Happy Halloween!

We have a geisha girl, popstar diva, Nascar racer, pirate, and firefighter. We trick-or-treated at DH's office building yesterday. Today there are school parties and costume parades, obviously later trick-or-treating, etc. etc. I am sure your days are filled with fun activities as well.

I started my new budget today and was happy to mail off some bills prior to their due date. Having it all in one place certainly does help (my new method on Excel), knowing with some certainty that I will have funds readily available on the upcoming specific dates. I was truly scattered and fragmented in my thinking.

Everyone have a safe and fun day!

For a month now I have been waiting patiently (yeah, right!) for the refund on the tuition I paid for the three year old who decided that it wasn't a good fit between his personality and the program. It came today in the mail! Wa-hoo! I can now take care of some the extraneous expenses without worrying about trucking through my extransous surplus!

Okay, Goal 2 from a previous post was to pay off Capital One Credit Card by end of the year.

The balance is $1,450.00. Today I did an online payment of $535.00. I will be starting November with a balance on that card under $1K.

A small step, but it at least moving in the right direction. I am ending Occtober with a $0 balance in the checking account, so my Proposed Balanced Budget (having every dollar go toward a designated place) can begin.

I am also anticipating interest in the amount of $25 to be credited to the money market account, bringing balance to $9,025.00, essentially bringing my goal to add to that under $1K as well.

Summary:

(1) Goal for 12/31 for money market; $10,000 - $9,025.00 Presently
Remaining $975.00

(2) Goal for 12/31 to pay off Capital One
$1,450.00 start
$535 paid - Balance roughly $915.00

(3) Make double monthly minimum payments on other cards
$150 minimum on Discover, Paid $300 (Mailed 11/1/08)
Bank of America due on the 15th

The calendar here at the house of momsents is packed. Yesterday we had a girls playdate planned with four friends of oldest daughter, as well as planning for Picture Day (today for the school aged kids) and baking galore for DH's Halloween Party at work today.

I looked at the 1st Grader and *SHOCK* his hair looked in bad need of a professional cut (Great Clips coupon for $8.99) and his wardrobe was lacking in suitable for Picture Day clothing. So DH offered to take him and get him spiffy. I resisted at first, but I do have a sick 4 year old and tons of other stuff lingering. So I said, "Sure."

With cash and coupon in hand, DH got "M" to Great Clips and was able to explain that we wanted a nice neat version of what he had originally. Then they went to Once Upon a Child and spent $8.50 to come home with a very nice Polo brand long-sleeved shirt in "M"s favorite color. All in all, total spent was under $20. I didn't have to do it. It was a bonding experience for the boys.

And DH said, "Do you do that often? Take all of them for haircuts and clothes?" Umm ... yeah ... where do the other four go? And isn't it all about multi-tasking?

I adopted CJ's snapshot of finances - all in one place, all on an Excel spreadsheet. I used to track things all over the place: checking account for EFTs, DH's debit/credit card for 2nd job expenses, cash in the jar for extraneous funds, my Excel spreadsheet for groceries and household stuff. SO TOTALLY CHAOTIC ... talk about self-sabotage and never letting myself win!

It is all there in black and white, though I struggle to deal with variables such as: (1) will the tenant pay her rent on time or late? (2) are the budgeted amounts realistic for out-of-state travel? (3) not on the budge plan for certain utilities (4) Etc.

I did need to readjust my goals for November and had to stretch them out to year end. I thought it best to come up with realistic goals and all extra cash can be thrown onto debt.

By year end:
(1) EF back up to $10K - presently at $9K
so $500 per month for Nov and Dec
(2) Capital One debt paid off, plus double minimum amount payments to Discover and Bank of America
(3) Start and maintain cash hold account (small savings) for rental property repairs and second job expenses

Frustrating to push back dates, but there is Christmas in there (though I have a good grasp on that) however DH has two apartment painting gigs in Nov and Dec, so that income should be more than enough.

