HouseHappy's Personal Finance Blog

I just wanted to say thanks for all the well wishes with the house. I appreciated everyone sharing in my excitement!

And Basalle, I probably should change my name now that I have the house, but I think I'll keep it. I like the possibilities it has...plus as I learn the ins & outs of homeownership, there will be more to learn & be 'hopeful' about.

Boomeyers: I took your idea & used some of my plastic storage bins as coffee & end tables. I probably will give in soon & buy some soon though. I have a good idea what I want in style & in the type of wood to match the tv stand. I'm going to look at an offbeat furniture store about 1/2 hour away. I think I'll be able to match it and possibly get a good deal in the process.

Also, thanks to LuckyRobin & LuxLiving for the pre-move advice. Unfortunately I had a cold when I moved, so for every hour of work, I spent about an hour sitting or laying down. The overnight bag with the clothes, meds, ect came especially in handy since the bag contained Nyquil. VERY handy!

Thanks again to everyone for all your support. I really appreciate it. This board is always friendly and has great ideas! I'm inspired by you all!

I'm settling in the house just fine. I've yet to turn on the heat, although the temperature took a dive tonight. I'm just using a down comforter to stay warm.

I packed my lunch today and made my dinner at home. I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

I spent $2.00 today. $1.00 for a large bottle of ibuprofin & $1.00 for a 200 count box of sandwich bags. Yay Dollar store.

I normally work 8-5 on Saturday, but I took a 1/2 day. I have a friend who runs a moving company on the side & he's going to move my Aunt's furniture for me. Some pieces will go into the basement & some will go in the living/dining room. I called around for prices & this guy is giving me at least a $100.00 break on this.

Also, I gave my storage unit 10 days notice for vacancy as their policy requires, but since I wouldn't actually be moving until after my next due date, under their policy, I would owe them another month's rent. HOWEVER, since it was just one day, they waived it. $110.00 saved due to niceness!

I am pretty proud of myself for staying organized. As I unpacked, I recycled all the boxes & put all the empty storage containers in the basement. Now I'm going through & sorting & labelling all my holiday decorations for Christmas & Halloween, as well as craft stuff, old paperwork from my aunt & other things. Everything is labeled clearly & stacked neatly. This is a HUGE deal. No one in my family has ever had an organized basement! I'm the envy of my parents.

Next big project is to tackle THEIR basement!

I would also like to mention that I had accumulated about $80.00 in gift cards from MyPoints & other promotions, which is used for things for the house & its projects. That money went a long way.

I've become very lax about discretionary spending and my goal this month is to track all money as well as limit cash usage. I have a few different office parties to contribute to in the next week, which won't help, but I'm trying to offer to contribute food, not cash. That way I can control my spending.

Hope everyone is staying warm & cozy. As the temps start to drop, I recommend hot chocolate, extra socks, cozy blankets & snuggling with animals & loved ones!

Moved into the house last week, spent 2 days moving boxes & furniture, then spent the next few days painting. I have sofas, but no endtables or cofee table. I still have unpacked boxes.

BUT, I have my own home, and I am LOVING it!!! Been spending some money, all expected, but I'm at the point that I want to wait on things, so much cash is being shelled out. I did major grocery shopping today..I was basically starting from scratch. But it helped that I had won a $100.00 gift card for Walmart. That went a long way today.

I am planning on starting back on track with my spending starting tomorrow. I am planning on eating at home & packing lunches for work. My goal is to spend as little as possible and spend a lot of time at home enjoying my space.

Spent 101.76 on paint & supplies and a cat door. All planned and budgeted, except for the cat door. I'm planning on putting the litter box in the basement and since I don't want to leave the door to the basement open & let all the heat out all winter, I'm installing a cat opening on the door to the basement. Fun stuff

Anyway, I have mortgage paperwork to get to the company tomorrow, and I'm doing some packing. I'm working Tuesday & Wednesday. And then I'm off Thursday to pack & do the final walk through. Friday 9am is the closing. Woo hoo.

