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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The vet recently put my cat on medicine food due to having crystals. Its a little more pricey, but I love my cat & its really no hardship. But you know its bad when she throws up at least a half cup of food and all you can think is "look at all that food wasted...I wonder how much that just cost me".

All I have to say is that Resolve Carpet cleaner works wonders on that kind of stain. Thank goodness, its new carpet.

I finally signed up for the Library early last week. I haven't had a public library card since I was a kid.

I didn't have a lot of time to explore, but I did pick up the following books:
Nice Girls Don't Get Rich by Lois P. Frankel PhD and A Girl Needs Cash by Joan Perry.

I didn't relate to Dr. Frankel's book that well for multiple reasons, but I'm really enjoying Joan Perry's book, mainly due to her writing style. It is a narrative of womens intellectual and emotional dealings with money. The book is giving me a lot to think about.

I will be going back to the library on Monday & I'm very open to any reading suggestions. I'm planning to browse for Tightwad Gazette and for a book on first time homebuying. Let me know whats on your must-read list.

I work in banking and I realized today that the people in my department have a saying:

"The one thing I've learned from this job is what not to do with credit card debt"

I've done well so far, pay my card off every month, but I've also realized that I use the card way too much. I rationalize that I'm paying it off, but because I can do so, I use it more than is necessary.

So I am focusing on not using the cards at all (except for school expenses, while waiting on my tuition reimbursement).

For the rest of April and all of May, I vow not to use my credit cards. I will use the cash I have budgeted for and when its done its done. Wish me luck.

I packed my dinner as planned, but I didnt prepare for lunch. Today I woke up, worked on school work til 11 & then had to leave for work. I gave in to hunger & stopped at McDonalds on the way and spent $5.00. Well, it didnt cause me to break the bank, but boy am I feeling guilty.

On the upside, I'm mailing out a few rebates today-including 2 from Mypoints trial offers-one for $10.00 of gas & one for $10.00 prescriptions. Hopefully I'll actually see the money. Its a wait & see situation with these programs.

While reviewing my budget yet again, I found a few things to reduce & put into savings. I get paid biweekly & plan my budget that way. Other than my fixed expenses like cell phone, school loans, car insurance, rent & medications, I plan for food, gas, spending money, cat, and savings.

Currently, I've been lax about certain expenses, so I am challanging myself to limit my groceries and spending money to a total 80.00 biweekly. It was previously $110.00. I'll keep you guys updated.

Today I spent an unplanned $6.00 at Wawa for forgotten items my parents required for Easter---mustard for the ham...how could they have forgotten that one??

I'm mailing out a $2.00 rebate for some alcohol I bought on Friday...we needed Peach Schnapps for mixed drinks. Who knew that alcohol even had rebates. This is a first for me!

I moved a few months ago, yet I still have unpacked boxes. Just 2 of them, but I took the time in the last week to go through them. Some of the things are school related, some just junk and some are my misc. stockpiles. I have birthday & holiday cards that I've bought 2 for $1.00 at the dollar store. I have a small pile, but since I'm also the birthday person at work, that pile comes in handy. I had bought some Easter cards that I had forgotten about...so good timing on that!

I found some old jewelry, nothing special, but I did hit the jackpot when I found a small bag of watches. Every other Christmas, my aunt gave me a watch. It always worked out conveniently that my current watch battery would have just run out. So now I've got about 5 watches, all unique and perfectly wearable, just waiting to have new batteries. She just passed away last year. I plan on taking a few dollars out of my incentive check next week and buying some batteries...I do love jewelry & now I have a pleasant memory of my Aunt!

I found a notebook of financial info from my college days. Apparently, my habits haven't changed...I still write out my budget over and over just to tweek things when needed. It was very interesting to see what little income I had then & what things I spent my money on.

I got Walmart's Swiffer Sample in the mail today. My mom LOVES them, so I gave it to her.

I spent $10.00 on lunch for myself, my mom & my 5 year old nephew. After lunch, my nephew & I played outside. He had a bubble machine, so we had a bubbles war & the wind was so active, that waves of bubbles would float through the yard & we should chase after them. I felt 5 again myself.

Tomorrow I'm going to help my mom make dinner for the holiday & I'll help unpack some boxes in their basement. I'm giving my newphew $20.00 for Easter. He told me today that his mommy and mom-mom always take him to the movies & he wants to take them. Now he can! He's SO cute!

Then I'm coming home to make my meal plan for the week, do my homework and do my laundry. I'll probably try to sign up for some new trials through my points. I'm limiting my sign-ups, because if its too much at once, I'm afraid I'll forget to cancel one.

Recent posts have made me reflect on my frugal habits. Flash's post about trials made me realize I'm obsessed with mypoints. I read the emails, sign up for the newsletters and sign up for the trials. I have a whole spreadsheat of the dates I've signed up, the terms, the reward and when I need to cancel. I definately think its worth it.

However, my family & friends can't be told. They would think I'm crazy, or "cheap". They don't see the need to watch their spending or to concentrate on saving, so they definately wouldn't see the benefit in this type of program. So I do this for myself, but I do it in secret...only sharing with you guys! Glad to have a place to share!

So, I've been driving around in a pididdle (a car with one headlight out) Who knows how long its been out. I'll pick up a new bulb tomorrow & I'll replace it myself (Dad taught me well).

Next week I am trying to be strictly on budget. I tend to leave myself wiggle room for food and drinks, which I end up using up almost every time. So next week, I plan on bringing my lunches/eating at home every day, except my weekly lunch date on Thursday. All I need is a little self-discipline.