We've been living on cash (with success for the past almost two weeks), but I've got the "uh-oh" I only have one $20 bill left realization. I can't complain too much because more money comes our way on Friday when the tenant pays her rent in cash.

I need to buy milk and am realizing that I'll have to make some food item decisions before I get to the store. This will mean having to wait until Friday to take advantage of Jewel's "buy 6, get these items for $1.99" (Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, fuit snacks, rice krispy treats, etc) and I've got coupons that correspond nicely with those deals.

I don't want to have to break into my own "keep the change" program - I'm up to $12 already in change and plan on using that to fund the new vacation account.

DS turned 9 yesterday. He had a rough afternoon when he got home, when he is tired he doesn't always handle his crankies very well, especially with bothersome little brothers. He did perk up for malts from Steak N Shake (used coupons) and singing the birthday song and wearing the birthday hat. We bought him a laptop (Acer brand on sale at Target for $249 in addition to a $50 gift card) for school/recreation. Of course, everyone now wants their own for birthdays/Christmas. I'll have to get hopping on finding free money (TCF as a $100 credit deal if you open an account - no direct deposit required - and make 10 transactions) I have $110 in Target gift cards, and there is another $50 option if I sign up with an alternative Com Ed supplier -

Have a good day!

It's 11:00 AM and I'm waiting for the bus to bring me my kindergartner home for lunch. Oh, wait ... I don't have a kindergartner anymore. I have to wait until 2:30 for all the kids to come home.

Clearly, I'm not used to large blocks of time to myself - for the first time in about 13-1/2 years.

I've watched on the History Channel about the attempt on Hilter's life during WW2, and then was there any truth to the idea that he survived and went to Argentina. And I'm busying myself in the kitchen making: meatloaf muffins, chicken tenders, Manwich fixings, brownie bite cupcakes, waffles for breakfast, making sandwiches for tomorrow's lunches and juicing carrots for DH's breakfast.

Woe is me ... time to resurrect some good books and hobbies. Any fiction recommendations out there that anyone can make?

On the money front: I received the additional compensation for the secondary claim from the botched tarp job on the rental property. $997 which I will deposit into the EF account. I believe that DH will be able to repair the damage for about $300. I also submitted a signed contract for the garage roof repair to my insurance agent and should be compensated the $1,600 depreciation shortly.

It was a half-day and we all survived. Everyone was up and dressed by 7:00, but now at 4:30 - they're all lazing around the family room watching reruns of "I Carly". I think tomorrow morning will be another story!

I took care of some insurance business, and got a $25 reimbursement check for Cub Scout camp. I'll cash that and add it to the piggy bank which I've started saving spare change in (up to $10 alone in one week, by breaking the bills and banking the change. )

The EF is at $38,000 and holding. The spending for BTS has hovered at $88 and then an additional $62 for two pairs of shoes, one new shirt for picture day, and a class T-shirt for the 8th grader. That $62 was after two $10 off coupons at Penney's and Kohls. My coupons have been minimal - $5 this week - hoping to do better in this department.

Hope everyone is having a good beginning to their week!

Earlier in the week I posted that I almost caved and ordered the pre-packaged school supply kits for 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8th grades. These didn't include Bibles, dictionaries, flash drives or Chlorax wipes. The cost for the "basic essentials" was going to be $160.

I opted out and decided to make multiple trips to various stores to take advantage of the loss leader items. In my shopping trips I also purchased two new lunch boxes and contributed $12.38 towards my daughter's backpack purchase (clearly a want, not a need). I spent a whopping: $88.86.

My savings was almost 50% - definitely worth my time and energy.

Lesson: Convience will sometimes cost double the original price.

In light of DH's possible unemployment, I've got a big smile right now.

DH is still gainfully employed, despite the ongoing closed door meetings and other things that are going on. He certainly isn't feeling very secure about his situation at present. He'll be bringing his job description home and I'll update his resume this week some time, just so it is ready to roll, if and when the time comes.

His severence would be three months (based on what a recelty laid off coworker got - similar time with the company, etc.). We've decided that we'd use that for the mortgage payments and insurance premiums (priced through State Farm, a decent policy would cost us about $550 a month, not bad).

