HouseHappy's Personal Finance Blog

Stopped by the dollar store to pick up some batteries. Ended up spending $8.00 instead of the $2.00 I planned on (1 pack of AAA & 1 pack of AA). I got a bag of chips and a bag of french fries. But the BIG surprise was the sports mugs that I found.

My roommate's birthday is in August and I wanted to get him some beer mugs. I've been shopping online for a nice set. The ones I've found (within my budget) range between $20-30. I found 4 mugs very similar to the ones I found online, also glass, for $1.00 each. (Savings, a minimum of $16.00!!)

Great find!

I've said before that I'm on a library kick. I borrow a few movies a week. I watch at night instead of watching tv...except for The Closer, Monk & Psych. Those I watch religiously.

Anyway, I've been obsessed with Agatha Christie's Poirot ever since I saw Murder on the Orient Express. There are a few full length movies and several episodes of a show/specials from A&E. There are a LOT of movies and episodes. So I've been borrowing a lot of them.

I also watched Hitchcock's Notorious for the first time. It was a very good movie. Plus Carey Grant is a hottie.

Sometimes I'll pick up random movies to watch. I grabbed Mind Hunters as my random pick this week. Surprisingly good. More horror than mystery, but with just enough cheesiness to be funny.

I just want to share a quick story about my cat Colbi. She's a little weird. Thinks she's a dog---comes when she's called, begs for food, will fetch toys to play with. But she's also very needy to the point of neurotic. I can't go to the bathroom without her crying outside the door because she can't get to me. Its a bit pathetic in a sweet way.Hey, she loves me and thats nice

Anyway, today she was spazzing out because I was in the shower & I couldn't stand the crying anymore, so I let her in the bathroom. Then she sits outside the shower and cries because she can't see me through the shower curtain. Next thing I know, she's climbed into the shower with me...gets herself completely wet, which freaks her out and she runs out of the tub and runs herself right into the bathroom door, which is once again closed.

So my cat has codependancy issues or she's some kind of a weirdo. Either way, she won't be allowed in the bathroom again while I'm in the shower, its just too dangerous

Thanks to everyone who commented about my prescription problem. I appreciate the support very much. I definately am looking into all options & I'll be calling my doctor tomorrow. No matter what, the medicine is working for my problem, which was pretty severe (ie gross stomach problems). So I would rather pay that amount and be healthy, then not.

I have enough of a supply to last another almost 3 months. So I have plenty of time to weigh all options. I'll let you all know.

On the upside--Loving the new job. Its so much better in the day to day than my previous one. The training itself is boring & I have another 5 weeks of it, but the job itself will be interesting and much less stressfuly, which will be another bonus for my stomach

Hope everyone had/is having a good weekend. We have a heat advisory here, so my roomies have the AC cranked up (luckily I don't pay utilities to them, so when they turn the AC up, I just enjoy it). Hope everyone's staying cool & comfortable!

I spent 43.07 at Acme today, including 2 quarts of oil for my car. I mostly got veggies, chicken, ground beef and pasta. My most expensive item was olive oil. VERY expensive. I'm going to hit Walmart later this week or next week and when I do, I'm going to price there.

Acme had their 10 for $10 on solid white albacore Tuna Fish in the can, but they were out. So I got a rain check.

Out of what I got at the store and what I already had in my pantry, I'll be able to get over 2 weeks of meals in. I would make a mid week run for more salad stuff next week though.

Here's my plan for this week:
Breakfasts will be mostly oatmeal, apples and canned fruit.
Lunches: Tuna salad, regular salads, pasta salad, mixed with leftovers.
Dinners: Sloppy joe, spaghetti with meat sauce, shake n bake chicken, and sides of green beans, peas, baked potatos & what I call baked fries (healthier version of my biggest weakness).

As a single person, I split up my portions & freeze what I can, but since I like my stuff as fresh as possible, I repeat meals in the week. So Monday & Wed I'll have Sloppy joe & probably have it for lunch one day too. The shake and bake chicken will be Tuesday dinner & Wednesday lunch and possibly Friday dinner too.

Then next week & can do them again, with some new additions--probably beef stew and some lemon chicken. My goal is to not spent any money at work for food. But I am allowing myself 1 meal out with some friends. Probably be doing Salad Works--$7 for a salad, but will be able to split it into 2 meals.

