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
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Joys of Carpooling
In some reading and looking around that I have done on trying to be more frugal, some websites and books have suggested going down to a one car family and carpooling. At first, this sounded like a crazy idea. I kept thinking of a family with kids and working parents and wondered how they were supposed to carpool, especially if the kids have after-school activities, what if one of the kids gets sick at school and you have to pick them up, or you get sick and need to go home but your spouse is the one with the car? How do you manage all that?! And especially if you find that one, or maybe both of you, get a part-time job (on top of your full-time job) to help out with the finances in your home - how will you share a car then? It is possible that carpooling within your family is not for you.
Well, Husband and I have been carpooling for about the last week and a half. Has it been fun? Maybe. We do get to spend more time together and talk to each other on the ride to and from work. I am lucky that we work near each other so it is not a big hassle to carpool. Are there times I wish that I had the vehicle with me and drove myself to work everyday? Yes, there are those times. I did enjoy getting out of the office at lunch. I do enjoy my job so I do not mind staying in for lunch.
Why are we carpooling? To save some money is the biggest reason. Gas is really a big spot in our budget that seems to take a lot of money, especially if we are driving trucks. Trucks do not get the best gas mileage. Surprised?! Family member had been kind enough to let us borrow their small truck for one of us to use to get around town. With our truck to fill up and that truck to fill up, the amount we were spending on gas.....I just cannot seem to even finish that sentence!! It was a little over $100 a week to fill up both tanks. And I would try to just go back and forth to work, nowhere else, to really and try and save all the gas I could in our truck. So, by carpooling we are saving about $100 every two weeks by carpooling and not filling up two tanks with gas.
Is it fun to carpool? Sometimes. There are times that I struggle with not being able to just go somewhere during my lunch break or if work runs a little past time to go, Husband has to wait on me (my work finishes later than his). Then there has been the times where I have looked at our bank account and wondered if driving two vehicles was worth it!! Gas for both vehicles was a lot for our budget.
Will we go back to driving two vehicles? Probably. We are working on getting our truck paid off and saving up for another vehicle for me. We may even need to use family member's truck again as well. This has definitely been a great experience though. Sometimes carpooling may be needed to save some money.
Would you ever carpool with your spouse or loved one? If you do carpool, let me hear from you too on your thoughts, tricks and tips. Thank you!!
Jenn
Well, Husband and I have been carpooling for about the last week and a half. Has it been fun? Maybe. We do get to spend more time together and talk to each other on the ride to and from work. I am lucky that we work near each other so it is not a big hassle to carpool. Are there times I wish that I had the vehicle with me and drove myself to work everyday? Yes, there are those times. I did enjoy getting out of the office at lunch. I do enjoy my job so I do not mind staying in for lunch.
Why are we carpooling? To save some money is the biggest reason. Gas is really a big spot in our budget that seems to take a lot of money, especially if we are driving trucks. Trucks do not get the best gas mileage. Surprised?! Family member had been kind enough to let us borrow their small truck for one of us to use to get around town. With our truck to fill up and that truck to fill up, the amount we were spending on gas.....I just cannot seem to even finish that sentence!! It was a little over $100 a week to fill up both tanks. And I would try to just go back and forth to work, nowhere else, to really and try and save all the gas I could in our truck. So, by carpooling we are saving about $100 every two weeks by carpooling and not filling up two tanks with gas.
Is it fun to carpool? Sometimes. There are times that I struggle with not being able to just go somewhere during my lunch break or if work runs a little past time to go, Husband has to wait on me (my work finishes later than his). Then there has been the times where I have looked at our bank account and wondered if driving two vehicles was worth it!! Gas for both vehicles was a lot for our budget.
Will we go back to driving two vehicles? Probably. We are working on getting our truck paid off and saving up for another vehicle for me. We may even need to use family member's truck again as well. This has definitely been a great experience though. Sometimes carpooling may be needed to save some money.
Would you ever carpool with your spouse or loved one? If you do carpool, let me hear from you too on your thoughts, tricks and tips. Thank you!!
Jenn
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Husband Switched Jobs and Thoughts on an Emergency Fund
Husband had been working at a big box home improvement store for a few months and as summer was approaching, he started to notice a little increase in his hours at work but also what was expected of him to do while at work. He started to get a bit grouchy and then started looking for a job where he could use some skills he enjoyed and wanted to learn more of - small engine repair. After some searching and sending in a few applications, he was hired at another place. He was excited!! Set schedule, set hours and a bit of a pay raise. So far, he is still enjoying the job and enjoying having his weekends off (for now as there is a possibility of Husband working a few hours on Saturday mornings).
So what has this to do with us? There was about three weeks where it was back to me earning most of the money for us. It was a little tight and to be honest, I had not planned well for it. I began to see the need for an emergency fund for just this type of situation, or other situations you may not have planned for and find yourself facing. What if this happened with us again? Would we be prepared to wait another time between jobs for money to start flowing again? Are we prepared to make a jump from one job to the next without being hurt financially? Or wondering how we are going to do this for a few weeks with just one income when we have been used to two incomes?
So, we have started saving money and seem to be a bit back on schedule with our savings. Definitely need to make sure we are prepared for a job switch in the future, if there is to be a job switch. If this happens to you, are you prepared? Are you ready to take on the fact that money may be tight for awhile? This is definitely something you and your spouse or partner need to discuss.
How do you prepare for an emergency fund in your life? Let me know some of your tips and tricks to building an emergency fund for "just in case" moments.
Thanks!!
Jenn
So what has this to do with us? There was about three weeks where it was back to me earning most of the money for us. It was a little tight and to be honest, I had not planned well for it. I began to see the need for an emergency fund for just this type of situation, or other situations you may not have planned for and find yourself facing. What if this happened with us again? Would we be prepared to wait another time between jobs for money to start flowing again? Are we prepared to make a jump from one job to the next without being hurt financially? Or wondering how we are going to do this for a few weeks with just one income when we have been used to two incomes?
So, we have started saving money and seem to be a bit back on schedule with our savings. Definitely need to make sure we are prepared for a job switch in the future, if there is to be a job switch. If this happens to you, are you prepared? Are you ready to take on the fact that money may be tight for awhile? This is definitely something you and your spouse or partner need to discuss.
How do you prepare for an emergency fund in your life? Let me know some of your tips and tricks to building an emergency fund for "just in case" moments.
Thanks!!
Jenn
Monday, July 30, 2012
Communication
Husband and I have been working now for awhile and money seems to be going good. I will try to do another post about his job switch but for now, I am talking about communication between us about our financial goals. We have generally discussed our financial goals but we have lacked in really sitting down and talking about what we want, what we are working for (our goals) and how we want to get to those goals.
