I am so glad that I found this Forum ... I know it is easy to disclose annonymously, but I feel like I have found a good group of friends who will be supportive, offer an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on, and call me on some things, or at least point out a different way of doing things.

I am feeling much lighter after putting some of this recent stuff on the table.

I have formulated a plan of attack for the upcoming bills I have been worried about. It *REALLY* isn't that bad, and if I am reasonable and patient, and BEHAVE in that fashion, things will work out fine.

I tend to be easily carried away by things (OBVIOUSLY), that I miss the middle ground. I am going to go downstairs to hunt around the millions gallons of paint that the previous owner left hoping to find my living/dining room paint color so we can touch up some pretty shabby walls. I am also looking into slipcovers and maybe a larger area rug to cover some of the worn areas.

Here are hugs to all of you! Have a great day!

(1) Update on 5K Run training:

Did 3 miles in 45:15. I am not sure what a reasonable goal is, but plan to keep trying to whittle that number down.

Need to resolve to add some weight training and my abs need some work.

(2) Spent 2.25 hours at Home Depot today with my children. Thankfully they were well behaved as we wandered up and down the aisles ending up with three flatbed carts with treasures.

UNDER BUDGETED AMOUNT FOR TODAY:

Vanity/sink/mirror $334.00

Ceramic tiles for 35 sq ft plus extras
Beautiful "clearance" $35.42

Vanity Light $79.97

Cement board/2x4 plywood, screws, thinset
for underlayment $52.45

Tax $40.14

TOTAL $541.93


I spent $60 on shower curtain/bath mat/one designer towel (after coupon savings of $15.00)

DH did buy a circular saw or $36.00.

Tomorrow I need to get paint/primer/ grout. We are borrowing my stepdad's supplies for that.

We will need to buy a new toilet as well.

Electrician comes on Friday to move the electric for the lighting and the outlet. $285 (after $40 off coupon)

These numbers are less than I had anticipated. This alelviates some of my stress about remodeling on "limited funds".

The cashier offered me $50 off if I opened a Home Depot account. "No thanks!" I said. Though I was tempted for about five seconds ... $50 could be the balance of my textiles!

Paid for with debit card.

I always feel sort-of melancholy when I come back to the root of my emotional turmoil about security and savings and debt, etc. There isn't really much I can do about my baggage, except maybe rearrange things and make the cases a bit lighter, I don't know *SIGH*

I do know that behaviors need to change to help me avoid and move away from this revolving dance with credit. I see I could easily fall back on the old pattern of charging everything and being further in debt. I would have peace of mind in some respect but would be back-peddling in a hindering area (copletely eliminating debt).

Enough said on that, I will be taking a break from worrying and simply/pay buy what I need to (a few more odd BTS for kids, bthroom remodel items, and food). I do have to get one dog to the groomer - but can stretch another month onto an oil change.

The interesting point of this: because I don't want to think about my own finances(except to formulate some concrete goals/timeline of my own and practice patience and pay only what is due one day/week per time) *I don't want to talk/think about anyone else's*.

EXAMPLE 1: My best friend is a horrible money manager and I've spent quite a lot of time giving advice and listening and even ARGUING with her about how she does/doesn't do things.

She calls yesterday and says, "I need your financial advice. Do you think I can do it [support myself} without a roommate?" This is the hook ...if I take the worm, I will be reeled in and eaten

Me: "Only you can answer that. Only you know the entire picture of your finances, what your obligations are, and how prepared you are for an emergency. I don't think there is anything I can really say about it."

Silence ... liberating silence for me ... twinge of guilt for not "playing the game" ... I then needed go to play taxi to my children ...

Example #2: My FIL retired and got his lump sum 401K check. He and MIL turned up last night at my house to show off one their two new cars - yes, they traded in two cars and won't have a car payment. IMHO too much money to pay for two cars when one has in my opinion limited funds. But that is my business to be kept to myself.

Really ... why on God's Green Earth should I tell my husband what I think about his parents money management skills? Silence ... after I had the thoughts they didn't pop out of my mouth they just went away ...

I said to them, "Wow, what a nice car! Great color and great mileage!" All true. Then I went and started dinner for my children.