I am pleased also to report that I am minding my own money business and not falling into traps of discussing things that aren't pertinent to me. I don't care to know who is spending what dollar amount on what item. This frees me up from becoming bitter or resentful. It has been hard, but I've noticed that with most of my time and energy going into the quality of life I am providing for my husband and children, we are all happier. Less gossip -

AND I have extracted myself from any discussions about an ongoing legal issue in my extended family (DH's relatives retained my lawyer brother for representation).

I stopped looking at the balances of any accounts for retirement and education out there. I will have years to recoup those losses.

There is something satisfying about living in the moment (a careful eye turned to the future) and taking it as it comes.

Today it is to be a HIGH of 43 and windy. Not my most favorite kind of weather. We actually had snow flakes swirling around yesterday afternoon for a brief bit. No accumulation, but gimme a break! Brrr

DH found out that he should be safe from the next round of layoffswhich are happening before Thanksgiving. DH talked to the tenant and she will be paying the rent in full plus something towards the missed rent.

It was a quiet weekend here. DH took the boys to a free movie at our local theater, then a Halloween party all afternoon. That was Sat, and I took the girls to a dance competition which was actually FUN. I normally hate these having to sit around and wait and I am usually running between two stages, etc.

This time the dancers could wear costumes and no wigs. My oldest daughter was a geisha (costume puchased for $8 at Once Upon a Child) and the other was a diva (rewore her $70 dance outfit from a recital one year ago May). They each danced six dances - the younger placed in five of the six getting a 2nd in Advanced Beginner which bumps her up a competition level. The older dancer placed in three of her six -placing in all of her hard shoe dances AND she got a 2nd in a huge group of dancers which is an awesome thing for her She has been handling disappointment well as she is maturing, but I could tell she was feeling bad because her sister kept checking the results board and skipping back, "oh, I got a fourth, oh, I got another sixth" (these are good places for groups of 25+ dancers).

Of course oldest daughter E's results for the treble jig were up last. She said, "I probably didn't even place, but I should look." She started scanning from the bottom up and I scanned from the top down. She didn't see her number and when I told her where to look, she was pleased, shocked, excited, disbelieving all at once. Priceless ...

However, I did have to spend $70 on four pairs of socks for the Midwest Championships at the end of November. And I spent $12 on two pretzels and three smoothies. But it was a good bonding time and the girls danced well ...

Another competition next Sunday ...

OK, yesterday allowed me to be in a better mindset than Tues (night following sleepless insanity). I woke up feeling better rested and, frankly, in better control of the brood I have created.

Fast forward to the unexpected expenses of the day:

$116 to the vet for our remaining dog's ear infection (Last child's visit to the wellness clinic at Walgreens for an ear infection was $59 - double that for my dog?)

$295 to repair the leaking pipe/bathtub at the rental property. This could have been a whole lot more given it it s 60s ranch house that has original pipes. Aside from the snafu of me waiting for a quote that didn't come, service tech had the tenant's number not mine. The cost for repair is $325 less $30 coupon brings it to $295.

These repairs will not sink me. They will prevent me from reaching my November goals, but if I remain fluid in my expectations of achieving my concrete goals I will be OK.

Hopefully there aren't any more little bullets coming my way today!

Update to yesterday's post. I went into bedtime with an action plan. 9 yo daughter was in bed at 7:30 lights out as a consequence to her behavior the night before. If she caused any issue tonight would have been a 7:00 lights out. She kissed me good night and I didn't see her until this AM. She can go back to 8:15 tonight. The oldest is responsible enough to get done what needs to and she was in bed by 9:00 - no issues. The rest of them I rounded up at 7:45 and read Junie B Jones to them - not by most favorite character, but the 1st grader likes her. After 35 minutes of reading the listeners were asleep. Tonight it is going to be the same drill.
Thanks for all who offered responses and I like your plan of bed time attack, Swimgirl.