Still working on the prescription issue. And I don't know if I've mentioned it, but when I left my previous employer, I was to pay back my tuition reimbursement. But since this is a new policy for them since they were bought out, they don't know how to go about having me pay them back. Its been over 3 weeks since I've resigned and I've had dozens of phone calls, but they have yet to let me pay them back. I'm getting very fustrated and very worried. They're handling this very badly & I could see them saying that I wasn't going to pay them back & putting it on my credit bureau or trying to charge me interest. The only thing that I have to combat that is a letter & several voicemails from my previous manager stating that they are still working on the situation. I just want it handled right away. UGH.

Ok, so I recently wrote about not needing to buy Money Magazine, even at the price of $10.00 per year. Well, I impulse bought a subscription to Kiplinger's Personal Finance. 2 years (24 months) for $6.90. I can't believe I did that. I'm totally having buyers remorse. I definately know I got a good deal and that I will read the magazine, but Geesh! I need to learn to control myself.

I'm having a bit of a pity party. We received our medical benfits info today & I signed up for the best plan for me. But the prescriptions stink. I previously paid $80.00 for a 3 month supply of Protonix. (AND I thought that was a lot). Now I'm going to tell you how much a 3 month supply will cost me now, but first I must warn you....

...don't read further if you get upset easily...

...a 3 month supply is $315.00 !!!!
I almost cried. I really wouldn't have taken this job if I new the prescriptions would be so expensive. I'm planning on talking to my doctor about alternatives and calling the prescription company to see if there are any exemptions (which I highly doubt). There are no generics for this medicine & no other medication that close to it. So I'm kinda stuck on options.

I really could cry though. Its so fustrating. If I stop taking the medicine, then my stomach will start deteriorating, I'll start throwing up all the time again and I'll end up with more medical bills than before.

At this rate, I'll have to take a part-time job just to cover that medication. In the meantime, I am seriously considering reestablishing my job search again in September.

I'll think things through when I've calmed down a bit, right now I'm very upset

I've been getting a lot of solicitations for Money Magazine. I was given a subscription a few years back & apparently they REALLY want my business. I haven't been able to justify purchasing a subscription, although I do enjoy the publication.

Today, they offered a 1 to 3 year subscription at $10.00 per year. The offer gave me pause. I kept thinking, wow, this is a good deal. Then I realized I don't need the subscription at all. Duh. So I reminded myself that I can read the magazine at the library & tossed the offer.

I have to watch being so overwhelmed by savings, that I'll buy a product that I don't need.

I'm hoping to start looking for a mortgage and house soon, so I've been making lists. Since I'm single, I'm very worried about getting in over my head & I'm trying to think of all the possible things that I will need to do/buy up front.

Currently, I know I will need funds for:
-earnest money
-down payment
-moving costs (for the inherited furnature)
-emergency fund (3 mos income),will also
have some funds in the form of cds and 401k
-money for deposits on utilities (this can be costly in my area)
-appliances (depending on the house deal, I might need washer/dryer, fridge)
-groceries, cleaning supplies
-lawn mower
-paint & supplies
-small fund for minor repairs
-carpet cleaning (necessary due to allergies)
-blinds(if not left by prev owners)
-furniture for family room--most immediately I would need a sofa, tv stand & tray tables to be used as end tables--all else can wait)

My current savings total is $20894.09 (not including 401k).

I've decided that I'm going into deep frugal mode. I need to get in that mode because when I do buy the house, my cash flow will be tight (not strained, but I do not want to take away from any money going to savings during that time).

I plan on taking on a roommate after the first few months in the house. Having a roommate will give me some extra funds to do upgrades, create a larger savings and will give me someone to hang out with

During the next week, I begin training at my new job. I'm also in the middle of my last graduate class. I will not be looking into mortgages, but once the training & class are over, I plan to start.

In the meantime, I'm taking a look at my lists, prioritizing things, really digging into wants versus needs, and looking into ways to save on my list.

Today is a no spend day. I need to go to the grocery store, but I'm waiting until tomorrow to check out the work situation-is there a fridge? A cafeteria? Any supplied lunches? (thats been known to happen with this company). Once I get a feel, I plan to go to the store tommorrow night. I'll stock up and take all my food---no eating out.

Since I've been off work this week and last week, I have really been watching my spending. Not doing too bad either.

