on clearance for $20. Not bad! When I got to the cash register, they rang up for $10!!!!!!! That is awesome.
Well, fast forward six months later and he's got holes in them and they are absolutely falling apart. So, I decided to take them back to Sears yesterday. I took my receipt and was nervous that they'd just offer me the $10 since I'd bought them on clearance.
They didn't even ask for my receipt. They just told me to go find the shoes in the same size. Of course they didn't carry the EXACT same shoe anymore. So, they replaced it with another pair of Sketchers in the same size. The price on the box? $45!!!!
So, now he has a brand new pair of shoes that have a value of $45 for $10. Plus, we've gotton six months of wear out of a different pair.
I love it!
I should have done it with his coat. The zipper broke within 3 months on his coat. I was so upset. Of course I'd bought it on clearance somewhere last year and couldn't return it.
I've never really shopped much at Sears just because I can get better prices elsewhere (including garage sales). But, my oldest son goes through shoes and pants like crazy. He can trash either one in a matter of months.
Last fall I decided to buy him a pair of Sketcher shoes. I checked out Sears because he has already worn out a million pairs of shoes and decided I'd try their KidVantage Club replacement service.
I picked out a pair of shoes and was a bit disappointed because they were about $10 more than I could get them elsewhere. However, as I was preparing to leave the shoe department, I found a different pair of Sketchers in his size on clearance for $20. Not bad! When I got to the cash register, they rang up for $10!!!!!!! That is awesome.
Well, fast forward six months later and he's got holes in them and they are absolutely falling apart. So, I decided to take them back to Sears yesterday. I took my receipt and was nervous that they'd just offer me the $10 since I'd bought them on clearance.
They didn't even ask for my receipt. They just told me to go find the shoes in the same size. Of course they didn't carry the EXACT same shoe anymore. So, they replaced it with another pair of Sketchers in the same size. The price on the box? $45!!!!
So, now he has a brand new pair of shoes that have a value of $45 for $10. Plus, we've gotton six months of wear out of a different pair.
I love it!
I should have done it with his coat. The zipper broke within 3 months on his coat. I was so upset. Of course I'd bought it on clearance somewhere last year and couldn't return it.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Grocery Store Tip
At my local grocery store, they were having a great sale on the generic cheese slices. For a package of 16 slices, the cost was $1. Normally the generic is $2.19, so that's a great savings. I went this morning to grab several packages and was disappointed to find out they had 2 packages left.
I could have gone to the service counter and asked for a rain check. Instead, I found an employee and asked them if there was any more in back. He indicated that he was out of the generic slices, but offered me the Kraft slices for the exact same price. Those are normally $2.49 per package when they are on sale!!
I took 5 packages of the Kraft slices at $1 a piece. It paid to ask! Whenever my grocery store is out of a sale item, I always ask if there are any more in back. Almost every time, if there is no more in stock, they offer me a name brand replacement for the same price. It's worth asking! The worst they can say is no, right?
I could have gone to the service counter and asked for a rain check. Instead, I found an employee and asked them if there was any more in back. He indicated that he was out of the generic slices, but offered me the Kraft slices for the exact same price. Those are normally $2.49 per package when they are on sale!!
I took 5 packages of the Kraft slices at $1 a piece. It paid to ask! Whenever my grocery store is out of a sale item, I always ask if there are any more in back. Almost every time, if there is no more in stock, they offer me a name brand replacement for the same price. It's worth asking! The worst they can say is no, right?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I Have a Problem
Despite my grocery budget and knowing where I am in this budget (thanks to my sidebar), I can't stop from shopping deals. I just went and spent another $13 today at Target. Grant you that I got over $25.00 worth of groceries, but still . . . I shouldn't have spent the money if I look at my budget. I did buy things that my family uses and needs on a regular basis. Things like waffles ($2.14 per box x 4 boxes- $6.00 in coupons= $2.56 for 4 boxes), macaroni and cheese ($1 per box x 8 boxes= $8), french fries ($2.49 x 2 bags - $1.00 coupon = $3.98 for 2 bags) and chips ($1.75 per bag x 2 bags = 3.50). I then had a $5 off a grocery order of $25 or more.
