http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/ Frugal Living Forums, a frugal living community with emphasis on debt reduction, responsible spending, consuming less, recycling and helping each other bridge the gaps for a sustainable future. en Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:09:33 GMT vBulletin 1 http://imagesf.frugalvillage.com/misc/rss.jpg http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/ http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/known2him5/5347-menu-week.html Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:04:58 GMT Sunday: baked chicken breast, spinach salad, fruited jello Monday: swiss steak, ranch potato cubes, cucumber/onion salad Tuesday: parmesan tilapia, squash fluff, bean salad Wednesday: lentil soup, sweet potato biscuits, blackberry hand pies Thursday: stuffed zucchini, chocolate mug cake... Sunday: baked chicken breast, spinach salad, fruited jello
Monday: swiss steak, ranch potato cubes, cucumber/onion salad
Tuesday: parmesan tilapia, squash fluff, bean salad
Wednesday: lentil soup, sweet potato biscuits, blackberry hand pies
Thursday: stuffed zucchini, chocolate mug cake
Friday: ham slice, buttered peas, leftover sweets
Saturday: savory waffles, bacon, mixed fruit ]]> known2him5 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/known2him5/5347-menu-week.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/known2him5/5346-menu-week.html Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:02:51 GMT Sunday: baked chicken breast, spinach salad, fruited jello Monday: swiss steak, ranch potato cubes, cucumber/onion salad Tuesday: parmesan tilapia, squash fluff, bean salad Wednesday: lentil soup, sweet potato biscuits, blackberry hand pies Thursday: stuffed zucchini, chocolate mug cake... Sunday: baked chicken breast, spinach salad, fruited jello
Monday: swiss steak, ranch potato cubes, cucumber/onion salad
Tuesday: parmesan tilapia, squash fluff, bean salad
Wednesday: lentil soup, sweet potato biscuits, blackberry hand pies
Thursday: stuffed zucchini, chocolate mug cake
Friday: ham slice, buttered peas, leftover sweets
Saturday: savory waffles, bacon, mixed fruit ]]> known2him5 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/known2him5/5346-menu-week.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/thriftstorequeen/5345-fast-forward.html Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:28:04 GMT Wow!!! I can't believe that 6 years have past since my last post. Life keeps rolling on. My daughter now has three beautiful children. They are getting ready to move far away:( I'm happy that her hubby has a job and for thier new adventure:) But most days I hate the fact that they are going.Family is so important to me and I know it is to them too . Not an easy choice but none the less the choice that has been made. Well it's been the thing to push me and my hubby into the next pharse of out lives! We bought an RV and are planning on retiring in the fall. We will be living full time in the RV.This way we can travel and visit our family. We have two families still in New Jersey.And three families in three different states. I feel a bit torn because our other daughter just had her son in January. She lives here and I kinda feel like I'm somewhat abanning her. But there is a possibility that they may be moving out of state too. That will leave my son and our granddaughter here. All five of our children are so supportive of our decision. I think mostly because we are retiring. Their Dad has work is glass factories for over 40 years now. We are still well and young enough to do this. By selling everything here we will leave debt free with a little in our pocket:) I thought getting rid of everything would be hard but it isn't. I find it it very freeing. I'm just trusting in the Lord to help us make these new adjustments to our lives. I'm so grateful for the family He has given us. I'm also grateful for the wonderful hubby He has given me. We have been married forty years and it keeps getting better. We both found Jesus when our oldest was a baby. I know that without a doubt that, that is the glue that holds us together. We have have the same goals and plans for life. We love the Lord with all our hearts and try to serve Him to the best of our abilities. We both want whatever He wants for our lives. Yes sometimes that is things that we think are not good for us. But everything that comes our way, good or bad shapes us to what we are. Looking forward to what lies ahead:) ]]> thriftstorequeen http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/thriftstorequeen/5345-fast-forward.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/sumacaroni/5344-goal-checkpoint-february-1-2012.html Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:43:52 GMT With a new month starting, it's time for a goal checkup to maintain focus, strengthen any weakpoints, and generally reenergize my efforts.

