Grade me, how do you think I did?

**Josephhgoins** · 09-28-2010, 09:23 AM

My family goes to the beach the second to last week of September. Some go for a full week and others sort of file in as their schedule allows. I usually just go for the weekend.

In previous years this was a great time to hit the shops and really spend some money. As I have been concentrating on debt reduction I decided not to spend as I have before.

My major planned purchase was a new 6 quart pot at Lodge. when there I decided on a different pot (same price) that I thought I would like better. There was also a seconds skillet that I liked and purchased. I had budgeted $100 at Lodge and spent $96, so I was happy with that.

My Sis got a efficiency suite instead of just a room and allowed me to stay with them for free, so that was a major score.

After dinner Friday I stopped by Walmart and spent $6 on tenderloin, biscuit mix and some flour for breakfast on Saturday. My sis already had milk and eggs. I got up right after she went for her walk and had Gravy, Biscuits, Eggs, and Tenderloin ready for breakfast when she got back.

total expenses including the Lodge trip and gas was $224.08 for a 3 day weekend at the beach.

So what do you think? Did I do well, or should I have just cancelled it this year and look forward to it next year?

**nodmicks** · 09-28-2010, 09:38 AM

I think you did fine. You have to enjoy life. I'm glad you had a good time!!!! As someone that just lost their only sibling let me share that I would never cancel fun memory making plans with family. I regret that I sent only my kids to visit in August instead of buying tickets for dh and I also because it was too expensive.

**jas** · 09-28-2010, 10:04 AM

You have to live life and making memories with family is very important like Nodmicks has said. You might not be able to attend every get together and spend freely. You had a plan and didn't go over your planned budget and even came under with your free room.

Having breakfast ready was great and showed you appreciated being able to stay there for no cost.

**Judi Dial** · 09-28-2010, 10:35 AM

I think you did fine too!

Judi

**mauimagic** · 09-28-2010, 12:27 PM

What a great balance - you did get to spend money on a purchase that you wanted, had great time with family and showed your appreciation!! Win-win all around!!

**JanieD** · 09-29-2010, 02:03 PM

Sound pretty reasonable to me. You had a nice trip & almost half of the expensive was for a planned purchase. I think you did great!

**LuLuBleen** · 09-29-2010, 04:58 PM

Did I do well, or should I have just cancelled it this year and look forward to it next year?

Oh, you should have canceled the trip. Being frugal means having no fun whatsoever EVER EVER!!

I kid, of course...you did great.

Preparing your own breakfast in your suite really saved you some money. I'd rather have breakfast in my room, too, and wait until after I'm fed and caffeinated to face the world in the morning.

**Darlene** · 09-29-2010, 07:40 PM

Easy A
Did you buy your preplanned purchase at a good price? Did you spend time with people you care about? Did you have fun? Weekend away ... money well spent.

**shoiji** · 09-29-2010, 08:41 PM

Sounds like you did really well. You have been going thru a lot recently and everyone needs a mental health day!!! Plus you already spent the money. Let yourself enjoy the vacation. No sense in going back and trying to figure out if you did something "wrong". I think the breakfast for your sister was a really great gesture.

**HappyMama** · 09-29-2010, 09:39 PM

Memories are what make life so special. I am so glad you have such a good , loving and caring family to share great times with. I think you did wonderful and it was great your sister shared the room and you made such a wonderful meal for her.

Blessings to you and yours.