Between the rental property income and unemployment, we'd be able to meet our basic bills.

In preparation of possible things, I've decided to:
(1) Switch cable/internet/phone providers in the near future. It appears that AT&T Uverse would cost $90 a month (half of what we're presently paying)
(2) I would defer my student loan payment due to unemplyment, saving us $175.00 a month (I'd like to keep paying interest if possible)
(3) The "Y" would have to go, especially during the summer when we have plenty to do outside. I'm sure my parents would loan us their treadmill for the winter. That would save $67.55 a month.
(4) With the kids all in school during the day, I could look into possibly substitute teaching with the Diocese in which we live.
(5) With the kids in school, I'll have time to be a much more diligent coupon-er, which could save a lot more of the grocery budget.
(6) I've rounded up some things to sell. I have some jewelry that I'm not attached to emotionally that I'll see what I can get for it.
(7) I've decided to sell some unique lamps and a mirror from my biological father (who for all intents and purposes we're rather estranged from) - I'll be taking those in next week to the upsale consignment store.
(8) The new garage roof on the rental property can wait until things are more certain.
(9) I'm opening a checking account with TCF Bank which should yield me $100 additional dollars after opening it and making ten transactions in 60 days (no direct deposit required to open the account)
(10) I have $60 Target gift cards and a $25 Macy's gift card to use toward Holiday spending.

Still feeling some anxiety about things, but less stressed than this AM. Thanks for the positive thoughts and kind words.

That is what DH shared when I picked him up from work yesterday. DH's boss (who he has worked with for many years, at the old job and then the boss brought him to this job 4 years ago)turned down a promotion three months ago. There is a new boss that they both report to, things just aren't "kosher". The boss has been distant, etc. DH said he thought that maybe the boss gave notice. Later on, he said it just dawned on him, that maybe they're planning on getting rid of DH, instead! Now he's connecting all of the dots and is thinking he might be the fat that they trim ...

Hmm ... OK, not ideal, given these economic times. I'm having a really unsettled feeling in my stomach right now. But, I've worked a plan that in the event this happens, we will survive.

Our EF is a fat $38K right now (with $19K of that designated for a new to us car).

Funny thing is that DH has a friend from his fraternal organization who just offered up use of his son's car for Sept, Oct, Nov and 1/2 of Dec while the son and his wife are in Saudi Arabia. Maybe that money is meant to stay in the EF fund.

I'm waiting on $900 additional from the insurance company, plus my grandmother is sending me $3,000 next month to help with things (she gifts us annually). I am also able to get $1,600 depreciation once I get the signed contract for the garage roof to my agent.

Oh, dear ... well, all we can do is roll with the punches.

I'm stocked up (snacks, produce, staples) for the next several weeks after a $323.84 shopping trip to Sam's (and the only non-food items were vitamins).

I do, however, have several piles of good coupons that I will plan on using to continue to supplement and build my stock pile. The system that I've had has been to use a small 4" x 6" soft-sided photo album and then stick an individual category in each sleeve. Not very ideal or efficient, and I think that I need to do something else.

I'm not an extreme couponer with multiple copies of flyers, but I do double the weekly coupons from my mom, plus my grandmother and aunt send me some.

What works for you? Please help me set up something simple, yet sustainable.

Before vacation, I was happy to see the email from the school that pre-packaged supply kits were still available for order and pick-up by the start day of 8/22. I called, very happy to order thinking how much time it would save me in the long run, I gave my 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8th grade orders and the total cost would be $160. Call me cheap/frugal/thrify, but I know that buying the loss leader items at $.25, $.40 and even $.99 would save me lots.

So far I've been to quite a few places (all while on the route to someplace else) and I'm tackling the lists with gusto (of course we've had some brand new or almost new things).

I'm thinking I'll spend under $80 all said and done. I'm looking forward to tallying up those receipts after the last items are purchased.

Will be interesting to see how much I save.

