Living Poor...Richly

You know that moment when you are like...I LOVE THIS!

2012-10-18T07:49:00.003-07:00

So I am really late to the game when it comes to ebates! Okay, I do swagbucks, mypoints and inbox dollars. I really didn't think I could add one more deal site to my resume. But...TA DA! This site pays cash. I usually spent $100 or more every 2 weeks at diapers.com

And with every season change I am constantly ordering the kiddos clothes online. Not to mention the holiday season is just around the corner and I do most of my shopping online. So why not earn a little cash back from it??

Most everyone has heard of ebates. I had - seen the commercial enough times to know it by heart ;)
But I finally did a little research. It turns out - this site is pretty legit. People do make decent extra money. Even stuff like groceries from peapod - or itunes orders. Almost anything you can think of - you can order through ebates and make cash back on it. That money adds up! They pay out via check by mail or your paypal account.

So I signed up - and I have already earned $14 dollars in less than a week just ordering the normal things I already order online.

Which brings me to a suggestion - don't go order crazy just because of ebates. Order items you normally would. Don't start ordering items online that have high shipping cost just to get your ebates cash back - because then you may actually be paying more than you are earning.

AND ALWAYS SEARCH FOR COUPON AND PROMO CODES! I never checkout before I do a swagbucks search. A lot of stores have free shipping codes. And with the holidays coming up you can bet there will be a lot of sales and discounts just waiting for us!! As hectic as it is - this is my favorite time of year! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's! I am in Holiday Heaven! :)

Ok - check out ebates. Its free to join! You can tailor it to your favorite stores. Just head to the site before you start shopping online at any time. Click the store link from ebates - and shop as you normally would. Your cash back is calculated on the ebates site regularly.

This is basically FREE MONEY! And it doesn't take decades to earn anything like some other sites. Nor do I have to trade in points for gift cards I forget to use half the time. This is cold hard CASH! Can't beat that.
Basically, I have found a new love and it's EBATES!

Restoring Our Faith in Humanity...One Slice at a Time??

2011-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

So I was driving into work the other day, and my favorite station was talking about "Random Acts of Pizza" and I am thinking...what the heck is that??! So I got online when I got to work, and swagged searched it ;). Turns out this is part of the site http://www.reddit.com/. Which is already a pretty cool site as it is. But now one of their sections is called "Random Acts of Pizza." It is basically where people post who could use a free meal, or who want to buy a free meal for someone. People pay to have pizza sent to one another, or give pizza egift certificates. Its actually a pretty awesome idea. People selflessly giving away food to someone who is hungry. It turns out, many people do it every day. And most people pay it forward.

While exploring reddit a bit more, I saw there was also a section to get assistance. Resources and information, as well as people willing to help one another out. Donating items no longer needed. Helping people with electric bills. And so much more.

The site is definitely worth exploring. We all fall on hard times. I know there have been days when I wondered what my family was going to eat for dinner. There is no shame, there really just seems to be a sense of acceptance and understanding.

Of course I am sure there are some people who take advantage of these kinds of things. But I truly believe it is a community, and if you have real needs...this may be a place to find help, advice or just an ear to listen.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Random_Acts_Of_Pizza/

http://www.reddit.com/r/Assistance/

Thanks BrothersPizzaCompany for image

Swag Bucks

2011-06-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

So I finally jumped on board this Swag Bucks train. The truth is I am a Google gal. But if simply using a different search engine can get me free stuff...I finally went for it...and signed up for free.

You get points aka Swag Bucks for all kinds of simple things. Earn then for referring friends, for uploading a photo, for watching videos and taking the daily toll. But the best part is, you can be rewarded Swag Bucks when you do a search online. I won 20 with my first search. And Friday is apparently the big day. Swag Buck rewards are higher...so TGIF.

You can download the toolbar free, and get more bucks. Its pretty simple stuff, and an easy way to earn rewards. I love anything that pays me for doing things I normally do anyway; like searching the web.

I will keep you updated on how Swag Bucks goes, and if I happen upon any Swag Bucks codes...I will share. But for now, I recommend you Sign Up and see what it's all about. Its actually a pleasant change, even for all of us Google guys and gals :)!

SWAG BUCKS

Oxi Clean Stain Fighter $1.49 @ Walgreens & More

2011-06-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Let me first say that Walgreens is my absolute fav! My local one has discount shelves at the end of half the aisles. I often can get a great deal on makeup or hair color when it's on the discount shelf. I just use one of my manufacturer's coupons, and often get the item for pennies.

This week I love the deal going on for Oxi Clean, so I had to go check it out. Oxi Clean Stain Gel Stick, Sprays, Gelpacks and Powder are all on sale for $2.99 each. You are saving at least $2 bucks right there, since usual retail price is $4.99+. Now, I have a stack of Oxi Clean coupons I have been saving...just waiting for an awesome deal. The coupons are $3.00 off any 2 Oxi Clean products. So I pay $5.98 before coupons. Take of $3 bucks and I am paying $2.98 total for 2 Oxi Clean products. That's $1.49 each. I love Oxi Clean. Its fresh, works great and helps remove the variety of stains my kids get on their clothes. So I stocked up!

I also stocked up on Illy coffee drinks. They are free this week. On sale for $2, and then you get $2 back in Register Rewards. (Walgreens offers deals with Register Rewards. These rewards print out as a coupon after your purchase. Then they can be used just like cash towards almost any item in the store.)

I bought 8 Illy drinks (you must do 8 separate transactions.) I got $16 in Register Rewards and then used the rewards to get 12 Oxi Cleans. And the drinks are awesome. It will save me money on my Starbucks budget ;)!

Lets talk a little more about Register Rewards. Each week Walgreens puts out a weekly sales ad. Almost always there is one item on sale you can get for free with Register Rewards. Meaning you pay the sale price, but get that amount back in Register Rewards. Usually its a limit of 1 per transaction. So if I had done all my Illy drinks in 1 transaction, I would have only received $2 in Register Rewards. So always read the fine print. Most cashiers are nice about doing multiple transactions. Try to go during off peak hours, like in the evening or during the work day.

Now you cannot use Register Rewards on the same deal and get more Register Rewards back. So if I bought 1 Illy drink and got $2 Register Rewards, then bought a second drink and paid with those Register Rewards...then I would not get $2 more in rewards. However, you can use Register Rewards towards separate deals and still get more Register Rewards. Lets say I took my $2 Register Rewards from my Illy drink I bought, and I used it towards Pantene that is on sale. Lets say Pantene is on sale for $4 and you get $1 in Register Rewards back. I can use my Illy Register Rewards towards my Pantene and I will still get my Pantene Register Rewards.

When dealing with Register Rewards, sale prices, coupons and more...I know it can get complicated. It takes a few weeks and a few shopping trips to really master Walgreens. But if you can do it, you will be astonished at your savings.