I was tired yesterday - I had to help out at the school bookfair, which was 1-1/2 hours. Then I drove one way to dance and carpooled with future SIL. I did spend $50 to register the 1st grader for basketball. Other than that, nada spent. It was left-overs for dinner and granola bars for snacks.

Today I have to get the essentials: milk, TP, and coffee. Can't live without those!

Heard that the market was low again, I didn't even bother to look.

Have a good day!

How is it when things go bad, they really go BAD? I am referring to bedtime. We have five to get into bed and not all go at the same time, so we try to keep it quiet after 7:00.

At 10:00 PM the 9 yo starts crying hysterically that she is over-tired and sick (not unusual for her, she become psychosomatic at bedtime). This coincides with the 10 yo getting home from dance at 9:20, eating a snack, watching some election coverage, and THEN deciding she wants to show me a NEW dance step. At this point I am weary and tired and all I want is sleep.

At 11:00 PM the 9 yo wakes me up to tell me she still can't sleep, she loves me so much and wants to sleep in my bed. NOT an option if you are awake and manipulating. I say no and she carries on some more. I miss the fact that she has moved to my floor.

I almost step on her at 2:00 AM when I wake up to someone coughing. I have to check to make sure that it isn't the daughter with asthma who might be wheezing.

At 3:30 I wake up to find the 4 yo has managed to climb in and sleep at the foot of the bad.

At 5:00 the 6 yo wakes up and has some tantrum of sorts because there was apparently a party in my bed, he wasn't invited, no room for him, yadda, yadda, yadda.

The 9 yo wakes up from the floor and goes to her bed, telling the 6 yo he can have her spot on the floor. She trips over a pillow on the floor, wakes up the 10 yo who thinks it is time to get up.

I move the 4 yo back to his bed, 6 yo is still tantrumming. I tell him he has to go downstairs or be quiet. That shut him up but he tossed and turned so loudly it was funny.

He fell back to sleep at 6:00. I cancelled his speech appt thinking he would have to sleep after that. Nope, at 7:30 when the girls are getting ready for school he comes barreling down the stairs. I tell him he can go back to bed because I cancelled speech. He gets irrate, declares he is going to school, manages to get ready in four minutes flat. He was not well put together, but he did make uniform requirements. And off he went SKIPPING to the car.

What does this have to do with money? Nothing. Nothing at all.

My tenant called and there is a leak from old pipes in the bathroom. Roto Rooter is coming out to give a quote. DH refuses to do plumbing on old pipes, so I must oblige.

Have a good day, folks.

I am depositing $1,580 in the checking account today (this is $820 for DH's second job and $760 partial rent from last month). I am repaying the savings account $735 to bring my total back up to $9,300 (in the past I've had to borrow from that when the tenant is slow or non paying).

The remaining balance of $845 I am paying onto the credit card with the lowest balance of $1,530.00.

Goal 1: By the end of November, I will pay off the remaining balance on that credit card and close the account.
STEP A: Pay $302.50 November 15th
STEP B: Pay Balance November 30th

At this point I am not worried about it negatively impactly FICO scores because we don't see buying any big ticket items requiring credit for sometime and we are keeping only our two credit cards that we've had the longest (DHs Discover with an $11K credit limit that he has had since 90 and my Visa with a $25K limit that I have had since 90 as well).

Goal 2: By the end of December, I will have my money market fund back up to $10,000 from the present $9,300.
End of November Goal Balance $9,650
End of December Goal Balance $10,000

STEP A Add $175.00 by November 15th
STEP B Add $175.00 by November 30th


I must simulatenously juggle the money balls and keep them up in the air. I can keep the bigger picture goals aloft with my 401K contributions and small money added to the kids' college funds at this point. The tenant might start paying with regularity, but I need to have a better reserve of capital to "float" to myself pending waiting for rent checks and DH's second job income - moving away from using my EF/money market account as a holding account. By not going hog wild and dumping all my money onto debt or into savings, I think I can accomplish this.

