Layout:
Home > Archive: August, 2007

Archive for August, 2007

MOMA

August 21st, 2007 at 02:13 am

My MOMA would have to be that little things count---and add up to big things faster than we realize.

Take fast food. If you have a family of four and eat out one each week...and the meal is "only' $5 per person...that $20 each week or over $1000 per year...

This is often referred to as the latte factor. Having recently returned to work, I am remembering the "I work hard, I deserve this' mentality...which is the mentality that will keep you working hard the rest of your life if youre not careful!!

Periodically (for me thats about weekly) I do a mental check on my money attitude. While some days are better than others, I do like to think that I am keeping things in check---and much of that has to do with my gained knowledge from all of you here at saving advice.

Last weekend, we went on a little camping trip. Took some inexpensive food...we process our own firewood, so that was really cheap...and for entertainment, while sitting around the campfire, we watched an old John Wayne movie on my laptop.. from our cheap dvd collection. (Big Jake...I love JW)

Watch those little holes...the big ones are important yes, but those little ones can sneak up on you and do a lot of financial damage if youre not keeping an eye on them!

staying Frugal in the corporate world

August 9th, 2007 at 05:30 am

My assignment: put a basket together as a gift for a job well done. Budget $250


So...I spent $225 on the hotel and meal...and had $25 left for the presentation...

Went to goodwill and bought a basket $1.99, candlestick holders (2 X .49= .98) and 2 pretty wine glasses = 2X.79 (1.58)...then, off to walmard for a 2 pack of 'on-sale' cream linen napkins (2.50) two pillar canlesticks .40= .80 and a couple pieces of tropical fruit = $3...a nice bottle of wine on sale...$7.49 ...I had a clear plastic gift bag and some tissue on hand....(hand washed the glasses and candlesticks..and used pledge on the gift basket).....so well within budget, I was able to maximize the budget and present a gorgeous, expensive looking gift. and it will be our little secret that Goodwill and Walmart were the key suppliers of the extras on a nice corporate gift!!!! Wink

The recipient was so proud of the gift that she refused to open the wrapper until she got home so her husband could see!!!!

Smile

How are you?

August 9th, 2007 at 02:44 am

I am so sorry it has taken me such a long time to post a friendly hello here.

A quick update...my dad is holding. I am so happy we still have him!! My household has grown...DD1, her DH and my GD have moved 'home' in their 5th wheel (they are saving and paying off debt to buy a home of their own, so they are spending one year in their 5th wheel) They moved out here last week and will be here through the end of the year.

DD2 is finally emplyed. Walmart came through for her and she is pretty excited. I keep thinking of the book Nickle and Dimed...but this is a job...something she didnt have a few days ago. She has managed to hold onto her house with unemployment as her sole income for 7 months....so, I am hopeful she will continue to stay afloat.

DS and his DW are under a month away from their firstborn...(girl) we are all in that fun, cant wait mode.

The hub and I are continuing to work on things...some days are easier than others.But overall, Id say we are doing better and better.

I am back to budgeting a little more closely, a nice feeling after such a long hiatus...and spending spree.

I am still loving my job. I have such a FUN time at work...and get paid for it!!
I have made some new frinds and feel like I am part of a community.

The hub and I went to RENO last weekend and had a great mini-vaca. We are going camping on the 18th for a night.. Boy, how different time off and life in general is when you work full time. Smile

I hope to catch up on all of your blogs tonight...I really hope you've all been well.

off to read....hugs to you all