Interesting, really interesting. I am finding that I need to BEHAVE in a way that will be consistent and responsible to my goals. Too much THINKING won't bring this on.

Here is to BEHAVING in a new way -

And I have shredded the convenience check for the credit card company. Funny how a little paper signified some type of confidence for me. Robbing Peter to Pay Paul is REALLY bad when I'm the schizophrenic with only two alter-egos named Peter and Paul ...

I have come to conlusion I am bipolar when it comes to money and fiscal responsibility.

Very depressed and easily rattled by the slightest sense of insecurity. Fear of homelessness, hunger, etc.

The other extreme:

Thinking it is ALL fine and having grand plans (though I perseverate about cost-effectiveness in 80% of things).

Then I will have some impulse splurge that I logically know I shouldn't make, though I will justify it with "but I have a coupon".

Damn coupons. Damn me!

I did decided on two things pertinent to not knowing how long rental property will be vacant:
(1) I am only ordering essentials for the bathroom and skipping an additional $280 free standing coordianting cabinet.
(2) I am going on the monthly payment plan at school and will hope to have the funds available (I wanted to pay 1/2 up front)
(3) I will take 1/2 of vacation fund (though I hate to) and use it judiciously as a last line of defense.
(4) I have suspended DH's 401(k) contributions until rental property is rerented. I know I shouldn't but I can always contribute to his IRA to make up for lost amounts.

Inlaws won't be going in to the house. Long story, best if they don't.

Today I am buying one gallon of milk at CVS. I have $2 exta care and will fork over the cash to cover over that.

In the interest of preserving my capital, I am sticking to the essentials ONLY.

Well, I found out that the slow paying tenant will be someone else's tenant, which in the long-run is fine with me. She did manage to use her security deposit as last month's rent (sneaky person!) From when DH has been in the house to do repairs, things are clean so there shouldn't be too much damage.

I checked with lawyer brother about suing her if there is a lein put against my property for unpaid utility bills. UGH!

I have been trying to pay off debt and cover the expenses of our remodel (still have to pay electrician $280 and $600 on vanity/cabinet/mirror/sink plus a budgeted amount of $150 for tiles/light/faucet (I had some good luck with these at Sam's Club when we did the master bath remodel earlier this year).

I have $1,300 in surplus (not including the ING and Vanguard). I will owe $3000 for R/E taxes and have Catholic school tuition to pay (I am NOT complaining about this as it is a priority in our values).

Do I:
(1) take money from the money market savings to pay the taxes/first 1/4 tuition.
(2) take advantage of 0% interest convenient check from credit card(BAD BAD BAD) (Don't even comment, I have MAJOR issues parting with my savings)

I don't know the best way to deal with this. DH will have $1,500 coming in by mid-Sept.

My inlaws may go into the rental property at deeply discounted rent (though enough to cover monthly Catholic school tuition plus property tax/insurance payments) (no profit)

I have to do better than what I am. I'll need to scale back on the non-essential spending. Obviously I am going to do a thorough job of spot cleaning my carpet as new flooring is not an option right now. I am SO glad I didn't buy that floor from Home Depot.

UGH ... ugh ... ugh ... ugh ...

Cheap entertainment the rest of the week: library, park, DVDs from library, swimming at the pool.

Three words I hate: "This isn't good"

DH uttered them twice today.

The first was when he realized that the underlayment from the bathroom extends under the wall into the hallway. He had to use his saw and cut it out. He did quite a bit of grumping to himself before managing to solve that problem.

The second time was when he noticed there is a small crack in the windshield of the new minivan. He asked if I noticed anything that hit it. I haven't. Not sure the outcome of this situation.

"I can't believe I did it."

This refers to the fact that I signed myself up online for the 5K run September 27th at my kids' school, with check to be dropped off tomorrow for registration. Keep in mind that I am a new convert to this thing called a treadmill. I have been going to the Y consistently over the past two weeks and today got 2.25 miles in 32 minutes. I'm staggering my pace/incline and actually RAN for several 90 second intervals at 4.5 miles. AND I survived ...

Finally I have seen a 2-1/2 pound dip on the scale (YAY) so I must be doing something right.

