tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3668112668226213542024-03-13T13:11:29.475-04:00Budget ConfidentialTracking my spending, and offering other frugal tips along the way.Budget Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15119506926386582144noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-77716666357608454862011-05-03T11:22:00.000-04:002011-05-03T11:22:14.060-04:00Skipping MayHi, everyone! <br />
<br />
I just wanted to let you know that you won't be hearing much from me in May, for a few reasons.<br />
<br />
1.) I will have house guests for a good part of the month, which will keep me busy!<br />
2.) It has been raining non-stop for weeks now. When/if it ever stops, I am going to have <u>serious</u> 'catch-up' to do in my yard and garden.<br />
3.) My birthday is in May and that tends to keep me extra busy, too!<br />
<br />
Therefore, while I will still be tracking my expenses, I will probably only report it all at the end of the month in my monthly recaps (and yes, I know I still owe you an April recap). <br />
<br />
Also, I am suspending the $50 Grocery Budget Challenge in May as my with feeding extra people (house guests), specifically ones with special dietary requirements, makes my $50 budget seem a little unrealistic. But I will be starting that up again in June, so not to worry!<br />
<br />
So anyway, if you don't hear much from me in May please don't worry. I will post when I can and I am still lurking and will be back with gusto in June!<br />
<br />
And if you still want to read daily money saving tips, you can visit my other site, <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/"><b>'The Single Saver.'</b></a>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-88660762134217146842011-04-27T15:06:00.000-04:002011-04-27T15:06:15.003-04:00Gas (up, up and away....)Should I be thankful that gas is still under $4.00 a gallon here? Today I spent $66.02 filling up my tank. Gas was $3.89 a gallon. I wish that $66 would last me longer than 8-10 days. The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-55689556654269911702011-04-25T12:13:00.001-04:002011-04-25T12:55:18.270-04:00I'm doing something right!I just realized my electric company has a really cool feature where you answer a series of questions (home size, # of floors, # of people in your home, types of appliances, heating, etc.) and they will compare your most recent month's electric usage to those of houses near you that have similar criteria. Guess what, I am using much less electricity than those I was compared against! Check out the graphic, below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv9G_Sng9xywO_HJr0OZ_PNkmy4-VfUdjMm1z0C8FTbxsm1rPsJEvv6WTvwa3Epbmrqb3N4nem4OIy5BNk2TNWMTInbVJlMLVJKpMMNz0j9uJYBYhFpEWtFbUZwBJl5kdIOBwOSOmfKRP/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv9G_Sng9xywO_HJr0OZ_PNkmy4-VfUdjMm1z0C8FTbxsm1rPsJEvv6WTvwa3Epbmrqb3N4nem4OIy5BNk2TNWMTInbVJlMLVJKpMMNz0j9uJYBYhFpEWtFbUZwBJl5kdIOBwOSOmfKRP/s1600/Picture+5.png" /></a></div><br />
And here is the graph for the annual use! Even better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePSTMnWcyBkgszD2VmTta5jTwn_GOFBahbt5tyffWtxFxKci-R20SAjL63Po5tMvjxXf2yJ5SZOg5_F-euw-celNbzgFMak8i8BwnlH_N-OgKjAT0Oxawm2JLYy32a6PFIwK2ssXkxXsU/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePSTMnWcyBkgszD2VmTta5jTwn_GOFBahbt5tyffWtxFxKci-R20SAjL63Po5tMvjxXf2yJ5SZOg5_F-euw-celNbzgFMak8i8BwnlH_N-OgKjAT0Oxawm2JLYy32a6PFIwK2ssXkxXsU/s1600/Picture+7.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
After being so careful, and being discouraged that the bills weren't lower, it makes me feel good to know at least I way on the low side of energy usage compared to my neighbors! I must be doing some things right!The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-26191285590033348442011-04-21T09:40:00.001-04:002011-04-21T09:41:46.920-04:00Look at all this money I've spent!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Okay, I haven't done a lot of overboard spending. Most of these items are just way overdue to be reported here. Tracking my expenses has been rewarding, but it sure is hard work to remember to actually do it! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mortgage = $880.79 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Payment = $350.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Long Term Saving and Investment (not including my 401K contributions) = $325.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gasoline = $61.33 (gas was $3.85/gal) and $66.08 (gs was $3.78/gal)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cable/Internet - $105.79 (completely ridiculous... and I have the relatively cheap plans, too!) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trash - $55 (I got a $2 discount this quarter because they forgot to pick up my recycling this week)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Bill - $25.98</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sewer Bill - $22</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gas/Heat Bill - $51</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phone - $30.33</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pet Food - $30.33</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vet Bill - $92.11 (One of my dogs steps on something in the yard that went through her food and she was also due for her shots... my other dog goes this Saturday for her shots, too, so expect more vet expenses this month)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Misc. Stuff From Walgreens - $30.69</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I bought myself a toy - a tablet so I can use my computer at work like a touch pad on a laptop - I bought it used on eBay for... - $19.04</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Postage (to mail my taxes) - $12.03</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Business Expenses - $10 and $50</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yard Care Company - $28.78</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spent $37.17 at Walmart - which is broken down to $23.39 for clothes and $13.78 for misc. (batteries and TP)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spent $6.08 on material, which will be turned into a top when I get around to making it, so I will categorize this expense under "clothing." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's a lot of spending and the month isn't over yet. But, other than the little tablet I bought, I can't say any of the rest was unavailable. </span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-43380583462775537652011-04-15T10:38:00.000-04:002011-04-15T10:38:05.552-04:00The best $25 I have spent this month....