It's a good sign when you have bought only necessary groceries and your teenage daughter arrives home from school to tell you there is nothing to eat. True story!

I went to our SuperTarget today. I do have their Red Card, but I have decided not to use it this month. I think I spend too much when I do use it. Much harder to keep track of. The savings are nice though!

I spent $45.59. I stocked up on pasta, soups, frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables, lunch box needs, sugar, flour, butter and eggs. I actually still need a few items, but I will be hitting another grocery store tomorrow to buy some of their sale items, specifically boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.88/lb!

I made homemade brownies and then an hour later our girl scout cookies were delivered. The money for the cookies has been waiting on the fridge since January. Just want the teenager needed!

I did break down and buy the Groupon for the three cash washes today for $15. It is a very reasonable deal for something that does need to be done sometime this month.

Previous Balance: 457.89
Groupon Purchase: (15.00)
Grocery Purchase: (45.59)
New Balance: $397.30

I will be buying gas for the van soon at crazy high prices, too. See one still spends during a no spend month!!

I'm am pleased to report that the first day of March was a no spend day. We found different things to eat for dinner last night. In fact two of us, were very full after dinner. We ate too much!!

This morning, I opened my email to see a Groupon offer. Previously, I told myself I would not buy any Groupon or Livingsocial deals in March. This one is for a car wash I actually use right by my house. I generally pay $10 for the wash. Today's deal is $15 for three of those same washes. That is $5 each. So tempted. My van even needs to be washed! Ugh. Any advice? Should I do it anyway? Should stay with my original plan?

I'm am hitting the grocery store today. I hope I can make good decisions about needs and wants.

Here we are at March. And it's payday. We added $1,304 to our truck savings fund. Our new balance is $5,860. We are getting close to half of the goal!!

As I mentioned in the two previous posts, I will be attempting to do a no spend month. This isn't really no spend as much as less spend. Spend only on necessities and required bills. It is a chance to evaluate all expenses. Especially the variable ones.

I don't have expectations that this will work out perfect, but I will do my best. I plan to share the twists and turns along the way.

Until March 15, our next payday, there is $457.89 in our checking account. This is the money allocated toward spending. This is a similar amount we start with each pay period when DH is not home. I hope to spend considerably less than this amount.

I have not specifically stocked up in advance for this adventure, however, I do have my homemade laundry detergent, plenty of toilet paper, hair products, toothpaste, feminine needs, dryer sheets, and cat litter.

I am very low on food. Last night I actually ate a child's microwavable meal that has been in the freezer for weeks! The girls had other various leftovers. Today I used up a rotisserie chicken on my sandwich. I think we can make it one more evening without going to the store for necessities. One item I know I need this week is plastic sandwich bags for school lunches.

My major exception for this month is my daughter's birthday. It is much later in the month, but I will need to buy her gifts and a food treat at the very least. I will use the same checking account money mentioned above.

Here's to a no spend, less spend month!

I am thinking of attempting a no spend month for March. Has anyone done this before? I have read several blogs where people have.

Obviously a no spend month would still allow for paying bills, buying food and other necessities. Since I would be attempting this in March, I would also have to allow for my daughter's birthday gifts, a special dinner and treat. Luckily she is outgrowing the need for parties.

It seems like a good month to do this after coming off a very expensive month with all the eating out we did. It is my last full month without DH in the house, so I would have complete control over spending.

We will definitely have to get a little creative over spring break with free activities. We already want to visit our local art museum which has free admission. A warm week would allow for some outside walks.

I agreed that my girls are allowed to use their money to buy wants for themselves. I won't allow them to pitch in for wants for the family.

Thoughts, ideas? Anyone want to join me in the month of March?

I booked a four night vacation to Las Vegas for DH and I. We've never been. DH really wants to go. I'm just okay with it. I will have fun wherever if we are together though. We are looking at it as our honeymoon and 15 year anniversary trip all rolled into one.

I'm hoping for a total less than $1500. So far we are under $900 with hotel and airfare. I have to pay for the airfare now and one night hotel deposit.

We ate out a lot in the last two weeks. A fair amount was takeout, because we were sick and didn't feel like cooking or getting to the grocery store. I also didn't have a plan for our meals while DH was home. That was not a good idea.