GOAL FOR NOV: Designate NC Savings Account as "Cash Hold Account" with $100 by month end

STEP A Balance from 11/1 Paint Job
not covering Oeirachtas expenses will
go to separate Savings Account at NC

STEP B Contributions from L's (me)
birth
day will got into savings account to
start

STEP C Monetary gifts for E's (DD1)
birth
day will go to her college account
immediately

These are my first concerete measurable goals for the next month, wish me luck.

I have lacked a cohesive plan to look at the finances globally. I keep track of the retirement stuff at Vanguard's website, the college savings thru the program's quarterly statements, the variable expenses thru Excel, the fixed expses thru Quicken or MSMoney. This has led to mental chaos and the lesson that I have almost no money in the checking account where it really belongs. This started Thurs/Fri when I realized that no only did the 401K contribution uppage happen a week earlier than I thought reducing our net pay by $200 per pay period, but a $175 check from the start of school (end of Aug) was JUST NOW cashed. Say good-bye to my money til the end of the month. I do have enough for my budgeted $50 gas/$100 groceries so we won't starve, but recreational driving and spending are simply not an option.

This has forced me to sit down and come up with one central place to enter it all. Quicken? Excel? YNAB? MSMoney? Who really knows what I shall choose, but I know that I need to do something.

Had my mom and stepdad over for breakfast today. Last night I did my precooking and warmed this AM in the oven. We had

(1) apple oven pancake
(2) chili cheese puff
(3) mini blueberry muffins
(4) fruit salad
(5) OJ and coffee

The recipes were all easy and inexpensive and I had most ingredients in stock. It was fun to have all nine of us crammed around our big kitchen table, eating and laughing.

DH then had to head off to his second job for my father and the rest of us went to the Arboretum to walk around and look at the annual scarecrow contributions. Totally free because my mom has a membership. Brought the camera and I got some fun shots, candid and group shots of the kids with fall colors in the background. Fresh air and exercise, can't beat that.

My mom then bought bagels and cream cheese from Great American Bagel (one of my kids favorites) and we had a light lunch and now I am veg-ing and my kids are playing outside.

Days like this I am perfectly content that we are all happy and healthy.

I didn't realize that there was one outstanding check from that start of the school year that hadn't cleared ...

I have enough money for my budgeted weekly purchase through the school program for $50 in gas and $100 in groceries. And the $23 for my oil change. But after that, nothing really left over ...

*SIGH*

I really would like to achieve my two goals of
(1) Paying $1,600 to debt
(2) Maintaining $10,000 balance in the money market account

It is now getting colder, so I can entertain the kids by baking and watching movies. DH is working all weekend (at least 1/2 day Sunday) There is always the library for more books and movies. One volleyball game remaining of the season. Next weekend the girls have a dance competition and my DH has some free local things to do with the boys. And we will have to resurrect game night and pull out the puzzles. I have $50 in gift cards for groceries and $50 for gas, so the basics will be covered.

Grim ... thought I had more money and breathing room ... I guess this is good practice for only buying the necessities ...

DH's 10% 401(k) contribution kicked in today (upped from 0). I was very happy about this and at least feel that there may be some small benefit to dollar cost averaging given the market volatility.

I ran the totals from my money spent October 1 thru 15. All money spent was accounted for and while I didn't spend more than I needed to, I did pay life insurance semi-annual premiums, made a contribution to DKs college fund, increased tithe, paid all cc minimums plus some, incurred no new cc debt, etc. All of this didn't take into account the 10% going into the 401K. (I am not blonde, but getting old I suppose). So I have enough money to pay for the remaining monthly bills but don't have much left over for variable spending. My DD9 is hosting a Halloween Party with a few friends, so she will be shopping at the Dollar Store (plus we already have tons of stuff).