<span style="font-size: small;">As you may recall, last Fall my family went through a minor cancer scare. One close relative was diagnosed with melanoma (luckily early and still treatable) - which resulted in me having to get scanned, myself. In my case, they did three biopsies and two came back as pre-cancerous things that were "on its way to melanoma, just not there yet," as the doctor described it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This resulted in quite a few medical bills for me, but really a small price to pay to get those "things" removed before they got worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Tuesday I went to the doctor for a new skin scan, as I now have to do every 6 months. I paid my <b>$25 co-pay</b>, got scanned, and was told there was nothing that needed removed this time and I could come back in another 6 months! Woo hoo! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Even though nothing was found this time, I think the $25 was the best money I have spent in awhile. It is important to take preventative measures to take care of ourselves. I still have a few spots on the "watch list" and by getting them checked out regularly we can catch anything as it develops before it gets out of control. </span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-61205526757191633062011-04-07T15:12:00.000-04:002011-04-07T15:12:33.982-04:00Food Costs, They Are A Risin'<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sigh.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went to Aldi yesterday. Regular readers here know how much I love Aldi. It seems they have raised their prices in the last couple weeks. Milk was up $0.30. Lettuce was up $0.20. Other items were up $0.10. It doesn't seem like a lot, but it all adds up. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was talking to a friend at work about this. I said that I already eat very frugally. Now how am I supposed to cut back from frugal? It is so frustrating. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, I ended up spending <b>$23.63</b>. Here is what I bought:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• loaf of wheat bread<br />
• 2 lbs bananas<br />
• 1 bag frozen California Medley<br />
• 1 box fish sticks</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 2 cans tomato soup</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 can green beans</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 can peas</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 2 lbs squash</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 lb tomaotes</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• mustard</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 box of four CADBURY CREME EGGS (score!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 gallon skim milk</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 lb broccoli</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 head of lettuce</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 5 lbs navel oranges</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 box of spaghetti</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 lb of kiwi fruit</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that is still a lot of food for a small amount of money, but I sure did feel the rise in prices. For the first time in a long time I felt really limited while I was shopping. For instance, I wanted some grapes but they were $3 for a package. I ended up getting the oranges instead, even though I really would have preferred the grapes, because I knew they were a much better deal for the money and were on sale for a great price. I also noticed that the cans of tomato soup seemed suspiciously smaller. Most packaging seems smaller anymore. Why must they do that? I'd rather they kept the sizes the same and just raised the prices if they really needed to. Instead, I feel like they are trying to trick us. Sigh.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today we went out to lunch for a coworker's birthday. I spent <b>$5</b> (cheap Mexican + coupon = half off lunch!) on lunch for myself and pitched in <b>$2.50</b> towards her meal (classified under gift expenses).</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>That means so far this month I have spend $28.63 on food for myself and have $21.37 left to spend (plus any of my surplus from the previous three months should it come to that). </i></b></span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-91182912586110807662011-04-05T10:11:00.000-04:002011-04-05T10:11:47.247-04:00March Spending Recap<style>
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</style> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLAkLJd9aIiJ0Ez9y9PFIuyUBXjMbVYFISia2UCEB0pvv6AHGDqcRmj1KdDQsSTHQxp9F6ns-irst2y_rTWTJ55T0pU25XCXZs2gHaudCr3GoT0emK5rZ4QmkJQtMYEHsnot29vULyHY/s1600/recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLAkLJd9aIiJ0Ez9y9PFIuyUBXjMbVYFISia2UCEB0pvv6AHGDqcRmj1KdDQsSTHQxp9F6ns-irst2y_rTWTJ55T0pU25XCXZs2gHaudCr3GoT0emK5rZ4QmkJQtMYEHsnot29vULyHY/s320/recap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Below is where my money went in March:</b><br />
<br />
Mortgage = $880.79 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Payment = $350.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Long Term Saving and Investment (not including my 401K contributions) = $325.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gasoline = $232.44</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phones/Cable/Internet = $190.73 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Utilities (heat, electric, sewer, water) = $177.98 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Insurance = $165.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Business = $99.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Maintenance = $95.35 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Medical = $80 (Had a prescription filled and forgot to post it – sorry!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hair Cut = $54</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Registration = $49.87</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Groceries = $48.35 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pet Expenses = $47.73</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entertainment = $20</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Charity = $16.00 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stamps = $7.92</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Misc. = $3.01 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>TOTAL SPENT = $2,843.17</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Reflection:</u> Not one of my better months, but mainly it is just because of the timing of how some expenses fell.