In two weeks we spent $282.88 on dining out, takeout, fast food, coffee, and donuts. We did not eat out everyday thankfully. I'm pretty sure I gained weight. I haven't had the guts to check the scale yet.

It was all paid with cash. It shouldn't really cause too much of a problem with any of the goals. Although, I might look back in two months and think so.

I'm so glad this is not our normal food spending plan.

It's been ten years since I first purchased life insurance and it is now time to increase my premium. I have a $250,000 policy. I've been paying $295 per year. It has increased to $675! Yikes. I know I'm older now and much more likely to die (I'm only 38).

Honestly, I probably need more insurance. I probably need to shop around, too. Today, I'm not in the mood. And do you know that I should probably lose 30 plus pounds to even get a better rate? And...I really hate having my blood drawn. I realize not good reasons to avoid the life insurance shopping.

The rate is probably fair. I will renew and pay the new premium when it comes due. I will shop around sometime this year for a new rate. Really.

My year end list of things to do today and tomorrow.

1) Pack up a few more items to take to Goodwill. The girls found about 6 CD's and 2 DVD's they are done with. I checked online and they are only worth about a dime a piece...so off they go to charity. We also found four pairs of mittens, some new but too small.

2) Make a final donation towards our charity.

3) Rabies shots for the cats.

4) Basic cleaning. It's just nice to start the year fresh.

I think I mentioned some of our goals in November, but here they are again in a little more detail.

1) Save maximum in Roth IRA's = $10,000
2) Save 9% of basic pay in TSP
3) Save for college = $4,000
4) Pay off van loan, beginning balance = $1,643
5) Save truck downpayment = $12,000
6) Save cash for two vacations
7) Evaluate possible Roth conversion

The contribution to the TSP is up 2% from 2010 because of the reduction in payroll taxes. The college contribution is increased because we expect to save the full year. However, I will need to open 529 accounts for the girls. We are currently in Coverdale Educational Savings accounts and the maximum has been reduced to $500 per year beginning in 2011. That is not enough for us.

The payoff on the van will be easy considering how well we have done so far. I hope to pay it off by mid January!! Then we'll save for about 4 months towards a new to us truck. Then we'll save for vacations to take place in the middle of the year.

It should be fun to see what 2011 brings! Tell me what goals you have for next year.

My modem died yesterday. I had to buy a new one since I'm addicted to the internet. I mean I had to buy it because it is my primary means of communication with my husband.

I think I might have been a bit mislead by my internet provider. I bought a $90 modem/router combination. I still hooked it up to my current router so I didn't have to connect directly to my laptop. It was very easy to set up and I'm back online, so I'm not going to complain too much. I just think I might have been able to use something less expensive.

I ended up at Walgreen's today for Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chips for holiday baking. They were on sale with a coupon for $1.79. I also had a coupon for $1.25 off three. And I bought three. While there I picked up two rolls of wrapping paper for $1.99.

I spent a little over $7, with one other item added in, and ended up with $10 in Jingle Cash to use next week!! Per their ad, I didn't qualify for Jingle Cash, so I'll just call it my lucky day. Maybe the person prior spent over $50 and just didn't get their coupon.

I hope I can use it wisely on something I might need anyway. One daughter is doing a gift exchange at school and will need a small gift. There are always a few needed items that come up this time of year.

Anyone else end up with free money?

All the snow everyone else is getting missed me. And I'm thankful. Everyday of winter that goes by where I don't have to shovel snow is good for me since I'd have to do the scooping myself. I do have a snowblower, but I'm not a big fan of it. It would be really nice if it could at least until after Christmas traveling. Wishful thinking. One can wish right?

We have put up our holiday decorations. We actually had my husband direct where he wanted a couple of ornaments to be hung on the tree when we talked on Skype today. It was nice to have him participate even in a small way.

I'm very close to having Christmas shopping done. Maybe another $20 worth of gifts to buy. I had to buy Christmas lights today. The ones that worked last year would only light up 2/3 of the bulbs. I tried changing fuses with no luck. The cost $7. We are about to make another run to Target...fingers crossed I can keep the spending low there.

I've been around. It seems I'm consumed with getting the Christmas shopping done as soon as possible! I've shopped primarily online, but did get out here and there the last few weeks. I skipped Black Friday, except for picking up a pedicure gift certificate. I'm not done, but getting much closer.