It was the best time ever; for me, nothing beats family. Even in hot weather, when we're all rather hot and sweaty, but smiling. Virginia was wonderful. We had a 7-Day Bounce Ticket and spent two full days at Bush Gardens, one at Water Country USA, and one at Colonial Williamsburg. We also did the Jamestown Settlement and spent a day at Virginia Beach. Loved the history end, the kids loved the amusement park end. A very fun time - even after the 15 hour drive straight through yesterday. We left VA at 8:00 AM and were home to IL by 11:00 PM (there was an hour time change, and horrible rain sorms in KY and IN).

I was very good about tracking the spending daily (please note, not the same as budgeting - we scrimped and saved and cut back on normal fun to have more funds for vacation fun). Here are the amounts spent:

$691.75 hotels for 7 nites on priceline.
$751.75 entertainment (bounce tickets, Jamestown, WV Cavern, ghost tour, huge bounce slide)
$298.36 souvenirs and gifts (each child had $40 to spend, plus we got a bevy of salt water taffy and the standard mugs for inlaws, etc)
$405.30 for gas (2200 miles logged on odometer from start to finish)
$147.98 on groceries for the picnic there, snacks in the car and the hotel, breakfast food in the hotel room
$414.07 for dining out (we did some costly snacks, mostly Wendy's and a pizza, an expensive breakfast, a buffet at Golden Corral for $54 and then a dinner at a local VA Beach bar called Harpoon Larry's for $100).

All spent: $2,709.21

Now back to the reality of BTS supply and school shoe shopping, tons of our volunteer commitments are coming up, not to mention one son's party and other things). I had 157 emails in my box in only one week!

Definite good outcome from the vacation: unanimous conscent on the implementation of monthly family times out!

Next vacation to start saving for: California, June 2012 to visit my grandmother!

Wa-hoo! Vacation Day is here. Last minute trip to pick up car (DH noticed a gouge in the wheel/tire and decided best to have it replaced) - cost "just over your $100s" as reported by 1st grader who went with to the shop - $101) and then grocery store.

Bags are packed. Batteries are charged. Playaways for the kids to listen to in the car have ear plugs. Directions for pet care are laid out for my mom. Minutes put on the phone.

I actually also took some money from saving and paid ALL the bills for August including the mortgage. I also paid the credit card that I put the hotels and the tickets on.

Feeling good, looking forward to some MAJOR family time, kicking back and having fun.

For the prayerful here, please keep in mind the husband of a friend of mine, Steve D., who passed away yesterday after a long fight with cancer. Please say a prayer for his daughter T.(a new first grader, friend of my son) who said, "You've been such a good daddy. It is OK to go to God and help Him with the babies." Boy, I can't even say or write that one without welling up. Let's love our families today, even the difficult members.

I'll see you after vacation. Hope everyone stays fine and I'll catch up on the blogs when I get home!

One day til vacation - I've decided my vacation starts today (vacation from stress that is), and by that, I mean vacation from stress and gumpies.

I was fairly productive and spendy yesterday (see previous post about Walmart and Walgreens) - got the dog groomed as well, and got rid of four big bags of stuff (two of hand-me-downs for a friend and two for Salvation Army).

Today we (1) head to the library for "free" entertainment - DVDs, books on tape and playbacks, (2) I need to get copies of my house key made for my mom who will come in and feed the birds, turtle, frog and fish (can you tell we have a menagerie), and some other odd errands.

We've decided to spend an additional day in VA (arrive Saturday afternoon, leaving the following Saturday early and making the 14 hour drive home in one day). This is what I've spent thus far:

(1) $100 for hotel during drive there
(2) $450 + Tax for six nites in Williamsburg
(3) $550 for tickets (7-day passes good for Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg)
(4) $50 on snacks thus far (rough estimate)

I am also filling up the gas tank today, and we're picking DH up at work at Noon tomorrow, so I'll pick up the sandwich fixings and fruit in the morning.

We're also heading to the pool this afternoon, so I've got to be productive this AM.

Why is it that when one is frugal and watches their money, and diligents clips coupons, two shopping trips can wipe out all that is sane and normal?