<span> </span>I had some business expenses, car registration, car insurance, and some car maintenance all fall at once.<span> </span>Plus my hair cut and prescription refill hit at the same time.<span> </span>So lots of expenses that are not monthly expenses all hit at once.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">April doesn’t look much better with some very expenses scheduled plus I found out I need $200 worth of work done on my car – but I really can’t complain as I really haven’t had to spend much on this car over the years.</span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-76287653409599947162011-03-31T12:32:00.000-04:002011-03-31T12:32:27.960-04:00Aldi Keeps Me Under Budget - And I Have A Question For You!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Let's review where I stand in my $50 challenge. If you are following along on my<a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html"> $50 a month grocery challenge</a>, here are the stats: I carried<b> $29.83</b> cash over from January and February into March and added it to the <b>$50</b> that is budgeted, of which I have already spent <b>$25.85</b>. That means, I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">$53.98</span> to spend in March. </span></span> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week I went to Aldi and spent $22.50. I actually spent quite a bit more than I would have liked, due to having to feed dinner and snacks to 6 people last weekend. That really caused me to spend more than usual! We had pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, fruit, and chips for the main meal.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Anyway, here is what I bought:</u></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 bag potato chips</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 bag of cookies</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 boxes macaroni and cheese </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cantaloupe</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 bag of red potatoes</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 kiwis</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.5 lbs chicken breasts</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 gallon skim milk</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can sweet peas</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can spinach</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can diced tomatoes</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 loaf whole wheat bread</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 packages hamburger buns</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 lb baby carrots</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spent <b>$48.35</b> total in March and added another <b>$1.65</b> into the carry over pile. That brings my three month carry over total to <b>$31.68.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOW HERE'S MY QUESTION: I had originally pledged to do the $50 a month grocery challenge for three months and it worked out great! Should I extend it into April? Leave a comment and let me know! </span></b>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-47932628727201841432011-03-31T12:13:00.000-04:002011-03-31T12:13:26.444-04:00Gas and a Great Deal at Rite Aid<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yesterday I spent <b>$1.04</b> at Rite Aid and bought a container of Excedrin and 2 bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide. I got a great deal because I was able to use two coupons and a BOGO deal... otherwise my total would have been closer to $10!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not such a good deal was my gas purchase. Gas is $3.65 a gallon here and it cost me <b>$61.52</b> to fill up the tank. Ouch!</span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-58235029323685371702011-03-28T14:04:00.000-04:002011-03-28T14:04:07.194-04:00More Spending<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am learning something from this little experiment of mine - I am a lousy record keeper! Somehow, I always fall behind in reporting my expenses here. It isn't that I don't care, it is just that I never seem to have all my receipts in one place! I am finishing month five of this year-long experiment. Going forward, instead of posting expenses as they occur (which isn't working right now, and I can see it getting even harder to do as the weather gets nicer and I am spending more time outside) I may try to post once a week. The great thing about a blog like this is that I can make up my own rules. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I find keeping up with the daily schedule at <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/"><b>The Single Saver</b></a> much easier because it does not involve tracking down my receipts! LOL! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, here are a couple weeks worth of expenses. I also have the results of a shopping trip, which I will try to post later today.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Payment - <b>$350.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Electric - <b>$79.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Bill - <b>$25.98</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sewer Bill - <b>$22.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Donation - <b>$6.00 </b>and<b> $10.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stamps - <b>$7.92</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walmart - <b>$8.74</b> ($6.77 for pet expenses and $1.97 for misc.)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Maintenance - <b>$95.35</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gas - <b>$62.13</b> and <b>$55.98</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Insurance - <b>$165.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Conference Registration (I will categorize this under 'business expense') - <b>$89.