We are trying to be even more mindful about our spending and saving. However, our spending varies now and our saving is not where I thought it would be or where I would like it to be with both of us working now. Yes, we do put some money aside in a savings account every paycheck but I am talking about those little things that seem to drain our checking account.
So, I was thinking this morning about how often should we sit down and discuss our financial goals. Should this be a weekly thing? I do want Husband to be involved so we can both be working towards the same goal and maybe even keep the other one in check. This is one of my struggles on trying to be more frugal with Husband.
Have you done this with your spouse or significant other? What are some tips you have found to keep talking about your frugal lifestyle and keeping it on track? Please feel free to let me know. Thank you!!
Jenn
We are trying to be even more mindful about our spending and saving. However, our spending varies now and our saving is not where I thought it would be or where I would like it to be with both of us working now. Yes, we do put some money aside in a savings account every paycheck but I am talking about those little things that seem to drain our checking account.
So, I was thinking this morning about how often should we sit down and discuss our financial goals. Should this be a weekly thing? I do want Husband to be involved so we can both be working towards the same goal and maybe even keep the other one in check. This is one of my struggles on trying to be more frugal with Husband.
Have you done this with your spouse or significant other? What are some tips you have found to keep talking about your frugal lifestyle and keeping it on track? Please feel free to let me know. Thank you!!
Jenn
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Vacation? Yes Please!!
As July is starting to wind down, I was thinking about vacations and budgets. I would love for Husband and I to go somewhere for a small vacation. Somewhere we can go, feel relaxed and when we get back to work, we are so ready to work because some time away refreshed our spirits.
It is hard not to do a vacation year after year. Even though I am happy for friends and family who do get to go on vacations, secretly, I want to go to!! Dare I even say the word? I think there might be some jealousy in there about vacations and friends who are getting them. Okay, there, I said it!! The ugly monster was spoken about!!
I had even planned a little for even a few days away but after some calculations, it just did not seem to work out for me. It got to be a little more expensive than I had wanted it to be. So, another summer here and another year with no travel to somewhere new and exciting.
So, how do you handle friends and family going on vacations and you end up staying home? They come home with pictures and now you are jealous. Husband and I live close enough to get to our state's capital and we have not been there for a weekend. (We made the trip to get our birth certificates but that was a one day trip.) Also, we live close enough to get to some other major cities in no time if we fly. Maybe a weekend to a city that is close enough but still far enough away.
So, how do you plan for vacations? Do you save for it throughout the year? How far in advance do you plan for your vacation? How far enough in advance to you book some things like a hotel room or a flight? How do you do a vacation and stay within a budget? Let me know some of your tips and tricks on how you do it. Who knows, we may all learn something new!! I would love to hear your tips, advice, tricks and experiences (good, bad or funny). How do you do it?
Jenn
It is hard not to do a vacation year after year. Even though I am happy for friends and family who do get to go on vacations, secretly, I want to go to!! Dare I even say the word? I think there might be some jealousy in there about vacations and friends who are getting them. Okay, there, I said it!! The ugly monster was spoken about!!
I had even planned a little for even a few days away but after some calculations, it just did not seem to work out for me. It got to be a little more expensive than I had wanted it to be. So, another summer here and another year with no travel to somewhere new and exciting.
So, how do you handle friends and family going on vacations and you end up staying home? They come home with pictures and now you are jealous. Husband and I live close enough to get to our state's capital and we have not been there for a weekend. (We made the trip to get our birth certificates but that was a one day trip.) Also, we live close enough to get to some other major cities in no time if we fly. Maybe a weekend to a city that is close enough but still far enough away.
So, how do you plan for vacations? Do you save for it throughout the year? How far in advance do you plan for your vacation? How far enough in advance to you book some things like a hotel room or a flight? How do you do a vacation and stay within a budget? Let me know some of your tips and tricks on how you do it. Who knows, we may all learn something new!! I would love to hear your tips, advice, tricks and experiences (good, bad or funny). How do you do it?
Jenn
Monday, July 23, 2012
Am I Being to Picky?
Have you ever needed a piece of clothing or pair of shoes and you had something particular in mind? You had an idea of what you wanted and what you did not want? Maybe you even started looking at some items and while they were nice items, none of them were what you really wanted?
I am finding myself in that position now. I am in need of some simple black flats for work. I have looked at one brand that I really like their shoes and I feel like I am being too picky about what I am looking at on their website. I do not want a lot of things on these shoes - no bows, no fancy two-toned colors, no open toes and quite frankly, I could probably go on and on. I do like this brand of shoes and have been wearing my current pair since at least 2009. I am wearing these shoes about two times a week also. Someone would probably ask me that if they are working so far, why replace them. They have some small holes in them. I do not know if anyone else has spotted them yet but when I see them, these holes seem to be screaming "Hey! Look at me!!" I also get a little nervous when it starts raining as I am afraid of "flooding" my shoes due to the holes. The padding on the bottom have gotten a little worn out as well.
So why am I being so picky? I know I want something that will not be trendy and have to be replaced next year because they are out of style. I do not want bows on them and I do not want a lot of extras on them either. Just plain old black flats. Ones that will last, be comfortable and can go with different outfits. Am I asking too much of shoes? Why does this seem to be so hard?
Have you ever had this problem? What did you do?
Jenn
I am finding myself in that position now. I am in need of some simple black flats for work. I have looked at one brand that I really like their shoes and I feel like I am being too picky about what I am looking at on their website. I do not want a lot of things on these shoes - no bows, no fancy two-toned colors, no open toes and quite frankly, I could probably go on and on. I do like this brand of shoes and have been wearing my current pair since at least 2009. I am wearing these shoes about two times a week also. Someone would probably ask me that if they are working so far, why replace them. They have some small holes in them. I do not know if anyone else has spotted them yet but when I see them, these holes seem to be screaming "Hey! Look at me!!" I also get a little nervous when it starts raining as I am afraid of "flooding" my shoes due to the holes. The padding on the bottom have gotten a little worn out as well.
So why am I being so picky? I know I want something that will not be trendy and have to be replaced next year because they are out of style. I do not want bows on them and I do not want a lot of extras on them either. Just plain old black flats. Ones that will last, be comfortable and can go with different outfits. Am I asking too much of shoes? Why does this seem to be so hard?
Have you ever had this problem? What did you do?