Simplified

Walgreens accepts manufacturer's coupons
Walgreens usually puts out a monthly booklet full of store coupons
Walgreens allows you to combine a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on any item
Walgreens offers great sale specials that give you low prices and often Register Rewards (money back to spend at Walgreens)
Walgreens almost always has discounted items - check throughout the store to find even greater deals

Here are just a few more awesome deals going on at Walgreens this week:

Hawaiian Tropic Suncare - Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Plus $1 off coupons from Sunday paper last month)
Kellogg's Poptarts - $1.99 - Use $1.00 off 3 coupon - Pay $4.97 for 3 boxes
Kellogg's Raisin Bran - $1.99 - Use 1.00 off 2 coupon - Pay $2.98 for 2 boxes
Orbit Gum - .69 cents w/Walgreens In Ad Coupon - Use $1.00 off 2 coupon - Pay 0.38 cents for 2 packs
Off Repellent - $3.99 w/Walgreens In Ad Coupon - Use 1 .75 cents off coupon - Pay $3.24
Folgers Coffee - $2.79 - use $1.00 off 2 coupon - Pay $4.58 for 2 canisters

And they have these adorable fashion tote bags on sale for $2.99. So check them out if you can...they are great for summer.

Rimmel & L'Oreal Makeup - $0.12 Cents!!!

2011-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for an awesome deal on cosmetics; and I found one over the weekend. I went to my local CVS and saw that a ton of Rimmel and L'Oreal Cosmetics where marked down 50%-75% off. I snagged 3 mascaras, 1 lipstick, 1 eyebrow pencil, 1 foundation and 1 eyeshadow and my total was $2.96!

Here's how I worked it. I had a ton of L'Oreal and Rimmel London makeup coupons. The Rimmel were the best, $1.00 off any item. I had a $2.00 of L'Oreal foundation coupon as well I used. So with the discount, most items where $1.24 to $1.24. Add $1.00 off manufacturer coupon, and that's paying $.12 cents for awesome name brand makeup.

The deal will last only as long as the makeup lasts. So check out the CVS's in your area to load up on your favorite cosmetics!

Free Pack of Oscar Meyer Hotdogs @ Safeway Today!!

2011-05-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

ACT NOW! Sale ends today!

Ok, So I had a ton of coupons for $1.00 off Oscar Meyer hot dogs. Safeway has them on sale right now for $1.99. Also, they have an in-ad coupon that will take the price down to .99 cents. Add in my $1.00 off coupon, and we are walking out the door with free hot dogs. Which is great, because summer is grilling season. You can freeze hot dogs, and have a good supply all summer long.

Here's how to do it. I had manufacturer's coupons. You guys know I stock up on coupons by visiting the many lovely recycle bins throughout my neighborhood. So I went into Safeway, I got 5 packs of Oscar Meyer hot dogs. I also grabbed a copy of the store ad. You only need one coupon. Once the in-store coupon is scanned, it will work on each item you have. So I may have 5 packs of hot dogs, but I also have to scan one in-store coupon to get the savings on all 5.

My Safeway has self-checkout (which I love.) It allows me to take my time, and make sure everything is ringing up properly. Cashiers are wonderful, but they go so fast. I don't want to miss something. Machines are not perfect, and they do make mistakes.

First I went ahead and scanned all my hot dogs. Then I scanned my 5 manufacturer's coupons. This took the hot dogs down to .99 cents each. Then I scanned one in store, and it took my total down to .12 cents (the tax.) It was important to scan my manufacturer coupons first. If I had done it the opposite way, I would have a .5 cent credit. Often the coupons won't go through, or the manager says they cannot do that no matter what the store coupon policy says. So I learn to pick my battles. Getting the hot dogs for free was good enough for me.

So if you have any of the $1.00 off coupons, hurry in to Safeway today.

A side note. Many of us also have the $1.00 off 2 Oscar Meyer hot dogs. These work great too. You can take the price of each pack of hot dog down to .99 cents each. Use 1 manufacturer coupon on 2, taking $1.00 off. You can 2 packs for .98 cents. That .49 cents a pack. Still an awesome deal!

Couponing Pt 2 - How Microsoft Excel Makes It Easy

2011-05-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

So I have my coupon binder. I also have master coupon list in an Excel document. And each week, I make an Excel worksheet for each individual store I shop. Below is an example of my Safeway list this week.

ITEM	SALE PRICE	COUPON	TOTAL	NOTES
Pepsi 2lt	$0.69		$.69 x 4	$2.76 total
Capri Sun	$1.79		1.79 x 2	$3.58 for 2
Corn	$1.98		$1.98	for 12 ears
Lucerne Shredded Cheese	$2.00		$2.00	spend $4.00
Safeway Drumsticks or Thighs	1.99lb		$9.95
Barilla Pasta	$0.99		0.99 x 2	$1.98 for 2
Wishbone Salad Dressing	1.19 w/sf coup	1.25 off 2	$1.13	for 2
Welch's Grape Squeeze	1.69 w/ SF coup	.55 cents off 1	$1.14	limit 6
Totinos Pizza Rolls	$1.00	.35 cents off 1	.65 cents x 4	$2.60 for 4
Totinos Party Pizza	$1.00	.50 cents off 3	$2.50	for 3
Sunny D	$1.00		$1.00
Safeway Fries	1.99 w/SF coup		$1.99	limit 4
Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs	.99 w/SF coup	1.00 off 1	$0.00	limit 5
Heinz Ketchup	1.69 w/SF coup	.25 cents off 1	$1.44	limit 2
Jack Daniels' Bbq sauce	$0.99	.55 cents off 1	0.44 x 2	.88 cents for 2
Safeway Buns/Rolls	.99 w/SF coup		.99 x2	$1.98 for 2
Vlasic Pickels	BOGO		$2.99	for 2
formula	$5.00		$5.00

And here's a look at a Walgreens one - and how I note Register Rewards

ITEM	SALE PRICE	COUPON	TOTAL	NOTES
Hawaiian Tropic	BOGO	1.00 off 1
Arm & Hammer Detergent	BOGO	1.00 off 2
Poptarts	$1.99	1.00 off 3	$4.97	for 3
Kelloggs Raisin Bran	$1.99	1.00 off 2	$2.98	for 2 boxes
Orbit Gum	.69 w/ Wal Coup	1.00 off 2	$0.38	for 2 packs - limit 4
Folgers	$2.79	1.00 off 2	$4.58	for 2
Campbells Chunky Soup	1.50 w/wal coup		$1.50	limit 4
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh	$2.50	1.00 off 2	$4.00	for 2
Oxi Clean Laundry Products	$2.99	3.00 off 2	$2.98	for 2 items
Palmolive	0.89 w/wal coup		$0.89
Walgreens Freezer Bags	.99 w/wal coup		$0.99
Off Repelent	3.99 w/wal coup	.75 cents off	$3.24
Fashion Tote Bags	$2.99		$2.99
Arm & Hammer Toothpaste	BOGO	1.00 off 1
Kids Aquafresh Toothpaste	.99 w/wal coup		$0.99
Illy Coffee Drinsk	$2.00		$2.00	get $2 Reg Rewards

So each week I go to the online ad for all my stores. Lets say today I am looking at Safeway. You can use the actual circular...whichever works best for you. I open my Master coupon excel list. This list is categorized just like my coupon binder. I update it regularly, so it accurately tells me what coupons I have.