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cell Phone Bill - <b>$54.78</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Domain Registration ('business expense') - <b>$10.00</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Car Registration - <b>$49.87</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cable/Internet - <b>$105.62</b> (grrr... this keeps going up)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-67157850677469852682011-03-21T09:28:00.000-04:002011-03-21T09:28:46.874-04:00Free Closet OrganizationHi everyone! I posted a fun article on my other site, <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/">The Single Saver,</a> that I think you all may enjoy. It details how I did a closet reorganization for free!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/2011/03/organize-your-closet-for-free.html">http://www.thesinglesaver.com/2011/03/organize-your-closet-for-free.html</a>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-28771408890710480922011-03-15T20:04:00.001-04:002011-03-15T23:31:36.732-04:00Grocery Spending - Can I stay within budget?<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's review where I stand in my $50 challenge. If you are following along on my<a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html"> $50 a month grocery challenge</a>, here are the stats: I carried<b> $29.83</b> cash over from January and February into March and added it to the <b>$50</b> that is budgeted. That means, I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">$79.83</span> to spend in March. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went to Aldi recently and did some shopping. I bought:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">* dozen eggs<br />
* head of lettuce<br />
* pound of Roma tomatoes<br />
* Box of 12 lasagna rolls<br />
*1 bottle light Ranch dressing<br />
* 1 box Saltine crackers<br />
* pound of butter<br />
* bottle of apple juice<br />
* 6 Tilapia fillets<br />
* 2 pounds bananas<br />
* 2 pounds broccoli<br />
* 3 kiwi fruits<br />
* pound of baby carrots <br />
* 1 tin of sardines<br />
* 1 box Macaroni and Cheese<br />
* 1 package flour tortillas</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How much did I spend? <b>$25,85</b>. Did I mention how much I love Aldi?</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">So that means I have <b>$53.98</b> left to spend this month. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/"><b>The Single Saver</b></a> for money-saving tips!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Linked at <b><a href="http://www.frugalfollies.com/">Frugal Follies</a></b>.)</span></span></span></span></i>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-77284544249964579542011-03-13T16:45:00.001-04:002011-03-13T23:45:04.880-04:00What did I eat last week?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">While I am taking part in my <a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html">$50 a month spent on food grocery challenge</a>, I will be documenting what I eat each week. Some people have expressed concerns that I can't possible eat enough on just $50 a month. I hope this type of documentation puts their fears to rest. </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>March 6</u></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Breakfast/Lunch - eggs, tomatoes, toast, apple juice</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dinner - shrimp friend rice with broccoli and carrots, salad, milk<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>March 7</u></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Breakfast - cereal and milk</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lunch - </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">leftover shrimp fried rice with broccoli and carrots</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dinner - leftover mac and cheese, carrots, milk</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>March 8</u></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Breakfast - banana with PB</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lunch - </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">leftover shrimp fried rice with broccoli and carrots</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dinner - lasagna rolls, salad, apple sauce, milk<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>March 9</u></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Breakfast - toast and PB</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lunch - leftover lasagna roll, salad, apple sauce</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dinner - wheat pasta with broccoli and sauce, milk<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 100%;"><u>March 10</u></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Breakfast - banana with PB</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lunch -</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">wheat pasta with broccoli and sauce, milk</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dinner - tomato soup and grilled cheese, carrots, milk</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>March 11</u></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Breakfast - toast and PB</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Lunch - turkey sandwich wrap with lettuce and tomatoes</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dinner - mac and cheese, carrots, milk, ice cream<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><u>March 12</u></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Breakfast/Lunch - eggs, potatoes, biscuits, and country fried steak</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Dinner - banana/PB sandwich, milk, carrots, ice cream with sliced bananas</span></span></span></span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-78426786026798759562011-03-11T00:17:00.000-05:002011-03-11T00:17:50.782-05:00Food Waste Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LHtH4oNv_SE9y-NTrghpydm3lFeUX3MHoOqHfjkwbRVJAtNey0VFO3UaVhMBQaF6nzSBExYybr5PdQL96JKcK8fsqGoW46GlcefTSOOLy7pg4hSRe-beXyLaucKQDIgdInuZA14SZe8/s1600/MrPotatoHead.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="save money food preservation tips" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LHtH4oNv_SE9y-NTrghpydm3lFeUX3MHoOqHfjkwbRVJAtNey0VFO3UaVhMBQaF6nzSBExYybr5PdQL96JKcK8fsqGoW46GlcefTSOOLy7pg4hSRe-beXyLaucKQDIgdInuZA14SZe8/s1600/MrPotatoHead.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 169px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 176px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;"><b><h2>Saving Food Saves Money</h2></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Spending money wisely also means not wasting it... and that includes not wasting food. So, each week I will give you an opportunity to document what food is needlessly wasted and report it here. Alternately, you may wish to instead highlight the ways you saved food this week! Feel free to leave me a comment with your own food waste/save story, or link to your blog using the widget, below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After two good weeks of no food waste, I am afraid this week wasn't quite so good. I had a little lettuce and also 203 ounces of cheddar cheese. I especially hate having to waste cheese as it is one of my favorite foods!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">How did you do?</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