Today I indulged a bit, though. I went to the Thrift store to look for some Christmas gifts, found a nice stocking. Since mine ripped last year, this will replace it. It was knit, just like my old one. 99 cents spent there.

I spent 6.50 on vending machine snacks and a sandwich for dinner at school.

I also applied an extra 161.50 to my credit cards. Normally I carry no balance, but I have a small one (from tuition expenses) that I'm trying to pay off before the due date without touching my savings. So far so good.

I revamped my budget to new paydates on the 15th and 30th. Everything will run smoothly. Once I have the paydates down, I'm going to have to shave a few things to put more to my 401k.

Tomorrow, I will get a haircut. Normally I go to a salon, get highlights and a nice cut. But tomorrow, I'm going to a local Hair place. Much cheaper, we'll have to see how the cut fairs. I'm forgetting the color for now.

Since I won't be receiving a full paycheck from my new job until July 30th, I used my 'extra' paycheck from June to pay all of my July expenses. This checked included overtime & incentive, which was why I was able to do this.

I paid ahead everything that I could. I put the amount to pay things at certain times of the month in my savings account. I have a set amount in my checking for a full month of gas, groceries and spending money.

Since I'll be starting a 6 week training program at the same time that my 8 week class starts, I know I'll be busy for the next month or two. So while I'm off and have free time for the rest of the week, I'm planning on stocking up on some things like groceries, cat food & litter.

I'm taking the rest of this week to do all of my laundry, ironing, mending and planning of my work wardrobe. I will also be doing my meal planning & heading to the grocery store this weekend for a big trip.

I also bought a book for my new class for 121.50. I was unable to buy it cheaper online since it is a bound notebook, not a copyrighted textbook. So I bought the book & workbook, but I'm planning on making photocopies of it and then returning the book. I've had this professor before, we don't even use the book all that much. So photocopying would be a lot cheeper. Theres about 200 pages, so at 10 cents per copy, I'll be paying $20.00 instead of $121.50. I'm very excited by this idea. Big savings!!

So after the spending tomorrow and Thursday, I'll only be spending on gas and groceries and some spending cash for the rest of the month: a total of $355.00 unil July 30th. Definately doable!

Today is America's 230th birthday. Took me a few minutes to do the math, which got a lot of laughs from my friends today.
It is over 90 degrees here. Luckily the air is on in my house (my roommates control the dial & they LOVE it to be cold).
We had breakfast out--$10.00. But worth it. Then we braved the humidity today to see a ballgame. My nephew's ballteam was able to run out on the field with professional players. A bunch of 5 year olds trying to keep up with the players, very cute. Since the tickets were free, I bought my roomies some water---it was desperately needed. Ended up spending $11.25 for 3 bottles of water and an order of fries. RIP OFF.

Now my parents are having a small barbeque. I was asked to pick up hot dog rolls. Cheap contribution for hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, veggies and baked beans. And the upside is that since my mom has a medical condition that makes it impossible to take the heat, we'll have our barbeque indoors. Its 90 degrees today, but with the high humidity, it feels like 120 degrees. The air conditioning is very welcome.

Well, off to barbeque, enjoy your holiday everyone!

So I stopped at the atm in the Walmart to get some cash. I requested $200.00. It gave me the money in five dollar bills, but only gave me $195.00. There was no way to prove that I was given less than the receipt said. That totally bites.

On the upside, my roommates rented Grandma's Boy. Very funny movie. My roommates also are having surf & turf for dinner and I'm invited...Steak, Alaskan crab legs, shrimp, and corn. Yummy. I have very generous roommates.

Since I'm just starting a new job, I'm going to wait until early September to start shopping for a mortgage/start looking for a house. I want to get the new pay periods under my belt first. Since the new job is in the same field as the old, the job change shouldn't hurt me. In the meantime, I'm making some lists.

-Things I have for the house
-Things I want for the house
-Things I will likely 'need' for the house

I have been saving money for the deposit, the closing costs, initial start up (utility deposits, initial grocery & pet expenses), an emergency fund of 3 months, and for initial furniture costs.

I have stuff for the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, but nothing for the living room. I'm going to want a sofa, chair, end tables, coffee table, tv & tv stand.

The way that I"m approaching these wants is to search thrift stores & used furniture places. When I find something I like, I will buy it. If I don't, I will go without until I do find something I like and I can afford it.

