Well - less than a month in & my medical stuff is already going crazy. I cannot wait to be 100% healthy again.

After my procedure yesterday, I starte with a nice little stomach bug. My day went from work at home to sick day. Boo.

I have been wanting to look into other work possibilities lately - inside & outside the company, but was sorta stuck last year based on so many health issues. I really want to know at what point, I would be 'stuck' again.

I have my medical, dental & vision - which I would lose when leaving the company.

I have an HSA of $300 - with $120.40 left after eyecare expenses.

I have $400 in an MRA with the potential to have $1000. So far, none has been used, but with the multiple expenses in the last few weeks - it probably will go down about $200 with co-insurance, ect.

I learned today, that if I left the company, I would not have to repay any funds spent for either and would be able to use for any 2013 bills from dates prior to my departure.

I can cash out any unused accrued & unused vacation time (20 days/none used)

I can cash out any Floating Holidays earned & unused (1 earned/none used YTD)

Sick time (6 days minus 1), personal days (3) are not paid when you leave. So my planned day off Friday was a personal day & my unplanned sick day today were used. I will not touch vacation until I absolutely need to.

I am feeling well enough that I will return to work tomorrow. None of these 'plans' or thoughts have been expressed to anyone other than the boyfriend and you buys. But I am attempting to plan the best that I can if I do leave the company altogether.

I have been a little out of control with spending this month. Time to buckle the heck down!

I did some deals that I was not prepared for - but were needed. So I have the cash for it, but am hoping to make up the funds through Craiglist sales so those funds can go towards debt repayment like I wanted it to.

I am having health issues still (UGH) and to help, I am geting back into working out. I have very old sneaks for yardwork and somewhat old sneaks for working out, but I really need a newer pair. I found a groupon for Sketchers $23 for a pair that I have had previously. Even with coupons/sales.... I have not seen this type of sneaker for that price. I ended up buying 2. One for summer & one for working out. Using Shopathome, I will recieve 4% back & amazon rewards will be 2%.

I found a online coupon code for a website & bought a pair of work shoes for $3.99 out of pocket. Thats my kind of deal!

I paid the last of my 2012 medical expenses (woohoo!)

I also treated my family to breakfast out as repayment for help while I was out of comission (being sick). $46 for 4 adults & my nephew.

In other news, I have been organizing at home. I organized all the kitchen cabinets, tupperware, serving dishes, ect.

I called discover to have an inactive account reinstated (it had previously been closed by them). I plan on closing per my request.

I mended 2 shirts, 1 pair of pants, & 3 cardigans.

So lots of things have been accomplished this last week. I have another medical test tomorrow (not fun) and will work from home before & after. I put a little work from home time in today to make up for the time out for the doctors.

This week is cash only - and limited spending under payday on the 31st.

Yesterday, a friend & I went shopping at a semi-local grocery store that specializes in Amish products & close to expiraton date groceries. She goes around once a month. It was my first time & was a great deal, but I don't need to go as often as that.

Still, I spent almost $50 of my grocery money and all the food will good for months! The freezer is packed!

-2 cartons of egg substitute - 99 cents each
-2 light sauce steamer Harvest veggies - 99c each
-1 package Tyson Grilled Honey BBQ chicken - 99c
-2 Smart Ones Steak & Ranch Paninis - 99c each
-2 bags of pretzel bits - 99c each
-2 large bags of Potatoes O'Brien- 99c each
-2 bags grilled Chicken Strips - 1.45c each
-2 10 oz canned chicken in water - 1.79 each
-2 Kraft boxed Ranch pasta salad - 2 for $1
-1 jar of olives 1.39
-1 box 25oz Raisin Bran
-1 red pepper dip mix (at least 10 servings) $3.20
-1 homemade taco seasoning .36 lb - will many TONS of tacos! - $2.34
-1 Celery Seeds .25 pound - $0.98
-1 Orange Peer .04 pound - $0.64
-3 Sizzling salads mixes - 3 for $1
-1 1.5 lb Bulk Steel Cut oats - $1.34
-1 box Townhouse Flatbread crips $1.49
-1 sft taco dinner $1.49
-1 chocolate chip mix 99c
-1 premade braised beef in bourbon sauce (family size) $1.99
-1 pound Pepper Jack cheese cubes - 99c
-1 Baguette chips - Italian Cheese & Herb .69c
-1 18 pack eggs $1.99

Afterwards, we hit 2 different Thrift stores. I am looking to upgrade my work wardrobe. I came home with mostly brand new clothes with tags! $49.25 between both stores and I came away with:

1 $1 game
1 Pair Dress Pants
2 button down tops
4 dresses
1 sleeveless top
2 sweaters
1 cardigan

Just to give you an example, 2 dresses & 1 pair of jeans from Old Navy with coupons would be around $53

Today will be a no spender though! LOL

This is a pretty informal count of my 2012 Freebies. Mostly because I know I missed tracking SOME info. But with what I tracked, I still did very well!

Cash - $405
Amazon Gift Cards - $100
Walmart gc - $125
Gas gift Card - $125
Groupon Free Bucks - $30
Target $15 coupon
$40 Regal Entertainment Gift cards
Restaurant.com free $65

Free 12 packs of Coke Products - 17 coupons


pocket calendar
3 craft paper from wrapping paper rolls
wine bag
Free shopprunner membership
1 KB memory card
3 reusable grocery bags
Free outdoor Concert (3 bands)
keychain flashlight
pedometer
tshirt
Birthday burger & fries
Target Beauty Bag
Floral design bag
Full size OPI nail polish
mp3 $10 credits
$4 amazon instant video credit
3 full size 2013 calendars


card - 26 greeting cards

rebox rewards - 17 free movies

I have been thinking about Sinking Funds quite a bit lately and also about expected ‘unexpected’ expenses. I really want to fund so many different things, but I also don’t want to slow down my debt snowball.