Next I open last week's Safeway Excel list and delete everything but my headers. I start fresh each week. No need to have 100 old Safeway lists on your desktop.

So I have 3 things going right now. My Safeway Excel sheet, my Master Excel sheet and my online Safeway ad. So I begin to browse what is on sale. If I find an item on sale I use or would like to try, I go to my Master list and see if I have a coupon for it. If I do not, I do a Google search to make sure there are no printable coupons available. If there are no coupons to go along with the sale price, I would typically not get the item or add it to my list. However, if the sale price alone is an incredible deal...I add it.

I put the item name in column 1 of my Safeway Excel list. Column 2 is the sale price. Column 3 lists any coupon I have for that item. Then I use a calculator to total what my price paid will be with sale price, coupons, etc.

Notes are really important as well. If a sale item is limited, say I can only buy 3...I note that. If I plan on buying multiple of that item, I note that as well. As you get the hang of this system, you will realize what is important to notate.

This system is not for everyone. Some people prefer to hand write their lists. Others head to the store with their coupons and browse around for deals. Some people write lists on envelopes and place the coupons they need inside. Couponing is about what works for you...I cannot stress that enough. You are not just budgeting your money here, you are budgeting your time. So you have to find a system you can master. One you enjoy using. A system that saves you money and time.

My system works for me. When I go into a store, I have my coupon binder and my Excel list. I also take extra time to browse the aisles and the discount bins. Many stores have unadvertised sales, and you can get amazing deals.

Also, always pick up a store ad when you go inside. I use it as a reference. Sometimes sale items are not marked.

Lastly, be prepared to alter your shopping list and maybe even your budget....a little. Stores do run out of items, especially sale items. Don't ever be afraid to ask for a rain check on a sold out sale item. Most stores offer rainchecks. And if you find an incredible unadvertised deal, grab it if you have the money to do so.

Bottom line...shop smart. I always plan ahead, and plan for the unexpected. Find your own system and strategy, or use mine (it does work).

We will get even deeper into couponing in part 3 ;)

Couponing Part 1 (Not for the Extremist) ;)

2011-05-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here's my beef with extreme couponing. Its unrealistic. The TLC show is fun to watch, but it is not real every day life. Those shopping trips have taken weeks of preparation to do. Remember...this is all for the cameras. Most couponers do their couponing on a much smaller scale. I really one woman broke down how many hours she devotes to each part of her extreme couponing. I started wondering when she spent time with her kids, husband or friends? You don't want to be so extreme that other areas of you life fall away. Remember what is most important. We coupon to have a better life...not to have no life at all.

First rule: You will never get every deal, nor do you need every deal. Just because you can get shampoo this week for .22 cents...does not mean you need to get it. Especially if you already have 10 bottles in your linen closest. Couponers need to know when to walk away. Do not consume your house with items. There shouldn't be stacks of cans underneath your kid's bed. I mean to each his own, but you are seriously interested in couponing...you can go the normal route or the extreme route.

I personally devote about 10 hours a week to couponing. Sometimes a little more depending on what sales are going on. Like right before Memorial Day we know that meats, condiments and buns are going on sale.

So if you are a total coupon newbie, please stop and take a breath. You will be overwhelmed by all the coupon sites, blogs, advice and more. Google extreme couponing and you might have a small panic attack.

I am not an extremist. But I do find awesome deals, and I do shop smartly. Here's how...

First, you want to understand that most deals do not work unless an item is on sale and you have a manufacturer coupon for it. Or if you have a manufacturer coupon and an in-store coupon. So let's say Charmin Toilet Paper is on sale. The 6 Big Roll pack for $4.00. And you also have a coupon for $1.50 off any Charmin toilet paper. Total price paid will be $2.50 (plus app. taxes of course.)

Another example. Your store has an in-ad coupon (found in the store weekly circular or something online) for Pine Sol $1.99. And you have a manufacturer coupon for $.55 cents off Pine Sol. Well then your price paid drops down to $1.44. BUT WAIT!! If your store doubles coupons...then your price paid actually drops to $0.88 cents!

Many stores double coupons up to .99 cents. My local Giant, Safeway and Harris Teeter do. On occasion, the store has triple coupon days (totally awesome.) When a store doubles, that means any coupon you have under .99 cents will be doubled. So your savings double. It took me a bit to master this. To know which stores do what. Every store and every region is different. You should look up your local store's coupon policy online...or better yet just give them a call for the most up to date answer.

The best coupons are in your Sunday paper for the most part. I know many couponers buy 30 or more papers per week, but I think that wastes a lot of paper and takes a lot of money away from their overall savings. I get 1-2 papers each week. I then take the kids on walks and bike rides. Along the way I stop at one of the 20+ recycle bins throughout my neighborhood and grab discarded coupon inserts. Its actually fun. An adventure. You never know what you will find. Many offices have recycle bins as well. Some people even volunteer at their local recycling plant. Or a fun idea is to get coupon buddies. I advertise on craigslist and got several of them. We send an envelope out each week to one another full of coupons we don't need. It's a win win.

I store my coupons in a binder by category. Some people do it by expiration date. Some use a coupon organizer they carry around. And really it doesn't matter how you sort and store your coupons, as long as you do it the best way that works for you. For tips on how to create an awesome coupon binder, check out The Krazy Coupon lady. I love her.
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/09/24/how-to-start-your-coupon-binder-this-ones-for-you-kathie-lee/

But like I said...find a way that works for you. I went through a few different methods of couponing before I master what works for me.

On Sundays, I usually spend about 2 hours clipping coupons. If you kids are old enough to help, ask them. Or have your significant other or best girl friends. Get together for wine and a movie. Clip while you chat. Or have the kids read a book to you while you clip. There are ways to get clipping done without missing out on family time.

Mondays during lunch, I usually organize my coupons. I have a sandwich at my desk and get to work on my coupons. I save money, because I don't go out for lunch. I am not missing any key time with family or friends. Plus its usually pretty quiet around my office at lunch time. I can concentrate and get a lot done.