Walmart > $80
Walgreens > $40

What do I have to show for it? 12 cans of dog food, panfish trout worms for my turtle and frog, neosporin spray, Spongebob bandaids, 5 pair of Tranformer underpants, 10 boxes of movie candy, a new insulated coffee cup, tar and bug remover for car care, beef jerky for DH, 2 gallons of milk, one box of cereal, Off repelant refills, two deodorants, one 3-ring binder, two pairs of Frisker scissors, 2 12-packs of Pepsi, 6 rechargeable Duracell batteries and charger, 8 Rubbermaid Takealong food containers, and that is about all that I can recall.

Seems to me quite expensive for my list of inconsequentials ...

What I'm tacking today:
(1) Pick up son from 1st Sleepover (must've had fun, didn't bother to call me to say good night)
(2) Walmart for personal toiletries, pet supplies, other miscellany
(3) Drop off two big bags to Salvation Army drop off in Walmart parking lot
(4) Drop off two big bags and other items to friend for her kids
(5) Get ear re-pierced at Claire's (yes, this is mine. my younger daughter got another hole yesterday and hers was fine. she only wanted one and talked me into the other. it went in at a wonky angle and was too tight. another time getting jabbed will hopefully yield perfection and comfort)
(6) Dog to groomers
(7) Walgreens for batteries and camera memory chip
(8) Mow the lawn (at least my portion of it)

Plus the kids would like to make it to the pool. Yikes, I'd better get moving!

OK, the vacation count-down is to 3 days. We look like an organized war zone in my living room (can't decide between two coolers, both are there) - bin of snacks/food items - bin of toiletries - bin of OTC meds - each child's backpack with their personal items to keep them occupied - bin with portable DVD players and movies - suitcase with piles of clothes, etc.

We've got the directions to/from, and we plan on seeing Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, and Jamestown (but I can't decide on Settlement or Island).

Any tips for travel, places off the beaten path to stop at are greatly appreciated.

* The roof on the rental property was repaired. Actually, replaced. The entire front was taken off, the damaged wood was repaired, reshingled, broken antenna was taken away. It looks very good, and was actually done last Friday. Cost: $1,938. We also paid $400 for vents to be installed when the gutter was replaced. I'll be able to recoup the deprectiated $176.

* I received a surprise $50 check from the Director of Religious Ed that I work with to coordinate the summer vacation Bible school programs that our parish offers. This was above and beyond the huge grant/scholarship my family was given to bring our tuition to a mere $1,300.

* DH's Corvette bumper was repaired, and we can cross that off the financial goal/to do. It cost $1,200. DH helped to stain my parents' gazebo one weekend, and they paid him $350, so our out of pocket costs were nothing above the $900 we saved.

* We are going on vacation leaving this Friday to head to Virginia: Busch Gardens, Jamestowne, Williamsburg. I secretly cannot wait to get out of Dodge for nine days. We're fairly organized and plan to picnic there (as opposed to meals on the road). We're partially stocked up on snacks and drinks while we're gone.

* DH is continuing to ride the train to/from work through August/September, pushing our vehicle purchase date to beginning of October. We are rethinking a new vehicle to a used one one or two years old, saving probably $6,000.

* We did an inventory of school clothes, and it appears that no one needs anything new other than socks and school shoes. I've already purchased gym shoes for everyone. School supplies: we'll have to inventory things when I'm a bit more organized on the vacation planning front.

* September is a third-paycheck month.

I deposited two checks yesterday from State Farm:
$6,438.11 for the major damage
$82.59 for the subsequent damage

These numbers will be adjusted to include the estimates from today's visit when the competent contractor will go in to do moisture readings and determine if wallboard/paster needs to be replaced.

$4,700 was paid directly to the tree company for removal of the tree from the roof. They did not grind out the stump and left roots in my lawn from where the crane was. Will have to follow up with them. The bill was paid directly by my agent's office to the company.

$1,096 was for the tarp-job that was done badly, leading to the subsequent damage and confusion as to whether or not this was a second claim (a second claim would have cost me an additional $1,000 deductible). Anyhow, I do not have to pay this bill after involving my lawyer-brother, the threat of going to my state's insurance complaint bureau, and offering my original roofer's opinion that sub-contracted company should be sued and responsible.

I did pay $472 for a repair job for the bathroon ceiling. This work needs to be done again, and I was overcharged $250 an unused tarp on the original bill. No apology for the inclusion of an unnecessary item, just some excuse about the computer forwarding the incorrect form, or some other nonsense.