I'll be moving the easy stuff on Friday by myself. Friday night my family & friends will come over to see the house. Then on Saturday, my roommates will help me move all my bedroom furniture, and my family will help me unpack.

I'm sure the mortgage company is going to have me running around all week. Otherwise, I'm just REALLY excited!!!

Here's an update of house expenses:
This week I did a lot of purchasing, all budgeted. I've been living in a single room of a house for a few years, so I had no living room stuff...nada...zip, so I had already budgeted for some furniture & electronics. A lot of these were wants, not needs, but I've been living with 7+ year old electronics in my bedroom. Don't worry I didn't go overboard. Here's the list...the figures are a bit scary.

Electric Deposit 180.00
(Never had electric in my own name with this particular company, so they made me make a large deposit)

Washer/Dryer/Delivery: 879.47 including a 10% discount.

Sofa, Loveseat, Tv Stand, delivery, fabric protection: Cost to me free. (Gift from parents 1568.97).

27" flat front tv on sale, with 10% coupon, 265.04 (I've searched sales for weeks on this one).

DVD/VHS Combo 69.99

Cordless phone with anwering machine and second phone: 39.99

UPCOMING EXPECTED EXPENSES:
-Paying for the first quarter on my garbage service (est 60.00)
-Starter groceries in 2 sections:
Sandwich & soda stuff to get me though the move & the first day or so. Then I'll make a big trip to Walmart & the local grocery store for staples & stocking up. I'm eating down my current stock of food, so I'll be starting completely over. Budgeted 300.00
-Closing Costs: To be determined. I have an estimate, but I'll have a more definate figure later this week.

On the bright side, I stopped by the grocery store today to pick up some soda for work & I found they had a 10 for $10.00 on Ragu pasta sauce. I really didnt want to pick up 10 jars since I'd just have to move them, but they were actually all sold out. SO I GOT A RAINCHECK. I can pick up the 10 jars AFTER the move. SCORE!!

More updates this week, then I'll probably be missing for the following week or so. Closing is the 20th, moving my bedroom the 21st, the washer & dryer are being delivered the 22nd and the sofa, loveseat & tv stand are being delivered the 23rd. So I'll probably be out of touch until the end of that week.

Still getting paperwork together for the mortgage company. The inspection went well, just a few minor things. I've been trying not to go overboard buying things for the house, but I picked up a few kitchen things (knife set, cutting boards, ect) and a few house things.

I also have been looking for a couch & love seat set. I spent all last weekend looking around. I found a set within my budget, my mom is paying for the couch & I'm paying for the love seat. I'm going back to check it out again this weekend. I'll order it and set a delivery date then.

I also need a tv stand & I'm splurging on a new tv. All budgeted, but my current tv (in my bedroom) is REALLY tiny. SO I'll keep it in my bedroom & get a new one for the living room. I have a 10% coupon for Circuit City which carries the style, brand, size & price that I'm looking for.

On Sunday, I'm going to purchase a washer & dryer and set up the delivery. I have a budget for this, but it definately helps that my parents are sears retirees & can get me 10% off. PLUS theres a 10% mail in rebate that my mom got. Its only for the purchase of 2 appliances, so my mom is giving it to me.

I am looking for paint supplies for the master bedroom. I plan on painting the first weekend I'm in the house. I'll temporarily put my bedroom stuff in the 2nd bedroom, then I'll paint the master & then I'll move.

I also 'need' to get bathmats and rugs for the bathroom. I have a master bath and a half bath. Kmart is having a sale on that kind of stuff, so I'm heading over there this weekend.

So lots of stuff to do! And its T minus 2 weeks as of tomorrow!! I am SO excited!!

I've been eating out too much lately, so my focus is to eat up what I have left in the pantry & minimize any grocery buying for the next 2 weeks. Definately doable!

Its stressful and exhausting getting all the information requested to all the different parties. Mortgage company, realtor, first time homebuyers program, attorney, ect.

Today I had a home inspection, just a few things for the seller to fix before we settle. I was able to get quotes for homeowners insurance & I'm just waiting for the paperwork to sign.