Jenn
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Baby Shower and a Farewell Party
This past week I was invited to a baby shower and a farewell party. The baby shower was very specific with a gift request - diapers or a meal that can be pulled from the freezer to cook after the baby is born. I am pretty sure either gift would have been appreciated by the mother as I am sure baby will go through diapers like crazy and although I do not have kids, I feel sure new mothers probably do not feel like making a dinner every night like she did before baby arrived. So, not having a lot of time to prepare a freezer meal, I opted for diapers. I have no kids and have not had to buy diapers before. I had no clue on what I was doing and ended up getting some suggestions from some of my Facebook friends on particular diapers they liked and the hostess ended up telling me the brand and size of the diapers to purchase. Great news for me!! I knew what I was doing when I went in to purchase the diapers from a local drugstore. Yet, I was VERY surprised at the cost of a smaller pack of diapers. Good thing that some parents do not sit down, calculate the cost of diapers and then opt out of having kids. Diapers can be expensive!!
At the farewell party, there was a large number of people who said they were coming and the party was at the home of a lovely lady. We all were told to bring an appetizer. Even a simple vegetable tray from a local grocery store was a little over $6.00. Just for some carrots, celery (who really eats that?!), broccoli, tomatoes and a little bit of dip. I just spent $18.00 (plus tax) on diapers and a veggie tray!! Holy moly!!
You could look at this as a budget buster. Or, if you are prepared, you might have some extra money just for these little events so neither one will make you wonder what you just did!! I was not prepared and had some sticker shock! Luckily, the veggie tray was able to come back home and Husband and I can eat the veggies (minus the celery).
But, the bigger point is the ladies who were honored at both parties. Babies are a little exciting and baby showers can be just as exciting to see all the gifts. Farewell parties are a mix of sad to see the person(s) go and happy to celebrate the friendship you have made with that person(s). There was lots of excitement, tears and a general fun fellowship at each party. I am so glad that I went to both parties as I enjoyed both.
The lesson I learned here is that even though I was not prepared for either party, I am so glad to have gone to both. I would not have missed it for the world. Friendships, new and old, are very important and can be more important than the small gifts I bring to either party. I am glad for each lady as they start new adventures - a new baby and a move to another part of the world due to work. Even though I may have said it at either party, I do wish you well on these new adventures and the $18.00 (plus tax) was well worth being able to enjoy your company as I have done so.
Good luck ladies. You can do well with your new adventures!!
Jenn
At the farewell party, there was a large number of people who said they were coming and the party was at the home of a lovely lady. We all were told to bring an appetizer. Even a simple vegetable tray from a local grocery store was a little over $6.00. Just for some carrots, celery (who really eats that?!), broccoli, tomatoes and a little bit of dip. I just spent $18.00 (plus tax) on diapers and a veggie tray!! Holy moly!!
You could look at this as a budget buster. Or, if you are prepared, you might have some extra money just for these little events so neither one will make you wonder what you just did!! I was not prepared and had some sticker shock! Luckily, the veggie tray was able to come back home and Husband and I can eat the veggies (minus the celery).
But, the bigger point is the ladies who were honored at both parties. Babies are a little exciting and baby showers can be just as exciting to see all the gifts. Farewell parties are a mix of sad to see the person(s) go and happy to celebrate the friendship you have made with that person(s). There was lots of excitement, tears and a general fun fellowship at each party. I am so glad that I went to both parties as I enjoyed both.
The lesson I learned here is that even though I was not prepared for either party, I am so glad to have gone to both. I would not have missed it for the world. Friendships, new and old, are very important and can be more important than the small gifts I bring to either party. I am glad for each lady as they start new adventures - a new baby and a move to another part of the world due to work. Even though I may have said it at either party, I do wish you well on these new adventures and the $18.00 (plus tax) was well worth being able to enjoy your company as I have done so.
Good luck ladies. You can do well with your new adventures!!
Jenn
Monday, July 2, 2012
Book Review - "The Girl's Guide to Homelessness" by Brianna Karp
Okay, so I thought maybe giving my "two cents" on some books I have read might help others on books to read for their ideas on saving money and even being frugal. While this book does not deal with hints, tips or suggestions for anything financial, it does give one lady's snap shot of being laid off and how she dealt with it.
This book is written by Brianna Karp who I think writes this book really well. I really do think it would have been hard for someone to help write this book for her. She starts off by giving you (the reader) some background on her family life which is a hard start (if you ask me). She deals with life with her mother, sister and I think a step-father from about the age of 10 on. She picks up odd jobs at a REALLY young age and just seems to be working ever since. I could not imagine having to work as a youngster to help support the family.
She finally lands a good job and things seem to go well. Until......(you had to know that there was some more drama here) she gets laid off from her job. She is able to get some temp work but I think that even is scarce or not at all. She then inherits her late father's truck and 30 foot trailer. At least it is a place to live? She ends up living in the trailer in a certain store's parking lot. She goes to Starbucks to be able to connect to the WiFi to look for jobs. I think she even joins a gym to have access to a shower.
She then starts a blog to start talking about how she is dealing with being homeless. That is where this book mostly comes from. Do not worry, the book is not written like different journal or blog entries. It flows really well. It is amazing to think of the things she does to keep from telling friends that she is homeless. I think she does her blog under a screen name so I think no one knows her real name. She even has a long-distance boyfriend. You will even have to keep reading to find out the problem she has with her trailer being taken and also visiting her boyfriend (at that time) who lives in a different country (how does a homeless girl travel outside the country?!).
This books definitely got me to thinking about if I ever should be laid off from my job. What would I do if a family member did not let me stay with them? How would I get mail? How would I look for jobs? Where would I shower? Where would I sleep? How do I keep local law enforcement from "picking me up" while being homeless? This book definitely is a reason for why people should have an emergency fund and live beneath your means. I am amazed how this young lady kept sane!
This book also gave me some thought about those who are homeless. I do not think people start off thinking that it will happen to them. But what do you do when you lose your job, have no money and no where to go? When and how do you ask for help?
This book is definitely a really great read about dealing with life and sometimes the bad hand you may be dealt from time to time. Yep, it may really be bad now but there has to be something better if I just keep working! The little "falls" from time to time are okay (as long as I learn something from them). She definitely shows strength, courage and someone who feels bad for herself for a moment but picks herself back up and keeps going. DEFINITELY worth the read!!
And if you want to visit her blog, you can do so by going here: http://girlsguidetohomelessness.com/. You can also read part of her book and keep up to date with what she is doing these days.
This book is written by Brianna Karp who I think writes this book really well. I really do think it would have been hard for someone to help write this book for her. She starts off by giving you (the reader) some background on her family life which is a hard start (if you ask me). She deals with life with her mother, sister and I think a step-father from about the age of 10 on. She picks up odd jobs at a REALLY young age and just seems to be working ever since. I could not imagine having to work as a youngster to help support the family.