Goals for 2012:
Personal

• Lose 21 pounds
• Eat consciously - Tracking nutrition and calories thru Spark People App
• Drink 64 ozs. of water daily - Definitely switched to water, met goal 9/31 days for January
• Exercise 3x/week - Haven't added an exercise routine, did sporadic arm strength training
• Aim for 1# per week weight loss - Total lost: 7# for January (7 in 4.5 weeks)

Crafts, Handiwork & Leisure:

• Improve my crochet skills, self-taught 12/1/11 - Put block afghan in hibernation, started a Neat Ripple Afghan, 44/114 rows done (39%)
• Plan to make majority of gifts homemade gifts - Finished 10 crocheted cotton dishcloths
• Enter some handiwork in the county fair, 9/2012- Found last year's entry listing but made no goals, was asked to make a set of dishcloths for a 4-H silent auction fundraiser that happens at the fair
• Finish up UFO's in my craft stash, anything unused by December 2012 gets donated - Made zero progress here
• Read a book a month, 12 for the year - Started and finished The Hunger Games and started Catching Fire

Home:

• Redecorate the livingroom - furniture, paint, decorations, framed photos - Virtually no progress here, only started pricing furniture
• Declutter and decorate Master Bedroom - Decluttered my dresser top, made a jewelry holder from a picture fram and mesh wire, donated a jewelry box that did not work for me and my jewelry
• Plant a small garden for fresh veggies - Not time for this yet, still winter!
• Plant strawberries and raspberries - Not time for this yet, still winter!

Financial:

• Debt-free by March 31 - We're on track, paid $900 on our roofing and $160 to medical bills, only $2200 left
• Vacation Savings for end of April and August - This starts after debt-free date
• Fully funded Emergency Fund by 12/12/12 - starts after debt-free date

Checkpoint Self-Evaluation: Maintained a certain degree of focus in each area although, looking back, I think I'd like to see more progress on the Home Category. I also changed a title and added a reading goal to that category highlighted in green.

I feel fairly certain at this point that I'm making good enough progress and am on track. ]]> Sumacaroni http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/sumacaroni/5344-goal-checkpoint-february-1-2012.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jets-jewelry/5343-endofthe-month.html Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:22:42 GMT I have doubled my efforts to save more and spend less this year. A new saving pattern for myself and my household. So far, our furnance needed repair. We need some major car repairs which we have already estimated to be about $650.00. I had some extra insurance taken out of my check, so I do... I have doubled my efforts to save more and spend less this year. A new saving pattern for myself and my household. So far, our furnance needed repair. We need some major car repairs which we have already estimated to be about $650.00. I had some extra insurance taken out of my check, so I do not have as much money to pay with. I cleaned out my closet, drawers and even my craft area. I dontaed everything(I might be a secret hoarder. I hope not). Despite some of the setbacks, we are still blessed. Our bills are paid and we have food in the house. I can't complain, but you know I am going to. If not in this post somewhere down the line. I finally got a subscription for the All You Magazine. It was the cheapest(1.25 an issue instead of the newsstand price of 2.49). I can pay that over time, while getting the benfits of the all the coupons in the magazine. Plus I will get it early. I have not been using my coupons as much. Some of the sales have not been matching up, so why buy something just because it has an coupon attached. I am more deliberate with my money. I am keeping a diary of what I am spending and where. My system of saving all my reciepts is already in place. Next on my list is to buy a new computer. The one we have has gone bye, bye and we need another one, bad, It is not always easy to get to the library. Ok, I have to go back to work. Stay tune for more adventures of Save-a-lot. Best wishes to all. ]]> Jets Jewelry http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jets-jewelry/5343-endofthe-month.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/madhen/5342-week-ranch-blog-2012.html Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:50:50 GMT For those who followed this last year, I have reconstructed it, but on Blog Spot. The link, for anyone interested, is: http://mad-hen-creations.blogspot.com/2012/01/week-on-ranch-january-1-january-7-2012.html For those who followed this last year, I have reconstructed it, but on Blog Spot.

