Well, I have gone downhill. And fast it seems. This seems normal for me but I seemed to be doing so good a few months ago. Famous last words? Most definitely.
At times like this, I always seem to have the same question or two. Or three. What happened? What went wrong? Where did I drop the ball? Well, never mind what happened. I have to just pick up and start again. This is not easy. This is not something I can set on auto-pilot and hope to just sail right on through with. It is hard. I must keep at it though.
I have to get back up the hill. Back up the hill. Back up the hill. I think I will keep repeating this for a few days. Set some goals and get back on my way!!
Wish me luck!!
Jenn
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Asleep At The Wheel
Well, it has been a long time since I have posted and I must say, I have gone done hill. As the title says, I fell asleep at the wheel of the budget. That is not good, not at all!!
I think things seemed to be moving along quite smoothly and I thought all was okay. This past month, our money took a hit and it was quite a wake up call. I think that I am beginning to see that budgets are not something that can be on cruise control. Budgets do not manage themselves. If they do, they go all haywire and you might be left like me, wondering what the heck happened!!
The only good news is that our savings has not really suffered. There were times that I wanted to tap into the little bit of savings we have with another bank but I resisted. I do not like that it has not increased as I would have liked it but it has not decreased in value. Yahoo!! Or should I really celebrate that? Little victory? Okay, I will admit that I am that one person that would celebrate that!!
So, the question is how do I keep on track with the budget without micro-managing every little detail? How do I make sure it is on the right track without becoming terribly hard to live with because all I say is "No, we don't have the money for that"? I am still trying to find that fine line of managing the budget, not becoming a little money dictator and not letting it go all together. Do you have any tips on how you do this?
Until next time.......(I hope I am still not sleeping when I post again!!)
Jenn
I think things seemed to be moving along quite smoothly and I thought all was okay. This past month, our money took a hit and it was quite a wake up call. I think that I am beginning to see that budgets are not something that can be on cruise control. Budgets do not manage themselves. If they do, they go all haywire and you might be left like me, wondering what the heck happened!!
The only good news is that our savings has not really suffered. There were times that I wanted to tap into the little bit of savings we have with another bank but I resisted. I do not like that it has not increased as I would have liked it but it has not decreased in value. Yahoo!! Or should I really celebrate that? Little victory? Okay, I will admit that I am that one person that would celebrate that!!
So, the question is how do I keep on track with the budget without micro-managing every little detail? How do I make sure it is on the right track without becoming terribly hard to live with because all I say is "No, we don't have the money for that"? I am still trying to find that fine line of managing the budget, not becoming a little money dictator and not letting it go all together. Do you have any tips on how you do this?
Until next time.......(I hope I am still not sleeping when I post again!!)
Jenn
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Basic Food to Have on Hand
There are a few foods that I keep on hand to help out. This may mean that I have the food on hand for when I am down to a few dollars and must decide on gas or food (gas wins out as I have to go to work to earn more money). If there is more than just you in your household, you have to consider what you can work with to make lean time food good.
Rice - I keep brown rice on hand. I can put different things on or with rice. Veggies and rice are great for lunch or light eating. I even can do some type of baked chicken or fish to go with the rice. Usually, I try to make enough rice for that night's dinner and tomorrow's lunch. Or, I may just use the rice for lunch the next day. Rice can go with pretty much anything.
Canned or Frozen Vegetables - I keep some basics that I know we will eat on hand. I try to replenish them when I find them on sale. I try to use the ones with no salt added if I am buying canned vegetables. These work great in stews, with rice or by themselves. Pick what you like and keep some on hand. You can also freeze some of what you find at local farmer's markets or your own garden. Just do a little research on the best way to freeze them and it will work out great.
Meats - If I have a few extra dollars in my grocery money, I might just stock up on some meat and keep in the freezer. I try to balance meals with meat and some meatless meals where I can. You just have to agree on what meats you like and know how often you might eat them. Also, know if you will use them for meals and then leftovers for lunch the next day. This is definitely something that if you have some extra money, it can be worth it.
Pasta - If you catch this on sale and you know your family will eat it, past is a great thing to have on hand. You can do different things with it, depending on which pasta you buy. Try adding veggies to pasta for a pasta salad in the summer. Just find some different recipes with pasta and try them with your family. You never know what you might like. Plus, pasta can definitely be a good thing if you catch it on sale.
Pasta Sauce - Depending on the sale you find on the pasta sauce, this is handy to keep in your pantry for use. Lasagna, spaghetti, rotini and different kinds of pasta dishes can be done with pasta sauce. Also, keep an eye out for different recipes and you will find different ways to use the sauce.
You can add different staple foods to your pantry depending on what your family likes. It is just up to you. Definitely try to find them on sale (and with coupons makes a better deal).