I struggle constantly between getting these good deals on things we eat/use regularly and trying to stick to my budget. If I buy them, I can go over budget. If I don't buy them, I may end up going over my budget later on.
I struggle constantly between getting these good deals on things we eat/use regularly and trying to stick to my budget. If I buy them, I can go over budget. If I don't buy them, I may end up going over my budget later on.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Setting Financial Goals
I was reading another blog today which talked about financial goals. It occurred to me that I'd never really had financial goals. Heck, I've never really set goals in my life at all. I just go from one thing to the next.
My husband and I have a general financial goal of wanting to retire at the age of 55. We continue to invest despite the continuing falling market. We're hoping that this market will enable us to reach that early retirement goal. While we regularly invest in retirement accounts, I can't say that we've ever sat down and laid out a plan on how we'll get there. We simply sock away as much money into retirment as we can. Really, to the point that we've never had much money saved outside of retirement.
Well, except this year. I sat down at the beginning of the year and decided that we needed to develop an emergency fund of $10,000. I sat down and figured out where that money would come from. I've done pretty good at sticking to the plan. Of course, the plan was simply to stick our entire tax refund, bonuses and money saved from not having to pay daycare over the summer into the emergency fund.
On the other hand, I've thought about spending some of that emergency fund to help offset the cost of building an addition so that we don't need to take such a large loan.
I've also thought about other financial goals, but never written them down and developed a plan on how to achieve those goals. As a result, I think I'm going to try to sit down and develop some financial goals and a plan to achieve those goals.
My husband and I have a general financial goal of wanting to retire at the age of 55. We continue to invest despite the continuing falling market. We're hoping that this market will enable us to reach that early retirement goal. While we regularly invest in retirement accounts, I can't say that we've ever sat down and laid out a plan on how we'll get there. We simply sock away as much money into retirment as we can. Really, to the point that we've never had much money saved outside of retirement.
Well, except this year. I sat down at the beginning of the year and decided that we needed to develop an emergency fund of $10,000. I sat down and figured out where that money would come from. I've done pretty good at sticking to the plan. Of course, the plan was simply to stick our entire tax refund, bonuses and money saved from not having to pay daycare over the summer into the emergency fund.
On the other hand, I've thought about spending some of that emergency fund to help offset the cost of building an addition so that we don't need to take such a large loan.
I've also thought about other financial goals, but never written them down and developed a plan on how to achieve those goals. As a result, I think I'm going to try to sit down and develop some financial goals and a plan to achieve those goals.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Get Real or Get Tough?
I've been pondering for a couple months whether I should get real or get tough. On what? On my grocery budget. For the last several months, I've consistently gone over my $300 grocery budget by about $50. Oh, let's get a little bit real. I only just started budgeting in January and I've never stuck to my $300 grocery budget.
So, the question really is if I should simply increase the budget to $350 or if I should buckle down and try harder to stick to $300 per month. I really tend to blow most of my budget within the first week of my month. I find a lot of sales that I think are too good to pass up and then I end up limping along the rest of the month.
Look at March already. I spent $114 in the first week!! It's nearly half my budget. Of course, I did my big shop in the first week, stocked up on soda to last us at least a month, bought diapers (but I still need more), and have enough toothpaste to last me about 20 years (but I give it all away to friends and family).
Fortunately I don't need much this week. Tombstone pizzas are on sale. My husband has been begging me to buy him some. They are just so expensive, even on sale! My goal is to spend around $30 this week so that I'll have spent about $150 which will last us to halfway through the month. That will be right on budget!!
Wish me luck.