She finally lands a good job and things seem to go well. Until......(you had to know that there was some more drama here) she gets laid off from her job. She is able to get some temp work but I think that even is scarce or not at all. She then inherits her late father's truck and 30 foot trailer. At least it is a place to live? She ends up living in the trailer in a certain store's parking lot. She goes to Starbucks to be able to connect to the WiFi to look for jobs. I think she even joins a gym to have access to a shower.
She then starts a blog to start talking about how she is dealing with being homeless. That is where this book mostly comes from. Do not worry, the book is not written like different journal or blog entries. It flows really well. It is amazing to think of the things she does to keep from telling friends that she is homeless. I think she does her blog under a screen name so I think no one knows her real name. She even has a long-distance boyfriend. You will even have to keep reading to find out the problem she has with her trailer being taken and also visiting her boyfriend (at that time) who lives in a different country (how does a homeless girl travel outside the country?!).
This books definitely got me to thinking about if I ever should be laid off from my job. What would I do if a family member did not let me stay with them? How would I get mail? How would I look for jobs? Where would I shower? Where would I sleep? How do I keep local law enforcement from "picking me up" while being homeless? This book definitely is a reason for why people should have an emergency fund and live beneath your means. I am amazed how this young lady kept sane!
This book also gave me some thought about those who are homeless. I do not think people start off thinking that it will happen to them. But what do you do when you lose your job, have no money and no where to go? When and how do you ask for help?
This book is definitely a really great read about dealing with life and sometimes the bad hand you may be dealt from time to time. Yep, it may really be bad now but there has to be something better if I just keep working! The little "falls" from time to time are okay (as long as I learn something from them). She definitely shows strength, courage and someone who feels bad for herself for a moment but picks herself back up and keeps going. DEFINITELY worth the read!!
And if you want to visit her blog, you can do so by going here: http://girlsguidetohomelessness.com/. You can also read part of her book and keep up to date with what she is doing these days.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
It Happens Every Year
Do you ever have those events that you are "surprised" when they get here? Some examples are Christmas, birthdays, Thanksgiving, renewing your tags on your vehicle, inspecting your vehicle. "Oh my gosh!! It's her birthday again?! Didn't she just have a birthday?!" Why is it that we are "surprised" when it is close to these events happening in our lives? All of a sudden it is Thanksgiving and we start to panic slightly because we have not started our Christmas shopping!
Well, I had to renew the tags on our vehicle this month. I know this happens every year in June. Yet, I start freaking out a bit because it is extra money I have to spend because I did not save up for it like I promised I would last year at this time. I have already made the "promise" to start saving up for it next year so it does not take me by surprise again. Maybe even renew the tags for two years instead of one next year. (Yeah right!! You can laugh if you want to here.)
Have you ever told yourself that you would save up for certain yearly expenses and then here it is a year later and you did not? I think maybe just the act of getting started is the first step. I had spoken with someone else who said that they divided the cost by twelve and put that much money up every month so next year, they would already have the money saved for the item. I thought to myself, "Great idea!! I must do this!!" Here it is a year later and I did not. It happens every year at this time and I still act as if it is a surprise that I have to renew those tags.
Planning and saving has got to be the key here. There is just no other way to do this!! Or maybe you have a better way and if you do, please let me know. Maybe this is just partly being lazy to not plan? Maybe it is something that I think that I will deal with tomorrow and tomorrow happens to come way to quickly? Failure to plan is it (at least for me, anyway). Trying to save for these things is easy to not do and I do it often. "I'll start it tomorrow" is a common thought I have on starting to plan for some savings. Taking the first step to get it done is the hardest but I have got to do it. It just has to be done!!
What are your thoughts on this? How do you plan for yearly little money surprises?
Jenn
Well, I had to renew the tags on our vehicle this month. I know this happens every year in June. Yet, I start freaking out a bit because it is extra money I have to spend because I did not save up for it like I promised I would last year at this time. I have already made the "promise" to start saving up for it next year so it does not take me by surprise again. Maybe even renew the tags for two years instead of one next year. (Yeah right!! You can laugh if you want to here.)
Have you ever told yourself that you would save up for certain yearly expenses and then here it is a year later and you did not? I think maybe just the act of getting started is the first step. I had spoken with someone else who said that they divided the cost by twelve and put that much money up every month so next year, they would already have the money saved for the item. I thought to myself, "Great idea!! I must do this!!" Here it is a year later and I did not. It happens every year at this time and I still act as if it is a surprise that I have to renew those tags.
Planning and saving has got to be the key here. There is just no other way to do this!! Or maybe you have a better way and if you do, please let me know. Maybe this is just partly being lazy to not plan? Maybe it is something that I think that I will deal with tomorrow and tomorrow happens to come way to quickly? Failure to plan is it (at least for me, anyway). Trying to save for these things is easy to not do and I do it often. "I'll start it tomorrow" is a common thought I have on starting to plan for some savings. Taking the first step to get it done is the hardest but I have got to do it. It just has to be done!!
What are your thoughts on this? How do you plan for yearly little money surprises?
Jenn
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Store Reward Cards
I had started trying to be more consistent in my posts and figured out that about every two weeks I would post on Monday's and not run out of ideas for awhile. Plus, I am keeping a little book of some ideas to post on. But today I happened to stop by Rite Aid after work for some items on sale and I started thinking about different store reward cards and decided to post!!
Yesterday I found the Rite Aid circular for this week in my area. I looked through it and found some items that we use that were Buy One Get One Free or Buy Two Get One Free. After work today I stopped at the Rite Aid I pass going to and from work. I went in to pick up three different items I knew I wanted from looking through the circular and ended up with a few more. I ended up saving about $35 after all was said and done plus two $2 coupons to use on a later trip. Not bad!! We will not need the little dishwashing tabs for SEVERAL months as I have already three boxes not opened when I bought the two today. (Yep, I just admitted that!!) I probably could have saved more with some coupons but my coupon pile is not big. I need to work on that!! If I can combine coupons and some sales, savings can be bigger!!