The link, for anyone interested, is:

http://mad-hen-creations.blogspot.co...ry-7-2012.html ]]> madhen http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/madhen/5342-week-ranch-blog-2012.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5341-1-5-2012.html Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:40:46 GMT Well, I have mostly organized my room- walk in closet, drawers. I went thru my clothes and have lost enough weight that I am down at least a size in pants. I did join the gym(under $10 a month) I am clearing the pantry and getting ready to sell some items. I wanted to get organized because once I... Well, I have mostly organized my room- walk in closet, drawers. I went thru my clothes and have lost enough weight that I am down at least a size in pants. I did join the gym(under $10 a month) I am clearing the pantry and getting ready to sell some items. I wanted to get organized because once I start work again I will not have time. I am praying about the job. I have a tentative offer but the pay is much lower here in the Sacramento area. I really do not want to travel but may have to in order to get the pay I want. Since I have been ill not as concerned about the money. ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5341-1-5-2012.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/madhen/5340-january-2012-groceries.html Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:33:42 GMT Raleys: cutting boards (2) $3.74 ea beef jerky (2) $6.99 ea smoked Gouda (.51 lb @ $9.99/lb) $5.00 macaroni salad $2.99 duster cover $4.79 Half and Half (qt) $2.65 Half and Half (pt) $1.49 Raleys:

cutting boards (2) $3.74 ea
beef jerky (2) $6.99 ea
smoked Gouda (.51 lb @ $9.99/lb) $5.00
macaroni salad $2.99
duster cover $4.79
Half and Half (qt) $2.65
Half and Half (pt) $1.49

Save Mart:

sparkling water (2 4-pks) $2.99 ea
sparkling water (3 lg) $.99 ea
sparkling water (2 lg) $1.39 ea
small can of green chiles $1.69
cream of mushroom soup (2 cans) $.89 ea
cream of chicken soup (2 cans) $.89 ea
popcorn (2 bags) $1.89
puppy pads (2 100-count boxes) $25.99 ea
shredded cheddar cheese $4.19
puff pastry (2 boxes) $2.99 ea
small sour cream $2.19
bag of peas/carrots (2) $2.00 ea
bean sprouts $1.29
broccoli $1.03
carrots $1.49
celery $.99
snow peas (2 packs) $2.50 ea
scallions $.79
pine nuts (4.23 lbs @ $9.99/lb) $42.26
lettuce mix $4.99
chicken breast $8.10
chicken party wings (2 pks) $17.13 total
turkeys (2 at .69/lb) $20.79
sugar free cookies $3.99

The cutting boards are both Christmas presents for my sister and mother.

The beef jerky and macaroni salad are for me, treats, definitely not necessarily, but I could not resist their siren song.

The duster cover was to replace the very old and threadbare cover on my Mr. Clean mop. It has gotten a workout with eight dogs running around inside for the last 10 weeks!!

The cheese is to eat with the box of crackers sitting in my pantry. Crackers are no good without cheese!

The qt of Half and Half is for the house; the pt is for the office fridge.

The sparkling water is the only way I can get myself to drink water every day! It is expensive, but it does the trick!!

The chiles, canned soup, cheese, puff pastry, sour cream, peas and carrots, bean sprouts, broccoli, carrots, celery, snow peas, scallions, and chicken breast are all for a few recipes I want to try.

The turkeys are to be cooked and frozen for dog food. The party wings are puppy snacks.

The pine nuts are for the parrots. Raleys NEVER carries them. It has been about two years since I last saw them! That is why I bought such a large amount. The parrots LOVE them. They are in the shell, but not the really hard ones you normally get for birds. (My birds can't shell the hard ones.)

Piddle pads are for the puppies. I'll be fostering Olivia for a few more weeks, most likely, and Angus is staying, so I'll be going through them, even though the rest of the pups will be on their way by Wednesday morning.

The sugar free cookies are for the donkeys. Great way to hide meds!! Just put a pill on top, dollop of peanut butter on that, and you have an instant donkey "pill pocket"!! They never suspect they are getting meds!

The popcorn is for popping. A little snack on cold winter nights. :) ]]> madhen http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/madhen/5340-january-2012-groceries.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/sumacaroni/5338-new-year-new-set-goals.html Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:09:25 GMT As we enter 2012, I look back on the goals I set for 2011 and see there were many things that threatened to kick us off track yet we perservered! We reprioritized our household and our lives and were able to knock out 85% of our debt within the year. As I look forward to the upcoming year, I... As we enter 2012, I look back on the goals I set for 2011 and see there were many things that threatened to kick us off track yet we perservered! We reprioritized our household and our lives and were able to knock out 85% of our debt within the year.