My tenant did pay the balance of her rent due from September 14th to October 15th (she did say life would be easier once her bf moved in.) And DH should be paid $840 from his second job on Saturday.

I am hosting a breakfaast for my parents tomorrow. Life has gotten hectic and lots of people are complaining about things (monetary mostly: my mom and stepdad's investments took a huge hit and they have had $1,500 car repairs - at this point, all I can do is invite them over for free food and let them have fun with the grandkids. Afterward we are going to go to the Arboretum and walk around and look at the local scouting troops' scarecrow contest submissions. Fun and free. Can't beat that.

My expenses for the 16th were:
$21.06 at Once Upon a Child - $8.50 for dress shoes for DS6 (Needed because winter school uniform policy is in effect and he can't wear gym shoes) plus two Christmas sweaters for the boys - matching in pattern and correct sizes $11.00.
$52.99 Groceries til Tuesday

Today is a NSD. Tomorrow I am getting an oil change that should be $23.00.

Have a good day!

Accomplishments and random thoughts for the first half of the month's money management:

(1) I tracked ALL expenses (even down to the dumb under $3 ones) - Will tally those categories later on
(2) Avoided any recreational shopping and only bought NEEDED items (like birthday gift for DS, school pants for other DS on great clearance, etc)
(3) Allowed myself $20 for resale store shopping (call it my ALLOWANCE of sorts)
(4) Paid 1-1/3 on all credit card minimums. I will start November 1st with $1,600 to apply to those and have worked out specific percentages to pay for Nov and December
(5) Contributed money into the shrinking college funds for the kids - not much, but something
(6) Upped DH's 401(k) contribution to 10%. Hopefully this will kick in by tomorrow's paycheck!
(7) Gave additional tithing to church based on surplus in checking account
(8) Homed in some impulse items grocery shopping - if I DECLINE my kids wishes, I should exercise the same restraint
(9) Still keeping the heat way down or OFF most days
(10) DH decorated the house with inherited Halloween decorations from his department at work. I am not thrilled with this. Way too DARK for me. At least my small ones will not wander out to the porch because they are afraid of things moving and scaring them.
(11) Free dog grooming was a good thing. Saved $45 in the long-run.
(12) All I can think of are 11 points of interest!

There is a local kennel/groomer that offers the first grooming on furry friends as complimentary - a trial to earn your business.

We are now a one-dog family. Our second dog was a jumper/climber who was continually getting out of our yard. She went to live Up North with the grandparents who just retired.

Our shih tzu is a big girl - a 24 pound throwback to the Llahso side of the breed. DH took her this AM and she was in serious need of some grooming, though she does get a bath once a week.

She came back as cute as can be - nice and clean and smelling wonderful with a cute little bandana around her neck. No cost to us today.

Our furry friend will be going back two weeks before Christmas for her next grooming. And they loved her. Said glowing things about her behavior in the write-up. The other groomer left a nasty scrape on her belly when she was shaved last time. They lost our business at that point.

Love my pet, and I will love you. And I will give you my business (money, that is - $45 every second month).

From my post yesterday, I sunk to that place of jealousy, the whiney and petulent "What about me?!" place. I have some obvious baggage from my childhood that will follow me where-ever I go.

I did
(1) not complain a word about this to anyone other than my blog friends. I have been known to lament, scoff and belittle people for their choices. I am not proud of that, but at least I didn't do it out loud.
(2) find pride in the fact that I have been able to maintain my own upkeep ("my" refers to my little nuclear family here)
(3) have a conversation with lawyer brother when he called and I didn't have an attitude with him
(4) go to the resale store for some "retail" therapy. I spent $17.00 and got myself an excellent wool Eddie Bauer sweater for $5.00 (less $1.38 coupon I had) and got DH three shirts for the Fall/Winter (two were Eddie Bauer and one was Ralph Lauren). I have decided to give myself $20 a month for my oddly-timed outings to the resale store. All proceeds help the domestic violence program in the county.
(5) realize that money issues are at the heart of a lot of families' issues. I don't want that to happen to my family.