The roof repair to the house will be early next week, costing $1,938.

I am waiting on repair of the garage (detatched) which is a complete tear off.

Once I make the repairs I can recver the depreciation amount of $1,600.

* * * *

Now I am off to the Morton Arboretum for a tram ride with my kids, paretns, and grandmother. My grandma is returning home to California tomorrow afternoon, which of course saddens me, but I'm going to enjoy her company while she is here.

I spent $31 at the grocery store yesterday, and of that 18 items went for *the* stockpile - 12 cans of soup at $.75 (after future coupon amounts applied) and 3 pastas at $.67.

I also went to CVS and spent $36 (after $10 in coupons). I was able to get the $10 gas card and $3.50 in ECB for future purchases.

Not used to mid-week spending like this, but the sale prices were too good, and we needed toilet paper and more suntan lotion.

I was able to get the computer notebook for my son last week at Target for $250, using my RED card I saved $10 and got a $50 Target card for future use.

I also redeemed points through my reward Visa for antoher $10 Target gift card, and I found a $25 Macy's gift card in an old purse, and my duathers Border's gift card with a $6 balance - have to get her over to spend it before the local store closes.

Still dealing with rental properyt issues, though things are moving quicker than before. Now I must get moisture readings to determine if there is a mold issue. That is a sarcastic smile, please note.

My local grocery store Jewel (might be Albersons in some other areas) presently has a sale/promo going on:

Healthy Choice soup is $1 per can, if you buy 4 you get a coupon for $1 off a future purchase, if this is applied to each item, each can of soup is $.75

Creamette pasts is also $1 per box, with if you buy 3 you get a $1 off a future purchase, and with this being applied, each box is $.67

I bought 8 cans of soup and 3 boxes of pasta. I'm thinking about going back and doing this again. My children like chicken noodle soup and pasta is a staple.

I'm going to clear out a space on a shelf in the basement - cool and dark to house the stockpile.

Boy, a lawyer in the family can be quite a good thing. My brother shared a bunch of angles with me on how to view the subsequent damage from the unclosed claim on 6/22. Once you start saying things like, "Who will subligitate? You or I?" the wheels of the insurance machinery do start moving.

I refuse to deal with the independent contractor RF that State Farm has used as the adjustor for my claim. Based on his erroneous information, I almost opened a second claim which would have put me at another $1,000 deductible.

I've dealt with incompetency at the agency level (agent told me one thing, his office worker told me another). I've dealt with incompetency at the preferred provider contractor company level (missing paperwork not faxed as claimed, missed appointments for emergency repair work). I've dealt with incompetency of the contractor's subcontractor (crappy inital tarp-work, grossly over-inflated bill, etc). On and on and on.

So as it stands, State Farm will cover under the initial claim the subsequent water damage from the crappy patchwork tarping done by the subcontractor. I am free of dealing with the Insurance Adjustor who wouldn't even consider these additional damages as part of the original claim. I have already contacted the roofer who will do the repair by the end of the week/early next, at least some of this will be taken care of.

In total frustration right now with State Farm and their incompetent independent Claims Adjustors, faulty tarpers whose ineffective tarp job led to subsequent damage. F*R*U*S*T*R*A*T*I*O*N ... I have, however, to my credit, refrained from any foul language during my 8,000 hours on the phone with my agent's office, Catastrophic Claims. Now that I'm talking about signing a Power of Attorney and letting my attorney (brother) deal with this, people are moving a bit faster. But still ...

And in all honesty, I can't really say "woe is me" - my son's classmate's father was moved to inpatient for hospice and has 3-5 days before going to the Lord. I think it is time to say the rosary to put this in perspective.

(1) Surprise, surprise! All of the volunteer work that I do as Co-coordinator for Vacation Bible School 1 and Vacation Bible School 2 has paid off. I work with the Director of Religious Ed (who is a paid professional of the parish). She attempted to get me money (a stipend) but couldn't due to budget cuts and her paid secretary is 86 and has been there forever. However, I was given a grant/scholarship for tuition bringing us down to $1,300 (last year we were happy for $2,000 which left us paying $4,200). This is a WONDERFUL thing for us. Having to pay $130 a month versus $420 leaves us with breathing room.