As I look forward to the upcoming year, I realize that focus and determination will be necessary to meet new goals but writing them down and revisiting them throughout the year is of the utmost importance.

Goals for 2012:
Personal

• Lose 21 pounds and continue to eat consciously and drink 64 ozs. of water daily
• Exercise 3x/week
• Aim for 1# per week weight loss

Crafts and Handiwork:

• Improve my crochet skills, self-taught 12/1/11
• Plan to make majority of gifts homemade gifts
• Enter some handiwork in the county fair, 9/2012
• Finish up UFO's in my craft stash, anything unused by December 2012 gets donated

Home:

• Redecorate the livingroom - furniture, paint, decorations, framed photos
• Declutter and decorate Master Bedroom
• Plant a small garden for fresh veggies
• Plant strawberries and raspberries

Financial:

• Debt-free by March 31
• Vacation Savings for end of April and August
• Fully funded Emergency Fund by 12/12/12

]]> Sumacaroni http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/sumacaroni/5338-new-year-new-set-goals.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/c-rol/5337-best-time-buy-january.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:18:07 GMT *January* *Food:* Chocolate (Christmas clearance) Soda Oatmeal Diet foods Frozen finger foods *Non-food:* January

Food:
Chocolate (Christmas clearance)
Soda
Oatmeal
Diet foods
Frozen finger foods

Non-food:
Linens
TVs
Electronics
Cameras
Computers
Small appliances
Air conditioners
Carpeting and flooring
Furniture
Winter clothes
Toys (on clearance after the holidays)
Bicycles
Christmas gift wrap
Christmas decorations
Sneakers
Exercise equipment
Motorcycles
Houses
Boats
Motorcycles
Gift cards
Anything from thrift stores ]]> C@rol http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/c-rol/5337-best-time-buy-january.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jets-jewelry/5336-after-rush.html Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:23:58 GMT Today, I was able to buy five gift sets of perfume from Hedi Klum and Beyonce for 20.00. Walgreens had a 50% off sale. I brought two sets at 10.00 down from 19.99 and three sets at 7.49 down from 14.99. The origninal price came to 45.00. I had 5, five dollar coupons off for each of the sets. ... Today, I was able to buy five gift sets of perfume from Hedi Klum and Beyonce for 20.00. Walgreens had a 50% off sale. I brought two sets at 10.00 down from 19.99 and three sets at 7.49 down from 14.99. The origninal price came to 45.00. I had 5, five dollar coupons off for each of the sets. My total was 20.00. I found two more coupons an I plan to go to another Walgreens for other sets. Not bad, not bad at all. I will report back with my other findings. Stay tune. ]]> Jets Jewelry http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jets-jewelry/5336-after-rush.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5333-12-21-2011.html Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:17:55 GMT I have filed for unemployment for the first time in my life. I still have not received any disability pay, so I sold some more gold and silver, another $3300, to help cover expenses. So for the year over 13k in gold and silver. I am getting low on items, so not much jewelry and coins left for an... I have filed for unemployment for the first time in my life. I still have not received any disability pay, so I sold some more gold and silver, another $3300, to help cover expenses. So for the year over 13k in gold and silver. I am getting low on items, so not much jewelry and coins left for an emergency fund. Now that I can lift over 5 pounds, I am going thru the antiques to list on ebay or a space rental at an antique store. I have a harp brass music stand from the 1880's and a French stool along with some paintings I plan to sell. Along with some more silver, coin silver flatware and a beautiful sterling Deco bowl. They are just things, and I love beautiful things(LOL). But I am sure I will locate more. Of course I also have thousands of dishes, Depression to pottery. I am on the waiting list for a local antique mall for a space. I am hoping to get a space for the new year. My oldest daughter also put in a bid for a house in the Sacramento area. I am excited for her. She was promoted, so more pay for her, glad things are finally going well for her. The housing seems to have improved in Southern CA so we may put the house back up for sale down there. There I have listed all my problems and vented how I hate to let things go. I just try to remember the bible verse that says to store up your treasure in heaven not down here where it can be destroyed by rust, ect. . I have to work on my resume. Merry Christmas everyone. ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5333-12-21-2011.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jestagrrrl/5331-oh-weather-outside-frightful.html Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:21:18 GMT Well well well, Christmas is upon us in a few days and I have accomplished a lot, and still have a lot to do. I did some wrapping over the weekend as well as finished most of the kids presents up. Its getting more and more difficult to purchase for my son who is 14. All he wants is X box games and... Well well well, Christmas is upon us in a few days and I have accomplished a lot, and still have a lot to do. I did some wrapping over the weekend as well as finished most of the kids presents up. Its getting more and more difficult to purchase for my son who is 14. All he wants is X box games and they are 59.99 a pop, I have one purchased and still have to get the 2nd game. I have gotten him clothing as the remainder of his gifts which is fine with him, as he wanted Sneakers and a nice coat which I have purchased both, so he should be done minus the game. Madison on the other hand I have most of her gifts purchased as well but I still need to get one or two more, go equal up moneywise with what I bought Nick. Then to finish the rest of the presents this Friday will be the big task, along with planning a Christmas Eve menu, of clams, shrimp and either homemade crab cakes from Crab meat that is on sale this week, or do lil filets. Then the money will be done being spent. Thank goodness.