So I woke up today feeling better about things. Ultimately it all boils down to me and myself and how I act/behave. I want to be a good example to my children. As long as my inner demons subside (or at least I vent here) I should make some progress.

Thanks for helping me acknowledge my feelings and move on.

Warning: I am slipping into bitterness quickly. If I vent and rant here, I hope to return to a place of peace.

Lawyer brother got a new job making more money close to home and he doesn't have travel costs anymore. I found out that my father is STILL paying his law school loans. Mind you, I have my own loans that I pay and we make now less than my brother plus have four more people in our house (I will give him credit for his girlfriend and her daughter who live with him).

Lawyer brother couldn't pay the $1,800 car repair on his Lexus. My father paid that. Mind you, I had my own car repairs last month that cost me $688.

Lawyer brother is doing work for a relative on my husband's side (LONG STORY) and needed a retainer (I understand that this is the way real lawyers work). He hasn't returned calls in a timely manner. He expects DH and I to relay messages to other parties involved. (Not really professional). He quips and chides that "The estate will have to pay me..." Which is an understandable option to his getting payment. He had to post a $1,000 bond ($100 to him) and complained about it. He isn't acting in the best interst of his client - there is an ethical and moral obligation he has to his client. When I clue him on the reality of the situation and how he needs to advocate for his client, he is silent. He stated his is "Only concerned about the LAW of the situation". I am SO IRKED with him and a gazillion levels.

At what point does irresponsibility fade? I am doomed to deal with this the rest of my natural life. I don't spend a lot of time pondering this point, but it does seem to be a revolving theme I revisit at least a few times a year.

Why isn't anyone rewarding me for my self sufficiency and responsibility? I know I could ask for help and my father would give it, but I guess my pride means more to me than a walk down easy street. I am a grown up on the verge of the big 4-0. It isn't as though this is Christmas and I have one measly present under the tree compared to his heaping pile.

I really want to LIKE myself right now and be the bigger person, but it is SO hard.

I have a credit card issued through my bank (National City) that pays pretty good reward points. It is 5 points for every dollar on the credit card VS 2 points for every dollar on the debit card.

I ended up with a huge point volume whipping out that plastic. I use these points mainly for gift cards to be given as gifts at Christmas or to Target to purchase extra "fun" things. I wasn't always so diligent in paying back the credit card. Mind you, this is a very simple Point and Click on the main online banking screens. Reason I didn't transfer money from the checking to the credit card. I was LAZY, IRRESPONSIBLE, just plain stupid.

I did away with using the credit card system at all. So my point accumulation has been slow. I miss my gift cards!

I have also been far more diligent about responsibility with money. I have used the credit card sporadically the past week on my purchases (which are still minimal and non recreational). What is different with this time?

Every night I go online and transfer any money spent from the checking account to the credit card. Every single day. One day it was only $6.84. Rather than break my habit, I paid it.

I am seeing a whole new trend for myself as far as fiscal fitness!

Happy Columbus Day!

I was shopping yesterday and tried to stay on budget (not using more than the balance on the prepaid grocery gift card). There were a few items I am going back to stock up on:

Crest 6 oz regular tooth paste for $1

Store-brand English muffins 6 count $1

Store-brand hot chocolate 10 count $1

Due to the size of my family and how much we can consume, these are definitely worth stocking up on.

We did frequent the Pepperidge Farm Outlet store as well. My bread/bakery run for the next two week cost $16.00. Not bad, will definitely continue that.

Because there is no school today, I am taking my children to the discount movie theatre to see IGOR. It seems like it was just released and it is too early for it to be second run. Something fun to do - 6 tickets x $4 - $24. I have a coupon for a free popcorn with free refills, so I will part with the four dollars for a drink (free refills as well). First I have spent in the Entertainment category this month.