Right now, my budget accounts for Sinking Funds in the following categories:

Gas – for extra trips at certain times of year
Gifts – for birthdays & to supplement Christmas (finding money unconventionally for most of my Christmas 2013 purchases)
Pets – vet appointments, ect
Medical – out of pocket expenses outside of HSA/MRA funds
Car - *This is where I am thinking more about expected replacements of tires, brakes, tags, routine repairs, ect
Wedding Season – funds to attend the wedding of 2 good friends this year
Clothes
Home repairs *this is also something I am looking at as I have several projects & expected upcoming ‘deaths’ to certain appliances in the next 2 years

So I am focusing on car & home. I have to expect normal wear & tear repairs. I am working to make a list & look to how long things are supposed to last & plan accordingly.

The main 4 Things I want to work on first are:
-Scheduled Maintenance for car
- ‘tune-up’ for the heating/cooling units
- replacing screens in front & back doors
- replacing the stove

What are some of your sinking funds and how do you plan for planned unpredictable repairs/replacements? I would love to hear others as well!

The Plague is finally leaving the house with the boyfriend FINALLY going back to work well today  I had a happy hour with friends Friday night. Saturday, I rented 2 (FREE) redbox movies for the sick boyfriend (and me). While he rested, I got busy getting the house in order after holidays, being super sick for a week and his sickness.
I tackled the bedroom and cleaned/organized/dusted & vacuumed. Lysoled everything down & changed the sheets.
I deep cleaned the bathroom, including hand scrubbing the floor. It looks GOOD for the first time in a month or so!
I deep cleaned the kitchen, took a pantry & freezer inventory, reorganized both and reorganized my Tupperware drawer(s). Then I hand-washed the floor there too.
Sunday, the boyfriend and I were able to take down all the Christmas stuff. I reorganized and was able to condense Christmas stuff into 3 bins instead of 4. Plus I have a better idea of the stuff that I have AND I was able to get together a small thing of ornaments to give to Goodwill.
Last night, we re-started Sunday Dinners with our friends. It was my turn for Side & the boyfriend’s for Main, but since he was still a little sick, I made both the main & side. He will do my main next week – so I am now off 3 weeks in a row instead of 2. Woohoo.
Today, I bought some breakfast, but did pack my lunch. I plan on stopping after work for a few items and to use a free 12 pack of diet coke coupon. Feed my caffeine addiction with freebies 
I am sticking to my spending budget & was able to throw quite a bit in my debt snowball this pay period. So I am a happy camper!

Hello All! Sorry I haven't been around (although I lurk when I can!)

I have been sick - both a condition and the crud that has been making its way around and am FINALLY starting to feel better.

Christmas was sucessful - cash only all the way!

Over the New Year, I broke my glasses, so even with insurance, I paid out $193 today for a new pair. Luckily, it was paid out of my HSA account (so no cash out of the budget).

Lots of things going on with my family. Both my sister & my dad took packages from their place of business. The company is in a bad place, so they are both lucky to get out with the packages. My sister's husband got a new job so they are moving (although its still local). With 3 kids, they need help with the packing, ect.

The boyfriend & I are doing well living together. Splitting living expenses 50/50 and I have noticed no significant increase in utilities, ect as he is much like me in turning lights off, ect.

I have written a very strict budget for myself, but have built in fun money. I would rather spend my entertainment budget on outtings and events and less on fast food, ect., so that is my focus this year.

This week, I did pack lunches for work (yay). I am going out tomorrow night for a happy hour and am hoping to stick to a $15 budget for the night.

This weekend, the boyfriend & I may go out to dinner and I hope to maybe see a movie with a friend next week.

Financially, I am have downloaded a (free) app to track my debt paydown and the growth of my savings/sinking funds. I find it VERY motivating!

After Hurricane Sandy, I had a downed tree at the end of my property. It was not a big/sturdy tree – but what we call around here a ‘weed tree’. Pretty for a bit, but weak, so it will bend & break in winds. It had vines and poison ivy growing around it (and the other trees in this stretch).

The tree was at the edge of the property that backs up to my house. The property is owned by a farmer’s co-op. There’s no house on the land or any property # to even talk to someone about. I know, from my HOA, that my backyard property stops at the sidewalk and the tree and the area it fell on is technically owned by this Farmer’s Co-op.

However, it is a hazard. I could not breakup/move the tree myself, so I asked my brother in law to look at it when he had a chance. It took him a while to get to it, so in the mean time, I placed a property county code violation report with the County. They sent someone out to review and deemed it a hazard. They then identified the owner & contacted them. 2 weeks later, my neighbor text me (As we have townhouses and the ‘weed’ trees back up to both of our properties) that there was a company out there removing the trees. AT this point, they were all damaged, so it was nice that they took care of it. I didn’t’ have to put any money out & while I miss the privacy the trees provided, I am glad for the safety.

Best part is – because I did my research & took a little time to get in contact with the right people – the trees were removed at no cost to me!

So I have mentioned before - stupid spending, being on medical leave, medical expenses, a 2nd medical leave and more medical expenses have left me with some serious credit card debt. It was stupid on my part because I continued to spend when I should have been much more frugal.

So I am saying now that the dent I made in debt in the last 2 years has been revoked with the new debt. I finally have my head on straight again.

