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Archive for July, 2008

$65...thanks ETS

July 22nd, 2008 at 04:06 am

I took the GRE last year and applied for a fee waiver. I didn't get it but I was able to take the test at a reduced rate. I am just now getting the refund check! WOO-HOO! So into my account it goes and back out to pay a bill!

Met a July Goal!

July 20th, 2008 at 02:26 am

One of my goals this month was to create a filing system for all important personal and financial documents.

I'm proud to say I FINALLY did it. I got an expandable folder and labeled each section with each bill or type of information. It feels so good to have a system and some organization to my life. No more fumbling around when I am trying to find something. I honestly can't believe it took me this long to do it. I spent about 30minutes and now it's done!

I also made a list of every bill I owe. It's not that bad and I sorted it by smallest to highest. I believe I can pay it off by the end of this year. Well that's my goal. Gazelle!

The Joy of the Dollar Store

July 19th, 2008 at 05:05 pm

There is a dollar store within walking distance of my house and for some reason I would always go to Walgreen's instead. Could be pure laziness but now I've changed my mind! Granted there are things at Walgreen's that aren't at the dollar store (mainly meds) but this particular store has just about everything I buy at Walgreen's. Like today I had to go get a gift bag, card and tissue paper for a baby shower gift. I also picked up some bubble bath for my son. Total? Brace yourself. $3.50.

Why didn't I think of this sooner?!?! The cheapest gift cards at Walgreen's are the 99cent ones. You can get 2 for $1 at the dollar store. And ALL of the gift bags are $1 versus spending anywhere from $2-$5 at Walgreen's.

I am a believer,lol.

Kudos to me.

July 18th, 2008 at 09:33 pm

I am proud to announce that I brought my lunch everyday this week.

I paid all my bills first thing this morning.

I've been keeping a running tab of money spent. I have to find my balance book to enter the items in there.

I spend time looking for coupons prior to buying something.

:-)

Cheap Organic...Oxymoron?

July 17th, 2008 at 09:20 pm

I like to buy organic products, mainly for my son because I worry about him going through puberty at the age of 8 or having any other health issues associated with the ridiculous amounts of chemicals in our food. But in today's economy I find it increasing difficult to do so. I buy Horizon Organic milk for him and sometimes it's $6 a gallon! And he can go through a gallon in a week sometimes. But here's the good news! Their website has coupons.

I also found that Organic Valley and Stonyfield have coupons on their website as well. Oh happy day.

Debt Avalanche vs. Debt Snowball

July 17th, 2008 at 03:11 am

I have read Dave Ramsey's book and really enjoyed it. I've also listened to his show and got some wonderful advice and ideas.

I just stumbled across this new method called the Debt Avalanche

Text is http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/08/01/paying-off-debt-6-steps-to-building-a-better-snowball/ and Link is
http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/08/01/paying-off-d.... It's basically the same but puts paying off debt before creating an emergency fund. I dont see why they can't be done at the same time. I mean I understand the point of having an emergency fund because stuff happens. But you can tuck money aside while paying off debt. Now I wonder...which one would really eliminate my debt quickest??

Household Notebook

July 15th, 2008 at 02:30 am

I have been playing around with the idea of creating one for a while. I like the idea of having a central location for these documents because I do find myself stumbling around. And if there was ever an emergency what would I do?

So I came across this wonderful blog to help me get started. Thought I'd share.
http://simplemom.net/home-management-notebooks-are-a-great-idea/

Repairing Clothes vs. Buying New

July 14th, 2008 at 02:40 am

I have this shirt that I got via freecycle that I love. It's a great color and it fits with my style. Only recently I notice a rip in the back. I don't know how to sew otherwise I'd just repair it myself. And since I got the shirt for free I figure it would be cost effective to just take it to the cleaners and have them repair it.

I realize how much money I can save by simply taking care of what I have and repairing what gets torn or when buttons are lost versus sending them away via trash or good will.

New Job

July 11th, 2008 at 04:29 pm

After many months of going back and for. I have FINALLY found a job on campus. I know will be working part-time but that will allow me to focus on school. I'll also be able to work from home in the morning to make up for the reduced income.

I'm excited but I know this will force me to create a spending plan and STICK to it.