The girl in the realtor's office recently moved & she offered to give me some moving boxes and supplies---NICE! Free!

I'm heading to Ikea this weekend to get a tv stand and a coffee table. I've already researched them and they're exactly what I'm looking for at the right price.

The major thing I have to get is a sofa. My mom offered to buy me one as a gift & I'm thinking of letting her buy it. It would be really helpful & I could get one that I can keep for a lot of years.

So far spent this week: $465.00 home inspection

First of all, sorry I've been MIA again. Lots of stuff going on...now for the good news!!!

I've been going out with realtor, getting discouraged at the houses in my price range, feeling stressed over the fact that I need to move soon from my current living situation, when all of a sudden (also know as just this Monday) I FOUND A HOUSE!!!!!!

Its in my price range, 2 bedroom, 1.5 baths, in a good, safe neighborhood. It has had a lot of recent updates in the last 2-3 years: new roof, new heating, new kitchen, new master bath.

I saw it on Monday, went back on Tuesday morning with my mom to get a second opinion. I made the offer for a few thousand less than the asking price and I found out Wednesday that they accepted the offer.

Now I'm running around getting info for my realtor, my mortgage company, and the first time homebuyers program that I'm going through. I have an inspection on Wednesday.

I'm making a million lists: cleaning supplies, personal items, groceries, toilet paper, hand soap & other necessities, furniture, ect. I already have a budget set up for all of it, but now I have a better idea of what I'll need.

Closing is scheduled for October 20th, so it's going to come fast. I have already scheduled days off work around that time. I plan on packing up most of my stuff in the next few weeks.

I'm doing my best to plan expenses, but I made sure that I have an 'Ooops' fund for things that I forgot, but I shouldn't have.

So far I have paid a $2000.00 deposit, $425.00 towards the appraisal and $64.00 at the dollar store--cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, small kitchen stuff, and bathroom supplies. (Every single item off my list).

I will keep everyone updated as this progresses. Also, to help curb my spending, I cunningly lost my debit card & had it cancelled yesterday, and since I don't want to use my credit cards, it has to be check or cash. So I am DEFINATLELY not buying a lot until I get my replacement card in 2-3 weeks.

I'd like to thank everyone for their support in my quest for a house & although nothings final yet, I just wanted to thank you all.

I've been packing all my food and snacks all week, but I was feeling ill today & splurged on a soft pretzel & soda to settle my stomach. I think I'm going to keep pretzels at my desk for occassions like this.

I'm working on losing weight, so mealplanning is necessary, I just need to keep healthy & frugal snacks for when I'm not feeling well.

Today I had oatmeal for breakfast. Soft pretzel & banana for lunch. Then for dinner I had shake n bake chicken, baked fries and a salad. For snack I had 2 mini pepperment patties (free from a celebration at work) and popcorn.

Tomorrow:
light bagel & promise light for breakfast
oatmeal & green apple for lunch (have to eat at my desk)
sloppy joe on toast & salad for dinner

Saturday, I had my homebuyers education seminar, which was informative. Today I had my one on one appointment with my 'counselor'. We went over a few things about the state 1st time homebuyers program that I'm working with and we went over a budget with the mortgage & house related expenses. It was really great to see that my numbers are right in line with hers.

Now here's the great news...I was considering a bond/grant from the state that gives settlement help. That way I could leave myself with a bigger emergency fund. I REALLY feel more comfortable with significant savings since I'm doing this alone. The original bond that comes with this program gives $6k settlement help, with no payments due until the mortgage is paid and comes with a very good rate.

If I did this, I would definately pay it off within the first few years, just so that I don't have interest acruing for a long period of time.

HOWEVER!!! my counselor recommended a county program that gives $5,000.00 settlment help at 0% for 3 years, then half the rate of the other for the rest of the time... PERFECT! so she started my application for that process.

Now I just need to find a house. I"m going out with the realtor tomorrow, but theres not a lot in my price range & I'm sure we'll only get to see a few houses. Still, theres HOPE

Tomorrow I have a first time homebuyers seminar 10-4:30. Its held at the local library, so when its over, I'm going to try to pick up a movie.