For the last 2 months, I have been completely not using credit cards - with the exception of my car insurance, gym & weight watcher's memberships going on a $0 balance card & paid off monthly. I have a paydown plan for the debt and am finally sticking to my budget.

In my staycation this week, I was lucky to escape Hurricane Sandy with no destruction or loss of power. Monday & Tuesday were no spend days though

Wednesday was Halloween and I spent $2.28 for lunch and $25 for drinks at the local bar with my boyfriend.

Yesterday, I spent $20 for lunch with my parents. I paid a portion of their tab as they picked me up from the dealership where I was getting my oil changed. It's covered under a membership that I have with them.

Today was errands and spending:
$29.99 for cat food
$4 dollar tree (tape, batteries, fries & plastic dishpan to be used for cleaning purposes. (this is covered in the grocery budget)
$44.12 groceries
$5.32 take out salad bar (HUGE - 1/2 for lunch and 1/2 for dinner)
$14.91 KMart for personal care products. This was with a $10 credit from ShopYourWayRewards bonus. The purchase will be shipped to the store for free.

For entertainment this week - it was mostly a free jigsaw puzzle, soduku books, Kindle, dvr, Netflix (due to the storm). Last night I rented Redbox movies for free (thanks free promo codes) - a suspense movie 388 Arletta Avenue and Dark Shadows. When I returned them today, I rented The Hunger Games. I saw it in the theater already, but I love the book/movie and am excited to see it again!

Tomorrow, I will be doing more errands, finish organizing the house, making food for the upcoming work week and tomorrow night is Date Night. My boyfriend is coming over for dinner and a movie night in. He will be starting to bring stuff over to the house to move in little by little this month. I am so excited!

Sunday, we are having brunch with friends. In the evening, it is Sunday night dinner with friends. We rotate making a main, a side and a dessert with 2 off weeks in between each round. This week is my off week, so all I have to do is show up

I feel so lucky to have survived the storm with relative ease. I haven't done a full roof check (wind is still going a bit), but it looks like I survived unscathed. Thee is a small tree at the back of my property (on the farmer's land) that fell, but that can just be pushed bak into the farmer's field.

I did not even lose electricity. The wind last night was nearly hurricane strength. I ended up sleeping on the first floor due to the noise & shaking.

Today, driving restrictions are being lifted, but I am choosing to stay home & allow the power & county trucks room to do their job.

Plenty of people in the area are without power, there is wind damage, but for the most part, we lucked out.

Yesterday, I did not complete much on my to-do list. However, I did earn the last of the 5 $5 AGC from Swagbucks for October. I am already working to earn for November. I also entered into mycokerewards & requested another free 12 pack coupon.

So for today, in the midst of horror movies and dvr catch up, I plan on getting several things completed.

I have the upcoming week off from work ... just in time for the Hurricane. Oh well, my only hope is that electricity does not go off at the house & I can get my To-Do list taken care of.

If the electricity DOES go out, then I am prepared to be a bit bored We are going to be getting more of this storm in my area than I remember having of a hurricane. Flooding and winds are the primary issue.

Of course, everyone around here is panicking. This state is NOT organized at all. Schools have closed already for Monday & Tuesday.

In preperation, I bought some canned goods, snacks, salad stuff - all of which can be consumed without electricity. I did not buy water, but filled my BPA free/aluminum water bottles as well as 3 pitchers (1 water, 1 lemonade, and 1 cherry limeade). I should note that I have a LOT of water bottles

I did all the dishes & laundry, have plenty of cat food & litter. Pulled the trashcans up to the house (townhouse, no garage). I covered the basement windows with their covering and am leaving stones on top to secure them.

I will fill the bathtub with water for cleaning, ect. I have a flashlight, many candles & lighters.

I am charging my computer, my cell phone, my mp3 and my kindle. I have books, puzzles, soduku and a list of to-dos that can be completed in the light of day

wishing everyone a safe week!

Sold a free to me Breadmaker on Craigslist for $15. Received $10 cash for ordering a book on Amazon for my mom's friend using my Amazon credits from my credit card rewards. So $25 in

Then I spent $7.99 for a stainles steel roasting pan (I am hosting Thanksgiving!). Great deal, good quality & brand. Free ship to store and I paid out of my holiday funds.

In other news, I got a lot of junk mail in the mail today, but I also received a FREE makeup purse, target coupons, perfume samples, 3 sets of shampoo & conditioner samples, and a jergens lotion sample. Yay freebies!

The last week of Oct/first few days of November, I am on vacation from work. I am looking to get some fun and some projects completed. I've just started thinking about what I want to do, so I am getting a list started.

FUN:
see a few movies (Free with fandango bucks)
rent Redbox movie (free with codes)
Hike at state park ($3)
Lunch with mom with Groupon ($10 max)
Read newest book in a series I read
Movie marathon with friend (free/redbox)
Halloween Trick or Treaters - LOVE this!!
Try new healthy recipes
Dye hair fun new color
mani/pedi
listen to a few new bands that I like - get the cds

PROJECTS:
Paint all door knobs
Winterize Windows - plastic
Master Financial List
Open new safety deposit box
Put up some Craigslist items
Groom cats (not so fun)
Wrap Christmas gifts
finish main Christmas shopping
Put together 'favors' for bf's bday
Paint vases (cheap ones) for decoration
Spot treat carpet - potentially rent carpet steamer
Visit Flea market for cookie tins - spraypaint & use for storage projects/gifts
Potentially paint downstairs bathroom vanity
Paint light switches/electric plates
Frame wallpaper sames for wall art in bathroom
Frame old tshirts for BF to put in spare room art
Decorate for Thanksgiving (hosting this year!)
Make grocery bag dispensers (for bathroom - use bags to line trashcans)
Deep clean the house (prepping for holidays)