Throughout the week I plan, and I also keep a lookout for any online coupons. Most sites allow you to print 2 coupons per computer.

I usually get my shopping down late in the week. I have a Walgreens & CVS right near my job, so sometimes I go over during lunch or right after work and snag the great deals. And I try to do one big grocery shopping trip a month. Then each week I only have smaller trips to make. I usually stop on Friday as I head home.

The point is not to make couponing your life. I don't go to every store. My top 4 are usually Walgreens, CVS, Giant and Safeway. I get amazing deals. I find Target gets too complicated. And even with sale price and coupons, often their items are still priced way out of my budget. I also go to Wal-Mart when I can. But its harder to plan since most prices and deals are not advertised.

So, grab the paper this weekend. Check out http://www.coupons.com/ for great printable coupons. And get an organization system down that works for you. Then we will move on to Part 2 of Couponing :)

I'm Addicted

2011-05-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

I was thinking the other day about some of the biggest money wasters. I mean times we literally throw money away. The worst our feeding into our addictions. We pay for convenience. We give in to temptation. We get lazy as hell. I do it. I actually very addictive personality. I cannot try anything just once. Probably one of the main reasons I never tried any hard drugs; I just never wanted to go down that road.

In order to curb our addictions, we first need to identify them.

Smokers! I have been an off again/on again smoker since I was 18. Stupid...stupid...stupid! You know how much I have spent on cigarettes since I first started smoking? Over $10,000 dollars!!! Its true. Around $5 bucks a pack, going through a pack a day for 8 years on and off. I mean $10,000 could have been a down payment on a house. Or I could have bought a car out right. It shows me that in 8 years I could have saved $10,000 dollars if I just put $5 a day into savings instead of into cigarettes. So really think about that. Sit down and do the math yourself.

If you have been a smoker for 20 years, you've spent $36,400 dollars.

30 years, you've spent $54,600 dollars.
50 years and you have spent $91,000 dollars.

I started playing a game with myself. I quit cold turkey and started putting $5 a day into savings. If your brand was $4 or $3 bucks, you could do that too. The point is to find that money like you would if you wanted a pack of cigarettes. Put it into savings, and pretend its gone just like the pack you would have smoked. If you are 20 years old, and you did just that until retirement age (65) you would save over $80,000 dollars plus interest in you keep it in a savings account.

So you and I both know the health risks. If you smoke, odds are you won't make it to 65. But if you quit, and you save...you could be looking at a pretty sweet retirement.

Sometimes if we sit back and really look at the figures and the facts...we realize it's not worth it. It's just not.

Ummm Excuse Me...I Asked for Medium Well!

2011-05-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

My mother says I am a serial complainer. Well I am...sort of. But I have some making up to do because for years I left so much unsaid.

I am talking bad food, bad service, the wrong order, a long wait, the wrong change...I could on and on. I cannot tell you how many restaurants and fast food chains I have dined at, and had bad food or service. I can be picky. I like my chicken sandwich a certain way. No one ever seems to listen. 9 times out of 10, my chicken sandwich is wrong. Now if I am paying $5 to $10 bucks for a darn chicken sandwich; well I expect it to be right. But when it wasn't, yes I sent it back. Or sometimes if I went to the drive thru, I'd get home and be all pissed. But mostly I was mute. Sure, I moaned and groaned to whoever was within hearing range. Just didn't take the next step.

Here's a little secret. Restaurants want your feedback. And managers want to please us. They want us to come back. Almost every restauant across the country has a website. So go on it some time, dolls. It is amazing what we've been missing out on.

First, if you have a complaint...then let them know. Most websites have a link at the bottom titled "Contact Us." Use this link to let the restaurant know what they did wrong. Always do this. I have complained about a meal I had 3 weeks ago. Now you don't want to push it. Only issue a complaint for a recent purchase (say the last month or so) and make sure the complain is legiment. If you are complaining just to get a free meal, then you are stealing. And you are giving that restaurant an unfair rep.

So if you have a real complaint or concern, let them know. It can pay off big. In the last year, I have issued complaints to a handful of restaurants.

McDonalds - My chicken sandwich was wrong. I complained. Received $5 in McDonald's bucks in the mail.

Wendys - I went there late. Hey they were open. Maybe they shouldn't have been. The fries were cold and nasty. My sandwich was as tough as a brick. I complained. Received 2 coupons in the mail, each for a free combo.

Outback - My favorite place in the world, let me tell you. Usually really good service. But a few times I got carryout, my steak was not cooked correctly. One time I got no bread (I LOVE THEIR BREAD) and on occasion my mushrooms were cold (Just ewe.) So one night when my order was not up to par, I finally complained. I received an apology email from the local manager, and a gift certificate in the mail worth $45 bucks.

Pizza Hut - It was wing Wednesday, and we wanted some wings. I placed the order online and was given an estimated wait of 1 hr for delivery. An hour later I called to check the status. The guy told me it was on it's way and then hung up on me. A half an hour later, I called back and asked for the manger. My $20 order went down to $11 bucks. And my pizza and wings finally arrived another 15 mins later. Apparently wing Wednesday is a popular night.

So...this is about standing up for yourself as a consumer. I have probably spent a small fortune at McDonald's throughout the years. So if my order is wrong, I feel I deserve a complimentary meal on them. And most restaurants feel that way too. They messed up, and they want to make it right. I will say that holds true for most places. But there are exceptions. I have issued complaints to Popeyes and Starbucks before...never heard a peep.

Now its not all about the bad. I strongly recommend you go leave the compliments too. Often you will be placed on their mailing list, and receive great coupons via email or snail mail. Plus, if a restaurant really does an awesome job...you should tell them. It helps motivate them to continue providing excellent customer service.

Let me also recommend coupons. Just last week IHop had a half page of coupons. One was buy 1 meal, get 1 free. So when a friend said she wanted to grab a bite, I suggested (drum roll please)...IHop! We got a $10 meal, got one free and split the cost of the second. I walked out paying $7 bucks for a really great meal. We both saved...so it's a win win. And who doesn't love those friends who are not interested in the coupon. I am happy to hop on their bandwagon. If they want to pay full price, by all means do so. I am going to hand my coupon right over and walk out of there paying nothing but the tip.

Now there is big talk about the site Restaurants.com. In truth, they are pretty awesome. It just rarely works for me. The restaurants listed in my area are usually ones I have never heard of or be a patron of. Some are way out of my price range, discount or not. This is definitely not the site for fast food lovers either. But, it does work for many. You can sometimes get incredible deals. But make sure they are restaurants you frequent. They should be ones you enjoy and can afford. Don't buy just because there is a great deal. You may get their and find out their cheapest entree is $40 bucks! So be smart about it. If you find a great deal on an unfamiliar restaurant, take a moment to research the place. Most have online menus and pricing. I check the site regularly. If a deal comes up like a $25 dollar Outback gift card for $3 bucks...well I will probably be buying 10 of them. Most never expire. So if you find the right deal for you, go for it.