FOOD CONFESSION: I love store bakery donuts and today I had one-1/2 instead of my two. I will never be able to live without donuts.

Well, I ventured to the mall today to check off "BTS Shoes" on the list for one of the children.

Despite all of these Clearance Sale racks (endless, might I add) saying 75% off of original price, and cute summer dresses and sandals and ... you name it, was on sale ... I walked slowly to the shoe dept. It did help that DH stated in the car with the remaining tired and whiney children after a field trip out to a War Museum.

I had $10 off of a $50 purchase. Got DD a nice pair of gym shoes AND school shoes for $50.00 (I usually have a $25 limit per pair of shoes).

I stuck to the list ... and I won ... but there was a really cute little sleeveless dress that was calling my name ... Just kidding!

... is going to be costly ...

Well, I was rather Mother Hubbardish this AM in regards to how much food was(n't) in my cupboards. I had to make cinnamon apples muffins for breakfast as there was no fresh fruit or cereal.

I launched into this whole new arena of "natural" and "no chemicals". We have a daughter with asthma and I am convinced that her system is sensitive to chemicals and preservatives and additives. I am embarking on this journey toward Healthy Eating.

I bought a ton of fresh produce (slowly progressing my way to organic). Haven't added up the total spent, but I am sure it is a lot given what I bought: strawberries, raspberries, peaches, nectarines, cherries, cantaloupe, watermelon, and bananas. I also bought Romaine lettuce,carrots, tomatoes, string beans, and spinach. Tonight we had salad and fruit for dinner (just becuase I was overwhelmed by how much there is)

I have done away with Yoplait and Dannon fruit type yogurt. I buy the bigger container of vanilla yogurt and the eater can add whatever fruit they want (this requires me have things washed and diced and ready to go) or else things are wasted.

I purchase Breyer's Natural ice cream (get one free). It is hard to find drinks without the high fructose corn syrup - but I did find Tropicana Light Lemonade that seemed healthy (I will aspire to homemade at some point). I have been purchasing all beef hot dogs for some time but saw that the 97% Fat free Hebrew Nationals are expensive. I have purchased Arnold's bread double fiber kind and bought whole wheat hot dog buns. Same thing for pasta.

I am thinking that Sam's Club weekly might be the answer to this, at least I'd get large quanities at maybe more affordable cost. (Remember: I'm feeding quite a few mouths)

On the exercise front, I let the kids swim with DH at the Y and got 42 minutes on the treadmill getting 2.5 miles in. I followed TexasLaura's advice and changed my miles/incline at 3 minute intervals AND I attempted sit-ups yesterday - got 11 of them done in the privace of my own family room during downtime. I think I might have to have one of the small ones sit on my feet. We don't have a fully working scale and my guestimate of my weight was off by 4 pounds - and not in the good direction!

NEWS AT A GLANCE

School spending set for failing grade

Back-to-school time is second only to the Christmas season in terms of consumer spending, and this pre-school season is looking pretty bleak. America's Research Group projects that total back-to-school spending will fall 2 percent, and only 1.5 percent of consumers say they will pay full price for items. And the National Retail Federation sees a 22 percent drop in school electronics spending. The poor economy and high food and gas prices are mostly to blame, but teenagers' summer job earnings usually account for 19 percent of school spending, and this was the worst summer in 30 years for teen employment. That may mean many fewer fancy jeans sold. "Fads may not be in much play this year," said IRI Consulting's Thom Blischok. (MarketWatch)

From Yahoo's Personal Finance Page/1st Story

I, for one, have joined the movement to reduce/reuse/recycle the BTS items for the house of Momcents.

The first time I saw the convenience fee for using the credit card was to purchase a license plate renewal sticker over the phone. The fee was $2.00.

I made a mortgage payment over the phone using the Just In Time payment option a few months back after tenant bounced a check and I needed to transfer funds. The fee was $12.50.

My children's Catholic school signed up with a tuition management company that charges a 2.5% convenience fee if you use your credit card. No fee for doing direct debit from your checking account. On $5000 tuition that is a lot of extra money!