I am really glad that I have been tracking freebies, online earning, ect for the year! I did not include gifts, but so far, I have obtained:

$15 Pier 1 Gift Certificate
9 Free 12 packs of coca-cola
12 pack condoms
48 AAA batteries
$105.54 Amazon credit
Yves St Laurant Makeup bag plus dozen samples
$504.07 in cash/checks
3 Band outdoor concert
Vitamin water
2 travel size contact solution & cases
toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
full size hershey bar
misc food
$100 in gas cards
glasses cleaner
12 personalized Greeting Cards
3 large reusable Grocery bags
$20 in Groupon promotions (free Groupon money)
dozen hair care samples
keychain flashlight
pedometer
5 kindle books
1 year Shoprunner membership
Memory stick
$5 MP3 credit at Amazon
$5 Video credit at Amazon
1 full size bottle OPI nail polish
pens
photo keychain
20 redbox codes
$40 Regal gift cards
Meal at Ruby Tuesday
T-shirt
$125 Walmart gift cards
2 water bottles

WOW that is a lot!

Today's to-do list is long, but I slept in until 8:30 and have alreay accomplished a lot. I will be updating as the day goes on (and I take some breaks!)

-Make breakfast [DONE]
-Follow up with HOA reimbursement (STILL waiting on $389 [DONE - STILL WAITING ]
-f/u with inbox, cashcrate, bing, mypoints, swagbucks
-Call Resale shop for leather coat, broken mower, extra bedding. If I can get some cash for it great, if not - bedding & coat can go to goodwill. Neither has had much interest on Craigslist
-Clean kitchen including washing floor - [DONE]
-Clean out fridge [DONE]
-Organize pantry [DONE]
-Take inventory of pantry, freezer & fridge [DONE]
-Oil kitchen table & chairs [DONE]
-repot kitchen plants - Pended
-clean, dust & vacuum living room [DONE]
-vacuum couches (cat fur)- [DONE]
-vacuum stairs/upstairs hall, wipe baseboards [DONE]
-vacuum basement stairs/floor [DONE]
-clean cat area [DONE]
-pull weeds front & back yards [DONE]
-wipe down door, windows out front [DONE]
-change bulbs in upstairs bathroom [DONE]
-clean upstairs bath [DONE]
-wash bathroom rugs - pended (just vacuumed)
-wipe baseboards in bathroom [DONE]
-mop bathroom floor [DONE]
-clean bedroom [DONE]
-change sheets [DONE]
-take a nap [DONE]
-clean closet [DONE]
-laundry [DONE]
-dust & vacuum bedroom [DONE]
-wipe windows & blinds in bedroom [DONE]
-clean car out - pended
-put Goodwill stuff in car [DONE]
-Take 3 40 lb bags of cat litter from car to basement [DONE]
-organize makeup [DONE]
-organize jewelry [DONE]

EDITED TO ADD:
I got through quite a bit - no idea where the energy came from (I think it was mostly willpower!). I am done the to-dos for tonight (other than my online money-making activites while I watch a movie! The last 2 things I will do:

-Shower to clean all the grub off [DONE]
-watch a free movie from Amazon on my roku [ABOUT TO START]

Hello all - been reading everyone's posts & staying updated

I am working at trying to get on a cash only budget, but medical bills are still coming in & its been a juggle. 2012 has not been my best year.

Tomorrow, I have taken the day off and I plan on getting quite a few things on my to-do list taken care of.

Tonight I am working on:
-Clearing out my email [DONE]
-working on earning Inbox Dollars (less than $5 from cashing out).[In Process]
-Swagbucks [DONE]
-Bing [DONE]
-Cashcrate [DONE]
-Viewing my credit bureau (for free of course)[DONE]
-Sending pictures of my aun't furniture to a resale shop via email [DONE]
-updating a few items on Craigslist [DONE]
-paying my water bill (one of the few things I have to mail a check with (cause I refuse to pay to do it over the phone)[DONE]
-Filling out a $25 reimbursement rebate (and prepped to mail tomorrow)[DONE]
-Christmas budget - I am almost at my goal! [DONE]
-Paycheck budget for 9/15 [DONE]
-Grocery List & Meal pln for the week [DONE]
-Turn off a/c & open windows for fresh air & lower electric [DONE]
-Gather laundry to start first thing in the morning

Tomorrow's goals are:
-Follow up with HOA reimbursement (STILL waiting on $389
-f/u with inbox, cashcrate, bing, mypoints, swagbucks
-Call Resale shop for leather coat, broken mower, extra bedding. If I can get some cash for it great, if not - bedding & coat can go to goodwill. Neither has had much interest on Craigslist
-Clean kitchen including washing floor
-Organize pantry, take inventory of pantry, freezer & fridge
-Oil kitchen table & chairs
-repot kitchen plants
-clean, dust & vacuum living room
-vacuum couches (cat fur)
-vacuum stairs/upstairs hall, wipe baseboards
-vacuum basement stairs/floor
-clean cat area
-wash basement floor
-pull weeds front & back yards
-wipe down door, windows out front
-change bulbs in upstairs bathroom
-clean upstairs bath
-wash bathroom rugs
-wipe baseboards
-mop bathroom floor
-clean bedroom
-change sheets
-clean closet
-laundry
-dust & vacuum bedrooms
-wipe windows & blinds in bedrom
-clean car out
-put Goodwill stuff in car

LOTS of to-do's, but I think its definitely managable! At least 80% and I hope for a nap in there somewhere

So things have been crazy. Still. But in good ways. The foot has healed (mostly - I am taking a little physical therapy), my job is changing, I gave extremely early notice to my roommate because my boyfriend is moving in.