So, the question really is if I should simply increase the budget to $350 or if I should buckle down and try harder to stick to $300 per month. I really tend to blow most of my budget within the first week of my month. I find a lot of sales that I think are too good to pass up and then I end up limping along the rest of the month.
Look at March already. I spent $114 in the first week!! It's nearly half my budget. Of course, I did my big shop in the first week, stocked up on soda to last us at least a month, bought diapers (but I still need more), and have enough toothpaste to last me about 20 years (but I give it all away to friends and family).
Fortunately I don't need much this week. Tombstone pizzas are on sale. My husband has been begging me to buy him some. They are just so expensive, even on sale! My goal is to spend around $30 this week so that I'll have spent about $150 which will last us to halfway through the month. That will be right on budget!!
Wish me luck.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Update my Walgreens Scenario
Well, I just found a $.075 off any Colgate coupon. I'm going to raid my mother-in-law's house to see if I can find another one. So, I've updated my scenario below:
#1 Colgate for 3.29 - $0.75/manufacturer's coupon + tax. At checkout I'll get a RR for 3.29 (a RR is a coupon towards your next purchase of anything at Walgreens)
#2 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR= $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR.
#3 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29.
#4 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR = $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR
#5 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29
#6 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
#7 Colgate for $3.29 - $0.75 manufacturer's coupon + tax and at checkout I'll get a RR for $3.29
#8 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
So, with this newest coupon find, I'll be spending $26.50 plus tax. An even better savings!
#1 Colgate for 3.29 - $0.75/manufacturer's coupon + tax. At checkout I'll get a RR for 3.29 (a RR is a coupon towards your next purchase of anything at Walgreens)
#2 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR= $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR.
#3 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29.
#4 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR = $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR
#5 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29
#6 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
#7 Colgate for $3.29 - $0.75 manufacturer's coupon + tax and at checkout I'll get a RR for $3.29
#8 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
So, with this newest coupon find, I'll be spending $26.50 plus tax. An even better savings!
Why I Love Walgreens
Walgreens. How I love thee.
Walgreens is a great place to get some deals. Next week I have quite a few things that I want/need. I'm able to see the Walgreens ads for the next several weeks by using the website http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/walgreens/ It's also great because people analyze their coupons and help you figure out good deals.
On my grocery list for this next week are diapers and Mountain Dew. When I originally made my grocery list I found Mountain Dew on sale 3 for $11. I noticed at a different store (signficantly further away) that it was 3 for $10. I figured I'd spend $10 on soda this next week. Plus I need diapers. I usually buy two big Target packs at a time for $10.59 each. So I figured about $31.18 for diapers and soda for the next week (which should last us nearly a month).
However, looking at the Hot Coupon World website, I noticed that Mountain Dew and their Walgreens brand diapers were on sale starting Sunday. I've used Walgreens brand diapers before and I really like them. They are pretty good. So, for next week I've planned the following transactions at Walgreens . . .
#1 Colgate for 3.29 + tax. At checkout I'll get a RR for 3.29 (a RR is a coupon towards your next purchase of anything at Walgreens)
#2 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR= $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR.
#3 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29.
#4 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR = $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR
#5 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29
#6 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
#7 Colgate for $3.29 + tax and at checkout I'll get a RR for $3.29
#8 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
I end up spending a total of $28 plus tax I'll get 4 packs of Mountain Dew (instead of 3), 4 packages of diapers (which are slightly more diapers than 2 Target packs) and 4 tubes of toothpaste. Less than I would have spent shopping grocery store sales and buying Target diapers. Not bad!!
Now, I don't do all these transactions at once. I'll probably break it up in 3 or 4 trips to Walgreens. Fortunately they are just about a block away and I pass one almost every time I get in the car to go anywhere. I could do them all in one trip, but it starts to look a little bit suspicious (even though there is nothing wrong with what I'm doing).
Walgreens is a great place to get some deals. Next week I have quite a few things that I want/need. I'm able to see the Walgreens ads for the next several weeks by using the website http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/walgreens/ It's also great because people analyze their coupons and help you figure out good deals.