Also linking this post at <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/">The Single Saver </a>and <a href="http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/">The Frugal Girl</a>.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-47905686973741951412011-03-08T10:18:00.002-05:002011-03-08T10:24:59.157-05:00March Spending Updates - Can you believe it is already March 8th?<span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >Two posts within an hour... this has got to be a record for me! Here are some spending updates for the start of March:</span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mortgage Payment = $880.79</b><br />When I built my house I put 30% down and got a really low interest rate, so I feel pretty comfortable with my monthly payments. My payment includes my property taxes, but not insurance as I pay that separately through my insurance company. I do try to pay a little extra towards my payments when I can.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Money Market Contribution = $125</b><br />I have a higher interest money market account through my stock broker. Basically, I use this account as my 'long term emergency only' savings account. Periodically I will also use it if I want to purchase a stock or other investment. I contribute $125 monthly to this account. It is automatically deducted so I can't "forget" to do it and go shopping instead. :)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>IRA Contribution = $200</b><br />I contribute $200 monthly to my IRA account, which is automatically deducted. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Gas (Heat) Bill = $51.00</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am now on budgeted billing so this is the same every month.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Phone Bill = $30.33</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still wish I had the guts to cut my land line....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hair Cut - $54.00</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Petsmart - $40.96</span><br />Got a bag of cat food, two bags of dog food, and a bag of dog treats (and used several coupons). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gas - $52.81</span><br />Gas was #3.49 a gallon when I did that fill-up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Social Event - $20</span><br />Went to a social event with a group of people from work; the cost was $20 but at least it included food!<br /></span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-75871936724137606182011-03-08T09:49:00.003-05:002011-03-08T10:08:28.696-05:00$50 a Month Grocery Challenge - February Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.en8848.com.cn/d/file/Article/Finace/Investing/201007/c4997bf0b18012c34d0fd3b84f569bd0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 144px;" src="http://www.en8848.com.cn/d/file/Article/Finace/Investing/201007/c4997bf0b18012c34d0fd3b84f569bd0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:small;">I<span>f you are following along on my<a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html"> $50 a month grocery challenge</a>, here are the stats for February: I started the month with $50 cash + $15.31 cash and $23 in Rite Aid UPS Rewards carried over from January). I now have</span></span><span style="font-size:small;"><span><b> $29.83</b></span></span><span style="font-size:small;"><span> cash left. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:small;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />What I didn't spend in February I will carry over into March, which will give me a nice reserve. That means I will have <span style="font-weight: bold;">$79.83</span> to spend in March. </span></span><br /><br /></span></span></div><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Here is what my grocery money was spent on (including restaurant meals and food I got for free via coupons)<br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Groceries</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 gallon skim milk</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 dozen eggs</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 2 packages of beef hot dogs</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 pound ground beef</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 6 oz. container of crab meat</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 pound butter</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 bag cheese ravioli</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 3 pounds long grain rice</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 8 oz. bar of cheddar cheese</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 3 kiwis</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 bag of baby carrots</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 head of lettuce</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 2 pounds of bananas</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 2 pounds of grapes</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 pound roma tomatoes</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 can green beans</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 bottle hot sauce</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 2 boxes mac and cheese</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 loaf Italian bread</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 6-pack of raisons</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 1 bottle of apple juice</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 3 containers of Edy's ice cream</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Restaurant Food</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• lobster bisque</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• turkey panini</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• frippes</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 3 bagels (free)</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• 4 taco bell tacos (free)</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">• cake (won at a charity dinner event)</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">And don't forget to head on over to <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/">The Single Saver</a> for some great money-saving tips!