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  1. 02-19-2008, 10:33 AM #1
    pinkdaisy
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    Default OMG! What a difference!

    Hey Y'all... as you can tell from my post count, I am pretty new around here. This is my first month of making big changes and more are to come.

    I am single and work full time so its just me and my two cats. I used to eat out nearly everyday at lunch and a few nights for dinner too. My credit card debt is out of control, so I started making changes with hopes that by reducing my spending (and focusing on not wasting money by eating out so much and not paying more for items then I should just because I was being lazy) that I could work on paying those credit cards down.

    This month I drastically reduced how much I eat out and started bringing my lunch most days. I just did some number crunching... WHOLLY COW!!!!!!

    If you combine groceries, paper products, personal items, household needs and eating out for the month of January I spent over $750. *GASP*

    With the new menu planning and shopping around ads and coupons, eating out only once or so a week (and only for social events with friends) so far for February I am at $342 grand total. I also have $25 cash in my purse and will have a $25 company reimbursement coming on Friday. I have added some stuff to my pantry too (something I never did before) and have enough meat on hand for another couple of weeks plus some other items. I think I will only need to get some vegies and some milk and yogurt next week. So by month's end I think I will have cut my spending just about in half!

    I am so excited... I recently signed a lease at a new place that is much nicer then where I live now. I have been counting the days until my lease expired. lol! The new place is about $78 more per month and I was really worried that it was going to effect my debt in the wrong direction. Now I think I can live at a nicer place and still work on paying down those credit card bills by doing what I did this month and even more. Thank you so much for all the tips here, you have saved me!!
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  2. 02-19-2008, 10:37 AM #2
    Darlene
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    Real eye opener when you crunch those numbers. Love your new plan and hope your new home is all you want & more. Welcome to the Village!
    ~*Darlene*~
    Live Well~LaughOften~Love Much

    "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
    Leo Buscaglia

    2012 Challenges
    Books Read: 43
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  3. 02-19-2008, 10:46 AM #3
    Twinkle
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    I found too what an eye-opener it was just to bring lunch to work every day. The "found" money was unbelievable! Sounds like you have a good plan - good luck
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  4. 02-19-2008, 10:46 AM #4
    bclements514
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    That's great. This place is wonderful. I have only been here a few months and I have changed so many things.
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  5. 02-19-2008, 11:20 AM #5
    JanieD
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    Small changes can make a big difference. Sounds like things are working out with your new plan! Moving to a nicer place is wonderful & with the changes you've already made it sounds like you can afford it.

    Hope to see you around the Village often!


    May Groceries $238/250 Pet Supplies $111/125
    Coupons $50.08
    April Groceries $253/250 Pet Supplies $109/125
    Coupons $34

    Coupon Saving 2012 $165.61
    2011 $376.25


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  6. 02-19-2008, 11:29 AM #6
    tervsforme
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    Fantastic! I'm single as well and couldn't believe how much money I was spending on groceries and eating out. I've found that planning is the key! Best of luck!
    ~Kim~
    Mom to 2 dogs and 1 cat - Sere, Blue and Shadow

    2012 Fling Things - 275/2012
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  7. 02-19-2008, 11:38 AM #7
    shoiji
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    Good to hear things are working out for you. I was buying coffee then realized what I was doing and started bringing teabags in.
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  8. 02-19-2008, 01:04 PM #8
    SAHM I Am
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    GOOD FOR YOU!
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  9. 02-19-2008, 02:17 PM #9
    sdrjeolsen
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    Wow, some great savings! WTG!!
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  10. 02-19-2008, 03:10 PM #10
    Royal
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    That's great! What a difference small things can make. Congrats on the new place!
    Married to DH(11 years)
    Mama to DS(8) & DS(6)
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  11. 02-19-2008, 04:56 PM #11
    FrugalMomof3
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    I agree what a difference small changes make. Have fun in the new place
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  12. 02-19-2008, 10:03 PM #12
    missyali
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    Congrats! You'll love it here. I check in a few times per week and learn something each time! Good luck!
    BS1 ~ $0/$1000
    BS2 ~ #1 CC ($4500.00) and car loan ($8000.00)

    2012 Fling ~ 650/2012
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  13. 02-20-2008, 12:59 AM #13
    KJayEsq
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    I did the same thing when I first sat down and made a budget. Now I don't know how I ever lived without one.
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  14. 02-20-2008, 11:36 AM #14
    julieb
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    Good for you!! I am finding the more I work at this frugal living the more ways I am finding to save. I am glad everything is working out for you!!
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  15. 02-21-2008, 10:35 PM #15
    cottageliving
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    First of all, welcome!

    WTG on all of the changes you've made and the immediate results you achieved.

    It really is amazing, isn't it, how a few changes can make such a HUGE difference.

    You'll love it here.
    Jen



    30 yr old DD
    3 kitties (2 adopted from my daughter)


    As of January 1, 2011------------------------ Updated June 10, 2011
    Short term goals:
    - $2,000: to set up my consulting business. DONE! INVESTED ANOTHER $5000!
    - $4,000: down payment gift to daughter to bring her down payment on a house to 20% and avoid PMI. ON HOLD.... her offer wasn't accepted...
    - $1,500: pay off Student loan ALMOST THERE!
    - $1,200: pay off credit card (was disputing with creditor (ALL PREDATORY FEES charged on ZERO BALANCE), but I'm giving up the fight to make this go away...) PUT OFF till June/July
    - $11,600: Pay off Cornerstone car loan by end of May 2011 DONE
    - Complete tax returns by February 15th DONE




    Long term goals:
    Continue to follow a modified Dave Ramsey plan to pay off debt. Progress has been made, but there is much to do...
    Balances January 1, 2011 -----------------June 10, 2011
    Citimortgage on home: $104,500-------- $102,775
    BofA Mtg on Rental: $27,000------------ $26,000(Est)
    HSBC Equity Line on Rental: $11,900------ $9,902
    Citibank car loan: $13,830 -------------- $11,663
    Cornerstone car loan: $11,600------- PAID OFF!!
    Student Loan: $1,500------------------ $320
    Credit card: $1,200-------------------- $1,200
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