I have been dealing with a LOT of medical expenses. I have put over $1500 out of pocket. I am fighting to get $389 refunded to me and hopefully will have that in the next week or so.

So - to update - here are a bunch of bullets

1. Christmas planning is going well - although I used $250.59 of my Christmas cash to go to a medical bill. I am focused on making coasters for friends/family for Christmas. They are incredibly easy to make & definitely have been a hit with people who have seen them.





2. I have been selling on Craigslist. $83 so far. I sold 8 generic wine glasses for $8, an elliptical for $40, a foodsaver for $15, a digital frame for $10, & an old vacuum for $10. I also have 2 framed posters, a rolling tv stand, and a breadmaker on there. I am also planning on putting up the inherited dining room set in my basement. Last weekend, I cleaned it up, polished & took pictures. I am going through furniture resale places, not Craigslist though.

3. I am working at Swagbucks. Definitely not earning as quickly as I did before. However, every little bit helps. I also utilize Cashcrate, Inbox Dollars, Bing Rewards & Synovate surveys.

4. I tallied up my gift cards/restaurant.coms. I have a free overnight at a B&B, 5 restaurant.com certificate, $10 to batting cages, $36 Fandango bucks, $25 to Barnes & Noble, $15 to Pier One and $20 Old navy dollars.

5. I am working on meal planning & eating in more. It's hard to balance with having an active social life, but I may find it easier once the boyfriend moves in

6. I have missed posting - but have been reading & I am glad to see you all are doing well!

My work leave continues through next Friday and my foot is healing. My spirits have definitely been lifted and even with my limited mobility, I have been doing lots of organizing/decluttering. I have been able to do this by either people bringing me drawers or sitting in a chair in front of the thing that I am organizing

In the last week:

-I have made sure all of my leave paperwork is in order. It was confirmed approved as of today. So that is all done!

-I called Comcast to renegotiate my rates. They were unable to 'help' me, so I will be calling back tomorrow.

- I confirmed the overpayment from my insurance MRA account (my funds) will be returned from my Physical Therapy

- Call about doing refinance. (Waiting for call to be returned).

- Paid mom for food/groceries bought for me this week

- Organized jewelry - Set aside some costume jewelry for GoodWill and some broken gold chains to sell

- Organized sock & underwear drawers - cleared out 1/3 of the contents. Socks to go to Goodwill

- Organized startionary/desk drawer

-Cleared off nightstand & decluttered nightstand drawer

-Cleared out book closet. There were a few hundred books. I was able to clear out approximately 1/2. 3 large bags went to my mom to use for trade-in.

-In this same closet - made room for Christmas & Gift stuff.

- Cleaned out shirts in closet - 17 shirts & 4 tank tops to Goodwill, 1 shirt to trash. 1 pair of shorts to trash, 4 pairs of fleece/pajama pants, 5 long sleeve tees to Goodwill.

I slowly, but surely have gotten through a lot of stuff. Tomorrow, I hope to tackle:

1. Calling refi guy again
2. calling Comcast
3. Cleaning makeup drawer
4. Clearing out drawers under bathroom sink
5. Clearing out baskets in living room
6. Clearing out China cabinet (all but the actual china)
7. List items on craigslist
8. Purge from bookcase
9. Go through scrapbooking bin. Will be scanning pictures for Christmas gifts.
10. Rest the foot!

Did anyone see the Saving Goal option on ING? I am having SO much fun playing with it!

Well - I had a fairly good weekend. Friday I stayed in & vegged with the roommate (since I can't really go anywhere anyway).

Saturday, my boyfriend drove me to a friend's for a bbq. I had my foot up the whole time and only stayed a few hours. But MAN, did it do wonders for my mental state.

Sunday, the boyfriend drove me to his place. I sat on the couch all day and then we had friends over to grill & watch True Blood. No extraneous activity, but a NICE change of scenery.

He dropped me back at my house on his way to work, where my mom dropped me off a fast food lunch & a homemade dinner to reheat. Thanks Mom!! I seriously am unable to much (at all) in the kitchen or cleaning. I have to just keep my foot up and hope it heals. Its my # 1 priority.

In the mean time - I found an insurance error, which was finally corrected today & I saved myself $116.38. Woohoo.

I am still working with the PT people - but I should be getting $389.31 refund. I plan on calling AGAIN tomorrow & insisting on talking to the case manager. Oh fun.

I called the foot specialist as he had told me 2.5 weeks off my feet, but then the office scheduled my appt 3.5 weeks. So now I go back next Thurs instead of in 2 weeks. I am HOPING for good news.

I received my leave paperwork, which I will fill out today & have my mom drop off at the drs office tomorrow. Its time sensative to have filled out.

Financially - I am spending a lot of money - my mom gets me food/drinks/groceries and she's not much of a bargain shopper. I am not spending on gas as I am unable to drive. So gas budget has been helping there.

I have a regular drs appt tomorrow (approx $10 coinsurance) and my mom is driving me to/from. I also have my nephew coming over to do some cleaning for me. I need refills on some medications or I would skip the doctors appt

Boredom has definitely kicked in, but I have a bunch of new (mostly free) books on kindle, both Netflix & Amazon Prime Video, my computer, puzzles & soduku. I can do this

And nicely, my boyfriend is bringing me dinner & hanging in tomorrow night. He's such a sweetie, taking such good care of me.