(2) There appears to be a $25/month coupon that I can use six times a year toward my daughter's Veramyst Rx.


(3) We have decided to purchase a car at the beginning of October. DH will ride the train for Aug and Sept and come October the weather gets colder here, the kids' schedules get more hectic and at that point we will have been one-car for six months. However much money we have at the time is what we will spend - presently have $19K, may have as much as $21-$22K cash for purchase.

(4) My grandmother has offered to pay for academic therapy for oldest son. He's had the Dx of dyslexia for some time and while he has made progress, he continues to struggle with reading. We took for a consult at a place highly recommended for individualized instruction. The Director who has a doctorate in education looked over his most recent testing (IQ) and zero-ed right in on the discrepancy between his Perceptual Reasoning (130) and working memory (100), too much of a span. So with specific learning strategies and individualized attention, we should be able to narrow that gap significantly, making his academic struggles less. He is presently on a service plan and his minutes will decrease to 30 with the resource teacher because a state grant from the government has not been renewed. This is a very generous thing and all I can do is say "thank you" and continue to be a good steward of our resources.

(5) Looks like August and September will continue to be months of budget basics - trying to do back to school shopping on the cheap - buying only loss leaders.

(6) I did spend $123.66 at Kohl's on my mother's card (I paid it off and closed the account that was mine) buying three pairs of athletic shoes (49.99, 41.99 and 44.99) plus three pairs of sunglasses (5.00, 5.00, and 10.99) and one pair of shorts (6.00) - she had a 30% off coupon saving me $49.19. Those were all needed items.

(7) Back to couponing in a major way!!

It happens to be over 100 degrees here in the Midwest - heat advisories and all. It happens to be the only day that calendars between two branches of the family coincided, and it happened to be the day that I decided to take my group to The Shrine of Christ's Passion in St. John, IN. Today we happened to fall a few rungs up the ladder from the Duggars - five kids all in purple Totus Tuus T-shirts with rosaries singing Vacation Bible School songs on the journey.

Anyhow, our group included my 91 year old grandmother and her 86 year old sister-in-law, plus two single "different" first cousins once or twice removed. They happen to be very good sons to their mother, never married, vegan, agnostic types.

One of my sons was polite enough to wait until out of ear shot when he asked was is as agnostic. I tried to explain it as nicely as possible (it should be clear that we mostly associate with large like-minded Catholic families). Son #1 said to relative, "It's OK, God still loves you." and Son #2 said, "We're Catholic enough for you, too."

Price for Catholic prayer cards for everyone's collection: $9.00. Definitely well worth it.

And the relatives were only irreverant once when they commented that there were enough of us to fill the places at the Last Supper which began the interactive journey. This Shrine had life-size depictions of the station of the Cross.

We then went out to a very nice luncheon with the relatives, and my children were quite appreciative of "real napkins" and "more than one fork" - we are clearly Culver's and Steak N Shake folks. Older daughter to younger daughter: "Did you hear how eloquently the one missing teeth discussed the wine selection? Maybe he's missing the teeth because he spent so much time with the poor in India." Younger daughter: "Just like Mother Theresa"
Older daughter: "Yes, right. Just like Mother Theresa."

Today I mentioned to DH that it looks like we're adding another "very expensive" medication to our oldest daughter's list of already costly things (Flovents runs us $150 a month, albuterol runs us about $40 and now we're adding Veramyst for about another $50). DH told me not to worry and he'd be happy with clothes that I can find for him from the thrift store and that "we'd make it work."

I stopped by the pediatrician's office to pick up another sample of the Veramyst and a $20 coupon. Our hospital has a resale store associated with it - and boy, was the thrift store karma good today for my DH!

It happened to be 1/2 off all clothing and I got DH two like new polo shirts (one Tommy Hilfiger, the other Izod) and Nautica jeans, right size all for $10.70. I saw a very cute and summery Dooney & Bourke barrel handbag in hot pink for $25, which I was too frugal and prudent to buy. But when I was at my mom's I was on the phone and telling DH about his bounty, my mom heard sad conversation when I hopefully asked if accessories and purses were included in the "sale of the hour" and I was told "sorry, but no". My mom said she'd like to buy me the purse and we went back and it was still there.

