In my last post, I mentioned that I should probably revisit the basics ("The Seven Steps to Financial Freedom" by Phil Lenahan and "Debt Proof Your Marriage" by Mary Hunt). I like the previously mentioned two books: the first is more of a money philosophy with a Catholic perspective and the second is the "how to" put philosophy into practice.

A revisit with those and I feel that I'm more back on track. I've had NSDs on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. We had my inlaws for a visit, and rightfully so, they did buy pizza one night for dinner (with my coupon) and then another night we had beef sandwiches. They also purchased Dunkin Donuts one morning and a movie rental another night. I did a lot of precooking before they came (big batches of chili and stew) that we'll be eating for the next several days. My trip to Aldi's last Thursday did cost $140, but I was low on quite a lot of stuff and now have slightly-filled cupboards. Had I gone to Sam's Club for a stock up, I would have spent that PLUS a lot more, so my decision to go to Aldi's DID SAVE money in the long-run.

As far as gift giving for Father's Day: my FIL and stepdad got polo shirts from JC Penney's. The MSRP was $25 on each. They were on advertised sale of $9.99 each, and I had a $10 off any purchase coupon. The value of these items for return was $6.66.
We didn't see my MIL for Mother's Day, so her gift was an angel figurine (popular, primitive looking, can't recall the name) for the collection we started for her - $15.99 regular and $4 with 25% off coupon. We bought DH cologne - Joop is his favorite and he's been without for over a year (cheaper alternatives were gifts from kids) - $45 at Walgreens before $10 off, kids each put in $5 so my OOP was $12.50. Feeling like I made a lot of progress here, the gifts LOOKED a lot more than were spent, that is my goal.

The oldest son and DH are off to Boy Scout Camp tomorrow for 4 days/3 nights. We're borrowing most of the supplies from my stepdad who was a Scout Master with my brother. My trip to Walmart today is for things that are needed, like fishing line, batteries, additional sunscreen and bug spray, etc. Since we're still a one-car family, they're driving with friends so I'll pick up a $25 gift card to help with that expense.

Today is 2nd Day of VBS - initial registration is the worst - missing names, group switching, misspelled names, complaints about T-shirt size options, confusion at pick-up, etc. We did manage to survive, so today should be better.

I'll stick to my list at Walmart, and it will be a-OK.

I consider myself progressing because yesterday DH said to me that in his industry there is talk of two of the three main competitors (his is one of them) merging. I didn't have the automatic pit in my stomach of "uh oh" - it was a random "Gee, I'd better follow up on those few money budgt busters tomorrow."

Let's see if this continues.