I have been looking into refinancing my house...but I seriously have to put it off until this foot thing is settled. Worst case scenario - the foot isnt healing right & we need to do surgery & put a pin in (NOT WHAT I WANT) then I have 10 weeks of paid leave at 100%, then it goes to 60%. Recovery time can go all the way to 8 weeks for that kind of surgery, so I want to be careful with all budgeting items. I will know next Thursday whether I should go into emergency stock-pile money mode

Yesterday, I did what I was told: RESTED.

I also accomplished many other things:

1. Called into work to start my Short-term disability procedings. At this point it should only be 2-3 weeks. I get paid 100% up to 10 weeks, so there will be no income loss. Just annoying paperwork & a fee of $25 for the dcotors paperwork fee (also annoying!)

2. Made 2 pitchers of lemonade (used a chair to rest my leg while doing anything in the kitchen), passed through a cup & one of the pitchers through the kitchen passthrough to the living room. Saves on trips all day long. Additionally made individual refillable water bottles of lemonade to put into the fridge (used later to carry drinks upstairs for the night). Also made a quick pasta salad & ran the dishwasher. All with the crutches or foot on a chair

3. Called & negotiated car insurance and set up payment for the upcoming year.

4. Renewed my AAA membership

5. Started free 30 day trial to Amazon Prime (can view through Roku) - will help entertaining my couch-bound butt Will be cancelling the acct prior to any charge.

6. Paid medical bills. Followed up on claims through insurance.

7. Turned a/c off & opened up windows Free fresh air!

8. Added codes into Mycokerewards

9. Watched a lot of roku (netflix & amazon prime)

TODAY, I went to breakfast with my parents, gave my mom a grocery list & am back home eating leftover salad from the other day.

My goals for today are:

1. Keep foot up
2. Make lunch at home (check)
3. Make dinner at home (check)
4. Work on Mypoints, cashcrate, bing rewards, inboxdollars, ect
5. Make budget for next pay period
6. Find free things to do while couch bound. I have jigsaw puzzles, tv, netflix/amazon prime, free magazines, soduku books, kindle free books, cell phone games.

I also am fighting to get my refund from physical therapy asap. They are dragging & I could use the funds.

Well - I have been struggling with the crutches & my foot is not feeling that great. Its been a month from the break and I went to the follow up with the doc. He took one look at it, with no Xray & told me to go on leave from work. Keep the foot up 100% and absolutely NO cheating. So I get to deal with short-term disability paperwork via work tomorrow. Fun, fun.

I have a nice big financial and non-financial to-do list...from the COUCH tomorrow.

1. Call work & start process for STD
2. Call insurance & ask about processing of fixed claim #1
3. Call physical therapy office about reimbursement of overpaid amount
4. Call foot doc & pay bill - with cc for 0%, but will help while waiting for PT reimbursement, will pay off in full & will earn points
5. Plan strict budget for next month
6. Call comcast about fees
7. Shop car insurance
8. Make meal plan & grocery list to limit movement at home, but not get food out/delivered by friends all the time.
9. Utilize netflix, cable, kindle & internet for entertainment, as well as puzzles and game books.
10. REST FOOT

Still walking on crutches and trying not to fall Actually am getting the hang of it! LOL

An update to my 'Mostly Free Christmas'
Christmas Amazon Gift Card credits: $154.09
Christmas: Cash $307.27
Christmas - Pending $47.77 check from Inbox Dollars (to recieve in July)
Christmas - Pending $20.40 check from Cashcrate (to recieve mid June)

Cashflowed Gifts:
Sister's xmas - DONE - $24.95 out of pocket (decorative Wine cork holder)
Friend NG partial xmas - Earrings $0.01 out of pocket after coupon code and a book bought last year for her
Friend B xmas -DONE - Game - $7.49 out of pocket
Niece - partial xmas - small purse - free (gift with makeup purchase)
Friend L - birthday - DONE - $5.94 - Indian's Team Rubik Cube
Mom - partial xmas - I LOVE Crafts linen bag $7.52

I HATE HATE HATE my company's new insurance program. They forced us to go with a high deductable plan, and while they 'gifted' us $400 in a Medical Reimbursement Account and I 'earned' Health Funds of $500, plus putting $400 into an HSA - I have blown through it all with physical therapy for my wrist, another health problem, medications & my broken foot. AND not all of that money 'spent' went to my $1500 deductable. So now I am paying out of pocket 100% for at least another $850 or so dollars. Thanks a lot work.

On the upside - because they have this stupid auto payment from the MRA thing - they overpaid my Physical Therapy people. After about a dozen calls, the PT place is cutting me a check for the overpayment (of about $379.31).

I ALSO found an error and my doctors office is rebilling the insurance, this should refund me about $121.01. Both of which are good - because I owe the Foot Specialist $250.59 for the visit, assessment and the air cast. What a rip off this plan is. There are no copays, just percentages of what is owed. Annoying!

My roommate is still working out well. She's been kind enough to help with extra stuff since I have been laid up with the foot. My mom has been SUPER helpful and I LOVE my boyfriend for everything he has done for me.

Financially, I am working to paydown the debt I have AND still not add to it with any medical expenses. Its been tough because I cannot cook for myself and cannot grocery shop or do any cleaning. What I have 'saved' in gas has been eaten up by money for take out and extra groceries. While I spent 2 weeks working from home - I utilized Netflix like it was my job. Haha.