<br /></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"></span></span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-89480849938668799742011-03-06T16:49:00.004-05:002011-03-06T17:00:24.270-05:00What did I eat last week?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >While I am taking part in my <a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html">$50 a month spent on food grocery challenge</a>, I will be documenting what I eat each week. Some people have expressed concerns that I can't possible eat enough on just $50 a month. I hope this type of documentation puts their fears to rest. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 27<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast/Lunch - eggs, tomatoes, toast, apple juice<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - mac and cheese, sardines, salad, apple sauce, milk, cake<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 28<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal and milk<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - </span><span style="font-size:100%;">leftover mac and cheese, grapes<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - PB&J sandwich, grapes, carrots, cake<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>March 1<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover mac and cheese, grapes<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - bakes spaghetti, salad, apple sauce, milk, cake<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>March 2<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover bakes spaghetti, apple sauce<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - tacos with lettuce and tomatoes, milk, cake<br /><br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><u>March 3</u></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch -</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> leftover bakes spaghetti, apple sauce</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - homemade egg drop soup, carrots, milk, cake<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>March 4<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - protein bar (free from Atkins)<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover homemade egg drop soup, carrots<br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - spinach fettuccine with tomatoes and artichokes and a pine nut cream sauce, soda<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>March 5</u></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Breakfast - cake (yeah, yeah... I know....)<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Lunch - toast with peanut butter, carrots</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dinner - shrimp friend rice with broccoli and carrots, milk, ice cream</span></span><br /></span></span></span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-63466379318559129512011-03-04T00:11:00.001-05:002011-03-04T00:12:50.414-05:00Food Waste Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LHtH4oNv_SE9y-NTrghpydm3lFeUX3MHoOqHfjkwbRVJAtNey0VFO3UaVhMBQaF6nzSBExYybr5PdQL96JKcK8fsqGoW46GlcefTSOOLy7pg4hSRe-beXyLaucKQDIgdInuZA14SZe8/s1600/MrPotatoHead.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LHtH4oNv_SE9y-NTrghpydm3lFeUX3MHoOqHfjkwbRVJAtNey0VFO3UaVhMBQaF6nzSBExYybr5PdQL96JKcK8fsqGoW46GlcefTSOOLy7pg4hSRe-beXyLaucKQDIgdInuZA14SZe8/s1600/MrPotatoHead.jpg" alt="food preservation tips" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Spending money wisely also means not wasting it... and that includes not wasting food. So, each week I will give you an opportunity to document what food is needlessly wasted and report it here. Alternately, you may wish to instead highlight the ways you saved food this week! Feel free to leave me a comment with your own food waste/save story, or link to your blog using the widget, below. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">This was week two of no food waste for me! I had to get creative with some food though and made tacos on Thursday to use up some odds and ends.</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">How did you do?<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Leave a comment, or head on over to <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/2011/03/food-waste-friday-link-up.html">The Single Saver</a> to link up!</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-58241682828569155372011-03-01T15:40:00.002-05:002011-03-01T15:50:14.131-05:00February Spending Recap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLAkLJd9aIiJ0Ez9y9PFIuyUBXjMbVYFISia2UCEB0pvv6AHGDqcRmj1KdDQsSTHQxp9F6ns-irst2y_rTWTJ55T0pU25XCXZs2gHaudCr3GoT0emK5rZ4QmkJQtMYEHsnot29vULyHY/s1600/recap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLAkLJd9aIiJ0Ez9y9PFIuyUBXjMbVYFISia2UCEB0pvv6AHGDqcRmj1KdDQsSTHQxp9F6ns-irst2y_rTWTJ55T0pU25XCXZs2gHaudCr3GoT0emK5rZ4QmkJQtMYEHsnot29vULyHY/s1600/recap.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br />Below is where my money went in February:</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Mortgage = $880.79</span> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Car Payment = $350.00<span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Long Term Saving and Investment (not including my 401K contributions) = $325.00<span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Medical Expenses (appointments, medicines, etc.) = $226.26 <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Phones/Cable/Internet = $180.65 <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Utilities (heat, electric, sewer, water) = $177.98 <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gasoline = $140.86</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Groceries = $35.48 <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pet Expenses = $28.82</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gifts = $18.69</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Business = $10.00</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Charity = $9.50 <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Car Maintenance = $2.75 </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Misc. = $1.48 <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>TOTAL SPENT = $2,388.26<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:small;"><u><br /></u></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:small;"><u>Reflection:</u> I am happy with this month's report. I am under $2500 and still managed to pay off the medical bills from last year. The only downside is there is really nothing 'fun' on the list. Eventually, counting my pennies will give me burnout. Can March be another month under $2500? Stay tuned to find out!