It's been fun making use of cash on hand, rewards earned from MyPoints, money earned from ebay and surveys, as well as rewards earned from our debit card over the past year. I think all of those things have help to cover the cost of at least half my Christmas list!

I really want to do a better job next year of saving for Christmas with rewards and surveys. I might have to make it a challenge for myself on my blog! So stay tuned.

Just a quick check in. I'm still here. Busy week with family visiting. Nice thing is spending has been kept to a minimum.

I'm waiting for a payment on an ebay auction. Not sure if I'll get the money. It is a ebay newbie with no feedback. Ugh! I will report if needed.

I used my World Markets rewards yesterday to buy a mini strainer, a chocolate bar, Mrs. Meyers hand soap and two advent calendars with chocolate. My total after the $10 reward: 90 cents!!

Any good deals on your end?

Later today, I'm getting a deal on an item I saw on craigslist. The item is usually close to $100, but this person is selling it for $50, nearly new still in the box! The item is for someone on my Christmas list...who sometimes reads the blog.

Just happy to be getting a deal and wanted to share. If I remember I'll disclose the item after the holidays.

Check out craigslist for deals in your area. Some are new! You help out the person selling the item get some needed cash and declutter their home. Win. Win.

I bought my daughters coat and snow pants on Land's End using a great coupon. It's their Friends and Family discount.

Save 30% on entire order if you spend $50 or more, plus get free shipping. Good until November 15th.
Promotion Code: LEFF Pin: 1560

This code saved me $27!

Land's End has quality items. Can be returned to your Sears store if they don't work out for any reason. The items also have a great resale value on ebay!

Of course, don't buy unless you can afford it!! Happy Shopping.

My ebay sales end today. I have six items listed. Half have bids. The other three are being watched. If I sell all at current bids and the other at the original price, I make $44! Here's hoping.

If I get to it, I might add a couple more items to start tonight. I've noticed my mind is definitely consumed with Christmas shopping. Hunting for deals, trying to earn more reward cards, pre shopping online for ideas...but so far I've only purchased a couple gifts.

I bought two wood puzzles for a neice at Target using a gift card I earned. I also purchased some stationary items for a couple of friends and a teacher online. Those should arrive this week. Nice to cross off several people. My girls are getting ideas for their lists. The earlier the list, the easier it is to buy.

Are you already Christmas hunting? Is anyone done?

I spent too much out of my checking account this month by $40. I'm not sure how it happened, yet. Likely, I forgot to record something and then spent money I didn't have! This NEVER happens to me. I'm so diligent with recording and know what is available to spend. Apparently not this time.

I have been doing a lot of buying for this evenings Halloween party...so I'm guess the error is there somewhere. I will investigate when party festivies are over.

Boo!!

I'm finally done sewing the costume! Princess Daisy will get to dress up for our party on Friday and beg for candy on Saturday. (Umm...Halloween is different here.)



The things we mothers do for our children huh?

Now the party spending begins. I'm really trying to keep the costs down, but things add up. Luckily many of them can be used again. I'm also providing dinner for the group. It will be lots of fun and we are all looking forward to it.

Okay, an update is needed. I am almost done with the Princess Daisy costume. I just need to hem the bottom. But I'm too tired tonight to do a good job.

Today I did very little because I realized my girls needed to stay home for a head lice treatment! Ugh!! Sounds easy, but lots of combing. They both have very long hair. Of course, I had to wash bedding, too. Luckily, one of them was caught VERY early it seems. The other...not so much. I think I missed diagnosing it over the weekend. I thought it was just a dry scalp. She has that too, but it interferred in understanding the itchy problem.

So...nothing financial, except buying head lice treatments! We are approaching payday and I expect to make another large payment on the van loan!!

We made an out of town trip this weekend. As a result I spent some money. Gas, snacks, food for the event we attended and money for Princess Daisy's wig!

Now that I'm back, the sewing contines on the Princess Daisy costume. I am getting closer to finishing, but I bet I need several more hours. Until you see the completed costume pictures, you'll know where I am.