On my grocery list for this next week are diapers and Mountain Dew. When I originally made my grocery list I found Mountain Dew on sale 3 for $11. I noticed at a different store (signficantly further away) that it was 3 for $10. I figured I'd spend $10 on soda this next week. Plus I need diapers. I usually buy two big Target packs at a time for $10.59 each. So I figured about $31.18 for diapers and soda for the next week (which should last us nearly a month).
However, looking at the Hot Coupon World website, I noticed that Mountain Dew and their Walgreens brand diapers were on sale starting Sunday. I've used Walgreens brand diapers before and I really like them. They are pretty good. So, for next week I've planned the following transactions at Walgreens . . .
#1 Colgate for 3.29 + tax. At checkout I'll get a RR for 3.29 (a RR is a coupon towards your next purchase of anything at Walgreens)
#2 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR= $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR.
#3 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29.
#4 2 12 pks of Mountain Dew for $8.00 - $3.29 RR = $4.71 and I'll get a $3 RR
#5 Colgate for 3.29 + tax - $3 RR = $0.29 plus tax and I'll get a RR for $3.29
#6 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
#7 Colgate for $3.29 + tax and at checkout I'll get a RR for $3.29
#8 2 paks of diapers for $9.00 - $3.29 RR = $5.71
I end up spending a total of $28 plus tax I'll get 4 packs of Mountain Dew (instead of 3), 4 packages of diapers (which are slightly more diapers than 2 Target packs) and 4 tubes of toothpaste. Less than I would have spent shopping grocery store sales and buying Target diapers. Not bad!!
Now, I don't do all these transactions at once. I'll probably break it up in 3 or 4 trips to Walgreens. Fortunately they are just about a block away and I pass one almost every time I get in the car to go anywhere. I could do them all in one trip, but it starts to look a little bit suspicious (even though there is nothing wrong with what I'm doing).
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I'm so glad we did it!
We just got our paychecks. The first paychecks AFTER adjusting our withholdings. Yay!! It was well worth the 2 minutes it took us to adjust those withholdings. The adjustments may well pay for our addition!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Scrip Programs
Ever heard of them? They are a fabulous program available to non-profits. Essentially it is a program whereby you can buy gift cards to major retailers (and some local ones). You pay the face value of the gift card and the non-profit gets a percentage. For example, I buy my groceries at Copps grocery store. Through the scrip program at my son's school, I can buy a $100 Copps gift card for $100. It's worth exactly what I pay for it. But, the school gets 4% back for a purchase of a Copps gift card. Thus, the school gets $4 of every $100 I purchase in Copps cards. Different retailers have different percentages.
It's a fabulous fundraiser as you are only buying what you'd spend anyway. No buying useless junk. Our school does it every week. I think they make quite good money.
I despise traditional fundraisers, but love this program. To start your own scrip program for a non-profit, check out this link http://www.glscrip.com/index.aspx?gclid=CPWWkMeK9pgCFSIeDQod2XZEcw You can also check out all the retailers. They include Walmart, Lands End, Sears, etc. Lots of gas stations, grocery stores, retailers, restaurants, etc.
Our school gives us an added bonus. Any percentage they receive from your scrip purchase, they give us half of it as a tuition credit. Last year I made $100 towards my son's tuition.
The other advantage to scrip for me is that it promotes the use of cash or a cash equivalent for me. Basically, I don't put gas or groceries on the credit card anymore. I win all around!
It's a fabulous fundraiser as you are only buying what you'd spend anyway. No buying useless junk. Our school does it every week. I think they make quite good money.
I despise traditional fundraisers, but love this program. To start your own scrip program for a non-profit, check out this link http://www.glscrip.com/index.aspx?gclid=CPWWkMeK9pgCFSIeDQod2XZEcw You can also check out all the retailers. They include Walmart, Lands End, Sears, etc. Lots of gas stations, grocery stores, retailers, restaurants, etc.