Well, I finally read the fine print on the estimate from the electrician yesterday. I went through one of those companied like Handy Man On Call. I quote:

"Payment: Personal or cashier's check to AOC. Returned check fee is $25.00.
Credit Cards: AmEx, Visa, M/C, Discover + 4% handling fee. No Cash: payments by cash could void your warranty and lien right."

These fees certainly make an argument for paying with cash that one has!

In addition to his full-time desk job, DH works part-time for my father who owns apartment buildings. This entails painting/cleaning and showing of vacant apartments. I have concluded that when it rains, it pours.

There have been several months at a time when no work is required. The last go around the apartment required a new vinyl tile floor in the kitchen that added some additional time on the job. We have started the undertaking of our own bathroom remodel.

Now, of course, two apartments in the building farthest away from home are coming vacant at the same time. I have found that we have a far better family life if my DH is present at certain times. I have had to be flexible with things - like earlier Mass on Sundays to accomodate his presence at things - and later dinners, etc.

So there will be quite a bit of additional funds coming in (at least another $1500) but the price will be seeing DH less. Everything comes with a cost.

I have been spending more in groceries to accomodate my desire for more fresh produce in the meal plan. I can say that there is definitely NO waste. I am buying the less favorites in smaller quantities, but with less snacks around the kids are heading right for the fruit.

We have been going to the Y five times a week - twice for swim lessons for the kids on M and W and then to open swim on F, Sat, and Sun. The little kids love the water and the older ones are doing well this time around with lessons (thanks to some proper Speedo goggles that stay in place and don't let water in). I am going on the treadmill at least 4 times a week 1/2 hour at a time. I haven't seen anything dramatic as far as weight loss, but my goal is to extend my times and speed. I am spending less money on entertainment. We are going to the library quite a bit and taking out DVDs. My children are immensely enjoying read-out-louds. It is hard to find something that appeals to all, but it has been nice to have the TV off and limited computer time.

Today I took the kids to a local frontier settlement with a fort/mansion/and 1850s stores (blacksmith, print press, etc). I had coupons for them for free and paid the $8 for myself. I told them they'd have to write a report/draw a picture about what life would be like back then. They had a good time, sat appropriately through educational talks, etc. Not a bad price to pay for a pleasant day and now quiet time while they're working on their assignments!

I have lost my steam for diligently tracking things and will need to devote more time and consistency to August's finances. I did up DH's contribution to 401k to 10%. It was easy for the time being and with the market being so down I though I could take advantage of this for buying power.

Our remodel in the bathroom is going well. DH is at the patch and sand stage to add wall where the soffit was. Looks a lot better with a higher ceiling but smaller (minus the three wall mirrored section). Got the electrician in for a quote today for moving the electric and adding an outlet. DH said in no undertain terms will he feel comfortable with electric issues (not that I would feel safe either). Good news is $285 for labor/supplies. That is in my budget.

The floor I wanted to buy online at Home Depot is sold out, so that is good for my "I need to buy it now or it will never ever again go on sale" mentality.

So much for my mid-week money rantings ...

In my quest for feeding my family healthier foods, I've been to the storeevery two or three days for produce. It has been costlier than usual - though I find that I'm skipping the "fat food" aisles altogether. I did stop and buy buy one, get one of the Wheat Thin Veggie Crisps (I think that's the name on the box) and I am realizing that I need to take advantage of sales. I have to go back and get more of those, averaging $2.20 a box - this is a better alternative to chips obviously.

We did another dinner of salad and fruit for the kids, though my 3 year old is abandoning the notion of produce and had a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread. Tomorrow we're having "grown up tuna" - the tri-color rotini noodles out of Sam's Club (6# bag for $7.00) with two tins chunk tuna in water with three tablespoons Trader Joe's capers.

I've done two days in a row at the Y on the treadmill. I like it so much better than mine at home - it has been working out well - the kids go to swim or to lessons and DH and I split the time in half - one of us working out while the other swims. I haven't been on the scale since I've implemented my "healthy" ways, but I'm hopeful that my trend might be continuing ...