I was able to get a few lil crocks at Goodwill this weekend, which I will be filling with my flavored maple honey butter and also got lil bread tins to make my applesauce bread tonight. Ugh..now if I could only have time to breath. But that will be at 4:30 on Wednesday where I will start my vacation till Tuesday. So that I am very thankful, just need to keep stretching the money. So far the bills are still on track, now extra money I get for Christmas will be put in the savings because our Kitchen cabinets are the next big expenditure! ]]> jestagrrrl http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jestagrrrl/5331-oh-weather-outside-frightful.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5329-12-16-2011.html Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:19:39 GMT I had my youngest daughter help me wrap the presents for the school and also give me advice for the 15 and 17 year old clothes choices. We stuck with the $30 dollar sweaters as they are almost like outerwear and looked better than some of the cheaper ones. My husband helped me deliver to the... I had my youngest daughter help me wrap the presents for the school and also give me advice for the 15 and 17 year old clothes choices. We stuck with the $30 dollar sweaters as they are almost like outerwear and looked better than some of the cheaper ones. My husband helped me deliver to the school. The younger kids ended up getting 2 full outfits each. He was happy that I was able to get them so much for the amount I spent. I also found quality merchandise from Carter and Osh Kosh. My big project that I also am doing is organizing and cleaning so we can get the tree set up. I have went thru my clothes with the help of my daughter and pulled out the clothes that were very outdated and too large. I am hoping to finish the reorganization of closet and dresser today. My oldest daughter 28 told me she and her boyfriend would be debt free this month. They are then beginning to save for a house down payment. So does that mean I need to save for a wedding? We shall see. Her birthday is coming up and we may see an announcement.:pblow: ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5329-12-16-2011.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5327-12-12-2011.html Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:48:57 GMT I am getting my PICC line out today. I have big plans on all the things I am going to do. Not being able to lift over 5 pounds has put a severe cramp in my style. My purse weighs more than 5 pounds(LOL) We signed up for a family at church sponsored thru a local school, single mom with 5 girls. My... I am getting my PICC line out today. I have big plans on all the things I am going to do. Not being able to lift over 5 pounds has put a severe cramp in my style. My purse weighs more than 5 pounds(LOL) We signed up for a family at church sponsored thru a local school, single mom with 5 girls. My challenge has been to get them gifts $40 limit for each one and they listed clothes and books. I found sweaters on sale for $25-30, That really blows the budget for the other things. I did get some classic books at BN after all my discounts for around $5 a book for hardcover. The price on clothes is ridiculous. I did happen to get some clearance clothes at Burlington Coat Factory that were really inexpensive, under $5. It has been the middle kids that is hard. I am hopefully going to finish all Christmas shopping soon. I have cut way back this year for the family. ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5327-12-12-2011.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jestagrrrl/5324-just-when-im-out-they-pull-me-back.html Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:32:40 GMT Well I was able to knock out a few Christmas gifts this weekend, and also got another heater which ended up being more expensive then the one we returned. But I spoke to the person at Lowes and they gave me an even swap. Well thinking that would go off without a hitch, they never credited my... Well I was able to knock out a few Christmas gifts this weekend, and also got another heater which ended up being more expensive then the one we returned. But I spoke to the person at Lowes and they gave me an even swap. Well thinking that would go off without a hitch, they never credited my account, and then the bank put three overdraft charges through on my account by doing a debit before a credit on Thurs and I got paid Friday. So after keeping everything on budget and writing down all my expense I was thrown off when I checked the account this morning and it was negative! WHAT??? Exactly, so luckily I working he BOA building, and went downstairs to inquire about my return credit from Lowes and she said it was Lowe’s system that was holding up the work, and then I told her about reversing the OD charges since my account hasn’t been negative so long, I didn’t wanna travel down that road again, and after pleading, she looked into the account and saw that they charges came out right before my direct deposits and then reversed all my charges, so my then negative account now has money back in it, and the Lowes credit should be put in tonight, so that will bring me back to what I had in my checkbook before all this mess. Omg I swear, its like you try and try and try and everything else does not fall into place. I am more and more leaning to the fact that once payday is hear I am going to take money out for the week and then not use the debit card. Because that only gets me in hot water with gas charges, etc, so that way the money in the checking account is for any overages that might have come out, or not pended and then the cash will just be that, cash that when its gone its gone. This is going to be my new word of thumb. I am much much more frugal when I have the cash, because I see what it was and how it goes down when I spend it, and how much more thought is put into it, then just swiping a card.