Our school gives us an added bonus. Any percentage they receive from your scrip purchase, they give us half of it as a tuition credit. Last year I made $100 towards my son's tuition.
The other advantage to scrip for me is that it promotes the use of cash or a cash equivalent for me. Basically, I don't put gas or groceries on the credit card anymore. I win all around!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I did it!
I actually updated my withholdings. Yay! And Lance did his too. We didn't claim 5, we did 4 instead. We want to see what the end of the year holds before we adjust higher. I'm paranoid that we'll end up paying in a ton of money if I go to 5 deductions.
We met with our financial planner the other night. Although I'm not sure why. With the market the way it is, we have no money left! Fortunately we're relatively young and have plenty of time to pull through this recession. We're busy plugging away money into our Roth IRAs in the hopes that we'll benefit when the market finally turns around.
The boys college funds and UTMA accounts are a joke. There is nothing left to them. They are invested very aggressively though since the boys are so little. Again, we're still putting money into them in the hopes that it will really turn around before they need to go to college.
We met with our financial planner the other night. Although I'm not sure why. With the market the way it is, we have no money left! Fortunately we're relatively young and have plenty of time to pull through this recession. We're busy plugging away money into our Roth IRAs in the hopes that we'll benefit when the market finally turns around.
The boys college funds and UTMA accounts are a joke. There is nothing left to them. They are invested very aggressively though since the boys are so little. Again, we're still putting money into them in the hopes that it will really turn around before they need to go to college.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Grrrrrrrrrr. Watch limits on sales.
Darn it. Darn it. Darn it.
I do this every time I go to the grocery store. I find a good deal (which I've previously located in the flyer and dutifully written on my shopping list) and decide to stock up. I congratulate myself all the way home. Until I look at my receipt. Ugh. I realize that there was a limit on the sale item and I didn't get the sale price on all the items I bought.
This happened to me today. In my flyer, Ritz crackers are on sale for 2/$5.00. I have two coupons for $2 off when you buy 2. So, I buy 4 boxes of Ritz crackers for $10-$4=$6. Good deal for me! Except that I missed the wording in the flyer which says the limit is 2 boxes. So, I only got the money off of the first two boxes I purchased. Basically I spent an extra $0.98 because of the limits.
I've had this happen before to me. I've done it on macaroni and cheese before at this store.
Lesson learned. Before stocking up on an item, double check to make sure there are no limits.
I do this every time I go to the grocery store. I find a good deal (which I've previously located in the flyer and dutifully written on my shopping list) and decide to stock up. I congratulate myself all the way home. Until I look at my receipt. Ugh. I realize that there was a limit on the sale item and I didn't get the sale price on all the items I bought.
This happened to me today. In my flyer, Ritz crackers are on sale for 2/$5.00. I have two coupons for $2 off when you buy 2. So, I buy 4 boxes of Ritz crackers for $10-$4=$6. Good deal for me! Except that I missed the wording in the flyer which says the limit is 2 boxes. So, I only got the money off of the first two boxes I purchased. Basically I spent an extra $0.98 because of the limits.
I've had this happen before to me. I've done it on macaroni and cheese before at this store.
Lesson learned. Before stocking up on an item, double check to make sure there are no limits.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Being Smart With Money
I have a confession. We are one of "those" people who get huge tax refunds. I'm embarassed to admit that we've not updated our deductions since we got married. That's right, we only have taxes withheld as if we are a family of 2, not 5. Dumb!! We're giving the government (state and federal) an interest free loan. If we had gotten that money over 12 months, we would have had nearly $400 extra per month!!! See what I mean?
It is my goal for this week to get both my husband's and my withholdings updated. No more excuses.
So, if you don't see me back for a week or two, you'll know why. I'm too ashamed to come back and post that I haven't done it. :)
It is my goal for this week to get both my husband's and my withholdings updated. No more excuses.