(1) Yesterday my children ate no processed foods at all! Yay! This meant DH making waffles/pancakes from scratch (no mix, and once we finishe this go around of Mrs. Butterworth's syrup it is going to be the expensive maple syrup without chemicals - sugar yes, chemicals no). For dinner it was homemade mac & cheese and fruit salad/alone or in a combo. AND I have DH's plain yogurt and diced fruit ready for him to eat. This has been difficult to achieve, but I'm using this as a springboard for more days like this for the upcoming week. Today it was a salad for lunch and I made beef/vegetable soup in the crock pot. I am going to make cookies from scratch for dessert/snacks for tonight and tomorrow.

(2) I found a cubicle storage unit from Target for my entrance closet dilemma. It was $15 and should help the situation - DH is going to drill through it to attach it to the wall for durability. Not sure if this will work, but I am hopeful.

Two places I cannot stand at my house
(1) the walk-in foyer closet
(2) the laundry central in my bedroom (don't know how or why it came to live at this place)

(1) The rod/shelf didn't adequately address the space available. DH kindly used the stud finder and his new circular saw (another story) and reoriented that so there is less hanging space but more wall space. I purchased four heavy duty brass double hooks at Walmart ($3.18 a piece) for the school aged kids to hang their coats and gym bags on. I couldn't find any idea vertical "cubby" storage to run along an upper corner so everyone's shoes have a home. I ran into Home Depot and they have only top of the line custom closet coordinates. Not really what I wanted. The HD helper suggested Meijer's. i will probably spend $60 on what I would like for that "unit". So total spent for morning and departure sanity - about $75.00

(2) I bought a three compartment vinyl laundry basket for $14.00. DH looked and me and said, "You think this is going to tame the laundry monster." Smirk on face and all. I already do one or two loads a day. I said, "Yes, thank you. It will help me stay organized with what items go in what load." We will see how long this item actually lasts, but as long as everyone fills their own pop-up hampers and brings them down to the laundry room when they are full, I will be happier.
$15.00 spent

So my little declutter and organization session yesterday has cost $90 thus far.

I did manage to part with one huge bag of trash/garbarge items and one-1/2 heavy duty black garbage bag of donate-able stuff. Still TONS and TONS to go - I sang to myself "Climb every mountain" from Sound of Music as I packed up my piles from each room.

I have spent $35 in produce yesterday and today. I am following CJ's lead and trying to do a lot of raw things here - 8 pounds strawberries, 3 pints blueberries, 2-1/2 cherries, 4 pounds grapes,3 pounds peaches, 3 pounds plums, radishes, carrots and Romain lettuce. still need to push the veggies more - but at this point I'm happy with any fruit or veggie that is consumed.

The bathroom remodel is going slowly, but steady. DH knocked out the soffit holding in place the hideous flourescent lighting and is cutting drywall to replace the missing wall. Needed to buy some few odd supplies totalling $15 so far. Borrowed most supplies from my dad. DH did find himself a circular saw for $36 at Home Depot. He fancies himself Norm Abrams from The Yankee Workshop and This Old House. I cannot complain because the money from this second job always goes to the vacation or fun fund and if he has found "fun" in this, all the better for me.

I have come to the conclusion I need to make a serious effort to get into shape. I am inspired by CJ and Texas Laura who are making honest attempts to eat well and exercise. As I approach 40 and realize that I will probably have more children, I'd better get in shape before the next pregnancy pushes me even farther. Off to the treadmill now!

Don't know why, but I am feeling clausterphobic in my home due to junk (piles of disorganized things that are carefully tucked away into corners) I'm feeling full of clutter and need to do a major reorganization of things.

I plan on getting rid of three bags of stuff today for Goodwill (mind you, new bags of sutff) I have a bin in the back of the minivan to go to kids consignment and might come up with a few more things to add. That will yield me money, the rest of the stuff going will just bring me sanity.

When did I ever acquire so much junk?

Confession on behalf of DH: He thinks he is organized, but he missed the fact that he had a shrub trimmer in the basement (way back dark basement) sitting on his junked up cabinet/table thing. He spent last Sunday pruning with a hand held trimmer thing. Think he needs to declutter as well.

The bathroom remodel is at the top of the list and we are doing it as economically as possible.