I always forget that October is an expensive month for us. Auto insurance renewal. Car registrations. Homeowner's insurance renewal. Hubby's birthday. Birthdays of four relatives. Halloween. It also seems to be the month where we really need to buy the warmer clothes.

It's definitely an outflow month for us. I save all year for the insurance and registrations...so no big deal. Halloween, we just minimize as best we can. I'm on the look out for some good clothing buys. Old Navy seems to be the go to place for us. Sales galore right now.

How is October for you?

I use budget billing for our gas and electric. Currently, we pay $119 per month. And we have a $240 credit!! So, the utility company has nicely adjusted our bill to reflect our lower usage.

The new payment will now be $98! Ah...under $100. That feels good. Saving $21 per month. Can't complain.

I think we did pretty good this weekend spending wise. We stayed home primarily, so that helps. My mom was in town, so about half the spending is the result of her visit.

Total Friday through Sunday was about $90. Half was wants and the other half true needs. It's all good with me!

Wow! My lucky day. I was able to use some rewards towards oil changes on each of our vehicles. I did pay about $8 for a battery corrosion package on the van. It feels good to pay so little!

I would like to thank all of you who have supported me in pursuing my new skill. Plumbing. I managed to unclogged one drain and install a new disposal on my kitchen sink today.

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have decided to wait to purchase a new sink and faucet. The disposal did need to be replaced since it completely stopped working today. It was the least inexpensive model. I spent $87.72 for the disposal and a new cord kit. Yes, I wired the disposal because I'm also an electrician.

It feels good to have spent less money than I originally thought I might have to. I don't plan on attempting a new sink and faucet install alone, but if I do I'll let you know.

Today, for the second time in my life, I unclogged a sink drain by disconnecting the drain underneath. This is not a fun job. But it is satisfying once complete. Honestly, it isn't that hard either, since our drains are PVC. Metal connections might be another story!!

Through the process of cleaning up, I ended up in the kitchen and flipped on my disposal. Umm...that humming sound was back. I attempted to dislodge the flywheel underneath but it did not seem stuck at all. Hmm. I know think my disposal is officially broken on top of having a leak.

My plans from yesterday's post have now been revised. I, yes me, will replace my kitchen sink disposal. What do you think of that? I will pay about $80 and have it installed for free with my own two hands. The new sink and faucet will wait another day. That saves me quite a bit of money right there.

I discovered yesterday that our kitchen sink disposal is leaking from underneath. I wish is was at a connection point, but it is not. So, at some point in the near future, I will be buying a new one. I'll spend at least $80.

However, this discovery is likely going to make me spend more than $80. One of the things we want to do is update the sink and faucet, since they don't match the kitchen. It is good for resale which will likely happen in the next two years.

We have actually picked out our preferred sink and faucet in the past. These are priced at $158 for the sink, $108 for the faucet, $80 for the disposal. But then...the labor. If DH was home, he would handle this, but he is not. I need to call to get some estimates.

I sure wasn't planning on this expense right now. Luckily it isn't a huge emergency. A bucket under the disposal takes care of the little water that comes out each time I use it.

Anyone have guesses on a plumbers cost for this type of job?

I thought this weekend would be full of spending. The girls do need several different types of clothes now that the weather is cooling a bit. However, we haven't had much luck finding what we need and some of it can wait. Whew! For now.

I did buy a new pair of fall pajamas for my oldest daughter. Spent less than $15. I also bought her a pair of Converse shoes. These were about $20 after I used a rain check for a half off pair!

Today we really need to find one decent top my youngest daughter is willing to wear for picture day. We are going to head to Old Navy where I have a $10 coupon to use. Fingers crossed!!

The groceries are bought. I have enough gas until payday and it looks like I might end up with around $50 left! Nice. Payday means more saving and debt payoff. I'll update you on those soon.

I've been in the middle of a master bedroom makeover. It's seems to be a tradition while DH is overseas! I picked up three gallons of paint from Lowe's this week to paint the bedroom and master bathroom. Each gallon is eligible for a $5 rebate. After the rebate and the 10% military discount, I paid about $17 per gallon. Right now, I don't know when I'm going to paint, but the weather is cooling down!

I already received the $25 Target gift card I requested with Best Western Rewards about a week ago. That was fast! I think I'm saving it to buy Christmas gifts, or to buy groceries when I'm spending money other places.