So, if you don't see me back for a week or two, you'll know why. I'm too ashamed to come back and post that I haven't done it. :)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Have I Taken Frugality Too Far?
I'm cheap. I'm not offended by the word. I embrace it. But sometimes, even I wonder if I go a little too far.
Best example, parking when I teach. I teach a course at a university. Parking is horrible. You will NOT find a spot at a meter on the street. You could waste an entire tank of gas driving around looking for one.
Nearest parking costs $5 for the less than 2 hours I'm there. You can park at meters in the parking garage. It will cost you around $2.50 if you've got the change. Better, but not fabulous.
I've discovered that there is a lot about 4 blocks away (about 3/4 mile) that is normally parking by permit only. However, at the time I arrive in the evening, the gates are up and you can go in and park!! I think they do this because it is at the end of the traditional work day and they simply open up the gates so that you can exit via any gate. Well, it's also an entry!! I've parked for free for a couple weeks now saving me around $10-$20 depending upon where I'd have to park otherwise.
But, it's been below zero degrees for several weeks. That stinks. But not enough for me to consider paying to park. Last week though, it rained. Hard. That did make me think about whether or not my frugality was worth it all. Fortunately I had an umbrella. Ultimately I decided that it WAS worth the effort to continue walking despite the bad weather.
Best example, parking when I teach. I teach a course at a university. Parking is horrible. You will NOT find a spot at a meter on the street. You could waste an entire tank of gas driving around looking for one.
Nearest parking costs $5 for the less than 2 hours I'm there. You can park at meters in the parking garage. It will cost you around $2.50 if you've got the change. Better, but not fabulous.
I've discovered that there is a lot about 4 blocks away (about 3/4 mile) that is normally parking by permit only. However, at the time I arrive in the evening, the gates are up and you can go in and park!! I think they do this because it is at the end of the traditional work day and they simply open up the gates so that you can exit via any gate. Well, it's also an entry!! I've parked for free for a couple weeks now saving me around $10-$20 depending upon where I'd have to park otherwise.
But, it's been below zero degrees for several weeks. That stinks. But not enough for me to consider paying to park. Last week though, it rained. Hard. That did make me think about whether or not my frugality was worth it all. Fortunately I had an umbrella. Ultimately I decided that it WAS worth the effort to continue walking despite the bad weather.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Back again, back again!
Sorry! I've been super busy and then had a sick family. I'll try to catch up with my February budget.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Unexpected expenses
Just when I think I'm getting us back on track, unexpected expenses come up. While some of these expenses truly shouldn't be "unexpected", they aren't monthly expenses. Thus, they haven't made their way into the budget yet. For example, we have life insurance policies through my husband's work. We pay those premiums on a quarterly basis. So, that's an extra $50 we need to come up with next month. I do budget for "insurance", but I only budgeted enough for car insurance. I had forgotten about the life insurance. Drat.
Some of the expenses truly are "unexpected." A good example is the notice we got from Brady's school today. They have a 3 year old preschool program. The notice today was to sign up Reed. Great. No problem. We were planning on doing that. Except, that they wanted a $50 registration fee. That fee is due February 3. Oooooooooookay. That's another $50 we need to come up with in the next couple weeks.
I really need to start a printing press in my basement. It would really be more handy than budgeting for these things.
Some of the expenses truly are "unexpected." A good example is the notice we got from Brady's school today. They have a 3 year old preschool program. The notice today was to sign up Reed. Great. No problem. We were planning on doing that. Except, that they wanted a $50 registration fee. That fee is due February 3. Oooooooooookay. That's another $50 we need to come up with in the next couple weeks.
I really need to start a printing press in my basement. It would really be more handy than budgeting for these things.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Frugal Tip for Cards
I don't know about you, but it chaps my hiney to buy cards. Gosh, they want so much money for them! You can easily spend $4-5 for a card. Seems like such a waste. Maybe I'm cold, but when I receive a card, I read it and then throw it. Okay, I'll admit it. I also shake it for money. But honestly, someone just spent $4 on something that went right into my garbage can. What a waste of money!!