The extravagence that I have been carried away with is the laminate floor to redo the living room and dining room. We presently have a cream colored carpet which is the worst color when there are kids and dogs running around with food and dirty shoes, etc. Not to mention it will improve the allergy situation (or at least that is what I am hoping).

HomeDepot has the floor that we like on sale for 20% (Pergo Brazilian Cherry) for $2.40 (or similar) per square foot, plus free delivery. Total will be $1,100 including tax. I am thinking I should buy it now because it might not be on sale when DH plans to do it. End of August probably.

I don't have the cash to buy it - but do anticipate it by the end of the month should tenant continue to pay.

We have neglected our house's interior upkeep for sometime. I'd like to see it less shabby. I don't know ...

I paid $10.89 for one bath towel. It is in the coordinating line of linens to go with the shower curtain and bath mat that I purchased on Saturday to go into the bathroom presently being remodeled.

The towel was $15.99 but I had $5 off of $15, plus tax. $10.89 for one towel. My! I am glad that I am in no rush to completely outfit the room (granted it is still a hovel and we have have many miles to go before I "move in") so I shall continue to go back buying my towels one or two at a time depending upon the coupon situation.

I do plan on supplementing this bathroom with solid color less expensive towels, but I *had* to have at least some of the coordinating towels. (Seeing as this is the kids bathroom and we need plenty of bath/hand towels).

Frugality and patience are going hand-in-hand with this endeavor.

The tenant in our rental property has officially graduated from "non paying" to "slow paying". She worked up a plan paying every two weeks and she should be current in three months. I was wondering whether or not it was reasonable to work with her after she "stuck her head in the sand" and didn't address the situation head-on. We did state when and at what rate late payments would start to incur if she doesn't pay according to the plan (See Merch, I can play hardball!)

Yesterday was the first date under the new payment arrangement. She called on her lunch hour to say she would be home by 6:00 and would have $825 in cash. DH gave her the receipt and she thanked him/us for working with her.

I stopped bemoaning how bad it was to have her after I spoke with an acquaintance who has two rental properties (one on each side of her primary home) and her tenants have always been late.

I am also to the point of the budget A/B list to deal with if she doesn't pay. All of the rent goes into a fund where I pay things accordingly and don't wipe it out. Still juggling the numbers with that.

I am set up with automatic investment purchases into my IRA at Vanguard. This coincides with DH's paychecks every two week. When my intial concern rose about lack of consistent rental property income, I called Vanguard to suspend these purchases through Sept. Apparently when they suspended the purchases they entered the wrong weeks (Draw dates are July 11th and July 25 for purchases, skip dates are July 2nd and July 18th) I have managed to be diligent with the money and am watching every cent spent (I am parting with funds judiciously) so this $100 won't sink my ship - but it was interesting.

I think this was an indicator that I should continue to maintain my auto investment plan!

I *lost* the receipt to return the $6 in glue and crayons purchased on Saturday. The store's policy is clearly stated "You MUST have a receipt". I am stuck with those items - though they will be used. I could have spent $1.10 on the exact same items at Walmart.

I was late on getting soccer registration in for DS5. They will let him be on the team as I haven't missed the official deadline - they will only charge me $10 additional dollars.

Down the drain/kissed good-bye: $14.90

I need to be more organized. I need to be more organized. I need to be more organized.

And I lecture my children on how they have to keep better track of themselves now that they are in 5th, 4th, and 1st grade. My karma has gotten me.

ADDENDUM: I found receipt for school supplies - DH hastily cleaned out the minivan to *help* me and I found odd receipts on top of recycleable bin! I suppose I can claim to have recouped 40% of my down the drain/kissed good-bye money.

Haven't been to a home improvement store in eons (I do run to Sears Hardware for paint and supplies for DH's side job) so today we went to Home Depot.

My bathroom is now gutted - bad tile gone along with mirrored walls and soffit and flourescent lighting.

DD and I picked out a shower curtain and bath mat at Linens N Things yesterday (used $10 off $30) and spent $40. Not including towels or anything. Steep! Haven't shopped for decorator items for some time either apparently.