Have a good day!

(1) $3.30 International Delight Coffee Cream's debut holiday flavors (Eggnog, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Creme)

(2) $2.99 Family Circle magazine (I think) with Jon and Kate plus Eight on the cover.

And this was only the things I wanted. Mind you there were five helpers with me who didn't exactly whine about what they want, rather suggested "Boy, I would really like ..."

I did agree to a $2 box of Boo-Berry cereal in the spirit of Halloween.

What are you skipping nowadays?

Well, I inventoried my bin of Christmas gifts. Some things I am still really pleased with - other things, well, they might have seemed good at the time.

Anyhow, I have a coupon for $10 off of $25 purchase at Yankee Candle. I bought a nice candle for my xSIL and three small votive candles for teachers' gifts. Total spent $19.00.

I also shop for my grandmother to get my children nice gifts. She sends their tags written out and really wants them to like their gifts. My girls are at the age where they like the store Justice. I find it pricy, but the girls always wear the clothes that they have picked/bought. I had two coupons for $15 off of a $40 purchase. I bought each daughter a pair of warm sweat pants/reversible with flannel lining. And zippered hoodies. Totally cute. After applying the coupons I spent $54.00. Reimbursible by grandma of course.

At least I feel as though I am ahead of the game. Anyone else joining in the effort to finish Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving? In my mind, it allows me to focus on the truly important things the season offers.

This is ironic ... a few days ago I liquidated our Vanguard money market and moved it to National City where I will be getting 4% for the first 180 days.

I also transferred money from an ING Direct account because the idea of a bank in cyberspace didn't bring me much sense of security.

I checked (compulsively) to see how much more money we lost today. At the Vanguard site I saw the above titled statement in a little box. I wonder how many of their customers have opted out of their money market in favor of FDIC insurance.

My random money thought for the day ...

Things are going well. My expenses are totally in line with what I had budgeted. We are over in the gas category, but that is covered from our Extraneous Cash. Prices are down from $4.20 to $3.60 which will help the rest of the month, should that trend continue.

I purchased DS a pair of school pants on clearance at Target for $8.00. Necessary.

I also purchased same DS his Boy Scout shirt plus the required badges. Total cost for that was $32.00 but the den leaders suggested a bigger size that the kids will be able to wear the next few years. Necessary.

I spent $20.99 on birthday gift for DS4. I used two coupons (40% at Michaels, 30% off at local bookstore) for some coloring books, wood puzzle, felt playset. He has spent a lot of time with these so far, good purchase at good price.

And that is it. Nothing more than what I needed to buy.

I found a place that will give the first dog grooming complimentary. This will save me $40 for the furry pooch to become better groomed.

I found out that our local car repair place charges the flat rate of $22 for an oil change with or without their coupon. I could do better at Jiffy Lube with their coupon offers or Firestone, but I plan on supporting the local busineses especially during these times.

I usually budget $200 for "extraneous" things like the oil changes/dog grooming/general upkeep. I should be under on that (but did spend a lot more in Sept).

I paid the $151 life insurance premium. I paid $215 to Discover, $75 to Capital One, and $66 to Bank of America, all at 1 and 1/3 times the minimum.

I did make $15 dog walking my mother's dog this week.

DH has $600 owed to him from the second job. That will got to the credit cards.

Will report again on the 20th.

Well, I transferred the bulk of my money market from Vanguard ($10,065) to National City which is paying 4% on balances on more than $5,000 for 180 days. At this point, every small bit helps.

And I was somewhat nervous having money in a cyberspace bank so I transferred $1,500 from the ING account. I am using $750 of it as a safety net in the event that the slow-paying tenant's rent of $768 fails to materialize on the 15th when my mortgage payment is due. I am debating using 1/2 for debt. Those funds were earmarked for our family vacation in May/June of '09. $750 will cover transportation by Amtrak to NYC to visit my exSIL. (Thankfully, each paying adult can have three children travel with them for free).