I discovered that those party outlets or paper outlets are terrific!! We have one here and I just went the other day and purchased 6 cards. And I spent $4.62 for 6 cards. The most expensive ones were $0.99 and some were even $0.49. Yes, I could make cards for free. Better yet I could have the kids make cards, but that seems a little too cheap for me.
The great thing about these card outlets is their cards aren't cheap looking. They are just like the ones you'd buy at any other retail store. And they aren't all dumb or boring cards. I've been very pleasantly suprised. I've found some very witty cards that I've not been embarassed to give.
I'd recommend that you give it a try. What do you have to lose? And you might just save some money while you're there.
I discovered that those party outlets or paper outlets are terrific!! We have one here and I just went the other day and purchased 6 cards. And I spent $4.62 for 6 cards. The most expensive ones were $0.99 and some were even $0.49. Yes, I could make cards for free. Better yet I could have the kids make cards, but that seems a little too cheap for me.
The great thing about these card outlets is their cards aren't cheap looking. They are just like the ones you'd buy at any other retail store. And they aren't all dumb or boring cards. I've been very pleasantly suprised. I've found some very witty cards that I've not been embarassed to give.
I'd recommend that you give it a try. What do you have to lose? And you might just save some money while you're there.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monthly Budget
So, for the first time I sat down and actually did a budget. Yes, I know. How have I been operating up until now?! I have no idea. I had no idea how much more than our income we were spending. Yes, I just admitted we spent more than we made. Kinda. My bonuses actually kept us afloat. We spent all of my bonuses as well. My new goal is to spend significantly less and just live on our income in order to save my bonuses and any other extra money that comes in (like tax return).
Well, now that I've done a budget, it's really tough to stick to!! I budget us really thin as you can tell. We save a good sum into our retirement and the boys college accounts every month. Aside from our usual monthly bills, I get $200 for gas (which might be a bit high), $300 for food and $164 for extras.
Well, unexpected expenses come up and can blow a budget very easily. This month it just happened to be a $200 insurance bill. We decided to purchase an umbrella policy. We hadn't had one before. Here is a relatively easy read on what an umbrella policy is and why they are important. http://http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/Insureyourhome/P35349.asp
So now I'm trying to come up with an extra $200 in our budget. We only spent $140 on gas this month and I have some money coming from a garage sale my sister held earlier this year. These two things give me around $110. It's interesting to see where you can get a bit of extra money if needed.
My new years resolution this year was to not use my credit card except for certain things that require a credit card (I have one membership that charges my credit card each month). I'm proud to say that I've charged a whopping $2 this year. For parking when I had no cash on me. That will be reimbursed by work though. So far so good!!
Well, now that I've done a budget, it's really tough to stick to!! I budget us really thin as you can tell. We save a good sum into our retirement and the boys college accounts every month. Aside from our usual monthly bills, I get $200 for gas (which might be a bit high), $300 for food and $164 for extras.
Well, unexpected expenses come up and can blow a budget very easily. This month it just happened to be a $200 insurance bill. We decided to purchase an umbrella policy. We hadn't had one before. Here is a relatively easy read on what an umbrella policy is and why they are important. http://http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/Insureyourhome/P35349.asp
So now I'm trying to come up with an extra $200 in our budget. We only spent $140 on gas this month and I have some money coming from a garage sale my sister held earlier this year. These two things give me around $110. It's interesting to see where you can get a bit of extra money if needed.