My sister recently bought a sofa and love seat from a company that leases furniture for the show homes in new neighborhoods. The furniture is practically brand new, maybe not the nicest patterns, but certainly usable for a few years. I might check that place out.

I also want a new bed, but thats something that isn't immediately necessary. I can put that off for another year or two, so I'm setting up a small savings in the mean time. I have serious sleep problems, so having a good bed is very important to me.

I'm talking to friends and family, trying to get a feel for everything that I'll have to prepare for in buying a new home, but suggestions are already welcome.

My main goal is to not go into credit card debt while buying a new home. I would rather wait before buying new things than put myself into debt.

When I buy my house, I'm probably not going to get cable or internet right away, although I use both regularly, I want to get a handle on the necessity utilities before getting involved in the wanted ones.

If anyone has any suggestions or comments on the things that I need to prepare for when buying my first home, please share!

Since I've been 'unemployed' this week, I've indulged myself with sleeping in, watching movies, reading books, napping and generally being very lazy. I had a followup on my colonoscopy...the good news is that my polyp was not pre-cancerous. So now I'm on meds for my stomach & I don't have to go back to the doctor for a year. Thank goodness!

I've got my 3 month supply for meds to last me between the job change. My new medical coverage will start up in mid July. My original doctors appointment was for next Wed, but when I realized that my current insurance would end today (the 30th), I called and asked them to move my appointment, and they fit me right in yesterday. So I paid a $25.00 coapay instead of a $110.00 appointment fee. Good move!

I'm waiting for my 401k rollover information from my employer. I want to get that started right away. I'm eligible for my 401k with my new employer right away, but company matching doesn't start until 1 year of employment.

My check engine light came on in my car. I have no check oil light, and my oil is very low, so I'm going to fill it up today. Hopefully, thats the reason for the check engine light. Please, Please!

I've been taking advantage of the library a lot recently. I probably sound like an addict, but I recently rediscovered the Library & its a great way to entertain myself for free.

I've been reading recent posts about soda specials. I love both Coke & Pepsi & will only buy soda when its the 4 for $10 special for better (of 12 packs). My grocery store had a special of 5 for $10, so I got 5 & I'll be going back tomorrow. I'd rather stock up now, then pay 4 for $10 again in a month.

Money is tight right now, because I don't want to dip into savings and my first paycheck from the new job won't come until the 30th of July. With my last paycheck from my previous employer, I was able to pay all my expenses for July and leave money for gas, groceries & spending. I just have to be good---no big restaurant bills. So my goal for July is to not dip into my savings. Easier said than done, but I'm going to really try.

Recovering from a big party last night. It was exhausting putting all the stuff together, I didn't get much time to relax, but it was a lot of fun.

Today I ran some small errands. I stopped off at Goodwill---found 2 brand new white pillowcases (.99 cents), a Christmas Tree music box (2.49), which I will save for my mom for Christmas, and a long sleeve teeshirt 3.99. It still had tags on it & I know I'll get a lot of use out of it.

The rest of the day I'll be eating leftovers from the party, watching movies from the Library and studying for my final. Fun stuff.

This has been a movie week for me. I rented Jarhead, Tristan & Isolde, Murderball and Glengary Glenross from the library earlier this week. Last night, my roommates rented Rumor Has It, which I also watched. Today I borrowed 12 Angry Men and LA Story from the library. Lots of movies this week and no money spent on them.

In terms of books, I'm still rereading my Janet Evanovich books. I got the 12th book in the series recently, so I'm trying to read through them quickly so I can read the newest one. VERY good series---The Stephanie Plum series.

Tomorrow we're having a huge party for my roommates bother, who is leaving for the Marines on Monday. It'll be a no spend day, but I'll be helping set up and prepare all the food in the morning. In the afternoon, I'll be eating, drinking and hanging out with friends and family. (My family has been friends with hers since we were little kids).

Monday I'll be giving my two week notice to work. I've been banking on the fact that since I'm working for a competitor. they'll just ask me to leave the same day. I REALLY hope thats the case. We'll have to wait and see.

I saw a messageboard thread today that discussed feeling shame at wearing Thrift store clothes. I found it pretty interesting since I stopped at my local
thrift store today and picked up a few nice things.