My good friend also gave me a $15 gift card to Amazon to use to rent movies off my Roku box. I sincerely appreciated that. I am back in office now, but obviously, my mobility is still limited. I am 100% on crutches and have the aircast.

Upside to the broken foot - I have had a bit of time to put on Craigslist an unused Breadmaker, an unopened MealSaver Food Saver and some dvds. I have only gotten a response on the dvds though.

Downside - I cannot use the nice, brand-new Reel Lawnmower that I had bought free through my Swagbucks Amazon gift cards. I am having a friend of the family cut it for $35/month. Necessary though as the boyfriend is severely allergic to grass or he would do it for me.

Upside, I am looking to sell my broken lawnmower to a guy off craigslist. Someone with the know-how could easily repair it. The task is just beyond me and I really enjoyed the Reel mower since I have such a small lawn.

In other news, I am shopping car insurance as once again, my company is trying to increase the amount this year.

Tomorrow or Thursday, I am calling Comcast to negotiate a better rate.

I have been following a budget the best that I can given my predicament. I seriously considered Spending $75 for a Living Social for 5 hours of cleaning. The house is a mess of cat hair & dust and with my family being tied up with my sister's wedding (last weekend), I haven't been able to ask for help. And really I have imposed quite a lot alredy. My dad comes down to do the cat box, my mom to bring food/groceries and do my laundry. I'm hoping to get the nephew to do some light dusting and vacuuming & will probably pay him about $15-ish for doing the living room, stairs and hall as well as sweep the kitchen.

So in a nutshell, I really need to be creative to take care of myself day-to-day and to not take advantage of boyfriend/friends/family. LOL

Hey guys, its been SO long. Lots of spending, frugality and everything in between.

On Saturday the 5th, I went to my sister's bachelorette party. On our way out of the place (to head home), I managed to fall on a deck & break my foot. At the time I didnt realize it was broken, so when I woke up Sunday morning, I had to have the boyfriend take me to urgent care. Confirmed 2 breaks where the toes & foot meet. I am unable to put any weight on it for almost a month. I have crutches & an air boot for the foot.

It's very hard for me to do things for myself and I broke the right foot which means driving won't be possible for a little longer. My mom & boyfriend have set me up with food, ect and the boyfriend had been taking care of upkeep at the house (trash, dishes, ect). My roommate has been awesome too.

Work-wise, I lucked out. My boss was SUPER-Lenient and although they did not have to, they let me work from home Tuesday through Friday last week (i already had had Monday scheduled off) and I work from home today & tomorrow, going back to work Wed & Thurs. Friday I had previously taken off because its the day before my sister's wedding.

My poor sister has a maid of honor that HAS to be on crutches going down the aisle. Surprisingly she hasn't flipped out on me

So I have been giving lots of money to people who deliver me food or to pay for take out. Its worked out ok, because that was money I was supposed to use for a beach weekend that I missed this past weekend.

I am having insurance issues as my stupid insurance pays for copays/my responsibility out of an MRA acct automatically. I made a deal with the physical therapy people for my wrist for a $20/visit out of pocket. The insurance paid them the full amount because they cannot 'retract' the auto pays. So now I have to sort out an almost $400 refund from the PT place.

Which is MUCH needed as this insurance is horrible & I will owe the foot doc approx $300 out of pocket when all is said & done.

In other news, I have done REALLY well with my Nearly Free Christmas challenge. I updated totals on the side (or will in a few minutes if you read this right away!).

I also have been getting lots of freebies & have made a few small purchases for Christmas already

When I return to work, carrying bags will be impossible, so I will be buying lunch at the cafe, most likely. Given that, I adjusted this month's food/grocery budget accordingly.

Hope everyone is doing well. I plan on posting MUCH more regularly now. Wish you all well!

Work, health, family & all have been crazy lately. Things are up in the air in a lot of levels.

But here is a no-so-quick update.

I am up to between Swagbucks & Amazon trade-ins my Amazon account balance was $168.60. I also have $168.03 (this is from freebie sites/rebates/reinbursements). $336.90 total! And non came from my budget. Just alternate sources of income

I have paid for my bridesmaid dress out of cashflow (for my sister's wedding). I have $248.07 saved for this wedding - this is going to be for alterations, hair, makeup, mani/pedi, and the bridal shower. I am hoping to cashflow the rest

I have another wedding in May - I have a dress (that I used for a wedding 2 weeks ago - $39.99 from TJMax). We are staying at a B&B ($179). I already cashflowed the $70 deposit & am working to cashflow the rest (or earn it through extra incentives from banks and credit cards, ect).

I have a birthday coming up in April and am hoping to meet my Christmas goals so I can start saving Amazon $ for a new MP3 player. LOL.

I also am working on a very strict paydown plan of debt. I need goals that are more specific.

Additionally, I have been having some work issues & I am working on my resume to start looking for a new job. Fun, Fun.

In other news, we did a beach weekend with friends. We had a place to stay, but with food, cabs, drinks. I probably spent all of my entertainment budget from the 15th's paycheck. So I am going to have to finagle my budget around. Will be having some fun with that tomorrow night.

I have an $80 grocery budget this pay period. I spent $20 today, but am set on quite a few things, so I should be able to make it ok.

I also signed up for a card - Spend $500 in 3 months, get $100 bonus. So thats something

I am utilizing the libarary quite a bit for movies, cds, and hopefully getting back on track.