My new years resolution this year was to not use my credit card except for certain things that require a credit card (I have one membership that charges my credit card each month). I'm proud to say that I've charged a whopping $2 this year. For parking when I had no cash on me. That will be reimbursed by work though. So far so good!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
2 Week Meal Plan
I made my two week meal plan. I planned 13 meals (we have a holiday party this weekend so we don't need a meal). The meals are:
Fish
Crockpot Pork Chops
Brats
Lasagna
Burritos
Chicken Fried Rice
Eggs
Beef Roast
Grilled Chicken
Tacos
Pizza
Ham
I put vegtables and potatos with the meat meals. I broke this shopping up into a shop on Wednesday (to take advantage of double coupons) and today. I spent $24. I saved something like $18 dollars between coupons and discounts. I went today and finished my big shop. I spent $45 today. For $70, I got all the food I need for 2 weeks. I'm sure I'll have to go back for milk and fruit, but otherwise I'm set. Yay!
Fish
Crockpot Pork Chops
Brats
Lasagna
Burritos
Chicken Fried Rice
Eggs
Beef Roast
Grilled Chicken
Tacos
Pizza
Ham
I put vegtables and potatos with the meat meals. I broke this shopping up into a shop on Wednesday (to take advantage of double coupons) and today. I spent $24. I saved something like $18 dollars between coupons and discounts. I went today and finished my big shop. I spent $45 today. For $70, I got all the food I need for 2 weeks. I'm sure I'll have to go back for milk and fruit, but otherwise I'm set. Yay!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
December Financial Recap
Well, the month of December was a bomb. Of course, I knew it would be with a trip to Texas involved. I came in at $47.67 over my grocery budget. Not bad. Especially considering I stocked up on enough chicken to last us all year and laundry detergent to last a decade.
My miscellaneous budget was blown by $597.33. About $200 of this was for hotel rooms for 2 nights. About $150 was fast food on our trip and about $142.00 was Sea World admission. So, actually we didn't do bad. Especially since Christmas was mixed in there too. Of course we hadn't saved for the vacation. So, I'll be trying to figure out how to pay for it for the next couple months!! We did pay cash for a substantial portion of it. It was our Christmas money.
Hopefully January will be better. Especially since it is my New Year's resolution to stop using my credit card. It's hard to spend money when you're out of cash!!
My miscellaneous budget was blown by $597.33. About $200 of this was for hotel rooms for 2 nights. About $150 was fast food on our trip and about $142.00 was Sea World admission. So, actually we didn't do bad. Especially since Christmas was mixed in there too. Of course we hadn't saved for the vacation. So, I'll be trying to figure out how to pay for it for the next couple months!! We did pay cash for a substantial portion of it. It was our Christmas money.
Hopefully January will be better. Especially since it is my New Year's resolution to stop using my credit card. It's hard to spend money when you're out of cash!!
Long time- no post!
Well, we're back after having been gone visiting family for about a week now. Needless to say, my tracking has gone by the wayside. I'll have to estimate the costs for the beginning of January.
So far I've made good on my goal to not use my credit card in 2009. Of course, we have some Christmas money laying around. That makes it easy. It makes it hard on the budget though.
Another challenge is that diapers are on sale at Walgreens. Over the summer I've become a Walgreens diaper convert. I always used Target diapers because they were so cheap. But, I really like the Walgreens diapers. They are $5.99 per package. Size 3 has 40 diapers and size 4 has 34 diapers. Not too bad. Normally they are $8.99 per package. Naturally I have the urge to stock up which always blows my budget.
Again, I'm going to try to budget $300 for groceries for the month. I've got to work out the rest of our budget yet.
So far I've made good on my goal to not use my credit card in 2009. Of course, we have some Christmas money laying around. That makes it easy. It makes it hard on the budget though.
Another challenge is that diapers are on sale at Walgreens. Over the summer I've become a Walgreens diaper convert. I always used Target diapers because they were so cheap. But, I really like the Walgreens diapers. They are $5.99 per package. Size 3 has 40 diapers and size 4 has 34 diapers. Not too bad. Normally they are $8.99 per package. Naturally I have the urge to stock up which always blows my budget.
Again, I'm going to try to budget $300 for groceries for the month. I've got to work out the rest of our budget yet.
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