People also talk a lot about Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com. Another case where you can get great deals. It all comes down to your own personal interests. You will usually get 1 email a day annoucing that day's deal. They are local deals. For Groupon, you may see a deal for 2 movie tickets for $11 bucks. If ten people take the deal, you all get the savings. Living Social has a daily deal that you can take advantage of. Usually half price massages or a dozen cupcakes half off. Sites like this tend to annoy me to be honest. I guess they are just not for me. I have maybe gotten 2 or 3 great deals from using these sites. I guess the problem is the deals are in no way tailored to me. I don't have time or interest in ballroom dancing, or expensive massages or cliff diving. I know many people do have these interests. But I find most of the deals are for people with a bit higher budget than mine. You have to judge for yourself. Sign up freee and watch your email for the next couple of weeks. Maybe you are rolling in deals and loving every minute of it. But maybe not. Either way, it doesn't really hur to get the emails. You never know when a great deal may come your way :)

For me, being on a budget felt like it would suck the fun out of life. I love to dine out. So when I can go it for free, I jump all over it. I love restaurants where kids eat free. I try to take advantage of every opportunity I can, so that being on a budget does equal zero social life. And I really want you to know you don't have to give up on eating out altogether either. Of course you may want to cut back if you are eating out every day. But you can treat yourself and your family; and do it smartly. So hit the town sometimes. You deserve it. Just don't pay an arm and a leg to do so.

Starting Simple...Baby Steps, People ;) Part Uno

2011-04-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

You know there is a lot of articles out there on ways to save. But most of them are crap. First off, I am not going to completely give up cable. Netflix is great, but its not the same. Netflix does not replace cable for me. But...for some its an awesome option. If you watch very little TV, or not alot of current TV...go for it. Netflix is $8 bucks a month for unlimited movies and television shows. I need my cable (ok I want my cable), but I also have Netflix. And if you only want Netflix, cut the other channels. Basic cable can run $30 bucks a month or less. Ok, so my whole big fabulous point is, most articles talk about saving in drastic ways. I am going a much simpler route. Small ways to save...small steps. Saving without feeling like you have giving up extra luxury, treat, want and desire. My theory is...live poor richly. Now live poor...well poorly. So lets start simple with tips to have you save...wheeeeeeee :)

I plan to dedicate a whole entry to cellphones. But here's a little tidbit. I use to pay $150-$200 bucks a month on a family plan. All because I want a cool phone...blah blah blah :P! So I decided to invest that $200 one month into a nice phone, got a month-to-month plan....and I pay $30 for web, talk and text. HELLO!!! So you still have one of the hottest phones, but you pay pennies a dollar a day for it.

Coupons is a whole notha entry itself as well...but use them!!

Ok, I should not even have to list to pros to carpooling; but I will. You are paying usually 1/4 the gas you did before. You don't have to be that angry driver sitting in traffic everyday. Ummm...the environment. Less pollution. I'd think we'd all like to see this Earth last. Many places allow carpoolers to drive in the HOV lanes, which saves time and gas. You can make new friends, get to know your co-workers better. If you pay tolls, you are only paying a percentage of what you paid before. And there is less wear and tear on your own car. If you paid to park, you are just cut that cost down. Lets look at me for example.

Per month I was paying:

$70 - Parking Garage

$75 - Gas (for commute to work and back)

= $145

Carpooling with 3 other people I pay per month:

Parking Garage - $17.50

Gas - $20 (for commute to work and back)

= $37.50

Need I really say more??! Plus less wear and tear on your car increases the value. Maybe you could actually trade it in one day, and get an even sweeter ride!

Shop around, and find off brands that work for you. Safeway brand diapers are awesome. And I pay usually half what I would for Pampers or Huggies. I only buy brand name items when I have a coupon. Otherwise, I always go off brand. Did you know most off brands are made by the same companies as brand names? They come out of the same warehouse. They just don't pay for the advertising. Basically when you buy brand name, you are getting just that...paying for a name. Stores like Safeway, Wal-Mart, Target, Giant and CVS (to only mention a few) have a whole line of off brand items. Toilet paper, medicines, beverages, pasta sides, oatmeal, cereal....on and on. I love Coke. But Coke coupons are a rarity. Last week my Safeway had a sale on their 12pk Cola products. I got 4 cases of Diet Cola at $1.88 each. And as avid Coke drinker and lover, I could not tell the difference. Neither can most.

When I say Dollar Store, what comes to mind? Many of us think cheap. I mean it is. I would not recommend getting clothing there, batteries or baby wipes (bad experience with the dollar store wipes, it was like trying to wipe the baby with a brillo pad...so we said bye bye to those.) But there are savings worth taking advantage of. I often use the Dollar Store for stocking stuffers at Christmas time, or Easter basket fillers. 100% of the time I get gift bags there. Please do not spend $5 on a gift bag. It is almost always used only once. Its basically $5 bucks down the drain. My local dollar store has a huge selection of gift bags, and I will never pay more than a dollar for one again. Now do not get personal care items here, I do not recommend that either. You can get great toothpaste and toiletries at your local grocery store or pharmacy for a dollar or less (just work the coupon/sale system). But there is no reason you cannot stock up on dollar store paper towels, cups, plates, party decor, cleaning supplies and more. You can be that person who always decorates and makes a festive theme for parties; and everyone will wonder how you do it.
Also most Dollar Stores have a pretty good selection of toys. It's fun to give a kid $5 bucks, and let them loose in the dollar store. To get 5 things to them is like hitting the jackpot.
Beware though. Make sure your Dollar Store is really a dollar store. Some call themselves a dollar store, but have items for $2, $3, $5 bucks and higher. So shop smartly.

Gym memberships. Now here's the thing, I would never say give up your membership. But the truth is most memberships do run $40 a month or more. Plus extra for different classes. One thing you might consider is if you have a gym at work. If so, utilize that. You can work out for free! Would it really kill you to come in 30 mins early, or cut your lunch break short to work out. Even stay after work. I mean if you can save $40 a month or more, why not go for it! Or you can see if you have a local community center or YMCA. My daughter loves to ice skate, swim, dance and workout. I love to workout and hit the pool. I joined my local community center (paid the discounted in-county fee) of $78 bucks. So I know that sounds like a lot. But here's how I actually save. For one, the community center is right across the street. I no longer spend any gas heading up the highway to my local gym. Second, most classes are no extra charge. And I have complete access to the gym, dance room, ice rink, swimming pool and in-door beach....for all my family. $78 covers us all. So instead of paying separate gym fees for me and my boyfriend, daycare fees for the kids while we work out, class fees, gas money and so on...I pay a flat $78 and it works for us. And you find even better deals. Many YMCAs based membership fees on your income. Check around, you may be surprised the community programs and centres out there.