I gave in to buying Lost Season Two on dvd. $34.00. But I REALLY love the show & I stopped watching after the first season due to working nights. So now I get to catch up. I really can't wait.
I'm helping my mom prepare for an interview on Sunday. She worked for the same company for 30 years, so she's feeling a little overwhelmed.

Monday, I have off work, so I'm meeting the realtor to look at some houses in the morning. In the afternoon, I"m participating in a survey. $50.00 for 1 hour work plus 10 minutes drive time. My mom hooked me up with the research company...thanks Mom!!

Watching & waiting as houses come up for sale. It's just taking a while, but I'll find something soon, I hope. In the meantime, I'll keep searching & keep on my realtor. I'll keep everyone updated.

On a side note, I went to Walmart yesterday...I was able to get the oatmeal I eat daily for 1.97/box (normally $3 to $4), granola bars 2.00 (normally 2.50 on sale), and generic crystal light for 1.76/pack. Great prices & tastes just as good as the name brand. I also found the packs of McCormick Sloppy Joe mix that I use all the time for .98...normally 1.48 at my local store...and it NEVER goes on sale. I will never buy any of these items at my regular grocery store prices again.

Still looking for a house--slow going. Working on the mortgage. Been preapproved, but the underwriter keeps asking for all this extra paperwork. I'm learning patience. I have a first time homebuyers seminar to attend next Saturday & a one-on-one meeting for first time homebuyers next week. Very exciting!

I haven't rented a movie from anywhere but the library in over 7 months, but I got a coupon in the mail for any movie for 99 cents. There was a cheesy movie I wanted to see that my library didn't have, so I rented it on Tuesday. Then I went back again today & got 2 more movies---one the library had, but the wait would have been over a month & the other was an old movie that my library didn't have.

I also stopped at the library to pick up a few movies for this week. Its raining and I'm not feeling so hot, so I plan to laze around all weekend.

I knew this was coming, but my roommates announced this week that they are moving into another house & renting this one out. They haven't given a clear date for moving out, but it's looking like end of October/November. If I don't find a house by then, I may move in with my parents. UGH.

So I've started packing up some clothes & books & will put them into my storage unit. If I do a little at a time, when the move comes, it won't be so much.

On the homebuying front: Decent houses in my price range are few & far between. I'm getting a little discouraged. There are two neighborhoods in particular that are decent & I'm hoping a house in one will open up soon. In the meantime, I'm thinking that if I don't find a house by November/December, then I might take a short term lease in an aparmtent & take more time to look for the right house. I dont want to end up buying the wrong house just because I'm desperate. The only problem with that is short term leases are not popular in my area & I'm afraid to commit to renting & then have to break the lease or pay for both rent an mortgage for a month or two.

I have a lot of things to think about & I'm getting myself worked up with all this uncertainty. So I'm taking the weekend to wind down & I'm going to make some lists. Weigh my options & keep an eye out for houses...wait & see, just wait & see...

Right now, every penny counts. I really am trying to save up for a laptop & I don't want to dig into my house money.

Today was a no spend day. Packed all my food at work, watched a movie from the library tonight. Will make another library stop tomorrow. And I already pre-made lunch for tomorrow. All I have to pack in the morning is snacks.

My goal is to spend NOTHING until Saturday. I keep making these kind of goals and then completely blowing them. But I WILL keep up with my non-spending. The only thing I will spend on is gas. I know I won't make it to the weekend without refilling. So I am planning on filling up tomorrow. But thats it, nothing until Saturday.

Here's my meal plan for the week:

Tues Lunch: tuna sandwich & salad
Tues Dinner: shake n bake chicken, baked potato, salad
Wednesday Lunch: shake n bake chicken & salad
Wednesday Dinner: pasta with meat sauce
Thursday Luncheanut butter sandwich, salad
Thursday Dinner: blt & baked potato
Friday Lunch: salad
Friday Dinner: lemon chicken and baked fries

I wear glasses, but I prefer contacts. However, I haven't worn contacts in about a year due to general laziness and cheapness. With my new job, my vision insurance runs per calander year. So what I plan to do is go to the eye doctor in october, november, get the eye exam, the contact exam, and get contacts. Then in january, I will order glasses. That will carry me through the next year. I will be so happy to have contacts again!