Some very nice thrift store scores today indeed!

nothing is going on! I've spent so far: $25.01 on gas (didn't have enough to make it to Sam's Club for a fill-up and I have to use a $10 gas card from CVS next), $84.52 at Aldi's on groceries for most of the week, and $14.60 for a bike lock at Sears Hardware (save $1.50).

My grandmother is here visiting. She's 91 and heat susceptible, so our fun has been comprised of going to the mall twice when it's been really hot, going to the park on a nice day, working LOTS of puzzles (all of which I've purchased on clearance, $1.34 and $2.99 at Michael's clearance last week), watching some movies, and reading. I imagine this is what summers were like for lots of people, just "hanging out" - my kids have really adjsuted well to this pace. I might have shared that this is the summer of nothing but the pool, and two weeks of Vacation Bible School. No running from class to class or camp to camp. We're all generally happier and calmer and less stressed.

The tenant had to to skip her rent payment, due to delay in pay because she started a new job. I can't complain too much because she at least told us in advance, and since I threatened her (nicely as I could) with a five-day last August, she's been pretty close to perfect with her pay schedule. This just meant that I didn't pay bills ahead of time.

Hope everyone is having a good summer!

Friday was payday, and yesterday I was spendy, simply out of necessity: gas tank was empty ($70.85 to fill it at Sam's Club), cupboards were bare ($104.00 at Aldi's), I spent $40 stocking up on toilet paper, papert towels, shampoo and tooth paste in order ot get a coupon redeemable for a $15 i-tunes card (my kids use them for their ipod app purchases), and then $8 between Michaels for some needed DMC floss and a clearance puzzle, and a new fire starter and flip flops at Target. Spending done for another week!

Still keeping it cheap, as far as the entertainment budget: pool four times this week, library FREE, concert at the park FREE. We've got ocupons for bowling and this upcoming week is the second round of Vacation Bible School - since I co-cordinated it, the fee was waived, saving me $90, but this program is really heavy on Catholic doctrine and theology and the day is long (9-2:30) and my kids are really in vacation mode (bed at 10, up at 9) - so this really isn't a "Gee, I can't wait to go" experience for them, or me really (since I rolled myself out of bed at 9:22)

Family! My grandma (91) came yesterday from California and she is so much fun. We hosted a s'mores party last night with my parents, brother, and Gran - lots of FUN. My brother is single and dating so it is very interesting to hear his adventures looking for the *right* one - today we're celebrating my mom's birthday which was Friday. My baker boys (oldest sons) are making a cake that looks like a pig (involving 2-9" round cakes and some cupcakes) and the smallest on is making Peppermint Pig cookies, thank goodness DH has some kitchen talent - I sort of bake the basics and then they get creative. We're giving my mom a Vera Bradley bag bought on sale at the outlet last week at 30% off lowest price (MSRP was $59, I paid $22+tax). My non-Irish cousin had a baby and borrowed one of our names (think past Dylan, Brandon, Sean, Patrick, Kelly, Erin and Coleen - and I've got kids with names like Seamus, Conal, Eoin, Eamonn, Mairead, Cliona, Nuala). Very funny to me that the non-Irish would even WANT a name like this - plus with a hefty polysyllabic Italian name!) Anhow, its a very cute baby!

Thor Ramsey is a Christian pastor and comedian who apparently wrote the above entitled book, which puts forth some practical advice on budgeting, etc. and he was inspired by David Ramsey's TMMO.

I'm wondering if anyone has read it and if they feel it is a worth-while endeavor.

The M***** refers to my family's last name. The Defcon 5 refers to "War Games" when the world was on the brink of nuclear war after the Broderick character hijinxes the system and creates the possible end of the world.