Pictures. Simple one. Use your digital camera, upload to your computer and use sites like Snapfish.com to get your prints. They usually have great deals, and 20 free prints when you sign up. Free shipping deals and you can create unique gifts using your photos. Or make a whole album. Bottom line, you you get 100 prints for $20 bucks or less...verses what you pay in most stores for developing.

Electric bills. I am not going to go too deep into this, because we all no the harsh truth. Electricity is expensive. And if you pay for it, you have to learn to cut back. And even you don't pay for it, saving electricity is something that should be a part of all our daily lives. Unplug appliances when not using them Turn off lights when no one is in the room. Fan or AC...pick one, you all. You don't need both unless your menopausal (then have all the air you need, girlfriend.) Turn the TV and radio off when no one is using them. Pre-treat laundry stains, so your clothes only need one wash cycle. Turn the heat and AC off when no is home. Its nice to come home to a cool house, but its much nicer to save money every month. You can only invest in new windows that better insulate to save money. Go Green. Get energy saving light balbs when they are on sale, and stock up. They last longer and use less. You really can't beat that.

I always turn my car off when I am idle. It does save gas!!! Long wait at the drive thru...turn it off. Waiting for your hubby to come out of the store....turn it off. Longest red light in town...turn it off.

Coffee. This is a big one for me. I simply cannot function without coffee. I use to go to Starbucks and spent $4.79 on a venti coffee frap w/extra coffee. Now I spend $5 bucks on a can of coffee at the grocery store. I make it, ice it and drink it. And if I am out, I hit my local convenience store (7-11 in my area.) They have a large iced coffee for $1.49. So let's just look at this for a second...I use to get a frap at least 3 times a week.
So per month I was spending $57.48. O...to the M...to the G!!
Now 1 to 2 cans from the store last me all month. And possibly 5 iced coffees purchased a month. That all runs me about $17.45 a month (even less when coffee is on sale or I have a coupon.) Cutting back and changing my habits on just one thing, and I saved over $40 bucks a month. I mean I was paying $5 freaking dollars for coffee and ice!!! And we all do it. Do you see the insanity, people. I was out of control. I thought Starbucks and I had something serious...but Starbucks was f'ing me over. It was time to breakup ;) Still...once in a while (like 3 times a year) I falter, and I go see my ex. I spend the $5 bucks and I savor the moment. Then back to reality LOL. Point being, no one is saying you can never treat yourself to an old favorite. Just make sure you have a new and much cheaper favorite that your frequent the most. Often I just put my homemade coffee drink into one of my Starbucks cups. So I walk around sipping for about 1/4 what everyone else with that Starbucks cup paid.

Movies. Back to my original thought...Netflix. Still, we all love to go to the movie theater. So go Sunday morning. Matinee pricing is sometimes half of what a regular movie ticket costs. And sneaks some darn candy or something in your purse. I forbid you to spend any money at the concession stand. Its ridiculous. Also, if you are lucky enough to live near a discount theater...go. When I was in Georgia, we went to the $1 theater and saw The Princess and the Frog. It was probably 3 months after it had come out, but it was still just as fun. Regular theaters around here are $11 bucks a ticket. So I just saved $20 dollars right there. So google discount theaters or check your local phone book. You could be right down the street from one and never even knew it.

So I pretty much bought lunch out every day at work for a long time. Most of my co-workers did as well. One told me, he always budgeted an extra $200 a month for eating out every day. $200!!!! Reality check time. I would go to Cosi and get a $10 Chicken Caesar salad. I would grab some Five Guys, a burger, fry and drink ran me 9 bucks and some change. Of course the food is good. Its quick, and its hot and fresh. I was being idiot! I could have good food, hot and fresh and not spend $10 dollars a day. A head of lettuce costs $2 dollars at my local Safeway. I can make a good 4-5 salads from that. Grilled up some chicken breasts, season and store in the fridge. Stock on a shredded cheese, usually $1.88 when on sale. For around $8 dollars I just got enough food for at least 5 lunches. Now I like variety as well. I started making a little extra certain nights for dinner. If we were having lemon pepper chicken and rice, I know that saves and travels well. So I make extra. At least enough for one lunch, sometimes two. As I am serving up dinner plates, I also go ahead and plate my Tupperware containers for the next two lunches. In the morning I can just grab and go. I also watch for awesome deals on TV dinners. On sale and with a coupon you can sometimes get them for $2 bucks. And I am talking the good ones, not the $1 banquets. Stoufers, Marie Calender's, Lean Cuisine, Hungry Man. You can stock up and save.

Lastly for Part Uno, I want to talk about our cable again. When I first moved, I ended up with Cox cable. I had Comcast cable before. Cox offered me their rebate special, $300 cash back for signing up. A few months later I gave them a call to ask if they had any other special rebates or offers going on. They did. I could lock in my pricing for 2 years and get $100 dollars cash back. So I did it. It was a win win. My rate can not increase for 2 years, and I got $100 bucks cash. So then I told my friend to give them a call. She had been a Cox customer for years and had just renewed for another year. Turns out she could get the rebate deal as well, and received $100 dollar check in the mail. Moral of the store is...ask. Always ask. Anywhere you go, any service you sign up for. There are unadvertised deals and rebates happening all the time. I make it a point to give Cox a call every 6 months and ask. It doesn't hurt, and it has only helped me so far. Stores have unadvertised deals. Cellphone companies. Cable companies. Internet providers. Rental companies. You gotta speak up.

So just for this blog, lets tally up the possible savings.

3 movies out a month for 2 $66.00

3 matinees a month for 2 $36.00

3 movies out a month at the dollar theater $6.00

Netflix unlimited movies right to your television $8.00

So a $60 dollar difference between the least and most expensive option.

Cellphone Family Plan for 2 $179.00 (plus tax, fee, overages, etc)

A month-to-month plan for 1 $30

Month-to-Month for 2 $60.00

Month-to-Month for 3 $90.00

Month-to-Month for 4 $120.00

So a $149 savings between the least and most expensive option.

Carpooling we looked at. a drastic $107.50 savings.

Jumbo Pack Pamper Diapers $19.99

Jumbo Pack of off brand diapers $10.99

A $9 savings example for buying off brand items.

Planning a party? You could spend:

$30 - decorations

$10 - plastic cups, plates, silverware

$15 - gift bags and wrapping paper

$5 - napkins or paper towels

= $60.00

Or you can spend at the Dollar Store:

$8 -decorations (8 items)

$3 - Plastic cups, plates & silverware

$4 - gift bags (4 presents)

$2 - 2 packs of napkins

= $17.00

Gym membership $40
Use the free gym at work $0

Picture developing, you could spend $8 for 24 prints or $8 for 40 prints.