I have been keeping up with blogs & plan to post much more regularly!

free pasta bar samples
gnocci
cake pieces
bruscetta


I went to a wedding show today with my sister, mom & my sister's bridesmaid's. We ate lots of food and I took home a bunch of stuff:

1 cookie
2 pieces of cake to go
1 large cupcake to go
1 twizzler
5 mints
6 lifesavers
10 hershey kisses
1 reeses cup (full size)
6 pieces mini candy bars
2 pens
1 glasses cleaner cloth
1 photo keychain of my sister, mom & me
1 box mints
2 large bottles of water
2 reusable grocery bags
tons of coupons
3 hair care samples

Afterwards, my mom, sister and I went to finalize the bridesmaid's dress order. $152.00. So today would have been a no-spender if it weren't for the dress

I had to cancel my NYE Beach Trip due to the broken wrist. I was able to get a refund for the tickets and some friends offered to cook dinner and celebrate New Year's with us. I supplied $20 for wine and some of the food.

Today, we all went out to breakfast ($12) and was driven home. My mom picked me up at her place to get some of my gifts and to pick up the car.

I made some pasta salad and am now resting with my arm up. Tv time wth some light cleaning later! LOL

I have $40 of the expected $60 towards Christmas 2012 to deposit, along with the rent check.

I have been working on my rewards sites:

MyPoints - 8708 points with another 2500 pending. This will be close to $100 in gift cards.

Swagbucks - 467 points ($5 Amazon gc is 450 points)

Bing Points - 504 - (525 gets a $5 Groupon)

Inbox dollars - $8.98 (need $30 cash out)

Cashrate - $15.97 ($20 needed to cash out) with about $40 pending

Recyclebank - 350 points

MyCoke rewards - 62 points

I am reworking my 2012 budget and more specifically, my Jan 15th budget, which will include 3 unpaid days due to the wrist. Oh joy.

GM Saving Advice! Hope you all had a great holiday! I broke my wrist Christmas Day, but still had an awesome holiday!

Scored some great gifts - a Kindle, crockpot, books, a Lolita glass, touch screen gloves, fuzzy socks, candy, toiletries, vodka, joke notepads, and a $10 wawa gift card.

As for the wrist, I broke it playing with the Wave (a skateboard-like thingy) that I gave the nephew for Christmas. Ended up at Urgent Care $30 copay, $2.50 for meds. I still finished out Christmas after at my boyfriend's family dinner

Will be out of work 1 week, then work from home for 2. Work is being great, but since I am out of sick time, 2 days will be unpaid in 2011. so today, I am redoing January's budget.

I have been running around the last few weeks and am exhausted. At the same time, my house is a wreck and I want to get stuff done.

I am working today, but am hoping to be let out due to the holiday. My only goal for tonight is to deal with my to-do list. Getting a bulk of it done will make me more relaxed for the holiday craziness that will start tomorrow

So - behold, my to-do list! (amazingly - all CHristmas stuff is pretty much done!)

BEDROOM:
Pick up room
Change sheets
Clear nightstand
Clear Dresser
Gather Laundry
dust room
dust ceiling fan
vacuum
*Extras that can be done later:
Clean under bed storage
Organize closet
Organize dresser
Organize Jewelry
Organize wardrobe
Purge 50 items

UPSTAIRS BATH
Clear tub drain
Clear sink drain
ORganize toiletry stockpil
Put Stockpile Shamp/cond in shower for use
Put toiletries together to keep at boyfriend's house
Clean out makeup drawer
Scrub tub
Wipe down counter
Clean toilet
Wipe Baseboards
Scrub floor

UPSTAIRS HALL:
org hall closet
clean baseboards
wipe down doors
WD40 Hinges on doors
wipe stairs baseboards
Vacuum hall & stairs

LIVINGROOM:
Clean room
Organize all baskets
Dust all DVDS
CLean sofas
Vacuum sofas (De-cat hair)
organize bookcase
water/tend plants
dust room
dust ceiling fan
vacuum room
*Extras that can be done later:
clean out sliding door track
wash sliding door window

DOWNSTAIRS BATH:
Clear sink drain
organize under counter
clean toilet
clean counter
wipebaseboards
wash floor
*Extras that can be done later:
fix tp holder
touch up paint
redo baseboards

KITCHEN:
clean off table - DONE
remove watermark on table - DONE
organize pantry - DONE
organize tupperware - DONE
wipe counters/cabinets - DONE
wipe fridge - DONE
water/tend plants - DONE
wipe blinds - DONE
wipe window sill - DONE
wash cat food/waterbowls - DONE
run dishwasher - DONE
wipe baseboards
vacuum floor - DONE
scrub floors
*Extras that can be done later:
Fix chair leg
deep clean fridge/freezer

DOWNSTAIRS HALL:
organize hall closet
organize wine rack - DONE
wipe baseboards
vacuum hall carpet
vacuum entry floor
mop entry floor
wipe down doors

BASEMENT:
Wipe washer/dryer
empty trash (lint, ect)
clean catbox
vacuum basement floor
*Extras that can be done later:
Purge HOA folders sitting down there
Serious decluttering needs to happen

MISC TO DO:
mypoints
cashcrate
mysurvey
swagbucks
clear email
call dell about battery issue
12/30 finalized budget
2012 monthly budget
2012 debt payoff plan
plan for 2012 'free Christmas'
2012 Goals (Personal/financial/ect)
clean out purse
mani/pedi
laundry
*Extras that can be done later:
look into socket issues in upstairs bath
brush cats
trim claws

I got a letter from my trash company referring this Green website called Recyclebank. It lets you earn points for recylcling, pledging to do 'green' activities and actually is an interesting read.

If you're interested, I can give you a referral link - or just head to the site