So, this is how DH portrays our finances to my family. In actuality, we're going on vacation on August 5th for a nine-day drive/stay in Virginia. I'm diligently scouring deals (got one on a hotel for $375 for 5 nights while we're there) plus my 4th grader to be and I are doing price comparisons on the cheapest alternative to seeing what we want. I should add that I'm buying snacks on sale and creating our food bounty to take us there and back (though I'll stop before we return home to purchase sandwich supplies to get us through two lunches and dinner during our drive home.)

Anyone who lives with me knows the month before vacation it is all about "economic choice" - if we spend NOW there is less LATER (on vacation). DH is not immune from this. He wanted to golf today AND go to a Chicago White Sox game on Thursday. I should add that tickest are free at the Game, though DH feels compelled to bring $30 and buy a round of drinks. I had to tell him it was one or the other, not both. He didn't like that a bit, but he's got to play by the same rules as those in the house.

So, in his e-mail back to my brother (who is the inviter) he stated we are at Defcon 5 (facing vacation, $1,000 deductible on rental property claim after tree damage, and new car). DH does have an unopened box of Miller Genuine Draft (left over from when FIL was here) that he'll contribute to the White Sox game, so he did manage to fanangle both - though for the price of one.

I, on the other hand, was tickled pink to find a brand new with tags and sanitary liner attached Ralph Lauren bathing suit in my size and favorite color at the resale store for 50% off - and it cost me $2.50. I recently returned a new suit from Old Navy that seemed like a good deal for $17.50.

I suppose I win the frugal contest hands down.

Anyhow, happy 4th, folks!

My mantra since Tuesday: "I'm grocery shopping on Friday. I'm grocery shopping on Friday."

We've finished up the cereal and the bread, so I needed to bake chocolate chip muffins for today's breakfast. I'm conserving the last 1/2 gallon of milk and made hot chocolate to go with the muffins. One of my sleepyheads grumbled something about putting the fireplace on "this is a winter meal." :P

For dinner I made barbecue chicken in the oven (last I'm turning it on for several days) and did a chicken stir-fry for DH. I also made brown rice which some of my children like plain with garlic salt. I also made meat loaf muffins for tonight's dinner and will make baked potatoes in the microwave.

I highly doubt that we will starve today, and I usually cave and go to the store BEFORE my goal, but I've managed this time to do it. And I have a bag of pretzel and plenty of veggies and ranch dressing for snacks.

If you've gotten this far through my food-post, how do you suggest going about building up a stockpile? I'm realizing the I should definitely work on that, but am not sure *how to*. I should add that I am trying to set aside a certain amount per month to build up such stockpile, but its been rather lean here with the finances.

Yesterday's visit to the zoo:
Parking was $9, but we saved $53.50 on Guest passes
Snacks were $3.50 at Speedway (my kids love the $.70 frozen treats-Mountain Dew or Cherry Coke)
Total $12.50

Today we're off to see "Alpha and Omega" - a kids' movie for $1 each ($6 total) at the disount theatre this AM. Since its 10:00 Show Time, no snacks required. We'll eat lunch from the pantry (though we are getting low) and then off to the pool.
Total $6.00

All of this is coming from the remaining $37 balance.

Through the Summer Program at the public library the kids are getting coupons for free ice cream cones at the local ice cream parlor, free movie tickets to the local discount place, and free bowling. Still scoping out options for free/frugal fun!

My goal for June was to be able to save $1,800 bringing our EF to $33K. We have money coming in weekly (whether it be half of a rent payment - $725 - or DH's paycheck) on Friday's, so I'm able to adjust things here and there to accomplish most goals.

For June, I knew that the $1,800 might be a bit of a stretch (I am well-known for setting unattainable goals and being easily put off track and becoming discouraged).

I was able to deposit to our EF ... $1,550 bringing our balance to $32,750. Not bad ... I do feel that I could have done better - given there was a trip to Walmart for camping supplies and $120 for Fall soccer.

Feeling like I've accomplished something ... I'll be back on the saving bandwagon come August. Taking the month of July off to fund our vacation - even trying to do that on a budget!

* Edited to add (after reading CC-free's comment) that $20,000 is planned to be used toward the purchase of another vehicle (no payments for us) though DH seems to have accepted taking the train/shuttle and will do it yet another month for July (keeping our transportation costs minimal and the EF maximal).