</span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ></span></p>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-28531281306592505252011-03-01T09:24:00.002-05:002011-03-01T09:25:46.817-05:00Whoopsie!<span style="font-family: arial;">Somehow I forgot to report a couple February expenses... my car payment was <span style="font-weight: bold;">$350</span> and I spent <span style="font-weight: bold;">$40</span> on a prescription refill. Mea culpa!</span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-52836125172940057082011-02-27T12:17:00.002-05:002011-02-27T12:29:31.844-05:00Catching up (I am always behind).<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As usual, I am slightly behind on my expense reporting. February is a busy month for me at work (not that I would ever blog at work... hehehe) and as a result I am exhausted when I come home and not as enthusiastic about blogging, especially blogging about boring numbers. I think I also have a touch of the winter blues as February has been a pretty nasty month, weather wise, here. But never fear, these are minor setbacks for me and I am going to get everything updated here right now!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I bought gas twice - once I spent </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$17.00</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> and the other time I spent $47.16. Both times gas was $2.25 a gallon (it has since gone up to $2.39 - yikes).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I spent </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$10.72</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> on gifts.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I spent </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$9.50</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> for a ticket to a charity event (which included food!). And while there I won a cake in the cake walk, so I will be eating good, dessert-wise at least, for the next week!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My cell phone bill was </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$54.79</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. Oh, and GOOD NEWS... I just found out my bill will be going down slightly! I get a discount through my employer and they negotiated a bigger discount with Verizon. it's not much, but I will take it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My internet/cable was </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$95.36</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. I could have sworn this was supposed to go up but I am certainly not going to complain if it doesn't!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My electric bill was </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$79.00</span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My heat bill was </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$51.00</span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I paid </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">$22.00</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> for the sewer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I think that is everything, for now. I am going to be doing my month-end recap so be on the lookout for that in the next day or two (or three). Also, if I missed any expenses I will post an update. Until then, enjoy the rest of the weekend!</span></span>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-66452224346972729692011-02-27T12:07:00.003-05:002011-02-27T12:16:10.298-05:00What have I been eating this (last) week?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 163px;" src="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >While I am taking part in my <a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html">$50 a month spent on food grocery challenge</a>, I will be documenting what I eat each week. Some people have expressed concerns that I can't possible eat enough on just $50 a month. I hope this type of documentation puts their fears to rest. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 20<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast/Lunch - eggs, tomatoes, toast, apple juice<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - sardines, mac and cheese, salad, apple sauce, milk<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 21<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal and milk<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - </span><span style="font-size:100%;">leftover mac and cheese, kiwi fruit<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - turkey panini, fripps, pickle, tomato<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 22</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover mac and cheese, grapes<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - ravioli, salad, apple sauce, milk<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 23</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover ravioli, grapes<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - fish, potato, salad, apple sauce, milk<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><u>February 24</u></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover fish, potato, salad<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - veal, salad, side of pasta, rolls, squash, canoli<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 25</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - toast with PB<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover pasta, squash<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - leftover veal, potato, salad, milk<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 26</u></span></div><div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >Breakfast/Lunch - toast with PB, grapes<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family: arial;">Dinner - spaghetti and meat balls, salad, bread, cake, fruit juice, hot tea</span><br /></span></span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-18025696723633320952011-02-24T22:36:00.003-05:002011-02-24T22:42:42.428-05:00Food Waste Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LHtH4oNv_SE9y-NTrghpydm3lFeUX3MHoOqHfjkwbRVJAtNey0VFO3UaVhMBQaF6nzSBExYybr5PdQL96JKcK8fsqGoW46GlcefTSOOLy7pg4hSRe-beXyLaucKQDIgdInuZA14SZe8/s1600/MrPotatoHead.