What kind of things do you keep on hand?
Jenn
Rice - I keep brown rice on hand. I can put different things on or with rice. Veggies and rice are great for lunch or light eating. I even can do some type of baked chicken or fish to go with the rice. Usually, I try to make enough rice for that night's dinner and tomorrow's lunch. Or, I may just use the rice for lunch the next day. Rice can go with pretty much anything.
Canned or Frozen Vegetables - I keep some basics that I know we will eat on hand. I try to replenish them when I find them on sale. I try to use the ones with no salt added if I am buying canned vegetables. These work great in stews, with rice or by themselves. Pick what you like and keep some on hand. You can also freeze some of what you find at local farmer's markets or your own garden. Just do a little research on the best way to freeze them and it will work out great.
Meats - If I have a few extra dollars in my grocery money, I might just stock up on some meat and keep in the freezer. I try to balance meals with meat and some meatless meals where I can. You just have to agree on what meats you like and know how often you might eat them. Also, know if you will use them for meals and then leftovers for lunch the next day. This is definitely something that if you have some extra money, it can be worth it.
Pasta - If you catch this on sale and you know your family will eat it, past is a great thing to have on hand. You can do different things with it, depending on which pasta you buy. Try adding veggies to pasta for a pasta salad in the summer. Just find some different recipes with pasta and try them with your family. You never know what you might like. Plus, pasta can definitely be a good thing if you catch it on sale.
Pasta Sauce - Depending on the sale you find on the pasta sauce, this is handy to keep in your pantry for use. Lasagna, spaghetti, rotini and different kinds of pasta dishes can be done with pasta sauce. Also, keep an eye out for different recipes and you will find different ways to use the sauce.
You can add different staple foods to your pantry depending on what your family likes. It is just up to you. Definitely try to find them on sale (and with coupons makes a better deal).
What kind of things do you keep on hand?
Jenn
Monday, September 3, 2012
Thoughts on Carpooling So Far
READ ME FIRST, PLEASE: This is my opinions and thoughts on carpooling with Husband so far. This is just MY experience and your experience might be different. Other articles you may read on carpooling may give different opinions but in this post, this is my opinion.
So far, carpooling has not been terribly bad. Not terribly good but, it is an adjustment. It is something that you definitely have to get used to. I had been used to getting out of the office during lunch. I had been used to running an errand during lunch, if I needed to do so. If I had a doctor's appointment, no problem!! Now, it will take/has taken some adjusting to sharing the vehicle. I am at work earlier than I should be due to Husband has to be to work at 8:00 a.m. and now since my office moved, it takes him longer to get to his job (even though we still work in the same city). And eating lunch in the office can sometimes be a little crazy as I would like the time to step out of the office and come back after lunch with a clear head and ready attitude to complete the rest of the day. I miss running to CVS or Rite Aid for a deal that we might need. I miss wandering around the library, choosing a book on tape and listening to it to and from work (cd actually but I just cannot seem to stop saying books on tape).
Okay, is there anything I have enjoyed about carpooling? Yes, I get to spend some more time with Husband. We have time to talk about things on the ride to and from work. This past week we even stopped at a local little store and got some ice cream after work. That was nice to do it together and just enjoy a little treat at the end of the week. I had not had blackberry ice cream in a really long time. Plus, spending more time together is always good.
While I may not like the lack of some freedom of having my own vehicle at work, enjoying the extra time spent with Husband is a plus. We do get to spend the time talking and sometimes just being silly with each other. I have no idea what we are going to do if either one of us needs to be somewhere like a dentist or doctor's appointment. Most doctor or dentist offices do not have Saturday appointments. I guess we would have to schedule appointments together.
Also, not having to spend gas for two vehicles has been nice. Gas has gotten a little high lately and somehow, trucks seem to eat up gas!!
Have you had to carpool with a family member or spouse? How did you like it? What were some of your gripes? Any tips to enjoy it more? How did you handle appointments? Let me know some of your tips and tricks!! I would like to hear from you!!
Jenn
So far, carpooling has not been terribly bad. Not terribly good but, it is an adjustment. It is something that you definitely have to get used to. I had been used to getting out of the office during lunch. I had been used to running an errand during lunch, if I needed to do so. If I had a doctor's appointment, no problem!! Now, it will take/has taken some adjusting to sharing the vehicle. I am at work earlier than I should be due to Husband has to be to work at 8:00 a.m. and now since my office moved, it takes him longer to get to his job (even though we still work in the same city). And eating lunch in the office can sometimes be a little crazy as I would like the time to step out of the office and come back after lunch with a clear head and ready attitude to complete the rest of the day. I miss running to CVS or Rite Aid for a deal that we might need. I miss wandering around the library, choosing a book on tape and listening to it to and from work (cd actually but I just cannot seem to stop saying books on tape).