I scanned the newspaper last night, and need to make a thrifty trip to the grocery store, with the budget in mind what I want to spend and with my list and I know a few coupons I should come out over, so wish me luck. I am so so so thankful she reversed those charges…*sigh* ]]> jestagrrrl http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jestagrrrl/5324-just-when-im-out-they-pull-me-back.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jets-jewelry/5321-time-year.html Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:39:05 GMT I have never been a big fan of Thanksgiving and Xmas. It seems like I never had enough money to take advantage of Black Friday, Mudane Monday and any day of the weeks leading up to Xmas. Being single parent and low paying jobs kept me from buying presents for my children and family. During those... I have never been a big fan of Thanksgiving and Xmas. It seems like I never had enough money to take advantage of Black Friday, Mudane Monday and any day of the weeks leading up to Xmas. Being single parent and low paying jobs kept me from buying presents for my children and family. During those early years, thank God for my family. They would buy my children presents so that they would have something under the tree. I will have always love them for that. It wasn't until I started selling my handmade jewelry and other merchandise, did I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Funny how it turned out. What I had left over from selling would go for presents for my family. It was not big expensive presents, but presents I could give. With the money I made I was able to buy my children some toys. I remember one Xmas, I was able to buy electronics, clothes and jewelry. Most of what I got was wholesale, it made a world of difference in my children's life and mine. It has been awhile since I have participated in a Black Friday event. It seems like my life has gone in a circle. My children are grown and my business is not it use to be(I moved to another state and my business took a nose dive). The job I have now does not pay enough but to barely cover the bills. So why did I decide to go out this past Black Friday with the hopes that I pull off a miracle. Rising at four oclock and going to several stores, I was able to gain 3 gift card. The grand total - $45.00. Two of the cards had to be used that same day. Becasue the some of the merchandise was marked up, my gifts cards did not take me very far. I was able to get one necklace(I make jewelry), two packs of socks(which we did need) and the other gift card I have not use yet. I will this weekend. More jewelry to add to my collection. I will probably take it apart and make something. My girlfriend asked me why don't I just make present for every one. I could do that , but how many necklace, earrings and bracelets does one need. Plus that would only take care of the women. What about the men?

I was so disappointed that I came home and slept for 10 hours straight. Here is what this post all boils down to. My family is not the type to accept gifts from the thrift shops. Handmade maybe, but used. Never. Not at Xmas time. No, no, no.

I have been so frugal for the past year, and sometimes, I feel it is for nothing. My main purpose was to save, recycle and pay off outstanding debt. So far I have managed to pay off several bills, but saving money seems like I am going up hill in strong wind. I wish I could jump over Thanksgiving and Xmas and go straight to the New Year. Where I can start all over again and hope this time I travel with the brave souls on Black Friday, with my head high. Or maybe I will just thank God for what I do have and stop feeling sorry for myself.

