Now that we’re considering purchasing a new computer, we’re faced with many options. Do we buy a laptop or another desktop? Do we buy from Dell because I get a discount? Do we get a Mac like Mr. Money wants?  There are just too many decisions.

I’m leaning towards buying a laptop.  I like the idea that I can take it with me if need be.  I would love a Mac Book, but the frugal side of me does not want to spend that much money!  I don’t know much about the different brands of computers, so I’ll probably have to do some research.  At this point, I have no idea how much they even cost. I’m thinking $500-$1,000?  It looks like I have a lot of work to do!

Do you have any computer buying tips for me?

I think as a personal finance blogger I am much more aware of how much I spend and am more analytical. I worry about spending too much money, not saving enough for retirement, and not paying of debt fast enough. It almost feels like I’m in the spotlight as far as my finances go. On the other hand, having the accountability is awesome. It makes me realize how much I’m spending and saving and how much debt I’m paying off. I think it’s great to have a network of other bloggers to follow and see their progress too.

Do you ever feel like you are more in the spotlight with sharing your finances online?

I couldn’t say yes any faster than I did.

So I quit my job (with health insurance) and we moved out of our condo into a house on her property. We agreed that she would pay us $10 an hour each for our work. I would be responsible for cleaning barns, breeding horses, doing paperwork, and any other things she wanted me to do. Mr. Money would be the handyman. Fine and dandy, right?

We thought that because we weren’t paying any rent (she said that the house was worth $500,000 and would rent for $4,000 a month so that was included in our “salaries”) that we would come out ahead. Well, after a few months of working there and realizing that we wouldn’t be able to live on $10 an hour and no health insurance, we decided that we needed a change. We decided Mr. Money would attend culinary school, and set forth on searching for a school. We had considered moving to Denver, but in the end decided we’d rather move to where we live now. We probably should have just stayed there.

Thankfully, Mr. Money enjoyed culinary school, we ended up liking where we live, settled down for awhile, and just have been living life ever since. At times, I miss being around the miniature horses and working with them. I also miss the peace that was living out in the middle of nowhere on the ranch. It was quite the experience! I’m thankful that I’m still not picking up poop everyday though!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Throughout her last pregnancy, she was seen by a midwife.  The baby’s delivery was a successful homebirth.  They are making payments to the midwife for care.  The baby doesn’t see a doctor and won’t receive vaccinations, so that won’t be a problem money-wise.  She believes that their food is medicine and that they will be able to prevent many illnesses and cure anything that may come along naturally.

While I am semi crunchy, the thought of going without health insurance scares me. I would worry that one of the kids might break something, or need stitches, or something else health related.  Pretty much anything medical is expensive!  I do believe that food is medicine, and I strongly believe in herbal and natural supplements, but having that safety net and peace of mind that is health insurance is invaluable to me.

Could you choose to go without health insurance?

Needless to say, I had a few thoughts running through my head. One- only have one child so they can’t fight, and two- never ever Ever EVER allow my kids to eat any form of white sugar.

I’ve done some babysitting for friends before and not gotten paid. I watched my manager’s kids on a Friday when she was coming home from vacation for about 5 hours. Today I was there from 9:45AM to 7:00PM. I am exhausted. When it came time for me to leave, the mom handed me some cash, I said “are you sure?”, she said that was what she’d have to pay another babysitter, so yes. I put the money in my pocket, thanked her, and then left. When I got home, I looked to see how much money it was.

$80. I was expecting maybe $40 at the most. Now, I don’t have kids, so I have no idea how much babysitting runs, but that just seems a little extreme to me.  I think I’m going to email her and tell her that’s too much money and that I am fine with less.  I don’t want to rip her off.

Do you know what the going rate for babysitting is? What do you think I should do?

The economy is so bad, I ordered a burger at McDonald’s and the kid behind the counter asked, “Can you afford fries with that?”

The economy is so bad that CEO’s are now playing miniature golf.