DH and I did find ceramic tiles we both like for $1.70 per foot (the room isn't that large). I found a three piece "set" including vanity, sink basin and mirror for around $260.00. Quality seemed good but might have to check around further.

Also looked at new carpteting (basic with ten year warranty) for $2.00 square foot and installation is $199.00. The room isn't that big and I can't get DH convinved to replace carpeting.

Looked at laminate floors and hardwood floors and it is all very confusing. I refuse to be carried away by names like Pergo and DuPont. DH WILL be installing floors as the labor charge is $3.50 per foot. I know they are professionals, but it seemed steep.

I'd better rank and prioritize what comes after the bathroom.

OK I'm heading to Walmart today for some school items and personal care things. This has me thinking ... seems like I've been to the store(s) an awful lot lately which is fine because I'm out with the kids alot.

For the fall though I need to be on a far better fuel-efficient schedule and have an organized life.

How do you shop to best save money? Big shopping trip monthly to the warehouse club with small trips to supplement dairy items? Weekly to match coupons/ads for money savings deals? Daily to buy only what you need? At this point I've tried all and they seem to work - but I'd like to make a commitment to one type of shopping plan for at least 3 months to see if there is overall progress. I just need some feedback to see what other do before I can decide what direction I should try.

I went grocery shopping today for produce (ran into the store for a few items). There was the back to school aisle with what I thought were good deals
4 oz Elmer's Glue and 24 count Crayola crayons for $1 each. I spent $6 (three of each) I also bought the Sunday paper and what did I find?

The Walmart ad with the exact items for $.22 each. Guess where I am going tomorrow?

I am feeling rather foolish now ...

I have tried to keep away from all recreational shopping since May. I did have shopping to do before our Dinsey trip, but I shopped with a list and watched the sale ads. I did get new gym shoes for upcoming school year for DS5 and DD9. The little guy got some too. But these were all on sale.

Fast forward to yesterday - hot and sticky in the Midwest (like 90), we've already been to the $1 movie and library and grandma's. We needed to get a birthday gift for DD9 friend. We went to the ... mall!

My instructions were: we could look at sale rack for things to wear on Picture Day at school (otherwise they wear uniforms). I have to add that I have $ in the budget now for clothing and gifts and Back to School items.

Gift: We found a webkinz (stuffed animals with interactive computer codes for a virtual world) for gift $18 down to $10 with free beautiful gift wrapping.

Clothing: I loved this dress by Tori Richard of Honolulu since early May. But at $134 - I don't think so - well ... there was one left, my size, nice color for $34. Grabbed that one. And at a Medium, if I lose some weight i will still be able to wear it based on the style (and it is not muumuu!) I found another shirt made in the USA (I do look at labels first) for $14 down from $58.

Kids Shoes/Clothing: DS3 needed a new pair of Crocs - those weird looking plasic shoes. He wears them to the pool and on errands. They slip on easily and his pair bit the dust before everyone elses. $30 down to $15. DD10 wanted a Hannah Montana t-shirt on clearance for $8. DD9 found a two piece dress/legging combo at Justice for $10 down from $35.

I spent just under $100. Gifts: $10, Clothing Adult: $48, Clothing Kids: $18, Shoes Kids $15. Then tax at 8.25%.

I didn't use the credit card. I had the cash. I didn't feel bad spending as it was in the budget and within reason. My kids got clothes they will wear (no more me picking out things I think they will like - waste of money with that attitude).

It was alright. I did OK. I can be reintegrated into shopping society. And the interesting thing ... there isn't the desire or thrill to go back to see what other *finds* I can find.

I have spent the past hour doing demolition on my bathroon floor. Good bye ugle tile! It is rather addicting pulling up one tile at a time. Then two come up, and the next thing you know I am rummaging in DHs tool chest looking for a crowbar! I found one and have now effectively pulled up all the ugly nasty tile. Took an hour (not a big room) and I have some remaining tiles (those under the toilet) and a patch of four that DH glued on and regrouted a year ago. It is looking better immensely! NOT!

DH's request was simple - please remove all beauty items and toiletries and set up camp in our room (we have a new double sink vanity and I don't really want to share with the children - call me stingy - I left the rubber duckies in the other bathroom). I've managed to sweep up as much grout crumbs as possible and I'm going to cart the drawers out of the vanity too.