I've been needing a few new knock-around t-shirts and I found a nice one for 74 cents. I got a brand new (with tags) long sleeve tee in baby blue from the Gap ($2.49, normally 19.99). I have a few of these shirts, they're great for work or hanging out at home. VERY comfy. I also found a button-down shirt for work (4.99-also still with tags from Express) and some nice work pants black with pink pinstripes ($9.49). That was a bit of a splurge, but I really need extra pants and I needed some lighter fabric for the summer.

Everything I bought was name-brand. Two of the four pieces were brand new. I spent a lot of time walking up and down the lines of racks, sorting through to find a few good pieces. I feel that my trip was a sucess. And while I wouldn't go out of my way to brag that I got the clothes at a thrift store, if I did receive a compliment on any of the clothes, I'd just say what brand it is and leave it at that.

There is nothing wrong with being thrifty. The key is to find nice, classic pieces that are in good shape. Universal styles and colors that mix in with my current wardrobe. I'm proud of getting good finds.

Other things: Still have to do a budget to get me through to my new pay periods. I think I'm going to be paid bimonthly instead of biweekly, so I'll have to change a few things in my budget. It won't be much different, but I'll have to move some things between the first and second paychecks.

I have a lot of things on my to do list:
-get my fingerprinting and drug testing done tomorrow
-get a copy of my car key since I lost my spare
-deposit some checks and change with my bank
-next week I have to make an appointment with my banker to roll over my current 401k into an IRA
-do the budget
-clean out my car, get the oil changed, get an inspection (I think I have a loose fan belt)
-take some dvds to the resale shop
-go to the doctors to discuss my migranes before my insurance changes
-study for my final next wednesday
-buy the books for my last class

I'm sure I have lots more...I just have to try to get everything done before my training starts on the 10th. I want to hit the beach a couple of times before then, spend some time with my parents and maybe visit some friends in another state. We'll see what I actually get done.

First, I had a colonoscopy yesterday. (Ima Saver, I really feel you on that junk we had to drink as prep...it made me sick to my stomach). They found one polyp and hemmoroids. Nothing too scary.

Now for the REALLY good news!! I had my interview today & they offered me the job within hours of the interview. The pay isn't much different than what I am currently making and there is no oppurtunity for incentive, but the job is more interesting, less stressful and has much more oppurtunity for advancement. I'm really excited that I got the position.

I start July 10th, but will take a few vacation days from my current position to get my background check, fingerprinting and drug test taken care of. Lots to do when applying for a position with a bank. Then I'll put my notice in late next week. Since my current employer has a noncompetative policy, when I announce that I will be working for a direct competitor, they will ask me to leave and give me my two weeks paid. It'll be a mini vacation before starting the 6 week training.

There's lots to do now. I'm really watching my money since I'm not 100% sure yet when my pay days are going to be yet. I also have to move money from my ING account to my checking so when I put my notice in, then I can write them a check for my tuition reimbursement for this year. I have to pay it back under a new policy that began 2006. Even for that short a time, its been beneficial to use the Tuition Reimbursement. It was basically an interest free loan. I took the money that I would have paid to school and earned interest in my ING account instead. Now I will pay it off.

The only downside is that my final two classes will have to be paid directly by me. I'll either have to pay for it out of my house money, or put it on my credit card and pay it off within a few months. I really hate to touch that house money, but we'll see.

I stopped off at the library today & picked up a few movies. I got Jarhead, Tristan + Isolde, Murderball, and Glengarry Glenross. I have yet to see any of them.

I didn't need books as I'm rereading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series since I should be getting the newest book in the series soon. I ordered it on Amazon. I highly recommend the books, they're very well written and funny.

I would also like to mention that I recently borrowed Murder on the Orient Express from the library. Its a very clever movie based on an Agatha Christie novel. It has a lot of familiar faces and is very well acted. So if you want something different to watch...I definately recommend it.

Well, off to pack dinner for work. I'm going in for a half a day. I took the 'morning' off for my interview. The hardest part about going to work now is just being able to keep my mouth shut until I'm ready to actually give my notice.

Lots of overtime work this week. Hit the library on lunch since I've been reading a LOT lately. I pre-made my dinners for tomorrow and Wednesday. I just have to get up and make a lunch sandwich in the morning and pack a bunch of healthy snacks. I'm working 8a-9p tomorrow, so I want to be prepared for the long day.