Budgeting for lunch, I got to a point where I was spending about $1.50 a day. I use to spend $10. $200 a month!! Now I spend $30 or less!! That is a $170 dollar savings.

When I stopped heading to Starbucks, I saved $40 a month easy.

And in the last year I have become so much more aware of my electricity use. We are talking $30 dollars a month in savings or more.

Also, I got a great deal with my cable package. I pay $150 for Internet, phone and TV. I also locked in that rate for 2 years, and got $400 dollars in rebates. So basically they paid for my service for almost a full 3 months! And if you aren't a big TV buff, cut down to basic. Add Netflix and you could be paying $38 a month. Saving $112 dollars off what I pay. Ok, I am jealous now ;)

You want to know the grand total in savings $768.50. I was a little taken aback by that. Of course, not every step works for everyone. You won't be planning a party every month, or developing pictures every month. But most of us do drive to work, or use public transportation each day. We eat out at lunchtime, we go to Starbucks. Most of us work out at the gym. We catch a movie on Saturday night, and everyone including my grandma has a cellphone. And we often shop on a weekly basic, spending a lot more on name brand stuff that we can get sometimes 50% cheap if we went for the off brand. This is about small changes that save big money. Even if you only saved half of the total possible savings, that's $384.25 a month. One third is $256.16. One fourth is $192.12. I mean who couldn't use an extra $200 a month or more. Heck, 1/8 of the total is $96 bucks!! So you can save...sometimes a little, sometimes alot! And this is just the beginning.

The truth is we have all heard saving tips before...but we don't utilize them. Then we complain how broke we are, or how we have no savings and our credit cards are maxed out. It does discipline. We go the extra step. But if that extra step can save us over $700 dollars...I'd walk 10 miles (forget one step)!!

My bff magazine, Cosmo has this fun section where it states the habit, the cost and what you could have bought with that money. So borrowing their idea a bit; here's a few reality checks.

Eating lunch out every day $200 a month

You could have got in 1 month A Ten Piece Stainless Steel Emerilware Cook Set

In 3 months you could have got an iPhone 4

In 6 months you could have got 40 pairs of shoes

In 12 months you could have got an all expense paid trip for a family of 4 to Disney World for 5 days!!

Retail Prices...I Think Not!

2011-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

A fact...we all get lazy. But that is pretty understandable considering the fast pace life most of us live. Work, kids, school, sports, fitness, romance; yada yada yada. So we find the areas we can be more lax in. This is hurting our pockets. Often we place an online order, plug in our CC number and hit submit. STOP!! You could be missing big savings. When I need to purchase something online, I first make a list of the items I need.

Example:

2 Summer dresses

3 pairs of flip flops

1 belt

Then I go to my good buddy Google. For this particular list I would do a search for women's fashion. Let's say the first site that pops up is Fashion Bug. I click, I browse and I fall in love with a few items. Add them to my cart and checkout. What did I do wrong? Well...almost everything. When Google first brings up my results for women's clothing, I make list number 2. List the top clothing sites that come up.

Example:

Fashion Bug

JC Penny

Kohl's

Old Navy

Nordstrom

Victoria Secret

Now for the next stage of our savings plan. New Google search. This time for coupon codes. Do this for each store.

Example: coupon codes for JC Penny.

Or go to one of my favorite sites http://www.retailmenot.com/ that keeps a complete list of coupon codes for almost every store imaginable.

Lets move on to our 3rd and final list. Write down the best coupon code for each store. Do a comparison then go check out the store with the best coupon deals. Find the clothes you love then it is checkout time. Apply your coupon code during checkout and see your instant savings.

Now you may find nothing you like at the store with the best coupon codes. And you should not settle for a dress you hate. So go to option B, the store with the next best coupon code. You shop around and find the best deal. It does take time. But it can equal huge savings.

Some great codes I have seen are FREE SHIPPING, 10% OFF, $2.99 SHIPPING, 30% OFF
You don't know what deals are out there unless you look.

Another thought. Shop online as much as you can. You get great deals and special online pricing. There is usually way more selection as well. Stores want you to shop online, and they are willing to offer great discounts and awesome deals to get you to do so.

Now some of us, discount or not...we refuse to pay retail. I am proud to say I regularly shop at the local Goodwill and go online to Craigslist.com. You would be amazed the deals you can score at consignment shops. Brand names, most items in great condition. If I have a $30 dollar clothing budget, I can go to Wal-Mart and maybe get 3 outfits with that. Or I can go to Goodwill and possibly get 10. Items range from $1 to $3...some $5.

Or for bundle deals, I am always searching craigslist. Last winter I got 70 outfits...yes 70!!! I paid $50 bucks. A woman was selling all the clothes her daughter had outgrown. They were well taken care of, many were name brand and there was a ton of variety. You can't beat that.

The key is planning ahead. You know summer is around the corner. You are going to need new summer clothes, shoes and so on. Start looking now. Check out craigslist and head over to your local consignment shop. Or better yet, plan a year in advance. I often find amazing deals on clothing, decorations, shoes and more when I shop out of season. Come September those $10 flip flops will be marked down to $4 dollars. In January those Christmas decorations will be half what you would have paid a month earlier. Come November...stock up!! Halloween costumes are usually half price. Buy the next size up. If you find a really good deal, buy costumes for the next 2 or 3 years!

A lot of this we all already know. We just don't do it! But retail is expensive. It just is. So we have to find a way to beat the system.

I was lazy for years. I walked right back clearance racks. Nowadays I can't wait to get to the clearance section. We do have to humble ourselves a bit. You would be pleasantly surprised to see how many of the best dressed people around town did it on a budget.

So do not pay retail. When shopping online, always find the best deals, promos and coupon codes. You should almost never have to pay shipping. There are promo codes for free shipping all the time. Stock up and plan ahead. You don't want to impulse shop. That is when you make mistakes and end up broke. You have to hunt out the deals. I love thrift shops and consignment shops. And there is not a day I do not check craigslist. There is a Free section where people give away everything under the sun. But there are cheap deals to be found including furniture, clothing, electronics, games, toys, fitness equipment and more. Just use caution. I never go buy anything from anyone without a buddy system. Or I choose to meet that person in a public place. I only do cash transactions. I never divulge information about myself besides a first name. I have never had a bad experience, but it also pays to be cautious.

Last note. I am a shopaholic. It truly is therapy for me. But doing is the smart way is just as much fun. In fact, I get more for my money. More stuff equals more happy! So do not think you are depriving yourself. I am telling you to get out there and shop. Just save too.