I talked to DH today and coordinated our calendars. He has more work coming up on several weekends, plus another apartment is going to be vacant at the beginning of Nov. Bah! More money but less quality family time.

Despite the drooped shoulders and general depressed demeanor seeing the shrinking college funds for the children, I am picking myself up by the bootstraps and sending in a nominal contribution ($50 per child) to perhaps at least take some minimal advantage of "buying low". I haven't mailed the envelope yet and keep looking at it, thinking "Hmmm, maybe I should pay more on the credit cards." I paid the minimums on those plus 1/3 (less than my desired 1/2) but any rent that comes in on the 14th and then the 30th will go to debt).
I am finding some flexibility from the plans that used to be in concrete (my absolute all-or-nothing mindset that was been an albatross around my neck for some significant time in the past). Forcing the behavior is a challenge though.

as in kids. My son is 4 today and I have marveled at how the littlest thing make him SO happy:
(1) Birthday Fairy visited the house to sprinkle him with well wishes on the EVE of his birthday. He woke up with glitter in his hair.
(2) He got the first breakfast plate. This NEVER happens because he doesn't go to day school and is usually at the end of that line.
(3) He picked out the flavor of his cupcakes/frosting and pizza for dinner as a picnic (tablecloth on the floor)
(4) He will no doubt be delighted with his gifts which cost no more than $20 total thanks to coupons of 40% off and 30% off at Michael's and a local bookstore.
And yes (5) he fed the turtle worms.

So despite what is going on to constitute an economic crisis in the world financial arena, a 4 year old's birthday still goes on.

Thank God for small blessings ...

Well, in addition to the IRAs being down a total of $28K as of today, and our real estate property values are down $200K over this time last year, my children (cumulative) have lost $6K from their 529s. Bah!

I have been guilty of sticking my head in the sand during these turbulent financial times. For whatever reason, the daily details of my small world bring me comfort and security.

SnoopyCool's DH has no job to go to. They have money in the bank and a lawyer. I know that my DH's severence is 2 months and he works for a big company. What about insurance?

I have to remind myself that I have a safety net. I have a plan.

The market isn't doing well today. Tanked, I think is the word. I transfered my money from Vanguard and ING Direct and will open a money market at my bank (National City! Which might be the next to go, though I saw an interview and they have a great Tier 1 Ratio - whatever that is!) which will pay 4% for 180 days.

I did suspend DH's contributions to the 401(k) to help eradicate debt, but my plan went south with the nonpaying tenant. I re-signed him up for 10%. There is an extra paycheck in October which I had planned on totally devoting to debt, but I think I will pay ahead the Nov tuition payment of $530 to the school and then divy up the remaining funds to the various credit cards.

DH is owed $500 (soon to be $600) for work the past two weekends.

I can't really seem to concentrate on the BIG picture of debt given the uncertainty of things. I can just try to maintain something above the minimums and try to make "the next month" easier.

Just my thoughts ...

Target can be my downfall. I can find some cute clothes at reasonable prices for myself and my kids. I went today to get DS some pants for school (on clearance for $6.48). I walked past the women's section and found some cute things - nothing that I really needed (I am still trying to get down to a 6 that fits comfortably rather than snug with spandex paneled undergarments (sorry for the visual). There was a really cute dress for *ONLY* $24.99. Mind you, I was shopping with one $25 gift card (but I did have spare cash if I spent over my limit). I rationalized my dress for a good few minutes ("Oh, it is black and looks comfortable, but can be dressed up with the right hoisery and jewelry for Christmas") Then I remembered that I have a $50 gift certificate to a cool store in a trendy town for some holiday clothing. I might even get to a 4 by that point! (Highly unlikely, but a girl can wish!) So I left the dress, and the cute cable sweater tunics and leggings, and I left with my one old little pair of pants. $8 Spent. I am working well within the constraints of my budget!