Recap of this week: spent more than I wanted, but am working on my eating habits & losing weight. So I've 'invested' in some healthier foods, which can be a bit more expensive. On the upside, I've lost 3.5 pounds this week. I'm hoping to average about 2-3 pounds per week. My goal is to lose 45 pounds. So off to a good start.

Just wanted to write a quick note...and brag...the mortgage company pulled my credit bureau as part of the application process

and ..............................................................................
it was...................................

785!!!


I'm VERY excited!

I'm from the northeast and here the big pharmacy is Happy Harrys. It's been a local institution for decades. However, it recently got bought out by Walgreens.
HH's has always had its own generic brand of over the counter medicines and personal products. With the sale of the company, all of their store brand products are 50% off.

When I was picking up my prescriptions today, I wandered the store and filled up a basket full of stuff. Then I realized I was buying a lot of stuff that I don't need. Since I couldn't control myself, I just put the stuff back and walked away. No products bought.

I plan on making a small list of things that I use regularly & would be thrifty to buy at 50% off. Then I will go back with a specific list and just enough cash to cover the purchases. Some of the things I am planning on getting are shampoo, conditioner,body wash, nail files, makeup wedges, body lotion, vitamins, cough syrup and their generic version of sudafed. Actually, I think thats the full list.

If anyone lives near one, check it out.

just a quick note--I put all my free samples in a plastic bag to be used as needed. I was going through the bag today and counted 23 samples of shampoo & conditioner. I guess I'm set for quite a while!

I spent unexpected money today, but I was prepared. I've been feeling sick and I finally went to the doctor. I thought it was allergies, but apparently I have an ear & sinus infection. Well that explains why I've been so tired lately.

On the upside, since I was already there, I discussed my migrane problem with the doctor. I just switched primary care physicians last year & haven't really talked the problem over with the new doctor yet. Mainly because when I first met her I was dealing with kidney stones & stomach problems. But since I was in there for a sick visit, I talked over the migranes with her and she gave me a prescription for percocet for the pain.

So I paid:
$20 copay for the office visit.
$28.06 for the antibiotics
$4.98 for the generic percocet.

It all came out of my medical budget, which is plenty padded, given my bad luck in the last 2 years.

On the upside--no spending on food or drink or anything else today. I plan on going the rest of the week without spending.

Met with a realtor and applied for a mortgage in last 2 weeks. Everything looks good--no surprises. The hard part is going to be finding the right house in my price range. Housing is outragious in my area, and there are few listings in my price. So its just waiting for something to open up. My realtor is keeping an eye out & so am I.

Things have been crazy for me the last few weeks...I took my final for the last graduate class I will ever have. Got an A...yay. Now I can truthfully say I have 2 MBAs! Plus, I just finished my 6 week training at work on Friday. I had a whole bunch of family stuff go on this weekend too. Not so fun.

I made it to the grocery store sunday & planned my food out for the week. I'm limiting myself to 1 soda a day which has both health and financial benefits.

Today I had oatmeal for breakfast, salad with a few chicken strips for lunch, pretzels for a snack and sloppy joe and wheat pasta, with salad for dinner. Yummy. I premade pasta salad to take to work tomorrow and Wednesday. And I"m having chicken tomorrow night for dinner.

I spent no money today & my goal is to not spend at all this week. Definately doable.

I've been doing lots of research, online, through other people and through library books on buying a house. I've made the decision to go ahead with the homebuying process.

Today I met with a real estate agent, who went through all the local first time home buyer programs with me, helped me pick one. The house prices and mortgage payment he came up with based off my income and debt (which only consists of my student loan) is almost exactly what I had come up with through my own research. But the program has a better rate than I expected! It is based off credit, but according to the program prerequisites, as long as my FICO is more than 680, I qualify for that rate. (My FICO is over 700).