With store reward cards you have to understand how that particular store works their Buy One Get One free deals. Rite Aid really did give me the second item free. For example, the diswashing tabs were Buy One Get One Free on the two different sizes they had there - a 20 count box and a 32 count box. I opted for the larger 32 count box for $7.99 and the second box rang up at the register for $0.00. There are some stores that if they advertise Buy One Get One Free each item will ring up half price. (Some may already know a store or two that do this.) Make sure you know how the store works it. Maybe do a test run on an item or two to see how that store does it - one item is free or both items ring up at half price. Definitely take the time to stock up on some items when sales like this run using your store rewards card. Also try to work coupons in there for more savings. One example I have of this is a store had some new Gevalia coffee and had it at a discounted price, I think it was $6.99. I received a coupon in the mail for buy one get one free. So I bought the one bag for $6.99 (on sale) and used the coupon which made the second bag of coffee free and I got both bags of Gevalia coffee for $6.99. (Best coffee savings I can ever remember!) So, do not discard the idea of store reward cards. If you wait for some sales, you can stock up a bit on things you use around the house at some pretty good prices. It just takes some time, practice and patience. Do not beat yourself up over not working on your savings like others.
What is your thought on store reward cards? Do you use them? Do you like them? Do you not like them?
Jenn
Yesterday I found the Rite Aid circular for this week in my area. I looked through it and found some items that we use that were Buy One Get One Free or Buy Two Get One Free. After work today I stopped at the Rite Aid I pass going to and from work. I went in to pick up three different items I knew I wanted from looking through the circular and ended up with a few more. I ended up saving about $35 after all was said and done plus two $2 coupons to use on a later trip. Not bad!! We will not need the little dishwashing tabs for SEVERAL months as I have already three boxes not opened when I bought the two today. (Yep, I just admitted that!!) I probably could have saved more with some coupons but my coupon pile is not big. I need to work on that!! If I can combine coupons and some sales, savings can be bigger!!
With store reward cards you have to understand how that particular store works their Buy One Get One free deals. Rite Aid really did give me the second item free. For example, the diswashing tabs were Buy One Get One Free on the two different sizes they had there - a 20 count box and a 32 count box. I opted for the larger 32 count box for $7.99 and the second box rang up at the register for $0.00. There are some stores that if they advertise Buy One Get One Free each item will ring up half price. (Some may already know a store or two that do this.) Make sure you know how the store works it. Maybe do a test run on an item or two to see how that store does it - one item is free or both items ring up at half price. Definitely take the time to stock up on some items when sales like this run using your store rewards card. Also try to work coupons in there for more savings. One example I have of this is a store had some new Gevalia coffee and had it at a discounted price, I think it was $6.99. I received a coupon in the mail for buy one get one free. So I bought the one bag for $6.99 (on sale) and used the coupon which made the second bag of coffee free and I got both bags of Gevalia coffee for $6.99. (Best coffee savings I can ever remember!) So, do not discard the idea of store reward cards. If you wait for some sales, you can stock up a bit on things you use around the house at some pretty good prices. It just takes some time, practice and patience. Do not beat yourself up over not working on your savings like others.
What is your thought on store reward cards? Do you use them? Do you like them? Do you not like them?
Jenn
Monday, June 11, 2012
Being Crafty on a Budget
Sometimes, trying to buy gifts for certain situations can take some thought. You really want to buy something the recipient can use, something they will like and something that will be appreciated. Plus, you also have to watch your budget on gifts, which can prevent you from getting a gift you really want for that person. What do you do?
I have been knitting for a few years and have gotten to where I can make some basic gifts with knitting - baby blankets, bags, dish clothes. I have just learned to crochet earlier this year and that can add to my craftiness. Being on a budget, I try to find things that are practical but useful. A young lady I know likes the knitted or crocheted dish clothes I make and so if I find I have some extra time and yarn, I will try to learn new stitches or make up a dish cloth or two. I learn something new in the process and she gets something useful.
But what about Christmas, birthday's, baby showers or other celebrations? If I plan far enough ahead, I can work on making a gift for that person. Many times I have made baby blankets for baby showers. I have been lucky enough to find a basic pattern that allows me to try different types of yarn. I have also been lucky enough that the mothers who I give these blankets too seem to really enjoy something handmade for the baby. Something I hope that they will keep and pass on to the child when the child becomes older.
Can knitting or crochet get expensive? Yes, it can. It depends on the yarn you use and how much you need of it. Plus, some yarn is hand wash/air dry only. So, I really have to think about who is getting the yarn and how much time they may have to take care of the gift. A mother on a busy schedule may not have time for hand wash/air dry but can do something that can be washed on delicate and then dried on low in the dryer or maybe air dry.
Overall, I have found that people do enjoy getting handmade gifts still. Or maybe it is just the people I give them too that really like them. Use your own judgement to see if a person would like a handmade gift and maybe that gift will be something they use and enjoy for a long time. Plus, learning a new skill never hurt either. So, being crafty can be easy on your budget if you plan right. There is nothing wrong with a little handmade gift!!
What do you think?
Jenn
I have been knitting for a few years and have gotten to where I can make some basic gifts with knitting - baby blankets, bags, dish clothes. I have just learned to crochet earlier this year and that can add to my craftiness. Being on a budget, I try to find things that are practical but useful. A young lady I know likes the knitted or crocheted dish clothes I make and so if I find I have some extra time and yarn, I will try to learn new stitches or make up a dish cloth or two. I learn something new in the process and she gets something useful.
But what about Christmas, birthday's, baby showers or other celebrations? If I plan far enough ahead, I can work on making a gift for that person. Many times I have made baby blankets for baby showers. I have been lucky enough to find a basic pattern that allows me to try different types of yarn. I have also been lucky enough that the mothers who I give these blankets too seem to really enjoy something handmade for the baby. Something I hope that they will keep and pass on to the child when the child becomes older.
Can knitting or crochet get expensive? Yes, it can. It depends on the yarn you use and how much you need of it. Plus, some yarn is hand wash/air dry only. So, I really have to think about who is getting the yarn and how much time they may have to take care of the gift. A mother on a busy schedule may not have time for hand wash/air dry but can do something that can be washed on delicate and then dried on low in the dryer or maybe air dry.
Overall, I have found that people do enjoy getting handmade gifts still. Or maybe it is just the people I give them too that really like them. Use your own judgement to see if a person would like a handmade gift and maybe that gift will be something they use and enjoy for a long time. Plus, learning a new skill never hurt either. So, being crafty can be easy on your budget if you plan right. There is nothing wrong with a little handmade gift!!
What do you think?
Jenn
Monday, May 28, 2012
Buying Clothes for Work
I work in an office and I really try to buy nice clothes. I like pieces that I can mix and match or may even serve as clothes for work that can be used for casual times to meet with friends. I am not into searching, searching and searching for clothes as I do tend to get bored after awhile. Weird, I know!! I like to find and wear clothes that I can utilize for years to come. I want to buy clothes that will last and can look just as good today and then look good three or five years from now. Also, I am a bit larger and have to shop in the "Women's" section. Sometimes clothes from this section is not what my thirty-something self wants to really wear - maybe twenty years from now though!! What do I do? Here are a few things I do utilize while buying clothes:
- Sales: Try to hit up sales as much as possible. However, that does not mean you have to buy something just because it is on sale. Make sure you will wear it, wear it often and will last.