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LHtH4oNv_SE9y-NTrghpydm3lFeUX3MHoOqHfjkwbRVJAtNey0VFO3UaVhMBQaF6nzSBExYybr5PdQL96JKcK8fsqGoW46GlcefTSOOLy7pg4hSRe-beXyLaucKQDIgdInuZA14SZe8/s1600/MrPotatoHead.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>Spending money wisely also means not wasting it... and that includes not wasting food. So, each week I will document what food is needlessly wasted and report it here. Feel free to leave me a comment with your own food waste. <b>Or, if you have a blog you can go to my new site, <a href="http://www.thesinglesaver.com/">The Single Saver</a>, and link up to my 'Food Waste Friday' post there </b>(look on the main page or on the blog page for the link-up). </span></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>I am very happy to report <u>NO</u> food waste this week! Woohoo! I am finding it is getting easier and easier to not have food waste as the weeks go by and I am conditioning myself to be more careful with my food.</span></span></div><div style="font-family:arial;"> </div><div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><br /></span></span> </div><div face="arial"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><b>How did you do? </b></span></span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-88100954362430617612011-02-22T10:37:00.000-05:002011-02-22T10:37:13.502-05:00An unexpected food expense....<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had some Rite Aid UPS Rewards I needed to use, so last Saturday I went to Rite Aid. I spent <b>$3.37</b> out of pocket plus $6.00 Rite Aid UPS Rewards. I bought:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 gallon skim milk</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 dozen eggs</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• 1 package of beef hot dogs</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, I ended up with a very unexpected food-related expense last night. I have a second job teaching at a local University one night a week. Last night I had planned to run home before teaching to grab dinner. However, Mother Nature had other plans for me. We had about 8 inches of snow dumped on us in a short period of time. The roads became treacherous and I was lucky to get from my main job to the University in time... driving home in between would have been out of the question. As teaching on an empty stomach would have been near impossible, I had to spend some money and buy food on campus. I bought a half turkey panini with tomatoes, lettuce, and a pickle and a serving of fripps (which are basically just chips) - it was <b>$3.49</b>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>So if you are following along on my<a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html"> $50 a month grocery challenge</a>, here are the stats: On this shopping trip (and restaurant meal) I spent $6.86 cash and $6.00 in Rite Aid UPS Rewards. <b>That means I now have $29.83 cash left to spend in February (this amount includes my carry-over from January and what I don't use will be carried over into March)!</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I will be linking to Frugal Follies and The Grocery Cart Challenge on their next link-ups! </i></span><b><br />
</b></span></span></div>Budget Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15119506926386582144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366811266822621354.post-82114430196798834222011-02-20T01:10:00.002-05:002011-02-20T01:22:06.127-05:00What did I eat last week?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 161px;" src="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Relish%21/Food-Safety.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >While I am taking part in my <a href="http://budgetconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/01/challenge-2.html">$50 a month spent on food grocery challenge</a>, I will be documenting what I eat each week. Some people have expressed concerns that I can't possible eat enough on just $50 a month. I hope this type of documentation puts their fears to rest. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 13<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast/Lunch - eggs, tomatoes, toast, apple juice<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - meatloaf, salad, apple sauce, milk<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 14<br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal and milk<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - </span><span style="font-size:100%;">leftover shrimp fried rice, grapes<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - leftover bagel pizza<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 15</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - lobster bisque (from Bravo)<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - leftover meatloaf<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 16</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - bananas w/PB<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - turkey wrap with lettuce and tomato and mayo, grapes</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - Parmesan pasta, peas, carrots, milk<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><u>February 17</u></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - leftover Parmesan pasta, peas</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - banana and PB sandwich on wheat, apple juice, grapes<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 18</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast - cereal with milk</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Lunch - ham and bean soup (from my freezer), half a bagal<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Dinner - beef hot dogs, grapes, kiwi fruit<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>February 19</u></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breakfast/Lunch - PB and banana sandwich on wheat<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Dinner - (at a friend's) bakes spaghetti, corn casserole, salad, pound cake, cranberry juice</span></span></div>The Single Saverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781771248260574845noreply@blogger.com4