I have that interview on Thursday. If it goes well, I'll have another interview next week. I hope they'll be flexible with that because I'm having some major tests done on my stomach on Monday & will be out of it until Tuesday. They're sedating me for most of the process.

If this new job pans out, it actually works out nicely for me medically. I just ordered my 3 month supply of medications from the mail order pharmacy. So by the time the new insurance kicks in, I'll just be running out.

I REALLY hope it pans out, but its wait and see.

I have an interview on Thursday. If all goes well, I'll be starting on July 10th. It would mean quite a few changes for me.

First, we're in the middle of a special schedule at work, which means that when we work a certain amount of overtime, we get a cash incentive and an extra day off in July. I'm working the schedule, but if I get this job, I'd leave before I complete it. That's fine because I'd still get time and a half for the overtime.

Second, I'll have to pay back my tuition reimbursement, which I planned on. The upside is that I'm saving $320 due to getting a discount on the first dispersment after 6 months.

Third, since my company doesn't want us to stay once we give our two week's notice, I'll get two weeks off (paid) before starting the new job. I've got some health issues, so the time off would be nice to relax & get my stomach under control.

I'll find out more about the position with my interview on Thursday. I just hope its right for me. I REALLY want out of my job. We'll see how it goes.

Today I went to the Library, got a few books & rented North Country. Really want to see it...I've heard good things. So I'm off to watch it now.

On my way to the discount movies today, I stopped off at a local thrift store. Its not really near my house, so I hardly ever stop there. I was looking for some teeshirts to bum around the house in and possibly a sweatshirt.

I came home with 3 short sleeve tees, 1 long sleeve tee and 1 sweatshirt for $6.00. All in very good condition and the exact right sizes. So I'm very happy.

I stopped by Old Navy looking for pajama pants and socks, but didn't see anything I really liked or was worth the price. I'm going to try a department store next.

I recently read The Automatic Millionaire. I really enjoyed it. It had simple concepts, was easy to read and really got me thinking. I have specific goals: saving for retirement, buying a house, paying for and finishing school. I have certain priorities, but some things have been put to the side in my attempt to save for school and the house.

I've decided to tweek my budget to allow for automatic contributions to an IRA. I'm researching companies and weighing benefits between regular and Roth. Even if I don't fully fund it in the first year or two due to saving for the house, getting it started automatically will ensure that I'm not missing the money and it will be easier to increase the contributions later on.

This is the concept I've already used for my 401k. I just kept increasing the amount with raises, never missing the extra money going out of my paycheck. So even if I start out with $50.00 a month, its still a start!

So for the month of June, I have the following goals:

-Redo my budget to include IRA contributions
-Research new car insurance companies(the costs rose this year and I feel that the increase was unecessary). Renewal has to be completed by the 25th of this month
-Work a total of 40 hours overtime in June
-Put all but normal allotted amounts for groceries and gas from the 'extra' paycheck in June to my savings
-Put all but 10% of my income from overtime into savings. The 10% will be for some summer activities that I want to do this summer
-Redo my resume, references and general cover letter, and routinely look for positions that appeal to me
-Pack lunch/dinner during the workweek, allowing for only 1 lunch out per week.

Things have been crazy this week, but I'm taking the time this weekend to relax. My nephew's teeball team was in a parade this morning. Free entertainment, very fun.

This afternoon, I went to a department store with my parents. They were going for something specific and brought me along for my opinion. As we were leaving, I passed through their housewares section. They were having their "white sale".

I'll admit, I got suckered right in. I've been wanting (not needing) 2 new pillow cases and some towels. I ended up with 2 pillow cases, two bath towels, two hand towels and two wash clothes for under $25.00. I bipassed the flashy styles, bright colors and pretty details and went for the right size (big & fluffy), good quality and universal color. These will be with me long term. I haven't bought new towels in over 9 years.

Tonight, we ordered take-out. Really worth it, and planned for it, so no guilt.

I'm heading to the movies tomorrow, for the matinee. A few bucks, but no popcorn or soda, so my budget won't take much of a hit. I'm planning to head to the library tomorrow, to stock up on books and movies.

Lots of overtime starting, I plan on putting 6-8 hours in next week, then 10+ hours the following 2 weeks. I would do more next week, but I have a doctors appointment, so I can't do much more.