- Quality: I do not buy clothes that often which means that the clothes I do have must last. Nothing that looks cheap and wears out after a few months. Also, nothing that by this time next year will be so out of style that I cannot wear it again.
- Size: I buy things in my correct size and fit. This may mean that the size I am in one store may be slightly different in the next store. I try not to buy clothes that are too big or too small for me. I really try not to think that if I am trying to eat and get fit that buying a piece of clothing the next size down will help motivate me. I just do not work that way. It will end up going to the thrift store unworn and the tags still on it.
- Return to Stores I Like: If I happen to find things in stores that I like, I am more likely to return there for more pieces to wear. Sounds like a no brainer but I am a creature of habit. Their prices might be higher but I know I like their clothing and I know how their sizing works for me.
These are just a few ideas that I try to look at when purchasing clothes. I have gotten some really nice clothes as gifts as well. Sometimes if you let friends or family members know you like stores, they may keep an eye out for you for new items in the stores or for sales. Even having someone to go with you to give you an honest opinion is good too. I have bought clothes that I liked in the store and a few days later, wondered what in the world made me buy it.
So, this is just a start on my work clothes series but I wanted to get a start on some basic information to get started on how I think about buying work clothes. Do you have any tips or hints for your work clothes? Do you have a favorite store? Let me know!!
Jenn
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Let's Get Back in the Habit....Again....and Again
I have been doing some serious thought and a little bit of research on writing and blogging. I have read that I should be blogging on a consistent basis - whether that be once a week, twice a week or some set schedule I come up with that fits around my lifestyle. The other thing is that I have started coming up with ideas on what to write about with respects to me, trying to be frugal and this blog. It has been a good idea to start coming up with ideas as I have noticed that I can do some posts that might have a common theme in them - coupons, budget envy and even buying work clothes (shoes and jewelry) on a budget. I hope this will help me to better keep this blog going and to have better ideas on what to write here.
Trying to be frugal is not easy for me. I found that I have some things I need to let go of (envy) and things I need to work on and even just being consistent in doing things to be frugal. I hope that you will not mind this and even hope you will like my blog enough to come back and read it some more!! If you have any thoughts on posts, please let me know and please do not post anything mean or use bad words. That is just not cool!
Until next time......
Jenn
Trying to be frugal is not easy for me. I found that I have some things I need to let go of (envy) and things I need to work on and even just being consistent in doing things to be frugal. I hope that you will not mind this and even hope you will like my blog enough to come back and read it some more!! If you have any thoughts on posts, please let me know and please do not post anything mean or use bad words. That is just not cool!
Until next time......
Jenn
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Saving (Or At Least Trying to Save)
Since there is now two paychecks coming into our bank account, I am trying to start saving some money. I had read some articles that said to treat saving just like another bill. I have been trying to do this and so far, it has been working. Slowly, our savings account has been growing each paycheck. It is nice to see it growing each week, and then each month. There are times that I have thoughts about "Do I really need this?" when I am out in a store or even think about going to a store on purpose. It has helped to have that thought of needing it come across my mind. In that sense, I think I am starting to think more of my wants versus my needs. I have had a few moments of weakness but I am trying to then think of what happened, why did I do that, what was going on that I ended up buying that item (or items).
Putting the money aside just like it is a bill has helped. Husband and I have a few goals for this money and faithfully putting it aside is good. Not thinking about it is even better. When I sit down to pay bills, I transfer the money into our savings.
I have found that it is tempting to take out the money and buy one of our goals with it. "Hurry up" my brain tells me. Let's get it now!! Not wanting to have payments or use credit is hard to deal with but I do not want to put things on credit if I can totally help it. Denying myself instant gratification will not be worth it. I have done it before and know how it feels once the "newness" wears off. That is where saving for the purchase is totally worth it. I know walking out of the store after paying cash for the item will feel absolutely great!! I just have to keep reminding myself to wait, to be patient, that it will be worth it in the end.
So, one of our goals is a new bed and mattress. I have found a new bed but not a mattress. I think once we get the bed, getting the mattress will be definitely next but I want to save for the bed first. I have been doing some online research of beds I like and getting some prices for this bed. Right now, IKEA looks like our best choice for a bed. I am still looking around just to make sure and to get an idea on cost. Plus, I also need to know if this is something that can be purchased locally, if there is some travel to pick up the bed or if it must be shipped to us. If we go with IKEA, we can either travel a few hours to get it or have it shipped to us. Still debating on that idea. Also, I need to make sure that Husband likes it too. So, just "window shopping" is good in this area to get an idea on price and where we are going to get this big purchase.
In the end, saving for bigger purchases will be good. It will also be a test in patience and learning to research and find the best item that will fit our needs, not someone else's needs. Our savings is growing, I just got to make sure it keeps going that way!!
Do you have any tips on saving money that you would like to share? I'm definitely open for your suggestions!! Thank you!!
Jenn
Putting the money aside just like it is a bill has helped. Husband and I have a few goals for this money and faithfully putting it aside is good. Not thinking about it is even better. When I sit down to pay bills, I transfer the money into our savings.
I have found that it is tempting to take out the money and buy one of our goals with it. "Hurry up" my brain tells me. Let's get it now!! Not wanting to have payments or use credit is hard to deal with but I do not want to put things on credit if I can totally help it. Denying myself instant gratification will not be worth it. I have done it before and know how it feels once the "newness" wears off. That is where saving for the purchase is totally worth it. I know walking out of the store after paying cash for the item will feel absolutely great!! I just have to keep reminding myself to wait, to be patient, that it will be worth it in the end.
So, one of our goals is a new bed and mattress. I have found a new bed but not a mattress. I think once we get the bed, getting the mattress will be definitely next but I want to save for the bed first. I have been doing some online research of beds I like and getting some prices for this bed. Right now, IKEA looks like our best choice for a bed. I am still looking around just to make sure and to get an idea on cost. Plus, I also need to know if this is something that can be purchased locally, if there is some travel to pick up the bed or if it must be shipped to us. If we go with IKEA, we can either travel a few hours to get it or have it shipped to us. Still debating on that idea. Also, I need to make sure that Husband likes it too. So, just "window shopping" is good in this area to get an idea on price and where we are going to get this big purchase.
In the end, saving for bigger purchases will be good. It will also be a test in patience and learning to research and find the best item that will fit our needs, not someone else's needs. Our savings is growing, I just got to make sure it keeps going that way!!