For all of you who have the "I have no money Xmas blues, please comment. For those of you think I am feeling sorry for myself, please comment NEXT YEAR. I will have a new attitude by then. LOLOLOLOL ]]> Jets Jewelry http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jets-jewelry/5321-time-year.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/sumacaroni/5319-frugal-village-instrumental-changing-our-familys-financial-outlook.html Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:57:58 GMT Last January, I joined Frugal Village after a very trying Christmas week. I was looking for a way to get our household finances under control. I ordered and read a used copy of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and was Googling about budgeting and Dave Ramsey when I clicked on a link that brought me here to FV.

The Christmas week was stressful as a medical bill was sent to collections, my husband received a bonus check that was enough to cover the full amount, but I broke down in tears as I had to burst his bubble and tell him we had to apply the full amount to an outstanding bill.

Fast forward to now, nearly a year later, and I'm thankful to say that Frugal Village has been ultimately instrumental in changing our family's financial outlook and supporting our wish to live debt-free when it seems the world is revolving on credit alone. The forum threads, reading everyone's goals and challenges, your support and wtg's, knowing we're not the only ones that struggle with financial choices, and especially learning from others in the community who have been-there-done-that. I've gained so much from all the different perspectives of the variety of members here.

Because of this community, if we (by some stroke of luck) receive a bonus check this Christmas, it can be put in a savings account toward our Florida vacation - a vacation we've planned to take this upcoming spring.... after we are DEBT-FREE!

:rose: Thank you, Frugal Village! ]]> Sumacaroni http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/sumacaroni/5319-frugal-village-instrumental-changing-our-familys-financial-outlook.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jestagrrrl/5317-spend-spend-spend.html Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:15:05 GMT Well the month of stress is upon us. I made it through Thanksgiving and Black Friday, although I went over my budget by 70.00 it made me angry because this week has been very tight until payday tomorrow. We did a impulse purchase at Lowes as they have this “woodstove” type Electric Heater which... Well the month of stress is upon us. I made it through Thanksgiving and Black Friday, although I went over my budget by 70.00 it made me angry because this week has been very tight until payday tomorrow.

We did a impulse purchase at Lowes as they have this “woodstove” type Electric Heater which was normally 99.00 which I was planning on purchasing on 11/23/11 because I had a $10.00 off coupon on anything over $50.00 but decided against it when I saw the Black Friday Ad had it for $59.00. Which was fine and dandy but our home security alarm (AD*PAIN IN THE A$$ T) payment came out which I did NOT budget for, so that plus an unneeded expense of a $19.00 ladder at Lowes which was a good deal because it was normally a $70.00 purchase, with all that it pushed me over the budget just a bit. I was so happy with myself by the day before Thanksgiving, as I had a budget, took my list to the grocery store, I was able to get my .80 cents off the pound price of our Turkey and only purchased what I needed for dinner as I had the other stuff in the stock pile and freezer. Then Black Friday comes along and all those tempting sales tossed me out the window without a net.

So I have made it through the week (barely) and now wait for tomorrow’s paycheck. Car payments are coming out, electric payment is coming out, and paying down on credit cards will leave me with approximately 400 to get to the following week. With that I have a itemized list of the kids gifts that I will be getting bit by bit prior to the last waking hour of 12/24/11.
I am going to stick to this budget if it kills me, and although I feel like omg, whats’ going on, I just keep chugging along and with the way things should work out, I should be back on track by 12/30/11. Everything will be paid and I can start fresh in January. I think I look forward to after Christmas just so I can stop the spend spend spending. I am though going to make gifts for the girls here at work, which will save money, I’m looking up recipes for flavored oil’s/salad dressing as well as make them flavored butter in little crocks that I plan to get at Hobby Lobby.

I’m trying to stay organized but I will be so relieved when all this spending is over with. ]]> jestagrrrl http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/jestagrrrl/5317-spend-spend-spend.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5308-11-18-2011.html Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:58:08 GMT I am back. I actually had Murphy working overtime. I got sick , didn't control my blood sugar and had about 6 nicks from shaving that went into abscesses on my legs and was in the hospital for a week with DKA and had 2 surgical debridements. So I am watching the blood sugar very closely. I am having home health for the wounds and IV antibiotics. I am not worrying about debt too much right now. I lost about a month of pay but the health is more important. I also lost 10 more pounds being sick. I am now feeling well enough to check how things are going and to start planning again. I still can not work but am organizing my paperwork and setting up a new plan. God Bless. ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/frugal-fannie/5308-11-18-2011.html