So Monday I will be calling that program to get a preapproval started. Next Saturday the agent & I are going to tour some houses.

I was very nervous about going to meet with him! I had several referrals for him and his company, so I was comfortable with my choice. But, I think I was afraid he'd tell me that I couldn't do it...unfounded fear, but mainly due to doing this by myself. We talked about some of my concerns and he was very patient with my questions. He also gave me some very good information--some I had alredy found out in my research, but its very reassuring that he is saying things I knew to be right for me.

So I am in super frugal mode. I don't want to spend any uneccessary money. I'm making lists of things I have for the house, things I'll need and things I want.

Tonight my nephew is sleeping over. My roommates are out of town, so he's enjoying running around without bothering anyone. We watched XMen (a movie I already own). I made spaghetti (his favorite meal other than McDonalds). Now he's sleeping and I finally am sharing my good news!

Tomorrow I'll clean the house (make it nice for the roommates to come home to). I have laundry and schoolwork. I'm going to make some of my premade meals. I have to skip the sloppy joe & spaghetti sauce that I was going to make and freeze. THe advertisement for the cheap ground beef was misleading. I'll wait til there's a better deal. After all that, then I plan to watch a few library movies & relax.

I'll keep you updated on my progress. I'm happy & nervous about my decision. I did talk to my parents about this and they've been very supportive. It means a great deal to me. Plus, its nice to know that they think I'm making the right decisions.

I've been finishing my 6 week training for my new job, while completing my 7 week graduate class. I've been sick too. So I spend a good portion of my time sleeping. I've been lazy & buying lunch too. So more spending than I'd like, but not too much.

Today I stopped off at the grocery store. I was very good...I got just what was on my list: chicken that was on sale, sherbert, a 2 liter bottle of soda, and french fries. The chicken was a great deal--12 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $11.00. Thats 12 meals for me. I separated & bagged the chicken to freeze. Tomorrow I'll be stopping at a different grocery store to take advantage of a sale on ground beef. I'll spend Sunday making up sloppy joe and meat pasta sauce to freeze, as well as making a pasta salad to eat though the week.

I paid back my tuition reimbursement in full as well as paid my last tuition payment to my school. So now all my money is going directly to savings for my house! Yay!

My training & class both end next week. Then I'll have to turn my attention to my living situation. My roommates are going to be moving in a few months. I have a lot more to say about this, but I'll save it for later this weekend.

One more thing---I decided to do the alternate schedule at work. Tuesday through Saturday with 10% shift diff. Thanks for your input in my previous post. It was appreciated!

1. Bring all food to work and school.

2. Spend under budget in groceries, spending and gas.

3. Transfer my 401k to an IRA

4. Sign up for 401k at new job

5. Contact mortgage broker (referred by friends as being good). Get a firm opinion on mortgage payments and house prices. (Have already done the research, just want to hear it from a professional). Weigh options of starting buying process now or waiting one more year.

6. Make decision whether or not to switch work schedule from Monday-Friday to Tuesday-Saturday to get 10% shift differential. If decide to purchase house, will definately do. A few extra hundred dollars a month for doing the same job and the same hours will definately be beneficial. (The additional income is not necessary for me to support a mortgage payment, but it will be nice to put a few extra bucks to do things around the house or put in savings).

7. Pay off school bill. Last class, last tuition payment. Woo hoo!

After four complete no spending days, I finally dipped into my cash today. No spending at work, but I did have dinner out. $6.45. Plus I got a few 10 packs of pens & white out at KMart $3.95. I bid on two sets of antique postcards on ebay (to be framed as christmas gifts--$7.00 for 8 postcards, will frame 3 & put rest in small organizer).

This weekend, I have to go to the pet store for cat food & litter and to the grocery store. On Monday, I get paid, so I'll be paying all my bills then. I'm planning on keeping up the packing for work. Its really cutting down on my cash usage.

My computer is dying quicker than I anticipated. I'm really trying to do research and shop around. Once my last class ends mid-August, I'm going to look into a part time job.