Do you have any tips on saving money that you would like to share? I'm definitely open for your suggestions!! Thank you!!
Jenn
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Girl Down!!
Well, I fell off my budget wagon. That is not good either. I had been trying slowly to make sure that this was a habit to stick with and I fell off it. I must get back on to it and start again.
That led me to wonder if this was normal for "newbies" to do - fall off the wagon so to speak. It was not like I had made a huge and drastic change in budgetland but I just got a little too relaxed in it. I am glad that I can still get back up, dust myself off and get going again. It almost felt like I had been hibernating there for a bit!!
How do I get started again? Any certain way to go? I just have to get back to doing some reading, researching and "playing around" with our money. I can tell you that we are trying a weekly lunch budget. This week is our second stab at it. The first time failed a bit but I think that Husband liked the idea and he was the one that actually brought it up to me. We are trying to do $25.00 this week. This is getting a bit creative to find ways to eat lunch and/or snacks while at work for this amount of money. We did buy some groceries over the weekend (that is a whole different sad story that I will probably have to tell you in another post) and some of that is going to work with us. I also made some lasgna over the weekend and have been eating on that when I get home. For some strange reason, I really enjoy the leftover lasgna. I do not think others in the house do but I know I will eat on it for as long as it is there!! This has helped out a bit on our money. I think we may have to stick with this idea.
Well, I will keep you updated as this girl gets back up and gets started again with the budget.
Jennifer
That led me to wonder if this was normal for "newbies" to do - fall off the wagon so to speak. It was not like I had made a huge and drastic change in budgetland but I just got a little too relaxed in it. I am glad that I can still get back up, dust myself off and get going again. It almost felt like I had been hibernating there for a bit!!
How do I get started again? Any certain way to go? I just have to get back to doing some reading, researching and "playing around" with our money. I can tell you that we are trying a weekly lunch budget. This week is our second stab at it. The first time failed a bit but I think that Husband liked the idea and he was the one that actually brought it up to me. We are trying to do $25.00 this week. This is getting a bit creative to find ways to eat lunch and/or snacks while at work for this amount of money. We did buy some groceries over the weekend (that is a whole different sad story that I will probably have to tell you in another post) and some of that is going to work with us. I also made some lasgna over the weekend and have been eating on that when I get home. For some strange reason, I really enjoy the leftover lasgna. I do not think others in the house do but I know I will eat on it for as long as it is there!! This has helped out a bit on our money. I think we may have to stick with this idea.
Well, I will keep you updated as this girl gets back up and gets started again with the budget.
Jennifer
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Meal Planning
Last week I definitely began meal planning for me and Husband. I found a downloadable template to write in what we are having for dinner that day and attached it via magnet to the fridge. This way, no more confusion on what's for dinner and if I need to remember where the recipe is, I include it on the paper.
Has this helped? Yes it has. We have been trying a few new recipes from a magazine I bought which so far, has been great. The magazine was a five ingredent recipe magazine and included sections for appetizers, desserts, chicken and turkey, seafood and maybe one on meat (not chicken or turkey). It was definitely worth the money and I have been amazed at how quick, easy and yummy the recipes are. I have been getting Husband involved on some of the recipes to help me make them and he has absolutely no problem with them either.
Since I get paid twice a month and Husband is now getting paid every two weeks, meal planning is for two weeks. So, we went to the grocery store together and I had made a list of the items we needed and it was a pretty good shop. The downside was the cost. But we did save by buying some things on sale and I felt it was good as I knew what I was getting and what it was being used for later. Definitely have to start doing a little stockpile and doing some recipes using what I already have in the home rather than buying all new things. I think that will help on the grocery sticker shock at check out.
So, I think that meal planning is letting us try new foods to find ones we like while still using some good stand-bys. By planning, I feel a bit more in control and knowing what is going on and have an answer for "What's for dinner tonight?" I like this. I also like having Husband involved with it. (Strange huh?) I think that getting a little stock pile and using coupons with the meal planning will help to keep our costs low but I think the first few times, it might not be so well. That is okay though. As long as I am learning and progressing, I know a bumpy start will lead to something good for grocery costs!!
I found my downloadable template for meal planning at: http://faithfulprovisions.com/
She has a great website and will post some deals at different stores. I really like her site so far but I have not explored all of her site yet. A big thank you for the templates and such a great site!!
Jennifer
Has this helped? Yes it has. We have been trying a few new recipes from a magazine I bought which so far, has been great. The magazine was a five ingredent recipe magazine and included sections for appetizers, desserts, chicken and turkey, seafood and maybe one on meat (not chicken or turkey). It was definitely worth the money and I have been amazed at how quick, easy and yummy the recipes are. I have been getting Husband involved on some of the recipes to help me make them and he has absolutely no problem with them either.
Since I get paid twice a month and Husband is now getting paid every two weeks, meal planning is for two weeks. So, we went to the grocery store together and I had made a list of the items we needed and it was a pretty good shop. The downside was the cost. But we did save by buying some things on sale and I felt it was good as I knew what I was getting and what it was being used for later. Definitely have to start doing a little stockpile and doing some recipes using what I already have in the home rather than buying all new things. I think that will help on the grocery sticker shock at check out.
So, I think that meal planning is letting us try new foods to find ones we like while still using some good stand-bys. By planning, I feel a bit more in control and knowing what is going on and have an answer for "What's for dinner tonight?" I like this. I also like having Husband involved with it. (Strange huh?) I think that getting a little stock pile and using coupons with the meal planning will help to keep our costs low but I think the first few times, it might not be so well. That is okay though. As long as I am learning and progressing, I know a bumpy start will lead to something good for grocery costs!!
I found my downloadable template for meal planning at: http://faithfulprovisions.com/
She has a great website and will post some deals at different stores. I really like her site so far but I have not explored all of her site yet. A big thank you for the templates and such a great site!!
Jennifer
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Books on Tape
So, sometimes I find that I really do not like to channel surf the radio on my commute to and from work. I think I spend too much time trying to find which station is playing a song I might enjoy and scanning past the ones that are on commercial breaks, reporting the traffic and some chit chat. It takes me about 45 minutes to get to work which includes going through the school zone when school is in and if I stop to grab a drink in the morning.
I find sometimes that I do not have a lot of time to really read like I want to. I am not too sure how others find the time to sneak in reading with jobs, family and other obligations. Right now my consistant reading has been the book for the Ladies Bible Study that I am attending. So, I thought that I had enjoyed books on tape several years ago and wanted to give it a try again. I really like the unabridged versions as that way I get the whole book. I have not tried abridged versions and if you have, please let me know how you liked them.