I'm making a big meal plan for the week, packing as much as possible for work and school. I'm going to do some big cooking. I'm going to try to make beef stew and sloppy joe to freeze, as well as meat sauce to add to pasta. Then I'll interchange these 'freezer' meals with frozen dinners, salads, sandwiches and soups.

I'm going to bring a few snacks to just leave at my desk at work, like oatmeal, pretzels, granola bars, and microwave popcorn. And because of my caffine addiction and stomach problems, I will bring a few sodas in and some lemonade mix. Planning ahead is key when I have a tight schedule.

Today I helped my dad clean out part of his garage...its stuffed FULL. I had a whole bunch of storage bins in there that I took over to my storage unit, so except for a bookcase in the basement, I have nothing left at my parents house.

Tomorrow one of my roomies is having a party here for his cousin's high school graduation. So we're going to be invaded by family for a few hours. In exchange for the invasion, I get to eat TONS of free homemade food and get at least 2 days leftovers out of it.

Monday will be my day of rest and laundry. Plus some grocery shopping. I started a diet last week and will set up a meal plan for the week.

Spent a little on eating out this week, really trying to cut down. Being on the diet helps. I just got a little lazy this week because of working some overtime, which is finally being offered again at my work. I'm finding it VERY hard to be motivated to even work a normal 40 hour week, must less overtime. So I'm forcing myself to think about buying my own house, just to get through those extra hours. We'll see how long I last.

Today I realized that I paid nearly the same amount for 1 prescription as I did for 2 weeks of groceries.

One of the medications I'm on has a $40.00 copay because they consider it "unnecessary". There are no generics for it and the other 'comparable' medications do not have the same helpful effect.

So for a similar amount, $45.00, on groceries, I got veggies, meats, snacks, drinks, and tons of fruit for 2 weeks. I'm going on a strict diet for health reasons & I'm trying to keep the costs down.

Staying healthy seems to cost a lot.

I am a HUGE reader. I read very quickly & can sit all weekend going through a stack of books. I utilize the library and resale book places for most of my books. I limit the amount of books I actually own.

But there are a few books I'll splurge on, some of which I buy in hardback:

Nora Roberts (mainly paperback, most from the used book store)
The Harry Potter Books (all hardback and new...I reread a lot)
Janet Evanovich, the Stephanie Plum Series (all in hardback as well)

There's a new Janet Evanovich coming out & I'm SO excited. I'm going to reread the first 11 books in the series, hopefully finishing in time to read the 12th when it comes out June 20th.

I can 'justify' this purchase, because it brings me a lot of enjoyment, I'll read it over and over, and because I know it will be used.

I'm happy to hold off on buying new clothes, getting highlights, a nicer car, but these small pleasures make it worthwhile.

So when I've saved up and bought my house, I can enjoy my books in the comfort of my own home, knowing I do not regret having some of those "nicer" things. Because I have what matters most to me.

Couple of good things today:
-Received a $10.00 gas rebate in the mail
-Got a $19.25 credit on my credit card from a disputed item.

I have made the decision to look for a new job, even though I'm not done school yet. I applied for 4 jobs, all similar. One is really perfect for me, the other 3 all have possibilities. I already have an interview with one of them, but not the Big one that I'm hoping for.

I have redone my school goals again.

The new School goal is $7100.00
Current School savings: $4732.09

Current House savings: $17,276.00

I also have a new goal: Computer
My laptop is slowly dying, so I'm going to hold out as long as possible & just start saving now.

Work if finally offering overtime again, after 6 months without it. I'm going to try to do at least 5 hours next week. Normally I'd do around 10, but I'm having some health issues, so adding an hour a day is not bad, but anymore could cause me some problems.

I'll spend all weekend hoping for an interview at that one place. It has the perfect job description, benefits, hours, location and salary. I can only hope for it.

I'm trying to stay as frugal as possible, but I need to put myself on a strict diet due to health issues. I'm anticipating a bigger grocery bill to start stocking up on certain types of staples, but then things should be back to normal. At least by eating well, I will potentially save in terms of medications and visits to a specialist.

I've seen a few blogs lately about gift giving and being frugal. For Mother's day I gave my Mom gift cards that I received from signing up for trial programs. And I gave her a Brooch from the dollar store.