I have managed to slice one finger and my children are very amused by sudden interest in manuel labor. The 5 year old offered to share his Ovaltine with me so I stay "strong".

Now I am off to Home Depot to figure out things like vanities and paint color and tile and stuff like that. I really think I should start with a new shower curtain to help point me in the direction of a color pallette. Well, if all goes well I might be able to change a light bulb after this!

Anyone have DIY accomplishments they wish to share?

I am at a loss of words after a conversation recently with my DH (he was at work and conveniently 'had to go' after springing this on me). OK, here it goes:

DH's parents are in general very nice people - quirky, but nice - and DH is an only child. His parents are fiscally irresponsible with several bankruptcies and poor planning in their very distant and more recent past. DH's parents have very little saved for retirement but should be *alright* living on SS and pensions totalling $40K per year. They need to relocate to Northern Michigan where living expenses are much lower than suburban Chicago. Retirement starts in Aug and they have enough in their 401(k) to buy a decent car and a home outright.

They have tried to file bankruptcy in the recent past but have made "too much money" for debt eradication. I assume they are hiding from creditors as we speak - they moved from Indiana last year to a rental house (foreclosed on their property) I don't know all the details because they are embarrassed and DH only tells me what I need to know- we had been listed as financial references on some things and started getting phone calls, so I was clued in to the dismalness of things.

FIL will be purchasing his childhood home when his mother decides once and for all to go into assisted living. He will purchase the house less his 1/4 with cash from his 401(k). Because they are hiding from creditors (my words) they want to put the house in my husband's name.

I guess they want to give him cash from their 401(k) which will be their retirement money at that point and they want and have DH purchase it in his name. DH will have an asset (inheritence I suppose you could call it) and they would have a house to live in.

Can creditors go after retirement funds? (I think OJ Simpson got to keep his retirement money in the civil case against the Goldmans)

I don't think the inlaws can gift more than $10K for one person without being taxed? The price of the house will probably be in the neighborhood of $30K to FIL's three other siblings.

I realize this isn't ethical (if they are hiding assets from creditors) - but its not my business whether or not they are dodging debt - but I'm wondering about the practicality of it all.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this - my argument for or against this is going to be based on what I can find out -

Thanks in advance!

ADDENDUM: I just talked with husband and concluded we will not be buying any house for them even with their funds. They can quit claim deed the home over to him the day after they close on the property. I struggle to decrease our income with every conceivable thing - funding the IRAs and HSA, and for state taxes funding the education IRAs and prepaid college tuition to the max.

Please comment if I am missing something obvious.

I am loading up the kids and heading to the local family-owned movie theatre to see "THE BEE MOVIE" - yes, it is old, but we've never seen it and admission is $1. It is part of their summer entertainment program. I shall be parting with a $5 bill and bringing in baggies of pretzels. Then we will be off to the library for another round of books/books on tape. I also think we will go to free open swim at the Y.

All in all, we shall be out of the house for nominal money. Though I did hope it would be a NSD after yesterday's running through the weekly spending money after Target ($107 on groceries), $73 in gas (can you tell the tank was completely empty), and $25 at Dennis Uniform (after using a $20 gift card) and $11 at Disney Store online (after using $25 gift card).

Have a good day!

Yes, you read the title correctly. It is an old saying that my great Hungarian-born grandmother would say, referring to people who spend money on their exterior clothing while ignoring the state of and condition of their underware.

I have been suffering of a case of this referring to my home and general maintenance upkeep. I have defective shingles in one area (the most visible of course) of my roof. I have some wood that needs to be repaired on the eaves, etc. My main level bathroom is from the 70s and the floor is coming up (nasty lantern tiles might I add) and it is in need of rennovation. I suppose that my funds that I'd like to spend on things like a new couch and carpet or flooring in the living/dining/family room areas will have to be spent on upkeep and maintenance. I will be able to pick paint colors and a new shower curtain for the bathroom. DH has agreed to lay the ceramic tile and we will need a new vanity/mirror/light fixture.

So I'd better deal with the underware before I worry about the outerware.

Hmmmp ....