I checked out some books on tape from the local library near my work. They are actually on compact disc (cd) now but books on tape sound fine with me. I might have been a bit over eager when I checked out three of them but in the week that I have been listening to the first one, I am on the last cd now (there are nine in this book). It seems to have gone pretty quickly. I am enjoying the book and the narrator has really made the book seem to come alive. I like that. I definitely cannot wait to listen to other books and even see if I can find some financial books on tape to listen too.
This has been pretty good for my budget as well. I get to listen to a book I might be interested in and see if I like it or not without having bought it and decide I just cannot get interested in the book. There are books that I would like to purchase so that I may read again but I may wait on that for now. So far, books on tape are great. Have you tried them yet?
Jennifer
I find sometimes that I do not have a lot of time to really read like I want to. I am not too sure how others find the time to sneak in reading with jobs, family and other obligations. Right now my consistant reading has been the book for the Ladies Bible Study that I am attending. So, I thought that I had enjoyed books on tape several years ago and wanted to give it a try again. I really like the unabridged versions as that way I get the whole book. I have not tried abridged versions and if you have, please let me know how you liked them.
I checked out some books on tape from the local library near my work. They are actually on compact disc (cd) now but books on tape sound fine with me. I might have been a bit over eager when I checked out three of them but in the week that I have been listening to the first one, I am on the last cd now (there are nine in this book). It seems to have gone pretty quickly. I am enjoying the book and the narrator has really made the book seem to come alive. I like that. I definitely cannot wait to listen to other books and even see if I can find some financial books on tape to listen too.
This has been pretty good for my budget as well. I get to listen to a book I might be interested in and see if I like it or not without having bought it and decide I just cannot get interested in the book. There are books that I would like to purchase so that I may read again but I may wait on that for now. So far, books on tape are great. Have you tried them yet?
Jennifer
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Library v. Bookstore
This is a big debate for me. I really do enjoy reading some different books and while I enjoy going to the bookstore, the local library is a better cost-effective way for me to save money and read some books. I have one problem though - I seem to always forget my return dates and end up owing money to the library because I did not renew the book or return it on time. While the fine is ususally small, I still dislike that I did it to myself. That is probably why I have not checked out any books from the library in a long time.
In my quest to save money though, the library will have to work for me. I do own some books that I have not read and may not read any time soon. One good reason to hit up the library - if I do not like it, I can return it. I have just got to make more of an effort with the library though. It has to be done. Maybe if I like the book, I can tuck away some money to buy it later. Or, maybe I can check it out again.
I just have to figure out a way to remember my return dates for books. I did get a calendar for Christmas so putting the due dates on there is a good thing to start doing. I just have to get the calendar put up.
What helps you remember to return books or other items to the local library?
Jennifer
In my quest to save money though, the library will have to work for me. I do own some books that I have not read and may not read any time soon. One good reason to hit up the library - if I do not like it, I can return it. I have just got to make more of an effort with the library though. It has to be done. Maybe if I like the book, I can tuck away some money to buy it later. Or, maybe I can check it out again.
I just have to figure out a way to remember my return dates for books. I did get a calendar for Christmas so putting the due dates on there is a good thing to start doing. I just have to get the calendar put up.
What helps you remember to return books or other items to the local library?
Jennifer
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Hello 2012
Hello 2012!!
Well, now that I have gotten back into the swing of work and home and more of a schedule after the holidays, it is time to do my first post of 2012. So, what do I write about? Do I tell you that I made New Year's Resolutions when I really only thought of what I wanted to accomplish in the new year? Do I ramble on and on how I want 2012 to be a big year of saving and getting my budget fine tuned? I could do that. Or not. Or maybe somewhere in the middle.
The good news is that Husband has a job. This job has some insurance as well. I am excited that he is working and feeling productive at something. It is only part-time but that is okay. I am happy for him and glad that he does like the job. I really hope that he continues to like it. The extra money he makes is nice as well.
Did I make any New Year's Resolutions? Well, not in so many words. There are goals that Husband and I would like to reach with our money. I think we need to write these goals down to see how we are doing over the next year - how close did we come to meeting our savings goal, checking our credit score goal, paying off some bills goal, etc. Maybe with realistic goals for us we can accomplish something very great this year. It may not be anything big according to the rest of the world but I think it will be big for us.
I also wonder why so many make New Year's Resolutions only to break them by the end of January. Did they just sound good at the time? Were these resolutions something that would cause us to grow and be a little painful (saving money, loosing weight) change that we would have to make? Many may ask why is change hard? Maybe it is because it causes us to do something that is out of character or to grow-up in our actions. If we are really wanting to loose weight we have to stick with a better eating plan and some exercise. Many of us fail at the loosing weight and say it is too hard. Change is hard but to get the result you want, you must change.
So, here is to change and meeting goals. Here is to becoming someone I like. Here is to the hard stuff that will make me a better person. Here is to doing what is right!!
Jennifer
Well, now that I have gotten back into the swing of work and home and more of a schedule after the holidays, it is time to do my first post of 2012. So, what do I write about? Do I tell you that I made New Year's Resolutions when I really only thought of what I wanted to accomplish in the new year? Do I ramble on and on how I want 2012 to be a big year of saving and getting my budget fine tuned? I could do that. Or not. Or maybe somewhere in the middle.
The good news is that Husband has a job. This job has some insurance as well. I am excited that he is working and feeling productive at something. It is only part-time but that is okay. I am happy for him and glad that he does like the job. I really hope that he continues to like it. The extra money he makes is nice as well.
Did I make any New Year's Resolutions? Well, not in so many words. There are goals that Husband and I would like to reach with our money. I think we need to write these goals down to see how we are doing over the next year - how close did we come to meeting our savings goal, checking our credit score goal, paying off some bills goal, etc. Maybe with realistic goals for us we can accomplish something very great this year. It may not be anything big according to the rest of the world but I think it will be big for us.
I also wonder why so many make New Year's Resolutions only to break them by the end of January. Did they just sound good at the time? Were these resolutions something that would cause us to grow and be a little painful (saving money, loosing weight) change that we would have to make? Many may ask why is change hard? Maybe it is because it causes us to do something that is out of character or to grow-up in our actions. If we are really wanting to loose weight we have to stick with a better eating plan and some exercise. Many of us fail at the loosing weight and say it is too hard. Change is hard but to get the result you want, you must change.
So, here is to change and meeting goals. Here is to becoming someone I like. Here is to the hard stuff that will make me a better person. Here is to doing what is right!!
Jennifer
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