That'll help pay for the computer & put a little extra towards the house savings. I'm planning on getting some rough mortgage figures in August. See where I really stand. Then I'm going to make the decision to start the buying process, or to look into an apartment for one more year.

So far so good! Fourth no spend day in a row. I already have tomorrow's food all planned out. Once I get through, its smooth sailing to the weekend.

Yet another no spend day. Three in a row. Tomorrow's the toughie because I have work from 8-5 then class from 5:30-10. I'm packing all my food & planning to leave my cash at home. That way I won't be tempted. Friday will be no problem. I've had a lot of temptation, but the willpower has held strong!

No spending again today. Packed everything to work. Came home for dinner. Planned my food for tomorrow. Feeling very good about this. If I can make it through Friday without buying anything food or otherwise, I'll be happy.

No money spent today. Packed food for work, came straight home and made dinner. I'm completely on plan for my diet.

As I said before, my goal is to not spend any money this week. So one day down and four to go. Definately not going to be a problem.

I'm waiting for my next paycheck on the 31st. It will be my first full paycheck of the new job. I have a good estimate of what my take-home pay will be after taxes, medical & 401k, but I really want to get the exact figure. I can't wait.

Well, off to study for my midterm. I'm also going to do some cleaning. Probably will end up doing the cleaning first. I'm a procrastinator. Then I'm heading off to bed early. Good night all.

I went to the grocery store today, mainly for salad stuff and a few staples. Spent $20.63. I am stocked up on everything I need. So now I can make breakfast, lunch dinner & snacks from the pantry. I have no plans this week because I have a midterm on Thursday & need to study.

So I am planning my meals & sticking to it for diet & budget purposes. I haven't been doing that well with either in the last week or two.

So from Monday to Friday, I will not spend any money at all. I am filled up on gas, all my bills are paid. I can definately do this. I'll keep you guys updated.

Just a quick update. Packed lunches all week up until yesterday when I bought lunch at the cafe and today when we had a work outing. Both came safely out of my spending budget.

Used up my clothes budget-not only did I buy the shoes from Payless, but since my new job is much more casual and the air conditioning is not very good in the building, I decided to buy a few short sleeve shirts.

When I went in, I found some really nice shirts, knit with cute details like ribbing. They were $4.00 each. I was able to get 8 shirts for $32.00. I know 8 shirts is VERY excessive, but I have a hard time finding shirts that fit me. So I went ahead and bought extras.

I am set for clothes, except for some khaki's. However, I'm back on weight watchers & I decided to wait on buying pants til I've reached a level weight again. My current work pants are just fine until then.

Tommorrow I'm doing a library run to return some movies & get some new ones. I have to study for my midterm & I'm going over a friend's house to play cards. My contribution to the dinner and entertainment is a bottle of cheap wine...kinda a joke with us, but only costs me $6.99. Can't beat that.

Sunday will be more studying & I promised my mom to help her with some stuff on the computer & with her job search. I really hope she finds something soon!

I was sitting in a meeting at work today when I realized that I was wearing shoes with holes in both of their soles. Well, really, it was more that there were tears in the rubber bottem, but large enough to be unfixable. These shoes have lasted me 5 years and are one of the 2 primary pairs I've worn to work. I got them at payless--genuine leather with rubber soles & definately worth the $12.99 I paid for them.

Since all the work shoes I have now are heels and I really need flats since this job is so much more casual, I went online to payless.com. I found 2 pairs of ballerina type flats & 1 pair of loafers. I used an online coupon for free shipping and $5.00 off the order. So 3 pairs of shoes were $42.00 with free shipping.

I already was aware I needed shoes & was planning on going shopping. I had stopped at the local Payless last week, but they didn't have any of the styles I liked in my size (that's why I went with the online). If I wear these shoes & find that I REALLY love one of them, I may get a 2nd pair. I really loved the ones I wore today & didnt think to get an extra pair for when they ran out. Oh well, I'll plan ahead this time.

I find that Payless shoes last a long time for me, so paying a little more than I might elsewhere for shoes seems worth it.