The economy is so bad if the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

The economy is so bad Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

The economy is so bad McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their childrens’ names.

The economy is so bad a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.

The economy is so bad Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

The economy is so bad Motel Six won’t leave the light on anymore.

The economy is so bad the Mafia is laying off judges.

The economy is so bad Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

While I was there, I decided to browse the kids’ section. I wanted to buy something for my dogs to wear. We had previously purchased them dog costumes from the store, but they were too small (and cost $10 each!) so we returned them. I was bummed. I found the cutest outfits for each of them, tossed them in my cart, and went up to the register. I asked how much each of them were. $2 each. Score!

I now present to you my cute girl doggies with their frugal Halloween costumes:

Pup #1 is a quarter back for the local football team. She averages 100 yards per game.

Pup #2 is a pretty pretty princess. Don’t let her embarrassment fool you though! She loves to chase after balls, swim in ANY amount of water, and retrieve anything you will throw.

This just goes to show, anyone can benefit from thrifting!

One of my many hobbies is knitting.

One of my favorite things to knit is socks. They are really fun to make, and I love all the different yarn colors available. Plus, it’s really cool that I can wear the socks when I am done making them! I can show off many people my crafty creations. When I finished my first pair of socks, Mr. Money was so jealous that I knew I’d have to make him a pair. After a trip to Michaels, I now had enough yarn to craft him some socks. After approximately 8 hours collectively I had crafted his beautiful new pair or socks. Then I got to thinking. I spent $10 on yarn and about 8 hours making them. If I value my time at $10 an hour, these socks are now worth $90! What a crazy thought. At least I had fun making them!

What’s your favorite hobby that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to do?

This weekend I spent the day with my friend.  We did a lot of things that didn’t cost money (attended a craft show, a free knitting class, and came back to my house to knit), but we also did spend a little money.  We bought yarn, had amazing chai tea, and went out to dinner.  And you know what?  I enjoyed every second of it, and it was worth every penny we spent.

Sometimes after we spend money I get nervous.  I feel like I shouldn’t have done that.  It’s ridiculous sometimes, and I worry even after we buy groceries! On the other hand, I don’t have a problem with us spending $20 on dinner out. It’s the $100 or so on groceries that makes me nervous, even though that food will make enough meals to last us over a week.  I don’t understand my logic either.

I’m going to do myself a favor. I’m going to relax a little and loosen the reins on our spending.  I’m not going to go crazy and buy anything that we don’t need, but I’m not going to fret over every penny we spend.  If I want a $4 chai tea once a month, I’m going to get it and enjoy it. Everything in moderation.

Do you beat yourself up about spending money sometimes?

This post was included in the Carnival of Personal Finance over at The Centsible Life. Awesome!

It seems to me that saving money on your laundry is probably one of the hottest topics when someone mentions frugality. Whether it’s making your own laundry detergent, air drying, or shopping at thrift stores, clothes and their care seem to spark numerous conversations. Personally I love making my own laundry detergent and I don’t think I’ll ever turn back. I try to air dry our clothes to not only save money, but to help save the Earth and make my clothes last longer.  Another tip that I follow is to wear clothes more than once.

I’ll wear a pair of pants a few times before I wash it.  Shirts normally I wash after I wear them every time (I worry about being stinky!).  Jeans are better when you wear them a few times.  Please launder your undergarments after wearing them.  Don’t reuse them!  Socks, same thing.  These are generally the rules I follow.  As I was putting my pants back on the shelf today, I got to thinking.  Is it a good idea to be doing what I’m doing?

While you probably would say yes at first thought, think about it.  I wear these clothes all day around numerous people.  I work in a bank, where there are tons of germs not only on the money, but the people that I come in contact with as well.  What if I am doing myself more harm than good by not washing these clothes? If I get sick with swine flu, I’m going to have to take time off work, which will cost me sick days.  And I really don’t want to get sick in the first place!

What do you normally do? Do you wear your clothes once and wash, or wear numerous times?