Okay, is there anything I have enjoyed about carpooling? Yes, I get to spend some more time with Husband. We have time to talk about things on the ride to and from work. This past week we even stopped at a local little store and got some ice cream after work. That was nice to do it together and just enjoy a little treat at the end of the week. I had not had blackberry ice cream in a really long time. Plus, spending more time together is always good.
While I may not like the lack of some freedom of having my own vehicle at work, enjoying the extra time spent with Husband is a plus. We do get to spend the time talking and sometimes just being silly with each other. I have no idea what we are going to do if either one of us needs to be somewhere like a dentist or doctor's appointment. Most doctor or dentist offices do not have Saturday appointments. I guess we would have to schedule appointments together.
Also, not having to spend gas for two vehicles has been nice. Gas has gotten a little high lately and somehow, trucks seem to eat up gas!!
Have you had to carpool with a family member or spouse? How did you like it? What were some of your gripes? Any tips to enjoy it more? How did you handle appointments? Let me know some of your tips and tricks!! I would like to hear from you!!
Jenn
Thursday, August 23, 2012
I Finally Purchased Some Needed New Shoes
I had been looking around for some black flats. The one pair I had been wearing to work had a small hole (or two) in them. The shoes I had been looking at to replace them, I, for whatever reason, just did not like. And, I will have to admit that I did buy a pair of black flats over Christmas and they were too big. By the time I got around to try to return them, too late!! That just really was no fun!!
I finally found a pair of black flats I liked enough that I could wear to work. And I actually bought the right size too!! I have been wearing them for almost two weeks now and really, I do like these shoes. They are just plain shoes so they can go with anything I wear to work that calls for black flats and they are comfortable. I like the comfortable part the most!!
The price was something I was less than thrilled with. I found them at an internet site one day and with shipping and handling and tax, they cost a little over $60.00. I just had to bite the bullet and buy them though. I am happy with the purchase but sometimes I just hate buying shoes. I feel guilty for spending $60.00 or more on shoes. But after wearing them, I do like them. And I did need them as I just cannot wear hole-y shoes to work, can I? I felt so bad about buying them that I did tell Husband that I had found a pair and bought them. He said that it was no problem and if I had a lot of shoes (which I do not) he then might mind another pair of shoes.
So, I did feel a little guilty for buying them but on the other side, I am so glad I bought them. Have you ever felt that way after buying some that you did need? It was a well needed purchase but you still felt a little guilty for spending so much on a decent pair of shoes (or whatever the item is)? If you are trying to be more frugal, how do you deal with the guilt (I have no better term for it here) of spending a little more on something that you know is a good quality item? When it comes to shoes, I do not want cheap, I want comfortable and some fashion, and at a good price. Maybe I am just a little crazy for having such guilt.
Any good purchase ever make you feel a little guilty? How did you deal with it? Let me know some of your thoughts and tips!! Thank you!!
Jenn
I finally found a pair of black flats I liked enough that I could wear to work. And I actually bought the right size too!! I have been wearing them for almost two weeks now and really, I do like these shoes. They are just plain shoes so they can go with anything I wear to work that calls for black flats and they are comfortable. I like the comfortable part the most!!
The price was something I was less than thrilled with. I found them at an internet site one day and with shipping and handling and tax, they cost a little over $60.00. I just had to bite the bullet and buy them though. I am happy with the purchase but sometimes I just hate buying shoes. I feel guilty for spending $60.00 or more on shoes. But after wearing them, I do like them. And I did need them as I just cannot wear hole-y shoes to work, can I? I felt so bad about buying them that I did tell Husband that I had found a pair and bought them. He said that it was no problem and if I had a lot of shoes (which I do not) he then might mind another pair of shoes.
So, I did feel a little guilty for buying them but on the other side, I am so glad I bought them. Have you ever felt that way after buying some that you did need? It was a well needed purchase but you still felt a little guilty for spending so much on a decent pair of shoes (or whatever the item is)? If you are trying to be more frugal, how do you deal with the guilt (I have no better term for it here) of spending a little more on something that you know is a good quality item? When it comes to shoes, I do not want cheap, I want comfortable and some fashion, and at a good price. Maybe I am just a little crazy for having such guilt.
Any good purchase ever make you feel a little guilty? How did you deal with it? Let me know some of your thoughts and tips!! Thank you!!
Jenn
Monday, August 20, 2012
Adventures in Moisturizer Land
I have been using a skin care line for about the last year and I have been really enjoying how my skin feels. I have oily skin so that is another problem I would like to fix but I have been enjoying some good skin lately. So, I can find this particular line either at the Ulta or Sephora stores where I live (or I can order from either website if I plan ahead in enough time). I needed to get some day moisturizer that has a SPF in it and the one at the Ulta store expired the next day. I was not too keen on getting it and opted to try another brand that had some aloe and SPF moisturizer. I was also told that I could return it if I was not happy with the purchase. Well, you might see where this is going as I did return the moisturizer. It was way too heavy and thick feeling. It just did not feel right.