I had a moment or two's pause before buying the brooch. I felt guilty spending so little on a gift for her, but at the same time, it was perfect for her style and it was definately in my price range. She loved it & had no idea that it came from the dollar store.

Still I feel guilty. I have to get out of that habit. Gift giving should't have an expected price tag on it, but be thoughtful and of use to the person receiving it.

I have a lot of occasions coming up: Father's day, father's birthday, sister's birthday, roommate's birthday, parents anniversary. So here's the game plan: I am going to find ways to give thoughtful gifts instead of going by the price tag and in doing so, I will save money and make my family & friends happier.

My roommie is getting a set of 4 beer mugs...I've scouted out prices online & have come up with a couple of prices. I just have to find the right one.

My dad is getting Lowes Gift Card for Fathers day because he has been doing a lot around the house lately and he enjoys going to lowes.

My sister is getting some hair stuff from Ulta, which I got a gift certificate for Christmas & haven't used.

My dad is getting, for his birthday, some computer photography gadgets from Circuit City--also have a Gift card for there.

Each is something I know they will use, and be happy to receive & I don't have to overspend for anything.

All I have left is my parents anniversary. Need to think about that one...and talk to my sister, we might go halfsies on it.

Things have been very frugal lately, but I have so much going on. I finally have a chance to catch up todcay.

Yesterday we moved all the furniture that we're keeping from my aunts house. My storage unit is packed.

Today, we had a Mother's Day Brunch, it was my sister's treat to all of us. My sister works at a nice restaurant & got us reservations. The food was DELICIOUS. I was able to get VERY stuffed and enjoy my family for free...thanks sis.

I used some of my free gift cards from My points for my mom's gift. She wanted to buy some books from Barnes & Noble, so I gave her some gcs & she was very happy.

Also, I went to the Dollar Store this morning to get cards for my sister & mom for 50 cents each. While I was there, I found a brooch that matches most of my mom's jewelry. She has a very specific style that she likes and thats it. She loved it, and it was only a $1.00.

I went to the library on the way home. Got a couple of novels & 1 movie. I have a huge addiction to movies, but have been trying to curb my renting and buying them. My roommate has netflix & a huge movie collection, so he's been sharing...between that & borrowing from the library, I've been doing very well.

I was supposed to go the grocery store today, but I was too tired. So after the library, I came home for a 2 hour nap. My roomies are making hotdogs for dinner and I have food for lunch tomorrow, so I'll hit the grocery store after work tomorrow. Its a great time to go anyway, no one is there at 9 in the evening.

My goals this week are:
-To plan and buy groceries to eat/pack all meals from home. No spending money for food or drink
-To call my car insurance about lowering my rates. Never hurts to ask.
-To redo my resume. I'm going to send out a few this week.
-To apply for 2 positions that sound interesting to me.

For all my grocery planning, I was feeling sick after class tonight, so I just ran in the store & bought some junk...nothing too bad, but certainly was more of the wants, than the needs. I have to rethink my eating habits. I have a stomach condition & I need to change some things to handle my stomach a little better.

This is my next goal for myself. Since planning food means packing food more often, it'll have a side benefit of helping my budget. So I have food to hold me over til Sunday, then I'll do my big shopping then.

Tomorrows Meals:
Breakfast: cheerios & strawberries
Snack: Muffin
Lunch: Big salad and pretzels
Dinner: Lean Cuisine, pudding
Snack: Oatmeal (weird for snack, but good for my tummy)

Well, redoing the budget wasn't as bad as I thought. I just have to limit myself quite a bit on spending for eating out & groceries. More planning, less laziness. Gotta just buckle down.

I'm going to throw my budget out there for all to see...its a very scary thing to do.

Income: 1045 biweekly net (after 401k, medical, ect)

Monthly Expenses:
Gas 140.00 (higher due to recent travel)
Spending 90.00
Groceries 92.00
Cell 35.00
Rent 400.00
Student Loans 525.00(with extra payments)
Car Insurance 140.00 (6 mos of year)
Car 5.00
Savings 490.00
cat 20.00
xm radio 13.00
medical 30.00
Storage Unit 110.00

As you can see there's room to move things around, but I don't want to compromise on my savings right now.

So I suck it up in the easier catagories like spending money & groceries. I'll review the budget in July, once I get a Full month under my belt.