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Archive for October, 2013

Spending Spree

October 25th, 2013 at 05:05 pm

Every four months I take an extra $150 (total) and do wardrobe updating for the three of us and an oil change. I did all that this morning and I have $30 left. I plan to use it for a new pair of sneakers for my husband. I did pretty well. The oil change, tire rotation (which was free because I bought my tires at that auto place), and air filter came out to $38.00. I got 2 dress shirts, jeans, and a sweater for my husband (Goodwill but brand new!). My son got a brand new pair of American Eagle jeans (reg. $49 but were $15 at Goodwill, new with tags!). I also got a pair of jeans and a pair of pajama bottoms. All items were needs so I don't feel too bad for spending the money. Now we are all set until spring around here.

The weekend should be a no spend other than the $30 set aside for the sneakers. Pretty low key, our only plans are dinner at my brother-in-law's house on Sunday.

How I Budget

October 14th, 2013 at 08:18 pm

It's interesting that so many of us track our spending in so many different ways (envelopes, cash, spreadsheets, etc.). I keep my budget on a spreadsheet. Gas, groceries, household goods, gifts, and entertainment have a designated debit card. I simply transfer the same amount each week to that card (I also earn 1% back on this card that makes a payment to my student loan each time I accumulate $15 or more).

I have a regular budget of $115 per week for the items listed above. This is $500 per month which probably seems low for a family of three. However, I am very frugal, a homebody for the most part, and I also supplement with the gift cards I earn from Swagbucks (several of the household goods and gifts throughout the year). I never have to worry about going over budget since the weekly transfer is the only money on the card.

My Posts Keep Going *POOF*

October 12th, 2013 at 11:42 am

Ugh! TWICE this week I had a post about the update on the progress of my new (well now about two months old) tutoring business. Nice long, detailed updates that went POOF!

Therefore, this is a very abbreviated version. All is well and I should be able to take 2/3 of my "goal" paycheck home come November 1st.

I hope you all have a great weekend!