Off to the local mall to go to Sephora to get the moisturizer from there. I found it and a few other things. It was great!! Until I got into the truck and looked over the receipt again. That is why I do not go there too often!! Not a bright move at all!! I am enjoying the purchases though.
So that leads me to the thought of staying out of some stores because you know you "just can't resist" one extra item. Maybe two extra items!! An extra item or two can really be a budget buster!! If you are on a tight enough budget in the first place, one extra item will through you off. Do you stay out of that store then? Would paying cash help not to get unplanned items? What about saving up for the item and then just paying cash? Or even just saving up and saying "I only have $40.00 and I can get what I need plus something extra."
How do you handle going to stores where you know you might be tempted to buy one, or maybe two, extra items? Let me know how you do it!!
Jenn
Off to the local mall to go to Sephora to get the moisturizer from there. I found it and a few other things. It was great!! Until I got into the truck and looked over the receipt again. That is why I do not go there too often!! Not a bright move at all!! I am enjoying the purchases though.
So that leads me to the thought of staying out of some stores because you know you "just can't resist" one extra item. Maybe two extra items!! An extra item or two can really be a budget buster!! If you are on a tight enough budget in the first place, one extra item will through you off. Do you stay out of that store then? Would paying cash help not to get unplanned items? What about saving up for the item and then just paying cash? Or even just saving up and saying "I only have $40.00 and I can get what I need plus something extra."
How do you handle going to stores where you know you might be tempted to buy one, or maybe two, extra items? Let me know how you do it!!
Jenn
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Keeping Up With the New Joneses
A common phrase you may have heard is "Keeping up with the Joneses." This is where you try to keep up with someone else - it may be your neighbor, a family member, person you work with, and the list could go on and on. Since everyone has started keeping a tighter hand on their money, I think we may be "keeping up with the Joneses" in a little bit of a different way. (Please try to follow me here.)
Do you now know someone who tells you that they are on a budget and must try to save money every way they can? Most of us could say yes. Heck, I am trying to get on a budget and save money myself!! Do you know someone that is doing really well at it though? Well enough that you start to get jealous of them and now want to keep up with their saving money? Yep, I think these might be the New Joneses. The ones who make it look like saving money, using coupons, shopping at thrift stores, stockpiling and making homemade items look like it is second nature? That it is crazy that everyone else is NOT doing it as good as they are doing at saving? I secretly have a few of these friends. So jealous of them!! But in the same breath I am so happy for them too. I secretly want to do what they do to save money - use coupons, have a garden, and find ways to enjoy other friend's company and make it a really nice time. I wonder how I cannot do as well as they are doing at this. It takes some effort, I do know that part.
So, now how do you handle being secretly jealous of someone else's ability to save money and make it look so effortless, so easy? How do you turn off those feelings of "I really don't like it that you look so happy on living on less and I really want that for me"? How do you find your own rhythm of saving and being happy with what you have?
Big questions!! Not too good at finding answers yet. Do you have any suggestions? Do you find yourself in this position? How do you deal with it? Tips and hints would be helpful!!
By the way, I still like these friends I am secretly jealous of. They do not know I am jealous of them either. They are really nice people!!
Jenn
Do you now know someone who tells you that they are on a budget and must try to save money every way they can? Most of us could say yes. Heck, I am trying to get on a budget and save money myself!! Do you know someone that is doing really well at it though? Well enough that you start to get jealous of them and now want to keep up with their saving money? Yep, I think these might be the New Joneses. The ones who make it look like saving money, using coupons, shopping at thrift stores, stockpiling and making homemade items look like it is second nature? That it is crazy that everyone else is NOT doing it as good as they are doing at saving? I secretly have a few of these friends. So jealous of them!! But in the same breath I am so happy for them too. I secretly want to do what they do to save money - use coupons, have a garden, and find ways to enjoy other friend's company and make it a really nice time. I wonder how I cannot do as well as they are doing at this. It takes some effort, I do know that part.
So, now how do you handle being secretly jealous of someone else's ability to save money and make it look so effortless, so easy? How do you turn off those feelings of "I really don't like it that you look so happy on living on less and I really want that for me"? How do you find your own rhythm of saving and being happy with what you have?
Big questions!! Not too good at finding answers yet. Do you have any suggestions? Do you find yourself in this position? How do you deal with it? Tips and hints would be helpful!!
By the way, I still like these friends I am secretly jealous of. They do not know I am jealous of them either. They are really nice people!!
Jenn
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