A Few Sites I love that allow you to spend smartly

http://15dollarstore.com/ (Everything is seriously only 15 dollars)

http://www.chicstar.com/ (I always check out there Sale section. Hot sales at great prices)

http://www.zappos.com/ (LOVE THEM! Check out there complete Sale section for great deals)

Break Down

2011-04-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

I wish my situation was unique. But its not. The truth is too many of us live paycheck to paycheck. Bills get behind. Groceries deplete. We run our gas tanks on empty. I have more than once washed my clothes in the bathtub because I had no money to wash them elsewhere. I have taken out payday loans and sold too many things at the Pawn Shop. I have called off work because I had no gas to get there. I have written bad checks to get groceries in the house. Closed bank accounts because I was so far in the negative. I have had nights where I ate bread and butter for dinner. Cellphones turned off for weeks at a time. I was drowning.

I will be the first to admit I have not always been great with money. I budget poorly. But I am learning. I hated the fact that I would work hard all week, but could not afford to get an ice coffee every day. It was a small thing. A luxury. But I just wanted to be able to pay all my bills, fill the fridge and the tank and still be able to treat myself or my children from time to time. So maybe I could not completely change my desire to have more. But what I found was that I got more...if I did it wisely, I wouldn't be broke every week! I could make it until the next payday. I could even find that extra cash to put into savings. Because we all struggle at times, but it shouldn't be extra day. Life should be enjoyable. We work hard. Shouldn't we get some reward for it?!

So we all know there are ways to save. But too often we don't utilize them. Couponing is a big one. Now I do not claim to be an extremist. You can google extreme couponing and find a thousand sites. Some are totally easy...some more confusing than their worth. Couponing takes a lot of time, patience and effort. You will not become an expert overnight no matter what some sites may claim. You will not have a stockpile within a month. So as a real mom and a real couponer I can teach you what I know. Its on a smaller scale than the extremists. When I tried to go extreme I started lacking in other areas of my life (work and family time.) Some people can do it all. But I had to scale down my couponing and still save hundreds. Which I did. And I can teach you how to do it as well.

There is also a ton of information out there about saving money. Many sites like Groupon and Living Social. Cheap eats like Restaurants.com. I got pretty overwhelmed by all the sites out there, and the hundred emails I started getting every day if I created accounts on some sites. So... I will give you the breakdown on different savings sites. What works and which ones just waste your time.

There are ways to save every day in every way. Sound cheesy? Maybe. But so true. Once I opened my eyes, I was amazed at the ways to save. I realized I had spent so much time complaining and feeling down on life and money that I missed opportunity. You can get free meals at the nicest restaurants in town. Stock up on toothpaste for a year on budget of $5 bucks. You can save on electric, cable and phone. I want to help you open your eyes. To become a wise spender. To break it all down, so saving doesn't seem more overwhelming than spending!

And please share your thoughts and saving tips. I really want to reach out and help inform others; but also inform myself. I do not claim to know everything. I discover new deals and ways to save all the time. So I would love your feedback and personal saving stories.

Here are just a few saving strategies you will learn throughout this blog;

How I got a $45 dollar Outback dinner for 0 dollars

How I got my cable company to pay my bill for 2 months

How to create a coupon system and strategy

Planning a party for next to nothing

How I learned to get paid to eat out

Teach your kids to be wise spenders

The magic of craigslist

And so much more. I wish I could fill up this whole blog in one day. But I really want to build a following, and touch on real money saving issues. I want my readers to have time to dive into each blog, use the resources, master strategies and send me questions, comments or concerns.

Let me say this...life is not always easy. We all know that. I was fifteen the first time I truly fell in love. It seemed at the time all I needed was him. So after high school we moved in together. We both got jobs, and I put college plans on the back burner. I was 21 when I got pregnant with our daughter. He left me about 4 months later for some girl he had met in North Carolina. I had the baby without him. And he seemed to disappear off the face of the Earth. I couldn't find him, therefor I got no support financially from him. Back then I thought he loved me too much to ever leave. He treated me like I had hung the moon. Young love is naive. You think life belongs to you both. Can't imagine ever being apart. Now I realize the only thing he ever gave me was Makayla. And I also realized that is all I ever needed from him. All I wanted from him. 4 years later when he contacted me, I felt nothing. Such a deep nothing. Life goes on.

A few years after Makayla was born, I fell in love with a guy I had known my whole life. Our families were good friends, and we had just always crossed paths over the years. We fell pretty hard pretty fast. And oops...I got pregnant. Best oops ever let me tell you because a year later Leah came into the world. Now he and I are working on things, but unfortuntely he is not working. He just quit his job one day because he got mad. So it all falls on me again. I swear I live under London bridge and it jsut keeps falling down :)

You know, I wish I had gone back to school. I did a year of online college, but didn't finish. I will talk more about that in another entry. I know I still have the option to go back one day.

I also wish I had a better job and made a boatload of money. But in truth, I have a good job and make decent money. So let me get really personal here. I make around 35K a year. Now let me break down my bills and show you what my budget was.

Monthly:

RENT $926.00
DAYCARE $337.60
CELL PHONE $30.00 (and yours can be too, more on that later)
DANCE CLASS $45 (my daughter is in one activity now, hope to add more later)
ELECTRIC $100
CABLE/PHONE/INTERNET COMBO $150
PARKING $70 (At work garage)
AFLAC $72.36 (Strongly recommend this, more on that later too)
DENTAL/HEALTH $75.80
CAR NOTE $240
TAXES $602.58 (State and federal, they come out of my paycheck. I claim only 1, so I get a bigger refund check. Not for everyone. More on this later to see what works best for you)
GROCERIES $400.00 (Typically)
GAS $120 (Typically)

Total $3169.34

My gross pay a month is $3190.52

So minus my expenses and that would leave me a whopping $21.18 leftover for clothing, household supplies, diapers, a pizza delivered on a Friday night and of course my ice coffee. Doesn't work out, does it??

So I had made some changes. My old cellphone plan ran me $100 a month or more. And I gave up shopping for myself. I even gave up my ice coffee. But I still wasn't making it. So I learned how to save money in every way possible. And you can, too. Take out a pad out paper or visit http://www.budgetsimple.com/ to create a budget free. Write down your bills. Break it all down. Be realistic. Then break down your income. This includes tips, child support, grants, bonus' and so on. You need the complete picture. Now total up your expenses and your income. If the figures alarm you, you are not alone. If the reality of your finances feels like a brick on your chest...you are definitely not alone!

But here's the point. You can be poor; and let me explain how I define poor in this instance. More expenses than resources. Living paycheck to paycheck. Zero savings. Overwhelming debt. Because living this way, we are truly only a paycheck or two away from poverty. So we are poor. But with that being said...you can live richly! I promise. Just read on.